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Podcast Episode 67: Director Mikael Håfström On SLINGSHOT Starring Casey Affleck & Laurence Fishburne - Movies In Focus
Director Mikael Håfström joins this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to discuss his latest film, Slingshot, a space thriller starring Casey Affleck and Laurence Fishburne. Mikael is no stranger to crafting tense, atmospheric films, having directed works like his adaptation of Stephen King’s 1408 starring John Cusack and the Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger team-up, Escape Plan . With Slingshot, he explores themes of isolation, survival, and the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds. In our conversation, we explore the challenges of filming a space-based thriller, working with a stellar cast, and how Mikael approached the unique visual and narrative elements of this ambitious project. So strap in and prepare for launch as we take a deep dive into the making of Slingshot. Listen to this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast below or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Mel Gibson's Mark Wahlberg Thriller FLIGHT RISK Diverted To 2025 - Movies In Focus
Well, this is a bummer. Lionsgate has announced that Mel Gibson‘s airborne thriller Flight Risk has been moved from its October 18th release date into 2025. The Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery and Topher Grace starring pic will now land on U.S. screens on January 24, 2025. This new 2025 date is a little less crowded with only Mickey Mouse horror Screamboat and the Phoebe Dynevor/Rhys Ifans thriller, Inheritance currently set to open on that weekend. Gibson’s thriller would have had to fight for flight in its October 18th date where Flight Risk would have had to face-off against horror sequel Smile 2, Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or winner Anora the drama pic Exhibiting Forgiveness. Flight Risk is an eagerly anticipated release for Movies In Focus – and it now looks like I’ll have to wait a little longer to see Mel Gibson’s latest directorial effort. Synopsis: In this high-stakes suspense thriller, Academy Award® nominee Mark Wahlberg (Actor in a Supporting Role, 2006 – The Departed) plays a pilot transporting an Air Marshal (Michelle Dockery) accompanying a fugitive (Topher Grace) to trial. As they cross the Alaskan wilderness, tensions soar and trust is tested, as not everyone on board is who they seem. [...]
Notebook Reviews: A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN - Movies In Focus
Penny Marshall – 1992. There’s no crying in baseball! A League Of Their Own is an enjoyable sporting comedy. Tom Hanks delvers a great turn as the drunken coach of an all-female baseball team (made up of Geena Davis, Madonna, Lori Petty, Rosie O’Donnell). Sure, it gets a little sentimental at times and the present day bookends feel a bit contrived, but this Penny Marshall directed pic has some great laughs and fine moments. When all is said and done, A League Of Their Own is enjoyably pleasant entertainment.
Notebook Reviews: DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE - Movies In Focus
Rouben Mamoulian – 1931 Director Rouben Mamoulian delivers an early (and controversial) screen adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale. This 1931 version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is an atmospheric work that delivers all the elements that you would want from the story. The terror and tension has dimmed somewhat over the decades, but there’s still much to enjoy if you embrace this horror – especially the make-up and transformation effects. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde might not be up there with the Universal horrors of the era, but this is still enjoyable nonetheless.
Podcast Episode 66: Director Adam Nelson & Writer Chris Watt Discuss THE MIRE - Movies In Focus
Directed by Adam Nelson and written by Chris Watt, The Mire is a well-honed dramatic thriller which grabs your attention and draws you into its tense plot. Essentially a one-location, three-hander, the low-budget film knows exactly what to do with its limited resources and it keeps you hooked until its surprising finale. Returning guest Adam Nelson and newcomer Chris Watt both join this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about the origins of The Mire, how the story developed and the challenges of making a low-budget independent film. Listen to this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast below or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Notebook Reviews: THE PAPER - Movies In Focus
Ron Howard -1994. The Paper is an excellent comedy-drama from master of all trades director Ron Howard. It features a typically great performance from Michael Keaton – as well as an all-star supporting cast (Glenn Close, Marisa Tomei, Randy Quaid and Robert Duvall). It zips along at a frenetic pace and the script crackles. There are plenty of standout moments along with some strong realistic characterisation. The Paper comes highly recommended.
Notebook Reviews: THE CABLE GUY - Movies In Focus
Ben Stiller – 1996. A comedy with a dark edge, Ben Stiller‘s The Cable Guy is a solid effort but it ultimately lacks spark. Matthew Broderick is good as the hapless customer who is terrorised by Jim Carrey‘s titular Cable Guy. Broderick keeps things grounded, but Carrey’s live-wire antics go too far. I’m guessing the studio wanted to get as much for their $20 million as possible. It’s entertaining enough, but The Cable Guy isn’t as good as it should be.
