Exclusive: Susan Sarandon (Maybe I Do), William H. Macy (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) and Marcia Cross (You) have signed on to star in Exit Right, a new indie that veteran documentary filmmaker Thomas A. Morgan will direct from his own script for the London-based Garrick Street Productions and Square Zero Films.
Marking Morgan’s narrative debut, the film centers on Jan Randall (Sarandon), whose brain — affected with inoperable cancer — makes her deeply afraid of being trapped inside. Refusing to take medications that would reduce her final days to a hospital bed, she moves into a tent in her backyard. Determined to give her one last gift, her husband John courageously takes her on a trip around the world — on foot, in their own hometown, for what is truly the trip of a lifetime.
Sarandon’s Jan Randall is adventurous, confident and strong-willed. She retired after a successful career as a journalist,...
Marking Morgan’s narrative debut, the film centers on Jan Randall (Sarandon), whose brain — affected with inoperable cancer — makes her deeply afraid of being trapped inside. Refusing to take medications that would reduce her final days to a hospital bed, she moves into a tent in her backyard. Determined to give her one last gift, her husband John courageously takes her on a trip around the world — on foot, in their own hometown, for what is truly the trip of a lifetime.
Sarandon’s Jan Randall is adventurous, confident and strong-willed. She retired after a successful career as a journalist,...
- 5/30/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Former Fifth Season film head Alexis Garcia has launched CAT5, an action film label that will be backed by his former employers, who are among other investors and partners to be announced at later date. As one of its first projects, CAT5 has signed on to co-finance Black Bear’s Levon’s Trade. The film is in production, with David Ayer-directing the Jason Statham vehicle that was adapted from the Chuck Dixon novel by Sylvester Stallone, with revisions by Ayer. Garcia joins as an executive producer. The film is in production in London and slated for wide theatrical release in the U.S. by Amazon MGM Studios on January 17, 2025.
Garcia spent seven years with Fifth Season and Graham Taylor and Chris Rice, helping build it from its 2017 launch as Endeavor Content. Before that he spent a decade at Endeavor/WME under Ari Emanuel and Patrick Whitesell, where he...
Garcia spent seven years with Fifth Season and Graham Taylor and Chris Rice, helping build it from its 2017 launch as Endeavor Content. Before that he spent a decade at Endeavor/WME under Ari Emanuel and Patrick Whitesell, where he...
- 5/2/2024
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Fifth Season has promoted Christopher Slager to head of film as it expands in-house production and development and announced that Alexis Garcia is leaving to set up his own venture with backing from the company.
Slager, who has been at Fifth Season for some time, previously served as a partner and SVP of film finance and sales at Endeavor Content, and before that worked at WME.
Prior to that he was at Focus Features. Credits include The Florida Project, Mudbound, The Banker, The Peanut Butter Falcon, Pig, and the Book Club franchise.
Slager will take charge of the film studio...
Slager, who has been at Fifth Season for some time, previously served as a partner and SVP of film finance and sales at Endeavor Content, and before that worked at WME.
Prior to that he was at Focus Features. Credits include The Florida Project, Mudbound, The Banker, The Peanut Butter Falcon, Pig, and the Book Club franchise.
Slager will take charge of the film studio...
- 3/27/2024
- ScreenDaily
Fifth Season has upped Christopher Slager to Head of Film as the studio expands its in-house production and development of feature films.
Slager will oversee the studio’s anticipated productions including Netflix/Artists Equity’s Animals, starring Matt Damon and directed by Ben Affleck, as well as the Samuel L. Jackson and Joel Kinnaman movie The Beast directed by Emmy winner James Madigan.
Alexis Garcia, who previously managed features, will launch a new venture with backing from Fifth Season, details to be announced down the road. Garcia will remain a consultant to the studio during his transition.
Among those titles on the horizon for Fifth Season under Slager’s watch are Stephen Chbosky’s Nonnas, starring Vince Vaughn, Susan Sarandon, and Linda Cardellini; Jan Komasa’s Anniversary, starring Diane Lane, Kyle Chandler, Dylan O’Brien, Zoey Deutch, Phoebe Dynevor, Madeline Brewer, Mckenna Grace, and Daryl McCormack; Nick Rowland’s She Rides Shotgun,...
Slager will oversee the studio’s anticipated productions including Netflix/Artists Equity’s Animals, starring Matt Damon and directed by Ben Affleck, as well as the Samuel L. Jackson and Joel Kinnaman movie The Beast directed by Emmy winner James Madigan.
Alexis Garcia, who previously managed features, will launch a new venture with backing from Fifth Season, details to be announced down the road. Garcia will remain a consultant to the studio during his transition.
Among those titles on the horizon for Fifth Season under Slager’s watch are Stephen Chbosky’s Nonnas, starring Vince Vaughn, Susan Sarandon, and Linda Cardellini; Jan Komasa’s Anniversary, starring Diane Lane, Kyle Chandler, Dylan O’Brien, Zoey Deutch, Phoebe Dynevor, Madeline Brewer, Mckenna Grace, and Daryl McCormack; Nick Rowland’s She Rides Shotgun,...
- 3/27/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Japanese studio Toho has taken a $225 million stake in Fifth Season, the U.S.-based independent studio known for producing Apple TV+’s hit series Severance and Max’s Tokyo Vice. The new partners unveiled the deal Monday, saying it will allow Fifth Season to “continue expanding its broad slate of premium content.” Korean entertainment giant Cj Enm will retain majority ownership in Fifth Season, while Toho becomes a 25 percent owner and Endeavor Group Holdings continues as a strategic shareholder.
The deal was unveiled by Fifth Season Co-CEOs Graham Taylor and Chris Rice and Toho President Hiro Matsuoka, who said the agreement will create new opportunities for collaboration between Cj Enm, Fifth Season and Toho, while “bolster[ing] the growth of Fifth Season as a major global studio encompassing East and West cultures.” The new partners will further collaborate on both global content and new titles produced in Japan, while “creative...
The deal was unveiled by Fifth Season Co-CEOs Graham Taylor and Chris Rice and Toho President Hiro Matsuoka, who said the agreement will create new opportunities for collaboration between Cj Enm, Fifth Season and Toho, while “bolster[ing] the growth of Fifth Season as a major global studio encompassing East and West cultures.” The new partners will further collaborate on both global content and new titles produced in Japan, while “creative...
- 12/11/2023
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Lighthouse Management + Media has signed buzzy writer-director Laura Kosann for representation in all areas.
A fast-rising star, Kosann was a 2021 Academy Nicholl Fellow and has had three features on The Black List in the last two years.
Currently, she is scripting Sony’s English-language remake of Hi, Mom, the Chinese film from director Jia Ling which, before Barbie, was the highest-grossing pic helmed by a solo female director. Escape Artists’ Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch and Becky Sanderman will produce alongside Wenxin She (A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood).
Previously, Kosann adapted the comic book Mercy Sparx for MGM, with The Picture Company producing. She’s rewriting the live-action musical Santa Is Real, which Stephen Chbosky (Dear Evan Hansen) is set to direct for Amazon and Shiny Penny Productions, and is also working on a horror project for a streamer that is currently under wraps. Additionally, her Black Listed sci-fi thriller script,...
A fast-rising star, Kosann was a 2021 Academy Nicholl Fellow and has had three features on The Black List in the last two years.
Currently, she is scripting Sony’s English-language remake of Hi, Mom, the Chinese film from director Jia Ling which, before Barbie, was the highest-grossing pic helmed by a solo female director. Escape Artists’ Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch and Becky Sanderman will produce alongside Wenxin She (A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood).
Previously, Kosann adapted the comic book Mercy Sparx for MGM, with The Picture Company producing. She’s rewriting the live-action musical Santa Is Real, which Stephen Chbosky (Dear Evan Hansen) is set to direct for Amazon and Shiny Penny Productions, and is also working on a horror project for a streamer that is currently under wraps. Additionally, her Black Listed sci-fi thriller script,...
- 12/7/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Analuisa Corrigan announced that she and actor Logan Lerman are officially engaged.
She posted this news on Instagram with an image of a black-and-white photobooth strip reel showing pictures of the couple embracing each other. The caption reads: “That’s Mrs. Logie to you.”
The ceramic artist’s partner commented on the post stating: “Love you sweetie.”
Girl Meets World star Sarah Carpenter posted this congratulatory comment for Corrigan and her future husband: “Ahhhhhh congrats to you both!!!!”
The two were last seen together at Joey King and Steven Piet‘s wedding in Mallorca, Spain.
On September 9, Lerman posted an Instagram carousel showing ten images that were taken while the actor and his now-fiancée attended this celebration, with the caption reading, “Mallorca celebrating @joeyking and @stevenpiet.”
The first image shows Corrigan looking out at the Mediterranean Sea.
A photograph of the wedding attendees swimming is shown.
There is a picture...
She posted this news on Instagram with an image of a black-and-white photobooth strip reel showing pictures of the couple embracing each other. The caption reads: “That’s Mrs. Logie to you.”
The ceramic artist’s partner commented on the post stating: “Love you sweetie.”
Girl Meets World star Sarah Carpenter posted this congratulatory comment for Corrigan and her future husband: “Ahhhhhh congrats to you both!!!!”
The two were last seen together at Joey King and Steven Piet‘s wedding in Mallorca, Spain.
On September 9, Lerman posted an Instagram carousel showing ten images that were taken while the actor and his now-fiancée attended this celebration, with the caption reading, “Mallorca celebrating @joeyking and @stevenpiet.”
The first image shows Corrigan looking out at the Mediterranean Sea.
A photograph of the wedding attendees swimming is shown.
There is a picture...
- 11/25/2023
- by Alessio Atria
- Uinterview
Cloe Wilder is only a teen, but she’s already making a name for herself on the music scene.
Inspired by the likes of Lana Del Rey, the 17-year-old unleashed her debut Ep Teenage Lullabies in 2021. Two years later, she’s back with her single “Homesick” and plans to release a new album’s worth of material in 2024.
A stirring ballad, the song highlights Cloe‘s evocative vocals and channels the need to for a sense of belonging.
