#fred Hechinger the man you are

[miricuss]

If you guys see me with a 5'7 man, who happens to be 25 and from New York, with the most adorable smile, beautiful eyes, amazing hair, stunning looks, and incredible talent, leave me alone, I'm exactly where I need to be.

[androidnightmares]

Me:

[gay-dorito-dust]

Finally doing something for this man at long, long last. (Whenever I watch Fred Hechinger in an interview dressed in a cute jumper, I wanna hug him, am I alone?)

This is mainly fluff and a little short, so ooc is to be expected in this.

It wasn’t often that Caracalla had a clear head but when he did it was mainly because you were the one to clear the fog from his mind, make him see you as you firmly grip the wrist that held the knife so close to your throat, see the concern within your eyes as you told him with a voice as calm as the cool breeze that caressed his cheek to break from this curse; this spell and come back to you.

You didn’t seem afraid whenever he got like this, when his illness took hold and have him desperately reach for the nearest object that could cause harm. You only looked calm, steady, levelheaded as you swiftly discarded the knife away from both of your reach and cradle him to your chest, making sure to press his head against your heart so that he could hear it and find peace in it.

You’ve seen him like this countless times, and will see him like this for countless more, but right now you could only pray that the next time won’t be for a long while as you pressed kisses into his head of hair. ‘You’re here my emperor,’ you’d whisper, ‘you’re here with me now and with me you shall stay.’

‘You make it sound as though you could command the fates to head your words, to head your silent warning beneath that would surface should you be not content with your reward.’ Caracalla says in a hoarse voice, having lost most of it when shouting until his throat was burning with a pain unlike any other.

‘I just wish to have my emperor come back to me safely.’ You replied as you began to run your hands up and down his back as he clings to you with an iron grip, unyielding and strong of their own, desperately trying to prove that you were right there before him. ‘Safely so I can hold him like this and tell him that it’s okay, that I’m not hurt should he worry that he caused me harm in his outburst as tears appear within his pretty eyes.’ You add in a voice barely above a whisper as you looked at him, only to see that he was indeed tearing up, his cheeks were flushed red like cherries; and yet to you he looked ethereal.

Caracalla almost looks as though he has came out of a painting whenever he cried or looked in even the slightest bit distraught, like he had emerged from a mosaic crafted from the most skilful and delicate of hands. His fiery hair a mess, laurel crown slightly tilted to the side of his head as he looked upon you as one would a god, a being to be worshiped on hand and foot and he was more then kneeling at your very feet.

His beauty and his chaos captivated you to no end and you would gladly let him kiss the wounds he’d sooner inflicted upon you in a moment of rage, you’d let him drag the knife across your chest should it please him and let him lick the blood afterwards; for he was beauty in it’s most realest of form and you couldn’t help but want to admire it up close, even if means getting hurt in the process as you didn’t care, just as long as you got to see such a man of his caliber up close you could died happy.

‘Your words, they stay with me. I remember them all.’ Was all he says as you both remained within the other’s arms, content to a point as this was merely the beginning of your tragic love story with the emperor Caracalla.

[jamesmcalover]

cinematic

Fred Hechinger x afab!reader

Warnings: fluff, awkwardness???

Summary: reader works at the cinema and a really cute blonde man walks in one day

3.5k words

Tiny pearls of sweat were beginning to run down my forehead, which I quickly wiped away with the sleeve of my work uniform. It hadn't been a busy day at all, but it was hot.

"They still haven't fixed the AC," I mumbled to Nick, my co-worker, who only shrugged his shoulders. He was busy filling up a bucket of popcorn for the customers he was currently serving.

It wasn't even a hot summer day, but it still felt like a sauna behind the counter. All the machines designed to keep the food warm also kept us warm, turning our workspace into a humid, sticky mess.

"Excuse me," someone said behind me. I turned around quickly, ready to put on my best customer service voice, only to freeze mid-sentence. A very pretty blonde man was standing in front of me. He was wearing a blue shirt with the Metro Goldwyn Mayer logo – the one with the Lion – on it. He must have really enjoyed movies. His eyes were a really pretty shade of blue that made it hard for me to focus.

I blinked, trying to shake the daze from my mind. Get it together, I reminded myself.

"Hi, how can I help you?" I asked, forcing a professional smile.

"Hey," he said, smiling. I noticed a small gap between his teeth. "Could you point me to Theater 4?"

The request was simple, but something about the way he asked it made me stumble over my words for a moment. I could feel his gaze lingering, as if he was waiting for me to answer, but all I could think was how familiar his face looked.

"Uh, sure," I said, shaking myself out of the moment. "It's down the hall, to your left. You can't miss it."

"Thanks," he said, smiling at me again. My heart skipped a beat.

He turned to walk away, and I found myself watching him go, that same nagging feeling settling at the back of my mind. Where did I know him from?

"Well that was awkward to watch," Nick's voice startled me, snapping me out of my daze.

I turned to look at him, my heart still fluttering from the interaction. "What do you mean?" I asked, trying to sound casual, though my voice betrayed me with an edge of uncertainty.

Nick gave me an amused look. "You were staring at him like a deer caught in headlights."

I flushed, feeling both embarrassed and annoyed. "I wasn't staring," I muttered, half-defensive, half-embarrassed.

"Uh-huh," Nick said, his grin widening. "So, you don't know who he is?"

I blinked, caught off guard. "What do you mean? Should I?"

Nick's eyebrows shot up. "It's Fred Hechinger, dude. You seriously don't recognize him?"

I stared at Nick, confusion written all over my face. "Fred Hechinger?” The name didn’t ring any bells, and Nick could see my blank expression clearly.

"I thought you were a film nerd," Nick said, raising and eyebrow as I struggled to connect the dots. "His face is on every poster and screen in this building right now."

