John Krasinksi – We Are Movie Geeks

A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE – Review

After a weekend with some original (though nostalgic) content at the multiplex, we’re back with a new installment of a very popular SF-thriller franchise that’s now six years old. It’s the third follow-up, though not a continuation of the last one from 2020. That’s because this is not a sequel, but rather a prequel, giving us the “backstory” to the event of the original. And since there are no characters from that flick, this could be considered a “spin-off”. Not to worry as this is no confusing “hybrid” unlike a similar action blockbuster (which didn’t “bust many blocks” at the box office) from a few weeks ago, FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA. While that one certainly tested many theatre sound systems, the decibel level should be much lower when in use for A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE. Shhhh…

The setting for this cinematic “flashback” shifts to the Big Apple, although the opening scenes take place a few miles away, in the NYC suburbs at a hospice facility. A senior nurse, Rueben (Alex Wolff) conducts a group therapy session for several of the terminal residents. But one of them is not “into it”. That’s Sam (Lupita Nyong’o) who has no filter (“This place is s*#t”) and would rather just wait for the end with her beloved cat Frodo. Rueben thinks he can get her out of her “funk”. He’s organized a field trip into Manhattan for a (short) theatrical presentation. Sam strikes a deal that she’ll come along if, and only if, they grab some pizza in the city. On the bus ride there she observes several fighter jets zooming overhead. Finally, they arrive for a (oh no) puppet show. When Sam and Frodo duck out to grab a snack at a nearby bodega, sirens are heard. They run into Rueben as he tries to hustle everyone back on the bus as per the loud warning messages from several rapid military vehicles (no pizza). The trip is cut short as objects from the sky (maybe bombs or meteors) explode onto the street. Sam’s knocked down during the chaos and awakens back inside the theatre. The city is under attack, overrun by huge spider-like sightless creatures that destroy anyone that makes a sound. Helicopters using loudspeakers (agitating the monsters) blare out a message that all survivors should make their way, silently, to the south dock area where boats will ferry them to safety since the aliens can’t swim. As the throngs march quietly through the streets, Sam goes against “the tide” to Harlem for her favorite pizza. On her journey, she and Frodo become part of a trio when a lost British law student named Eric (Joseph Quinn) joins them, much to Sam’s chagrin. Does she have the strength to evade the invaders? And can she and Erik make it to the boats in time?

The script brings a great challenge to the cast as they must communicate and express their emotions mainly through their eyes and body language, harkening back to the early days of silent cinema. And the compelling Ms. Nyong’o is more than up to the challenge, though she’s also terrific in the opening, pre-attack sequences as she verbally tosses snarky spears at nearly everyone around her (and then there are the eye-rolls as she discovers the type of show she’s agreed to see). Yes, she conveys the wide-eyed fear and panic, while never letting us forget that Sam is also pushing through agonizing pain as cancer ravages her body. Later, there’s her frustration as this “dufus in a suit” just won’t be on his way, which finally melts into admiration and real, and probably final, human connection. As her unlikely sidekick. Quinn also must temper the terror with his need to forge that connection and dissolve Sam’s “steel wall” of negativity. Plus he proves to be an unorthodox action hero as he ventures into the scary empty city in search of the meds that will ease Sam’s suffering (and discovers the monsters’ secret lair). Wolff is very good as the “by the book” official who secretly is amused by the defiant Sam. Kudos also to the impressive supporting work of Djimon Hounsou as the powerful father figure who’s the big “carryover” character in another part of the series. The scene where he must do the unthinkable to protect his son (while hoping that he’s not seeing it) is heartwrenching.

Aside from the new central characters in this entry, a big “player” behind the scenes has stepped away from the director’s chair. John Krasinski was busy with a more pleasant vision of the Big Apple full of friendly beasties in IF, so he’s handed over the helming reigns to Michael Sarnoski (PIG), though they teamed up on the script. Sarnoski captures that feeling of doom and dread, especially as we get several hints early on (jets in formation) that all Hell was soon “break loose”. When it does the city blocks are covered in white ash, almost as though a sudden blizzard has stopped everything (and reminding us of that fateful September morning in 2001). And while there are grand, epic “set pieces” of the aliens scurrying up buildings, Sarnoski really focuses on the folks at ground level. This is best highlighted in a mass exodus street scene in which the smallest noises alert the beasts who zip through the crowds, picking off the marchers with swift efficiency. It’s nightmare imagery, building on the hopelessness hinted at as the bridges to the city are taken out hinting that the feds think that our greatest metropolis is a “loss”. Yet amidst the carnage we’re really drawn into the dynamic of Sam and Erik as she finally finds something to live for just as everything seems to be over for humanity (and her rejoining it). Sure, it’s an “end of the globe” spectacle (with splendid CGI effects of the insect-like “rippers”) much like the variations of I AM LEGEND, but it’s the blossoming friendship that offers a glimmer of joy and hope in the truly original origin story at the center of A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE.

