Emma Thompson – We Are Movie Geeks

CRUELLA – Review

*Emma Stone as Cruella in Disney’s live-action CRUELLA. Photo by Laurie Sparham. © 2021 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.*

Dueling Emmas face off in a battle of fashionistas behaving badly, in CRUELLA, in which Emma Thompson’s Anna Wintour-like fashion giant is challenged by Emma Stones’ Vivienne Westwood-like punk designer upstart. CRUELLA is more entertaining that one might expect for the live-action backstory of a Disney villain, Cruella de Vil from the animated classic 101 DALMATIANS. CRUELLA is more entertaining that one might expect. Creative, energetic, dark and spiked with campy humor, CRUELLA is a surprising bit of fun.

CRUELLA is sympathetic backstory that paints the famous Disney villain as a misunderstood underdog, but one of the best things about CRUELLA is that it is not another MALEFICENT. If you liked that Disney villain origin story, you may not care for this one, as CRUELLA takes itself far less seriously. Director Craig Gillespie (I TONYA) makes CRUELLA clever, energetic fun with just enough campy fun and a dark humor twist. Although named for the Disney villain, this film stands on its own, and would be just as entertaining if the central character had a different name.

Estella (Tipper Seifert-Cleveland) is a rebellious, brilliant young girl with unusual black and white hair, who arrives in ’60s London after being orphaned when some vicious dalmatians pushed her mother (Emily Beecham) off a cliff. She is taken in by a pair of grifter street urchins, who teach her their trade. In the punk ’70s, grown-up Estella (Emma Stone) has become skilled at the life of petty crime but she is a fashionista with a flare for costumes and disguises, and longs to be a fashion designer.

Her grifter mates Jasper (Joel Fry) and Horace (Paul Walter Hauser) help Estella get her dream job at a posh department store, the Liberty, by creating a fake resume that claims she knows royalty. Ambitious Estella hopes to meet her favorite designer, the imperious Baroness (Emma Thompson), London’s top fashion designer, who has a connection to the store. Eventually, Estella does win a spot as an intern with the brutal Baroness but eventually Estella’s rebellious streak puts them at odds. Reinventing herself as an underground, wildly-creative punk designer named Cruella, the two face off on the runway and off.

CRUELLA samples a lot of other films, DEVIL WEARS PRAVDA certainly but also bits of TV’s “Queen’s Gambit,” Roald Dahl’s “Mathilda,” ALL ABOUT EVE, and a number of Charles Dickens novels. There was a team of scriptwriters, Tony McNamara (THE FAVORITE), Dana Fox, Aline Brosh McKenna, Kelly Marcel and Steve Zissis, whose creative, entertaining script samples a variety of sources. But the mix is melded well and it has plenty of energy and is a lot of fun, with dark edgy vibe and a killer soundtrack of mostly ’60s hits, including the Zombies, Rolling Stones and Animals.

However, if you liked that earlier Disney villain backstory film, MALEFICENT, this one may not be your cuppa. Disney purists probably will be displeased that is really doesn’t explain why the fashionista villain of 101 DALMATIONS would want a Dalmatian puppy skin coat, other than a tragic encounter with some attacking dalmatians, but then again, did MALIFICENT really explain her?

Better to think of this as an alternate universe prequel to the Disney classic, but however you can putting aside those pre-concieved ideas, the more you can just enjoy this wild ride. The story is more a dark, tongue-in-cheek comedy than anything. Emma Stone and Emma Thompson draw on their considerable talents to bring out their best, in a story that is a bit more feminist than might be excepted.

Fans of all things British, and particularly London in the punk ’70s, will find lots to like here, with street scenes and playful references, along with a spot-on soundtrack of mostly ’60s hits, including from the Zombies, Rolling Stones and the Animals.

Both Emma Stone and Emma Thompson are clearly having delicious fun playing these battling bad girls, to the delight of us in the audience. The combination of top-notch performances, with a clever script that samples from a number of sources, and wildly vibrant visuals, all packaged in a fast-paced, high-energy film makes this film a delight. The winning combination evokes both in the director’s previous film I TONYA and co-writer’s film THE FAVORITE.

CRUELLA is surprisingly fun, high-energy, creative romp that spills outside the boundaries of expectations for its premise. It opens Friday, May 28, at various theaters and streaming.

