Showing posts with label HighlightReel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HighlightReel. Show all posts

Saturday, February 22, 2025

September 5 -Review: A Riveting Procedural in the Eye of the Storm


Lucky 13 Review

September 5

A Riveting Procedural in the Eye of the Storm
★★★½☆

A brisk, high-pressure newsroom drama that captures the collision of sports and tragedy.

Directed by Tim Fehlbaum • 2024

Release Date
November 27, 2024
Rotten Tomatoes
92%
Letterboxd Score
3.7/5
Running Time
1h 31m

Official Synopsis

During the 1972 Munich Olympics, an American sports broadcasting crew finds themselves abruptly thrust from reporting on athletic events into live, high-stakes crisis journalism. When a Palestinian terrorist group infiltrates the Olympic village and takes members of the Israeli athletic team hostage, an ambitious young producer named Geoff and his team at ABC Sports must navigate the volatile, uncharted ethics of live television. Tim Fehlbaum delivers a highly claustrophobic, real-time historical thriller tracking the exact moment media transparency clashed with global tragedy.

Expanded Ensemble

  • Peter Sarsgaard as Roone Arledge
  • John Magaro as Geoff Mason
  • Ben Chaplin as Marvin Bader
  • Leonie Benesch as Marianne Gebhardt
  • Zinedine Soualem as Jacques Lesgards
  • Georgina Rich as Gladys Goodding

Expanded Architects

  • Director: Tim Fehlbaum
  • Screenplay: Moritz Binder, Tim Fehlbaum
  • Producers: Philipp Trauer, Thomas Wöbke, Sean Penn
  • Cinematography: Markus Förderer
  • Film Editor: Hansjörg Weißbrich
  • Music Composer: Volker Bertelmann

Official Promotional Trailer

Production Info & Specifications

Financial Budget$15 Million (Estimated)
Global Box Office$14.8 Million
Capture FormatDigital (ARRI ALEXA 35 / 16mm Broadcasting Emulation) • 1.85:1 Layout
Primary LocationsBavaria Studios, Munich, Germany
Production LabelParamount Pictures • Republic Pictures • Berghaus Wöbke Film

Friday, December 20, 2024

Anora - Review: A Kinetic, Star-Making Triumph for Sean Baker



Anora

A Kinetic, Star-Making Triumph for Sean Baker

★★★★

A visceral runaway train of spontaneity, heart, and legitimate danger.

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Sing Sing - Review: The Transformative Power of Hope in the Darkest Places


Sing Sing

The Transformative Power of Hope in the Darkest Places

★★★½☆

A soul-affirming celebration of art that negates cynicism through its sheer authenticity.

Release
July 12, 2024
RT Score
98%
Letterboxd
4.3 / 5
Runtime
105 Minutes

Official Synopsis

A small group of incarcerated men find purpose in rehabilitation through the arts. Inside Sing Sing Correctional Facility, they attempt to stage their own original theatrical production. Bound by creative expression, they discover healing, brotherhood, and a profound reclamation of their basic human dignity.

Expanded Ensemble

Colman Domingo as John "Divine G" Whitfield
Clarence Maclin as Clarence "Divine Eye" Maclin
Paul Raci as Brent Buell
Sean San José as Mike Mike
Jon-Adrian Velazquez as Blaze
Dino Johnson as Dino
David J. Giraud as David
Patrick Griffin as Preacher
Miel目标 Cinron as Miel
Sean "Dino" Johnson as Dino

Expanded Architects

DirectorGreg Kwedar
Screenplay ByClint Bentley, Greg Kwedar
Story ByClint Bentley, Greg Kwedar, Clarence Maclin, John Whitfield
Based on the Article byJohn H. Richardson (The Sing Sing Follies)
CinematographerPat Scola
Film EditorParker Laramie
Music ComposerBryce Dessner
ProducersMonique Walton, Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar

Production Vault

Motion Picture Rating R (Language Throughout)
Film Print Capture Super 16mm Analog Format
Aspect Ratio 1.66:1 (Widescreen Slate Layout)
Production Budget Under $2 Million (Independent)
Locations Downstate Correctional Facility (Beacon, NY), Hudson River Valley (NY)
Behind The Lens Spotlight Cinematographer Pat Scola opted to capture the entire film on a Super 16mm film stock array using Arriflex 416 camera systems. This creative choice built an organic, tactile grain structure that mimics natural documentary capture, highlighting facial features and small environmental textures without institutional distance.

