The Old Oak: is it right to ban the XL Bully?

T.J walks through a graveyard, visiting his wife who is buried there. By his side, his tiny mongrel pup, Marra, yapping about and waggling his tail. Like all dogs, he is just grateful to be outside, and grateful to be alive. Marra suddenly runs, catching a scent and following his instincts. T.J pursues, calling his… Continue reading The Old Oak: is it right to ban the XL Bully?

Pixar Lays Off 14% of its Employees

Last year, Pixar Animation Studios, a subsidiary of Walt Disney, had already eliminated 75 positions, including key creatives behind the box office disappointment “Lightyear,” sources told Reuters. Now, The Hollywood Reporter (THR) is reporting that an additional 14% of Pixar’s workforce has been laid off as part of Disney’s cost-cutting efforts. This marks the largest… Continue reading Pixar Lays Off 14% of its Employees

A24 Acquires Ruben Östlund’s ‘The Entertainment System Is Down’

Renowned filmmaker Ruben Östlund is set to begin shooting “The Entertainment System is Down” in early 2025, making it unlikely to debut at next year’s Cannes Film Festival. Instead, a 2026 premiere on the Croisette seems more probable. With the script finalized, casting is now underway. Keanu Reeves has been confirmed for a starring role,… Continue reading A24 Acquires Ruben Östlund’s ‘The Entertainment System Is Down’

Challengers: Luca Guadagnino’s tennis film reviewed by an expert in the psychology of competition

{Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures}

“Tennis is a relationship,” says Tashi Duncan (Zendaya) in director Luca Guadagnino’s new film Challengers. However, this relationship is not simply between the game and the player. Rather the heart of tennis, and perhaps of all competition, is a three-way relationship between two contestants and a third person. Their presence, and observation, is what gives… Continue reading Challengers: Luca Guadagnino’s tennis film reviewed by an expert in the psychology of competition

Cannes Film Festival unveils 2024 Official Selection

{Cannes Film Festival}

The Cannes Film Festival has announced the lineup for its 77th edition, scheduled for May 14-25. The competition includes films from acclaimed directors such as Andrea Arnold, David Cronenberg, Yórgos Lánthimos, Paul Schrader, and Paolo Sorrentino. Festival director Thierry Frémaux revealed the Official Selection at a press conference held at the UGC Normandie theatre in… Continue reading Cannes Film Festival unveils 2024 Official Selection

The Fall Guy: A Retro Blast of Action Comedy in Modern Cinema

In a cinematic landscape often dominated by grim superheroes and CGI-laden extravaganzas, director David Leitch’s latest creation, “The Fall Guy,” emerges as a refreshing throwback to the heyday of action comedy. Drawing inspiration from the cult 80s television series, this film promises audiences a rollicking adventure filled with old-school stunts and comedic charm. At its… Continue reading The Fall Guy: A Retro Blast of Action Comedy in Modern Cinema

First Look: Dwayne Johnson in Benny Safdie’s Biopic ‘The Smashing Machine’

Cameras are rolling on Benny Safdie’s “The Smashing Machine,” produced by A24, with the studio unveiling a first-look image. There’s a slim chance we might see this film in late 2024, just in time for awards season—a strategic move A24 is known for. “The Smashing Machine,” starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, is based on… Continue reading First Look: Dwayne Johnson in Benny Safdie’s Biopic ‘The Smashing Machine’

‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ set to have two Different Reboots

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed that the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise will see more than one reboot. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly (EW), Bruckheimer stated, “It’s two different movies. We hope to get ’em both made, and I think Disney agrees—they really want to make the Margot one, too.” The upcoming reboots will take different… Continue reading ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ set to have two Different Reboots

The Strangers: Chapter 1 – A genuine horror or a feeble attempt to revamp a cult classic?

Horror fans will know that any slasher film post 1990’s is trying to be Scream or Halloween, and those are tough acts to follow. When The Strangers hit the screen in 2008, it felt like somewhat of a fresh take on the slasher genre, and although it wasn’t universally loved, critics have since gone on to… Continue reading The Strangers: Chapter 1 – A genuine horror or a feeble attempt to revamp a cult classic?

Directed Focus: Christopher Nolan

{Dave J Hogan}

“You mustn’t be afraid to dream a little bigger darling” Christopher Nolan is probably the Best Director of all time. His capacity to synthesize and merge complex story narratives with breathtaking cinematic set pieces is unique and due even more spectacular to the fact he authors what we see, or usually what we try our… Continue reading Directed Focus: Christopher Nolan