Watch the FIRST CLIP from Global Road Entertainment’s insanely fun action thriller HOTEL ARTEMIS. Jodie Foster, Dave Bautista, Sterling K. Brown, and Brian Tyree Henry star in this never-before-seen clip.
Wounded and well-behaved criminals welcome.
Set in riot-torn, near-future Los Angeles, HOTEL ARTEMIS is an original, high-octane action-thriller starring Jodie Foster as The Nurse, who runs a secret, members-only hospital for criminals.
Jodie Foster is joined by an all-star cast that includes Sterling K. Brown, Sofia Boutella, Jeff Goldblum, Brian Tyree Henry, Jenny Slate, Zachary Quinto, Charlie Day, and Dave Bautista.
The film is written and directed by Drew Pearce (writer of IRON MAN 3, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION, SHERLOCK HOLMES 3).
Check in to HOTEL ARTEMIS on June 8, 2018.
Jeff Goldblum, Zachary Quinto and Jodie Foster in HOTEL ARTEMIS to be released by Global Road Entertainment.
The globe-spanning conflict between otherworldly monsters of mass destruction and the human-piloted super-machines built to vanquish them was only a prelude to the all-out assault on humanity in Pacific Rim Uprising.
John Boyega (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) stars as the rebellious Jake Pentecost, a once-promising Jaeger pilot whose legendary father gave his life to secure humanity’s victory against the monstrous “Kaiju.” Jake has since abandoned his training only to become caught up in a criminal underworld. But when an even more unstoppable threat is unleashed to tear through our cities and bring the world to its knees, he is given one last chance to live up to his father’s legacy by his estranged sister, Mako Mori (Rinko Kikuchi)—who is leading a brave new generation of pilots that have grown up in the shadow of war. As they seek justice for the fallen, their only hope is to unite together in a global uprising against the forces of extinction.
Jake is joined by gifted rival pilot Lambert (The Fate of the Furious’ Scott Eastwood) and 15-year-old Jaeger hacker Amara (newcomer Cailee Spaeny), as the heroes of the PPDC become the only family he has left. Rising up to become the most powerful defense force to ever walk the earth, they will set course for a spectacular all-new adventure on a towering scale.
Pacific Rim Uprising is directed by Steven S. DeKnight (Netflix’s Daredevil, STARZ’s Spartacus) and also stars Jing Tian, Burn Gorman, Adria Arjona and Charlie Day.
Opens in theaters March 23.
Enter for the chance to win TWO (2) seats to the advance screening of PACIFIC RIM UPRISING, March 20, at 7:00 pm in St. Louis.
Answer the Following:
At the beginning of PACIFIC RIM, four Jaegers remained in operation – the Gipsy Danger, the Cherno Alpha, the Crimson Typhoon, and the Striker Eureka. What are the (4) four countries they belonged to?
ENTER YOUR NAME, ANSWERS AND EMAIL IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.
OFFICIAL RULES:
1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.
2. No purchase necessary. A pass does not guarantee a seat at a screening. Seating is on a first-come, first served basis. The theater is overbooked to assure a full house.
RATING:PACIFIC RIM UPRISING has rated PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned –some material may be inappropriate for children under 13) for sequences of sci-fi violence and action and some language.
Opening in theaters March 23 is PACIFIC RIM UPRISING. The Jaegars and Kaijus go head to head in the brand new trailer
The globe-spanning conflict between otherworldly monsters of mass destruction and the human-piloted super-machines built to vanquish them was only a prelude to the all-out assault on humanity in PACIFIC RIM UPRISING.
John Boyega (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) stars as the rebellious Jake Pentecost, a once-promising Jaeger pilot whose legendary father gave his life to secure humanity’s victory against the monstrous “Kaiju.” Jake has since abandoned his training only to become caught up in a criminal underworld. But when an even more unstoppable threat is unleashed to tear through our cities and bring the world to its knees, he is given one last chance to live up to his father’s legacy by his estranged sister, Mako Mori (Rinko Kikuchi)—who is leading a brave new generation of pilots that have grown up in the shadow of war. As they seek justice for the fallen, their only hope is to unite together in a global uprising against the forces of extinction.
