NEW MOVIES: March 13-19, 2025, “Novocaine,” “Black Bag,” “The Chosen: Last Supper,” “The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie”

NOVOCAINE

NOVOCAINE

Novocaine is an upcoming American action comedy film[2][3] directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen. The film stars Jack QuaidAmber MidthunderRay NicholsonJacob BatalonBetty Gabriel, and Matt Walsh. Its plot follows Nathan Caine, a bank executive with the inability to feel pain who goes out to rescue his coworker after a group of bank robbers takes her hostage.

Novocaine is scheduled to be released in the United States by Paramount Pictures on March 14, 2025.

Premise

Nathan Caine is a mild-mannered introvert with a rare disorder, congenital insensitivity to pain (CIP), who must rescue the girl of his dreams who has been taken hostage in a bank robbery.[2]

Cast

  • Jack Quaid as Nathan “Nate” Caine, a sheltered bank executive who can’t feel pain
  • Amber Midthunder as Sherry Margrave, Nathan’s love interest, who is kidnapped by bank robbers
  • Ray Nicholson as Simon Greenly, a bank robber
  • Jacob Batalon as Roscoe Dixon, Nathan’s online gaming friend
  • Betty Gabriel as Mincy Langston, an officer of the SDPD
  • Matt Walsh as Coltraine Duffy, an officer of the SDPD
  • Conrad Kemp as Andre
  • Evan Hengst as Ben
  • Craig Jackson as Nigel
  • Lou Beatty Jr. as Earl

__________________________________________________________________________

BLACK BAG

BLACK BAG

Black Bag is an upcoming American spy thriller film directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by David Koepp. The film stars Cate BlanchettMichael FassbenderMarisa AbelaTom BurkeNaomie HarrisRegé-Jean Page, and Pierce Brosnan.

Black Bag is scheduled to be released on March 14, 2025, in the United States by Focus Features and internationally by Universal Pictures.

Cast

__________________________________________________________________________

THE CHOSEN: LAST SUPPER

THE CHOSEN: LAST SUPPER

Synopsis

The table is set. The people of Israel welcome Jesus as king while his disciples anticipate his crowning. But—instead of confronting Rome—he turns the tables on the Jewish religious festival. Their power is threatened, and the country’s religious and political leaders will go to any length to ensure this Passover meal is Jesus’ last.

In a beautiful cinematic format, The Chosen: Last Supper brings audiences the most pivotal week in history in this special three-part theatrical release.

Jesus rides into the holy city as king but finds his father’s house has been turned from a place of prayer into a corrupt market. As the Jewish High Priest schemes against the would-be Messiah, Jesus strikes first, turning the tables on religious corruption.

  • GENRE:  Concert/Special Events,  Drama
  • RELEASE DATE: Thursday, Mar 20, 2025
  • The Chosen: Last Supper Premiere Event (2025) is 2 hr 10 min long.

Cast 8

  1. Jonathan Roumie

    Jonathan Roumie

     

    Jesus

  2. Elizabeth Tabish

    Elizabeth Tabish

     

    Mary Magdalene

  3. Shahar Isaac

    Shahar Isaac

     

    Simon Peter

  4. Paras Patel

    Paras Patel

     

    Matthew

  5. Noah James

    Noah James

     

    Andrew

  6. Shaan Sharma

    Shaan Sharma

     

    Shmuel

  7. Nick Shakoour

    Nick Shakoour

     

    Zebedee

  8. George H. Xanthis

    Crew 9

    Crew

    1. Dallas Jenkins

      Dallas Jenkins

      Creator

    Directing

    1. Dallas Jenkins

      Dallas Jenkins

      Director

    Production

    1. Dallas Jenkins

      Dallas Jenkins

      Executive Producer

    2. Chad Gundersen

      Producer

    3. Chris Juen

      Producer

    4. Justin Tolley

      Producer

    Writing

    1. Dallas Jenkins
    2. Ryan Swanson

      Writer

__________________________________________________________________________

THE DAY THE EARTH BLEW UP: A LOONEY TUNES MOVIE

THE DAY THE EARTH BLEW UP: A LOONEY TUNES MOVIE

The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie is a 2024 American animated science fiction comedy film produced by Warner Bros. Animation. Directed by Pete Browngardt in his directorial debut, it is the first fully animated and theatrically released film in the Looney Tunes franchise based on entirely original material. The film is spun off from the Looney Tunes Cartoons series developed by Browngardt and features the voices of Eric BauzaCandi Milo, and Peter MacNicol. Its story centers on Daffy Duck and Porky Pig as they try to save Earth from an alien scheme while trying not to drive each other crazy.

The Day the Earth Blew Up premiered at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on June 11, 2024, and is scheduled to be theatrically released in the United States by Ketchup Entertainment on March 14, 2025. This makes it the second Looney Tunes film not to be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures domestically after Bugs Bunny Superstar.

Plot

Due to a series of antics at the bubblegum factory, Daffy Duck and Porky Pig discover a secret alien plot to take over the Earth via mind-control. The duo must work together to stop the aliens with a little help from Petunia Pig while trying to avoid driving each other insane.[5]

Voice cast

__________________________________________________________________________

3/11/2025 #Novocaine #BlackBag #TheChosen:LastSupper #TheDayTheEarthBlewUp:ALooneyTunesMovie

NEW MOVIES: March 6-12, 2025, “Mickey 17,” “Night of the Zoopocalypse,” “Queen of the Ring,” “Rule Breakers”

MICKEY 17

MICKEY 17

Mickey 17 is a 2025 science fiction dark comedy film produced, written, and directed by Bong Joon-ho, based on the 2022 novel Mickey7 by Edward Ashton. The film stars Robert Pattinson in the title role alongside Naomi AckieSteven YeunToni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo.

Mickey 17 premiered at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival on February 15, 2025,[6] before being theatrically released by Warner Bros. Pictures in South Korea on February 28, 2025, and later in the United States on March 7.

Plot

Mickey Barnes and his friend Timo are financially destitute after a failed business venture and on the run from a loan shark. Unable to pay their debts, the pair sign up as crew for a spaceship that leaves Earth to colonize the planet Nilfheim—Timo as a pilot and Mickey as an “Expendable.” As an expendable, Mickey is treated as disposable and given lethal assignments since every time he dies, he is “reprinted” using cloning technology that has been banned on Earth. During the voyage, Mickey develops a romantic relationship with Nasha Barridge, a security agent.

Upon landing on the snow planet Nilfheim, native lifeforms dubbed “creepers” prevent full colonization. Mickey 17, the seventeenth iteration of Mickey, tries to capture a creeper for analysis but falls into a fissure in the ice. Timo sees Mickey 17 being swarmed by creepers before leaving and reports him dead. However, the creepers collectively push Mickey 17 out of the fissure, enabling him to return to the ship.

