Alex Etel was in junior school when he landed the role of Damian Cunningham in Danny Boyle’s Millions, the crime comedy-drama that introduced him to moviegoers worldwide. Born into a family without any theatrical background, Etel forged a tie with acting in October 2002 when he decided to participate in an audition call at his school. Six months later, after a series of auditions, his headmistress called him out in front of his class and introduced him as a future film star. Etel did become a film star with his debut role in 2004’s Millions. His performance in the film...
- 5/31/2024
- by Banks Onuoha
- TVovermind.com
Danny Boyle is a filmmaker with undeniable style, and his earliest works distinguished him among a crop of up-and-comers as a cinematic voice worth paying attention to. Since then, however, that style has proved increasingly divisive, not just to critics and fans stymied by the unevenness of his output, but in the movies themselves, which frequently attempt to blend discordant narrative, thematic, and emotional ideas with grand visuals, and often fail. For every one of his movies that perfectly captures the febrile energy of a famous book or fascinating character, there are two or three others that scuttle a promising start with an explanation or ending that comes out of nowhere.
13. “Trance” (2013)
This follow-up to the acclaimed “127 Hours” feels like the movie every director whose work is considered “stylish” is born to make — a crime-based psychological potboiler with wild twists and turns that keep the characters and audience alike...
13. “Trance” (2013)
This follow-up to the acclaimed “127 Hours” feels like the movie every director whose work is considered “stylish” is born to make — a crime-based psychological potboiler with wild twists and turns that keep the characters and audience alike...
- 6/29/2019
- by Todd Gilchrist
- The Wrap
Odd List Ryan Lambie Simon Brew 9 Jan 2014 - 06:25
We head back a decade to look at a few films that deserve more attention. Here’s our list of 25 underappreciated movies of 2004...
Think back to 2004, and you might dredge up hazy memories of the computer-generated fairytale sequel Shrek 2, Alfonso’s Harry Potter installment, The Prisoner Of Azkaban, or maybe Mel Gibson’s phenomenally successful Passion Of The Christ.
It’s rather less likely that you’ll remember some of the films on this list. You’re probably aware of the drill by now: we’ve gone back into our distant, beer-addled memories to find 25 of the less commonly-lauded movies from the year 2004.
Some of them did reasonably well at the time, but appear to have been forgotten since (especially the one eclipsed by its own internet meme), while others were coolly received by the public or critics (and sometimes...
We head back a decade to look at a few films that deserve more attention. Here’s our list of 25 underappreciated movies of 2004...
Think back to 2004, and you might dredge up hazy memories of the computer-generated fairytale sequel Shrek 2, Alfonso’s Harry Potter installment, The Prisoner Of Azkaban, or maybe Mel Gibson’s phenomenally successful Passion Of The Christ.
It’s rather less likely that you’ll remember some of the films on this list. You’re probably aware of the drill by now: we’ve gone back into our distant, beer-addled memories to find 25 of the less commonly-lauded movies from the year 2004.
Some of them did reasonably well at the time, but appear to have been forgotten since (especially the one eclipsed by its own internet meme), while others were coolly received by the public or critics (and sometimes...
- 1/8/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Ever since his introduction onto the world stage with Shallow Grave, Danny Boyle managed to carve a unique path without having to give in to studio pressures. He is always reinventing himself, always dabbling in new genres and working with new technology – and despite a string of less-noteworthy Hollywood films, Boyle returned in 2008 with Slumdog Millionaire, which went on to win eight Oscars, and 127 Hours in 2010, which was nominated for six. Despite the recent acclaim, Boyle has always created frantic, highly-stylized films with characters often struggling with human vices and weakness. After directing the opening and closing ceremonies of The Olympic games, which nearly a billion people watched, Boyle is back with his latest project Trance, a psychological thriller in which a hypnotherapist helps an art auctioneer recover memories of where he stashed a stolen Goya. With the release of Trance, I asked our staff to list the films of Danny Boyle,...
