Documentarian Lance Oppenheim is like a maximalist Errol Morris.
He makes films that focus on eccentrics and oddballs and the communities they call home, documentaries that invite viewers to gawk at their subjects but do not, themselves, gawk.
In a documentary landscape that too frequently hues to the intentionally bland aesthetic conventions of “realism” — gritty, washed-out photography and hand-held framing masquerading as “objective” — Oppenheim’s films can be assaultive. They’re full of oversaturated colors, hallucinatory shifts in perspective, hyper-intimate close-ups and reenactments that blur lines between reality and subjective fiction.
I was legitimately shocked to look up the running times on Oppenheim’s 2020 Some Kind of Heaven and 2024’s Spermworld and see that both documentaries were under 85 minutes. It’s not exactly a criticism to say that I thought they were both longer. Lance Oppenheim documentaries feel like a lot.
At a solid three hours stretched over three episodes,...
He makes films that focus on eccentrics and oddballs and the communities they call home, documentaries that invite viewers to gawk at their subjects but do not, themselves, gawk.
In a documentary landscape that too frequently hues to the intentionally bland aesthetic conventions of “realism” — gritty, washed-out photography and hand-held framing masquerading as “objective” — Oppenheim’s films can be assaultive. They’re full of oversaturated colors, hallucinatory shifts in perspective, hyper-intimate close-ups and reenactments that blur lines between reality and subjective fiction.
I was legitimately shocked to look up the running times on Oppenheim’s 2020 Some Kind of Heaven and 2024’s Spermworld and see that both documentaries were under 85 minutes. It’s not exactly a criticism to say that I thought they were both longer. Lance Oppenheim documentaries feel like a lot.
At a solid three hours stretched over three episodes,...
- 5/31/2024
- by Daniel Fienberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jacob Elordi in Oh, CanadaImage: Oh Canada LLC
It is said that the grand metaphor to describe the United States is a melting pot, where cultures from all over the world that have gathered in a shared space form a gumbo where their flavors merge, the whole supplanting the constituent parts.
It is said that the grand metaphor to describe the United States is a melting pot, where cultures from all over the world that have gathered in a shared space form a gumbo where their flavors merge, the whole supplanting the constituent parts.
- 5/21/2024
- by Jason Gorber
- avclub.com
10. Not Another Teen Movie (2001)
Tired of the repetitive teen rom-coms of the 1990s, director Joel Gallen decided to make his own — and arguably, one of the best by far. In perhaps the most classic teen movie tale, a popular high-school jock gets challenged by his friends to turn a shy and bullied girl into a prom queen… And hopelessly falls in love with her.
You can watch Not Another Teen Movie on Hulu, Netflix, and Prime Video.
9. Scary Movie (2000)
A very similar thought occurred to Keenen Ivory Wayans, the director of Scary Movie who pumped his flick full with the most popular horror cliches of the 1990s — and still produced a greatly entertaining film. A group of teenagers who accidentally killed a man is haunted by a mysterious mumbling killer who picks them off one by one.
You can watch Scary Movie on Max, Hulu, Netflix, and Prime Video.
8. This Is Spinal Tap...
Tired of the repetitive teen rom-coms of the 1990s, director Joel Gallen decided to make his own — and arguably, one of the best by far. In perhaps the most classic teen movie tale, a popular high-school jock gets challenged by his friends to turn a shy and bullied girl into a prom queen… And hopelessly falls in love with her.
You can watch Not Another Teen Movie on Hulu, Netflix, and Prime Video.
9. Scary Movie (2000)
A very similar thought occurred to Keenen Ivory Wayans, the director of Scary Movie who pumped his flick full with the most popular horror cliches of the 1990s — and still produced a greatly entertaining film. A group of teenagers who accidentally killed a man is haunted by a mysterious mumbling killer who picks them off one by one.
You can watch Scary Movie on Max, Hulu, Netflix, and Prime Video.
8. This Is Spinal Tap...
- 4/27/2024
- by dean-black@startefacts.com (Dean Black)
- STartefacts.com
Very few directors have ever had the kind of run Rob Reiner did as a director between 1984 and 1992. Think about it. This is Spinal Tap, The Sure Thing, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery and A Few Good Men. Surely, that run alone would be enough to solidify him as one of the greatest Hollywood directors of all time? Those movies are so good it almost doesn’t matter how much money-losing crap he puts out now…and there is a lot of it… and North isn’t even the worst of it! So how did this man go from making a few great movies that defined and elevated our pop culture on so many different levels to suddenly pumping out nothing but heartless, soulless political flicks (did anyone see Lbj?) and rom-coms that are neither romantic nor comedic?
So, how did this jack of...
So, how did this jack of...
- 4/26/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
At 93, William Shatner has seen more change in the industry than pretty much anyone else alive. As such, he has been forced to adapt alongside it. But in his latest attempt to do so, he has triggered outcry from those defending real artists. Yes, it has to do with a new album; no, it has nothing to do with Shatner’s vocal talents. For the cover art for his children’s album Where Will the Animals Sleep? Songs for Kids & Other Living Things, Shatner evidently used artificial intelligence to generate the (rather creepy) image, something that has drawn ire from some fans, who say he should have hired an actual human artist to do the work.
After being hit with a barrage of comments from his social media followers, William Shatner was forced to defend the use of artificial intelligence for the cover art (with points pretty much all over...
After being hit with a barrage of comments from his social media followers, William Shatner was forced to defend the use of artificial intelligence for the cover art (with points pretty much all over...
- 4/22/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Editor’s Note: The following story contains details of sexual abuse of a minor that may be disturbing to some readers.
Steve “Dobby” Dawson, the founding bassist of the influential UK metal band Saxon, has been sentenced to six years in prison for child sex offenses that took place in the 1990s.
BBC News reports that the 72-year-old Dawson was found guilty of four counts of indecent assault of a child under 14. Even more disturbing, Dawson was accused of repeatedly abusing a 6-year-old girl.
Detective Constable Robert Heath, who was in charge of the case, stated, “It is clear that his evil acts have remained with her throughout her life, and I hope this sentence goes some way to allowing her to move on from these traumatic events,” adding that the victim displayed “extraordinary strength” in coming forward with the allegations.
Dawson was Saxon’s bassist from their 1975 formation until...
Steve “Dobby” Dawson, the founding bassist of the influential UK metal band Saxon, has been sentenced to six years in prison for child sex offenses that took place in the 1990s.
BBC News reports that the 72-year-old Dawson was found guilty of four counts of indecent assault of a child under 14. Even more disturbing, Dawson was accused of repeatedly abusing a 6-year-old girl.
Detective Constable Robert Heath, who was in charge of the case, stated, “It is clear that his evil acts have remained with her throughout her life, and I hope this sentence goes some way to allowing her to move on from these traumatic events,” adding that the victim displayed “extraordinary strength” in coming forward with the allegations.
Dawson was Saxon’s bassist from their 1975 formation until...
- 4/12/2024
- by Heavy Consequence Staff
- Consequence - Music
Clockwise left to right: Get Out (Universal Pictures), This Is Spinal Tap (MGM Home Entertainment), That Thing You Do! (20th Century Studios), Lady Bird (A24)Graphic: The A.V. Club
It’s always neat when someone you’ve admired shows off a hidden talent that makes you see them in a different light.
It’s always neat when someone you’ve admired shows off a hidden talent that makes you see them in a different light.
- 4/12/2024
- by Mary Kate Carr, Saloni Gajjar, Drew Gillis, William Hughes, Matthew Jackson, Jarrod Jones, Emma Keates, Jacob Oller, Matt Schimkowitz, and Cindy White
- avclub.com
‘80s nostalgia is heading back to Netflix’s theaters with Milestone Movies: The Anniversary Collection – 1984.
