Month: May 2025

JAWS @ 50: THE DEFINITIVE INSIDE STORY Premieres July 10 On National Geographic As Crown Jewel Of This Summer’s SHARKFEST

National Geographic’s SHARKFEST wouldn’t exist without the film that changed cinema—and our relationship with sharks—forever: “Jaws.” This summer, in tribute to the movie that sparked a lasting fascination with the ocean’s most misunderstood predator, National Geographic goes behind the scenes of the legendary blockbuster with JAWS @ 50: THE DEFINITIVE INSIDE STORY. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Laurent Bouzereau (“Faye,” “Music by John Williams”), the 90-minute documentary takes viewers on the ultimate deep dive, from Peter Benchley’s bestselling novel to the cinematic phenomenon that is “Jaws” and how the film continues to ripple through pop culture, cinema and shark conservation to this day. You may think you know the full story of “Jaws”—but not until now.

JAWS @ 50 hails from Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Documentaries and Nedland Films, in partnership with Wendy Benchley and Laura Bowling, and is this summer’s only authorized documentary on the making of “Jaws,” with the award-winning director himself diving back into the story that launched his career and earned him final cut on the film, a creative control he has maintained for the last 50 years. The documentary premieres July 10 at 9/8c on National Geographic and streams the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.

This definitive account offers an unfiltered look at the chaos and creativity behind the making of “Jaws,” featuring never-before-seen footage from Spielberg’s and Benchley’s personal archives, including home videos and rare outtakes. Through candid new reflections, Spielberg recounts the high-stakes production, from battling a malfunctioning mechanical shark and relentless weather delays to his own post-production PTSD and fears the film would end his career. The documentary also reexamines the infamous “Jaws effect”—the wave of shark fear it unleashed—and reframes it as a legacy of awe, curiosity and enduring respect for the ocean’s top predator. Complemented by brand-new interviews with cast, crew, filmmakers and shark advocates, JAWS @ 50 captures the full creative and cultural shockwaves of the first summer blockbuster.

In addition to Steven Spielberg, the documentary includes exclusive interviews from original cast and crew—including Joe Alves (production designer), Jonathan Filley (Cassidy), Lorraine Gary (Ellen Brody), Carl Gottlieb (Meadows, screenwriter), Jeffrey Kramer (Hendricks), Ian Shaw (son of Robert Shaw, who played Quint), Jeffrey Voorhees (Alex Kintner), and composer John Williams—and a who’s who of modern filmmakers and superfans—including J.J. Abrams, Emily Blunt, James Cameron, Cameron Crowe, George Lucas, Greg Nicotero, Jordan Peele, Steven Soderbergh, Guillermo del Toro, Robert Zemeckis, and more—reflect on how “Jaws” shaped their work and the cinematic landscape.

Alongside cast and crew, the film also features heartfelt insights from Peter Benchley’s wife, renowned voice for sharks and ocean policy advocate Wendy Benchley; their children, Tracy Benchley Turner and Clayton Benchley; and his brother, Nat Benchley, offering a rare glimpse into the real-life inspiration behind the bestselling novel that started it all.

But JAWS @ 50 is more than a behind-the-scenes doc; it’s a celebration of a legacy that fueled a global shark obsession and inspired generations of scientists, storytellers and ocean defenders. Through thoughtful conversations with leading marine advocates and scientists—including Philippe Cousteau, Candace Fields, Austin Gallagher, Gibbs Kuguru, Dr. John Mandelman (New England Aquarium), National Geographic Explorer and photographer Brian Skerry, Dr. Greg Skomal and others—the documentary explores how “Jaws” reshaped our relationship with the ocean and helped transform public perception of sharks, turning fear into fascination and sparking real-world conservation efforts that continue today.

For National Geographic, JAWS @ 50: THE DEFINITIVE INSIDE STORY is produced by Amblin Documentaries and Nedland Films. For Amblin Documentaries, Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey are producers. For Nedland Films, Laurent Bouzereau and Markus Keith are producers, with Bouzereau also directing. Wendy Benchley and Laura Bowling executive produce the documentary. And, for National Geographic, Tracy Rudolph Jackson and Ted Duvall executive produce.

