(Welcome to Tales from the Box Office, our column that examines box office miracles, disasters, and everything in between, as well as what we can learn from them.)
"Whoa." This is the famous word uttered by Keanu Reeves in "The Matrix" that has become a meme, one of the actor's most quoted lines, and perhaps the best way to sum up this movie's unexpected impact on cinema when it arrived in 1999. The movie is now immortalized as one of the most heralded and groundbreaking blockbusters of all time. But 25 years ago, this seemed like anything but a sure bet.
From a pair of underdog directors to visuals that had never been pulled off in film before, this is a movie that had just about everything working against it. Every movie is a miracle, but this movie is perhaps the miracle of all miracles. It is — not to overstate the point...
"Whoa." This is the famous word uttered by Keanu Reeves in "The Matrix" that has become a meme, one of the actor's most quoted lines, and perhaps the best way to sum up this movie's unexpected impact on cinema when it arrived in 1999. The movie is now immortalized as one of the most heralded and groundbreaking blockbusters of all time. But 25 years ago, this seemed like anything but a sure bet.
From a pair of underdog directors to visuals that had never been pulled off in film before, this is a movie that had just about everything working against it. Every movie is a miracle, but this movie is perhaps the miracle of all miracles. It is — not to overstate the point...
- 3/30/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Both Bassem Youssef and James Gunn have clarified their stances on the recent fiasco surrounding Youssef’s alleged firing from Superman: Legacy. At the end of the controversy, it is clear that Youssef won’t be appearing as dictator Rumaan Harjavti in Gunn’s upcoming film. But fans have suggested a role for him in The Brave and the Bold and it has gained significant traction among fans. Fans believe that Bassem Youssef is tailor-made for Batman villain Ra’s al Ghul.
Bassem Youssef in a still from the documentary Tickling Giants
In DC Comics, Ra’s al Ghul’s origins trace back to the deserts in North Africa where he was born into a tribe of Chinese nomads. When Christopher Nolan adopted the villain in his first Dark Knight film, Batman Begins, he white-washed the role and cast Liam Neeson in the role.
Bassem Youssef Will Make For A...
Bassem Youssef in a still from the documentary Tickling Giants
In DC Comics, Ra’s al Ghul’s origins trace back to the deserts in North Africa where he was born into a tribe of Chinese nomads. When Christopher Nolan adopted the villain in his first Dark Knight film, Batman Begins, he white-washed the role and cast Liam Neeson in the role.
Bassem Youssef Will Make For A...
- 2/18/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
Exclusive: World-renowned actor and influential Hong Kong action filmmaker Donnie Yen is set to star in 87North and Universal Pictures’ Kung Fu, a feature adaptation of the classic ’70s TV series. Kelly McCormick, David Leitch, and Guy Danella will produce through 87North, with Leitch eyeing to direct.
Stephen Chin wrote the screenplay. Stephen L’Hereaux will also produce, and Ed Spielman, creator of the original Kung Fu television series, will executive produce.
The original ABC series starred David Carradine as a master martial artist who fled China after his master was murdered. He wandered the Old West helping the downtrodden and weathering rampant racism while eluding assassins trying to kill him. He was a peaceful man until provoked, which happened at least once an episode.
With his ground-breaking work on and off camera, Donnie Yen is among the exceedingly few actors of his generation to work at the highest levels...
Stephen Chin wrote the screenplay. Stephen L’Hereaux will also produce, and Ed Spielman, creator of the original Kung Fu television series, will executive produce.
The original ABC series starred David Carradine as a master martial artist who fled China after his master was murdered. He wandered the Old West helping the downtrodden and weathering rampant racism while eluding assassins trying to kill him. He was a peaceful man until provoked, which happened at least once an episode.
With his ground-breaking work on and off camera, Donnie Yen is among the exceedingly few actors of his generation to work at the highest levels...
- 1/31/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
New year, new Hulu! As the streamer welcomes in dozens of new and classic titles this January, including its new whodunit series “Death and Other Details,” it will first have to say goodbye to the old.
A few titles have already been removed from the library so far this month, including the hit samurai thriller “13 Assassins,” but over the next few weeks of January, dozens more titles will be leaving the platform, including the beloved baseball coming-of-age comedy “The Sandlot,” several Christmas classics, and the 1996 box office buster “Twister.”
Don’t miss your last chance to watch— fill up your watch list with The Streamable’s top picks (and everything else) for what’s leaving Hulu this month!
30-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month hulu.com What are the 5 Best Shows and Movies Leaving Hulu in January 2024? “Apollo 11” | Wednesday, Jan. 31
“Dinosaur 13” director Todd Douglas Miller picks another number with “Apollo 11,...
A few titles have already been removed from the library so far this month, including the hit samurai thriller “13 Assassins,” but over the next few weeks of January, dozens more titles will be leaving the platform, including the beloved baseball coming-of-age comedy “The Sandlot,” several Christmas classics, and the 1996 box office buster “Twister.”
Don’t miss your last chance to watch— fill up your watch list with The Streamable’s top picks (and everything else) for what’s leaving Hulu this month!
30-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month hulu.com What are the 5 Best Shows and Movies Leaving Hulu in January 2024? “Apollo 11” | Wednesday, Jan. 31
“Dinosaur 13” director Todd Douglas Miller picks another number with “Apollo 11,...
- 1/10/2024
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
Tense documentary follows the perilous ‘underground railroads’ defectors need to take to escape from the totalitarian state
The toxic anti-Shangri-La of North Korea continues to provide a rich seam of material for film-makers: the late Claude Lanzmann recounted his personal experiences there in the 1950s in Napalm and Werner Herzog discussed the North Korean reverence for Mount Paektu in Into the Inferno. There are many more, including Álvaro Longaria’s The Propaganda Game, Ross Adam and Robert Cannan’s The Lovers and the Despot, Morten Traavik’s Liberation Day and Ryan White’s Assassins. So far no documentary film-maker to my knowledge has tackled one of North Korea’s strangest events: Kim Jong-un’s summit meeting in 2018 with Donald Trump, the man who’d threatened him with “fire and fury”. Oddly, this otherwise excellent documentary about North Korea doesn’t mention that, despite it coming within its timeline.
Beyond Utopia...
The toxic anti-Shangri-La of North Korea continues to provide a rich seam of material for film-makers: the late Claude Lanzmann recounted his personal experiences there in the 1950s in Napalm and Werner Herzog discussed the North Korean reverence for Mount Paektu in Into the Inferno. There are many more, including Álvaro Longaria’s The Propaganda Game, Ross Adam and Robert Cannan’s The Lovers and the Despot, Morten Traavik’s Liberation Day and Ryan White’s Assassins. So far no documentary film-maker to my knowledge has tackled one of North Korea’s strangest events: Kim Jong-un’s summit meeting in 2018 with Donald Trump, the man who’d threatened him with “fire and fury”. Oddly, this otherwise excellent documentary about North Korea doesn’t mention that, despite it coming within its timeline.
Beyond Utopia...
- 10/26/2023
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Exclusive: Paradigm has signed multiple Emmy- and Tony Award-nominated actor Victor Garber for representation in all areas.
Garber is perhaps best known for roles on series including Alias, Frasier and Will & Grace, having notched three Emmy nominations for his work on the former ABC spy series, as well as one for each of the others. He earned an additional nomination from the TV Academy for his portrayal of Judy Garland’s third husband Sid Luft in the ABC miniseries Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows, and has memorably appeared on the film side in the Academy Award winners Titanic and Argo, along with Gus Van Sant’s Milk.
Currently starring on the Canadian legal drama Family Law, Farber has also been seen on series like Legends of Tomorrow, Deception, Eli Stone and Justice, having recently recurred on And Just Like That…, Power Book II: Ghost and The Orville,...
Garber is perhaps best known for roles on series including Alias, Frasier and Will & Grace, having notched three Emmy nominations for his work on the former ABC spy series, as well as one for each of the others. He earned an additional nomination from the TV Academy for his portrayal of Judy Garland’s third husband Sid Luft in the ABC miniseries Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows, and has memorably appeared on the film side in the Academy Award winners Titanic and Argo, along with Gus Van Sant’s Milk.