The Milestone Movies collection will screen across three theaters: New York’s Paris Theater, The Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood and The Bay Theater in Pacific Palisades, Calif. Selected films turning 40 this year will play in Netflix’s theaters and the 1984 collection is also available to stream.
The Paris Theater in New York City will show blockbusters “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Footloose,” “Gremlins,” “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” “Muppets Take Manhattan,” “Natural,” “Nightmare on Elm Street,” “Romancing the Stone,” “Amadeus” and “Splash,” from April 12 to 18.
Indie and auteur titles “The Ballad of Narayama,” “Birdy,” “Body Double,” “Brother from Another Planet,” “Last Night at the Alamo,” “Love Streams,” “Moscow on the Hudson,” “Places in the Heart,” “Suburbia” and “Times of Harvey Milk” will be available from April 19 to 25.
In the Fantastic Journeys collection, “Dune,” “Fanny and Alexander,...
The Milestone Movies collection will screen across three theaters: New York’s Paris Theater, The Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood and The Bay Theater in Pacific Palisades, Calif. Selected films turning 40 this year will play in Netflix’s theaters and the 1984 collection is also available to stream.
The Paris Theater in New York City will show blockbusters “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Footloose,” “Gremlins,” “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” “Muppets Take Manhattan,” “Natural,” “Nightmare on Elm Street,” “Romancing the Stone,” “Amadeus” and “Splash,” from April 12 to 18.
Indie and auteur titles “The Ballad of Narayama,” “Birdy,” “Body Double,” “Brother from Another Planet,” “Last Night at the Alamo,” “Love Streams,” “Moscow on the Hudson,” “Places in the Heart,” “Suburbia” and “Times of Harvey Milk” will be available from April 19 to 25.
In the Fantastic Journeys collection, “Dune,” “Fanny and Alexander,...
- 4/9/2024
- by Lexi Carson
- Variety Film + TV
This Is Spinal Tap is one of the most quotable films in cinema history and defined the genre of film known today as the mockumentary.
Rob Reiner’s 1984 directorial debut about an aging English metal band chronicled fame, groupies and their fateful tour and would set the bar for the style of film to satirize a subject depicting fictional events but presented as a documentary. They often use the conventions of traditional documentaries, such as interviews and narration, to tell a fictional or exaggerated story.
Christopher Guest, who portrayed Nigel Tufnel in This Is Spinal Tap, would go on to direct and star with an incredible ensemble cast in many of his productions that included Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Catherine O’Hara, Parker Posey, Fred Willard, Eugene Levy and Jennifer Coolidge in the classic mockumentaries Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, For Your Consideration and Mascots.
Jemaine Clement...
Rob Reiner’s 1984 directorial debut about an aging English metal band chronicled fame, groupies and their fateful tour and would set the bar for the style of film to satirize a subject depicting fictional events but presented as a documentary. They often use the conventions of traditional documentaries, such as interviews and narration, to tell a fictional or exaggerated story.
Christopher Guest, who portrayed Nigel Tufnel in This Is Spinal Tap, would go on to direct and star with an incredible ensemble cast in many of his productions that included Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Catherine O’Hara, Parker Posey, Fred Willard, Eugene Levy and Jennifer Coolidge in the classic mockumentaries Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, For Your Consideration and Mascots.
Jemaine Clement...
- 4/1/2024
- by The Deadline Team
- Deadline Film + TV
The list of musicians and actors appearing in the long-awaited This Is Spinal Tap sequel keeps growing, with news that Metallica’s Lars Ulrich, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith, The Nanny’s Fran Drescher, and more will appear in the forthcoming mockumentary.
Anyone who has seen the original film knows that drummers experience an unfortunate fate in the world of Spinal Tap, so it might not end well for Ulrich and Smith. Meanwhile, Drescher is reprising her hilarious role as record-label publicist and “hostess with the mostest” Bobbi Flekman.
Other newly revealed additions to the movie include Don Lake (The Bonnie Hunt Show), John Michael Higgins (Best in Show), Jason Acuña (Jackass), Nina Conti (Family Tree), Griffin Matthews (The Flight Attendant), Kerry Godliman (After Life), Chris Addison (Veep), and comedian Brad Williams, according to Deadline.
In addition, Paul Shaffer will be back as record-label promotion rep Artie Fufkin, who...
Anyone who has seen the original film knows that drummers experience an unfortunate fate in the world of Spinal Tap, so it might not end well for Ulrich and Smith. Meanwhile, Drescher is reprising her hilarious role as record-label publicist and “hostess with the mostest” Bobbi Flekman.
Other newly revealed additions to the movie include Don Lake (The Bonnie Hunt Show), John Michael Higgins (Best in Show), Jason Acuña (Jackass), Nina Conti (Family Tree), Griffin Matthews (The Flight Attendant), Kerry Godliman (After Life), Chris Addison (Veep), and comedian Brad Williams, according to Deadline.
In addition, Paul Shaffer will be back as record-label promotion rep Artie Fufkin, who...
- 3/26/2024
- by Spencer Kaufman
- Consequence - Music
The list of musicians and actors appearing in the long-awaited This Is Spinal Tap sequel keeps growing, with news that Metallica’s Lars Ulrich, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith, The Nanny’s Fran Drescher, and more will appear in the forthcoming mockumentary.
Anyone who has seen the original film knows that drummers experience an unfortunate fate in the world of Spinal Tap, so it might not end well for Ulrich and Smith. Meanwhile, Drescher is reprising her hilarious role as record-label publicist and “hostess with the mostest” Bobbi Flekman.
Other newly revealed additions to the movie include Don Lake (The Bonnie Hunt Show), John Michael Higgins (Best in Show), Jason Acuña (Jackass), Nina Conti (Family Tree), Griffin Matthews (The Flight Attendant), Kerry Godliman (After Life), Chris Addison (Veep), and comedian Brad Williams, according to Deadline.
In addition, Paul Shaffer will be back as record-label promotion rep Artie Fufkin, who...
Anyone who has seen the original film knows that drummers experience an unfortunate fate in the world of Spinal Tap, so it might not end well for Ulrich and Smith. Meanwhile, Drescher is reprising her hilarious role as record-label publicist and “hostess with the mostest” Bobbi Flekman.
Other newly revealed additions to the movie include Don Lake (The Bonnie Hunt Show), John Michael Higgins (Best in Show), Jason Acuña (Jackass), Nina Conti (Family Tree), Griffin Matthews (The Flight Attendant), Kerry Godliman (After Life), Chris Addison (Veep), and comedian Brad Williams, according to Deadline.
In addition, Paul Shaffer will be back as record-label promotion rep Artie Fufkin, who...
- 3/26/2024
- by Spencer Kaufman
- Consequence - Film News
The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith and Metallica’s Lars Ulrich will try to survive the Spinal Tap drummers curse with cameos in the upcoming This Is Spinal Tap sequel.
The two musicians were named in a new round of cast announcements, per Deadline, now that production on the film has begun in New Orleans. Though we obviously don’t know for sure, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Smith and Ulrich roped into an extension of one of the best bits from 1984’s This Is Spinal Tap...
The two musicians were named in a new round of cast announcements, per Deadline, now that production on the film has begun in New Orleans. Though we obviously don’t know for sure, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Smith and Ulrich roped into an extension of one of the best bits from 1984’s This Is Spinal Tap...
- 3/26/2024
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Exclusive: After leading SAG-AFTRA through its latest round of negotiations with the AMPTP, guild President Fran Drescher (The Nanny) has been set to join the sequel to 1984 cult classic This Is Spinal Tap, reprising her role as publicist Bobbi Flekman.
Other new additions to the cast include Don Lake (The Bonnie Hunt Show), John Michael Higgins (Best in Show), Jason Acuña (Jackass), Nina Conti (Family Tree), Griffin Matthews (The Flight Attendant), Kerry Godliman (After Life), Chris Addison (Veep), comedian Brad Williams, and musician Paul Shaffer. Details as to the roles of these cast members are under wraps for now.
