Tag: Charlie Plummer

THE LONG WALK Screening Participants Literally Walk The Walk – ON TREADMILLS!

Garrett Wareing as Stebbins, Roman Griffin Davis as Curley, Charlie Plummer as Barkovitch, Cooper Hoffman as Garraty, David Jonsson as McVries, Ben Wang as Olson, Joshua Odjick as Parker, Jordan Gonzalez as Harkness, and Tut Nyuot as Baker in The Long Walk. Photo Credit: Murray Close/Lionsgate

In the upcoming and highly anticipated film THE LONG WALK, the RULES OF THE WALK are:

  • Total participants: 50 
  • Required pace to maintain: 3 MPH 
  • If participants fall below the required pace, they will get a warning. If they are unable to reach the speed within 10 seconds, they will get an additional warning.
  • Total warnings: 3
    • Note: Participants are eliminated before a 4th warning is called.

On Saturday, Lionsgate held a special screening where for 1 hour and 48 minutes invited guests had to walk a treadmill, called the “treadmill elimination event,” in order to see THE LONG WALK, but with a few diabolical conditions…

via The Wrap: “if you don’t keep up a pace that’s faster than 3 mph, then you’ll have to leave the theater — even if the movie isn’t over.

“If they stop, they will be pulled from the screening and escorted out of the theater,” a press release for the activation reportedly reads. The screening will take place at the Culver Theater on Saturday, Aug. 30, where a theater house has replaced all of the seating with treadmills.“

News of this screening has been reported all over the place and the genius marketing for the event has made even non-horror fans want to check out the film.

There was also a ‘Biometrics Screening’ where the audience had their vital signs monitored while watching the movie. Heart rates went thru the roof!

From the highly anticipated adaptation of master storyteller Stephen King’s first-written novel (https://amzn.to/4mqMJ1z), and Francis Lawrence, the visionary director of The Hunger Games franchise films (Catching Fire, Mocking Jay – Pts. 1&2, and The Ballad of the Songbirds & Snakes), comes THE LONG WALK, an intense, chilling, and emotional thriller that challenges audiences to confront a haunting question: how far could you go?

Starring Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Garrett Wareing, Tut Nyuot, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang, Roman Griffin Davis, Jordan Gonzalez, Joshua Odjick, Josh Hamilton, with Judy Greer, and Mark Hamill.

THE LONG WALK is in theaters on September 12.

At San Diego Comic-Con last month, one of the film’s stars, Tut Nyuot, told Entertainment Weekly that filming the movie was not an easy feat — physically or mentally.

“We’re walking, we’re actually walking,” said Nyuot, who plays the competitor Arthur. “It’s something that I don’t think has ever been done, just constantly on the move. So mentally, just getting into that headspace and just staying locked in and treating every scene as if it’s new, ’cause we’re doing it so many times. We filmed one scene a day.”

Contributed by Michelle McCue and Melissa Thompson

WILDFLOWER (2023) – Review

This Friday sees the release of a “coming of age” story with a couple of very interesting twists. Yes, it’s about a young woman yearning to break free of her childhood home as she approaches the end of high school. Of course, there’s all the college prep, changing friendships, and even a new budding romance. Now, here’s the big detour: she’s conflicted as she believes her folks can’t really fend for themselves. In fact, many might think that she’s really “raising” them. So there’s the conflict between exploration and guilt. And it is “inspired by real events”, in fact, it’s a dramatized take on a documentary from a couple of years ago. Plus it touches on many similar themes as a film from earlier in the month. So, with this young woman’s blossoming new life, could she be the title’s WILDFLOWER?


