Moviefone Editorial

Author: Wendy Lee Szany

  • Where To Watch Horror Thriller ‘Knock At The Cabin’

    Dave Bautista in 'Knock at the Cabin,' directed by M. Night Shyamalan.
    Dave Bautista in ‘Knock at the Cabin,’ directed by M. Night Shyamalan.

    Knock Knock! The Dave Bautista-led psychological thriller ‘Knock At The Cabin’ is coming to Peacock on March 24th.

    Inspired by Paul Tremblay’s ‘The Cabin at the End of the World’, the M. Night Shyamalan reimagined film stars Dave Bautista (‘Guardians of the Galaxy‘), Ben Aldridge (‘Spoiler Alert‘), Jonathan Groff (‘The Matrix Resurrections‘), Nikki Amuka-Bird (‘Old‘), Abby Quinn (‘Torn Hearts’), Rupert Grint (‘Servant‘), and newcomer Kristen Cui.

    hzcZEBpo9jxr73Re3fZXG2

    The trailer for the film certainly did its job of putting the audience at unease as four strangers stroll up to the remote vacation cabin of Eric (Jonathan Groff), Andrew (Ben Aldridge), and Wen (Kristen Cui), holding them hostage while asking them to make an unthinkable and difficult decision in order to save the world from its end.

    The official synopsis for ‘Knock At The Cabin’ is below:

    “While vacationing at a remote cabin, a young girl and her parents are taken hostage by four armed strangers who demand that the family make an unthinkable choice to avert the apocalypse. With limited access to the outside world, the family must decide what they believe before all is lost.”

    While The Rotten Tomatoes scores from both critics and audiences sit around 65% (67% from critics and 63% from the audience), the one thing everyone can agree on is the performance by Dave Bautista. The wrestler-turned-actor is known for portraying Drax The Destroyer in Marvel’s ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and can be seen been many titles such as ‘Spectre’, ‘Army of the Dead’, ‘Dune’, ‘Glass Onion’, and more. Bautista plays Leonard in the film, the leader of the group of strangers who arrives at Eric and Andrew’s remote cabin. Quite opposite from Drax, Leonard’s character is pensive and quiet, and Bautista’s captivating performance is definitely something to watch for in this film.

    Ben Aldridge, Kristen Cui, Jonathan Groff and Dave Bautista in 'Knock at the Cabin,' directed by M. Night Shyamalan.
    (R to L) Ben Aldridge, Kristen Cui, Jonathan Groff and Dave Bautista in ‘Knock at the Cabin,’ directed by M. Night Shyamalan.

    Related Article: Movie Review: ‘Knock at the Cabin’

    Don’t Expect The Usual Shyamalan Twist In This Movie

    Many Shyamalan thrillers have often ended with an unexpected twist that’ll get a huge reaction from audiences, becoming the hot topic in conversations for weeks after the film, such as ‘The Sixth Sense’ or ‘The Village.’ Now, it is almost expected from an M Night Shyamalan title. While the screen adaptation for ‘Knock At The Cabin’ diverted in parts from the novel, the end still plays out similarly. Therefore, don’t expect the signature Shyamalan twist in ‘Knock At The Cabin’

    Where Can I Watch ‘Knock at the Cabin’?

    The film premiered on February 3rd, 2023. It opened at $14.2 million and has grossed $35.3 million since. You can still experience the horror-thriller in theaters. Be sure to check your local listings and Moviefone for showtimes in your area. ‘Knock At The Cabin’ has a total runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes.

    Buy Tickets: ‘Knock at the Cabin’ Movie Showtimes

    Watch the official trailers for Knock At The Cabin’ below:

    yVDwnj4x

    When Will It Be Available To Stream Online?

    The movie became available for PVOD on February 2. You can rent the title for $19.99 or purchase the digital copy for $24.99 on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, and Direct TV.

    And great news for Peacock subscribers, who can stream the movie starting March 24th.

    Where To Watch: ‘Knock at the Cabin’ Online

    Prefer the own the physical copy? ‘Knock At The Cabin’ will be available to purchase on DVD and Blu-Ray on May 9th with over 40 minutes of bonus features, deleted scenes, and featurettes as listed below:

    • Chowblaster Infomercial – Enjoy an extended cut of the TV infomercial from the film that features an appearance by M. Night Shyamalan himself.
    • Choosing Wisely: Behind the Scenes of Knock at the Cabin – Examine what drew M. Night Shyamalan to adapt this terrifying story, and how the relationships between characters were unlike any this ensemble cast had ever played before.
    • Tools of the Apocalypse – Explore the creation of some of the film’s most terrifying props and learn why they play such an important role in the story
    • Drawing a Picture – See how M. Night Shyamalan envisions his shots in advance of ever turning on the camera, through his extensive use of storyboards.

    Buy ‘Knock at the Cabin’ On Amazon

    Director and co-writer M. Night Shyamalan on the set of his film 'Knock at the Cabin.'
    Director and co-writer M. Night Shyamalan on the set of his film ‘Knock at the Cabin.’ © Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    M. Night Shyamalan Film To Watch

    Craving more horror-thriller with an unexpected surprise? Check out the following titles from the director :

    Dave Bautista, Abby Quinn, and Nikki Amuka-Bird in 'Knock at the Cabin,' directed and co-written by M. Night Shyamalan.
    (L to R) Dave Bautista, Abby Quinn, and Nikki Amuka-Bird in ‘Knock at the Cabin,’ directed and co-written by M. Night Shyamalan. © Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    See Dave Bautista In These Titles

    Whether fighting alongside the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ as Drax the Destroyer or as the ever-intimidating Glossu “Beast” Rabban Harkonnen in the upcoming ‘Dune: Part Two’, Dave Bautista has proven that he is a multi-facet actor with a promising career:

    M. Night Shyamalan and Ben Aldridge on the set 'Knock at the Cabin.'
    (L to R) M. Night Shyamalan and Ben Aldridge on the set ‘Knock at the Cabin.’

  • Where To Watch ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’

    Jamie Lee Curtis as Deirdre Beaubeirdre, and Michelle Yeoh as Evelyn Quan Wang in A24's 'Everything Everywhere All at Once.'
    (L to R) Jamie Lee Curtis as Deirdre Beaubeirdre, and Michelle Yeoh as Evelyn Quan Wang in A24’s ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once.’

    Watch out MCU! There’s a different kind of multiverse in town, complete with hot dog fingers.

    ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ has taken this awards season by storm. The A24 movie won big at the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing. The film’s leading stars Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan won the Golden Globes for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor respectively, and co-star Jamie Lee Curtis took home the award for Best Supporting Actress. The movie swept at the Screen Actors Guild Awards with Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan being the first Asian actors to win in the film category.