Review: Hammer Films Rises From The Dead With DOCTOR JEKYLL - Movies In Focus
Director Joe Stephenson‘s Doctor Jekyll is a commendable updating of Robert Louis Stephenson’s classic tale with a modern slant. This Hammer Films production successfully marries gothic horror with modern sensibilities, creating a visually striking experience that pays homage to its roots while carving out its own identity. Eddie Izzard shines as Nina Jekyll, delivering a layered performance that captures the character’s internal conflict. Izzard’s ability to navigate the complexities of Jekyll’s psyche adds depth to the film, making it a compelling watch. The supporting cast also helps contribute to the film’s overall atmosphere, enhancing the sense of dread that permeates the narrative. Visually, Doctor Jekyll is a treat. The cinematography by Birgit Dierken is stylish and atmospheric and Blair Mowat’s score is an absolute treat, harkening back to the Hammer films of yore. While the pacing can be a bit inconsistent, here are enough engaging sequences to keep viewers invested. The clever nods to the original story and the film’s creative choices, such as its striking visual style, make it a worthwhile watch for genre enthusiasts. Ultimately, Doctor Jekyll may not completely transcend its genre, but it offers an entertaining and visually captivating experience that honours its source material and [...]
Notebook Reviews: O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU? - Movies In Focus
Joel Coen – 2000. O Brother, Where Art Thou is deftly handled comedy from the Coen Brothers. The 1930s-set film features a terrific wide-eyed turn from George Clooney as an escaped convict. Jon Turturro and Tim Blake Nelson also deliver on-point supporting turns in this ‘modern day’ take on Homer’s Odyssey. Impressive visuals and excellent music from T Bone Burnett add to O Brother, Where Art Thou‘s charms. Great stuff.
Notebook Reviews: THE BODYGUARD - Movies In Focus
Mick Jackson – 1992 The Bodyguard is an excellent romantic-thriller that surpasses expectations. Kevin Costner is in stoic form as Frank Farmer, The Bodyguard of the title and Whitney Houston also excels as the star in need of protection. The supporting cast is strong and the film has some strong set pieces and dry humour written into Lawrence Kasdan‘s screenplay. The Bodyguard recommended Saturday night viewing.
Podcast Episode 65: It's Hammer Time With DOCTOR JEKYLL Director Joe Stephenson - Movies In Focus
Director Joe Stephenson joins this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to discuss his latest film, Doctor Jekyll. This film marks a significant moment for Hammer Studios, being their first horror release since the company’s acquisition by the aptly named John Gore. Starring, Eddie Izzard and Scott Chambers, the film offers a fresh take on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale Joe shares insights into the creative process behind Doctor Jekyll, the challenges of reimagining such a beloved story, and his collaboration with Eddie Izzard in bringing this gothic story to life. He also discusses Midas Man, his forthcoming biopic of Brian Epstein, the manager of The Beatles. Listen to this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast below or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Podcast Episode 64: Director Neil Marshall & Star Charlotte Kirk Discuss DUCHESS - Movies In Focus
Dog Soldiers, The Descent and Doomsday filmmaker Neil Marshall joins the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about his new gangster film, Duchess alongside its star, co-writer and producer Charlotte Kirk. The pair previously collaborated on the action-horror The Lair and the mediaeval thriller, The Reckoning. With Duchess, Marshall delivers a fast-paced revenge thriller where Kirk’s working-class criminal dives into the glamorous – and sometimes not so glamorous – world of diamond smuggling. With strong visuals and explosive action, the film showcases her transformation into a fierce anti-heroine. They pair talk the creative process behind the film, explore the characters, and discuss the challenges they faced along the way. It’s always a pleasure to hear first-hand from the people who bring stories to life, as we uncover what makes Duchess a refreshing modern-day gangster pic with an old-school charm. Listen to this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast below or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Notebook Reviews: MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE - Movies In Focus
Luis Mandoki – 1999. Message In A Bottle is a well composed romantic-drama. The central casting of Kevin Costner, Robin Wright Penn and Paul Newman is a good one and this helps keep the film afloat when threatens to slip into a sea of melodrama. This has some strong moments of inspiration and Newman in particular adds a touch of class (his role should have been bigger). It could have done with a touch more humour, but Message In A Bottle is as good as this type of big budget romance gets.
