Bradley Cooper – We Are Movie Geeks

IS THIS THING ON? – Review

*Will Arnett in IS THIS THING ON? Photo by Searchlight Pictures/Jason McDonald, Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2025 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved.*

Will Arnett stars as Alex, a middle-aged man grappling with the news that his wife is leaving him, who happens into a bar on open-mic night for stand-up comedy. Mistaking him for one of the would-be comedians, Alex suddenly finds himself in front of a mic, and suddenly, the guy who works in finance and has no performance experience, finds a new door opening for him.

Bradley Cooper directs IS THIS THING ON?, a dramedy in which he plays a supporting part as well. The plot is built around a divorce story but it is the comedy club and the amateur comedians who are the real heart of the film.

Will Arnett’s Alex is married to Tess (Laura Dern), a former elite athlete, and they have three kids together. Alex is blindsided when Tess announces she is leaving, to launch a career as a coach, and he seems at a loss what to do with himself. He seems to accept the coming divorce rather than fight it but has no idea how to move forward. Stand-up comedy isn’t even on his radar.

Yet when doing a favor for someone takes him to this bar, he seems to just as passively accept when they call his name and say “you’re next” at the mic. Clearly not a shy person or someone afraid to talk in front of strangers, he tries to be funny but mostly just talks about his crumbling marriage, in a dry, slightly ironic way. It isn’t exactly funny and the audience gives polite applause at most, but suddenly, he’s hooked.

Several films have tried to delve into stand-up comedy, but IS THIS THING ON? takes a kind of backdoor approach by focusing on someone going through a divorce who falls into stand-up. Alex has no prior ambitions to do comedy, and just kind of stumbles in, finds himself front of a mic and a crowd, and decides he likes it there. Not a bad start.

The divorce plot forms the framework for the film, and that story follows a familiar path. It hits all the expected marks:: dad Alex having to figure out cooking and manage household chores, both of them figuring out how to co-parent and co-ordinate schedules, and so forth. While the split takes Alex by surprise, and it is not something he wants, but they are both pretty civil about it, thankfully.

With a familiar framing story, that puts the burden on the comedy, and the denizens of the comedy club world to carry the film. The problem with IS THIS THING ON? is that the comedy routines are not very funny. Bradley Cooper throws a spotlight more on the community these would-be comics form, which is fine. Cooper seems to want to populate that community with colorful characters – including one he plays himself – but instead fills it more with two-dimensional characters, who come across as as odd and cartoonish rather than convincing – or funny.

Director Bradley Cooper showcases some comedy bits, mostly with Will Arnett at the mic. Cooper plays one of Arnett’s character Alex’s friends, an weird actor named Balls (no joke). Why a guy “in finance” has an off-beat actor friend is not clear. Beside Laura Dern as Alex’s soon-to-be ex, Tess. we get Ciaran Hinds as Alex’s soft-spoken dad and Christine Ebersole as his plain-speaking mom. The cast also includes Andra Day as Christine, Tess’ best friend.

The cast do well, especially Arnett, but not everything, or everyone, makes much sense. That would be fine if it were funny, but unfortunately, the humor is tepid at best, including the stand-up. The characters are likable enough but the whole story is just not that engaging.

Still, all that would have worked if more of those comedy routines had been funnier. Instead, we spend more time emphasizing the quirkiness of members of this accidental community, and with Alex’s and Tess’s unlikely best friends, relationships that just doesn’t feel real. In particular, Bradley Cooper’s character Balls is bizarre more than funny, and at times, just irritating.

The best moments are the ones that highlight the camaraderie among the comics, all these souls are trying to find the way to get a laugh, working on their routines or hunting for the right angle. Although most of them are unlikely to make a living at it, they do form a social circle of mutual support, with a bit of competition too.

It just not enough to lift this dramedy above mildly entertaining. IS THIS THING ON? is not a bad film as much as just a marginally interesting one, although with a really good cast. It could have been more. Without some really good comedy to give it energy and the audiences some laughs, IS THIS THING ON? just limps along, gradually lulling us in a stupor. There are moments of mild interest, brief drama and there is a little commentary on how this divorce is best for both Alex and Tess.