RATING: 3 out of 4 stars

Trailer Watch: See Emma Stone In CRUELLA On May 28, 2021

Emma Stone as Estella in Disney’s live-action CRUELLA. Photo by Laurie Sparham. © 2021 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Here’s your first look at the upcoming movie CRUELLA.

Academy Award® winner Emma Stone (“La La Land”) stars in Disney’s all-new live-action feature film about the rebellious early days of one of cinemas most notorious – and notoriously fashionable – villains, the legendary Cruella de Vil. “Cruella,” which is set in 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, follows a young grifter named Estella, a clever and creative girl determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they are able to build a life for themselves on the London streets. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly haute, played by two-time Oscar® winner Emma Thompson (“Howards End,” “Sense & Sensibility”). But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable and revenge-bent Cruella.

The Walt Disney Company will be releasing CRUELLA on May 28, 2021.

Our thoughts on the upcoming film?

Jim says: And that trailer earns a resounding “meh” from me. Disney is so determined to create another “universe” with their animation legacy to
match Marvel and Star Wars that they’re squeezing the last juice from
those flicks by now going “retro” and ‘prequel”. The only true Cruella
is the hand-drawn version by the “nine old men” and not Close and
certainly not the talented Ms. Stone.

Michelle: I’m glad it’s not another Disney reimagination trying to make the bad guy misunderstood, like with Maleficent. The villain is the villain, and with the original animated features, they were pure evil from the beginning… however I really want to see the film when it’s released in May.

Over on Twitter, there were comparisons to JOKER.

the CRUELLA trailer LOOKS nice but also i think sometimes ladies who love fashion should be allowed to remain ladies who love fashion and not the joker
— karen han (@karenyhan) February 17, 2021

I had no idea CRUELLA lived in the JOKER cinematic universe! https://t.co/EAcQAwi0wy
— Josh Horowitz (@joshuahorowitz) February 17, 2021

Yes, there are clear parallels to JOKER in that CRUELLA trailer, but the film itself looks campy and jovial, gothic but not somber and generally "fun." It certainly looks less grim than MALEFICENT which grossed $758 million in 2014 (more than WINTER SOLDIER that year).
— Scott Mendelson (@ScottMendelson) February 17, 2021

Emma Stone as Cruella in Disney’s live-action CRUELLA. Photo by Laurie Sparham. © 2021 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserve

Emma Thompson as the Baroness in Disney’s live-action CRUELLA. Photo by Laurie Sparham. © 2021 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Disney’s “Cruella” is directed by Craig Gillespie (“I Tonya”) from a screenplay by Dana Fox and Tony McNamara, story by Aline Brosh McKenna and Kelly Marcel & Steve Zissis. It was produced by Andrew Gunn (“Freaky Friday”), Marc Platt (“Mary Poppins Returns”) and Kristin Burr (“Christopher Robin”), with Emma Stone, Michelle Wright, Jared LeBoff and Glenn Close serving as executive producers. Two-time Oscar®- winning costume designer Jenny Beavan (“Mad Max: Fury Road,” “A Room with a View”) creates the dazzling and imaginative costumes, which take on a life of their own.

LAST CHRISTMAS – Review

We all may know someone who’s more than a little “Noel-nutty” (hey, it might be that person with the holly in their hair staring back at you from the mirror). They’re the folks in a frenzy as retailors pack up the pumpkins and bring out the wreaths. And they probably overload on nogg as they “zone out” on all those winter holiday flicks that clog a couple of the basic cable TV channels. Ah, but what’s this at the multiplex, barely a week into November? Did one of those offerings slither out of its cage over at Hallmark? Perhaps, except this has a rather interesting list of talents. It’s got a story and script co-written by Oscar-winner Emma Thompson (who acts in it, too), and it’s directed by one of the current kings of raunchy comedies (this time minus his muse Melissa McCarthy), Paul Feig. What kind of tinsel and fluff stocking stuffer have these two diverse talents created? Well, it’s one that takes its title (and much of its score) from the late George Michaels’ yule pop anthem, LAST CHRISTMAS.

