Moviefone Editorial

Tag: action

  • ‘Hounds of War’ Exclusive Interview: Rhona Mitra

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    Available on digital beginning September 20th is the new action film ‘Hounds of War’, which was directed by Isaac Florentine (‘211‘), and stars Frank Grillo (‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’, ‘The Purge: Anarchy’), Robert Patrick (‘Terminator 2: Judgement Day,’ ‘Peacemaker’), and Rhona Mitra (‘Doomsday,’ ‘Underworld: Rise of the Lycans’).

    Related Article: Exclusive: Frank Grillo Talks ‘Superman’, ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 and More

    Rhona Mitra as “Selina” in the action/thriller/war film, 'Hounds of War', an XYZ Films release. Photo courtesy of XYZ Films.
    Rhona Mitra as “Selina” in the action/thriller/war film, ‘Hounds of War’, an XYZ Films release. Photo courtesy of XYZ Films.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with actress Rhona Mitra about her work on ‘Hounds of War’, her first reaction to the screenplay, her character, working with Frank Grillo, shooting the action sequences, and collaborating with director Isaac Florentine, as well as looking back on her work on the classic action movie ‘Doomsday’.

    You can watch the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch the interview.

    (L to R) Frank Grillo as “Ryder” and Rhona Mitra as “Selina” in the action/thriller/war film, 'Hounds of War', an XYZ Films release. Photo courtesy of XYZ Films.
    (L to R) Frank Grillo as “Ryder” and Rhona Mitra as “Selina” in the action/thriller/war film, ‘Hounds of War’, an XYZ Films release. Photo courtesy of XYZ Films.

    Moviefone: To begin with, what was your first reaction to the screenplay and why did you want to make this movie?

    Rhona Mitra: Well, this came in pretty hard and fast, and the turnaround was very quick, so I didn’t have too much time to chew on it. When a script and a project like this comes in, you got to get on a plane within 24 hours, so I need to make sure that I’ll be able to walk on set and do the character justice and not feel like a goofball. That’s literally an actor’s nightmare to walk on the set and feel like you’re unprepared. I knew Frank, so that was a bonus. I knew what I was dealing with there. All my scenes are with Frank, so that was a no-brainer. It was shooting in Malta, which doesn’t hurt at all. That’s pretty much all I needed because at the end of the day, it’s a job. There’s fighting and I love fighting. I love fight sequences, and I knew I’d be working with a good stunt team.

    MF: How would you describe your character and your approach to playing her?

    RM: I mean, she’s a woman who’s come from a life which has been hard. I think that I’ve obviously played characters in my life where these women who end up in these very male dominated environments doing incredibly dangerous stuff with a lot of men. I’ve played so many women who have done this now. Something that I draw on is always trying to find where’s the little girl before all of this happened and how does she get on this trajectory? She’s in this very dangerous world, and there’s a point where she just pulls herself out of it, which I think that we all get to that point when we hit about our 40s, where we have this “come to Jesus” moment and go, “Hang on a second. Where am I? Who am I? How the hell did I get here?” Either you take yourself off the boil for a while and do some serious reassessing, or you carry on a trajectory which may or may not serve you, and most likely it won’t. I think we all must have that point where we kind of step back and become the architects from the ground up again. She created a sanctuary. She stepped away from this world, she took care of herself. When it comes back knocking on her doorstep in the form of somebody who obviously she has very fond feelings for, she goes back into it because of her connection to the person rather than the addiction of being part of that world. I think that’s something that’s really appealing to me is how do we engage with this violent world that we’re living in and not abandon the softness of our true essence? I know that’s way deeper than anything this film is saying, but that’s what I liked about it. That’s what I related to, if that makes sense.

    Frank Grillo in 'Hounds of War'. Photo courtesy of XYZ Films.
    Frank Grillo in ‘Hounds of War’. Photo courtesy of XYZ Films.

    MF: Can you talk about Selina’s history with Ryder and why she decides to help him?

    RM: Because he is like a family member. There are some people in our lives that you just feel so deeply loyal to. You often find in anything that’s kind of military, whether it’s legal or not, it doesn’t matter if it’s sort of corrupt or legit, it’s all corrupt. All of it is naughty. But there is this bond that is formed, and I’ve worked with so many different people, whether it’s SAS or Navy SEALs, there’s an orphanage of misfits that get recruited into this kind of world where you form a family that is beyond anything that you can ever really put words to because you do or die with them. The way that Frank and I discussed this and what he and I both know, and we believe in, is that that love, which is not a romantic love, is a connection which is so beautiful because they will die for each other and it’s not romantic. I find that much more interesting than romantic love. It’s a loyalty, which is a very beautiful thing, that exists between people in service.

    MF: What was it like working with Frank Grillo again?

    RM: I’ve worked with Frank before. So, I knew him. Working with Frank is like working with a sibling. I just know him, and we know each other. So, we know how to move around each other, and we can just about push each other’s buttons enough to get all the right elements out. We have a good dance with each other. We both know where to tread, and that’s important. This movie is Frank, and he must do his thing. Creating the environment where Frank can do his thing while also doing your thing, because you must be able to go toe-to-toe with Frank Grillo. You’ve got to be able to hold your own. So, I think I can do that with him.

    Frank Grillo as “Ryder” in the action/thriller/war film, 'Hounds of War', an XYZ Films release. Photo courtesy of XYZ Films.
    Frank Grillo as “Ryder” in the action/thriller/war film, ‘Hounds of War’, an XYZ Films release. Photo courtesy of XYZ Films.

    MF: Can you talk about shooting the action sequences and working with the stunt team?

    RM: They’re always my favorite part of any production. Stunt people are unequivocally the most respectful, the most dedicated, and the most creative in so many ways because they’re creating a language that’s not even on the page. So, while you’re saying, “Okay, we need to have this happen.” The stunt choreographer is basically creating a whole dance that isn’t even written, that doesn’t even have notes, that doesn’t even have melody. Ten you get together with them, and they show you this. I love it because it’s so violently poetic and it’s so cathartic that every single time you do a take or you get it right, you see that it’s such a great team feeling. That I love, because you created something with a team that everyone is proud of. Ultimately, for me, it puts me in my most humble state because I must do right by the stunt team. They’re so much better than me that all I want is to get a good report card from them. All I want is to make sure when they see that take, they’re like, “Girl, done good.” I feel like I always want to show up and do the best job for them. I don’t really care what anyone else says. If the stunt coordinator or the partner I’m doing the fight with looks at me with the nod of respect, I go home a happy girl.

    MF: What was it like collaborating with director Isaac Florentine on set?

    RM: He’s a lovely, lovely man. He’s a very gentle person. He knows his fight world so well. So, to be able to see somebody kind of conduct that world the way that he does was a very new experience for me. It’s a collaboration because character and nuances of the characters that we are being charged to bring to life is a different balance because he’s not about character, he’s about the dance. There are different types of directors, so that’s where the collaboration comes in. So, him trusting us, me to shape and form the dance to Selina’s way of moving is a trust. It’s a mutual trust. I hope he felt okay about handing that over. He’s so bloody good at what he does, but hopefully he was happy with what I did with the character.

    Rhona Mitra in 'Doomsday'. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    Rhona Mitra in ‘Doomsday’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    MF: Finally, 2008’s ‘Doomsday’ has grown a big cult following since its release, do you have fond memories of making that movie?

    RM: I do have a lot of fond memories of making that film. For me, it was one of the greatest bonds that I ever made with a crew. The crew on that film, I feel like I went to war with for seven months. I feel like that was a real labor of love and tenacity and trying to make something work. There’s a lot of difficult elements in that production as they are with a lot. But the best part of it was, again, it was the stunts and crew, they’re always my favorite part. We had the best crew. We shot in South Africa. We got amazing shots that should never have happened, virtually with no time, with very little money. We worked hard. I mean, it’s a lot of fun. Again, I just want to make sure that I’m playing a character plausibly. I’m only five foot six, and so I’m having to go up against these big giants and make it look plausible. I take that seriously. So, I was in training twice a day and I was with the stunt team who became brothers to me. We were always practicing our fight sequences. I did horse riding. I did a 180 handbrake turn in a Bentley Continental. I managed to do that. I learned so much stuff that was, for me, the off-camera stuff was probably the most enjoyable. That and ‘Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, I’d have to say I love them both deeply, the process of making those films.

