#adventures in cinemagoing

[idlesuperstar]

Conrad Veidt as Captain Hardt in The Spy In Black [Powell & Pressburger, 1939]

[aristobun]

fuck off 😂

[thejacksmit]

First Take: Wonka - the unexpected prequel that gets the Dahl style perfect

SYNOPSIS: With dreams of opening a shop in a city renowned for its chocolate, a young and poor Willy Wonka discovers that the industry is run by a cartel of greedy chocolatiers.

The last time I seen the name Paul King attached to a film, it was when a certain Peruvian bear won over the hearts of British cinemagoers (and Nicolas Cage) with his sequel back in 2017 and becoming a mainstay of the BBC Christmas schedule ever since. Fast forward six years, and now the entire creative team who made the iconic Paddington films for StudioCanal have been entrusted with a biggie: the prequel to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Any fears the purists had about this project went away instantly, as this is a worthy spritual successor/prequel to the beloved book.

King continues to make the style of film he's known for, even with Warner and the Dahl company keeping a close eye on him - wholesome family adventures that have heart, soul, and elements of darkness which feel editorially justified, and much like Roald Dahl's source material, there is plenty of that in the 1 hour 56 minutes, especially as it blends ideas and imagery from the 1971 Mel Stuart/Gene Wilder film and Tim Burton's 2005 reboot, while at the same time creating an origin story that feels truthful to the style of the original book, which King and co-writer Simon Farnaby absolutely nail. Chung-hoon Chung acts as the film's DOP (with Seamus McGarvey beginning the shoot and leaving halfway through) and does an incredible job behind the camera for a musical film of this nature, and speaking of the music, Joby Talbot's score hits all the right places, with his former bandmate - Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy - writing the original songs (and a few new bits for an iconic number which closes the film) to create a musical which could easily do Greatest Showman kinds of numbers if this opening week is anything to go by.

With the performances, everyone wrote him off when he was cast - but my god, Timothee Chalamet is inspired casting. He can sing, he can dance, he can carry a film, and with his next project being Dune: Part 2, is there anything that Twitter (sorry, X)'s favourite actor can't do? He is ably supported by a frankly immense cast - Olivia Colman, Tom Davis, Keegan-Michael Key, Matt Lucas, Paterson Joseph, Matthew Baynton, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, and the breakout talent Calah Lane rounding it all out. But just as he did the last time he worked with Paul King, one actor is a complete scenestealer- Hugh Grant as an Oompa-Loompa. Sounds so wrong but it is so well justified. A word to the wise though - don't leave until the very end, as there is one little moment he sets up during the credit roll - one which potentially teases more Dahl projects getting the Hollywood treatment.

THE VERDICT

This film's been described as a warm hug by many, and much like King's previous work, Wonka will go down incredibly well with the mainstream audiences. It's a nice and safe PG that caters to all, and on top of that, it packs an emotional punch for fans of the 71 version, the 2005 version or the musical - it is truly Wonka for this generation.

RATING: 4.5/5

[fanthatracks]

With Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny now less than a month away - four weeks for UK cinemagoers as it arrives on the 28th June - seven new character posters have been revealed, featuring Indy, his goddaughter Helena Shaw, our lead villain Jürgen Voller, Helena's father and Indiana's friend Basil Shaw, Indy’s old friend and boat captain Renaldo, undercover agent Mason and Helena's sidekick Teddy Kumar. [gallery link="file" size="large" ids="144509,144508,144513"] [gallery link="file" columns="4" size="large" ids="144507,144511,144510,144512"] With the four current Indiana Jones adventures now on Disney Plus - and parents beware, they've made the full, uncensored version of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom available and it's definitely not for youngsters - now's the perfect time to rewatch some classic Indy before heading to the pictures to watch his fifth and final cinematic adventure. [amazon box="B0BLJ2LT8L"]

[twistedtummies2]

Christopher Lee: A Sinister Centenary - Number 7

Welcome to Christopher Lee: A Sinister Centenary! Over the course of May, I will be counting down My Top 31 Favorite Performances by my favorite actor, the late, great Sir Christopher Lee, in honor of his 100th Birthday. Although this fine actor left us a few years ago, his legacy endures, and this countdown is a tribute to said legacy! It's the final week of the countdown, guys and gals! Today’s Subject, My 7th Favorite Christopher Lee Performance: Captain Rochefort, from Richard Lester’s Three Musketeers Trilogy.