Mickey 17 goes to his quarters and finds his replacement, Mickey 18, already there. Multiples are forbidden; Kenneth Marshall, the politician who runs the colony, can only use the cloning technology with the proviso that if multiples occur, all clones will be killed immediately. Knowing this, the more aggressive Mickey 18 tries to kill Mickey 17, who resists and suggests an arrangement where both of them live by rotating duties, meals, and deaths. Mickey 18 is interrupted and leaves with Nasha, while Mickey 17 is taken away for dinner with Kenneth Marshall, Marshall’s wife Ylfa, and security agent Kai. At the dinner, Mickey, 17, reacts badly to a meal of experimental meat and subsequent treatment with experimental painkillers.

When Mickey 17 returns to his quarters, Nasha knows the situation and wants to help them.

Cast

___________________________________________________________________________

NIGHT OF THE ZOOPOCALYPSE

NIGHT OF THE ZOOPOCALYPSE

Night of the Zoopocalypse (originally titled as Night of the Zoombies) is a 2024 animated comedy horror film directed by storyboard artists Ricardo Curtis and Rodrigo Perez-Castro, written by James Kee and producer Steven Hoban, inspired by a concept by Clive Barker loosely based on his short story “ZOOmibes”. The film follows a group of animal survivors in a zoo trying to survive a zombie outbreak when an extraterrestrial virus carried on a meteor turns various zoo creatures into slobbering mutant zombies.

It premiered at the 57th Sitges Film Festival on October 7, 2024 and will release in the United States and Canada by Viva Kids and Elevation Pictures on March 7, 2025.[2]

Premise

A mysterious space virus meteor crashes into Colepepper Zoo, turning the animals into vicious gummi-like zombie mutants. A young wolf named Gracie teams up with a gruff mountain lion named Dan to find a cure while leading a ragtag group of survivors to stop the leader of the zombies, Bunny Zero, from taking over the world.

Cast

___________________________________________________________________________

QUEEN OF THE RING

QUEEN OF THE RING

Queen of the Ring is a 2024 American biographical sports drama about female professional wrestler Mildred Burke, portrayed by Emily Bett Rickards. The film is written and directed by Ash Avildsen. It also stars Josh LucasKelli Berglund and Walton Goggins.

Premise

The film chronicles the life of revolutionary female wrestler Mildred Burke.

In a time when pro wrestling for women was illegal all over the country, a small-town single mother embraced the danger of changing culture as she dominated America’s most masculine sport to become the first million-dollar female athlete in history.

Cast

___________________________________________________________________________

RULE BREAKERS

RULE BREAKERS

Film synopsis

In a nation where educating girls is seen as rebellion, a visionary woman dares to teach young minds to dream. When their innovation draws global attention, their success sparks hope—and opposition. As threats loom and sacrifices are made, their courage and unity ignite a movement that could forever transform the world.

Release Date

March 2025

Director

Bill Guttentag

Cast

Ali Fazal

Ali Fazal

Samir Sinha

Nikohl Boosheri

Nikohl Boosheri

Roya Mahboob

Amber Afzali

Amber Afzali

Esin

Nina Hosseinzadeh

Nina Hosseinzadeh

Taara

Sara Malal Rowe

Sara Malal Rowe

Haadiya

Mariam Saraj

Executive Producers

Roya Mahboob

Elaha Mahboob

Jason Brown

Ben Rimmer

Elizabeth Schaeffer Brown

Producers

Laura Bilodeau Overdeck

Samudrika Arora

Bill Guttentag

Writers

Elaha Mahboob

Jason Brown

Bill Guttentag

___________________________________________________________________________

3/5/2025 #Mickey17 #NightoftheZoopocalypse #QueenoftheRing #RuleBreakers

NEW MOVIES: Feb 27-March 5, 2025, “The Gorge,” “My Dead Friend Zoe,” “The Golden Voice,” “No Address”

THE GORGE

THE GORGE

The Gorge is a 2025 American science fiction romantic action film directed by Scott Derrickson and written by Zach Dean.[2] It stars Miles TellerAnya Taylor-Joy, and Sigourney Weaver. Teller and Taylor-Joy portray two elite snipers ordered to guard a deep gorge without knowing what lies inside. It was released on Apple TV+ on February 14, 2025.

Plot

Two elite snipers receive identical missions: travel to a secret location and guard the west and east sides of a deep gorge for one year without any contact with the outside world or their counterparts on the opposite sides. Levi Kane, a former U.S. Marine Scout/Sniper and current private contractor, agrees to guard the west tower. Drasa, a Lithuanian covert operative frequently employed by the Kremlin, guards the east side. Levi suffers from nightmares stemming from the guilt he has from killing enemies, while Drasa’s father, Erikas, plans to commit suicide on Valentine’s Day to reunite with his late wife.

Upon arriving, Levi relieves his predecessor, Jasper D. Drake (nickname J.D.), a former British Royal Marine of duty. J.D. explains that in addition to the towers, there are automated turret defenses, powerful cloaking antennas that hide the gorge, and mines on the walls of the gorge to contain the monstrous creatures within. As well as a protocol, J.D. only knows the name of “stray dog,” telling Levi, “But if you hear those air-raid sirens, you run like hell.” Their predecessors nicknamed these creatures “The Hollow Men,” a reference to the poem of the same name by T. S. Eliot, depicting the end of the world. J.D. tells Levi that three battalions of soldiers (2,400 men) were sent into the gorge in the late 1940s but never returned. J.D. is exfiltrated by helicopter, but his contact executes him without explanation before calling Levi’s handler to report the transition complete.

After several weeks, Drasa violated the communication protocol on her birthday and initiated conversations with Levi via written signs. Levi reciprocates, and the two engage in a sharpshooting competition. The Hollow Men make a protracted escape attempt, but Drasa and Levi defend their towers and each other. The two start communicating more frequently, playing games of chess and making improvised drum sets.

Cast

________________________________________________________________________

MY DEAD FRIEND ZOE

MY DEAD FRIEND ZOE

My Dead Friend Zoe is a 2024 American comedy-drama film written by Kyle Hausmann-Stokes and A. J. Bermudez, directed by Hausmann-Stokes and starring Sonequa Martin-GreenNatalie MoralesGloria ReubenUtkarsh AmbudkarMorgan Freeman, and Ed Harris.

Engaged in a mysterious relationship with her dead best friend from the Army, a female Afghanistan veteran comes head-to-head with her Vietnam vet grandfather at the family’s ancestral lake house.

It premiered at South by Southwest on March 9, 2024, and is scheduled to be theatrically released in the United States on February 28, 2025.

Cast

________________________________________________________________________

THE GOLDEN VOICE

THE GOLDEN VOICE

The Golden Voice (previously titled Rittenhouse Square) is an upcoming American drama film written and directed by Brandon Eric Kamin, starring Nick Nolte and Dharon Jones. The movie shares the story of two people who remedy their dark times through friendship and music.[2]

Theodore Fred Williams (born September 22, 1957), also known as The Man with the Golden Voice, is an American announcer, radio personality, and voice-over artist.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Williams first gained minor fame in the early 1980s, as a late-night radio disc jockey on WVKO in Columbus, Ohio. After over a decade in radio, Williams was dismissed in 1994 for alcoholism and drug abuse, and he soon found himself homeless.

Cast

________________________________________________________________________

NO ADDRESS

NO ADDRESS

It follows a group of homeless people as they struggle to survive on the streets against a harassing gang, an unforgiving community, and the local authorities.

