Key Takeaways:

– Film criticism appears to be polarized between supporters of “Woke Cinema” and its critics.
– This has resulted in a change in how fans and critics appreciate and critique films, focusing more on representation instead of production quality.
– Some fans are now hoping for franchises to fail as a way to protest what they see as unwanted agenda pushing.
– The effects of this shift in film criticism and fandom, positive or negative, are yet to be conclusively determined.

Hey there, film buffs! Have you noticed a shift in the air when it comes to our good ol’ film discourse? It feels like we are in a phenomenal saga, but instead of Jedi knights or superheroes, it’s film critics who are clashing swords.

A Civil War of Cinematic Opinions

When did the love for character and plot give way to a fan obsession over what a character represents? We’ve somehow navigated ourselves towards what’s often referred to as a civil war of film criticism. On one side, we have advocates of “Woke Cinema,” and on the other side, folks who’re vehemently against it.

Ever wonder why even critiquing a film has become bit of a challenge? It often feels like no one is talking about the quality of the film or the artistry involved. Instead, it’s like a heated match of who can shout louder about their stance on diversity and representation in cinema. It seems we can’t just appreciate the pacing, suspense, and character development of a film without getting into a tiff over agenda and diversity.

Rooting for Films to Fail

Now here’s something that’ll make you furrow your brows a bit; do we secretly hope for movies to flop? The craziest part is that even lifelong film fans, who should, in theory, want the best for the film industry, have found themselves wishing for film franchise failures. Can a person seriously want a film to fail just to teach Hollywood a lesson on agenda pushing?

This notion isn’t as heinous as it sounds. In fact, it can be seriously funny when movies that seemingly shove agenda violently into their plots suffer financially. However, the healthy mindset remains to hope for creative and financial success for all films.

The Reality of Big Corporations

The elephant in the room that we must address is the huge corporations behind these films. The practices of these corporations often reveal a different reality. While they advocate for diversity and other causes in their films, they often cut such content out when marketing in non-progressive regions. To these corporations, the only color that seemingly matters is green, from the cash, not our green friend She-Hulk.

Many “woke” products that are supposedly promoting diversity and inclusivity have flopped, to the point that stakeholders and executives are starting to express concerns. The key question here is: can we recover from this situation?

Looking Ahead

As fans of film, it can be disheartening to see such conflicts within the industry. But as they say, every period of evolution comes with its own growing pains. Perhaps this is just a phase needed for us to move towards better understanding of diversity and representations in film.

In the end, isn’t it all about enjoying a good story brought to life on screens? Sure, representation is important, and we should advocate for it. But, it’s equally crucial that this doesn’t overshadow or inhibit a healthy critique of a film’s other aspects – plot, characterization, artistic creation, and so much more.

So, let’s take a moment to appreciate films for what they are while valuing the evolution they bring to society. After all, cinema is a reflection of our world, with all its progress and imperfections. Hopefully, we’ll soon go back to the good ol’ days of meaningful film conversations, while still fostering an environment that promotes representation. It’s a balancing act, sure, but isn’t that what life is all about?

Key Takeaways:

– Samuel Wilson, aka The Falcon, is set to lead the upcoming movie, “Captain America: Brave New World”.
– The film went through significant reshoots after negative feedback from test screenings.
– Notably, Harrison Ford will be making his Marvel debut as the U.S. President Thaddeus Ross.

Hey Marvel fans, brace yourself! Remember when Steve Rodgers handed over his Captain America shield to The Falcon in “Avengers: Endgame”? It’s been six full years, but it looks like it’s finally Sam Wilson’s time to shine.

Swapping Wings for the Shield

Anthony Mackie, the face of Falcon, is all set to lead Julius Onah’s upcoming flick, “Captain America: Brave New World”. You might have caught the trailer this summer. In the new saga, Sam Wilson takes on the massive responsibility of representing Captain America.

A Sneak Peek Goes Wrong

Word around the town is that the movie was test screened last week, not once but twice, with two different cuts. Now, sadly, online leaks suggest that the audience was not too fond of the movie. Fans who attended were either given a red or green bracelet and divided in two separate theaters. Based on feedback, it seems ‘Brave New World’ didn’t quite live up to the hype. Some have even described it as “inessential” and “flat”.