There have been numerous adaptations of Alexandre Dumas’ classic swashbuckling novel “The Three Musketeers,” some more well-known or popular than others. For many cinemagoers, however, if there is a definitive version of the story in film form, it is most likely the trilogy of films directed by Richard Lester. Lester’s movies were actually produced by the same company behind the Christopher Reeve Superman films; in fact, Lester’s first two movies were actually an inspiration for some behind-the-scenes techniques in the first two Superman movies, and Lester was the man who directed Superman II AND Superman III. Let’s get this straight…the team behind the classic Superman movies…working on a famous action-adventure classic…with CHRISTOPHER LEE as one of the main villains?! Honestly, is it any wonder these movies are considered the definitive takes on the Musketeer story? The first two films (“The Three Musketeers” and “The Four Musketeers”) are basically a straightforward adaptation of the novel, each movie taking approximately one half of the original story – think along the lines of two-part features such as “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” or “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.” The third film, “Return of the Musketeers,” is an original piece, evidently produced by popular demand. Throughout these three pictures, there are, fittingly three key villains who bedevil our heroes: the main antagonist of the first two movies is Cardinal Richelieu, played by Charlton Heston. Milady De Winter, a former lover of Athos and one of the first femme fatales of fiction, is the secondary antagonist of the first two films, and takes the lead as the main villain in “Return.” Throughout all these movies, Christopher Lee appears as a supporting rogue: he is the evil nobleman and soldier Rochefort, a scoundrel who follows the orders of both of the other baddies. Despite being subservient to Richelieu and De Winter, Rochefort is by no means a minor character, nor a mere pawn. In fact, he has a rather substantial role, as he becomes the true nemesis of the main protagonist of the series, D’Artagnan. Throughout the series, they battle with each other, steel and wit matching constantly, and their story arc ends up being one of the most powerful and intense parts of the whole trilogy. In point of fact, the portrayal of Rochefort created by Lee and Lester has been highly influential: in the books, Rochefort is a somewhat more minor character, and also more sympathetic, as he ends up becoming a sort of friendly rival of D’Artagnan, rather than a true nemesis. Ever since these movies, however, Rochefort has become a much more prominent, as well as much more sinister, character: portrayals by actors such as Michael Wincott, Mads Mikkelsen, and Marc Warren often owe more to Lee’s version than the actual Dumas novel. The Lester Trilogy is noteworthy for its sense of tone, and how it changes, especially between the first two movies. The first movie is largely a comedic adventure film, but with a slight edge; in the second film, however, the stakes are raised significantly, and while there are still funny moments, we learn more about the characters and see them go through tougher trials, leading to a darker tone. Think of it as being along the lines of “A New Hope” versus “Empire Strikes Back”: one is more cut-and-dry in its approach, more superficial, and with a slightly lighter tone, while the other really gets into the proverbial nitty-gritty of these characters and puts them through Hell and back by the time its over. (If only “Return” could in any way be likened to Star Wars’ own third pillar, but that’s another story.) Lee does a brilliant job balancing these elements as the nasty Rochefort: he is a menacing opponent for D’Artagnan and the rest, but there’s a certain grandiosity to him at times that gives him some humorous moments, especially in the first movie. He actually reminds me a little bit of Captain Hook; sort of part-fop, part-true threat. Actually, come to think of it, Christopher Lee would have made an amazing Captain Hook…as far as I’m aware, though, that never happened…oh, the lost opportunities of history… Tomorrow, I present my choice for Number 6!

[agentnico]

Death on the Nile (2022) Review

More like the breath of the erotophonophile, since this movie is all about the lust for murder and there is a celebrity cannibal bang in the middle of the cast, the one and only Armie Hammer! But don’t mention his name, Disney’s really trying not to...

Plot: Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot's Egyptian vacation aboard a glamorous river steamer turns into a terrifying search for a murderer when a picture-perfect couple's idyllic honeymoon is tragically cut short.

I really am happy that the murder mystery genre is coming back to our modern screens in full swing. With Kenneth Branagh adapting Agatha Christie’s novels of Poirot’s adventures to Rian Johnson bringing us James Bond with a Southern accent in Knives Out (with a sequel on the way this year!), there’s a lot of detective sleuthing happening. Heck, even on AppleTV+ I’m currently watching a murder mystery comedy TV show called The Afterparty where Tiffany Haddish interrogates a bunch of classmates at a high school reunion following the death of Dave Franco. I wonder who killed him? Was it his brother James? Regardless, we now how a sequel to Murder on the Orient Express that came out a few years back which gave us Kenneth Branagh’s take on the famous detective character of Poirot, where he both directed and starred as the main moustachioed sleuth! I thought that movie was okay. I felt like it somehow managed to turn an addictive and engaging book into a boring set of interviews. There was a lack of urgency to it all and so, like, okay, I didn’t really like it. Now we have Death on the Nile, of which I read the original Agatha Christie book and I also watched the 1978 film version starring Peter Ustinov which I think was an awesome adaptation, though a bit dated.