3 Out of 4

A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE is now playing in theatres everywhere

IF – Review

After taking us into A QUIET PLACE in two box office hits (with a prequel arriving very soon), actor/director/writer John Krasinski now guides us into a fairy noisy place, namely the inner life and fantasies of children. And going from sci-fi thrills to whimsey is quite the “lane change”, one that could end in disaster if not properly planned. Luckily he’s crafted a story and has enlisted a talented cast in front of the camera and the microphone. Yes, this is perhaps the most ambitious cartoon/live-action feature since the pairing of private eye Eddie Valiant and Roger Rabbit. And since it uses computer-generated “beasties” (rather than the 2-D classic style), Krasinski is touting it as a “live-action Pixar flick” (quite a goal). And he’s really putting those tech wizards to work in showing us the often unseen children’s side-kick, the invisible friend, here shortened to IF.

After a “finger-paint” riff on a familiar studio logo, we’re plunged into the early years (via lots of grainy jittery home video) of Bea. She cavorts and plays with her doting parents until…the scenes shift to a hospital room where mom sports a head scarf. And then it’s her and Dad walking in the park. The scene shifts to the present day as twelve-year-old Bea (Cailey Fleming) lugs her suitcase up the steps of the gothic Brooklyn brownstone where her grandmother (Fiona Shaw) lives. It’s not a fun “overnight”, as Bea heads out the next morning to visit her papa (Krasinski) in what appears to be that same hospital, awaiting a “heart procedure” (perhaps a transplant). From there it’s back to Granny, who is really trying to connect. Bea’s restlessness leads to some exploration, and she spots a follows a neighbor from upstairs who seems to be breaking into a house across the street. But it’s no burglary, he’s retrieving a huge furry purple creature named “Blue” (voice of Steve Carell). Observing silently, Bea waits until they’re back home before pounding on an upstairs door. The occupant finally relents and welcomes her to the odd home he shares with Blue and a “bug lady” right out of an old cartoon, Blossom (VO: Phoebe Waller-Bridge). The “human” Cal (Ryan Reynolds) explains that he is charged with matching the IFs (Imaginary Friends) to new kids after their original matches have “grown up” and are unable to see them. Well, since she can see them, Bea offers herself as Cal’s partner. The next day, Cal reluctantly takes her to Coney Island where a secret IF retirement center exists beneath the old carousel. Bea is dazzled by the array of fantastical creatures, from a cloud to a unicorn to a life-size gummy bear. She has a new purpose, but will this adventure ease the anxiety about the possible fate of her only parent? And just why does Bea have this gift?

Ms. Fleming deftly handles a very complex role as the story’s main focus, Bea. Her biggest strength may be the fact that she isn’t afraid to make this heroine a touch abrasive at times, as she tries to push away any “talking down” to her, as Bea almost bypasses tween going straight to sometimes surly teenager. This is especially true when her pop tries to “soft pedal” his health issues and Grandma attempts to comfort her. Happily, her bonding with Cal and the IFs gives her a new zeal for life and brings out her compassion. Reynolds channels his charming persona and gives Cal an infectious adult “pixie” quality with a graceful body language reminiscent of the screen’s dancemen and clowns, combining bits of Gene Kelly and Buster Keaton. Almost as endearing is Krasinski as he tries to put Bea at ease with his infectious grin and wisecracks, shielding her from the situation much like Benigni in LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL. Shaw is also warm even as she’s frazzled and bewildered as she tries to find a way to bond while yearning for the tot that reached out for “Gammaw”. But Bea does bond with another hospital resident, the delightful Alan Kim as the battered (he seems to have at least three plaster casts), but somehow cheerful Benjamin. As for the vocal crew, Carell conveys a spirit of sweet joy as Blue. Ditto for Waller-Bridge who adds a bit of snark. The standouts of the “all-star” IFs would be the very funny Sebastian Maniscalco as Magician Mouse and the late great Louis Gossett, Jr. As Lewis the wise elder bear who becomes Bea’s trusted advisor and a true creature comfort.

