Many productions do not reach certain territories, or they do so in such a discreet manner that they go unnoticed by the public. A clear example is The Death of the Unicorn, a fantasy film from A24 that, after its exclusive release on rental platforms, has found a new opportunity by arriving on streaming through SkyShowtime. A disappointment from A24? Starring Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd, the story follows Ridley Kintner, a teenager who experiences psychedelic and cosmic visions after hitting a unicorn during a trip with her father. This unusual tale is in line with […]
Many productions do not reach certain territories, or they do so in such a discreet manner that they go unnoticed by the public. A clear example is The Death of the Unicorn, a fantasy film from A24 that, after its exclusive release on rental platforms, has found a new opportunity by arriving on streaming through SkyShowtime.
A Disappointment from A24?
Starring Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd, the story follows Ridley Kintner, a teenager who experiences psychedelic and cosmic visions after hitting a unicorn during a trip with her father. This unusual tale is in line with anti-wealth satire, although critics have pointed out that the film lacks coherence and fails to convey a harmonious narrative.
Jenna Ortega seeks to establish herself as a young star beyond her phenomenon in Wednesday, collaborating on projects with the renowned distributor A24. However, The Death of the Unicorn seems unable to capitalize on the distinctive brand image that A24 has cultivated, being in many ways a proposal that does not meet the expectations of originality that this studio often promises.
The film was written and directed by Alex Scharfman, an author who, according to critics, fails to make an impact with his approach. Although it represents an attempt to innovate within auteur cinema, its final result has left much to be desired, suggesting that, despite the intention, it may remain one of those works that only stand out for their peculiar premise.
Akira Kurosawa is one of the greatest Japanese directors in history. Not just Japanese. He is one of the greatest directors in history. Few directors have had not only his influence but also his recognition, popularity, and career. He is an absolute institution in every possible sense and a true rara avis. One of those indisputable directors whose even lesser-known films are worth discussing in depth. Or imitating with enthusiasm. That is what Spike Lee must have thought when approaching his new film, as he has decided to make a remake and reinterpretation of a […]
Akira Kurosawa is one of the greatest Japanese directors in history. Not just Japanese. He is one of the greatest directors in history. Few directors have had not only his influence but also his recognition, popularity, and career. He is an absolute institution in every possible sense and a true rare bird. One of those indisputable directors whose even lesser-known films are worth discussing in depth. Or imitating with delight.
That is probably what Spike Lee thought when approaching his new film, as he has decided to make a remake and reinterpretation of one of Kurosawa’s most prestigious films: High and Low, or The Hell of Hate. A film perhaps not as famous as his samurai movies, but considered one of his greatest masterpieces.
Based on the novel King’s Ransom by Evan Hunter, Kurosawa presents us in The Hell of Hate with a very interesting premise: a businessman struggling to control the shoe company of which he is part of the board decides to make a purchase financed by third parties with all the savings of his life. But this coincides with a great personal tragedy. In a way. A person in serious financial trouble mistakes his chauffeur’s son for his own son, demanding a ransom of 30 million yen, which is a large part of his savings, putting him in a terrible personal situation. Does he value his career more or the life of an innocent child, even if he is not from his family?
The movie is a masterpiece, which you can also watch on Filmin, both technically and narratively. By holding up a mirror to Japanese society of the time, it seeks to show the existing conflict between human and economic values and the differences between social classes. All of this with great success.
Being a box office and critical success, it was also an absolute success outside of Japan. Considered one of Kurosawa’s great films, it was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Golden Globes and was part of the Official Selection at the Venice Film Festival in 1964. Two notable achievements for a Japanese film of the time, even considering it was Kurosawa.
His Reinvention of Spike Lee: A Strong Contender for the Oscars
The remake and reinterpretation by Spike Lee closely follows the film, while giving it a contemporary twist. Replacing Toshiro Mifune with Denzel Washington, the movie follows a music producer who seeks to buy the majority shares of his record label, only to discover that his son has been kidnapped. Although like in the original, he will soon find out that the one who has been kidnapped is his son’s best friend, the son of his driver and best friend. This will lead him to the same situation we experienced in the original film: are personal and professional ambitions worth more than the life of a child?
Released on August 22 in theaters in the US, the film has been critically acclaimed. With a 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, it is one of the highest-rated films of the year. Something that should already spark our interest.