My gaze instinctively shifted towards the big infor screen advertising the newest movie, Gladiator II. The bold poster featured the man that I had just spoken to, alongside Pedro Pascal and Paul Mescal.

"You really didn't recognize him?" Nick asked.

I felt my cheeks heat up as the realization hit. "I… I mean, I thought he looked familiar, but I wasn't sure," I admitted, flustered. "No wonder I couldn't stop staring. I bet he thinks I'm some weird fan."

My stomach flipped at the thought. I'd been acting like an awkward idiot in front of a pretty well-known actor without even realizing who he was.

Nick smirked. "Well, if you're gonna act like a fan girl, at least do it when I'm not watching."

"Shut up," I muttered, rolling my eyes. I still couldn't shake the feeling that I'd made a total fool of myself. "I didn't know, okay?"

The rest of my shift dragged on in boring monotony after the brief encounter. Nick had already clocked out, leaving me alone behind the counter. With the last movie nearing its end, I began cleaning up, wiping down the counters and restocking the shelves with candy.

The quiet hum of the soda machine and the muffled sound of a movie playing in one of the theaters were my only company. I tried not to think too much about earlier, but Fred's face kept popping into my mind.

I was deep in thought, wiping down the popcorn machine, when the sound of footsteps startled me. I turned around quickly, half expecting it to be my manager reminding me to lock up. Instead, it was him.

He looked slightly sheepish but undeniably charming, his hands stuffed into the pockets of his coat. "Hey," he said, his voice soft and a little hesitant.

"Oh," I stammered, caught completely off guard. "Hi. Um… Can I help you with anything?"

He smiled, one of those soft, slightly crooked smiles, and shook his head. "No just... thought I'd come back and... I don't know," he said, his gaze flickering down for a moment, like he was gathering his thoughts. "It's quieter now."

I blinked, caught off guard, then glancing around the empty lobby. "Oh yeah. We're almost closed," I replied, trying to sound casual, "How was the movie."

He ran a hand through his messy blonde hair, and shrugged. "It was good. A little intense, but I like that kind of stuff."

I tilted my head. "So, you're a movie buff?"

"Something like that," he said with a small grin. I looked at the poster on the wall behind him again. He looked nothing like the character in real life, his face was much friendlier, much more approachable. I knew that he was an actor now – thanks to Nick – but I didn't want him to know I knew.

"Have you seen Gladiator II yet? I heard it's a pretty good movie," I said, trying to act cool.

"Yeah," he replied, a slight laugh escaping. "A few times, actually."

"Oh, so you're one of those people who rewatch movies over and over again?" I teased lightly, folding my arms across my chest.

He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "You could say that. It's, uh, kind of a special project to me."

"Special how?" I asked, tilting my head again, genuinely curious.

He hesitated for a second, his grin faltering slightly, before shrugging. "It's the biggest movie I've ever been in."

I blinked at him, momentarily thrown off. I wasn't expecting him to admit it so casually. "Oh. You're... an actor."

"Yeah," he said, his grin turning slightly sheepish.

"That's, um, really cool. I'm sorry, I didn't recognize you earlier. I'm… kind of bad at keeping up with celebrities. I, uh... I'm Y/N, by the way."

"Fred," he said, offering a slightly crooked smile. "Nice to meet you, Y/N. And don't apologize, honestly, it's kind of refreshing. Most of the time, people either freak out or start asking for pictures."

"Guess I missed my chance to fangirl, huh?" I joked, trying to lighten the mood. He chuckled, and for a second I was distracted by how cute he was.

He tilted his head, his smile widening just a bit. "Well, since you missed your chance to fangirl, how about grabbing a drink instead?"

I blinked, not entirely sure I'd heard him right. "Wait… are you serious?"

"Yeah," he said with an easy shrug, though there was a hint of nervousness in his expression. "If you're free after your shift, of course. Unless you have better plans, like, I don't know, reorganizing popcorn buckets or something."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Reorganizing popcorn buckets is a pretty thrilling way to spend an evening, but I think I could make some time."

"Great," he said, his smile widening. "I'll wait."

"Wait, really?" I asked, startled.

"Yeah. Unless you'd rather bail," he teased, leaning back against the counter like he had all the time in the world.

Never in my life had I gotten things done so fast. I wasn't sure if it was the adrenaline of Fred watching me doing my work or excitement of knowing I was going to grab a drink with him – or both – but I managed to close up that cinema in record time.

As I grabbed my bag and headed toward the door, Fred straightened from where he'd been leaning against the counter, hands stuffed casually into his pockets. "Ready?"

I nodded, trying to suppress the nervous fluttering in my stomach. "Yeah. Do you have a place in mind?

He tilted his head, considering. "I passed a bar a couple of streets over on my way here. Looked low-key. How does that sound?"

"Perfect," I said, trying to sound nonchalant.

We stepped outside, and the cool night air was a relief after hours spent in the sauna-like heat of the cinema. The city felt hushed, the kind of quiet you only get after dark, punctuated by the distant sound of cars and the faint hum of streetlamps.

The walk was short, but I couldn't help stealing a few glances at him along the way. Under the soft glow of the streetlights, he looked so different from the posters plastered all over the cinema. Less polished, more real. And when he caught me staring, I felt a blush creep up my neck.

"You know," he said, a teasing edge to his voice, "I think you do recognize me."

I scoffed, looking away to hide my embarrassment. "I already told you I didn't."

"Mm-hmm," he hummed, clearly unconvinced.

"You don't mind hanging out with your local cinema employee, do you?" I joked after a brief pause, trying to ease the tension I felt rising in my chest.

Fred glanced at me, a small smile playing on his lips. "Not at all. You're better company than half the people I've met."

The bar wasn't crowded, which was a relief. The dim lighting and faint buzz of conversation made it feel intimate without being suffocating. Fred held the door open for me, and I thanked him, stepping inside and scanning for a spot to sit.