To elaborate on an earlier comment, kudos to Krasinski for diving into the “deep end” of family flicks (he says he wants to make a story for his kids), and still tackling some often somber and somewhat dark subject manner (so despite that “PG” rating the hospital scenes might be too much for the more sensitive tots). Plus he’s gathered together some wonderful artisans to create these fascinating critters, embracing many types of styles. As I mentioned, Blossom could’ve been buzzing around Betty Boop, while Blue is Olaf the Snowman’s bubbly persona melted into the Grimace after he’s been zapped by gamma rays. A few have the look of a child’s scribbling like the bubble or the ice cube. I just wish that they generated more laughs. It’s not the fault of the cast, though this is Awkwafina’s third cartoon role in less than a year, as the script seems to be content for them to just bounce about and get involved in an indulgent dance number that stops the plot in its tracks. Krasinski is trying to celebrate the joy of pretending before the awful “real world” blinds them to the IFs, but he often pummels the heartstrings too much, especially in the maudlin third act that has a twist that’s telegraphed early and grasped by any fan of a late 90s cinema classic. Yet, it’s an interesting premise brought to life by some expert animation and art direction, but another pass at the script to tighten the pace and punch up the humor wouldn’t leave moviegoers wondering what IF.

3 out of 4

IF is now playing in theatres everywhere

Check Out The Final Trailer For IF, From Director John Krasinski – In Theaters May 17

Paramount Pictures has released a final trailer for IF.

From writer and director John Krasinski, IF is about a girl who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends — and what she does with that superpower — as she embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids. IF stars Cailey Fleming, Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Fiona Shaw, and the voices of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr. and Steve Carell alongside many more as the wonderfully unique characters that reflect the incredible power of a child’s imagination.

The cast includes Cailey Fleming, Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Fiona Shaw, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr., Alan Kim, Liza Colón-Zayas and Steve Carell.

AND DANCE WITH YOUR IF ON SNAPCHAT!

IF IS ONLY IN THEATRES AND DOLBY CINEMA ON MAY 17, 2024

Fans Of A QUIET PLACE Can Experience Paramount Pictures’ Survival Room in New York and Los Angeles

Fans of A QUIET PLACE – listen up!

Paramount Pictures invites you to A QUIET PLACE PART II Survival Room.

This multi-sensory experience entails an intense 5-7 minute progression—filled with physical and mental obstacles—for groups of three. This immersive, in-world recreation of A QUIET PLACE PART II tasks guests with keeping their decibel levels down and mitigating any sound in their surroundings…at all costs.

Reservations may be made online at http://www.aquietplace2experience.com/ and walk-ups are also welcome.

This event kicks off in New York as part of the Dolby Experience, before opening in Los Angeles in the week leading up to the film’s release. The Dolby SoHo experience in New York will also include a limited time, immersive experience with tons of Instagram-worthy A QUIET PLACE PART II moments, powered by Dolby.

WHERE: New York and Los Angeles

New York: Dolby SoHo, 477 Broadway Street, New York, NY

Los Angeles: 8483 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA

WHEN: NEW YORK

Tuesday, March 3^rd-Wednesday, March 4^th

Open to the Public: 1:00PM-8:00PM

Thursday, March 5^th

Open to the public: 1:00PM-4:00PM

Saturday, March 7^th

Open to the public: 5:00PM-8:00PM

LOS ANGELES

Monday, March 16^th

Open to the Public: 6:00PM-10:00PM

Tuesday, March 17^th-Thursday, March 19^th

Open to the Public: 3:00PM-10:00PM

Check out the latest video from the film.

Written and Directed by John Krasinski, A QUIET PLACE PART II stars Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe, Djimon Hounsou and John Krasinski.

Following the deadly events at home, the Abbott family (Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe) must now face the terrors of the outside world as they continue their fight for survival in silence. Forced to venture into the unknown, they quickly realize that the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats that lurk beyond the sand path.

Check out Krasinski on the Ellen Show.

A QUIET PLACE PART II IS IN THEATRES, DOLBY CINEMA AND IMAX ON MARCH 20, 2020.

