Key Takeaways:

– Territory, the Australian neo-western television series, debuted at the top of the Netflix chart quickly after its release.
– Critics and audiences alike are lauding the series for its riveting storyline about a family’s power struggle for control over a valuable business.
– Comparisons are being made to the hit series Yellowstone based on the family battles and resistance to change faced by inhabitants of an untouched region.
– The wide-open spaces of the Northern Territory of Australia prominently feature in Territory, just like Yellowstone showcases the expansive American wilderness.
– With Territory’s high rating on Rotten Tomatoes outperforming Yellowstone’s initial score, this show stands out as a potential successor to Yellowstone.

Introduction to Territory

For fans of dynastic drama and sweeping landscapes, Netflix presents the newly released Territory – an engaging drama series set in Australia. Comparable to the popular Yellowstone series, Territory has quickly climbed to the top of Netflix’s global chart since its release. It boasts an impressive storyline packed with power struggles within a family dynasty, all eager to claim their stake in a lucrative business.

Power Struggles on the Horizon

Set around Marianne Station, the world’s largest cattle station, Territory unfolds the ensuing drama following the owner’s death, who left no clear successor. What follows is a power struggle within the Lawson family, each member hungry for a slice of the multi-billion dollar pie. The family rift mirrors the kind of internal feuds fans of Yellowstone and Succession can recognize.

Spotlight on the Australian Outback

While Yellowstone pays tribute to America’s vast open spaces, Territory highlights the remote Northern Territory of Australia. This setting stands in sharp contrast to Australia’s well-known surfers’ paradise of Bondi Beach or the hustle and bustle of Sydney. This backdrop sets the scene for a lethal conflict involving family dynamics, desert gangsters, avaricious businessmen, and Indigenous people.

Territory as a Yellowstone Surrogate?

With Yellowstone Season 5b scheduled for release on Paramount+, fans are looking for a series to hold their attention until then. Territory seems to fit the bill perfectly. Its similarities, including the family dynamics and rural setting, appeal to the same audience that made Yellowstone such a hit. Created by Timothy Lee and Ben Davies and produced by Rob Gibson, Ian Collie, and Paul Ranford, Territory has carved out its unique personality despite these parallels. It appears that Davies brainstormed the idea for the show during a pandemic beach walk with Gibson.

Outperforming Yellowstone

The fresh Rotten Tomatoes score of 71% for Territory outshines Yellowstone’s 57% approval score. Critics are praising Territory particularly for its detailed depiction of Australia, much like Yellowstone’s attention to American landscapes. One commentator noted Territory demonstrates a better interweaving of the Indigenous perspective into its storyline. With such positive feedback, Territory is definitely stepping out of Yellowstone’s shadow.

In Conclusion

With its engaging characters and powerful storyline, all set against the vast Australian outback, Territory appeals to a wide audience. As it steps into the niche Yellowstone created, this new series is poised to make its own mark on the global stage with high stakes family drama played out in a breathtakingly unique setting. Savvy viewers are already settling in for the journey, eager to see what this new kid on the block has to offer. Will Territory become the next binge-watch phenomenon? Only time will tell.

Key Takeaways:

– Novelist and screenwriter Bret Easton Ellis is set to direct his first feature film, a horror movie titled ‘Relapse.’
– Ellis has also scripted the screenplay that focuses on the existential crisis of a man who witnesses a brutal death.
– The film is slated for shooting in Europe in March 2025.

Get ready, horror film lovers! Bret Easton Ellis, a celebrated novelist and screenwriter, is about to add another feather to his cap. Known for his gripping storytelling, Ellis is stepping into the director’s shoes for his first feature film, ‘Relapse.’ Pretty exciting, huh?

The Storyline in Focus

Quick peek into the plot – ‘Relapse’ explores the story of a man who, finding himself in the midst of a drug party, witnesses a bone-chilling death. The character is played by none other than Joseph Quinn, who we know will nail this role. This frightening incident serves as a catalyst, leading our main guy down a dark path into the realms of rehab and triggering an existential crisis. Sounds thrilling, right?

Set to bedazzle the silver screen in the future, this plot is filled with psychological twists and chilling turns that will make your hairs stand on end. If you’ve ever read or watched his works, you know Ellis loves to lure us into the deep, dark corners of the human mind. It’s pretty chilling, yet impossible to look away – just like a great horror film should be!