The opening of the story has us following Las Vegas high school senior Bea Johnson (Kiernan Shipka) through her nearby suburban street, far from the “strip”.A quick cut and she’s sleeping in a hospital bed. Actually, she’s in a coma, As her family flits in and out of the room, Bea narrates a long flashback, in hopes of recalling how she got here. The locale shifts to a nearby California suburb as hunky Derek (Dash Mihok) mows the lawn of the home of Peg (Jean Smart) and Earl (Brad Garrett) as their smitten daughter Sharon (Samantha Hyde) watches. The folks allow her to bring him a lemonade, believing nothing will come of it. Sharon is developmentally challenged from birth, while Derek endured a brain injury when he was seven, leaving her mental capacity at that age. Of course, soon the young couple elopes, prompting a “sit down” with Peg, Earl, and Derek’s parents from Vegas, Loretta (Jackie Weaver) and ‘Papa J’ (Chris Mulkey). The decision to not get the marriage annulled leads to talk of Sharon getting sterilized. A horrified Peg takes it “off the table”, since they surely won’t start a family. Naturally, Sharon soon gives birth to Bambi (later she would insist on going by Bea). The new family puts down roots in Vegas, and all seems to go well until “the truck incident”, which prompts Sharon’s sister Joy (Alexandra Daddario) to swoop in with hubby Ben (Reid Scott) in order to eventually take custody of her. But Bea’s free-spirited nature makes for a poor “match” and soon she’s back with her folks. Bea shines academically, takes over housekeeping duties, and even has an afterschool job. As she begins her final high school year, a helpful guidance counselor nudges her to apply for scholarships, while Bea acts on an attraction to a new student, the rich, hunky Ethan (Charlie Plummer). But could he handle the unconventional Johnson family structure? And can Bea even think of leaving the increasingly dependent Sharon and Derek? Could all that pressure have led up to the coma?

Shipka delivers on the promise of her excellent TV work as Sally Draper on the iconic “Mad Men”. As with that role, she conveys a sharp wit, delivering the proper amount of snark with every “burn”, but her Bea is more than a “Daria” clone (another cable TV reference). With her confident line delivery and gestures, we see the affection and frustration she feels for her folks, tempered with her close bond with her school BFF (played with great charm by Kannon) and her hesitant romance. Kudos also to Ryan Liera Armstrong who is spot on as a pre-teen Bea. As dad Derek, Mihok is an endearing “man-child” with no filter as he peppers strangers with religious queries while never losing his dignity. He’s matched by the entertaining Hyde whose defiant pout speaks volumes. Plummer’s also effective as Bea’s dream guy, Ethan, who truly sees her soaring spirit. The addition of Smart as Peg super-charges the few scenes she has, even as she’s often regulated to being “the voice of reason” and the exasperated “straight woman” to the hi-jinks of the unique crew, especially Weaver as the boisterous flamboyant Loretta. Garret is again the sweet, often clueless lumbering “sad sack”, perhaps a cousin of his CHA CHA REAL SMOOTH step-pop. Daddario and Scott make a good comic team as the well-intentioned up-tight “helicopter parents”. Also effective is Erika Alexander as a sympathetic social worker who pops in and out of Bea’s life.

The whole production is a kind-hearted “indie” slice of life which will probably be unfairly compared to last year’s big Oscar-winner CODA and that flick from a couple of weeks ago CHAMPIONS. It compares well with the latter, but the treatment of the parents in this fall short of the scrappy crab-haulers of the former. Too often Bea’s folks are there as a roadblock or a challenge to her goals. Fortunately, there’s plenty of warmth in their encounters in between the chaos, as they contend with “the system”. Much the same can be said of Bea as she “acts out” in the convoluted third act (the “MEAN GIRLS/HEATHERS” subplot feels forced). Plus the cartoonish schtick of a major supporting player feels lifted from a farce. The Vegas settings are great, but other local touches feel dated (slot racing emporiums…today). Director Matt Smukler never stoops to exploitation of the mentally challenged and makes a good plea for compassion (he expands his 2020 doc short), but despite the terrific ensemble cast, led by the compelling Shipka, WILDFLOWER doesn’t quite reach for the sun.

2.5 Out of 4

WILDFLOWER opens in select theatres on Friday, March 17, 2023

Watch The First 5 Minutes Opening Scene From MOONFALL, Starring Halle Berry And Patrick Wilson – In Theaters February 4, 2022

Halle Berry, Patrick Wilson, John Bradley, Michael Peña, Charlie Plummer, Kelly Yu, Eme Ikwuakor, Carolina Bartczak, and Donald Sutherland star in the upcoming MOONFALL.

