It’s not often I’d be talking about Agatha Christie, Renny Harlin, Val Kimer and LL Cool J in the same breath, but thanks to the world of Tinseltown magic, here we are! And, before you’re mis-led into thinking this video is about the great Netflix show of the same name, let me just set the record straight. This ain’t that one folks. Nope, the movie we’re focusing on today somehow manages to blend the classic British literary world of Agatha Christie with LL Cool J spitting out lines like. That’s right gore-hounds, twenty years ago director Renny Harlin was best known for action classics, pirate movies, dangling Sylvester Stallone from great heights and giant sharks; way before the likes of The Meg and more recently, Under Paris. Then, an intriguing project came his way that would blend the worlds of Agatha Christie and gangster rappers,...
- 9/10/2024
- by Adam Walton
- JoBlo.com
(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.)
"Scary, absurd, inessential." That's how critic David Denby described director Renny Harlin's 1999 shark movie "Deep Blue Sea" in his review for The New Yorker. I think it's fair to say that history agrees with his first two points. That third point, however? That one has been challenged greatly as the film was a success in its day and has gained a much larger following in the years since its theatrical run. It's now a franchise with two direct-to-video sequels. More than that, one could easily make the argument that it's the second-best shark movie ever made, only behind Steven Spielgerg's all-time blockbuster classic "Jaws."
Spielberg didn't invent the shark movie with "Jaws," but there was very much a dividing line between...
"Scary, absurd, inessential." That's how critic David Denby described director Renny Harlin's 1999 shark movie "Deep Blue Sea" in his review for The New Yorker. I think it's fair to say that history agrees with his first two points. That third point, however? That one has been challenged greatly as the film was a success in its day and has gained a much larger following in the years since its theatrical run. It's now a franchise with two direct-to-video sequels. More than that, one could easily make the argument that it's the second-best shark movie ever made, only behind Steven Spielgerg's all-time blockbuster classic "Jaws."
Spielberg didn't invent the shark movie with "Jaws," but there was very much a dividing line between...
- 7/27/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Shel Bachrach, a top insurance broker in Hollywood whose behind-the-scenes work helped movies like Cliffhanger, The People vs. Larry Flynt and Ali get made, died Monday in Palm Springs, a publicist announced. He was 80.
Bachrach provided financial protection and mitigated risks associated with such potential problems as drug-related filming delays (think Courtney Love in The People vs. Larry Flynt), actors who pilot aircraft (Harrison Ford) and directors who could be sidelined by age issues (David Lean, for his last movie, A Passage to India) or medical issues (John Huston, who battled emphysema).
Bachrach arranged risk management on stunt-filled films — if a star is injured during production, a movie could grind to a halt — and wrote policies for magicians and “Big Cat” performers in Las Vegas and for game shows like The Price Is Right, where contestants can win great sums of money.
Born in Detroit on April 7, 1944, Sheldon Jay Bachrach...
Bachrach provided financial protection and mitigated risks associated with such potential problems as drug-related filming delays (think Courtney Love in The People vs. Larry Flynt), actors who pilot aircraft (Harrison Ford) and directors who could be sidelined by age issues (David Lean, for his last movie, A Passage to India) or medical issues (John Huston, who battled emphysema).
Bachrach arranged risk management on stunt-filled films — if a star is injured during production, a movie could grind to a halt — and wrote policies for magicians and “Big Cat” performers in Las Vegas and for game shows like The Price Is Right, where contestants can win great sums of money.
Born in Detroit on April 7, 1944, Sheldon Jay Bachrach...
- 7/11/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Director Renny Harlin recently shot an entire trilogy of Strangers movies simultaneously, with The Strangers: Chapter 1 set to reach theatres on May 17th and The Strangers: Chapter 2 and The Strangers: Chapter 3 possibly following by the end of the year… but those aren’t the only Renny Harlin horror movies we’ll be seeing this year. In fact, Vertical will be giving a Harlin-helmed horror movie called Refuge a VOD release this Friday, April 19th – and the trailer for the film can be seen in the embed above!
Scripted by Ben Sztajnkrycer, Refuge has the following synopsis: After a mysterious attack from a malevolent demon during his tour of duty in Afghanistan, Sergeant Rick Pedroni returns home a changed man, and more dangerous than ever.
The film stars Sophie Simnett (Daybreak), Raza Jaffrey (The Rhythm Section), Aston McAuley (Rocketman), Johanna Harlin (Class Reunion 3), Shervin Alenabi (Gangs of London), Atanas Srebrev...
Scripted by Ben Sztajnkrycer, Refuge has the following synopsis: After a mysterious attack from a malevolent demon during his tour of duty in Afghanistan, Sergeant Rick Pedroni returns home a changed man, and more dangerous than ever.
The film stars Sophie Simnett (Daybreak), Raza Jaffrey (The Rhythm Section), Aston McAuley (Rocketman), Johanna Harlin (Class Reunion 3), Shervin Alenabi (Gangs of London), Atanas Srebrev...
- 4/17/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
What's the worst Stanley Kubrick movie? If you could ask Kubrick himself, he'd likely tell you the answer is "Fear and Desire," his debut feature. And by most accounts, "Fear and Desire" is definitely near the bottom of the list when it comes to Kubrick films. It's a clunky, clumsy movie that Kubrick himself called "a presumptuous failure." He also stated: "It's not a film I remember with any pride, except for the fact it was finished."
Kubrick disliked the film so much that he would've been happy if no one actually watched it. By some accounts, the filmmaker even tried to destroy the film. Eventually, its copyright lapsed and it fell into the public domain for all to see — provided anyone could find a print. Which they couldn't — until 1994. That year, a version of the film was found and...
What's the worst Stanley Kubrick movie? If you could ask Kubrick himself, he'd likely tell you the answer is "Fear and Desire," his debut feature. And by most accounts, "Fear and Desire" is definitely near the bottom of the list when it comes to Kubrick films. It's a clunky, clumsy movie that Kubrick himself called "a presumptuous failure." He also stated: "It's not a film I remember with any pride, except for the fact it was finished."
Kubrick disliked the film so much that he would've been happy if no one actually watched it. By some accounts, the filmmaker even tried to destroy the film. Eventually, its copyright lapsed and it fell into the public domain for all to see — provided anyone could find a print. Which they couldn't — until 1994. That year, a version of the film was found and...
- 4/11/2024
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
Johnny Depp is undoubtedly one of the biggest actors in the world right now, who made a name for himself in iconic films such as Edward Scissorhands, Donnie Brasco, and of course – Pirates of The Caribbean. With that said, the new Pirates of the Caribbean report without Johnny Depp has only proven one of Hollywood’s problematic trends which are prevalent now.
Johnny Depp in Edward Scissorhands
Johnny Depp’s role as the ever-loveable yet whimsical Captain Jack Sparrow catapulted him to a level of success not seen before his time. This is especially true considering the fact that before him, pirate movies never really received any widespread acclaim.
New Pirates of the Caribbean Reboot Without Johnny Depp Proves Hollywood’s Problematic Trend Continues
A pivotal moment in Pirates of the Caribbean
It’s been almost seven years since the last Pirates of the Caribbean movie graced theaters, and Disney...
Johnny Depp in Edward Scissorhands
Johnny Depp’s role as the ever-loveable yet whimsical Captain Jack Sparrow catapulted him to a level of success not seen before his time. This is especially true considering the fact that before him, pirate movies never really received any widespread acclaim.
New Pirates of the Caribbean Reboot Without Johnny Depp Proves Hollywood’s Problematic Trend Continues
A pivotal moment in Pirates of the Caribbean
It’s been almost seven years since the last Pirates of the Caribbean movie graced theaters, and Disney...
- 3/26/2024
- by Subhojeet Mookherjee
- FandomWire
One of the biggest financial flops of the 90s was the Renny Harlin pirate flick Cutthroat Island. The high-seas romp, which starred Geena Davis, cost nearly $100 million and only eked out $10 million in the US. It was a big enough flop that it sunk the studio that produced it, Carolco Pictures, but Harlin and Davis were able to bounce back fairly quickly and make The Long Kiss Goodnight, which has since become a classic. However, it’s worth noting that the stink left over from their pirate epic muted the latter film’s box office.