We slid into a booth near the back, and Fred leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. "What would you like to drink?" He asked, so I scanned the menu quickly.

"I think I'll just go for a beer," I replied to which he nodded and excused himself to go over to the bar and get our drinks.

The faint hum of a jukebox lingered in the background, and the soft glow of fairy lights hanging above gave the place a cozy, low-key vibe.

When he came back with two ice-cold bottles of Heinecken, I thanked him.

"I could've payed myself, you know?" I said, offering him a playful smile.

He waved his hand dismissively, setting the bottle in front of me. "Don't worry about it."

"Is this what you usually do after a movie? Find a random bar and invite strangers?"

Fred smirked, shaking his head. "Nope. This is a first, actually."

"Oh, so I'm special, huh?" I teased, leaning back against the booth.

"Something like that," he replied, his grin widening.

For a moment, we just sat there, sipping our beers, and the comfortable silence felt surprisingly natural. This wasn't something that happened to me, not in real life. Actors didn't stroll back into empty cinemas to chat with nobodies like me. And yet, here he was, smiling across the table like this was the most natural thing in the world.

"So," he said, leaning back against the booth, his gaze settling on me. "You still haven't told me your movie recommendation. What's something you think I have to watch?"

I tilted my head, pretending to think hard. "Hmm… depends. Are you looking for something fun or something that'll emotionally destroy you?"

He chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Emotionally destroy me? Sounds intense."

"Sometimes you just have to sob hysterically over fictional characters," I said, almost laughing at myself for that weird comment.

Fred thought it was funny, though, and laughed, warm and genuine. "Okay, hit me. What's the most devastating one you've got?"

I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the table, and listed off a couple of films, my enthusiasm growing as I talked. He listened intently, his gaze fixed on me, and it was only when I stopped talking that I realized how closely he was watching me.

"What?" I asked, suddenly self-conscious.

"Nothing," he said, a soft smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "You just… really light up when you talk about this stuff. It's nice."

I felt my cheeks heat up and took a sip of my beer to hide my embarrassment. "Well, you are talking to a cinema employee. Movies are kind of my thing."

"And here I thought this was just your day job," he teased, his tone light.

"Well, it is," I said, laughing. "But it doesn't mean I don't love it."

He nodded, taking another sip of his drink. "I get that. It's nice when work doesn't feel like… well, just work."

"Exactly," I said, smiling. "And you? What's the best part of your job?"

Fred hesitated, his expression softening as he thought about it. "I think it's when people connect with something I've done. Like, when they tell me a character or a story meant something to them. That's pretty special."

I nodded, leaning forward slightly. "That makes sense. And I guess playing an emperor probably didn't hurt, huh?"

He laughed, shaking his head. "So, you did recognise me!"

I felt my face getting red and hot immediately. "I'm sorry, I just- I didn't wanna seem like some weird fan. I've probably made it really worse now, though."

Fred's smile softened, and his eyes held mine for a moment longer than I expected. "I think it's cute."

My face burned even more, and I ducked my head, letting out a nervous laugh. "You're just saying that to make me feel better."

"I'm not," he replied, still grinning as he took another sip of his beer. "It's nice. Refreshing, even. You don't get that a lot in this business – people pretending they do't know you."

I groaned, covering my face with my hands. "To be fair, I actually didn't know at first!"

"Which is even better," he teased, his voice warm with amusement. "Honest confusion. It's a rare thing."

I peeked at him through my fingers before lowering my hands with an embarrassed smile. "Well, good. I'll just keep being 'refreshing,' then."

"If you had recognized me, what would you have done? Freaked out? Asked for an autograph?" He asked with a playful grin and I laughed, shaking my head. "No way. I probably just would've stared at you more than I aready did and made it even more awkward. You know, like a real professional."

He laughed too, the sound bright and genuine. "Well, I'm glad you didn't. I like this version of you better."

The way he said it, so casual but sincere, sent a flutter through my chest. I smiled, trying to play it cool. "You don't even know me yet."

He tilted his head, his expression soft. "Then let's change that."

And just like that, I felt the flutter again, stronger this time. I leaned back in my seat, trying to suppress the goofy grin threatening to spread across my face. "Alright, Fred. What do you want to know?"

"Everything," he replied simply, his tone light, but his eyes serious.

For a moment, I just stared at him, caught off guard by his answer, but I couldn't stop myself from smiling. "That’s a tall order."

He shrugged, leaning back with a playful smirk. "We've got time."

And somehow, sitting there in that dimly lit bar with a half-empty beer in my hand and Fred Hechinger watching me like I was the most interesting thing in the room, I believe him. There was something about the way he looked at me – like I wasn't just another face in the crowd – that made me feel seen, and it scared me how much I liked it.

I don't remember how long we sat there, lost in conversation. The bar seemed to dim around us, the hum of other patrons fading into the background until it was just the two of us, trading stories like old friends.

Eventually, the bartender gave us a look that said it was time to go. I glanced at my phone, surprised at how late it had gotten. "I should probably catch the last train," I said, half-apologetic.

Fred stood with me, pulling on his coat. "I'll walk you."

"You don't have to do that," I replied, but he was already waiting by the door.

Outside, the city felt different – quieter, softer, as if the night itself had been holding its breath for us. The walk to the train station wasn't long, but it stretched just enough to let the silence settle between us, comfortable and charged.

When we reached the stairs leading down to the platform, I turned to him. "Well… thanks for tonight. I had fun."

Fred smiled, hands shoved in his pockets. "Me too." And there it was again. The way he looked at me, steady and unassuming, like he wasn't in a rush to let the moment end.

He reached a hand out to my face. I noticed it slightly shaking. He carefully brushed a single strand of hair, I haven't even noticed it was in my eyelashes, out of my face.

