All posts by Kenna

Apple TV “Manhunt” Historical Drama Meets True Crime Thriller

Apple TV, based on a book, drama, episodic, , , , , , ,

Based on The New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award-winning nonfiction book Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer by author James L. Swanson, Manhunt is a conspiracy thriller about one of the best-known but least-understood crimes in history.

Inside the Lincoln Conspiracy

The series tells the astonishing story of the hunt for John Wilkes Booth after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, alongside Tobias Menzies, Anthony Boyle, Lovie Simone, Will Harrison, Brandon Flynn, Damian O’Hare, Glenn Morshower, Patton Oswalt, Matt Walsh, and Hamish Linklater.

Themes of Justice, Power, and Revenge

Menzies plays Edwin Stanton, Lincoln’s Secretary of War, who leads the nationwide hunt while trying to protect the former president’s vision for Reconstruction. The political tensions are high, dividing America after the Civil War.

The Assassination That Changed America

Highlights include lesser-known historical figures, such as Black Americans whose lives intertwined with the investigation. Also, the aftermath of Lincoln’s death. Menzies and Boyle are exceptional in the series, while mixing historical fact with storytelling.

“Imaginary” A Childhood Friend Turns Deadly

drama, horror, supernatural, suspense, , , , ,

Another horror film from Blumhouse, with Jeff Wadlow directing an original horror that taps into the innocence of imaginary friends.

The story follows figments of childhood imagination. Or is something terrifying lying just beneath?

When Imagination Becomes Reality

When Jessica, played by DeWanda Wise, moves back into her childhood home with her family, her youngest stepdaughter Alice, played by Pyper Braun, develops an eerie attachment to a stuffed bear named Chauncey. She found the stuffed animal in the basement.

“Not all imaginary friends are friendly… at least that’s what the characters at the heart of Imaginary are about to find out,” shares Wadlow. “I love making films that play with the audience’s perception of what is real and what is not, so a horror movie that explores the frightening possibilities of imaginary friends was the perfect sandbox for me to play in.

“I think the movie we made is filled with unexpected twists, big scares, and, above all else, a ton of thrilling fun. DeWanda, Pyper, and Taegen, the characters at the center of our story, are not only believable as a blended family but a blast to watch as the tale unfolds.

DeWanda Wise as Jessica in Imaginary. Photo Credit: Parrish Lewis

Exploring the Film’s Creepy Atmosphere

Alice plays games with Chauncey that begin playfully and become increasingly sinister. Jessica intervenes because Alice’s behavior becomes increasingly concerning. She realizes Chauncey is much more than the stuffed toy bear she believed him to be.

Supernatural Creatures and Haunted Memories

The supporting cast includes Tom Payne, Taegan Burns, Pyper Braun, Veronica Falcon, and Betty Buckley.

“I think audiences are going to love watching them go toe to toe with Chauncey, our evil little bear. “I promise you’ll never look at a Teddy the same way again,” says Wadlow.

Noel Fielding as Dick Turpin

“The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin” Offbeat British Comedy

Apple TV, British, comedy,

Noel Fielding, whom you’ll recognize from The Great British Baking Show, portrays Dick Turpin in the Apple TV series The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin.

Noel Fielding Brings Eccentric Humor to Dick Turpin

Turpin is a legendary British motorway robber. He seeks fresh adventures with his gang of rogues, trying to escape the thief-taker.

Villains, Rivalries, and Unpredictable Escapes

Rather than striving for historical accuracy, the series bends into absurd humor, unconventional characters, and surreal storytelling. Dick relies more on quick talk, luck, and unorthodox schemes. He doesn’t have criminal skill, leading to chaotic adventures across the countryside.

The series looks hilarious, and the talented supporting cast includes Hugh Bonneville, Mark Heap, Tamsin Greig, and Marc Wootton.

“Back to Black” The Story of Amy Winehouse

biography, drama, music, true stories,

We know the end of this story is sad, but the film Back to Black is a pseudo-celebration of the talented artist Amy Winehouse, played by Marisa Abela.

Marisa Abela as Amy Winehouse and Jack O’Connell as Blake Fielder-Civil in BACK TO BLACK, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Dean Rogers/Focus Features.

Love and Heartbreak

Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, the movie portrays her turbulent relationship with Blake Fielder-Civil, played by Jack O’Connell, which motivates her to write and record the groundbreaking album Back to Black.

Marisa Abela and director Sam Taylor-Johnson on the set of BACK TO BLACK, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Dean Rogers/Focus Features.

A Tribute to a Lasting Legacy

The Amy Winehouse biopic follows her rise to fame, focusing on her influential album Back to Black. The narrative also delves into her battles with addiction and the demands of fame. It highlights the emotional and artistic path that shaped her music, as well as the influence of her lifestyle decisions.

Sam Taylor-Johnson’s films include: Fifty Shades of Grey, Nowhere Boy, and A Million Little Pieces. Like Back to Black, Nowhere Boy is a biopic. The story takes a slice of John Lennon’s life during his teenage years, focusing and his conflicts with his mother.

“The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare”

action, based on a book, comedy, , , , , , , , ,

Check out the cast for the next Guy Ritchie film, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare: Henry Cavill, Eiza González, Alan Ritchson, Alex Pettyfer, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Babs Olusamokun, Henrique Zaga, Til Schweiger, Henry Golding and Cary Elwes.