Despite being one of the biggest disasters of the nineties, Cutthroat Island is finally getting a 4K Blu-ray release. Check out all the details here. While (initially) only available at Wal-Mart, the loaded disc (which includes a Renny Harlin commentary) should encourage fans to give the movie another shot because it’s a pretty good movie.
Despite being one of the biggest disasters of the nineties, Cutthroat Island is finally getting a 4K Blu-ray release. Check out all the details here. While (initially) only available at Wal-Mart, the loaded disc (which includes a Renny Harlin commentary) should encourage fans to give the movie another shot because it’s a pretty good movie.
- 2/8/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Here’s your guide to every movie and TV show leaving Netflix Canada in January 2024.
In case you missed it, we also covered all the movies and TV shows leaving Netflix Canada in December 2023.
Some great movies are leaving Netflix Canada in January 2024, including James Cameron’s award-winning juggernaut Titanic, beloved coming-of-age comedy 13 Going on 30, powerful WW2 drama The Pianist, and slasher switch-up Freaky.
Please Note: This is not the full list of everything leaving Netflix UK in January 2024. More departures will be announced throughout December 2023 and January 2024.
Movies and TV Shows Leaving Netflix Canada on January 1st, 2024 13 Going on 30 (2004) A Dog’s Purpose (2017) The Bride of Habaek (1 Season) Bridesmaids (2011) Burlesque (2010) The Change-Up (2011) Christmas Under Wraps (2014) Christmas With a View (2018) Countdown (2019) Cutthroat Island (1995) The Danish Girl (2015) Dreamgirls (2006) DreamWorks Shrek the Halls (1 Season) Falls Around Her (2018) Football-Inspired Workouts for All (2023) N Freaky (2020) Full Out 2: You Got This! (2020) The Girl on the Train...
In case you missed it, we also covered all the movies and TV shows leaving Netflix Canada in December 2023.
Some great movies are leaving Netflix Canada in January 2024, including James Cameron’s award-winning juggernaut Titanic, beloved coming-of-age comedy 13 Going on 30, powerful WW2 drama The Pianist, and slasher switch-up Freaky.
Please Note: This is not the full list of everything leaving Netflix UK in January 2024. More departures will be announced throughout December 2023 and January 2024.
Movies and TV Shows Leaving Netflix Canada on January 1st, 2024 13 Going on 30 (2004) A Dog’s Purpose (2017) The Bride of Habaek (1 Season) Bridesmaids (2011) Burlesque (2010) The Change-Up (2011) Christmas Under Wraps (2014) Christmas With a View (2018) Countdown (2019) Cutthroat Island (1995) The Danish Girl (2015) Dreamgirls (2006) DreamWorks Shrek the Halls (1 Season) Falls Around Her (2018) Football-Inspired Workouts for All (2023) N Freaky (2020) Full Out 2: You Got This! (2020) The Girl on the Train...
- 12/21/2023
- by Jacob Robinson
- Whats-on-Netflix
E3, the expo that was once a towering presence in the video game industry, is officially powering down, with no plans for sequels, remasters or warp zones officially set. The primary causes stem from major exhibitors such as Nintendo, Microsoft, Sony, and EA holding their own events. Of course, EA probably charges attendees a fee every time they sit down…
A statement from the Entertainment Software Association on the E3 website reads, “After more than two decades of E3, each one bigger than the last, the time has come to say goodbye. Thanks for the memories.”
E3 had been facing what seemed to be the inevitable for a number of years, beginning with the first canceled showcase in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, making it one of so many industry events that were nixed in that first year. In 2021, the event went virtual, which is actually quite fitting considering how much gaming is done online.
A statement from the Entertainment Software Association on the E3 website reads, “After more than two decades of E3, each one bigger than the last, the time has come to say goodbye. Thanks for the memories.”
E3 had been facing what seemed to be the inevitable for a number of years, beginning with the first canceled showcase in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, making it one of so many industry events that were nixed in that first year. In 2021, the event went virtual, which is actually quite fitting considering how much gaming is done online.
- 12/13/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
The mark of an actor’s career, I think, is what extent their filmography can reflect the time they’re working. Matthew Modine is a prime case: we can point, first and most easily, to leading a Stanley Kubrick film, a title for which there are fewer living holders than men who’ve walked on the moon; there’s one of the all-time biggest box-office disasters; supporting roles for Christopher Nolan, Robert Altman, Oliver Stone; and aiding auteurs Abel Ferrara and Alan Rudolph as a star. This makes especially appreciable the Roxy Cinema’s retrospective The Many Faces of Matthew Modine, running Friday through Sunday with five films: Ferrara’s The Blackout, Rudolph’s Equinox, Cutthroat Island, Birdy, and his own feature If… Dog… Rabbit…
Having long admired Modine’s screen presence, I was happy to speak with him about this retrospective. But it engendered a longer, deeper conversation about...
Having long admired Modine’s screen presence, I was happy to speak with him about this retrospective. But it engendered a longer, deeper conversation about...
- 12/1/2023
- by Nick Newman
- The Film Stage
Production company Camelot Films U.K. is poised for growth with the launch of Camelot Media, a new production base in Malta, and a burgeoning slate.
Camelot, the company behind Amazon film “Prizefighter,” featuring Ray Winstone and Russell Crowe, has secured financial support from Malta Enterprise, who are responsible for the country’s economic development. Camelot will be operated fully out of Malta producing a slate of films and co-producing third party projects that will be filmed on the island. It will manage all aspects of production services as well as handling the 40% rebate that Malta offers on qualifying productions.
Camelot have produced three films in Malta since 2019 and has also helped structure and nurture several other third-party projects which were recently filmed in the country. The company’s next project is a documentary titled “The Psychopath Life Coach” launching on Netflix in the U.K. on Nov. 22. The slate...
Camelot, the company behind Amazon film “Prizefighter,” featuring Ray Winstone and Russell Crowe, has secured financial support from Malta Enterprise, who are responsible for the country’s economic development. Camelot will be operated fully out of Malta producing a slate of films and co-producing third party projects that will be filmed on the island. It will manage all aspects of production services as well as handling the 40% rebate that Malta offers on qualifying productions.
Camelot have produced three films in Malta since 2019 and has also helped structure and nurture several other third-party projects which were recently filmed in the country. The company’s next project is a documentary titled “The Psychopath Life Coach” launching on Netflix in the U.K. on Nov. 22. The slate...
- 11/17/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
The "Nightmare on Elm Street" film series was a hotbed for emerging talent. Many of the directors in the franchise would go on to prolific or interesting careers. Chuck Russell, director of "A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors" would go on to make Hollywood blockbusters like "The Mask," "Eraser," and "The Scorpion King." Renny Harlin, who directed "A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master" would likewise enter the Hollywood mainstream with films like "Predator 2," "Die Hard 2," "Cliffhanger," and "Cutthroat Island." Jack Sholder, Stephen Hopkins, and Rachael Talalay also emerged from the series' directors pool.
One can also find a few rising actors at the start of their careers throughout the Freddy Krueger movies. Famously, a young Johnny Depp starred in Wes Craven's 1984 original, and, for "Dream Warriors," Patricia Arquette made her cinematic debut.
The "Nightmare on Elm Street" film series was a hotbed for emerging talent. Many of the directors in the franchise would go on to prolific or interesting careers. Chuck Russell, director of "A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors" would go on to make Hollywood blockbusters like "The Mask," "Eraser," and "The Scorpion King." Renny Harlin, who directed "A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master" would likewise enter the Hollywood mainstream with films like "Predator 2," "Die Hard 2," "Cliffhanger," and "Cutthroat Island." Jack Sholder, Stephen Hopkins, and Rachael Talalay also emerged from the series' directors pool.
One can also find a few rising actors at the start of their careers throughout the Freddy Krueger movies. Famously, a young Johnny Depp starred in Wes Craven's 1984 original, and, for "Dream Warriors," Patricia Arquette made her cinematic debut.
