Tag: Clancy brown

THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE; SEARCH FOR SQUAREPANTS – Review

Patrick Star (Bill Fagerbakke) and SpongeBob SquarePants (Tom Kenny) in The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants from Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon.

And just what type of feature film has been at the top of the box office for the last couple of weekends? Oh, and it just became the biggest grossing flick of 2025 (we’ll see if that holds with the Nav’i arriving from Pandora this Friday). I’m talking about ZOOTOPIA 2, an animated feature film. And a sequel that could be part of another ongoing big franchise. That’s not too unusual for movies from the “mouse house” (and their Pixar partners), but rare for others. Sure, there’s DreamWorks with SHREK and ICE AGE from Blue Sky (actually now part of Disney). Well, there’s now Paramount Animation whose lil’ yellow, smilin’ hero is headlining his fourth big screen adventure, all since debuting on the Nickelodeon cable TV network way back in 1999. So let’s travel to Bikini Bottom via the multiplex for THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SEARCH FOR SQUAREPANTS. Whew, to paraphrase another seafarer and the poster, “we’re gonna’ need a bigger marquee”.

To start this tale of deep sea exploit, we’re treated to a prologue from a live-action pirate who tells us of the legend of the Flying Dutchman. Not to worry kids, we’re quickly reunited with our guy, Spongebob Squarepants (voice of Tom Kenny), who’s very excited at his pineapple home. Turns out he’s gotten taller, actually tall enough to ride the roller coaster at a nearby amusement park, Glove World. Yes, he’s a “big guy”! His BFF Patrick Star (Bill Fagerbakke) join him on this momentous trek. Ah, but the very dangerous-looking ride causes Bob to have a “change of heart”. Yup, he’s the “chicken of the sea”. The duo head back to the Crabby Patty diner, where the owner, Mr. Krabs (Clancy Brown) teases him with tales of his past “daring do” showing off his own “swashbuckler certificate”. Hoping to earn one of his own, Bob and Patrick go through a secret trap door, to Krabs’ old artifacts and “knick-knacks”. Somehow, the duo pass into an “ultra secret” section that has a portal to the pirate ship of the Flying Dutchman (Mark Hamill). It turns out that he’s tired of being a green ghost who must sail the seven seas for eternity. He has a chance to be human once more via a magical device that can only be activated by “the purest innocent”. Sounds like our “big guy” Bob. As they sail away, Krabs and Squidward (Roger Bumpass), head downstairs and try to follow the ship to rescue Bob and Patrick. Can the squabbling pair catch up to the Dutchman before Bob somehow sends the old pirate into the real world? And would Bob replace him as the captain of his ghostly vessel?

It’s amazing that the veteran voice ensemble (past 25 years already) can still bring such sprightly energy to the “core” cast of characters, particularly the gifted vocal styling of Mr. Kenny (Bill, Clancy, and Roger aren’t “phoning it in”, though they could). Now, with this outing, they’ve brought in a few more actors into their “play pen”. Hamill is the perfect craggy, cranky green pirate ghost, while Regina Hall make for an excellent “first mate/assistant” Barb. As good as they are, the visuals really have to sell this story. While the original TV series and the first feature were produced in glorious “hand-drawn” 2D-style “classic” animation (though I’m guessing some “flash” was in use), the producers have completely-embraced fully-rendered, rounded, textured 3D CGI tech. Happily none of the rubbery expressions and exaggerations are lost, as the artists really make the cast very expressive in their physicality, often recalling the “loonier” art of Bob Clampett (a “touchstone” in zany poses). And we even get some live-action actors and settings in the big finale, though they can’t compare with the eye-popping splendor of the undersea backdrops (what they can do with the sand and sea greenery). The only problem with this is the exhaustion from the manic “in your face” pacing, which was meant to keep kids engaged, but is so draining for over 90 minutes (maybe this would’ve worked better in a multipart TV miniseries). You really need some time to catch your breath, since there aren’t big musical numbers or any quiet interludes. Yes the visuals are superb (some “gross-out” close-ups feel like the handiwork of Spumco, the Ren & Stimpy studio, stalwart Vincent Waller), but it really begins to blend together by the third act. But the overall quality is maintained after all this time in the “briny deep” so that longtime fans (the original TV viewers can bring their kids and maybe grandkids) will get a nostalgic charge out of THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SEARCH FOR SQUAREPANTS. Oh, and the TMNT short that proceeds it is pretty clever, too.