Lionsgate has released the exciting first 5 minutes of the film before it release on February 4, 2022.

In Moonfall, a mysterious force knocks the Moon from its orbit around Earth and sends it hurtling on a collision course with life as we know it. With mere weeks before impact and the world on the brink of annihilation, NASA executive and former astronaut Jo Fowler (Academy Award® winner Halle Berry) is convinced she has the key to saving us all – but only one astronaut from her past, Brian Harper (Patrick Wilson, “Midway”) and a conspiracy theorist K.C. Houseman (John Bradley, “Game of Thrones”) believes her. These unlikely heroes will mount an impossible last-ditch mission into space, leaving behind everyone they love, only to find out that our Moon is not what we think it is. (Trailer)

Directed by Roland Emmerich and written by Roland Emmerich, Harald Kloser, and Spenser Cohen.

https://moonfall.movie/

MOONFALL First Look Features Halle Berry And Patrick Wilson

In Moonfall, a mysterious force knocks the Moon from its orbit around Earth and sends it hurtling on a collision course with life as we know it. With mere weeks before impact and the world on the brink of annihilation, NASA executive and former astronaut Jo Fowler (Academy Award® winner Halle Berry) is convinced she has the key to saving us all – but only one astronaut from her past, Brian Harper (Patrick Wilson, “Midway”) and a conspiracy theorist K.C. Houseman (John Bradley, “Game of Thrones”) believes her. These unlikely heroes will mount an impossible last-ditch mission into space, leaving behind everyone they love, only to find out that our Moon is not what we think it is.

Directed by Roland Emmerich and written by Roland Emmerich & Harald Kloser & Spenser Cohen, the film also stars Michael Peña, Charlie Plummer, Kelly Yu, Eme Ikwuakor, Carolina Bartczak, and Donald Sutherland.

Catch a look at the first teaser trailer and watch it in theaters February 4, 2022.

https://moonfall.movie/

Roland Emmerich Celebrates National Moon Day With MOONFALL Photo – Debuts In Theaters on February 4, 2022

Filmmaker Roland Emmerich announced the start of his latest film, MOONFALL, on Twitter to celebrate National Moon Day.

In MOONFALL, a mysterious force knocks the Moon from its orbit around Earth and sends it hurtling on a collision course with life as we know it. With mere weeks before impact and the world on the brink of annihilation, NASA executive and former astronaut Jo Fowler (Academy Award® winner Halle Berry) is convinced she has the key to saving us all – but only one astronaut from her past, Brian Harper (Patrick Wilson, “Midway”) and a conspiracy theorist K.C. Houseman (John Bradley, “Game of Thrones”) believe her. These unlikely heroes will mount an impossible last-ditch mission into space, leaving behind everyone they love, only to find out that our Moon is not what we think it is.

MOONFALL is directed by Roland Emmerich who helmed the impressive MIDWAY, as well as Independence Day, Stargate, Godzilla, The Patriot, The Day After Tomorrow, and 2012. MIDWAY was released on November 8, 2019, opened #1 at the U.S. box office and has grossed over $140 million worldwide to date.

The sci-fi film is written by Roland Emmerich & Harald Kloser & Spenser Cohen, the film also stars Michael Peña, Charlie Plummer, Kelly Yu, Eme Ikwuakor, Carolina Bartczak, and Donald Sutherland.

MOONFALL opens In theaters on February 4, 2022.

WORDS ON BATHROOM WALLS Now Available on Blu-ray and DVD

If you can’t trust your mind, trust your heart. Words on Bathroom Walls has arrived on Blu-ray™ (plus Digital), DVD, and On Demand from Lionsgate. Check out the heartwarming trailer:

If you can’t trust your mind, trust your heart when Words on Bathroom Walls arrived on Digital November 10 and on Blu-ray™ (plus Digital), DVD, and On Demand November 17 from Lionsgate. This film is certified fresh by Rotten Tomatoes, and is based on the debut novel by Julia Walton. The film stars Charlie Plummer, Andy Garcia, Taylor Russell, AnnaSophia Robb, Beth Grant, Molly Parker, and Walton Goggins. Words on Bathroom Walls will be available on Blu-ray™ (plus Digital) and DVD for the suggested retail price of $24.99 and $19.98, respectively.