- 9/25/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
"Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" shivered the timbers of many a film buff upon its arrival in 2003. By that point in Hollywood history, the pirate-led swashbuckler had laid dead and buried since the legendary 1995 flop that was "Cutthroat Island." But while dead men may tell no tales, dead genres can sometimes make a miraculous recovery, and that's precisely what happened when "The Curse of the Black Pearl" turned Disney's titular theme park ride into a witty and rousing action-adventure on its way to birthing a franchise that's currently five films deep.
With Disney actively planning to make a sixth "Pirates of the Caribbean" film and potentially a Margot Robbie-led spinoff at some point after that, those who are thinking about taking their first step into the world of undead buccaneers, fabled treasures, and all manner of mystical sea creatures (or those who have only...
With Disney actively planning to make a sixth "Pirates of the Caribbean" film and potentially a Margot Robbie-led spinoff at some point after that, those who are thinking about taking their first step into the world of undead buccaneers, fabled treasures, and all manner of mystical sea creatures (or those who have only...
- 9/23/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
To celebrate the release of Cutthroat Island which is available to buy on 4K Uhd Steelbook, 4K Uhd, Blu-ray, DVD and Digital from 18th September 2023 we have 2 Blu-Rays to give away!
Making its Uhd debut, the magnificent, big-budget pirate adventure Cutthroat Island, directed by Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2) and starring Geena Davis (The Long Kiss Goodnight) and Matthew Modine (Pacific Heights). With a glorious 4K restoration, and featuring many brand new extras, this is a journey onto the high seas that is simply irresistible.
Famous pirate’s daughter Morgan (Geena Davis) is on a quest for riches – she needs to get the remaining two parts of a map from her evil uncles, in order to find her dead father’s hidden treasure. Enlisting the help of a convicted thief (Matthew Modine), she straps on her cutlasses and takes to the high seas on a tempestuous journey – but villainous uncle Captain...
Making its Uhd debut, the magnificent, big-budget pirate adventure Cutthroat Island, directed by Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2) and starring Geena Davis (The Long Kiss Goodnight) and Matthew Modine (Pacific Heights). With a glorious 4K restoration, and featuring many brand new extras, this is a journey onto the high seas that is simply irresistible.
Famous pirate’s daughter Morgan (Geena Davis) is on a quest for riches – she needs to get the remaining two parts of a map from her evil uncles, in order to find her dead father’s hidden treasure. Enlisting the help of a convicted thief (Matthew Modine), she straps on her cutlasses and takes to the high seas on a tempestuous journey – but villainous uncle Captain...
- 9/17/2023
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The cyberpunk genre is perhaps now more popular and relevant than ever, and the same can be said for actor Keanu Reeves. Together they would prove to be a powerful pairing with the sci-fi masterpiece The Matrix and the recent hit videogame Cyberpunk 2077.
However, that was not the case in 1995, when Johnny Mnemonic was released to confounded and indifferent audiences. How did the combined efforts of a newly minted A-list star, a noted visionary artist, and a pioneer in cyberpunk fiction result in a target of ridicule and a box office disappointment?
Jack in and fill your head with Wtf Happened to this Movie!
The cyberpunk subgenre of science fiction can be broadly characterized with the theme of “high tech and low life” and it typically involves futuristic dystopian societies, advanced science and technology, body enhancements, dominant corporations, and sharp class disparity. Its origins and influences can be traced back...
However, that was not the case in 1995, when Johnny Mnemonic was released to confounded and indifferent audiences. How did the combined efforts of a newly minted A-list star, a noted visionary artist, and a pioneer in cyberpunk fiction result in a target of ridicule and a box office disappointment?
Jack in and fill your head with Wtf Happened to this Movie!
The cyberpunk subgenre of science fiction can be broadly characterized with the theme of “high tech and low life” and it typically involves futuristic dystopian societies, advanced science and technology, body enhancements, dominant corporations, and sharp class disparity. Its origins and influences can be traced back...
- 7/12/2023
- by Dave Davis
- JoBlo.com
The episode of Best Horror Movie You Never Saw covering The Nest was Written and Edited by Ric Solomon, Narrated by Kier Gomes, Produced by John Fallon and Tyler Nichols, and Executive Produced by Berge Garabedian.
While the early to mid-part of the ’80s was the time of the slasher, the later part of the decade decided to try a lot of new things. You had non-slasher sequels like Phantasm 2, Ghoulies 2, Critters 2, and Poltergeist III. You also had cool one-off properties like Bad Dreams, Dead Heat, and Killer Klowns From Outer Space. 1988 alone brought back the killer bug trope and while Juan Piquer Simon has the more famous gross out insect fest with Slugs, the other one is most certainly in the Best Horror Movie You Never Saw camp. Like Hudson from Aliens feared, let’s go on a bug hunt with 1988’s The Nest (watch it...
While the early to mid-part of the ’80s was the time of the slasher, the later part of the decade decided to try a lot of new things. You had non-slasher sequels like Phantasm 2, Ghoulies 2, Critters 2, and Poltergeist III. You also had cool one-off properties like Bad Dreams, Dead Heat, and Killer Klowns From Outer Space. 1988 alone brought back the killer bug trope and while Juan Piquer Simon has the more famous gross out insect fest with Slugs, the other one is most certainly in the Best Horror Movie You Never Saw camp. Like Hudson from Aliens feared, let’s go on a bug hunt with 1988’s The Nest (watch it...
- 6/21/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
This is not a drill: the man who made "Deep Blue Sea" is finally making another shark movie. The most interesting wrinkle? Gene Simmons of Kiss fame is producing the movie from director Renny Harlin, which is titled "Deep Water." How did we get to a place where Simmons is working with Harlin? Let's discuss.
According to Variety, Simmons has launched a new production company with Gary Hamilton of Arclight Films, aptly titled Simmons/Hamilton Prods. They're aiming to make a handful of action/thriller movies a year, and first up is "Deep Water," which will see Harlin getting back in the ring with some big sharks for the first time since 1999 when he made arguably the second-best shark movie of all time with "Deep Blue Sea." What will this new film be about? The synopsis reads as follows:
The film tells the tale of an eclectic group of international passengers whose plane,...
According to Variety, Simmons has launched a new production company with Gary Hamilton of Arclight Films, aptly titled Simmons/Hamilton Prods. They're aiming to make a handful of action/thriller movies a year, and first up is "Deep Water," which will see Harlin getting back in the ring with some big sharks for the first time since 1999 when he made arguably the second-best shark movie of all time with "Deep Blue Sea." What will this new film be about? The synopsis reads as follows:
The film tells the tale of an eclectic group of international passengers whose plane,...
- 5/15/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
In movies, the word “bomb” has always meant two things, generally at the same time. The first and most important definition of bomb is that a movie has lost a disastrous amount of money. Movies, in general, can’t afford to do that — they’re too expensive to produce. Bombs happen, but as a business model they’re not sustainable. A movie that bombs commercially has never been something to write off as a trivial matter.
The second definition of bomb, which is linked to the first (though not automatically), is that a film is spectacularly bad. It is, of course, not axiomatic that a movie that bombs commercially has failed as a work of art. There are movies we think of as classics that crashed and burned at the box office — like “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “Blade Runner” or “Intolerance” or “The Long Goodbye.” It’s become almost...
The second definition of bomb, which is linked to the first (though not automatically), is that a film is spectacularly bad. It is, of course, not axiomatic that a movie that bombs commercially has failed as a work of art. There are movies we think of as classics that crashed and burned at the box office — like “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “Blade Runner” or “Intolerance” or “The Long Goodbye.” It’s become almost...
- 4/22/2023
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
“The Cell” director Tarsem Singh is making his global comeback with his first Indian film, “Dear Jassi,” based on a true story with plot details being kept under wraps.
Singh made his name with visually dazzling fantasy films like “The Cell,” “Immortals” and “Mirror, Mirror” but has been mostly out of action since helming the single 10-episode season of NBC’s “Emerald City” in 2017. “Dear Jassi” will be his first feature since “Self/Less” in 2015.
“It’s my passion project,” Singh said of “Dear Jassi.” “I believe this is the right time for the world to see it. Such a strong story needs to be told.”