Jake is joined by gifted rival pilot Lambert (The Fate of the Furious’ Scott Eastwood) and 15-year-old Jaeger hacker Amara (newcomer Cailee Spaeny), as the heroes of the PPDC become the only family he has left. Rising up to become the most powerful defense force to ever walk the earth, they will set course for a spectacular all-new adventure on a towering scale.
PACIFIC RIM UPRISING is directed by Steven S. DeKnight (Netflix’s Daredevil, STARZ’s Spartacus) and also stars Jing Tian, Burn Gorman, Adria Arjona and Charlie Day.
(L to R, foreground) JOHN BOYEGA as Jake and SCOTT EASTWOOD as Lambert in the “Gipsy Avenger” conn pod in “Pacific Rim Uprising.”
Remember that awesome bit in 2013’s PACIFIC RIM where Idris Elba rallies the troops with his rousing call to arms “We Are Canceling the Apocalypse!” It’s all the more cool with Ramin Djawadi’s score.
You know the scene…
The globe-spanning conflict between otherworldly monsters of mass destruction and the human-piloted super-machines built to vanquish them was only a prelude to the all-out assault on humanity in PACIFIC RIM UPRISING.
Set to be released in cinemas on March 23, 2018, check out the stunning and newly released IMAX trailer.
John Boyega (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) stars as the rebellious Jake Pentecost, a once-promising Jaeger pilot whose legendary father gave his life to secure humanity’s victory against the monstrous “Kaiju.”
Jake has since abandoned his training only to become caught up in a criminal underworld. But when an even more unstoppable threat is unleashed to tear through our cities and bring the world to its knees, he is given one last chance to live up to his father’s legacy by his estranged sister, Mako Mori (Rinko Kikuchi)—who is leading a brave new generation of pilots that have grown up in the shadow of war.
As they seek justice for the fallen, their only hope is to unite together in a global uprising against the forces of extinction.
(L to R, foreground) CAILEE SPAENY as Amara, JOHN BOYEGA as Jake and SCOTT EASTWOOD as Lambert in “Pacific Rim Uprising.”
Jake is joined by gifted rival pilot Lambert (The Fate of the Furious’ Scott Eastwood) and 15-year-old Jaeger hacker Amara (newcomer Cailee Spaeny), as the heroes of the PPDC become the only family he has left. Rising up to become the most powerful defense force to ever walk the earth, they will set course for a spectacular all-new adventure on a towering scale.
Pacific Rim Uprising is directed by Steven S. DeKnight (Netflix’s Daredevil, STARZ’s Spartacus) and also stars Jing Tian, Burn Gorman, Adria Arjona and Charlie Day.
The IMAX release of Pacific Rim: Uprising will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of An IMAX 3D Experience®. For more info, visit https://www.imax.com/pacificrim
(L to R, foreground) Jaeger mechs “Saber Athena,” “Bracer Phoenix,” “Gipsy Avenger” and “Guardian Bravo” in “Pacific Rim Uprising.” Jaeger mech “Bracer Phoenix” in “Pacific Rim Uprising.”
A showdown’s a’ comin’! Not on the main street of Dodge City, but at the multiplex once again. The final throw down between the hero and villain has been a staple of cinema since its earliest days, mainly in action films and primarily the western. There have been countless screen versions of that infamous incident , the gunfight at the O.K. Corral (the most famous being the Kirk Douglas/Burt Lancaster 1950’s classic) . This most likely inspired many other “oaters”, the most celebrated being the iconic 1952 HIGH NOON (which garnered an Oscar for star Gary Cooper). It’s set in real-time as the clock ticks to 12, while Will Kane readies himself for the arrival of the Miller gang. We’ve seen this plot used in many other genres, providing extra excitement to the final acts of every movie hero’s exploits from Rocky to Bond to Batman. But it’s also been seen in comedies, with this new film taking place in a high school. Could this be a remake/reboot of the thirty year cult classic from Phil Joanou, THREE O’CLOCK HIGH? Not exactly, since that flick concerned two students in a violent conflict. This time it’s two very different teachers from the same school preparing to square off in a FIST FIGHT.