Notebook Reviews: LETHAL WEAPON 2 - Movies In Focus
Richard Donner – 1989. Sequels don’t get any better than Richard Donner‘s Lethal Weapon 2. This is is a first-rate action movie with a great cast on top form. Mel Gibson and Danny Glover once again bring the magic as Riggs and Murtaugh, while Joe Pesci is great added value as Leo Getz. It might lack the darker edge of its predecessor, but this ups the scope in a big way. Impressive stunt sequences, good characterisation and witty dialogue make this a hugely enjoyable piece of entertainment.
Notebook Reviews: ED WOOD - Movies In Focus
Tim Burton – 1994. A masterpiece. Director Tim Burton‘s biopic of Edward D. Wood Jr – the supposed worst film-maker of all time – delivers on all fronts. An excellent cast and sparkling screenplay make Ed Wood a joy to watch. Johnny Depp excels in the lead role, delivering wide-eyed enthusiasm as the low budget film director. Martin Landau is superb as horror icon Bela Lugosi – and deservedly won an Oscar for his role. Bill Murray also delivers a wonderful supporting turn. Simply put- everything in Ed Wood works. Highly recommended.
Behind The Scenes: Clint Eastwood & Don Siegel On The Set Of 1971's DIRTY HARRY - Movies In Focus
Director Don Siegel‘s 1971 cop thriller, Dirty Harry has now become an iconic slice of cinema and it set the template for loose cannon detective movies. Starring Clint Eastwood, the film sees SFPD Inspector ‘Dirty’ Harry Callahan on the hunt for Scorpio (Andy Robinson), a killer who is stalking the streets of San Francisco. The plot was loosely inspired by the real-life Zodiac killings which took place in the San Francisco Bay area during the 1960s (check out David Fincher’s 2007 film, Zodiac for more on that). Dirty Harry is a great piece of film-making, with tight plotting, quotable dialogue, strong imagery and a wonderful jazz-infused score from Lalo Schifrin. Like with many films before and after, Eastwood wasn’t the first choice to play Harry Callahan. The part was offered to a veritable who’s who of tough guy actors and everyone from John Wayne, Frank Sinatra, Robert Mitchum and Paul Newman to Steve McQueen, Burt Lancaster and George C. Scott have all been linked to the role. John Wayne was so disappointed by the success of the 1971 pic that he went on to make a pair of cop movies in 1974 and 1975 – McQ and Brannigan. They both failed [...]
Notebook Reviews: MIDNIGHT RUN - Movies In Focus
Martin Brest – 1988. Beverly Hills Cop director Martin Brest once again tackles the action-comedy and delivers an enjoyable buddy movie with Midnight Run. George Gallo‘s screenplay hits the mark and the cast is off-the-chart great: Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin, Yaphet Kotto, John Ashton, Dennis Farina, Joe Pantoliano and Philip Baker Hall! De Niro seems to be relaxed and enjoying himself and Grodin is a first-rate wind-up merchant. They make for a great pairing. It relies a bit too much on coincidence and silly mistakes from its characters – but Midnight Run is an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours.
Box Office: DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE Say No To Superhero Fatigue - Movies In Focus
We’ve been hearing about the death of the theatrical experience and superhero fatigue for so long now that we’ve all begun to believe it. Superhero flops like The Marvels, The Flash, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Madame Web made it look like the writing was on the wall for comic book movies. Throw in some big budget box office failures like Furioisa: A Mad Max Saga and The Fall Guy and it looked like doom prognosticators were correct. However, that all changed this weekend. Marvel Studios’ $200 million Deadpool & Wolverine has just banked $205 $211 million at the U.S. box office and an additional $233 million in other territories. That gives the Ryan Reynolds/Hugh Jackman headed pic a total worldwide weekend debut of $438.3 $444 million. Not only did Deadpool & Wolverine reverse any fear of superhero fatigue, but it was also the biggest opening weekend for stars Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman and director Shawn Levy. Deadpool & Wolverine also broke a slew of other box office records: Biggest domestic and worldwide R-rated opening of all time Biggest worldwide and international opening of the year Biggest July opening weekend of all-time domestically Biggest worldwide opening since Avatar: The Way [...]