JANE AUSTEN WRECKED MY LIFE – Review

CAMILLE RUTHERFORD as Agathe, PABLO PAULY as Felix in ‘Jane Austen Wrecked
My Life.’ Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

A French film about English author Jane Austen? No, a delightful contemporary French comedy, partly in English, about a young French would-be author who admires Jane Austen but who can’t seem to finish any of the novels she herself starts writing. However, an invitation to a writers’ retreat at the Austen family home in England raises hopes that her writer’s block situation could change, as well as the possibility of bigger changes in her quiet life.

With far more emphasis on the comedy side, writer/director Laura Piani has concocted a clever, contemporary, bi-lingual comedy romance centered on Agathe Robinson (a wonderful Camille Rutherford), a young half-French, half-English woman who works in Parisian bookstore that specializes in English literature, where her ease in both French and English a plus. Agathe loves her job at the bookstore but she is stuck in a rut, as an author and in life. The aspiring writer, who adores Jane Austen and wants to emulate her, long ago gave up on love, seeing herself as being like the lead character in “Persuasion,” a “faded flower” and “old maid.”

There is no need to love Jane Austen, or even know much about her, to enjoy this treat, although it is a bit more fun if you do. JANE AUSTEN WRECKED MY LIFE is a comedy rather than a romantic comedy, because it is actually funny, and smartly, cleverly so, unlike the typical formulaic rom com, more in the vein of great classic comedies like “THE AWFUL TRUTH and PHILADELPHIA STORY, from an era when the best comedies were romantic comedies instead of the reverse.

Agathe lives with her beloved sister Cheryl (Annabelle Lengronne) and six-year-old nephew. Her sister is supportive and encouraging, if teasingly so, to Agathe, who is still traumatized after surviving the car accident that killed their parents. Generally, Agathe has a happy, if limited life, with her sister and nephew, although she is frustrated that she can’t seem to finish any of those novels she starts.

Her best friend, and co-worker the bookstore, is Felix (Pablo Pauly), a playful kidder who frequently hangs out at Agathe’s house with her sister and nephew. Felix has no girlfriend but has a string of romances where he strings women along – “bread-crumbing” them with texts – while seems unable to commit to just one. After sneaking a peek at her latest unfinished novel, Felix secretly signs up best friend Agathe for a writer’s retreat at the family home of Jane Austen in England.

When that surprise invitation arrives, Agathe is reluctant to go but is persuaded by her sister. She begins to hope the two-week retreat will help her break her writer’s block with her latest book. Felix drives her to the boat, even though Agathe is nervous to even be in a car again after the accident, having avoided them ever since. Felix playfully teases her on the way, then impulsively kisses her before sending her off to the ferry.

Arriving on the other side, Agathe is greeted by her driver, Oliver (Charlie Anson), who turns out to be the great-great-great-great-great grandnephew of Jane Austen, and the son of the couple who run the writers’ retreat. Oliver is an unfriendly, unpleasant, brooding Darcy type who, unfortunately for Agathe, drives a sports car. He is a teacher of contemporary literature and actually doesn’t care for the novels of his famous relative. Arriving, after some car trouble, at the Austen mansion, Agathe is charmed by her hostess Beth, who speaks French as well as English too, and her quirky host Todd () who might be in the early stages of dementia, and meets the other resident authors. She is told that the retreat will end with a ball in period costume, and a reading of each author’s writing during the retreat, a daunting prospect for Agathe.

Camille Rutherford is completely charming as Agathe. The cast is marvelous in fact, but Rutherford is particularly excellent, exuding both an appealing charm and an underlying depth and sadness linked to the traumatic deaths of her parents and her frustrations in life. Her Agathe is afraid of change yet on one level, she knows she must change, in order to become the writer she hopes to be. Pablo Pauly is silly, funny, sometimes goofy as Felix, who teases Agathe relentlessly while still projecting how much he cares about her. As Oliver, Charlie Anson is prickly and difficult at first, with an air of arrogance, but he softens as we learn more about his situation with his parents and his own romantic history. The rest of the cast are all very good, and director Laura Piani has no problem putting them into comically dignity-dinging situations.

The smart script, the wonderful performances, and Piani’s smooth direction are all supported by the beautiful sets and locations, dreamy photography, and a score that skillfully mixes modern tunes and classical selections for the perfect musical accompaniment.