It’s the last day of school before Summer vacation at run-down Roosevelt High, but English teacher Andy Campbell (Charlie Day) isn’t celebrating his three-month break. He’s under pressure at the start of this day, and things go downhill fast. He’s got to rush out at 2:30 to be part of his pre-teen daughter’s song and dance routine at her grade school talent show. His wife Maggie (JoAnna Garcia Swisher) could give birth any second. He fears that he may lose his job due to massive budget cuts (big meeting with the principal and the superintendent). And to top it off the graduating seniors are in full prank mode (they even stole a horse that’s dashing through the hallways). But the big problem comes out of nowhere when the surly intimidating history teacher Mr. Strickland (Ice Cube) asks Andy to help him with some faulty AV equipment. At that class, Andy sees Strickland lose his temper (a desk becomes kindling). The two men are called into Principal Tyler’s (Dean Norris) office, but Strickland isn’t worried since he told Andy that teachers stick together. Then Tyler threatens their jobs and Andy tells the truth about the melt- down. Strickland is fired and as he boxes up his stuff he tells Andy to be in the parking lot at 3 PM where they will settled things with a fist fight. Andy believes it’s a joke, but Strickland is dead, dead serious. As the hours fly by, a very nervous Andy implores his faculty friends, Coach Crawford (Tracy Morgan), who’s just finished another losing season, and guidance counselor in great need of guidance Holly (Jillian Bell), for any advice. Soon, he’s in panic mode doing everything he can, legally or not, to avoid that confrontation. As “high mid-afternoon” approaches, it looks like the mismatched pair will square off in an epic battle royale’.
After honing his comic skills on TV (the cult hit “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”) and supporting roles (HORRIBLE BOSSES, THE HOLLARS, PACIFIC RIM, VACATION) Day makes the most of this, his first true lead role. Based on his energetic work here, I’m sure it will be the first of many. He’s got a real “everyman” vibe, which adds strength to his scenes of slapstick panic. There’s the twitching, the awkward body language, and best of all that voice. When he’s truly agitated or trying to lie his way out, his high-pitched voice jumps several octaves until it’s almost a strained squeak, His exasperated hero is a worthy successor to the energetic mania of the much-missed Gene Wilder (with maybe a dash of Don Knotts). Even as he concocts some devious scheme, the guy’s still so darned lovable that we can’t help but root for him. Ice Cube is an inspired antagonist for him as the human embodiment of an about-to-erupt volcano. His glowering grimacing Strickland intimidates students and faculty alike, as they try to get out of his way before he explodes. Scary as he is, Cube makes this guy really funny. After family friendly work in his BARBERSHOP and ARE WE THERE YET roles, he seems to relish this return to the “bad dude” persona.
Happily the combatants don’t get all the fun (or score all the laughs). That scene stealing Ms. Bell (22 JUMP STREET, THE NIGHT BEFORE) dashes away with several inspired sequences, whether trying to downplay her enthusiasm for illegal substances or justify a crush on a student (all of which horrify Day). Like Day she’ll soon be breaking out into leading roles (playing the Hanks roles in a rumored remake of SPLASH), giving Melissa McCarthy some competition as the queen of movie comedies. Another source of great supporting gags is the always surprising Morgan who’s endearing goofy as the clueless coach. His baffling bits of “wisdom'” confuse Day, until the coach lays down a heavy bit of truth, refusing to sugarcoat what will happen if the battle happens. And somehow Morgan brings a mischievous joy to the role. Norris is an excellent “short fuse” straight man as the beleaguered principal doing a “slow burn” that would make the immortal Edgar Kennedy proud (Google him, folks). Unfortunately the other ladies in the cast are not as well served by the script as Bell. The movies just don’t seem to know what to do with the talented Christina Hendricks (so wonderful on TV’s “Mad Men”). After a dismal role in BAD SANTA 2, she’s wasted here once more as the bombshell French teacher who’s really a sadist (she gleefully offers her blade to gut Andy like a fish). Swisher is yet another “wife on the phone” who looks concerned while we wait for the big birthing scene. And Kumail Nanjinai. so funny as the randy masseuse in last year’s MIKE AND DAVE NEED WEDDING DATES, has little to do as the ineffectual school security officer.
