‘Ghosted’: Chris Evans & Scarlett Johansson To Reunite For Romantic Action Film From ‘Deadpool’ Writers And ‘Rocketman’ Director

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August 30, 2021

For a while there in the MCU it looked as if Captain America and Black Widow were going to become a thing. Like romantically. Then she sorta bounced around a bit in her affections and he couldn’t get over Peggy who was like 90-years-old but still younger than him…whatever. Well, the closest you’re ever going to get to that actually happening is with the upcoming film Ghosted, which a romantic action-adventure that reunites Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson.

Deadline reports Evans and Johansson will star in Ghosted, a co-production by Apple and Skydance. Plot details aren’t available yet, but the talent on board is very significant. Not only is the script from Deadpool duo Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese, but directing is Dexter Fletcher, best known for Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman.

Of course, the big draw is the reuniting of Evans and Johansson, who not only starred in four Avengers movies together, but a couple of solo Captain America films, too. While Apple has been spending big money on streaming projects of late, this seems like one they might want to push theatrical because it could be huge.

‘The Guilty’ Trailer: Jake Gyllenhaal Leads Antoine Fuqua’s Remake Of Danish Cop Thriller

By

Travis Hopson

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August 29, 2021

Jake Gyllenhaal has been a fan of The Guilty before it even became a thing. That is, he was hugely into the original Danish version of the thriller, directed by Gustav Möller and released in 2018. The actor loved it, moderating Q&S to show his support before ultimately pushing to get an American remake made with Antoine Fuqua behind the camera. The two worked together previously on the boxing drama, Southpaw, but this collaboration would be different. Because of COVID-19 they never actually got together during production, with Fuqua stationed inside of a parked van the whole time. Weird, eh?

Set over the course of a single day, The Guilty stars Gyllenhaal as a disgraced cop working the 911 desk. What seems like an ordinary shift goes haywire when he’s called by a woman who claims to have been kidnapped. What unfolds from there reveals itself to nothing that the call operator expected.

Adding to the film’s serious cred is a script by True Detective writer Nic Pizolatto. A stacked cast includes Ethan Hawke, Riley Keough, Paul Dano, Peter Sarsgaard, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Bill Burr.

Netflix is going all-in with the marketing for this, too. Over the weekend, Gyllenhaal began posting a phone number to call that would play the first chilling phone encounter in the film. That phone number was also displayed in the skies above Los Angeles, assuming anyone could see it through the smog.

The Guilty hits Netflix on October 1st, but will play in select theaters on September 24th.

Box Office: ‘Candyman’ Hooks The #1 Spot

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John Nolan

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August 29, 2021

1. Candyman (review) – $22.3M
Nia DaCosta’s reimagining of the 1992 horror classic brings more focus to today’s issues while maintaining a theme of terror and bringing back a beloved slasher. All the hard work paid off as the film pulled $22.3M over the weekend, more then enough to secure the #1 spot

2. Free Guy (review)- $13.5M/$79.3M

3. Paw Patrol: The Movie – $6.6M/$24M

4. Jungle Cruise– $5M/$100.1M

Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt’s theme park ride inspired adventure film would have been a sure bet for half a billion dollars just a few years ago. How times have changed, after three weeks in theaters Jungle Cruise has finally eked by the $100M mark.

5. Don’t Breathe 2 (review)- $2.8M/$24.5M

6. Respect (review)- $2.1M/$19.6M

7. The Suicide Squad– $2M/$52.7M

8. The Protégé (review) – $1.6M/$5M

9. The Night House (review) – $1.2M/$5M

10. Black Widow – $855K/$181.5

Climbing back into the top 10 from last week’s 11th place finish Black Widow continues to hang on adding more zero’s to the ongoing Scarlett Johansson/Disney lawsuit.

Eddie Murphy And Jonah Hill To Star In Netflix Comedy From ‘black-ish’ Creator Kenya Barris

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Travis Hopson

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August 28, 2021

Eddie Murphy’s career resurgence has coincided with the dominance of streaming outlets, especially those willing to shell out big bucks for A-list stars. He recently starred in Coming 2 America, which Amazon shelled out over $100M to land the rights to. But before that, it was Netflix’s Dolemite Is My Name that put Murphy back on the map and even in the awards discussion. And now Murphy is returning to Netflix for a new project with some impressive talent attached.

THR reports Murphy will star in an untitled comedy starring and co-written by Jonah Hill. The film reunites Murphy with Coming 2 America writer Kenya Barris, who will direct and also co-wrote the script with Hill. Story details describe it as “an incisive examination of modern love and family dynamics and how clashing cultures, societal expectations, and generational differences shape and affect relationships.”