As the story starts, ’tis the season alright, but in 1998 Yugoslavia. In a church service, an adorable young girl sings like an angel while her older sister and parents, father Ivan (Boris Isakovis) and mother Petra (Thompson) adoringly gaze from the pews. Nearly 20 years later that “angel” is now an elf. Well, that’s how she dresses at her job as a clerk at a year-round Christmas decoration shop in bustling London called “Yuletide”. When not evading her often surly boss “Santa” (Michelle Yeoh), who behaves more like “Scrooge”, Kate (Emilia Clarke) is rushing to theatre auditions and testing the generosity of her pals by asking to crash on their couches. Yes, she’s homeless but by choice, as she doesn’t want to return to the family home and endure the “finger-pointing” of her Mum (her ringtone on Kate’s phone is the 80’s pop tune “Drives Me Crazy”). But often she takes a break from “sofa surfing” to share the beds of guys she meets in bars (this elf is a drinker and a “player”). One day, as the holidays draw nearer, a stranger to the store brings some calm to the chaotic Kate. Lanky, handsome Tom (Henry Golding) is a nighttime delivery bicyclist, who wants nothing more from her than some company during his long walks through the largely unexplored areas of the city. Imploring her to always “Look up”, Tom takes Kate to a quaint hidden park before parting ways at the church where he volunteers to help the “real” homeless. She’s charmed, but perplexed when he doesn’t give her his number saying his phone stays in the cupboard. When Tom seems to disappear for days, Kate becomes obsessed with tracking down this “man of mystery”. Along the way she gets involved with the church and allows her own family back into her life (they drifted after her illness ended a year ago). Kate feels a special connection to Tom, so it becomes her goal to spend this Christmas with this man who’s unlike any other one-night-stand or suitor.

This modern fable is carried by a terrific cast that expertly balances its comedic and dramatic elements (with a splash of romance on top). Clarke’s bright smile lights up the screen along with the most expressive eyebrows since a certain Mr. Marx. Her Kate starts off as cynical and a tad grouchy, but we see her tough exterior begin to erode as the light returns to her often bloodshot eyes. Plus she’s got a very pleasant singing voice (um, musical, hint, hint). And it helps that she’s has a comfortable, playful chemistry with Golding as the enigmatic Tom. He’s more relaxed on screen than in his two break-out flicks last year, CRAZY RICH ASIANS and A SIMPLE FAVOR, even engaging in a sprightly dance around Clarke reminding us of a young Tommy Tune or the master, Dick Van Dyke. Their supporting team is led by the zany Thompson, playing against her usual sophisticated roles as the sometimes overbearing Eastern European mama (with that thick accent I kept wondering when she’d join Lon Chaney, Jr. in the gypsy caravan). She’s a true delight, but the biggest comic surprise is the glamorous Ms. Yeoh as the tough shop owner, using the phrase “Get to work!” like a sharp sword. But then she gets to lighten up thanks to an obviously smitten uptight Nordic silver fox she dubs “Boy” played with endearing reserve by Peter Mygind. The rest of the cast is filled with wonderful British comic actors including a great pair of policewomen played by Laura Evelyn and Ingrid Oliver, not “good cop/bad cop”, but rather “friendly cop/brusque cop”.

Once again Feig demonstrates his talent for making engaging farces, but this time he tackles tougher topics like death and bigotry along with a budding romance and how people can change their ways. Much of the credit has to go to the writing talents of Thompson collaborating here with Bryony Kimmings (on the screenplay) and her hubby Greg Wise (on the story). The duo (Feig and Thompson) succeed in making a most unique holiday flick, one that’s not hinted at in the film’s marketing (the TV spots and posters). It’s not a “marshmallow world”, but a gritty tough place (some Brexit digs pack a punch). Yes, London looks charming in December, but the sparkling streets don’t hide the hungry and homeless (my biggest complaint is the often whimsical street folk, who are much too cute and eccentric). This plot’s eggnog is spiked with some strong medicine, with so many twists on the road to the 25th. Really, it’s a “spoiler” M. Night minefield. But the ending’s full of heart (in many ways), pushed along by the iconic George Michael medleys, making Clarke and company’s gift under the tree a most engaging LAST CHRISTMAS.