We partnered with Cloe to bring you an exclusive first look at the forthcoming music video for “Homesick” from director Gus Black. She also provided us with 10 Fun Facts about herself!
Head inside to check out 10 interesting facts about Cloe Wilder…
I get milkshakes after almost every show I play. It quickly became a favorite tradition and I love that we still do it. I was technically named after a Bratz doll.
Inspired by the likes of Lana Del Rey, the 17-year-old unleashed her debut Ep Teenage Lullabies in 2021. Two years later, she’s back with her single “Homesick” and plans to release a new album’s worth of material in 2024.
A stirring ballad, the song highlights Cloe‘s evocative vocals and channels the need to for a sense of belonging.
We partnered with Cloe to bring you an exclusive first look at the forthcoming music video for “Homesick” from director Gus Black. She also provided us with 10 Fun Facts about herself!
Head inside to check out 10 interesting facts about Cloe Wilder…
I get milkshakes after almost every show I play. It quickly became a favorite tradition and I love that we still do it. I was technically named after a Bratz doll.
- 10/23/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
With her long history as an outspoken advocate for progressive causes, it’s perhaps no surprise that Susan Sarandon has plenty to say about the ongoing actors strike (not to mention joining the picket line herself).
Speaking to THR Roma via Zoom from her home in Vermont, the Thelma & Louise star made it immediately clear she would adhere to SAG guidelines and avoid any promotion of her upcoming films, which include roles in Stephen Chbosky’s The Nonnas, along side Vince Vaughn, and Tyler Perry’s Triple Eight Six. “I can’t talk about any of my films,” she says. “I understand how difficult it is right now to do promotion without the actors.”
Nevertheless, the veteran actress, who won an Oscar in 1995 for her role in Dead Man Walking, still had plenty to say about the strike, the current state of Hollywood and how “the hardest part of acting is surviving.
Speaking to THR Roma via Zoom from her home in Vermont, the Thelma & Louise star made it immediately clear she would adhere to SAG guidelines and avoid any promotion of her upcoming films, which include roles in Stephen Chbosky’s The Nonnas, along side Vince Vaughn, and Tyler Perry’s Triple Eight Six. “I can’t talk about any of my films,” she says. “I understand how difficult it is right now to do promotion without the actors.”
Nevertheless, the veteran actress, who won an Oscar in 1995 for her role in Dead Man Walking, still had plenty to say about the strike, the current state of Hollywood and how “the hardest part of acting is surviving.
- 10/10/2023
- by Manuela Santacatterina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Emma Watson was eager to explore more diverse film roles after completing the Harry Potter series. But she felt she truly got Hermione out of her system after doing this one film stunt.
Emma Watson was able to fully part ways with her ‘Harry Potter’ character thanks to this film Emma Watson | Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Watson felt the 2012 film Perks of Being a Wallflower helped separate herself further from her Harry Potter counterpart. Watson portrayed a charismatic young student who takes a peer of hers under her wing. The film’s director, Stephen Chbosky, warned Watson how big the role would end up being for her.
“At our initial meeting, he said, ‘Okay, not only is this going to be one of the most important parts you play, you’re also going to have the summer of your life and meet some of your best friends,’” Watson recalled to Entertainment Weekly.
Emma Watson was able to fully part ways with her ‘Harry Potter’ character thanks to this film Emma Watson | Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Watson felt the 2012 film Perks of Being a Wallflower helped separate herself further from her Harry Potter counterpart. Watson portrayed a charismatic young student who takes a peer of hers under her wing. The film’s director, Stephen Chbosky, warned Watson how big the role would end up being for her.
“At our initial meeting, he said, ‘Okay, not only is this going to be one of the most important parts you play, you’re also going to have the summer of your life and meet some of your best friends,’” Watson recalled to Entertainment Weekly.
- 10/9/2023
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Emma Watson entered new territory when she starred in Perks of Being a Wallflower. Not only was it unlike any film she’d done at the time, it also required the actor to abandon her natural accent.
Emma Watson was nervous about nailing an American accent for ‘Perks of Being a Wallflower’ Emma Watson | Dave Benett/Getty Images
Despite Watson’s background, the film’s writer and director Stephen Chbosky felt that she was more than perfect for the film. He first got the idea to cast her as her Perks character Sam after watching her performance in a Harry Potter film.
“Once I had that screenplay, I had a much better idea of what I was looking for. That’s when I saw Goblet of Fire, saw that one scene where Emma and Daniel Radcliffe are in front of these steps, and it was really moving and I just...
Emma Watson was nervous about nailing an American accent for ‘Perks of Being a Wallflower’ Emma Watson | Dave Benett/Getty Images
Despite Watson’s background, the film’s writer and director Stephen Chbosky felt that she was more than perfect for the film. He first got the idea to cast her as her Perks character Sam after watching her performance in a Harry Potter film.
“Once I had that screenplay, I had a much better idea of what I was looking for. That’s when I saw Goblet of Fire, saw that one scene where Emma and Daniel Radcliffe are in front of these steps, and it was really moving and I just...
- 10/8/2023
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Emma Watson once worked alongside controversial star Ezra Miller in her 2012 picture Perks of Being a Wallflower. Years earlier, she opened up about her time collaborating with the actor before the scandals.
Emma Watson starred alongside Ezra Miller in ‘Perks of Being a Wallflower’ Emma Watson | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Watson first worked with Miller in the 2012 high school drama Perks of Being a Wallflower. The two portrayed a pair of charismatic teenagers mentoring another unpopular student played by Logan Lerman. At the time, the three actors bonded on set, which the film’s director Steve Chbosky predicted would happen.
“At our initial meeting, he said, ‘Okay, not only is this going to be one of the most important parts you play, you’re also going to have the summer of your life and meet some of your best friends.’ I thought, ‘That’s quite a claim. Who is this guy?...
Emma Watson starred alongside Ezra Miller in ‘Perks of Being a Wallflower’ Emma Watson | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Watson first worked with Miller in the 2012 high school drama Perks of Being a Wallflower. The two portrayed a pair of charismatic teenagers mentoring another unpopular student played by Logan Lerman. At the time, the three actors bonded on set, which the film’s director Steve Chbosky predicted would happen.
“At our initial meeting, he said, ‘Okay, not only is this going to be one of the most important parts you play, you’re also going to have the summer of your life and meet some of your best friends.’ I thought, ‘That’s quite a claim. Who is this guy?...
- 10/7/2023
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Sitting in Bars with Cake is a comedy-drama film directed by Trish Sie from a screenplay by Audrey Shulman. The Prime Video film is inspired by true events and it follows two best friends Jane (Yara Shahidi) and Corrine (Odessa A’zion) living in Los Angeles. Corrine is an extrovert and Jane is an introvert. In order to get Jane to meet more people Corrine gets her to bake cakes for a year and take them to a bar. But when Corrine gets a life-altering diagnosis, both Jane and Corrine’s friendship is put to the test. Sitting in Bars with Cake also stars Bette Midler, Ron Livingston, and Maia Mitchell in supporting roles. So, if you loved the Prime Video film here are some similar movies you could watch next.
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (Prime Video Add-On & Hulu Add-On) Credit – Searchlight Pictures
Synopsis: Me And Earl And The Dying Girl...
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (Prime Video Add-On & Hulu Add-On) Credit – Searchlight Pictures
Synopsis: Me And Earl And The Dying Girl...
- 9/9/2023
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah is a teen comedy-drama film directed by Sammi Cohen from a screenplay by Alison Peck. The Netflix is based on a novel of the same name written by Fiona Rosenbloom and it follows two best friends Stacy Friedman and Lydia Rodriguez Katz but their friendship is threatened when a popular boy comes between them. Things get so bad that Stacy decides to uninvite Lydia from her Bat Mitzvah, about which they have always dreamed. So, if you loved You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah here are some movies you should check out next.
Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Touchstone Pictures
Synopsis: Romy (Mira Sorvino) and Michele (Lisa Kudrow) are carefree party girls who reinvent themselves for their 10-year high school reunion. With new wardrobes and wild stories of success, they make...
Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Touchstone Pictures
Synopsis: Romy (Mira Sorvino) and Michele (Lisa Kudrow) are carefree party girls who reinvent themselves for their 10-year high school reunion. With new wardrobes and wild stories of success, they make...
- 8/21/2023
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
Vince Vaughn is to lead the cast of 'Nonnas'.The 53-year-old actor has been tapped to star in the comedy from director Stephen Chbosky that wrapped production last month in New Jersey.Vince will be joined in the film by Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire and Brenda Vaccaro.Other cast members include Linda Cardellini, Drea De Matteo, Joe Manganiello, Michael Rispoli and Campbell Scott.'Nonnas' is based on the true story of Brooklyn man Joe Scaravella (Vaughn) who realises he is wasting his life as a single man in a dead-end job when his mother passes away.Motivated by his Italian mum's love of cooking, but with a lack of culinary experience and funds, he opens a restaurant with an unlikely team of chefs – consisting of grandmothers.The nonnas make their Sunday dinners every day of the week (apart from Christmas and Easter) for anybody who needs to feel...
- 7/11/2023
- by Joe Graber
- Bang Showbiz
Everyone needs a home-cooked meal once and a while and sometimes you just need to assemble a group of Italian grandmothers to make sure it happens. At least, that’s the basic plot of Nonnas, an original comedy by Stephen Chbosky (Wonder) which will star Vince Vaughn (Freaky)
Per Deadline, Nonnas is based on the true story of “Brooklyn native Joe Scaravella, who, after losing his beloved mother, realizes he’s wasted time as a single man at a dead-end job and yearns for a second chance at life. Motivated by his Italian mother’s love of cooking, but with no culinary experience and dwindling funds, he opens a restaurant unlike any other by hiring the most unlikely team of chefs — one consisting of grandmothers.“
Related Dodgeball sequel in development with Vince Vaughn returning
The description continues: “Italian nonnas make their Sunday dinners every day of the week (except Christmas...