Production Info

The movie venture initiated primary development models through intense community fieldwork by Kwedar and Bentley across multiple years. Principal tracking protocols operated across a rapid nineteen day schedule in July 2022 inside a decommissioned corporate correctional facility location. Produced via Black Bear Pictures and Marfa Originals, the title secured international distribution through A24 following a global festival debut window.

Official Trailer

Tuesday, December 03, 2024

Megalopolis -Review: An Audacious, Unwieldy Middle Finger to Convention


Megalopolis

An Audacious, Unwieldy Middle Finger to Convention

★★★☆☆

A bold artistic reach that unabashedly exceeds its master director's grasp.

Release
September 27, 2024
RT Score
46%
Letterboxd
2.5 / 5
Runtime
138 Minutes

Official Synopsis

Megalopolis is a Roman Epic fable set in an imagined Modern America. The City of New Rome must change, causing a conflict between Cesar Catilina, a genius artist who seeks to leap into a utopian, idealistic future, and his opposition, Mayor Franklyn Cicero, who remains committed to a regressive status quo, perpetuating greed, special interests, and partisan warfare.

Expanded Ensemble

Adam Driver as Cesar Catilina
Giancarlo Esposito as Mayor Franklyn Cicero
Nathalie Emmanuel as Julia Cicero
Aubrey Plaza as Wow Platinum
Shia LaBeouf as Clodio Pulcher
Jon Voight as Hamilton Crassus III
Laurence Fishburne as Fundi Romaine
Talia Shire as Constance Crassus Catilina
Jason Schwartzman as Jason Zanderz
Kathryn Hunter as Teresa Cicero
Dustin Hoffman as Nush "The Fixer" Berman
Grace VanderWaal as Vesta Sweetwater

Expanded Architects

DirectorFrancis Ford Coppola
WriterFrancis Ford Coppola
CinematographerMihai Mălaimare Jr.
Film EditorsCam McLauchlin, Glen Scantlebury
Music ComposersOsvaldo Golijov, Grace VanderWaal
ProducersFrancis Ford Coppola, Fred Roos, Barry Hirsch, Michael Bederman

Production Vault

Motion Picture Rating R (Sexual Content, Nudity, Drug Use, Language, Violence)
Aspect Ratio 2.00:1 (IMAX Variable Presentations)
Production Budget $120 Million (Self-Funded)
Locations Trilith Studios (Fayetteville, Georgia, USA), New York City (USA)
Behind The Lens Spotlight Francis Ford Coppola relied on advanced LED volume stage technology at Trilith Studios to compile the dense backdrop imagery of New Rome. Cinematographer Mihai Mălaimare Jr. utilized customized Arri Alexa 65 large format sensor arrays paired with vintage Panavision lenses to anchor the dreamlike, golden hued visual spectrum.

Production Info

Coppola conceptualized the project in the early 1980s, repeatedly delaying development for decades. In 2021, the director liquidated portions of his personal wine industry portfolio to independently secure the entire one hundred and twenty million dollar production framework. Principal photography commenced in November 2022 under the American Zoetrope banner, culminating in a historic global premiere window at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Lionsgate managed domestic theatrical release efforts.

Official Trailer

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Gladiator II - Review: A Worthwhile Spectacle of Sharks, Rhinos, and Revenge



Gladiator II

A Worthwhile Spectacle of Sharks, Rhinos, and Revenge

★★★☆☆

An action-packed follow-up that prioritizes "audacious spectacle" over the dramatic heights of the original.