Also now aboard the project are Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith and Lars Ulrich, Metallica’s co-founder and drummer, who will make cameos. Production is currently underway in New Orleans, with Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer reprising their roles as the legendary heavy metal band, Spinal Tap,...
Other new additions to the cast include Don Lake (The Bonnie Hunt Show), John Michael Higgins (Best in Show), Jason Acuña (Jackass), Nina Conti (Family Tree), Griffin Matthews (The Flight Attendant), Kerry Godliman (After Life), Chris Addison (Veep), comedian Brad Williams, and musician Paul Shaffer. Details as to the roles of these cast members are under wraps for now.
Also now aboard the project are Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith and Lars Ulrich, Metallica’s co-founder and drummer, who will make cameos. Production is currently underway in New Orleans, with Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer reprising their roles as the legendary heavy metal band, Spinal Tap,...
- 3/26/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Ari Aster has gathered a star-studded cast of Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, Austin Butler and Pedro Pascal to star in his next feature ‘Eddington’ for A24.
Also joining the cast are Luke Grimes, Deirdre O’Connell, Micheal Ward and Clifton Collins Jr. The only plot details on the movie state it follows a small-town New Mexico sheriff with higher aspirations.
Aster has penned the screenplay, he will also be directing and producing alongside Lars Knudsen under their Square Peg banner. Two-time Academy Award nominee Darius Khondji is the director of photography.
Also in news – Elton John, Paul McCartney & more to cameo in sequel to ‘This is Spinal Tap’
Phoenix was last seen in ‘Beau is Afraid,’ Aster’s 2023 dark comedy horror about a troubled man who journeys home to see his mother.
Unless you have been living under a rock, Stone this week picked up her 2nd Oscar win for her...
Also joining the cast are Luke Grimes, Deirdre O’Connell, Micheal Ward and Clifton Collins Jr. The only plot details on the movie state it follows a small-town New Mexico sheriff with higher aspirations.
Aster has penned the screenplay, he will also be directing and producing alongside Lars Knudsen under their Square Peg banner. Two-time Academy Award nominee Darius Khondji is the director of photography.
Also in news – Elton John, Paul McCartney & more to cameo in sequel to ‘This is Spinal Tap’
Phoenix was last seen in ‘Beau is Afraid,’ Aster’s 2023 dark comedy horror about a troubled man who journeys home to see his mother.
Unless you have been living under a rock, Stone this week picked up her 2nd Oscar win for her...
- 3/13/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
‘Loki’ actor, Owen Wilson, has been cast in a currently untitled Golf comedy series at AppleTV.
Set in the world of professional golf, the 10-episode series from scribe Jason Keller, sees Wilson star as Pryce Cahill, “an over-the-hill, ex-pro golfer whose career was derailed prematurely 20 years ago. After he gets fired from his job at an Indiana sporting goods store and his wife walks out on him, Pryce hedges his bets entirely on a troubled 17-year-old golf phenom.”
The upcoming series has an impressive list of executive producers on board, including Keller and Wilson, who will also serve as executive producers. In addition, Propagate Content’s Ben Silverman, Howard T. Owens, and Rodney Ferrell, Entertainment 360’s Guymon Casady, Piece of Work’s Lee Eisenberg and Natalie Sandy, and Chris Moynihan will be executive producing the show.
Also in news – Elton John, Paul McCartney & more to cameo in sequel to...
Set in the world of professional golf, the 10-episode series from scribe Jason Keller, sees Wilson star as Pryce Cahill, “an over-the-hill, ex-pro golfer whose career was derailed prematurely 20 years ago. After he gets fired from his job at an Indiana sporting goods store and his wife walks out on him, Pryce hedges his bets entirely on a troubled 17-year-old golf phenom.”
The upcoming series has an impressive list of executive producers on board, including Keller and Wilson, who will also serve as executive producers. In addition, Propagate Content’s Ben Silverman, Howard T. Owens, and Rodney Ferrell, Entertainment 360’s Guymon Casady, Piece of Work’s Lee Eisenberg and Natalie Sandy, and Chris Moynihan will be executive producing the show.
Also in news – Elton John, Paul McCartney & more to cameo in sequel to...
- 3/13/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
As production gets underway on the sequel to the cult classic ‘This is Spinal Tap,’ Castle Rock Entertainment has announced that Elton John, Paul McCartney, Questlove, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood will take cameo spots.
Rob Reiner takes on the director’s chair and Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer all reprising their iconic roles as the legendary heavy metal band, Spinal Tap. Reiner will also return as the documentarian Martin “Marty” Dibergi.
Guest, McKean, Reiner, and Shearer conceived the sequel, which after a 15-year hiatus, has England’s loudest and most punctual band, reuniting for one final concert.
Also in news – Ben Affleck, J. K Simmons & more return for ‘The Accountant 2’
The film is being produced by Reiner, Michele Reiner and Matthew George and financed under the Castle Rock Entertainment banner. Christopher H. Warner and Derrick Rossi serve as executive producers.
Reiner said “I recently spoke to...
Rob Reiner takes on the director’s chair and Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer all reprising their iconic roles as the legendary heavy metal band, Spinal Tap. Reiner will also return as the documentarian Martin “Marty” Dibergi.
Guest, McKean, Reiner, and Shearer conceived the sequel, which after a 15-year hiatus, has England’s loudest and most punctual band, reuniting for one final concert.
Also in news – Ben Affleck, J. K Simmons & more return for ‘The Accountant 2’
The film is being produced by Reiner, Michele Reiner and Matthew George and financed under the Castle Rock Entertainment banner. Christopher H. Warner and Derrick Rossi serve as executive producers.
Reiner said “I recently spoke to...
- 3/12/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The sequel to 1984 cult classic 'This Is Spinal Tap' will feature cameos from Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, Questlove, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.The hotly anticipated follow-up to the mockumentary - which is once again helmed by Rob Reiner - has commenced production in New Orleans, and will see Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer reprise their roles as the fictional heavy metal band Spinal Tap, with huge names also set to make appearances. Reiner will also be back as the documentarian Martin “Marty” Dibergi and produce alongside Michele Reiner and Matthew George for Castle Rock Entertainment banner. Christopher H. Warner and Derrick Rossi serve as executive producers. Reiner said: “I recently spoke to Marty Dibergi who said that he was more than happy to take a sabbatical from his position as a visiting Professor’s Assistant at the Ed Wood School of Cinematic Arts...
- 3/12/2024
- by Lizzie Baker
- Bang Showbiz
The long awaited follow up to Rob Reiner’s comedy classic This Is Spinal Tap has begun filming, lots of musical cameos have also been confirmed.
There is only one comedy film which turns the laughs up to eleven, and that is if course Rob Reiner’s 1984 classic This Is Spinal Tap. Though technically The Comic Strip team of Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmondson, Nigel Planer, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French and Peter Richardson got there first a year earlier with the excellent Bad News, which is well worth seeking out of you’ve never had the pleasure.
This Is Spinal Tap is often cited as one of the funniest films ever made, with musicians frequently applauding the accuracy of several scenes, from petty band squabbles to getting lost backstage and over the top props onstage.
The cast – Reiner, Harry Shearer, Michael McKean and Christopher Guest – will reprise their roles as documentarian Martin ‘Marty’ Dibergi,...
There is only one comedy film which turns the laughs up to eleven, and that is if course Rob Reiner’s 1984 classic This Is Spinal Tap. Though technically The Comic Strip team of Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmondson, Nigel Planer, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French and Peter Richardson got there first a year earlier with the excellent Bad News, which is well worth seeking out of you’ve never had the pleasure.
This Is Spinal Tap is often cited as one of the funniest films ever made, with musicians frequently applauding the accuracy of several scenes, from petty band squabbles to getting lost backstage and over the top props onstage.