Straight up, I think Kenneth Branagh does a better job here compared to the one about the train. He seems to have a better idea of what he’s trying to tell with this story. We even get some backstory on Poirot himself and the origin of his moustache, and his past lost love, and that there is Branagh’s focus - this is a movie about love, and how love can be great yet also it can destroy. Hence why the Valentine’s release is fairly accurate, even though this movie does rake up the murdered body count. And I think this is a perfectly apt adaptation of the source material, with some creative touches and additions that I think worked quite well, and overall I think this movie is quite enjoyable. 

In terms of the cast, it’s not as A-list as Murder on the Orient Express which had big names such as Michelle Pfeiffer, Willem Dafoe, Johnny Depp and Dame Judi Dench, but hey, at least it was nice to see the Vicar of Dibley herself Dawn French show up. Russell Brand plays a surprisingly straight faced serious role as opposed to his usual comedic roles and Sophie Okonedo spends most of her time here either profusely flirting or endlessly singing the blues. Overall though I’d say the cast here was quite bland. The likes of Gal Gadot and Annette Bening leave a forgettable impression, with the only real memorable performances coming from Branagh’s Poirot, who nails the French accent and also paints the detective as an innocently adorable old man who is obnoxious in a sweet endearing way, but also one that sees himself as a tragic Shakespearean character (Branagh’s experience with Shakespeare adaptations really shows here), as well as newcomer Emma Mackey who’s crazy revenge-filled eyes do all the work here.

I must also question that with a Disney backed budget, the CGI in this movie is ridiculously obvious. All the wide shots of Egypt and the Nile are so evidently green screened, and what’s worse Branagh tries to show off his visual effects here by having fake crocodiles eat fake seagulls and characters playing with kites on evidently unreal pyramids. But otherwise Death on the Nile is a harmless cinemagoing affair, and one that should bring enjoyment to those that have not read the original novel, however even connoisseurs of the source material will find things to enjoy here. Again though, we don’t mention Armie Hammer’s presence, that is now classed as taboo. So shhh!!!

Overall score: 5/10

[bill-the-baker]

I’ve also decided to finish this decade with something more light-hearted, detailing the many trends that one can associate with the past ten years. I styled this picture in a similar fashion to those gaudy collages you have relating to the 1980s and 1990s, with this mainly being reflected in the style of this picture. The title of the picture holds a very minimalist design, and is shown from inside a phone, whilst the rest of the poster has a dull white background. These main design choices were added to reflect the omnipresence of smartphones in this decade, as well as the general trend of Minimalism, which has been followed by many companies in recent years. The decision to make the background seem plain was not completely because I’m feeling lazy, but because I tried to follow the trend of minimalism, a trend I personally hate because of how boring it is (I probably would have added in a pretty pattern if there was some other major design trend).

Beyond this though, there are a few other things I chose to add in to reflect the 2010s:

-Ragecomics- The basis of most early-2010s memes.

-Skrillex (or rather Dubstep in general)- A key figure in a genre of music that you either loved or hated.

-Obama- A fantastic President who laid the groundwork for change that will hopefully be built upon in the future.

-Hipster culture- Fresh-out-of-college rich kids who made avoiding the mainstream a mainstream trend.

-The Occupy Movement (“We are the 99%” sign)- A promising post-Great Recession movement with disappointing results.

Gay Rights- Gay marriage is now legal in places like the United States, and homosexuality is more accepted the western world, so much so that companies are now no-longer afraid to pander to them whenever June comes around. Still, other parts of the planet have yet to change their outdated ways.

Trans rights- With people like Caitlyn Jenner and Leelah Alcorn, Transgenderism has arrived into the forefront of social issues, though it remains a strongly divisive issue throughout the decade.

Drones- Like helicopters but smaller and cheaper.

Overwatch- An interesting game that offered a unique personality to the shooter genre in a decade oversaturated with annual Call of Duty releases.

Cuphead- A challenging run-and-gun platformer with a Golden-Age animation-style, showcasing what can be made through video games these days.

Minecraft- The game that doesn’t die. It defined the childhoods of many gamers who fondly remember the early-2010s, and has since made a major resurgence in the decade’s end.

Steven Universe- A much-loved show that offered many unique and progressive themes, which I can admire despite my mixed feeling for the show itself.

Gravity Falls- A show aimed at children didn’t have to be this immersive and interesting, but Alex Hirsch and his team did it anyway and offered the world two seasons of hilarious and yet gripping television.

Political correctness/Woke-ness (“That’s Offensive” speech bubble)- Something that has been pushed to death among the political mainstream, but especially by the Left, as people are silenced whilst others demand safe spaces to keep their precious feelings from being hurt. Political correctness is a somewhat-trend that is better off staying in this decade.

Shrek- Whilst the 2010s have been starved of a new Shrek film besides the contested “Shrek Forever After”, the “Shrek is Love, Shrek is Life” greentext story, despite its crude subject matter, has made the brutish but kind ogre a mainstay in meme culture, whilst offering people the opportunity to explore the nuances of the franchise, after growing up with the character.