Making his feature film directing debut, after toiling in the TV trenches, Richie Keen proves to be an adept comedy conductor. Like a film veteran he knows how to steer our eyes toward the funny during sequences of mass comedy chaos. Beside eliciting some terrific performances, he knows how to control the flow, whether slowing things down a bit to revel in some inspired wordplay (Holly:” Meth’s more of a gateway drug.” Andy: “No, it’s really the finish line!”) or to accelerate as the senior pranks “amp up” (the mariachi band is a great running gag). Unfortunately he’s tripped up (as are many comedy film makers) by the dreaded lull around the midway mark. Perhaps the script (based on a story by “new Girl” star Max Greenfield and others) needed a bit more polish and another “once over”. This would’ve helped define some characters and trimmed some of the numbing barrage of “f-bombs” and genitalia jokes (to ensure that R-rating, I suppose). As with the recent dud, THE COMEDIAN, they resort to the cheap shock of us hearing a foul-mouthed pre-teen. Much worse than the earlier film and just as lazy. But the first and third acts are so strong, it’s inevitable that the second act would drag. Fortunately the big battle lives up to the long build-up with inspired bits of slapstick, although it never goes “human cartoon” like the 60’s gem THE ADVENTURES OF BULLWHIP GRIFFIN ( a Saturday matinée delight). The talented cast and the laugh-stuffed opening and finale more than make up for its flaws (it could’ve been another MASTERMINDS…yeesh!). It never scores a TKO, but FIST FIGHT delivers some solid strikes to the funny bone.
Ice Cube and Charlie Day star as high school teachers prepared to solve their differences the hard way in the comedy FIST FIGHT, directed by Richie Keen (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”) – in theaters February 17!
On the last day of the year, mild-mannered high school English teacher Andy Campbell (Day) is trying his best to keep it together amidst senior pranks, a dysfunctional administration and budget cuts that put jobs on the line. But things go from bad to worse when he accidentally crosses his much tougher and deeply feared colleague, Ron Strickland (Cube), who challenges Campbell to an old-fashioned throw down after school. News of the fight spreads like wildfire and ends up becoming the very thing this school, and Campbell, needed.
FIST FIGHT also stars Tracy Morgan (“30 Rock”), Jillian Bell (“22 Jump Street”), Dean Norris (“Breaking Bad”), Christina Hendricks (“Mad Men”), Dennis Haysbert (“The Unit”), and JoAnna Garcia Swisher (“The Astronaut Wives Club”).
WAMG invites you to enter for the chance to win TWO (2) seats to the advance screening of FIST FIGHT on FEBRUARY 13 at 7PM in the St. Louis area.
Answer the following:
Charlie Day is best known for playing Charlie Kelly in what TV series?
TO ENTER, ADD YOUR NAME, ANSWER AND EMAIL IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.
OFFICIAL RULES:
1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.
2. No purchase necessary. A pass does not guarantee a seat at a screening. Seating is on a first-come, first served basis. The theater is overbooked to assure a full house. The theater is not responsible for overbooking.
It is rated R for language throughout, sexual content/nudity and drug material.
Ice Cube and Charlie Day star as high school teachers prepared to solve their differences the hard way in the comedy FIST FIGHT directed by Richie Keen (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”).
On the last day of the year, mild-mannered high school English teacher Andy Campbell (Day) is trying his best to keep it together amidst senior pranks, a dysfunctional administration and budget cuts that put jobs on the line. But things go from bad to worse when he accidentally crosses his much tougher and deeply feared colleague, Ron Strickland (Ice Cube), who challenges Campbell to an old-fashioned throw down after school. News of the fight spreads like wildfire and ends up becoming the very thing this school, and Campbell, needed.
FIST FIGHT also stars Tracy Morgan (“30 Rock”), Jillian Bell (“22 Jump Street”), Dean Norris (“Breaking Bad”), Christina Hendricks (“Mad Men”), Dennis Haysbert (“The Unit”), JoAnna Garcia Swisher (“The Astronaut Wives Club”).
Coming to theaters February 17, check out the new trailer.
