‘The Walking Dead’s Chandler Riggs, Samantha Isler Board H. Nelson Tracey’s Dramedy ’Breakup Season’
Exclusive: Chandler Riggs (The Walking Dead) and Samantha Isler (Molly’s Game) are set to lead the Christmas-themed dramedy Breakup Season, marking the feature debut of writer-director H. Nelson Tracey.
The indie going into production this month in La Grande, Oregon follows a young man (Riggs) as he brings his girlfriend (Isler) back to his rural Oregon hometown to meet his family for the first time, over the course of the holidays. The introduction doesn’t go as planned.
Pic also stars James Urbaniak (The Fabelmans), Jacob Wysocki (Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising), Brook Hogan, Carly Stewart, and Kailey Rhodes. Stephen Mastrocola, Rafi Jacobs, and Liana Montemayor of the L.A.-based Static Films will produce alongside Tracey. Also producing is Christopher Jennings, co-founder of the Eastern Oregon Film Festival, whose residency program is where the script was developed.
“I first visited La Grande, Oregon in the fall of 2019 for the annual Eastern Oregon Film Festival,...
The indie going into production this month in La Grande, Oregon follows a young man (Riggs) as he brings his girlfriend (Isler) back to his rural Oregon hometown to meet his family for the first time, over the course of the holidays. The introduction doesn’t go as planned.
Pic also stars James Urbaniak (The Fabelmans), Jacob Wysocki (Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising), Brook Hogan, Carly Stewart, and Kailey Rhodes. Stephen Mastrocola, Rafi Jacobs, and Liana Montemayor of the L.A.-based Static Films will produce alongside Tracey. Also producing is Christopher Jennings, co-founder of the Eastern Oregon Film Festival, whose residency program is where the script was developed.
“I first visited La Grande, Oregon in the fall of 2019 for the annual Eastern Oregon Film Festival,...
- 2/7/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Long-time ICM agent Lauren Williams has moved to Echo Lake Entertainment as a talent manager and producer. Williams will bring her existing client roster which includes Italia Ricci (Designated Survivor), Samantha Isler (Captain Fantastic), Daisy Betts (The Last Resort), Lana Condor (X-Men: Apocalypse) and Orfeh (Legally Blonde on Broadway) among others.
“We are thrilled to have Lauren join our growing management division,” said Mike Marcus, head of Echo Lake Management. “We look forward to working with her in her role as manager as well as producing with her.”
Prior to the new post, Williams started in ICM’s TV Literary department before being promoted to agent in the talent department. In addition, she serves on the Board of Women in Film and is also an avid animal lover and board member of Much Love Animal Rescue.
“We are very grateful for Lauren’s contributions during her tenure at ICM and...
“We are thrilled to have Lauren join our growing management division,” said Mike Marcus, head of Echo Lake Management. “We look forward to working with her in her role as manager as well as producing with her.”
Prior to the new post, Williams started in ICM’s TV Literary department before being promoted to agent in the talent department. In addition, she serves on the Board of Women in Film and is also an avid animal lover and board member of Much Love Animal Rescue.
“We are very grateful for Lauren’s contributions during her tenure at ICM and...
- 5/1/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Merry Christmas! As you open your presents, a really terrific film is also opening today, in theaters. It’s Molly’s Game, the directorial debut of ace scribe Aaron Sorkin. Long considered one of the best writers in Hollywood, he’s moved behind the camera to direct this drama, becoming a full fledged filmmaker. Sorkin makes a terrific debut here too, showing he’s just a strong a director, which is exciting to consider when thinking about his future. Now out in theaters, it’s potentially an awards player too. If that doesn’t scream must see, I don’t know what does. This is a flick not to miss, ladies and gentlemen. The film is a biopic of Molly Bloom (Jessica Chastain), a former Olympic quality skier who ended up running some of the most notorious poker games in the country. In adapting her memoir, the movie showcases Molly...
- 12/25/2017
- by Joey Magidson
- Hollywoodnews.com
Sneak Peek more new footage, plus images from Aaron Sorkin's directorial debut, "Molly's Game", based on "Molly's Game: From Hollywood's Elite to Wall Street's Billionaire Boys Club, My High-Stakes Adventure in the World of Underground Poker" by author Molly Bloom, starring Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba and Kevin Costner, opening November 22, 2017:
"...'Molly Bloom' (Chastain), is an Olympic-class skier who ran the world’s most exclusive high-stakes poker game for a decade before being arrested in the middle of the night by 17 FBI agents.
"Her players included Hollywood royalty, sports stars, business titans and unknown to her a Russian mob.
"Her only ally was her criminal defense lawyer 'Charlie Jaffey' (Elba)...
"...who learned there was more to Molly than the tabloids led us to believe..."
Cast also includes Samantha Isler, Brian d'Arcy James, Chris O'Dowd, Michael Cera and J. C. MacKenzie .
Click the images to enlarge and...
"...'Molly Bloom' (Chastain), is an Olympic-class skier who ran the world’s most exclusive high-stakes poker game for a decade before being arrested in the middle of the night by 17 FBI agents.
"Her players included Hollywood royalty, sports stars, business titans and unknown to her a Russian mob.
"Her only ally was her criminal defense lawyer 'Charlie Jaffey' (Elba)...
"...who learned there was more to Molly than the tabloids led us to believe..."
Cast also includes Samantha Isler, Brian d'Arcy James, Chris O'Dowd, Michael Cera and J. C. MacKenzie .
Click the images to enlarge and...
- 9/16/2017
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
After a short tease posted by none other than star Jessica Chastain herself on Twitter yesterday, we now have the Trailer for Molly’s Game. This drama marks the directorial debut of screenwriter Aaron Sorkin. The pairing of these two seemed like it would create real sparks, and judging by this Trailer, that is certainly the case. You’ll be able to check it out at the bottom of this piece (you must know the drill by now), but before that, we need to discuss the film a bit. This could be a real big Oscar player when all is said and done in 2017… The movie is an adaptation of Molly Bloom’s memoir. It’s described thusly: “The true story of an Olympic-class skier who ran the world’s most exclusive high-stakes poker game and became an FBI target. Her players included movie stars, business titans and unbeknownst to her,...
- 8/15/2017
- by Joey Magidson
- Hollywoodnews.com
Sneak Peek new footage, plus images from writer Aaron Sorkin's directorial debut, "Molly's Game", based on the memoir "Molly's Game: From Hollywood's Elite to Wall Street's Billionaire Boys Club, My High-Stakes Adventure in the World of Underground Poker" by author Molly Bloom, starring Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba and Kevin Costner, opening November 22, 2017:
"...'Molly Bloom' (Chastain), is an Olympic-class skier who ran the world’s most exclusive high-stakes poker game for a decade before being arrested in the middle of the night by 17 FBI agents.
"Her players included Hollywood royalty, sports stars, business titans and unknown to her the Russian mob. Her only ally was her criminal defense lawyer 'Charlie Jaffey' (Elba), who learned that there was much more to Molly than the tabloids led us to believe..."
Cast also includes Samantha Isler, Brian d'Arcy James, Chris O'Dowd, Michael Cera and J. C. MacKenzie .
Click the...
"...'Molly Bloom' (Chastain), is an Olympic-class skier who ran the world’s most exclusive high-stakes poker game for a decade before being arrested in the middle of the night by 17 FBI agents.
"Her players included Hollywood royalty, sports stars, business titans and unknown to her the Russian mob. Her only ally was her criminal defense lawyer 'Charlie Jaffey' (Elba), who learned that there was much more to Molly than the tabloids led us to believe..."