Pewdiepie- Starting out strong in the decade, making a name for himself as “that funny Swedish guy who screams as scary games”, an incident in February 2017, in which he was called a Nazi by the mainstream media, resulted in him becoming a more independent and politically incorrect figure, before going on to unite the internet in a battle for the most subscribed YouTube channel against a corporation. He lost in the end, but it was fun while it lasted.

Tyler, the Creator- Offering a unique sound among waves of forgettable Pop music, Tyler evolved from an edgy but somewhat humorous rapper, to an interesting and poignant singer in this past decade, achieving near-mainstream success.

Marvel Cinematic Universe (Endgame logo)- Many mainstream cinemagoers are bound to have seen at least one of these groundbreaking movies in cinemas, with their intense action and perfectly balanced humour, all culminating in the outstanding films “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame”.

Death Grips- Unlike anything that has ever been popular among general audiences, the exciting tunes concocted by MC Ride and Zach Hill have remained in the minds of many younger and more alternative individuals.

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic- Arguably the most unlikely of fanbases to come around in this decade, this re-imagining of an 80s cartoon series had a style of humour and storytelling that peaked the interests of a group of adult men known as “Bronies”, who’s reasons for being interested were questioned and much of the internet hated them, but they were certainly something to behold throughout these years.

The 2016 Presidential Election (Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump)- A time many can regard as the branching-off point between the first and second halves of the decade, as the extremes of both sides were exposed to the world with astonishing results.

Vine- A social media platform that has since disappeared off the face of the Earth, but brought about many notable celebrities and memes that are often remembered by younger generations.

Vaporwave- Alongside Hipsters, Vaporwave was perhaps one of the few examples of a concrete “counter-culture” movement, offering an anti-Capitalist message within its use of music and iconography from the 1980s and 1990s. Since then, it is best known for offering a warm and interesting “aesthetic”.

Pepe the Frog- A frog best known for saying “Feels Good Man” earlier on, was later used by certain Right-wingers and has since been touted as a symbol of hat. But, with a smug grin like that, it appears that he doesn’t seem to care about what others say.

Social media- It already played a massive role from the mid-2000s-onwards, but now, the scale of social media has grown exponentially, with people moving away from mainstream news and entertainment and instead choosing to get their kicks on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. This focus on gaining the news from social media has held some negative consequences as fake news continues to fool gullible Boomers.

Hyperbeast fashion- In terms of fashion, the Hypebeast is the late-2010s’ version of the Hipster, though unlike Hipsters, who are financially-independent rich kids who make questionable purchasing decisions, Hypebeasts are often preteen/teenagers who suck money out of the credit cards of their rich parents.

Adventure Time- A rather interesting cartoon that started off as a fun show to get high to, but evolved into a gripping epic with an expansive lore and interesting world.

Minions- While they were rather annoying to older viewers following their introduction in the otherwise top-tier film Despicable Me, children and especially 40-something year-old Facebook Mums couldn’t get enough of these wacky tic-tacs.

Brexit- A subject that I, as a Brit, couldn’t seem to get away from in the past few years, as politicians refused to move forward with the people’s decision. But, with the Tory majority in Parliament, as depressing as that sounds, it seems possible that we can finally move on as a country to more important matters.

Vaping (Juul-smoking mouth)- Recovered chain-smokers and rebellious teens have made this trend a popular pastime, though its popularity has waned recently over health concerns.

Doge- Whilst it began as a singular image of a cartoonish-looking Shiba Inu making a weird face, as brightly-coloured Comic Sans surrounds her, this dog has become the subject of many surreal and unique memes, taking on many different forms, solidifying the transformative nature that all memes should strive for.

Hoverboards, Fortnite, Dabbing, and Fidget Spinners (The monstrosity on the bottom-right)- What do a handle-less Segway, a more cartoony (but somewhat better) version of PUBG, a dance based off of post drug-taking sneezes and small bits of metal for Autistic children have in common? They have all ascended to levels of annoying trends that at least some people have had fun with.

Undertale (Sans)- An interesting game that has gained a heavy degree of fame for its interesting themes and interesting characters, some of which have been admired a bit too much by certain teenage girls.

As for my personal experiences of this decade, I can say that, whilst I was born in the early-2000s, I was definitely raised in the 2010s. Much of my memories of the previous decade are rather minimal, and I didn’t follow that many trends considering I only lived on constant repeats of SpongeBob by the start of this decade. Since then, though I have gained many impactful memories from these past few years. Some good, some bad, some great, all of which were a part of growing up. In about two-weeks’ time, I will finally become a legal adult, and shall begin the rest of my life. So, I wish you all well, and hope your Twenties are truly roaring!