Keen directs from a screenplay by Van Robichaux & Evan Susser (Funny or Die’s “What’s Going On? With Mike Mitchell”), story by Van Robichaux & Evan Susser and Max Greenfield. “Fist Fight” is produced by Shawn Levy, Max Greenfield, John Rickard, and Dan Cohen. Serving as executive producers are Toby Emmerich, Richard Brener, Samuel J. Brown, Dave Neustadter, Charlie Day, Ice Cube, Marty P. Ewing, Billy Rosenberg, and Bruce Berman.
Keen’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Eric Edwards (“Knocked Up”), production designer Chris Cornwell (“Ride Along,” “The Wedding Ringer”), editor Matthew Freund (Comedy Central’s “The Meltdown with Jonah and Kumail”) and costume designer Denise Wingate (“Wedding Crashers”).
The music is by Dominic Lewis (Amazon’s “The Man in the High Castle”).
Well, we were just looking at a family “drama-dy” from Japan, OUR LITTLE SISTER, so let’s turn our multiplex jet airliner right around and head back to the states. Our destination is the good ole’ heartland of the US of A, and lots of laughs and tears are in store. Now this family unit is a bit older than the SISTER quartet, with two sons well past their twenties along with their spouses, and ‘exes’. Oh, and this time out the parents play a big part in the story. Speaking of airliners, the big box office winner last week was the true tale of flying heroics SULLY, directed by actor Clint Eastwood. Well, this film is also directed by an actor, John Krasinski (he’s in front of the camera, too). This is his first time helming a film since 2009’s BRIEF INTERVIEWS WITH HIDEOUS MEN, his directing debut. John’s got a way to go before surpassing Clint’s impressive film-making resume’, but he shows even more promise with this second effort, THE HOLLARS.
Let’s touch this plane down in central Ohio, right at the Hollar family home. Eldest son Ron (Sharlto Copley), recently divorced, out of work, and now living in the den, is in a panic early this morning. The upstairs and downstairs bathrooms are occupied by Mama H, Sally (Margo Martindale) and Papa H, Don (Richard Jenkins), and nature is calling. When Don catches Ron “improvising” in the kitchen, they hear a racket above. The men find Sally sprawled on the bathroom floor, nearly unconscious. Now we dash from there to NYC and the office cubicle of prodigal Hollar son John (Krasinski), as he scribbles a cartoon while worrying about his future fatherhood. Suddenly his very pregnant girlfriend Rebecca (Anna Kendrick) is there to inform him that his mother has had a seizure, and his flight home is booked. When John arrives at the hospital, he learns that Mom has a brain tumor that will require major surgery in just a few days. But there’s more family drama. Brother Ron is stalking his ex-wife, concerned about his two pre-teen daughters now that ex, Stacey (Ashley Dyke) is seeing the church’s youth pastor, Rev. Dan (Josh Groban). Oh, and the job Ron lost was at his pop’s heating and plumbing business, which is going under. Plus, the nurse taking care of ma is John’s old high school classmate Jason (Charlie Day), who is married, and has a baby with, John’s old sweetheart Gwen (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). As John nervously awaits Rebecca’s due date, he must somehow deal with this very stressful homecoming.
Despite pulling double duty, Krasinski delivers a subtle, nuanced performance as the harried, often exasperated returning son. He seems to know exactly when to recede, to let his co-stars shine (no doubt a good habit he acquired during his long stint on NBC-TV’s “The Office”), often becoming a classic “straight man” to the off-kilter characters. But he’s not always the calm in the storm as Krasinski shows the worry and anxiety on his face and in his darting eyes. One of the more pleasant surprises is the wonderful comic turn by Copley (hey he was pretty funny in the opening, pre-prawn scenes in DISTRICT 9) as the desperate doofus, Ron . Though he’s such a foul-up, it’s hard not to sympathize with such a doting daddy. And this South African native really nails the American accent. Day effortlessly bounces between aggressive blowhard and twitchy paranoid hubby as Jason, a guy still nursing old school grudges who wants to rub John’s nose in the fact that he’s got his former flame, but is terrified she could be taken from him. Kendrick and Groban turn in great supporting work, along with comedy vets Randall Park (THE INTERVIEW) as Sally’s doc and Mary Kay Place (THE BIG CHILL) as Don’s pull-no-punches CPA sister.