Currently starring on the Canadian legal drama Family Law, Farber has also been seen on series like Legends of Tomorrow, Deception, Eli Stone and Justice, having recently recurred on And Just Like That…, Power Book II: Ghost and The Orville,...
- 10/12/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Stephen Sondheim has almost never been more popular than in the two years since his passing in November 2021. In that time, celebrated revivals of “Company,” “Into the Woods,” and “Sweeney Todd” have come to Broadway, and successful remounting of “Assassins” and “Merrily We Roll Along” have played Off-Broadway, which is a testament to the enduring appeal of his works.
This fall will once again spotlight Sondheim. The tremendously successful Off-Broadway run of “Merrily” starring Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez, and Daniel Radcliffe opens on Broadway on October 10, which will mark the first remounting since its original, unsuccessful run in 1981. In addition, his final musical “Here We Are,” which is based on two Luis Buñuel films—“The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie” and “The Exterminating Angel”—will have its highly-anticipated world premiere Off-Broadway, opening on October 22.
In honor of another “season of Sondheim,” take a look back at every single Tony...
This fall will once again spotlight Sondheim. The tremendously successful Off-Broadway run of “Merrily” starring Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez, and Daniel Radcliffe opens on Broadway on October 10, which will mark the first remounting since its original, unsuccessful run in 1981. In addition, his final musical “Here We Are,” which is based on two Luis Buñuel films—“The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie” and “The Exterminating Angel”—will have its highly-anticipated world premiere Off-Broadway, opening on October 22.
In honor of another “season of Sondheim,” take a look back at every single Tony...
- 9/29/2023
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
Will Swenson will play his final performance as Neil Diamond in Broadway’s A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical on Sunday, Oct. 29, producers announced today.
A replacement for the starring role will be announced at a future date.
“It’s been the thrill of a lifetime to get to stand in Neil’s shoes,” Swenson said in a statement. “It’s been such an incredible honor to get to know Neil, to tell his powerful story, and bring his amazing songs to Broadway audiences every night. I’m immensely proud of the moving, beautiful show we made. I will miss it very much.”
A reason for Swenson’s departure was not disclosed, but his planned departure date suggests a year-long contract coming to a close: He and the bio-musical began previews at the Broadhurst Theatre last Nov. 2 (official opening was Dec. 4).
“Making A Beautiful Noise with Will Swenson was a deep and wonderful experience,...
A replacement for the starring role will be announced at a future date.
“It’s been the thrill of a lifetime to get to stand in Neil’s shoes,” Swenson said in a statement. “It’s been such an incredible honor to get to know Neil, to tell his powerful story, and bring his amazing songs to Broadway audiences every night. I’m immensely proud of the moving, beautiful show we made. I will miss it very much.”
A reason for Swenson’s departure was not disclosed, but his planned departure date suggests a year-long contract coming to a close: He and the bio-musical began previews at the Broadhurst Theatre last Nov. 2 (official opening was Dec. 4).
“Making A Beautiful Noise with Will Swenson was a deep and wonderful experience,...
- 9/28/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
1996 was a dark year for The Italian Stallion. Sylvester Stallone had two pricey flops in 1995, with Judge Dredd and Assassins. His Christmas of 1996 disaster movie release, Daylight, was another box office bomb. Just a few years before, Stallone had made a significant comeback with Cliffhanger and Demolition Man, but now the whole industry was changing. Carolco, the company that financed some of the era’s biggest hits, had gone bankrupt, and action movies were getting smaller and smaller. Arnold Schwarzenegger was on the decline, with Eraser a smaller hit than usual. Jean Claude Van Damme and Steven Seagal were only a few years away from making direct-to-video movies. What was Sly to do? The result is one of his very best movies –Cop Land – as we explore in the episode of Sylvester Stallone Revisited.
In the 1990s, one of the biggest stars on the planet was Sylvester Stallone’s former protege,...
In the 1990s, one of the biggest stars on the planet was Sylvester Stallone’s former protege,...
- 9/24/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
With Expend4bles more than likely bringing to a close the franchise Sylvester Stallone created over 13 years ago, we wanted to know what movie in the legendary actors filmography is your favorite? Does his original creation of Rocky remain your favorite all these years later or do you find some of his iconic 90’s action films more your speed? Or perhaps you a true purist and find Italian Stallion to be quintessential Stallone! If you don’t see your favorite listed, please click other and let us know what it is (and why) in the comments.
What is your Favorite Sylvester Stallone Film?Italian Stallion (1970)Death Race 2000 (1975)Rocky (1976)F.I.S.T (1978)Paradise Alley (1978)Rocky II (1979)Nighthawks (1981)Rocky III (1982)First Blood (1982)Rhinestone (1984)Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)Rocky IV (1985)Cobra (1986)Over The Top (1987)Rambo III (1988)Lock Up (1989)Tango & Cash (1989)Rocky V (1990)Oscar (1991)Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot (1992)Cliffhanger (1993)Demolition Man (1993)The Specialist...
What is your Favorite Sylvester Stallone Film?Italian Stallion (1970)Death Race 2000 (1975)Rocky (1976)F.I.S.T (1978)Paradise Alley (1978)Rocky II (1979)Nighthawks (1981)Rocky III (1982)First Blood (1982)Rhinestone (1984)Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)Rocky IV (1985)Cobra (1986)Over The Top (1987)Rambo III (1988)Lock Up (1989)Tango & Cash (1989)Rocky V (1990)Oscar (1991)Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot (1992)Cliffhanger (1993)Demolition Man (1993)The Specialist...
- 9/24/2023
- by Brad Hamerly
- JoBlo.com
Broadway actor Chris Peluso, known for his work in productions such as Mamma Mia and Wicked, died Wednesday, August 15, his family confirmed to Playbill. He was 40.
A cause of death has not been revealed. His sudden passing came a year after he announced he would be stepping away from acting to seek treatment for a schizoaffective disorder, Playbill reported.
An alum of the University of Michigan Theatre Department, Peluso became known as a respected understudy on Broadway, first covering The Balladeer in the 2004 Tony-winning revival of Assassins, as Louis and Nicolas in Elton John’s Lestat , and all three leading male roles in Beautiful The Carole King Musical.
He played Sky in the 2008 Broadway production of Mamma Mia. He also starred and covered the role of Fiyero in the touring company of Wicked, and he starred in Off Broadway’s The Glorious Ones.
In London’s West End, he appeared...
A cause of death has not been revealed. His sudden passing came a year after he announced he would be stepping away from acting to seek treatment for a schizoaffective disorder, Playbill reported.
An alum of the University of Michigan Theatre Department, Peluso became known as a respected understudy on Broadway, first covering The Balladeer in the 2004 Tony-winning revival of Assassins, as Louis and Nicolas in Elton John’s Lestat , and all three leading male roles in Beautiful The Carole King Musical.
He played Sky in the 2008 Broadway production of Mamma Mia. He also starred and covered the role of Fiyero in the touring company of Wicked, and he starred in Off Broadway’s The Glorious Ones.
In London’s West End, he appeared...
- 8/18/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
1995 wasn’t a good year for Sylvester Stallone at the multiplex. His summer tentpole, Judge Dredd, flopped domestically, and it was quickly followed by Richard Donner’s Assassins, which only grossed $30 million at the domestic box office. While Sly’s career had seen a few slumps, his straightforward action movies typically performed, and the failure of those two films put his clout as one of the world’s biggest stars in jeopardy. In this episode of Sylvester Stallone Revisited, we’re going to talk about a movie that was supposed to be a big-budget, commercial change of pace for the actor but wound up being the last would-be blockbuster he’d star in for years. That’s right; we’re going to talk about Rob Cohen’s Daylight.
Flashback to the mid-nineties. Sylvester Stallone had launched a major comeback with Cliffhanger and followed it up with two more global blockbusters,...
Flashback to the mid-nineties. Sylvester Stallone had launched a major comeback with Cliffhanger and followed it up with two more global blockbusters,...