    All (googly) eyes were on ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ as the 95th Academy Awards drew near. The film was nominated for 11 awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Original Song, Best Costume Design, and Best Film Editing. The film won in 7 categories including Best Actress (Michelle Yeoh), Best Supporting Actor (Ke Huy Quan), Best Supporting Actress (Jamie Lee Curtis), Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Director, and Best Picture.

    WRQZaCyl9bpOi032c7Ljx4

    In the wild trailer for ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’, we see Michelle Yeoh (‘Shang-Chi And The Legend Of Ten Rings‘) not just as an exhausted immigrant mother Evelyn Wang, but also as a movie star, a martial artist, and many other variants from different universes.

    The film is written and directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, collectively known as “The Daniels” and it is described as “a big-hearted sci-fi adventure about an exhausted Chinese American woman (Michelle Yeoh) who can’t seem to finish her taxes”. And this is just in one universe. Throughout the movie, we meet many variants of the characters from parallel universes as every life choice creates a new alternative universe. Evelyn must work with the Alpha-verse variant Waymond to save the multiverse from Jobu Tupaki, a variant of Evelyn’s daughter, Joy.

    The film also stars Ke Huy Quan (‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom‘) as Waymond Wang, Stephanie Hsu (‘Poker Face‘) as Joy Wang, Jamie Lee Curtis (‘Halloween Ends‘) as IRS inspector Deirdre Beaubeirdre, and James Hong (‘Wendell & Wild‘) as Evelyn’s father.

    Michelle Yeoh at the 95th Oscars on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
    Michelle Yeoh at the 95th Oscars on Sunday, March 12, 2023. The 95th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC at 8 p.m. EDT/5 p.m. PDT.

    Michelle Yeoh Making History

    We have long enjoyed seeing Michelle Yeoh’s incredible work on the big screen. From executing death-defying stunts in ‘Supercop’ to the poised and formidable Eleanor Young in ‘Crazy Rich Asians’, Yeoh has over 60 movie and television credits under her belt. Playing Evelyn Wang in ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ gave Yeoh a chance to show off her incredible range. In an interview with the LA Times, she speaks about being approached by The Daniels for the role:

    “The first thing is you feel like, ‘Finally, thank you. You guys see me, you guys really see, and you’re giving me the opportunity to show that I’m capable of doing all this.’ As an actor, you need the opportunity. You need the role that will help you showcase what you are capable to do.”

    Yeoh’s win for outstanding performance by a female actor in a leading role at the Screen Actor’s Guild made her the first Asian woman to win in the film category. She is also the first woman to be identified as Asian to be nominated and win for Best Actress at the 95th Academy Awards.

    Michelle Yeoh really is everywhere all at once. Catch the Award-winning actress in the upcoming Disney+ series ‘American Born Chinese’ as Quanyin. She’ll also be in James Cameron’s ‘Avatar 3’, ‘Wicked’, ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beast’, and ‘A Haunting In Venice’

    Ke Huy Quan poses backstage with the Oscar® for Actor in a Supporting Role during the live ABC telecast of the 95th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
    Ke Huy Quan poses backstage with the Oscar® for Actor in a Supporting Role during the live ABC telecast of the 95th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

    Related Article: ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ Wins (Almost) Everything at the 2023 Oscars

    Ke Huy Quan’s Return To Hollywood

    Many will recognize Ke Huy Quan from his role in the 1984 film ‘Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom’ as Indy’s young companion Short Round. Quan also starred in the 1985 cult classic ‘The Goonies’ as the aspiring inventor Data. So why did Quan stop acting? In an interview with People magazine, the actor said he never intended to stop acting but there weren’t any roles for him.

    “I was waiting for the phone to ring, and it rarely did.”

    With little to no opportunities, Quan made the difficult decision to step away from acting. Instead, he focused on being behind the camera and became an assistant director and stunt coordinator. After seeing ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ he passion for acting reignited and he auditioned for ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’. Not only did he land the leading role, he also performed his own stunts in the iconic fight scene in the movie armed with only his fanny pack.

    With his triumphant return and a shiny Oscar statuette, Ke Huy Quan is landing roles left and right, including upcoming Disney+ series ‘Loki’ season two and ‘American Born Chinese’ (alongside EEAAO cast mates Michelle Yeoh and Stephanie Hsu), executive produced by Shang-Chi’s Destin Daniel Cretton.

    Stephanie Hsu, Michelle Yeoh, and Ke Huy Quan in 'Everything Everywhere All at Once.'
    (L to R) Stephanie Hsu, Michelle Yeoh, and Ke Huy Quan in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once.’ Photo Credit: Allyson Riggs.

    Where Can I Watch ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once?

    The film premiere on March 11, 2022 at SXSW and had a limited release on March 25, 2022. It released nationwide on April 8, 2022 and has earned $106.7 million worldwide. You can still see the sci-fi action in theaters and it is worth seeing on the big screen. ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ has a total runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes.

    Buy Tickets: ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ Movie Showtimes

    Watch the official trailer for ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ below:

    Va5ErdAG

    When Will It Be Available To Stream Online?

    The movie is available for Showtime subscriber. The subscription starts at $11 a month. Alternatively, you can purchase the digital copy for $19.99 on other platforms.

    Where To Watch: ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’’ Online

    Prefer the own the physical copy? ‘Everything Everywhere All A Once’ is available for purchase on DVD and Blu-Ray as of July 5, 2022.

    Buy Everything Everywhere All at Once On Amazon

    Michelle Yeoh in 'Everything Everywhere All at Once.'
    Michelle Yeoh in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once.’ Photo Credit: Courtesy of A24.

    Other Films That Explore The Multiverse

    ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ is more than a multiverse-jumping sci-fi action movie. It also touches on family, relationships, the daily struggle and pressure of running a business. Complete with stunning visions and incredible fight choreography.

    Check out the following films that explore an alternate universe:

    See Michelle Yeoh In Action In These Titles

    Whether she’s gliding effortlessly over the top of trees in ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ or jumping universes in ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’, Michelle Yeoh has been in an extensive and impressive list of movies that is worth checking out:

    Michelle Yeoh in 'Everything Everywhere All at Once.'
    Michelle Yeoh in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once.’ Photo Credit: Courtesy of A24.

  • Where To Watch The Action Thriller ‘Plane’

    Daniella Pineda as Bonnie Lane, Gerard Butler as Brodie Torrance, and Yoson An as Samuel Dele in 'Plane.'
    (L to R) Daniella Pineda as Bonnie Lane, Gerard Butler as Brodie Torrance, and Yoson An as Samuel Dele in ‘Plane.’ Photo Credit: Kenneth Rexach.

    Talk about a movie that’ll make you think twice before booking your next flight.