"Sorry," he murmured, his voice softer now, almost as if he was afraid to break the quiet between us. His hand lingered for half a second before he pulled it back, tucking it into his pocket again. The corner of his mouth twitched into a sheepish smile, and I wondered if his heart was racing as much as mine.

I swallowed, my heart fluttering at the unexpected closeness. "It's okay."

I tried to find something to say, anything to fill the space, but my mind felt blank—too full of the way his touch had made my breath hitch.

The streetlamp above us cast a warm glow, and in its light, he looked almost unsure.

"I should–"

"I want to see you again," he interrupted, his voice gentle but firm.

My breath caught, and for a moment, all I could do was stare at him. He looked so certain, like it wasn't even a question worth hesitating over.

"I mean… if you'd want to," he added, the confidence faltering just slightly.

I couldn't stop the smile that tugged at my lips. "Yeah," I said softly, my pulse quickening. "I think I'd like that."

Fred's face lit up with a grin, one so genuine it made my stomach flip. "Good."

For a moment, we just stood there, neither of us moving. It felt like the kind of moment you didn't want to break, like holding onto it a little longer might make it last forever.

But the distant rumble of the approaching train reminded me that time didn't wait. I shifted, glancing toward the stairs. "I should probably..."

Fred nodded, his grin softening into something more thoughtful. "Yeah." He hesitated, then added, "Text me when you get home?"

Before I could respond, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a crumpled receipt from the bar we were just in. He smoothed it out awkwardly, then handed it to me. I took it, unfolding the paper to find his number scrawled across it in slightly messy handwriting.

I smiled, feeling a flutter in my chest. For some reason, this felt like the sweetest thing anyone had ever done for me. It meant he’d been thinking about giving me his number back at the bar. "I will."

He stepped back just enough to give me space, his hands back in his coat pockets. "Goodnight, Y/N."

"Goodnight, Fred."

I turned and descended the steps, the sound of the train growing louder with each step. At the platform, I glanced back one last time. He was still there at the top of the stairs, silhouetted against the glow of the streetlamp. He raised a hand in a small wave, and I waved back just as the train doors slid open.

As I sank into a seat by the window, the night’s events played over in my head like scenes from a movie, too perfect to feel real. But as the train pulled away, I couldn't stop the smile spreading across my face.

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let me know if you want a part 2 <3

[thcrns]

linked in the source is a completed gif pack (#282) of fred hechinger as danny in thelma (2024). these gifs were made from scratch by me so please don’t claim as your own, and read my rules before saving/using!! do not use to rp as fred himself, or to portray a minor. please give credit where credit is due, and give this post a like and/or reblog if you plan on saving/using!

keep in mind fred hechinger is a white (jewish) man born in 1999 (24) and was likely around 23 when the movie was filmed.

TW: eating (chewing), cars/driving

[rainjupiter4444]

Guys in horror I think deserve more hype

#1

Rory culkin

I think so many people hate him just because scream 4 is considered a new generation scream movie but I love scream 4 also I think Rory in scream 4 playing Charlie was amazing, the scene when he stabs Kirby was such a good reveal. I also think Rory is so hot and good at playing awkward people🤭

#2

any of the guys from the bowers gang from IT (2017)

Ok for this one heavy on Owen Teague and Nicholas Hamilton I think they both did such amazing jobs at playing their characters. There was a lot of stuff left out of the movies for good reason the book is very disturbing but I think they all did good at giving their characters personality. I think Owen Teague did a great job playing Patrick because people were so scared when they heard he was going to be in the movie because of how intense his character is in the book but I think he still gave Patrick his sense of psycho personality with facial expressions with what they could include in the movie. Also pretty much all of them are hot or cute in their own way💋

#3

 bill skarsgård

I think bill skarsgård is a phenomenal actor especially in horror he played pennywise so good in it 2017 and 2019. I think he really brings his characters to life and has a deep understanding of how to lure people in and then scare them such as how pennywise is so enticing in IT. I also think he is very cute and funny during interviews. He’s in #3 because I think he is pretty popular but he is perfect so🤷‍♀️.Theirs more reasons but I can’t think of them right now🤭

#4

Ashley zuckerman (in fear street)

I know this man is in his 40s but god damn is he fine that’s mostly why he is on this list but I think nick goodes character in fear street was very well thought out from the second movie where he is played by Ted Sutherland and in the rest of the movies when he is played by this lovely guy. IKNOW he is suposed to be evil but tbh he liked ziggy from when he was 16 in the movies to when he is around 40 that man is a keeper if I’ve ever seen one. I also like the fact that we really don’t know nick goode is the killer until fear street pt 2 and 3. Also I think the fear street fandom needs to come back because they are literally some of my fav movies and their is a new one coming out in 2025🤭🤭

#5

Fred Hechinger (in fear street)

I think Simon in fear street is so cute and quirky I think he shouldn’t have gotten killed off so fast he was my fav character the first time I watched it and still is. I think his character is supposed to be the comic relief person but I think him and Kate were the most relatable characters in the movie and ofc they were the ones to get killed off. He is so cute and funny in the movie and he feels like would be the best friend that would flirt with you or complement you all the time🤭

[justmeinadaze]

Ok so! Gladiator 2😁. I did enjoy it. I'm not upset I spent money on a ticket for it. Like I said Denzel did amazing but...

Spoilers underneath

I feel like his character was the only one to get any real character development. Paul Mescal is supposed to be the main character and someone we root for but I feel like where Russel Crowe stood out, his character was pretty forgettable.

Same kind of with the Emperors. Both Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger did really well with what they were given but alot wasnt explored with them. I wouldnt have minded more understanding on their relationship. It seemed like Geta always looked after him and cared for him deeply even when he was having an episode and Caracalla's mental state seemed to slowly be getting worse and worse but neither instances between the two are ever explored. We're just supposed to hate them because they're emperors.