Facebook: /AQuietPlaceMovie

Twitter: @QuietPlaceMovie

Instagram: @AQuietPlaceMovie

Hashtag: #AQuietPlace

13 HOURS: THE SECRET SOLDIERS OF BENGHAZI – The Review

Time once again for the movies to deploy into a true “hot spot” for another “ripped from the headlines”, “inspired by true events” Middle East military thriller (perhaps it was the Best Picture Oscar winner of 2008, THE HURT LOCKER, that spurred this trend). It seems that for the past several years, around this same time, multiplexes have presented these current conflict action epics. Last January AMERICAN SNIPER, opening wide after a limited pre-holiday release, was a huge box office hit, more so than the previous year’s LONE SURVIVOR. This new film harkens back to 2012’s ZERO DARK THIRTY in that it dramatizes an event that made headlines (eventually becoming a political “hot button”). And like ZERO we know how this ended, but do we really know how it began? And more importantly, do we know about the real life heroes involved? So, is Kathryn Bigelow or Clint Eastwood helming this true tale? Surprisingly the story is directed by a most unlikely film maker, Michael Bay. That’s the “in your face” movie “bad boy” who gave us three Transformer flicks and, yes, the two BAD BOYS “shoot-em-ups”. Can the blockbuster “popcorn king” do justice to the noble warriors who endured 13 HOURS: THE SECRET SOLDIERS OF BENGHAZI.

The film begins its march with a brief primer of news events from the last decade or so (using a mix of real footage and recreations). We’re reminded of the revolution in Libya that toppled Gadhafi in 2011 and how the different local militias scooped up their former’s ruler’s massive arsenal of weapons. Libya was so full of unrest that nations from around the globe closed and abandoned their embassies. Everyone…except the United States. The embassy in Benghazi (another was in Tripoli) took over a plush, heavily fortified mansion. But there was also a covert CIA base operating out of a walled compound, protected by ex-soldiers designated as the GRS (Global Response Staff). The story jumps to late Summer of 2012 as new hire Jack Silva (John Krasinski) is picked up at the Benghazi airport by old pal ‘Rone’ Woods (James Badge Dale). Immediately they are facing down radicals blocking the streets. After finally arriving at the CIA complex, Jack meets the other members of the GRS team: ‘Tanto’ Paronto (Pablo Schrieber), ‘Boon’ Benton (David Denman), ‘Tig’ Tiegan (Dominic Furmusa), and ‘Oz’ Giest (Max Martini) along with the tightly-wound, officious CIA supervisor Bob (David Costabile). For the next few weeks the GRS accompanies the covert operatives as they try to collect intel on arms merchants, often barely escaping attacks by the city’s “hostiles”. The men also get a tour of the US embassy and are dismayed by the lack of security (just a few armed men backed by paid locals at the gate). Word comes down that a special guest will be there shortly, US Ambassador Chris Stevens (Matt Letscher), As September 11 nears, tensions mount, and Stevens makes headlines while meeting with Libyan politicos. During that the last hours of that fateful day, heavily armed groups suddenly surround the embassy and swarm through the gates. Jack and Rone observe the firefight from the CIA complex and gear up, but Bob insists that they must not engage the militia. But these men will never just watch as Americans are in danger. Throughout the night these warriors face unending streams of attackers as they try to protect the staff and see the dawn of a new day.

The usually bombastic Mr. Bay gives way to a more focused, but still very confident film maker and story-teller. The fast paced editing style is still there with several “on the fly” style video/camcorder inserts balanced with lots of green-tinted “night vision” shots all employed to put us right into the action and deadly danger. From the opening airport sequence Bay fills the scene with sweaty tension as Jack almost walks about the alien streets as if adorned with a massive target tattooed on his forehead. We can almost feel the sweltering, oppressive heat as he grapples not only with the language, but with the different factions of the population. Are they truly “friendlies” or are they just putting on an “act”, smiling as the bring out the knife or, more likely, the rocket launcher? The sense of impending doom surrounding that fateful night oozes out of the screen. Once the fighting begins, the attackers strike like a tidal wave with the GRS barely regrouping after one assault before another begins. Oddly, part of the CIA complex is referred to as “zombieland”, echoing the endless, never retreating horror film staples. And other bits of cinema history are invoked with Rone remembering the Alamo while RIO BRAVO or ZULU may be recalled by film fanatics. But with all the mayhem and chaos, Bay guides us to all that’s important to tell the tale, actually showing us a new level of maturity in his work.