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    What is the plot of ‘Hounds of War’?

    Frank Grillo, Robert Patrick and Rhona Mitra star in ‘Hounds of War’ about the best military mercenaries that money can buy. Known as ‘The Hounds’, they are sent on a final mission by their creator: a carefully planned trap set up to destroy them.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Hounds of War’?

    • Frank Grillo as Ryder
    • Robert Patrick as Colonel Hart
    • Rhona Mitra as Selina
    'Hounds of War' will be available on digital beginning September 20th.
    ‘Hounds of War’ will be available on digital beginning September 20th.

    Other Rhona Mitra Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Rhona Mitra Movies on Amazon

     

  • ‘The Killer’s Game’ Interview: Dave Bautista and Sofia Boutella

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    Opening in theaters on September 13th is the new action-comedy ‘The Killer’s Game’, which was directed by J.J. Perry (‘Day Shift’).

    The film stars Dave Bautista (‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’), Sofia Boutella (‘Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver’), Terry Crews (‘Deadpool 2’), Pom Klementieff (‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’), Scott Adkins (‘John Wick: Chapter 4’), and Oscar-winner Sir Ben Kinsley (‘Ghadhi’ and ‘Iron Man 3’).

    Related Article: Dave Bautista, Chloe Coleman and More Talk ‘My Spy The Eternal City’

    (L to R) Dave Bautista and Sofia Boutella star in 'The Killer's Game'.
    (L to R) Dave Bautista and Sofia Boutella star in ‘The Killer’s Game’. Photo: Lionsgate.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of sitting down in-person with Dave Bautista and Sofia Boutella to talk about their work on ‘The Killer’s Game’, their first reaction to the screenplay, their characters, the action, the romance, and working with Sir Ben Kingsley.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Bautista, Boutella and director J.J. Perry.

    Dave Bautista in 'The Killer's Game'. Photo: Lionsgate.
    Dave Bautista in ‘The Killer’s Game’. Photo: Lionsgate.

    Moviefone: To begin with, Dave, what was your first reaction to reading the screenplay and having the opportunity to play a character that’s different than anything we’ve seen you play before.

    Dave Bautista: The first reaction would’ve been years and years ago, and I loved it right off the bat because I thought it was like a rom com disguised as an action film. At that time, I really didn’t want to do action films. I just wanted to pursue interesting action roles, and this would’ve been something new for me. So, I was really excited about it. I thought it was fun. It’s something I’ve been really searching for. A couple years ago, I made a conscious decision to stop, not to stop, but to really limit my supporting roles because I felt like if I keep accepting supporting roles, I’m not going to get leading roles. So, I had to really start searching and holding out for leading roles. This is kind of that first leading man, almost cliche leading man, where I just kick ass and I get the girl. So, it was like, “Hey, it’s a new venture for me.” I was nervous about it. I was self-conscious about it. I’m still nervous about it, and I hope people receive it. But I had so much fun doing it, and I’m very proud of it. It was a great learning experience and hopefully the first of many.

    MF: Sofia, can you talk about your approach to playing Maize and how your dancing background prepared you to play this character?

    Sofia Boutella: First, I always say that my dancing background helps me with anything I do in my life and even in things that aren’t physical because of how I think about projects and the physicality, just the discipline of what I must execute, period. But I was really attracted to working with David, and to be in an action film where I don’t do any action and just fall in love on screen. I’ve never played a character that is that soft and that just has romance in her life. I haven’t got a chance to explore that. So, I’m happy that I got a chance to do that and dance again, which I was terrified about because I haven’t done it in a long time.

    (L to R) Dave Bautista and Sofia Boutella in 'The Killer's Game'. Photo: Lionsgate.
    (L to R) Dave Bautista and Sofia Boutella in ‘The Killer’s Game’. Photo: Lionsgate.

    MF: Sofia, can you talk about the relationship between Joe and Maize and what was it like playing those romantic scenes on screen with Dave?

    SB: I loved it. I just loved how much of an introvert he was and how much Maize wants to get it out of him. I think she sees through the facade, and she finds that tenderness very appealing because he’s just so imposing and he’s just so tough and big, but then she sees the softness inside of him. So, this was fun for me and to play also just such a giddy character. When you get to the place where he’s breaking her heart. You don’t expect him to do that, and she knows that he’s not capable of that. So, it’s all very confusing. But all of that was very fun.

    MF: Dave, can you talk about shooting the action sequences and what it was like working with director J.J. Perry, who is a former stunt coordinator himself?

    DB: It was great, and I say that because we were so limited on time shooting this film. Because J.J. understands action so well, it just made it easy for me. Also, we didn’t have the luxury of going in and rehearsing action sequences for weeks like I did on Bond (‘Spectre’). I rehearsed and rehearsed and rehearsed and over rehearsed. With this, a lot of times it was coming to set, and because J.J. is so experienced in this, he knows exactly what he needs. So, we just need these few beats, and we need these few beats, and then we need these few beats. So, it’s stuff that I could learn just very fast, right there on the day. Which it just wouldn’t have worked if we had some money, less experience, it just wouldn’t have worked because we had 42 days to shoot this whole film and a lot of stuff. A lot of times we had two units running at once because he knew exactly what he needed, and he’s so prepared. He just made it very easy. I mean, it just wouldn’t have worked without J.J.

    Sir Ben Kingsley in 'The Killer's Game'. Photo: Lionsgate.
    Sir Ben Kingsley in ‘The Killer’s Game’. Photo: Lionsgate.

    MF: Dave, what is it like having Sir Ben Kingsley as a scene partner?

    DB: It was nerve-racking, man. It was intimidating as you’d imagine, for me, especially because I’ve got such a chip on my shoulder to prove myself as an actor. I want to feel like I deserve to be there, sharing scenes with Sir Ben. It’s very validating for me. But at the same time, the energy was very different when Sir Ben was on set. That’s the thing. It’s just such a respect factor. The energy doesn’t change because he is intentionally trying to be intimidating or he’s high maintenance. It’s just the respect factor and they love him and respect him so much. So, everybody just wants to cater to him, and it always comes from a good place. But he’s just such a sweet, loving human being, which makes it even more like you just want to give him all that respect.

    MF: Finally, Sofia, what was your experience like working with Sir Ben Kingsley?

    SB: Everybody was nervous the day he came on set. Everybody was like, “He’s here. Remember, call him sir.” No, it was an honor, really. When you see the body of work that he has and how talented he is, and the charisma that comes with his presence is monumental. But he was also very sweet, very kind, and chill. But he is Sir Ben Kingsley.

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    What is the plot of ‘The Killer’s Game’?

    A veteran assassin (Dave Bautista) fends off a hit he placed on himself after learning the terminal medical diagnosis he received was incorrect.

    Who is in the cast of ‘The Killer’s Game’?

    • Dave Bautista as Joe Flood
    • Sofia Boutella as Maize
    • Terry Crews as Lovedahl
    • Scott Adkins as Angus Mackenzie
    • Marko Zaror as Botas
    • Pom Klementieff as Marianna
    • Ben Kingsley as Zvi
    Dave Bautista in 'The Killer's Game'. Photo: Lionsgate.
    Dave Bautista in ‘The Killer’s Game’. Photo: Lionsgate.