Singh said the synergy behind the film’s production made it possible.
“I had a great set of producers partnering with me on this film,” he said.
Postproduction is underway in Montreal after the film was shot in Punjab, India. The crew consists of a...
Singh made his name with visually dazzling fantasy films like “The Cell,” “Immortals” and “Mirror, Mirror” but has been mostly out of action since helming the single 10-episode season of NBC’s “Emerald City” in 2017. “Dear Jassi” will be his first feature since “Self/Less” in 2015.
“It’s my passion project,” Singh said of “Dear Jassi.” “I believe this is the right time for the world to see it. Such a strong story needs to be told.”
Singh said the synergy behind the film’s production made it possible.
“I had a great set of producers partnering with me on this film,” he said.
Postproduction is underway in Montreal after the film was shot in Punjab, India. The crew consists of a...
- 1/31/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Madelaine Petsch (Riverdale), Froy Gutierrez (Cruel Summer) and Gabriel Basso (Hillbilly Elegy) have been tapped to star in a Lionsgate remake of the 2008 horror The Strangers, which has entered production in Slovakia. Renny Harlin (Cliffhanger) is directing the film, which will be the first in a trilogy, having locked in a deal to helm the subsequent pair.
The original film The Strangers was a home invasion pic, which Bryan Bertino wrote and directed in his feature debut, with Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman starring. It registered as a sleeper hit upon its May 2008 release via Universal Pictures and came to be appreciated in the years following as a cult classic, with the sequel The Strangers: Prey at Night being released in March of 2018.
The new Strangers film will follow Petsch’s character as she drives cross-country with her longtime boyfriend (Gutierrez) to begin a new life in the Pacific Northwest.
The original film The Strangers was a home invasion pic, which Bryan Bertino wrote and directed in his feature debut, with Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman starring. It registered as a sleeper hit upon its May 2008 release via Universal Pictures and came to be appreciated in the years following as a cult classic, with the sequel The Strangers: Prey at Night being released in March of 2018.
The new Strangers film will follow Petsch’s character as she drives cross-country with her longtime boyfriend (Gutierrez) to begin a new life in the Pacific Northwest.
- 9/13/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Zoë Kravitz has rounded out the cast for her directorial debut Pussy Island, with Christian Slater (Dr. Death), Alia Shawkat (Search Party) and Geena Davis (Thelma & Louise) signing on for roles, along with Adria Arjona (Morbius), Haley Joel Osment (Goliath), Liz Caribel Sierra (God’s Time), Levon Hawke (The Crowded Room), Trew Mullen (Sunny Family Cult), Saul Williams (Akilla’s Escape), Cris Costa and Kyle MacLachlan (Blue Velvet).
The actors join an ensemble that also includes Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum and Simon Rex, as previously announced.
The MGM genre pic written by Kravitz and E.T. Feigenbaum follows Frida (Ackie), a young and clever Los Angeles cocktail waitress who has her eyes set on the prize: philanthropist and tech mogul Slater King (Tatum). When she skillfully maneuvers her way into King’s inner circle and ultimately an intimate gathering on his private island, she is ready for a journey of a lifetime.
The actors join an ensemble that also includes Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum and Simon Rex, as previously announced.
The MGM genre pic written by Kravitz and E.T. Feigenbaum follows Frida (Ackie), a young and clever Los Angeles cocktail waitress who has her eyes set on the prize: philanthropist and tech mogul Slater King (Tatum). When she skillfully maneuvers her way into King’s inner circle and ultimately an intimate gathering on his private island, she is ready for a journey of a lifetime.
- 7/6/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
“Our Flag Means Death,” the high concept HBO Max pirate comedy that stars Rhys Darby as real-life “gentleman pirate” Stede Bonnet and Taika Waititi as the infamous Blackbeard, is easily the biggest (and best) streaming surprise of 2022. Since its inauspicious debut in early March, it has grown to become one of the most in-demand shows on streaming, generating tons of interest and fan engagement, particularly when it comes to Bonnet and Blackbeard’s romantic relationship. Of course, since the first season is now streaming (and generating so much attention) the question remains: when is it coming back?
As it turns out, creator and showrunner David Jenkins doesn’t have a clue either.
“Yeah, no news on that,” Jenkins told TheWrap during a recent interview. “It’s hard because of the analytics. And HBO Max. And then, you know, HBO, Max has gone through a lot. They’ve got this huge merger.
As it turns out, creator and showrunner David Jenkins doesn’t have a clue either.
“Yeah, no news on that,” Jenkins told TheWrap during a recent interview. “It’s hard because of the analytics. And HBO Max. And then, you know, HBO, Max has gone through a lot. They’ve got this huge merger.
- 4/27/2022
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Oscar winner Geena Davis has been tapped as the co-lead for a CBS’ untitled mother-son legal drama pilot from Scott Prendergast, who wrote the script and executive produces, Deadline has confirmed.
In the drama, despite their opposing personalities, a talented but directionless P.I. who is the black sheep of his family begrudgingly agrees to work as the in-house investigator for his overbearing mother (Davis), a successful attorney reeling from the recent dissolution of her marriage.”
Davis will star as Joan. She is a razor-sharp attorney and a self-made success who put herself through law school to support her three kids when her first husband died. Very controlling and always aware of appearances, Joan must rely on Todd, her least reliable child, when her 2nd marriage mysteriously unravels. And while she can’t condone Todd’s less than legal tactics, she’s impressed by his ability to sleuth out information.
In the drama, despite their opposing personalities, a talented but directionless P.I. who is the black sheep of his family begrudgingly agrees to work as the in-house investigator for his overbearing mother (Davis), a successful attorney reeling from the recent dissolution of her marriage.”
Davis will star as Joan. She is a razor-sharp attorney and a self-made success who put herself through law school to support her three kids when her first husband died. Very controlling and always aware of appearances, Joan must rely on Todd, her least reliable child, when her 2nd marriage mysteriously unravels. And while she can’t condone Todd’s less than legal tactics, she’s impressed by his ability to sleuth out information.
- 3/11/2022
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The debate has begun over a WGA referendum that would give screen credits to hundreds of feature film writers who currently aren’t eligible to receive them. The referendum would authorize the use of an “Additional Literary Material” credit for all “participating writers” who work – sometimes for many months – on motion pictures but don’t receive any screen credit at all.
The WGA, which determined credits for 213 films in 2020, says that “On 69 of these films – roughly 1 in 3 – at least one participating writer received no credit. In total, 185 participating writers wrote on features for which they ultimately received no credit. These are the writers who would be eligible for a new credit.” The guild noted that “this new credit would denote employment or sale of material, not authorship.”
WGA Holding Membership Referendum On New Feature Film Screen Credit
Michele Mulroney, the WGA West’s vice president and co-chair of the...
The WGA, which determined credits for 213 films in 2020, says that “On 69 of these films – roughly 1 in 3 – at least one participating writer received no credit. In total, 185 participating writers wrote on features for which they ultimately received no credit. These are the writers who would be eligible for a new credit.” The guild noted that “this new credit would denote employment or sale of material, not authorship.”
WGA Holding Membership Referendum On New Feature Film Screen Credit
Michele Mulroney, the WGA West’s vice president and co-chair of the...
- 10/9/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Paul Verhoeven has made a career out of pushing cinematic boundaries, particularly when it comes to depicting sex or violence on screen.
In films like “Basic Instinct” and “Showgirls,” he battled the ratings boards, while blockbusters like “Total Recall” and “Robocop” popularized R-rated action. All that changed in the aughts, as Hollywood abandoned those projects, sanded down the edges of commercial movies, and replaced ice-pick wielding serial killers with caped superheroes that appeal to a-all-four quadrants. But Verhoeven endured, turning his attention to European films such as “The Black Book” and “Elle” and earning the critical respect that often evaded him in the 1990s. He’s back in Cannes this year with “Benedetta,” the story of a lesbian affair between nuns in 17th century Italy. The film will be released in the U.S. by IFC Films.
Why did you want to make “Benedetta”?
You don’t know why you...
