Review: ‘HALLOWEEN ENDS’- thoughtful conclusion to horror saga may leave fans feeling stabbed in the back.

HALLOWEEN ENDS

Here we are. The purported end of Michael Myer’s murderous saga. Jamie Lee Curtis’ very last ride as Laurie Strode (although that’s what they said after Halloween Resurrection in 2002…) Certainly, this will be the last entry of the Blumhouse rebooted trilogy, which re-invigorated the franchise by ignoring all entries other than John Carpenter’s 1978 classic. I found 2018’s Halloween to be wildly successful – it skillfully brought Laurie and her bogeyman into the modern era by hitting the right mix of screams and smarts. 2021’s Halloween Kills? If they gave out Oscars in the “I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed” category, it would have run away with it.

I’m happy to say I enjoyed Halloween Ends quite a bit more than Halloween Kills. I also fully admit this movie won’t be everyone’s cup of tea (or, in Michael Myer’s terms, everyone’s kitchen knife.) Director David Gordon Green and co-writer Danny McBride are grappling with big ideas, and take some bold narrative swings in this film. This is a movie that is less concerned with slices and screams. Instead, it reflects on the nature of evil, as well as the long-lasting effects of trauma and pain on both survivors and bystanders.

It’s a big switch, and it makes for a bumpy cinematic experience.  This shift is embodied most clearly in the new character of Corey Cunningham (Rohan Campbell). It is Halloween Night in 2019 when we are first introduced to Corey (1 year after the events of the rebooted Halloween and Halloween Kills.) He is shy but bright and has the unfortunate luck to be a babysitter in Haddonfield, Illinois. An awful incident occurs, and Corey is much changed when we flash forward to Ends’ present day. A potential romance with Laurie Strode’s granddaughter, Allyson (an underused Andi Matichak) offers a hopeful future. But Corey is vulnerable, touched by darkness, and shamed by nearly everyone else in town. The core battle of Halloween Ends is in many aspects focused on this tug-of-war for Corey’s soul. Let’s be clear: if the above turns you off, then you will not like this movie.

Ultimately, what drew me to this film was the inevitable confrontation between Laurie and The Shape, and there Halloween Ends does deliver. It is exciting and exhilarating and left me wanting more. So much of this is due to Jamie Lee Curtis’ performance. In 2018’s Halloween, Laurie Strode was a type of haunted doomsday prepper – her every moment and movement was dominated by a fear of Michael Myers returning. In this final iteration, Laurie is looser and more free. She bakes pies and makes jokes. But she is not naïve.  After 44 years and 6 prior appearances. Curtis still brings such fire to this character. All of the film’s best moments belong to her, and they are worth the price of admission.

It’s impossible to really evaluate Halloween Ends on its own. There is simply too much history at play (both between Laurie and Michael Myers, and across horror film history in general.) I appreciated that Ends tried to wrestle with this legacy. I also hope they let Myers and Laurie rest now. Those seeking a final slice, a final scream, and return to the many films that have come before. Nobody needs to see Halloween Ends, Again. 

In theaters and streaming only on Peacock October 14

Music composed by: John CarpenterCody CarpenterDaniel Davies


NYFF60 review: ‘SHE SAID’ is retraumatizing and revitalizing. It’s a must-see.

SHE SAID

Sex, lies, power, and scandal, SHE SAID wowed audiences into silence at NYFF60. We all think we know the story behind the takedown of Harvey Weinstein. This new film, based on the explosive investigative reporting from New York Times journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, gives us an inside look at the delicate process of relationship building and the truth. She Said is directed by Maria Schrader, with a screenplay from Rebecca Lenkiewicz based on the 2019 book by Kantor and Twohey of the same name. The film depicts two colleagues coming from two different places in their personal life; Kantor, the mother of three children, and Twohey enduring PPD after the birth of her first child. The film opens brilliantly, with Twohey addressing the infamous Access Hollywood tape. We all know what happened after that, and any sane human can agree it was a disaster for women and the entire world. Once payouts for sexual allegations became a headline, and after the firing of Bill O’Reilly, the NYT floor was abuzz with thinking. How far does this problem go?