    Other Dave Bautista Movies:

    Buy Tickets: ‘The Killer’s Game’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Dave Bautista Movies On Amazon

  • Movie Review: ‘Rebel Ridge’

    Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond in 'Rebel Ridge'. Photo: Allyson Riggs/Netflix © 2024.
    Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond in ‘Rebel Ridge’. Photo: Allyson Riggs/Netflix © 2024.

    On Netflix on September 6th, ‘Rebel Ridge’ is the latest thriller from writer/director Jeremy Saulnier and focuses on a man with a particular set of skills who takes on some dangerous people with a righteous cause.

    It’s a genre that has been tackled before, but Saulnier brings his own spin to it, with crackling dialogue and a superb central performance from ‘The Underground Railroad’s Aaron Pierre, backed by sterling support from Don Johnson.

    Related Article: Don Johnson Talks Netflix’s ‘Rebel Ridge’ and Working with Aaron Pierre

    Does ‘Rebel Ridge’ hit hard?

    Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond in 'Rebel Ridge'. Photo: Netflix © 2024.
    Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond in ‘Rebel Ridge’. Photo: Netflix © 2024.

    If you’re a fan of Saulnier’s previous work such as ‘Green Room’ and ‘Blue Ruin,’ you might be surprised that ‘Rebel Ridge’ actually dials down the violence and intensity (but only by a certain degree) yet it still absolutely works on its own terms.

    In tackling the sort of territory seen in ‘Walking Tall’ and even ‘Taken’, Saulnier finds a way to do it with smarts and some memorable dialogue, while employing his leading man in a role that should surely have other directors (and even a comic book franchise or two) calling.

    Script and Direction

    Director Jeremy Saulnier on the set of 'Rebel Ridge'. Photo: Allyson Riggs/Netflix © 2024.
    Director Jeremy Saulnier on the set of ‘Rebel Ridge’. Photo: Allyson Riggs/Netflix © 2024.

    Saulnier knows how to make compelling movies that –– especially in the case of ‘Green Room’ –– also have you watching through your fingers at times. ‘Rebel Ridge’ doesn’t aspire to that, but it has its own charms. In his script for the new project, he’s crafted some truly superb conversations, but also doesn’t skimp when it comes time for things to throw down.

    You’ll get plenty of pleasure just hearing the talented cast chew through the dialogue, military acronyms and all. It’s what keeps ‘Rebel Ridge’ above the quality level of straight-to-home entertainment movie that loves to exploit this genre.

    Directorially, Saulnier brings his usual realistic style, eschewing too much showiness, but still keeping visual interest with the lush/grungy Louisiana backdrop (standing in for small towns where the sort of corruption found in the film is rife). And he’s certainly found a way to bring out the best in the entire cast, not just Pierre and Johnson.

    Performances

    While Aaron Pierre, Don Johnson and AnnaSophia Robb take the lion’s share of the credit here, the cast is filled with character types giving their all.

    Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond

    Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond in 'Rebel Ridge'. Photo: Allyson Riggs/Netflix © 2024.
    Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond in ‘Rebel Ridge’. Photo: Allyson Riggs/Netflix © 2024.

    Pierre has offered some great performances already in his fledgling career, and it’s not hard to see why directors such as Barry Jenkins are looking to work with him on multiple occasions. And Terry Richmond might be among his best, a human hard man who prefers to use his words but has no problem letting his actions speak for him when he’s pushed to it.

    Richmond is a buttoned-down character by nature (a Marine with some clearly morally gray background), but he makes him come alive in a way that is entirely believable. And when it’s time to throw down, Pierre –– and the stunt team –– is more than up to the task.

    Don Johnson as Chief Sandy Burnne

    (L to R) Don Johnson as Chief Sandy Burnne and Emory Cohen as Officer Steve Lann in 'Rebel Ridge'. Photo: Allyson Riggs/Netflix © 2024.
    (L to R) Don Johnson as Chief Sandy Burnne and Emory Cohen as Officer Steve Lann in ‘Rebel Ridge’. Photo: Allyson Riggs/Netflix © 2024.

    A tough-talking, oft-spitting police chief whose down-home charisma hides racist attitudes and criminal behavior, Johnson’s Chief Burnne could have been a complete cliché. But in Saulnier and the actor’s hands, he’s so much more than that, and scenes where Johnson and Pierre go toe-to-toe verbally are always great.

    AnnaSophia Robb as Summer McBride

    AnnaSophia Robb as Summer McBride in 'Rebel Ridge'. Photo: Netflix © 2024.
    AnnaSophia Robb as Summer McBride in ‘Rebel Ridge’. Photo: Netflix © 2024.

    In other hands, Summer could have been a throwaway, underwritten female sidekick/victim role. But while she sometimes flirts with those labels, Saulnier has added plenty of depth to the character, who has her own tough background and issues that she must overcome to aid in Richmond’s mission.

    She’s far from a random screaming love interest (the pair shares a strictly platonic relationship) and is a fully rounded character.

    James Cromwell as the Judge

    Cromwell’s role is smaller by design, but he’s still a memorable part of the movie. Playing the town’s judge who is involved in some of its dodgier dealings, the actor brings depth and tragedy to the role, and even though he only has a couple of scenes, he makes a mark.

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    Supporting cast

    The ensemble is filled with people who know how to do a lot with smaller character roles, such as Steve Zissis and David Denman (as a down-at-heel court clerk and a local cop who has more integrity than it might initially appear), and Saulnier has chosen wisely for pretty much every part. Emory Cohen is great as one of his colleagues, who deploys casual racism, while Daniel Chung, Dana Lee and Zsane Jhe all get their moments in the cinematic sun.

    Final Thoughts

    (L to R) Zsané Jhé as Officer Jessica Sims and Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond in 'Rebel Ridge'. Photo: Netflix © 2024.
    (L to R) Zsané Jhé as Officer Jessica Sims and Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond in ‘Rebel Ridge’. Photo: Netflix © 2024.

    This represents a shift in gear from Saulnier, but it’s also up there with some of his best films. It might at first appear like the sort of movie you’ve seen before, but ‘Rebel Ridge’ is certainly more memorable than a hundred pumped-out thrillers.

    With its fascinating protagonist and its excellent cadre of realistic villains, ‘Rebel Ridge’ is more than worth your time.

    ‘Rebel Ridge’ receives 8 out of 10 stars.

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    What is the plot of ‘Rebel Ridge’?

    In the town of Shelby Springs, Terry Richmond (Aaron Pierre) has come to post bail for his cousin, but his savings are unjustly seized by a corrupt local police force led by Chief Sandy Burnne (Don Johnson). With the help of court clerk Summer McBride (AnnaSophia Robb), Terry unearths a widespread conspiracy within Shelby Springs and uses his set of “skills” to get the bail money back by any means necessary.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Rebel Ridge’?

    • Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond
    • Don Johnson as Chief Sandy Burnne
    • AnnaSophia Robb as Summer McBride
    • David Denman as Officer Evan Marston
    • Emory Cohen as Officer Steve Lann
    • Steve Zissis as Elliot
    • James Cromwell as Judge
    (L to R) Don Johnson as Chief Sandy Burnne and Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond in 'Rebel Ridge'. Photo: Allyson Riggs/Netflix © 2024.
    (L to R) Don Johnson as Chief Sandy Burnne and Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond in ‘Rebel Ridge’. Photo: Allyson Riggs/Netflix © 2024.

    Don Johnson Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Don Johnson Movies on Amazon

    To watch our interviews with the cast of ‘Rebel Ridge’, please click on the video player below.

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  • ‘Rebel Ridge’ Exclusive Interview: Don Johnson

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    Premiering on Netflix September 6th is the new action thriller ‘Rebel Ridge’, which was directed by Jeremy Saulnier (‘Blue Ruin’), and stars Aaron Pierre (‘Old’), AnnaSophia Robb (‘Soul Surfer’), David Denman (‘The Equalizer 3’), Emory Cohen (‘Shot Caller’), James Cromwell (‘L.A. Confidential’) and Don Johnson (‘Miami Vice’ and ‘Knives Out’).