Smart, clever, literary and sometimes a bit bawdy, JANE AUSTEN WRECKED MY LIFE is just fun for readers of all stripes. The Jane Austen parallels are plentiful, like the author who lives with a beloved sister and has little interest in romance for herself, but subtle, as are the references to Austen novels. Those references keep us guessing as to which Austen novel this contemporary author might be in, while director Laura Piani keeps us laughing and charmed with the whole idea. While the romantic comedy genre has a dismal reputation for being dull and formulaic, JANE AUSTEN WRECKED MY LIFE’s delightful burst of fresh air and literary fun is the entertaining exception.

With 2025 being the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, films and other productions referencing Austen seems to be increasingly everywhere in recent years. Some of them are swooningly romantic or tiresome in their humorless adoration of the author, in a kind of idol worship that appeals only to the most devoted fans, ironically the opposite of Austen’s own brilliantly funny, even biting social commentary. JANE AUSTEN WRECKED MY LIFE is far different, one that discusses literary concepts and reflects on the life of writers generally, and built around a contemporary author, captures much more of the real feel of Austen’s writing. Any book lover is sure to enjoy this clever, playful comedy.

JANE AUSTEN WRECKED MY LIFE opens in theaters on Friday, May 30, 2025.

RATING: 3 out of 4 stars

BRING HER BACK – Review

Just because the Summer movie season is officially in full swing (Memorial Day was last Monday, already), it doesn’t mean that there isn’t room at the multiplex for a daring original (and often brutal) horror flick amongst the family-friendly fantasies and the action “tentpoles”. Well that was the thought three years ago when a spooky Australian chunk of “nightmare fuel’ opened (some might say that it crawled out of the “bad place”) and alerted genre fans to a new pair of suspense cinema siblings, Danny and Michael Philippou. It’s title was really a “command”, TALK TO ME. And now the brothers have another adamant ‘request” for their sophomore effort, which veers a bit away from the supernatural to explore the real horror and caranage (lots of it) that human beings inflict when they pull out “all the stops” to BRING HER BACK.

The directing duo throws moviegoers “off balance” with the film’s monochrome opening images, as though we’ve popped in an old VHS tape that we shouldn’t attempt to view (shades of THE RING). After a few unnerving minutes, we’re back in the present day as a visually impaired teenager, Piper (Sora Wong) tries to interact with her school’s “popular girls”. Thankfully, her seventeen-year-old big brother Andy (Billy Barratt) shows up to take her home before the moment gets too awkward (the girls silently mock Piper). He scolds her for not using her cane, but Piper pleads that it’s too embarrassing to use. Home should be a safe refuge for both, but tragedy awaits when they find their father lifeless on the bathroom floor, having crashed through the shower door. After Dad is taken away by the authorities, the siblings have a meeting with the brusque Wendy (Sally Anne-Upton), the child services supervisor. Andy wants to be Piper’s legal guardian, but he’s months from eighteen and will have to provide a stable home. Luckily, Wendy’s got the perfect foster parent lined up. She takes them to the off-the-beaten-path house of former social worker Laura (Sally Hawkins), who has recently lost her own sightless daughter. It’s a big sprawling place that they’ll share with another orphan, pre-teen Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips), a mute who silently wanders the yard. Laura seems to be kind and caring, but Andy soon becomes aware of her intrusive and nearly smothering behavior, leading to some tense confrontations. Yet Piper adores her, which puts Andy between a rock and a hard place. Can he get someone, perhaps Wendy, to believe his concerns over Laura’s “quirks” before his sister becomes too attached? Andy wants to leave with Piper, but what bizarre scheme is Laura planning for them?

For this follow-up flick, the Philippou brothers have scored a gifted veteran actress to anchor this twisted tale. And Laura might be the most twisted role of all, perhaps due to the powerful and completely unpredictable performance from Hawkins (hey, she starred in the Oscar-winning horror/fantasy THE SHAPE OF WATER). This “queen mother” appears to be a perfect fit for the just-orphaned duo, though some of her choices are far from the “foster parent manual”, especially has she shares a bottle of booze with her new charges. But that’s the least of her questionable “parenting” decisions. Hawkins commands our attention through the most vile and cruel acts, and keeps us “strapped in’ for the wild “ride”, if only to learn of her final destination. Barrat is the closest character to the horror “hero” as his Andy deals with his regrets over past violent acts, while trying to “sound the alarm” when nothing seems to make sense, especially in protecting his adored sister. But Wong as Piper is no mere “damsel-in-distress” as she tosses off some epic “burns” ( her “favorite activity” answer is hilarious), and pushes back on anyone, even Andy, who tries to pity her. But that fierce independent spirit may place her in greater danger. She erects a tough outer shell to contain her sadness. Also impressive is Phillips as the hovering, staring wanderer. His quiet, sullen stare reminded me of Karloff in THE OLD DARK HOUSE as we wonder if he’s a real threat or yet another potential victim of this haunted, decaying house.