The cast – Reiner, Harry Shearer, Michael McKean and Christopher Guest – will reprise their roles as documentarian Martin ‘Marty’ Dibergi,...
- 3/12/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
The Black Keys named one of their most popular albums “Brothers,” which seems on the face of it to be a positive statement of purpose and, obviously, fraternalism between the rock duo’s two members, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney. But the question remains: what kind of brothers? Like, Oasis’ battling Gallaghers, or some gentler brand of bros? It’s a question fans will think about after seeing “This Is a Film About the Black Keys,” an engaging music documentary that trains a spotlight on some lesser-known, historical tensions between the two as well as what binds them. One thing is clear: In the Black Keys, ebony and ivory don’t always live together in perfect harmony.
The term “arranged marriage” is invoked more than once in the film for the relationship between Carney and Auerbach, which seems a little strange, based on what we know of the duo’s shared biography.
The term “arranged marriage” is invoked more than once in the film for the relationship between Carney and Auerbach, which seems a little strange, based on what we know of the duo’s shared biography.
- 3/12/2024
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
When the first official word broke of a proper, big screen sequel to 1984 comedy classic This Is Spinal Tap, the plan according to director (and onscreen documentarian Marti Dibergi) Rob Reiner was to have the new film out in time for this year's 40th anniversary of the original's release. Alas, in true Tap fashion, it has not come to pass, the actors' strike partly responsible for the film lingering in limbo like the band wandering the labyrinthine corridors of a Cleveland concert venue. But crank your excitement levels to 11, as Castle Rock and Reiner have announced that the sequel is now shooting.
Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer are all back, having worked out a concept for the follow-up with Reiner that will see heavy metal legends Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins and Derek Smalls reunite for one last, contractually-obligated tour.
"I recently spoke to Marty Dibergi who said...
Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer are all back, having worked out a concept for the follow-up with Reiner that will see heavy metal legends Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins and Derek Smalls reunite for one last, contractually-obligated tour.
"I recently spoke to Marty Dibergi who said...
- 3/11/2024
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
Castle Rock Entertainment announced today that the sequel to the 1984 cult classic This Is Spinal Tap, recently began production in New Orleans, Louisiana, with Rob Reiner directing and Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer all reprising their iconic roles as the legendary heavy metal band, Spinal Tap. Reiner will also return as the documentarian Martin “Marty” Dibergi.
The film will feature cameos from music legends Elton John, Paul McCartney, Questlove, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.
Guest, McKean, Reiner, and Shearer conceived the sequel, which after a 15-year hiatus, has England’s loudest and most punctual band, reuniting for one final concert.
The film is being produced by Reiner, Michele Reiner and Matthew George and financed under the Castle Rock Entertainment banner. Christopher H. Warner and Derrick Rossi serve as executive producers.
Reiner said “I recently spoke to Marty Dibergi who said that he was more than happy to take...
The film will feature cameos from music legends Elton John, Paul McCartney, Questlove, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.
Guest, McKean, Reiner, and Shearer conceived the sequel, which after a 15-year hiatus, has England’s loudest and most punctual band, reuniting for one final concert.
The film is being produced by Reiner, Michele Reiner and Matthew George and financed under the Castle Rock Entertainment banner. Christopher H. Warner and Derrick Rossi serve as executive producers.
Reiner said “I recently spoke to Marty Dibergi who said that he was more than happy to take...
- 3/11/2024
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Production on the sequel to This Is Spinal Tap is officially underway in New Orleans.
Castle Rock Entertainment confirmed the news on Monday, while also revealing a list of celebrity cameos set to join the legendary heavy metal band: Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, Questlove, Garth Brooks, and Trisha Yearwood, among others.
Arriving 40 years after the original Spinal Tap film, the sequel will see the band reunite for “one final concert.” Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer are back as Spinal Tap band members Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins, and Derek Smalls, respectively, while Rob Reiner will reprise the role of documentarian Martin “Marty” Dibergi (in addition to serving as the actual film’s director).
Speaking about the sequel in an interview with NME last year, Reiner explained that Dibergi is getting a chance to redeem himself after his first documentary. “Dibergi was roundly criticized by the band...
Castle Rock Entertainment confirmed the news on Monday, while also revealing a list of celebrity cameos set to join the legendary heavy metal band: Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, Questlove, Garth Brooks, and Trisha Yearwood, among others.
Arriving 40 years after the original Spinal Tap film, the sequel will see the band reunite for “one final concert.” Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer are back as Spinal Tap band members Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins, and Derek Smalls, respectively, while Rob Reiner will reprise the role of documentarian Martin “Marty” Dibergi (in addition to serving as the actual film’s director).
Speaking about the sequel in an interview with NME last year, Reiner explained that Dibergi is getting a chance to redeem himself after his first documentary. “Dibergi was roundly criticized by the band...
- 3/11/2024
- by Scoop Harrison
- Consequence - Film News
Production on the sequel to This Is Spinal Tap is officially underway in New Orleans.
Castle Rock Entertainment confirmed the news on Monday, while also revealing a list of celebrity cameos set to join the legendary heavy metal band: Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, Questlove, Garth Brooks, and Trisha Yearwood, among others.
Arriving 40 years after the original Spinal Tap film, the sequel will see the band reunite for “one final concert.” Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer are back as Spinal Tap band members Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins, and Derek Smalls, respectively, while Rob Reiner will reprise the role of documentarian Martin “Marty” Dibergi (in addition to serving as the actual film’s director).
Speaking about the sequel in an interview with NME last year, Reiner explained that Dibergi is getting a chance to redeem himself after his first documentary. “Dibergi was roundly criticized by the band...
Castle Rock Entertainment confirmed the news on Monday, while also revealing a list of celebrity cameos set to join the legendary heavy metal band: Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, Questlove, Garth Brooks, and Trisha Yearwood, among others.
Arriving 40 years after the original Spinal Tap film, the sequel will see the band reunite for “one final concert.” Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer are back as Spinal Tap band members Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins, and Derek Smalls, respectively, while Rob Reiner will reprise the role of documentarian Martin “Marty” Dibergi (in addition to serving as the actual film’s director).
Speaking about the sequel in an interview with NME last year, Reiner explained that Dibergi is getting a chance to redeem himself after his first documentary. “Dibergi was roundly criticized by the band...
- 3/11/2024
- by Scoop Harrison
- Consequence - Music
After years of anticipation, This Is Spinal Tap‘s sequel is finally in production. Filming has officially gotten underway on the sequel starring the original members of Spinal Tap: Christopher Guest as Nigel Tufnel, Michael McKean as David St. Hubbins, and Harry Shearer as Derek Smalls.
Rob Reiner returns to direct the long-awaited mockumentary sequel and will reprise his role as documentarian Martin “Marty” Dibergi. “I recently spoke to Marty Dibergi who said that he was more than happy to take a sabbatical from his position as a visiting Professor’s Assistant at the Ed Wood School of Cinematic Arts to once again document Spinal Tap to ensure their place in the pantheon of Rock and Roll,” joked Reiner.
The film, which is shooting in New Orleans, will feature cameos by Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, Questlove, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. Castle Rock Entertainment’s Rob Reiner,...
Rob Reiner returns to direct the long-awaited mockumentary sequel and will reprise his role as documentarian Martin “Marty” Dibergi. “I recently spoke to Marty Dibergi who said that he was more than happy to take a sabbatical from his position as a visiting Professor’s Assistant at the Ed Wood School of Cinematic Arts to once again document Spinal Tap to ensure their place in the pantheon of Rock and Roll,” joked Reiner.
The film, which is shooting in New Orleans, will feature cameos by Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, Questlove, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. Castle Rock Entertainment’s Rob Reiner,...