    ‘Plane’ is the latest action-thriller that is plenty of fun with elements of ‘Con Air’, ‘Speed’, and ‘The Grey’. Packed with passengers trying to get home in time to ring in the New Year, the weather takes a turn for the worse and pilot Brodie Torance is forced to makes an emergency landing on a remote island. The passengers are safe from the deadly storm and lightning strikes, but the island they have just landed on is filled with more danger than they realize.

    The film is directed by Jean-François Richet (‘Assault on Precinct 13‘) and stars Gerard Butler (‘Greenland‘) as commercial pilot Brodie Torrance, and Mike Colter (‘South Of Heaven‘) as accused murderer Louise Gaspare. As the movie tagline says “survive together or die along”, the two must learn to work together to survive the violent rebel group on the island.

    s76Z6PI9uD4e73giwOoFC5

    The official synopsis for ‘Plane’ is:

    “In the white-knuckle action movie “Plane,” pilot Brodie Torrance (Gerard Butler) saves his passengers from a lightning strike by making a risky landing on a war-torn island — only to find that surviving the landing was just the beginning. When most of the passengers are taken hostage by dangerous rebels, the only person Torrance can count on for help is Louis Gaspare (Mike Colter), an accused murderer who was being transported by the FBI. In order to rescue the passengers, Torrance will need Gaspare’s help, and will learn there’s more to Gaspare than meets the eye.”

    Butler is no stranger to action-packed movies such as ‘Plane’. From his portrayal as King Leonidas in ‘300’ to the ‘Olympus Has Fallen’ trilogies, you know you’re going to have a good time in the theater with him in the lead. Mike Colter is known for his role as the title character in Netflix’s hit Marvel series ‘Luke Cage’, and like Butler, is no stranger to action. With him playing opposite Butler, the pair creates an dynamic relationship that is worth watching.

    The film also stars Yoson An (‘Mulan‘), Tony Goldwyn (‘People We Hate At The Wedding‘), Paul Ben-Victor (‘Emancipation‘), Evan Dane Taylor (‘Castle Falls‘), and Danelle Pineda (‘Cowboy Bebop’).

    Mike Colter as Louis Gaspare in 'Plane.'
    Mike Colter as Louis Gaspare in ‘Plane.’ Photo Credit: Kenneth Rexach.

    Mike Colter To Return In ‘Plane’ Sequel

    ‘Plane’ opened on January 13, 2023 and has earned $32.1 million domestically. Worldwide, it has grossed just over $51 million. It has a Tomatoe-meter score of 77% from critics and 94% from audiences.

    Clearly, the masses enjoyed the film and for those craving for more ‘Plane’ action, you’re in luck. Taking a nautical turn, Mike Colter will return to lead the sequel, titled ‘Ship’. The next installment will follow Mike Colter’s character Louise Gaspare, after he has disappeared into the jungles of Jolo Island. ‘Ship’ is expected to begin production in late 2023. Jean-François Richet will return as executive producer. No word yet if Gerarld Butler will be returning to the film to reprise his role.

    Here’s what we know about the sequel so far – but be warned, if you haven’t seen ‘Plane’, there are spoilers ahead!

    ‘Ship’ will see Louis Gaspare (trying to lay low after the events on Jolo Island) aboard a cargo ship in East Asia to escape the Philippine island. While onboard, he discovers the very vessel he is on is being used as a ferry for a human trafficking ring. Gaspare will need to join forces with the ship’s second mate/navigator to take down the corrupt captain and free the ship’s passengers and captives.

    Gerard Butler as Brodie Torrance and Mike Colter as Louis Gaspare in "Plane.' Photo Credit: Kenneth Rexach.
    (L to R) Gerard Butler as Brodie Torrance and Mike Colter as Louis Gaspare in “Plane.’ Photo Credit: Kenneth Rexach.

    Where Can I Watch ‘Plane’?

    For those who prefer to see the action on the big screen, the action-thriller is still playing in select theaters. ‘Plane’ has a total runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes.

    Buy Tickets: ‘Plane’ Movie Showtimes

    Watch the official trailer for ‘Plane’ below:

    Qr9kooE8

    When Will It Be Available To Stream Online?

    We get it, you want to see the action from the comfort of your couch. ‘Plane’ is now available to rent On Demand for $19.99.

    Where To Watch: ‘Plane’ Online

    Prefer the own the physical copy? ‘Plane’ will be available for purchase on DVD and Blu-Ray (with special features) on March 28th, 2023.

    Mike Colter as Louis Gaspare and Gerard Butler as Brodie Torrance in 'Plane.'
    (L to R) Mike Colter as Louis Gaspare and Gerard Butler as Brodie Torrance in ‘Plane.’ Photo Credit: Kenneth Rexach.

    More Action-Thriller Films Like ‘Plane’

    ‘Plane’ packs a punch, complete with nail-biting suspense, and huge action sequences. Paired with the unlikely partnership between Captain Brodie Torrance and Louise Gaspare, it makes it a very entertaining watch. For more high-octane action, check out the following films.

    Gerard Butler as Brodie Torrance in 'Plane.'
    Gerard Butler as Brodie Torrance in ‘Plane.’ Photo Credit: Kenneth Rexach.

    See Gerard Butler In Action In These Titles

    Whether he’s spartan kicking the messenger into the dark pit in ‘300’ or saving the President in ‘Olympus Has Fallen’, Gerard Butler has proven he is the man for the job. You can check out the following films to see him in action.

    Gerard Butler and Mike Colter star in "Plane.'
    (L to R) Gerard Butler and Mike Colter star in “Plane.’

    ‘Plane’ was released in theaters on January 13th, 2022 from Di Bonaventura Pictures, MadRiver Pictures, G-BASE, and Olive Hill Media. Directed by Jean-François Richet, and written by Charles Cumming and J. P. Davis, the film stars Gerard Butler, Mike Colter, Tony Goldwyn, Paul Ben-Victor, Yonson An, and Daniella Pineda.

    Watch Moviefone’s ‘Plane’ interviews with Gerard Butler and Mike Colter below:

    sbXbuzkj

  • TV Review: ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 3

    'The Mandalorian' season 3 starring Pedro Pascal premieres March 1st on Disney+.
    ‘The Mandalorian’ season 3 starring Pedro Pascal premieres March 1st on Disney+.

    The premiere episode of hit Disney+ ‘Star Wars‘ series ‘The Mandalorian’ reminded fans exactly why it is the most popular ‘Star Wars’ show on the streamer. Now in its third season, we dive right back into the thick of it – with Din Jarin attempting to repent for his sin of removing his helmet and no longer deemed a Mandalorian.

    The 8 episode series premiered on March 1st 2023 with one episode, titled “The Apostate”, after its absence from Disney+ in 2022. Despite the long wait, this premiere episode delivers on action and heart. It felt like old school ‘Star Wars,’ filled with creatures, space battles, and practical effects.

