InBULLET TRAIN, Brad Pitt stars as Ladybug, an unlucky assassin determined to do his job peacefully after one too many gigs gone off the rails. Fate, however, may have other plans, as Ladybug’s latest mission puts him on a collision course with lethal adversaries from around the globe – all with connected, yet conflicting, objectives – on the world’s fastest train…and he’s got to figure out how to get off. From the director of Deadpool 2, David Leitch, the end of the line is only the beginning in a wild, non-stop thrill ride through modern-day Japan.
Check out the brand new trailer and look for BULLET TRAIN to open in theaters on August 5.
The cast also includes Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Andrew Koji, Hiroyuki Sanada, Michael Shannon, Benito A Martínez Ocasio and Sandra Bullock.
The film is produced by Kelly McCormick, David Leitch and Antoine Fuqua. Dominic Lewis (The Man in the High Castle, Peter Rabbit, Money Monster, Monsters at Work, Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween) is the composer on BULLET TRAIN.
Hey film fans, since traveling is still a bit iffy (some health issues) and pricey (oy, the pump costs) how about a cinematic getaway to a faraway exotic island? Not tempting enough? Well, how about hanging out with a trio of your favorite movie stars (and I do mean stars…real “A-listers”)? Indeed this marks the big-screen return of a favorite leading lady who has been absent for four long years. And she shares scenes with not one, but two Hollywood “hunks”. Yes, romance, comedy (with a touch of satire), and a bit of danger are on the itinerary when you grab a (theatre) ticket and the multiplex whisks you away to THE LOST CITY.
Things are looking steamy and a touch scary for the duo at the heart of the story when the Paramount logo fades away. Oops, it’s all in the head of popular romance novelist Loretta Sage (Sandra Bullock) as she battles writer’s block in the comfort of her cozy home. Perhaps she’s a tad too comfortable as she’s become somewhat reclusive since the passing of her hubby. And when that newest work, “The Lost City of D”, is finished she finds that her popularity may be waning…a bit. That’s why her BFF and publicist Beth (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) convinces her to kick off her promotional tour for the book with a personal appearance at a big romance novel convention. And to Loretta’s annoyance, she must share the stage (at a fan Q & A) with the cover model for her paperbacks, the gorgeous but dim Alan Caprison (Channing Tatum), who is reprising his “role” as the ongoing series hero “Dash” McMahon. After the disastrous event, things go from bad to worse as Loretta is spirited away by a couple of burly goons as Alan watches helplessly. Said thugs transport Loretta to their boss, eccentric media millionaire Abigail (yup) Fairfax (Danielle Radcliff) who believes that she can help him locate the actual “crown of fire” in Calloman’s Tomb on a remote Atlantic island. Since the tomb may be destroyed by a nearby active volcano, he ignores her pleas to be released and chloroforms her, and the group jets off to that exotic locale. Ah, but team Sage is on the case. Alan contacts an ex-military man he met at a meditation seminar, Jack Trainer (Brad Pitt), and flies away to join him for her rescue. But can the two of them save Loretta from Fairfax’s legion of henchmen while they’re outrunning lava?
So, Ms. B hasn’t graced the big screen since 2018’s OCEAN’S EIGHT? And grace is the right word since she glides through this frothy romp with the assured stride of the gifted icons of the golden age. Her lengthy film career is certainly no fluke, as she brings all of her arsenal (comedy, tragedy, action, romance) to the role of the often awkward writer. Loretta uses her solitude as a protective “bubble” to ward off anything or anyone that may add to her festering sorrow. When she begrudgingly re-enters “the world” Bullock exercises her crackling comic timing as Loretta uses her snark as rapidly-fired needle “pinpricks”. Coupled with her physical comedy skills, and abetted with her gaudy “sparkly” sequined pantsuit, she’s an almost “alien” outcast in the jungle. But Bullock shows us the change in Sage as the central mystery resonates with her which prompts her to take a chance on someone again. And that’s the surprising Tatum as Alan, who begins as a pretty boy cartoon, the vain vapid gorgeous dimwit (do they still say “him-bo”) strutting about with flowing fake blond locks and “puffy shirts open to the navel. He reminds us of his great comedy “chops’ we enjoyed so much in 21 JUMP STREET, its sequel, and the recent DOG (probably still playing nearby), but he also displays a real vulnerability as Alan acts on his feelings for his “book boss lady”, aching to be the hero she’s fashioned around him. But he’s really not “that guy” as he also has a flair for the slapstick as “action Alan” becomes a klutzy whirlwind of limbs. Which is a great contrast to the “uber-cool alpha-dog” that is Pitt’s Trainer who’s the “real deal” and almost effortlessly uses Alan’s missed kicks and swings to his advantage while trying to temper his remarks (“Alan, that’s a good effort, but you should’ve stayed in the car”).