With Joaquin Phoenix, you saw that decline and disrespect ooze from him through out the first movie and not only understood his motivations but hated him for it. With these 2, nothing was fully explored which also flowed to the other characters.

When Pedro and Connie's characters double cross them, to me, it was just "Oh ok well that happened." I wasnt worried for them because I hadnt seen any real brutality from them. Even if they had succeeded, it wouldnt have felt like the betrayal that was being displayed.

I cant help but wonder if it was the director himself or the writing as a whole. Because everyone shines when they get caught and Pedro's like "Torture me but please dont lecture me." And Joseph yells at him. That scene would have been more powerful if I fully understood their connection to him. Do they see him like a father? A doll? A friend? It seems like all the actors in the scene knew but the writing before didnt convey that or it was edited out.

That's my big thing with this film. The movies 2 and a half hours long yet everything was so rushed. We dont learn about the emperors, pedro and his relationship with his wife, the politics behind everything, Paul and his feelings towards his family and his turn of feelings when it came to pedro (this man who he was dead set on killing), the fights in general. Even the emperors taking over Rome in general was closed over with text on the screen at the beginning of the movie.

I just feel like this movie could have been another masterpiece but like I said either something within the writing or directing really took alot away and it shows.

I wouldnt mind writing for Geta. As an angst writer I love exploring the love and dynamics of having feelings for a complex and complicated man. Things are never black and white especially with people and while I imagine Geta is absolutely someone to be feared, he also seems loyal.

Again...would have loved to have seen MORE of that in the film but lol

[themosleyreview]

The Mosley Review: Gladiator 2

I believe the greatest burden of any sequel to an already successful original film, is the task of trying to make a successor worthy of the name that can surpass the original and meet all expectations. The all too easy trap of relying heavily on the nostalgia bait of reminding you that the sequel is connected while running through all the greatest moments and repeating their beats is prevalent in most. We all know that original Gladiator was a perfect film that is still used as a verb to gauge the quality of spectacle and storytelling and rightfully so. Like you, I asked the most important question once this film was announced: Why? Why make a sequel to a film that did not need one? Yes, there are more stories about the gladiatorial games and the many times Roman has fallen, rebuilt itself and fallen again, but is it necessary to frame this story in the confines of an already untainted legacy? Well I'm here to tell you that not only does this film fall into the trap formally mentioned, but it does show the fragility of the political landscape of Rome at the time. I just wish this film followed another path or different set of characters not related to the first film. It does deliver on what I've sorely missed in cinema and that is the epic feel of large scaled sword and shield battles that are dirty and blood soaked fun.

Paul Mescal stoically leads the familiar story branch of this multi-layered plot as Hanno. I liked his tenacity and raw intensity within the confines of the many fight sequences he expertly handles. He was a driven man and I loved his attitude and unwavering conviction. Paul brings the right amount of strength and compassion as the film progresses. Pedro Pascal delivers a great and more reserved performance in many ways as General Acacius. I loved that he was a reluctant combatant and leader in the Roman campaign to conquer all. There is a weariness in his eyes that was expertly explored many times and I loved that he got a moment of repentance with Hanno. Connie Nielsen continues to exude her regal and elegant nature from the first film, but now as a more seasoned and plotting Lucilla. She repeats the same plot again in this film, but there is a caveat this time around that has been seen many times in other stories. There is an emotional reunion in the film that I liked and Connie delivers a stellar performance in it. Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger were fantastic as the twin Roman Emperors Geta and Caracalla. Geta was the more unchecked ambitious one while Caracalla was more debaucherous brother that wasn't all there mentally. Their dynamic kept the tension of the political game alive and showed why they were never really fit for their roles as Emperors. Denzel Washington delivers his most slippery and slimy performance as Macrinus. It has been a long time since I have seen Denzel dive deep back into the villainous role and he was ever so riveting and playful. He was the pure definition of "taking advantage of a fragile situation and navigating how to come out on top". He was quick, efficient and devilish in his smile.

The score by composer and long time collaborator, Harry Gregson-Williams, was fantastic and as epic as it should be. It comes to life in the action sequences and especially in the more emotional moments. The gladiatorial fights are a highlight in the film as they provide story and spectacle, but also you see the many references to the original film. As I said before, I love the sword and shield genre of film and very few can handle it with grace like this director can. Where the film falters for me is the constant reminders of a better film that I just rebought on 4K Bluray Disc. The reunion story was a weaker part for me as I was more interested in how the politics of Rome were being executed. There are multiple vengeance plots happening and it all kind of felt clumsy in toward the end as we rush to the finish line. In the end, I was entertained by it, but not floored by it at all. Director Ridley Scott is a master at creating epics, but this is one film in his filmography that I wish he never touched. Let me know what thought of the film or my review in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

[news4usonline]

‘Gladiator II’ is one great film 

Gladiator II compliments the first Gladiator film well. The sequel has all of the hero swashbuckling action as in the initial Ridley Scott movie. The difference in the second Gladiator flick is the dominating presence of Denzel Washington. Washington owns the room in all of the scenes he’s in.  Washington’s character is Macrinus. As in all of his roles, Washington’s every move as Macrinus commands your attention in a way that recalls his dastardly underhanded character in “Training Day,” a role in which he was awarded an Oscar as the lead actor. 

Denzel Washington plays Macrinus in Gladiator II from Paramount Pictures This is what makes Washington the special talent that he is. Audiences are so used to Washington playing the good guy we all root for that whenever he flips the script as he does with Macrinus we are reminded of his greatness as a thespian. Washington can bring an undeniable presence to his character as he does with Macrinus whether he has a speaking part or simply serves as lord of the moment as he cunningly watches and quietly plots.  Meanwhile, Rome, led by its ruthless leaders Emperor Gets (Joseph Quinn) and Emperor Caracalla (Fred Hechinger) has gone about its business to conquer one territory after another.  The saying that to the victors come the spoils was not hype for Rome and its territorial soldiers. Eventually, this led to the downfall of the Roman Empire.