    Starting off in Concordia, we see the Armorer forging a new helmet for a young member of her faction, the Children Of The Watch. A ceremony follows where the young Mandalorian takes his vow in the waters as the clan looks on. All seems to be going well until a ferocious beast suddenly breaches the water, sending everything into chaos.

    Mandalorian helmet from a scene in Lucasfilm's 'The Mandalorian,' season three, exclusively on Disney+.
    Mandalorian helmet from a scene in Lucasfilm’s ‘The Mandalorian,’ season three, exclusively on Disney+. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    A fight between the beast and the Mandalorians ensue, but the creature proves to be too large and too fierce despite being outnumbered. Just as things were getting dire, Din Jarin (Pedro Pascal) swoops in to save the day, obliterating the creature. Din has come back to beg to be let back into the convent, and the Armorer (reluctantly) agrees to do so if he bathes in the living waters of Mandalore.

    Jin sets off on his new mission, with Grogu in tow, optimistic about the completing his mission and to regain the honor of being a Mandalorian once again.

    It was great to see so many different Mandalorians in this episode, with different styles of helmets, some bright, some monochromatic. The Mandalorians’ style of fighting is unique and this episode showcased how they use different weapons, working together to defend against the giant creature.

    Grogu, Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Greef Karga (Carl Weathers) in Lucasfilm's 'The Mandalorian,' season three, exclusively on Disney+.
    (L to R) Grogu, Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Greef Karga (Carl Weathers) in Lucasfilm’s ‘The Mandalorian,’ season three, exclusively on Disney+. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    Reuniting With Old Friends

    Before Din and Grogu can make their way to the living water of Mandalore, they have a few stops to make. Their first stop is Nevarro, the volcanic planet overrun with Imperials in season 1. Things for Nevarro have definitely taken a turn for the better under the rule of Greef Karga (Carl Weathers), now the High Magistrate of Nevarro. The city is vibrant and busy, filled with citizens and vendors buzzing about on the street.

    It’s great to see Din check in with his friend but his main goal is to rebuild the droid IG-11 (Taika Waititi). Its remainder parts is used as a part of a statue in remembrance of the droid’s sacrifice, but Din convinces High Magistrate Karga he needs to reconstruct IG-11 in order to go to Mandalore.

    Din’s attempt is unsuccessful and it is here we get to meet a few Anzellan droidsmiths – the same species of Babu Frik from ‘The Rise Of Skywalker’. We knew of this easter egg from one of the trailers for ‘The Mandalorian’ but the scene still delighted the audience.

    During Din’s visit, Kreef Graga tried to convince him to settled down at Nevarro, and offered him the position of Marshall. This is where the episode addresses the absence of Cara Dune. Graga explains that after she brought in Moff Guideon (Giancarlo Esposito), she was recruited by special forces. Following the news of Gina Carano being fired from the series, we wondered if the character would be recast or just simple never talked about so it is nice to see they address why Cara Dune is absent from the show.

    Grogu and Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) in Lucasfilm's 'The Mandalorian,' season three, exclusively on Disney+.
    (L to R) Grogu and Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) in Lucasfilm’s ‘The Mandalorian,’ season three, exclusively on Disney+. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    Related Article: ‘Mando and Grogu Return for ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 3 Trailer

    The Dynamic Between Din And Grogu

    We all fell in love with Grogu in season 1 of ‘The Mandalorian’ – the internet buzzed about him and the stores filled with Baby Yoda merchandise. In seasons 1 and 2, Mando saw Grogu as a job. As he grew more attached to the tiny being, he became more protective despite trying his hardest to stay detached. After training with Luke Skywalker, Grogu makes the choice to return to Din and we see the dynamic shift from Din’s overprotective nature to a partnership. Grogu is no longer defenseless or as dependent on Din so both are more at ease during their adventure, which is refreshing after 2 seasons of constantly worrying about Grogu’s well being.

    Even though he’s more grown and in tune with the Force, Grogu is still as adorable as ever. From spinning round and round on Greef Karga’s chair, stealing candy off his desk, or those precious big doe-eyed looks, Grogu is still very much the scene stealer of the show.

    Jedi in a scene from Lucasfilm's 'The Mandalorian,' season three, exclusively on Disney+.
    Jedi in a scene from Lucasfilm’s ‘The Mandalorian,’ season three, exclusively on Disney+. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    Looking Ahead To Episode 2

    After watching episode 1 of season 3, it is no wonder ‘The Mandalorian’ is a fan-favorite ‘Star Wars’ show. The characters are rich, the visuals are stunning, and the blending the technology of the volume and practical effects makes this world feel more expansive. It has that “original ‘Star Wars’” feel yet it is a breath of fresh air. The runtime of 38 minutes may seem short on paper, but director Rick Famuyiwa was able to utilize every second of the episode to give not just the title character, but supporting characters meaningful arcs, and this is just the beginning.

    At the launch event – audiences were treated to two episodes. While the first episode rekindled our love for ‘The Mandalorian’, the second one was a bit heavier. Dealing with the loss of the Dark Saber, we get to see Bo-Katan (Katee Sackhoff) in her current state, and her interaction with Din as he tells her of his goal to go to Mandalore. The episode had a slight horror element to it, with Grogu taking on more of the spotlight. The action scenes are top notch in episode 2, the creatures more strange ( and creepy), leaving the audience wanting more.

    It is great to be back in the Mando-verse and see where our heroes go as the stakes are higher than ever. Season 3 is off to a strong start, and with Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni at the helm, there’s no doubt this show will be in every conversation in the weeks to come.

    The first two episodes of ‘The Mandalorian’ season 3 receives 9 out of 10 stars.

    Mandalorians in a scene from Lucasfilm's 'The Mandalorian,' season three, exclusively on Disney+.
    Mandalorians in a scene from Lucasfilm’s ‘The Mandalorian,’ season three, exclusively on Disney+. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘The Mandalorian:’

    Buy ‘Star Wars’ Movies On Amazon

  • Where To Watch Blumhouse Thriller ‘M3GAN’

    M3GAN, Gemma (Allison Williams) and Cady (Violet McGraw) in 'M3GAN,' directed by Gerard Johnstone.
    (L to R) M3GAN, Gemma (Allison Williams) and Cady (Violet McGraw) in ‘M3GAN,’ directed by Gerard Johnstone. © 2023 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Time to meet your new best friend in the latest thriller from Blumhouse Productions, ‘M3GAN.’ M3GAN, AKA Model 3 Generative Android is the perfect storm of an artificial intelligence program becoming self-aware, and taking her job entirely too seriously.