Ellis’ Impressive Legacy of Adaptations

If you’re wondering why the name Bret Easton Ellis sounds familiar, it might be because of his contribution to the film industry. Remember ‘American Psycho’ from 2000? This sleek, stylish, and oh-so-scary movie was adapted from one of Ellis’ novels. The film was a total scream-fest and left everyone buzzing.

Apart from his directorial venture in ‘Relapse’, he’s also dipping his toes in the television industry. Ellis’ latest semi-autobiographical novel, ‘The Shards’, is currently being molded into an HBO series. Working alongside Kristoffer Borgli, Ellis is set to co-direct this television adaption.

Shooting Plans for ‘Relapse’

Looking ahead, the team is planning to kick off the filming process of ‘Relapse’ in March 2025. They will be shooting the film in stunning European locales, which will undoubtedly add a unique eerie charm to the movie.

In Conclusion

In a nutshell, we have a lot to look forward to from the talented Bret Easton Ellis. From his first directorial conquest with ‘Relapse’ to his upcoming HBO series based on ‘The Shards’, the coming years promise an exciting treat for all movie and television fans.

So, make sure to mark your calendars for these future premieres. With Ellis’ knack for bringing out the raw, unexplored dimensions of storytelling, there’s no doubt these upcoming works will leave us on the edge of our seats, hungry for more.

Remember, good things come to those who wait, so as we count down to these releases, why not revisit some of Ellis’ former adaptations? Trust me, they’re worth the rerun!

Key Takeaways:

– Acclaimed actor Johnny Depp received a lifetime achievement award at the Rome Film Festival.
– Depp presented his second directorial venture ‘Modi,’ initially launched at San Sebastian.
– The actor plans to work on four projects, including two as a director and two as an actor.
– One of the said projects involves the portrayal of Satan in Gilliam’s in-progress film ‘The Carnival at the End of Days.’
– Despite initial hurdles in securing funds, Gilliam is hopeful about the project.

Meet Johnny Depp, a legendary actor who’s just received a lifetime achievement award at the prestigious Rome Film Festival. Apart from this honor, Depp also showcased his directorial talent with the film ‘Modi,’ which marks his second venture as a filmmaker. But that’s not all on his plate as he has future plans to wear both the actor’s and director’s hat for two projects each.

One of these highly-anticipated projects involves a collaboration with Terry Gilliam for his continually developing film ‘The Carnival at the End of Days.’ Depp has high hopes to bring the character of Satan to life in this project. Now that’s something exciting, isn’t it?

News about ‘Carnival’ surfaced earlier this year when Gilliam announced he had raised funds for the project. The A-list cast, along with Depp, includes well-known faces like Jeff Bridges, Adam Driver, and Jason Momoa. The aim was to kickstart filming in January 2025. Sounds like a dream team, right?

Things don’t always go as planned, especially in the film world. Five months later, Gilliam admitted he didn’t have enough money to get ‘Carnival’ off the ground. Despite this setback, he expressed determination to make the film, even if it means sometimes sacrificing his original ideas for the sake of budget constraints. Gilliam’s passion for the project is apparent, with his inability to initiate it leading to self-ire. However, he sees a silver lining as his anger often triggers creative sparks, hinting possibility of the project coming alive sooner than expected, albeit on a tighter budget.

To ensure this dream becomes reality, Gilliam has resorted to negotiating funds with Saudi investors. Luring them with Depp’s inclusion in the project, Gilliam even expressed willingness to shoot ‘Carnival’ in Saudi Arabia, considering they agree to finance it entirely. During a recent conversation, he put forth a projected budget of approximately $30 million for ‘Carnival’ to be successful.

Gilliam’s last directorial venture was ‘The Man Who Killed Don Quixote,’ released in 2018. Despite his best efforts, this film, which took more than two decades to actualize, didn’t create much buzz. Unfortunately, the underwhelming commercial performance of his recent works has thrown a hurdle in the way of securing funding for his upcoming projects. However, where there is a will, there is a way, and if anyone can pull this off, it’s Gilliam.

In the midst of all this, Johnny Depp continues to shine. His latest honor at the Rome Film Festival serves as testament to his immense talent, dedication, and illustrious career thus far. With an array of exciting projects on the horizon, including ‘Carnival,’ fans are eagerly awaiting to see what he brings to the table next.