- 3/11/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Turn it up to 11, the sequel to the sequel to the 1984 cult classic “This Is Spinal Tap,” recently began production in New Orleans, Louisiana. Rob Reiner is behind the director’s chair again, and Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer are all reprising their iconic roles as the legendary heavy metal band Spinal Tap. Reiner will also reprise his role as the director-within-the-movie Martin “Marty” Dibergi.
Continue reading ‘Spinal Tap 2’: Elton John, Paul McCartney, Questlove & More To Cameo In Mock-Rock Doc Sequel at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Spinal Tap 2’: Elton John, Paul McCartney, Questlove & More To Cameo In Mock-Rock Doc Sequel at The Playlist.
- 3/11/2024
- by The Playlist
- The Playlist
Castlerock Entertainment wants you to raise your horns and get ready for the reunion concert of a lifetime, as This is Spinal Tap heads into production for a long-awaited sequel! Cast and crew members are smelling the glove in New Orleans, Louisiana, with filmmaker Rob Reiner and original cast members returning. Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer retake the stage as the surviving band members of Spinal Tap, with Reiner reprising his role as the documentarian Martin “Marty” Dibergi.
In addition to Reiner and the comedic trio, the This is Spinal Tap sequel includes a star-studded list of musician cameos, such as Elton John, Paul McCartney, Questlove, Garth Brooks, and Trisha Yearwood. Guest, McKean, and Shearer tabbed out the plot, which finds “England’s loudest and most punctual band, reuniting for one final concert.”
“I recently spoke to Marty Dibergi who said that he was more than happy to...
In addition to Reiner and the comedic trio, the This is Spinal Tap sequel includes a star-studded list of musician cameos, such as Elton John, Paul McCartney, Questlove, Garth Brooks, and Trisha Yearwood. Guest, McKean, and Shearer tabbed out the plot, which finds “England’s loudest and most punctual band, reuniting for one final concert.”
“I recently spoke to Marty Dibergi who said that he was more than happy to...
- 3/11/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Get ready for a sequel that will go up to … 12?! The team behind the brilliant 1984 music mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap has officially begun work on another film. Filmmaker Rob Reiner will once again direct and portray documentarian Marty Dibergi as he checks in with the three members of Spinal Tap — David St. Hubbins (actor Michael McKean), Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), and Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) — to see how the past four decades have treated the heavy-metal stereotypes. They have not yet announced who’ll be playing the drummer, at...
- 3/11/2024
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
The sequel to the 1984 cult hit This Is Spinal Tap has begun filming in New Orleans, US.
As previously announced, Rob Reiner is returning to direct and star alongside fellow original cast members Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer. Elton John, Paul McCartney, Questlove, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood will all have cameo roles.
The fictional UK rock band reunite after a 15-year hiatus for one last concert in the mockumentary.
Reiner, Michele Reiner and Matthew George are producing the sequel with financing from Castle Rock Entertainment. Christopher H. Warner and Derrick Rossi serve as executive producers.
CAA Media Finance is handling sales.
As previously announced, Rob Reiner is returning to direct and star alongside fellow original cast members Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer. Elton John, Paul McCartney, Questlove, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood will all have cameo roles.
The fictional UK rock band reunite after a 15-year hiatus for one last concert in the mockumentary.
Reiner, Michele Reiner and Matthew George are producing the sequel with financing from Castle Rock Entertainment. Christopher H. Warner and Derrick Rossi serve as executive producers.
CAA Media Finance is handling sales.
- 3/11/2024
- ScreenDaily
Producer Castle Rock Entertainment announced today that the sequel to the 1984 cult classic This Is Spinal Tap recently began production in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Rob Reiner is directing and Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer are all reprising their roles as the comic heavy metal band, Spinal Tap.
Reiner will also return as the documentarian Martin “Marty” Dibergi. The film will feature cameos from Elton John, Paul McCartney, Questlove, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.
Guest, McKean, Reiner, and Shearer conceived the sequel, which after a 15-year hiatus, will see England’s loudest and most punctual band, reuniting for one final concert.
Pic is being produced by Reiner, Michele Reiner and Matthew George and financed under the Castle Rock Entertainment banner. Christopher H. Warner and Derrick Rossi serve as executive producers.
Reiner said: “I recently spoke to Marty Dibergi who said that he was more than happy to take a...
Rob Reiner is directing and Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer are all reprising their roles as the comic heavy metal band, Spinal Tap.
Reiner will also return as the documentarian Martin “Marty” Dibergi. The film will feature cameos from Elton John, Paul McCartney, Questlove, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.
Guest, McKean, Reiner, and Shearer conceived the sequel, which after a 15-year hiatus, will see England’s loudest and most punctual band, reuniting for one final concert.
Pic is being produced by Reiner, Michele Reiner and Matthew George and financed under the Castle Rock Entertainment banner. Christopher H. Warner and Derrick Rossi serve as executive producers.
Reiner said: “I recently spoke to Marty Dibergi who said that he was more than happy to take a...
- 3/11/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
The long-awaited sequel to legendary mockumentary “This Is Sequel Tap” is now in production, almost 40 years to the day that the original film was released in March 1984.
The feature is shooting in New Orleans, with Rob Reiner directing and Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer all reprising their iconic roles as the legendary heavy metal band. Reiner will also return as the documentarian Martin “Marty” Dibergi.
The production has also confirmed its cameos, with Questlove and Trisha Yearwood joining the already announced lineup of Elton John, Paul McCartney and Garth Brooks. Reiner first revealed that John, McCartney and Brooks would be appearing during a November podcast interview.
“I recently spoke to Marty Dibergi who said that he was more than happy to take a sabbatical from his position as a visiting Professor’s Assistant at the Ed Wood School of Cinematic Arts to once again document Spinal Tap to...
The feature is shooting in New Orleans, with Rob Reiner directing and Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer all reprising their iconic roles as the legendary heavy metal band. Reiner will also return as the documentarian Martin “Marty” Dibergi.
The production has also confirmed its cameos, with Questlove and Trisha Yearwood joining the already announced lineup of Elton John, Paul McCartney and Garth Brooks. Reiner first revealed that John, McCartney and Brooks would be appearing during a November podcast interview.
“I recently spoke to Marty Dibergi who said that he was more than happy to take a sabbatical from his position as a visiting Professor’s Assistant at the Ed Wood School of Cinematic Arts to once again document Spinal Tap to...
- 3/11/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Questlove and Trisha Yearwood are turning it up to 11.
The musicians have signed on to play themselves in cameo roles in Rob Reiner’s sequel to his 1984 cult classic This is Spinal Tap, which Reiner has begun shooting in New Orleans.
Reiner is reprising his onscreen role as documentarian Martin “Marty” Dibergi in Spinal Tap 2, with the film’s original cast of Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer also returning to play frontman David St. Hubbins, guitarist Nigel Tufnel and bassist Derek Smalls. As any Spinal Tap fan knows, finding a percussionist will be an issue, as the band tends to lose their drummers to freak gardening accidents and other mishaps.
Paul McCartney, Elton John and Garth Brooks have also signed on for cameo appearances in the new film. The plot of Spinal Tap 2 has the iconic English hair metal rockers reuniting for one final concert.
“I recently spoke to Marty Dibergi,...
The musicians have signed on to play themselves in cameo roles in Rob Reiner’s sequel to his 1984 cult classic This is Spinal Tap, which Reiner has begun shooting in New Orleans.
Reiner is reprising his onscreen role as documentarian Martin “Marty” Dibergi in Spinal Tap 2, with the film’s original cast of Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer also returning to play frontman David St. Hubbins, guitarist Nigel Tufnel and bassist Derek Smalls. As any Spinal Tap fan knows, finding a percussionist will be an issue, as the band tends to lose their drummers to freak gardening accidents and other mishaps.
Paul McCartney, Elton John and Garth Brooks have also signed on for cameo appearances in the new film. The plot of Spinal Tap 2 has the iconic English hair metal rockers reuniting for one final concert.