In films like “Basic Instinct” and “Showgirls,” he battled the ratings boards, while blockbusters like “Total Recall” and “Robocop” popularized R-rated action. All that changed in the aughts, as Hollywood abandoned those projects, sanded down the edges of commercial movies, and replaced ice-pick wielding serial killers with caped superheroes that appeal to a-all-four quadrants. But Verhoeven endured, turning his attention to European films such as “The Black Book” and “Elle” and earning the critical respect that often evaded him in the 1990s. He’s back in Cannes this year with “Benedetta,” the story of a lesbian affair between nuns in 17th century Italy. The film will be released in the U.S. by IFC Films.
Why did you want to make “Benedetta”?
You don’t know why you...
- 7/7/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Welcome to The B-Side, from The Film Stage. Here we talk about filmmakers! Not the movies that made them famous or kept them famous, but the ones that they made in between.
Today, Conor and I are honored to have a filmmaker who gave us some of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters of all time: Renny Harlin! The Finnish director has a new film out called The Misfits, starring Pierce Brosnan, Nick Cannon, and Jamie Chung. Our B-Sides include Harlin’s first film Born American, his Andrew Dice Clay-starrer The Adventures of Ford Fairlane, and the much-maligned, underrated pirate adventure Cutthroat Island.
Harlin is a very honest and open guest here, and we touch on many different moments throughout his accomplished and eclectic career. From the struggles and risks of getting Born American made, to the lessons learned on hits like Cliffhanger, and the cultural appraisal of films like Ford Fairlane and Cutthroat.
Today, Conor and I are honored to have a filmmaker who gave us some of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters of all time: Renny Harlin! The Finnish director has a new film out called The Misfits, starring Pierce Brosnan, Nick Cannon, and Jamie Chung. Our B-Sides include Harlin’s first film Born American, his Andrew Dice Clay-starrer The Adventures of Ford Fairlane, and the much-maligned, underrated pirate adventure Cutthroat Island.
Harlin is a very honest and open guest here, and we touch on many different moments throughout his accomplished and eclectic career. From the struggles and risks of getting Born American made, to the lessons learned on hits like Cliffhanger, and the cultural appraisal of films like Ford Fairlane and Cutthroat.
- 6/11/2021
- by Dan Mecca
- The Film Stage
Renny Harlin stands as one of my favorite action directors of all time. One of the kings of nineties Hollywood action flicks, his filmography is insane, with him having shot The Adventures of Ford Fairlane and Die Hard 2 back to back. He went on to make Cliffhanger and two forward-thinking, underrated cult classics starring his then-wife Geena Davis, Cutthroat Island, and The Long Kiss Goodnight. I was excited when the opportunity came up to talk to him about his latest film, a globe-trotting heist…...
- 6/8/2021
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
"Let's roll." Paramount has unveiled an official trailer for an action thriller known as The Misfits, the latest movie from Finnish filmmaker Renny Harlin, who had an epic run in the 90s but hasn't made anything that exciting recently. After being recruited by a group of unconventional thieves, renowned criminal Richard Pace finds himself caught up in an elaborate gold heist that promises to have far-reaching implications on his life and the lives of countless others. Another of these updated takes on "Robin Hood", where corporate Hollywood studios try to tell a story about stealing from the rich and giving to the poor but, huh, for some strange reason they can never get this story right. I wonder why. The Misfits cast includes Pierce Brosnan, Jamie Chung, Rami Jaber, Hermione Corfield, Mike Angelo, Tim Roth, and Nick Cannon. I love me a good heist movie, but it ...
- 4/28/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Hi readers. I know I got lost in the weeds a bit in November. It's that damn International Feature Oscar race. It really brings out my Ocd qualities with those Oscar history overviews so I skimped on other stuff. Anyway, here are some of key posts of November in case you missed any. There's one day left but it's the holiday weekend so we're doing the wrap up early ;)
Highlights from the Month That Was
• Ethan Hawke at 50 -an appreciation. The definitive Gen X actor?
• Home for the Holidays -deserves to be a better remembered!
• "Gay Best Friend" -a delightful new series kicked off with My Best Friend's Wedding and Under the Tuscan Sun
• Netflix has too many Oscar contenders - considering the possibilities
• Nicole Kidman in The Undoing -giving us eyeball acting!
• Joan Crawford -Criterion's curated collection
• Cher in 1987 -how she ruled the world that year
• Gene Tierney -...
Highlights from the Month That Was
• Ethan Hawke at 50 -an appreciation. The definitive Gen X actor?
• Home for the Holidays -deserves to be a better remembered!
• "Gay Best Friend" -a delightful new series kicked off with My Best Friend's Wedding and Under the Tuscan Sun
• Netflix has too many Oscar contenders - considering the possibilities
• Nicole Kidman in The Undoing -giving us eyeball acting!
• Joan Crawford -Criterion's curated collection
• Cher in 1987 -how she ruled the world that year
• Gene Tierney -...
- 11/29/2020
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
For the action movies fans, Renny Harlin has earned the status of a living legend with the films he made during the 90s: “Die Hard 2” (1990), “Cliffhanger” (1993), “The Long Kiss Goodnight” (1996) and “Deep Blue Sea” (1999). For the last five years, the Finnish-American filmmaker has been mostly working in mainland China and Hong Kong where he has helmed three films so far. “Skiptrace” (2016) was a reasonably fun action-crime-comedy starring Jackie Chan and “Jackass'” Johnny Knoxville, while “Legend of the Ancient Sword” was an expensive flop. His latest movie, “Bodies at Rest”, is an addition to the collection of Christmas-set action flicks, which premiered at the last year’s edition of Hong Kong International Film Festival, before a short festival tour that included Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy and Edinburgh International Film Festival. The theatrical release focused on the Far East markets ensued. The film is now available on DVD,...
- 5/26/2020
- by Marko Stojiljković
- AsianMoviePulse
All films start out with the greatest of intentions, but some of them fail in massive proportions. When hit with budget over-runs, scripts rewritten by committee and other problems, they can be headed to the garbage dumps of movie history. Take a tour now through our photo gallery featuring 12 of the biggest box office bombs of all time. These turkeys might make you sick to your stomach, but let’s take a photo gallery tour anyway to look over these these rotten leftovers.
SEEThanksgiving on TV: 15 Greatest Episodes of All Time
1. Battlefield Earth – 2000
John Travolta fought for many years to get this adaptation of the L. Ron Hubbard novel made into a movie. Set in the year 3000, the science-fiction film is set on an Earth that has been ruled for 1,000 years by the brutal Psychlos.
2. Heaven’s Gate – 1980
Michael Cimino had full reign to do what he wanted coming off Best...
SEEThanksgiving on TV: 15 Greatest Episodes of All Time
1. Battlefield Earth – 2000
John Travolta fought for many years to get this adaptation of the L. Ron Hubbard novel made into a movie. Set in the year 3000, the science-fiction film is set on an Earth that has been ruled for 1,000 years by the brutal Psychlos.
2. Heaven’s Gate – 1980
Michael Cimino had full reign to do what he wanted coming off Best...
- 11/28/2019
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
All films start out with the greatest of intentions, but some of them fail in massive proportions. When hit with budget over-runs, scripts rewritten by committee and other problems, they can be headed to the garbage dumps of movie history. Take a tour now through our photo gallery featuring 12 of the biggest box office bombs of all time. These turkeys might make you sick to your stomach, but let’s take a photo gallery tour anyway to look over these these rotten leftovers.
1. Battlefield Earth – 2000
John Travolta fought for many years to get this adaptation of the L. Ron Hubbard novel made into a movie. Set in the year 3000, the science-fiction film is set on an Earth that has been ruled for 1,000 years by the brutal Psychlos.
2. Heaven’s Gate – 1980
Michael Cimino had full reign to do what he wanted coming off Best Picture and Best Director wins two years earlier for “The Deer Hunter.
1. Battlefield Earth – 2000
John Travolta fought for many years to get this adaptation of the L. Ron Hubbard novel made into a movie. Set in the year 3000, the science-fiction film is set on an Earth that has been ruled for 1,000 years by the brutal Psychlos.