- 4/14/2013
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
DVD Playhouse—April 2012
By Allen Gardner
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (Warner Bros.) An eleven year-old boy (newcomer Thomas Horn, in an incredible debut) discovers a mysterious key amongst the possessions of his late father (Tom Hanks) who perished in 9/11. Determined to find the lock it matches, the boy embarks on a Picaresque odyssey across New York City. Director Stephen Daldry and screenwriter Eric Roth have fashioned a film both grand and intimate, beautifully-adapted from Jonathan Safran Foer’s novel, thought by most who read it to be unfilmable. Fine support from Jeffrey Wright, Sandra Bullock, John Goodman, Viola Davis and the great Max von Sydow. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-hd 5.1 surround.
Battle Royale: The Complete Collection (Anchor Bay) Adapted from Koushun Takami’s polarizing novel (compared by champions and detractors alike as a 21st century version of A Clockwork Orange) and set in a futuristic Japan,...
By Allen Gardner
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (Warner Bros.) An eleven year-old boy (newcomer Thomas Horn, in an incredible debut) discovers a mysterious key amongst the possessions of his late father (Tom Hanks) who perished in 9/11. Determined to find the lock it matches, the boy embarks on a Picaresque odyssey across New York City. Director Stephen Daldry and screenwriter Eric Roth have fashioned a film both grand and intimate, beautifully-adapted from Jonathan Safran Foer’s novel, thought by most who read it to be unfilmable. Fine support from Jeffrey Wright, Sandra Bullock, John Goodman, Viola Davis and the great Max von Sydow. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-hd 5.1 surround.
Battle Royale: The Complete Collection (Anchor Bay) Adapted from Koushun Takami’s polarizing novel (compared by champions and detractors alike as a 21st century version of A Clockwork Orange) and set in a futuristic Japan,...
- 4/13/2012
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
Throughout the month of December, TV Editor Kate Kulzick and Film Editor Ricky D will review classic Christmas adaptions, posting a total of 13 each, one a day, until the 25th of December.
The catch: They will swap roles as Rick takes on reviews of television Christmas specials and Kate takes on Christmas movies. Today is day 16.
Millions (2004)
Written by Frank Cottrell Boyce
Directed by Danny Boyle
What’s it about?
7-year-old Damian Cunningham is still processing the loss of his mother his family’s move to the suburbs when a bag of money falls out of the sky. Damian wants to give it to people in need, though his older brother has other ideas, but the man who comes looking for it has a far more sinister plan.
Review
At first glance, one might not associate Millions with its director, Danny Boyle. It’s a sweet family film worlds apart...
The catch: They will swap roles as Rick takes on reviews of television Christmas specials and Kate takes on Christmas movies. Today is day 16.
Millions (2004)
Written by Frank Cottrell Boyce
Directed by Danny Boyle
What’s it about?
7-year-old Damian Cunningham is still processing the loss of his mother his family’s move to the suburbs when a bag of money falls out of the sky. Damian wants to give it to people in need, though his older brother has other ideas, but the man who comes looking for it has a far more sinister plan.
Review
At first glance, one might not associate Millions with its director, Danny Boyle. It’s a sweet family film worlds apart...
- 12/17/2011
- by Kate Kulzick
- SoundOnSight
Watch the Ways to Live Forever trailer - starring British teen actors Robbie Kay, Alex Etel and Ella Purnell.
The film is adapted from the highly acclaimed children's book by Sally Nicholls, and tells the story of 12-year-old leukemia sufferer Sam (played by Robbie Kay) who loves collecting fascinating facts, scary movies and spaceships and wants to try his first beer and kiss a girl. He also wants to know what happens when you die.
The film is due for release in 2011.
The film is adapted from the highly acclaimed children's book by Sally Nicholls, and tells the story of 12-year-old leukemia sufferer Sam (played by Robbie Kay) who loves collecting fascinating facts, scary movies and spaceships and wants to try his first beer and kiss a girl. He also wants to know what happens when you die.
The film is due for release in 2011.
- 1/4/2011
- by noreply@blogger.com (ScreenTerrier)
- ScreenTerrier
Ben Affleck and Danny Boyle will be honored at the upcoming 22nd annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (Psiff). Affleck will receive the Chairman's Award while Boyle will be honored with the Sonny Bono Visionary Award. ("The Town" Movie Review)
The Awards Gala will kick off the 2011 awards season on Saturday, January 8, at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Previously announced honorees are Javier Bardem, Robert Duvall, Colin Firth, Jennifer Lawrence, Carey Mulligan, Natalie Portman, David O. Russell, Diane Warren and the cast of The Social Network. The Festival runs January 6-17. ("127 Hours" movie review, and interviews with Danny Boyle and James Franco)
Here's the rest of the press release:
Commenting on Affleck, Festival Chairman Harold Matzner said, .If there is truly a renaissance man in today.s cinema, it.s Ben Affleck. He has distinguished himself as a premier writer and director, as well as an actor with a broad-ranging and impressive filmography.