[slotgamezen]

Definitions of Movies

Film is a form of visual communication characterized by images that move and are usually accompanied by sound, but not always. It is a medium for showcasing a wide variety of experiences, ranging from everyday life to high art. Cinema, the Latin word for "cinema," is a general term for the film industry. Here are three definitions of the word "movie."  "disturbia (2007)"

CinemaScope combines two different film technologies. In 1960, cinemaScope was used for the first time for the movie "September Storm." This was a blow-up of a non-anamorphic negative. The next year, another film combining 3D and CinemaScope was released: Space Attack. It was actually shot under the title of The Adventures of Sam Space. In both cases, cinemagoers were treated to an immersive visual experience that took them out of their seats and into the film's world.

A more recent version of the film is the World 3-D Exposition, organized by Sabucat Productions to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 3-D craze. At Grauman's Egyptian Theatre, over thirty films from the "golden age" were screened. This era of 3-D was preserved by filmmaker and preservationist Robert Furmanek, who spent fifteen years preserving films. The throngs of the sold-out crowds caused many stars to attend the exhibit.

Another film that was adapted from the musical was "In Tune With Tomorrow". This was the first film to use stereophonic sound in the United States. The film was produced by Douglas Sirk and starred Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson, the MGM songbirds. The production was originally shot in black and white, but was reshot in color the next year for the World's Fair. In addition to its original black-and-white release, In Tune With Tomorrow was released in 1953, but it went out flat despite its starring cast and high budget.

A film's impact on the film industry is controversial. Some studies have concluded that positive film reviews can influence movie-going decisions. In addition, the impact of film reviews on prestige films, especially art and dramas, is even more important. If a movie has a poor reputation from leading critics, audiences are likely to feel less interested in watching it. This may not be a direct cause of the recent Oscars, but it can increase the likelihood of an awards-worthy movie in the future.

Another popular genre is science fiction. The genre dates back to the silent film era and has always captured audiences' imaginations. Early sci-fi films focused on the scientific and outer space. The genre has been a popular one throughout cinematic history, as it highlights the advancements of mankind while wrestling with higher concepts. In fact, science fiction has a long history of influence on pop culture, from horror to fantasy. This type of film is one of the most influential in the industry.

[recentanimenews]

Mashin Hero Wataru Compilation Film Hits Japanese Theaters in January

  Wataru and Ryujinmaru still have one last outing in their latest big adventure. A compilation film is on the way for the latest installment of Mashin Hero Wataru, and it's coasting for a limited-time big-screen release.

  Fully titled Mashin Hero Wataru: The Seven Spirits of Ryujinmaru -Reunion-, the special cut will bring together the story of the 2020 web anime. Cinemagoers will also be able to buy both the anime series and the compilation film at participating theaters.

  Check out the key visual for the film:

    Mashin Hero Wataru: The Seven Spirits of Ryujinmaru -Reunion- begins its three-week theatreical engagement on January 7, 2022.

  Source: Mantan-Web

    By: Kara Dennison

[vietnamstar]

Vietnamese films to compete for cinemagoers during Tết

Vietnamese films to compete for cinemagoers during Tết

HÀ NỘI — Tết or Lunar New Year Festival is the golden time for Vietnamese cinema, as new films compete fiercely for the holiday crowds. On the first day of the Lunar New Year, which falls on February 12 this year, four movies will debut cinema nationwide, including Trạng Tí Phiêu Lưu Ký (Diary of Child Master’s Adventure), Gái Già Lắm Chiêu V: Những Cuộc Đời Vương Giả (The Tricky Ladies V:…

[idlesuperstar]

- I can't figure out if you're a detective or a pervert.

[tincup446]