Per Deadline, Nonnas is based on the true story of “Brooklyn native Joe Scaravella, who, after losing his beloved mother, realizes he’s wasted time as a single man at a dead-end job and yearns for a second chance at life. Motivated by his Italian mother’s love of cooking, but with no culinary experience and dwindling funds, he opens a restaurant unlike any other by hiring the most unlikely team of chefs — one consisting of grandmothers.“
Related Dodgeball sequel in development with Vince Vaughn returning
The description continues: “Italian nonnas make their Sunday dinners every day of the week (except Christmas...
- 7/11/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Vince Vaughn (Bad Monkey) will topline Nonnas, an original comedy that Stephen Chbosky (Wonder) has been tapped to direct for Fifth Season (80 for Brady), 1Community (Just Mercy) and Madison Wells (The Eyes of Tammy Faye).
Among those joining Vaughn in the film, which wrapped production last month in New Jersey, are Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon (Blue Beetle) and Academy Award nominees Lorraine Bracco (Goodfellas), Talia Shire (Megalopolis) and Brenda Vaccaro (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood). Others in the cast include Emmy nominee Linda Cardellini (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3), Emmy winner Drea De Matteo (The Sopranos), Joe Manganiello (The Kill Room), Michael Rispoli (Power Book III: Raising Kanan) and Campbell Scott (Jurassic World Dominion).
Written by Liz Maccie, Nonnas is based on the true story of Brooklyn native Joe Scaravella (Vaughn), who, after losing his beloved mother, realizes he’s wasted...
Among those joining Vaughn in the film, which wrapped production last month in New Jersey, are Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon (Blue Beetle) and Academy Award nominees Lorraine Bracco (Goodfellas), Talia Shire (Megalopolis) and Brenda Vaccaro (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood). Others in the cast include Emmy nominee Linda Cardellini (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3), Emmy winner Drea De Matteo (The Sopranos), Joe Manganiello (The Kill Room), Michael Rispoli (Power Book III: Raising Kanan) and Campbell Scott (Jurassic World Dominion).
Written by Liz Maccie, Nonnas is based on the true story of Brooklyn native Joe Scaravella (Vaughn), who, after losing his beloved mother, realizes he’s wasted...
- 7/10/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Being a student is an unforgettable and transformative period in one's life, packed with self-discovery, personal growth, and unforgettable memories. From academic pursuits to social dynamics, student life offers us many tales worth telling. Here we present the top 10 movies and TV series that beautifully capture this essence by offering relatable narratives, insightful perspectives and unforgettable characters:
1. "Dead Poets Society" (1989):
"Dead Poets Society" is an all-time classic that explores individuality and passion within an all-boys prep school environment. Robin Williams shines as an English teacher who encourages his pupils to seize every opportunity that presents itself while pushing against societal norms. This film reminds us to embrace our true selves and pursue our dreams with enthusiasm.
2. "The Breakfast Club" (1985):
John Hughes' timeless film, "The Breakfast Club," follows five high school students from disparate social circles as they bond during a Saturday detention session. Through an engrossing dialogue and genuine moments of vulnerability,...
1. "Dead Poets Society" (1989):
"Dead Poets Society" is an all-time classic that explores individuality and passion within an all-boys prep school environment. Robin Williams shines as an English teacher who encourages his pupils to seize every opportunity that presents itself while pushing against societal norms. This film reminds us to embrace our true selves and pursue our dreams with enthusiasm.
2. "The Breakfast Club" (1985):
John Hughes' timeless film, "The Breakfast Club," follows five high school students from disparate social circles as they bond during a Saturday detention session. Through an engrossing dialogue and genuine moments of vulnerability,...
- 5/25/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
AC Independent and The Veterans have teamed up on the film adaptation of William Sleator’s cult 1974 science fiction novel “House of Stairs.” The elevated genre movie will star Jacob Tremblay and will be directed by Wi Ding Ho, whose 2018 movie “Cities of Last Things” won a prize at Toronto in the competitive Platform section. “House of Stairs”‘s film adaptation is penned by Matthew McInerney-Lacombe (“Icbm”).
Set in a dystopian America in the near future, the high-concept film follows five 16-year-old orphans who wake up to find themselves in a strange building with no walls, no ceiling, and no floor: nothing but endless flights of stairs leading in every direction, seemingly infinite. To find an exit, the five teenagers must learn to deal with the others’ disparate personalities, the lack of privacy and comfort, their clear helplessness, and a machine that only feeds them under increasingly ominous situations.
Anonymous Content...
Set in a dystopian America in the near future, the high-concept film follows five 16-year-old orphans who wake up to find themselves in a strange building with no walls, no ceiling, and no floor: nothing but endless flights of stairs leading in every direction, seemingly infinite. To find an exit, the five teenagers must learn to deal with the others’ disparate personalities, the lack of privacy and comfort, their clear helplessness, and a machine that only feeds them under increasingly ominous situations.
Anonymous Content...
- 4/27/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Emma Watson has established her career with many films after her Harry Potter days. One of the films that helped round out her filmography was the 2012 feature Perks of Being a Wallflower.
Perks also saw Watson making out with her co-star Logan Lerman in the film. But it was one of the few scenes that Watson tried to avoid watching.
Emma Watson didn’t want to do any films when she was sent the script for ‘Perks of Being a Wallflower’ Emma Watson | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
The Perks of Being a Wallflower was a 2012 drama that was based on the novel of the same name by Stephen Chbosky. Chbosky would also end up directing the feature. It starred Watson as a very outgoing high school student mentoring a socially awkward teenager played by Logan Lerman.
When Watson was first sent the script for the movie, she was already fresh off of her Harry Potter films.
Perks also saw Watson making out with her co-star Logan Lerman in the film. But it was one of the few scenes that Watson tried to avoid watching.
Emma Watson didn’t want to do any films when she was sent the script for ‘Perks of Being a Wallflower’ Emma Watson | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
The Perks of Being a Wallflower was a 2012 drama that was based on the novel of the same name by Stephen Chbosky. Chbosky would also end up directing the feature. It starred Watson as a very outgoing high school student mentoring a socially awkward teenager played by Logan Lerman.
When Watson was first sent the script for the movie, she was already fresh off of her Harry Potter films.
- 3/9/2023
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
This article is presented by:
With the holiday season behind us, we’re now officially in the New Year. Our New Year’s resolution? Watch more movies! Thankfully, Plex is here to help us achieve this cinematic-minded goal!
Plex offers a one-stop-shop streaming service offering 50,000+ free titles and 300+ of free-to-stream live TV channels, from the biggest names in entertainment, including Warner Brothers Discovery, NBC Universal, Paramount, AMC, A+E, BBC, Lionsgate, Hallmark Media, E.W. Scripps, A24, Relativity, Hearst, Rakuten, and Crackle. Plex is always overflowing with thousands of new and old familiar favorites on its platform and we’re here to happily select the cream of the crop.
Plex is continuously offering up thousands of new movies and old familiar favorites to its platform and we’re here to dutifully handpick the best of the bunch. This month, we’ve got coming-of-age staples, crime epics, and socially conscious hidden gems.
With the holiday season behind us, we’re now officially in the New Year. Our New Year’s resolution? Watch more movies! Thankfully, Plex is here to help us achieve this cinematic-minded goal!
Plex offers a one-stop-shop streaming service offering 50,000+ free titles and 300+ of free-to-stream live TV channels, from the biggest names in entertainment, including Warner Brothers Discovery, NBC Universal, Paramount, AMC, A+E, BBC, Lionsgate, Hallmark Media, E.W. Scripps, A24, Relativity, Hearst, Rakuten, and Crackle. Plex is always overflowing with thousands of new and old familiar favorites on its platform and we’re here to happily select the cream of the crop.
Plex is continuously offering up thousands of new movies and old familiar favorites to its platform and we’re here to dutifully handpick the best of the bunch. This month, we’ve got coming-of-age staples, crime epics, and socially conscious hidden gems.
- 1/5/2023
- by Nick Harley
- Den of Geek
Ben Platt is calling out the criticisms of the “Dear Evan Hansen” movie.
The 2021 film, which starred a then-27 year old Platt as a high school student, received immediate backlash for the odd makeup choices to de-age the “Pitch Perfect” actor. Vulture compared the film to the age-bending “The Orphan” horror movie, while IndieWire’s coverage likened Platt’s looks to that of a “serial killer” and the D-rated review drew attention to the “cascade of glaring distractions that continuously point out the artificiality of the genre.”
Now, Platt is addressing the hit-musical-turned-movie box office flop heard ’round Broadway.
“It was definitely a disappointing experience and difficult,” Platt told The New York Times. “It definitely opened my eyes to the Internet and how horrific it can be.”
Platt added, “You’d think, after doing ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ onstage for four years, I would have already known that. I try my...
The 2021 film, which starred a then-27 year old Platt as a high school student, received immediate backlash for the odd makeup choices to de-age the “Pitch Perfect” actor. Vulture compared the film to the age-bending “The Orphan” horror movie, while IndieWire’s coverage likened Platt’s looks to that of a “serial killer” and the D-rated review drew attention to the “cascade of glaring distractions that continuously point out the artificiality of the genre.”
Now, Platt is addressing the hit-musical-turned-movie box office flop heard ’round Broadway.
“It was definitely a disappointing experience and difficult,” Platt told The New York Times. “It definitely opened my eyes to the Internet and how horrific it can be.”
Platt added, “You’d think, after doing ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ onstage for four years, I would have already known that. I try my...
- 11/1/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Click here to read the full article.
Ben Platt is opening up about dealing with the social media backlash to last year’s film adaptation of Dear Evan Hansen.
During an interview with The New York Times that published online Monday, the actor said he felt “really grateful” for his time spent playing the title role in the Broadway production of the musical that made him a star. However, he also said it was difficult to deal with negative response to the movie version of the same name, released by Universal Pictures in September 2021.
“It was definitely a disappointing experience, and difficult, and it definitely opened my eyes to the internet and how horrific it can be,” Platt said. “You’d think, after doing Dear Evan Hansen onstage for four years, I would have already known that.”
He continued, “I try my best to focus on people who tell me...
Ben Platt is opening up about dealing with the social media backlash to last year’s film adaptation of Dear Evan Hansen.