    Related Article: ‘Silicon Valley’s Chris Diamantopoulos Talks Action Comedy ‘High Heat’

    Don Johnson stars in Netflix's 'Rebel Ridge'.
    Don Johnson stars in Netflix’s ‘Rebel Ridge’.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with legendary actor Don Johnson about his work on ‘Rebel Ridge’, his first reaction to the screenplay, his character, playing the villain, working with actor Aaron Pierre and collaborating on the set with director Jeremy Saulnier.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Johnson, Aaron Pierre and AnnaSophia Robb.

    (L to R) Don Johnson as Chief Sandy Burnne and Emory Cohen as Officer Steve Lann in 'Rebel Ridge'. Photo: Allyson Riggs/Netflix © 2024.
    (L to R) Don Johnson as Chief Sandy Burnne and Emory Cohen as Officer Steve Lann in ‘Rebel Ridge’. Photo: Allyson Riggs/Netflix © 2024.

    Moviefone: To begin with, what was your first reaction to reading the screenplay and why did you want to be a part of this project?

    Don Johnson: My first reaction was that I had the opportunity to work with the great Jeremy Saulnier, and then when I read the material. I was at once excited and a touch trepidatious, only because I wanted to make sure that the first part of the movie didn’t become what the movie was about, an old familiar trope. I was so pleasantly pleased to see that it was not that, but it was a very clever way of using something where you think you know, and then suddenly, something starts, and you don’t know. But now you’re learning and now you’re wrapped up in it and now you’re rolling, and you’re into this world where you go, “Wow, this is in America?” So, I was thrilled with that. I was just thrilled with the opportunity to get to play that part and to work with Jeremy.

    (L to R) Don Johnson as Chief Sandy Burnne and Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond in 'Rebel Ridge'. Photo: Allyson Riggs/Netflix © 2024.
    (L to R) Don Johnson as Chief Sandy Burnne and Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond in ‘Rebel Ridge’. Photo: Allyson Riggs/Netflix © 2024.

    MF: How would you describe your character in your own words and is it fun playing a villain?

    DJ: Would you say Robin Hood was a villain? I don’t know. All my characters are good guys. He’s a no-nonsense guy, Sheriff Sandy Burnne, and he’s been given a responsibility, and he’s managing that responsibility the only way he knows how.

    Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond in 'Rebel Ridge'. Photo: Allyson Riggs/Netflix © 2024.
    Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond in ‘Rebel Ridge’. Photo: Allyson Riggs/Netflix © 2024.

    MF: Can you talk about the conflict between Chief Burnne and Terry Richmond and what it was like working with actor Aaron Pierre?

    DJ: Well, in the Sheriff’s mind, there was no conflict. This is just business as usual. It only becomes a conflict when this very mysterious big guy (arrives). He’s 6’4″ and ripped. If I was to tell the truth, he might be able to kick my ass if I couldn’t find something to hit him with. I loved working with Aaron because he’s a wonderful actor, wonderful actor, and we have similar sensibilities about how we approach our work. It was very easy for Jeremy and Aaron and I to find a tone that we wanted and to commit to it. It’s a hell of a commitment because if you miss, you miss badly. But if you hit it, you get ‘Rebel Ridge’.

    Director Jeremy Saulnier on the set of 'Rebel Ridge'. Photo: Allyson Riggs/Netflix © 2024.
    Director Jeremy Saulnier on the set of ‘Rebel Ridge’. Photo: Allyson Riggs/Netflix © 2024.

    MF: Finally, what was it like collaborating on the set with director Jeremy Saulnier?

    DJ: You’re asking a mixed bag of emotions. We’re not going to go on a cruise together, but we worked together very well as director and actor. But when you’re in a collaborative relationship with somebody, and I love Jeremy, and I think he’d say the same thing about me, you lock horns and you argue and battle about stuff, and that’s when you know somebody is invested in the stuff. You don’t want a director who’s going to just yes you to death. You want somebody to say, “I don’t know that I see it that way. Let’s talk about that.” And we did. Unlike a lot of conversations with directors, I think we found the right tone together throughout.

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    What is the plot of ‘Rebel Ridge’?

    In the town of Shelby Springs, Terry Richmond (Aaron Pierre) has come to post bail for his cousin, but his savings are unjustly seized by a corrupt local police force led by Chief Sandy Burnne (Don Johnson). With the help of court clerk Summer McBride (AnnaSophia Robb), Terry unearths a widespread conspiracy within Shelby Springs and uses his set of “skills” to get the bail money back by any means necessary.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Rebel Ridge’?

    • Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond
    • Don Johnson as Chief Sandy Burnne
    • AnnaSophia Robb as Summer McBride
    • David Denman as Officer Evan Marston
    • Emory Cohen as Officer Steve Lann
    • Steve Zissis as Elliot
    • James Cromwell as Judge
    Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond in 'Rebel Ridge'. Photo: Allyson Riggs/Netflix © 2024.
    Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond in ‘Rebel Ridge’. Photo: Allyson Riggs/Netflix © 2024.

    Don Johnson Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Don Johnson Movies on Amazon

     

  • ‘The Lockdown’ Interview: Caity Lotz and Leo Howard

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    Opening in select theaters on August 16th and available on digital beginning August 27th is the new action movie ‘The Lockdown’, which was directed by Ryan C. Jaeger (‘Kung Fu Games’).

    The film stars Caity Lotz (‘DC’s Legends of Tomorrow’), Leo Howard (‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra’), and Michael Biehn (‘The Terminator’ and ‘Aliens‘).

    (L to R) Caity Lotz and Leo Howard at the premiere of 'The Lockdown'. Photo: Paramount Home Entertainment and Tiger Style Media.
    (L to R) Caity Lotz and Leo Howard at the premiere of ‘The Lockdown’. Photo: Paramount Home Entertainment and Tiger Style Media.

    Related Article: Javicia Leslie Talks ‘Double Life’ and Playing Red Death on ‘The Flash’

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Caity Lotz and Leo Howard about their work on ‘The Lockdown’, their first reaction to the screenplay, their characters’ relationship, shooting the fight sequences, having veteran actor Michael Biehn play their father, and working with director Ryan C. Jaeger on set.

    You can read the full interview below or click the video player above to watch our interview.

    Caity Lotz in 'The Lockdown'. Photo: Paramount Home Entertainment and Tiger Style Media.
    Caity Lotz in ‘The Lockdown’. Photo: Paramount Home Entertainment and Tiger Style Media.

    Moviefone: To begin with, Caity, can you talk about your first reaction to the screenplay and your approach to playing Charlie?

    Caity Lotz: Well, my first reaction was, “Do I want to do a martial arts film that shoots in Thailand? Hell, yes I do.” So, I was already a bit sold even before I got to the script. I was excited. Then after reading it I was like, “This is awesome.” The sibling dynamic in the film I think is cool, and to have so much heart and character in a martial arts film because it’s about the fights, but it’s lovely that there were also some great character moments. So, for me it was exciting, and I think I liked the character of Charlie a lot because she’s kind of righteous and very black and white and sees things one way and her brother is almost the opposite and watching them contend with that and deal with it together is cool.

    (L to R) Leo Howard in 'The Lockdown'. Photo: Paramount Home Entertainment and Tiger Style Media.
    (L to R) Leo Howard in ‘The Lockdown’. Photo: Paramount Home Entertainment and Tiger Style Media.

    MF: Leo can talk about Jack’s relationship with his father, why he goes to Thailand to see him and what he’s hoping to get out of it?

