(from left) Norah (Leah Sava Jeffries) and Nathan (Idris Elba) in Beast, directed by Baltasar Kormákur.
Here’s your first look at the just released trailer for BEAST, starring Idris Elba, only in theaters August 19
Sometimes the rustle in the bushes actually is a monster.
Idris Elba (Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, The Suicide Squad) stars in a pulse-pounding new thriller about a father and his two teenage daughters who find themselves hunted by a massive rogue lion intent on proving that the savannah has but one apex predator.
Elba plays Dr. Nate Daniels, a recently widowed husband who returns to South Africa, where he first met his wife, on a long-planned trip with their daughters to a game reserve managed by Martin Battles (Sharlto Copley, Russian Doll series, Maleficent), an old family friend and wildlife biologist. But what begins as a journey of healing jolts into a fearsome fight for survival when a lion, a survivor of blood-thirsty poachers who now sees all humans as the enemy, begins stalking them.
Iyana Halley (The Hate U Give, This is Us series) plays Daniels’ 18-year-old daughter, Meredith, and Leah Sava Jeffries (Rel series, Empire series) plays his 13-year-old, Norah.
From visceral, experiential filmmaker Baltasar Kormákur, the director of Everest and Universal Pictures’ 2 Guns and Contraband, Beast is produced by Will Packer, the blockbuster producer of Girls Trip, the Ride Along franchise, and ten movies that have opened No. 1 at the U.S. box office, including Night School, No Good Deed and Think Like a Man, by James Lopez, president of Will Packer Productions, and by Baltasar Kormákur. The film is written by Ryan Engle (Rampage, Non-Stop) from an original story by Jaime Primak Sullivan and is executive produced by Jaime Primak Sullivan and Bernard Bellew.
FROM DIRECTOR NEILL BLOMKAMPSTARRING MATT DAMON, JODIE FOSTER AND SHARLTO COPLEY, ELYSIUM ISAVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME ON 4K ULTRA HD FEBRUARY 9WITH HOURS OF BEHIND-THE-SCENES BONUS MATERIALS
In the year 2154, two classes of people exist: the very wealthy, who live on a pristine man-made space station called Elysium, and the rest, who live on an overpopulated, ruined Earth. Secretary Delacourt (Jodie Foster) will stop at nothing to preserve the luxurious lifestyle of the citizens of Elysium—but that doesn’t stop the people of Earth from trying to get in by any means they can. Max (Matt Damon) agrees to take on a life-threatening mission, one that could bring equality to these polarized worlds.
Matt Damon stars in Columbia Pictures’ ELYSIUM.
BONUS MATERIAL 4K ULTRA HD BONUS DISC:
Exoskeletons, Explosions and the Action Choreography of Elysium
The Hero, The Psychopath and the Characters of Elysium
The Art of the Elysium Miniatures
Bugatti 2154
Theatrical Trailers
BLU-RAY™ DISC:
Collaboration: Crafting the Performances in Elysium
Engineering Utopia: Creating a Society in the Sky
Extended Scene
Visions of 2154 – An Interactive Exploration of the Art and Design of Elysium
In Support of the Story: The Visual Effects of Elysium
The Technology of 2154
The Journey to Elysium
Envisioning Elysium
Capturing Elysium
Enhancing Elysium
CAST AND CREW
Written and Directed By: Neill Blomkamp Producers: Bill Block, Neill Blomkamp, Simon Kinberg Executive Producer: Sue Baden-Powell Cast: Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley, Alice Braga, Diego Luna, Wagner Moura, William Fichtner
Though it’s here in just a few weeks, Spring’s arrival feels years away. Alright, how about a trip south to much warmer temps. Way south, south of the border in fact. But what if things get a lot hotter than expected? Not just food that’s muy caliente, but the kind of heat you get from getting involved with the wrong crowd. That’s what happens to the title hero of this new caper comedy/ action thriller. This guy’s so out of his element. And though he does have a name, to most of the locals, here’s merely that GRINGO.
