Hollywood has trained us to expect an alien invasion to look a certain kind of way, but leave it to Thoroughbreds and Bad Education director Cory Finley to change all of that. His latest film, Landscape with Invisible Hand, shows what happens when business-minded aliens come to Earth and…well, they take over, but not with death rays or anything like that. They use simple consumerism.
The film’s final trailer gives us a look at the aliens, known as the Vuuv, and it’s clear why humanity is stunned at their arrival. Looking like little toaster ovens with feet, they quickly set up a society in which human relationships become a form of entertainment, like their version of a sitcom.
Into this wild scenario there’s also a love story, that of high schoolers Adam (Asante Blackk) and Chloe Marsh (Kylie Rogers), who agree to have their relationship broadcast for the Vuuv to enjoy.
The film also stars Tiffany Haddish, William Jackson Harper, Josh Hamilton, Brooklynn MacKinzie, and Michael Gandolfini.
Landscape with Invisible Hand hits theaters on August 18th. And stay on the lookout for my interview with Finley coming in a few days.
Following his 2013 religious comedy Rapture-Palooza, director Paul Middleditch is going in a more personal route. Debuting this year at TIFF is his latest film, Uproar, which stars Deadpool 2 and Hunt for the Wilderpeople favorite Julian Dennison in a story that draws from the director’s childhood in New South Wales, Australia.
Dennison stars as Josh Waaka, a 17-year-old misfit growing up in 1981 New Zealand. As he struggles to discover who he is, protests break out as the Springboks rugby team, which represents Apartheid-era South Africa, tours New Zealand, forcing Josh to take stock of his heritage and make a profound choice.
Middleditch directed and co-wrote the screenplay with Maori filmmaker Hamish Bennett. The cast is pretty good, too, with Minnie Driver, Mark Mitchinson, and Rhys Darby joining Dennison.
Here’s the synopsis: In New Zealand, 1981, Josh Waaka is a 17-year-old square peg in the round, rugby-obsessed hole that is St Gilbert’s College. Meanwhile, the Springboks rugby team, representing Apartheid-era South Africa, are touring New Zealand, sparking nationwide protests and dividing the country. Josh’s newfound passion for acting, as well as a greater awareness of his Māori heritage, sends him tumbling headlong into conflict where he is forced to either conform or stand up for himself, his whānau (family) and his future. Uproar is the funny and heartwarming story of a young man’s battle to find his true voice, set against the volatile backdrop of New Zealand’s fight for its national identity.
Check out the Uproar trailer below, courtesy of ThePlaylist.
The upcoming Ahsoka series on Disney+ has tons of fans excited for the live-action reunion of the Star Wars Rebels crew. But let’s not forget one more character who will be making their return, Anakin Skywalker, played once again by Hayden Christensen. Ahsoka’s former Jedi master looms large in the upcoming series, as seen in the latest teaser before next week’s premiere.
The footage is a lot of stuff that we’ve seen before, but it has a fresh impact with Anakin’s voiceover, providing his former padewan some sage advice. We also get some lightsaber battles, and the late Ray Stevenson’s Baylan Skoll hyping up Anakin’s legendary status on both sides of the Force.
I feel like Anakin is due for a solo miniseries at some point.
This show looks awesome and I can’t wait. Ahsoka hits Disney+ on August 23rd.
Perhaps if Black Adam had been released a few months later, and performed how it did, it would be looked at more positively than it is now. At $393M worldwide, the film’s overall box office is better than Shazam: Fury of the Gods’ $134M (!!!) and The Flash at $268M, but we had no idea things were going to get worse following Dwayne Johnson’s pet superhero project. Following those lackluster numbers, James Gunn and Peter Safran quickly stepped up to the plate for a DC reboot. And yet for Johnson, he’s still flummoxed as to why Black Adam 2 isn’t a thing that’s happening.
Joining his pal Kevin Hart on the Hart to Heart show, Johnson barely acknowledges the poor performance of Black Adam, and instead blames changing leadership at Warner Bros. Discovery for the lack of a sequel. According to him, Hollywood and all of Wall Street are as confused as he is…
“As we were creating ‘Black Adam,’ developing it, shooting [it] — we got knocked down a little bit because of COVID and the shutdowns, got back up — there were so many changes in leadership. Any time you have a company, but especially that size and magnitude that’s a publicly traded company, and you have all those changes in leadership, you have people coming in who creatively, fiscally, are gonna make decisions that you may not agree with philosophically.”