Will Arnett and Laura Dern turn in nice performances, and there are a few bright moments from the supporting cast that includes Ciaran Hinds, Christine Ebersole and Andra Day. Bradley Cooper plays the oddball character, Balls, who is more just odd than amusing.

IS THIS THING ON? opens in theaters on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026.

RATING: 2 out of 4 stars

MAESTRO (2023) – Review

The list of actors who have jumped behind the camera to sit in the director’s chair is very long. One way to shorten it considerably would be to specify which of their debut-directed flicks were both a critical and commercial hit. Yes, Orson Welles’ CITIZEN CAINE is lauded by film scholars but barely produced a ripple in that competitive “golden year” of 1941. Yes, it’s rare, but one actor really hit a “home run” in his first time “up to the plate” with a film that’s the third screen take on a beloved early sound classic, that packed the multiplex, made some top ten lists, and snagged some Oscar gold. Ah, but the actor was nominated for his performance (yes, he directed himself in that debut), but nothing for his strong cinematic storytelling. Now five years later, he’s back directing himself, for his follow-up. And though this is a biopic rather than a romantic drama, it is also set in the world of music. So, is this a case of “sophomore slump”? Well, after watching this effort, he could perhaps share the title of MAESTRO.

And just who is referred to in the film’s title? None other than Leonard (“Call me Lenny!”) Bernstein (Bradley Cooper), who, for many “baby boomers” was the “face” of classical music in America for several decades. In the opening scene, he’s well into his twilight years as he sits down at the piano for a filmed interview in 1978. Then the movie backtracks thirty-five years into dazzling black and white. Lenny leaps from the bed he shares with his lover David (Matt Bomer) in an apartment above the concert stage to take the most important phone call of his young life. Bruno Walter, the conductor of the New York Philharmonic is ill and Lenny will have to take the “baton”. And it’s that old cliche as “a star is born”. Lenny’s the darling of high society and the NYC art world. At one of the swanky parties he meets, and is immediately dazzled by a young stage actress Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan). This begins a whirlwind romance over the next few years as Lenny establishes himself as a composer with the hit “On the Town”, leading to their marriage in 1951. The couple becomes the “toast of the town” and begins a family, despite Lenny’s wandering eye for both sexes. Felicia is aware and endures it with the proviso that he is “discreet” and won’t publicly embarrass her. Their unconventional marriage is severely tested and nearly unravels when eldest daughter Jamie (Maya Hawke) confronts her father, who flatly denies those “rumors”. Luckily his career continues its upward trajectory with acclaimed concerts and Broadway hits like “Candide” and the iconic “West Side Story”. But soon the issues of “cheating” are dwarfed by the health crisis that may finish off the Bernstein family.

Though originally seen as another handsome leading man, Cooper proves to be a gifted character actor as the artistic titan of the twentieth century. Bernstein is a complex role requiring Cooper to exude some of his screen charisma to draw in the masses during his concerts. The sequences of him conducting full orchestras, choirs, and combinations of both are truly dazzling with Cooper seemingly super-charged with the energy of the music muses. Much the same can be said of his creative epiphanies as his artistic zeal consumes everyone around him, especially his collaborators. But with those passions came the appetites for pleasure, giving us the impression that his ego was beyond earthly moral standards, with no interest in the impact of his indulgencies. Part of this leads to the great romance of his life and its near disintegration. Cooper has found the ideal screen partner for the love of Lenny’s life. Mulligan projects wisdom and strength giving Felicia a regal aura that masks her pain over her hubby’s often flagrant callousness. And as the demon of disease envelops her, Mulligan shows us her agony but also her determination to not “go gently into that goodnight”. In the supporting roles, Hawke projects the fizzy spirit of youth while dealing with some major parental confusion. And gifted comic actress Sarah Silverman flits in and out as Lenny’s glamorous, “smart set” sister Shirley, dopping “dishy” remarks.