2. Heaven’s Gate – 1980
Michael Cimino had full reign to do what he wanted coming off Best Picture and Best Director wins two years earlier for “The Deer Hunter.
- 11/21/2018
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Even though Disney is currently the king of the box office, they aren’t immune from a big misfire. With a $130 million budget and a $20 million opening “Nutcracker and the Four Realms” is shaping up to be one of 2018’s biggest bombs. But will it be as infamous as some of these all-time flops?
“Ishtar” (1987) — With reports of a rocky production and a budget that got way out of hand, critics and the Hollywood trades savaged Elaine May’s adventure comedy as it collapsed to just $14 million made. For years, it was considered one of the worst films ever made, but is now considered by some to be a stealth success.
“47 Ronin” (2013) — Though Keanu Reeves was on his game in the action scenes, this Japanese fantasy was panned for its story and cost Universal big as it failed to make back its $175 million budget.
“Cutthroat Island” (1995) – Geena Davis, still hot from “Thelma & Louise,...
“Ishtar” (1987) — With reports of a rocky production and a budget that got way out of hand, critics and the Hollywood trades savaged Elaine May’s adventure comedy as it collapsed to just $14 million made. For years, it was considered one of the worst films ever made, but is now considered by some to be a stealth success.
“47 Ronin” (2013) — Though Keanu Reeves was on his game in the action scenes, this Japanese fantasy was panned for its story and cost Universal big as it failed to make back its $175 million budget.
“Cutthroat Island” (1995) – Geena Davis, still hot from “Thelma & Louise,...
- 11/4/2018
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Matthew Byrd Oct 1, 2018
Some of the worst Acclaim games (including Street Fighter: The Movie) may get a second chance.
Liquid Media has purchased the rights to 65 games in the old Acclaim library.
The Canadian company purchased the rights to these titles from Throwback Entertainment (a company that acquired the rights to many Acclaim titles after the former video game publisher went out of business in 2004). The rights to these games reportedly cost Liquid Media about $1 million.
What did they get for that money? Well, they seemed to have purchased a lot of the games that are largely responsible for Acclaim going out of business in the first place. The full list of titles (which you can find here on Geekwire) includes games like Big Foot, Cutthroat Island, and the infamous Street Fighter: The Movie (the...umm...game). It also includes the rights to some more well-known games like NBA Jam...
Some of the worst Acclaim games (including Street Fighter: The Movie) may get a second chance.
Liquid Media has purchased the rights to 65 games in the old Acclaim library.
The Canadian company purchased the rights to these titles from Throwback Entertainment (a company that acquired the rights to many Acclaim titles after the former video game publisher went out of business in 2004). The rights to these games reportedly cost Liquid Media about $1 million.
What did they get for that money? Well, they seemed to have purchased a lot of the games that are largely responsible for Acclaim going out of business in the first place. The full list of titles (which you can find here on Geekwire) includes games like Big Foot, Cutthroat Island, and the infamous Street Fighter: The Movie (the...umm...game). It also includes the rights to some more well-known games like NBA Jam...
- 10/1/2018
- Den of Geek
This upcoming Chinese film Legend of the Ancient Sword looks like a blast! This is a fantasy adventure action film that comes from director Renny Harlin. He has previously brought us films such as Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger, Cutthroat Island, The Long Kiss Goodnight, Deep Blue Sea, Exorcist: The Beginning, and 12 Rounds. This is definitely different from anything he's done before and the trailer that you can watch below is so damn cool!
The film is based on the video game Gu Jian Qi Tan 2, the story centers around a young student of a lost martial arts form called "Yan" and he embarks on a journey to find a great master. As you'll see, the trailer teases some great visually stunning fight sequences. Here's the synopsis:
Due to a fateful occurrence, Yue Wuyi leaves home. He meets revered master Xie Yi, who imparts to him the magical arts of Yan,...
The film is based on the video game Gu Jian Qi Tan 2, the story centers around a young student of a lost martial arts form called "Yan" and he embarks on a journey to find a great master. As you'll see, the trailer teases some great visually stunning fight sequences. Here's the synopsis:
Due to a fateful occurrence, Yue Wuyi leaves home. He meets revered master Xie Yi, who imparts to him the magical arts of Yan,...
- 7/26/2018
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Nothing like some campy Chinese fantasy action to start the day, right? The first teaser trailer has debuted online for a new Chinese fantasy-adventure-action film directed by action veteran Renny Harlin titled Legend of the Ancient Sword. Based on the video game "Gu Jian Qi Tan 2", the film centers around a young student of a lost martial arts form (called "Yan") who heads out from his hometown to find a great master. The main cast includes Leehom Wang, Victoria Song, Godfrey Gao, Karena Ng, Julian Cheung, Archie Kao, Ada Liu, and Li Yan. This looks pretty much exactly like it sounds: packed with CGI action, vibrant sets, eccentric characters, and a flaming "ancient" sword. Have fun. Here's the first teaser trailer for Renny Harlin's Legend of the Ancient Sword, direct from YouTube: Due to a fateful occurrence, Yue Wuyi leaves home. ...
- 7/20/2018
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
For veteran Hollywood filmmaker turned Beijing transplant Renny Harlin, Chinese-language movie making has become much more than just a fleeting infatuation.
Harlin was a Hollywood darling during the 1990s thanks to his action hits Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger and The Long Kiss Goodnight. But after a couple of expensive misfires — Cutthroat Island and Deep Blue Sea — the phone began to ring far less frequently. That changed after Harlin came to China in 2014 to direct the Jackie Chan action-comedy Skiptrace, co-starring Fan Bingbing and Johnny Knoxville.
After the movie opened at No. 1 and earned a strong $134 million at the...
Harlin was a Hollywood darling during the 1990s thanks to his action hits Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger and The Long Kiss Goodnight. But after a couple of expensive misfires — Cutthroat Island and Deep Blue Sea — the phone began to ring far less frequently. That changed after Harlin came to China in 2014 to direct the Jackie Chan action-comedy Skiptrace, co-starring Fan Bingbing and Johnny Knoxville.
After the movie opened at No. 1 and earned a strong $134 million at the...
- 3/20/2018
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Dan Cooper Oct 25, 2017
With season 2 arriving on Netflix this week, here's a refresher on the events of Stranger Things' first run. Spoilers...
It’s been over a year since the first season of Stranger Things burst onto the scene, an enthralling mashup of eighties pop culture iconography that garnered huge critical and commercial acclaim. The scale of the Duffer Brothers’ achievements in creating such a lovingly-crafted homage to a bygone era shouldn’t go unrecognised; here at Den of Geek, unable to wait until the end of this week for a return to this monumental ode to the eighties, we’ve tried to replicate their success through scientific means, but thus far, our tactic of placing a DVD of E.T. atop a tattered old copy of The Shining in the hope that they’ll mate hasn’t yet worked. Not even with Barry White blaring in the background.
With season 2 arriving on Netflix this week, here's a refresher on the events of Stranger Things' first run. Spoilers...
It’s been over a year since the first season of Stranger Things burst onto the scene, an enthralling mashup of eighties pop culture iconography that garnered huge critical and commercial acclaim. The scale of the Duffer Brothers’ achievements in creating such a lovingly-crafted homage to a bygone era shouldn’t go unrecognised; here at Den of Geek, unable to wait until the end of this week for a return to this monumental ode to the eighties, we’ve tried to replicate their success through scientific means, but thus far, our tactic of placing a DVD of E.T. atop a tattered old copy of The Shining in the hope that they’ll mate hasn’t yet worked. Not even with Barry White blaring in the background.
- 10/23/2017
- Den of Geek
Ryan Lambie Jul 24, 2017
It was a legendarily expensive action vehicle for Kevin Costner in 1995, but Waterworld originally began life as a subtly different story...
Tales of Waterworld's making have long since passed into legend. You've probably read about the long and difficult shoot on the open seas around Hawaii, about the soaring costs, the sinking sets and the increasingly fractious relationship between the two Kevins - director Kevin Reynolds and star Kevin Costner. You've probably heard about a pre-Buffy Joss Whedon being flown in to revise the script, and how, getting wind of all this, the Hollywood press started calling Waterworld names like "Fishtar and "Kevin's Gate".