The Awards Gala will kick off the 2011 awards season on Saturday, January 8, at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Previously announced honorees are Javier Bardem, Robert Duvall, Colin Firth, Jennifer Lawrence, Carey Mulligan, Natalie Portman, David O. Russell, Diane Warren and the cast of The Social Network. The Festival runs January 6-17. ("127 Hours" movie review, and interviews with Danny Boyle and James Franco)
Here's the rest of the press release:
Commenting on Affleck, Festival Chairman Harold Matzner said, .If there is truly a renaissance man in today.s cinema, it.s Ben Affleck. He has distinguished himself as a premier writer and director, as well as an actor with a broad-ranging and impressive filmography.
- 12/21/2010
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
HollywoodNews.com: The 14th Annual Hollywood Film Festival and Hollywood Awards, presented by Starz, are pleased to announce that producers Danny Boyle and Christian Colson will be honored with the “Hollywood Producer Award,” screenwriter Aaron Sorkin will get the “Hollywood Screenwriter Award,” and Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall will be honored with the “Hollywood Editor Award” at the festival’s Hollywood Awards Gala Ceremony.
The announcement was made today by Carlos de Abreu, Founder of the Hollywood Awards Gala.
“We are honored to recognize these exceptionally talented artists for their outstanding work and creative vision at this year’s Hollywood Awards Gala,” said de Abreu.
Previously announced honorees for this year’s Hollywood Awards Gala include: Sean Penn for the “Humanitarian Award”; Helena Bonham Carter for the “Supporting Actress Award”; Sam Rockwell for the “Supporting Actor Award”; Andrew Garfield for the “Breakthrough Actor Award”; Mia Wasikowska for the “Breakthrough Actress...
The announcement was made today by Carlos de Abreu, Founder of the Hollywood Awards Gala.
“We are honored to recognize these exceptionally talented artists for their outstanding work and creative vision at this year’s Hollywood Awards Gala,” said de Abreu.
Previously announced honorees for this year’s Hollywood Awards Gala include: Sean Penn for the “Humanitarian Award”; Helena Bonham Carter for the “Supporting Actress Award”; Sam Rockwell for the “Supporting Actor Award”; Andrew Garfield for the “Breakthrough Actor Award”; Mia Wasikowska for the “Breakthrough Actress...
- 9/27/2010
- by Linny Lum
- Hollywoodnews.com
London -- A plethora of familiar faces will star alongside Maggie Smith and Timothy Spall in Julian Fellowes' sophomore feature, "From Time to Time."
The cast of the film, which begins shooting this week, includes Carice van Houten, Alex Etel, Pauline Collins, Eliza Bennett, Harriet Walter, Hugh Bonneville and Dominic West.
Oscar-winning scribe Fellowes is directing "Time" from his own screenplay.
The film is produced by Liz Trubridge, Paul Kingsley and Fellowes with Barnaby Thompson and James Spring executive producing for Ealing Studios.
Based on Lucy M. Boston's series of books "The Chimneys at Green Knowe," the family saga will be shot at Ealing Studios and on location in the U.K.
"Time" is an Ealing Studios presentation of a Lionhead Prods. film and is backed by Limelight and Prescience.
International sales are being handled by Ealing Studios International, with Delanic Films having already secured U.K. rights.
The cast of the film, which begins shooting this week, includes Carice van Houten, Alex Etel, Pauline Collins, Eliza Bennett, Harriet Walter, Hugh Bonneville and Dominic West.
Oscar-winning scribe Fellowes is directing "Time" from his own screenplay.
The film is produced by Liz Trubridge, Paul Kingsley and Fellowes with Barnaby Thompson and James Spring executive producing for Ealing Studios.
Based on Lucy M. Boston's series of books "The Chimneys at Green Knowe," the family saga will be shot at Ealing Studios and on location in the U.K.
"Time" is an Ealing Studios presentation of a Lionhead Prods. film and is backed by Limelight and Prescience.