Amazingly Cooper brings as much energy and creativity to his work behind the camera. He’s chosen to recreate the decades with a stunning switch in color, or lack of, as the 40s and 50s are splashed on the screen in shimmering strokes of black and white (big praise for cinematographer Matthew Libatique), then abruptly explodes with saturated colors for the swinging 60’s and 70’s (ah, the deep tans over Bernstein’s aging face). The vintage sets, props, and fashion keep right up the times. And they need to keep up with Cooper’s storytelling skills as a maze on stage suddenly switches to a full-on stage spectacle. Oh, and what sequences, the highlight being a breathtaking, jaw-dropping recreation of the presentation of Mahler at the Ely Cathedral which feels like one glorious supreme take. Luckily Cooper brings the same spirit to the more intimate scenes, particularly a nasty, verbal showdown over a beloved holiday. A similar technique is used to show the couple’s initial attraction as Lenny describes his new work about sailors on leave and is suddenly twirling and leaping with the “gobs”. Wisely, the movie’s superb score is all music created by Bernstein for various projects (there’s a great snippet from “West Side Story” while eschewing any theatrical recreations). Hopefully, this will inspire younger viewers to seek out his recordings, while for those of us who grew up with those “Young People’s Concerts” this will remind us of his fabulous legacy. And thanks to the talented Cooper, this MAESTRO is truly masterful.

4 Out of 4

MAESTRO is now playing in select theatres

Carey Mulligan and Bradley Cooper Star In First Teaser For Leonard Bernstein Biopic MAESTRO

Maestro. (L to R) Carey Mulligan as Felicia Montealegre and Bradley Cooper as Leonard Bernstein (Director/Writer) in Maestro. Cr. Jason McDonald/Netflix © 2023.

Check out the teaser trailer for the Leonard Bernstein biopic, MAESTRO, starring Carey Mulligan and Bradley Cooper.

Maestro is directed by Bradley Cooper (A Star Is Born), who co-wrote the script with Josh Singer. Cooper also stars as cultural icon Leonard Bernstein; the film focuses on Bernstein’s lifelong relationship with actress Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein (Carey Mulligan).

According to Netflix: Alongside Mulligan and Cooper, the cast of Maestro includes Matt Bomer, Maya Hawke, Sarah Silverman, Josh Hamilton, Scott Ellis, Gideon Glick, Sam Nivola, Alexa Swinton, and Miriam Shor.

Look for MAESTRO this November 22 before hitting Netflix on Dec. 20. It will have its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival this September.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOLUME 3 – Review

Ah, May is finally here! The temps are rising, the sun’s shining, the flowers are blooming and it’s time (as it has for the last ten years or so) for another trek into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) courtesy of your friendly neighborhood multiplex. Now for this flick, we can accentuate the U, because after “getting small” in the Quantum Realm three months ago and diving deep into the ocean waters near Wakanda we’re going to catch up with that “bunch of A-holes’ zipping around the fringes of way, way out outer space. It seems like it’s been a long time, but they’ve kept busy in other MCU franchises along with Thor and the Avengers, and even had their own streaming holiday special last year on Disney+. As this is their third solo outing, the filmmaker at the helm has promised that this is his last, perhaps marking the end of the “official trilogy”. And so let’s grab a seat on the good ship Milano, crank up that killer soundtrack, and brace ourselves for GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOLUME 3!