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Adam (Charlie Plummer) is a witty, introspective teen pursuing his dream of becoming a chef. When Adam is diagnosed with a mental illness, he lives in fear of being exposed — until he meets Maya (Taylor Russell), an outspoken and fiercely intelligent girl who inspires him to open his heart and not be defined by his condition. With its inspiring journey of love, acceptance, and hope, Words on Bathroom Walls is a triumphant story of overcoming life’s challenges and embracing who you are.


BLU-RAY / DVD SPECIAL FEATURE

  • Words on Bathroom Walls Photo Gallery
  • Theatrical Trailer

 CAST
Charlie Plummer         TV’s “Looking for Alaska,” Lean on Pete, All the Money in the World
Andy Garcia                Ocean’s Eleven, The Mule, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
Taylor Russell             Waves, Escape Room, TV’s “Lost in Space”
AnnaSophia Robb      Bridge To Terabithia, TV’s “The Carrie Diaries,” “The Act”
Walton Goggins          Maze Runner: The Death Cure, The Hateful Eight, TV’s “Sons of Anarchy”

Hilarious Trailer Hits For Brian Duffield’s SPONTANEOUS

Writer Brian Duffield (UNDERWATER, JANE GOT A GUN) has got a new film coming out called SPONTANEOUS. Including helming the film, Duffield also provides the hysterical screenplay for the comedy starring Katherine Langford, Charlie Plummer and Piper Perabo.

Get ready for the most outrageous coming-of-age love story about growing up…and blowing up!

Watch the trailer and see what I mean!

When students in their high school begin inexplicably exploding (literally…), seniors Mara (Katherine Langford) and Dylan (Charlie Plummer) struggle to survive in a world where each moment may be their last. As an unexpected romance blossoms between them, Mara and Dylan discover that when tomorrow is no longer promised, they can finally start living for today.

In addition to this movie, Duffield has also co-wrote the post-apocalyptic comedy LOVE AND MONSTERS which takes place over seven years after a “monsterpocalypse” that forces all of humanity to move to underground colonies. Due to be released via video on demand on October 16, 2020, the film stars Dylan O’Brien and Michael Rooker.

SPONTANEOUS will be in select theaters on October 2 and will be available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Microsoft Movies & TV, Sony PlayStation Video, FandangoNOW and more on October 6.

WORDS ON BATHROOM WALLS – Review

WORDS ON BATHROOM WALLS tells the familiar story of bright 16-year old Adam (Charlie Plummer), who suffers from schizophrenia. Expelled following a fistfight, he is sent to a Catholic school to finish out his senior year. Adam makes little attempt to fit in until he meets Maya (Taylor Russell), a hyper-intelligent girl from the wrong side of the tracks and there is an instant soulful and romantic connection. When he starts hearing voices and seeing people who aren’t there, he attempts to hide his illness because he fears it will interfere with his dream of attending culinary school.

The screenplay for WORDS ON BATHROOM WALLS stuffs in every cliché about teen angst yet is a laudable attempt to seem heartfelt without too much blatant manipulation. It’s an uneven film, but generally succeeds thanks especially to a winning central performance Charlie Plummer. The film itself often seems schizophrenic. The lightness of tone and playful score is often at odds with a serious story that explores the need for schizophrenics to stay on their medication. WORDS ON BATHROOM WALLS was directed by Thor Freudenthal, who directed the first DIARY OF A WIMPY KID movie and his new film at times plays like a belated entry in that franchise, as if the wimpy kid has grown up but is now battling demons more serious than an obnoxious brother Roderick. Like the Wimpy Kid films, WORDS ON BATHROOM WALLS leans on an over-reliance of self-aware monologues addressed to the camera that seem gimmicky. There’s also a trio of imaginary friends only he can see and only when his meds aren’t kicking in that are supposed to be personifications of his illness: a muscle-bound bouncer known as the ‘Enforcer’ (Lobo Sebastian), the New Age cheerleader/fairy Rebecca (AnnaSophia Robb), and Joaquin (Devon Bostick), who wears a bathrobe but whose purpose is otherwise unclear (the less said about a rumbling and grumbling black cloud that follows Adam around the better).