Cast also includes Samantha Isler, Brian d'Arcy James, Chris O'Dowd, Michael Cera and J. C. MacKenzie .
Click the...
- 8/15/2017
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
A grieving sister encounters strange, supernatural forces in the new thriller Dig Two Graves, and to commemorate its release in theaters and on iTunes, we caught up with co-writer / director Hunter Adams for our latest Q&A feature to discuss collaborating with actor Ted Levine, filming in a brutally cold winter, and much more.
Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions for us, Hunter! How and when did you first come up with the idea for Dig Two Graves?
Hunter Adams: I was interested in the idea of a dark fairy tale about a young person who has to wrestle with a morally ambiguous decision. The three moonshiners were modeled after the three witches in Macbeth. Like Shakespeare’s hags, I wanted to create mystery around the moonshiner’s intentions and powers. Are they supernatural or just manipulative? Do they have motivations or are they simply agents...
Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions for us, Hunter! How and when did you first come up with the idea for Dig Two Graves?
Hunter Adams: I was interested in the idea of a dark fairy tale about a young person who has to wrestle with a morally ambiguous decision. The three moonshiners were modeled after the three witches in Macbeth. Like Shakespeare’s hags, I wanted to create mystery around the moonshiner’s intentions and powers. Are they supernatural or just manipulative? Do they have motivations or are they simply agents...
- 3/30/2017
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
MaryAnn’s quick take… Muddy and muddled 70s-style backwoods gothic Americana only comes to life when it rises to the accidentally silly. Little more than an incoherent showreel. I’m “biast” (pro): desperate for movies about girls
I’m “biast” (con): nothing
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto)
Edge-of-your-seat suspense thriller,” they said. “A young girl’s obsession,” they said. “A nightmarish journey,” they said. I would like to see that movie. Dig Two Graves is not it. Young teen Jake (Samantha Isler) is not obsessed over the accidental death of her brother, just normally sad. When she meets the creepy carnival-esque trickster magicians who offer to bring her brother back from the dead, she mostly runs away from them — maybe that’s the “journey”? — and when she isn’t running away, she’s remarkably matter-of-fact about them. American writer-director Hunter Adams, in his second feature,...
I’m “biast” (con): nothing
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto)
Edge-of-your-seat suspense thriller,” they said. “A young girl’s obsession,” they said. “A nightmarish journey,” they said. I would like to see that movie. Dig Two Graves is not it. Young teen Jake (Samantha Isler) is not obsessed over the accidental death of her brother, just normally sad. When she meets the creepy carnival-esque trickster magicians who offer to bring her brother back from the dead, she mostly runs away from them — maybe that’s the “journey”? — and when she isn’t running away, she’s remarkably matter-of-fact about them. American writer-director Hunter Adams, in his second feature,...
- 3/24/2017
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
A backwoods gothic that’s more successful at conjuring atmosphere than delivering a satisfactorily cohesive plot, Dig Two Graves’ hints of horror gradually disperse, revealing a fairly conventional tale of revenge and redemption that should primarily lure audiences with a provocative trailer and enticing casting.
In an effort connect the storyline with prior events transpiring in the 1940s, writer-director Hunter Adams sets the film in the rural Midwest during the mid-'70s. After the mysterious drowning death of her older brother Sean (Ben Schneider) in a flooded quarry, 13-year-old Jacqueline (Samantha Isler), known as “Jake,” tries to support her grieving parents while...
In an effort connect the storyline with prior events transpiring in the 1940s, writer-director Hunter Adams sets the film in the rural Midwest during the mid-'70s. After the mysterious drowning death of her older brother Sean (Ben Schneider) in a flooded quarry, 13-year-old Jacqueline (Samantha Isler), known as “Jake,” tries to support her grieving parents while...
- 3/24/2017
- by Justin Lowe
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Chicago – One of the local filmmaker heroes has been Hunter Adams, the director of “Dig Two Graves.” Shot in Southern Illinois in the infamous “Little Egypt” area, Adams took a shoestring budget and created a tense and mysterious supernatural thriller. “Dig Two Graves” will get its theatrical and iTunes release on Friday, March 24th, 2017, and will play in Chicago at the AMC River East Theatre (details below).
The film mixes unexplained elements with a thriller about generational violence that has plagued a small town. After 13-year-old Jacqueline Mather (Samantha Isler) loses her brother in a mysterious drowning, she is visited by three backwoods moonshiners who give her a strange offer…they can bring her brother back to life. This bizarre promise is linked to Mather’s grandfather, the local Sheriff Waterhouse (Ted Levine), as his dark history is tied to the true intentions of the moonshiners. The film is set in the 1970s,...
The film mixes unexplained elements with a thriller about generational violence that has plagued a small town. After 13-year-old Jacqueline Mather (Samantha Isler) loses her brother in a mysterious drowning, she is visited by three backwoods moonshiners who give her a strange offer…they can bring her brother back to life. This bizarre promise is linked to Mather’s grandfather, the local Sheriff Waterhouse (Ted Levine), as his dark history is tied to the true intentions of the moonshiners. The film is set in the 1970s,...
- 3/23/2017
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Welcome back to the Weekend Warrior, your weekly look at the new movies hitting theaters this weekend, as well as other cool events and things to check out.
So we’re going to try something different this week, because the Weekend Warrior has been getting a little long in the tooth, and we’re worried that our busy readers may prefer shorter and more concise pieces. We’ll give this a try over the next few weeks and maybe I’ll write a little more when there’s a bigger movie opening.
How Will Power Rangers and Two Other Movies Fare Against Disney’s Beauty and the Beast?
This past weekend, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast reigned supreme with nearly $175 million--over $20 million more than my prediction (ouch!)--and even with a substantial drop this weekend, it’s unlikely that any of the three new movies will be able to...
So we’re going to try something different this week, because the Weekend Warrior has been getting a little long in the tooth, and we’re worried that our busy readers may prefer shorter and more concise pieces. We’ll give this a try over the next few weeks and maybe I’ll write a little more when there’s a bigger movie opening.
How Will Power Rangers and Two Other Movies Fare Against Disney’s Beauty and the Beast?
This past weekend, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast reigned supreme with nearly $175 million--over $20 million more than my prediction (ouch!)--and even with a substantial drop this weekend, it’s unlikely that any of the three new movies will be able to...
- 3/23/2017
- by Edward Douglas
- LRMonline.com
In Hunter Adams’ “Dig Two Graves,” the death of her brother turns into an inescapable obsession for young Jake Mather (Samantha Isler). What follows is is a blurring together of classic horror with fantasy and drama.
Read More: Watch: Fantasy And Reality Collide In Trailer For Takashi Miike’s Supernatural Horror ‘Over Your Dead Body’
When her brother dies after cliff diving accident, Jake takes it upon herself to discover the truth. She encounters various mysterious figures, who all promise to offer her the kind of magic that could bring someone (like Jack) back to life, but someone has to take his place — wherever that may be.
If Jake wants to bring her brother back, she is faced with the decision of just how far she will go — what price will you pay in order to bring back someone you love? For Jake, it means meddling around in the dangers of magic,...
Read More: Watch: Fantasy And Reality Collide In Trailer For Takashi Miike’s Supernatural Horror ‘Over Your Dead Body’
When her brother dies after cliff diving accident, Jake takes it upon herself to discover the truth. She encounters various mysterious figures, who all promise to offer her the kind of magic that could bring someone (like Jack) back to life, but someone has to take his place — wherever that may be.
If Jake wants to bring her brother back, she is faced with the decision of just how far she will go — what price will you pay in order to bring back someone you love? For Jake, it means meddling around in the dangers of magic,...
