Remakes have become a staple among Hollywood studios over the last decade. An optimist would say they allow filmmakers to try new and interesting things with beloved properties, while a cynic would likely tell you that they cheapen iconic pieces of cinema. Depending on one’s perspective, it makes each and every bit of information regarding Fox’s remake of John Carpenter’s classic Escape from New York that much more enticing.
During this past summer blockbuster season, Mad Max: Fury Road made a serious impression on moviegoers. From it’s commitment to relying on practical effects, to Charlize Theron’s pitch perfect portrayal of Furiosa, to George Miller’s brilliant construction of the apocalyptic wasteland, there are simply too many great things to say about the film.
Fall has only just begun, but in the world of television the cream has already started to rise to the top. Some winners were going to be obvious: a show such as Arrow was only going to have a strong return, but with pilots and new shows, it’s always a guess as to who will win and who will falter.
Marvel’s forays into the world of television have done some amazing things for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Although never quite as bombastic or iconic as their big screen counterparts, the Marvel TV shows have done a great job of providing in-depth context for the events that occur within the universe.
Film and TV production is a common sight all over the city of Los Angeles – it’s the home of Hollywood, so that only makes sense. However, people often tend to forget that LA also acts as the home to another, more salacious, film industry. Now, in a situation straight out of The Girl Next Door, the porn industry has come into conflict with the LA school system.
The tragic passing of Robin Williams last year marked the loss of a modern comedic legend. Williams created so many memorable characters over the years that picking favorites is no easy feat. Now, new outtakes have been released showcasing one of Williams’ most iconic characters: Genie from Aladdin.
The world of late night television has become increasingly crowded in recent years. No longer just for entertainment, hosts such as Trevor Noah and John Oliver have brought a political edge that has almost become expected of modern hosts – leading many to accuse Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon of being “too soft” for not partaking in such endeavors.
Films based on recurring Saturday Night Live skits run the gamut in terms of quality. For every Blues Brothers, we get Blues Brothers 2000. 2010’s MacGruber exists somewhere off the spectrum altogether. Will Forte’s MacGyver spoof didn’t exactly make a huge impression at the box office, but has since gone on to become a modern comedic cult classic.
While humans often comprise some of the most dangerous threats faced by Rick Grimes’ group of survivors on The Walking Dead, that does not discount the fact that the walkers have always remained a constant, vigilant threat to the lives of everyone on the show. With the show about to start its sixth season, the AMC horror series has promised to deliver some of its strangest zombie encounters yet.
White washing has become a point of serious contention in Hollywood these days. Complaints regarding a lack of diversity have become increasingly common – especially in adaptations in which white actors take on the roles of traditionally ethnic characters. For the upcoming film Pan, director Joe Wright cast Caucasian actress Rooney Mara as native character Tiger Lily – and he stands by the decision.
As a living Hollywood legend, Meryl Streep has become a champion for women throughout the film industry. While she has most certainly risen above many of the obstacles and trappings that plague members of her gender, she has some strong words for film critics. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Streep recently spoke during a press conference for Suffragette at the BFI London Film Festival, and vocally lashed out at the notable gender disparity among film critics.
The female-fronted reboot of Ghostbusters is on its way, and will bring with it some familiar faces. While contemporary comedic icons such as Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy will be taking center stage, numerous members of the original franchise – such as Bill Murray and Sigourney Weaver – will turn up in varying capacities to pass the baton off to a new generation.
When Kingsman: The Secret Service became one of this year’s surprise hits, it turned relatively unknown actor Taron Egerton into one of Hollywood’s hottest commodities. While one would assume such success would see the actor riding high, it has also created a scheduling nightmare. The financial victory of Kingsman has all but guaranteed a sequel will arrive shortly, but production of the Fox sponsored sequel has begun to butt heads with another Lionsgate film in which Egerton has already committed to appear.
When all is lost, you fight. This tagline captures the theme of Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s upcoming western thriller The Revenant. A new, visceral trailer has been released for the film, and if it doesn’t get your blood pumping, then absolutely nothing will. Check the trailer out below. Set in the American frontier in 1823, The Revenant – based on a 2003 novel by Michael Punke – follows fur trapper Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) after he recovers from a bear attack in the Dakota Territory.
With a film as popular as Guardians of the Galaxy, it’s inevitable that ancillary projects would arise to satisfy its rabid fan base. This creates a problem, as an actor like Chris Pratt put such a personal touch on a character such as Peter Quill AKA Star-Lord, recreating that sort of magic becomes a difficult.
Chris Evans can’t play Captain America forever. Maybe he will get too old for the part, maybe his contract will run out, or maybe Marvel will inevitably kill Steve Rogers; the fact of the matter is Evans will one day step down from the mantle of Star Spangled Avenger. In the comics, both Falcon – played by Anthony Mackie in the MCU – and the Winter Solider – played by Sebastian Stan – have taken up the shield in the absence of Steve Rogers.
