Robbie Amell in "Code 8." (Vertical Entertainment)
If you need a bit of grounded reality in a comic book/dystopian future driven flick, Code 8 fits the bill. Directed by Jeff Chan from his 2016 short, the narrative centers on Connor (Robbie Amell), a young man who uses his powers (he can manipulate electricity) to join a criminal outfit and use his earnings to pay for his dying mother’s (Cari Matchett) medical bills. My interview with Amell, as well as more info on the film, is below!
Robbie Amell in "Code 8." (Vertical Entertainment)
One of my major gripes with comic book films lies in the overall stakes of the game. Although Earth or maybe even the universe is in danger, the main superheroes often live to fight another day. Code 8 throws a highly welcome wrench to the proceedings, as the superhumans are now behind the proverbial eight ball, and their lives are precariously hanging in the balance.
It’s evident from our brief conversation that Steven Strait is completely dialed in to the universe of The Expanse. The acclaimed series, based on the novels by James S.A. Corey (the pseudonym of Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck), has garnered a devoted audience that spans the globe. During the interview Strait discussed the creative joy he has received from playing the principled and focused leader Jim Holden.
Mark Ruffalo stars as "Robert Bilott" in director Todd Haynes' DARK WATERS, a Focus Features release. Credit : Mary Cybulski / Focus Features
Dark Waters is in the tradition of movies where the common man, or woman, has to fight powerful forces. The viewer will quickly think back to movies like Silkwood, The Insider, and Erin Brockovich. Surprisingly, the movie that bears the strongest resemblance to Dark Waters is All The President’s Men. This movie is all about a man (Marc who is part of the system, learning the truth about things he never dreamed of, slowly losing his faith in the “company line”, the mythologies of his life, and deciding to fight against seemingly insurmountable odds. If this seems like familiar dramatic territory, it is, but well-told.
Directed and co-penned by David Guy Levy, The Mandela Effect centers on a game designer named Brendan (Charlie Hofheimer) who attempts to find meaning in his life after the death of his daughter (Madeleine McGraw). Though his wife Claire (Aleksa Palladino) and brother-in-law Matt (Robin Lord Taylor) lend their emotional support to Brendan, he believes a grander plan is at hand. Check out my Q&A with Palladino and Lord Taylor below, as they talked about collaborating with Levy and discussed a few other projects that are on the horizon!
Black Widow takes place between the events of Civil War and Infinity War, so maybe a rewatch of Captain America: Civil War is due once Black Widow hits theaters May 1, 2020. I’m absolutely all in with this film just from watching the teaser trailer, and my thoughts as well as the clip are below!
Tom Hanks stars as Mister Rogers in TriStar Pictures' A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. Photo by: Lacey Terrell
During the New York premiere of A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Tom Hanks delivered a pinpoint take on what made Fred Rogers such a unique individual.
This week’s Blu-ray giveaway, taken from my collection, are The Kitchen and Echo in the Canyon. Digital code for The Kitchen not included! Details on how to enter are below!
Chadwick Boseman stars in 21 Bridges. )CR: Matt Kennedy)
Chadwick Boseman (Black Panther) produced and stars in 21 Bridges, the story of a police officer (Boseman) who has Manhattan closed off as he and his colleagues attempt to find a couple of cop killers (Taylor Kitsch, Stephan James). During a recent interview, Boseman talked about the physically taxing work schedule of 21 Bridges and the lasting impact of Black Panther.
I was checking out my Twitter feed this morning, and some user said she was happy to see a Ben Affleck comeback after watching The Way Back trailer. I’m going to amiably push back on that comment, since I actually dug Triple Frontier (released earlier this year) and Affleck was great in 2016’s The Accountant!