- 3/16/2017
- by Kerry Levielle
- Indiewire
Genre fans should get excited, as March’s VOD releases are a stellar bunch and should keep you busy through the entire month. Things kick off with Mike Mendez’s Don’t Kill It and The Institute, which was co-directed by James Franco. March 7th is a busy day, with five VOD releases—Bloodrunners, Devil in the Dark, Galaxy of Horrors, Johnny Frank Garrett’s Last Word, and The Lesson—and both Elle and The Devil’s Candy make their digital debuts the following week.
Prevenge rounds out March’s digital releases, as it has been exclusively picked up by the fine folks at Shudder, and other notable VOD releases for the month include Lavender (which expands from its exclusive Dish premiere in February), Passengers, Atomica, and House on Willow Street.
Don’t Kill It (Archstone Distribution) – March 3rd
An ancient evil is unleashed in a small Mississippi town, leaving...
Prevenge rounds out March’s digital releases, as it has been exclusively picked up by the fine folks at Shudder, and other notable VOD releases for the month include Lavender (which expands from its exclusive Dish premiere in February), Passengers, Atomica, and House on Willow Street.
Don’t Kill It (Archstone Distribution) – March 3rd
An ancient evil is unleashed in a small Mississippi town, leaving...
- 3/1/2017
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
"How far would you go to bring someone back?" Area 23a has debuted a trailer for an indie horror titled Dig Two Graves, from director Hunter Adams, which has been waiting for distribution for years. This film premiered at the New Orleans Film Festival way back in 2014, but is just now getting released in theaters March 2017. Dig Two Graves is a supernatural thriller about a young girl's obsession with her brother's death which leads her on a nightmarish journey where she is faced with a deadly proposition to bring him back. Samantha Isler stars as the lead, with Ted Levine, Danny Goldring, Troy Ruptash, Rachael Drummond, Dean Evans and Bradley Grant Smith. This looks fairly creepy, and probably forgettable. Here's the first official trailer (+ poster) for Hunter Adams' Dig Two Graves, direct from YouTube: A supernatural thriller about the generational violence that plagues a small, backwoods town, set in the 1970s,...
- 2/22/2017
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Keep up with the wild and wooly world of indie film acquisitions with our weekly Rundown of everything that’s been picked up around the globe. Check out last week’s Rundown here.
-The Weinstein Company has acquired the distribution rights for the U.S. and Canada to director Joel Hopkins’s upcoming film “Hampstead.” Written by Robert Festinger, the film stars Diane Keaton, Brendan Gleeson and James Norton. The project was produced by Robert Bernstein and Douglas Rae at Ecosse Films. “Hampstead” focuses on an American widow and her relationship with an unkempt man in the Heath whose lifestyle comes under siege by property developers.
“We’re thrilled to work with Robert Bernstein, Douglas Rae and the incredible Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson on this film,” TWC co-chairman Harvey Weinstein said in a statement. “‘Hampstead’ is a great example of the power we all can have when we stand...
-The Weinstein Company has acquired the distribution rights for the U.S. and Canada to director Joel Hopkins’s upcoming film “Hampstead.” Written by Robert Festinger, the film stars Diane Keaton, Brendan Gleeson and James Norton. The project was produced by Robert Bernstein and Douglas Rae at Ecosse Films. “Hampstead” focuses on an American widow and her relationship with an unkempt man in the Heath whose lifestyle comes under siege by property developers.
“We’re thrilled to work with Robert Bernstein, Douglas Rae and the incredible Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson on this film,” TWC co-chairman Harvey Weinstein said in a statement. “‘Hampstead’ is a great example of the power we all can have when we stand...
- 2/3/2017
- by Graham Winfrey
- Indiewire
The Screen Actors Guild held the 23izd SAG Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017. Here is a complete list of all the winners and nominees.
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Casey Affleck / Lee Chandler – “Manchester By The Sea” (Amazon Studios and Roadside Attractions)
Andrew Garfield / Desmond Doss – “Hacksaw Ridge” (Lionsgate)
Ryan Gosling / Sebastian –“La La Land” (Lionsgate)
Viggo Mortensen / Ben – “Captain Fantastic” (Bleecker Street)
Denzel Washington / Troy Maxson – “Fences” (Paramount Pictures) – Winner
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Amy Adams / Louise Banks – “Arrival” (Paramount Pictures)
Emily Blunt / Rachel – “The Girl On The Train” (Universal Pictures)
Natalie Portman / Jackie Kennedy – “Jackie” (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
Emma Stone / Mia – “La La Land” (Lionsgate) – Winner
Meryl Streep / Florence Foster Jenkins – “Florence Foster Jenkins” (Paramount Pictures)
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Mahershala Ali / Juan – “Moonlight” (A24) – Winner
Jeff Bridges / Marcus...
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Casey Affleck / Lee Chandler – “Manchester By The Sea” (Amazon Studios and Roadside Attractions)
Andrew Garfield / Desmond Doss – “Hacksaw Ridge” (Lionsgate)
Ryan Gosling / Sebastian –“La La Land” (Lionsgate)
Viggo Mortensen / Ben – “Captain Fantastic” (Bleecker Street)
Denzel Washington / Troy Maxson – “Fences” (Paramount Pictures) – Winner
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Amy Adams / Louise Banks – “Arrival” (Paramount Pictures)
Emily Blunt / Rachel – “The Girl On The Train” (Universal Pictures)
Natalie Portman / Jackie Kennedy – “Jackie” (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
Emma Stone / Mia – “La La Land” (Lionsgate) – Winner
Meryl Streep / Florence Foster Jenkins – “Florence Foster Jenkins” (Paramount Pictures)
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Mahershala Ali / Juan – “Moonlight” (A24) – Winner
Jeff Bridges / Marcus...
- 1/30/2017
- by Gregory Ellwood
- The Playlist
23rd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards have delivered their batch of nominations this morning, with Kenneth Lonergan‘s Manchester by the Sea leading the pack with four nominations. Close behind are Fences and Moonlight, each picking three nods, while Captain Fantastic, Florence Foster Jenkins, Hacksaw Ridge, Hidden Figures, La La Land, and Lion each grabbed a pair.
In terms of surprises, The Girl on the Train‘s Emily Blunt beat out the likes of Isabelle Huppert (Elle), Ruth Negga (Loving) and Annette Bening (20th Century Women) for a Best Actress nod and, for some reason, Nocturnal Animals, got recognition for its stunt work. With the awards ceremony taking place on January 29, see all the film nominations for the ceremony below.
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Casey Affleck / Lee Chandler – “Manchester By The Sea” (Amazon Studios and Roadside Attractions)
Andrew Garfield / Desmond Doss – “Hacksaw Ridge” (Lionsgate...
In terms of surprises, The Girl on the Train‘s Emily Blunt beat out the likes of Isabelle Huppert (Elle), Ruth Negga (Loving) and Annette Bening (20th Century Women) for a Best Actress nod and, for some reason, Nocturnal Animals, got recognition for its stunt work. With the awards ceremony taking place on January 29, see all the film nominations for the ceremony below.
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Casey Affleck / Lee Chandler – “Manchester By The Sea” (Amazon Studios and Roadside Attractions)
Andrew Garfield / Desmond Doss – “Hacksaw Ridge” (Lionsgate...
- 12/14/2016
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Each year one of our awards traditions is to help fellow Bfca members choose more wisely when it comes to the "Young Performer" category by sharing an eligibility list. The lazy nominations each year prove that help is needed. Here's the thing: it can be difficult to even think of who is eligible when you're filling out a ballot because you don't get a list of choices and it's not a category people campaign for or one that the internet talks about. So we solve that problem right here. Our other belief, which is why we do this, is that if you actually pay attention there are enough worthy performances each year to divvy this category up into male and female as the other acting categories are divvied up. But, yes, you have to be paying attention beyond 5 or 6 movies and leading roles to notice the truly special work.