As for the support team to the “titanic trio”, a good mix of comic actors has been gathered. Well, the villain may be best known for a heroic magical hero icon, Radcliffe seems to be having lots of fun shattering his image as the nefarious Fairfax the “poster child” for the angry sibling, a scheming brat who wants what he deserves right this second (think Veruca Salt with lots of backup and firepower). Heading the “good guy” sidekicks is Randolph (so great as Lady Reed in DOLEMITE IS MY NAME) as the tightly wound, stressed but still in control Beth, whose business ambitions take a backseat to her affection for her “superstar scribe”. Plus she’s a great “reactor tempering her frustration at dealing with a couple of “oddballs”, namely Patti Harrison as the “always on her cellphone” social media consultant (she can’t speak without uttering several “hashtags”) and Oscar Nunez (from TV’s “The Office”) as goofy cargo plane pilot Oscar who thinks that he can charm her into his cockpit (wink wink). And SNL gem Bowen Yang has a nice bit as the book conference’s overly caffeinated host of the Q & A debacle.
The directors calling the shots in this comedy caper are a fairly new team, the Nee (not the Knights who say) brothers Adam and Aaron, their third feature after THE LAST ROMANTIC and BAND OF ROBBERS (a SLIFF flick). And they do a terrific job balancing the character comedy with the more slapstick sequences along with the frantic action set pieces and the often nail-biting escapes and scrapes. And though a lot of its basic premise owes much to 1984’s ROMANCING THE STONE (a nice homage is the event’s banner that proclaims “Romancing the Book”), the screenplay by the Nees with Oren Uziel and Dana Fox from a Seth Gordon story has plenty of sharp satirical stabs at those “bodice-ripper” books and their over-heated fanbase in addition to the spirited interplay between Loretta and Alan. Unfortunately, the film does succumb to the dreaded comedy film “lull” a bit past the one-hour mark as the duo connects on the dance floor (it needs a big trim from the editors). And the big finale feels a tad rushed with everything quickly “lining up in place”. But these are somewhat minor quibbles against the breath-taking Dominican Republic location work and the inspired pairing of Bullock and Tatum, briefly aided by a winking Pitt. So if you’re really needing a bit of swooning star escapism find your way (no tattered old maps needed) to THE LOST CITY.
3.5 Out of 4
THE LOST CITY opens in theatres everywhere on Friday, March 25, 2022
WAMG has passes for our lucky readers to see Paramount Pictures’ THE LOST CITY on March 22 in St. Louis at 7pm at MARCUS RONNIE’S 20.
For a chance to win passes to the St. Louis advance screening of THE LOST CITY, starring Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, and Daniel Radcliffe, enter at the link below:
Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum star in Paramount Pictures’ “THE LOST CITY.”
Can’t wait for the screening?
AUDIENCES CAN BE THE FIRST TO SEE THE LOST CITY IN THEATRES THIS WEEKEND WITH FANDANGO PREMIERE EARLY ACCESS SCREENINGS ON SATURDAY, MARCH 19TH
Fandango Premiere Early Access Screenings will be held at 225 theaters nationwide on March 19th, one week before its only-in-theaters wide release date on March 25th. Tickets for this limited big-screen event are now on sale, only at Fandango.
Brilliant, but reclusive author Loretta Sage (Sandra Bullock) has spent her career writing about exotic places in her popular romance-adventure novels featuring handsome cover model Alan (Channing Tatum), who has dedicated his life to embodying the hero character, “Dash.” While on tour promoting her new book with Alan, Loretta is kidnapped by an eccentric billionaire (Daniel Radcliffe) who hopes that she can lead him to the ancient lost city’s treasure from her latest story. Wanting to prove that he can be a hero in real life and not just on the pages of her books, Alan sets off to rescue her. Thrust into an epic jungle adventure, the unlikely pair will need to work together to survive the elements and find the ancient treasure before it’s lost forever.
Directed by Adam Nee and Aaron Nee, see THE LOST CITY only in theaters March 25.
L-r, Brad Pitt, Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum star in Paramount Pictures’ “THE LOST CITY.”
Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum star in Paramount Pictures’ “THE LOST CITY.”
Currently sitting at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes is the comedy THE LOST CITY. The film, starring Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, and Daniel Radcliffe, has received rave reviews after its debut screening at SXSW.