I've always been a big fan of the exploits of the world's "most famous secret agent" - James Bond. I have many fond childhood memories of eagerly devouring MGM's pantheon of movies, being captivated by the vehicles, locations, gadgets, music, and utterly ridiculous villains that have featured throughout the iconic movie franchise. Of course, as the years have passed and my critical eye has blossomed, I've come more to terms with the fact that Bond movies generally should be viewed within the "Bond Filter". That is to say, many of these films do not hold up alongside other spy movies, or just other movies. Truth be told, only a few of 007 adventures are truly excellent films, (From Russia with Love), while some are downright appalling, (Diamonds are Forever). But regardless, they're (mostly) all dear to my heart. I'm in a long-time love affair with the world of 007... ...Oh, but I don't like James Bond Jr. You gotta draw the line somewhere. And so, understandably, I was left both shaken and stirred when a new 007 game was suddenly announced out of nowhere. What's more, in one of the most perfect marriages in video game history, it was revealed the new title will be developed by Danish studio IO Interactive, whose example of stealth gameplay, opulent locales, and nerve-jangling suspense has reached near-perfection in the excellent Hitman franchise. In the wake of awful releases such as 2012's 007 Legends, and 2010's not-so-bad 007: Blood Stone, it feels as though IOI could be poised to deliver the best Bond gaming experience fans have received in decades... perhaps ever? As this announcement is merely days old, IOI is yet to divulge the details of Project 007. All we know is that it will be an origin story - and a completely original one at that, thus eschewing the events of Ian Fleming's novel, Casino Royale. According to IOI, Project 007 will see the player "earn (their) 007 status in a wholly original story", with no details as to whether the game will star a recognizable Bond actor, or feature an original avatar that captures the style and essence of the charming and debonair state-sponsored murderer. This got me thinking, (always a risky assignment), how would IOI create an original James Bond that players would feel instant affinity for? Which led me to a notion: What if we were allowed to create 007 ourselves? A 007 in any image we choose? Provided that the character occupies a environment that is recognizable to the Bond universe - all laser watches, casinos, and clandestine plans of world domination - then why not allow for a 007 of our own making to exist within it? Think Mass Effect's Commander Shepherd, but with less Turians and more Shirley Bassey. While certain behavioral traits, physical abilities, and personality quirks would have to remain for authenticity's sake, Project 007 could potentially offer players the chance to experiment with Bond, making them whatever gender, age, sexuality, or ethnicity they desire. While many harumphing cinemagoers unfortunately remain staunchly opposed to seeing Bond portrayed by anyone other than a middle-aged white dude, Project 007 - with its original story and seemingly zero ties to the cinematic franchise - offers a chance to explore far beyond this militant mindset of what James Bond "should" be. Now, it should be made clear that often when new games are announced, fans immediately get their fantasy booking on, often putting pressure on developers and risking a false narrative of what an upcoming release both is and isn't. My intention isn't to browbeat IOI that it MUST make Project 007's protagonist customizable, but only to suggest that this would be an ideal opportunity to do so. With Daniel Craig exiting the role after 2021's No Time to Die, and a new actor yet to be cast, the door is open for Project 007 to experiment with the Bond universe as it chooses. The timing is perfect. Personally, I'd leap at the opportunity to play a new Bond adventure as a female 007. Provided we get the recognizable series tropes - espionage, cool fashions, exotic locations, a hello from Felix Leiter, maybe a little megalomania - I'm not remotely precious about playing Bond in the exact same physical guise we have seen him in, time and again, since the 1960s. Given IOI's pedigree, Project 007 seems tipped for greatness. Self-developed and self-published, the studio remains mostly free of outside interference - save for Bond producers EON who will hopefully trust IOI's instincts and leave the developer alone. Given the exciting new venture's "blank slate", Project 007 provides the perfect opportunity to take Bond out of his (or her) comfort zone, offering fans the possibility of taking 007 beyond any world that they've seen before. Why not take a chance? After all, you only live twice. Read more... http://www.cupsplayground.com/will-iois-project-007-allow-us-to-create-our-own-custom-bond/ https://www.destructoid.com/stories/will-ioi-s-project-007-allow-us-to-create-our-own-custom-bond--610825.phtml

[duran-duran-less-official]

I do not have the words to describe how absolutely freaking cool Everything Everywhere All At Once is. I will have to take a longer post to try it, but for a short review I will say

Absolutely goddamn nuts. Peak cinemagoing experience. One of those movies that is the reason cinema was invented as an art form. Ironically AND unironically good. 10/10.

Thank you @lucifer-is-a-bag-of-dicks for joining me on this adventure, very high quality entries today. :D

Movie marathon with @lucifer-is-a-bag-of-dicks #2

Watching order: Nicholas Cage (The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent), then Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All At Once)

[thejacksmit]

First Take: The Croods 2: A New Age - Hot Vue Summer has well and truly begun

SYPNOSIS: The prehistoric family the Croods are challenged by a rival family the Bettermans, who claim to be better and more evolved.

2013. A summer of film, fondly remembered by cinemagoers, cinema staff, and box office analysts the world over – a summer that gave us a film about a cave-dwelling family, devised by a former Python, and animated by the team who brought us Shrek. Now, 8 years, a studio buyout and a global pandemic later, the long-awaited sequel to The Croods is one of the first major releases in England to play to the full capacity we’ve not seen for 16 long months. And I am delighted to report that it’s out at just the right time, as it is a worthy follow up to the original.

Joel Crawford is in charge of this 96 minute family adventure, and it truly is a family adventure – having worked his way through the ranks at DreamWorks, this is his first directorial credit for a feature film, and he manages to pace this one relatively well. Handling the script is Kevin & Dan Fageman along with Paul Fisher and Bob Logan, and the four of them are able to take what was very strong source material and develop it further, introducing new plots and characters who will be enough to warrant a third film should the demand be there. Handling the score is Devo’s very own Mark Mothersbaugh, who has really honed his film music craft over the last few years, and yes, the 6 laugh test was passed quite early on.