Now premiering on AppleTV+, there is no reason not to give a chance to one of the films with the greatest potential to become one of the movies of the year. Especially when it is a strong contender for the Oscars, both due to its release dates and because it has been backed by critics. And if you don’t want to have to rush to catch up on everything you’ve missed when it gets nominated in a few months, now is the perfect time to watch this From Heaven to Hell.
Director Ari Aster has been at the center of media attention after the commercial failure of his film Beau is Afraid, which, with a budget of 50 million dollars, only managed to gross 12 million. This major setback has become one of the most significant missteps in A24’s history, the production company that has heavily invested in his cinematic vision. Despite the setbacks, Aster has continued his work and recently released his new project, Eddington, which cost 25 million and has only grossed 9.1 million. A father who saw the resounding failure […]
Director Ari Aster has been at the center of media attention following the commercial failure of his film Beau Is Afraid, which, with a budget of 50 million dollars, only managed to gross 12 million. This major setback has become one of the most significant missteps in A24’s history, the production company that has heavily invested in his cinematic vision. Despite the setbacks, Aster has continued his work and recently launched his new proposal, Eddington, which cost 25 million and has only grossed 9.1 million.
A father who saw the spectacular failure coming
The criticism of his works has also been a recurring theme, especially coming from his own father, a New York jazz musician. He has not hesitated to express his skepticism about his son’s projects. In a recent appearance on the podcast “WTF with Marc Maron,” Aster revealed that his father once told him: “maybe you shouldn’t write the next one” after the failure of Beau is Afraid, advice that the filmmaker decided to dismiss.
Despite these criticisms and the box office results, Aster has mentioned receiving support from some fans, which has provided him with some comfort in light of the mixed critical response. “I was very saddened that it was so disparaged… There were many people who reached out to me to say that they loved it,” Aster commented, reflecting his struggle against the disappointment of the commercial results.
Ari Aster does not stop in the face of failures and already has several projects in his portfolio as a producer, including the adaptation of Death Stranding, seeking to reach a new audience. We will have to see if, in his quest for reinvention, he finds the connection that has eluded him in his work as a director.
Rosalind Eleazar has been chosen to play the lead role of Misty Green in Chris Rock’s debut film with A24, a project that marks a new stage in the career of the renowned comedian and director. Eleazar, known for her role in the series Slow Horses, will take on a leading role in a production that is generating a lot of buzz. The A24 quality seal The project, whose title has not yet been revealed, is a combination of direction and script by Rock, highlighting his commitment to developing original stories. A24, the acclaimed studio […]
Rosalind Eleazar has been chosen to play the lead role of Misty Green in Chris Rock’s debut film with A24, a project that marks a new stage in the career of the renowned comedian and director. Eleazar, known for her role in the series Slow Horses, will take on a leading role in a production that is generating a lot of buzz.
The quality seal of A24
The project, whose title has not yet been revealed, is a combination of direction and script by Rock, highlighting his commitment to the development of original stories. A24, the acclaimed studio behind films like Hereditary and Moonlight, has become synonymous with quality and boldness in contemporary cinema, suggesting that this collaboration is a significant step for both Rock and the production company.
In addition to Eleazar, the cast features the participation of very strong actors such as Adam Driver, famous for his performance in Megalopolis, Oscar winner Daniel Kaluuya, known for his role in Judas and the Black Messiah, and Anna Kendrick, acclaimed for her work in Another Simple. This star-studded lineup underscores the importance of the film and its potential to succeed at the box office.
Although details about the plot and narrative approach are still scarce, the combination of a director like Chris Rock and an original script invites us to consider what style and what message will be addressed in the film. According to sources, Rock’s direction could offer a mix of comedy and drama, reflecting his unique voice as a creator.
In conclusion, Chris Rock’s film debut at A24, featuring Rosalind Eleazar as the lead, promises to be a milestone in his career and a notable event in the production company’s filmography. Moviegoers will be watching closely for the upcoming developments of this exciting project.