AUDIENCES CAN BE THE FIRST TO SEE THE LOST CITY IN THEATRES THIS WEEKEND WITH FANDANGO PREMIERE EARLY ACCESS SCREENINGS ON SATURDAY, MARCH 19TH
Fandango Premiere Early Access Screenings will be held at 225 theaters nationwide on March 19th, one week before its only-in-theaters wide release date on March 25th. Tickets for this limited big-screen event are now on sale, only at Fandango.
The Lost City is a film you can escape your troubles with for a couple of hours. Award-winning? Nope, but it is fun (and funny!) – Austin Chronicle Full Review…
Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum create a rhythm of movement and sound that causes their dynamite chemistry to leap off-screen and smack you in the face. – Deadline Hollywood Full Review…
[Tatum’s] hunky character’s puppy-like devotion to Bullock’s dismissive damsel in distress serves the pic quite well, enlivening action that (after a winningly over-the-top kickoff) might otherwise grow too generic. – Hollywood Reporter Full Review…
The Lost City is a fun ride and a loving throwback to a certain kind of star-laden character-led adventure films Hollywood doesnt seem to have time for anymore. – The Playlist Full Review…
Check out the latest featurette from THE LOST CITY, where Tatum, Bullock and Radcliffe discuss Channing’s cover model transformation in “Becoming Dash”
Brilliant, but reclusive author Loretta Sage (Sandra Bullock) has spent her career writing about exotic places in her popular romance-adventure novels featuring handsome cover model Alan (Channing Tatum), who has dedicated his life to embodying the hero character, “Dash.” While on tour promoting her new book with Alan, Loretta is kidnapped by an eccentric billionaire (Daniel Radcliffe) who hopes that she can lead him to the ancient lost city’s treasure from her latest story. Wanting to prove that he can be a hero in real life and not just on the pages of her books, Alan sets off to rescue her. Thrust into an epic jungle adventure, the unlikely pair will need to work together to survive the elements and find the ancient treasure before it’s lost forever.
Directed by Adam Nee and Aaron Nee, see THE LOST CITY only in theaters March 25.
Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum in THE LOST CITY opens in theaters March 25th. Here’s the trailer with a special intro from the cast:
Brilliant, but reclusive author Loretta Sage (Sandra Bullock) has spent her career writing about exotic places in her popular romance-adventure novels featuring handsome cover model Alan (Channing Tatum), who has dedicated his life to embodying the hero character, “Dash.” While on tour promoting her new book with Alan, Loretta is kidnapped by an eccentric billionaire (Daniel Radcliffe) who hopes that she can lead him to the ancient lost city’s treasure from her latest story. Wanting to prove that he can be a hero in real life and not just on the pages of her books, Alan sets off to rescue her. Thrust into an epic jungle adventure, the unlikely pair will need to work together to survive the elements and find the ancient treasure before it’s lost forever.
TEH LOST CITY stars Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, Daniel Radcliffe, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Oscar Nuñez, Patti Harrison, and Bowen Yang
Sweating Bullets – 10 Action Packed Movies on 2 Discs is available from Mill Creek Entertainment. Ordering information can be found HERE
Prepare to set your adrenaline to overdrive! The high-octane SWEATING BULLETS collection is stacked with the stars you love (Sandra Bullock, Steve Buscemi, Daniel Baldwin, Mickey Rourke) for a maximum assault on your senses.
Here’s the line-up of incredible action films:
Across the Line – 2000 – Brad Johnson, Sigal Erez, Brian Bloom A small town sheriff falls in love with a Latina illegal immigrant who witnessed a murder on the Texas border.
Fatal Combat – 1995 – Jeff Wincott, Sven-Ole Thorsen, Phillip Jarrett Master martial artist John Stoneman is kidnapped by Houston Armstrong, a psychotic billionaire who runs a bizarre fighting ring, where combatants must either win or die.
Inner Action – 1997 – Douglas O’Keefe, Mark Lutz, Michelle Johnson John Ryan ends his life of crime to become a detective and repay society for his past misdeeds. He is hired by a mysterious woman to protect her from her possessive ex-husband, who is not only a powerful crime boss, but also John’s ex-friend Vincent.
Fugitive Rage – 1996 – Wendy Schumacher, Shauna O’Brien, Jay Richardson After a botched attempt to avenge her sister’s death, Patricia Ray is locked up for attempted murder of a notorious drug lord. In prison, federal agents offer her a deal that turn her from convict to assassin…until they betray her trust.
Maximum Revenge – 1997 – Paul Michael Robinson, John Lazar, Landon Hall Terrorists infiltrate Innsmouth, a new maximum security prison, and inmate Mace Richter is the only one who can foil their plans before they detonate a nuclear bomb inside of the prison. Richter is a former CIA operative who was unjustly sentenced for the wrongful death of a terrorist that helped hijack a plane.