The voice cast includes Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, Catherine Keener and all of the familiar names from Croods 1 returning to continue what they do best, and joining them is Peter Dinklage and Kelly Marie Tran to make up the Betterman family. While this is a strong cast, it is only a minor piece of the puzzle, as the DreamWorks supremos have once again outdone themselves with the animation, making it a film best enjoyed in a well ventilated cinema.

THE VERDICT

While no prior knowledge of Croods 1 is needed to enjoy this film fully, it is a more than worthy successor to the original, and if DreamWorks want to go further, they have a new, ready made franchise right here, one that isn’t as annoying as Trolls, and one that isn’t anywhere near as restrictive as Shrek.

RATING: 4/5

[jonathanmediadev-blog]

Research

In the UK, 80% of the population are cinemagoers who set aside quality time to indulge their passion for film in an uncluttered media environment. Cinema advertising reaches people who have paid to pay attention, efficiently targeting and extending campaign cover against hard-to-reach audiences such as 16-34s, ABC1s, Londoners, dual-viewing families and men. Cinema is particularly strong with youth audiences - recent Kantar Millward Brown research has revealed that Gen Z's (16-19s) most popular advertising format is cinema, with over half (59%) feeling ‘positive about it’ as an advertising channel.

Adults

Adults Men Women ABC1 Adults ABC1 Men ABC1 Women 16-34 Adults 16-34 Men 16-34 Women Main Shoppers with Children Adults

ADULTS

Cinema-going adults are active, out and about, spending time with friends and family, hungry for new ideas and shared experiences. Old or young, they set aside time to indulge in their passions and film is a big one. They enjoy a trip to see the latest films on the big screen – be it with mates, a date or for quality time with the family, cinema has something for everyone.

78% are cinemagoers

150 million admissions per year

6 visits per year

2.6 average group size

MEN

Cinema-going men know what they want, when they want it, and where to find it. Technology is changing the way their consuming TV and films but they remain in to movies in a really big way. The cinema remains the very best way to experience the latest films too – it’s an enduring entertainment experience that fuels their passion for film further.

78% are cinemagoers

71 million admissions per year

6 visits per year

2.5 average group size

WOMEN

Cinema-going women love to be swept away by the stories shown on the big screen – escaping from the demands of their busy lives and enjoying the chance to unwind. Catching the latest releases at the cinema is also a great way for them to catch up with friends or family and provides them with social collateral that they can use in conversations after their visit.  

79% are cinemagoers

79 million admissions per year

6 visits per year

2.6 average group size

ABC1 ADULTS

ABC1 adults are busy folks - juggling various tasks from work to home, they’re trying to fit a lot in to their hectic schedules. However, cinema remains an affordable indulgence that importantly allows them to spend time with the people that matter. Be it a trip with the whole family, a catch-up with friends or a romantic date night, cinema provides something for every occasion.

83% are cinemagoers

103 million admissions per year

6.6 visits per year

2.5 average group size

ABC1 MEN

ABC1 men are curious and adventurous – they’re always looking for new opportunities, innovations and are happy to pay more to get their hands on the best. They’ve also got more serious demands on their time so they’re careful with their spare time. Cinema provides them with an opportunity to spend quality time with others, away from distractions of work and allows them to sit back and enjoy being entertained by the latest releases.

82% are cinemagoers

49 million admissions per year

6.3 visits per year

2.5 average group size

Download audience profile:

ONE PAGER

POWERPOINT DECK

ABC1 WOMEN

ABC1 women love what cinema offers – a chance to enjoy some quality time out from the stresses of day-to-day life with the people that mean the most to them. Whether it be catching up with their friends or spending time with their partner, cinema allows them to socialise all while being transported away to a whole other world for a couple of hours.

85% are cinemagoers

54 million admissions per year

6.9 visits per year

2.6 average group size

Download audience profile:

ONE PAGER

POWERPOINT DECK

16-34 ADULTS

16-34 adults have a real passion for movies that’s only being fuelled further by online streaming services like Netflix. The cinema is where they still head to check out the latest, must-see movies as these are important social collateral, and they don’t want to miss out on the next film everyone is going to be talking about. Their night out doesn’t always stop when the credits roll either – you’ll often find them continuing on elsewhere for food or a few drinks so they can chat about the film and catch-up.

91% are cinemagoers

76 million admissions per year

7.5 visits per year

2.8 average group size

Download audience profile:

16-34 MEN

Film is a big passion point for 16-34 men and thanks to streaming services they’re spending more time than ever watching movies. Cinema feeds their film habit further by giving them access to the latest blockbusters in the best place to experience them - on the biggest screen possible and with the best sound. It’s no surprise that you’ll also be more likely to find them heading to their nearest IMAX or 4DX screen to really maximise the cinematic experience.