“That will always be one of the biggest mysteries, I think, not only for me and us on our end, but also throughout our business,” Johnson continued. “Because that’s a Kevin question, but that was a question out of Wall Street. That was a question out of Hollywood.”
Look, Black Adam didn’t make any money, and it didn’t have the critical acclaim or buzz that could justify a sequel. Nobody, other than Johnson maybe, was buzzing to see more. I maintain that Johnson needs to get together with his team and create an original superhero character that can be a franchise just for him, similar to the way Vin Diesel has the Riddick movies. Then Johnson can do everything how he wants to do it, and the blame will fall squarely on his shoulders if it fails. Just as the rewards can be his if it succeeds.
The Barbie RV continues to back over the competition, with the film easily beating all new releases with $33M. Worldwide, the film has passed $1.18B, becoming the 2nd-largest film ever for Warner Bros., overtaking Aquaman.
2. Oppenheimer– $18.8M/$264.2M
Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer is still blowing up, with the worldwide tally now at $649M. Accounting for $75.8M of that is IMAX, the largest ever domestically for Nolan and the 4th-highest ever for IMAX.
This isn’t surprising at all. There has been practically zero hype or buzz for The Last Voyage of the Demeter, which was a really cool idea for a Dracula film a few years ago. But after tons of delays and other issues, the film arrived with no fanfare at all. The $6.5M debut is especially weak when you consider it’s the only new wide release. Sure, it’s going against the continued might of Barbenheimer, TMNT, and Meg 2, but it shouldn’t have sunk this hard this quickly.
6. Haunted Mansion– $5.6M/$52.8M
7. Talk to Me– $5.1M/$31.3M
8. Sound of Freedom– $4.8M/$172.8M
9. Mission: Impossible-Dead Reckoning Part 1– $4.6M/$159.5M
10. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny– $899K/$172.6M
In the enchanting world of Japanese cinema, where emotions often speak louder than words, Love Life, written and directed by the masterful Koji Fukada (Harmonium, A Girl Missing), emerges as a poignant gem. This delicate yet powerful film premiered to rapturous applause at the 2022 Venice Film Festival, captivating audiences with its insightful portrayal of a seemingly ordinary family enveloped in extraordinary circumstances.
At the heart of this quietly intense narrative are Taeko (Fumino Kimura) and Jiro (Kento Nagayama), a compassionate and newly married couple who dedicate themselves to aiding the less fortunate within their serene Japanese community. Yet, their peaceful existence conceals lingering unresolved tensions, particularly between Taeko and Jiro’s father.The delicate threads of their lives unravel tragically during a fateful birthday celebration, revealing the pain and secrets they have carefully hidden.
As the story unfolds, a heart-wrenching accident brings a long-lost figure, Park (Atom Sunada), back into Taeko’s life, igniting a storm of emotions that engulfs the family. The film’s genius lies not only in its exploration of the dynamics between characters but also in its profound portrayal of Park’s deafness. Skillfully utilizing silence, visual cues, and sign language, Love Life invites audiences to intimately experience the world of a deaf character, offering a unique lens into the complexities of communication and emotional expression within Japanese culture.
Director Koji Fukada’s masterstroke lies in his ability to let emotions take center stage, allowing the ensemble cast to deliver performances that resonate with authenticity. Fumino Kimura’s portrayal of Taeko is a triumph of melancholic grace, capturing the struggles of a woman grappling with her vulnerability in the face of overwhelming grief. Kento Nagayama brings depth to Jiro, navigating the treacherous waters of past relationships and present uncertainties with palpable sincerity.
Love Life is a poignant reflection on the themes of grief and acceptance, adorned with nuanced elements of humor and melodrama that pay homage to cinematic legends like Pedro Almodóvar and Douglas Sirk. The film’s exquisite balance between moments of raw emotion and subtle introspection immerses the audience in a world where pain and hope coexist in delicate harmony.