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Saturday Night - Review: A Chaotic and Insulting Gloss over Comedy History

Saturday Night (2024)

A Chaotic and Insulting Gloss over Comedy History

★★½☆☆

An ambitious but hollow account that prioritizes frenzy over the brutal reality of art.

Monday, November 11, 2024

My Old Ass - Review: A Painfully Charming Memory of Youth




My Old Ass

A Painfully Charming Memory of Youth

★★★★☆

A surprisingly touching and effective story about cherishing life and living in the moment.

Release
September 13, 2024
RT Score
91%
Letterboxd
3.8 / 5
Runtime
89 Minutes

Official Synopsis

An 18th birthday mushroom trip brings free spirited Elliott face to face with her 39 year old self. But when Elliott's "old ass" starts dishing out warnings about what her younger self should and shouldn't do, Elliott realizes she has to rethink everything about family, love, and what's becoming a transformative summer.

Expanded Ensemble

Maisy Stella as Elliott
Aubrey Plaza as Older Elliott
Percy Hynes White as Chad
Maddie Ziegler as Ruthie
Kerrice Brooks as Ro
Maria Dizzia as Kathy
Alain Goulem as Tom
Seth Isaac Johnson as Max
Carter Trozzolo as Spencer
Alexandria Rivera as Chelsea

Expanded Architects

DirectorMegan Park
WriterMegan Park
CinematographerKristen Correll
Film EditorJennifer Vecchiarello
Music ComposersTyler Hilton, Jaco Caraco
ProducersTom Ackerley, Margot Robbie, Josey McNamara, Steven Rales

Production Vault

Motion Picture Rating R (Language, Sexual References, Drug Use)
Aspect Ratio 1.85:1 (Flat Presentation Frame)
Worldwide Box Office $5.7 Million
Locations Muskoka Lakes (Ontario, Canada)
Behind The Lens Spotlight Director Megan Park aimed to preserve a sun drenched, tactile feeling of late summer fleeting warmth. Cinematographer Kristen Correll operated cameras primarily using natural environmental illumination, staging intimate dialogue frames over real Canadian lake waters to evoke the distinct visual memory patterns of youth transitioning out of a childhood home.

Production Info

The coming of age comedy venture secured core backing from Indian Paintbrush and Margot Robbie's LuckyChap Entertainment banner. Moving swiftly from casting announcements into active camera logistics, production crews filmed sequences on location in Ontario during the summer months of 2023. Following a widely celebrated premier window at the Sundance Film Festival, Amazon MGM Studios acquired the domestic rights pipeline, organizing a fall theatrical release slot.

Official Trailer

Saturday, November 02, 2024

Conclave -Review: A Riveting Intersection of the Divine and the Desperate

Conclave (2024)

A Riveting Intersection of the Divine and the Desperate

★★★★☆

An intriguing, unnerving ride that stands as one of the year’s most polished dramas.

Monday, September 09, 2024

Rebel Ridge - Review: A Meticulous, High-Stakes Battle Against Systemic Injustice


Rebel Ridge (2024)

A Meticulous, High-Stakes Battle Against Systemic Injustice

★★★½☆

A refreshing action-thriller where legal detail and tactical realism fuel the suspense.

Saturday, August 24, 2024

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga - Review: A Breathtaking Epic of Revenge and Wasteland Lore

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)


A Breathtaking Epic of Revenge and Wasteland Lore

★★★★☆

An amazing cinematic achievement that expands the Mad Max mythos with visionary scale.

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Horizon: An American Saga - Review: An Ambitious, Unfinished Tapestry of the Untamed West

Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 (2024)


An Ambitious, Unfinished Tapestry of the Untamed West

★★★☆☆

An impressive and brutal epic that suffers from its own massive scale and incomplete narrative.

Friday, May 31, 2024

The Fall Guy - Review: A Handsome and Affable Tribute to the Stunt Community

Lucky 13 Review

The Fall Guy

Directed by David Leitch • 2024

A Handsome and Affable Tribute to the Stunt Community

★★★☆☆

Harmless summer action fun that coasts on the immense charm of its A-list leads.