“I recently spoke to Marty Dibergi,...
- 3/11/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong first established their "wastoid" characters while working together in a Canadian improv troupe in the late 1960s. They first found success performing as "Cheech & Chong" as the opener for a touring bad. The story goes that Cheech & Chong were so funny, the band never came on stage. They began releasing their best bits on comedy albums starting with 1971's "Cheech and Chong," a must-have for comedy record collectors. Their bits were played by hip DJs, and they appeared regularly on "The Dr. Demento Show."
Their success was helped by a growing drug culture in the early 1970s. Cheech & Chong were stoners through and through, and their jokes hit harder for those who were under the influence. Those who are inexperienced with marijuana may not find Cheech & Chong terribly funny. The stoner shtick has continued to the present day, and now Marin and Chong have...
Their success was helped by a growing drug culture in the early 1970s. Cheech & Chong were stoners through and through, and their jokes hit harder for those who were under the influence. Those who are inexperienced with marijuana may not find Cheech & Chong terribly funny. The stoner shtick has continued to the present day, and now Marin and Chong have...
- 3/11/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
There wasn't a more popular or influential (or controversial) sitcom in the 1970s than "All in the Family." Created by Norman Lear, the series was a stingingly hilarious satire of American attitudes as the country adjusted to the post-Civil Rights Movement era and coped with the increasingly unpopular Vietnam War.
The genius of "All in the Family" was Lear's ability to make every single one of his main characters behave ridiculously without becoming full-on caricatures. Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor) was an unrepentant bigot, his wife Edith (Jean Stapleton) was a well-meaning ditz, his daughter Gloria (Sally Struthers) was a work-in-progress idealist who went from dopey to fairly sharp as the series progressed, and his son-in-law Michael "Meathead" Stivic represented everything Archie hated about liberals in one preachy package. We all saw a bit of ourselves and the people we have no choice but to call family in the Bunkers, and...
The genius of "All in the Family" was Lear's ability to make every single one of his main characters behave ridiculously without becoming full-on caricatures. Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor) was an unrepentant bigot, his wife Edith (Jean Stapleton) was a well-meaning ditz, his daughter Gloria (Sally Struthers) was a work-in-progress idealist who went from dopey to fairly sharp as the series progressed, and his son-in-law Michael "Meathead" Stivic represented everything Archie hated about liberals in one preachy package. We all saw a bit of ourselves and the people we have no choice but to call family in the Bunkers, and...
- 3/9/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Rob Reiner is the multi-hyphenate who has excelled both in front of and behind the camera for over 50 years, starting as an actor before moving into directing. Let’s take a look back at 12 of his greatest films as a director, ranked worst to best.
Reiner was born into the business as the son of performer Estelle Reiner and comedian Carl Reiner, creator of “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” He shot to fame on television with his role as Mike “Meathead” Stivic, the liberal son-in-law to buffoonish bigot Archie Bunker (Carroll O’Connor) on “All in the Family.” The series brought him two Emmys as Best Comedy Supporting Actor (1974 and 1978). His victory, in fact, made the show the first to ever win acting prizes for all four of its leads, with O’Connor and Jean Stapleton prevailing in lead and Sally Struthers in supporting.
He transitioned into filmmaking with the rock...
Reiner was born into the business as the son of performer Estelle Reiner and comedian Carl Reiner, creator of “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” He shot to fame on television with his role as Mike “Meathead” Stivic, the liberal son-in-law to buffoonish bigot Archie Bunker (Carroll O’Connor) on “All in the Family.” The series brought him two Emmys as Best Comedy Supporting Actor (1974 and 1978). His victory, in fact, made the show the first to ever win acting prizes for all four of its leads, with O’Connor and Jean Stapleton prevailing in lead and Sally Struthers in supporting.
He transitioned into filmmaking with the rock...
- 3/1/2024
- by Zach Laws and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
He directed When Harry Met Sally, Misery, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, A Few Good Men, and now he’s back with a powerful political documentary. Not to mention the Spinal Tap sequel ...
Where to even start preparing for a Rob Reiner interview? You could rewatch his classic films, of course, namely that phenomenal eight-year streak that started with This Is Spinal Tap in 1984 and blazed through The Sure Thing, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery and A Few Good Men. But even that is barely scratching the surface of a career that first got going in the late 1960s. What about his years as a household name in 70s sitcoms, or his famous comic actor father, Carl, or his unique childhood, in which Mel Brooks and other entertainment luminaries would be frequent guests in the house? And what about the political activism that...
Where to even start preparing for a Rob Reiner interview? You could rewatch his classic films, of course, namely that phenomenal eight-year streak that started with This Is Spinal Tap in 1984 and blazed through The Sure Thing, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery and A Few Good Men. But even that is barely scratching the surface of a career that first got going in the late 1960s. What about his years as a household name in 70s sitcoms, or his famous comic actor father, Carl, or his unique childhood, in which Mel Brooks and other entertainment luminaries would be frequent guests in the house? And what about the political activism that...
- 2/29/2024
- by Tim Jonze
- The Guardian - Film News
Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny released from Shout! Factory on February 13th, 2024.
Jack Black is among my favorite comedic leading men. The first film I ever reviewed was School of Rock for my high school newspaper. His physical delivery is unmatched, and he’s able to make nearly every character, no matter how absurd, feel relatable and approachable. Despite my adoration for the man, Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny had evaded me for eighteen long years. Now, thanks to the fine folks at Shout! Factory, that’s all changed.
Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny Critique Jack Black in ‘Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny’ Also Read: Shout! Factory: Shaw Brothers Classics Vol. 4 Review
I was twenty-years-old when Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny released to theaters. That’s seemingly the perfect age for an R-rated comedy comprised of utter silliness and rock-and-roll.
Jack Black is among my favorite comedic leading men. The first film I ever reviewed was School of Rock for my high school newspaper. His physical delivery is unmatched, and he’s able to make nearly every character, no matter how absurd, feel relatable and approachable. Despite my adoration for the man, Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny had evaded me for eighteen long years. Now, thanks to the fine folks at Shout! Factory, that’s all changed.
Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny Critique Jack Black in ‘Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny’ Also Read: Shout! Factory: Shaw Brothers Classics Vol. 4 Review
I was twenty-years-old when Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny released to theaters. That’s seemingly the perfect age for an R-rated comedy comprised of utter silliness and rock-and-roll.
- 2/26/2024
- by Joshua Ryan
- FandomWire
"Star Trek: Voyager" debuted on January 16, 1995, and was the first series on a brand-new Paramount-owned network, the Upn. Like the network, "Voyager" struggled quite a bit, famously floundering in the ratings and unable to secure the kind of cultural cache held by "Star Trek: The Next Generation," a series that had gone off the air in 1994. The premise was promising enough: a brand-new, super-advanced Starfleet vessel, the U.S.S. Voyager, was whisked clear across the galaxy by an ultra-powerful alien being searching for a mate. When the alien died, the Voyager was stranded in the Delta Quadrant, some 75 years away from Earth. Captain Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) would guide her crew back home, using limited resources and unable to call Earth for backup.
Initially, the reaction was merely warm, with Trekkies focusing more attention on the contemporaneous episodes of "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine." In early seasons, the "Voyager" showrunners...
Initially, the reaction was merely warm, with Trekkies focusing more attention on the contemporaneous episodes of "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine." In early seasons, the "Voyager" showrunners...
- 2/13/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
As Spinal Tap’s David St Hubbins famously noted, there is a fine line between stupid and clever. Likewise, one might say, there is a fine line between hero and villain. Diana Nyad – author, radio host, squash player and, most famously, long distance swimmer – encompasses aspects of each of these things in Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi’s take on the most remarkable swim of her life. The film does not concern itself with the way that aspects of that swim have been called into question, nor with Nyad’s established tendency to exaggerate, but focuses instead on her experience of forcing her way through life whilst demanding much more from it than others do, and on others’ experience of the attraction and sometime unpleasantness of being close to such a person.