    Leo Howard: Yeah, so the whole kind of idea is Jack and Charlie, the gym that their father owned and ran for many years, to transfer it to their name, they must go get this deed signed by their father who’s locked up in Myanmar. For Jack, there’s kind of a full circle of Jack trying to live his father’s legacy and run the gym and make it successful again. He’s kind of been beaten down. So, there is a desire for his father’s approval, and I think there’s an expectation of getting that approval and what it’s like for someone not to get that approval and that journey throughout the film of what their relationship is like. Jack is the one that believes the best in people, he’s gullible and naive. Charlie has a much more black and white view. She was also older. She witnessed a lot more of the abuse in the family. So, it kind of lends itself for an interesting arc throughout the film.

    (L to R) Leo Howard and Caity Lotz in 'The Lockdown'. Photo: Paramount Home Entertainment and Tiger Style Media.
    (L to R) Leo Howard and Caity Lotz in ‘The Lockdown’. Photo: Paramount Home Entertainment and Tiger Style Media.

    MF: Caity, Max is maybe the worst dad ever. Can you talk about Charlie’s resentment towards him and what was it like working with Michael Biehn?

    CL: We had fun. It was interesting. I think I remember the first day we met Michael was in Thailand and we were going to do a read-through with the director and somehow it turned into this hour-long improv session of family therapy, and we just fell into our characters. It’s so interesting because the way he plays it and the way he views it’s like he’s not a, “Ooh, I’m the evil dad.” It’s he’s the victim. He thinks he’s the victim there. It was such a fun dynamic because just all those feelings naturally … I don’t know, he’s quite triggering in a fun way. When we got to finally watch the film and just seeing his smile, I’m like, “Oh. It’s fun.” I feel like he brought out a lot. It made it easy to act with him. So, I really enjoyed that.

    (L to R) Leo Howard in 'The Lockdown'. Photo: Paramount Home Entertainment and Tiger Style Media.
    (L to R) Leo Howard in ‘The Lockdown’. Photo: Paramount Home Entertainment and Tiger Style Media.

    MF: Leo, what was your experience like working with Michael and creating this estranged father/son relationship?

    LH: I felt like a sponge. I really learned a lot from watching him. To kind of cap on what Caity was saying, he was the victim. I think it’s a testament because some actors would’ve gotten in there and sort of played the villain. “I’m the bad guy of the film, right? I must make this decision”. He really justified it in a way that from Jack’s point of view, I could really empathize with. I get it. I thought that was a really great choice on his part and I learned a lot. So again, he was one that working with him, it was very easy because he moves me, he really affected me, and I think Caity feels the same way. He’s just a very intense man and unpredictable, which I think is interesting on screen. So, I had a great experience working with him.

    Caity Lotz in 'The Lockdown'. Photo: Paramount Home Entertainment and Tiger Style Media.
    Caity Lotz in ‘The Lockdown’. Photo: Paramount Home Entertainment and Tiger Style Media.

    MF: Caity, can you talk about training and preparing with the fight choreographers for the fight scenes?

    CL: Yeah, we had a lot of fun. To prep, because I have martial arts experience, but not a lot in specifically Muay Thai. So before going to Thailand, I deep dove into trying to just get ready to be able to keep up in doing Muay Thai in Thailand. Then when we got there, we got there at least three weeks early and basically had bootcamp. We were learning all the fights and training and getting ready because we had no doubles, there’s no stunt doubles, nothing. Everything you see is practical, no wires, no anything. No doubles ever. So that was cool. Also, I was like, “Wait, but you’re going to have somebody just in case, right?” They’re like, “No, you don’t need it.” I was like, “Oh yeah, sure, okay.” I got a little spoiled being on that TV show (‘DC’s Legends of Tomorrow’) where you’re there like, “You have a double, don’t worry. Go take a break.” So, it was fun. Doing the ring fights was also something I’ve never done. I’ve done a lot of fight scenes but doing a fight scene in a ring is totally different. The stunt people in Thailand are hardcore. They’re super talented and super tough. So, there was a lot of, “Just hit me. Just really, just do it.” I’m like, “Okay, but don’t really hit me. Not too hard. My shins are made of glass.” So, it was good, and it was fun.

    (L to R) Leo Howard in 'The Lockdown'. Photo: Paramount Home Entertainment and Tiger Style Media.
    (L to R) Leo Howard in ‘The Lockdown’. Photo: Paramount Home Entertainment and Tiger Style Media.

    MF: Leo, what was your experience like working with the stunt team and to create those fight sequences?

    LH: It’s awesome, man. It made the little kid in me very happy. It’s sort of what I always wanted to do when I was a kid. It’s kind of why I wanted to act and then ended up falling in love with acting in general. But I always looked at martial arts movies and I was like, “That’s what I want to do, Bruce Lee.” So, it was cool. It was a fun full circle for me. I train a lot. I’ve done martial arts my whole life. I’ve done Brazilian jujitsu for 14 years or so, and it was a hard shoot. It was tough on my body, but I’m very proud of all the fights that we did, and I think it looks great. So, it was a dream come true for me. I really enjoyed all the fight stuff I did, and the ring stuff was unique like Caity was saying. I’d never done any kind of ring fighting before. There’s different dynamics to it. It’s a little harder to hide things. You’re in a wide-open ring, and so the choreography changes, the style of fighting changes. It was a unique experience for me.

    Caity Lotz in 'The Lockdown'. Photo: Paramount Home Entertainment and Tiger Style Media.
    Caity Lotz in ‘The Lockdown’. Photo: Paramount Home Entertainment and Tiger Style Media.

    MF: Caity, can you talk about collaborating with director Ryan C. Jaeger on set?

    CL: Ryan’s awesome. We had so much fun and he’s super open while still having his own strong vision for everything. But he always wanted to hear what you felt, what you needed and how you wanted to bring the character to life and put a lot of trust in you while still having his strong vision for what he sees and how he sees it. I’m happy with the way it turned out. I think he got some beautiful shots. Tonally, I think the film’s also interesting because it’s quite dark, but then you have a lot of humor still in there and a lot of fun. So, I think Ryan kind of wove all those pieces together well.

    (L to R) Leo Howard, director Ryan C. Jaeger and Caity Lotz at the premiere of 'The Lockdown'. Photo: Paramount Home Entertainment and Tiger Style Media.
    (L to R) Leo Howard, director Ryan C. Jaeger and Caity Lotz at the premiere of ‘The Lockdown’. Photo: Paramount Home Entertainment and Tiger Style Media.

    MF: Finally, Leo, what was your experience like working with Ryan on set?

    LH: I love Ryan. He is a perfect mix of a collaborator, yet very firm in what he wants in the vision. I thought he did a great job from the script that I read, really bringing it to life and adding, like Caity said, the humor, the darkness. He didn’t go overboard with shots, and just laid out a nice film. I thought he did a kick-ass job.

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    What is the plot of ‘The Lockdown’?

    Siblings Charlie and Jack are trapped in Myanmar’s toughest prison and accused of a crime they didn’t commit. Forced into televised fights against other inmates, they must work together and fight for their freedom.

    Who is in the cast of ‘The Lockdown’?

    • Caity Lotz as Charlie Hightower
    • Leo Howard as Jack Hightower
    • Michael Biehn as Max Hightower
    • Hon Pin Tang as Warden Cetan
    (L to R) Leo Howard in 'The Lockdown'. Photo: Paramount Home Entertainment and Tiger Style Media.
    (L to R) Leo Howard in ‘The Lockdown’. Photo: Paramount Home Entertainment and Tiger Style Media.

    Other Caity Lotz Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Caity Lotz Movies On Amazon

  • ‘The Killer’ Interview: Nathalie Emmanuel and Omar Sy

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    Premiering on Peacock August 23rd is ‘The Killer’, which is a remake of the classic 1989 action movie of the same name helmed by the original’s director, legendary filmmaker John Woo (‘Face/Off’ and ‘Silent Night’).

    The remake stars Nathalie Emmanuel (‘Fast X’), Omar Sy (‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’), Diana Silvers (‘Book Smart‘), Saïd Taghmaoui (‘Wonder Woman‘) and Sam Worthington (‘Avatar’).