The legwork done by these women is mindblowing. The all-hours phone calls, the messages, the threats, and the intimate and honest way they approached anyone connected with Miramax and The Weinstein Company. The film conveys the emotional exhaustion of it all. Story after story of similar allegations and subsequent NDAs sucker punch you, over and over. As these cases now play out in real-time, it is fascinating to witness how to reach a victim and what compels an enabler. One particular detail I found interesting was Weinstein’s obsession with whether the team had spoken to Gwenyth Paltrow. It comes up three to four times at Harvey’s behest. I am dying to know what that story entails because it was clear from the voice reenactments Harvey feared her in a way he did not fear others. Seeing Ashley Judd play herself was undeniably powerful. I can only imagine the feelings of catharsis that must come with that decision. 

Andre Braugher as NTY executive editor Dean Baquet gives a standout performance. He is a no-nonsense fighter, and the entire audience loved him. Braugher represents what every female employer needs in their corner daily. He is spectacular. Jennifer Ehle is heartbreaking as Laura Madden, one of the first women to agree to go on the record. Samantha Morton is an absolute ass-kicker playing Zelda Perkins, who handed over the negotiations from her NDA. She brings the fiery energy that skewers Miramax.

Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan play Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor, respectively. Chasing down uncooperative leads and racing against Ronan Farrow, while balancing personal turmoil and home life, Mulligan and Kazan perfectly balance one another. Mulligan brings a similar edge that we saw in Promising Young Woman. Do not for a minute think this is a one-note performance. Never doubt Carey Mulligan’s ability to be soft and vulnerable. Kazan plays Kantor with an elegant passion and determination to reveal the truth. Together, they support one another from scene to scene. Some of my favorite moments occurred when only the two of them played opposite one another. While these were generally brief, believe it or not, they were magnetic together. I would watch seven more films about Twohey and Kantor’s work as long as Mulligan and Kazan do them justice. 

Ultimately, SHE SAID is both retraumatizing and revitalizing. The work continues. We can thank two brave and tirelessly devoted women for letting us into a world we did not want to admit ruled supreme for far too long. SHE SAID will undoubtedly be on everyone’s lips as we keep our fingers crossed that men like Harvey Weinstein, and anyone who enabled his behavior, are held accountable. Survivors demand it, and allies demand it. Something has got to give. Let the dominoes fall, and let them rot in jail.

She Said – Only In Theaters November 18.

Social Handles

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#SheSaidMovie


 

Review: ‘NOPE’ showcases sights just as much as frights.

NOPE

With Nope, Jordan Peele further solidifies his standing as the modern horror auteur. Who else is making movies like Peele right now? A better question might be, who else do the studios trust to make big budget, non-franchise films like this? (the list is very short.) With his third feature, Peele again delivers on that trust with another compelling narrative that pairs thrills with dazzling cinematography, as well as a willingness to subvert the expectations of his audience.

Siblings OJ (Daniel Kaluuya) and Emerald (Keke Palmer) Haywood are co-owners of Haywood’s Hollywood Horses, horse trainers serving the entertainment industry and descendants of a proud legacy. They are struggling to keep their heads above water in a competitive, dwindling industry (after all, a CGI horse is way easier to train, right?) They also have to contend with the long reputational shadow of their late father (Keith David), as well as the pressures of their family’s place in cinematic history (legend has it that they are direct decedents of the jockey featured in one of the very first motion pictures.)  When OJ thinks he may have discovered UFO on the edges of their family ranch, he seizes on an opportunity to capture (and profit from) photographic evidence of their discovery.

The cinematography and performances in this film are top-notch. Hoyte Van Hoytema will receive Oscar consideration for his enthralling cinematography. The visuals are equally inspired by westerns and classical blockbuster thrillers. They are the foundation upon which the film’s success is built – especially the last 20 minutes (an absolute white-knuckle thrill ride.)

Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer give tremendous lead performances. Working with Peele for the second time (after 2017’s prolific Get Out), Kaluuya gives a subtle showcase. I can’t get enough of this pairing – I hope they work together 20 more times. Kaluuya’s  OJ is quieter and more introverted than Palmer’s Emerald. Given his screen-time, he has minimal dialogue in the film – most of his performance comes from his eyes, his facial expressions, and his body language. I was reminded of Clint Eastwood’s Man with No Name character – someone who listened more than he spoke but was deliberate (and often lethal) in his action. Palmer’s Emerald is a ball of kinetic energy but also delivers poignant moments as well (especially in the film’s final act.) The two siblings have an easy, unfussy chemistry with each other.

Steven Yeun is phenomenal in the supporting role of former child star turned ranch/amusement park owner Ricky “Jupe” Park. When he was younger, Ricky was part of a TV sitcom co-starring a chimpanzee named Gordy. A tragedy occurred on set, and Ricky has spent his adulthood profiting off the memory of this trauma. While this incident fits with the film’s overall theme of spectacle (and the ways that humanity tries, and fail, to contain nature) it is an awkward fit. There are some haunting images associated with Ricky’s story (especially a moment where Gordy looks directly into the camera lens), but the resolution of this sub-plot doesn’t fit seamlessly with the action occurring on the Haywood ranch. Perhaps there is a larger intention here from Peele, but it just didn’t connect with me.

Ultimately, Nope showcases Peele delivering on another compelling and thoughtful entry. You’ll be staring at the sky when you walk out of the theater.


NOPE – Only in Theaters 7.22.22

https://www.nope.movie/

“What’s a bad miracle?”

Oscar® winner Jordan Peele disrupted and redefined modern horror with Get Out and then Us. Now, he reimagines the summer movie with a new pop nightmare: the expansive horror epic, Nope.

The film reunites Peele with Oscar® winner Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out, Judas and the Black Messiah), who is joined by Keke Palmer (Hustlers, Alice) and Oscar® nominee Steven Yeun (Minari, Okja) as residents in a lonely gulch of inland California who bear witness to an uncanny and chilling discovery.

Nope, which co-stars Michael Wincott (Hitchcock, Westworld) and Brandon Perea (The OA, American Insurrection), is written and directed by Jordan Peele and is produced by Ian Cooper (Us, Candyman) and Jordan Peele for Monkeypaw Productions. The film will be released by Universal Pictures worldwide.


Jordan Peele’s official trailer for ‘NOPE’ has landed.

NOPE

“What’s a bad miracle?”


Oscar® winner Jordan Peele disrupted and redefined modern horror with Get Out and then Us. Now, he reimagines the summer movie with a new pop nightmare: the expansive horror epic, Nope

The film reunites Peele with Oscar® winner Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out, Judas and the Black Messiah), who is joined by Keke Palmer (Hustlers, Alice) and Oscar® nominee Steven Yeun (Minari, Okja) as residents in a lonely gulch of inland California who bear witness to an uncanny and chilling discovery.

Nope, which co-stars Michael Wincott (Hitchcock, Westworld) and Brandon Perea (The OA, American Insurrection), is written and directed by Jordan Peele and is produced by Ian Cooper (Us, Candyman) and Jordan Peele for Monkeypaw Productions. The film will be released by Universal Pictures worldwide.


NOPE – Only in Theaters 7.22.22

https://www.nope.movie/


“Sing Saturday” to be the biggest advanced screening program in Universal’s history!

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First 200 Moviegoers in Line at 200 AMC Theatres Nationwide Can Enjoy

Biggest Advance-Screening Program in Universal’s History

 “Sing Saturday” Launches Event Film Starring Oscar® Winners Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon, as Well as Seth MacFarlane, Scarlett Johansson, John C. Reilly, Taron Egerton and Tori Kelly

Illumination Entertainment, Universal Pictures and AMC Theatres today announced a Thanksgiving weekend event for audiences of all ages: “Sing Saturday,” a celebration of free screenings of the new event film from Illumination at 200 AMC Theatres nationwide, on November 26.  From the creators of Despicable Me, Sing—in which Academy Award® winners Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon lead an all-star cast—arrives nationwide on December 21, 2016.