91% are cinemagoers

40 million admissions per year

8 visits per year

2.8 average group size

16-34 WOMEN

Whether it’s a catch up with friends or a date night, cinema is a social staple for 16-34 women. Cinema gives this busy group a way to relax, unwind and treat themselves by taking a couple of hours out to spend time with their favourite people. Don’t think the only way to reach them is to wait for the next rom-com either - they also love watching tense, thrilling horrors and big-budget fantasy and sci-fi movies too.

91% are cinemagoers

36 million admissions per year

7 visits per year

2.8 average group size

For Main Shoppers with Children a visit to the cinema is a real treat – the family might sit together on the sofa at home but these days everyone can often be found with their own device, watching something completely different to the person next to them. This makes a trip to the cinema special – watching one film, without distraction that creates a shared memory that the whole family can talk about together.

90% are cinemagoers

36 million admissions per year

5.6 visits per year

2.8 average group size

Dcm.co.uk. (2019). Audience | DCM. [online] Available at: https://www.dcm.co.uk/audience [Accessed 1 May 2019].

[yesterdanereviews]

Miss Mend (1926)

Film review #314

SYNOPSIS: Vivian Mend is a typist at a newspaper that works alongside Hopkins, a clerk, Fogel, a photographer, and Barnet, a reporter. The four of them manage to stumble on a plot by the rich and powerful Stern family to unleash a biological attack on the USSR, and they must try and stop it.

THOUGHTS/ANALYSIS: Miss Mend (also known as The Adventures of the Three Reporters) is a 1926 serial from the Soviet Union. At the start, we are introduced to the main characters: Vivian Mend, a typist at a newspaper, and three reporters at the paper, Hopkins, Fogel and Barnet. Mend gets caught up in a worker’s strike and manages to escape by jumping into the car of Engineer Johnson, who says he is a fellow worker. Meanwhile, the reporters uncover a plot by the Stern family and their associate Chiche to attack the USSR. The plot across the three serial chapters centres around the exploits of Mend and the reporters attempting to stop the various schemes of Chiche and the Stern family. This serial definitely takes its cues and setup from the American serials of the time, but while the American serials were generally shot from fixed angles on a sound stage, Miss Mend blends the format with the typical multi-camera setups and much more complex cinematics and stunts that are prevalent in early Soviet Cinema. The story starts off at a breakneck pace as Mend gets caught up in a worker’s strike and a riot ensues with her in the middle. From her jumping out of a first-storey window to the jumping into a car to escape, it’s just pure adrenaline. This is maintained though the story, as the reporters get into a number of situations they need to deal with. There’s plenty of variety in the story, and it feels like there is significant development in the plot as each situation is resolved, which is a bit of a rarity considering most serials feel very circular in that the same thing happens in each part. The characters are varied too, with each having distinct personalities, from the slapstick comic relief of Barnet to the more daring action-based exploits of Hopkins and Fogel (the actor who played him was a professional boxer, which is evident in the role). The villains are menacing, and Miss Mend herself takes the rare role of a female main character, and who shows daring and leadership, while doing some stunts of her own.

As with most Soviet cinema at the time, Miss Mend would have been subject to censorship and required to have plenty of propaganda inserted into it. These propaganda elements really stick out like a sore thumb, such as George Stern’s will declaring he wants his fortune to go to the workers, whereas Chiche as the evil capitalist forges a new will to give the money to George’s son Arthur. Chiche unveils his master plan to unleash a biological attack on the USSR, and gets a group of businessmen to go along with it, and again the capitalist figures are presented as the enemies of the Soviet state. There’s also the beginning worker’s revolt, which takes place at the “Rocfeller” company, an obvious similarity with the Rockefeller family, who were the richest family in the world at the time. However, Mend and the reporters are themselves American, and travel to the USSR to stop the biological attack. Obviously, the Americans being the heroes isn’t something that state propaganda wants to show, and in the end, while the reporters end up exposing Chiche’s plan, it is really the police who show up in force and get everything under control. The part of the story where Fogel ends up living on the street in the USSR with no money and finds food and kindness with homeless children and a local bar is also another example of showcasing the wonders of the Soviet system. Overall though, I think the state meddling in the film is rather tame, and doesn’t detract too much from the story...I have definitely seen worse.

As I mentioned, the film combines a Western format with some ambitious Soviet cinematics, and it all works quite well, with some clever shots being set up for the time it was made, and large outdoor scenes that are full of life captured through multiple angles. The stunts and action sequences are daring, and honestly quite reckless. Apparently this film was very popular with cinemagoers and it’s easy to see why: it mixes an exciting story, strong characters and impressive production values to create an all round entertaining serial. Some of the Soviet propaganda is definitely forced on the viewer, but it is only prevalent in a few scenes out of the over four hours running time, so it’s not too much of an issue. If you’re a fan of the serial format it’s certainly worth checking out.