International sales are being handled by Ealing Studios International, with Delanic Films having already secured U.K. rights.
- 10/7/2008
- by By Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
LONDON -- Julian Fellowes' next movie project, "From Time to Time", has been picked up for U.K. distribution by fledgling indie distributor Delanic Films, sales house Ealing Studios International said Monday.
Fellowes' second film after "Gosford Park" also has sealed deals, with Hopscotch Films snapping up the rights for Australia and New Zealand, Odeon taking Greece, Castello Lopes securing Portugal and Shooting Stars taking the title in the Middle East.
Fellowes will direct from his own screenplay and is producing the film with Liz Trubridge and Paul Kingsley in their first venture together.
"Time", due to start shooting in the fall, counts Maggie Smith, Timothy Spall, Hugh Bonneville, Anne Reid and Alex Etel in its lineup.
It centers on a boy's journey through time to discover his family's dramatic and mysterious past and is based on Lucy M Boston's book series "The Children of Green Knowe".
Fellowes' second film after "Gosford Park" also has sealed deals, with Hopscotch Films snapping up the rights for Australia and New Zealand, Odeon taking Greece, Castello Lopes securing Portugal and Shooting Stars taking the title in the Middle East.
Fellowes will direct from his own screenplay and is producing the film with Liz Trubridge and Paul Kingsley in their first venture together.
"Time", due to start shooting in the fall, counts Maggie Smith, Timothy Spall, Hugh Bonneville, Anne Reid and Alex Etel in its lineup.
It centers on a boy's journey through time to discover his family's dramatic and mysterious past and is based on Lucy M Boston's book series "The Children of Green Knowe".
- 6/23/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Family films that won't make adults gag are always in short supply, so a pleasing British fantasy, "The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep," is a welcome addition to the holiday season.
While it boasts a lower profile than many other Christmas releases, it might catch on with parents who want to take their kids to a movie that the entire family will actually enjoy. Nifty special effects and a first-rate British cast elevate this production.
Director Jay Russell showed his talent for intelligent family fare with My Dog Skip a few years ago. This film is more ambitious; the script by Robert Nelson Jacobs (adapted from a book by Dick King-Smith) spins a more complex narrative than most children's films.
The movie begins with an older man in a pub (the splendid Brian Cox) regaling a younger couple with a magical story that began during World War II. The film then flashes back to young Angus (Alex Etel) discovering a strange encrusted egg on the beach near his country house in Scotland. He takes it home, and it hatches, bringing forth the title character, who looks like an equine version of E.T.
Angus' father has gone off to war, and his mother (Emily Watson) is a bit distracted because a local regiment is billeted at her estate to watch for German submarines. Angus and his older sister (Priyanka Xi), with the help of a taciturn handyman (Ben Chaplin), try to conceal the water horse, which grows at alarming speed. When the army finally discovers the creature, Angus and his confederates must engineer its escape.
The script admirably melds whimsical fantasy, rambunctious comedy (much of it provided by a bulldog that is the water horse's chief nemesis), suspense, and poignant family drama. There's even a hint of romance, as Watson's Anne is an object of attraction for both the handyman and the platoon captain (David Morrissey). The film gets a boost from the classy cast. Watson demonstrates her innate warmth, while Chaplin radiates movie star charisma. Morrissey, who co-starred with Watson in Hilary and Jackie, lends able support. But it's Etel who anchors the movie. Unlike some American child actors, Etel is winsome without being cloyingly cute. He holds the screen as commandingly as the young Roddy McDowall, who might have played the part if the film had been made in the 1940s.
The film also benefits from the handsome cinematography of Oliver Stapleton, who takes advantage of the spectacular settings. (Although a few scenes were shot in Scotland, most of the movie was filmed in New Zealand.) While there's nothing groundbreaking about Water Horse, it provides a couple of hours of soothing escapism.