The Philippous built upon the promise of their first flick, giving us a modern fear fable full of shocks and surprises, courtesy of the original story from Danny and co-writer Bill Hinzman. Some might post “trigger warnings” or other cautionary advice. I’ll just say that the scares and sights of TALK TO ME seem very tame to many of the brutal sequences that have been created to make the most jaded “gorehounds” squirm in their seats. This is some rough s…stuff concocted by an expert makeup team, enhanced by some inspired editing choices from Geoff Lamb, punctuated by effective music bursts from Cornel Wilczek. By the harrowing final act showdown, most of our questions are answered in an exhausting crescendo of chaotic carnage. It’s one well-made “thrill ride” that many may never wish to endure again, unless they bring a friend to another screening to revel in their reactions. Aside from the searing set pieces, the Philippou brothers give the entire story a feeling of menace and a sense of moral and physical “rot” while illustrating the devastating after-effects of grief (maybe the story’s true “monster”). For those cinephiles with a strong heart (and stomach), BRING HER BACK is a true nightmare-inducing “chiller thriller”. Consider yourself warned (or perhaps encouraged)…


3 Out of 4


BRING HER BACK is now playing in select theatres

KARATE KID: LEGENDS – Review

And with the first official post-holiday “Summer cinema” weekend at the multiplex, here comes the return of another beloved movie franchise. Though it doesn’t boast the longest wait between installments, its storied history is one that the IMF might have a tough time sorting through. It’s hard to believe that the initial was over forty years ago. That flick and its two sequels became cable TV staples in the 1980s. Then, a reboot was attempted with one of the stars in 1994 with a “gender switch” for the title lead. Didn’t work, but that didn’t stop a complete remake/reboot 15 years ago, which was a modest hit. Now, after a popular “spin-off” streaming TV, here’s a “re-do” that combines and unites the original trilogy and that 2010 version. With those mixed characters and legacies, it’s no wonder that this one is labeled KARATE KID: LEGENDS.


This new flick begins with footage from 1987 as the late Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) relates a bit of family history. It seems an ancestor took a “slow boat to China” many years ago, where he exchanged martial arts techniques with the Han family (or is it a dynasty). Flash forward to modern-day Beijing, where a member of that lineage, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), runs a popular wuguan (a kung fu school). Well, it’s not popular with his niece, Dr. Fong (Ming-Na Wen), who abhors fighting after losing her eldest son, Bo, to a vengeful rival after a big match. Unfortunately his kid brother Li (Ben Wang) studies there while hiding from Mom. But that will end as she is headed to the states, where she’ll join the staff of a NYC hospital. Just after relocating, Li befriends a bubbly young woman named Mia (Sadie Stanley) will helps her father Vic (Joshua Jackson) run his Victory Pizza eatery. Things get complicated when Li learns that Vic owes some dough (get it) to a cruel local loan shark, who happens to run the MMA school, Demolition Dojo, whose “star student’ is the vicious Conor (Aramis Knight), the jealous ex of Mia. When some of the loan shark goons try to rough up Vic, Li thwarts them with his skills. Vic insists that Li help him train to get back in the ring to earn a cash jackpot that’ll get him out of debt. But when an illegal blow sends Vic to the hospital, Li decides that he must enter the city-wide fighting competition known as the “Five Boroughs”. Now, he’ll need a coach. After explaining his problem over the phone to Mr. Han, the master unexpectedly shows up at the Fong home. There’s less than two weeks to train, so Han hops on another jet, this time to the west coast to recruit the former student of his old pal Miyagi, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio). But with the start of the tourney quickly approaching, can Li take down Conor, even with the coaching of these two seasoned fighting masters?