Charlie Plummer is likable as Adam and makes you really root for this kid. Less successful is Taylor Russell’s Maya, the type of annoying overachiever too often in these types of films that doesn’t ring true. Molly Parker is fine as Adam’s concerned mom while a cast-against-type Walton Goggins brings great depth to his role as her boyfriend.

WORDS ON BATHROOM WALLS asks an interesting question – should the mentally ill be forcibly medicated? It’s a good question since each person reacts differently to each treatment and sometimes the cure is more distressing than the symptoms of schizophrenia. Here Adam loses his sense of taste when his meds are working, which is a huge problem seeing how he aspires to be a professional chef. The script explores various facets of schizophrenia but it doesn’t dwell on them long enough to depress the viewer or make the film dark. It is a bittersweet, if occasionally precious, teen movie that ends happily. Sufferers of schizophrenia may feel that the film trivializes their illness but at the end of the day it is a film about young adulthood, not mental illness.

2 of 4 Stars


Charlie Plummer in LEAN ON PETE Coming to Blu-ray & DVD July 10th

The Unforgettable Odyssey Based on the Acclaimed Novel Rides to Blu-ray and DVD on July 10 from Lionsgate

Find hope and acceptance in the most unlikely of places in Lean on Pete, arriving on Blu-ray (plus Digital) and DVD July 10 from Lionsgate. Written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Andrew Haigh (Weekend, 45 Years), the film, which Indiewire calls “a gem,” is a slice-of-life story about a teenage boy who sets out on an adventure to find a place called home. Starring in the Rotten Tomatoes Certified Fresh™ film are Charlie Plummer (The Dinner, All the Money in the World), Oscar nominee Chloë Sevigny (Best Supporting Actress, Boys Don’t Cry, 1999), with Travis Fimmel (“Vikings,” Warcraft: The Beginning), and Golden Globe® winner Steve Buscemi (Best Actor, Television – Drama, “Boardwalk Empire,” 2011).

Fifteen-year-old Charley (Charlie Plummer) finds acceptance and camaraderie at a local racetrack where he lands a job caring for an aging Quarter Horse named Lean on Pete. The horse’s gruff owner, Del Montgomery (Steve Buscemi), and his seasoned jockey, Bonnie (Chloë Sevigny), help Charley fill the void of his absent father. But when Charley discovers that Pete is bound for slaughter, he takes extreme measures to save him, as Charley and Pete embark on an unforgettable odyssey to find a place they can call home.

The home entertainment release of Lean on Pete includes the “Searching for Home: Making Lean on Pete” featurette. The Lean on Pete Blu-ray™ and DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $21.99 and $19.98, respectively.

BLU-RAY / DVD SPECIAL FEATURES

  • “Searching for Home: Making Lean on Pete” Featurette

LEAN ON PETE – Review

 

Add another animal star to the ever-expanding movie zoo. Now make room Garfield and Benjy,  ’cause he’s a big fella’, part of the equine film lineage. He’s not recreating a true sports legend like SEABISCUIT or SECRETARIAT. No, he’s a descendant of the fictional horses that have had special friendships with their human riders and trainers. It’s a long line going back to BLACK BEAUTY thru NATIONAL VELVET and MY FRIEND FLICKA up to CASEY’S SHADOW and THE BLACK STALLION (plus there’s the sidekick spin-offs such as MY PAL TRIGGER). From the look of this film’s poster art, movie goers might think they’re in for a new version of the sentimental stories of the friendship between a boy and his “four-footed friend”. Well, hold on to the reins, because this tale’s got a curve more surprising than the twistiest of running tracks. Get ready for a bumpy ride when film fans saddle up LEAN ON PETE. And they’re off…