Ballots...
Ballots...
- 11/17/2016
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
While we were busy doing other things, Aaron Sorkin has quietly put together an impressive cast for his directorial debut. Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba, Michael Cera, Kevin Costner, Brian d’Arcy James, J.C. McKenzie and Samantha Isler are already on board for the movie, which has now added for more talents to the ensemble.
Read More: Michael Cera Joins Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba In Aaron Sorkin’s Directorial Debut
Chris O’Dowd, Jeremy Strong, Bill Camp (aka the detective from “The Night Of“) and Graham Greene have also signed up to the high stakes poker drama.
Continue reading Chris O’Dowd Joins The Impressive Cast Of Aaron Sorkin’s ‘Molly’s Game’ at The Playlist.
Read More: Michael Cera Joins Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba In Aaron Sorkin’s Directorial Debut
Chris O’Dowd, Jeremy Strong, Bill Camp (aka the detective from “The Night Of“) and Graham Greene have also signed up to the high stakes poker drama.
Continue reading Chris O’Dowd Joins The Impressive Cast Of Aaron Sorkin’s ‘Molly’s Game’ at The Playlist.
- 11/10/2016
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Credit: Erik Simkins / Bleecker Street
Captain Fantastic may sound like the title of comic book movie but this warm, thoughtful film centers on a different kind of hero, a father who has devoted his life to his children. He is indeed a fantastic father, even if his ideas about how to raise his kids is far out of the mainstream, something which comes to the fore when his family faces a life-altering crisis. Captain Fantastic is an emotionally moving film that mixes drama and a bit of humor in a touching story of an unconventional family who have to work through their grief to find a new way to interact with conventional society.
Viggo Mortensen turns in a wonderful performance as that father, Ben Cash. Ben and his wife Leslie (Trin Miller) chose to leave prosperous conventional lives behind to raise their six children in a counter-culture utopia off the grid – way off the grid.
Captain Fantastic may sound like the title of comic book movie but this warm, thoughtful film centers on a different kind of hero, a father who has devoted his life to his children. He is indeed a fantastic father, even if his ideas about how to raise his kids is far out of the mainstream, something which comes to the fore when his family faces a life-altering crisis. Captain Fantastic is an emotionally moving film that mixes drama and a bit of humor in a touching story of an unconventional family who have to work through their grief to find a new way to interact with conventional society.
Viggo Mortensen turns in a wonderful performance as that father, Ben Cash. Ben and his wife Leslie (Trin Miller) chose to leave prosperous conventional lives behind to raise their six children in a counter-culture utopia off the grid – way off the grid.
- 7/22/2016
- by Cate Marquis
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Chicago – In this year of morally unique relationship films (“Swiss Army Man”), add the recently released “Captain Fantastic” to the mix. The film, written and directed by Matt Ross, is like a fable of unintended consequences, where a father raises his children to live off the ‘grid,’ away from typical 2016 civilization.
The father in the film is Viggo Mortensen (“Eastern Promises”), and the situation complicates itself when the mother of the six children dies, leaving the father no choice but to bring them back into “civilization” to attend the funeral. Writer/director Matt Ross – who as an actor also portrays Gavin Belson on HBO’s “Silicon Valley” – combines anarchist political philosophy with the extreme survival skills of the family to illustrate a point about our modern society, mostly in the sense that despite all our current abilities to technically communicate with one another, we still remain separated.
Matt Ross Directs...
The father in the film is Viggo Mortensen (“Eastern Promises”), and the situation complicates itself when the mother of the six children dies, leaving the father no choice but to bring them back into “civilization” to attend the funeral. Writer/director Matt Ross – who as an actor also portrays Gavin Belson on HBO’s “Silicon Valley” – combines anarchist political philosophy with the extreme survival skills of the family to illustrate a point about our modern society, mostly in the sense that despite all our current abilities to technically communicate with one another, we still remain separated.
Matt Ross Directs...
- 7/18/2016
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
These kids, including the child actors who played their brothers in .Captain Fantastic. are simply amazing! I sat down with the child actresses (From L to R: Shree Cooks, Annalise Basso, and Samantha Isler to talk about their fantastic movie starring Viggo Mortensen from director Matt Ross (Un Certain Regard winner at this year.s Cannes). I love the movie and these kids!
- 7/14/2016
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Chicago – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 20 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the new Sundance Film Festival and Cannes Film Festival hit drama “Captain Fantastic” starring Viggo Mortensen and Steve Zahn!
“Captain Fantastic,” which is rated “R,” also stars Frank Langella, Kathryn Hahn, Trin Miller, George MacKay, Samantha Isler, Annalise Basso, Nicholas Hamilton and Shree Crooks from writer and director Matt Ross. Note: You must be 17+ to win and attend this “R”-rated screening.
To win your free passes to “Captain Fantastic” courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, just get interactive with our social media widget below. That’s it! This screening is on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at 7 p.m. in downtown Chicago. The more social actions you complete, the more points you score and the higher yours odds of winning! Completing these social actions only increases your odds of winning; this doesn’t intensify your competition!
“Captain Fantastic,” which is rated “R,” also stars Frank Langella, Kathryn Hahn, Trin Miller, George MacKay, Samantha Isler, Annalise Basso, Nicholas Hamilton and Shree Crooks from writer and director Matt Ross. Note: You must be 17+ to win and attend this “R”-rated screening.
To win your free passes to “Captain Fantastic” courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, just get interactive with our social media widget below. That’s it! This screening is on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at 7 p.m. in downtown Chicago. The more social actions you complete, the more points you score and the higher yours odds of winning! Completing these social actions only increases your odds of winning; this doesn’t intensify your competition!
- 7/13/2016
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
As family road movies of the off-beat, Sundance ilk go, Captain Fantastic is a standout, zigging whenever indie convention dictates it should zag, offering a fresh rendition of an old formula. Writer-director Matt Ross follows a clan of six children living deep in the lush forests of Oregon, led by their charismatic father, Ben Cash (Viggo Mortensen), an outdoorsman/philosopher who’s built them a life of hunting, gathering and book-fueled enlightenment, disentangled from societal norms and unplugged from the digital world altogether.
Ross explores the friction between Cash’s off-the-grid credo and their extended family’s decidedly “real-world,” all-American way of life via scenarios that occasionally lack nuance but are nevertheless sharp and thought-provoking and dovetail nicely into and out of each other, making for an intellectually stimulating yet wholly approachable tale of family dysfunction and adventure.
The story opens with a sensually shot rite of passage: Ben’s eldest,...
Ross explores the friction between Cash’s off-the-grid credo and their extended family’s decidedly “real-world,” all-American way of life via scenarios that occasionally lack nuance but are nevertheless sharp and thought-provoking and dovetail nicely into and out of each other, making for an intellectually stimulating yet wholly approachable tale of family dysfunction and adventure.
The story opens with a sensually shot rite of passage: Ben’s eldest,...
- 7/11/2016
- by Bernard Boo
- We Got This Covered
To help sift through the increasing number of new releases (independent or otherwise), the Weekly Film Guide is here! Below you’ll find basic plot, personnel and cinema information for all of this week’s fresh offerings.
Starting this month, we’ve also put together a list for the entire month. We’ve included this week’s list below, complete with information on screening locations for films in limited release.
See More: Here Are All the Upcoming Movies in Theaters for July 2016
Here are the films opening theatrically in the U.S. the week of Friday, July 8. All synopses provided by distributor unless listed otherwise.