- 7/13/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
All was not well with Sylvester Stallone’s career in the summer of 1995. Judge Dredd had come out, and, despite blockbuster business overseas, the film flopped in the all-important North American market. It would kick off a dry spell in Sly’s career, with many of his follow-up movies also doing poorly, to the point that in the early 2000s, he was stuck doing low-rent movies that went direct to video, such as Shade and Avenging Angelo. Of course, a major comeback for the Italian Stallion was just around the corner. Still, in this episode of Stallone Revisited, we look back at his follow-up to Judge Dredd, Assassins, which, on paper, should have been one of Sly’s classics but has gone on to become something of an obscure, underrated outing on his CV.
In the 1990s, spec scripts were all the rage. For those who don’t know, a...
In the 1990s, spec scripts were all the rage. For those who don’t know, a...
- 6/18/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Antonio Banderas, born José Antonio Domínguez Banderas on August 10, 1960, in Málaga, Spain, is an internationally acclaimed actor, director, and producer. With his alluring charm and remarkable talent, Banderas has become one of the most prominent figures in the entertainment industry. From his humble beginnings in Spain to his successful career in Hollywood, Banderas has shown remarkable longevity in the industry, operating at the highest level for more than four decades. Banderas has continuously sought diverse roles showcasing his versatility as an actor. He has embraced challenging characters in films like The Mask of Zorro, Assassins, and Pain and...
- 6/6/2023
- by Uwa Echebiri
- TVovermind.com
Todd Haimes, who built New York’s Roundabout Theater Company into one of the city’s – and country’s- leading nonprofit theaters, died today at New York’s Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital of complications from osteosarcoma, a bone cancer. He was 66.
His death was announced by Roundabout spokesman Matt Polk. Haimes was first diagnosed with sarcoma of the jaw in 2002.
As the artistic director and CEO of Roundabout, Haimes oversaw one of the most prolific and successful of all Broadway and Off Broadway theater companies, responsible for such acclaimed productions as The Man Who Came To Dinner, starring Nathan Lane (2000), Big River (2004), The Pajama Game (2006), On the 20th Century (2015), Long Day’s Journey Into Night (2016), and A Soldier’s Play (2020), among many others. Among its more recent Broadway productions was the revival of 1776.
Under his leadership, the Roundabout has won 34 Tony Awards, 58 Drama Desk Awards, 73 Outer Critics Circle Awards, 21 Lucille Lortel Awards,...
His death was announced by Roundabout spokesman Matt Polk. Haimes was first diagnosed with sarcoma of the jaw in 2002.
As the artistic director and CEO of Roundabout, Haimes oversaw one of the most prolific and successful of all Broadway and Off Broadway theater companies, responsible for such acclaimed productions as The Man Who Came To Dinner, starring Nathan Lane (2000), Big River (2004), The Pajama Game (2006), On the 20th Century (2015), Long Day’s Journey Into Night (2016), and A Soldier’s Play (2020), among many others. Among its more recent Broadway productions was the revival of 1776.
Under his leadership, the Roundabout has won 34 Tony Awards, 58 Drama Desk Awards, 73 Outer Critics Circle Awards, 21 Lucille Lortel Awards,...
- 4/20/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The month of April for Hulu is jam-packed with TV and film goodies, from Adam Sandler’s 1999 comedy “Big Daddy” to Fox’s hit sitcom “New Girl.”
On top of Hulu’s rollout of a new interface, it’s also adding some major film and TV titles to its platform. Some of the highlights that set off the first day of April include “American Psycho,” “Shrek” and its sequel “Shrek 2,” plus the Tim Story-directed “Think Like a Man.”
Anime series will be all the rage on Hulu with the dubbed version of the new popular series “Chainsaw Man” arriving, along with “Spy x Family” and “Black Clover.” If you’re looking for something a little bit more kid-friendly, the family can al enjoy “Despicable Me” and “Despicable 2,” “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days” and “Nanny McPhee.” For the lovers and heartless romantics, “Dear John” and “Date Night...
On top of Hulu’s rollout of a new interface, it’s also adding some major film and TV titles to its platform. Some of the highlights that set off the first day of April include “American Psycho,” “Shrek” and its sequel “Shrek 2,” plus the Tim Story-directed “Think Like a Man.”
Anime series will be all the rage on Hulu with the dubbed version of the new popular series “Chainsaw Man” arriving, along with “Spy x Family” and “Black Clover.” If you’re looking for something a little bit more kid-friendly, the family can al enjoy “Despicable Me” and “Despicable 2,” “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days” and “Nanny McPhee.” For the lovers and heartless romantics, “Dear John” and “Date Night...
- 4/1/2023
- by Raquel "Rocky" Harris
- The Wrap
Hulu’s list of new releases for April 2023 don’t feature many blockbusters, but if we dig a little, I’m sure we can find some gems.
Perhaps the most promising items are on the TV side of things. Tiny Beautiful Things premieres on April 7 and stars Kathryn Hahn as “a floundering writer who becomes a revered advice columnist while her own life is falling apart.” That will be followed by comedy Am I Being Unreasonable? on April 11 and two documentaries: high school football story Algiers, America (April 19) and Tupac Shakur piece Dear Mama (April 22).
The best TV candidate this month, however, is probably Saint X on April 26. This series, told via multiple timelines, “explores and upends the girl-gone-missing genre as it explores how a young woman’s mysterious death during an idyllic Caribbean vacation creates a traumatic ripple effect that eventually pulls her surviving sister into a dangerous pursuit of the truth.
Perhaps the most promising items are on the TV side of things. Tiny Beautiful Things premieres on April 7 and stars Kathryn Hahn as “a floundering writer who becomes a revered advice columnist while her own life is falling apart.” That will be followed by comedy Am I Being Unreasonable? on April 11 and two documentaries: high school football story Algiers, America (April 19) and Tupac Shakur piece Dear Mama (April 22).
The best TV candidate this month, however, is probably Saint X on April 26. This series, told via multiple timelines, “explores and upends the girl-gone-missing genre as it explores how a young woman’s mysterious death during an idyllic Caribbean vacation creates a traumatic ripple effect that eventually pulls her surviving sister into a dangerous pursuit of the truth.
- 4/1/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
The day before the pandemic shut down Los Angeles in March 2020, veteran documentary filmmaker Ryan White signed on to make “Good Night Oppy.” With the support of NASA, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (Jpl) and Industrial Light & Magic (Ilm), the documentary recounts the true story of Mars exploration rovers Spirit and Opportunity and the bond forged between the robots and the humans who created them. Opportunity, nicknamed “Oppy,” was originally expected to live for only 90 days but ended up exploring the Red Planet for nearly 15 years, sending invaluable data and images back to NASA.
Produced by Jessica Hargrave, Amblin Entertainment’s Darryl Frank, and Justin Falvey, Film 45’s Brandon Carroll and Matthew Goldberg, “Good Night Oppy” was acquired by Amazon Studios in November 2021. While the film was completed in December 2021, Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, felt the doc was the perfect family holiday film and decided to release the movie...
Produced by Jessica Hargrave, Amblin Entertainment’s Darryl Frank, and Justin Falvey, Film 45’s Brandon Carroll and Matthew Goldberg, “Good Night Oppy” was acquired by Amazon Studios in November 2021. While the film was completed in December 2021, Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, felt the doc was the perfect family holiday film and decided to release the movie...
- 9/12/2022
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity — the stars of Ryan White’s inspirational and wonderfully engaging “Good Night Oppy” — were designed to last 90 days on the Red Planet. Instead, they went right on exploring the alien terrain for years, sending invaluable data and images back to NASA the whole time. For scientists, students and astronomy buffs around the world, the two robots became mascots for a historic mission, the goal of which was to find evidence of past water on Earth’s nearest neighbor, for that in turn could suggest the possibility of life on Mars.
To call the Mer experiment a success would be an understatement, but it wasn’t until this delightful documentary that a more important point became clear: As it turns out, for nearly 15 years, there was life on Mars: Within the opening minutes of “Good Night Oppy,” White convinces us that these two solar-powered, remote-controlled research...
To call the Mer experiment a success would be an understatement, but it wasn’t until this delightful documentary that a more important point became clear: As it turns out, for nearly 15 years, there was life on Mars: Within the opening minutes of “Good Night Oppy,” White convinces us that these two solar-powered, remote-controlled research...
- 9/3/2022
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Hong Kong’s Entertaining Power reporting sales prices have returned to pre-Covid levels.