Connie Nielsen plays Lucilla in Gladiator II from Paramount Pictures Gladiator II touches on this narrative throughout as the first movie did. It is here amid all the chaotic growth and tumultuous times in Rome that the lives of the film’s power players become intertwined.  This would include the avenging Lucius (Paul Mescal), a loyalty-torn Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), and a war-weary general (Pedro Pascal) who entertains thoughts of rebellion.  That’s a lot of star power. Sometimes when a film has many high-profile actors chemistry can be thrown off or a project just doesn’t come together as well as it should. In Gladiator II, that is not the issue. Everything clicks. Under the direction of Scott, the stars make the film work.  And yes, we are entertained again.  The spectacle of Gladiator II makes the film worth watching. Then when you throw in the magnetic acting of Washington, the irreplaceable charisma of Nielsen aided by a solid performance by Pascal (Marcus Acaicus), and the hero swag of Mescal, you’re going to have something that equals out to a quality product.  Gladiator II is a lot more than substance. It’s why we go to the movies in the first place. Everyone likes a good show. Gladiator II provides this. Like in the first Gladiator, while there is a lot of dialogue, there are plenty of action sequences to balance the movie. 

Paul Mescal plays Lucius and Pedro Pascal plays Marcus Acacius in Gladiator II from Paramount Pictures As in the first film, the formula works similarly with that same rah-rah, popcorn appeal. We see a family man driven into a dire situation before rising again through only one manageable escape route.  The pathway of a gladiator is not kind. It is brutal. And it is truly in this arena where the best of the best survives. We get a whole lot of this in Gladiator II. But what makes Gladiator II an outstanding film are the tender moments of intellectual conversations between Lucilla and a brooding Marcus Acaicus and the scheming deceptiveness of Macrinus.  Lucius, on the other hand, is a man fueled by anger. The only thing that can quiet his ongoing rage is getting even with those who brought it on. That would be the entire empire of Rome. And that’s a whole lot of pent-up frustration.   This is good. Every movie has to have a foil. Gladiator II has several. The film has its hero, too. Sometimes, the lines separating the good guys and the bad gets blurred. However, by the movie's end, it is starkly clear who the bad guys are and who is worthy to be redeemed. Led Photo Caption: Paul Mescal plays Lucius in Gladiator II from Paramount Pictures Read the full article

[miricuss]

He is the purest human in the whole world 💘

[themovieblogonline]

If you thought Marvel was done surprising us, think again! Enter Kraven the Hunter, the latest standalone origin story hitting theaters December 13, and Marvel’s first R-rated action-packed entry into the Spider-Man villain catalog. Aaron Taylor-Johnson steps into the shoes (or rather, the hunting boots) of Kraven, a brutal anti-hero who takes “daddy issues” to the next level. With gritty realism, complex characters, and enough intense action to keep you gripping your popcorn, this film promises a fierce new villain whose family drama rivals a mobster saga. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Z9cjuLfkuE In case you missed it, the new vignette, The Making of a Villain, gives us an inside look at Kraven’s journey from a conflicted young man to one of Marvel’s most feared hunters. Let’s dive into what makes Kraven the Hunter a must-see for Marvel fans and thrill-seekers alike. A Family Affair…with Fangs Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s Kraven isn’t just any hunter; he’s a man with a bone to pick, and his father, Nikolai Kravinoff (played by Russell Crowe), isn’t exactly winning any father-of-the-year awards. Crowe, stepping into a rugged mob-boss role, plays a gangster who influences Kraven’s journey to becoming a bloodthirsty, justice-driven anti-hero. And we’re not talking the “loving, misunderstood” dad type here; Nikolai is ruthless, and Kraven’s complex relationship with him adds the kind of emotional depth that superhero flicks sometimes miss. The family tension at the heart of Kraven the Hunter sets it apart from the usual superhero vs. villain showdown. Think of it as The Godfather with claws and some serious daddy drama. It’s a unique setup that gives audiences a reason to root for—or at least understand—Kraven’s relentless quest. The Gritty Realism Behind the Madness Marvel took a fresh approach with Kraven the Hunter, leaning heavily into practical effects, which gives the film an immersive, raw feel. Even with a CGI jaguar (because no Marvel origin story is complete without a majestic animal), the emphasis on realism makes every punch, kick, and roar feel that much closer. Director J.C. Chandor and the production team chose to prioritize practical action over CGI spectacles, giving Kraven a unique edge. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, in a recent interview, shared that the raw, hands-on nature of the action sequences was a standout for him, saying, “The audience will feel every hit, every bruise. It’s intense, but it’s what Kraven is all about.” Meet the Fearsome Cast of Kraven the Hunter Alongside Taylor-Johnson and Crowe, Kraven the Hunter brings an impressive lineup. Ariana DeBose, known for her powerhouse performances, steps in as Calypso, a voodoo priestess with a mystical flair and an undeniable connection to Kraven. It’s always a pleasure to see DeBose on screen, and her role adds an extra layer of intrigue to the plot. Fred Hechinger joins the cast as Dmitri Smerdyakov, the Chameleon—a character that Marvel fans will know has plenty of tricks up his sleeve. This lineup of talent, combined with a villain-first storyline, makes Kraven a refreshing addition to the Marvel world. Hechinger’s portrayal of the Chameleon introduces a new element of deception, keeping us guessing who’s on Kraven’s side and who’s waiting to betray him. Why Kraven Is Marvel’s Grittiest Tale Yet What sets Kraven the Hunter apart is its unapologetically raw and visceral style. The film’s R-rating isn’t just for show; it dives into brutal violence, language, and some intense scenes that push it beyond Marvel’s usual family-friendly boundaries. Kraven’s character is complex, and his fight scenes are designed to make us feel the weight of every decision he makes and every blow he delivers. Director J.C. Chandor’s vision brings out the rugged edges of Kraven’s world, from the muddy forests to the backroom confrontations. This isn’t your average Marvel flick, and it doesn’t want to be. Kraven the Hunter is designed to break the mold, giving audiences a darker, more intense look at what motivates a man to become one of the world’s most feared hunters. Final Verdict: Kraven the Hunter Is a Wild Ride Worth Watching Whether you’re a die-hard Marvel fan or just in the mood for an action-thriller with some serious bite, Kraven the Hunter delivers. With a talented cast, a brutal yet relatable backstory, and intense visuals that hit home, this movie promises to be one of the most exciting releases this December. Kraven the Hunter isn’t just a villain origin story; it’s a family feud wrapped in vengeance and blood, a wild ride that shows us the making of a villain we’ll both love and fear. So, mark your calendars and get ready for Kraven the Hunter when it premieres in theaters on December 13. This isn’t your typical superhero flick; it’s a brutal, complex, and unforgettable look into the life of a man on the edge.