3 Out of 4

LATE NIGHT – Review

*Emma Thompson (foreground) and Mindy Kaling (far right) star in LATE NIGHT. Photo courtesy of Amazon Studios.*

Emma Thompson and Mindy Kaling star in a sort of buddy comedy about a much-lauded but out-of-touch late-night talk show host who hires a young South Asian-American chemist-turned-comedy writer to turn around her sagging ratings, in director Nisha Ganatra’s LATE NIGHT. Yeah, it’s silly but it is surprisingly fun as Thompson and Kaling explore topics ranging from toxic workplaces, sexism, diversity, cut-throat television competition to what makes comedy work, all with dash of inspiration and warmth

The film opens with Thompson’s Katherine Newbury accepting yet another award for her long-career as the first woman to host a late night talk show. Katherine’s show features guests such as Doris Kearns Goodwin and an opening monologue but over the years she has fallen into routine and complacency. With all her awards, the last thing she expects is for the network’s new female CEO to tell her she is being replaced.

Shocked into action, Katherine turns to her writing staff and suddenly notices it is all men. In an effort to add a woman’s voice, she hires the first one through the door – Molly (Kaling), a South Asian-American chemist trying to break into comedy writing.

As soon as newbie Molly shows up in the all-male, all-white writers room, they assume she’s there to fetch coffee. “I wish I was a woman of color so I could get hired with zero qualification,” whines one of the writers, in a fit of white male privilege. But while Molly may have little experience, she brings a ton of brains and fresh ideas to the stale writers’ room.

Mindy Kaling really makes this work. Of course, Kaling certainly knows something about being a woman writer in the male-dominated comedy field, as well as working in television. She works in bits about clueless bosses, slams at diversity hires, and a host of other timely topics. Not every bit works but there are enough of them to garner laughs of enough to keep the movie bouncing along.

While Kaling does her fish-out-of-water comedy, Thompson mines the film’s more dramatic side. Thompson’s character is a comedian who seems to have lost her sense of humor. As charming as she seems in public, she is pretty callous to her staff. She is a self-absorbed boss from hell dressed in designer clothes (a little echo from “The Devil Wears Prada”) but Thompson makes her more than that. Thompson does sport some flashy fashions and footwear as she terrorizes her staff. After years of ignoring her writers, she shows up at their meeting demanding material that is timely and funny. Not wanting to bother to learning their names, she gives them numbers instead.

Meanwhile Thompson explores other topics with her character, an ambitious driven woman who forgo having a family for her career. She lives only for her career – and for her husband Walter (John Lithgow), a respected academic now in poor health. The film explores the complications in her long marriage, with warm, well-drawn performances from both Lithgow and Thompson.

Kaling’s character faces a daunting workplace where women are not welcome – much less one of color. She is not only expected to get the coffee but finds the all-male writing team even use the women’s bathroom. She doesn’t even get a chair at the writer’s table and has only a corner of a desk. Still, she gets organized and gets to work on jokes for the monologue

There is potential for some pointed political humor here but Kaling takes a softer approach, making some points but backing off from anything truly biting. Kaling makes up for that with warmth and the kind of bonding scenes between her and Thompson, in a female version of a bromance (sis-mance? womance?). They start out not liking but needing each other, and winding up more like mentor-protege, even friends.

Kaling and Thompson are good in their scenes together, although their characters are often on dual tracks. The more affecting scenes are between Thompson and Lithgow as the long-married couple, working through a rough patch. Kaling bounces her comedy off the fellow writers, landing some good barbs.

LATE NIGHT’s two-track approach – comedic and dramatic – to exploring the challenges women face in the workplace doesn’t always work but it works often enough to make the film funny and thought-provoking most of the time. Which is pretty good.

LATE NIGHT opens Friday, June 14 at the Hi-Pointe Theater, Plaza Frontenac Cinema, and other area theaters.