Wide
Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates
Director: Jake Szymanski
Cast: Adam DeVine, Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza, Zac Efron
Synopsis: Two brothers place an online ad to find dates for a wedding and the ad goes viral.
The Secret Life of Pets
Director: Chris Renaud,...
Starting this month, we’ve also put together a list for the entire month. We’ve included this week’s list below, complete with information on screening locations for films in limited release.
See More: Here Are All the Upcoming Movies in Theaters for July 2016
Here are the films opening theatrically in the U.S. the week of Friday, July 8. All synopses provided by distributor unless listed otherwise.
Wide
Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates
Director: Jake Szymanski
Cast: Adam DeVine, Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza, Zac Efron
Synopsis: Two brothers place an online ad to find dates for a wedding and the ad goes viral.
The Secret Life of Pets
Director: Chris Renaud,...
- 7/8/2016
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
You often have to take praise that comes from the Sundance Film Festival with a grain of salt. That being said, when a title goes from Sundance to the Cannes Film Festival, that’s a sign that we have quality on our hands. This movie wound up blowing me away when I saw it last month, and this week it hits theaters. Not only did it surprise me with how tremendous it was, I was absolutely thrilled with how it even exceeded the reviews that had come previously. Filmmaker Matt Ross has something pretty special on his hands here, and I really hope that it gets properly appreciated by audiences. The film is an often funny drama about a pseudo survivalist named Ben (Viggo Mortensen) and his very unusual family. Hidden away in a remote part of the pacific northwest, Ben and his wife Leslie (Trin Miller) are raising six kids decidedly off the grid.
- 7/7/2016
- by Joey Magidson
- Hollywoodnews.com
★★★☆☆ Not to be confused with the plethora of superheroes currently smashing each other to bits on our cinema screens, Matt Ross' Captain Fantastic is an effective, comic road movie which doesn't quite dare to be as radical as its protagonists. Viggo Mortensen plays Ben, a man who has taken his family into the wilds to live the "good life". However, unlike Tom and Barbara in the BBC sitcom of that name, Ben has fully committed. His son Bodevan (George MacKay) kills a deer in the first scene and is blooded by his father as he becomes a man. The brood of children - Nai (Charlie Shotwell), Rellian (Nicholas Hamilton), Zaja (Shree Crooks), Kielyr (Samantha Isler) and Vespyr (Annalise Basso) - all have made-up names to be unique.
- 5/18/2016
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
Bleecker St. Films has released the first trailer and poster for their upcoming gem of a film, Captain Fantastic.
The movie stars Viggo Mortensen, Frank Langella, George MacKay, Samantha Isler, Annalise Basso, Nicholas Hamilton, Shree Crooks, Charlie Shotwell, Ann Dowd, Erin Moriarty, Missi Pyle, with Kathryn Hahn and Steve Zahn.
Deep in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, isolated from society, a devoted father (Viggo Mortensen) dedicates his life to transforming his six young children into extraordinary adults. But when a tragedy strikes the family, they are forced to leave this self-created paradise and begin a journey into the outside world that challenges his idea of what it means to be a parent and brings into question everything he’s taught them.
In his Sundance 2016 review, Brian Moylan says the film is, “Gorgeously shot and peppered with genuine emotion, this is a great sophomore effort for writer/director Matt Ross,...
The movie stars Viggo Mortensen, Frank Langella, George MacKay, Samantha Isler, Annalise Basso, Nicholas Hamilton, Shree Crooks, Charlie Shotwell, Ann Dowd, Erin Moriarty, Missi Pyle, with Kathryn Hahn and Steve Zahn.
Deep in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, isolated from society, a devoted father (Viggo Mortensen) dedicates his life to transforming his six young children into extraordinary adults. But when a tragedy strikes the family, they are forced to leave this self-created paradise and begin a journey into the outside world that challenges his idea of what it means to be a parent and brings into question everything he’s taught them.
In his Sundance 2016 review, Brian Moylan says the film is, “Gorgeously shot and peppered with genuine emotion, this is a great sophomore effort for writer/director Matt Ross,...
- 4/29/2016
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Captain America, Captain Nemo and, to a lesser extent, Captain Marvel have all been making the headlines of late, but of Captain Fantastic? Bound for Cannes Film Festival next month, Matt Ross’ impassioned dramedy has today debuted its maiden trailer, thrusting Viggo Mortensen into the throes of a family crisis.
Written and directed by Moss, Captain Fantastic opens with Mortensen’s father emerging from a prolonged stint in the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest. Revelling in isolation, the wayward patriarch is handed a crude awakening when his beloved wife suddenly passes away, leaving him to raise six wide-eyed and curious children all on his lonesome.
Putting some distance between his grieving family and his far-flung haven, Captain Fantastic then sees Mortensen journey into the city, opening up a whole new perspective on parentage and life in general. Powerful stuff, in the right hands, and we’re excited to see how...
Written and directed by Moss, Captain Fantastic opens with Mortensen’s father emerging from a prolonged stint in the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest. Revelling in isolation, the wayward patriarch is handed a crude awakening when his beloved wife suddenly passes away, leaving him to raise six wide-eyed and curious children all on his lonesome.
Putting some distance between his grieving family and his far-flung haven, Captain Fantastic then sees Mortensen journey into the city, opening up a whole new perspective on parentage and life in general. Powerful stuff, in the right hands, and we’re excited to see how...
- 4/27/2016
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
Exclusive Teaser Clip From Dig Two Graves
The film festival favorite Dig Two Graves is heading to home video in the near future – read the HorrorNews.Net review of Dig Two Graves here. However, before that happens, you have the chance to see this incredible film starring Ted Levine and Samantha Isler at the Tcl Chinese Theater in Hollywood as part of the Dances ...
Hnn | Horrornews.net - Official News Site...
The film festival favorite Dig Two Graves is heading to home video in the near future – read the HorrorNews.Net review of Dig Two Graves here. However, before that happens, you have the chance to see this incredible film starring Ted Levine and Samantha Isler at the Tcl Chinese Theater in Hollywood as part of the Dances ...
Hnn | Horrornews.net - Official News Site...
- 5/30/2015
- by Doc Rotten
- Horror News
Viggo Mortensen drama, directed by Matt Ross, adds cast including Steve Zahn, Kathryn Hahn, Missi Pyle and Erin Moriarty.
Entertainment One has secured the international rights to Captain Fantastic, the upcoming comedy-drama starring Viggo Mortensen, written and directed by Matt Ross. Wme Global represents Us rights.
eOne will handle sales of the film in all territories outside of the Us, as well as directly distribute Captain Fantastic in the UK, Canada and Australia/New Zealand.
It has also been revealed that Steve Zahn, Kathryn Hahn, Missi Pyle and Erin Moriarty have joined the film’s cast, which also features Frank Langella and rising stars George MacKay, Annalise Basso, Samantha Isler, Nicholas Hamilton, Shree Crooks and Charlie Shotwell.
Producers are Electric City Entertainment’s Lynette Howell and Jamie Patricof alongside ShivHans Pictures’ Shivani Rawat and Nimitt Mankad. Rawat is also financing the film via ShivHans Pictures. Executive producer is ShivHans’ Monica Levinson.
Van Lier and...
Entertainment One has secured the international rights to Captain Fantastic, the upcoming comedy-drama starring Viggo Mortensen, written and directed by Matt Ross. Wme Global represents Us rights.
eOne will handle sales of the film in all territories outside of the Us, as well as directly distribute Captain Fantastic in the UK, Canada and Australia/New Zealand.