The “gringo” in question is mild-mannered Nigerian-born Harold Soyinka (David Oleyowo). He’s sharing a suburban house with his interior designer wife Bonnie (Thandie Newton) in those cold Chicago suburbs. On the way to work downtown, Harold has a breakfast meeting with his accountant who explains that he’s not only “cash poor”, he is, in fact, “poor poor”. No worries, Says Harold, he can depend on his middle management job at the pharmaceutical company. Ah, but Mr. CPA informs him of a pretty solid rumor that his firm may be merging with another big drug company (and usually the ax falls on those not at the top). Getting in to work, Harold talks with the company head (Bonnie’s working on his new loft) Richard Rusk (Joel Edgerton), who tells his ole’ pal not to worry. Oh, and he’s flying down to their factory in Mexico to go over some inventory problems. The two, along with the company’s second in command Elaine Markinson (Charlize Theron) soon arrive in the much warmer site of operation. The plant is producing a “pot pill”, a tiny green capsule that looks like a vitamin, but packs the punch of primo weed. The inventory problems were a plot between the factory director, Richard, and Elaine to sell that “product’ under the table to a local drug kingpin known as the “Black Panther” (no kidding). This deal will need to be stopped before the merger, of course. Back at the hotel, Harold finds out about the plans to fire him (the old “leave your cell phone on the table to record” trick) and hatches a plan to fake his own kidnapping. He leaves in the middle of the night and checks into a seedy tourist trap in the rough side of town. Along with the two dimwits that run the front desk, Harold calls Richard with the ransom demand (insurance will cover it, of course). Oh, also at the hotel is a young American couple, Miles (Harry Treadaway) and Sunny (Amanda Seyfried), who appear to be on vacation. But Miles is there to nab a few “pot pill” samples for some small-time drug hustlers to copy the formula (Sunny knows nothing of this, naturally). Speaking of that “pill”, the “Panther” doesn’t wish the deal to end (the plant director gets a taste of the Panther’s claws), and decides to grab the formula for himself. But it’s locked up in a safe that can only be opened by…you guessed it…Harold. Oh, it turns out that Richard let the kidnapping insurance lapse, but he does have life insurance on Harold. And so enters Richard’s brother Mitch (Sharlto Copley) to find Harold, rescue him, then, you know. Looks like Harold’s plan has backfired in a very, very big way.
Sounds pretty convoluted, eh? Well, the double and triple crosses are fairly clear thanks to the lead performance by Oyelowo who brings a real sense of pathos to the standard “patsy” role. But his panic and “sad sack” look mask a man with real smarts and determination. Rather than plunge into despair, we see his mind go into overdrive, his eyes dart about to weigh all of his options. After seeing him in so many heavy dramatic roles, it’s great to see Oyelowo flex his comedy chops. He is very funny, but the film’s comedy MVP is the wonderful Theron finally getting a role to showcase the biting wit we’ve seen on all the TV talk shows (it helps that she’s one of the film’s producers). Her Elaine uses her sexuality aggressively to further her plans, an interesting take on the current conflicts over gender dynamics. In seducing the company’s potential investors, Elaine’s completely in control, her targets both aroused and more than a bit frightened. She’s a voracious blonde barracuda, ready to dispatch anyone who doesn’t satisfy her. What a fabulous character, one that allows Theron to dominate every scene and energize the film’s sometimes sagging pace. I’d love a spinoff sequel to see her take on and take out more dimwitted dupes (she’s more than a step ahead, always). Though he’s her frequent bedroom toy, Edgerton as the blustering Richard, is merely a stepping stone (and about as smart as one). He’s the perfect preening business “bro”, with no loyalties or scruples. As his brother with morals, Copley dials down his usual mania and delivers an interesting twist on the thriller “hit man”. Unfortunately Newton and Seyfried don’t have much to do as the aloof wife and the bright-eyed innocent, though Sunny’s sweet demeanor is probably meant as an antidote to the toxic Elaine (not hardly).