[april-pad]

The Denzil Washington Effect - What Did He Do This Time?

You could toss a coin and either side may fall on Denzil Washington. After more than six decades, this American still holds sway over the world, its people, and its culture. Yet, that was not how I pictured him as a young boy watching him move from TV's Wilma to the big screen's Carbon Copy (1981). Back then, we were overjoyed to see the young Afro-American stealing the show. Not even my dad, ever dreamed that Washington would reach this far. Once, when we were rewatching Glory(1989), we had to pause the cassette while my Dad took a call.  However, he did predict that "he's gonna take all the Grammys."

Denzil Washington - The Roman Arms Dealer

Recently, Vanity Fair released new updates on the upcoming sequel Gladiator 2, starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Fred Hechinger, and Joseph Quinn. There was not enough space for chatter. However, according to the Hindustan Times, the high point that garnered more comments was Washington's role as a wealthy, Roman trader who raised gladiators instead of horses. movie. The article stated that "even as fans enthusiastically reacted to the first images of Gladiator 2, it was one look at Denzel Washington's character that garnered the maximum attention." The actor's role in the upcoming film sparked an educative debate on Vanity Fair. Notably, the reaction came in response to director Ridley Scott stating, “Denzel is an arms dealer who supplies food for the armies in Europe, supplies wine and oil, makes steel, makes spears, weapons, cannons, and catapults. So he is a very wealthy man. Instead of having a stable of racehorses, he has a stable of gladiators.” As expected not everyone was supportive of the move with one user questioning black folk in Roman history.  “Black Roman Imperator? Ahshhahahahhah Great job woke historians,” read a comment. Another said, “What in the woke is that casting? Can you leave period movies out of all this please??” However,  another user was quick to defend Wahington, giving a short history lesson. “lol this comment section ain’t it: first, no Denzel is not even playing an emperor here, he’s playing a wealthy merchant, and secondly, for god's sake THERE WAS A BLACK EMPEROR: Septimus Severus. Google is free people.” Washington will continue to impress the world and its people. He'll always be there whether it be his healthy habit, humility, or the big screen. Read the full article

[tomorrowedblog]

Friday Releases for October 20

Friday is the busiest day of the week for new releases, so we've decided to collect them all in one place. Friday Releases for October 20 include Killers of the Flower Moon, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Spider-Man 2, and more.

Killers of the Flower Moon

Killers of the Flower Moon, the new movie from Martin Scorsese, is out today.

At the turn of the 20th century, oil brought a fortune to the Osage Nation, who became some of the richest people in the world overnight. The wealth of these Native Americans immediately attracted white interlopers, who manipulated, extorted, and stole as much Osage money as they could before resorting to murder. Based on a true story and told through the improbable romance of Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Mollie Kyle (Lily Gladstone), “Killers of the Flower Moon” is an epic western crime saga, where real love crosses paths with unspeakable betrayal.

Butcher’s Crossing

Butcher’s Crossing, the new movie from Gabe Polsky, is out today.

Academy Award winner Nicolas Cage (1996, Best Actor, Leaving Las Vegas) stars in a gritty story about buffalo hunters in the Old West. Will Andrews (Fred Hechinger) has left Harvard to find adventure. He teams up with Miller (Cage), a mysterious frontiersman offering an unprecedented number of buffalo pelts in a secluded valley. Their crew must survive an arduous journey where the harsh elements will test everyone’s resolve, leaving their sanity on a knife’s edge.

Old Dads

Old Dads, the new movie from Bill Burr, is out today.

A cranky middle-aged dad and his two best friends find themselves out of step in a changing world of millennial CEOs and powerful preschool principals.

Sick Girl

Sick Girl, the new movie from Jennifer Cram, is out today.

When Wren Pepper (Nina Dobrev) feels her closest friends slipping away, she lets loose a little white lie that snowballs into a colossal, life-altering event. Jennifer Cram’s feature film debut is a hilarious take on the price of insecurity and the rewards of true friendship.

Sayen: Desert Road

Sayen: Desert Road, the new movie from Alexander Witt, is out today.

After hunting down the mercenaries who murdered her grandmother to illegally take control of their land in the Araucanía, Sayen (Rallen Montenegro) follows a lead to the picturesque desolation of the Atacama Desert. There she teams up with a young Atacameño girl, Quimal (Katalina Sánchez), looking to save her town from becoming an arid wasteland due to Actaeon’s exploitative water usage led by (Enrique Arce). The two must team up with a charismatic but dubious Narco (Jorge López) to save Quimal’s father and uncover Actaeon’s corruptive practices, which flows up to the highest levels of Chilean government.

If You Were The Last

If You Were The Last, the new movie from Kristian Mercado, is out today.