As shown in the aforementioned holiday “special presentation”, the old crew is still fixing up the ramshackle floating spaceport Knowhere. Peter Quill AKA Starlord (Chris Pratt) is hitting the bottle hard as he still yearns for Gamora (in ENDGAME we know that she’s now an “alternate previous version” who never fell for him). And while everyone is still fixing up the “joint”, Rocket (voice of Bradley Cooper) is reflecting on his past, going back to when he was “genetically enhanced”. His memories are interrupted by the destructive arrival of the super-powered space being Adam Warlock (Will Poulter), who comes to “retrieve him” for his “mother” Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki), and her new “overseer”. Luckily the interloper is brought down and captured, though Rocket is wounded and in a coma. He’s not responding to the medical equipment leading Nebula (Karen Gillan) to discover that his “upgrades” can only be fixed by finding his project “data file”. So begins a mission to go to Orgo HQ and steal it. But they need the aid of the Ravagers, which leads to Peter working alongside their second-in-command, Gamora (Zoe Saldana). Oh, but it turns out that Orgo, led by the cruel scientist known as the High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji) is out to thwart them as he unleashes all of his forces to reclaim his “property”, Rocket. So can the combined might of Starlord, Gamora, Nebula, Groot (voice of Vin Diesel), Mantis (Pom Klementieff), and Draz (Dave Bautista) save Rocket’s life and keep him from the clutches of this fiend, or could this be their last planet-hopping adventure?

Thinking back on the story, it becomes clear that its main focus is Rocket, other than his importance as the desired “force” (with the Guardians wanting to save him and the Orgo group wishing to “retain” him). Though he’s unconscious for most of the action, the story in his mind, his “origin” is the most compelling. Cooper’s voice is “tweaked” in order to give us a view of him as a youngster, just becoming “sentient” after the “tinkering” by the “lab coats”. Also the bonding between him and the other “projects” is heartbreaking, especially his affection for the otter Lylla (voiced by the affecting Linda Cardellini). As for his humanoid pals, Pratt may have his most complex character arc, going from self-medication right into a courageous leader, who is almost undone by being near that former love. Pratt conveys that aching while being frustrated that he can’t break through to her, to rekindle what was taken away. Saldana as Gamora, is all business, blocking Quill’s romantic pleas, while slowly showing a touch of sympathy to this “wounded puppy”. Her toughened exterior is matched by Gillan as her sister, who puts up a brave front while also mourning the Gamora she once knew. Providing much of the film’s humor is the terrific Batista whose Drax still has a socially awkward nobility, while we now see that his treatment from the others cuts into his pride as he fears being labeled a simpleton. the comes out in his great pairing with Klementieff’s Mantis (they were the heart of the inspired holiday special), whose affection is tested by Drax’s often stubborn nature. But she cares for him nearly as much as she does for her newfound brother (again from the special). And once again, Diesel does wonders with the same three words, eliciting the correct emotions needed by the now teenaged creature (a toddler in the last flick, now a beefy oak-like creature, far from the tall strolling “driftwood” we first met).

Hey Marvel maniacs, here’s the first full-fledged appearance of Adam Warlock as drawn by the great Gil Kane!

And now we meet the “newbies” to the series. At the top of the list is this story’s “big bad”, Iwuji as the demented megalomaniacal mad scientist the High Evolutionary, a narcissist to rival his inspiration Dr. Moreau of the classic H.G. Welles novel (and the 30’s fright film ISLAND OF LOST SOULS). Unlike many researchers, he’s not interested in aiding others, but instead desires to be in control, crushing any who stand in his way, and treating his “projects” with callous casual cruelty. Iwuji tosses aside any humanity to give us perhaps the most interesting MCU mastermind since Thanos (who really thought he was helping save several worlds). His greatest asset may be Poulter as the naive Warlock, whose dedication to “mother” makes him a very powerful ‘loose cannon”, more like a super-powered adolescent in need of better guidance, someone who will keep his raging ego in check. Also bringing in extra comic relief is Cosmo the Spacedog, now voiced by Maria Bakalova (Borat’s daughter) who is an asset to Knowhere while irritating the testy Kraglin played once again by Sean Gunn (who still can’t do that “arrow tick” like his late mentor Yondru).