Cory Michael Smith continues to rise in the entertainment world, standing out for his work in both television and film. After collaborating with Jesse Armstrong on Mountainhead, a satire about billionaires that is in development for HBO, Smith has managed to secure his first significant leading role in the film October, directed by the acclaimed Jeremy Saulnier, known for his work on Rebel Ridge. An increasingly familiar face The upcoming film, which will be produced by A24, will bring Smith back to a production company known for its commitment to auteur cinema and innovative storytelling. This move marks […]
Cory Michael Smith continues to rise in the entertainment world, standing out for his work in both television and film. After collaborating with Jesse Armstrong on Mountainhead, a satire about billionaires that is in development for HBO, Smith has secured his first significant leading role in the film October, directed by the acclaimed Jeremy Saulnier, known for his work on Rebel Ridge.
An increasingly familiar face
The upcoming film, which will be produced by A24, will bring Smith back to a production company known for its commitment to auteur cinema and innovative storytelling. This move marks a significant milestone in the actor’s career, given A24’s reputation for launching its cast to critical acclaim. October is a project that, according to expectations, promises to take Smith to new heights within the industry.
After receiving very positive reviews for his performance on Saturday Night, where audiences and critics praised his versatility and charisma, Smith’s casting in October highlights his growing status in the entertainment world. The HBO project and his work in the series underscore the actor’s ability to navigate between genres and formats, solidifying his presence on both the small and big screens.
With Mountainhead and October, Smith is not only expanding his artistic repertoire but also positioning himself as an actor capable of tackling complex and contemporary themes, which promises to increase interest in his future projects. Film enthusiasts are eager to see how his career unfolds in the coming years, as well as the impact these new roles will have on his trajectory.
The acclaimed actress Mikey Madison, Oscar winner for Anora, is in talks for a new film project that has generated considerable interest in the industry. This time, it is an A24 project that will bring to life a cinematic version of Edgar Allan Poe’s tale The Masque of the Red Death. The actress could replace Sydney Sweeney, who had initially been linked to the lead role. However, no agreement has been finalized so far. Mikey Madison, the actress of the moment The film, produced by Picturestart, has been described as a wildly revisionist adaptation of […]
The acclaimed actress Mikey Madison, Oscar winner for Anora, is in talks for a new film project that has generated considerable interest in the industry. This time, it is an A24 project that will bring to life a film version of Edgar Allan Poe’s tale The Masque of the Red Death. The actress could replace Sydney Sweeney, who had initially been linked to the lead role. However, so far, no deal has been finalized.
Mikey Madison, the trendy actress
The film, produced by Picturestart, has been described as a wildly revisionist adaptation of Poe’s famous work. This innovative approach promises to offer a new perspective on the classic story, which has caught the attention of critics and fans of horror and drama films. The A24 production, known for its commitment to original and daring projects, provides an ideal setting to explore the dark themes that characterize Poe’s tale.
While the agreement with the renowned actress has not yet been made official, her participation would bring a new dimension to the project, given her credentials and the acclaim received for her previous work. The story of The Mask of the Red Death is particularly relevant in the current context, where narratives about pestilence, death, and decay resonate with the audience.
Fans of horror literature and cinema in general will be keeping an eye on updates about this project, not only for the story being adapted but also for the potential of the cast. The production, which is expected to be released worldwide by A24, could become one of the most anticipated premieres on the film calendar.
Director Molly Manning Walker, who won the Un Certain Regard award at the Cannes Film Festival for her film How to Have Sex, is taking an exciting step into television with her debut series, in collaboration with A24 and Channel 4. This new project, titled Major Players, follows the story of two girls who find themselves on the brink of adulthood and their mission to form a women’s soccer team. Come on, Yellowjackets! Major Players is described as a love letter aimed at exploring relevant themes such as friendship, empowerment, and the […]
Director Molly Manning Walker, who won the Un Certain Regard award at the Cannes Film Festival for her film How to Have Sex, is taking an exciting step into television with her debut series, in collaboration with A24 and Channel 4. This new project, titled Major Players, follows the story of two girls who find themselves on the brink of adulthood and their mission to form a women’s soccer team.
Come on, Yellowjackets!
Major Players is described as a love letter aimed at exploring relevant themes such as friendship, empowerment, and passion for sports. The series promises to offer a deep and sensitive look at the lives of two young women navigating the challenges of growing up, all while striving to achieve their dreams in a field still dominated by men. This focus on women’s soccer comes at a key moment, as interest in the sport is on the rise, partly driven by the success of recent tournaments and greater visibility of female athletes.