Hong Kong’s Entertaining Power has sold four anticipated star-led features to Taiwan’s Sky Films in a package deal closed during the Cannes market - where prices are understood to be returning to pre-Covid levels.
The titles include Lee Po Cheung’s As It Burns, a suspense thriller involving two fatal explosions that take place 15 years apart but are linked by two women that look alike. The cast is led by Taiwanese actor Jasper Liu, who shot to fame after 2018’s pan-Asian box office hit More Than Blue,...
Hong Kong’s Entertaining Power has sold four anticipated star-led features to Taiwan’s Sky Films in a package deal closed during the Cannes market - where prices are understood to be returning to pre-Covid levels.
The titles include Lee Po Cheung’s As It Burns, a suspense thriller involving two fatal explosions that take place 15 years apart but are linked by two women that look alike. The cast is led by Taiwanese actor Jasper Liu, who shot to fame after 2018’s pan-Asian box office hit More Than Blue,...
- 5/22/2022
- by Silvia Wong
- ScreenDaily
Season 2 of the Emmy-winning comedy “Hacks,” the debut of Colin Firth’s true-crime drama “The Staircase” and the streaming return of “The Matrix: Resurrections” all await HBO Max subscribers in May. If you’re looking for something new to watch or wondering what’s on HBO Max this month, not to worry, we’ve got the full rundown.
There are several must-watch new TV shows on both HBO and HBO Max this month, new and returning. Acclaimed Jean Smart comedy “Hacks” returns for Season 2 on May 12. As for the new debuts, May sees the premieres for HBO Max’s “The Staircase” on May 5, starring Colin Firth as Michael Peterson in the true-crime limited series, as well as the HBO premiere of Steven Moffat’s (”Doctor Who”) series adaptation of “The Time Traveler’s Wife” on May 15.
New films this month include the streaming return of “The Matrix: Resurrections” and streaming premieres...
There are several must-watch new TV shows on both HBO and HBO Max this month, new and returning. Acclaimed Jean Smart comedy “Hacks” returns for Season 2 on May 12. As for the new debuts, May sees the premieres for HBO Max’s “The Staircase” on May 5, starring Colin Firth as Michael Peterson in the true-crime limited series, as well as the HBO premiere of Steven Moffat’s (”Doctor Who”) series adaptation of “The Time Traveler’s Wife” on May 15.
New films this month include the streaming return of “The Matrix: Resurrections” and streaming premieres...
- 5/20/2022
- by Haleigh Foutch
- The Wrap
One of these days, I'd like to see directors literally fighting over actors. If two directors are competing against each other for the services of the exact same star, then I say put them in a boxing ring and let them duke it out to see who emerges the victor. After all, this is the entertainment business, folks. Entertain us!
Unfortunately, we're stuck in a world ruled by concepts such as "messy insurance claims" and "common sense", so this will never become a thing. Instead, we have...
The post Bullet Train Director David Leitch Wanted Lady Gaga to Play One of His Assassins appeared first on /Film.
Unfortunately, we're stuck in a world ruled by concepts such as "messy insurance claims" and "common sense", so this will never become a thing. Instead, we have...
The post Bullet Train Director David Leitch Wanted Lady Gaga to Play One of His Assassins appeared first on /Film.
- 5/13/2022
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Winners of the 2022 Lucille Lortel Awards for Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway were announced in a ceremony on May 1, 2022, at NYU Skirball. New musicals “Kimberly Akimbo” and “Oratorio for Living Things” tied for the most wins, with three trophies each. The Lucille Lortel Awards are produced by the Off-Broadway League and Lucille Lortel Theatre, with additional support provided by Tdf.
The cast of Ars Nova’s “Oratorio For Living Things” took home the inaugural award for Outstanding Ensemble, while the Broadway-bound “Kimberly Akimbo” nabbed the two individual musical acting categories, with Lead Performance going to Victoria Clark and Featured Performance going to Bonnie Milligan.
Special honorees this year included Deirdre O’Connell (“Dana H.”), who was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award by Heidi Schreck; and David Henry Hwang, who was inducted onto the famed Playwrights’ Sidewalk by Jeanine Tesori.
Find the nominees and recipients of the 2022 Lucille Lortal Awards below.
SEEAlfie Allen (‘Hangmen...
The cast of Ars Nova’s “Oratorio For Living Things” took home the inaugural award for Outstanding Ensemble, while the Broadway-bound “Kimberly Akimbo” nabbed the two individual musical acting categories, with Lead Performance going to Victoria Clark and Featured Performance going to Bonnie Milligan.
Special honorees this year included Deirdre O’Connell (“Dana H.”), who was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award by Heidi Schreck; and David Henry Hwang, who was inducted onto the famed Playwrights’ Sidewalk by Jeanine Tesori.
Find the nominees and recipients of the 2022 Lucille Lortal Awards below.
SEEAlfie Allen (‘Hangmen...
- 5/2/2022
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
With movie theaters fully back up and running, HBO Max no longer has any major film releases to point to with its list of new releases for May 2022. That’s alright though as the streamer is leaning into the HBO side of its branding to offer up some fun TV releases.
The biggest HBO Max original this month is undoubtedly the return of Hacks on May 12. The first season of this comedy starred Jean Smart as a venerated Vegas comedy and Hannah Einbinder as her new millennial assistant. The first batch of episodes was excellent and even won an Emmy or two for its troubles and now season 2 will look to keep up the good vibes.
Premiering on May 15, is The Time Traveler’s Wife. This series adaptation of the 2003 novel (which in turn became a a 2009 movie) keeps up with two star-crossed lovers who can never quite make the timing work…...
The biggest HBO Max original this month is undoubtedly the return of Hacks on May 12. The first season of this comedy starred Jean Smart as a venerated Vegas comedy and Hannah Einbinder as her new millennial assistant. The first batch of episodes was excellent and even won an Emmy or two for its troubles and now season 2 will look to keep up the good vibes.
Premiering on May 15, is The Time Traveler’s Wife. This series adaptation of the 2003 novel (which in turn became a a 2009 movie) keeps up with two star-crossed lovers who can never quite make the timing work…...
- 5/1/2022
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
The 2022 Outer Critics Circle nominations were announced Tuesday. They honor the best of the 2021-2022 Broadway and Off-Broadway season. “The Lehman Trilogy” scored the most nominations with nine bids, followed closely by the Off-Broadway musicals “Harmony” and “Kimberly Akimbo,” which scored eight nominations apiece.
Special Achievement Awards will be presented to “How I Learned to Drive” stars Johanna Day, David Morse and Mary-Louise Parker, as well as “Lackawanna Blues” star Ruben Santiago-Hudson, to mark their outstanding returns to roles they originated two decades ago. Since these actors were eligible for the original runs of these shows, the Outer Critics Circle has opted to take them out of contention for this year’s awards.
SEE2022 Drama League Awards nominations unveiled; 43 performers contend for distinguished performance award
There are many additional Tony Awards hopefuls who were not eligible for this group’s nominations. The Outer Critics Circle announced that they would only...
Special Achievement Awards will be presented to “How I Learned to Drive” stars Johanna Day, David Morse and Mary-Louise Parker, as well as “Lackawanna Blues” star Ruben Santiago-Hudson, to mark their outstanding returns to roles they originated two decades ago. Since these actors were eligible for the original runs of these shows, the Outer Critics Circle has opted to take them out of contention for this year’s awards.
SEE2022 Drama League Awards nominations unveiled; 43 performers contend for distinguished performance award
There are many additional Tony Awards hopefuls who were not eligible for this group’s nominations. The Outer Critics Circle announced that they would only...
- 4/26/2022
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Neil Patrick Harris has been cast in the upcoming New York City Encores! production of Into the Woods, replacing the previously announced Christian Borle, who is no longer available, New York City Center announced today.
Harris will take the role of the Baker for the Off Broadway two-week engagement dedicated to the memory of composer Stephen Sondheim.
The Encores! series presents concert-style revivals of both classic and rarely produced musicals. Into the Woods, which runs May 4 – 15, will be directed by Encores! Artistic Director Lear deBessonet with music direction by Encores! Music Director Rob Berman and choreography by Lorin Latarro.