Notebook Reviews: AS GOOD AS IT GETS - Movies In Focus
James L. Brooks – 1997. This really is As Good as It Gets. This is a first rate comedy from writer-director James L. Brooks. As Good As It Gets has wit, heart and excellent performances from a great cast – Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear and Cuba Gooding Jr. As good as everyone else in the cast is, this is really Nicholson’s show – and boy, does he deliver the goods. This might be a career best turn from him. It might be a wee bit on the long side, but As Good as It Gets is excellent stuff. Recommended.
Review: Adam Wingard's YOU’RE NEXT Is A Darkly Comedic Home Invasion Horror - Movies In Focus
There’s quite a lot to recommend in director Adam Wingard’s You’re Next, a darkly comedic home invasion film which takes the horror sub-genre and flips it on its head. It’s all very entertaining and as it builds, it becomes even funnier and funnier. Well-to-do married couple Aubrey and Paul Davison (horror icon Barbara Crampton and Rob Moran) take to the Davison country home to spend the weekend with their children Crispian, Felix, Drake and Aimee (A.J. Bowen, Nicholas Tucci, A. J. Bowen, Joe Swanberg and Amy Seimetz). Familial tensions run high, but that all falls into insignificance when then the house comes under attack by masked assailants. The only person in the group who has it together to fight back is Crispian’s girlfriend Erin (Sharni Vinson), a tough-as-nails heroine with hidden depths in kicking ass. On the surface, this 2011 film might seem like business as usual for the genre, but Wingard and frequent screenwriter Simon Barrett have fun with the premise, setting up a game of cat and mouse where the roles are constantly reversed. The one location enssures that this has strong tension, but there’s also plenty of bloody action as the Davison family are killed off one [...]
Review: I SAW THE TV GLOW Offers Up A Poor Reception - Movies In Focus
Sometimes movies just don’t connect. It’s a chemical thing. They might have the right elements, but they fail to react in the way that they should or could. On paper it sounds like it might work for you, but when you watch it, it leaves you cold. That’s how I felt about Jane Schoenbrun’s I Saw The TV Glow, It’s a film that I appreciated more than I enjoyed. Schoenbrun’s metaphysical drama is well shot and performed, but I never bought into the internal world or its central mythos. I’m sure that some people will take a lot from this, but it ultimately left me cold and somewhat disinterested. Opening in the 1990s, I Saw The TV Glow sees two teenagers, Owen (Ian Foreman) and Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine), bond over The Pink Opaque – a supernatural TV show in the vein of Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Over time, their friendship deepens and then the show is cancelled – and suddenly Maddy disappears. Ten years pass and a grown-up Owen (Justice Smith) attempts to move on with his life, but he’s disconnected and rudderless. Then Maddy mysteriously reappears… I Saw The TV Glow plays with [...]
Notebook Reviews: ARLINGTON ROAD - Movies In Focus
Mark Pellington – 1999. Arlington Road is a first-rate conspiracy thriller from director Mark Pellington. This suburban tale of terror has a great cast – Jeff Bridges, Tim Robbins, Joan Cusack, and Hope Davis – all doing great work. There’s a real sense of the late Alan Pakula’s 1970s work here (Klute, The Parallax View and All the President’s Men) – and it’s all the better for it. It’s stylish, but this never takes away from the well-honed dramatic elements. Arlington Road is well-honed film-making for grown-ups.
Notebook Reviews: RADIO FLYER - Movies In Focus
Richard Donner – 1992. Radio Fyler is a solid, though unspectacular fantasy-drama from director Richard Donner and producer Michael Douglas. This had a troubled production and Donner was drafted in after writer David Mickey Evans had been in production for a couple of weeks. The second half is better than the first, but the fantastical elements don’t really fit alongside the darker brutality. It lacks depth. A good cast – and a nice Tom Hanks cameo – go a long way to help things, but Radio Flyer feels like it could have been a lot better. A shame – but sometimes these things just don’t work.