In talking up the cast, I suppose we should begin with the new “double K” (and yes, he’s also “special”) himself. Wang as the reluctant young warrior. He effectively balances a snarky sense of humor with a beguiling sweetness, which had me thinking of the actors who donned the Spidey suit (actually, one character refers to Li as the “Asian Peter Parker”). He’s a good kid, despite his bouts fighting a painful loss, and like Parker, he blames himself. But we’re rooting for him, especially in his romantic pursuit of the tough, though vulnerable, “street smart” Stanley, as Ms. Mia. Yes, they’re both charming, but the master of that is the always entrancing Mr. Chan as Mr. Han. Sure, he’s often a terse taskmaster, but his quieter scenes with Wang convey a great warmth as a most comforting coach and mentor. Plus Chan has great comic rapport with Macchio as the reticent “side man”, giving Wang the wisdom of his own teenage struggles. As for the actual “parental figures”, Jackson also piles on his own brand of “Bronx bro” charm as the pizza man papa who hopes he has one more title bout in him. Then there’s that ethereal beauty, Ms. Wen as Li’s loving, but firm mother, who barely contains her concerns over losing another child to the martial art “battlezone.”, It’s a shame this terrific talent (maybe the fiercest “Agent of SHIELD”) isn’t given more to do. Of course, an action movie needs a compelling villain. Here, Knight is a swaggering, sneering hellion who encompasses the dark side of competitive combat. And happily a bit of comic relief is provided by the very funny Wyatt Oleff as Li’s dweeby tutor Alan.

In his feature film directing debut, Jonathan Enwistel keeps the pace flowing smoothly through its 94 minutes (huzzah for brevity) while providing some effective visual “razzle dazzle”. Big kudos to him for using several bits of classic 2D-style animation for the locale “bookmarks” ( the boroughs, round numbers, and “contact points”), and especially for the early illustration of the Myagi family history. Now, I know that “training montages” are a staple of sports-themed stories, so we get plenty of them, not only with Han and Daniel working with Li, but also with Li using kitchen utensils to get Vic in shape, so I expected them. Luckily, Enwistel keeps its length fairly “pared down” with a minimal mix of “slow-mo” and pop anthems. These set pieces harken back to the original concept, which is tweaked here (instead of NYC to LA, we get China to NYC), but the tropes of picking one’s self up to continue the fight are solidly in effect. Yes, there are few surprises here, other than the fun of pairing Chan with Macchio, so series fans will get a big steaming bowl of cinematic “comfort food”, a warm movie cookie (maybe a “fortune” inside). Well, at least Montreal doubles nicely for the Big Apple, and as “re-imaginings” of 80s classics, there’s still a lot of punches and kicks to be had with KARATE KID: LEGENDS.

3 Out of 4

KARATE KID: LEGENDS is now playing in theatres everywhere

Win A Family Four-Pack Of Passes To The St. Louis Advance Screening Of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON (2025)

THIS SUMMER, EXPERIENCE THE BEGINNING OF AN EPIC FRIENDSHIP.  UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND DREAMWORKS ANIMATION PRESENT HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON.  RATED PG.

#HowToTrainYourDragon #FilmedForIMAX in theaters June 13.

https://www.welcometoberk.com

The special advance screening is at 7PM on Tues, June 3rd at The Alamo Drafthouse City Foundry (6pm Suggested Arrival)

ENTER HERE TO WIN A FAMILY FOUR PACK OF PASSES: https://gofobo.com/ikfBM38883

How To Train Your Dragon | June 13, 2025 | DreamWorks

© 2025 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

From three-time Oscar® nominee and Golden Globe winner Dean DeBlois, the creative visionary behind DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, comes a stunning live-action reimagining of the film that launched the beloved franchise. 

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames; The Black Phone, For All Mankind) stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his voice role from the animated franchise), Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society. 

With the fierce and ambitious Astrid (BAFTA nominee Nico Parker; Dumbo, The Last of Us) and the village’s quirky blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost; Snow White and the Huntsman, Shaun of the Dead) by his side, Hiccup confronts a world torn by fear and misunderstanding. 

As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it means to be a hero and a leader. 

The film also stars Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2), Gabriel Howell (Bodies), Bronwyn James (Wicked), Harry Trevaldwyn (Smothered), Ruth Codd (The Midnight Club), BAFTA nominee Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Murray McArthur (Game of Thrones).

How to Train Your Dragon is written, produced and directed by DeBlois. It is also produced by three-time Oscar® nominee Marc Platt (Wicked, La La Land) and Emmy winner Adam Siegel (Drive, 2 Guns). How To Train Your Dragon is part of the Filmed For IMAX®Program, which offers filmmakers IMAX® technology to help them deliver the most immersive movie experience to audiences around the world. 