Official Synopsis Unveiled

Despite the leaks, if you’re patient and don’t want spoilers, the official synopsis unveiled in July gives a hint of the storyline. It seems we will see Sam navigating an international crisis after holding talks with the newly elected U.S. President, Thaddeus Ross. The exciting part? Harrison Ford will be making his Marvel debut as Ross, so get set for some high-profile action!

Reshoots and Release Delays

Dating back to August, Marvel decided to reshoot ‘Brave New World’. Perhaps this clears out why we saw two different cuts doing rounds. The movie initially wrapped filming in June 2023 and was planned for a July 2024 release. However, lackluster test scores and Marvel’s own disappointment led to delays. Shifting the release date to February 2025, the reshoots happened between May and August 2024 in Atlanta, including three major action sequences.

A Fresh Take on Marvel’s MCU?

The rewriting didn’t end there. In December, Matthew Orton was hired to inject new scenes and material. This work was eventually filmed during the summer reshoots. Moreover, new characters were introduced to the story, adding another layer of intrigue. All this begs the question – how will audiences react to a Captain America movie without Chris Evans?

Will They or Won’t They Watch?

With a whopping $350M budget, the movie stars Anthony Mackie, Liv Tyler, Harrison Ford, Shira Haas, and Tim Blake Nelson, and is scheduled to hit theaters on Valentine’s Day, 2025. But will fans turn up in droves to see a Captain America movie without Chris Evans? Only time will tell if the reshoots and plot changes will save ‘Brave New World’ from being a “monstrous mess” for Marvel.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the road leading to Marvel’s “Captain America: Brave New World” has been a roller coaster. As Marvel fans, we can only hold on and hope for a thrilling ride when the movie finally drops. Keep your fingers crossed and mark your calendars for Valentine’s Day, 2025!

Key Takeaways:
– Will Smith is set to star in Michael Bay’s upcoming film “Fast and Loose”.
– The film, penned by top writers, marks Smith and Bay’s first reunion since 2003’s “Bad Boys II”.
– Smith had to drop out of “Sugar Bandits” to join Bay’s film.
– “Fast and Loose” tells a twisted tale of a man living dual lives, as a crime kingpin and an undercover CIA agent.
– The movie will be distributed by Netflix.
– Smith has also signed on for Sony’s futuristic thriller “Resistor” and a new series by creators of “Westworld” and “Fallout”.

Alright, guess what folks! A dynamic duo of Hollywood, Will Smith and Michael Bay, has reunited. They are set to collaborate in a flick named “Fast and Loose”, expected to be Smith’s next big-screen gig. And the best part – it will be delivered straight to your homes on Netflix.

Our guy Smith plays lead, and the storyline sounds absolutely intriguing. Imagining waking up without any clue of who you are or what you did the previous night. But it gets worse – turns out you’ve been leading two starkly separate lives. In one, you’re a big-time crime lord, and in the other, an undercover CIA agent. No idea about you, but we definitely can’t wait to see how this unfolds!

Michael Bay, the master of big-bang action and awesome special effects, is back on the director’s chair. His iconic explosion-packed, high concept, and super slick movies include “Bad Boys”, “The Rock”, “Armageddon”, and the “Transformers” series. His unique touch of over-stylization and relentless pace has made him a favorite amongst action movie fans.

“Fast and Loose” isn’t Bay’s first project with Netflix. He previously helmed action-thriller “6 Underground” in 2019 and his last feature was “Ambulance” in 2022. Bay’s most celebrated film, however, is the dark and somewhat hilarious “Pain and Gain” from 2013. If you’ve not watched it, it features Dwayne Johnson, a.k.a The Rock, in a crazy bank robbery – armed with nothing but a golf club!

Smith, soaring high from the success of “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” this year, has got a lot cooking. He’s all set for Sony’s sci-fi thriller “Resistor” and he’s penned a deal to lead a new series by “Westworld” and “Fallout” creators, Jonathan Nolan, and Lisa Joy.