Me and the Mob – 1994 – James Lorinz, Sandra Bullock, Vincent Pastore A struggling writer takes a job for his mobster uncle in order to obtain first-hand material for a book on conspiracy plots and the JFK assassination.
The Night Never Sleeps – 2012 – Armand Assante, Eric Roberts, Dan Brennan A detective and his partners hunt down the murderers of one of their task force leading them to a drug dealer and his psychopathic killer. But the cop begins to realize the killer may be getting help from inside the police department.
Rapid Assault – 1997 – Tim Abel, Jeff Rector, Lisa Mazzetti In a hijacked seabase thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface, freelance terrorist Lars Rynark threatens to release a dangerous biotoxin that will destroy the entire undersea ecosystem.
Shades – 1999 – Mickey Rourke, Andrew Howard, Gene Bervoets In this film within a film, a Belgian serial killer escapes prison and finds that a filmmaker is making a movie about his life.
Yesterday’s Target – 1996 – Malcolm McDowell, Daniel Baldwin, Stacy Haiduk Telekinetic Paul Harper is stuck thirty years in the past, with little memory or control over his abilities. He runs from a group of agents that’s trying to kill him, while locating and helping others that are in similar predicaments.
Here’s a first look at the brand new trailer and poster for the upcoming film BIRD BOX, a compelling new thriller from Academy Award winner Susanne Bier.
When a mysterious force decimates the world’s population, only one thing is certain: if you see it, you take your life. Facing the unknown, Malorie finds love, hope and a new beginning only for it to unravel. Now she must flee with her two children down a treacherous river to the one place left that may offer sanctuary. But to survive, they’ll have to undertake the perilous two-day journey blindfolded.
The Netflix movie stars Oscar-winner Sandra Bullock, Trevante Rhodes, Jacki Weaver, Rosa Salazar, Danielle Macdonald, Lil Rel Howery, Tom Hollander, Colson Baker, BD Wong, with Sarah Paulson, and John Malkovich.
The cast alone is enough to be excited for this film! Prepare yourself for a rough and dark time.
“You hear that? The creatures.” A child whispering those words will send chills down every parent’s spine.
Earlier this year, Paramount Pictures released A QUIET PLACE. “In the modern horror thriller, from director John Krasinski, a family of four must navigate their lives in silence after mysterious creatures that hunt by sound threaten their survival. If they hear you, they hunt you.” (Review). A running and inherent theme throughout both films are family, love and ultimately sacrifice.
BIRD BOX is from screenwriter Eric Heisserer. His screenplay for the film ARRIVAL earned him a Best Adapted Screenplay nomination at the 89th Academy Awards in 2016. He also wrote the horror films A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, FINAL DESTINATION 5, THE THING (2011) and LIGHTS OUT, and wrote and directed Hours with Paul Walker.
BIRD BOX will have its world premiere at The AFI Festival on November 12, 2018.
Available on Netflix and in select theaters on December 21.
(L-R) SANDRA BULLOCK as Debbie Ocean, CATE BLANCHETT as Lou in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ “OCEANS 8,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Barry Wetcher.
OCEAN’S 8 continues the OCEAN’S 11 film franchise with a clever twist, all woman team to carry out a new heist. But it isn’t just the cast that has changed, this is a whole new game, in this surprisingly fun and entertaining fourth film in the series. It is just light entertainment but it is fun.
The 2001 George Clooney OCEAN’S 11 was, of course, a remake of the 1960 Rat Pack classic caper film of the same name. The origin had a collection of old army buddies led by Danny Ocean (Frank Sinatra) carrying out a complicated Las Vegas casino robbery, partly as a lark and partly for the dough. The original was as much about the snappy patter between the cast as the heist and had a good dose of humor. The George Clooney re-boot captured some of the glamour and fun but maybe with a tad more focus on the heist.
This fourth sequel reboots the whole thing, using the all-female cast as a springboard. There are references to the cast of the previous Ocean’s films but for the most part this is a new cast and a new concept. While all the previous versions are set in Las Vegas, a guy’s glittering fantasy playground of casinos, showgirls, highballs and fast cars, OCEAN’S 8 re-sets the caper in an equally iconic woman’s glittering fantasy playground – a New York City world of shopping at Bergdorf Goodman, Cartier jewels, high-fashion, celebrities and fine art. This new heist aims at jewels – during the most dazzling party of the year, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Met Gala, a star-studded, diamond-drenched, couture-clothed multi-million dollar event that opens the museum’s Costume Institute’s new exhibit featuring the crown jewels of several royal houses.