Release Date
May 3, 2024
Rotten Tomatoes
81%
Letterboxd Score
3.5/5
Running Time
2h 06m

Official Synopsis

Colt Seavers is a battle-scarred stuntman who left the business to focus on his physical and mental health. He is drafted back into service when Tom Ryder, the mega-star of a massive studio film directed by Colt's ex-girlfriend Jody Moreno, suddenly vanishes. As the ruthless movie producer attempts to keep the disappearance a secret from the studio, Colt executes increasingly dangerous practical stunts while unraveling a dark, criminal conspiracy. David Leitch delivers a high-octane love letter to action cinema and the unsung heroes of the stunt community.

Expanded Ensemble

  • Ryan Gosling as Colt Seavers
  • Emily Blunt as Jody Moreno
  • Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Tom Ryder
  • Hannah Waddingham as Gail Meyer
  • Stephanie Hsu as Alma Milan
  • Winston Duke as Dan Tucker

Expanded Architects

  • Director: David Leitch
  • Screenplay: Drew Pearce
  • Producers: Kelly McCormick, David Leitch, Ryan Gosling, Guymon Casady
  • Cinematography: Jonathan Sela
  • Film Editor: Elísabet Ronaldsdóttir
  • Stunt Coordinator: Chris O'Hara

Official Promotional Trailer

Production Info & Specifications

Financial Budget$130 Million
Global Box Office$181.1 Million
Capture FormatDigital (ARRI ALEXA 35) • 2.39:1 Anamorphic Layout
Primary LocationsSydney, New South Wales, Australia
Production LabelUniversal Pictures • 87North Productions • Entertainment 360

Monday, May 13, 2024

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes - Review : A Breathtaking Spectacle and Bold New Chapter

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)

A Breathtaking Spectacle and Bold New Chapter

★★★☆☆

A worthy addition to the rebooted saga that pairs epic CGI performances with fascinating future possibilities.

Sunday, May 12, 2024

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare - Review: A high-octane Men on a Mission throwback

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024)


The Best Popcorn Action Film of the Summer

★★★½☆

 A high-octane throwback that prioritizes "good natured fun" over heavy-handed dramatics.

Sunday, April 14, 2024

Civil War - Review: A Stunning, Disturbing, and Thought-Provoking Ride

Civil War (2024)

A Stunning, Disturbing, and Thought-Provoking Ride

★★★½☆

Watched 14 Apr 2024 — A haunting exploration of the internal war waged by those documenting humanity's collapse.

Monday, March 18, 2024

The Promised Land - Review: A Classic Western Tale with a Danish Twist

The Promised Land (2023)



A Classic Western Tale with a Danish Twist

★★★★☆

 A riveting, handsomely crafted epic featuring one of the most detestable villains in recent memory.

The Zone of Interest - Review : The Boring, Mundane Reality of Evil

The Zone of Interest (2023)

The Boring, Mundane Reality of Evil

★★½☆☆

A polarizing, experimental look at the "banality of evil" that often feels as stagnant as the lives it depicts.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Dune Part Two - Review: The Tragic Rise of a Chosen One

Dune: Part Two (2024)

The Tragic Rise of a Chosen One

★★★★☆

A spectacular, thought-provoking anti-war film that trades classic heroism for dark political realism.

Thursday, March 07, 2024

Perfect Days - Review: The Mesmerizing Beauty of a Simple Life


Perfect Days (2023)

The Mesmerizing Beauty of a Simple Life

★★★★☆

 A soul-soothing slice of life that finds profound humanity in the routines we often ignore.

Saturday, February 10, 2024

Priscilla - Review : A Touching, Personal Escape from the Gilded Cage

Priscilla (2023)

A Touching, Personal Escape from the Gilded Cage

★★★★☆

A superior, grounded exploration of a life lived in the orbit of a legend.