This cast is terrific, but the film truly belongs to the heads pf the Hollar clan, played by two “old pros” who deliver some of their best work in their long careers. Jenkins as the faltering father is a constant wonder as Don goes from blubbering despair to defiant anger upon hearing the wrong remark. Life seems to have this weary man in a choke-hold, destroying the business that has sapped his years, then threatening to take away his rock, the true love of his life, the woman he very affectionately calls “Chief”. Marindale is a lovable force of nature as the stubborn, although scared matriarch Sally. Still, as the countdown to the operation goes forward, she only thinks of the men in her life and how to inspire them to keep moving. In one of the film’s most powerful scenes, the impending surgery prompts her to share a thought with John, one she’s probably never spoken aloud, that hits her son like a wrecking ball. And when they come to wheel her out of her room, to make that long trek down the hallway…it’s truly heart-wrenching, a scene that many Academy members will hopefully recall at year’s end.
The screenplay from James Strouse never hits a false note, sprightly balancing the laughter and tears. The small town “everybody knows everybody” feel is captured by Krasinski who paces the film expertly, making a brisk 90 minutes zip by. The locations are lovely with Mississippi standing in for Ohio. Krasinski is compiling a most impressive list of movies, but this will be tough to top (it’ll be interesting to see what his next choice will be). Families everywhere will find they’ve got a lot in common with this delightful lovable foursome, THE HOLLARS.
4.5 Out of 5
THE HOLLARS opens everywhere and screens exclusively in the St. Louis area at Landmark’s Plaza Frontenac Cinemas
Sony Pictures Classics has unveiled the trailer and poster for THE HOLLARS, directed by John Krasinski. The film opens in New York and Los Angeles August 26th.
THE HOLLARS stars John Krasinski, Margo Martindale, Richard Jenkins, Sharlto Copley, Anna Kendrick, Charlie Day, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Josh Groban and Randall Park.
John Hollar, a struggling NYC artist is forced to navigate the small middle-American town he left behind when news of his mother’s illness brings him home. Back in the house he grew up in, John is immediately swept up in the problems of his dysfunctional family, high school rival, and an over-eager ex-girlfriend as he faces impending fatherhood with his girlfriend in New York.
From a script by Jim Strouse that is at turns hilarious and heartbreaking, John Krasinski’s second feature is a poignant look at the bonds of family and friendship.
Production is now underway on location in Atlanta, Georgia, on New Line Cinema’s comedy FIST FIGHT, starring Ice Cube and Charlie Day as high school teachers prepared to solve their differences the hard way. The film is being directed by Richie Keen (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”).
On the last day of the year, mild-mannered high school English teacher Andy Campbell (Charlie Day) is trying his best to keep it together amidst senior pranks, a dysfunctional administration and budget cuts that put jobs on the line. But things go from bad to worse when he accidentally crosses his much tougher and deeply feared colleague, Ron Strickland (Ice Cube), who challenges Campbell to an old-fashioned throwdown after school. News of the fight spreads like wildfire and ends up becoming the very thing this school, and Campbell, needed.
FIST FIGHT also stars Tracy Morgan (“30 Rock”), Jillian Bell (“22 Jump Street”), Dean Norris (“Breaking Bad”), Christina Hendricks (“Mad Men”), Dennis Haysbert (“The Unit”), and JoAnna Garcia Swisher (“The Astronaut Wives Club”).
The screenplay is written by Evan Susser & Van Robichaux (Funny or Die’s “What’s Going On? With Mike Mitchell”). FIST FIGHT is produced by Shawn Levy, Max Greenfield, and John Rickard. Serving as executive producers are Charlie Day, Ice Cube, Dan Cohen, Billy Rosenberg, and Marty Ewing.
Keen’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Eric Edwards (“Knocked Up”), production designer Chris Cornwell (“Ride Along,” “The Wedding Ringer”), editor Matthew Freund (Comedy Central’s “The Meltdown with Jonah and Kumail”) and costume designer Denise Wingate (“Wedding Crashers”).
Principal photography will be take place primarily in and around Atlanta. The film will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.