See related Vikings renewed for season 5
What's less commonly discussed is just where Waterworld came from. It's often reported that the screenplay was written by Peter Rader and later reworked by David Twohy; what's less widely known is that Waterworld could...
It was a legendarily expensive action vehicle for Kevin Costner in 1995, but Waterworld originally began life as a subtly different story...
Tales of Waterworld's making have long since passed into legend. You've probably read about the long and difficult shoot on the open seas around Hawaii, about the soaring costs, the sinking sets and the increasingly fractious relationship between the two Kevins - director Kevin Reynolds and star Kevin Costner. You've probably heard about a pre-Buffy Joss Whedon being flown in to revise the script, and how, getting wind of all this, the Hollywood press started calling Waterworld names like "Fishtar and "Kevin's Gate".
See related Vikings renewed for season 5
What's less commonly discussed is just where Waterworld came from. It's often reported that the screenplay was written by Peter Rader and later reworked by David Twohy; what's less widely known is that Waterworld could...
- 6/30/2017
- Den of Geek
Fox had an unexpected hit on their hands with the first season of The Exorcist, picking up a smattering of positive critical notices and decent ratings. So, it’s no surprise that they renewed it for a second season. The show is a loose sequel to the 1973 William Friedkin movie classic, following a trio of Exorcist priests, with the first season exploring what happened to formerly possessed puker Regan MacNeil over the last forty or so years.
In an eye-catching bit of casting, Geena Davis was brought on board as MacNeil and was generally agreed to be one of the best things in the series. That makes it a little disappointing then that she’s confirmed that she’s departing the show. Rather than re-cast the role, executive producer and director Jeremy Slater has simply decided to focus the second season narrative elsewhere.
This means, apparently, not just jettisoning Davis’ character,...
In an eye-catching bit of casting, Geena Davis was brought on board as MacNeil and was generally agreed to be one of the best things in the series. That makes it a little disappointing then that she’s confirmed that she’s departing the show. Rather than re-cast the role, executive producer and director Jeremy Slater has simply decided to focus the second season narrative elsewhere.
This means, apparently, not just jettisoning Davis’ character,...
- 6/9/2017
- by David James
- We Got This Covered
Mark Harrison May 25, 2017
The Pirates Of The Caribbean movies have not been easy films to make....
As Michael Bolton once belted out: “This is the tale of Captain Jack Sparrow.” The Pirates Of The Caribbean film was a surprise sleeper hit in 2003, astounding the higher-ups at Disney who had long been sceptical of how a pirate movie, based on a ride at Disneyland, would appeal to audiences.
Off the back of this success, the sequels only got more ambitious and expensive in scale, with their use of practical effects and convoluted character dynamics serving to complicate the adventure format, with mixed results. It shouldn't shock you then, to hear that each of the movies released so far had some serious behind-the-scenes battles to make them shipshape.
The fifth and apparently final instalment, Salazar's Revenge (or Dead Men Tell No Tales), has had some very public battles before it has even been released,...
The Pirates Of The Caribbean movies have not been easy films to make....
As Michael Bolton once belted out: “This is the tale of Captain Jack Sparrow.” The Pirates Of The Caribbean film was a surprise sleeper hit in 2003, astounding the higher-ups at Disney who had long been sceptical of how a pirate movie, based on a ride at Disneyland, would appeal to audiences.
Off the back of this success, the sequels only got more ambitious and expensive in scale, with their use of practical effects and convoluted character dynamics serving to complicate the adventure format, with mixed results. It shouldn't shock you then, to hear that each of the movies released so far had some serious behind-the-scenes battles to make them shipshape.
The fifth and apparently final instalment, Salazar's Revenge (or Dead Men Tell No Tales), has had some very public battles before it has even been released,...
- 5/24/2017
- Den of Geek
Author: Dave Roper
With Actors, Directors, Actresses and Screenwriters under our collective belt and Cinematographers still to come, we presently turn our eye towards Composers, whose music lends so much to the films they work on.
As with the other lists, credit is given for not merely one or two sterling scores, but rather a consistently excellent body of work with specific stand-out films. To be blunt, this is a trickier prospect than it at first appears. Just because a film is terrific or well-loved doesn’t necessarily mean that the score is itself a standout. We begin with perhaps the most obvious and celebrated film composer of them all…..
John Williams – Star Wars
Goodness me. The Poseidon Adventure, The Towering Inferno, Earthquake, Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Long Goodbye, Catch Me If You Can, Star Wars, Close Encounters, Star Wars, Superman, Et, Born on the Fourth of July,...
With Actors, Directors, Actresses and Screenwriters under our collective belt and Cinematographers still to come, we presently turn our eye towards Composers, whose music lends so much to the films they work on.
As with the other lists, credit is given for not merely one or two sterling scores, but rather a consistently excellent body of work with specific stand-out films. To be blunt, this is a trickier prospect than it at first appears. Just because a film is terrific or well-loved doesn’t necessarily mean that the score is itself a standout. We begin with perhaps the most obvious and celebrated film composer of them all…..
John Williams – Star Wars
Goodness me. The Poseidon Adventure, The Towering Inferno, Earthquake, Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Long Goodbye, Catch Me If You Can, Star Wars, Close Encounters, Star Wars, Superman, Et, Born on the Fourth of July,...
- 5/10/2017
- by Dave Roper
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Renny Harlin is currently in post-production on Legend of the Ancient Sword, a Chinese production based on a popular role-playing video game called Gu Jian Qi Tan (Legend). It’s another action-adventure film from Harlin, who directed The Long Kiss Goodnight, Cutthroat Island, and The Deep Blue Sea. Below, check out the Legend of the Ancient Sword photo. Harlin’s last film, the […]
The post ‘Legend of the Ancient Sword’ Photo: Renny Harlin’s Video Game Adaptation Looks Big & Expensive appeared first on /Film.
The post ‘Legend of the Ancient Sword’ Photo: Renny Harlin’s Video Game Adaptation Looks Big & Expensive appeared first on /Film.
- 3/15/2017
- by Jack Giroux
- Slash Film
Ryan Lambie Feb 15, 2017
Had Tomorrowland been a hit, we might have had a Tron sequel. We look at movies whose fate had a knock-on effect on other films...
You've probably heard of chaos theory and a thing called the butterfly effect - a concept where the flapping of an insect's wings in a London borough causes a shed to collapse somewhere in the Australian outback. In other words, seemingly incidental events can have a knock-on effect on everything else - like that old board game, Mousetrap, where a ball falling into a bath caused a boot to kick a bucket, which eventually led to the cruel detainment of several rodents.
See related Ash Vs Evil Dead renewed for season 3 Bruce Campbell interview: Ash Vs Evil Dead
The concept applies even in the high-stakes, high-energy world of filmmaking, where the success of one type of movie can prompt rival studios to greenlight their own,...
Had Tomorrowland been a hit, we might have had a Tron sequel. We look at movies whose fate had a knock-on effect on other films...
You've probably heard of chaos theory and a thing called the butterfly effect - a concept where the flapping of an insect's wings in a London borough causes a shed to collapse somewhere in the Australian outback. In other words, seemingly incidental events can have a knock-on effect on everything else - like that old board game, Mousetrap, where a ball falling into a bath caused a boot to kick a bucket, which eventually led to the cruel detainment of several rodents.
See related Ash Vs Evil Dead renewed for season 3 Bruce Campbell interview: Ash Vs Evil Dead
The concept applies even in the high-stakes, high-energy world of filmmaking, where the success of one type of movie can prompt rival studios to greenlight their own,...
- 2/9/2017
- Den of Geek
John Debney conducting a live performance of his score for The Passion of the Christ.
In his long career as a composer, John Debney has written the scores for Hocus Pocus, Cutthroat Island, Liar Liar, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Elf, The Passion of the Christ, Sin City, Zathura and Iron Man 2. Most recently Debney has worked on The Jungle Book with Jon Favreau and Mel Gibson.s Hacksaw Ridge.