Trailer: Timothée Chalamet Is Bob Dylan In James Mangold's A COMPLETE UNKNOWN - Movies In Focus
Director James Mangold knows a thing or two about music biopics, having directed the acclaimed Walk The Line, a film about the life of Johnny Cash starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. Now, almost 20 years later Mangold is back on the music trail with A Complete Unknown – a new film about the early musical career of Bob Dylan starring Timothée Chalamet. This early teaser just gives a flavour of what the film entails – but it seems solid enough – even if Chalamet looks a little too pretty to be playing the artist formerly known as Robert Zimmerman. He sounds good though – if that is indeed his voice doing the singing. Movies In Focus is a big Dylan fan – I’ve seen him live twice – so I’m very intrigued to see how A Complete Unknown turns out. I hope it’s good.I really do. Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro, Boyd Holbrook, Norbert Leo Butz, Dan Fogler, and Scoot McNairy star in A Complete Unknown, which hits screens later in 2024. The Synopsis: Set in the influential New York music scene of the early 60s, A COMPLETE UNKNOWN follows 19-year-old Minnesota musician BOB DYLAN’s (Timothée Chalamet) [...]
Sing Along With Joaquin Phoenix & Lady Gaga In The Latest Trailer For JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX - Movies In Focus
Joker: Folie À Deux could be a disaster, it could possibly be an awards winner or it might even become a forgotten footnote to one of the most divisive and controversial comic book movies of the last 20 years. However, one thing’s for sure, Todd Phillips seems to be taking another bold swing with this sequel to 2019’s Academy Award-winning, billion dollar grossing Joker. Allegedly a pseudo-musical, Joker: Folie a Deux once again stars Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck/Joker – this time opposite Lady Gaga (who apparently plays Harley Quinn). Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener and Zazie Beetz co-star. Look, I have no idea how this will sequel to the Batman spin-off will turn out. I enjoyed Phillips’ Joker – even though I found it derivative of other, better movies (read my review) – so I’m willing to give it a shot. Will it ruin the mystique of it’s predecessor or will the same cultural lighting strike in the same place twice? We’ll find out when Joker: Folie À Deux opens on 4th October, 2024. The synopsis: Joker: Folie À Deux” finds Arthur Fleck institutionalised at Arkham awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker. While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur [...]
Behind The Scenes: Anthony Hopkins, Jodie Foster & Jonathan Demme On The Set Of THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS - Movies In Focus
Jonathan Demme’s The Silence Of The Lambs is a piece of cinema that manages to work not only as a prestige picture, but also as a horror film. We’ll have no mention of ‘elevated horror’ when discussing about this film, thank you very much. Demme’s film is pure gothic terror – right down to the dungeon cell of Anthony Hopkins‘ Hannibal Lecter. The Silence Of The Lambs follows Jodie Foster’s FBI trainee, Clarice Starling as she hunts serial killer ‘Buffalo Bill’ (Ted Levine) with the help the incarcerated killer Hannibal Lecter. Jodie Foster delivers a powerful, Oscar-winning turn as Starling, going toe-to-toe with Hopkins’ delectable performances as ‘Hannibal The Cannibal’. Jonathan Demme’s taut direction and unsettling atmosphere – thanks to Howard Shore’s score and Tak Fujimoto’s cinematography – create a sense of unease up until the film’s well-honed finale. The 1991 adaptation of Thomas Harris’ novel swept the board at the Oscars on 1992 – winning Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director and Adapted Screenplay (for Ted Tally). The Silence Of The Lambs also cleaned up at the box office – scoring $130 million at the U.S. box office and almost $273 million worldwide.
Notebook Reviews: USED CARS - Movies In Focus
Robert Zemeckis – 1981. Used Cars is a zany and energetic comedy from director Robert Zemeckis (it’s also produced by Bob Gale, John Milius and Steven Spielberg!). Kurt Russell is as watchable as always – showing off his versatility, while Gerrit Graham has an absolute blast. There are some incredibly funny moments throughout – even if it loses focus towards the end. It can be a little messy story-wise, but when the jokes in Used Cars land, they’re laugh out loud funny. ‘Too F**kin’ high!’
Notebook Reviews: BILLY ELLIOT - Movies In Focus
Stephen Daldry. 2000. Billy Elliot is a solid comedy-drama. The acting here is good – and young Jamie Bell gives as strong performance as the title character. The music is great – especially the T-Rex tunes. This features some fine moments and strong characterisation. It’s a cinematic cousin to The Full Monty – but it’s better than that British working class tale. Nothing ground breaking, but Billy Elliot is a solid piece of work.