2.5 Out of 4

THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SEARCH FOR SQUAREPANTS opens in theaters everywhere on Friday, December 19, 2025

Time To Return To Bikini Bottom! Check Out The Trailer For THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SEARCH FOR SQUAREPANTS

Check out the new trailer for THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SEARCH FOR SQUAREPANTS.

SpongeBob and his Bikini Bottom friends set sail in their biggest, all-new, can’t miss cinematic event ever…The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. Desperate to be a big guy, SpongeBob sets out to prove his bravery to Mr. Krabs by following The Flying Dutchman – a mysterious swashbuckling ghost pirate – on a seafaring comedy-adventure that takes him to the deepest depths of the deep sea, where no Sponge has gone before.

Based on the Series “SpongeBob SquarePants” Created by Stephen Hillenburg, THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SEARCH FOR SQUAREPANTS opens in theaters December 19th.

https://www.spongebobmovie.com

The cast includes Tom Kenny, Clancy Brown, Rodger Bumpass, Bill Fagerbakke, Carolyn Lawrence, Mr. Lawrence, George Lopez, Isis “Ice Spice” Gaston, Arturo Castro, Sherry Cola with Regina Hall and Mark Hamill .

Directed by Derek Drymon, “THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SEARCH FOR SQUAREPANTS” is rated PG for rude humor, some thematic elements, and mild language.

The movie features ICE SPICE in her debut acting role and her new original track, “BIG GUY”!

THE NEW SINGLE WILL BE AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE TONIGHT. PRE-SAVE HERE!

Gary (Tom Kenny), Mr. Krabs (Clancy Brown) and Squidward (Rodger Bumpass) in The Spongebob Movie: Search For Squarepants from Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon.

Max Releases New Teaser For THE PENGUIN, Starring Colin Farrell

Max has released a new teaser for THE PENGUIN, from Warner Bros. Television and DC Studios, debuting this fall. Starring Colin Farrell as Oz Cobb (aka “The Penguin”), the eight-episode DC Studios drama series continues The Batman epic crime saga that filmmaker Matt Reeves began with Warner Bros. Pictures’ global blockbuster “The Batman,” and centers on the character played by Farrell in the film.

The cast includes Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz, Michael Kelly, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Deirdre O’Connell, Clancy Brown, and Michael Zegen.

The series is executive produced by Matt Reeves, Dylan Clark, Colin Farrell, Lauren LeFranc, who writes and serves as showrunner, Craig Zobel, who directs the first three episodes, and Bill Carraro. Based on characters created for DC by Bob Kane with Bill Finger, THE PENGUIN is produced by Reeves’ 6th & Idaho Productions and Dylan Clark Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, where Reeves and 6th & Idaho are under an overall deal. Daniel Pipski also serves as executive producer.

Photographs by Macall Polay/Max

SCRAMBLED – Review

Somehow, in the midst of the “first quarter” of the year’s cinematic doldrums and discards a nice surprise “pops’ up to jolt you awake, or at the least engage your senses. And it’s even rarer that it’s from a relative newcomer or an artist that’s not yet “on the radar”. That changes now. Like many creatives, she’s far from an “overnight star”, as her IMDB lists more than a dozen or so acting credits. And then there are several listings of “behind the camera” work, in features and shorts on the big screen and small. Now, with this release she’s a true “triple threat” as she makes her feature directing debut while emoting in nearly every scene. Film fans, here to inject much-needed energy and a bit of snark into the “rom-com” is Leah McKendrick in SCRAMBLED.

So, what’s up with that title, eh? Well, it takes a few minutes to bring its meaning into focus. The opening sequence is a big wedding day, though not for the tale’s heroine, thirty-something “free spirit” Nellie Robinson (McKendrick). Once again she’s a bridesmaid (shades of 27 DRESSES), trying to “get her drink on” and dancing in a clunky, brownish gown. But first, she’s got to “talk down” her BFF, the bride herself Dhelia (Ego Nwodim) who seems to have a case of “mid-ceremony jitters” (the “I do” is done, but she’s in a panic). Finally, the reception begins and between dances, Nellie talks to her “role model” Monroe (June Diane Raphael), who delivers a literal “wake-up call” to her. It turns out that having a child at age 40 was hellishly painful and expensive. After hearing of Nellie’s exact age (34), Monroe tells her that if she has no “partners” or “prospects”, she’d better freeze her eggs if she ever wants to be a mom. This sets the “drifting” Nellie on a mission. As her “main hustle” is most people’s “side hustle” (selling hand-crafted jewelry online), she’s got to get the funds needed for the procedure. Naturally, she turns to her family, who are somewhat baffled, especially blustery Papa Richard (Clancy Brown) and “go-go” tech exec bro Jesse (Andrew Santino), who caves in after loads of begging and pleading. Thus begins an agonizing regime of self-administered shots and medication. But in her downtime, Nellie decides to track down some former flings and a few serious beaus on social media, Could she rekindle an “old flame” and start a family the old fashioned way?

