Based on Richard Osman’s international bestselling novel of the same name, THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB follows four irrepressible retirees – Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), Ron (Pierce Brosnan), Ibrahim (Ben Kingsley) and Joyce (Celia Imrie) – who spend their time solving cold case murders for fun. When an unexplained death occurs on their own doorstep, their casual sleuthing takes a thrilling turn as they find themselves with a real whodunit on their hands. Directed by Chris Columbus, the film is the latest to be produced through the Netflix and Amblin Entertainment partnership.
See it on Netflix on August 28.
Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren also star in Paramount+’s MOBLAND alongside Tom Hardy. The brilliant crime series is executive produced by Guy Ritchie.
In Netflix’s TUDUM post, the article states the film also features Jonathan Pryce (The Two Popes,The Crown), David Tennant (Doctor Who, Inside Man), Richard E. Grant (Can You Ever Forgive Me?, Withnail and I) and Paul Freeman (Raiders of the Lost Ark, Hot Fuzz). Amblin founder Steven Spielberg stopped by the set during production and ran into an old friend — Paul Freeman, who played Belloq, nemesis and “shadowy reflection” of Indiana Jones, in Spielberg’s Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Working with such an adept cast, director Columbus aimed to bring out a balance of humor, intrigue, and heart, and the result is a singularly moving, hilarious, edge-of-your-seat adventure. “There’s a wonderful mystery at its core, so mystery fans will be very happy,” he says. “But thematically it’s interesting that we’ve got four elderly people who are living in a retirement community and who are fascinated by death and murder. They are facing their own demise, yet at the same time they are obsessed with studying cold cases. I fell in love thematically with that. It’s comedic, but it’s also very emotional.”
Like a smart, stylish, twisty spy thriller with a dash of dry British humor? Then Steven Soderbergh has a film for you. BLACK BAG stars Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchet as married spies George and Kathryn in this cleverly-written British-set spy thriller. When George is assigned to uncover a leak in MI6, one that risks exposing a top-secret plan called Severus, the pressure is on. “Fun and games,” as George puts it, ensue.
But it is not comedy but spy thriller jolts and twists we get. The film’s title comes from a term these married spies,use for things they have to keep secret, even from each other. “It’s in the black bag,” or just “black bag” is the phrase they use for those secrets, and in fact, everyone who works at the spy agency uses that term, as they are not the only couples there. If you are a spy, who else could you safely have a romance with besides someone at your agency?
BLACK BAG jumps right into things from the first shot, with titles on screening reading “Friday” and “London,” and a long take following George (Michael Fassbender) on a quick stroll through sophisticated London streets, which sets the film’s stylish tone. The shot follows him into a neon-lit club packed with dancers, down some stairs to a lower level, and out to terrace under stars, where he meets with fellow spy Philip Meacham (Gustaf Skarsgard). They chat briefly about Meacham’s marriage, which is on the rocks after he cheated on his wife, with Philip mentioning George’s famously solid marriage as the exception in their line of work. After George suggests that Meacham’s wife might be less angry if he goes home, they get down to business – which is that a traitor in their ranks who may have exposed a sensitive plan known as “Severus.” Meacham then hands George a list of possible suspects.
We don’t see the list but Meacham mentions that George’s wife Kathryn (Cate Blanchet) is on it, and then asks George how long the investigation will take. “About two weeks,” George replies, which prompts Meacham to say that if “Severus” gets out, thousands will die. “OK, one week,” says George.
That flash of dry humor also helps set the film’s tone, along with the visual elegance of the long opening single shot. But the opening sequence efficiently does a number of things besides that, including establishing place, who these characters are, the puzzle to be solved, all while adding a ticking-clock aspect to motivate the action. The film never even mentions MI6, but we can surmise that from the London locale. Hitchcock would be proud.
“Efficient” is a good word for this highly-entertaining thriller, which runs a mere 93 minutes. Those who complain about overly-long films should appreciate that, yet BLACK BAG gets everything done without skimping on visual style, atmosphere, or any needed element.
