Benicio Del Toro was out promoting Sicario on Entertainment Tonight and the he talked about being cast in Star Wars: Episode VIII and the role of his character.
Originally the rumors on the internet where that Del Toro would be a villain in the film, but in the interview he puts a slight twist in the rumors.
“I don’t know if he’s a villain. People are saying that, but it’s like they read a different script than I read,” said Del Toro.
The actor might be looking to misdirect fans with his next comment.
“It’s nice to keep people in the dark, a little bit of mystery is good,”
Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits theaters on December 18, a year later Rogue One comes out on December 16, 2016 and then Episode VIII will hit theaters on May 26, 2017.
In the summer of 1986, John Carpenter’s Big Trouble in Little China was released. Reviews were middling, box office was lukewarm, and it took a great while before it gained traction in the all important cult-classic fanboy circles. Big Trouble is light and fun, dealing in Eastern mysticism and magic, focusing on an everyman (Kurt Russell) swept up in a centuries-old battle, in a world beneath Chinatown. 80s movie fans adore Big Trouble in Little China, they celebrate it. And it’s fine, yes, perhaps more memorable for nostalgic purposes than for truly being one of Carpenter’s better films.
That same year, just five month later, there was The Golden Child. The Eddie Murphy vehicle – right in the height of Murphy’s powers in Hollywood – dealt with an everyman being swept up in Eastern mysticism and magic, tasked to save a young boy in the face of evil forces. While they aren’t the same story, The Golden Child and Big Trouble in Little China share more than a kindred spirit. Themes, protagonists, and antagonists all feel similar, and some of the sets could easily transfer from one shoot to the other. Both films are lighthearted, adventurous tales of “every-men” in over their heads and up against supernatural forces. And, yes, both are a little racist. Yet, only one is celebrated, while the other – The Golden Child – is chided, dismissed as forgettable drivel.
There is no vast chasm in quality between the two films, and I would argue that The Golden Child is a little better overall. I realize this is sacrilege to plenty of folks, and I do recognize the pop-culture charm and nostalgic appeal of Carpenter’s film. It has the accolades, perhaps stealing some of the thunder from The Golden Child before Murphy’s film ever hit theaters. Release dates may have helped, and hindered, the trajectory of these two films. Big Trouble in Little China was a summer release, the weekend of July 4, whereas The Golden Child was lost in December, amid typically Awards-heavy dramas. It’s seems a strange choice to release The Golden Child then, but so is the case.
Beyond release dates, however, The Golden Child is flat out funnier from top to bottom. Now, I like Kurt Russell as much as the next person. We need more Kurt Russell in our lives if you ask me, which is a main reason why I am amped up for The Hateful Eight. But is Kurt Russell funny? Has he ever been? I contend comedy is not Russell’s forte. He can handle the action and physicality better than most, but when it comes to comedic delivery, Russell typically falls flat. I can’t recall any lighthearted Kurt Russell film where I found him amusing (Overboard? meh), and that’s the case in Big Trouble. His aw-shucks demeanor is perfect for Jack Burton, but his delivery is too gruff and stilted, too wooden for the comedy to take off.
Now, not that Eddie Murphy is funny, or even good anymore. He’s a sad shell of what he once was, poisoned by his own ego. But we aren’t talking about 2015 Eddie Murphy; this is 1986 Eddie, sharp and sarcastic and appropriately amused with his own edge. He dominated Beverly Hills Cop, 48 Hrs., and he dominates here. Tell me this isn’t hilarious, vintage Murphy upsetting the herd:
Or what about this one…
Murphy is on point here, playing up on his signature sardonic improvisations. His humor heightens The Golden Child throughout. Not that comedy is the main intention for either film, but it is one of the central tones in both. What about the story in these films?
The story is simply to move the plot forward. They are intended to show off the technological advancements in 1986 special effects, and both serve the story well. But Big Trouble in Little China feels repetitive at times, while The changing locales in The Golden Child keep the kinetics high.
Of course, this is but one man’s opinion. I’m sure this sentiment isn’t shared far and wide, or even close and narrow for that matter. But The Golden Child does, ever so slightly, edge out Big Trouble in Little China for me in terms of quality, watchability, and repeat viewings. There, I said it. I feel so much better having got that off my chest…
In Boston in the 1970’s, the name James “Whitey” Bulger was spoken in hushed tones. He was a criminal, kingpin, and convicted killer, but he was also more than that. He was beloved in the community as a Robin Hood type. When he was eventually captured in 2011 after years on the run, Hollywood started to take notice. It was no longer a question of whether or not a movie would be developed based on the life of Whitey Bulger, it was question of when. Now, with Scott Cooper’s new gangster epic Black Mass, we finally have our answer.