Proving that her other film “duties” don’t have to diminish her performance, Ms. McKendrick makes Nellie one of the most complex and compelling modern women at the heart of this engaging character “arc”. At first, Nellie seems to be a female “spin” on the popular comedy flick trope, the “man-child”, usually played by a stand-up comic or a TV sketch show featured player. She’s always ready to party, complete with a “constantly stocked purse”, though she shows her annoyance at being “support” at the big nuptials. Then a switch is turned by a literal “smack in the face” and McKendrick conveys the worry via her furrowed brow that the clock is ticking…and getting louder. And a “quickie” with a server isn’t silencing it. Sure, there are still moments of immaturity, actually throwing a “hissy fit” in her brother’s office. and we’re confused by her choices as she makes an online “thirst trap”. This serves to make her more human as Nellie “flings’ herself ‘head-first” into adulthood. This all comes through due to McKendrick’s verbal and superb physical skills (timing and great pratfalls).

McKendrick surrounds herself with a terrific cast, balanced with the comedic and dramatic. Though she’s only in one scene Raphael truly delivers with an unexpectedly brutal “bombshell” destroying the “having it all’ fantasy. Nwodim, a SNLer who is more than “ready for prime time”, brings endearing manic energy as the new bride who is just “getting it” and needs her “buddy backup”. As her annoying big brother, Santino is sweetly obnoxious as the corporate “climber” who loves his lil’ sis’, but is confused by her. There’s also a string of gifted actors playing Nellie’s various former fellas’, with corresponding floating cartoon labels (“The Prom King’, “The Cult Leader”), including Adam Rodriguez as the smoothest of players and Brett Dier as the spooky, passive-aggressive “Mr. Nice Guy”. But the movie’s MVP may just be Brown as the perplexed papa. After his great recent turn in PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN, I’m wondering if he should be the “go-to” daddy in these female-driven stories. He’s more grumbly here than in PYW, but he’s still a nurturing “rock’ for the confused Nellie, even as he bemoans the onset of age.

As I mentioned earlier, Ms. McKendrick matches her performance as Nellie with a witty and often heartfelt script and confident direction. The film is swiftly paced even as it switches tones from whimsey (again, those cartoon labels and humiliating “one-nighters”) and the darkness of modern LA (nights of agony as she pokes more holes into her belly). Nellie is on a journey, and we’re right there for her as she strays into many poor choices. In addition to the procedure pain, Nellie is plagued with regret over the “perfect guy” she let slip away. But McKendrick even mines great comedy from this pain (even laughter at a miscarriage support group). Movie fans will be looking forward to her next project when they take a chance on the superb indie “dramedy” SCRAMBLED. And somehow I made it through without a “putting all your eggs in one basket” joke!

3.5 Out of 4

SCRAMBLED is now playing in select theatres

See Charlie Hunnam, Morena Baccarin, Dominic Monaghan, Clancy Brown and Mel Gibson In LAST LOOKS Trailer – Coming To Theaters February 4

If you like 1970’s Hollywood detective tales with flawed characters and film noir showing the seedy side of Los Angeles, then this new film is for you.

Get ready for an entertaining ‘whodunnit’ movie. Coming to theaters and On Demand and Digital February 4 is the upcoming action-comedy, LAST LOOKS, an RLJE Films release.

Starring Charlie Hunnam, Morena Baccarin, Lucy Fry, Dominic Monaghan, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Clancy Brown with Rupert Friend and Mel Gibson, watch the trailer now.

Charlie Waldo (Charlie Hunnam) is an ex-LAPD superstar who left the force and now lives a life of simplicity and solitude deep in the woods. Alistair Pinch (Mel Gibson) is an eccentric actor who spends his days drunk on the set of his TV show. When Pinch’s wife is found dead, he is the prime suspect and Waldo is convinced to come out of retirement to investigate what happened. The case finds Waldo contending with gangsters, Hollywood executives and pre-school teachers, all in pursuit of clearing Pinch’s name … or confirming his guilt.