Kudos are earned by director Nash Edgerton (Joel’s brother) for keeping all the “plates spinning”, meshing all the conflicting plotlines into a fairly coherent dark, nearly “pitch black” comedy. Still the script from Anthony Tambakis and Mattheew Stone could have lost a couple of subplots (the movie seems to put on the brakes too often for the meandering Miles and Sunny story). This really derails the momentum, draining its energy just as things should be heating up. And couldn’t they have changed the kingpin’s street name (every time I hear BP, I just thought of the much better film that’s probably just down the hallway at your local multiplex)? Still, there are some solid laughs thanks to the inspired comic work from Oyelowo and the marvelous magnetic “man-eater” played to perfection by Theron. Those two make the GRINGO a good, not quite great, escape from the Winter movie blues.
David Oyelowo, Charlize Theron and Joel Edgerton star in GRINGO. Photo Courtesy of Amazon Studios
An exhilarating mix of dark comedy, white-knuckle action and dramatic intrigue, Gringo joyrides into Mexico, where mild-mannered businessman Harold Soyinka (David Oyelowo) finds himself at the mercy of his back-stabbing business colleagues back home, local drug lords and a morally conflicted black-ops mercenary. Crossing the line from law-abiding citizen to wanted criminal, Harold battles to survive his increasingly dangerous situation in ways that raise the question: Is he out of his depth – or two steps ahead?
GRINGO also stars Charlize Theron (ATOMIC BLONDE, MAD MAX: FURY ROAD), Joel Edgerton (LOVING, THE GREAT GATSBY), Thandie Newton (“Westworld”, CRASH), Amanda Seyfried (LES MISERABLES, MAMMA MIA), and Sharlto Copley (FREE FIRE, DISTRICT 9). Directed By Nash Edgerton.
Check out the trailer below.
Amazon Studios and STX Entertainment will release GRINGO in theaters March 9, 2018.
For the chance to win TWO (2) seats to the advance screening of GRINGO, March 7, at 7:00 pm in St. Louis.
Answer the Following:
Charlize Theron’s most recent film is ___________ Joel Edgerton recently starred in which Netflix film ____________ David Oyelowo recently starred in which Netflix film ____________
ENTER YOUR NAME, ANSWERS AND EMAIL IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.
OFFICIAL RULES:
1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.
2. No purchase necessary. A pass does not guarantee a seat at a screening. Seating is on a first-come, first served basis. The theater is overbooked to assure a full house.
Amazon Studios and STX Films have announced GRINGO is the official title for the Untitled Nash Edgerton Project.
GRINGO will get a domestic release in theaters March 9, 2018.
Combining dark comedy with dramatic intrigue, Gringo joyrides across the border into Mexico, where all is not as it seems for mild-mannered American businessman Harold Soyinka (David Oyelowo). Crossing the line from citizen to criminal, Harold tangles with duplicitous business partners, Mexican drug lords, international mercenaries, and the DEA. As he attempts to survive in one of the most dangerous places on earth, the question lingers: is this ordinary man in way over his head, or is he two steps ahead?
Directed by Nash Edgerton, who made his feature length directorial debut with the acclaimed Australian thriller The Square, Gringo also stars Joel Edgerton, Amanda Seyfried, Charlize Theron, Yul Vazquez, Thandie Newton, and Sharlto Copley.
Financed by Amazon Studios, the film is written by Anthony Tambakis and Matthew Stone, and produced by Rebecca Yeldham, Nash Edgerton, Beth Kono, A.J. Dix, Charlize Theron and Anthony Tambakis.
Well, we were just looking at a family “drama-dy” from Japan, OUR LITTLE SISTER, so let’s turn our multiplex jet airliner right around and head back to the states. Our destination is the good ole’ heartland of the US of A, and lots of laughs and tears are in store. Now this family unit is a bit older than the SISTER quartet, with two sons well past their twenties along with their spouses, and ‘exes’. Oh, and this time out the parents play a big part in the story. Speaking of airliners, the big box office winner last week was the true tale of flying heroics SULLY, directed by actor Clint Eastwood. Well, this film is also directed by an actor, John Krasinski (he’s in front of the camera, too). This is his first time helming a film since 2009’s BRIEF INTERVIEWS WITH HIDEOUS MEN, his directing debut. John’s got a way to go before surpassing Clint’s impressive film-making resume’, but he shows even more promise with this second effort, THE HOLLARS.