    EHoHneTp3nydUSOSsXuuw

    The trailer already created a buzz on the internet ahead of the films release, prompting endless memes of M3GAN performing a series of (now signature) dance moves before switching to slasher mode. In fact, prior to the movie’s premiere, a team of M3GAN doll dancers could be spotted at various events and venues performing the signature number. The film opened on January 6, 2022 to $30.4 million domestically and has earn over $171.2 million worldwide as of today. The story comes from the minds of Aleka Cooper (‘Malignant‘) and James Wan (‘The Conjuring‘ franchise), and was directed by Gerard Johnstone (‘Housebound‘).

    Who Is In The Cast Of ‘M3GAN?’

    ‘M3GAN’ stars Allison Williams (‘Get Out‘) and Violet McGraw (‘The Haunting Of Hill House’), who are no strangers to the horror genre. When it comes to bringing the killer doll to life, it takes a team – the role is voiced by Jenna Davis, and physically portrayed by 8-year-old actress Amie Donald. Paired with CGI to complete its characteristic look. The cast also includes Ronny Chien (‘Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings‘), Brian Jordan Alvarez (‘80 For Brady‘), Jen Van Epps (‘Together Forever Tea‘), Lori Dungey (‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring‘) and Stephane Garneau-Monton.

    Allison Williams as Gemma in 'M3GAN,' directed by Gerard Johnstone.
    Allison Williams as Gemma in ‘M3GAN,’ directed by Gerard Johnstone. © 2023 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    What Is ‘M3GAN’ About?

    In the film, toy designer/robotist Gemma (Williams) was working on a child-sized android A.I. companion, which she named M3GAN (Model 3 Generative Android). When Gemma becomes the parental guardian of her niece Cady (McGraw), she uses the opportunity to put M3GAN to the test. All things were going well until M3GAN’s artificial intelligence programming began to take its tasks too seriously, going to the extreme to protect Cady by brutally taking down anyone who rebels against her.

    The official synopsis for ‘M3GAN’ is:

    “M3GAN is a marvel of artificial intelligence, a lifelike doll that’s programmed to be a child’s best friend. When a brilliant roboticist gives her young niece an M3GAN prototype, it soon becomes violent and does anything to protect the girl.”

    M3GAN in 'M3GAN,' directed by Gerard Johnstone.
    M3GAN in ‘M3GAN,’ directed by Gerard Johnstone. © 2023 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Related Article: Movie Review: ‘M3GAN’

    Will There Be A ‘M3GAN’ Sequel?

    We will get to see M3GAN again! The PG-13 horror flick received positive reviews, warranting a 93% Fresh score on the Tomato-meter from critics and 78% from the audience. Thanks to its popularity, the sequel ‘M3GAN 2.0’ is now in the works at Universal, set for release on January 17, 2025. In an interview with Variety, producer Jason Blum admitted that they were already playing with the idea of a sequel before the first film was even released.

    “After I saw the first movie, we had a good sense that a sequel might really work. So, we broke our cardinal rule and we started t walking about a sequel before the movie was released. I felt so bullish that we started entertaining a sequel earlier than we usually do.”

    Set to return to the follow-up film are stars Allison Williams and Violet McGraw to reprise their roles as Gemma and Cady. Screenwriter Aleka Cooper will also return. No word yet on whether Gerard Johnstone will return to direct or if Blumhouse is eyeing a new director. Plots are under wraps for now.

    Where Can I Watch ‘M3GAN’ and The Unrated Version?

    The movie is still playing in select theaters. The film premiered on January 6, 2023, and has a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes.

    Buy Tickets: ‘M3GAN’ Movie Showtimes

    Can’t get enough of the evil AI android going on a killing spree? You’re in luck. There’s also an unrated version with never-before-seen footage available exclusively on Peacock as of February 24th. The theatrical version is available on Peacock as well.

    Watch the official trailer for ‘M3GAN’ below:

    ZI9hGtza

    When Will It Be Available To Stream Online?

    You can currently purchase a digital copy of ‘M3GAN’ from Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Google Play, or iTunes. Additionally, you can rent a digital copy of the movie (with a 48-hour watch window) on Amazon or iTunes.

    Where To Watch: ‘M3GAN’ Online

    Prefer the own the physical copy? ‘M3GAN’ will be available for purchase on DVD and Blu-Ray on March 21st, 2023.

    Buy ‘M3GAN’ On Amazon

    M3GAN and Cady (Violet McGraw) in 'M3GAN,' directed by Gerard Johnstone.
    (L to R) M3GAN and Cady (Violet McGraw) in ‘M3GAN,’ directed by Gerard Johnstone. © 2022 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Other Movies That’ll Make You Question Your Smart Device

    ‘M3GAN’ delivers on suspense and comedy for its PG-13 rating, and it is certainly on its way of becoming a cult hit. But the premise of an A.I. gone awry or a doll coming to life isn’t the first of its kind. Here are a few movies that’ll make you question the smart devices or child-sized dolls in your home.

    ‘M3GAN’ was released in theaters on January 6th, 2022 from Universal Pictures, Blumhouse Productions, and Atomic Monster. Directed by Gerard Johnstone, and written by Akela Cooper, based on a story by James Wan, the film stars Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Ronny Chieng, Brian Jordan Alvarez, Lori Dungey, Amie Donald, and Jenna Davis as the voice of M3GAN.

    Watch Moviefone’s interviews with the cast and crew of ‘M3GAN’ below:

    4YnzrjIF

  • Where To Watch ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

    Angela Bassett as Ramonda in Marvel Studios' 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.'
    Angela Bassett as Ramonda in Marvel Studios’ ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 Marvel.

    The tragic death of actor Chadwick Boseman left a huge hole in the hearts of everyone who knew him and in the hearts of the cast and crew of ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

    YfwFRIH7gcF9NDbGgfedc2

    In 2018, Chadwick Boseman donned the claws and took on the role of T’Challa in Marvel’s ‘Black Panther’. We first saw Boseman debut the role in 2016’s ‘Captain America: Civil War,’ where he mourns the loss of his father King T’Chaka due to a terrorist attack. The event pits him against Team Captain America as he fights alongside Ironman, War Machine, Black Widow, Vision, and Spider-man.

    T’Calla would go on to appear in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’, ‘Avengers: Endgame’, and Marvel’s animated series ‘What If’. The reactions to Black Panther’s entry into the MCU were positive, and his appearance in ‘Captain America: Civil War’ perfectly sets up the stand-alone film, directed by Ryan Coogler (‘Creed‘). The film opened in 2018 to $202 million domestically and has a critics’ score of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes today.

    Alongside Boseman, the ‘Black Panther’ cast includes Angela Bassett as Queen Ramonda, Letitia Wright as his sister Shuri, Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia, Winston Duke as M’Baku, Danai Gurira as Okoye, Daniel Kaluuya as W’Kabi, and Michael B. Jordan as Erik Killmonger. The film would go on to win Academy Awards for Best Achievement in Costume Design, Best Achievement in Production Design, and Best Original Score.