Despite this all, Smith had to bid goodbye to “Sugar Bandits”, originally slated as his next big project, to be able to join Bay’s film. Oh well, sometimes you’ve got to sacrifice one good thing for something even better, right?

All in all, “Fast and Loose” seems to be shaping up as a promising ride, especially with Bay and Smith teaming up after their last outing together on 2003’s “Bad Boys II”. What an exhilarating reunion this will be! So, make sure to set a reminder, grab your popcorn, and prepare for an out-of-this-world cinematic experience.

Remember to visit us for more updates on the release date, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, and all the juicy details – straight from Hollywood’s crème de la crème. Until then, keep the movie mania burning!

Key Takeaways:
– Mike Flanagan has regained full rights to his 2016 horror flick, ‘Hush.’
– The movie is set to be released in theaters across the U.S. on October 16.
– It’s been slated for a 4K home release, featuring a newly restored original cut.
– Flanagan’s popularity is growing due to his successful Netflix shows.
– ‘Hush’ pushes the boundaries of horror storytelling using sound and silence.

Hey there, horror movie fans! Have you ever heard of the film ‘Hush’? If not, pay attention to this unique piece of news. Acclaimed director Mike Flanagan has a treat in store for viewers. His 2016 horror gem, ‘Hush’, will be scarying its way onto U.S. theater screens on October 16. This won’t be just a regular screening though. Brace yourselves for an impressive 4K show of this terror-filled masterpiece.

A New Twist to Old Horror Story Tropes

‘Hush’, co-written by Flanagan’s wife and creative partner, Katie Siegel, definitely pushed the envelope for horror movies. She plays the protagonist, a deaf writer, living alone in the woods and then terrorized by a villain in a scary mask. And guess what? This film cleverly plays around with the absence of sound, adding a chilling, offbeat angle to the classic cat-and-mouse game.

The concept of a deaf person fighting a dangerous intruder might remind you of the 1967 Audrey Hepburn movie ‘Wait Until Dark’. But Flanagan has spun a fresh tale here, focusing on his lead character’s sensory experiences – or lack thereof. Silent terror and unforeseen dangers surround the protagonist, creating a thriller that’s mindfully loud in its quietness.

4K Home Release: Adding More to Its Spooky Appeal

Things get even better for ‘Hush’ enthusiasts. The movie is now available for a 4K home release. And it’s not only the restored original cut that you get. This package also has a fresh black-and-white variant, named ‘Shush Cut’, with remixed audio. Don’t hold back if you are interested. You can grab your copy from online outlets.

It’s no shocker that Flanagan’s popularity is on the rise. His work continues to win over a large number of fans. Discerning viewers can’t get enough of his gripping Netflix shows – ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’, ‘Midnight Mass’, and ‘The Haunting of Hill House.’ If these aren’t proof of his growing fanbase, his recent win at TIFF People’s Choice Award proves his worth amongst movie critics too.

Mike Flanagan: A Name to Watch Out for in Horror Genre

Flanagan’s work, including ‘Doctor Sleep’, ‘Oculus’, and ‘Gerald’s Game’, has left a profound mark on the horror genre. Each of his films intricately weaves storylines with relatable yet nuanced characters facing terrifying situations. With the theatrical release of ‘Hush,’ Flanagan further establishes his place as a leading light in the realm of horror.

From the deep, taut narrative to the smart use of sound, ‘Hush’ is an unforgettable thriller. Its looming release in theaters, especially in an enhanced 4K format, only stokes the excitement further. So, if you are a horror film buff or simply enjoy a thrilling movie, ‘Hush’ is one you don’t want to miss!

Key Takeaways:

– Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Cruise have often found themselves up for the same roles
– Downey was initially cast as the lead in the film Gravity, but had to drop out due to challenges with the technology used
– After Downey’s departure, Cruise was considered for the role which ultimately went to George Clooney
– Cruise was also considered for the role of Iron Man before Downey landed the part, largely due to financial considerations

Casting Rivalry: Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Cruise

The film world is no stranger to the names Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Cruise. These two global superstars have had their names and roles interlinked in a somewhat surprising pattern. Even before Downey took up the mantle of Iron Man, Cruise had been earmarked for the role, a fact that continues to feature in superhero film chatter. Soon, they both found themselves in another similar situation.