Tickets for “Sing Saturday” screenings are available on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 200 moviegoers in line at participating AMC Theatres on Saturday, November 26 (10 a.m. local time).  Audiences are encouraged to bring their family and friends of all ages and experience the film Variety calls “a game changer.”  Moviegoers must be in line to receive a ticket for the screening.

“We are so proud that ‘Sing Saturday’ marks the biggest advance-screening program in the history of Universal Pictures and are honored to join AMC as we kick off the holiday season with Illumination’s gift for moviegoers of every generation,” said Nick Carpou, President of Distribution, Universal.

“For the past several years, Sing has been a labor of love for everyone at Illumination, as well as the tireless performers who have poured their hearts into this movie,” said Chris Meledandri, Founder and CEO of Illumination.  “We know audiences of all ages will embrace the heart and the humor of this extraordinary film and can’t wait for movie lovers to experience Sing over Thanksgiving weekend, throughout the holiday season and beyond.”

“For AMC movie-loving audiences of all ages who have cooked through Thanksgiving Thursday and shopped through Black Friday, AMC is thrilled to offer a holiday-entertainment treat with Sing Saturday,” said Elizabeth Frank, EVP and Chief Content and Programming Officer, AMC Theatres.

For more information and a list of AMC Theatres participating in “Sing Saturday,” please visit www.SingSaturday.com.

 

New Poster and Trailer for ‘Trash’ starring Martin Sheen and Rooney Mara

From the director of Academy nominated films, The Hours and The Reader, comes a story of an incredible revolution in Stephen Daldry’s new film, Trash. With big name stars such as, Martin Sheen and Rooney Mara, Trash shows us that big changes can come from the most unexpected places. This is the story of three boys who worked by scavenging in the local landfills of Rio, when one of them comes across a wallet. Little did they know it contained the weapon needed to bring the corruption of their city to an end.

Trash will be in U.S. theaters on October 9th.

 

Furious 8 is Coming to Theaters and We Know When!

Furious 7

With Furious 7 the newest billion dollar film, it is no surprise that Universal would want to fast track the next installment into production and we now know when it’s coming. Vin Diesel took the stage at CinemaCon last night and announced that Furious 8 is coming to theaters on April 14, 2017!

No word on the plot but in previous interviews, Diesel has been quoted as saying he would like the next one to take place in New York City. No confirmation on whether James Wan would return to direct but we do know that the film is said to feature the return of Kurt Russell’s Mr. Nobody.

Diesel was on Jimmy Kimmel Live earlier this month and had this to say:

“I always think of these films [as] multiple pictures at a time.” In that vein it makes sense that the mysteirous Russell character, who disappeared in Furious 7 while sitting in a desert, would return.

He went on to say:

“Kurt Russell came in for this movie, but we really hired him for a story that follows this that takes place in New York.”

More as it becomes available

The Poster for M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘The Visit’ Arrives

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Universal Pictures has released the teaser poster for the upcoming thriller The Visit written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan and produced by Jason Blum (Paranormal Activity, The Purge and Insidious series).

Shyamalan returns to his roots with the terrifying story of a brother and sister who are sent to their grandparents’ remote Pennsylvania farm for a week long trip. Once the children discover that the elderly couple is involved in something deeply disturbing, they see their chances of getting back home are growing smaller every day.

Shyamalan produces The Visit through his Blinding Edge Pictures, while Blum produces through his Blumhouse Productions alongside Mark Bienstock (Quarantine 2: Terminal). Steven Schneider (Insidious) and Ashwin Rajan (Devil) executive produce the thriller.