 

________________________________________________________________________

2/24/2025 #TheGorge #MyDeadFriendZoe #TheGoldenVoice #NoAddress

 

NEW MOVIES: Feb 20-26, 2025, “The Unbreakable Boy,” “Old Guy,” “Unbroken,” “Ex-Husbands”

THE UNBREAKABLE BOY

THE UNBREAKABLE BOY

The Unbreakable Boy is an upcoming American biographical drama film[1] directed and written by Jon Gunn. It is based on the book The Unbreakable Boy: A Father’s Fear, a Son’s Courage, and a Story of Unconditional Love, authored by Scott Michael LeRette and Susy Flory, which is based on a true story,[2][3][4] and stars Zachary Levi in the lead role alongside Meghann Fahy, Jacob Laval, Drew PowellGavin Warren, and Patricia Heaton.

Lionsgate announced a feature-length film based on the book in November 2020, with Gunn attached as writer and director. Filming began that same month in Oklahoma, and wrapped in December.

The Unbreakable Boy is scheduled to be released by Lionsgate[2][5][6][7] in the United States on February 21, 2025.[8]

Premise

Austin is a boy on the autism spectrum who has brittle bone disease. His father, Scott, always keeps Austin happy.[2][9][10]

Cast

  • Zachary Levi as Scott LeRette, Austin’s father.
  • Jacob Laval as Austin LeRette, a boy on the autism spectrum with brittle bone disease.
    • Roy Jackson Miller as young Austin
  • Meghann Fahy as Teresa
  • Peter Facinelli as Preacher Rick
  • Drew Powell
  • Gavin Warren as Logan LeRette
  • Pilot Bunch as Tyler
  • Patricia Heaton
  • Amy Acker as Lori
  • Sarah Dean as Extra
  • Todd Terry as Dick
  • Kevin Downes as Lyle
  • Mattie Ward and Justin Russell as AA Members
  • Bruce Davis as an Autism Doctor
  • Ashtyn Barlow Nguyen as a Cheerleader
  • Lena Harmon as a Doctor
  • Alexandra Swanbeck as a Nurse

__________________________________________________________________________

OLD GUY

OLD GUY

Old Guy is a 2024 American action comedy film directed by Simon West, written by Greg Johnson, produced by Martin Brennan and Jib Polhemus, and Dark Castle Entertainment. Filmed on location in Northern Ireland and starring Christoph WaltzLucy Liu, and Cooper Hoffman.

Old Guy premiered at the Newport Beach Film Festival on October 17, 2024, and is scheduled to be released in the United States on February 21, 2025.

Plot

A contract killer on the verge of retirement due to arthritis is given a new chance at fieldwork training Wihlborg, a prodigy assassin with an attitude. The subsequent mission to Northern Ireland is complicated by concerns that Wihlborg is part of a plan to literally eliminate the older guard in favour of a new generation.

Cast

__________________________________________________________________________

UNBROKEN

UNBROKEN

Unbroken is a 2014 American war drama film produced and directed by Angelina Jolie and written by the Coen brothersRichard LaGravenese, and William Nicholson. It is based on the non-fiction book by Laura HillenbrandUnbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption (2010). The film stars Jack O’Connell as Army officer Louis “Louie” Zamperinian American Olympian, and Miyavi as Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) corporal Mutsuhiro Watanabe. Zamperini survived in a raft for 47 days after his bomber ditched in the ocean during the Second World War, before being captured by the Japanese and being sent to a series of prisoner of war camps.

Filming took place in Australia from October 2013 to February 2014. Unbroken had its world premiere in Sydney on November 17, 2014, followed by a London premiere at the Odeon Leicester Square on November 26, 2014.[4] The film was released in the United States on December 25, 2014.

It received mixed reviews from critics, though praise was given to O’Connell’s performance, Deakins’s cinematography and sound, and Jolie’s direction. It was a financial success, grossing $163 million worldwide. The film was followed by a sequel, Unbroken: Path to Redemption, in 2018.

Plot

During an April 1943 bombing mission against the Japanese-held island of NauruLouis “Louie” Zamperini is flying as a bombardier of the United States Army Air Forces B-24 Liberator when his plane is damaged in combat and a number of the crew injured. The pilot, Phil, brings the aircraft to a stop at the end of the runway despite an exploded tire.

In a flashback to his early youth in Torrance, California, Louie misbehaves by stealing, drinking alcohol, and smoking. Others often bully him for his Italian ethnicity. Seeing how fast Louie runs, his brother Peter trains him to be a runner.

Louie became a disciplined distance runner, earning the nickname “The Torrance Tornado.” He finished 8th in the 1936 Summer Olympics and set a record in the final lap of the 5,000-meter race.

In his 1943 combat service, Louie took some of the surviving crew and several replacements on a search-and-rescue mission with an old plane. One engine failed, and the aircraft ultimately crashed into the ocean. Louie and two others, Phil and Mac, survived and float on two inflatable rafts.

Cast

__________________________________________________________________________

EX-HUSBANDS

EX-HUSBANDS

Ex-Husbands is a 2023 American independent black comedy film written and directed by Noah Pritzker.

Overwhelmed with his divorce from his wife and his father dying, Peter takes off to Tulum, where his two sons happen to be for one of their bachelor parties.

Ex-Husbands premiered at the 71st San Sebastián International Film Festival on September 24, 2023, where it competed for the Golden Shell.

Plot

Dentist and New Yorker Peter Pearce is first seen trying to convince his elderly father not to divorce his mother after 65 years of marriage. At the same time, his older son Nick is having a meet-cute with his coworker Thea.

Six years later, Peter is now divorced after 35 years of marriage; his father’s dementia has prevented him from “playing the field” as originally planned, and 30-something-year-old Nick is about to tie the knot with Thea.

Nick is about to go on a stag party getaway to Tulum, Mexico, with his younger brother Mickey and some friends when it turns out Peter is also booked to go there. He’s trying to shake off depression, as he just had to sign the divorce papers from his wife, Maria.

At the resort, the underachieving career waiter Nick becomes gloomy due to depression as his pals party around him. Lowry is a party animal whom Peter dislikes, and Arroyo, despite declaring he’s straight and married, embarks on a liaison with Mickey, who has recently come out and is tentatively starting to date.

Peter meets Eileen, a wedding guest from another group, and they share an amicable, albeit safe, flirtation.

Cast

__________________________________________________________________________

2/17/2025 #TheUnbreakableBoy #OldGuy #Unbroken #Ex-Husbands

NEW MOVIES: Feb 13-19, 2025, “Captain America: Brave New World,” “Paddington in Peru,” “2025 Oscar Shorts,” “You, Me, Her”

CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD

CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD

Captain America: Brave New World is an upcoming American superhero film based on Marvel Comics featuring the character Sam Wilson / Captain America. Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, it is intended to be the fourth installment in the Captain America film series, a continuation of the television miniseries The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021), and the 35th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film is directed by Julius Onah from a screenplay by Rob Edwards and the writing teams of Malcolm Spellman & Dalan Musson and Onah & Peter Glanz. It stars Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson / Captain America alongside Danny RamirezShira HaasCarl LumblyXosha RoquemoreJóhannes Haukur JóhannessonGiancarlo EspositoTim Blake Nelson, and Harrison Ford. In the film, Wilson finds himself at the center of an international incident.