A couple of days after George’s meeting with Meacham, the latter dies suspiciously, upping the pressure to find the leak. George and Kathryn had already planned a dinner party for other couples at the agency, so George now turns the dinner into an opportunity to probe for information, as some of the guests are on that list we didn’t see. Kathryn asks him what’s on the menu, to which George replies “fun and games.” “Will there be a mess to clean up?” she asks. “With any luck,” he replies.
The “fun and games” is a reference to “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” which goes to the original idea for the script, suggested to screenwriter David Koepp by director Steven Soderbergh, who wondered what if the couple in that novel were spies instead academics. But this couple in this clever script are not the angry battling pair in that novel and movie, even though Koepp retained the name “George” from the book’s George and Martha. Instead, George and Kathryn are devoted to each other, to the point where they might put their marriage above anything else, which raises some interesting questions for a married pair of spies hunting for a traitor in their midst.
There are more literary and cinematic references, in this smart and gripping spy drama, which combines John LeCarre with Agatha Christie, tosses in some “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” and adds a dose of dry British humor, for a highly entertaining espionage mix.
BLACK BAG is an exciting spy thriller/drama but it is not an action film. There are no car chases and no shoot-outs although there is some violence and blood. The focus is more psychological thriller and solving the puzzle, with plenty of tense suspense and strong character development.
The film’s short running time and efficient direction mean that not much is spelled out or repeated, so audiences need to pay attention. However, we do get some reminders about important points, and nearly every character mentions George and Kathryn’s strong marriage, a key aspect in the plot.
There is a good deal about relationships in the film, with explorations of the others’ romantic relationships (which go to the whodunit plot) and there are some slightly steamy romantic scenes between Fassbender and Blanchet. No sequence runs very long, just enough to make the point well. The film moves at a brisk pace as it twists through it’s story, although never so fast that you can’t keep up – if you are paying attention.
Fassbender and Blanchet are both marvelous here, perfect in their scenes together. where they radiate sexual chemistry, and in their individual scenes. The rest of the cast are outstanding too, with a cast of characters who fascinate, who are mostly other couples. Tom Burke and Marisa Abela play Freddie and Clarissa, a couple mismatched in age but who have other attractions along with plenty troubles underlying their fiery romance. Rising-star Col. James Stokes (Rege-Jean Page) and in-house psychiatrist Dr. Zoe Vaughan (Naomie Harris) are better matched in age but less so in temperament. Pierce Brosnan plays a senior spy and team leader, Arthur Stieglitz, who has been there since the Cold War, while Gustaf Skarsgard makes a strong impression in his two scenes early on as Philip Meacham, with Kae Alexander in a brief appearance as his wife Anna.
For fans of clever spy thrillers, BLACK BAG is great fun. Steven Soderbergh’s couple-centered spy thriller is not a film with any grand statement to make, but it is a highly entertaining spy thriller that combines the chilly atmosphere of John LeCarre’s spy novels with Agatha Christie’s twisty cast-of-characters mysteries. If you enjoy any of that, plus a clever, original script with a plot to keeping you guessing, a touch of hot romance, and an intriguing bunch of characters with their own problems, BLACK BAG is just the ticket for you.
From Director Steven Soderbergh, BLACK BAG is a gripping spy drama about legendary intelligence agents George Woodhouse and his beloved wife Kathryn. When she is suspected of betraying the nation, George faces the ultimate test – loyalty to his marriage or his country. (Trailer)
Starring Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Marisa Abela, Tom Burke, Naomie Harris, Regé-Jean Page, and Pierce Brosnan, BLACK BAG will open in theaters nationwide on March 14th.
From Director Steven Soderbergh, BLACK BAG is a gripping spy drama about legendary intelligence agents George Woodhouse and his beloved wife Kathryn. When she is suspected of betraying the nation, George faces the ultimate test – loyalty to his marriage or his country.
Stars Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Marisa Abela, Tom Burke, Naomie Harris, Regé-Jean Page, and Pierce Brosnan.