Downey vs Cruise: An Unexpected Role

Interestingly, when Downey found himself dropping out of a project mid-way, it was Cruise who was considered as his possible replacement. But, in a twist of fate, neither ended up seeing the project through to the end.

The Film that got away from Robert Downey Jr.

In a not so distant past, director Alfonso Cuarón had chosen Downey for his 2013 film, Gravity. This acclaimed sci-fi movie which starred Sandra Bullock and George Clooney ended up winning seven Oscars and was a hit with both viewers and critics. However, initially, it was Downey who had been cast in the lead role.

The Reason for Downey’s Departure

Everything seemed to go as planned until Downey began to feel uncomfortable with the technological aspects of the film. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Cuarón revealed that Downey, who thrives on freedom to improvise, found the technology used in Gravity incompatible. The Iron Man star reportedly experienced claustrophobia, leading him to withdraw from the project.

The Hunt for a New Lead

After Downey’s exit, Cruise made the list of potential replacements alongside big names like Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington. However, Cuarón decided on Clooney, who was eager to contribute to the project and already understood its intricacies.

Yet, it’s interesting to reflect on the repeating intersections of Cruise and Downey’s career paths, leading some to wonder how it would have been if Cruise had taken up the role of Tony Stark – a plan that was initially in the works.

Tom Cruise: The Iron Man that Almost Was

Iron Man, the character that significantly impacted the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), is inseparable from Downey’s influence. It’s nearly impossible to imagine this character played by anyone else. However, it’s interesting to note that Cruise was once considered to fill in the shoes of the superhero.

The Grounds for the Casting Shift

While this might be a shock to some, for avid Marvel fans, the idea of Tom Cruise as Iron Man isn’t entirely new. Having said that, the exact reason behind the casting shift isn’t widely known. According to the book The Reign of Marvel Studios, the reason for the switch was mostly financial. Cruise was too expensive an option, at a time when even profitable studios were hesitant to gamble on untested superhero properties. Therefore, the casting team looked towards rising stars leading them to Downey, a decision that arguably transformed the MCU forever.

In Summary

From Gravity to Iron Man, the intersecting career paths of Downey and Cruise reveal the intrigue and volatility of Hollywood casting. Struck out of one film due to unique technical challenges, Downey found his legacy in another, while Cruise narrowly missed out on two iconic roles. Downey and Cruise’s intertwining casting story will undoubtedly remain a fascinating piece of Hollywood trivia. The echo of this tale further proves that some aspects of filmmaking are just as unpredictable off camera as they are in front of it.

Key Takeaways:

– Jeymes Samuel denies being in discussions to direct Blade reboot.
– Mahershala Ali is set to play the lead role.
– Eric Pearson’s draft of the Blade script is reportedly satisfying all parties involved.
– Co-star Mia Goth, rumored to play the villainous Lilith, is still attached to the project.
– There’s been frustration regarding the prolonged development process, with some actors leaving due to their characters being written out.

Hey there, did you hear the news about Jeymes Samuel potentially directing the Blade reboot with Marvel? Sorry to burst your bubble, but it’s not true! The talented director, also known as The Bullitts, crushed all rumors by saying, “I am not in talks to do Blade with Marvel.” He sure seemed excited about the idea of a new Blade movie though, and so are we.

Back in July 2019, at the San Diego Comic-Con, the word was out about a Blade reboot, with Mashershala Ali playing the title role. We’re more than five years from that announcement, and we’re still waiting for the new Blade movie. The only Blade action we’ve seen yet was Ali voicing the character at the end of Eternals in 2021.

Now, things seem to be inching forward. Reports were swirling that Jeymes Samuel might take the director’s chair for the reboot. Samuel, who directed the Netflix Western The Harder They Fall and, fittingly, the Biblical comedy-drama The Book of Clarence, was painted as the new hope for this much-delayed project. Well, who wouldn’t want it to happen, given his impressive directing skills?