Captain America: Civil War (2016) ended the Captain America trilogy starring Chris Evans as Steve Rogers, and Wilson becomes the new Captain America in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Series writers Spellman and Musson were writing a new Captain America film by April 2021. Mackie signed on in August, Onah joined in July 2022, and the title Captain America: New World Order was announced later that month. Additional cast members joined later in 2022. Nelson returned from the second MCU film, The Incredible Hulk (2008), and Ford replaced William Hurt as Thaddeus Ross following Hurt’s death. Ross becomes the president of the United States and the superpowered Red Hulk in the film. Filming took place from March to June 2023 at Trilith Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, with additional filming in Washington, D.C. The subtitle was changed to Brave New World during filming. Matthew Orton joined in December 2023 to write for reshoots, which took place between May and November 2024. The involvement of Edwards and Glanz was revealed in December.

Captain America: Brave New World is scheduled to be released in the United States on February 14, 2025, as part of Phase Five of the MCU.

Premise

Following the election of Thaddeus Ross as the president of the United StatesSam Wilson finds himself at the center of an international incident and must work to stop the true masterminds behind it.[3]

Cast

  • Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson / Captain America:
    An Avenger and former pararescueman who was trained by the military in aerial combat using a specially-designed wing pack.[4] Producer Nate Moore said Wilson’s Captain America is an underdog similar to Rocky Balboa from the Rocky film series, because he does not have the abilities or allies of the previous Captain America, Steve Rogers. He has to earn the mantle after claiming it without support.[5] Director Julius Onah said the film would show Wilson “stepping up to be the leader as Captain America”.[6] Mackie said Wilson would not be a judgmental Captain America and has a different understanding of good and evil.[7] He likened his performance to the Tupac Shakur song “Hit ‘Em Up” (1996).[8] Since Wilson is not a super soldier like Rogers, he uses Captain America’s shield and his wingsuit—both made from the fictional metal vibranium—to “level the playing field” in fights.[9] To prepare for the film’s action sequences, Mackie focused on yoga and Pilates routines to improve his flexibility and core strength.[10]
  • Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres / Falcon:
    first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force who takes on Wilson’s former mantle of Falcon, using a similar wing pack.[11][12] Mackie said Wilson and Torres have an equal friendship, compared to Wilson’s admiration of Rogers and dislike of Bucky Barnes in previous MCU projects.[13] Mackie gave Ramirez advice on wearing the Falcon costume.[14]
  • Shira Haas as Ruth Bat-Seraph:
    An Israeli former Black Widow and high-ranking U.S. government official who is a close ally of President Thaddeus Ross.[15][16] Moore said the character’s perspective on Ross puts her on a collision course with Wilson, and Onah described her as a “great part of the tapestry” of the film’s paranoid thriller story.[17]
  • Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley:
    An African-American Korean War veteran and super soldier who was imprisoned and experimented on for 30 years.[11] In the film, his mind becomes controlled when triggered by certain music.[13]
  • Xosha Roquemore as Leila Taylor: A Secret Service agent[18][19][better source needed]
  • Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Copperhead[20]
  • Giancarlo Esposito as Seth Voelker / Sidewinder:
    A scientist who is the leader of the Serpent Society.[21][22] Esposito described Voelker as an intelligent “badass”. He said the physicality of the role differentiated Voelker from his Breaking Bad character Gus Fring, who is also an intelligent antagonist,[22] and he was excited to show his physicality on screen. Esposito does not wear a comics-accurate, snake-themed costume in the film, but wanted to include some references to the comic book costume by including some of the colors from the comics version in his film costume. Esposito’s eyes were also changed to be blue to match the comic version of Voelker.[23]
  • Tim Blake Nelson as Samuel Sterns / Leader:
    A cellular biologist who was accidentally cross-contaminated with the blood of Bruce Banner / Hulk during the events of the film The Incredible Hulk (2008), gaining superhuman intelligence.[11][24] The character’s inclusion was one of the reasons Onah was interested in the film, feeling that someone who operates from intellect would be a good adversary for Wilson.[24] Nelson was satisfied with what the writers conceived for what Sterns had been doing since The Incredible Hulk.[25] He said portraying Sterns’s pathos and rage required him to “grow up” as an actor.[26] The Leader has a more comic-accurate look in the film compared to his introduction in The Incredible Hulk,[27] which was achieved largely through practical effects. Nelson had requested this and was excited to have the character’s “deformation” visible on set for himself and the other actors to experience.[26]
  • Harrison Ford as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross / Red Hulk:
    The newly-elected president of the United States who wants to work with Captain America.[3][13][28] Ross, who was previously a U.S. Army general and then the U.S. Secretary of State in the MCU,[29][30] transforms into Red Hulk in the film;[31] Ford portrays Red Hulk through motion capture.[32] Moore said there would be “natural sparks” between Wilson and Ross due to the events of the film Captain America: Civil War (2016),[33] but producer Kevin Feige said their dynamic is changed now that they are Captain America and president, respectively.[29] Marvel Studios was excited for Ross to become Red Hulk considering the character’s history of hunting for Bruce Banner / Hulk, with Moore stating: “Turning a guy who hunted Hulks into a Hulk himself makes him more than an antagonist; it makes him a tragic character.”[9] Ford replaces William Hurt, who portrayed Ross in the MCU from 2008 to 2021 before his death in March 2022.[30] Before his death, Marvel Studios informed Hurt of their plans to have Ross become Red Hulk and he had been eager to portray that aspect of the character.[9]

Additionally, Liv Tyler reprises her role as Betty Ross, a cellular biologist and Thaddeus Ross’s daughter, from The Incredible Hulk.[34] Rosa Salazar portrays Diamondback,[35] a member of the Serpent Society,[36] and Takehiro Hira appears as Japanese prime minister Ozaki.[37]

__________________________________________________________________________

PADDINGTON IN PERU

PADDINGTON IN PERU

Paddington in Peru is a 2024 live-action animated adventure comedy film directed by Dougal Wilson (in his feature directorial debut) and written by Mark Burton, Jon Foster, and James Lamont from a story by Paul KingSimon Farnaby, and Burton. It is the third installment in the Paddington film series, which are based on the Paddington stories by Michael Bond. The film stars Hugh BonnevilleEmily MortimerJulie WaltersJim Broadbent, Carla Tous, Olivia ColmanAntonio Banderas and Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington.

The film entered development in February 2021, and the title Paddington in Peru was announced in June 2022. It is the feature film debut of Wilson. Principal photography took place between July and October 2023, in the United Kingdom, Colombia and Peru.

Paddington in Peru was released in cinemas in the United Kingdom by StudioCanal on 8 November 2024. The film received positive reviews from critics.