Comeback or no, Murphy still is extremely picky about the roles he takes so there must be something about this one that caught his eye. Hill has been laying low since his recent directorial debut, Mid90s, but will have a role in Adam McKay’s Don’t Look Up.

‘The Book Of Boba Fett’ Could Be The Live-Action Debut Of Bounty Hunter Cad Bane

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Travis Hopson

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August 28, 2021

One of the most overpowered characters in all of Star Wars may be coming to The Book of Boba Fett. The cowboy-inspired bounty hunter Cade Bane is rumored to appear on the series, making it his live-action debut after becoming a fixture on various animated shows. He was most recently seen in an episode of The Bad Batch.

This makes all of the sense in the world. Described as The Mandalorian 2.5, spinoff The Book of Boba Fett sees the iconic bounty hunter taking over the criminal syndicate once belonging to Jabba the Hutt. That means keeping touch with other underworld types and Cad Bane definitely fits the bill. We know others in his chosen profession will show up, such as Bossk, IG-88, and more.

My buddy says Cad Bane desperately needs “a patch”, because he’s so damn overpowered. He seems to be able to fight and hold his own against pretty much anybody; Jedi (he knows how to wield a lightsaber), Mandalorians, souped-up clones, it doesn’t matter. He’s also one of my favorite characters, and love that he represents Old West gunslingers in look and attitude. Timothy Olyphant would’ve been perfect for Cade Bane if he hadn’t already shown up as another Western-esque character, Cobb Vanth. Perhaps Nathan Fillion? [LRM]

Appearances Can Be Deadly and Deceiving In The Trailer For The Upcoming Western ‘Old Henry’

By

John Nolan

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August 27, 2021

People aren’t always who they appear to be, a lesson a gang of bank robbers appears to be learning in the trailer for Potsy Ponciroli’s new film Old Henry. When an old farmer finds a man on the plains near death with a gunshot wound, he does the decent thing and brings him back to his house until he heals. What the farmer and his son soon find out is that the people who put the bullet in the bank robber are looking to finish the job. Seems like a pretty standard siege film, with the bad guys on the outside and the good guys holed up in the farmhouse. It seems that way right up until the framer introduces himself as Henry McCarty.

Now, if that name doesn’t ring a bell you are probably not a history buff (or a Young Guns fan), but as those of us in the vein of historical nerdery or Young Guns fandom knew right away that name is an alias belonging to none other than Mr. William H Bonney, aka Billy The Kid.

I LOVE a good historical revision. Inglorious Basterds and For All Mankind being two recent favorites, and by all accounts it appears that I’ll be adding Old Henry to that list here soon. Other then the obvious awesomeness that the plot promises the cast adds a level of credit that would otherwise be lacking. Tim Blake Nelson, being the obvious frontrunner but Richard Speight Jr. and Stephen Dorff seem to appear in films I like more often then not.

Check out the trailer below and look for Old Henry in theaters on October 1st, 2021

Official Synopsis:

Old Henry is an action-Western about a widowed farmer and his son who warily take in a mysterious injured man with a satchel of cash. When a posse of men claiming to be the law come for the money, the farmer must decide whom to trust. Defending against a siege of his homestead, he reveals a talent for gunslinging that surprises everyone, calling his true identity into question.

Review: ‘No Man Of God’
Elijah Wood And Luke Kirby Give Memorable Performances Bringing A Lesser Known Aspect Of The Ted Bundy Story To Life

By
Jake Sokolsky
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The newest iteration of the Ted Bundy story is here in No Man of God. The film takes a slightly different turn than its predecessors. No Man of God focuses on the last few years of Bundy’s (Luke Kirby) life. It was during this time that a strange relationship forms between Bundy and FBI profiler Bill Hagmaier (Elijah Wood).

In the late 1970s there was a push from the FBI to try and understand the psychology behind crime. They felt that understanding serial rapists and killers would help the bureau be able to combat future perpetrators. The department began employing profilers with this goal in mind. Hagmaier was the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed rookie of the group. This jumpstart attitude led to him taking on the Bundy case. Bundy notoriously hated law enforcement and would try and play games with them. Hagmaier quickly realized that to get answers from Bundy, he would have to take a different approach.

On numerous occasions from the mid to late 1980s, Hagmaier visited Bundy at the Florida State Prison where he was being held. In between the visits, the two would keep in contact by writing letters. Hagmaier was on a mission to find out how Bundy thought and why he committed his crimes. Bundy found interest in Hagmaier and considered himself an expert profiler as well. Bundy went so far as to try and convince various police departments to let him assist on cases. As time passed, their relationship grew stronger and more personal – transitioning into a possible friendship. Bundy was steadfast about the similarities between him and Hagmaier. He pontificated that minute decisions from their past could lead to them swapping places. This ideal was one that plagued Hagmaier as he struggled to get it out of his head.