Gary Ross directs and co-wrote the script. Ross’ OCEAN’S 8 keeps the idea of a cast of quirky characters, who each have a special skill, involved in an elaborate heist. Sandra Bullock plays Danny Ocean’s newly-paroled sister, Debbie Ocean, who just seems to have larceny in her blood. She re-connects with old pal Lou (Cate Blanchett) and sells her on a new plan to steal fabulous jewels at the biggest celebrity party of the year.
The rest of the team consists of fence and con expert Tammy (Sarah Paulson), a jewelry expert Amita (Mindy Kaling), hacker Nine Ball (Rihanna), and pickpocket Constance (Awkwafina). The plan is to steal a famous Cartier necklace, a scheme that requires them to bring in a fashion designer Rose Weil (a delightful Helena Bonham Carter, taking a break from her dark persona to play a more ditzy one) and a movie star attending the gala, Daphne Kluger (Anne Hathaway, also delightful in her role). The fashion designer is in on the plan but movie star is not, which makes things a little tricky.
The film is a delight of cleverness, glitter and glamour. The cast is dominated by women, with men only playing minor roles, a nice switch on the usual (and making this a film that more than meets the Bechdel test (two or more women characters, who talk to each other, about something other than a man) for those who keep track of that. The male cast members include Richard Armitage as Debbie Ocean’s artist ex-boyfriend Claude and James Corden as an insurance inspector.
Besides the lead roles, the film is peppered with delightful cameos, such as legendary fashion editor Anna Wintour. There are also appearances by a host of older legendary actresses in a sequence late in the film.
All this great casting and sparkling setting would be wasted if the film did not entertain, but it does. With a touch of inspiration from caper films of the 1960s that featured women in the lead as well as the OCEAN’S 11 franchise, OCEAN’S 8 delights with its complicated plan, ensemble of quirky characters, the nail-biting execution and all the twists and turns in the plot these bold women carry out with style and bravura.
OCEAN’S 8 is an unexpectedly fun sequel, just light entertainment but a film both men and women can enjoy, although maybe a bit more fun for women, The plot is a bit more caper and a tad less comedy than previous Ocean’s films,but still tons of fun. It is just good escapist entertainment, with a nice women-forward focus and an outstanding ensemble cast, that sets up for a refreshed series of Ocean’s films.
“These boots are made for walking, and that’s just what they’ll do. One of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you.” In 1966 Nancy Sinatra sang the iconic song and a version is featured in a snappy first trailer for the upcoming all-female heist film, OCEAN’S 8.
Check it out now. This is going to be a fun ride!
The tide has turned and it’s a whole new “Ocean’s” when eight women plan and execute a heist in New York.
Oscar winner Sandra Bullock stars in the title role, alongside Oscar winners Cate Blanchett and Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, with Rihanna and Oscar nominee Helena Bonham Carter.
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Gary Ross is directing. Ross directs from a screenplay he wrote with Olivia Milch (upcoming “Dude”), with Steven Soderbergh.
From Warner Bros. Pictures, OCEAN’S 8 opens in theaters June 8th, 2018.
Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ give audiences this first look at OCEAN’s 8 from one of New York City’s most iconic locales: the subway.
The tide will turn as (L-r) Debbie Ocean (SANDRA BULLOCK) attempts to pull off the heist of the century at New York City’s star-studded annual Met Gala.
Her first stop is to assemble the perfect crew: Lou (CATE BLANCHETT); Nine Ball (RIHANNA); Amita (MINDY KALING); Constance (AWKWAFINA); Rose (HELENA BONHAM CARTER); Daphne Kluger (ANNE HATHAWAY); and Tammy (SARAH PAULSON).
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Gary Ross is directing.
Ross directs from a screenplay he wrote with Olivia Milch (upcoming “Dude”), with Steven Soderbergh and Jon Kilik producing, Michael Tadross, Susan Ekins, Sandra Bullock, Diana Alvarez and Bruce Berman executive producing, and Milch co-producing. Filming is taking place in and around New York City.
Collaborating with Ross behind the scenes are director of photography Eigil Bryld (“In Bruges,” “Not Fade Away”), production designer Alex DiGerlando (“Beasts of the Southern Wild,” HBO’s “True Detective”), editor Juliette Welfling (“Free State of Jones,” “The Hunger Games”), costume designer Sarah Edwards (“Tower Heist,” Showtime’s “Billions”), and composer Nicholas Britell (“The Big Short,” “Free State of Jones”).
OCEAN’S 8 is set for release in Summer 2018 and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.