Plot

Sometime after Phoenix Buchanan‘s arrest for burglary, Paddington receives a letter from the home for retired bears in Peru, informing him that Aunt Lucy deeply misses him and is acting strangely. Paddington and the Browns decide to go to Peru to visit her. Upon arriving in Peru, the Browns learn from the Reverend Mother that Aunt Lucy has gone missing in the jungle, leaving behind only her glasses and her bracelet. Paddington finds a map in Aunt Lucy’s cabin indicating they should start their search at a place called Rumi Rock; Mrs. Bird and the Reverend Mother stay behind and the Reverend Mother gives Mrs. Brown a pendant for good luck.

The Browns look to hire a boat to travel down the river, meeting treasure hunters Hunter Cabot and his daughter Gina. Hunter notices Paddington’s bracelet and informs the family of the lost city of El Dorado, a mythical place that is said to contain the gold offered by ancient Peruvians to the jungle spirits; travelers in search of El Dorado typically begin their searches at Rumi Rock, but do not return alive. Hunter is driven by the ghosts of his ancestors to find gold at any cost and wishes to hijack the trip to find El Dorado himself; he and Gina argue about continuing the journey, with Gina wanting him to turn back. In response, Hunter throws Gina off, but then falls overboard himself, causing the boat to shipwreck.

Paddington gets separated from the family and stumbles upon Rumi Rock, where Hunter is waiting for him. Following roars that Paddington believes are calls and responses from himself and Lucy, Hunter and Paddington duly set off in search of El Dorado and Aunt Lucy.

Cast

Additionally, Hugh Grant reprises his role from the second film as Phoenix Buchanan in an uncredited cameo appearance.[5]

__________________________________________________________________________

2025 OSCAR SHORTS

2025 OSCAR SHORTS

Best Animated Short

Cartoon characters engaging in a playful interaction with illuminated lips.

Ikki Films

A still from Yuck!

Beautiful Men, Nicolas Keppens and Brecht Van Elslande: Three brothers travel to Istanbul, Turkey for hair transplants. Watch trailer

In the Shadow of the CypressShirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi: A former captain suffering from PTSD tries to be a caring father. Watch trailer

Magic CandiesDaisuke Nishio and Takashi Washio: A young boy named Dong-Dong discovers of bag of magical candies.Watch trailer

Wander to Wonder, Nina Gantz and Stienette Bosklopper: Actors Mary, Billybud, and Fumbleton star in an eighties kids’ TV series, but when the creator of the show dies, they are left alone in the studio and start creating increasingly strange episodes. Watch on Vimeo

Yuck!Loïc Espuche and Juliette Marquet: Léo, a young boy, finds kissing both repulsive and intriguing in this coming of age story. Watch trailer

Best Live-Action Short

People in a train compartment with a focus on two individuals.

Antitalent

Goran Bogdan in The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent.

A LienSam Cutler-Kreutz and David Cutler-Kreutz: On the day of their green card interview, a young couple confronts a dangerous immigration process. Watch on Vimeo

AnujaAdam J. Graves and Suchitra Mattai: Nine-year-old Anuja works in a garment factory with her older sister Palak. When she’s given the opportunity to take an exam that could get her into a boarding school, she must make a tough choice about her future. Coming Soon to Netflix

I’m Not a RobotVictoria Warmerdam and Trent: After repeatedly failing Captcha tests, a music producer named Lara becomes obsessed with a disturbing question: could she be a robot? Watch on the New Yorker

The Last RangerCindy Lee and Darwin Shaw: A young South African girl, Litha, is being introduced to game reserve by the last remaining ranger when they are ambushed by poachers, leading to a battle to protect the rhinos. Watch trailer

The Man Who Could Not Remain SilentNebojša Slijepčević and Danijel Pek: A passenger train from Belgrade to Bar is stopped by paramilitary forces in an ethnic cleansing operation, in a dramatization of the Štrpci massacre of 1993. Watch trailer

Best Documentary Short

Musicians playing double basses in an orchestral rehearsal setting.

The Only Girl in the Orchestra

Orin O’Brien, center, the subject of The Only Girl in the Orchestra.

Death By NumbersKim A. Snyder and Janique L. Robillard: A Parkland shooting survivor testifies at the trial of the shooter, and confronts her trauma while examining the nature of hate and restorative justice. Watch trailer

I Am Ready, WardenSmriti Mundhra and Maya Gnyp: In the days leading up to his execution, Texas death row prisoner John Henry Ramirez seeks to contact his victim’s son. Watch on Paramount+

IncidentBill Morrison and Jamie Kalven: A police shooting in Chicago in 2018 is told through footage from security cameras and police body cams. Watch on the New Yorker

Instruments of a Beating HeartEma Ryan Yamazaki and Eric Nyari: First graders in a Tokyo public elementary school are instructed to form an orchestra and perform “Ode to Joy.” Watch on the New York Times

The Only Girl in the OrchestraMolly O’Brien and Lisa Remington: Double bassist Orin O’Brien was the first woman hired to play in the New York Philharmonic, and she reflect back on her trailblazing career. Watch on Netflix

__________________________________________________________________________

YOU, ME, HER

YOU, ME, HER

A chronically married couple flirts with a threesome to rediscover themselves.

__________________________________________________________________________

2/10/2025 #CaptainAmerica:BraveNewWorld #PaddingtonInPeru #2025OscarShorts #You,Me,Her

NEW MOVIES: Feb 6-12, 2025, “Love Hurts,” “When I’m Ready,” “Suze,” “A Knight’s War”

LOVE HURTS

LOVE HURTS

Love Hurts is an upcoming American romantic action comedy film directed by Jonathan Eusebio, in his directorial debut, and written by Matthew Murray, Josh Stoddard, and Luke Passmore. It stars Ke Huy QuanAriana DeBoseDaniel WuMarshawn LynchMustafa ShakirLio TiptonRhys DarbyAndré Eriksen, and Sean Astin.

Universal Pictures is scheduled to release the film in the United States on February 7, 2025.

Premise

Marvin Gable is a successful realtor whose past as a violent hitman comes back to haunt him when his former partner reveals that his brother Knuckles is hunting him.

Cast

_________________________________________________________________________

WHEN I’M READY

WHEN I’M READY

When I’m Ready

It’s the end of the world. Seeking meaning and thrills in their last days alive, Rose and Michael embark on a cross-country road trip as a devastating asteroid threatens to wipe out life on Earth.