    Related Article: Joel Kinnaman Talks ‘Silent Night’ and Working with Director John Woo

    (L to R) Omar Sy and Nathalie Emmanuel star in 'The Killer', directed by John Woo.
    (L to R) Omar Sy and Nathalie Emmanuel star in ‘The Killer’, directed by John Woo.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with actors Nathalie Emmanuel and Omar Sy about their work on ‘The Killer’, appearing in a remake directed by the original’s director, working with John Woo, the amazing action sequences, Zee’s motivations, and their characters’ complicated relationship with each other.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch the interview.

    (L to R) Nathalie Emmanuel, Omar Sy and director John Woo on the set of 'The Killer'. Photo: Peacock.
    (L to R) Nathalie Emmanuel, Omar Sy and director John Woo on the set of ‘The Killer’. Photo: Peacock.

    Moviefone: To begin with, Nathalie, what is it like starring in a remake of a classic John Woo movie, that is directed by John Woo himself?

    Nathalie Emmanuel: It’s great, it was what dreams are made of. That’s how I feel. I think when you have a remake of something that’s so iconic as ‘The Killer’, to have it be remade or reimagined, if you will, with the man himself, it’s the most exciting prospect for a re-imagining or a remake of something. I just felt incredibly excited. I just trusted John and his vision and what he wanted, and it gave me a lot of confidence to just step into it and it was just wonderful.

    Director John Woo on the set of 'The Killer'. Photo: Peacock.
    Director John Woo on the set of ‘The Killer’. Photo: Peacock.

    MF: Omar, what was your first reaction to the screenplay and the opportunity to work with John Woo?

    Omar Sy: The reaction is difficult to describe. It was like beyond a dream of something that you cannot dare to imagine, and it was happening. Just being in a John Woo movie but being in the classic ‘The Killer’ that I used to watch as a teenager so many times was amazing. The third thing was that it happens in Paris, my hometown. So that was just beyond everything. I had all my friend coming to set and saying, “You’re in a John Woo movie,” and then you can just witness that. It was amazing to do that, and then Paris was an amazing set, and the way John loves Paris was something interesting too. We had a lot of fun, but the reaction to today is just unbelievable what happened.

    Nathalie Emmanuel in 'The Killer', directed by John Woo. Photo: Peacock.
    Nathalie Emmanuel in ‘The Killer’, directed by John Woo. Photo: Peacock.

    MF: The action sequences are beautifully shot, and the choreography looks almost like a dance. Nathalie, can you talk about learning the stunt choreography and being directed by John Woo in the action sequences?

    NE: I think you characterize it perfectly. It’s like doing a dance, not just within the choreography, but with the camera itself and the way that John shoots it. It’s almost like you’re waltzing with the camera at times, and it can be very specific and technical, but there’s also space for some spontaneity and playfulness as well. I feel like the process of learning choreography was so fulfilling and so wonderful, and the stunt team just really poured into me and really wanted to know how I felt about the way that Zee fights or how she kills or how she does her job. There were things that I brought to them, and they were really embracing of it, and John is also very involved in that too. Just having that pool of unbelievable talent and then the nurture involved, it was just wonderful. I honestly just felt proud of it and very proud of the things that I achieved, and it would just never have happened without that huge team of people.

    Omar Sy as Sey in 'The Killer', directed by John Woo. Photo: Peacock.
    Omar Sy as Sey in ‘The Killer’, directed by John Woo. Photo: Peacock.

    MF: Omar, can you talk about the training and preparation you did for the action sequences?

    OS: Same, that we had to be physically prepared to handle the whole shoot and the fight choreography, also the gun handling and all of that. So, we had few weeks before shooting and while we were shooting, we also had to do more training and to go into the precise choreography and all of that was very interesting. It was a lot of work, but very interesting because the process was different. This time, we had a lot of space to add something for our characters, that each move was a line, it’s a response to something with our characters. It was the first time for me to approach choreography and fight scenes like that. So, it was very interesting for me. It changed my way of seeing all those action moves.

    (L to R) Nathalie Emmanuel and Diana Silvers in 'The Killer', directed by John Woo. Photo: Peacock.
    (L to R) Nathalie Emmanuel and Diana Silvers in ‘The Killer’, directed by John Woo. Photo: Peacock.

    MF: Natalie, can you talk about your character’s motivations, her unlikely alliance with Sey and why she decides to protect Jenn?

    NE: Well, I think she’s got a very clear way of doing things, and she’s lived this life of solitude. She does her thing, she lives her life in a very particular, almost regimented way, but she’s somebody who is faced with this situation and her code and how she has a clear code of conduct. She will do the best thing to get the job done, and it becomes very clear that Sey is someone who she can collaborate with because he gets it. It’s that like recognizes like. At first, she’s like, “You are the enemy.” It becomes very clear that she’s like, “Oh, okay, I see something in you that I understand,” and I think the reason why she goes against Finn, played by Sam Worthington, and saves Jennifer or Jenn is because she believes in justice. She believes in the right thing. She’s like, “No civilians, innocent lives are not what I’m here to do,” but it throws up a lot of conflict for her. Therefore, it throws up a lot of questions about her whole life and the way she lives it, and that’s what happens for Zee throughout the movie.

    (L to R) Omar Sy and Nathalie Emmanuel in 'The Killer', directed by John Woo. Photo: Peacock.
    (L to R) Omar Sy and Nathalie Emmanuel in ‘The Killer’, directed by John Woo. Photo: Peacock.

    MF: Finally, Omar, can you talk about why Sey is fascinated by Zee and the cat and mouse game that they play throughout the movie?

    OS: It was very interesting for me to play that because he’s a very instinctive guy and there is something that he recognizes that he feels about this assassin, Zee. She’s supposed to be the enemy, but because he recognized something, that same code and the same sense of fairness and justice, that’s how they will be on the same side very soon. He can recognize and feel that, and I like that it’s very sudden, it’s immediate, but it’s like a feeling, and the way to process takes the whole movie for him to understand why. But the feeling is magic, and then the fact that he can process and intellectualize that, it takes the whole movie almost. I like those that sometimes the heart goes before your brain, and I like that in the movie because it shows how romantic John is. It’s like the heart is always stronger than the brain, and I like that aspect of the movie.

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    What is the plot of ‘The Killers’?

    From the Oscar winning producer of ‘Oppenheimer‘, the kinetic action thriller stars Emmy-nominee Nathalie Emmanuel as Zee, a mysterious and infamous assassin known, and feared, in the Parisian underworld as the “Queen of the Dead”.

    Who is in the cast of ‘The Killers’?

    • Nathalie Emmanuel as Zee
    • Omar Sy as Say
    • Sam Worthington as Finn
    • Diana Silvers as Jenn
    • Saïd Taghmaoui as Prince Majeb Bin Faheem
    • Aurélia Agel as Juliet
    • Grégory Montel as Jax
    (L to R) Omar Sy and Nathalie Emmanuel in 'The Killer', directed by John Woo. Photo: Peacock.
    (L to R) Omar Sy and Nathalie Emmanuel in ‘The Killer’, directed by John Woo. Photo: Peacock.

    Other John Woo Movies:

    Buy John Woo Movies On Amazon

     

  • Every Shawn Levy Movie, Ranked

    Shawn Levy attends the UK Fan Event of Marvel Studios' 'Deadpool & Wolverine' at Eventim Apollo, London on July 11th, 2024.
    Shawn Levy attends the UK Fan Event of Marvel Studios’ ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ at Eventim Apollo, London on July 11th, 2024. Photo by StillMoving.Net for The Walt Disney Company Limited.

    Director Shawn Levy‘s string of consecutive hits has made him one of the most popular filmmakers working today.

    Levy began his career making successful comedies like ‘Just Married‘, ‘Cheaper By the Dozen‘, ‘The Pink Panther‘, ‘Date Night‘ and ‘The Internship‘, but it was his work on the ‘Night at the Museum‘ trilogy that really made him a top director in Hollywood.