RATING: 4 out of 5 stars

MEN IN BLACK: INTERNATIONAL – Review

The Summer of sequels marches on at the multiplex again this week (hey last Friday I reviewed two of ’em). Oh, this is a sci-fi spectacular which also has a slight Marvel connection. MEN IN BLACK was a comic book series created by Lowell Cunningham for an up and coming company called Malibu back in the “indie comics craze’ of the 1990s. They were so “on the rise”, that they caught the attention of Marvel who promptly bought them right up…swallowing up their line of titles and characters. Smart move, because Steven Spielberg’s Amblin grabbed the screen rights to that aforementioned series. That first flick in 1997 was a surprise smash prompting a wave of toys and a cartoon TV show, but not generating a “so-so” sequel until 2002 (this is a sporadic franchise). After ten years another sequel “completed” the “trilogy”. Well, not quite complete. There have been rumblings and rumors about the “property” since the 2012 flick (the most interesting was one idea that would be a “cross-over’ with the TV show-inspired comedy franchise 21 JUMP STREET). And now comes a reboot-sequel with new agents replacing Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith’s J and K (though Emma Thompson is back as the US boss, Agent O from the last installment). So let’s straighten our ties, adjust our ‘shades’, and meet the secret heroes of MEN IN BLACK: INTERNATIONAL.

The new title proves essential to the opening flashback as Agent H (Chris Hemsworth) and Agent High T (Liam Neeson) travel from England (hence Neeson’s code name) to thwart an alien attack at the Eiffel Tower several years ago. Many more years previous, across the pond in NYC, a young girl catches another pair of men in black “doing their thing” (she’s looking from her third-floor bedroom window, so she’s not affected by the “memory eraser device”). That little girl becomes obsessed with joining those black-clad alien hunters, all the way into adulthood. “Growed-up” Molly (Tessa Thompson) applies to the FBI and CIA but is unable to persuade them to send her to this most secretive unit. Even at her tech support phone job, she tracks space activities. This proves fruitful as she stumbles and bluffs her way into the New York branch of Men in Black. Molly’s quickly discovered, but instead of zapping her brain, Agent O decides to recruit her. After her training, Molly (now Agent M) is whisked via rocket-powered subway car to the London branch where she is greeted by their director, that same Agent High T. Padding her resume, she’s assigned as a partner to Agent H, who is to escort an old alien ambassador pal named Vungus. Unfortunately, two other aliens (part of the planetary collective called “The Tribe”) are also interested in him. When they attack Vungus, he gives Agent M a tiny (fits in the palm of your hand), but powerful weapon. Thus begins a most dangerous mission for the duo as they track down the killers, try to hold on to that weapon, and deal with the possibility of a mole in the agency.

The “dynamic duo” from the Marvel “movie-verse” (THOR: RAGNAROCK and AVENGERS: ENDGAME) prove to be a most potent team in this franchise. Once again, Hemsworth is a very appealing action star with a surprising knack for comedy (the last GHOSTBUSTERS made this clear). He’s another likable goofball “himbo” as the often slow, but very confident Agent H. Plus his chemistry with co-star Thompson pulls us through the most outrageous plot turns. Her Agent M is part straight…lady, part wise-cracking “brainiac’, and always a seeker of truth and wonder. Their respective bosses have the right balance of snark and gravitas in Emma Thompson and Neeson (a nice tweak on his recent action roles). Hemsworth has a terrific conniving rival in Rafe Spall as the usually seething with jealousy Agent C. Rebecca Ferguson has a nice sexy fling as galactic gun moll (and past paramour of H) Riza. But some of the film’s biggest laughs come from its smallest of characters. Kumail Nanjiani delivers his impressive comic timing as the diminutive alien soldier Pawny, who (much to her chagrin) is slavishly devoted to M.

Director F. Gary Gray (STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON) tries to bring a fresh approach to this 22 year-old franchise, and dazzles us with some of the new alien “beasties’ and the shiny high-tech gizmos, while giving nods to previous installments (the talking bulldog, the roaches, even a portrait of the first flick’s final battle). Unfortunately, the main plot involving another ultimate planet-destroying thing-a-mabob feels more than a tad trite. There’s an element of creepy danger in the twin assassins on their trail (literally “killing it” on the dance floor), but their finale showdown, much like the film’s last act, is a bit underwhelming. To justify the film’s subtitle, the action bounces from London to Merikeshh to Naples, but the different venues add little to the story’s flow. The new cast is fresh, but the mission feels fairly stale as the CGI effects drown out this delightful duo. MEN IN BLACK: INTERNATIONAL is just not worth the trip. Now, please look directly at this….