Adam and Jane are three years into a NASA mission that has gone very wrong: Their ship is broken and drifting between Jupiter and Saturn. Finding ways to pass the time as they become certain that no one is coming to save them, they argue over what to do. One day, Adam poses that maybe they should sleep together; Jane laughs the idea off, but it prompts a flirty debate about whether they’re better off spending their remaining days as friends or something more.

Creature

Creature, the new TV series from Çağan Irmak, is out today.

When tragedy befalls a reckless scientist in Ottoman-era Istanbul, his student uses untested methods to finish his work — with devastating consequences.

Upload S3

The third season of Upload, the TV series from Greg Daniels, is out today.

In Season 3, the recently downloaded Nathan and Nora start an IRL relationship while taking down Freeyond. Meanwhile, a digital copy of Nathan is brought to life in Lakeview where he explores an alternate path with Ingrid. Aleesha is promoted to manager and has a new workplace love interest, and a lonely Luke looks for work in the Grey Zone.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Super Mario Bros. Wonder, the new game from Nintendo, is out today.

Surprise and wonder await at every corner in the next evolution of 2D side-scrolling Mario fun!

Spider-Man 2

Spider-Man 2, the new game from Insomniac Games and Sony Interactive Entertainment, is out today.

Nine months after the events of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, we find Miles still enlisting Peter’s help, but when the mysterious symbiote appears, Peter and Miles’ relationships are put to the test. Peter begins to change as he gains symbiote powers, and Miles, Mary Jane, Harry, and the rest of the friend group must help Peter while also facing the impending threats from a cast of new villains like Kraven, Lizard, Sandman, and Venom!

Lahai

Lahai, the new album from Sampha, is out today.

[average-guy-reviews]

Butcher’s Crossing (2023)

“An Ivy League dropout travels to the Colorado wilderness, where he joins a team of buffalo hunters on a journey that puts his life and sanity at risk.” 

I had seen a poster for this film before I was approached to review it, and that was enough to intrigue me. A bald, bearded, scarred up Nic Cage? Who wouldn’t jump at the chance to see this before most people? When I looked at the description, and the details, of the film I paused. Nic Cage in a Western? Not a phrase, or combination of words I ever recall hearing before....and not a combination I can ever say I had considered. I put the film on and crossed my fingers. I’ll say this...my fingers uncrossed quickly and stayed uncrossed. I was pleasantly surprised. 

However, this is a film, based on a book, about a particularly dark time in the early history of America. Hunters in America almost exterminated an entire species. The American bison numbered somewhere between 30 – 60 million, and hunters drove that number down to around 300. 

Nicolas Cage plays a man called Miller. He is a man obsessed with one particular herd of buffalo that no-one else even believes is still out there. He believes this herd has very special buffalo when it comes to the quality of their hides etc. He has, to begin with, a level of quiet menace about him. Being so used to the manic, energetic person that he usually plays this really was a nice change. Overall, this is a solid performance from this cinematic legend. One thin g I did notice about Cage’s character, and the film, is the blatantly obvious parallels with Herman Melville’s classic novel, Moby Dick. Miller’s obsession drives him to do things no sane man would do and put his “crew” in dangerous situations, exactly like Captain Ahab. Cage rides the wave of steadily rising obsession smoothly, and you can watch it creep into his characterisation right through the film. 

Fred Hechinger plays Will Andrews, the Ivy League dropout. He is to Miller what Ishmael is to Ahab. He comes to Butcher’s crossing seemingly seeking an epiphany and wants to go out on a hunt to find it. Turned down by ‘official’ hunters he turns to Miller and, while he apparently finds what he wanted, I was left wondering if what he’d gone through to get it was truly worth it. Hechinger’s performance sees a young, naïve, man slowly change into a much more worldly man. Watching him was intriguing because his is not a face I know, and it’s always great to see newer talent shine in performances like this. 

The rest of the cast, including Rachel Keller, Paul Raci, Xander Berkeley and Jeremy Bobb, is well chosen. The standout from them though, for me anyway, is Jeremy Bobb as a member of the crew Miller puts together. Physically he goes through more than the rest by a country mile, and yet he still finds time for a smile and some laughter. He definitely plans for what he’s going to do when they get back to ‘civilisation’. It’s a really honest, and solid performance from him. 

One thing that really stands out for me with this film is the simplicity. The story is easy to understand, the characters are relatable (as much as they can be from near 200 years ago), and the cinematography is simple. The film looks crisp and beautiful, with nothing standing out as out of time or glaringly not of the period. The director’s choices for this film all work really well and, along with the performances, have created a film that is dark and gritty, with elements of emotional growth and warmth, as well as showing just how extreme a period it was. The choice to use actual historical images at the beginning, and the end, of the film was inspired. It really drove home the message about what the time was like, and just how nightmarish the near extinction of these magnificent creatures was. 

Overall this is a really good film. It was much more than I expected and is definitely up there as one of the best performances I have seen of Mr. Nicolas Cage. I believe it’s only getting a limited release and that is a shame because I feel like this deserves a much bigger audience than it is likely to get. One of the most important things about this film is that it is filmed in partnership with the Blackfeet Tribe in Montana, who are one of the main groups focusing on the rehabilitation and care of the current herds of bison in the states. The film is getting a 3.5/5 with a full recommendation to go and see it if you can.  

[thcrns]

linked in the source is a revamped gif pack (#135) originally posted on my sideblog @gibsongrl​ of fred hechinger as simon kalivoda in fear street: 1994 (2021). these gifs were made from scratch by me so please don’t claim as your own, and read my rules before saving/using!! do not use to rp as fred himself or to portray a minor. please give credit where credit is due, and give this post a like and/or reblog if you plan on saving/using!

keep in mind fred is a white (jewish) cis man and was born on december 2, 1999 (22). he was likely 19 when filming, so please use accordingly.

TW: blood, drugs, body image