And that filmmaker in charge is returning director/solo screenwriter James Gunn, bidding a fond farewell to the MCU (he’s now the co-boss of the, as Stan Lee would say, the “Distinguished Competition”, and plotting the return of Superman himself). He’s tried to make this an epic romp, but many may be stunned at that very dark “origin” story at its center. It’s perhaps only a sixth of the film’s runtime, but its grim intensity may induce nightmares in the small fry and perhaps “trigger” older pet-owning viewers in its condemnation of animal testing and experimentation (message received “loud and clear”, Mr. Gunn). Aside from that, we get more of the freewheeling teamwork of the GOTGs and the rapid-fire comic turns (although it begins to be a tad repetitive by the third act). The soundtrack’s not as bouncy and fun as in the previous two outings, though it does bring the melodies into the 21st century. Kudos to the many artists that helped create these stunning new vessels and alien landscapes. Unlike those two movie “star” franchises. many of the sets have a clay-like organic feel rather than the shiny metallic surfaces seen in most space flicks. There’s also a nice retro-feel to many of the otherworldly creatures, especially on Counter-Earth which is a 70’s suburbia populated by Orgo subjects whose full-face prosthetic designs recall the original PLANET OF THE APES and previous Moreau adaptations. The main problem with the film is one that continues to plague most action epics (comic book inspired and others). The chaotic climax doesn’t really know when to conclude, giving us multiple finales. with one set exploding while something else must be resolved before we get the big expected “showdown”, which is delayed by a sacrifice made by a principal (a Tony Stark-ENDGAME riff). Once the debris settles, we get a sweet send-off to some of the crew, while the obligatory mid-credits bonus scene teases us of a possible detour. Despite its bombastic final half-hour (contributing to its overlong 150-minute runtime), franchise fans will relish blasting off for a final time with the GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOLUME 3. Just make sure you have enough Zargnuts to share.

3 Out of 4

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOLUME 3 opens in theatres everywhere on Friday, May 5, 2923

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3 Tickets On Sale Today And On May 3 Attend The IMAX Guardians of the Galaxy Marathon

Today, Marvel Studios announced that advance tickets are now on sale for the highly anticipated third and final film of James Gunn’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy.

On Wednesday, May 3rd, fans can be among the first to see “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” by attending the exclusive “The IMAX Guardians of the Galaxy Marathon.” Experience all three films back on the big screen in IMAX and receive an exclusive, commemorative poster & lanyard. Check your local listings for a participating IMAX theatre near you. Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” will fill the entire IMAX screen as intended by director James Gunn, allowing moviegoers to experience more of the images with unprecedented detail and clarity. Combined with next generation IMAX precision sound, audiences are in for a truly spectacular and immersive experience. Get your tickets now to see it in Dolby Cinema here: https://dolbylabs.co/GotG3

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3. © 2023 MARVEL.

Revealed by James Gunn earlier this morning, the track list for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3: Awesome Mix Vol. 3 Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is a collection of 17 songs and is set for release on CD and Digital Download May 3. The soundtrack will also be available on 12” 2-LP vinyl on May 5 and will be followed by the cassette version on July 7. The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Original Score digital album featuring music by composer John Murphy (“The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special,” “Suicide Squad”) will be released on May 3.

Listen to the Guardians of the Galaxy: The Official Mixtape playlist here.

Pre-order the Vinyl here.

Pre-order the CD here.

Advance tickets for both Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” and the IMAX “Guardians of the Galaxy” Marathon are on sale everywhere tickets are sold, including Fandango.

In Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” our beloved band of misfits are settling into life on Knowhere. But it isn’t long before their lives are upended by the echoes of Rocket’s turbulent past. Peter Quill, still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team around him on a dangerous mission to save Rocket’s life—a mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.

(L-R): Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star-Lord, Dave Bautista as Drax, Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel), Karen Gillan as Nebula, and Pom Klementieff as Mantis in Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 MARVEL.

The film stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, featuring Vin Diesel as Groot and Bradley Cooper as Rocket, Sean Gunn, Chukwudi Iwuji, Will Poulter and Maria Bakalova.

James Gunn is the director and also wrote the screenplay. Kevin Feige produces with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Nikolas Korda, Sara Smith, and Simon Hatt serving as executive producers.

Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” opens in U.S. theaters on May 5.

Marvel Studios’ GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3 Big Game Spot Features Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff And Will Poulter

Today, during the Big Game, Marvel Studios and James Gunn released a poster and brand-new, action-packed trailer online for “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” the final film in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise, spearheaded by James Gunn.