It has also been revealed that Steve Zahn, Kathryn Hahn, Missi Pyle and Erin Moriarty have joined the film’s cast, which also features Frank Langella and rising stars George MacKay, Annalise Basso, Samantha Isler, Nicholas Hamilton, Shree Crooks and Charlie Shotwell.
Producers are Electric City Entertainment’s Lynette Howell and Jamie Patricof alongside ShivHans Pictures’ Shivani Rawat and Nimitt Mankad. Rawat is also financing the film via ShivHans Pictures. Executive producer is ShivHans’ Monica Levinson.
Van Lier and...
- 8/4/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Toronto — Steve Zahn, Kathryn Hahn, Missi Pyle and Erin Moriarty have joined the cast for the Matt Ross-directed dramedy Captain Fantastic. The latest talent additions come as Entertainment One announced Monday that it had picked up the international rights to the Viggo Mortensen-starrer. The Canadian distributor, while handling sales beyond the U.S. market, will also release Captain Fantastic in the U.K., Canada and Australia/New Zealand. The film also stars Frank Langella, George MacKay, Annalise Basso, Samantha Isler, Nicholas Hamilton, Shree Crooks and Charlie Shotwell. The international rights deal was helmed by eOne in association with Shivani
read more...
read more...
- 8/4/2014
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Some professionals can traverse the line between acting and directing with ease. One such individual is Matt Ross, who has excelled acting on TV shows like American Horror Story, Magic City, Silicon Valley and Big Love and sitting behind the camera on shorts (The Language of Love and Human Resources) and feature films (sexy Sundance drama 28 Hotel Rooms). Currently, Ross is taking on his biggest challenge to date, directing the drama Captain Fantastic. And now, we’ve learned that his cast, previously announced to be led by Viggo Mortensen, has added another huge talent, with word that Frank Langella has signed on.
No word yet on which part Langella will play, but Captain Fantastic centers on an idealistic father (Mortensen) who returns to society from living off the grid for a decade in the Pacific Northwest with his children. George MacKay, Annalise Basso, Samantha Isler, Aussie Nicholas Hamilton, Shree Crooks and Charlie Shotwell all co-star.
No word yet on which part Langella will play, but Captain Fantastic centers on an idealistic father (Mortensen) who returns to society from living off the grid for a decade in the Pacific Northwest with his children. George MacKay, Annalise Basso, Samantha Isler, Aussie Nicholas Hamilton, Shree Crooks and Charlie Shotwell all co-star.
- 7/21/2014
- by Isaac Feldberg
- We Got This Covered
Exclusive: Six young actors have joined Viggo Mortensen in Captain Fantastic, the drama project about an idealistic father who returns to society from living off the grid for a decade in the Pacific Northwest with his children. A worldwide search was undertaken to cast Mortensen’s brood, and Scottish BAFTA winner George Mackay (How I Live Now, For Those In Peril), Annalise Basso (Oculus, The Red Road), Samantha Isler (NBC’s Sean Saves The World), Aussie Nicholas Hamilton (Strangerland), Shree Crooks (Extant, The New Normal), and newcomer Charlie Shotwell landed the roles. Filming is scheduled to begin in July. Meanwhile, Shivani Rawat […]...
- 6/28/2014
- Deadline
Network: NBC
Episodes: 15 (half-hour)
Seasons: One
TV show dates: October 3, 2013 -- Tbd
Series status: Cancelled
Performers include: Sean Hayes, Megan Hilty, Echo Kellum, Samantha Isler, Thomas Lennon, and Linda Lavin.
TV show description:
In this sitcom, Sean (Sean Hayes) is a divorced dad who's trying to juggle his career and family life. From his overbearing boss and offbeat employees at work, to his pushy mom and weekends with his teenage daughter Ellie (Samantha Isler), handling it all is no easy task.
When his quick-witted 14-year-old daughter wants to move in full-time, life gets even more complicated. Never one to do anything halfway, Sean's intent on being the best dad ever. He loads up on parenting how-to books and plans topic-filled family dinners.
But his company's new owner,...
Episodes: 15 (half-hour)
Seasons: One
TV show dates: October 3, 2013 -- Tbd
Series status: Cancelled
Performers include: Sean Hayes, Megan Hilty, Echo Kellum, Samantha Isler, Thomas Lennon, and Linda Lavin.
TV show description:
In this sitcom, Sean (Sean Hayes) is a divorced dad who's trying to juggle his career and family life. From his overbearing boss and offbeat employees at work, to his pushy mom and weekends with his teenage daughter Ellie (Samantha Isler), handling it all is no easy task.
When his quick-witted 14-year-old daughter wants to move in full-time, life gets even more complicated. Never one to do anything halfway, Sean's intent on being the best dad ever. He loads up on parenting how-to books and plans topic-filled family dinners.
But his company's new owner,...
- 1/29/2014
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
NBC has lowered the boom on their Sean Hayes sitcom. Production on Sean Saves the World has been shut down and the low-rated comedy has been cancelled.
The network had initially ordered 13 episodes and then gave the show a five episode back-order. A baker's dozen have aired and EW reports that two others have been produced.
Sean Saves the World was already scheduled to be pre-empted this week and then Olympics coverage will take over the schedule. The network may or may not get around to releasing the remaining pair of episodes at some point after that.
The series stars Hayes as a single gay father who struggles to balance his responsibilities to his daughter and mother at home with his demanding job. The rest of the cast includes Megan Hilty, Echo Kellum, Samantha Isler, Thomas Lennon, and Linda Lavin.
The network had initially ordered 13 episodes and then gave the show a five episode back-order. A baker's dozen have aired and EW reports that two others have been produced.
Sean Saves the World was already scheduled to be pre-empted this week and then Olympics coverage will take over the schedule. The network may or may not get around to releasing the remaining pair of episodes at some point after that.
The series stars Hayes as a single gay father who struggles to balance his responsibilities to his daughter and mother at home with his demanding job. The rest of the cast includes Megan Hilty, Echo Kellum, Samantha Isler, Thomas Lennon, and Linda Lavin.
- 1/29/2014
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
"Sean Saves The World" isn't going anywhere. NBC has given a Back 5 order to the freshman comedy created by Victor Fresco and starring Sean Hayes, according to Deadline. The network had recently ordered up four new scripts for the show, but the new order brings the show's first season to 18 episodes. "World" enjoyed a 28% increase in ratings Friday night, following a new episode of "The Voice." Fresco, Hayes and Todd Milliner serves as executive producers for the Universal TV production. "Sean Saves the world" also stars Megan Hilty, Thomas Lennon, Samantha Isler and Linda Lavin.
- 11/9/2013
- by Hitfix Staff
- Hitfix
Last week, NBC ordered four additional scripts for Sean Saves the World. Well, it looks like they're going to need more than that.
The peacock network has now ordered five more installments into production, bringing the season total to 18 episodes. The news follows the sitcom's surge in the ratings last night, thanks to having a special episode of The Voice as a lead-in.
Despite the boost, the sitcom remains NBC's lowest-rated show that's still on the network. Welcome to the Family and Ironside, which were doing worse, have already been cancelled.
Sean Saves the World follows a gay man (Sean Hayes) as he tries to juggle the responsibilities of raising a teenage daughter (Samantha Isler) with his work and the interference of his overbearing mother (Linda Lavin). His workmates are played by Megan Hilty, Echo Kellum, and Thomas Lennon.
The peacock network has now ordered five more installments into production, bringing the season total to 18 episodes. The news follows the sitcom's surge in the ratings last night, thanks to having a special episode of The Voice as a lead-in.
Despite the boost, the sitcom remains NBC's lowest-rated show that's still on the network. Welcome to the Family and Ironside, which were doing worse, have already been cancelled.