During an interview with The New York Times that published online Monday, the actor said he felt “really grateful” for his time spent playing the title role in the Broadway production of the musical that made him a star. However, he also said it was difficult to deal with negative response to the movie version of the same name, released by Universal Pictures in September 2021.
“It was definitely a disappointing experience, and difficult, and it definitely opened my eyes to the internet and how horrific it can be,” Platt said. “You’d think, after doing Dear Evan Hansen onstage for four years, I would have already known that.”
He continued, “I try my best to focus on people who tell me...
- 11/1/2022
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Thanks to his affable charm, charismatic screen presence, and seeming agelessness, Paul Rudd has become one of Hollywood's most endearing performers. Though primarily known for his comedic roles, Rudd was classically trained at the beginning of his career, studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts-West and the British Drama Academy at Oxford University. This academic background perhaps lends an emotional truth to Rudd's numerous sarcastic and sardonic characters.
While many actors can play a funny jerk, it's hard to bring warmth and empathy to that same archetype, a specific chemistry Rudd has made his own. Rudd is also known for his frequent collaborations with writer/producer/director Judd Apatow and comedians Michael Ian Black, David Wain, and Michael Showalter. Outside of acting, Rudd is also a producer and writer who has managed to keep both feet in television and film throughout his career. A grounded performer who also loves a good prank,...
While many actors can play a funny jerk, it's hard to bring warmth and empathy to that same archetype, a specific chemistry Rudd has made his own. Rudd is also known for his frequent collaborations with writer/producer/director Judd Apatow and comedians Michael Ian Black, David Wain, and Michael Showalter. Outside of acting, Rudd is also a producer and writer who has managed to keep both feet in television and film throughout his career. A grounded performer who also loves a good prank,...
- 9/19/2022
- by Molly Turner
- Slash Film
Ezra Miller is taking Facebook’s Metaverse and DC’s multiverse quite seriously, per a new report.
Vanity Fair published an investigative piece chronicling “The Flash” star’s ongoing arrests and recent apology citing mental health concerns. Per Vanity Fair, Miller, who identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, has been struggling with various mental health issues for more than two years since the 2019 divorce of their parents and the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic.
Miller has been arrested for disorderly conduct and harassment and then second-degree assault and received a felony charge for burglary in August. The “Perks of Being a Wallflower” alum also has been at the center of child endangerment accusations, including allegations of grooming teenagers starting at age 12. Miller issued a public apology in August 2022, stating that they are pursuing treatment.
A source in the new Vanity Fair report claimed that Miller believes themselves to be a Christ-like...
Vanity Fair published an investigative piece chronicling “The Flash” star’s ongoing arrests and recent apology citing mental health concerns. Per Vanity Fair, Miller, who identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, has been struggling with various mental health issues for more than two years since the 2019 divorce of their parents and the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic.
Miller has been arrested for disorderly conduct and harassment and then second-degree assault and received a felony charge for burglary in August. The “Perks of Being a Wallflower” alum also has been at the center of child endangerment accusations, including allegations of grooming teenagers starting at age 12. Miller issued a public apology in August 2022, stating that they are pursuing treatment.
A source in the new Vanity Fair report claimed that Miller believes themselves to be a Christ-like...
- 9/19/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Hillman Grad, the multi-platform entertainment company founded by actor, producer and Emmy-winning writer Lena Waithe, has bolstered its executive ranks with a new round of promotions: Naomi Funabashi has been named president of film and television at Hillman Grad Productions, with Justin Riley as vice president of operations and business development; Lacy Lew Nguyen Wright is now executive director of the Hillman Grad Foundation; and Marquis Phifér is head of cultural marketing.
The executive appointments comes after Rishi Rajani, who joined the company in 2018 as president of film and television, was elevated to CEO earlier this year.
Since its inception in 2015, and under the leadership of Waithe and Rajani, Hillman Grad has grown to include six divisions and 20 employees, rising to become one of the most prominent companies in entertainment, with a focus on amplifying and celebrating the stories of diverse, historically marginalized communities and developing a new generation of underrepresented creatives.
The executive appointments comes after Rishi Rajani, who joined the company in 2018 as president of film and television, was elevated to CEO earlier this year.
Since its inception in 2015, and under the leadership of Waithe and Rajani, Hillman Grad has grown to include six divisions and 20 employees, rising to become one of the most prominent companies in entertainment, with a focus on amplifying and celebrating the stories of diverse, historically marginalized communities and developing a new generation of underrepresented creatives.
- 7/14/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
A new month brings new titles to HBO Max’s ever-changing (and formidable) roster of films. While the streaming service is parting with some notable movies in May — such as “Pride & Prejudice,” leaving May 27, and “Speed,” leaving at the end of the month — it’s more than making up for the loss with critically acclaimed additions, ranging from enduring indie fares to franchise-spanning blockbusters.
Below, TheWrap highlights seven films spanning a wide variety of genres, at least one of which is sure to resonate or encourage you to go out of your cinematic comfort zone.
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” John Bramley / Summit Entertainment / Courtesy Everett Collection
Stephen Chbosky’s painfully accurate teen indie spawned a plethora of films dedicated to exploring high school angst and mental health, but it arguably did it best, capturing the 2010s zeitgeist with excruciating precision and dominating Tumblr discourse for years to come.
Below, TheWrap highlights seven films spanning a wide variety of genres, at least one of which is sure to resonate or encourage you to go out of your cinematic comfort zone.
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” John Bramley / Summit Entertainment / Courtesy Everett Collection
Stephen Chbosky’s painfully accurate teen indie spawned a plethora of films dedicated to exploring high school angst and mental health, but it arguably did it best, capturing the 2010s zeitgeist with excruciating precision and dominating Tumblr discourse for years to come.
- 5/22/2022
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- The Wrap
Diana the Musical, the much-mocked telling of the life story of Diana, Princess of Wales, has swept the board at this year’s Razzie Awards.
Complete winners list below.
The stage show, of which a filmed version was shown on Netflix, won five awards at this year’s Golden Raspberries, including worst picture, worst actress for Jeanna de Waal in the title role, worst director, worst supporting actress and worst screenplay. It had been nominated in nine categories altogether.
Netlix streamed a filmed version of the stage show before it debuted on Broadway, without a live audience due to theaters being closed at a time of coronavirus restrictions. When the theatrical show eventually opened, it lasted for only 33 performances on Broadway before the curtain fell for the final time.
The Razzies also saw basketball star LeBron James winning worst actor for Space Jam: A New Legacy as well as sharing...
Complete winners list below.
The stage show, of which a filmed version was shown on Netflix, won five awards at this year’s Golden Raspberries, including worst picture, worst actress for Jeanna de Waal in the title role, worst director, worst supporting actress and worst screenplay. It had been nominated in nine categories altogether.
Netlix streamed a filmed version of the stage show before it debuted on Broadway, without a live audience due to theaters being closed at a time of coronavirus restrictions. When the theatrical show eventually opened, it lasted for only 33 performances on Broadway before the curtain fell for the final time.
The Razzies also saw basketball star LeBron James winning worst actor for Space Jam: A New Legacy as well as sharing...
- 3/26/2022
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
The winners of the 42nd annual Golden Raspberry Awards were announced on late Friday night/early Saturday morning, with two of the most well-known recipients being Jared Leto and LeBron James. Leto “won” the worst supporting actor award for “House of Gucci,” for the very same role that earned him nominations at the Critics Choice Awards and SAG Awards. James “won” the worst lead actor trophy for “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” the half-cartoon flick that was also named worst sequel and worst screen combo. Scroll down for the complete list of Razzie Awards 2022 winners, which are noted in gold.
Voters chose “Diana the Musical” for worst picture, but that wasn’t all. The Netflix streamer also “won” for worst lead actress (Jeanna de Waal), worst supporting actress (Judy Kaye), worst director (Christopher Ashley) and worst screenplay (Joe Dipietro).
In a new category, “Cosmic Sin” was picked as the worst...
Voters chose “Diana the Musical” for worst picture, but that wasn’t all. The Netflix streamer also “won” for worst lead actress (Jeanna de Waal), worst supporting actress (Judy Kaye), worst director (Christopher Ashley) and worst screenplay (Joe Dipietro).
In a new category, “Cosmic Sin” was picked as the worst...
- 3/26/2022
- by Marcus James Dixon and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Despite landing a SAG Award nomination and significant Oscar buzz for his performance in “House of Gucci,” Jared Leto is now a contender for a Razzie Award for his portrayal of Paolo Gucci in Ridley Scott’s murder drama. Nominations for the 2022 Razzie Awards have been announced, spotlighting the worst films and performances of the last year. Leto is nominated for worst supporting actor opposite the likes of Ben Affleck in “The Last Duel” and Mel Gibson in “Dangerous.”
Netflix’s stage recording of “Diana the Musical” leads the Razzie Awards with nine nominations, including worst picture and five acting nominations. Joe Wright’s “The Woman in the Window” also earned several nominations, including a worst actress bid for Amy Adams. “Dear Evan Hansen” made Adams a double Razzie nominee this year by landing her in the worst supporting actress category as well.
In typical Razzie fashion, the group created...
Netflix’s stage recording of “Diana the Musical” leads the Razzie Awards with nine nominations, including worst picture and five acting nominations. Joe Wright’s “The Woman in the Window” also earned several nominations, including a worst actress bid for Amy Adams. “Dear Evan Hansen” made Adams a double Razzie nominee this year by landing her in the worst supporting actress category as well.
In typical Razzie fashion, the group created...
- 2/7/2022
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
In a year where the Kristen Stewart-led Spencer earned its share of awards buzz comes word that another project about the late Princess Diana is the leading candidate for the anti-Oscars. Diana, the Musical, the filmed version of the ill-fated Broadway show, took a final bow with nine nominations for the 42nd annual Razzie Awards revealed today.
The show “scored” nine noms for the 2022 Golden Raspberries spanning nearly all of the categories, including Worst Picture, Actress, Actor, Director and Screenplay. The Woman in the Window and Karen are a distant second with five apiece, followed by Space Jam: A New Legacy with four and Infinite and The Misfits with three each.
The “winners” will be “honored” on March 26, the day before the Academy Awards. Watch the nominations video above.