Johnny Depp has thrown himself into the role of Bulger, starting with the gray blotchy skin and receding hairline. His strut and “Southie” accent help transform Depp into the sinister crime boss from South Boston. This movie is quite a departure from Depp’s recent roles of the Mad Hatter and Jack Sparrow. It was wonderful to see Depp tear into these aspects of his role with such gusto. All that work allows him to ooze villainy on screen.
You would have a tough time coming up with a better opening line this year than “I’m not a rat.” Mark Mallouk and Jez Butterworth set the tone for the film in their screenplay, with those words opening the film. It becomes obvious, shortly thereafter, the theme of this movie is loyalty, and how it’s earned and lost.
In a movie chock full of outstanding performances(Joel Edgerton, Benedict Cumberbach, and Kevin Bacon specifically), Depp stands out. His portrayal of a family man, business man, and a dad, was quite amazing. My favorite line that Whitey uttered was towards his seven-year old son “You got in trouble because you punched the kid when your teacher was looking… If you punch when your teacher isn’t looking, then it didn’t happen.” Even in the midst of the nonstop turmoil that is the life of a Boston crime lord, Whitey tries to lead somewhat of a normal family life. As a viewer, you do get this feeling that it’s love a family driving all aspects of this life.
As sensational as Depp’s portrayal of Bulger is in Black Mass, the most crucial part in this film belongs to Joel Edgerton’s role as John Connelly. It was FBI agent John Connelly who brokered the deal between the government and Bulger to help bring down the Italian crime familes in the Boston area. John is the moral center here, and in the beginning he has all the right intentions about this “alliance” with a known crime boss. As the movie continues, we see Connelly become less and less concerned about the morality of the deal and more about the bottom line. At one point we even hear Edgerton utter to a member of Bulger’s inner-circle “It’s business” when referring to the sudden disappearance of an informant set on ratting out Bulger. The sheer influence of Bulger turns a well-intentioned cop into an “unofficial” member of Bulger’s crime family. Connelly serves as a prime example to audience of just the sheer influence that Whitey Bulger had on everyone who was ever involved with him in any capacity. Whitey’s affable nature towards Connelly allows him to justify to himself, that it’s okay to look the other way when he knows that certain people are being “taken out.”
The musical accompaniments only just added to some of the more tense moments in this film. Sometimes, just the littlest of choices made about a music accompaniment can have the biggest impact on the quality of the overall picture. Scott Cooper consistently made good decision after good decision and it will be those decisions that will lead to the success of this picture.
In the end, Scott Cooper’s Black Mass is a tightly-wound crime drama that will engage the audience from the first line to the last moments of Whitey Bulger’s freedom as the FBI swarms in to arrest him. For this film to work, it needed a collection of wonderful performances, and got it in spades. Certainly, the story of this movie will be Depp’s portrayal of Whitey Bulger. A standout performance like his will capture the attention of voters during the award season. As a member of SEFCA (South-Eastern Film Critics Association), I certainly made a mental note to remember this performance for when we vote for our awards in the not too distant future. Will this movie translate into an Oscar moment for Depp? That remains to be seen, but what I do know is that Black Mass is one that you shouldn’t miss this weekend.
Marvel announced Wednesday that Scott Glenn will return to season two of Marvel’s Daredevil as Stick for three episodes.
The announcement states that Stick crashes into Daredevil’s life right when he needs him the least. In the first season Stick trained young Matt Murdock and then abandoned him, Stick returns in season two with a new mission that Daredevil wants no part of.
“After seeing Scott’s performance in the first season, we knew that we had to bring him back for more. He is an extraordinary actor and we leapt at the chance to expand on his adventures with Matt and Daredevil,” said Executive Producer / Marvel’s Head of Television Jeph Loeb.
“In some ways, Stick is to ‘Marvel’s Daredevil’ what Scott Glenn has been to film and TV – a magnetic and awesome force to be reckoned with. It’s an honor to welcome him back, and the Daredevil team can’t wait to unleash Scott’s unique brand of bad-assery upon the world in Season 2,” said Executive Producer/Showrunner Marco Ramirez.
Daredevil is Executive Produced by Doug Petrie, Marco Ramirez and Drew Goddard, along with Marvel TV’s Jeph Loeb. The series stars stars Charlie Cox, Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson, Jon Bernthal, Elodie Yung and Rosario Dawson. The second season of Daredevil is currently filming and will return to Netflix in 2016.
It appears the science fiction adventure monster that was Pacific Rim, will only have one entry.
The Guillermo del Toro directed film cost $190 million to produced and only grossed only $101 in the states. Overall the Pacific Rim pulled in $411 million, on paper that should be good enough to green light a sequel.
The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that Legendary wanted to produce a sequel and they liked that the original performed exceptionally well in China, where the company is heavily invested, but for now the project has been halted indefinitely and will be pushed back.
The film was schedule for a 2017 release.