Under the expert guidance of producers Yasuhiko Hattori, Masa Sawada, and Yuko Kameda, Love Life is a testament to the power of storytelling that transcends language, resonating with global audiences. This remarkable film not only shines a light on the nuances of Japanese culture but also reinforces the universal truth that love and healing can flourish, even amidst the darkest corners of the human experience.
Love Life will leave audiences with a profound sense of catharsis, a reminder that within even the face of adversity, the human spirit’s resilience can illuminate even the darkest paths. Koji Fukada’s masterful storytelling, coupled with the captivating performances of Fumino Kimura, Kento Nagayama, and Atom Sunada, ensures that Love Life will etch itself into the hearts of audiences worldwide, a testament to the enduring power of cinema to touch our souls.
Love Life is now playing exclusively at NYC IFC Center and will release in LA at the Laemmle Monica Film Center on August 25th.
We often joke that Adam Sandler movies are thinly-veiled paid vacations with his buddies. Well, now that he’s got this long-term deal with Netflix, and things have been going pretty good, his movies are now launching pads for his kid’s career. You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah finds Sandler playing backup to his daughter Sunny Sandler.
Sandler plays Stacy, with Samantha Lorraine as her best friend Lydia, high school best friends who have always dreamed of an epic joint bat mitzvah, only for things to go sideways because of a cute boy and other teen drama.
Also in the cast are Idina Menzel, Jackie Sandler, Sadie Sandler, Samantha Lorraine, Dylan Hoffman, Sarah Sherman, Luis Guzmán, Dan Bulla, Ido Mosseri, Jackie Hoffman, and Zaara Kuttemperoor.
So you’ve got a full household of Sandlers, including Adam’s wife and daughters.
The film was directed by Sammi Cohen (Crush) from Alison Peck’s script adapting Fiona Rosenbloom’s book.
You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah hits Netflix on August 25th.
Against the backdrop of Uganda’s 2021 presidential election, the documentary Bobi Wine: The People’s President thrusts audiences into an electrifying narrative of courage, determination, and an unyielding quest for freedom. In a realm where political power has reigned unchecked for an oppressive 35 years, celebrity music sensation turned activist/political opposition, Bobi Wine, together with his indomitable wife Barbie, emerges as a beacon of hope, rallying his compatriots in a daring fight against the iron grip of President Museveni’s regime.
Hailing from the heart of Kampala’s slums, Bobi Wine’s meteoric rise from a local music star to a national luminary is a testament to the power of art and the resilience of the human spirit. It is amid this fame that he discovers his calling as a political activist, utilizing his musical platform to amplify the silenced voices of Ugandans yearning for change. The year 2014 sees his naive yet, passionate leap into the political arena, fueled by a deep love for his country and an unwavering commitment to usher in a new era.
However, the journey he embarks upon is far from the idyllic path he envisions. A cascade of challenges ensues, as he unknowingly steps into a treacherous race that jeopardizes not only his own life but also the safety of his beloved family, including his wife Barbie, and their innocent children. Museveni’s regime, steadfast since 1986, clings to power with an iron grip, indifferent to the aspirations of a nation hungry for progress.
The heart of the documentary lies in Bobi Wine’s audacious bid for the 2021 Uganda presidential elections. Armed with his music, he wages a relentless war against the dictatorial regime, daring to defend the marginalized and give voice to the voiceless. Yet, this valiant endeavor comes at a cost – a confrontation with the nation’s formidable police and military forces. Undeterred by their use of violence and torture as suppression tools, Bobi Wine remains resolute in his pursuit of justice.
After nearly a decade of collecting incredible documentary footage, interviews, and unforgettable experiences had by every single individual involved, Bobi Wine: The People’s President premieres at the 2022 Venice Film Festival. More than watch-worthy, the film peels back the layers of political subterfuge orchestrated by Museveni’s regime. With each passing year, baseless accusations and frivolous charges mount against Bobi Wine and his dedicated allies, a stark reminder of the lengths to which the powerful will go to maintain their stranglehold on authority. In an audacious move, Museveni manipulates Uganda’s constitution to extend his reign, delivering a crippling blow to Bobi Wine’s campaign and intensifying the uphill battle for change.