Focus Features will releaseBLACK BAG in theaters on Friday, March 14th. Watch the first trailer now.
You can be the destroyer of this world…or you can be its Savior
Black Adam is finally out, and if you haven’t seen it, do. While the first thing that separates the character from a lot of the other superhero movies in the genre, is that, for starters, he’s not a hero. He’s an antihero in its near purest form. Dwayne Johnson, master of shameless self promotion has been touting the greatness of this film for a while now, and this time, beyond a shadow of a doubt, he’s right. And what Black Adam believes is right comes from a place of ultimate struggle… and sacrifice.
Born Teth Adam, the character’s origin story is a tragic one. As penned by Adam Sztykiel and Rory Haines & Sohrab Noshirvani, the film reveals the twist of fate that not only gifted this champion of ancient Kahndaq with his powers, but also left him alone and embittered, wreaking havoc throughout the realm. The Wizards, realizing what has happened, imprison Teth Adam deep within the Rock of Eternity. This is where the black-hearted Black Adam has been entombed for 5,000 years. However, the suspension of time has not weakened him, physically or emotionally; the moment he is freed, he is clearly still imbued with god-like powers, still an invulnerable powerhouse possessing unbelievable strength and lightning-fast speed…and anger. Back with a vengeance and unleashing his own brand of justice amongst those around But forever comes to an end when Teth Adam is suddenly summoned by one word…SHAZAM!
Now, with the same mindset that got him buried 5,000 years earlier, Black Adam’s modern day journey begins. Black Adam’s return is quickly noted by Carter Hall – a.k.a. Hawkman, portrayed by Aldis Hodge – who immediately puts out the call to his friend Kent Nelson, a.k.a. Doctor Fate, played by Pierce Brosnan; Al Rothstein/Atom Smasher, played by Noah Centineo; and Maxine Hunkel/Cyclone, played by Quintessa Swindell.
Re-forming the Justice Society, the team is swiftly galvanized into action to contain the antihero’s destruction halfway around the world. Black Adam has awakened to modern day Kahndaq, in his time a great kingdom but now a shadow of its former self. The once storied and wealthy country, the birthplace of ancient magic and the epicenter of the region’s most vital, priceless resource—Eternium—is being pillaged for that precious resource. Leading the charge is Intergang; a villainous organization simultaneously mining the last vestiges of Eternium and destroying Kahndaq’s citizens’ chance for a prosperous future.
Soon, like everything else around him, the Justice Society proves to be another nuisance. And, even as Black Adam gains a better understanding of this new version of his city and country, he remains conflicted; his anger still burns and his definitive moral code never wavers as he navigates what he’s meant to be for this version of Kahndaq. At the same time there is another, more dangerous adversary growing more powerful, and this triad of opposing foes—Black Adam, the Justice Society and the leader of Intergang— are destined to clash to determine the future of Kahndaq and, perhaps, the world. On a side note: credit is given to Jack Kirby who created the Fourth World. InterGang debuted in Kirby’s Fourth World saga. While it isn’t a straight adaptation of any previous material, nor does the screenplay pull from any of their storylines, it does reference elements readers of The New 52’s The Dark Age and the latest Hawkman comics will recognize.
Teth Adam, the titular hero of the movie, didn’t ASK to be brought back, he was safely and comfortably entombed in the capital city of the fictional country of Khondaq, until some tomb raiders, chasing the real hero of this story, caused his release. But once he’s unleashed, watch out!
He handles the bad guys in a way that we all wish a lot of the other heroes would, especially given this sets brutality. They do get what they have been doling out for apparently years.
From here the film goes into overdrive with an economy of storytelling that is efficient and useful: new characters are brought in without dragging us all through an unnecessarily lengthy and protracted period of exposition. We meet them, we get a few seconds that sets them up for their role in the story, and that’s it, move along, we have stuff to do.