Harris joins a cast that includes Sara Bareilles, Denée Benton, Gavin Creel, Jordan Donica, Annie Golden, Albert Guerzon, Ann Harada, Heather Headley, Tiffany Denise Hobbs, Brooke Ishibashi, Kennedy Kanagawa, David Patrick Kelly, Julia Lester, Lauren Mitchell, Shereen Pimentel, Cole Thompson, and David Turner.
Harris is no stranger to the New York stage.
Harris will take the role of the Baker for the Off Broadway two-week engagement dedicated to the memory of composer Stephen Sondheim.
The Encores! series presents concert-style revivals of both classic and rarely produced musicals. Into the Woods, which runs May 4 – 15, will be directed by Encores! Artistic Director Lear deBessonet with music direction by Encores! Music Director Rob Berman and choreography by Lorin Latarro.
Harris joins a cast that includes Sara Bareilles, Denée Benton, Gavin Creel, Jordan Donica, Annie Golden, Albert Guerzon, Ann Harada, Heather Headley, Tiffany Denise Hobbs, Brooke Ishibashi, Kennedy Kanagawa, David Patrick Kelly, Julia Lester, Lauren Mitchell, Shereen Pimentel, Cole Thompson, and David Turner.
Harris is no stranger to the New York stage.
- 4/13/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Nominations for the 37th Annual Lucille Lortel Awards for Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway were announced April 7, 2022 by Lilli Cooper and Lea DeLaria, stars of Broadway’s “Potus.” The Lortel Awards were created in 1985 to honor outstanding achievement Off-Broadway. The Lucille Lortel Awards are produced by the Off-Broadway League and Lucille Lortel Theatre, with additional support provided by Tdf. Winners will be announced at a ceremony on May 1, at NYU Skirball.
Tony Award hopeful Deirdre O’Connell is the recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. She won a Lortel Award for her riveting solo performance in “Dana H.” at the Vineyard Theatre last year. That production transferred to Broadway in the fall.
Acclaimed playwright David Henry Hwang is this year’s Playwrights’ Sidewalk Inductee. His name will be added to a star on the sidewalk outside the Lucille Lortel Theatre on Christopher Street, a permanent monument to Off-Broadway playwrights.
New musicals...
Tony Award hopeful Deirdre O’Connell is the recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. She won a Lortel Award for her riveting solo performance in “Dana H.” at the Vineyard Theatre last year. That production transferred to Broadway in the fall.
Acclaimed playwright David Henry Hwang is this year’s Playwrights’ Sidewalk Inductee. His name will be added to a star on the sidewalk outside the Lucille Lortel Theatre on Christopher Street, a permanent monument to Off-Broadway playwrights.
New musicals...
- 4/8/2022
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Kimberly Akimbo, Assassins, Prayer for the French Republic and The Chinese Lady were among the Off Broadway productions receiving multiple nominations for this year’s Lucille Lortel Awards for Outstanding Achievement Off Broadway, announced today.
Among the innovations in this year’s 37th Annual Lortel Awards are the first non-gendered performance categories, and the first-ever Lortel for Outstanding Ensemble. In the new Ensemble category, the inaugural nominees are the casts of English, Oratorio For Living Things, and Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992.
Kimberly Akimbo and Oratorio For Living Things scored the most nominations, with six each, while Black No More and On Sugarland received five. Assassins, Prayer for the French Republic and The Chinese Lady each have four nominations.
The awards will be handed out on Sunday, May 1, at NYU Skirball in Manhattan. The Lucille Lortel Awards are produced by the Off-Broadway League and Lucille Lortel Theatre, with additional support provided by Tdf.
Among the innovations in this year’s 37th Annual Lortel Awards are the first non-gendered performance categories, and the first-ever Lortel for Outstanding Ensemble. In the new Ensemble category, the inaugural nominees are the casts of English, Oratorio For Living Things, and Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992.
Kimberly Akimbo and Oratorio For Living Things scored the most nominations, with six each, while Black No More and On Sugarland received five. Assassins, Prayer for the French Republic and The Chinese Lady each have four nominations.
The awards will be handed out on Sunday, May 1, at NYU Skirball in Manhattan. The Lucille Lortel Awards are produced by the Off-Broadway League and Lucille Lortel Theatre, with additional support provided by Tdf.
- 4/7/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The Tony-nominated actor Will Swenson has been cast as Neil Diamond in the Broadway-bound musical about the “Sweet Caroline” singer-songwriter, producers announced today.
Swenson will play the title role in A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical when the production makes its world premiere at Boston’s Emerson Colonial Theatre this summer. Producers Ken Davenport and Bob Gaudio have indicated the musical is aimed at Broadway, though production dates and specific plans for New York have not been announced.
Swenson, whose Broadway credits include his Tony-nominated performance in Diane Paulus’ production of Hair and most recently starred in the acclaimed Off Broadway production of Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins, has been cast as Diamond for the six-week Boston engagement that kicks off Tuesday, June 21, and plays through Sunday, July 31.
A Beautiful Noise tells Diamond’s life story and includes a score of his many hit songs. The musical features a book...
Swenson will play the title role in A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical when the production makes its world premiere at Boston’s Emerson Colonial Theatre this summer. Producers Ken Davenport and Bob Gaudio have indicated the musical is aimed at Broadway, though production dates and specific plans for New York have not been announced.
Swenson, whose Broadway credits include his Tony-nominated performance in Diane Paulus’ production of Hair and most recently starred in the acclaimed Off Broadway production of Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins, has been cast as Diamond for the six-week Boston engagement that kicks off Tuesday, June 21, and plays through Sunday, July 31.
A Beautiful Noise tells Diamond’s life story and includes a score of his many hit songs. The musical features a book...
- 3/4/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
‘The Gilded Age’: Julian Fellowes’ new period drama is exceedingly rich in Tony Award-winning actors
Few television series boast an ensemble as rich as HBO’s “The Gilded Age,” at least in terms of Tony Awards. Julian Fellowes’ new period drama, which takes place in 1882 New York during a period of American industrialization and affluence, was shot predominantly in New York City. It draws on the wealth of theatre performers available due to the pandemic. The result is a cast of Broadway luminaries whose accolades total in the dozens, or 64 nominations and 23 wins, to be exact.
At the center of the action are a pair of two-time Tony winners — Christine Baranski and Cynthia Nixon — who play sisters Agnes van Rhijn and Ada Brook. These doyennes of old, moneyed New York try to bar the door to the new wealth elbowing their way into high society. Baranski won her first Tony for her performance in Tom Stoppard’s “The Real Thing,” which featured Nixon as Baranski’s daughter.
At the center of the action are a pair of two-time Tony winners — Christine Baranski and Cynthia Nixon — who play sisters Agnes van Rhijn and Ada Brook. These doyennes of old, moneyed New York try to bar the door to the new wealth elbowing their way into high society. Baranski won her first Tony for her performance in Tom Stoppard’s “The Real Thing,” which featured Nixon as Baranski’s daughter.
- 1/24/2022
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
Throughout 2021, we have been updating our “In Memoriam” photo gallery (view above). Scroll through to remember 33 entertainers from film, television, theater and music. Many were winners at the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and/or Tonys. Here is a closer look at just a few of those we celebrate in our gallery:
Legendary composer Stephen Sondheim died on November 26 at age 91. He was a seven-time Tony Award winner for “Company,” “Follies,” “A Little Night Music,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Into the Woods” and “Passion.” He received a lifetime achievement Tony in 2008. He was an Oscar winner for “Dick Tracy” and a seven-time Grammy winner. Other well-known shows were “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “Pacific Overtures,” Merrily We Roll Along,” “Sunday in the Park with George” and “Assassins” plus “West Side Story” and “Gypsy” as a lyricist. He was also a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Kennedy Center Honors.
Legendary composer Stephen Sondheim died on November 26 at age 91. He was a seven-time Tony Award winner for “Company,” “Follies,” “A Little Night Music,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Into the Woods” and “Passion.” He received a lifetime achievement Tony in 2008. He was an Oscar winner for “Dick Tracy” and a seven-time Grammy winner. Other well-known shows were “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “Pacific Overtures,” Merrily We Roll Along,” “Sunday in the Park with George” and “Assassins” plus “West Side Story” and “Gypsy” as a lyricist. He was also a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Kennedy Center Honors.