Directors (and first-time filmmakers) Moses Bwayo and Christopher Sharp and two-time Academy Award winner John Battsek’s Ventureland, deliver a compelling cinematic journey. Stripping away flashy embellishments, the documentary resonates with raw authenticity, encapsulating nearly a decade of unwavering commitment to a cause. Bobi Wine’s transformation from an idealistic young politician to a battle-scarred survivor serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices required in the pursuit of justice and freedom for Uganda.
Bobi Wine: The People’s President casts an unflinching spotlight on the brutal realities of political warfare, unearthing the often-overlooked depths of human resilience; presenting this brutally honest documentary serves as a stark reminder that the struggle for meaningful change transcends geographical boundaries, ringing true even in our progressive societies. Premiering in theaters across New York and Los Angeles on July 28th. Following a release on National Geographic Channel and Disney+ later this year marks an opportunity for audiences to witness the relentless determination beneath the surface of political campaigns.
In a world where the very essence of democracy is tested, Bobi Wine: The People’s President invites us to confront a fundamental question: when faced with insurmountable odds, do we succumb to despair, do we fight against all odds, or do we, like Bobi Wine, rise as a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit? This documentary is a stirring call to action, a resonant reminder that the struggle for justice and freedom is worth waging, even when the odds appear insurmountable.
Bobi Wine: The People’s President releases in DC at the Angelika Popup today.
Did Gal Gadot jump the gun when claiming that James Gunn and Peter Safran were keen on bringing Wonder Woman 3 to the new DCU? Apparently so, as a new Variety piece says that a third movie is not in development at Warner Bros’ DC Studios.
Gadot, who is currently starring in spy movie Heart of Stone for Netflix, had said Gunn and Safran would develop the next Wonder Woman movie with her. But sources say the only Wonder Woman project is the previously announced Paradise Lost prequel series for MAX.
In another interview Gadot doubled down on her claim, stating “I was invited to a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran,” Gadot said, “and what they told me, and I’m quoting: ‘You’re in the best hands. We’re going to develop Wonder Woman 3 with you. [We] love you as Wonder Woman— you’ve got nothing to worry about.’ So time will tell.”
But no promises were made, according to studio sources, and nothing about Wonder Woman’s future was ever made definitive.
Shortly after Gunn and Safran took over at DC Studios, Patty Jenkins’ plans for Wonder Woman 3 were put on the shelf. It’s unclear exactly what happened, but Jenkins made a very public exit, with speculation that she refused to refashion her treatment to fit better into the DCU. Jenkins has refuted these claims.
When Gunn and Safran revealed the first phase of the DCU, titled “Gods and Monsters”, there was no mention of a Wonder Woman sequel. It doesn’t mean one will never happen, but clearly, there is some miscommunication going on between Warner Bros. and Gadot. That, or she’s generating buzz in order to force them into a difficult position. If only someone could wrap all of these folks in the Lasso of Truth we would get some answers.
I was a big fan of Vacation Friendswhen Hulu released it in 2021. The goofy comedy made perfect use of John Cena’s comedy skills, as he played an unhibited bro who, along with his then-girlfriend, totally bumrush into the lives of two ordinary folks just trying to enjoy a vacation. The response was so good that a sequel was quickly announced, and now today we have a new trailer before the film debuts in a couple of weeks.
All of the main cast returns, with Cena joined by Lil Rel Howery, Yvonne Orji, and Meredith Hagner. Writer/director Clay Tarver also returns for more vacation chaos.
New to the cast are Steve Buscemi, Ronny Chieng, Jamie Hector, and Carlos Santos.
Here’s the synopsis: Picking up a few months after the end of “Vacation Friends,” this uproarious sequel finds newly married couple Marcus (Howery) and Emily (Orji) inviting their uninhibited besties Ron (Cena) and Kyla (Hagner), who are also newly married and have a baby, to join them for a vacation when Marcus lands an all-expenses-paid trip to a Caribbean resort. His reason for traveling there in the first place is to meet with the owners of the resort to bid on a construction contract for a hotel they own in Chicago. But when Kyla’s incarcerated father Reese (Buscemi) is released from San Quentin and shows up at the resort unannounced at the worst possible moment, things get out of control, upending Marcus’ best laid plans and turning the vacation friends’ perfect trip into total chaos.