Let’s touch this plane down in central Ohio, right at the Hollar family home. Eldest son Ron (Sharlto Copley), recently divorced, out of work, and now living in the den, is in a panic early this morning. The upstairs and downstairs bathrooms are occupied by Mama H, Sally (Margo Martindale) and Papa H, Don (Richard Jenkins), and nature is calling. When Don catches Ron “improvising” in the kitchen, they hear a racket above. The men find Sally sprawled on the bathroom floor, nearly unconscious. Now we dash from there to NYC and the office cubicle of prodigal Hollar son John (Krasinski), as he scribbles a cartoon while worrying about his future fatherhood. Suddenly his very pregnant girlfriend Rebecca (Anna Kendrick) is there to inform him that his mother has had a seizure, and his flight home is booked. When John arrives at the hospital, he learns that Mom has a brain tumor that will require major surgery in just a few days. But there’s more family drama. Brother Ron is stalking his ex-wife, concerned about his two pre-teen daughters now that ex, Stacey (Ashley Dyke) is seeing the church’s youth pastor, Rev. Dan (Josh Groban). Oh, and the job Ron lost was at his pop’s heating and plumbing business, which is going under. Plus, the nurse taking care of ma is John’s old high school classmate Jason (Charlie Day), who is married, and has a baby with, John’s old sweetheart Gwen (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). As John nervously awaits Rebecca’s due date, he must somehow deal with this very stressful homecoming.
Despite pulling double duty, Krasinski delivers a subtle, nuanced performance as the harried, often exasperated returning son. He seems to know exactly when to recede, to let his co-stars shine (no doubt a good habit he acquired during his long stint on NBC-TV’s “The Office”), often becoming a classic “straight man” to the off-kilter characters. But he’s not always the calm in the storm as Krasinski shows the worry and anxiety on his face and in his darting eyes. One of the more pleasant surprises is the wonderful comic turn by Copley (hey he was pretty funny in the opening, pre-prawn scenes in DISTRICT 9) as the desperate doofus, Ron . Though he’s such a foul-up, it’s hard not to sympathize with such a doting daddy. And this South African native really nails the American accent. Day effortlessly bounces between aggressive blowhard and twitchy paranoid hubby as Jason, a guy still nursing old school grudges who wants to rub John’s nose in the fact that he’s got his former flame, but is terrified she could be taken from him. Kendrick and Groban turn in great supporting work, along with comedy vets Randall Park (THE INTERVIEW) as Sally’s doc and Mary Kay Place (THE BIG CHILL) as Don’s pull-no-punches CPA sister.
This cast is terrific, but the film truly belongs to the heads pf the Hollar clan, played by two “old pros” who deliver some of their best work in their long careers. Jenkins as the faltering father is a constant wonder as Don goes from blubbering despair to defiant anger upon hearing the wrong remark. Life seems to have this weary man in a choke-hold, destroying the business that has sapped his years, then threatening to take away his rock, the true love of his life, the woman he very affectionately calls “Chief”. Marindale is a lovable force of nature as the stubborn, although scared matriarch Sally. Still, as the countdown to the operation goes forward, she only thinks of the men in her life and how to inspire them to keep moving. In one of the film’s most powerful scenes, the impending surgery prompts her to share a thought with John, one she’s probably never spoken aloud, that hits her son like a wrecking ball. And when they come to wheel her out of her room, to make that long trek down the hallway…it’s truly heart-wrenching, a scene that many Academy members will hopefully recall at year’s end.