As his adoring audience, let’s continue cheering him on as he breaks new ground, behind the camera and in front of it. Heartiest congratulations to Johnny Depp on his latest achievement, and we eagerly await his forthcoming cine-venture!

Howdy folks! Today, we’re taking a trip down nostalgia avenue by ranking the eight films directed by the legendary John Hughes. Despite his untimely death in 2009 at the age of 59, Hughes left an indelible mark on the film industry. Sure, you might know him for screenwriting ‘Home Alone’ or ‘Pretty in Pink.’ However, today, we’re focusing solely on the movies he directed. Excited? Let’s get into it!

The Last but Not the Least

At number eight, we have ‘Curly Sue’ from 1991. While it marked Hughes’s last directorial venture, it doesn’t win any accolades for being his best work. The storyline revolves around a con man and a seven-year-old orphan, which unfortunately lacked the charm and wit expected from a Hughes film.

Looking Back at the Start

Moving on, at seventh place is Hughes’s very first film, ‘Sixteen Candles,’ from 1984. Despite having its place in launching Hughes’s career, the movie, in retrospect, lacked the relatability that most teenagers could associate with, making it less likeable for today’s audience.

‘She’s Having a Baby’ – A Different Tone

Sitting comfortably at number six is the less known ‘She’s Having a Baby,’ a romantic comedy that departs from the standard teenager-oriented flick. This sweet rom-com encapsulates the ups and downs of married life and is a delightful watch without a doubt.

The Quintessential Cool Guy

Ranked at number five is the classic ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’. Despite Ferris being a bit too arrogant for our liking, we can’t help but enjoy this movie. Much of its charm is due to Matthew Broderick’s infectious performance and the fun-loving storyline.

Weird, But in a Good Way

Number four on the list is ‘Weird Science,’ a delightful combination of silliness and lowbrow humor. Yes, it’s as dumb as it could be, but hey, it’s undeniably good fun!

You’ve Gotta Love Uncle Buck

Third, in the line is the classic ‘Uncle Buck.’ This film beautifully blends John Candy’s undeniable charm with a fun storyline, making it a rather entertaining watch. Plus, who doesn’t remember the giant pancake scene!

The Unforgettable Detention Club

Second on our list is none other than ‘The Breakfast Club.’ Five teenagers, one library, a Saturday detention, the outcome? A movie that despite its flaws is still a beloved classic. The solider performances and iconic moments make this film an unforgettable watch.

The Ultimate Travel Chaos

Finally, standing tall at number one is ‘Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.’ A rare Thanksgiving movie with top-notch comic performances from Steve Martin and John Candy, this film is a perfect blend of humor and sweetness. This movie is not just Hughes’s best work but also a joy to watch over and over again.

Wrapping Up

There we have it, folks! That’s our take on ranking John Hughes’s films as a director. Do you find any of your favorites here? Would you shuffle the ranking differently? Let us know in the comments.

For more cinematic trips down memory lane, check out our lists of cool ’80s movies only the coolest kids remember and a collection of unapologetically hilarious ’80s comedies that are sure to tickle your funny bone. Keep the popcorn ready!

Note: Photo of Kelly LeBrock in ‘Weird Science’.

Key Takeaways:

– Two people were hired for Saturday Night Live (SNL), but never made it on air – Shane Gillis is one such case.
– Hired in 2019, Gillis was fired over resurfaced racist and homophobic remarks.
– Lorne Michaels, the executive producer of SNL, blames NBC for Gillis’ firing.
– Michaels recently expressed regret over Gillis’ dismissal, stating it was overly severe for his indiscretion.
– Since his choppy SNL journey, Shane Gillis has further developed his career, including hosting SNL a few years later.

There’s a well of interesting stories about Saturday Night Live, one of the longest-running TV shows in America. But here’s one perhaps you haven’t heard – the tale of Shane Gillis, who was hired for SNL but never appeared on the legendary stage of Studio 8H.

Shane Gillis is somewhat of a ghost cast member of SNL. Hired in 2019, his journey was cut short when offensive remarks he’d made in the past came to light. Imagine being hired for a dream job, only to have it taken away due to past mistakes. Sounds like a rollercoaster, doesn’t it?