THE WATER HORSE: LEGEND OF THE DEEP
Columbia
Revolution Studios, Walden Media, Beacon Pictures
Credits:
Director: Jay Russell
Screenwriter: Robert Nelson Jacobs
Based on the book by: Dick King-Smith
Producers: Robert Bernstein, Douglas Rae, Barrie M. Osborne, Charlie Lyons
Executive producers: Charles Newirth, Jay Russell
Director of photography: Oliver Stapleton
Production designer: Tony Burrough
Music: James Newton Howard
Costume designer: John Bloomfield
Editor: Mark Warner
Cast:
Anne MacMorrow: Emily Watson
Angus MacMorrow: Alex Etel
Lewis Mowbray: Ben Chaplin
Capt. Hamilton: David Morrissey
Kirstie MacMorrow: Priyanka Xi
Sgt. Strunk: Marshall Napier
Sgt. Walker: Joel Tobeck
Lt. Wormsley: Erroll Shand
Old Angus: Brian Cox
Running time -- 111 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
While it boasts a lower profile than many other Christmas releases, it might catch on with parents who want to take their kids to a movie that the entire family will actually enjoy. Nifty special effects and a first-rate British cast elevate this production.
Director Jay Russell showed his talent for intelligent family fare with My Dog Skip a few years ago. This film is more ambitious; the script by Robert Nelson Jacobs (adapted from a book by Dick King-Smith) spins a more complex narrative than most children's films.
The movie begins with an older man in a pub (the splendid Brian Cox) regaling a younger couple with a magical story that began during World War II. The film then flashes back to young Angus (Alex Etel) discovering a strange encrusted egg on the beach near his country house in Scotland. He takes it home, and it hatches, bringing forth the title character, who looks like an equine version of E.T.
Angus' father has gone off to war, and his mother (Emily Watson) is a bit distracted because a local regiment is billeted at her estate to watch for German submarines. Angus and his older sister (Priyanka Xi), with the help of a taciturn handyman (Ben Chaplin), try to conceal the water horse, which grows at alarming speed. When the army finally discovers the creature, Angus and his confederates must engineer its escape.
The script admirably melds whimsical fantasy, rambunctious comedy (much of it provided by a bulldog that is the water horse's chief nemesis), suspense, and poignant family drama. There's even a hint of romance, as Watson's Anne is an object of attraction for both the handyman and the platoon captain (David Morrissey). The film gets a boost from the classy cast. Watson demonstrates her innate warmth, while Chaplin radiates movie star charisma. Morrissey, who co-starred with Watson in Hilary and Jackie, lends able support. But it's Etel who anchors the movie. Unlike some American child actors, Etel is winsome without being cloyingly cute. He holds the screen as commandingly as the young Roddy McDowall, who might have played the part if the film had been made in the 1940s.
The film also benefits from the handsome cinematography of Oliver Stapleton, who takes advantage of the spectacular settings. (Although a few scenes were shot in Scotland, most of the movie was filmed in New Zealand.) While there's nothing groundbreaking about Water Horse, it provides a couple of hours of soothing escapism.
THE WATER HORSE: LEGEND OF THE DEEP
Columbia
Revolution Studios, Walden Media, Beacon Pictures
Credits:
Director: Jay Russell
Screenwriter: Robert Nelson Jacobs
Based on the book by: Dick King-Smith
Producers: Robert Bernstein, Douglas Rae, Barrie M. Osborne, Charlie Lyons
Executive producers: Charles Newirth, Jay Russell
Director of photography: Oliver Stapleton
Production designer: Tony Burrough
Music: James Newton Howard
Costume designer: John Bloomfield
Editor: Mark Warner
Cast:
Anne MacMorrow: Emily Watson
Angus MacMorrow: Alex Etel
Lewis Mowbray: Ben Chaplin
Capt. Hamilton: David Morrissey
Kirstie MacMorrow: Priyanka Xi
Sgt. Strunk: Marshall Napier
Sgt. Walker: Joel Tobeck
Lt. Wormsley: Erroll Shand
Old Angus: Brian Cox
Running time -- 111 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
- 12/14/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
David Morrissey has signed on to star opposite Emily Watson and Alex Etel in Jay Russell's fantasy The Water Horse for Walden Media, Beacon Pictures and Revolution Studios. Based on Dick King-Smith's children's book, the film centers on a Scottish boy (Etel) who finds a mysterious egg on the shore of a loch. When the egg hatches, a water horse emerges, and the boy must find ways to protect the rapidly growing creature from those who see it as a threat. Robert Nelson Jacobs is adapting the screenplay. Morrissey will play Captain Hamilton of the Royal British Army whose troop has commandeered a small diner run by the boy's mother (Watson).
- 4/25/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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