Here is how the Razzies handicapped its own Worst Picture race: “This year’s Worst Picture nominees include: The NetFLIX...
The show “scored” nine noms for the 2022 Golden Raspberries spanning nearly all of the categories, including Worst Picture, Actress, Actor, Director and Screenplay. The Woman in the Window and Karen are a distant second with five apiece, followed by Space Jam: A New Legacy with four and Infinite and The Misfits with three each.
The “winners” will be “honored” on March 26, the day before the Academy Awards. Watch the nominations video above.
Here is how the Razzies handicapped its own Worst Picture race: “This year’s Worst Picture nominees include: The NetFLIX...
- 2/7/2022
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
As is tradition, the Golden Raspberry Awards announced their contenders on the eve of the Oscar nominations. The Razzies, now in their 42nd year, are a tongue-in-cheek ceremony that “honor” the worst films of the year. Scroll down for the full list of nominees in all 10 Razzie Awards categories ranging from Worst Picture to Worst Remake, Rip-Off, or Sequel. Unique to this year is a category dedicated to Bruce Willis and his eight performances in pictures last year.
Leading the 2022 Razzie Awards nominations roster is the Netflix version of the Broadway flop “Diana: The Musical” with nine bids. Tied with five apiece are “Karen” and “The Woman in the Window.” Each of these ill-conceived movies counts a Worst Picture nomination among its haul. Joining them in that race are the sequel “Space Jam: A New Legacy” and the sci-fi flick “Infinite.”
As usual, “winners” will be decided by Razzie members.
Leading the 2022 Razzie Awards nominations roster is the Netflix version of the Broadway flop “Diana: The Musical” with nine bids. Tied with five apiece are “Karen” and “The Woman in the Window.” Each of these ill-conceived movies counts a Worst Picture nomination among its haul. Joining them in that race are the sequel “Space Jam: A New Legacy” and the sci-fi flick “Infinite.”
As usual, “winners” will be decided by Razzie members.
- 2/7/2022
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
The Razzie Awards nominations recognizing the worst “crap streaming, beaming and steaming from our various screens and devices” of 2021 — as the group put it — have been announced, with LeBron James, “Diana: The Musical,” Amy Adams and Bruce Willis topping the heap.
“Here’s a look at what we saw,” the organization said in a press release. “The excruciating musicals, thrill-free thriller rip-offs, a nearly 2 hour product placement flick, and more Bruce Willis than any starving viewer could stomach. In other words, 2021 did not fail the Razzies!”
With Oscar nominations coming out on Tuesday morning, the Academy Award’s snarky counterpart, the Golden Raspberry Awards (aka the Razzies) followed suit as they do every year at this time acknowledging the superior work – or, actually, the inferior work – coming out of the entertainment industry.
Leading the field with nine nods is Netflix’s “Diana: The Musical.” Released in October, The Razzies called...
“Here’s a look at what we saw,” the organization said in a press release. “The excruciating musicals, thrill-free thriller rip-offs, a nearly 2 hour product placement flick, and more Bruce Willis than any starving viewer could stomach. In other words, 2021 did not fail the Razzies!”
With Oscar nominations coming out on Tuesday morning, the Academy Award’s snarky counterpart, the Golden Raspberry Awards (aka the Razzies) followed suit as they do every year at this time acknowledging the superior work – or, actually, the inferior work – coming out of the entertainment industry.
Leading the field with nine nods is Netflix’s “Diana: The Musical.” Released in October, The Razzies called...
- 2/7/2022
- by Jeremy Fuster and Rosemary Rossi
- The Wrap
The Oscars have announced that 276 feature films are eligible for this year’s Academy Awards, with nomination voting set to begin Thursday, Jan. 27 until Tuesday, Feb. 1.
Last year, the Academy extended the eligibility year until Feb. 28, 2021 due to the pandemic, which produced 366 eligible films, the largest number of submissions since 1970. With only 10 months in this period, 2022’s eligibility list is on par with previous submission years.
All of the presumed Oscar contenders are on the list including “Being the Ricardos” (Amazon Studios), “Belfast” (Focus Features), “C’mon C’mon” (A24), “Candyman” (Universal Pictures), “Coda” (Apple Original Films), “Dune” (Warner Bros), “Encanto” (Walt Disney Pictures), “House of Gucci” (MGM/United Artists Releasing), “Nightmare Alley” (Searchlight Pictures), “Parallel Mothers” (Sony Pictures Classics), “The Power of the Dog” (Netflix), “A Quiet Place Part II” (Paramount Pictures), “Spencer” (Neon/Topic Studios), “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (Sony Pictures) and “West Side Story” (20th Century Studios).
Some of...
Last year, the Academy extended the eligibility year until Feb. 28, 2021 due to the pandemic, which produced 366 eligible films, the largest number of submissions since 1970. With only 10 months in this period, 2022’s eligibility list is on par with previous submission years.
All of the presumed Oscar contenders are on the list including “Being the Ricardos” (Amazon Studios), “Belfast” (Focus Features), “C’mon C’mon” (A24), “Candyman” (Universal Pictures), “Coda” (Apple Original Films), “Dune” (Warner Bros), “Encanto” (Walt Disney Pictures), “House of Gucci” (MGM/United Artists Releasing), “Nightmare Alley” (Searchlight Pictures), “Parallel Mothers” (Sony Pictures Classics), “The Power of the Dog” (Netflix), “A Quiet Place Part II” (Paramount Pictures), “Spencer” (Neon/Topic Studios), “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (Sony Pictures) and “West Side Story” (20th Century Studios).
Some of...
- 1/20/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Lionsgate has purchased Homecoming, a screenplay that made the 2021 Black List, in a competitive situation, and is setting it up as a film.
The feature scripted by Murder Ink’s Brandon Broussard, Hudson Obayuwana and Jana Savage picks up with one of New York’s most eligible bachelors and his eccentric, globetrotting wingman 10 years after their graduation from Howard University, as they try to pull their recently divorced friend out of his rut. They do so by taking him back to Howard for its legendary homecoming, there experiencing the best weekend of their lives.
Broussard, Obayuwana and Savage will produce the adaptation with David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman for Mandeville Pictures, and Mike Jackson and John Legend for Get Lifted. Mandeville’s Alex Young will exec produce alongside Get Lifted’s Ty Stiklorius. Hoberman and Carly Kleinbart are overseeing the project for Mandeville, with Jackson and Mackenzie Marlowe for Get Lifted,...
The feature scripted by Murder Ink’s Brandon Broussard, Hudson Obayuwana and Jana Savage picks up with one of New York’s most eligible bachelors and his eccentric, globetrotting wingman 10 years after their graduation from Howard University, as they try to pull their recently divorced friend out of his rut. They do so by taking him back to Howard for its legendary homecoming, there experiencing the best weekend of their lives.
Broussard, Obayuwana and Savage will produce the adaptation with David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman for Mandeville Pictures, and Mike Jackson and John Legend for Get Lifted. Mandeville’s Alex Young will exec produce alongside Get Lifted’s Ty Stiklorius. Hoberman and Carly Kleinbart are overseeing the project for Mandeville, with Jackson and Mackenzie Marlowe for Get Lifted,...
- 1/7/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Deadline has the first exclusive tracks from Marcelo Zarvos’ A Journal for Jordan score, which is set for release tomorrow via Sony Music Masterworks—ahead of the Sony Pictures title’s release in theaters on December 25.
The latest film directed by two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington is based on the true story of First Sergeant Charles Monroe King (Michael B. Jordan), a soldier deployed to Iraq who begins to keep a journal of love and advice for his infant son. Back at home, senior New York Times editor Dana Canedy (Chanté Adams) revisits the story of her unlikely, life-altering relationship with King and his enduring devotion to her and their child.
The romantic drama scripted by Virgil Williams marked Zarvos’ second collaboration with Washington, on the heels of his Oscar-winning August Wilson adaptation, Fences. The composer says that for this “story about love, sacrifice and family that spans 20 years,...
The latest film directed by two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington is based on the true story of First Sergeant Charles Monroe King (Michael B. Jordan), a soldier deployed to Iraq who begins to keep a journal of love and advice for his infant son. Back at home, senior New York Times editor Dana Canedy (Chanté Adams) revisits the story of her unlikely, life-altering relationship with King and his enduring devotion to her and their child.
The romantic drama scripted by Virgil Williams marked Zarvos’ second collaboration with Washington, on the heels of his Oscar-winning August Wilson adaptation, Fences. The composer says that for this “story about love, sacrifice and family that spans 20 years,...
- 12/16/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
“Wherever the film industry and culture are going, we need to be there.”
Cameron Bailey, the former Toronto International Film Festival artistic director and co-head who joined the organisation as a programmer in 1990, has been appointed TIFF CEO.
The move had been expected and follows the recent departure of former TIFF co-head and executive director Joana Vicente to head up Sundance Institute.
Bailey will focus on “building a Toronto International Film Festival for the future” as well as a “transformative TIFF experience all year round”, an offering that will take place in the organisation’s hub TIFF Bell Lightbox – which...
Cameron Bailey, the former Toronto International Film Festival artistic director and co-head who joined the organisation as a programmer in 1990, has been appointed TIFF CEO.
The move had been expected and follows the recent departure of former TIFF co-head and executive director Joana Vicente to head up Sundance Institute.
Bailey will focus on “building a Toronto International Film Festival for the future” as well as a “transformative TIFF experience all year round”, an offering that will take place in the organisation’s hub TIFF Bell Lightbox – which...
- 11/30/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
(Welcome to ...And More, our no-frills, zero B.S. guide to when and where you can watch upcoming movies and shows, and everything else you could possibly stand to know.)
Before he directed the cringe-worthy film adaptation of the already misguided Broadway musical "Dear Evan Hansen," Stephen Chbosky was coming off his success helming 2017's "Wonder." The critically acclaimed drama adapted R. J. Palacio's similarly well-received 2012 novel about Auggie, a ten-year-old boy with facial differences stemming from Treacher Collins syndrome who attends school with other kids his age for the first time. "Wonder" was also the rare mid-budget film to hit it big at the box office...