The man behind SNL, Lorne Michaels, agrees. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Michaels openly admitted that Gillis was in the wrong but felt the consequences were too severe. He wished that the audience had the chance to see the transformative journey that was planned for Gillis on the SNL stage.

At the time of Gillis’ firing, a spokesperson for Michaels took a different stance. They labeled Gillis’ language offensive, hurtful and unacceptable and apologized for the lapse in vetting. It’s a definite sign of a major mix-up in the SNL hiring process, don’t you think?

However, the whole situation seems to have been water under the bridge for Michaels and Gillis. Surprisingly, Michaels has since become one of Gillis’ supporters, even giving him another chance at SNL.

Despite his rocky start, Gillis’ career didn’t stagnate after the SNL fiasco. He bounced back by featuring in Pete Davidson’s Bupkis and delivering two comedy specials. His latest comedy special ‘Beautiful Dogs’ appeared on Netflix last year. Can you imagine the tenacity it must’ve taken to stand up, brush off and move on?

Interestingly, Gillis was once rumored to star in Quentin Tarantino’s movie that never saw the light of the day, The Movie Critic. Even though Tarantino’s movie didn’t materialize, it’s impressive to know that Shane was considered for a role.

So, what do you think about this situation? Was Gillis’ temporary removal from SNL deserved, or did NBC overreact? Feel free to weigh in on this. Remember, every opinion matters and yours might just be the one that brings fresh insight to this debate.

In conclusion, Shane Gillis’ journey offers a valuable lesson. Every stumble and fall in our career paths can serve as stepping stones to greater opportunities. So, keep going, be it in the face of adversity or success, and who knows, the best might just be around the corner!

Post Footer: This brings us to the end of the intriguing tale of Shane Gillis. Stay tuned for more interesting stories, and remember, everyone has the power to make a comeback just like Shane!

Key Takeaways:

– The Pacific Rim Franchise revolves around interdimensional monsters (Kaiju) and human-made battlebots (Jaegers).
– Start by watching the series chronologically, i.e., ‘Pacific Rim’, ‘Pacific Rim Uprising’, and then ‘Pacific Rim: The Black’.
– The Netflix series ‘The Black’, though not mandatory, offers a more emotionally rich narrative.
– Rumors of a third Pacific Rim Movie and a potential TV prequel are yet to yield tangible news.

Introducing the Pacific Rim Universe

The Pacific Rim saga began captivating audiences in 2013. The franchise’s concept revolves around massive interdimensional creatures, known as Kaiju, that emerge from the Pacific Ocean. In response to this daunting threat, humans unite and construct massive Jaeger mech suits to battle these alien beasts.

Starting with Pacific Rim

The story’s commencement is the 2013 movie ‘Pacific Rim’. A portal called “The Breach” opens in the Pacific Ocean in 2013, inviting the Kaiju to our world. Humans develop Jaegers – gigantic mech suits that need two pilots mentally linked through a process called “Drifting”. But by 2025, questions arise around the effectiveness of Jaegers. All remaining Jaegers are shifted to Hong Kong under Marshal Stacker Pentecost’s (Idris Elba) leadership. Stacker convinces former pilot Raleigh Becket (Charlie Hunnam) to pilot Gipsy Danger, a refurbished Jaeger, with a new co-pilot, Mako Mori (Rinko Kikuchi),

Unveiling Pacific Rim Uprising

Fast-forward to 2035. ‘Pacific Rim Uprising’ sees Jake Pentecost (John Boyega), son of Stacker, stealing Jaeger parts and then being persuaded to instruct at the Pan-Pacific Defense Corps (PPDC). There’s a new threat in town – the Shao Corporation wants to replace Jaegers with drones. After Mako’s assassination, Jake leads the charge against the perpetrator – a rogue Jaeger piloted by a Kaiju brain.

Exploring Pacific Rim: The Black

The next stop is ‘Pacific Rim: The Black,’ a Netflix anime series continuing the narrative after ‘Uprising’. The plot follows siblings Taylor and Hayley Travis navigating through Kaiju-invaded Australia in hopes of finding their parents. This series challenges the preconceived notions about Kaiju and is known for packing an emotional punch.