There are returning characters from other DCEU properties, Amanda Waller (played to perfection by Viola Davis) and fellow government stooge from the Suicide Squad, Jennifer Holland as black ops agent Emilia Harcourt as well as some surprise cameos.
Director Collet-Serra’s singular vision is made more powerful by the cinematography of Lawrence Sher, the costume design team of Kurt and Bart, stunt coordinator Tommy Harper and special effects coordinator J.D. Schwalm. The epic score comes from composer Lorne Balfe who captures the essence of the DC comic book world’s antihero. The Black Adam Theme and The Justice Society Theme are highlights of the film.
BLACK ADAM doesn’t do what a LOT of other superhero movies have gotten into the habit of doing lately, which is bogging itself down with an overabundance of side stories and useless character clips. We meet Hawkman (Aldis Hodge, who makes this DC steadfast a real bad ass) and Doctor Fate, played by Pierce Brosnan with so much heart that he makes you forget about any other superhero wizarding types (ahem, sorry BC). Plus there’s great chemistry and team-bonding between Centineo and Swindell. We aren’t spoon-fed background about them, but rather we get to see, not hear, why they matter to the events unfolding.
There is a bit of social commentary in the movie, you aren’t force-fed, but led. It matters though. And there is action. A LOT of action. It’s beautiful, destructive, especially the standard comic book bit where two factions that should be working together meet, and have to fight it out to figure out what side things fall out on. And it is done well.
“We’re the Justice Society…” says Dr. Fate in this brand new and thrilling new trailer for BLACK ADAM, smashing into theaters and IMAX October 21, 2022.
From New Line Cinema, Dwayne Johnson stars in the action adventure “Black Adam.” The first-ever feature film to explore the story of the DC Super Hero comes to the big screen under the direction of Jaume Collet-Serra (“Jungle Cruise”).
In ancient Kahndaq, Teth Adam was bestowed the almighty powers of the gods. After using these powers for vengeance, he was imprisoned, becoming Black Adam. Nearly 5,000 years have passed and Black Adam has gone from man, to myth, to legend. Now released, his unique form of justice, born out of rage, is challenged by modern day heroes who form the Justice Society: Hawkman, Dr. Fate, Atom Smasher and Cyclone.
Johnson stars alongside Aldis Hodge (“City on a Hill,” “One Night in Miami”) as Hawkman, Noah Centineo (“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”) as Atom Smasher, Sarah Shahi (“Sex/Life,” “Rush Hour 3”), Marwan Kenzari (“Murder on the Orient Express,” “The Mummy”) as Sabbac, Quintessa Swindell (“Voyagers,” “Trinkets”) as Cyclone, Mo Amer (“Mo,” “Ramy”), Bodhi Sabongui (“A Million Little Things”), and Pierce Brosnan (the “Mamma Mia!” and James Bond franchises) as Dr. Fate.
(L-r) ALDIS HODGE as Hawkman and MARWAN KENZARI as SabbacNOAH CENTINEO as Atom SmasherQUINTESSA SWINDELL as Cyclone
Collet-Serra directed from a screenplay written by Adam Sztykiel and Rory Haines & Sohrab Noshirvani, based on characters from DC, based on characters created by Bill Parker and C.C. Beck. The film’s producers are Beau Flynn, Hiram Garcia, Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia, with Toby Emmerich, Richard Brener, Dave Neustadter, Chris Pan, Walter Hamada, Adam Schlagman, Geoff Johns, Eric McLeod and Scott Sheldon executive producing.
The director’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes Oscar-nominated director of photography Lawrence Sher (“Joker”), production designer Tom Meyer (“Real Steel”), editors Mike Sale (“Red Notice,” “Skyscraper”) and John Lee (“Anyone Home?”), costume designers Kurt and Bart (“Deadpool 2,” “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 & 2”), Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor Bill Westenhofer (“Life of Pi,” “Wonder Woman”), and composer Lorne Balfe (“Black Widow”).