Based on a True WWII Mission

The book “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare: How Churchill’s Secret Warriors Set Europe Ablaze and Gave Birth to Modern Black Ops,” by Damien Lewis, tells the story of the first-ever special forces organization formed during WWII by UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Of course, the film has a flavorful Ritchie twist, making it an action comedy.

Espionage, Sabotage, and Survival

A small group of military officials that includes author Ian Fleming. The top-secret combat unit, composed of a motley crew of rogues and mavericks, goes on a daring mission against the Nazis using entirely unconventional and utterly “ungentlemanly” fighting techniques. Ultimately, their audacious approach changed the course of the war and laid the foundation for the British SAS (Special Air Service) and modern Black Ops warfare.

Films directed by Guy Ritchie:

The Covenant

Operation Fortune

Wrath of Man

The Gentlemen

Aladdin

King Arthur

Sherlock Holmes

“Despicable Me 4” Gru’s New Family Dynamic

action, animation, children movies, comedy, family movies, kid movies, sequels, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Chris Renaud directed Illumination’s Despicable Me 4, which continues the seven-year arc of Gru, the world’s favorite supervillain turned Anti-Villain League agent. Gru returns for an exciting, bold new era of Minions mayhem.

Returning Characters Fans Will Love

The animated franchise begins a new chapter as Gru, voiced by Steve Carell; Lucy, voiced by Kristen Wiig, and their girls Margo, voiced by Miranda Cosgrove; Edith, voiced by Dana Gaier, and Agnes, voiced by Madison Polan—welcome a new member to the Gru family, Gru Jr., who is intent on tormenting his dad.

A New Villain Threat Emerges

Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal, voiced by Will Ferrell and his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina, voiced by Sofia Vergara, which forces the family to go on the run.

The film features fresh new characters voiced by Joey King, Stephen Colbert and Chloe Fineman. Pierre Coffin returns as the iconic voice of the Minions, and Steve Coogan returns as Silas Ramsbottom.

Films directed by Chris Renaud include:

Despicable Me

Despicable Me 2

The Lorax

The Secret Life of Pets

The Secret Life of Pets 2

Ricky Staniky

“Ricky Stanicky”

comedy, drama, , , , , , ,

Directed by Peter Farrelly, Ricky Stanicky follows three childhood best friends who pull a prank gone wrong. They invent the imaginary Ricky Stanicky to get them out of trouble!

Meet the Three Friends Behind the Lie

Twenty years after creating this ‘friend,’ Dean, JT, and Wes, played by Zac Efron, Andrew Santino, and Jermaine Fowler, still use the nonexistent Ricky as a handy alibi for their immature behavior.

When their spouses and partners get suspicious and demand to meet the fabled Mr. Stanicky, the guilty trio hires a washed-up actor and raunchy celebrity impersonator, “Rock Hard” Rod, played by John Cena. Together, they bring him to life.

Zac Efron and the Ensemble Cast

But when Rod takes his role of a lifetime too far, they begin to wish they’d never invented Ricky. Additional cast members include William H. Macy, Lex Scott Davis, and Anja Savcic.

Films directed by Peter Farrelly:

The Greatest Beer Run Ever

Green Book

There’s Something About Mary

Dumb and Dumber

“Monkey Man” Cinematic Chaos Done Right

action, comedy, thriller, , , , , , , ,

A Gritty Take on Modern India

Based on the legend of Hanuman, Monkey Man features Dev Patel as writer, producer, director, and actor.

The film has Jordan Peele attached as a producer, best known for directing Get Out. Other directorial films are Nope and Us.

Themes of Trauma and Identity

An icon embodying strength and courage, Kid, played by Patel, is an anonymous young man who ekes out a meager living in an underground fight club. Night after night, he gets mercilessly beaten by better-known fighters while wearing a gorilla mask to make some cash.

Spirituality Versus Violence

Kid, fueled by years of repressed anger, uncovers a method to penetrate the exclusive stronghold of the city’s evil upper class. His childhood trauma resurfaces, leading to a vengeful campaign against those who wronged him.

The rest of the cast includes Sharlto Copley, Pitobash, Vipin Sharma, Sikandar Kher, Sobhita Dhulipala, Ashwini Kalsekar, Adithi Kalkunte, and Makarand Deshpande.

Jake Gyllenhaal in “Road House”

action, remakes, thriller, ,

A Remake With a New Setting

Anthony Bagarozzi wrote the screenplay for Road House, an action movie directed by Doug Liman. Linman has had a prolific career as a film director across different genres.

The film is a remake of the 1989 film starring the late Patrick Swayze.

Updated Action for a Modern Audience

An ex-UF middleweight fighter played by Jake Gyllenhaal ends up in the Florida Keys working at a rowdy bar. He soon finds out things are not as they appear.

Daniella Melchior, Conor McGregor, Lukas Gage, and Billy Magnussen also star in the film.

Films Liman directed:

Edge of Tomorrow

The Bourne Identity

The Bourne Supremacy

The Bourne Ultimatum

Swingers

American Made

Mr. and Mrs. Smith

Chao Walking

“Constellation” Nothing Comes Back the Same

Apple TV, drama, episodic, science fiction, thriller,

A Dark Journey Beyond Earth

Created and written by Peter Harness, Michelle MacLaren directs the first episode, Constellation, which stars Noomi Rapace as Jo, an astronaut who returns to Earth after a disaster in space.

She discovers that critical pieces of her life seem to be missing.

Two Worlds. One truth

This action-packed space adventure explores the dark edges of human psychology and one woman’s desperate quest to expose the truth about the hidden history of space travel and recover all that she has lost.