I know you.ve worked with Jon Favreau before, but in The Jungle Book you must have been writing the score with nothing but green screen as your guide. Does it make a difference to the process?
It certainly does. I think this was our fourth film together. It was wonderful but it was a challenge. All told it was two years of work, and at the very beginning it was green-screen and stick figures, as it were,...
In his long career as a composer, John Debney has written the scores for Hocus Pocus, Cutthroat Island, Liar Liar, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Elf, The Passion of the Christ, Sin City, Zathura and Iron Man 2. Most recently Debney has worked on The Jungle Book with Jon Favreau and Mel Gibson.s Hacksaw Ridge.
I know you.ve worked with Jon Favreau before, but in The Jungle Book you must have been writing the score with nothing but green screen as your guide. Does it make a difference to the process?
It certainly does. I think this was our fourth film together. It was wonderful but it was a challenge. All told it was two years of work, and at the very beginning it was green-screen and stick figures, as it were,...
- 8/9/2016
- by Harry Windsor
- IF.com.au
At one time, Renny Harlin was viewed as Hollywood’s next great action-movie-directing hope. He impressed with “Die Hard 2” and “Cliffhanger,” but the double whammy of flops “Cutthroat Island” and “The Long Kiss Goodnight” started a descent which in recent years has seen him directing TV, little-seen efforts like “Five Days Of War” and “Devil’s […]
The post First Trailer For Renny Harlin Directed ‘Skiptrace’ Starring Jackie Chan & Johnny Knoxville appeared first on The Playlist.
The post First Trailer For Renny Harlin Directed ‘Skiptrace’ Starring Jackie Chan & Johnny Knoxville appeared first on The Playlist.
- 7/18/2016
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Ryan Lambie Jul 1, 2016
Emojis. Playmobil. Lego. Brands seem to be here to stay in movies. Ryan looks at its rise and rise...
On paper, Pirates Of The Caribbean: Curse Of The Black Pearl probably shouldn’t have been a hit. Earlier movies based on Disney’s theme park rides certainly hadn’t been a success - least of all The Country Bears, a family film released a year before Pirates and largely shunned by audiences. Disney boss Michael Eisner moaned at Pirates’ steep $140m bill. Did it have to be so expensive? And could Johnny Depp - hardly known as a bankable star - really lead the movie to box office glory?
The answer was a resounding yes; released in the summer of 2003, Pirates Of The Caribbean made over $650m worldwide. Pirates also appeared to break two curses in one blow: first, it proved that adventure movies set on the...
Emojis. Playmobil. Lego. Brands seem to be here to stay in movies. Ryan looks at its rise and rise...
On paper, Pirates Of The Caribbean: Curse Of The Black Pearl probably shouldn’t have been a hit. Earlier movies based on Disney’s theme park rides certainly hadn’t been a success - least of all The Country Bears, a family film released a year before Pirates and largely shunned by audiences. Disney boss Michael Eisner moaned at Pirates’ steep $140m bill. Did it have to be so expensive? And could Johnny Depp - hardly known as a bankable star - really lead the movie to box office glory?
The answer was a resounding yes; released in the summer of 2003, Pirates Of The Caribbean made over $650m worldwide. Pirates also appeared to break two curses in one blow: first, it proved that adventure movies set on the...
- 6/29/2016
- Den of Geek
facebook
twitter
google+
Exclusive: studio co-founder Mario Kassar has left Carolco just over a year after its revival...
Total Recall. Terminator 2. The Rambo franchise. Through the 80s and 90s, Carolco was one of the biggest independent studios in Hollywood, before a combination of financial woes - including the failure of Cutthroat Island - saw it close in 1996.
Then, last January, came the news that the Carolco brand had been revived by new CEO Alex Bafer, with Carolco's original co-founder Mario Kassar named as its chairman. As we reported at the time, the resuscitated company had some big plans, including a remake of the Japanese horror hit Audition and an all-new sci-fi action film called Bot.
We've now learned that both Bafer and Kassar are no longer with the company, and that the Carolco brand is in the hands of new owners - Carolco's website currently lists real estate developer, entrepreneur...
google+
Exclusive: studio co-founder Mario Kassar has left Carolco just over a year after its revival...
Total Recall. Terminator 2. The Rambo franchise. Through the 80s and 90s, Carolco was one of the biggest independent studios in Hollywood, before a combination of financial woes - including the failure of Cutthroat Island - saw it close in 1996.
Then, last January, came the news that the Carolco brand had been revived by new CEO Alex Bafer, with Carolco's original co-founder Mario Kassar named as its chairman. As we reported at the time, the resuscitated company had some big plans, including a remake of the Japanese horror hit Audition and an all-new sci-fi action film called Bot.
We've now learned that both Bafer and Kassar are no longer with the company, and that the Carolco brand is in the hands of new owners - Carolco's website currently lists real estate developer, entrepreneur...
- 4/7/2016
- Den of Geek
facebook
twitter
google+
Some brilliant scores accompany movies that don't always deserve them. Here are 25 examples...
Can a film soundtrack rescue a movie that is otherwise a lost cause? One thing’s for sure: throughout the history of cinema, music has often been the redeeming feature of many an underwhelming movie. Here are 25 amazing film scores composed for films that, frankly, didn’t deserve them.
25) Meet Joe Black (Thomas Newman, 1998)
This somnambulistic three hour romantic drama should really feature an extra screen credit for star Brad Pitt’s fetishised blonde locks. Rising way above the torpid melodrama of the plot is one of Thomas Newman’s most hauntingly melodic and attractive scores, one that leaves his characteristic quirkiness at the door to paint a portrait of death that is both melancholy and hopeful. The spectacular 10-minute finale That Next Place remains one of Newman’s towering musical achievements.
24) Timeline (Brian Tyler,...
google+
Some brilliant scores accompany movies that don't always deserve them. Here are 25 examples...
Can a film soundtrack rescue a movie that is otherwise a lost cause? One thing’s for sure: throughout the history of cinema, music has often been the redeeming feature of many an underwhelming movie. Here are 25 amazing film scores composed for films that, frankly, didn’t deserve them.
25) Meet Joe Black (Thomas Newman, 1998)
This somnambulistic three hour romantic drama should really feature an extra screen credit for star Brad Pitt’s fetishised blonde locks. Rising way above the torpid melodrama of the plot is one of Thomas Newman’s most hauntingly melodic and attractive scores, one that leaves his characteristic quirkiness at the door to paint a portrait of death that is both melancholy and hopeful. The spectacular 10-minute finale That Next Place remains one of Newman’s towering musical achievements.
24) Timeline (Brian Tyler,...
- 3/29/2016
- Den of Geek
Disney
If you look down the list of the biggest hits of all time (adjusted for inflation), it could double as an All Time Best list. Jaws is on there, of course, as are Star Wars, E.T. and The Exorcist. Further down, you’ll find the likes of Back To The Future, Ghostbusters and Blazing Saddles. A relative what’s what of Hollywood accomplishments.
Now look down the list of box office bombs, and note the drop off in quality: Cutthroat Island is on there, of course, as are Heaven’s Gate and The Adventures Of Pluto Nash. Further down, you’ll find the likes of A Sound Of Thunder, Sahara and The Wolf Man. If you haven’t seen them, here’s a one-word review: “Meh.”
It’s probably an oversimplification, but if you were to compile a list of blah movies you regret watching, it would closely...
If you look down the list of the biggest hits of all time (adjusted for inflation), it could double as an All Time Best list. Jaws is on there, of course, as are Star Wars, E.T. and The Exorcist. Further down, you’ll find the likes of Back To The Future, Ghostbusters and Blazing Saddles. A relative what’s what of Hollywood accomplishments.
Now look down the list of box office bombs, and note the drop off in quality: Cutthroat Island is on there, of course, as are Heaven’s Gate and The Adventures Of Pluto Nash. Further down, you’ll find the likes of A Sound Of Thunder, Sahara and The Wolf Man. If you haven’t seen them, here’s a one-word review: “Meh.”
It’s probably an oversimplification, but if you were to compile a list of blah movies you regret watching, it would closely...
- 3/17/2016
- by Ian Watson
- Obsessed with Film
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.