The post White Bird: A Wonder Story: Release Date, Cast, and More appeared first on /Film.
Before he directed the cringe-worthy film adaptation of the already misguided Broadway musical "Dear Evan Hansen," Stephen Chbosky was coming off his success helming 2017's "Wonder." The critically acclaimed drama adapted R. J. Palacio's similarly well-received 2012 novel about Auggie, a ten-year-old boy with facial differences stemming from Treacher Collins syndrome who attends school with other kids his age for the first time. "Wonder" was also the rare mid-budget film to hit it big at the box office...
The post White Bird: A Wonder Story: Release Date, Cast, and More appeared first on /Film.
- 11/22/2021
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Something almost beyond comprehension is happening on October 31st… and two men want to do a couple of podcast episodes about it. This is the Halloween Parade… volume 1.
Please help support the Hollywood Food Coalition.
Click here, and be sure to indicate The Movies That Made Me in the note section so Josh can finally achieve his dream of showing Mandy to his wife!
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
The Exorcist (1973) – Oren Peli’s trailer commentary
Wait Until Dark (1967) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
The House On Skull Mountain (1974)
King In The Wilderness (2018)
Sugar Hill (1974)
World War Z (2013)
I Walked With A Zombie (1943)
White Zombie (1932) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary
Night of the Living Dead (1968) – George Hickenlooper’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
Pumpkinhead (1988)
Blacula (1972)
Blackenstein (1973)
The Flesh And The Fiends (1960) – Charlie Largent’s two reviews
Road Rebels (1964)
Dear Evan Hansen (2021)
Perks Of Being A...
Please help support the Hollywood Food Coalition.
Click here, and be sure to indicate The Movies That Made Me in the note section so Josh can finally achieve his dream of showing Mandy to his wife!
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
The Exorcist (1973) – Oren Peli’s trailer commentary
Wait Until Dark (1967) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
The House On Skull Mountain (1974)
King In The Wilderness (2018)
Sugar Hill (1974)
World War Z (2013)
I Walked With A Zombie (1943)
White Zombie (1932) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary
Night of the Living Dead (1968) – George Hickenlooper’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
Pumpkinhead (1988)
Blacula (1972)
Blackenstein (1973)
The Flesh And The Fiends (1960) – Charlie Largent’s two reviews
Road Rebels (1964)
Dear Evan Hansen (2021)
Perks Of Being A...
- 10/22/2021
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Exclusive: The Craft: Legacy star Zoey Luna has signed with A3 Artists Agency for representation.
The transgender youth activist and actress portrayed Lourdes in The Craft: Legacy and currently can be seen in Universal’s Dear Evan Hansen, directed by Stephen Chbosky.
Luna was the subject of the groundbreaking documentary film Raising Zoey, chronicling her journey of how she was determined to live her authentic life, and fought school officials in the Los Angeles school system with the ACLU for her right to self-identify in school between ages 12-15. She was also part of Laverne Cox’s documentary film Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word for MTV and the documentary 15: A Quinceañera Story for HBO.
She began her acting career with a lead role in the Rosario Dawson-directed short film Boundless and she most recently appeared in the season finale of FX’s award-winning series Pose.
Luna served...
The transgender youth activist and actress portrayed Lourdes in The Craft: Legacy and currently can be seen in Universal’s Dear Evan Hansen, directed by Stephen Chbosky.
Luna was the subject of the groundbreaking documentary film Raising Zoey, chronicling her journey of how she was determined to live her authentic life, and fought school officials in the Los Angeles school system with the ACLU for her right to self-identify in school between ages 12-15. She was also part of Laverne Cox’s documentary film Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word for MTV and the documentary 15: A Quinceañera Story for HBO.
She began her acting career with a lead role in the Rosario Dawson-directed short film Boundless and she most recently appeared in the season finale of FX’s award-winning series Pose.
Luna served...
- 10/19/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
So far during the Covid-19 pandemic, no film has opened with $100 million at the domestic box office. “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” came close over the weekend by earning a whopping $90 million, outpacing previous U.S. record-holders “Black Widow” ($80 million), “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” ($75 million) and “F9” ($70 million). Can United Artists’ latest “007” movie, “No Time to Die,” be the first to cross the $100 million mark domestically for its opening weekend? The long-delayed action flick has already amassed $119 million overseas.
Beginning right now at Gold Derby, you can predict which movies will earn the #1 through #5 spots at the U.S. box office for this weekend, October 8 – October 10. You can also forecast how much money the weekend’s highest-grossing film will rake in. Hurry and make your box office predictions — it’s fun and easy! Each week the eligible user with the highest prediction accuracy will win a $100 Amazon gift card,...
Beginning right now at Gold Derby, you can predict which movies will earn the #1 through #5 spots at the U.S. box office for this weekend, October 8 – October 10. You can also forecast how much money the weekend’s highest-grossing film will rake in. Hurry and make your box office predictions — it’s fun and easy! Each week the eligible user with the highest prediction accuracy will win a $100 Amazon gift card,...
- 10/5/2021
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
After three years as the Executive Director and Co-Head of the Toronto International Film Festival, Joana Vicente is heading to the Sundance Institute as their new CEO. She will start her new job at the beginning of November, splitting her time between Sundance’s office in New York, Los Angeles and Park City, Ut.
Vicente succeeds CEO Keri Putnam, who stepped down earlier this year and will oversee the entire Sundance media and arts nonprofit organization which includes its year-round artist programs, the Sundance Film Festival, Sundance Collab, public and field-building programs, advancement, its historic commitment to inclusion and equity in all its work, as well as advancing the Institute’s advocacy work. Vicente will depart TIFF on Oct. 31.
Vicente will report to the Sundance board and work with the Institute’s artists, funders, industry, donors, and national and international partners, and oversee a year-round staff of 200 with an additional seasonal staff of 250.
Vicente,...
Vicente succeeds CEO Keri Putnam, who stepped down earlier this year and will oversee the entire Sundance media and arts nonprofit organization which includes its year-round artist programs, the Sundance Film Festival, Sundance Collab, public and field-building programs, advancement, its historic commitment to inclusion and equity in all its work, as well as advancing the Institute’s advocacy work. Vicente will depart TIFF on Oct. 31.
Vicente will report to the Sundance board and work with the Institute’s artists, funders, industry, donors, and national and international partners, and oversee a year-round staff of 200 with an additional seasonal staff of 250.
Vicente,...
- 9/29/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The highly anticipated “The Sopranos” movie prequel, “The Many Saints of Newark,” makes its grand debut on Friday, both in theaters and on HBO Max. Director Alan Taylor and screenwriters David Chase and Lawrence Konner return to the mafia world of Newark, New Jersey to tell the story of Tony Soprano’s upbringing in the ’60s and ’70s. This time around, Tony is played by Michael Gandolfini, real-life son of James Gandolfini, who died in 2013. “The Sopranos” aired on HBO between 1999 and 2007 and won a total of 21 Emmy Awards, including Best Drama Series twice (2004 and 2007).
Will Warner Bros. Pictures’ “The Many Saints of Newark” stage a box office shakedown or swim with the fishes? Beginning right now at Gold Derby, you can predict which movies will earn the #1 through #5 spots at the U.S. box office for this weekend, October 1 – October 3. You can also forecast how much money the weekend...
Will Warner Bros. Pictures’ “The Many Saints of Newark” stage a box office shakedown or swim with the fishes? Beginning right now at Gold Derby, you can predict which movies will earn the #1 through #5 spots at the U.S. box office for this weekend, October 1 – October 3. You can also forecast how much money the weekend...
- 9/28/2021
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
The Tokyo International Film Festival’s competition section will skew heavily towards Asian titles, festival organizers said on Tuesday.
The festival announced the full lineup for its 34rd edition to be held Oct. 30 – Nov. 8, 2021 at its new main venues in the Hibiya-Yurakucho-Ginza area of Tokyo. As previously announced, the festival will open with Clint Eastwood’s “Cry Macho” and close with Stephen Chbosky’s “Dear Evan Hansen.”
The 15-title competition this year includes “Crane Lantern,” the new film by 2020 Tokyo Filmex Grand Prize winner Hilal Baydarov of Azerbaijan, “Arisaka,” an action thriller by young Filipino auteur Mikhail Red and “One and Four,” a Chinese film produced by Tibetan cinema veteran Pema Tseden. Japan is represented by Matsui Daigo’s relationship drama “Just Remembering” and “Third Time Lucky,” the directorial debut of scriptwriter Nohara Tadashi.
Chairing the jury is French star Isabelle Huppert.
“We decided to focus more on quality than...
The festival announced the full lineup for its 34rd edition to be held Oct. 30 – Nov. 8, 2021 at its new main venues in the Hibiya-Yurakucho-Ginza area of Tokyo. As previously announced, the festival will open with Clint Eastwood’s “Cry Macho” and close with Stephen Chbosky’s “Dear Evan Hansen.”
The 15-title competition this year includes “Crane Lantern,” the new film by 2020 Tokyo Filmex Grand Prize winner Hilal Baydarov of Azerbaijan, “Arisaka,” an action thriller by young Filipino auteur Mikhail Red and “One and Four,” a Chinese film produced by Tibetan cinema veteran Pema Tseden. Japan is represented by Matsui Daigo’s relationship drama “Just Remembering” and “Third Time Lucky,” the directorial debut of scriptwriter Nohara Tadashi.
Chairing the jury is French star Isabelle Huppert.
“We decided to focus more on quality than...
- 9/28/2021
- by Mark Schilling
- Variety Film + TV
World premieres include debut from Happy Hour co-writer Tadashi Nohara and new works from Brillante Mendoza and Mikhail Red.
Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) has announced the full line-up for its 34th edition, including the main competition section of 15 films, among which 10 titles are world premieres. Other sections include Asian Future, Gala Selection, World Focus, Nippon Cinema Now and Japanese Animation.
The competition section includes the world premieres of two Japanese films – Third Time Lucky, the debut feature of Tadashi Nohara, who co-wrote Happy Hour and Wife Of A Spy; and Just Remembering from Daigo Matsui (Ice Cream And The...
Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) has announced the full line-up for its 34th edition, including the main competition section of 15 films, among which 10 titles are world premieres. Other sections include Asian Future, Gala Selection, World Focus, Nippon Cinema Now and Japanese Animation.
The competition section includes the world premieres of two Japanese films – Third Time Lucky, the debut feature of Tadashi Nohara, who co-wrote Happy Hour and Wife Of A Spy; and Just Remembering from Daigo Matsui (Ice Cream And The...
- 9/28/2021
- by Matt Schley
- ScreenDaily
The failure of Universal’s Dear Evan Hansen at the domestic box office with a $7.5M opening didn’t really surprise anyone after the movie was torn apart by critics post its TIFF world premiere. But the latest misfire by a feature adaptation of a Broadway musical raises plenty of questions about the sub-genre’s fate at the box office.
Should Dear Evan Hansen, in its limited appeal, have had its debut on streaming instead of in theaters? Or go day-and-date theatrical and streaming?
After all, NBCUniversal’s streaming service Peacock desperately needs the product, so much so that they decided to make the sequel to their blockbuster horror reboot, Halloween Kills, a day-and-date attraction on Oct. 15.
But in regards to Dear Evan Hansen, what remains shocking is how a critically beloved and popular stage musical, which made over $226M in its roughly four years on Broadway, becomes simply dismissed on the big screen.
Look, Universal wasn’t doing anything experimental here with Dear Evan Hansen. This wasn’t Gasper Noe or Ari Aster’s upside-down version of Dear Evan Hansen. Similar to Universal’s Les Miserables and Mamma Mia! franchise (which all combined grossed $1.45B at the WW box office), the studio made the most faithful take on Dear Evan Hansen as they could, tapping Stephen Chbosky, a filmmaker known for emotional young adult dramas, and casting the project up with such awards-lauded actresses like Amy Addams and Julianne Moore, rising Booksmart star Kaitlyn Dever, and staying true to the musical’s roots by keeping Ben Platt, who originated and wowed in the title role with his low-to-high emotional singing.
It was a logical greenlight, given the musical’s momentum at the time, for Uni to win the bid on the package. Furthermore, Dear Evan Hansen came from producer Marc Platt, who the studio has had a longstanding relationship with (he’s also Ben’s father).
Then, why in God’s name did this musical go sideways? Why would movie critics shun a piece of art which was faithfully translated from the stage?
The most immediate answers about Dear Evan Hansen‘s downfall is the simple fact that in a prolonged pandemic, those returning to the cinemas are looking for escapism, not a near 2 1/2 hour cry, especially a ballad-filled drama. However, even pre-pandemic, a musical with a protagonist who isn’t likable or sympathetic is difficult to sell. Not to mention, a movie that touches on suicide must be perfect. Also, putting this film at Christmas arguably may not have made much of a difference. The movie would have still had the same inherent problems. I think Uni knew this, which is why they didn’t screen the film in advance for critics ahead of TIFF.
Another pandemic conundrum for Uni is that Broadway musicals cater to older audiences, and we know that demographic is having a very hard time turning out at the cinema during the pandemic. Dear Evan Hansen was geared at young adults, not young adults and parents, so unfortunately, Uni loses the latter core audience for the film. The under-35 demo repped 71% of Dear Evan Hansen‘s audience.
While Dear Evan Hansen fans who showed up gave it an A- CinemaScore, sometimes a musical, such as Les Mis, has to provide fans of the Broadway musical something more than a redux of what they’ve already seen on stage.
Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway performing Les Mis was something no fan of that musical had ever seen, and was well worth the movie ticket price, not to mention Tom Hooper’s technique of recording the soundtrack live on set, versus pre-recorded, took the musical to another level. And, right there, that’s likely the nuanced secret to success with Broadway fare on the big screen: Give everyone a little something more that they haven’t seen, and also make sure they send the audience home singing. I would say that Dear Evan Hansen songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul had more hummable, jazzy tunes in the original La La Land with “Another Day of Sun” and “Someone in the Crowd” to send us home with a skip in our step.
Additionally, what works in NYC plays best on the coasts, especially in the Northeast, as we saw with In the Heights having its most vibrant ticket sales there. Dear Evan Hansen over-indexed in Salt Lake City over the weekend, with five its top grossing cinemas being in theater. It just so happens that YA movies work in the Utah capital.
In the wake of musicals’ revival on the big screen post-2003 Oscar Best Picture winner Chicago ($170.7M, $306.8M WW), even though we’ve seen great successes from both Broadway adaptions like Les Mis and Mamma Mia, and completely original fare for the big screen, i.e. The Greatest Showman and La La Land, the fact of the matter is that musicals remain the riskiest subgenre at the box office from both a critical and sheer box office perspective.
If you take a look, some of the most popular, top-grossing Broadway musicals which made their way into movie theaters have been widely panned by film reviews, and failed to reap any kind of great financial success, i.e. Rent, 2005’s The Producers, Phantom of the Opera ($51.3M domestic, $154.6M WW), and even pre-Chicago, Madonna’s Evita.
Even Chicago director Rob Marshall, himself in his second feature musical, Nine, given that starry package of Daniel Day Lewis, Fergie, Nicole Kidman, Marion Cottillard, Penelope Cruz, and Kate Hudson, couldn’t replicate the success of his Oscar Best Picture winner, seeing 39% Rotten Tomatoes reviews and a final box office of less than $20M domestic, and $54M WW.
Given Disney’s family packaging of Marshall’s take on Stephen Sondheim’s (the quirkiest of Broadways scribes who doesn’t always spell mass appeal) Into the Woods, that pic became a 2014 year-end holiday event at $212.9M WW. But overall, Broadway largely has a hard time translating at the domestic B.O.
Had Universal sold Dear Evan Hansen to Netflix or Amazon, they would have certainly made bank, and cut their P&a spend ever more. But how much of a splash or resonance would the movie have made? And would it have been worth it to buy out talent on the project?
The feature version of seven-time Tony nominated The Prom went straight to Netflix (after a short limited theatrical run where grosses weren’t reported) with Ryan Murphy directing and a tricked-out cast that included Meryl Streep, Kerry Washington, Nicole Kidman, James Corden and more. Critically, like most of the musicals mentioned in this piece, The Prom was bashed on Rotten Tomatoes at 54%. We don’t know anything about its overall viewership success, as it didn’t crack Netflix’s most-watched movies around the globe. The tenth and eleventh most-watched titles on that list, Army of the Dead and Midnight Sky, pulled in 72M households WW. Is anyone still talking about The Prom?
Sending Dear Evan Hansen straight to Peacock wouldn’t have raised eyebrows in a way that the studio is looking to draw people to the service with a franchise like Halloween Kills. Not to mention, making Dear Evan Hansen available immediately day-and-date in theaters and on Peacock would have significantly collapsed the pic’s ancillary windows, and as we’ve seen with Warner Bros.’ Cry Macho, Malignant, and In the Heights, when the movies don’t work at the box office, they’re equally lackluster on the service.
So at the end of the day, even with a poor ticket sales, Dear Evan Hansen‘s best place is in theaters and with a theatrical window. And it’s a short one at 17-days until PVOD. The movie will still qualify for Universal’s long-term lucrative international television output deals. And because it was a theatrical release, that raises the movie’s profile, and makes it stand out on any PVOD, streaming menu, heck, even the pay TV cable windows where Universal is licensing its library and still making dough (the studio’s 2022 live-action slate and beyond will have its Pay One window with Amazon).
Not to mention, as studios send titles to streaming in their initial window and buy talent out of their deals, it’s arguably an inflated price process. Word is that enabling Halloween Kills to go day-and-date was easy when it came to that pic’s participation players: Universal cashed them out like it was already a blockbuster hit. With Dear Evan Hansen, already at a low $27M net production cost, Uni had to cut its losses. Why would they pay out talent like it was a blockbuster when they knew Dear Evan Hansen wasn’t going to work?
Says one former studio executive this morning on their suggestion for Dear Evan Hansen: “I would have released the movie through Focus, opened it at a prerequisite 1,000 screens to quality for any aforementioned deals, and marketed it differently.”...
Should Dear Evan Hansen, in its limited appeal, have had its debut on streaming instead of in theaters? Or go day-and-date theatrical and streaming?
After all, NBCUniversal’s streaming service Peacock desperately needs the product, so much so that they decided to make the sequel to their blockbuster horror reboot, Halloween Kills, a day-and-date attraction on Oct. 15.
But in regards to Dear Evan Hansen, what remains shocking is how a critically beloved and popular stage musical, which made over $226M in its roughly four years on Broadway, becomes simply dismissed on the big screen.
Look, Universal wasn’t doing anything experimental here with Dear Evan Hansen. This wasn’t Gasper Noe or Ari Aster’s upside-down version of Dear Evan Hansen. Similar to Universal’s Les Miserables and Mamma Mia! franchise (which all combined grossed $1.45B at the WW box office), the studio made the most faithful take on Dear Evan Hansen as they could, tapping Stephen Chbosky, a filmmaker known for emotional young adult dramas, and casting the project up with such awards-lauded actresses like Amy Addams and Julianne Moore, rising Booksmart star Kaitlyn Dever, and staying true to the musical’s roots by keeping Ben Platt, who originated and wowed in the title role with his low-to-high emotional singing.
It was a logical greenlight, given the musical’s momentum at the time, for Uni to win the bid on the package. Furthermore, Dear Evan Hansen came from producer Marc Platt, who the studio has had a longstanding relationship with (he’s also Ben’s father).
Then, why in God’s name did this musical go sideways? Why would movie critics shun a piece of art which was faithfully translated from the stage?
The most immediate answers about Dear Evan Hansen‘s downfall is the simple fact that in a prolonged pandemic, those returning to the cinemas are looking for escapism, not a near 2 1/2 hour cry, especially a ballad-filled drama. However, even pre-pandemic, a musical with a protagonist who isn’t likable or sympathetic is difficult to sell. Not to mention, a movie that touches on suicide must be perfect. Also, putting this film at Christmas arguably may not have made much of a difference. The movie would have still had the same inherent problems. I think Uni knew this, which is why they didn’t screen the film in advance for critics ahead of TIFF.