Behind The Scenes: Michael Keaton's BATMAN & Director Andy Muschietti On The Set Of THE FLASH - Movies In Focus
A decade in the making, 2023’s The Flash sees DC Comics’ speedy superhero take to the big screen in a movie with his name in the title. Opinions were mixed on the Andy Muschietti-directed adventure but I was enthralled by the $220 million film, entertained by its wit, action and unexpected heart. The Flash might be the title character, but the red speedster isn’t the main selling point for this climatic entry into the DCEU – that would be Michael Keaton’s long-awaited return as Bruce Wayne/Batman – the actor’s first time in the role since 1992’s Batman Returns. Keaton doesn’t miss a beat slipping into back the cowl, delivering a fantastic performance as a grizzled version of The Dark Knight. It’s not without flaws – but those are inherent in many films within the genre, like the over-stuffed CG-filled finale. However, for the most part, this is an excellent superhero adventure that has plenty to offer its audience – and it’s a real shame that there won’t be any further adventures within this world, or any of its adjoining multiverses. Released in 2023, The Flash grossed $108 million at the U.S. box office and $271 milion worldwide.
Podcast Episode 63: At The Flicks Podcast's Jeff & Graham On Kevin Costner's HORIZON: AN AMERICAN SAGA - Movies In Focus
On this episode, Jeff Downes and Graham O’Dwyer from the brilliant At The Flicks podcast discuss Kevin Costner’s western epic, Horizon: An American Saga (read the review) We’ll be putting our collective expertise to work as we explore Costner’s latest directorial effort, examining its place within the western genre and its potential impact on cinema. So let’s saddle up and ride into the sunset with Jeff and Graham as we unpack the ambitious multi-part movie saga and what it means for Costner’s legacy. Stay tuned for an insightful discussion that promises to be as expansive as the American frontier itself Listen to this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast below or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Notebook Reviews: THE SIEGE - Movies In Focus
Edward Zwick – 1998. The Siege is a so-so but unspectacular action-drama from director Ed Zwick. It’s all a little flaccid considering the combined star-power of Bruce Willis and Denzel Washington. The Siege has some fine moments, but they’re wasted when surrounded by such dull plotting. Willis is criminally underused, while Annette Bening‘s turn seems misjudged. Ultimately, The Siege (I’ll always know it by its original title, Martial Law) pulls too many punches considering the tale it’s trying to tell. A disappointment.
Podcast Episode 62: Star Rachel Nichols & Director Alejandro Brugués Talk THE INHERITANCE - Movies In Focus
Director Alejandro Brugués goes for old-fashioned chills and offers up some slow-burn horror with his excellent new horror, The Inheritance. It can be difficult to have sympathy for characters who have immense wealth and privilege – especially when you’re not supposed to like them. However, The Inheritance gets the balance just right – and along with some good casting choices, you’ll be somewhat conflicted when the Abernathys start to die – and Rachel Nichols and David Walton make for a particularly entertaining dastardly duo. (Read my four star review) Both star Rachel Nichols and director Alejandro Brugués join the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about The Inheritance. Alejandro goes into some wonderful detail about the making of the film – and Rachel delivers some truly fascinating insight into her process as an actress. Listen to this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast below or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Notebook Reviews: GO - Movies In Focus
Doug Liman – 1999 Director Doug Liman delivers an energetic and hugely effective comedic thriller with Go. Told from three perspectives (with Pulp Fiction vibes), it features a good cast (William Fichtner, Katie Holmes, Jay Mohr, Sarah Polley, Scott Wolf, Taye Diggs and Timothy Olyphant) who all grasp the tone of the material. The whole thing gallops along at a wonderful speed and just keeps moving from the word ‘Go‘. A strong soundtrack and well-tuned moments means that Go is an entertaining couple of hours.
Behind The Scenes: John Ford & James Stewart On The Set Of TWO RODE TOGETHER - Movies In Focus
Director John Ford revisited the same territory as his 1956 film, The Searchers for Two Rode Together. This 1961 western sees James Stewart and Richard Widmark go in search of Comanche captives, but it’s their chemistry that really makes this Frank Nugent scripted flick pop. Ford wasn’t a fan of the material, but he agreed to make it for $225,000 plus 25% of the net profits (a really sweet deal back in the day). Two Rode Together was the first of three westerns that Stewart and Ford make together. The iconic The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance with John Wayne and Lee Marvin was released in 1962, while Cheyenne Autumn (also with Richard Widmark) hit screens in 1964. Released in 1961 to mixed reviews, Two Rode Together grossed $1.6 million at the box office.