The screenplay from James Strouse never hits a false note, sprightly balancing the laughter and tears. The small town “everybody knows everybody” feel is captured by Krasinski who paces the film expertly, making a brisk 90 minutes zip by. The locations are lovely with Mississippi standing in for Ohio. Krasinski is compiling a most impressive list of movies, but this will be tough to top (it’ll be interesting to see what his next choice will be). Families everywhere will find they’ve got a lot in common with this delightful lovable foursome, THE HOLLARS.
4.5 Out of 5
THE HOLLARS opens everywhere and screens exclusively in the St. Louis area at Landmark’s Plaza Frontenac Cinemas
Brace yourself for one of the most unflinchingly original wild rides from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment and STX Entertainment with the adrenaline-fueled action hit Hardcore Henry. Filled with non-stop action and thrilling adventure, Hardcore Henry is the first film shot completely in first-person shooter perspective. Starring Sharlto Copley (Chappie, District 9, Elysium), and immerse yourself in an exciting new world as you become the title hero. The Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital HD feature even more explosive thrills with deleted scenes and commentary with the director and actor/producer. Be the first to own Hardcore Henry on Digital HD on July 12, 2016 & on Blu-ray™, DVD and On Demand on July 26, 2016.
Filled with non-stop action and thrilling adventure, Hardcore Henry is the first film shot completely in first-person shooter perspective. The Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital HD feature even more explosive thrills with deleted scenes and commentary with the director and actor/producer. Be the first to own Hardcore Henry, starring Sharlto Copley (Chappie, District 9, Elysium), and immerse yourself in an exciting new world as you become the title hero!
You remember nothing. Mainly because you’ve just been brought back from the dead by your wife who tells you that your name is Henry. Five minutes later, you are being shot at, your wife has been kidnapped, and you should probably go get her back. You’re also in an unfamiliar city of Moscow, and everyone wants you dead. If you can survive the insanity and solve the mystery, you might just discover your purpose and the truth behind your identity. Strap in for a wild ride that critics are calling “a revolutionary movie experience” (Jake Spencer, Indiewire). From the director of the viral first-person shooter music video, Biting Elbows’ Bad Mother F***er (Ilya Naishuller), and the producer of Wanted (Timur Bekmanbetov), Hardcore Henryis a groundbreaking action hit that’s unlike anything you’ve seen before!
BONUS FEATURES ON BLU-RAYTM AND DVD
Deleted Scenes
Fan Chat: Director Ilya Naishuller and Star Sharlto Copley answer fan questions about how Hardcore Henry was made.
Feature Commentary with Director/Producer Ilya Naishuller and Star/Executive Producer Sharlto Copley
The film will be available on Blu-ray™ with DIGITAL HD and UltraViolet™ and DVD.
Blu-ray™ unleashes the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home, featuring 6x the picture resolution of DVD, exclusive extras and theater-quality surround sound.
DVD offers the flexibility and convenience of playing movies in more places, both at home and away.
DIGITAL HD with UltraViolet™ lets you watch movies anywhere, on any device. Users can instantly stream or download movies to watch on iPad®, iPhone®, Android™, smart TVs, connected Blu-ray™ players, game consoles and more.
Sony Pictures Classics has unveiled the trailer and poster for THE HOLLARS, directed by John Krasinski. The film opens in New York and Los Angeles August 26th.
THE HOLLARS stars John Krasinski, Margo Martindale, Richard Jenkins, Sharlto Copley, Anna Kendrick, Charlie Day, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Josh Groban and Randall Park.
John Hollar, a struggling NYC artist is forced to navigate the small middle-American town he left behind when news of his mother’s illness brings him home. Back in the house he grew up in, John is immediately swept up in the problems of his dysfunctional family, high school rival, and an over-eager ex-girlfriend as he faces impending fatherhood with his girlfriend in New York.
From a script by Jim Strouse that is at turns hilarious and heartbreaking, John Krasinski’s second feature is a poignant look at the bonds of family and friendship.