- 12/29/2021
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Refresh for updates…Broadway’s Waitress and David Byrne’s American Utopia have canceled performances until Thursday, Dec. 23, as the Omicron surge continues to take a toll on New York City.
Waitress producers tweeted late yesterday afternoon that the Dec. 21 and 22 performances were canceled “out of an abundance of caution.” The news did not come a surprise to some: Calling into Stars in the House Monday night, Waitress star Ciara Renée said she had chosen not to participate in that evening’s performance of her show due to breakthrough Covid cases within the production.
Out of an abundance of caution, the December 21st and 22nd performances of Waitress on Broadway has been cancelled. The show is expected to resume on Thursday, December 23rd at 7pm. Ticket holders for tonight’s performance will be contacted by their point of purchase.
— Waitress Musical (@WaitressMusical) December 21, 2021
Also today, the Michael Jackson musical Mj updated its cancellations through Dec.
Waitress producers tweeted late yesterday afternoon that the Dec. 21 and 22 performances were canceled “out of an abundance of caution.” The news did not come a surprise to some: Calling into Stars in the House Monday night, Waitress star Ciara Renée said she had chosen not to participate in that evening’s performance of her show due to breakthrough Covid cases within the production.
Out of an abundance of caution, the December 21st and 22nd performances of Waitress on Broadway has been cancelled. The show is expected to resume on Thursday, December 23rd at 7pm. Ticket holders for tonight’s performance will be contacted by their point of purchase.
— Waitress Musical (@WaitressMusical) December 21, 2021
Also today, the Michael Jackson musical Mj updated its cancellations through Dec.
- 12/22/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Stars: Scott Adkins, Dolph Lundgren, Ida Lundgren, Scott Hunter, Kim DeLonghi, Jim E. Chandler, Dave Halls, | Written by Andrew Knauer | Directed by Dolph Lundgren
Castle Falls marks Dolph Lundgren’s first film as a director since he shot Icarus in 2010. It’s also his fifth teaming with co-star Scott Adkins. Toss in a plot that sounds slightly reminiscent of Walter Hill’s underrated 1992 film Trespass and you have a film with a lot of potential. The question is, can it live up to them?
Mike Wade is down on his luck. His career as a fighter is over, he can’t even make the cut for a local Mma event and he’s been evicted from his apartment. Now he’s living in his truck and working as a labourer on the demolition of Castle Heights Hospital. And then his luck turns around, he finds several bags full of money hidden in the abandoned building.
Castle Falls marks Dolph Lundgren’s first film as a director since he shot Icarus in 2010. It’s also his fifth teaming with co-star Scott Adkins. Toss in a plot that sounds slightly reminiscent of Walter Hill’s underrated 1992 film Trespass and you have a film with a lot of potential. The question is, can it live up to them?
Mike Wade is down on his luck. His career as a fighter is over, he can’t even make the cut for a local Mma event and he’s been evicted from his apartment. Now he’s living in his truck and working as a labourer on the demolition of Castle Heights Hospital. And then his luck turns around, he finds several bags full of money hidden in the abandoned building.
- 12/8/2021
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
For Christine Baranski and a generation of musical theater stars, Stephen Sondheim, the legendary Broadway composer who died on Friday at 91, was nothing less than a father figure, a musical giant and an inspiration.
“Even though he was 91 we are blindsided by the loss. We all feel like orphans,” Baranski told Variety as she paid tribute to the creative force behind such landmark theater productions as “West Side Story,” “Company,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Follies,” “A Little Night Music,” “Sunday in the Park With George,” “Merrily We Roll Along,” “Into the Woods” and “Assassins.”
Baranski got to know Sondheim well during the last decade or so of his life. For one, the two lived near each other in Connecticut. Baranski and Meryl Streep, who also lives nearby, took Sondheim to dinner over the summer. The music master was sharp and in good spirits at that time, Baranski said.
“Mentally he was so in shape.
“Even though he was 91 we are blindsided by the loss. We all feel like orphans,” Baranski told Variety as she paid tribute to the creative force behind such landmark theater productions as “West Side Story,” “Company,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Follies,” “A Little Night Music,” “Sunday in the Park With George,” “Merrily We Roll Along,” “Into the Woods” and “Assassins.”
Baranski got to know Sondheim well during the last decade or so of his life. For one, the two lived near each other in Connecticut. Baranski and Meryl Streep, who also lives nearby, took Sondheim to dinner over the summer. The music master was sharp and in good spirits at that time, Baranski said.
“Mentally he was so in shape.
- 11/27/2021
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
The final curtain has fallen on Stephen Sondheim, maestro of American musical theater, who died at 91 on Friday. The brilliant mind behind “Into The Woods,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Company,” “Sunday in The Park With George,” and many, many more was a titan of Broadway, and the last living connection to the golden age of musicals. As a film critic, my early cinematic experiences began with musical movies, including filmed stage versions of “Into The Woods,” “Gypsy,” and of course, “West Side Story,” for which a very young Stephen Sondheim wrote the lyrics (same for “Gypsy.”)
It set me up for a lifetime of appreciating high drama, grand spectacle — and the unlikely comedic potential of cannibalism.
As last year’s Zoom-ified 90th birthday celebration for Sondheim proved, performing his songs is no small task. Numbers like “Send in The Clowns,” “Ladies Who Lunch,” and “Being Alive” are five-act plays in and of themselves,...
It set me up for a lifetime of appreciating high drama, grand spectacle — and the unlikely comedic potential of cannibalism.
As last year’s Zoom-ified 90th birthday celebration for Sondheim proved, performing his songs is no small task. Numbers like “Send in The Clowns,” “Ladies Who Lunch,” and “Being Alive” are five-act plays in and of themselves,...
- 11/27/2021
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Stephen Sondheim, one of the giants of Broadway songwriting, died early Friday at his home in Roxbury, Conn. He was 91.
Attorney F. Richard Pappas, announced the death, which he described as sudden. Sondheim celebrated Thanksgiving with friends just a day ago, Pappas said.
Sondheim’s catalog includes such works as “Company” (1970), “Follies” (1971), “A Little Night Music” (1973), “Pacific Overtures” (1976), “Sweeney Todd” (1979), “Merrily We Roll Along” (1981), “Sunday in the Park With George” (1984) and “Into the Woods” (1987).
Among his most memorable songs was “Send In the Clowns,” from “Night Music.”
He dominated Broadway and was considered the greatest composer-lyricist of the last half of the 20th century by many. He was one of the few major theater composers who handled words and music, including such legends as Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, and Frank Loesser.
His successes as a lyricist were as impressive as his songwriting. He wrote the lyrics for “West Side Story...
Attorney F. Richard Pappas, announced the death, which he described as sudden. Sondheim celebrated Thanksgiving with friends just a day ago, Pappas said.
Sondheim’s catalog includes such works as “Company” (1970), “Follies” (1971), “A Little Night Music” (1973), “Pacific Overtures” (1976), “Sweeney Todd” (1979), “Merrily We Roll Along” (1981), “Sunday in the Park With George” (1984) and “Into the Woods” (1987).
Among his most memorable songs was “Send In the Clowns,” from “Night Music.”
He dominated Broadway and was considered the greatest composer-lyricist of the last half of the 20th century by many. He was one of the few major theater composers who handled words and music, including such legends as Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, and Frank Loesser.
His successes as a lyricist were as impressive as his songwriting. He wrote the lyrics for “West Side Story...
- 11/26/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Stephen Sondheim, the dominant voice in American musical theater in the second half of the 20th century and the composer with the most Tony Awards, has died. He was 91. The Broadway icon died Friday, November 26th at his home in Roxbury, Conn. He was 91.
His shows, from the comedic “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” to the ground-breaking “Company” to the operatic “Sweeney Todd” to the experimental “Pacific Overtures,” transformed the Broadway musical stage, influencing and advancing the medium. Sondheim, a protege of Oscar Hammerstein II, slowly moved away from that melodic tradition to incorporate complex and dissonant themes and structures of 20th century classical music into his works.
Sondheim won seven Tony Awards plus a 2008 Special Tony Award for lifetime achievement in the theater.
Though he never achieved popular success on the order of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sondheim altered and broadened the boundaries of American...