The closest person of all to her is Bonnie Stoll, her lifelong best friend and latterly her coach.
The closest person of all to her is Bonnie Stoll, her lifelong best friend and latterly her coach.
- 2/11/2024
- by Jennie Kermode
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Aki Kaurismäki's Fallen Leaves is screening exclusively on Mubi in many countries.Fallen Leaves.There’s a moment early in Aki Kaurismäki’s latest film, Fallen Leaves (2023), that will surely tug at the heartstrings of shy lovers everywhere. A man, Holappa (played by Jussi Vatanen), and a woman, Ansa (Alma Pöysti), sit across from each other in a bar. Between them, his friend tries vainly to flirt with hers, getting nowhere, but Holappa and Ansa themselves do not speak, and instead merely stare meekly into their drinks, the gap of a few meters opening up like a yawning chasm. Then, for just a moment, Holappa looks up from his beer and their eyes meet. And as they do, the first cascading piano chords of Franz Schubert’s “Serenade” are heard and a besuited man takes the karaoke stage to start singing: “Softly my songs plead / through the night for...
- 2/4/2024
- MUBI
Here’s a fun fact: Thanks to his lineage, writer/director/actor Christopher Guest has an inherited royal title — the 5th Baron Haden-Guest — and for three years was an active member of the British House of Lords. In his spare time, however, Baron Haden-Guest makes delightfully silly movies that make audiences around the globe very happy.
Guest largely worked as an actor in the 1970s, with stage and TV appearances mixed with occasional side gigs with the satirists The National Lampoon. His breakthrough role came in 1984 as lead guitarist Nigel Tufnel in Rob Reiner‘s classic comedy “This Is Spinal Tap,” whose improvisational style proved to be an enormous influence when Guest began directing films five years later. That technique came to full fruition in his second directorial effort, 1996’s “Waiting For Guffman,” where he gathered together a group of great comic actors who formed a loose repertory company that...
Guest largely worked as an actor in the 1970s, with stage and TV appearances mixed with occasional side gigs with the satirists The National Lampoon. His breakthrough role came in 1984 as lead guitarist Nigel Tufnel in Rob Reiner‘s classic comedy “This Is Spinal Tap,” whose improvisational style proved to be an enormous influence when Guest began directing films five years later. That technique came to full fruition in his second directorial effort, 1996’s “Waiting For Guffman,” where he gathered together a group of great comic actors who formed a loose repertory company that...
- 2/4/2024
- by Tom O'Brien, Chris Beachum and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
Logistically, Rob Reiner's filmed adaptation of Stephen King's "Misery" sounds like a breeze of a production. Set mostly in one location with two actors, it could've easily been shot as a glorified stage play — and King's narrative is viciously compelling enough that it would've worked just fine via proscenium framing.
But Reiner, riding one of cinema's most impressive hit streaks, wanted to plunge audiences into Victorian romance author Paul Sheldon's life-or-death struggle with Annie Wilkes, his number one fan. So he hired cinematographer Barry Sonnenfeld, renowned for his visually dynamic collaborations with Joel and Ethan Coen, to drive home the literally immobilizing terror of a bed-ridden writer tortured into bringing a character he detests back to life.
Paul is in bad shape when Annie rescues him from a blizzard-caused car crash, and, initially, it seems like the worst he'll endure is flattery from a fan he secretly despises.
But Reiner, riding one of cinema's most impressive hit streaks, wanted to plunge audiences into Victorian romance author Paul Sheldon's life-or-death struggle with Annie Wilkes, his number one fan. So he hired cinematographer Barry Sonnenfeld, renowned for his visually dynamic collaborations with Joel and Ethan Coen, to drive home the literally immobilizing terror of a bed-ridden writer tortured into bringing a character he detests back to life.
Paul is in bad shape when Annie rescues him from a blizzard-caused car crash, and, initially, it seems like the worst he'll endure is flattery from a fan he secretly despises.
- 1/27/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Dig!, a documentary about two bands – The Brian Jonestown Massacre and The Dandy Warhols – is a musical trainwreck, equal parts romantic comedy and horror film that follows the highs and lows of being a musician, in the studio, on the road and in their own heads.
The film, which launched at Sundance in 2004 and is returning to the festival this year with an extended cut, is a favorite among the musical class. I’ve sat in countless tour vans and crappy motels where it’s watched, quoted and dissected by kids with a dream and a drumkit.
Dave Grohl, the legendary Nirvana drummer and Foo Fighters frontman, told me that it’s a “f*cking masterpiece” and that it’s also his favorite horror film.
“Watching a documentary like Dig!, seeing these two bands fall in love with each other, which happens often. You find your brother band, your sister band,...
The film, which launched at Sundance in 2004 and is returning to the festival this year with an extended cut, is a favorite among the musical class. I’ve sat in countless tour vans and crappy motels where it’s watched, quoted and dissected by kids with a dream and a drumkit.
Dave Grohl, the legendary Nirvana drummer and Foo Fighters frontman, told me that it’s a “f*cking masterpiece” and that it’s also his favorite horror film.
“Watching a documentary like Dig!, seeing these two bands fall in love with each other, which happens often. You find your brother band, your sister band,...
- 1/18/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
J.J. Abrams touts Warren Beatty’s Bonnie and Clyde and Shampoo for must-see viewing as part of the January 2024 Turner Classic Movies lineup in his own TCM Picks video that dropped on Tuesday.
“They could not be more different,” Abrams says of Arthur Penn’s 1967 crime spree drama Bonnie and Clyde, which also starred Faye Dunaway, and Hal Ashby’s Oscar-winning dramedy Shampoo. Bonnie and Clyde “portrayed violence in a way that had not typically been seen in American cinema and really ushered in a new age of bold graphic storytelling in a way that you really hadn’t seen before,” Abrams says in the video.
Having made a name for himself in Hollywood with television and popular series like Felicity, Alias and Lost, you can see the grounds for Abrams’ eventual success making action tentpole movies, given his love for classic Hollywood pics.
Shampoo becomes a time capsule movie for Abrams,...
“They could not be more different,” Abrams says of Arthur Penn’s 1967 crime spree drama Bonnie and Clyde, which also starred Faye Dunaway, and Hal Ashby’s Oscar-winning dramedy Shampoo. Bonnie and Clyde “portrayed violence in a way that had not typically been seen in American cinema and really ushered in a new age of bold graphic storytelling in a way that you really hadn’t seen before,” Abrams says in the video.
Having made a name for himself in Hollywood with television and popular series like Felicity, Alias and Lost, you can see the grounds for Abrams’ eventual success making action tentpole movies, given his love for classic Hollywood pics.
Shampoo becomes a time capsule movie for Abrams,...
- 1/2/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
On "Futurama," the character of Amy Wong (Lauren Tom) works at Planet Express as an intern and as a student of Professor Farnsworth (Billy West). She's a fashion-obsessed rich girl, the daughter of ultra-wealthy parents, who sometimes resents her wealth, but wholly embraces access to it. She's also staggeringly intelligent and often helps the Professor with his wild inventions and bizarre quests. In the 2008 "Futurama" movie "The Beast With a Billion Backs," Amy married her longtime paramour Kif (Maurice Lamarche), an invertebrate salamander-like alien. In the most recent season of "Futurama," Amy and Kif are raising three children.
Lauren Tom plays Amy incredibly well, communicating her intelligence and her ditziness in equal measures. Her wealth sometimes disconnects her, and she's sometimes gullible, but she's still incredibly affable. Sample dialogue: "Fool me seven times, shame on you. Fool me eight or more times, shame on me." The ensemble would not be complete without her,...