    The movie received glowing reviews from critics and fans alike, warranting a sequel and likely more appearances of the Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Unfortunately, Chadwick Boseman was diagnosed with colon cancer and passed away before the second movie was made. His untimely death sent a shock wave through the community. Bose was 43 at the time.

    Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa / Black Panther in 2018's 'Black Panther.'
    Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa / Black Panther in 2018’s ‘Black Panther.’

    Related Article: Movie Review: ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

    How Does The Story Continue Without Its King?

    The official synopsis for ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ is as follows:

    “Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M’Baku, Okoye and the Dora Milaje fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with Nakia and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) to forge a new path for their beloved kingdom.”

    Many were left to wonder, what is the story of Black Panther and Wakanda without its lead? Director Ryan Coogler revealed that initially, the story was going to focus on T’Challa and how he comes to grips with fatherhood. ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ focuses on grief and mourning, and serves as a beautiful tribute to Chadwick Boseman.

    Returning to the sequel to reprise their roles are Angela Bassett, Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Florence Kasumba, Winston Duke, and Martin Freeman. The movie is joined by Tenoch Huerta (‘The Forever Purge‘) who plays the film’s antagonist, Namor. Dominique Throne (‘Judas and the Black Messiah‘) enters the franchise as Riri Williams/Ironheart, who will also appear on Marvel’s ‘Ironheart’ series for streamer Disney+.

    Without Boseman in the lead, the story focuses on the citizens of Wakanda and how they protect their nation from a new threat – Atlantis and their ruler, Namor. The movie opens with a chaotic scene where Shuri is trying to recreate the heart-shaped herb. She was unable to complete the process before Queen Ramonda delivered the news of her brother’s passing. The funeral procession for T’Challa follows. The film is filled with many emotional and powerful moments such as Queen Ramonda’s speech to the United Nations, and the burning of the funeral garb with Shuri. Ultimately, Shuri takes the helm as the new Black Panther and faces off against Namor in the final act.

    Letitia Wright as Shuri in Marvel Studios' 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.'
    Letitia Wright as Shuri in Marvel Studios’ ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 Marvel.

    Where Can I Watch ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’?

    There’s still a chance to see ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ in theaters! The film premiered on November 11, 2022, and has a runtime of 2 hours and 41 minutes. There is one mid-credit scene.

    Buy Tickets: ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Movie Showtimes

    Additionally, you can now pick up the DVD and Blu-ray of the film in stores. For the collectors, retailers such as Target, Best Buy, and Walmart have exclusive editions.

    Buy ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ on Amazon

    Watch the official trailer below:

    o4f51O9E

    When Will It Be Available To Stream Online?

    As of February 1st, 2023, ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ is streaming exclusively on Disney+. It is also available for purchase on On-Demand.

    Where to watch: ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ online

    Danai Gurira as Okoye in Marvel Studios' 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.'
    Danai Gurira as Okoye in Marvel Studios’ ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.

    Academy Award Nominations For ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

    The Ryan Coogler-directed sequel opened to $181 million during opening weekend and has grossed over $800 million worldwide. The film has a critics score of 84% and an audience score of 94% on Rotten Tomatoes. It has already received many awards including a Golden Globe Award (Best Supporting Actress, Angela Bassett) and two Critics Choice Awards (Best Costume Design and Best Supporting Actress).

    It has received five Academy Award nominations including:

    • Best Supporting Actress, Angela Bassett
    • Best Costume Design
    • Best Original Song, “Lift Me Up” by Rihanna
    • Best Visual Effects
    • Best Makeup and Hairstyling
    Dorothy Steel as Merchant Tribe Elder, Florence Kasumba as Ayo, Angela Bassett as Ramonda, Danai Gurira as Okoye in Marvel Studios' 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.'
    (L-R): Dorothy Steel as Merchant Tribe Elder, Florence Kasumba as Ayo, Angela Bassett as Ramonda, Danai Gurira as Okoye in Marvel Studios’ ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 Marvel.

    Watch Other Films Starring Chadwick Boseman

    Throughout his career, Boseman has received many awards including a Golden Globe award, a Critics Choice Movie Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, an Emmy award, and an Oscar nomination. Aside from appearing as T’Challa aka the Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you can find the star’s work below:

    ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ was released in theaters on November 11th, 2022 from Marvel Studios. Directed by Ryan Coogler, and written by Coogler and Joe Robert Cole, the film stars Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Winstone Duke, Dominique Thorne, Martin Freeman, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Tenoch Huerta, and Angela Bassett.

    Watch Moviefone’s interviews with director Ryan Coogler and the cast of ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ below: 

    k9qMnAFV

  • Where To Watch ‘Avatar: The Way Of Water’

    Jake Sully and Neteyam in 20th Century Studios' 'Avatar: The Way of Water.'
    (L to R): Jake Sully and Neteyam in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Avatar: The Way of Water.’ Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Return to Pandora in the latest James Cameron box office hit, ‘Avatar: The Way Of Water.’

    13 years after the first film’s release, Academy Award-winning director James Cameron takes the audience back to the world of Pandora and introduces a new tribe of Na’vi. The film sees the return of Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, and Stephen Lang.

    Despite the long wait for its sequel, ‘Avatar: The Way Of Water’ was already smashing records on opening weekend. Soaring past Marvel’s ‘The Avengers‘ in domestic box office rankings, raking in $625.6 million. Needless to say, the 13 years gap between the first and second movies did not dampen the fans’ excitement for this film.

    20076604

    Just like the 2009 film, this installment also utilizes 3D. With updated technology, ‘Avatar: The Way Of Water’ is visually stunning, and looks even more vibrant and lifelike than its predecessor. Filming begin in 2017 and took over the course of 3 years, mainly due to the director wanting to film ‘Avatar 2’ and ‘3′ at the same time. The majority of ‘The Way Of Water’ took place underwater, requiring the cast and stunt team to film inside a 900,000-gallon tank.

    Filming underwater made it difficult for the motion capture process because scuba gear often got in the way. So the actors received special training on how to hold their breath for an extended amount of time. Kate Winslet held her breath for an astonishing 7 minutes.

    Cameron has plans for three more ‘Avatar‘ films. The third installment is set to release in 2024 with ‘Avatar 4‘ and ‘5‘ scheduled for a 2026 and 2028 release.

    Neytiri and Jake Sully in 20th Century Studios' 'Avatar: The Way of Water.'
    (L to R): Neytiri and Jake Sully in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Avatar: The Way of Water.’ Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    What Is ‘Avatar: The Way Of Water’ About?

    The official synopsis for ‘Avatar: The Way Of Water’ is thus:

    “Jake Sully lives with his newfound family formed on the extrasolar moon Pandora. Once a familiar threat returns to finish what was previously started, Jake must work with Neytiri and the army of the Na’vi race to protect their home.”