His shows, from the comedic “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” to the ground-breaking “Company” to the operatic “Sweeney Todd” to the experimental “Pacific Overtures,” transformed the Broadway musical stage, influencing and advancing the medium. Sondheim, a protege of Oscar Hammerstein II, slowly moved away from that melodic tradition to incorporate complex and dissonant themes and structures of 20th century classical music into his works.
Sondheim won seven Tony Awards plus a 2008 Special Tony Award for lifetime achievement in the theater.
Though he never achieved popular success on the order of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sondheim altered and broadened the boundaries of American...
- 11/26/2021
- by Richard Natale
- Variety Film + TV
Stephen Sondheim is undoubtedly one of the most important figures in all of 20th century musical theatre. The man is responsible for monumentally influential pieces like "Into the Woods," "Gypsy," "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street," "Company," "Merrily We Roll Along," "Assassins," and perhaps his lyrical magnum opus, "West Side Story."
Sondheim wrote the lyrics for the original Broadway production of "West Side Story" (with a book by Arthur Laurents and music by Leonard Bernstein) all the way back in 1957, and the show has become a certifiable pop culture staple, due in large part of the success of Robert Wise...
The post West Side Story Lyricist Stephen Sondheim Prefers Spielberg's Movie to the Original appeared first on /Film.
Sondheim wrote the lyrics for the original Broadway production of "West Side Story" (with a book by Arthur Laurents and music by Leonard Bernstein) all the way back in 1957, and the show has become a certifiable pop culture staple, due in large part of the success of Robert Wise...
The post West Side Story Lyricist Stephen Sondheim Prefers Spielberg's Movie to the Original appeared first on /Film.
- 9/17/2021
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
The following contains Legends of Tomorrow spoilers
Legends of Tomorrow Season 6 Episode 15
Legends of Tomorrow season 6 has certainly been a mixed bag. The overarching framework of displaced aliens spread through time never really clicked in the same way that many of the series’ other ridiculous setups did.
The problems were multiple: Sara was separated from the group for half of the season, the show struggled to really integrate new character Spooner into the team until the season’s final pair of episodes, and entirely too much time has been dedicated to finding a reason to write off Matt Ryan’s Constantine. And maybe we should all just forget the part where Mick Rory gave birth to several dozen alien babies through his nose who then proceeded to eat the season’s frequently lackluster Big Bad.
But in the end, the finale succeeds because “The Fungus Amongus” focuses on Legends of Tomorrow...
Legends of Tomorrow Season 6 Episode 15
Legends of Tomorrow season 6 has certainly been a mixed bag. The overarching framework of displaced aliens spread through time never really clicked in the same way that many of the series’ other ridiculous setups did.
The problems were multiple: Sara was separated from the group for half of the season, the show struggled to really integrate new character Spooner into the team until the season’s final pair of episodes, and entirely too much time has been dedicated to finding a reason to write off Matt Ryan’s Constantine. And maybe we should all just forget the part where Mick Rory gave birth to several dozen alien babies through his nose who then proceeded to eat the season’s frequently lackluster Big Bad.
But in the end, the finale succeeds because “The Fungus Amongus” focuses on Legends of Tomorrow...
- 9/6/2021
- by Lacy Baugher
- Den of Geek
The Tales from the Crypt TV series was coming to an end in 1996 with the last season airing from April–July. After seven successful years, the Crypt Keeper was saying goodbye to TV and hello to Hollywood. Things got off to a good start in 1995 with Demon Knight, the first of a proposed Tales from the Crypt trilogy.
This was soon followed by Bordello of Blood. The film centres on a private investigator who, after looking into a missing person’s case, discovers that the local funeral parlour is also a brothel populated with vampire prostitutes. The Pi teams up with the missing person’s sister and a charismatic reverend to take on the vampires and their beautiful and deadly leader, Lilith.
The film was released in theatres 25 years ago on 16th August, 1996. However, the film had a difficult and turbulent production that meant it didn’t quite have the same bite as its predecessor.
This was soon followed by Bordello of Blood. The film centres on a private investigator who, after looking into a missing person’s case, discovers that the local funeral parlour is also a brothel populated with vampire prostitutes. The Pi teams up with the missing person’s sister and a charismatic reverend to take on the vampires and their beautiful and deadly leader, Lilith.
The film was released in theatres 25 years ago on 16th August, 1996. However, the film had a difficult and turbulent production that meant it didn’t quite have the same bite as its predecessor.
- 8/16/2021
- by James Doherty
- DailyDead
The New York Asian Film Foundation and Film at Lincoln Center have announced two final titles, completing the lineup for the upcoming 20th edition of the New York Asian Film Festival (Nyaff). The festival will be screening over 70 films, both virtually and in person, to audiences in New York and across the country from August 6 – 22, 2021. Tickets are already on sale.
Nyaff is thrilled to present as its festival Centerpiece the international premiere of Nyaff favorite director Benny Chan’s final work, Raging Fire. Completed shortly before his untimely death in August 2020, the Hong Kong-Chinese action film stars the inimitable Donnie Yen as Shan, a by-the-book cop whose past returns to haunt him. After a sting operation goes disastrously awry, Shan finds himself pitted against Ngo (Nicholas Tse), a former protégé who has turned criminal mastermind and is out for revenge. Nothing, it seems, can stop him, including his former mentor.
Nyaff is thrilled to present as its festival Centerpiece the international premiere of Nyaff favorite director Benny Chan’s final work, Raging Fire. Completed shortly before his untimely death in August 2020, the Hong Kong-Chinese action film stars the inimitable Donnie Yen as Shan, a by-the-book cop whose past returns to haunt him. After a sting operation goes disastrously awry, Shan finds himself pitted against Ngo (Nicholas Tse), a former protégé who has turned criminal mastermind and is out for revenge. Nothing, it seems, can stop him, including his former mentor.
- 8/3/2021
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
Stars: Jules Willcox, Marc Menchaca, Anthony Heald, Jonathan Rosenthal | Written by Mattias Olsson | Directed by John Hyams
An English-language adaptation of Swedish thriller Gone, with a screenplay by from that films director Mattias Olsson, Alone is most-noticeable as being helmed by John Hyams. The son of director Peter Hyams, John Hyams burst on to the action movie scene with a trio of movies between 2009 and 2012 featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme – with whom his father had worked in 1994/5 – all of which were fan-favourites and which, at the time, were seemingly Hyams’ calling card into bigger budget action fare. Only that didn’t happen.
Despite the warm reception afforded Universal Soldier: Regeneration and its follow-up Day of Reckoning And the great reviews Dragon Eyes, a film that sought to launch the leading-man action career of Cung Le, received from critics and fans alike; Hyams has spent the intervening years in television, producing and...
An English-language adaptation of Swedish thriller Gone, with a screenplay by from that films director Mattias Olsson, Alone is most-noticeable as being helmed by John Hyams. The son of director Peter Hyams, John Hyams burst on to the action movie scene with a trio of movies between 2009 and 2012 featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme – with whom his father had worked in 1994/5 – all of which were fan-favourites and which, at the time, were seemingly Hyams’ calling card into bigger budget action fare. Only that didn’t happen.
Despite the warm reception afforded Universal Soldier: Regeneration and its follow-up Day of Reckoning And the great reviews Dragon Eyes, a film that sought to launch the leading-man action career of Cung Le, received from critics and fans alike; Hyams has spent the intervening years in television, producing and...
- 7/14/2021
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Updated with latest: Richard Donner, the director that launched Superman on the big screen and elevated the buddy movie to blockbuster status with Lethal Weapon as part of a five-decade film and TV directing and producing career, died Monday at age 91. His credits included helming such iconic movies across several genres from the horror pic The Omen to the kids adventure tale The Goonies to a Christmas classic Scrooged.
He was remembered in industry circles today for his booming laugh and kindness, with his Goonies co-star Sean Astin saying, “What I perceived in him, as a 12 year old kid, is that he cared. I love that he cared.”
Said Steven Spielberg: “Dick had such a powerful command of his movies, and was so gifted across so many genres. Being in his circle was akin to hanging out with your favorite coach, smartest professor, fiercest motivator, most endearing friend, staunchest ally,...