Inspired by Cressida Cowell’s New York Times bestselling book series, DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon franchise has captivated global audiences, earning four Academy Award® nominations and grossing more than $1.6 billion at the global box-office. Now, through cutting-edge visual effects, DeBlois transforms his beloved animated saga into a breathtaking live-action spectacle, bringing the epic adventures of Hiccup and Toothless to life with jaw-dropping realism as they discover the true meaning of friendship, courage and destiny.

(from left) Night Fury dragon, Toothless, and Hiccup (Mason Thames) in Universal Pictures’ live-action How to Train Your Dragon, written and directed by Dean DeBlois.

Watch Pete Davidson In Frightening New Trailer For THE HOME

Heading into theaters on July 25th is THE HOME.

In this horror thriller from the creator of The Purge, a rebellious twentysomething is sentenced to community service at a quiet retirement home. The residents on the fourth floor are strictly off-limits, said to require “special care.” As his suspicions grow and he digs deeper, he uncovers a chilling secret that puts both the residents’ lives and his own in grave danger.

As a HUGE fan of the PURGE franchise (as well as FINAL DESTINATION, THE CONJURING, INSIDIOUS horror series), seeing that James DeMonaco is back with another film warms this Geeks horror heart!

“When I set out to create The Home, I aimed to capture the spine-chilling eeriness of 70’s horror, where suspense simmers and ultimately erupts into glorious chaos. Joining me is my Staten Island brother, Pete Davidson, who unveils a darker, dramatic side as his character navigates a bizarre group of residents in an old age home. The growing tension culminates in an epic blood-soaked finale, designed to leave audiences gasping, terrified, and cheering. I can’t wait for everyone to visit The Home. Cover your eyes, folks.”

– Director, James DeMonaco

Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Sir Ben Kingsley, And Celia Imrie Star In First Teaser For Director Chris Columbus’s THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB

Based on Richard Osman’s international bestselling novel of the same name, THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB follows four irrepressible retirees – Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), Ron (Pierce Brosnan), Ibrahim (Ben Kingsley) and Joyce (Celia Imrie) – who spend their time solving cold case murders for fun. When an unexplained death occurs on their own doorstep, their casual sleuthing takes a thrilling turn as they find themselves with a real whodunit on their hands. Directed by Chris Columbus, the film is the latest to be produced through the Netflix and Amblin Entertainment partnership.

See it on Netflix on August 28.

Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren also star in Paramount+’s MOBLAND alongside Tom Hardy. The brilliant crime series is executive produced by Guy Ritchie.

In Netflix’s TUDUM post, the article states the film also features Jonathan Pryce (The Two Popes,The Crown), David Tennant (Doctor Who, Inside Man), Richard E. Grant (Can You Ever Forgive Me?, Withnail and I) and Paul Freeman (Raiders of the Lost Ark, Hot Fuzz). Amblin founder Steven Spielberg stopped by the set during production and ran into an old friend — Paul Freeman, who played Belloq, nemesis and “shadowy reflection” of Indiana Jones, in Spielberg’s Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Working with such an adept cast, director Columbus aimed to bring out a balance of humor, intrigue, and heart, and the result is a singularly moving, hilarious, edge-of-your-seat adventure. “There’s a wonderful mystery at its core, so mystery fans will be very happy,” he says. “But thematically it’s interesting that we’ve got four elderly people who are living in a retirement community and who are fascinated by death and murder. They are facing their own demise, yet at the same time they are obsessed with studying cold cases. I fell in love thematically with that. It’s comedic, but it’s also very emotional.”

https://www.netflix.com/title/81751137

The Thursday Murder Club (L to R) Helen Mirren, Sir Ben Kingsley, Pierce Brosnan, and Celia Imrie. Photo Credit: Giles Keyte / Netflix

Composer John Powell Returns With A New Score For HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON (2025)

Opening in theaters on June 13 is HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON. Inspired by CRESSIDA COWELL’s New York Times bestselling book series, DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon franchise has captivated global audiences, earning four Academy Award® nominations and grossing more than $1.6 billion at the global box-office. Now, through cutting-edge visual effects, director Dean DeBlois transforms his animated saga into a breathtaking live-action spectacle, bringing the epic adventures of Hiccup and Toothless to life with jaw-dropping realism as they discover the true meaning of friendship, courage and destiny.