The film is from UK award winning comedy and drama Film and TV director, Tim Kirby, who says of LAST LOOKS, “As a love letter to 70’s Hollywood detective films, I wanted to introduce subtle film noir cinematic troupes, but wanted to subvert them at all times, and I also didn’t want to romanticise Los Angeles in any way, choosing to show a claustrophobic, grounded side of the city.”

(L-R) Charlie Hunnam as Charlie Waldo and Mel Gibson as Alastair Pinch in the action/comedy, LAST LOOKS, an RLJE Films release. Photo courtesy of RLJE Films.

In addition to winning both a BAFTA and a British Comedy Award, Kirby has directed and set up many successful comedies for television both in the UK and US including Phoebe Waller Bridge’s award-winning breakout hit Fleabag. In the US, with Funny or Die and Hank Azaria, Tim directed all episodes and exec produced the first season of the critically acclaimed TV series Brockmire for IFC, and in episodic TV, directed episodes of the HBO comedy Veep, Netflix’s Grace & Frankie, and Fox’s Brooklyn Nine Nine. Directing and exec producing the whole first season, he has just finished a new Netflix series The Pentaverate with Mike Myers who plays 8 characters. The show, about a secret society that has been working to control world events since 1347, is set to be released in May 2022.

(L-R) Charlie Hunnam as Charlie Waldo and Clancy Brown as Big Jim Cuddy in the action/comedy, LAST LOOKS, an RLJE Films release. Photo courtesy of RLJE Films.

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 Set To Open In Theaters March 24, 2023

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 is set to release in theaters on March 24, 2023, according to an all-new announcement teaser shared by Lionsgate.

The film had previously been dated for May 27, 2022.

The fourth installment went into production this summer and was announced via the film’s social media sites. JOHN WICK 4 was announced in May 2019 after the success of JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 – PARABELLUM, which took in an astounding $93 million worldwide, including $57 million from North American ticket sales.

The JOHN WICK franchise takes place when sadistic young thugs senselessly attack John Wick [Keanu Reeves] – a brilliantly lethal ex-assassin – they have no idea they’ve messed with the wrong guy. With New York City as his bullet-riddled playground, Wick embarks on a merciless rampage, hunting down his adversaries with the skill and ruthlessness that made him an underworld legend, aka “Baba Yaga” and the crime world operating out of the Continental Hotel chain.

Directed by Chad Stahelski, JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 stars Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Lance Reddick, Donnie Yen, Rina Sawayama, Shamier Anderson, Bill Skarsgård, Scott Adkins, Hiroyuki Sanada, Clancy Brown and Ian McShane.

Here’s a Behind-the-Scenes Trailer About the Making of THE MORTUARY COLLECTION – Now Available on DVD and Blu-ray

The newly released DVD and Blu-ray of THE MORTUARY COLLECTION features commentary, in-depth conversations and 14 extensive behind-the-scenes segments that include Cinematography, Costumes, Art Department, Locations, Props, Hair & Make-Up, Special Effects, Sound, Stunts, and Visual Effects of THE MORTUARY COLLECTION.  Here’s a Behind-the-Scenes Trailer:

RLJE Films just released THE MORTUARY COLLECTION on DVD for an SRP of $27.97 and Blu-ray for an SRP of $28.96.


Written and directed by Ryan Spindell (“50 States of Fright,” The Babysitter Murders), THE MORTUARY COLLECTION stars Clancy Brown (The Shawshank Redemption, Thor: Ragnarok), Caitlin Custer (“Teen Wolf,” “Swingtown”), Christine Kilmer (“Hollywood,”“Shameless”), and Jacob Elordi (The Kissing Booth franchise,“Euphoria”). 

Set in the phantasmagorical town of Raven’s End, nothing is as it seems…. In THE MORTUARY COLLECTION, a misguided young girl takes refuge in a decrepit old mortuary. There she meets Montgomery Dark, an eccentric undertaker with more than a few skeletons in his closet. Montgomery chronicles the strange history of the town through a series of twisted tales, each more terrifying than the last, but the young girl’s world is unhinged when she discovers that the final story…is her own. 