Release date February 7, 2025 (USA)
GenreRomance

Cast

Andrew Ortenberg Andrew Ortenberg Michael
June Schreiner June Schreiner Rose
Other cast:
Dermot Mulroney Dermot Mulroney Keith
Lauren Cohan Lauren Cohan Julia
Thalia Besson Thalia Besson Michelle
Dana Andersen Dana Andersen Ruth
Dominique Booth Dominique Booth Sophia
Luciana VanDette Luciana VanDette Apryl
Eli Samek Eli Samek Josh
Will Roberts Will Roberts Rugged Man
Katharine Everett Katharine Everett Mother
Theo Marshall Theo Marshall Donny
Charles L. Smith II Charles L. Smith II Brick
Shane McCormick Shane McCormick Young Boy
Dawson Sweeney Dawson Sweeney Young Boy: Laser Tag
Deniss Rakovich Deniss Rakovich Drifter #2

Produced by

Robert Ballo producer
Robin Conly co-producer
Jordan Dykstra producer
Liam Finn line producer
Russell Geyser executive producer
James Masciello executive producer
Andrew Ortenberg producer
Tom Ortenberg executive producer
Clay Pecorin executive producer
Eli Samek producer
Matthew Sidari executive producer

Music by

Jean-Paul Wall

Cinematography by

Rachael Kliman

Editing by

Sophie Dick

Casting By

David Guglielmo

Production Design by

Bradley Dickinson

Costume Design by

Lisa Cera

Makeup Department

Ashley Aldridge makeup department head
Crista Llewellyn key makeup artist

Sound Department

Scott Casillas foley artist
Aaron Kesler sound mixer
Matt LaCorte sound mixer
Esgardo Valadez boom operator

Camera and Electrical Department

Joshua Garcia Grip
Brandt Hackney gaffer
Luke Sacksteder G/E Swing

Costume and Wardrobe Department

Molly Wilcox costume assistant

Script and Continuity Department

Hannah Diedrich script supervisor

Transportation Department

Christina Lewis honeywagon driver: 5 room

Additional Crew

Brian Binkley set production assistant: staff
Rose Day studio teacher (as a different name)
Luke Gelineau insurance provided by
Frank Muller production assistant
Olivia Phillips production coordinator

_________________________________________________________________________

SUZE

SUZE

Suze is a 2023 Canadian comedy-drama film, written and directed by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart.[1] The film stars Michaela Watkins as Suze, a woman whose feelings of empty nest syndrome after her daughter Brooke (Sara Waisglass) moves away to attend university lead her to become a doting mother figure to Brooke’s ex-boyfriend Gage (Charlie Gillespie) even though she never liked him at all when he and Brooke were dating.[2]

The film entered production in fall 2022 in HamiltonOntario.[2]

The film premiered at the Atlantic International Film Festival on September 16, 2023,[3] and was screened at the 2023 Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival,[4] and the 2023 Calgary International Film Festival.

Cast

_________________________________________________________________________

A KNIGHT’S WAR

A KNIGHT’S WAR

A fearless knight braves a deadly realm to save the Chosen One’s soul. Facing witches, demons, and brutal foes, he discovers her return could ignite chaos and doom humanity.

_________________________________________________________________________

2/4/2025 #LoveHurts #WhenI’mReady #Suze #AKnight’sWar

NEW MOVIES: Jan 30-Feb 5, 2025, “Companion,” “Like Father, Like Son,” “Valiant One,” “Dogman”

COMPANION

COMPANION

Companion is an upcoming American horror film[3] starring Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid. It follows a weekend getaway among friends at a remote cabin, which unravels into chaos after a revelation that one of the guests is a companion robot.[4]Drew Hancock wrote and directed the film, which was produced by Zach CreggerRoy Lee, Raphael Margules, and J. D. LifshitzLukas GageMegan SuriHarvey Guillén, and Rupert Friend also appear in supporting roles.

Companion will be released in the United States by Warner Bros. Pictures on January 31, 2025. The film received positive reviews from critics.

Cast

___________________________________________________________________________

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

Plot: What’s the story about?

Eli is a young man whose father waits on death row for the crime of murder in the first degree. As Eli’s life begins to fall apart, he discovers similar terrifying triggers in himself and takes extreme measures to ensure that the family’s string of savagery ends.

Who stars in Like Father Like Son: Cast List

Dylan Flashner

Prey , Running On Empty

Ariel Winter

Mr. Peabody & Sherman, Smurfs: The Lost Village

Vivica A. Fox

Not Another Church Movie, Kinky

Jim Klock

The Burial, Secrets in the Woods

Prima Apollinaare

Eric Michael Cole

Mayim Bialik

Father, Mother, Sister, Brother

Dermot Mulroney

When I’m Ready, Laws of Man

Who’s making Like Father Like Son: Crew List

A look at the Like Father Like Son behind-the-scenes crew and production team.

Director

Barry Jay

Screenwriter

Barry Jay

Production Companies

___________________________________________________________________________

VALIANT ONE

 

VALIANT ONE

Valiant One is an upcoming American action thriller film directed by Steve Barnett and co-written by Eric Tipton.

The film is scheduled to be released in the United States on January 31, 2025, by Briarcliff Entertainment.

Cast

___________________________________________________________________________

DOGMAN

DOGMAN

Dog Man is an upcoming American animated superhero comedy film based on Dav Pilkey‘s children’s graphic novel series Dog Man. Produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by Universal Pictures, it is a spin-off and story within a story of Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (2017) and the second film in the Captain Underpants franchise. The film was written and directed by Peter Hastings, and stars the voices of Pete DavidsonLil Rel HoweryIsla FisherPoppy LiuStephen RootBilly Boyd and Ricky Gervais, with Hastings providing vocal effects for the titular character.

DreamWorks Animation announced a film adaptation of Dog Man in December 2020, with Hastings set to direct after his experience with Pilkey’s works from The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants (2018–20). Karen Foster joined as a producer in January 2024, and the cast was announced that September.

Dog Man premiered at the 2025 edition of the Festival de l’Alpe d’Huez in Alpe d’Huez, France on January 15, 2025, and is scheduled to be theatrically released in the United States on January 31.

Premise

When a human police officer named Knight and his dog Greg are injured together on the job, a life-saving surgery changes the course of history when Dog Man is born. Dog Man must protect and serve as he doggedly pursues the feline Petey the Cat, but the unexpected arrival of Li’l Petey changes their dynamic.[4][5]

Voice cast

  • Peter Hastings as the vocal effects of Dog Man, a hybrid between a dog and a police officer who was created as a result of a medical operation that fused an injured Officer Knight together with his pet dog, Greg. Keeping in line with the source material, Dog Man does not speak, although Hastings still provides his barks and expressions.[6]
    • Hastings also provides the vocal effects of Greg, Officer Knight’s dog whose head is used to create Dog Man.
  • Pete Davidson as Petey, a quick-witted and arrogant orange cat who is Dog Man’s archenemy and the self-proclaimed “world’s most evilest cat”.[7][8]
  • Lucas Hopkins as Li’l Petey, a kind-hearted kitten clone of Petey and Dog Man’s adopted son and sidekick.[6]
  • Lil Rel Howery as Chief, the short-tempered police chief of the station Dog Man works at.[7][8]
  • Isla Fisher as Sarah Hatoff, a news reporter.[8]
  • Billy Boyd as Seamus, Sarah’s cameraman.[8]
  • Ricky Gervais as Flippy the Fish, a fish with telekinesis.[8]
  • Stephen Root as Grampa, Petey’s father.[8]
  • Poppy Liu as Butler, Petey’s assistant.[8]

Additionally, Laraine NewmanMelissa VillaseñorCheri OteriKate MicucciMaggie Wheeler, Pearce Bunting, Max Koch, and Rahnuma Panthaky have been cast in undisclosed roles.[9]

___________________________________________________________________________

1/28/2025 #Companion #LikeFatherLikeSon #ValiantOne #Dogman

NEW MOVIES: Jan 23-29, 2025, “Brave the Dark,” “Disfluency,” “Presence,” “Flight Risk”

BRAVE THE DARK

BRAVE THE DARK

Brave the Dark is a 2023 American drama film directed by Damian Harris and starring Jared Harris and Nicholas Hamilton. The film premiere took place at the Heartland International Film Festival in October 2023.