The synergy between Walker and the renowned companies A24 and Channel 4 generates high expectations in the industry, given the track record of innovative and quality projects that both production companies have supported. A24 is known for its avant-garde approach to film and television, while Channel 4 has been a pioneer in representing diverse and authentic stories. The union of their forces with Walker will undoubtedly lead to a product that can resonate with a wide and diverse audience.
As more details about Major Players emerge, fans of film and television, as well as those interested in women’s sports, are eagerly awaiting more news about this production that celebrates both personal growth and camaraderie through sports. Undoubtedly, this series is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases in the upcoming television season.
The movie The French Dispatch, directed by Wes Anderson, has had an impressive opening, grossing approximately $570,000 in just six theaters across New York and Los Angeles. This performance makes it the best limited opening of the year, with a remarkable average of $95,000 per theater, highlighting the director’s continued appeal in the independent film landscape. It has managed to surpass other films that have performed well at the box office. The film, distributed by Focus Features, has not only captured the attention of critics and audiences but has also outperformed A24’s Friendship, which […]
The film The Phoenician Plot, directed by Wes Anderson, has had an impressive debut, grossing approximately $570,000 in just six theaters across New York and Los Angeles. This performance makes it the best limited opening of the year, with a remarkable average of $95,000 per theater, highlighting the director’s ongoing appeal in the independent film landscape.
It has managed to surpass other movies that have performed well at the box office
The film, distributed by Focus Features, has not only captured the attention of critics and audiences but has also surpassed Friendship from A24, which had been performing well at the independent box office. This shift shows a renewed interest in Anderson’s works, whose visually distinctive and intricate stories have become favorites among cinephiles.
In order to capitalize on this initial success, The Phoenician Plot is scheduled to expand to 1,500 screens next weekend. This decision could further boost its earnings and solidify its position on the independent cinema charts. The expansion will allow a wider audience the opportunity to experience the unique narrative that characterizes Anderson’s style.
As the release season progresses in 2023, independent cinema continues to demonstrate its ability to attract audiences, and The Phoenician Plot is a clear example of this. The competition in the indie film realm remains fierce, but it seems that this work could set a new standard for upcoming releases in this cinematic format.
Hideo Kojima is an interdisciplinary genius. Before focusing on the world of video games, he wanted to be a novelist and film director, and in fact, he wrote several novels that he never published and directed several amateur films with his friends. Ultimately, the world of video games is what gave him the opportunity to express what he has inside, and since then, he has shown that there is no better fit for him. Even if his fiercest critics insist that he is a frustrated director. He is not, among other things, because Kojima has always rejected the possibility […]
Hideo Kojima is an interdisciplinary genius. Before focusing on the world of video games, he wanted to be a novelist and a film director, and in fact, he wrote several novels that he never published and directed several amateur films with his friends. Ultimately, the world of video games is what gave him the opportunity to express what he has inside, and since then, he has shown that there is no better fit for him. Even if his fiercest critics insist that he is a frustrated director.
It is not, among other things, because Kojima has always rejected the possibility of directing a movie. Something that has been offered to him on multiple occasions. But what he has not rejected is the possibility of producing movies or animes based on his works. Kojima Productions was created with the intention of not only producing video games but all kinds of audiovisual content, and it seems that it is finally going to happen. Because Death Stranding is going to have its own anime.
Although he has not revealed more details, in an interview for Variety Japan, the Japanese creator has confirmed that he is developing an anime of Death Stranding. His intention with this is to strengthen the Death Stranding IP, bringing it to other media, and making it more known among the public.
While, as we have already said, no further details have been revealed, there is no shortage of talent in Japan that could create an anime of Death Stranding that lives up to its references. The combination of science fiction and philosophical themes is a specialty of Japanese cinema, particularly animated, so they should have no trouble finding the perfect team to make this adaptation. Even if, still, we do not know any of the names being considered for this ongoing adaptation.
A live-action film adaptation of which we do know details
We know more details about the adaptation of the video game to film. In this case, a live-action one. Death Stranding will be brought to the big screen by A24, a film production company known for its low-budget films adored by critics and festivals around the world, such as Midsommar or Uncut Gems, and that is now also taking charge of the film adaptation of Elden Ring.
The person in charge of directing and writing the film adaptation of Elden Ring will be one of the most well-known and repeated names in today’s Hollywood: Michael Sarnoski. Director and screenwriter of Pig and A Quiet Place: Day One, he has already planned his next film after Death Stranding: a grand epic drama titled The Death of Robin Hood with Hugh Jackman as Robin Hood, also for A24, which promises to take his career to a new level if it goes well.