No Man of God is inspired by FBI transcripts, recordings, and Hagmaier’s own recollections of his exchanges with Bundy. The fact that the film stems from real life interactions gives it an additional chill. Bundy was known for his good looks, charisma, and ability to manipulate those around him. Films depicting him have toed the line of virtually glorifying him. While No Man of God doesn’t exalt Bundy like other films, it does not truly dive into the monster. Towards the end of the film, we get more of a glimpse. However, that is few and far between. A majority of the runtime is a more charming and intellectual Bundy.

No Man of God is directed by Amber Sealey and written by Kit Lesser. It is Lesser’s first feature length script. The script has numerous interesting ideals – and repetition from Bundy about many of them. He insists upon his innocence and hammers home the idea that he’s no different from the average person. That everyone has the same drives and notions. Both Kirby and Wood give notable performances, but Kirby is top notch. Portraying a notorious serial killer is not an easy feat, but Kirby manages to do so masterfully. His mannerisms and facial expression create an aurora of comfort from Bundy. Yet beneath that is still a layer of creepiness and terror. Kirby perfectly captures Bundy’s cockiness as he plays a cat and mouse game with Hagmaier. Kirby and Wood are both a joy to watch. Their chemistry is apparent throughout and drives the film forward.

The cinematography, along with Kirby’s performance, are the most memorable aspects of No Man of God. The two men spend a majority of their time in a single prison room. The various camera angels and partially obstructed shots flawlessly capture the claustrophobic feel. There are a few shots that will stick in the audience’s mind for quite some time. The film’s score seamlessly complements the cinematography. The music shifts from ominous tones to more intense melodies as the end is drawing near. No Man of God does not reinvent the wheel, but it’s unique perspective of Bundy’s final years and the stellar performances make it worth a watch.

No Man of God is available in theaters and digital.

Marvel Reportedly Has A Werewolf-Themed Halloween Special In The Works For Disney+

By

Travis Hopson

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August 27, 2021

Marvel Studios has yet to really tap into the horror side of the MCU, although that is about to change. With a Blade movie coming up led by Mahershala Ali, and Marvel Zombies featuring in this season of What If…?, a new rumor says that Marvel has a Halloween special coming up for Disney+ that may feature one of its classic horror characters, Werewolf by Night!

TheWrap reports Marvel is seeking a Latino actor in his 30s to star in an upcoming Halloween special on Disney+ that will center on a werewolf character that could turn out to be Werewolf by Night. Production would begin in early 2022. Details are sketchy as to what this project will be. A movie? A series? An anthology? Halloween naturally lends itself to the anthology horror format, and a Marvel version could be very interesting. There is no shortage of horror characters to choose from.

Werewolf by Night is a name associated with two characters. The most prominent is Jack Russell, a Lycanthrope descendant who gains the powers of the werewolf. He also shares a close association with Moon Knight, who has a Disney+ series coming up led by Oscar Isaac.

The most recent is Jake Gomez, a member of the Hopi tribe who gains his Lycan ability to transform due to a curse.

It’s clear that some kind of mandate has gone down at Marvel to put emphasis on the darker characters. A newly-announced Midnight Sons video game is on the way that will feature many of the characters who operate within the paranormal sphere. I wouldn’t be surprised if Marvel Studios was building up to a Midnight Sons or Marvel Knights movie in some way.

Production on

‘Lady Of The Manor’ Trailer: Judy Greer And Melanie Lynskey Star In Justin Long’s Supernatural Buddy Comedy

By

Travis Hopson

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August 27, 2021

Judy Greer. Melanie Lynskey. I’m already sold. Don’t care what the Hell the movie is. But you tell me it’s a buddy comedy that has Greer playing a stuck-up ghost? Uh, yes please! That’s what Lady of the Manor has to offer and I’m here for all of it.

Something about Lynskey when she’s playing the under-achiever that is just so perfect, perhaps because she’s so damn good at everything? Here, she’s just such a character, Hannah, a total stoner who is hired to play Lady Wadsworth (Greer), a Southern Belle who died in 1875, as part of a local gig. But then Wadsworth’s ghost shows up and reads Hannah the riot act and says she’ll keep haunting her until she shapes up.

Cue the adultery jokes, the old person jokes, the drunk driving jokes, and more. Greer over-enunciating the word “cockblock”? Lynskey letting one rip and blaming it on somebody else? Hilarious! It’s even got Justin Long, who co-wrote the script and co-directed with his brother Christian, plus Luis Guzman, and Ryan Phillippe as part of a pretty great cast.