Cast

  • Jared Harris as Stan Deen, a small-town teacher in 1980s Pennsylvania
  • Nicholas Hamilton as Nate, a homeless teenager living in his car
  • Jamie Harris as Barney, Nate’s parole officer
  • Sasha Bhasin as Tina, Nate’s girlfriend
  • Will Price as Johnny, Nate’s friend
  • Daisy Galvis as the judge overseeing Nate’s sentencing
  • Joey Cabrera as Jim Baxter, Tina’s Father

___________________________________________________________________________

DISFLUENCY

DISFLUENCY

Plot: What’s the story about?

After unexpectedly failing her final college class, Jane retreats to her hometown. With the support of her friends, family, and a nostalgic summer on the lake, Jane comes to terms with the trauma that derailed her senior year.

Who stars in Disfluency: Cast List

Libe Barer

I See You, Among The Beasts

Ariela Barer

How to Blow Up a Pipeline, Marvel’s Runaways (Series)

Chelsea Alden

Dylan Arnold

1992, Halloween Kills

Director

Anna Baumgarten

Screenwriters

Company

Buffalo 8

Production Companies

___________________________________________________________________________

PRESENCE

PRESENCE

Presence is a 2024 American supernatural horror thriller film[3][4][2] film directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by David Koepp. It stars Lucy LiuJulia Fox, and Chris Sullivan. It is scheduled to be released by Neon on January 24, 2025.

Premise

A family moves into a suburban house and becomes convinced they’re not alone.[5]

Cast

___________________________________________________________________________

FLIGHT RISK

FLIGHT RISK

Flight Risk is an upcoming American suspense thriller film directed by Mel Gibson and starring Mark WahlbergMichelle Dockery, and Topher Grace. Wahlberg plays a pilot transporting an Air Marshal (Dockery) and a fugitive (Grace) across the Alaskan wilderness, where the identities and intentions of those onboard come into question.[2]

Lionsgate will release the film in theaters in the United States on January 24, 2025.

Premise

U.S. Marshal escorts a government witness to trial after he is accused of getting involved with a mob boss, only to discover that the pilot who is transporting them is also a hitman that had been sent to assassinate the informant. After they subdue him, they’re forced to fly together after discovering that there are others attempting to eliminate them.

Cast

___________________________________________________________________________

1/21/2025 #BraveTheDark #Disfluency #Presence #FlightRisk

NEW MOVIES: Jan 16-22, 2025, “Autumn and The Black Jaguar,” “One of Them Days,” “Left Behind,” “Wolfman”

AUTUMN AND THE BLACK JUGUAR

AUTUMN AND THE BLACK JUGUAR

Plot: What’s the story about?

Growing up in the Amazon rainforest gave Autumn the rarest of friendships – a lost jaguar cub she discovers named Hope. When a tragic event forces Autumn to leave Hope for the unknowns of New York City, she dreams for years of going back to the rainforest and her friend. Aged 14, and having grown accustomed to city life, Autumn discovers her childhood village is under threat from animal traffickers and decides she must return to the Amazon to her beloved jaguar. Anja – Autumn’s endearingly clumsy biology teacher – unsuccessfully tries to dissuade her from this reckless plan. Joined by Anja, Autumn embarks on a journey to reunite with Hope and save her from those who seek to destroy the rainforest and its wildlife.

Who’s making Autumn and the Black Jaguar: Crew List

A look at the Autumn and the Black Jaguar behind-the-scenes crew and production team. The film’s director Gilles de Maistre last directed The Wolf and the Lion and Mia and the White Lion. The film’s writer Prune de Maistre last wrote The Wolf and the Lion and Mia and the White Lion.

Screenwriter

Prune de Maistre

Producer

Catherine Camborde

Production Company

StudioCanal

_________________________________________________________________________

ONE OF THEM DAYS

ONE OF THEM DAYS

One of Them Days is an upcoming American buddy comedy film directed by Lawrence Lamont and written by Syreeta Singleton, and starring Keke Palmer and SZA.

Plot

When her boyfriend takes her rent money, Alyssa and her roommate race against the clock to avoid eviction and keep their friendship intact.

Cast

_________________________________________________________________________

LEFT BEHIND

LEFT BEHIND

Documentary

“Left Behind” illuminates the struggles of NYC schoolchildren with dyslexia, following a diverse group of parents who, frustrated by the lack of support, founded the Literacy Academy Collective. Driven by the stark reality that 1 in 5 people are dyslexic and nearly 50% of prison inmates share this diagnosis, these passionate advocates fight to de-stigmatize dyslexia and secure proper education for their kids. The film reveals the power of grassroots activism, offering an eye-opening and uplifting message of hope and resilience. – Karen McMullen

Director: Anna Toomey
Executive Producer: Zofia Moreno, Jean Reno, Sarah Johnson, Ellen Lovejoy, Dan Fougere, Stephanie Fougere, Lisa Domenico Brooke, Juju Chang
Producer: Larry Mullen Jr., Sian Edwards-Beal, David Beal, Chris Farrell, Mari Keiko Gonzalez, Anna Toomey
Cinematographer: James Fideler
Editor: Brittany Kaplan
Language: English
Country: United States of America

_________________________________________________________________________

WOLFMAN

WOLFMAN

Wolf Man is an upcoming American horror film directed by Leigh Whannell, who co-wrote it with Corbett Tuck. A reboot of The Wolf Man (1941), the film stars Christopher AbbottJulia Garner, and Sam Jaeger.

The film was announced in 2014 and was to be part of the Dark Universe, a shared cinematic universe centered on the Universal MonstersAaron Guzikowski and David Callaham were attached to pen the script. After the failure of The Mummy (2017), Universal shifted its focus to standalone films. The success of Whannell’s The Invisible Man (2020) rekindled Universal’s interest in the Monsters franchise. They accepted a pitch by Ryan Gosling, who was also set to star, for a new Wolf Man film with Derek Cianfrance to direct. However, Gosling dropped out of the role and Cianfrance left the project in 2023, while Whannell took over as director. Principal photography took place in New Zealand in early 2024.

Wolf Man is scheduled to be released in the United States by Universal Pictures on January 17, 2025.

Premise

Family man Blake relocates from San Francisco to Oregon with his workaholic wife Charlotte and daughter Ginger after inheriting his childhood home, left vacant following his estranged father’s mysterious disappearance and presumed death. At the farmhouse at night during a full moon, the family is attacked by a werewolf that claws Blake’s arm. They barricade themselves inside the home, but soon Blake begins to transform into something horrifying, jeopardizing the safety of his wife and daughter.