(L-R): Will Poulter as Adam Warlock in Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Photo by Jessica Miglio. © 2022 MARVEL.

James Gunn is the director and also wrote the screenplay. Kevin Feige produces with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Nikolas Korda, Sara Smith, and Simon Hatt serving as executive producers.

The Galaxy’s Favorite Guardians Take One Last Ride May 5.

(L-R): Sean Gunn as Kraglin, Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel), Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star-Lord, Karen Gillan as Nebula, Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), Dave Bautista as Drax, and Pom Klementieff as Mantis in Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 MARVEL.

The Gang Is Back In GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3 New Trailer And Poster – Plus Catch A First Look At Will Poulter As Adam Warlock

Hot off the heels of the highly successful THE GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY HOLIDAY SPECIAL (review) on Disney+, comes the first trailer for GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3.

Today at CCXP22 (Comic-Con Experience 2022) in São Paulo, Brazil, Marvel Studios debuted the preview. Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, introduced Zoe Saldana, who plays Gamora in the franchise, before delighting the enthusiastic fans with the trailer debut for the highly anticipated upcoming feature film, releasing in U.S. theaters on May 5, 2023.

In Marvel Studios “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” our beloved band of misfits are looking a bit different these days. Peter Quill, still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team around him to defend the universe along with protecting one of their own. A mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.

James Gunn writes and directs “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” which stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, featuring Vin Diesel as Groot, Bradley Cooper as Rocket, Sean Gunn, Chukwudi Iwuji, Will Poulter and Maria Bakalova. Kevin Feige is the producer and Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Nikolas Korda, Simon Hatt and Sara Smith serve as executive producers.

Zach Galifianakis and Bradley Cooper in THE HANGOVER Screening at The Wildey Theater in Edwardsville Tuesday March 22nd

“To a night the four of us will never forget!”

Nothing’s more fun than The Wildey’s Tuesday Night Film Series.. Zach Galifianakis and Bradley Cooper in THE HANGOVER (2009) will be on the big screen when it plays at The Wildey Theater in Edwardsville, IL (252 N Main St, Edwardsville, IL 62025) at 7:00pm Tuesday March 22nd. Tickets are only $3 Tickets available starting at 3pm day of movie at Wildey Theatre ticket office. Cash or check only. (cash, credit cards accepted for concessions) Lobby opens at 6pm.

Angelenos Doug Billings and Tracy Garner are about to get married. Two days before the wedding, the four men in the wedding party – Doug, Doug’s two best buddies Phil Wenneck and Stu Price, and Tracy’s brother Alan Garner – hop into Tracy’s father’s beloved Mercedes convertible for a 24-hour stag party to Las Vegas. Phil, a married high school teacher, has the same maturity level as his students when he’s with his pals. Stu, a dentist, is worried about everything, especially what his controlling girlfriend Melissa thinks. Because she disapproves of traditional male bonding rituals, Stu has to lie to her about the stag, he telling her that they are going on a wine tasting tour in the Napa Valley. Regardless, he intends on eventually marrying her, against the advice and wishes of his friends. And Alan seems to be unaware of what are considered the social graces of the western world. The morning after their arrival in Las Vegas, they awaken in their hotel suite each with the worst hangover. None remembers what happened in the past twelve or so hours. The suite is in shambles. And certain things are in the suite that shouldn’t be, and certain things that should be in the suite are missing. Probably the most important in the latter category is Doug. As Phil, Stu and Alan try to find Doug using only what little pieces of information they have at hand, they go on a journey of discovery of how certain things got into the suite and what happened to the missing items. However they are on a race for time as if they can’t find Doug in the next few hours, they are going to have to explain to Tracy why they are not yet back in Los Angeles. And even worse, they may not find Doug at all before the wedding.