In the action thriller HARDCORE HENRY, a man wakes up in a high-tech lab and is told by a woman in a lab coat he has been brought back to life as a human-robot hybrid. He can’t remember anything but she tells him his name is Henry and she is his wife, slipping a wedding ring on his finger. But as she is preparing to restore his ability to speak, the lab is attacked. Shortly, Henry is running for his life in Moscow and hoping to rescue his wife from the attackers who have taken her.
The twist with this high-octane thriller is that it is shot in first-person point-of-view, where the audience sees through Henry’s eyes as he battles to stay alive using his considerable skills. Since he cannot speak, the viewer is completely immersed in his role, which is shot like a GoPro video where we sometimes see his legs or arms but not his face. HARDCORE HENRY is a wild-ride, high body-count, science fiction action thriller, so it also resembles a first-person shooter video game. The result is immersive and intense – at times, too much so for some viewers and making one glad the film is not in 3D.
HARDCORE HENRY claims to be the first film shot entirely in first-person view. That claim may or may not be true but, of course, it is not the first film to use the technique. We have seen similar effects in several “found-footage” films and the technique was used to great effect in the beach landing sequence of “Saving Private Ryan” and in several film noir classics including the Bogart and Bacall mystery “Dark Passage,” which uses the technique in the first half.
HARDCORE HENRY’s use of GoPro cameras gives it a wild and exhilarating feel. The non-stop pace is almost as breathtaking as the dizzying P.O.V. camera-work. The film has plenty of shooting and violent action, especially in the early scenes, and it is relentlessly fast but it also has a mystery plot and actually includes a fair amount of dark humor. The film’s producers include Timur Bekmambetov, director of the vampire-themed “Night Watch,”who knows a thing or two about action films, and it is directed by Ilya Naishuller. The action takes place in Moscow and surroundings, but characters speak English, as they do in the lab where Henry awakens, or subtitled Russian, as do the army of thugs who pursue Henry.
Since the viewer is essentially Henry, much of the storytelling is carried by another character, Jimmy, played with great flare by Sharlto Copley. The versatile South African actor is perhaps best known for his role in “District 9,” where he transformed from a man into a shrimp-like alien. Here Copley plays an eccentric Brit who shows up on a Moscow street, saying he is there to help Henry. Haley Bennett plays Estelle, the woman who awakens Henry. Henry’s attackers are under the control of Akan (Danila Kozlovsky), a mysterious wealthy madman with his own special powers.
Bennett and Kozlovsky are fine in their roles but the real acting fun and showcase goes to Copley, who appears in a number of disguises, and supplies plenty of humor along with the backstory. Basically, it is really his film and Copley is great fun in the role.
HARDCORE HENRY has an innovative approach but it is hardly a perfect or profound film – it is just entertainment. The film is heavy on action, having a blast with its unusual visual technique, but a bit light on story. However, it is a lot of fun for fans of science fiction action thrillers, with a nice performance by Copley – assuming the viewer has the iron stomach for the roller coaster visuals.
Here’s a first look at the brand new trailer for HARDCORE HENRY.
STX Entertainment will release the film in theaters April 8th.
Strap in.
HARDCORE HENRY is one of the most unflinchingly original wild-rides to hit the big screen in a long time: You remember nothing.
Mainly because you’ve just been brought back from the dead by your wife (Haley Bennett). She tells you that your name is Henry. Five minutes later, you are being shot at, your wife has been kidnapped, and you should probably go get her back. Who’s got her? His name’s Akan (Danila Kozlovsky); he’s a powerful warlord with an army of mercenaries, and a plan for world domination. You’re also in an unfamiliar city of Moscow, and everyone wants you dead.
Everyone except for a mysterious British fellow called Jimmy (Sharlto Copley). He may be on your side, but you aren’t sure. If you can survive the insanity, and solve the mystery, you might just discover your purpose and the truth behind your identity. Good luck, Henry. You’re likely going to need it…
From director Ilya Naishuller, HARDCORE HENRY will debut as one of the headline premieres at SXSW 2016.
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