In the rumor mill, it was suggested that Samuel had a successful meeting regarding the Blade project with Marvel’s big guns. But Samuel promptly shot down these rumors, leaving us all in suspense about who’s going to take the helm actually.

Here’s some more interesting tidbits for you. Eric Pearson is the sixth writer who’s been trying to craft the perfect script for Blade. It appears he’s done a good job because everybody involved seems satisfied. Pearson’s script draft shifted the Blade’s timeline from the 1920s to the present day.

Director Yann Demange was previously signed on to direct Blade, even confirming that the film would be rated R. However, he has since stepped away, and the search for a new director continues. Bassam Tariq was another director who was involved briefly but also stepped down. We’re left in the dark wondering who’ll step up next.

Meanwhile, the lead role player, Mahershala Ali, is reportedly getting “increasingly frustrated” with the slow development of the project. Some actors like Delroy Lindo and Aaron Pierre, who were initially cast, have apparently been written out. However, Mia Goth, speculated to be playing the antagonist Lilith, confirmed that she is still on board and seems unperturbed by the delays, saying it indicates Marvel’s dedication to the project.

What are your thoughts on all of this? Would you have loved to see Jeymes Samuel direct the Blade reboot? Have you watched his movies – The Harder They Fall and The Book of Clarence? We can’t wait to hear your thoughts, so drop us a comment below and let’s keep the conversation going!

Remember, rumors come and go, but the excitement for a Blade reboot is here to stay!

Key Takeaways:

– ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ is performing poorly at the box office, with a low $6.5M in Thursday previews.
– The movie’s enormous budget of $190M is mostly due to cast payments including Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga.
– Low ratings on Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb indicate audience dissatisfaction.
– Warner Bros may be regretting their decision to greenlight the project without proper oversight.

Hello there, film buffs! There’s some movie news worth discussing today and it’s all about the latest release, ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’. It seems like this big-budget flick isn’t doing as well as many had hoped and we’re here to provide our two cents on why.

Stalled at the Starting Line

The movie has been a tortoise in the box office race. In plain English, it didn’t make as much money as expected. Thursday previews only brought in about $6.5 million. While that’s a lot of money to the likes of you and me, in the big, glitzy world of Hollywood, it’s pocket money. This paves the way for an estimated weekend earning of somewhere between $45 and $50 million.

About the Green

How on earth did this movie cost $190 million? You might be wondering. Well, a hefty chunk of this cash went straight into the pockets of the stars – Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, as well as director Todd Phillips. Apparently, their joint payday was a whopping $50 million. Turning a profit might prove to be tricky.

Sour Grapes on Rotten Tomatoes

The critics’ verdict is in and it’s not looking good for ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’. Let me break it down for you. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie is sitting at a sad 39%. In non-film nerd terms, this means that only 39 out of every 100 critics gave it a thumbs up. That’s fewer thumbs up than you would expect at a rock concert!

A Missed Beat

Having watched the movie myself, I unfortunately have to agree with the critics this time. The ambition behind it is evident, but the execution of this Joker tale fell short. To be frank, it felt like the left hand didn’t know what the right hand was doing. Lady Gaga seemed out of place, our dear Joaquin Phoenix seemed to be stumbling rather than strutting, and some of the plot twists had me scratching my head.

Public Feedback Mimics Critics

Audience sentiment rings the same bell. ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ scored just half a star on PostTrak and a measly 37% user rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It didn’t fare much better on IMDb either where it managed a middling score of 5.4/10. It appears this latest Joker outing isn’t tickling the public’s funny bone quite as intended.

Warner Bros Might be Having Buyer’s Remorse

You might imagine that the Warner Bros boardroom is buzzing with confusion right now. The movie was okayed despite being a risky venture and now the bills are piling up with not enough tickets being sold to flip the table. It seems they might have skipped some steps in the project planning, namely pre-screening the film for audience feedback.

In conclusion, ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ is currently stuck between a rock and a hard place with lackluster box office takings and hostile critical reception. But let’s hold our horses here. It’s still early days and the movie may yet surprise us. Only time will reveal the final act of this story. If it stumbles or soars, you’ll hear it from us. So stay tuned!