Screenwriter Chuck Hogan (co-creator of “the Strain”) in adapting Mitchell Zuckoff’s book “13 Hours” avoids many “boys in the barracks” clichés while still conveying the sense of brotherhood between the men. It helps that a talented cast makes these “reg’lar fellas” every bit the equal to any Marvel superhero. The real stunner may be the assured dramatic work from Krasinski, best known for light comedy (a long stint as the heart throb of TV’s “The Office”). He shows us that Jack will not give into desperate panic when staring down a gun barrel or drown in despair as he can only see his wife and daughters through the laptop screen. Dale as his best bud Rone burns with an inner fire, a fire that rages as he yearns to help his fellow Americans. You know that the excellent Costabile as the ultimate “by the book” boss (a lethally dangerous take of Michael Scott, John K’s TV boss) will not stop him, try as he might. All the GRS actors help us feel the fatigue and exhaustion as they plow through the fear and plot out new defense strategies very quickly, all while bullets and bombs zip past. These actors along with the entire crew headed by Bay honor these men with this work so that their bravery will not remain a secret forever. Despite the politics swirling about the subject, 13 HOURS is a brutal, grueling, and ultimately inspiring true story of courage and determination.

4 Out of 5

Three New Hero Posters For 13 HOURS: THE SECRET SOLDIERS OF BENGHAZI Are Here

Three new posters take a sobering look at director Michael Bay’s new film, 13 HOURS: THE SECRET SOLDIERS OF BENGHAZI.

13 HOURS tells the true account of the events of September 11, 2012 when Islamic militants attacked the U.S. State Department Special Mission Compound (or simply – the American diplomatic compound, it was not the U.S. Embassy) and a CIA station called The Annex in Benghazi, Libya from the personal stories of five of the surviving American private security operators that were on the ground that day. The film features the real life American heroes Mark ‘Oz’ Geist, Kris ‘Tanto’ Paronto, and John ‘Tig’ Tiegen.

While it was not their job to protect the state department, when the Annex Security Team found out that the U.S. diplomatic compound was under attack, they knew they had to help the fellow Americans (including the U.S. Ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens) that were in jeopardy. These operators live by the code that Americans help other Americans overseas.

The film stars John Krasinski, James Badge Dale, David Denman, Dominic Fumusa, Max Martini, Pablo Schreiber and Toby Stephens.

From Paramount Pictures, 13 HOURS: THE SECRET SOLDIERS OF BENGHAZI will open in theaters on January 15, 2016.

Visit the film official site: www.thirteenhoursmovie.com

ALOHA – The Review

Summer’s settling in, the kids are out of school, so how about a vacation? Or at least a visit to the multiplex to take in a very popular vacation spot. And you wouldn’t be leaving the good ole’ US of A! I’m referring to our 50^th state, Hawaii. So who will you be traveling with on this cinematic stay in the Pacific’s paradise? Well, it’s a gaggle of true, “big deal” Hollywood actors and actresses. So, was it the mild temps and gorgeous beaches that lured this impressive cast here? It didn’t hurt, but the main lure may have been the chance to work with the celebrated author/director Cameron Crowe. After leaving the pages of Rolling Stone magazine, he contributed the script for the seminal 80’s teen comedy/drama FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH. When he took on directing in 1989, he made a string of iconic classics beginning with SAY ANYTHING, then SINGLES, JERRY MAGUIRE, and, in 2000, ALMOST FAMOUS. But then a series of missteps started a downward spiral: VANILLA SKY, ELIZABETHTOWN, and the saccharine family flick WE BOUGHT A ZOO. So, can Mr. Crowe take the reins of his film career and correct the trajectory? Will the friendly islands prove to be a rejuvenator in his new comedy/drama/romance ALOHA?