    It’s been over a decade since the events of the previous film, Jake and Neytiri have started a family – the eldest son Neteyam (Jamie Flatters), the second son Lo’ak (Britain Dalton), and the youngest daughter Tuk (Trinity Jo-Li Bliss). On top of the three children, they also have an adoptive daughter in Kiri (Sigourney Weaver). The family lived in peace until the Sky People returned to Pandora causing destruction and chaos. The family is uprooted, and forced to seek safety and shelter within the oceans of Pandora and the Metkayina tribe.

    The sci-fi fantasy/adventure also sees Cliff Curtis as Metkayina Chief Tonowari and Kate Winslet (who reunites with the ‘Titanic‘ director after 26 years) as Ronal. The newly introduced tribe of Na’vi looks different than Neytiri and Jake, as they have larger and stronger tails built for swimming. We’re also introduced to many new creatures such as the tulkun, skimwing, and ilu.

    Stephen Lang who played antagonist Colonel Miles Quaritch in the first film is back for the sequel as a different character (sort of).

    Related Article: Movie Review: ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’

    Is “Avatar: The Way Of Water” Still In Theaters?

    You can still enjoy the movie on the big screening at your local theaters. The movie is available in various formats but it is an absolute treat to watch it in 3D if it’s available to you. Another great way to enjoy ‘Avatar: The Way Of Water’ is in IMAX, which will make you feel like you’re fully immersed in the world of Pandora.

    ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ was released on December 16th, 2022, and has a total runtime of 3 hours and 12 minutes.

    Buy Tickets: ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ Movie Showtimes

     

    Watch the trailer below:

    I3yKzuQF

    When Will ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’  Be Available To Stream Online?

    ‘Avatar: The Way Of Water’ is currently only in theaters, but it will surely make its way to streaming services in the future. As this is a 20th Century Studio film it will definitely be available on Disney+ once it is released for streaming. Currently, you can watch the original film on Disney+.

    Where to Watch: ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’

    Jake Sully, Ronal, and Tonowari in 20th Century Studios' 'Avatar: The Way of Water.'
    (L to R): Jake Sully, Ronal, and Tonowari in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Avatar: The Way of Water.’ Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Another Record-Breaking Hit For James Cameron

    The visionary director has had many of his films break box office records. The first ‘Avatar’ film opened to $77 million domestically on opening weekend in 2009. Now, it has grossed $749.7 million domestically and $2.7 billion worldwide. ‘The Way of Water’ opened to $134.1 million domestically and has grossed $625.6 since. It is currently the fourth-highest-grossing film worldwide of all time, has surpassed Marvel Studio’s ‘The Avengers’ ($1.5 billion worldwide), and is closing in on ‘Titanic’, another James Cameron film.

    On top of the film’s success at the box office, the franchise giant is also popular amongst theme park goers. You can find The World Of Pandora at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida. There are two attractions based inside the Avatar-inspired land – “Flight of Passage” and “Na’vi River Journey.” In “Flight of the Passage,” guests can fly on the back of a mountain banshee over Pandora, complete with 3D, of course. “The Na’vi River Journey” takes riders on an immersive river ride, exploring the caves, bioluminescent rainforest, and an extremely life-like audio-animatronic.

    Director James Cameron for 'Avatar: The Way of Water.'
    Director James Cameron for ‘Avatar: The Way of Water.’

    Other Films By James Cameron

    The three-time Academy Award-winning director may very well be adding another golden statue to his mantle. ‘Avatar: The Way Of Water’ has received four Oscar nominations including Best Picture, Best Sound, Best Production Design, and Best Visual Effects.

    Other Movies Directed by Jame Cameron:

    Buy ‘Avatar’ On Amazon

    ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ was released in theaters on December 16th, 2022 from Lightstorm Entertainment and 20th Century Studios. Directed by James Cameron, and written by Cameron, Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, the film stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, and Kate Winslet.

    Watch Moviefone’s interviews with James Cameron and the cast of ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ below: 

    Eij8i2a3

  • Tim Allen To Reprise His Role As Buzz Lightyear

    Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear, Buzz Lightyear, and Woody from 'Toy Story 3.'
    (L-R) Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear, Buzz Lightyear, and Woody from ‘Toy Story 3.’ ©Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

    To infinity and beyond … again!

    A ‘Toy Story’ sequel was recently announced by Disney CEO Bob Iger during the Q1 earnings call, along with ‘Frozen’ and ‘Zootopia’. “We’ll have more to share about these productions soon, but this is a great example of how we’re leaning into our unrivaled brands and franchises”. This will mark the fifth installment for the Pixar franchise, the third for ‘Frozen,’ and the second for ‘Zootopia.’

    Shortly after the announcement, actor Tim Allen took to his personal Twitter account to express his excitement and hinted at the reunion with Tom Hanks:

    “See ya soon Woody, you are a sad strange little man and you have my pity. And off we go to a number 5! To infinity and beyond!”

    LVtVSAMf6fPaxFZoLA9OL3

    Allen originated the voice of the space commander action figure in 1995 alongside actor Tom Hanks, who plays Woody. Since then, Allen has been a part of every ‘Toy Story’ sequel except for ‘Lightyear’, the origin story of how the Buzz Lightyear toy came to be.

    ‘Lightyear’ cast Chris Evans to voice the title character, mainly because that Buzz isn’t exactly the same Buzz that we know in ‘Toy Story.’ Spoilers ahead, so you’ve been warned. ‘Lightyear’ is about space ranger Buzz Lightyear who is trying to find his way home after being lost in space travel and his adventure along the way. The “fictional” movie is the movie that Andy saw as a child, and that movie inspired the toy version of the Buzz Lightyear we see in ‘Toy Story.’

    The movie opened domestically at $50.5 million and has grossed $226.4 million worldwide. Many fans were disappointed that Allen was not cast as the voice for Buzz in ‘Lightyear’. The actor finally broke his silence on the topic in an interview with Extra:

    “The short answer is I’ve stayed out of this ’cause it has nothing to do (with my Buzz Lightyear).”

    Buzz Lightyear (voice of Chris Evans) in 'Lightyear.'
    Buzz Lightyear (voice of Chris Evans) in Disney and Pixar’s ‘Lightyear,’ which opens in U.S. theaters on June 17, 2022. © 2021 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

    Related Articles: ‘Frozen’ ‘Toy Story,’ and ‘Zootopia’ Sequels Are In The Works

    A Look At Toy Story’s Success

    The first ‘Toy Story’ opened in November 1995 to $223.2 million. It was the first feature film by Pixar, and also the first film to use computer animation entirely. The toys belonged to Andy, a boy who loved playing with his toys but especially Woody – a pull-string cowboy (voiced by Tom Hanks). When new toy Buzz Lightyear was introduced to the group, chaos ensued because Buzz did not believe he was a toy but in fact, a real Space Ranger. Being the new toy with all the bells and whistles, Buzz got a lot of attention from Andy and fellow toys making Woody jealous.