    Since then he has dabbled in other genres with films like ‘Real Steel‘, ‘This is Where I Leave You,’ ‘Free Guy‘ and ‘The Adam Project‘, not to mention executive producing Netflix‘s juggernaut series ‘Stranger Things‘.

    Now Levy is entering the MCU with ‘Deadpool & Wolverine‘, which opens in theaters on July 26th and reunites him with frequent collaborators Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman.

    In honor of the new film, Moviefone is counting down every movie Shawn Levy has ever directed, including his latest.

    NOTE: For this list, we are only including movies Levy has directed, and we are not including his vast television work.

    Let’s begin!

    16. ‘Big Fat Liar‘ (2002)

    Paul Giamatti and Frankie Muniz in 'Big Fat Liar'.
    (L to R) Paul Giamatti and Frankie Muniz in ‘Big Fat Liar’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    After one of his class papers is stolen and turned into a movie, a young student (Frankie Muniz) and his best friend (Amanda Bynes) exact a hilarious, slapstick revenge on the Hollywood hot shot (Paul Giamatti) who has taken credit!

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    15. ‘The Pink Panther‘ (2006)

    Steve Martin as Inspector Jacques Clouseau in 2006's 'The Pink Panther.'
    Steve Martin as Inspector Jacques Clouseau in 2006’s ‘The Pink Panther.’ Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Releasing.

    When the coach of the France soccer team is killed by a poisoned dart in the stadium in the end of a game, and his expensive and huge ring with the diamond Pink Panther disappears, the ambitious Chief Inspector Dreyfus (Kevin Kline) assigns the worst police inspector Jacques Clouseau (Steve Martin) to the case.

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    14. ‘Address Unknown‘ (1997)

    1997's 'Address Unknown'.
    1997’s ‘Address Unknown’. Photo: Leucadia Film Corporation.

    A 16-year-old boy who had thought that his fathers death was an accident suspects otherwise when he receives a 10-year-old lost letter his father had written just before his death.

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    13. ‘Just in Time‘ (1997)

    After his wife’s death, Michael (Mark Moses) loses track of whats important. Thats why its strictly business between Michael and Faith (Rebecca Chambers) the attractive nanny he’s hired to take care of his troubled 7-year-old daughter Lily (Brittany Alyse Smith). When Faith helps Lily deal with her mothers death she earns a place in Michaels heart. But to keep Faith in their lives Michael has to decide whats really important to him.

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    12. ‘Cheaper by the Dozen‘ (2003)

    Steve Martin in 'Cheaper by the Dozen'.
    Steve Martin in ‘Cheaper by the Dozen’. Photo: 20th Century Fox.

    The Baker brood moves to Chicago after patriarch Tom (Steve Martin) gets a job coaching football at Northwestern University, forcing his writer wife, Mary (Bonnie Hunt), and the couple’s 12 children to make a major adjustment. The transition works well until work demands pull the parents away from home, leaving the kids bored — and increasingly mischievous.

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    11. ‘Just Married‘ (2003)

    Brittany Murphy and Ashton Kutcher in 'Just Married'.
    (L to R) Brittany Murphy and Ashton Kutcher in ‘Just Married’. Photo: 20th Century Fox.

    Tom Leezak (Ashton Kutcher) and Sarah McNerney (Brittany Murphy) fall in love and plan to get married, despite opposition from Sarah’s uptight, rich family. When they do get married, and get a chance to prove Sarah’s family wrong, they go on a European honeymoon and run into disaster after disaster. They have to decide whether the honeymoon from hell and a few pre-marital mistakes are worth throwing away their love and marriage.

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    10. ‘Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian‘ (2009)

    Ben Stiller and Amy Adams in 'Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian'.
    (L to R) Ben Stiller and Amy Adams in ‘Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian’. Photo: 20th Century Fox.

    Hapless museum night watchman Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) must help his living, breathing exhibit friends out of a pickle now that they’ve been transferred to the archives at the Smithsonian Institution. Larry’s (mis)adventures this time include close encounters with Amelia Earhart (Amy Adams), Abe Lincoln (Hank Azaria) and Ivan the Terrible (Christopher Guest).

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    9. ‘Date Night‘ (2010)

    Tina Fey and Steve Carell in 'Date Night'.
    (L to R) Tina Fey and Steve Carell in ‘Date Night’. Photo: 20th Century Fox.

    Phil (Steve Carell) and Claire (Tina Fey) Foster fear that their mild-mannered relationship may be falling into a stale rut. During their weekly date night, their dinner reservation leads to their being mistaken for a couple of thieves—and now a number of unsavoury characters want Phil and Claire killed.

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    8. ‘Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb‘ (2014)

    Mizuo Peck, Robin Williams, Ben Stiller, Rami Malek and Patrick Gallagher in 'Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb'.
    (L to R) Mizuo Peck, Robin Williams, Ben Stiller, Rami Malek and Patrick Gallagher in ‘Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb’. Photo: 20th Century Fox.

    When the magic powers of The Tablet of Ahkmenrah begin to die out, Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) spans the globe, uniting favorite and new characters while embarking on an epic quest to save the magic before it is gone forever.

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    7. ‘The Internship‘ (2013)

    Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson in 'The Internship'.
    (L to R) Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson in ‘The Internship’. Photo: 20th Century Fox.

    Two recently laid-off men in their 40s (Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson) try to make it as interns at a successful Internet company where their managers are in their 20s.

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    6. ‘The Adam Project‘ (2022)

    Walker Scobell and Ryan Reynolds in 'The Adam Project'.
    (L to R) Walker Scobell and Ryan Reynolds in ‘The Adam Project’. Photo: Netflix.

    A time-traveling pilot (Ryan Reynolds) teams up with his younger self (Walker Scobell) and his late father (Mark Ruffalo) to come to terms with his past while saving the future.

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    5. ‘Night at the Museum‘ (2006)

    Ben Stiller and Robin Williams in 'Night at the Museum'.
    (L to R) Ben Stiller and Robin Williams in ‘Night at the Museum’. Photo: 20th Century Fox.

    Chaos reigns at the natural history museum when night watchman Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) accidentally stirs up an ancient curse, awakening Attila the Hun, an army of gladiators, a Tyrannosaurus rex and other exhibits.

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    4. ‘Real Steel‘ (2011)

    Dakota Goyo and Hugh Jackman in 'Real Steel'.
    (L to R) Dakota Goyo and Hugh Jackman in ‘Real Steel’. Photo: Walt Disney Studios.

    Charlie Kenton (Hugh Jackman) is a washed-up fighter who retired from the ring when robots took over the sport. After his robot is trashed, he reluctantly teams up with his estranged son (Dakota Goyo) to rebuild and train an unlikely contender.

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    3. ‘This Is Where I Leave You‘ (2014)

    Tina Fey, Corey Stoll, Jane Fonda, Jason Bateman and Adam Driver in 'This Is Where I Leave You'.
    (L to R) Tina Fey, Corey Stoll, Jane Fonda, Jason Bateman and Adam Driver in ‘This Is Where I Leave You’. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.

    When their father passes away, four grown (Tina Fey, Jason Bateman, Corey Stoll and Adam Driver), world-weary siblings return to their childhood home and are requested — with an admonition — to stay there together for a week, along with their free-speaking mother (Jane Fonda) and a collection of spouses, exes and might-have-beens. As the brothers and sisters re-examine their shared history and the status of each tattered relationship among those who know and love them best, they reconnect in hysterically funny and emotionally significant ways.

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    2. ‘Free Guy‘ (2021)

    Ryan Reynolds and Jodie Comer in 'Free Guy'.
    (L to R) Ryan Reynolds and Jodie Comer in ‘Free Guy’. Photo: 20th Century Studios.

    A bank teller (Ryan Reynolds) discovers he is actually a background player in an open-world video game, and decides to become the hero of his own story. Now, in a world where there are no limits, he is determined to be the guy who saves his world his way before it’s too late.