He was remembered in industry circles today for his booming laugh and kindness, with his Goonies co-star Sean Astin saying, “What I perceived in him, as a 12 year old kid, is that he cared. I love that he cared.”
Said Steven Spielberg: “Dick had such a powerful command of his movies, and was so gifted across so many genres. Being in his circle was akin to hanging out with your favorite coach, smartest professor, fiercest motivator, most endearing friend, staunchest ally,...
- 7/5/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Following the news of legendary director Richard Donner’s death, heartfelt tributes are emerging from all over Hollywood, including from Steven Spielberg, Mel Gibson and Danny Glover.
Donner, who directed the original “Superman” film, the 1985 classic “The Goonies” and the “Lethal Weapon” series, died on Monday at the age of 91.
Fellow director Spielberg, who wrote the story for “The Goonies,” remembered Donner in a statement to Variety.
“Dick had such a powerful command of his movies, and was so gifted across so many genres. Being in his circle was akin to hanging out with your favorite coach, smartest professor, fiercest motivator, most endearing friend, staunchest ally, and — of course — the greatest Goonie of all,” Spielberg said. “He was all kid. All heart. All the time. I can’t believe he’s gone, but his husky, hearty laugh will stay with me always.”
Gibson, who starred alongside Danny Glover in Donner...
Donner, who directed the original “Superman” film, the 1985 classic “The Goonies” and the “Lethal Weapon” series, died on Monday at the age of 91.
Fellow director Spielberg, who wrote the story for “The Goonies,” remembered Donner in a statement to Variety.
“Dick had such a powerful command of his movies, and was so gifted across so many genres. Being in his circle was akin to hanging out with your favorite coach, smartest professor, fiercest motivator, most endearing friend, staunchest ally, and — of course — the greatest Goonie of all,” Spielberg said. “He was all kid. All heart. All the time. I can’t believe he’s gone, but his husky, hearty laugh will stay with me always.”
Gibson, who starred alongside Danny Glover in Donner...
- 7/5/2021
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Richard Donner, the prolific filmmaker best known for directing blockbusters like Superman, Lethal Weapon, and The Goonies, died on Monday, The New York Times reports. He was 91.
Donner’s wife, film producer Lauren Shuler Donner, confirmed the director’s death. However, she did not reveal a cause of death.
Several filmmakers memorialized Donner on Twitter, including Edgar Wright, who wrote that the director’s “big heart & effervescent charm shone in his movies through the remarkable performances of his cast, which is no mean feat.”
Richard Donner's big heart & effervescent charm...
Donner’s wife, film producer Lauren Shuler Donner, confirmed the director’s death. However, she did not reveal a cause of death.
Several filmmakers memorialized Donner on Twitter, including Edgar Wright, who wrote that the director’s “big heart & effervescent charm shone in his movies through the remarkable performances of his cast, which is no mean feat.”
Richard Donner's big heart & effervescent charm...
- 7/5/2021
- by Emily Zemler
- Rollingstone.com
Director-producer Richard Donner, best known for helming the “Lethal Weapon” film series, “The Goonies” and the original “Superman” film, died on Monday. He was 91.
Donner’s production company confirmed news of his death to Variety, though the cause was not disclosed.
Though not his first bigscreen effort, his big feature break came with 1976’s “The Omen,” starring Gregory Peck and Lee Remick. Thereafter, he brought his craftsmanship to the first “Superman.” He also branched out into producing, usually with his wife Lauren Shuler Donner — he executive produced the huge 2000 success “X-Men” and later the prequel “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.” But his career was highlighted by the “Lethal Weapon” series, starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, which elevated him to the ranks of directors generating more than a billion dollars in box office.
Born Richard Donald Schwartzberg in the Bronx, he attended Parker Junior College and then NYU, where he majored in business and theater.
Donner’s production company confirmed news of his death to Variety, though the cause was not disclosed.
Though not his first bigscreen effort, his big feature break came with 1976’s “The Omen,” starring Gregory Peck and Lee Remick. Thereafter, he brought his craftsmanship to the first “Superman.” He also branched out into producing, usually with his wife Lauren Shuler Donner — he executive produced the huge 2000 success “X-Men” and later the prequel “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.” But his career was highlighted by the “Lethal Weapon” series, starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, which elevated him to the ranks of directors generating more than a billion dollars in box office.
Born Richard Donald Schwartzberg in the Bronx, he attended Parker Junior College and then NYU, where he majored in business and theater.
- 7/5/2021
- by Richard Natale
- Variety Film + TV
Richard Donner, the prolific Hollywood director and producer whose helming credits include some of the most iconic movies of the 1970s and ’80s including the Christopher Reeve-starring Superman, The Goonies and the Mel Gibson-Danny Glover buddy cop series Lethal Weapon, has died. He was 91.
Donner passed away Monday, according to his wife, the producer Lauren Schuler Donner, and his business manager. No cause of death has been revealed.
The Bronx-born Donner, a genial man with a booming voice, started his career directing for television. His TV credits include a laundry list of staple shows from the ’60s including Route 66, The Rifleman, The Twilight Zone, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Gilligan’s Island, Perry Mason and The Wild Wild West. His debut feature X-15 in 1961 with Charles Bronson (and a young Mary Tyler Moore) was followed by the 1968 crime comedy Salt & Pepper starring Sammy Davis Jr. and Peter Lawford,...
Donner passed away Monday, according to his wife, the producer Lauren Schuler Donner, and his business manager. No cause of death has been revealed.
The Bronx-born Donner, a genial man with a booming voice, started his career directing for television. His TV credits include a laundry list of staple shows from the ’60s including Route 66, The Rifleman, The Twilight Zone, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Gilligan’s Island, Perry Mason and The Wild Wild West. His debut feature X-15 in 1961 with Charles Bronson (and a young Mary Tyler Moore) was followed by the 1968 crime comedy Salt & Pepper starring Sammy Davis Jr. and Peter Lawford,...
- 7/5/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Deadline has reported that Scott Adkins is in negotiations to join the cast of John Wick: Chapter 4, and if you know Adkins' work, you'll know why that's very exciting. The actor/martial artist is best know for his hard-hitting action roles in films such as Undisputed II: Last Man Standing, Ninja, Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning, The Expendables 2, The Bourne…...
- 6/29/2021
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
There is a very popular theory which is at the foundation of many crime stories and thrillers, which deals with the idea of the perfect crime. Even though criminology has experienced quite a few developments when it comes to solving a case, collecting and finding evidence as well as identifying clues, many crimes remain unsolved to this day. While the lack of such opportunities may be one part of the answer, especially regarding crimes of the past, there may also be a more complicated context which keeps the true culprit or motif nebulous. In his documentary “Assassins”, which premiered at Sundance Film festival 2020, US-American filmmaker Ryan White tells the story of such a crime, about the various institutions connected and how it may shed a light into the great black box which is the political mechanisms of North Korea.
Assassins is screening at Udine Far East Film Festival
The story...
Assassins is screening at Udine Far East Film Festival
The story...
- 6/25/2021
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Director Benjamin Caron and editor Yan Miles first began working together on the Season 1 episode of “The Crown” entitled “Assassins,” and they immediately hit it off.
“There was a familiarity,” Caron recalls of their first meeting. And now, “after five years together, I spend more time with Yan than I do my wife sometimes. I think there’s a very honest understanding of each other’s lives and that is part of the journey.”
A shared understanding of stories and an appreciation for the same films helped them cement a close collaboration that has gone on through each season of the Netflix royal family drama, most notably including Season 4’s “Fairytale” episode, as well as the upcoming Disney Plus “Star Wars” series “Andor.”
When it came to “Fairytale,” the two sat down for tea and cake to discuss their approach to the episode that would show off a new side...
“There was a familiarity,” Caron recalls of their first meeting. And now, “after five years together, I spend more time with Yan than I do my wife sometimes. I think there’s a very honest understanding of each other’s lives and that is part of the journey.”
A shared understanding of stories and an appreciation for the same films helped them cement a close collaboration that has gone on through each season of the Netflix royal family drama, most notably including Season 4’s “Fairytale” episode, as well as the upcoming Disney Plus “Star Wars” series “Andor.”
When it came to “Fairytale,” the two sat down for tea and cake to discuss their approach to the episode that would show off a new side...
- 6/21/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.