    ‘Toy Story’ received three Academy Award nominations including Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Song, and Best Original Score. The film was a hit across the board and today, it remains at a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The follow-up ‘Toy Story’ films continue to receive praise and win awards, including Academy Awards for ‘Toy Story 3‘ (Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song).

    No word yet on who else will return to ‘Toy Story 5‘ or when the film will begin production.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Toy Story 5:’

    Buy ‘Toy Story’ Movies On Amazon

  • ‘Frozen’ ‘Toy Story,’ and ‘Zootopia’ Sequels Are In The Works

    Anna (Kristen Bell) and Elsa (Idina Menzel) in Walt Disney Pictures' 'Frozen.'
    (L to R) Anna (Kristen Bell) and Elsa (Idina Menzel) in Walt Disney Pictures’ ‘Frozen.’

    Get ready to head back into the unknown. Disney animated films ‘Frozen,’ ‘Toy Story,’ and ‘Zootopia‘ have been greenlit for sequels. The news was announced during Wednesday’s Q1 earnings call by Disney CEO Bob Iger, his first since returning to the company.

    “Today I’m so pleased to announce that we have sequels in the works from our animation studios to some of our most popular franchises, ‘Toy Story,’ ‘Frozen’ and ‘Zootopia,’” says Iger. “We’ll have more to share about these productions soon, but this is a great example of how we’re leaning into our unrivaled brands and franchises.”

    ‘Frozen’ quickly became a household favorite when it premiered in 2013. With Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel as its leads, the sequel ‘Frozen 2’ garnered just as much attention in 2019. It got so popular that the musical version made its way to Disneyland’s Hyperion Theater and later to Broadway. ‘Toy Story’ stars the voices Tom Hanks and Tim Allen as Woody and Buzz Lightyear, becoming a beloved franchise since its debut in 1995. It even expanded its own universe with the release of ‘Lightyear’ in 2022 with Chris Evans as the lead.

    54291

    Related Articles: D23 Expo 2022: Disney Studios Presentation

    The Box Office Success Of ‘Frozen’, ‘Toy Story’, and ‘Zootopia’

    This should come as no surprise as all three films have had major success at the box office worldwide. ‘Frozen’ (2013) earned 1.2 billion with its sequel ‘Frozen 2’ (2019) earning 1.4 billion, and both ‘Toy Story 4’ (2019) and ‘Zootopia’ (2016) grossed over one billion.

    On top of their financial success, these films have all taken home plenty of awards. ‘Toy Story 3,’ ‘Toy Story 4,’ ‘Frozen,’ and ‘Zootopia’ have all received Best Animated Feature at the Oscars. Frozen’s hit original song “Let It Go” (sung by Broadway superstar Idina Menzel) won Best Original Song at the 2020 Academy Awards.

    The animation giant has released plenty of amazing titles such as ‘Luca,’ ‘Raya and the Last Dragon‘ and ‘Encanto,’ which also won Best Animated Feature at the 2022 Academy Awards. However popular, none of these titles were able to achieve the financial success of the aforementioned films.

    Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) in y Pixar Animation Studios' 'Toy Story.'
    (L to R) Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) in y Pixar Animation Studios’ ‘Toy Story.’
    1756

    But Do We Need More Sequels?

    Some may say there’s no need for a sequel to these films but I think, there are plenty of stories left to tell. What type of adventures (or misadventures) can the sisters get into now that Elsa is the Snow Queen and Anna rules as the Queen of Arendelle? How expansive has Zoopotia become since the last film? And while Woody and Buzz may have parted ways (for now), there’s always something that brings the duo back together, plus we all would love to see a post-college Andy.

    Those who are craving original stories can look forward to Pixar’s ‘Elemental’ this summer and ‘Wish’ from Walt Disney Animation in the fall.

    Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nicholas P. "Nick" Wilde (Jason Bateman) in Walt Disney Animation Studios' 'Zootopia.'
    (L to R) Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nicholas P. “Nick” Wilde (Jason Bateman) in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ ‘Zootopia.’
    10129164

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Frozen’ and ‘Toy Story:’

    Buy Disney Animated Movies On Amazon

  • Two New ‘Bosch’ Series in the Works at Amazon Studio

    Jamie Hector and Titus Welliver on Prime Video's 'Bosch.'
    (L to R) Jamie Hector and Titus Welliver on Prime Video’s ‘Bosch.’ Credit: Aaron Epstein. Copyright: Amazon Studios.

    The ‘Bosch’-verse is expanding!

    Popular police dramas ‘Bosch’ and ‘Bosch: Legacy,’ which both star Titus Welliver as the title character, has two new shows in development at Amazon Studios, further expanding its world. As spinoffs in TV becomes more popular, Bosch’s two new shows will focus on Detective Jerry Edgar and new character Detective Renee Ballard.

    Inspired by bestselling author Michael Connelly’s novels centered around LA detective Harry Bosch, its flagship show is the longest-running original series on Prime Video with seven seasons. ‘Bosch: Legacy’ was renewed for a second season before the first episode was released on Freevee and Prime Video.

    The first spinoff series, the ‘Untitled J. Edger’ project will focus on Harry Bosch’s former partner, Detective Jerry Edgar (Jamie Hector) who is tapped for an undercover FBI mission in Little Haiti, Miami. In this glamorous city, he is forced to balance his new life with the gritty underbelly of the city, while being chased by his mysterious past.

    Jamie Hector on Prime Video's 'Bosch.'
    Jamie Hector on Prime Video’s ‘Bosch.’ Credit: Lacey Terrell. Copyright: Amazon Studios.

    The next series, the ‘Untitled Renee Ballard’ show centers around Detective Renee Ballard, who is tasked with running the LAPD’s new cold case division. Beyond simply investigating unsolved crimes, Renee is dedicated to bridging credibility to the department and justice to the community. Having learned from retired ally and mentor Harry Bosch, Renee does things her own way – solving cases in unconventional ways while navigating the politics of being a woman on the rise in the LAPD.

    The character Renee Ballard has not yet appeared on the ‘Bosch’ or ‘Bosch: Legacy,’ therefore the role has not been cast.

    For such a successful show, it’s no wonder the studio wants to expand the world. As we can see from series such as ‘Yellowstone’, ‘Dexter’, and ‘Billions’, building out the world of an existing series is the current trend. No word yet on whether the new shows will be for Prime Video, Freevee, or both.

    Jamie Hector on Prime Video's 'Bosch.'
    Jamie Hector on Prime Video’s ‘Bosch.’ Credit: Hopper Stone. Copyright: Amazon Studios.