Academy Award Best Picture Nominee NIGHTMARE ALLEY Appears on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on March 22nd

“NIGHTMARE ALLEY IS ALL AROUND BRILLIANCE” – Jazz Tangcay, Variety

Academy Award Best Picture Nominee Nightmare Alley Appears on Digital March 8 and 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on March 22

From the imaginative filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and Searchlight Pictures arrives an electrifying film noir,Nightmare Alley. Available on Digital March 8 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on March 22.

The suspenseful psychological thriller is nominated for 4 Academy Awards® including Best Picture, 8 Critics’ Choice Awards, a Screen Actors’ Guild Award for Supporting Actress for Cate Blanchett, and BAFTA, SDSA, MPSE, ADG, CDG, VES, and WGA Awards.

When charismatic but down-on-his-luck Stanton Carlisle (Bradley Cooper) endears himself to clairvoyant Zeena (Toni Collette) and her has-been mentalist husband Pete (David Strathairn) at a traveling carnival, he crafts a golden ticket to success, using this newly acquired knowledge to grift the wealthy elite of 1940s New York society. With the virtuous Molly (Rooney Mara) loyally by his side, Stanton plots to con a dangerous tycoon (Richard Jenkins) with the aid of a mysterious psychiatrist (Cate Blanchett) who might be his most formidable opponent yet.

Del Toro co-wrote the enthralling film with Kim Morgan, based on William Lindsay Gresham’s novel.

Bonus Features*

Del Toro’s Neo Noir – Writer-director Guillermo del Toro and his standout cast decipher the dark, complicated world of Nightmare Alley. The filmmaker reveals how his take on noir is rooted in classic cinema but offers an accessible, modern narrative.
Beneath the Tarp – Production designer Tamara Deverell and her talented team skillfully delivered both a decaying traveling carnival world and a gilded Art Deco high society with striking visuals. We explore how this design supported del Toro’s genre-bending filmmaking.
What Exists in the Fringe – Costume designer Luis Sequeira unravels his collaboration with Guillermo del Toro and reveals the symbolism that’s constantly at play in the film’s carefully crafted wardrobe’s design.

*bonus features vary by product and retailer

Cast

Bradley Cooper as Stanton Carlisle

Cate Blanchett as Doctor Lilith Ritter

Toni Collette as Zeena Krumbein

Willem Dafoe as Clem Hoatley

Richard Jenkins as Ezra Grindle

Rooney Mara as Molly Cahill

Ron Perlman as Bruno

Mary Steenburgen as Felicia Kimball

David Strathairn as Pete Krumbein

35mm Print of the Black and White Version of Guillermo del Toro’s NIGHTMARE ALLEY: VISION IN DARKNESS AND LIGHT Now Showing at The Plaza Frontenac Theater

“Step right up and behold one of the unexplained mysteries of the universe! Is he a man or beast? “

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A 35mm print of the Black and White Version of Guillermo del Toro’s NIGHTMARE ALLEY called NIGHTMARE ALLEY: VISION IN DARKNESS AND LIGHT is currently showing at The Plaza Frontenac (1701 South Lindbergh Boulevard # 210 PLAZA, Frontenac). It is showing daily at 3:40pm and will be carried over through next week. The Frontenac’s site can be found HERE

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Experience NIGHTMARE ALLEY in the classic film noir style of black and white for a limited time. Guillermo del Toro’s NIGHTMARE ALLEY follows charismatic but down-on-his-luck Stanton Carlisle (Bradley Cooper) who endears himself to clairvoyant Zeena (Toni Collette) and her has-been mentalist husband Pete (David Strathairn) at a traveling carnival, he crafts a golden ticket to success, using this newly acquired knowledge to grift the wealthy elite of 1940s New York Society. With the virtuous Molly (Rooney Mara) loyally by his side, Stanton plots to con a dangerous tycoon (Richard Jenkins) with the aid of a mysterious psychiatrist (Cate Blanchett) who might be his most formidable opponent yet.

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“Although we shot Nightmare Alley in color, we lit it as if it were black and white,” del Toro said. “You can see exactly the same level of design, and we wanted to give viewers this special vantage as a take of the classic noir genre that the film is part of.”

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