As the story begins, we’re first introduced to the boy in this “boy and his horse” tale. A young man of 16 years actually, one Charley Thompson (Charlie Plummer), who’s living with his hard-drinking aimless single dad Ray (Travis Fimmel) in a small Oregon town. The new school year is weeks away, but Charley still jogs in the mornings in order to rejoin the track team. A different running route bring s him to a low-rent horse track. Charley’s fascinated and explores the place. One day he ends up helping out a grizzled, surly horse owner, Del (Steve Buscemi). Del gives Charley a couple of bucks, and hires him as an assistant. The young man is soon loading up the truck, carting supplies, and cleaning the stable of Del’s older horses, the run-down “Lean on Pete”. Despite Del’s warnings, Charley soon becomes emotionally attached to Pete. Back home, Ray is pleased that his son is bringing in some extra money. Then, late one night, an assault from a rival puts Ray in the hospital, and Charley becomes the family breadwinner. Dad insists that he travel with Del on the racing circuit. On the way to a big race, Del picks up his jockey, Bonnie (Chloe Sevigny), who becomes another mentor to Charley. On return trip home, Charley learns of Ray’s passing. His only relative is an estranged aunt, Margy, who lives several states away (and who he hasn’t seen in a decade). Before Family Services swoops in, Charley runs back to Del. The next big race is make or break for Pete. If he doesn’t “place” he’ll be sold to a “business” in Mexico. When the worst happens, Charley decides that he will take Pete with him on the long trek to Margy. Will his love for the horse be enough to see them through their big journey to freedom?

Though the noble steed’s name is the film’s title, this really is the story of Charley played with great sensitivity by relative screen newcomer Plummer, who we saw just a few months ago as the kidnapped heir in ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD. He covers nearly the whole spectrum of emotions with great skill. There’s the awkward teenage indifference, suddenly replaced by his curiosity about the almost alien world of the racetrack. This prompts his intense empathy for the title horse, which leads to despair when Pete just can’t cut it in competition. And Plummer exudes the teen’s over-confidence and impulsiveness that lead to disaster. But Charley doesn’t give up , and Plummer conveys that determination, compelling the audience to root for him to triumph. It helps that Plummer is never overshadowed by a trio of screen vets. The always engaging Buscemi delivers as Del, part mentor, part tough taskmaster, and all curmudgeon. He rewards Charley for his hard work, but admonishes him soon after for his horrific table manners (“chew your food, you’re making me sick”). Most of all, Del is a realist, who doesn’t romanizes his work or horses. The same can be said of Sevigny’s Bonnie, who becomes Charley’s big sister. Though only in a few scenes, she delivers the drama as she tries to tell the smitten Charley that Pete is a commodity, not a pet. The film’s third act introduces the energetic Steve Zahn as Silver, a drifter who advises Charley on how to be street smart. His affable nature quickly turns when Zahn shows us his dark, violent side. Fimmel also does great work as Charley’s doomed daddy.

Director/screenwriter Andrew Haigh adapts Willy Vlautin’s novel with a slow, steady hand. As mentioned earlier, this story up-ends all the Animal/human tales of bonding. Charley’s love for Pete is not enough, and he pays a heavy price for his impulsive hubris (this is not a flick for horse-loving tots). Unfortunately, once the duo leaves the racing area (and Del and Bonnie), the film meanders at a snail’s pace. A side trip visit to a couple of video game playing lunkheads has little purpose. Plus the Zahn-street subplot seems to be dropped in from another film. The locations capture the still untamed parts of the country, but the dusty vistas that dwarf the duo also becomes repetitious. Perhaps with a tighter script and unforgiving editing, LEAN ON PETE would “win”, rather than merely “show”.

3 Out of 5

LEAN ON PETE opens everywhere and screens exclusively in the St. Louis area at Landmark’s Plaza Frontenac Cinemas