The music is by two-time Academy Award® nominee John Powell (DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon franchise, Wicked)

Few film scores have left as profound a mark as Powell’s How to Train Your Dragon, a career-defining work that earned him his first Academy Award® nomination. Nearly 15 years later, he returns to revisit the music that shaped the world of Berk – this time for the live-action adaptation. Fresh off his second Oscar® nomination for Wicked, Powell approached the project not as a recreation, but as an evolution, shaping the score to match the film’s expanded scale and emotional depth. “When Dean first called me about directing the live-action adaptation, my answer was simple: ‘If you’re doing it, I’m in,’” Powell says. “The animated film was already cinematic in its approach to music—more live-action in its sensibilities than most animated scores. So, in many ways, this wasn’t about reinventing anything, but about realizing something that was always present beneath the surface. How to Train Your Dragon has always felt like a grand fantasy epic, even in animation. This adaptation allows it to reach the scale Dean always envisioned.”

Read WAMG’s interview with Powell for HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 here: https://www.wearemoviegeeks.com/2014/12/composer-john-powell-talks-train-dragon-2-oratorio-wamg/

Though the foundation of the score remains, Powell’s process wasn’t about direct translation. The rhythm of live-action demanded something more. “Some moments needed no adjustment, while others required substantial changes,” Powell says. “The transition from animation to live-action affects everything – timing, pacing, intensity. The performances bring a different weight, the storytelling has a new depth, and the music had to evolve alongside it. And once the visual effects began coming in, I saw what Dean had been crafting and it was extraordinary. The sheer scope of it required me to rework the music to match its scale and weight. My goal was for longtime fans to feel like nothing had changed, while in reality, a great deal had been subtly reworked to fit seamlessly.”

Powell also introduced new material to support the film’s emotional core. “All of the old themes are there, but I also wrote new material, including a theme that people might assume was always part of the original score,” Powell says. “There’s a new piece tied to Hiccup and Stoick’s relationship, which is explored more deeply in this film. The feeling of disappointing a parent carries a heavier weight here, and the performances really express that, so the music had to support that evolution.”

Listen to a sample of the score below.

Despite the changes, Powell approached the live-action score with the same methodology he used in 2010. “We recorded in the same place, using the same program we did in 2010,” Powell says. “Even then, the score was more tuneful than a typical animated film, which was very much at the encouragement of Chris Sanders and Dean. They wanted a rich, melodic approach – an overture of sorts that introduced every major theme right from the opening. That philosophy hasn’t changed. The tools have advanced, but the fundamental approach of writing orchestral music, whether on paper or digitally, remains the same.”

For Powell, the most striking part of the process was watching the film take shape as he scored it. “Watching the film evolve during the scoring process was extraordinary,” Powell says. “With animation, I was used to working from rough storyboards or unfinished renders, but even in live-action, a lot of what I was scoring early on wasn’t fully realized yet. As shots became more refined, the film took on this breathtaking intensity. And watching it all come together was one of those rare moments where you hope it will work, and then it exceeds your expectations.”

© 2025 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Watch Seth Rogen, Aziz Ansari, Keke Palmer, Sandra Oh And Keanu Reeves In GOOD FORTUNE Trailer

A first teaser was released on Wednesday for GOOD FORTUNE, and hoo-boy, is it ever funny!

In GOOD FORTUNE, a well-meaning but rather inept angel named Gabriel (Keanu Reeves) meddles in the lives of a struggling gig worker (Aziz Ansari) and a wealthy venture capitalist (Seth Rogen).

Written and directed by Aziz Ansari, the film opens in theaters on October 17.

Read the interview with Ansari over at EW: https://ew.com/aziz-ansari-directorial-debut-keanu-reeves-seth-rogen-good-fortune-first-look-11742826

Oh Ca’mon – this is CONSTANTINE!! And while we’re at it, when are we getting the long-awaited and promised sequel?

Plus Reeves is also involved in bringing his BRZRKR comicbooks to Netflix. It was announced in 2021 the the streaming service has acquired the rights to the BOOM! Studios comic book BRZRKR and will first adapt the story into a feature film followed by an anime spinoff series. In March it was announced that Justin Lin, who directed several Fast & Furious movies, was hired according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Empire recently had an article where Reeves was with filming.