Bonus features on the DVD and Blu-ray include:●      Director’s Commentary●      14 Extensive Behind-the-Scenes Segments  Featuring the Cinematography, Costumes, Art Department, Locations, Props, Hair & Make-Up, Special Effects, Sound, Stunts, and Visual Effects of THE MORTUARY COLLECTION●      In-Depth Conversations with Director and Writer Ryan Spindell, the Actors, and Crew of THE MORTUARY COLLECTION●      Deleted Scenes●      …and more!

The New Trailer for CHAPPAQUIDDICK Starring Jason Clarke as Ted Kennedy and Kate Mara as Mary Jo Kopechne


The truth is revealed in the new trailer for CHAPPAQUIDDICK starring Jason Clarke, Kate Mara, Ed Helms, and Jim Gaffigan with Bruce Dern. The untold true story, recalling the mysterious events of the scandalous 1969 car accident involving U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy (Clarke) and Mary Jo Kopechne (Mara), a campaign worker he callously left to die at the scene, hits theaters April 6th!

In the riveting suspense drama, CHAPPAQUIDDICK, the scandal and mysterious events surrounding the tragic drowning of a young woman, as Ted Kennedy drove his car off the infamous bridge, are revealed in the new movie starring Jason Clarke as Ted Kennedy and Kate Mara as Mary Jo Kopechne. Not only did this event take the life of an aspiring political strategist and Kennedy insider, but it ultimately changed the course of presidential history forever. Through true accounts, documented in the inquest from the investigation in 1969, director John Curran and writers Andrew Logan and Taylor Allen, intimately expose the broad reach of political power, the influence of America’s most celebrated family; and the vulnerability of Ted Kennedy, the youngest son, in the shadow of his family legacy.

Cast: Jason Clarke, Kate Mara, Ed Helms, Jim Gaffigan, Clancy Brown, and Taylor Nichols with Olivia Thirlby and Bruce Dern
Directed by: John Curran (Tracks, The Painted Veil)
Written by: Screenplay by Taylor Allen and Andrew Logan

Jason Clarke Is Ted Kennedy And Kate Mara Is Mary Joe Kopechne In CHAPPAQUIDDICK Trailer

Watch Jason Clarke as Ted Kennedy in the new trailer for CHAPPAQUIDDICK. The suspenseful drama recounts the tragic events of the 1969 car accident involving the U.S. Senator and a young campaign worker (Kate Mara) who died at the scene.

Catch the untold true story, also starring Ed Helms & Jim Gaffigan with Bruce Dern, in theaters April 6th.

In the riveting suspense drama, CHAPPAQUIDDICK, the scandal and mysterious events surrounding the tragic drowning of a young woman, as Ted Kennedy drove his car off the infamous bridge, are revealed in the new movie starring Jason Clarke as Ted Kennedy and Kate Mara as Mary Joe Kopechne.

Not only did this event take the life of an aspiring political strategist and Kennedy insider, but it ultimately changed the course of presidential history forever. Through true accounts, documented in the inquest from the investigation in 1969, director John Curran  (Tracks, The Painted Veil) and writers Andrew Logan and Taylor Allen, intimately expose the broad reach of political power, the influence of America’s most celebrated family; and the vulnerability of Ted Kennedy, the youngest son, in the shadow of his family legacy.

facebook.com/ChappaquiddickMovie

New STRONGER Poster Features Jake Gyllenhaal

Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions have released the first poster for the upcoming drama STRONGER.

STRONGER opens in theaters September 22, 2017

STRONGER is the inspiring true story of Jeff Bauman, an ordinary man who captured the hearts of his city and the world to become the symbol of hope following the infamous 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.

Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Jeff, a 27-year-old, working-class Boston man who was at the marathon to try and win back his ex-girlfriend Erin (Tatiana Maslany). Waiting for her at the finish line when the blast occurs, he loses both his legs in the attack. After regaining consciousness in the hospital, Jeff is able to help law enforcement identify one of the bombers, but his own battle has just begun. He tackles months of physical and emotional rehabilitation with the unwavering support of Erin and his family.

It is Jeff’s deeply personal account of the heroic journey that tests a family’s bond, defines a community’s pride and inspires his inner courage to overcome devastating adversity. Filled with raw emotion, humanity and humor, STRONGER is the inspirational real-life story of the man who became the living embodiment of “Boston Strong.”

The film also stars Academy Award nominee Miranda Richardson and is directed by David Gordon Green.

strongerthefilm.com