New Line Cinema Presents a Seven Bucks/Flynn Co. Production, A Jaume Collet-Serra Film, “Black Adam,” hits theaters and IMAX internationally beginning 19 October 2022, in North America on October 21, 2022. It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Dwayne Johnson flew in as DC Super Hero BLACK ADAM during Warner Bros. Pictures theatrical panel at Saturday’s Comic Con panel. This guy know how to make an entrance!
“Hall H, you have been warned. The DC universe will never be the same again,” boomed Johnson.
Johnson tackled an age-old question: who would win in a fight, Black Adam or Superman? Earlier in the week, rumors circulated that Man of Steel actor Henry Cavill might show up or send a video message for the panel, but that didn’t come to fruition.
Said the actor of a matchup between the DC characters: “Pound for pound, they are pretty close. I guess it probably all depends on who is playing Superman. I will just say that.”
Finally, Johnson left the 6,500 Hall H attendees with a gift. Each would receive a free ticket to an IMAX screening of Black Adam. It turns out a post card they received upon entrance was actually a ticket.
“To be here at Comic-Con, Hall H, representing a DC hero, an anti-hero, is a dream come true,” Johnson told the room. “When I started 20 years ago, many moons ago, I would bring movies here and hope people would love it.”
From New Line Cinema, Dwayne Johnson stars in the action adventure “Black Adam.” The first-ever feature film to explore the story of the DC Super Hero comes to the big screen under the direction of Jaume Collet-Serra (“Jungle Cruise”).
Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the ancient gods—and imprisoned just as quickly—Black Adam (Johnson) is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world.
Johnson stars alongside Aldis Hodge (“City on a Hill,” “One Night in Miami”) as Hawkman, Noah Centineo (“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”) as Atom Smasher, Sarah Shahi (“Sex/Life,” “Rush Hour 3”), Marwan Kenzari (“Murder on the Orient Express,” “The Mummy”), Quintessa Swindell (“Voyagers,” “Trinkets”) as Cyclone, Mo Amer (“Mo,” “Ramy”), Bodhi Sabongui (“A Million Little Things”), and Pierce Brosnan (the “Mamma Mia!” and James Bond franchises) as Dr. Fate.
Collet-Serra directed from a screenplay written by Adam Sztykiel and Rory Haines & Sohrab Noshirvani, based on characters from DC, based on characters created by Bill Parker and C.C. Beck. The film’s producers are Beau Flynn, Dwayne Johnson, Hiram Garcia and Dany Garcia, with Walter Hamada, Adam Schlagman, Richard Brener, Dave Neustadter, Chris Pan, Eric McLeod, Geoff Johns and Scott Sheldon executive producing.
The director’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes Oscar-nominated director of photography Lawrence Sher (“Joker”), production designer Tom Meyer (“Real Steel”), editors Mike Sale (“Red Notice,” “Skyscraper”) and John Lee (“Anyone Home?”), costume designers Kurt and Bart (“Deadpool 2,” “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 & 2”), Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor Bill Westenhofer (“Life of Pi,” “Wonder Woman”), and composer Lorne Balfe (“Black Widow”).
New Line Cinema Presents a Seven Bucks/Flynn Co. Production, A Jaume Collet-Serra Film, “Black Adam,” smashing into theaters and IMAX internationally beginning 19 October 2022, in North America on October 21, 2022. It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.
From New Line Cinema, Dwayne Johnson stars in the action adventure.
The first-ever feature film to explore the story of the DC Super Hero comes to the big screen under the direction of Jaume Collet-Serra (“Jungle Cruise”). Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the ancient gods—and imprisoned just as quickly—Black Adam (Johnson) is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world.
Johnson stars alongside Aldis Hodge (“City on a Hill,” “One Night in Miami”) as Hawkman, Noah Centineo (“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”) as Atom Smasher, Sarah Shahi (“Sex/Life,” “Rush Hour 3”) as Adrianna, Marwan Kenzari (“Murder on the Orient Express,” “The Mummy”) as Ishmael, Quintessa Swindell (“Voyagers,” “Trinkets”) as Cyclone, Bodhi Sabongui (“A Million Little Things”) as Amon, and Pierce Brosnan (the “Mamma Mia!” and James Bond franchises) as Dr. Fate.