Although Robin Hood will have to wait. First, he has to shoot and release the film adaptation of Death Stranding, which is planned for next 2027. A date that has been recently confirmed by Hideo Kojima himself, thus confirming his close involvement with the project.
It seems that we won’t see all of Death Stranding
With Death Stranding 2: On the Beach set to be released on June 26, it seems that the Death Stranding universe is far from running out of steam. Even though Kojima has confirmed that he does not plan to make more Death Stranding video games in the future. Busy with two video games already, OD for Xbox and Physing for PlayStation, it seems that the future of Death Stranding, for now, lies in other media rather than video games.
That said, we still barely know any details about the movie. We don’t know anything about the anime beyond its existence. And Kojima himself spent four installments of Metal Gear Solid saying that was the last one, this time for real. So we don’t know what the future holds for us, although what is clear is that the coming years belong to Kojima, but above all, they are for Death Stranding.
I’m going to be honest: since Scrubs ended in 2009, with one of the best finales in television history, no comedy has seemed as strange and free to me. In that hospital, everything fit: musical episodes, references to Batman and Robin, love among colleagues… Its quick cuts, almost adapted from Family Guy, showcasing all kinds of craziness, became a hallmark that very few have dared to borrow (at least, not with such wit). Until Impostura came along. “Gay, bro?” It was a coincidence that the same year, 2022, it […]
I’m going to be honest: since Scrubs ended in 2009, with one of the best finales in television history, no comedy has seemed as strange and free to me. In that hospital, everything fit: musical episodes, references to Batman and Robin, love among colleagues… Its quick cuts, almost adapted from Family Guy, showcasing all kinds of craziness, became a hallmark that very few have dared to borrow (at least, not with as much wit). Until Impostura arrived.
Gay, bro?
It was a coincidence that in the same year, 2022, two fantastic (and very different) series about the experience of being homosexual in college premiered. On one hand, Heartstopper on Netflix, a carefully crafted rom-com with touches of drama. Very inclusive, very cute, a little cheesy, and it has caused a sensation all over the world. At the same time, on British Channel 4, Big Boys premiered, also starring a gay boy who goes to college and experiences his first relationships, but with a definitely more rebellious, crude, and funny tone. The English series concluded this year, and the American one will wrap up with a movie that serves as an ending.
And, of course, many people have felt desolate and without a series to turn to, until Impostura came into their lives. With just 8 episodes, the series, which combines politically incorrect humor with cuts in the style of Scrubs, has become known worldwide in a very short time. It’s no wonder: it’s as funny as it is surprisingly original, knowing how to find the edges and the untold aspects in a very familiar plot.
Not for nothing, among its executive producers are names like Jonah Hill and Charli XCX, the first scripted series in which she takes on the work behind the scenes and that could start to shape a professional future beyond albums and large concerts. Want more? Well, you should know that the studio behind it is A24, synonymous with good cinema andprestigiousseries, which in the past has already done things like Bronca or Everything Everywhere All at Once. If with all this you are not rushing to see Impostura, you should.
How to go on Erasmus
The protagonist of Impostura is Benito Skinner. His name may not ring a bell, but at 31 years old, he has had time to become a social media star and tell his story, precisely, in this series. Because yes, in addition to being the protagonist, he is the creator and screenwriter of all the episodes except one. This closeness makes it feel real, authentic, tangible, reminiscent of other series with strong creators like Fleabag or Girls. Those became myths of television, and it doesn’t seem like Impostura is going to settle for less.
Will there be a season 2? It is not confirmed, but given the buzz from critics (it has a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes) and that it is already starting to sound like an award winner throughout this year, it is most likely that Amazon has already handed a bundle of cash to its creator to move forward. After all, it is cheap to make, it has become a critical and public success, and it also fulfills its quota of stories created by new talent that has something to say. It would be strange not to want to continue with it!
The only problem with this series -which is fabulous, by the way- is that you might miss it in the whirlwind of continuous releases that streaming services use to feed the algorithm. Fortunately, amidst clones of Stranger Things and desperate attempts to grab your attention, as if you were a baby focused on some jingling keys, there are genuine attempts to create auteur series. If you value your time, you should watch Impostura. You’ll thank me later.