— Universal Pictures

Cast

_________________________________________________________________________

1/14/2025  #AutumnAndTheBlackJaguar #OneOfThemDays #Wolfman

NEW MOVIES: Jan 9-15, 2025, “Emilia Perez,” “I’m Still Here,” “Hand Truths,” “Game Changer”

EMILIA PEREZ

EMILIA PEREZ

Emilia Pérez is a 2024 Spanish language French musical crime comedy film written and directed by Jacques Audiard.[5] The French production is based on Audiard’s opera libretto of the same name, which was in turn loosely adapted from Boris Razon’s 2018 novel Écoute.[6] The film stars Zoe SaldañaKarla Sofía GascónSelena GomezAdriana PazMark Ivanir, and Édgar Ramírez.

The film is about a Mexican cartel leader (Gascón) who enlists a lawyer (Saldaña) to help her disappear and achieve her dream of transitioning into a woman. Its original songs were written by Camille, while its original score was provided by Clément Ducol. Filming took place from May to July 2023 in Île-de-France. The choreographic sections of the film are designed by Damien Jalet.

The film had its world premiere on 18 May 2024 at the main competition of the 77th Cannes Film Festival, where it competed for the Palme d’Or, winning the Jury Prize and the Best Actress award for its female ensemble. It was theatrically released by Pathé in France on 21 August 2024 to positive reviews. It became the second most-nominated film in Golden Globe history with ten nominations at the 82nd ceremony, winning four, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy (the first time a non-English-language film won the category) and Best Foreign Language Film, while Gascón became the first trans woman to be nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.[7] Additionally, it was named one of the top 10 films of 2024 by the American Film Institute,[8] and was selected as the French entry for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards.[9]

Plot

Rita Mora Castro, an underappreciated lawyer in Mexico, writes the defense for a murder case involving a prominent media figure’s wife, going against her conscience to argue the death as a suicide (“El alegato”). After winning the case, Rita receives an anonymous call with a mysterious but lucrative offer. Reflecting on her discontent, Rita agrees to a meeting (“Todo y nada”). The client, revealed to be cartel kingpin Juan “Manitas” Del Monte, expresses desire to covertly undergo gender-affirming surgery, beginning a new and authentic life (“El encuentro”).

After meeting with doctors in Bangkok (“La vaginoplastia”) and Tel Aviv (“Lady”), Rita finds a surgeon who agrees to perform the procedure after hearing Manitas’ recollections of gender dysphoria during childhood (“Deseo”). Following the procedure, Manitas’ children and wife, Jessi, are relocated to Switzerland for their safety; Rita receives an exorbitant sum of money, while Manitas stages a fake death and begins a new life as Emilia Pérez.

Cast

________________________________________________________________________

I’M STILL HERE

I’M STILL HERE

I’m Still Here (PortugueseAinda Estou Aqui) is a 2024 political biographical drama film directed by Walter Salles from a screenplay by Murilo Hauser and Heitor Lorega, based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva‘s 2015 memoir of the same name. It stars Fernanda Torres and Fernanda Montenegro as Eunice Paiva, a mother and activist coping with the forced disappearance of her husband, the dissident politician Rubens Paiva, during the military dictatorship in Brazil.[3] Soon after its release in Brazilian theaters on 7 November 2024 by Sony Pictures Releasing International, the film was the target of an unsuccessful boycott by the Brazilian far-right.[4][5][6] It has grossed $11.3 million on a $1.5 million production budget.[7]

The film had its world premiere on 1 September 2024 at the 81st Venice International Film Festival,[8] where it received critical acclaim, with unanimous praise towards Torres’ performance,[9] winning the Best Screenplay award.[10] It was named one of the Top 5 International Films of 2024 by the National Board of Review.[11] At the 82nd Golden Globe Awards, Torres won the Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama category, while the film was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film. It was also selected as the Brazilian entry for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards, making the December shortlist.[12]

Plot

In the 1970’s Rio de Janeiro, former congressman Rubens Paiva returns to Brazil after six years of self-exile following the revocation of his tenure at the outset of the 1964 Brazilian coup d’état. Living in an idyllic house near Leblon beach with his wife Eunice and their five children, Paiva returns to his civil career while continuing to support expatriates without discussing his activities with his family.

Following the kidnapping of the Swiss ambassador by far-left revolutionary movements, Brazil faces a looming political instability. A military raid takes place in Paiva’s house, resulting in his arrest and disappearance in January 1971. Eunice’s public inquiries on Rubens’ whereabouts results in her arrest and torture for 12 days. Eliana, their teenage daughter, is also imprisoned but is released after 24 hours. After moderate media outrage ignited by family friends, Eunice is unofficially informed of Rubens’ fate.

Twenty-five years later, in 1996, Eunice receives from the Brazilian state, now once again a democracy, Rubens Paiva’s official death certificate.

In 2014, during a family gathering surrounded by her children and grandchildren, the now eighty-five-year-old Eunice lives with advanced Alzheimer’s. When a TV report about the National Truth Commission addresses Rubens’ case, a distressed Eunice appears to remember her past.

Cast

________________________________________________________________________

HARD TRUTHS

HARD TRUTHS

Hard Truths is a 2024 drama film written and directed by Mike Leigh, starring Marianne Jean-BaptisteMichele Austin, and David Webber.

The film premiered at the 49th Toronto International Film Festival on 6 September 2024,[2] and was met with widespread critical acclaim for its screenplay, direction and Jean-Baptiste’s performance. It was released theatrically in the United States on 6 December 2024 by Bleecker Street,[3][4] it will be released in the United Kingdom on 31 January 2025,[5] and in Spain on 28 February 2025. It was named one of the top 10 independent films of 2024 by the National Board of Review,[6] while at the 30th Critics’ Choice Awards Jean-Baptiste received a Best Actress nomination.

Plot

Set in London, the plot follows the plight of depressed middle-aged woman Pansy and her relationship with her close ones—including the crumbling relationship with her jovial sister, Chantelle (who is a polar opposite in terms of mood), and the state of her other interpersonal relationships.[7][8]

Cast

________________________________________________________________________

GAME CHANGER

GAME CHANGER

Game Changer is an upcoming Indian Telugu-language political action film written and directed by S. Shankar (in his first Telugu film). It is produced by Sri Venkateswara Creations, and stars Ram Charan alongside Kiara AdvaniAnjaliSrikanth, and S. J. Suryah.

The film was announced in February 2021 and its title was revealed in March 2023. Principal photography commenced in October 2021 and wrapped up three years later in July 2024 after various production delays. Filming took place in JapanChinaMalaysiaCambodia and New ZealandGame Changer has a big-budget music composed by Thaman S, with cinematography by Tirru and editing by Shameer Muhammed and Ruben.

Game Changer is scheduled to be released on 10 January 2025, coinciding with Sankranti, in standard, IMAX4DXDolby Cinema and Qube EPIQ formats.

Premise

Ram Nandan, an IAS officer with anger issues, strives to combat corrupt politicians, including the CM Bobbili Mopidevi, for destroying his father Appanna’s dream of a corruption-free country. While on his mission He faces the wrath of his own brother Charan IPS, who is a corrupt police officer and mopidevi’s friend

Cast

________________________________________________________________________

1/7/2025 #EmiliaPerez #I’mStillHere #HardTruths #GameChanger