Sean Saves the World follows a gay man (Sean Hayes) as he tries to juggle the responsibilities of raising a teenage daughter (Samantha Isler) with his work and the interference of his overbearing mother (Linda Lavin). His workmates are played by Megan Hilty, Echo Kellum, and Thomas Lennon.
- 11/9/2013
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
NBC has given a Back 5 order to Sean Saves The World, bringing the first season of the multi-camera comedy starring Sean Hayes to 18 episodes. The move comes as Sean Saves The World posted a 28% ratings gain last night to match a series high (1.4 in adults 18-49) with an original Voice as a lead-in. NBC previously had ordered four additional scripts from the show, created by Victor Fresco. Fresco, Hayes and Todd Milliner executive produce for Hazy Mills and Universal TV. Megan Hilty, Thomas Lennon, Samantha Isler and Linda Lavin co-star. Of NBC’s three freshman comedies to launch this fall, The Michael J. Fox had a 22-episode order from the get-go, Sean Saves The World has received a back order, while Welcome To The Family has been cancelled. Sean joins breakout freshman drama The Blacklist, which also has received a back order, a full-season 22-episode pickup.
- 11/9/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Though Sean Saves the World is performing very poorly in the ratings, NBC isn't ready to cancel it just yet. The network has ordered four more sitcom scripts reports THR.
Featuring the talents of Sean Hayes, Megan Hilty, Echo Kellum, Samantha Isler, Thomas Lennon, and Linda Lavin, Sean Saves the World is currently averaging a low 1.1 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 3.75 million viewers.
It's the network's lowest-rated show but at least it seems like the numbers have evened off. While the show is by no means safe, NBC execs are likely keeping their options open, waiting to see what happens when Community and Parks and Recreation return.
What do you think? Do you like Sean Saves the World? If you were running the show, would you make any changes?...
Featuring the talents of Sean Hayes, Megan Hilty, Echo Kellum, Samantha Isler, Thomas Lennon, and Linda Lavin, Sean Saves the World is currently averaging a low 1.1 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 3.75 million viewers.
It's the network's lowest-rated show but at least it seems like the numbers have evened off. While the show is by no means safe, NBC execs are likely keeping their options open, waiting to see what happens when Community and Parks and Recreation return.
What do you think? Do you like Sean Saves the World? If you were running the show, would you make any changes?...
- 11/6/2013
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Can Sean Saves The World take the gay sitcom torch and run with it?
Oh, the gay sitcom.
It’s a spectacular and welcome feat that we now live in a time when there are a plethora of gay characters on television but, also, we now have series centered around gay characters. Sure, we’re still stinging after the failures of last seasons’ excellent The New Normal and disappointing Partners, but this fall we’ve been given a new chance to have a successful gay series in Sean Saves The World.
In the NBC sitcom, Sean Hayes plays a single gay man taking on the full-time parenting role with his teenager daughter, Ellie (Samantha Isler) and learning how to juggle home, his demanding job with a new boss (Thomas Lennon) and a meddlesome mother (the wonderful Linda Lavin). Echo Kullum plays a co-worker at Sean’s job while Megan Hilty...
Oh, the gay sitcom.
It’s a spectacular and welcome feat that we now live in a time when there are a plethora of gay characters on television but, also, we now have series centered around gay characters. Sure, we’re still stinging after the failures of last seasons’ excellent The New Normal and disappointing Partners, but this fall we’ve been given a new chance to have a successful gay series in Sean Saves The World.
In the NBC sitcom, Sean Hayes plays a single gay man taking on the full-time parenting role with his teenager daughter, Ellie (Samantha Isler) and learning how to juggle home, his demanding job with a new boss (Thomas Lennon) and a meddlesome mother (the wonderful Linda Lavin). Echo Kullum plays a co-worker at Sean’s job while Megan Hilty...
- 10/24/2013
- by Jim Halterman
- The Backlot
Sean Hayes was part of NBC's hit Will & Grace sitcom on Thursday nights. Will Sean Saves the World be a ratings success as well or will it be cancelled after one season instead? We shall see.
Sean Saves the World revolves around a single gay man (Hayes) who had a hard time juggling his work and his overbearing mom (Linda Lavin) even before his teenage daughter (Samantha Isler) came to live with him. The rest of the cast includes Megan Hilty, Echo Kellum, and Thomas Lennon.
The ratings are typically the best indication of a show's likelihood of staying on the air. The higher the ratings (particularly the 18-49 demo), the better the chances for survival. This chart will be updated as new ratings data becomes available -- usually the next day, around 11:30am Est/8:30am Pst. Refresh to see the latest.
Sean Saves the World revolves around a single gay man (Hayes) who had a hard time juggling his work and his overbearing mom (Linda Lavin) even before his teenage daughter (Samantha Isler) came to live with him. The rest of the cast includes Megan Hilty, Echo Kellum, and Thomas Lennon.
The ratings are typically the best indication of a show's likelihood of staying on the air. The higher the ratings (particularly the 18-49 demo), the better the chances for survival. This chart will be updated as new ratings data becomes available -- usually the next day, around 11:30am Est/8:30am Pst. Refresh to see the latest.
- 10/18/2013
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Let's start with the expected snarky reaction, which is: If Sean Hayes could not save this show, how can he save the world?
And let's counter that with the assertion that sitcoms aren't intended to save the world. If all goes well, they make people laugh.
NBC's Thursday "Sean Saves the World" has a solid cast, with Megan Hilty ("Smash") as Liz, Sean's co-worker, and Linda Lavin ("Alice") as his mom, Lorna. Lavin, with deadpan delivery, is perfect, and Hayes ("Will & Grace") has impeccable timing.
Performed in front of an audience, this has the predictable feel of old sitcoms, albeit with the modern twist of a gay single dad who is not camping it up.
The scenes with Hayes and Lavin are the best, and Lavin manages to be funny even before she's on-screen. In the pilot, she rings the doorbell repeatedly, and he snaps at her, "Calm down, you maniac!
And let's counter that with the assertion that sitcoms aren't intended to save the world. If all goes well, they make people laugh.
NBC's Thursday "Sean Saves the World" has a solid cast, with Megan Hilty ("Smash") as Liz, Sean's co-worker, and Linda Lavin ("Alice") as his mom, Lorna. Lavin, with deadpan delivery, is perfect, and Hayes ("Will & Grace") has impeccable timing.
Performed in front of an audience, this has the predictable feel of old sitcoms, albeit with the modern twist of a gay single dad who is not camping it up.
The scenes with Hayes and Lavin are the best, and Lavin manages to be funny even before she's on-screen. In the pilot, she rings the doorbell repeatedly, and he snaps at her, "Calm down, you maniac!
- 10/10/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Sean Hayes has many talents: He sings, he dances, he inspires me to buy Will and Grace box sets. But as last night proved, his trademark frantic energy isn’t exactly enough to carry a workplace/family sitcom.
Sean Saves the World strives to be both funny and relatable. In practice, it’s both of these things at varying — but rarely intersecting — times. The first scene opens with Sean, a grown man, sticking a metal knife deep, deep into the depths of a broken toaster. Luckily, he’s just acquired his daughter, Ellie (Samantha Isler) as a new roommate; perhaps...
Sean Saves the World strives to be both funny and relatable. In practice, it’s both of these things at varying — but rarely intersecting — times. The first scene opens with Sean, a grown man, sticking a metal knife deep, deep into the depths of a broken toaster. Luckily, he’s just acquired his daughter, Ellie (Samantha Isler) as a new roommate; perhaps...
- 10/4/2013
- by Jodi Walker
- EW.com - PopWatch
Can Sean Hayes help save NBC’s rebooted comedy line-up?