At this time the only hope for Pacific Rim 2 is if Crimson Peak, the del Toro directed, haunted house thriller starring Tom Hiddleston and Jessica Chastain, has huge box office success. Crimson Peak will be in theaters on October 16.
Today we’re going to cover High School Musical the AnimeI mean the Shortform, Music, Slice-of-Life, anime Star Mu, also called High School Star Musical… yeah.
“The story involves a group of high school students at Ayana Academy, a school with music as its main focus. A trio of students are called Hanasakura-kai, designating the most talented from the music department. To get in, individuals must enter through a Star Frame class. The series tells the story of Yuuta Hoshiya, Tooru Nayuki, Kaito Tsukikage, Shou Tengeiji, and Shuu Kuga as they aim for a position in the musical department after being spotted by Ootori, one of the Hanasakura-kai members.” (Source)
One of the big selling points of this anime is the musical focus. Collaborating with people like Takeshi Masuda (Outbreak Company), Wataru Maeguchi (Hayate the Combat Butler), and Ken Arai (Parasyte).
The trailer doesn’t really get me pumped or excited for the show. The staff is somewhat promising, with Prince of Tennis and Kuroko no Basket, but then there’s… Dragonar Academy. Which doesn’t lend itself too much narrative credit.
High School Star Musical will begin airing October 5th, 2015 for the Fall 2015 season.
Director Rupert Wyatt has quit the Channing Tatum X-Men spinoff Gambit being made by Fox, according to sources at The Hollywood Reporter.
“I was very much looking forward to working with my friend Channing and the team at Fox, but regrettably a push in the start date now conflicts with another project. I thank them for the opportunity, and I know that Gambit will make a terrific film,” said Wyatt.
Most recently Lea Seydoux was cast as Belladonna Boudreaux in the film. Gambit is supposed to start filming in early 2016.
Lionsgate released a ‘For Prim’ trailer to emotionally charge fans for the release of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 on November 20.
Be careful if you watch this trailer on YouTube as the comment section has become a warzone as some fans are posting spoilers from the book.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 s directed by Francis Lawrence from a screenplay by Peter Craig and Danny Strong and stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Willow Shields, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone, Natalie Dormer, with Stanley Tucci, and Donald Sutherland.
Calling all Johnny Depp fans, especially those who might have been worried about their favorite star and his relatively poor track record at the box office lately: your boy is as good as ever in Black Mass, delivering a chilling performance as real-life South Boston gangster James “Whitey” Bulger in a film that’s every bit as no-holds-barred as it looks in its marketing. Depp and Joel Edgerton lead an all-star cast in this bloody and brutal depiction of Bulger and his decades-long “alliance” with FBI Agent John Connolly, an arrangement that benefited the agency by helping them put away major Italian Mafia figures attempting to muscle in on Bulger’s territory, but also in effect gave Bulger free rein to become of the most feared crime lords in the history of the city.
In 1975, James Bulger was just another cog in the criminal machine that was known in the area thanks to a Boston Herald story as “the Winter Hill Gang.” Recently released from a prison stay in Alcatraz, Bulger, whose younger brother Billy (Benedict Cumberbatch) had kept his nose clean and risen from their Southie projects origins to the post of state senator, had ambitions of his own, most of which had a great deal to do with keeping local racketeering under Winter Hill control and out of the hands of Cosa Nostra family members moving into the area looking to take over the action.
Enter rising FBI star Connolly (Joel Edgerton, The Gift), who grew up in the same South Boston neighborhood with James and Billy, where family and loyalty mean more than any laws or rules made by those outside “Southie”, and who now looks to further his career by taking down Mafia operations in his hometown. What he proposes to James seems unthinkable: that Bulger serve as an informant for the Bureau, serving up actionable intel on the Angiulo branch of the Mafia making life difficult for Winter Hill. In exchange for said intel, Connolly and his supervisor, Agent Morris (David Harbour) would allow Bulger and his associates to keep doing business within certain limits. “You can’t kill anybody, Jimmy,” Connolly says as the two men come to their accord.
Yeah. As if that’s really going to happen.
What follows this pact is almost twenty years of unchecked criminal business activity by Bulger and his associates as their revenue streams branch out into gambling and the drug trade, while FBI investigations led by Connolly and Morris slowly but surely dismantle the Angiulo operation in Boston. That time isn’t without personal setbacks for Bulger and Connolly both — they suffer losses both professional and deeply personal in the course of their “alliance” — but for the most part Bulger seems virtually untouchable despite committing almost every sort of violent crime thanks to his “FBI connection.”
That is, until the day when more scrupulous men in the Justice Department, men not connected to Southie in any way and led by a new federal prosecutor (Corey Stoll), begin to question how and why Bulger has remained in operation all this time and never been investigated. Those inquiring eyes turn to Connolly, and from then on it’s only a matter of time before everything starts to crash down around them both.