Another pandemic conundrum for Uni is that Broadway musicals cater to older audiences, and we know that demographic is having a very hard time turning out at the cinema during the pandemic. Dear Evan Hansen was geared at young adults, not young adults and parents, so unfortunately, Uni loses the latter core audience for the film. The under-35 demo repped 71% of Dear Evan Hansen‘s audience.
While Dear Evan Hansen fans who showed up gave it an A- CinemaScore, sometimes a musical, such as Les Mis, has to provide fans of the Broadway musical something more than a redux of what they’ve already seen on stage.
Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway performing Les Mis was something no fan of that musical had ever seen, and was well worth the movie ticket price, not to mention Tom Hooper’s technique of recording the soundtrack live on set, versus pre-recorded, took the musical to another level. And, right there, that’s likely the nuanced secret to success with Broadway fare on the big screen: Give everyone a little something more that they haven’t seen, and also make sure they send the audience home singing. I would say that Dear Evan Hansen songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul had more hummable, jazzy tunes in the original La La Land with “Another Day of Sun” and “Someone in the Crowd” to send us home with a skip in our step.
Additionally, what works in NYC plays best on the coasts, especially in the Northeast, as we saw with In the Heights having its most vibrant ticket sales there. Dear Evan Hansen over-indexed in Salt Lake City over the weekend, with five its top grossing cinemas being in theater. It just so happens that YA movies work in the Utah capital.
In the wake of musicals’ revival on the big screen post-2003 Oscar Best Picture winner Chicago ($170.7M, $306.8M WW), even though we’ve seen great successes from both Broadway adaptions like Les Mis and Mamma Mia, and completely original fare for the big screen, i.e. The Greatest Showman and La La Land, the fact of the matter is that musicals remain the riskiest subgenre at the box office from both a critical and sheer box office perspective.
If you take a look, some of the most popular, top-grossing Broadway musicals which made their way into movie theaters have been widely panned by film reviews, and failed to reap any kind of great financial success, i.e. Rent, 2005’s The Producers, Phantom of the Opera ($51.3M domestic, $154.6M WW), and even pre-Chicago, Madonna’s Evita.
Even Chicago director Rob Marshall, himself in his second feature musical, Nine, given that starry package of Daniel Day Lewis, Fergie, Nicole Kidman, Marion Cottillard, Penelope Cruz, and Kate Hudson, couldn’t replicate the success of his Oscar Best Picture winner, seeing 39% Rotten Tomatoes reviews and a final box office of less than $20M domestic, and $54M WW.
Given Disney’s family packaging of Marshall’s take on Stephen Sondheim’s (the quirkiest of Broadways scribes who doesn’t always spell mass appeal) Into the Woods, that pic became a 2014 year-end holiday event at $212.9M WW. But overall, Broadway largely has a hard time translating at the domestic B.O.
Had Universal sold Dear Evan Hansen to Netflix or Amazon, they would have certainly made bank, and cut their P&a spend ever more. But how much of a splash or resonance would the movie have made? And would it have been worth it to buy out talent on the project?
The feature version of seven-time Tony nominated The Prom went straight to Netflix (after a short limited theatrical run where grosses weren’t reported) with Ryan Murphy directing and a tricked-out cast that included Meryl Streep, Kerry Washington, Nicole Kidman, James Corden and more. Critically, like most of the musicals mentioned in this piece, The Prom was bashed on Rotten Tomatoes at 54%. We don’t know anything about its overall viewership success, as it didn’t crack Netflix’s most-watched movies around the globe. The tenth and eleventh most-watched titles on that list, Army of the Dead and Midnight Sky, pulled in 72M households WW. Is anyone still talking about The Prom?
Sending Dear Evan Hansen straight to Peacock wouldn’t have raised eyebrows in a way that the studio is looking to draw people to the service with a franchise like Halloween Kills. Not to mention, making Dear Evan Hansen available immediately day-and-date in theaters and on Peacock would have significantly collapsed the pic’s ancillary windows, and as we’ve seen with Warner Bros.’ Cry Macho, Malignant, and In the Heights, when the movies don’t work at the box office, they’re equally lackluster on the service.
So at the end of the day, even with a poor ticket sales, Dear Evan Hansen‘s best place is in theaters and with a theatrical window. And it’s a short one at 17-days until PVOD. The movie will still qualify for Universal’s long-term lucrative international television output deals. And because it was a theatrical release, that raises the movie’s profile, and makes it stand out on any PVOD, streaming menu, heck, even the pay TV cable windows where Universal is licensing its library and still making dough (the studio’s 2022 live-action slate and beyond will have its Pay One window with Amazon).
Not to mention, as studios send titles to streaming in their initial window and buy talent out of their deals, it’s arguably an inflated price process. Word is that enabling Halloween Kills to go day-and-date was easy when it came to that pic’s participation players: Universal cashed them out like it was already a blockbuster hit. With Dear Evan Hansen, already at a low $27M net production cost, Uni had to cut its losses. Why would they pay out talent like it was a blockbuster when they knew Dear Evan Hansen wasn’t going to work?
Says one former studio executive this morning on their suggestion for Dear Evan Hansen: “I would have released the movie through Focus, opened it at a prerequisite 1,000 screens to quality for any aforementioned deals, and marketed it differently.”...
- 9/26/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Saturday Am Update: Refresh for chart and more analysis As predicted, Disney-Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings refused to be slow down, firmly holding No. 1 with a $3.6M Friday, which alone makes the Destin Daniel Cretton-directed feature the highest grossing title during the pandemic ahead of Black Widow with $186.7M running total. By the end of tomorrow, Shang-Chi will make close to $12.8M, a great -41% hold, and a running total of $196M. What’s Shang-Chi‘s ultimate domestic endgame? Just under $250M seems quite conceivable.
According to box office analytics corp EntTelligence, Shang-Chi saw 19% of its patrons attending after 9Pm on Friday and near 16% showing up before 3Pm.
Meanwhile, Universal’s Dear Evan Hansen, arguably the most prolific major studio release on the fall schedule since Shang-Chi, is not doing well after a $3.3M Friday, including $800K Thursday previews, on its way to $7.3M in the No.
According to box office analytics corp EntTelligence, Shang-Chi saw 19% of its patrons attending after 9Pm on Friday and near 16% showing up before 3Pm.
Meanwhile, Universal’s Dear Evan Hansen, arguably the most prolific major studio release on the fall schedule since Shang-Chi, is not doing well after a $3.3M Friday, including $800K Thursday previews, on its way to $7.3M in the No.
- 9/25/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Dear Evan Hansen Review — Dear Evan Hansen (2021) Film Review, a movie directed by Stephen Chbosky and starring Ben Platt, Julianne Moore, Kaitlyn Dever, Amy Adams, Danny Pino, Amandla Stenberg, Colton Ryan, Nik Dodani, DeMarius Copes, Liz Kate, Zoey Luna, Isaac Powell, Marvin Leon, Hadiya Eshe, Julia Chen Myers, Gerald Caesar, Avery Bederman [...]
Continue reading: Film Review: Dear Evan Hansen (2021): A Fine Cast Makes Musical Adaptation More Tolerable Than Expected...
Continue reading: Film Review: Dear Evan Hansen (2021): A Fine Cast Makes Musical Adaptation More Tolerable Than Expected...
- 9/25/2021
- by Thomas Duffy
- Film-Book
Letter from an Unknown Human: Chbosky Hits False Note with Musical Adaptation
Now navigating its third medium following the publication of Steven Levenson’s novel and a hit Tony award winning musical, Stephen Chbosky’s adaptation of Dear Evan Hansen hurls it all into a wall with an ill-conceived, tone deaf cinematic version. Demonstrating key differences in how material might succeed as a stage play yet fail as a film, this well-intentioned essay on grief, teen suicide and mental health issues tries in vain to avoid grappling with queasy foundational attributes and awkward narrative catalysts. Whereas certain suspensions of disbelief might be possible on stage, such is not the case on celluloid, beginning with the glaring inclusion of the titular character’s Broadway originator, by now a decade too old to believably harness the teenage wasteland on which the whole shebang is perilously predicated.…...
Now navigating its third medium following the publication of Steven Levenson’s novel and a hit Tony award winning musical, Stephen Chbosky’s adaptation of Dear Evan Hansen hurls it all into a wall with an ill-conceived, tone deaf cinematic version. Demonstrating key differences in how material might succeed as a stage play yet fail as a film, this well-intentioned essay on grief, teen suicide and mental health issues tries in vain to avoid grappling with queasy foundational attributes and awkward narrative catalysts. Whereas certain suspensions of disbelief might be possible on stage, such is not the case on celluloid, beginning with the glaring inclusion of the titular character’s Broadway originator, by now a decade too old to believably harness the teenage wasteland on which the whole shebang is perilously predicated.…...
- 9/24/2021
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
Oh, the irony of a sensitive movie about depressed and socially maladroit people — thrust into the spotlight for the wrong reasons — getting pummeled in the press. Such is the fate of “Dear Evan Hansen,” which has faced an onslaught of backlash for allowing 27-year-old Ben Platt to portray the same anxious teenager he originated in the Broadway show.
As Evan, who pretends he was besties with an alienated classmate after he commits suicide, Platt is stepping into shoes he first inhabited in 2016, shortly after he reached legal drinking age. And yes, it does look a little strange, though the movie’s greatest hurdles stem more from its uneasy relationship to the big-screen medium. On stage, Evan’s plight as he becomes an accidental viral star for fake-grieving the friend he never had utilized every inch of its set design. Large screens often surrounded the action and dwarfed the characters onstage,...
As Evan, who pretends he was besties with an alienated classmate after he commits suicide, Platt is stepping into shoes he first inhabited in 2016, shortly after he reached legal drinking age. And yes, it does look a little strange, though the movie’s greatest hurdles stem more from its uneasy relationship to the big-screen medium. On stage, Evan’s plight as he becomes an accidental viral star for fake-grieving the friend he never had utilized every inch of its set design. Large screens often surrounded the action and dwarfed the characters onstage,...
- 9/24/2021
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
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