Lady of the Manor opens in select theaters, Apple T, and digital on September 17th. Blu-ray and DVD on September 21st.

Review: ‘Defining Moments’
Sugarcoated Comedy Is Disappointing Final Screen Role For Burt Reynolds

By
Jen Pourreza
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Defining Moments tells the story of an entangled group of people who are at a crossroads in their lives. Each story is conveyed like a chapter in a book. Eight individuals cross paths in a small Canadian town and encounter ‘defining moments’ around the same time. Their pivotal decisions and significant experiences will fundamentally change the course of their existence. Stephen Wallis wrote the screenplay and directed the film. This is the last film Burt Reynolds stars in before his passing in 2018.

Marina (Polly Shannon) reconnects with her aging father, Chester (Burt Reynolds, Boogie Nights). The late actor stars as Chester, who’s shy of turning 80 and has decided he has nine months left with loved ones. “A baby takes nine months to be born,” he explains. “I’m taking nine months to say goodbye.” Believing her father has more time than he thinks, Marina decides to stay for a while to look after him anyway. Marina and Chester are seen throughout the film playing checkers and discussing their past memories. Eventually, Marina finds out what her father plans on leaving her upon his passing. With that realization sinking in, the two must find a way to clear the air before his time comes to an end.

Laurel (Tammy Blanchard (A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood) is in her 40’s and just found out she is pregnant. With a grown child and the mentality that she already screwed up raising one kid, she is not ready for another. Her doctor and father Edward (Eric Peterson), who also confirms her pregnancy, believes she totally can. He thinks it may be good for her. Laurel tells her husband but he makes it clear he doesn’t want any more kids. Her husband is visibly not thrilled and she can see his unhappiness with their overall marriage. Laurel is determined to have the child even if it ends her relationship. Embracing her new pregnancy, she moves into her father’s home.

Edward (Peterson) is the town’s well-known and highly respected doctor. He is a wonderful father who cares very much for his daughter. Although a wife and Laurel’s mother is never mentioned or pictured, it’s clear he truly is a wonderful man. His character personality stands out the most and his great sense of humor had me cracking up at times. He soon learns that he has early Alzheimer’s and is forced to retire. To add to the mix, he is also learning to adjust to his daughter’s newly discovered lifestyle.

Jack (Shawn Roberts) is young, fun, and in a happy relationship with his beautiful blonde girlfriend, Terri (Kelly Van der Burg). Despite her best efforts, Jack refuses to let her meet his family. Their relationship is thrown into further turmoil when Jack terribly tries to explain that he’s not ready to be so serious. Heartbroken but respectful of his feelings, Terri leaves. Jack wants to spend the rest of his life with her. He must decide if he can step up to take his partner role more seriously. More importantly, would Terri even take him back?

Lisa (Sienna Guillory) is Jack’s fun-loving and down-to-earth sister. She very much loves her brother. Lisa is the little sister who always looks out for Jack. She is more than happy to fulfill that role however, she is also learning to live with MS (multiple sclerosis). MS is a chronic and progressive disease that causes damage to the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms may include numbness, impairment of speech and of muscular coordination, blurred vision, and severe fatigue. Lisa does not discuss anything about her disease other than painfully admitting she has it. Her role leans more toward the mothering sister side even though she and her brother are both going through big changes in their lives.

Dave (Dillon Casey) and his three friends are Americans who are on holiday in Canada. Dave is suicidal and has made several attempts on his life. His friends take him on vacations to keep his mind off his dark thoughts. They are also the only “family” Dave has to look after him. Dave is unsuccessful at his attempts because deep down, he doesn’t want to actually die. He wants to learn why life is worth it but, at the same time, is running out of ears to blow off. Dave is committed to a mental health facility under the recommendation of the town doctor, Edward. He is put under the care of Dr. Kelly (Graham Greene, The Green Mile, The Twilight Saga). With the help of Dr. Kelly and an unlikely friendship in his ward, Dave slowly begins to gain a better understanding of the value of life.

Defining Moments has a poignant yet soft approach to the film’s title and leading subject portrayal. Wallis does his best to touch on issues that everyday people face but the overall expression lacked real/believable emotions. Peterson brings humor and Guillory beautifully embraces her role but the film and majority of actors felt underwhelming. The disappointing quality comes off in a Made-For-TV style. Definitely a cushy but grim reminder to never leave unfinished business. Always a nice idea however, this film is too sugar-coated for my taste. At least all you Burt Reynolds fans out there can see him in his final film. A fitting role for an iconic man and actor who in his own cinematic way, got to say goodbye.

Defining Moments is available in theaters and digital platforms now.