3 Out of 5

WAMG Giveaway – Win JOHNNY ENGLISH STRIKES AGAIN on Blu-ray

The beloved Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean) returns as the much-loved accidental secret agent in the third installment of the hilarious, action-packed spy mission, Johnny English Strikes Again arriving on Digital January 8, 2019 and on Blu-ray^™, DVD and On Demand January 22, 2019 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Johnny English and his sidekick Bough are back in this hysterical comedy filled with even more action and more laughs for the whole family to enjoy. From one of Britain’s leading comedy directors David Kerr (Inside Number 9), the film boasts an all-star cast including Ben Miller (Paddington 2), Olga Kurylenko (Quantum of Solace), Jake Lacy (Carol), and Academy Award^® winner Emma Thompson (Saving Mr. Banks).

Now you can win the JOHNNY ENGLISH STRIKES AGAIN Blu-ray. We Are Movie Geeks has 2 copies to give away. All you have to do is leave a comment answering this question: What is your favorite movie with Rowan Atkinson in it? (mine is THE TALL GUY!). It’s so easy!

When a cyber-attack reveals the identity of all active undercover agents in Britain, the country’s only hope is called out of retirement. English’s new mission is his most critical to date: Dive head first into action to find the mastermind hacker. A man with few skills and analog methods, English must overcome the challenges of modern technology—or his newest mission will become the Secret Service’s last.

Loaded with over 30 minutes of exclusive bonus features, Johnny English Strikes Again on Blu-ray^™, DVD and Digital include an up-close look at the carefully selected film locations and detailed sets as well as Johnny’s notable collection of gadgets and cars, along with a breakdown of the extraordinary cast, diving deeper into the legacy of everyone’s favorite hapless spy!

BONUS FEATURES EXCLUSIVE TO BLU-RAY^TM, DVD & DIGITAL:

The Comedy Genius Of Rowan Atkinson – A look at Rowan’s comedic talents – the meticulous attention to detail that is the hallmark of his work. Johnny English combines the best of Rowan – a skillful use of dialogue and slapstick.
The Johnny English Legacy – What has changed in the series this time around… for Johnny… and for the world? In this piece, we learn from the cast and film-makers how the character has evolved and what’s changed without changing the core of the incompetent agent we have come to know and love.
Virtual Reality Johnny English Style – Virtual reality might be everywhere, but no one does it quite like our intrepid agent English.
The Gadgets – Rowan leads us through his notable collection of gadgets as the team provides insights into their creation.
The Cars – Rowan is a well-known auto enthusiast, and had a big say in the choice of cars used in the film. Olga Kurylenko joins in on the fun and discusses her driving scenes including the differences between shooting for Johnny English 3 and Quantum of Solace.
Locations and Design – The movie may be all about the laughs, but the set designs and the locations are the real deal. From Johnny’s bedroom, to the MI7 and Prime Minister Offices, and Volta’s suite in the castle, every detail is carefully crafted. And nothing beats shooting on location – from the south of France to the streets of London, Agent English is well-traveled.
A Cast Of Characters – With a lead like Rowan Atkinson, the supporting cast has to be just a strong. We shine the spotlight on this veritable cast of characters:
Ben Miller as Bough
Olga Kurylenko as Ophelia
Emma Thompson as the Prime Minister
Michael Gambon as Agent 5
Charles Dance as Agent 7
Edward Fox as Agent 9
Feature Commentary with Director David Kerr

Rowan Atkinson as JOHNNY ENGLISH STRIKES AGAIN Available on Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand January 22nd

BONUS FEATURES EXCLUSIVE TO BLU-RAY^TM, DVD & DIGITAL:

The Comedy Genius Of Rowan Atkinson – A look at Rowan’s comedic talents – the meticulous attention to detail that is the hallmark of his work. Johnny English combines the best of Rowan – a skillful use of dialogue and slapstick.
The Johnny English Legacy – What has changed in the series this time around… for Johnny… and for the world? In this piece, we learn from the cast and film-makers how the character has evolved and what’s changed without changing the core of the incompetent agent we have come to know and love.
Virtual Reality Johnny English Style – Virtual reality might be everywhere, but no one does it quite like our intrepid agent English.
The Gadgets – Rowan leads us through his notable collection of gadgets as the team provides insights into their creation.
The Cars – Rowan is a well-known auto enthusiast, and had a big say in the choice of cars used in the film. Olga Kurylenko joins in on the fun and discusses her driving scenes including the differences between shooting for Johnny English 3 and Quantum of Solace.
Locations and Design – The movie may be all about the laughs, but the set designs and the locations are the real deal. From Johnny’s bedroom, to the MI7 and Prime Minister Offices, and Volta’s suite in the castle, every detail is carefully crafted. And nothing beats shooting on location – from the south of France to the streets of London, Agent English is well-traveled.
A Cast Of Characters – With a lead like Rowan Atkinson, the supporting cast has to be just a strong. We shine the spotlight on this veritable cast of characters:
Ben Miller as Bough
Olga Kurylenko as Ophelia
Emma Thompson as the Prime Minister
Michael Gambon as Agent 5
Charles Dance as Agent 7
Edward Fox as Agent 9
Feature Commentary with Director David Kerr

Check Out The First Trailer And Poster For MISSING LINK Starring Hugh Jackman, Zoe Saldana And Zach Galifianakis

Opening in theaters on April 12, 2019 is the upcoming animated film MISSING LINK. From LAIKA and Annapurna Pictures watch the first trailer and check out the new poster for the film featuring the voices of Hugh Jackman, Zoe Saldana, Zach Galifianakis, Timothy Olyphant, David Walliams, Matt Lucas, Ching Valdes-Aran, Stephen Fry, Amrita Acharia and Dame Emma Thompson.

This April, meet Mr. Link: 8 feet tall, 630 lbs, and covered in fur, but don’t let his appearance fool you… he is funny, sweet, and adorably literal, making him the world’s most lovable legend at the heart of Missing Link, the globe-trotting family adventure from LAIKA.

Tired of living a solitary life in the Pacific Northwest, Mr. Link recruits fearless explorer Sir Lionel Frost to guide him on a journey to find his long-lost relatives in the fabled valley of Shangri-La. Along with adventurer Adelina Fortnight, our fearless trio of explorers encounter more than their fair share of peril as they travel to the far reaches of the world to help their new friend. Through it all, the three learn that sometimes you can find a family in the places you least expect.

Visit the official site: missinglink.movie

Rowan Atkinson Returns As Johnny English In JOHNNY ENGLISH STRIKES AGAIN

Watch the official trailer for JOHNNY ENGLISH STRIKES AGAIN starring Rowan Atkinson, Ben Miller, Olga Kurylenko, Emma Thompson and Jake Lacy. The film lands in cinemas in 2018.

JOHNNY ENGLISH STRIKES AGAIN is the third installment of the Johnny English comedy series, with Rowan Atkinson returning as the much loved accidental secret agent. The new adventure begins when a cyber-attack reveals the identity of all active undercover agents in Britain, leaving Johnny English as the Secret Service’s last hope. Called out of retirement, English dives head first into action with the mission to find the mastermind hacker. As a man with few skills and analogue methods, Johnny English must overcome the challenges of modern technology to make this mission a success.

Production Designer Simon Bowles created the look for JOHNNY ENGLISH STRIKES AGAIN. In our recent interview with the designer on his work for the film CROOKED HOUSE, Bowles says, “It’s another opportunity to create something completely different from my other projects. The film is a comedy set in a 007 spy world but the Bond character is played by Rowan Atkinson. It’s a dream job for me as I am designing huge sets built at Pinewood Studios, creating gadgets built into expensive cars and filming in glamorous foreign locations. I find every project is connected somehow. For example Roger and Clemency’s color scheme makes a guest appearance in one set in Johnny English 3.”

Visit the official site: www.johnnyenglishmovie.com</a

In Case You Missed It: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Photos Are Here

Take a look at brand new images featuring Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as the Beast from Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic and one of the most beloved tales ever told, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.

The film, which brings the story and characters audiences know and love to life in a stunning, cinematic event, is directed by Bill Condon and features an extraordinary ensemble cast which also includes Luke Evans, Kevin Kline, Josh Gad, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Audra McDonald, Ian McKellen and Emma Thompson.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST will be released in U.S. theaters nationwide on March 17, 2017.

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