A barrage of 1950’s and 60’s newsreel and home movie footage during the opening titles tell us of Hawaii’s importance to NASA during the great “space race”. But then funding was cut and the stars were explored (and exploited) by the rich entrepreneurs. Working for one of the “one-percent” is former military man Brian Gilcrest (Bradley Cooper). Seems he left the service after taking some bullets during a botched operation in Kabul. He’s not been back to the islands in 13 years, when he broke up with Tracy Woodside (Rachel McAdams), who’s now married to armed forces pilot, and Brian’s new pal, the silent, stoic “Woody” (John Krasinski). Oh, and they’ve got two kids: precocious eight-year-old Mitchell (Jaeden Lieberher) and thirteen-year-old (Hmmm?) Grace (Danielle Rose Russell). As Brian re-unites with Tracy on the airport tarmac, he’s introduced to his military liaison/guide Allison Ng (Emma Stone), who’s all business, and part Hawaiian. They need to meet with somewhat hostile local native royalty to obtain a “blessing” for part of the new satellite launching plans for Brian’s boss, tele-communications titan Carson Welch (Bill Murray). As the project moves forward, Brian and Allison clash and eventually develop a relationship, just as the Woodside homestead begins to crumble. Brian then begins to question his life and loyalties during this very eventful homecoming.

Oh boy, the cast can’t be faulted for this since they’re really giving it their best shot. This script is just dramatic quicksand. Cooper shows us a bit of the darkness evident in roles like the recent SERENA, but his Brian often comes off as brusk and too cynical. A third act change of heart never really rings true. The usually effervescent and delightful Stone (the best part of the last Spider-Man reboot) is saddled with one of the most irritating movie characters in recent memory. For the flick’s first half hour, her Allison over-enunciates and mugs shamelessly. Happily she does soften a bit after a meeting with the natives (she is a true believer in the island magic? Huh?) while her big emotional shift also seems mighty forced and convenient plot-wise. McAdams seems to exist just to needle Cooper and is never give a real chance to flesh out the stressed-out Tracy. Happily Krasinki is spared much of the insipid dialogue and uses his TV comedy training to great effect as we must “read’ him through his eyes and body language. Actually, the best part of the film may be the silent exchange between him and Cooper that’s humorously subtitled. Murray exploits his “ultra-cool” persona as he hovers through his meager scenes. Alec Baldwin is brought in for some of his patented seething, screaming bluster in almost a cameo role (still no match for his similar turn in GLENGARY GLEN ROSS). Danny McBride seems to exist as a plot driver and sounding board while his affectation (constantly wiggling his fingers) proves to be an annoying distraction. The lovely Russell merely seems to glide through the scenes while the overly energetic Lieberher (so good in ST VINCENT) merely seems to be riffing on the “smart kid” in JERRY MAGUIRE (except he’s now into the space program, Hawaiian myths, and camcorders). You can’t say these guys and gals ain’t’ tryin’!

Trouble is that the odds, in the form of a clunky script, and tepid direction, are against the cast. The film lurches from one pointless sequence to the next until a heavy-handed bit of techno-gobledy-gook is used for a big dramatic finish. That is,until a big romantic finish followed by a painfully maudlin finish. I’m rooting for Crowe to get back on track and once again deliver another heart-tugging tale of real human emotion. Here he’s hammering in a message and pummeling us with pop tunes while lingering far too long on characters locked in strained close-ups. What a mess (I’ll steer clear of island clichés like calling the film “spoiled poi”). Better luck next time to all involved. Of the word’s two meanings, I’ll say a hasty goodbye to ALOHA.

1.5 Out of 5

Emily Blunt Joins Sylvester Stallone, John Krasinksi, and Sir Ian McKellen on ANIMAL CRACKERS

Blue Dream Studios confirmed today that Emily Blunt will join the animated feature film ANIMAL CRACKERS.

She joins previously announced cast members John Krasinksi, Danny DeVito, Sylvester Stallone, and Sir Ian McKellen. Blunt and Krasinski will play Zoe and Owen Huntington, a couple who inherits a rundown circus and a mysterious box of Animal Crackers that magically turn anyone who eats them into an animal.

The production team of animation superstars includes co-directors Scott Christian Sava and Tony Bancroft with Sava and Dean Lorey as co-writers, Character Designer Carter Goodrich, and Jamie Thomason as Voice and Casting Director.

“When Emily and John came in and performed their first scenes of the movie together… it was MAGIC,” comments Creator, Co-Director and Writer Scott Christian Sava “I can think of no other way of describing what they brought to the film. We had to literally go back and re-storyboard the sequences because they took us to places we never dreamed. Owen and Zoe came to life when Emily and John spoke.”

The film is produced by Scott Christian Sava from Blue Dream Studios, George Lee and Marcus Englefield from Storyoscopic Films, Jamie Thomason, and Leiming Guan and is set to be completed in the Summer of 2016.

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