What Lies Ahead for Pacific Rim

The franchise’s future remains uncertain. While rumors of a third movie circulate, no prominent announcement has been made. Filmmaker Steven S. DeKnight had plans for a sequel revealing a larger multiverse. Talk of a potential crossover with the Godzilla and Kong sagas also sparked fans’ interest, but poor reception of ‘Uprising’ didn’t help.

Interestingly, in August 2024, Eric Heisserer, known for ‘Arrival,’ was brought on board for a Pacific Rim TV prequel revisiting the original Kaiju invasion. But for now, fans must wait and see what the future holds for the monstrous saga of Pacific Rim.

In conclusion, the Pacific Rim franchise is a roller-coaster ride of monstrous beasts and colossal battlebots. Despite an ambiguous future, the franchise has left a lasting impact on the sci-fi genre. By watching the series in chronological order, you can enjoy the full experience of this universe. Be ready for more monstrous action, because the Pacific Rim saga seems far from over.

Hey, movie buffs! Let’s journey back in time to the era of bell-bottoms, disco dancing and, of course, unforgettable blockbuster movies. Get ready for a trip down memory lane! Remember, we’ll score you too!

1970: ‘Airport’ Takes Flight

The year 1970 started off with a bang with the action-packed, star-studded blockbuster, ‘Airport’. The film had a thriving ensemble cast featuring the likes of Burt Lancaster, Dean Martin, and Helen Hayes. This high-octane thriller pulled in over $106 million at the box office. Aren’t you impressed?

1971: ‘Billy Jack’ Springing to Action

1971 saw the rise of an unexpected hit, ‘Billy Jack’. This unique blend of martial arts and drama with a touch of cultural tension between a Vietnam Vet and the Establishment spoke to audiences worldwide. Tom Laughlin showcased a star making performance as Billy Jack. Did you guess it right?

1972: Brando’s Double Triumph

1972 was a big year for Marlon Brando, who starred in two top-grossing films. First came ‘The Godfather’, and second was ‘Last Tango in Paris’. Both films showed Brando at his apex in vastly different roles which will long be remembered.

1973: Unwrapping the ‘Paper Moon’

The heartwarming film ‘Paper Moon’ was a standout in 1973. Starring Ryan O’Neal alongside his real-life daughter Tatum O’Neal, it was an absolute treat. Tatum even won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, a testament to the film’s charm.

1974: Year of Comedies

Mel Brooks gave us two comedic treasures in 1974 – ‘Blazing Saddles’ and ‘Young Frankenstein’. The latter was not just a hit but also the inspiration for Aerosmith’s hit song ‘Walk This Way’. Isn’t that amazing?

1975: ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ Breaks the Norms

In 1975, the film ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ not only solidified its place in the list of hit movies but also sparked midnight sing-alongs everywhere, a phenomenon that continues till today! The film starred Susan Sarandon and Tim Curry and remains a favorite to many.

1976: ‘Silver Streak’ Track To Comedy

Gene Wilder raked up the comedy high with Richard Pryor in the hit film ‘Silver Streak’. Their amazing on-screen chemistry made ‘Silver Streak’ one of the top films of 1976 and started a wonderful cinematic partnership.

1977: ‘The Deep’ Dives Into Thrills

Though ‘Star Wars’ stole the show in 1977, ‘The Deep’ made its own waves. Co-written by Peter Benchley, the writer behind ‘Jaws’, this thrilling tale of divers protecting their treasure received much attention too.

1978: A Roaring ‘Animal House’

‘Animal House’, directed by John Landis, was the big highlight of 1978. It wasn’t just a massive hit, but also a career milestone for John Belushi. This film made him an overnight sensation across the globe.

1979: ‘The Amityville Horror’ Haunts Screens

1979 was ruled by Margot Kidder, star of the top two movies that year. Can you imagine? While ‘Superman’ was naturally a hit, ‘The Amityville Horror’ gave audiences an unforgettable chill too.

1980: Reaching to ‘Ordinary People’

We wrap up the decade with the Oscar-winning film ‘Ordinary People’ in 1980. Directed by Robert Redford, it piqued audiences’ interest and hearts alike, creating a resonating end to this incredible decade of cinema.

So, how’d you score? Movie aficionado or newbie, it’s always fun to revisit cinema history! We’ve reached the end of our journey, reminiscing about the captivating 70s movie scene. Let’s keep the film reels rolling! So, which one of these classic 70s movies was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!