Lauren Tom plays Amy incredibly well, communicating her intelligence and her ditziness in equal measures. Her wealth sometimes disconnects her, and she's sometimes gullible, but she's still incredibly affable. Sample dialogue: "Fool me seven times, shame on you. Fool me eight or more times, shame on me." The ensemble would not be complete without her,...
- 12/18/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
I was about 8 years old when I first met Norman Lear.
My dad, Carl Reiner, was working on Sid Caesar’s Show of Shows and Norman was writing for Colgate Comedy Hour, so they were both in New York. In those days, it was a small world of people who trafficked in sketch comedy. Mel Brooks, Larry Gelbart, Dom DeLuise — all these guys and their families would hang out together. My family and Norman’s family used to have summer houses near each other on Fire Island, and Norman had a daughter, Ellen, who was around my age, so we used to play together.
One day Ellen and I were playing jacks — I was teaching her how, explaining the rules, showing her what to do. Norman came over to watch and he started to laugh. Apparently, I was teaching her in a funny way, which he found hysterical. And he...
My dad, Carl Reiner, was working on Sid Caesar’s Show of Shows and Norman was writing for Colgate Comedy Hour, so they were both in New York. In those days, it was a small world of people who trafficked in sketch comedy. Mel Brooks, Larry Gelbart, Dom DeLuise — all these guys and their families would hang out together. My family and Norman’s family used to have summer houses near each other on Fire Island, and Norman had a daughter, Ellen, who was around my age, so we used to play together.
One day Ellen and I were playing jacks — I was teaching her how, explaining the rules, showing her what to do. Norman came over to watch and he started to laugh. Apparently, I was teaching her in a funny way, which he found hysterical. And he...
- 12/11/2023
- by Rob Reiner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The great Norman Lear died on Dec. 5 at the age of 101. Over his eight-decade career in showbiz, the television wizard developed more than 100 shows, many of which presented a more idealistic vision for America: All in the Family, Sanford and Son, Maude, Good Times, The Jeffersons, One Day at a Time, Diff’rent Strokes. Lear’s shows tackled hot-button issues — including racism, sexuality, misogyny, and abortion with brutal honesty — thrusting important conversations into the cultural zeitgeist, while remaining entertaining and funny.
There will never be another Norman Lear, and on the day of his death,...
There will never be another Norman Lear, and on the day of his death,...
- 12/6/2023
- by Marlow Stern
- Rollingstone.com
Rob Reiner, Billy Crystal, Jimmy Kimmel, Tyler Perry, George Clooney, Jon Stewart, Bob Iger and Quinta Brunson are among those remembering sitcom great and TV legend Norman Lear, who died Tuesday at the age of 101.
The six-time Emmy-winning writer-producer behind such classic TV shows as All in the Family, Maude, Good Times, The Jeffersons, Sanford & Son and One Day at a Time died at his home in Los Angeles surrounded by family.
Crystal paid tribute to his friend of almost 50 years, sharing a photo of the two of them together and brief remembrance of Lear on X (formerly known as Twitter).
“We have lost a giant … a man of great humor and dignity,” Crystal wrote. “What an amazing life that has given so much to us all. He used laughter as a way to look at ourselves. A blessing to have been his friend for almost 50 yrs.”
Reiner, who...
The six-time Emmy-winning writer-producer behind such classic TV shows as All in the Family, Maude, Good Times, The Jeffersons, Sanford & Son and One Day at a Time died at his home in Los Angeles surrounded by family.
Crystal paid tribute to his friend of almost 50 years, sharing a photo of the two of them together and brief remembrance of Lear on X (formerly known as Twitter).
“We have lost a giant … a man of great humor and dignity,” Crystal wrote. “What an amazing life that has given so much to us all. He used laughter as a way to look at ourselves. A blessing to have been his friend for almost 50 yrs.”
Reiner, who...
- 12/6/2023
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Norman Lear, the writer, producer and citizen activist who coalesced topical conflict and outrageous comedy in such wildly popular sitcoms as All in the Family, Maude, Good Times, Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman and The Jeffersons, has died. He was 101.
Lear died Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles surrounded by his family who, according to a statement on his official Instagram account, sang songs until the very end.
“Norman lived a life in awe of the world around him. He marveled at his cup of coffee every morning, the shape of the tree outside his window, and the sounds of beautiful music,” read the post. “But it was people — those he just met and those he knew for decades — who kept his mind and heart forever young. As we celebrate his legacy and reflect on the next chapter of life without him, we would like to thank everyone for all the love and support.
Lear died Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles surrounded by his family who, according to a statement on his official Instagram account, sang songs until the very end.
“Norman lived a life in awe of the world around him. He marveled at his cup of coffee every morning, the shape of the tree outside his window, and the sounds of beautiful music,” read the post. “But it was people — those he just met and those he knew for decades — who kept his mind and heart forever young. As we celebrate his legacy and reflect on the next chapter of life without him, we would like to thank everyone for all the love and support.
- 12/6/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Robert De Niro took the stage at the Kennedy Center on Sunday and, looking out at the balcony box where honoree Billy Crystal was sitting, told him of his career, “I had no idea you had done so much. And you’ve done it all in such a relatively short amount of time. You’re only 75. That means you’re just about six years away from being the perfect age to be elected president.”
The joke got some of the biggest audience cheers of the night — and a laugh from President Joe Biden, 81, embarking on a re-election campaign where his chronological advantage is, based on polls, top of mind to voters and the source of some doubts.
It was also one of a few references to age throughout Sunday evening’s Kennedy Center Honors which, in addition to Crystal, honored opera singer Renée Fleming, hip hop star and actress Queen Latifah,...
The joke got some of the biggest audience cheers of the night — and a laugh from President Joe Biden, 81, embarking on a re-election campaign where his chronological advantage is, based on polls, top of mind to voters and the source of some doubts.
It was also one of a few references to age throughout Sunday evening’s Kennedy Center Honors which, in addition to Crystal, honored opera singer Renée Fleming, hip hop star and actress Queen Latifah,...
- 12/4/2023
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
“Jury Duty” is a reality show. Or is it a sitcom? A documentary? An elaborate prank?
How about all of the above?
One of 2023’s defining breakouts, the Amazon Freevee series is the crown jewel of an ascendant hybrid genre sometimes referred to as docu-comedy. Even the people who made the show aren’t sure how to classify it. Director Jake Syzmanski and co-creator Lee Eisenberg say they’ve never heard that term. Eisenberg suggested hidden-camera comedy, but that’s not really accurate either, as everyone involved knew they were being filmed. Robyn Adams, a producer, used “outlined improv.” Whatever nomenclature best applies, this increasingly common format has enjoyed a banner year, with “Jury Duty,” Peacock’s “Paul T. Goldman,” BBC and Netflix’s “Cunk on Earth,” and HBO’s “How To with John Wilson” picking up where the likes of Sacha Baron Cohen and Nathan Fielder left off.
“There was a big worry about,...
How about all of the above?
One of 2023’s defining breakouts, the Amazon Freevee series is the crown jewel of an ascendant hybrid genre sometimes referred to as docu-comedy. Even the people who made the show aren’t sure how to classify it. Director Jake Syzmanski and co-creator Lee Eisenberg say they’ve never heard that term. Eisenberg suggested hidden-camera comedy, but that’s not really accurate either, as everyone involved knew they were being filmed. Robyn Adams, a producer, used “outlined improv.” Whatever nomenclature best applies, this increasingly common format has enjoyed a banner year, with “Jury Duty,” Peacock’s “Paul T. Goldman,” BBC and Netflix’s “Cunk on Earth,” and HBO’s “How To with John Wilson” picking up where the likes of Sacha Baron Cohen and Nathan Fielder left off.
“There was a big worry about,...
- 12/2/2023
- by Matthew Jacobs
- Indiewire
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