This Thursday night, the Will & Grace scene stealer took center stage with Sean Saves the World, in which he stars as a divorced gay dad whose teen daughter (played by Samantha Isler) comes to live with him just as the online retailer he manages is dealing with an incredibly demanding new boss (Reno 911!‘s Thomas Lennon).
Related | Fall TV Poll — NBC’s Michael J. Fox Show: Does He Still Have It?
“Helping” Sean during this transition, this juggling of work and home life, are his sassy mother Lorna (Alice‘s...
This Thursday night, the Will & Grace scene stealer took center stage with Sean Saves the World, in which he stars as a divorced gay dad whose teen daughter (played by Samantha Isler) comes to live with him just as the online retailer he manages is dealing with an incredibly demanding new boss (Reno 911!‘s Thomas Lennon).
Related | Fall TV Poll — NBC’s Michael J. Fox Show: Does He Still Have It?
“Helping” Sean during this transition, this juggling of work and home life, are his sassy mother Lorna (Alice‘s...
- 10/4/2013
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Chicago – People often ask me why low-rated NBC shows like “Community” keep getting renewed (or how “Whitney” and “Up All Night” got a second season) and I often turn to a sports analogy — they have no one in the minor leagues to replace them.
And yet last year’s team did so poorly that they cleaned a lot of house and brought in the big guns to try and rebuild the team — Michael J. Fox, Sean Hayes, and Mike O’Malley come to Thursdays. Most people like the Fox show (although more of you should watch it). The same is unlikely to be said about the Hayes and O’Malley vehicles, both premiering tonight and both striking out.
Welcome to the Family
Photo credit: CBS
“Welcome to the Family”
Television Rating: 2.0/5.0
If you thought “Michael J. Fox Show” played with sitcom cliches, welcome to this mess, a clear answer to...
And yet last year’s team did so poorly that they cleaned a lot of house and brought in the big guns to try and rebuild the team — Michael J. Fox, Sean Hayes, and Mike O’Malley come to Thursdays. Most people like the Fox show (although more of you should watch it). The same is unlikely to be said about the Hayes and O’Malley vehicles, both premiering tonight and both striking out.
Welcome to the Family
Photo credit: CBS
“Welcome to the Family”
Television Rating: 2.0/5.0
If you thought “Michael J. Fox Show” played with sitcom cliches, welcome to this mess, a clear answer to...
- 10/3/2013
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Another TV veteran, another first name sitcom on NBC. "Sean Saves the World" premieres Thursday night (Oct. 3) on the same network that just premiered "The Michael J. Fox Show," and the latest half-hour comedy is rife with sitcom cliches. Can Sean Hayes save his own show from tired character tropes and story lines?
Yes. Yes he can. There's a reason why Hayes is so loved by the TV community. He has comedic talent, great timing, and a natural fluidity that makes even the broadest jokes work. His energy works well in the new show's tone, and he can make even the most slapstick physical pratfalls seem exciting, new, and most importantly, funny.
So what are the cliches Hayes balances out against all odds? Well, he plays Sean (first name sound familiar?), a Type A, 40-year-old, divorced, gay dad who all of a sudden finds himself with full custody of his 14-year-old daughter,...
Yes. Yes he can. There's a reason why Hayes is so loved by the TV community. He has comedic talent, great timing, and a natural fluidity that makes even the broadest jokes work. His energy works well in the new show's tone, and he can make even the most slapstick physical pratfalls seem exciting, new, and most importantly, funny.
So what are the cliches Hayes balances out against all odds? Well, he plays Sean (first name sound familiar?), a Type A, 40-year-old, divorced, gay dad who all of a sudden finds himself with full custody of his 14-year-old daughter,...
- 10/3/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
By: Sarah Stephens
NBC is putting their Thursday night of comedy back together this fall with three new sitcoms. Leading the pack is Sean Hayes, returning to his sitcom roots in Sean Saves The World, premiering Thursday, Oct 3rd at 9Pm. But can Sean really save the world? His character, aptly named “Sean,” would like to think so. If saving the world means balancing the perfect work life and stepping up to be the world’s perfect single dad to a fourteen year old daughter. At his side to either help or trip him up along the way is a colorful cast, including Linda Lavin (Alice), Megan Hilty (Smash), Thomas Lennon (Reno 911), and newcomer Sami Isler.
Sean Saves The World dives into some timely topics. Does a single parent have to choose between successfully raising kids and a solid career? Executive producers Todd Milliner, Sean Hayes, and Victor Fresco hope...
NBC is putting their Thursday night of comedy back together this fall with three new sitcoms. Leading the pack is Sean Hayes, returning to his sitcom roots in Sean Saves The World, premiering Thursday, Oct 3rd at 9Pm. But can Sean really save the world? His character, aptly named “Sean,” would like to think so. If saving the world means balancing the perfect work life and stepping up to be the world’s perfect single dad to a fourteen year old daughter. At his side to either help or trip him up along the way is a colorful cast, including Linda Lavin (Alice), Megan Hilty (Smash), Thomas Lennon (Reno 911), and newcomer Sami Isler.
Sean Saves The World dives into some timely topics. Does a single parent have to choose between successfully raising kids and a solid career? Executive producers Todd Milliner, Sean Hayes, and Victor Fresco hope...
- 10/3/2013
- by theTVaddict
- The TV Addict
On TV this Thursday: The Vampire Diaries returns (along with its spinoff The Originals), fresh Scandal brews and three new comedies get in their first laughs. As a supplement to TVLine’s original features (linked within), here are 10 programs to keep on your radar.
Photos | Fall TV Spoiler Spectacular: Exclusive Scoop on 45 Returning Faves
8 pm The Vampire Diaries (CW) | Season 5 premiere: It’s Tvd: The College Years! After a passionate summer with Damon, Elena adjusts to college life, while doppelganger Katherine begs Elena’s boo for help. (Get scoop and photos!)
8 pm Parks & Recreation (NBC) | Leslie meets with her Eagleton counterpart,...
Photos | Fall TV Spoiler Spectacular: Exclusive Scoop on 45 Returning Faves
8 pm The Vampire Diaries (CW) | Season 5 premiere: It’s Tvd: The College Years! After a passionate summer with Damon, Elena adjusts to college life, while doppelganger Katherine begs Elena’s boo for help. (Get scoop and photos!)
8 pm Parks & Recreation (NBC) | Leslie meets with her Eagleton counterpart,...
- 10/3/2013
- by Misha Solomon
- TVLine.com
NBC, at one time a bastion of network comedy, is now down to one two-hour comedy block each week, and with The Office now off the air, they’re hoping at least one of these new sitcoms will find an audience, or at least the critical buzz of Parks and Recreation. The first to premiere will be the much-anticipated return to weekly network TV of Michael J. Fox.
The Michael J. Fox Show, “Pilot”
Written and Created by Sam Laybourne and Will Gluck
Directed by Will Gluck
Airs Thursdays at 9pm Est on NBC
One of the most buzzed about new series this fall is The Michael J. Fox Show, premiering with two episodes on Sept. 26th and starring Michael J. Fox as a beloved former New York newscaster who returns to work after retiring to focus on his health after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. The show was...
The Michael J. Fox Show, “Pilot”
Written and Created by Sam Laybourne and Will Gluck
Directed by Will Gluck
Airs Thursdays at 9pm Est on NBC
One of the most buzzed about new series this fall is The Michael J. Fox Show, premiering with two episodes on Sept. 26th and starring Michael J. Fox as a beloved former New York newscaster who returns to work after retiring to focus on his health after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. The show was...
- 9/25/2013
- by Kate Kulzick
- SoundOnSight
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