The film marks the first big-screen, live-action appearance of the Justice Society of America, the legendary DC superhero team. Previously fans of the CW show “Smallville” saw the team in the episode “Absolute Justice”. Clark Kent/Superman met up with JSA members Doctor Fate, Stargirl and Hawkman.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, director Jaume Collet-Serra says of Hawkman.
Hodge’s Hawkman is one of the JSA’s high-flying heroes. The golden-winged warrior has long been a DC staple, and he’s popped up before in live-action TV series like Smallville and the Arrowverse shows. But Hodge’s version is the first to make it to live-action film, and Collet-Serra says he wanted to craft a Hawkman who felt both impossibly strong and agile. “He’s not just a man with wings,” the director explains. “He’s like a fighting beast.”
Collet-Serra adds that he and the costume design team worked to build an avian look that felt new but still honored the character’s decades-long history, and Hodge trained for months to prepare for the extensive wirework required to soar through the air.
Collet-Serra directed from a screenplay by Adam Sztykiel and Rory Haines & Sohrab Noshirvani, screen story by Adam Sztykiel and Rory Haines & Sohrab Noshirvani, based on characters from DC. Black Adam was created by Bill Parker and C.C. Beck. The film’s producers were Beau Flynn, Dwayne Johnson, Hiram Garcia and Dany Garcia, with Richard Brener, Walter Hamada, Dave Neustadter, Chris Pan, Eric McLeod, Geoff Johns and Scott Sheldon.
“Black Adam” smashes into theaters and IMAX internationally beginning 19 October 2022 and in North America on October 21, 2022. It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Amazon Studios will release CINDERELLA exclusively on Prime Video September 3rd, 2021 and we’ve got your first look at the brand new trailer.
From Kay Cannon (Pitch Perfect), Cinderella is a modern musical with a bold take on the story you grew up with. Our ambitious heroine (Camilla Cabello) has big dreams and with the help of her Fab G, she perseveres to make them come true. Cinderella has an all-star cast including Idina Menzel, Minnie Driver, James Corden, Nicholas Galitzine, Billy Porter and Pierce Brosnan.
The film, rated PG, looks “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo” delightful and will be a fun way to spend the upcoming Labor Day weekend!
Camilla Cabello stars in CINDERELLA
Photo: Christopher Raphael
Camilla Cabello stars in CINDERELLA
Photo: Christopher Raphael
Kay Cannon’s Cinderella featuring an all-star cast including Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Camila Cabello, Idina Menzel and Billy Porter, will launch exclusively around the world in over 240 countries and territories on Prime Video this September. The highly anticipated musical incorporates pop songs from contemporary global artists and original songs by Camila Cabello and Idina Menzel.
“Cinderella is a classic we all know and love, but this time with a modern unique twist and starring the sensational Camila Cabello and an all-star cast. Producer James Corden and the filmmaking team have taken this beloved fairytale and revamped it with a fresh, empowering perspective that will resonate with audiences and families around the world. We couldn’t be more excited for our global customers to sing and dance along to director Kay Cannon’s reimagination of this classic story,” said Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon Studios.
Camilla Cabello stars in CINDERELLA
Photo: Kerry Brown
Cinderella is a musically-driven bold new take on the traditional story you grew up with. Our heroine (Cabello) is an ambitious young woman, whose dreams are bigger than the world will allow, but with the help of her Fab G (Billy Porter), she is able to persevere and make her dreams come true.
Written for the screen and directed by Kay Cannon with covers of songs written by some of the top-selling musical artists of all time, Cinderella has an all-star cast that includes Idina Menzel, Minnie Driver, Nicholas Galitzine, with Billy Porter and Pierce Brosnan. Producers are Leo Pearlman, James Corden, Jonathan Kadin and Shannon McIntosh, and executive producers are Louise Rosner and Josephine Rose.