As violent and bloody as Black Mass gets, and it’s certainly not for the feint of heart, what’s perhaps most compelling about the film is the tremendously complex characterization of Bulger that’s at the film’s heart. Director Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart), working from a script by Mark Mallouk and Jez Butterworth (Get on Up, Fair Game), keeps the narrative lens focused tightly on Johnny Depp as the performer strives to bring to life all of Bulger’s many sides, from ruthless murdering mob boss to devoted son and doting father to loyal friend and brother. As notorious as Bulger was and as heinous as his crimes turned out to be, the film takes extra care to allow screen time for moments that illustrate an undeniable truth: that Bulger was beloved by many in Southie, likely at least as many as those that feared him. It’s arguably in these moments that Depp is at his finest in this role, as the gentility and genuine affection he shows toward those he loves stands in stark contrast to the cold blooded, vicious murderer he shows himself to be just minutes later. For Depp, whose recent work includes such forgettable films as Mortdecai, Transcendence, and Dark Shadows, Black Mass is the return to the acting form we all know he’s capable of when he’s not out to specifically be “quirky.”
Outside of Depp and his performance here, Black Mass certainly does have its flaws, the most glaring of which is the woeful under-use of the talent pooled in the film’s ensemble cast. Joel Edgerton is the sole member of the group whose screen time even comes close to that of Depp’s; beyond him, every other performer here is relegated to the equivalent of a bit part. Now, to be sure, had each of these performers been given their due in terms of meaningful scenes and screen time, the film might have stretched to four hours in length, rather than the just over two hours where it currently stands. But the fine work turned in by Cumberbatch, Dakota Johnson as Bulger’s girlfriend and the mother of his young son Doug, and Peter Sarsgaard as Bulger associate Brian Halloran will certainly make you wish they’d been in the final cut of the film even just a little bit more.
Another legitimate criticism longtime mob/gangster film fans might make about Black Mass might be the relative lack of on-screen representation of just how Bulger built his criminal power base in Southie as the power of the Angiulos waned. A lot of “telling” and not “showing” goes on in the film in this regard, and a great deal seems to happen during the rather large time jumps the script makes in order to stay focused on the more character drama oriented narrative beats. We’re told Bulger introduced drugs to every teenager in Southie, for example, but we never see it, not even in a montage. For more casual film goers and fans buying tickets just to watch Depp chew scenery, this probably won’t be an issue. But for those gangster/crime drama devotees out there, those who relish the scenes in films like Goodfellas, Casino, and last year’s The Drop where the nuts and bolts of everyday underworld operations are broken down and translated into compelling film, the absence of such insight into the work of one of America’s most infamous real-life gangsters might feel like a glaring oversight.
So really, just how much you enjoy Black Mass may just depend on your expectations going into the film. If you’re there to enjoy the performance of one of the most versatile actors of our age finally taking on a role worthy of his talents after years of hamming it up as the Once and Future Capt. Jack Sparrow and other caricature roles (Oh, didn’t you know? There’s another Pirates of the Caribbean coming! :: groan ::), then you’re in for a fun, creepy treat. But if you’re there expecting the next truly great gangster epic, one to hold up alongside The Departed, for example, then you may come away slightly disappointed. Make no mistake: Black Mass is a fine film that’s worthy of your box office buck and should be in the conversation when awards season rolls around in a few months.
Just don’t expect to see it on anyone’s “Top 10 Gangster Films of All Time” lists anytime soon.
Black Mass
Starring Johnny Depp, Joel Edgerton, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rory Cochrane, Jesse Plemons, Kevin Bacon. Directed by Scott Cooper.
Running Time: 122 minutes
Rated R for brutal violence, language throughout, some sexual references and brief drug use.
In the Heart of The Sea, Ron Howard’s new nautical epic starring Chris Hemsworth, has a new full-length trailer loaded with tension, CGI, and the promise of high-seas adventure.
In the winter of 1820, the New England whaling ship Essex was assaulted by something no one could believe: a whale of mammoth size and will, and an almost human sense of vengeance. The real-life maritime disaster would inspire Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick. But that told only half the story. “In the Heart of the Sea” reveals the encounter’s harrowing aftermath, as the ship’s surviving crew is pushed to their limits and forced to do the unthinkable to stay alive. Braving storms, starvation, panic and despair, the men will call into question their deepest beliefs, from the value of their lives to the morality of their trade, as their captain searches for direction on the open sea and his first mate still seeks to bring the great whale down.
Howard and Hemsworth most recently worked together on Driven, the race-car biopic. I wonder if Howard has, perhaps, found a muse for his projects moving forward. Regardless, Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow must have supreme faith in the film, as they moved it from the spring to a December 11 release date, in the heart of Awards Season.