Notebook Reviews: DEATH BECOMES HER - Movies In Focus
Robert Zemeckis – 1992 Director Robert Zemeckis delivers a delicious black comedy with Death Becomes Her. The lead trifecta – Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn and Bruce Willis have a great old time. Streep and Hawn chew the scenery, but Willis really impresses as the geeky, put-upon husband. Isabella Rossellini also puts in a gloriously camp turn. Winning production design, wonderful cinematography and a strong Alan Silvestri score only add to Death Becomes Her‘s delights. It’s a little over-the-top at times, but some funny moments and the aforementioned elements make Death Becomes Her well with watching.
Podcast Episode 61: Writers Joe Russo & Chris LaMont On THE INHERITANCE - Movies In Focus
Written by Joe Russo and Chris LaMont, The Inheritance delivers old-fashioned chills and offers up some slow-burn horror. The quick pitch is to call the Alejandro Brugués directed film a well-balanced mix of Knives Out and The House On Haunted Hill by way of The Haunting Of Hill House and Succession. There’s a sophistication and understanding of the horror genre that shows a real understanding of how these things work on a story level. (Read my four star review) Joe Russo and Chris LaMont joined the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about their writing process and how The Inheritance made it to the screen. Listen to this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast below or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Notebook Reviews: MALLRATS - Movies In Focus
Kevin Smith – 1995 Writer-director Kevin Smith‘s Mallrats is a hugely entertaining – and very funny comedy. Derided on its initial release, this has so much to recommend and it stands as one of Smith’s finest efforts. Mallrats has a great ensemble cast – Jeremy London, Jason Lee, Claire Forlani, Michael Rooker, Shannen Doherty, Joey Lauren Adams and Ben Affleck – but the stand out is Lee – who delivers a comedic tour-de-force performance. Throw in that early Affleck turn and you have something special. Mallrats has some great comedic touches – but it won’t be for everyone, that’s for sure! Great fun.
Notebook Reviews: A LIFE LESS ORDINARY - Movies In Focus
Danny Boyle – 1997 A Life Less Ordinary is an enjoyable romantic fantasy from Danny Boyle. Something of a change of pace for the director, this is quite light and breezy stuff with plenty of humour to keep things on track when it looks like it might veer too far with the fantastical elements. It might have tanked at the box office and it has its faults – but its energetic style and first-rate cast –Ewan McGregor, Cameron Diaz, Holly Hunter, Delroy Lindo, Ian Holm and the always welcome, Dan Hedaya – make A Life Less Ordinary worth your time.
Podcast Episode 60: Star Gilles Marini & Director Shane Dax Taylor Talk MURDER COMPANY - Movies In Focus
Shane Dax Taylor’s Murder Company is an old-fashioned World War II men on a mission movie. On Demand now in the U.S., the film stars William Moseley, Pooch Hall, Gilles Marini, Joe Anderson and Kelsey Grammer. The plot follows a group of US soldiers as they attempt to smuggle a member of the French resistance behind enemy lines so that he can assassinate a high-value Nazi target. Star Gilles Marini and director Shane Dax Taylor joined the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about the film, the reasons for making it and the complexities of making a film set during the Second World War. This is a fascinating episode – especially when Gilles Marini delves deep into his family history to talk about his grandmother’s resistance work during the war. It’s heartfelt and passionate stuff. Listen to this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast below or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Review: There's Death Before Dawn In THE INHERITANCE - Movies In Focus
Director Alejandro Brugués goes for old-fashioned chills and offers up some slow-burn horror in The Inheritance. Working from a screenplay by Joe Russo and Chris LaMont, Brugués crafts the opening section like a thriller and slowly introduces the supernatural elements of the plot a little later in the game. This allows the audience to remain on the same page as the characters, building tension before delivering some good shocks when things eventually go bump in the night. On the eve of his 75th birthday, Bob Gunton’s billionaire businessman, Charles Abernathy calls on his four estranged children to spend the night at his gothic mansion. There’s Drew (Austin Stowell), the most sympathetic of the family who runs the charity side of the family business along with his partner Hannah (Briana Middleton). Twins, C.J. (David Walton) and Madeline (Rachel Nichols), have inherited their father’s cut-throat business attitude and the youngest sibling, Kami (Peyton List) is an online influencer who has her phone constantly in her hand. On arrival, they find the servants have been sent home and the house is soon locked up tight with a high-tech security system. Abernathy informs his children that his life is in danger and that someone [...]