BRZRKR is created by Keanu Reeves, written by Reeves and New York Times bestselling writer Matt Kindt, and illustrated by famed Marvel artist Ron Garney with colors by Bill Crabtree, letters by Clem Robins, and character designs and covers by Rafael Grampá

BRZRKR originated from an original idea Reeves had been developing for a number of years. BRZRKR is a brutally epic saga about an immortal warrior’s 80,000 year fight through the ages. The man known only as “B” is half-mortal and half-god, , cursed and compelled to violence… even at the sacrifice of his sanity. But after wandering the earth for centuries, B may have finally found a refuge – working for the U.S. government to fight the battles too violent and too dangerous for anyone else. In exchange, B will be granted the one thing he desires – the truth about his endless blood-soaked existence…and how to end it.

The anime series will further expand the BRZRKR universe by exploring different elements of the story. In the series, Reeves will reprise his role and voice his character.

Limited-Edition Keebler SUPERMAN Movie Fudge Stripes Cookies Include The Superman S-Shield And You Could Win Two Fandango Tickets

Limited-Edition Keebler Superman Fudge Stripes

The promotional campaign for SUPERMAN is in high gear, and this time you can win two Fandango tickets to see the film!

Keebler® in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products celebrates Superman’s return to the big screen this summer with an epic new cookie innovation: Limited-Edition Keebler Superman Fudge Stripes.

Magically baked by Ernie and the elves in the Hollow Tree, these mouthwatering Strong Berry Fudge Stripes Cookies are drizzled with stripes of mixed-berry fudge and feature four unique designs that reflect the DC Super Hero, including the Superman S-Shield as depicted in the new film.

“We know our Fudge Stripes cookies help create special moments for families – from after-school snacks to weekend movie nights. That’s why we’re introducing this new summer flavor, giving families and Superman fans of every generation another delicious way to connect and create sweet memories,” said Kim Thomas, Senior Brand Manager, Ferrero Cookies. “Our partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery allows us to make movie experiences more meaningful and draw a new generation of fans into the iconic franchises of Keebler and Superman.”

Beyond the epic new cookie, fans can scan the QR code on the pack to unlock even more magic on Keebler’s Open for Magic digital content hub and enter the Keebler® Superman™ Sweepstakes. Beginning June 1, families can unleash their inner superhero through a magical simulation game, inspired by Superman, where they rescue cookies in need for a chance to win two Fandango admissions ($30 value) to see Superman in theaters. See below for more details.

Visit OpenforMagic.com for a chance to see the all-new “Superman” in theaters

Shop Limited-Edition Keebler Superman Fudge Stripes at retailers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $4.80.

“Superman” from Writer/Director James Gunn soars into theaters and IMAX® nationwide on July 11, 2025, and internationally beginning 9 July 2025, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

“Superman,” DC Studios’ first feature film to hit the big screen, is set to soar into theaters worldwide this summer from Warner Bros. Pictures. In his signature style, James Gunn takes on the original superhero in the newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humor and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind. DC Studios heads Peter Safran and Gunn are producing the film, which Gunn directs from his own screenplay, based on characters from DC, Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

The film stars David Corenswet (“Twisters,” “Hollywood”) in the dual role of Superman/Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult (the “X-Men” movies, “Juror #2”) as Lex Luthor. The film also stars Edi Gathegi (“For All Mankind”), Anthony Carrigan (“Barry,” “Gotham”), Nathan Fillion (the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, “The Suicide Squad”), Isabela Merced (“Alien Romulus”), Skyler Gisondo (“Licorice Pizza,” “Booksmart”), Sara Sampaio (“At Midnight”), María Gabriela de Faría (“The Moodys”), Wendell Pierce (“Selma,” “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan”), Alan Tudyk (“Andor”), Pruitt Taylor Vince (“Bird Box”) and Neva Howell (“Greedy People”).

“Superman” is executive produced by Nikolas Korda, Chantal Nong Vo and Lars Winther. Behind the camera, Gunn is joined by frequent collaborators, including director of photography Henry Braham, production designer Beth Mickle, costume designer Judianna Makovsky and composer John Murphy, along with composer David Fleming (“The Last of Us”) and editors William Hoy (“The Batman”) and Craig Alpert (“Deadpool 2,” “Blue Beetle”).

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C. who are 18 years of age or older with a valid email account as of the date of entry. Sweepstakes begins at 12:00:00 a.m. ET on 6/1/25 and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. ET on 7/31/25. Unclaimed Instant Win Prizes not awarded. For complete details, including entry, prize claim and prizing details, see Official Rules available at www.supermansweepstakes.com. Sponsor: Ferrero U.S.A., Inc., Parsippany, NJ 07054.