The movie stars Kathryn Hahn (Parks and Recreation), Deanna Dunagan (The Cherokee Word for Water), Peter McRobbie (Inherent Vice), Ed Oxenbould (Paper Planes), and Olivia DeJonge (The Sisterhood of Night).

 

Follow Grandma’s Rules and tune-in this Thursday for the trailer debut

The movie arrives home on September 11, 2015

‘Straight Outta Compton’ Red Band Trailer and Poster are Here!

Straight Outta Compton

Universal Pictures and Legendary Pictures have released the red band trailer for Straight Outta Compton which features an intro by Dr. Dre and Ice Cube! The debut also included a glimpse at the new poster. Check them both out below! Read More →

Brand New ‘Minions’ Trailer and Poster Debut

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Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment have released the new trailer and poster for Minions!

A spinoff of the widely successful Despicable Me series, this film follows the lovable Minions thru the ages, to explore the history of the faithful yellow creatures, from single-celled organism to beings who have only one purpose: to serve history’s most despicable masters. After accidentally destroying all their masters, including a T. Rex, Genghis Khan, Napoleon, and Dracula, they decide to isolate themselves from the world and start a new life in Antarctica. Facing certain extinction, Kevin, along with Stuart and Bob, set off to search for a new master to serve. Read More →

Reel News Daily’s Top Movies of 2014 on The Reel Big Show!

best-movies-of-2014

It’s a full house on The Reel Big Show! Michael leads the group in discussion of their favorite movies of 2014, the night before the Oscar nominations. Below are their lists – with bold for which were nominated. See the list of nominations at Oscar.org.

Check out the fun IMDb quiz based on the 36 movies in all the lists!
Read More →

New Trailer: Jennifer Lopez In New Psychological Thriller ‘The Boy Next Door’

10653484_739123919488473_3569634801483974669_nTHE BOY NEXT DOOR – In Theaters January 23, 2015

Jennifer Lopez leads the cast in The Boy Next Door, a psychological thriller that explores a forbidden attraction that goes much too far.  Directed by Rob Cohen (The Fast and the Furious) and written by Barbara Curry, the film also stars Ryan Guzman, John Corbett and Kristin Chenoweth.  Read More →

Reel News Daily’s Top Summer Movies of 2014

TopSummerMovies2014At one point the Summer Season was depicted by the film’s released between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, but the time’s have changed and so has Hollywood. Summer tent-pole films are being released earlier and earlier to avoid the cluster of blockbusters being released weekly to capitalize on the lack of competition which of course means more money. So we’ve decided to expand our scope and include April into out Top Summer Movies of 2014…buuuuut we’re also cutting off the last 2 weeks of August…so sue us!

Jeremy‘s List

10. Fort Tilden
9. Obvious Child
8. X-Men: Days of Future Past
7. Calvary
6. Life Itself
5. Bluebird
4. Snowpiercer
3. Boyhood
2. Under the Skin
1. Only Lovers Left Alive

Liz‘s List

10. Neighbors
9. Chef
8. Coherence
7. Filth
6. Dom Hemingway
5. Frank
4. About Alex
3. Boyhood
2. Snowpiercer
1. Only Lovers Left Alive

Michael‘s List

10. Edge of Tomorrow
9. Filth
8. X-Men: Days of Future Past
7. Nymphomaniac
6. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
5. Guardians of the Galaxy
4. Only Lovers Left Alive
3. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
2. Snowpiercer
1. Boyhood

Melissa‘s List

10. Coherence
9. Godzilla
8. Locke
7. Dom Hemingway
6. Guardians of the Galaxy
5. Filth
4. Frank
3. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
2. Only Lovers Left Alive
1. Snowpiercer


Read More →

New Trailer: Universal Pictures’ ‘Get On Up’ The James Brown Biopic

A James Brown biopic? That’s ripe for a movie. Looks to be a fantastic cast too!
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GET ON UP online – #GetOnUp
Visit the official website
Like Get on Up on Facebook
Follow on TwitterGoogle+Instagram
Subscribe on YouTube

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