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    1. ‘Deadpool & Wolverine‘ (2024)

    Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool/Wade Wilson and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine/Logan in 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios' 'Deadpool & Wolverine'.
    (L to R) Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool/Wade Wilson and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine/Logan in 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios’ ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’. Photo by Jay Maidment. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.

    Marvel Studios’ ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ delivers the ultimate, iconic, cinematic team-up throw-down on July 26th.

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  • Sharon Stone to be the Villain in ‘Nobody’s Sequel

    Sharon Stone arrives for the 83rd Annual Academy Awards® at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, CA February 27, 2011. Credit/Provider: Ivan Vejar / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.
    Sharon Stone arrives for the 83rd Annual Academy Awards® at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, CA February 27, 2011. Credit/Provider: Ivan Vejar / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    Preview:

    • Sharon Stone has joined the sequel to 2021 action pic ‘Nobody’.
    • Bob Odenkirk is back to star.
    • Timo Tjahjanto has the job of directing the new movie.

    Though Sharon Stone these days tends to devote herself to charitable endeavors off-screen, she still pops up in the odd movie here and there.

    And while she may forever be associated with her most famous performance in erotic thriller ‘Basic Instinct’, Stone has had some other memorable roles, including ‘Casino’ and, on the other end of the critical reception spectrum, ‘Catwoman’, in which she played the scheming Laurel Hedare.

    Yet she seems happy to be villainous again, signing up for the sequel to 2021 action thriller ‘Nobody’, which starred Bob Odenkirk and became a surprise pandemic hit, earning more than $57 million from a $16 million budget.

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    What was the story of ‘Nobody’?

    Bob Odenkirk in 'Nobody.'
    Bob Odenkirk in ‘Nobody.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.

    ‘Nobody’ saw Odenkirk as Hutch Mansell, an underestimated and overlooked dad and husband, taking life’s indignities on the chin and never pushing back. A nobody.

    When two thieves break into his suburban home one night, Hutch declines to defend himself or his family, hoping to prevent serious violence. His teenage son, Blake (Gage Munroe), is disappointed in him and his wife, Becca (Connie Nielsen), seems to pull only further away.

    The aftermath of the incident strikes a match to Hutch’s long-simmering rage, triggering dormant instincts and propelling him on a brutal path that will surface dark secrets and lethal skills. In a barrage of fists, gunfire and squealing tires, Hutch must save his family from a dangerous adversary.

    Related Article: Bob Odenkirk will Return as Hutch Mansell for ‘Nobody 2’

    What will ‘Nobody 2’ be about?

    Bob Odenkirk in 'Nobody.'
    Bob Odenkirk in ‘Nobody.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.

    There are zero official plot details for the new movie –– once again written by Derek Kolstad, this time joined by Aaron Rabin, Odenkirk and Umair Aleem –– though the end of the original did hint at Hutch continuing to embrace his re-emerged badass side, with Becca playing a more active part.

    We do at least know he’ll be facing a threat from Stone’s character, though whether she’s someone from his past or a brand new problem remains to be seen.

    Who is making ‘Nobody 2’?

    Bob Odenkirk in 'Nobody.'
    Bob Odenkirk in ‘Nobody.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Indonesian director Timo Tjahjanto will be overseeing the new movie. He got his start directing ‘V/H/S/2’ segment “Safe Haven” alongside Gareth Evans. He went on to direct the ‘The Night Comes for Us’ and ‘May the Devil Take You’, both of which are available on Netflix.

    On the evidence of his past work, he certainly has the action credentials to pull off something good.

    Producing once more via their 87North company are filmmaker David Leitch and producer partner Kelly McCormick, no strangers to action themselves, having most recently released ‘The Fall Guy’.

    When will ‘Nobody 2’ be in theaters?

    Studio backers Universal have set an August 15th, 2025 release date for the ‘Nobody’ sequel.

    Bob Odenkirk in 'Nobody.'
    Bob Odenkirk in ‘Nobody.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Nobody 2′:

    Buy ‘Nobody’ Movies On Amazon

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  • Charlize Theron to Star in New Thriller ‘Apex’

    Charlize Theron arrives on the red carpet of the 96th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 10, 2024.
    Charlize Theron arrives on the red carpet of the 96th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Credit/Provider: Nick Agro ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    Preview:

    • Charlize Theron is starring in ‘Apex’.
    • Baltasar Kormákur will direct the thriller.
    • Theron also commented on the future of ‘The Old Guard’ action franchise.

    We all know Charlize Theron can handle an action situation. She’s proved it time and again in the likes of ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’, ‘Atomic Blonde’ and more.

    So it’s perhaps not surprising to see her sparking to a new action project, as Netflix has her aboard a thriller called ‘Apex’ which will call her to scale some heights to survive.

    Related Article: Charlize Theron and Daniel Craig Will be Thieves in Heist Thriller ‘Two for the Money’

    What’s the Story of ‘Apex’?

    2015's 'Everest'.
    2015’s ‘Everest’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Jeremy Robbins wrote the screenplay, which Deadline has learned is described as a combination of ‘Free Solo’ and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’, in which a rock climber finds herself hunted in the wild. Reportedly it was good enough that Netflix was quick to purchase it.

    The company nabbed the rights to the script back in February, in an unusual sale that, in this era of “packaging” (attaching directors and actors to scripts before taking them out) stands out.

    Who is Making ‘Apex’?

    Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg in '2 Guns'.
    (L to R) Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg in ‘2 Guns’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    With the script acquired, Netflix acted quickly to find a star and a director. Theron signed on around the same time as director Baltasar Kormákur. He’s got a little bit of experience with high altitude action since he directed 2015 based-on-truth drama ‘Everest’.

    The filmmaker has also been behind the likes of ‘2 Guns’, ‘Beast’ and his most recent effort, new drama ‘Touch’, which is earning him some positive reviews.

    As for Theron, ‘Apex’ puts her back in business with Netflix, for whom she starred in ‘The Old Guard’. And talking of the graphic novel-based franchise…

    Theron Talks ‘The Old Guard 2’

    Charlize Theron in 'The Old Guard.'
    Charlize Theron in ‘The Old Guard.’ Photo: Netflix.

    The first installment of ‘The Old Guard’ –– which writer Greg Rucka adapted from his own comic book for director Gina Prince-Bythewood –– landed on Netflix in 2020 and became a pandemic viewing hit with its story of a small army of superhero-esque immortals whose centuries-old secret existence is threatened by a villainous pharmaceutical titan.

    The sequel, which saw Victoria Mahoney directing while Uma Thurman and Henry Golding joined the cast, wrapped shooting in 2022 but has seen delays during its post-production process.

    Here’s what Theron had to say about it:

    “We got kind of stuck in that and our post-production shut down, I think, five weeks into it. They [Netflix] were going through a lot of changes, and I totally understand it. We finally picked it back up and I’m really excited about it. It’s really good. It’s a really important film to us. I only wanted to do it if we could make it amazing. I really love this movie.”

    We’ve yet to learn when it might earn a spot on Netflix, but if all goes well it could finally arrive either later this year or early next.

    When Will ‘Apex’ Be On Screens?

    As of yet, Netflix hasn’t offered any details of when the movie might land –– or, indeed, if it’ll see a theatrical element before hitting the streamer’s servers.

    Charlize Theron in 2017's 'Atomic Blonde.'
    Charlize Theron in 2017’s ‘Atomic Blonde.’

    Other Baltasar Kormákur Movies:

    Buy Charlize Theron Movies on Amazon

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  • Glen Powell the Top Choice for a ‘Backdraft’ Remake

    (Left) Glen Powell as Tyler in 'Twisters', directed by Lee Isaac Chung. (Right) Kurt Russell in 'Backdraft'. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    (Left) Glen Powell as Tyler in ‘Twisters’, directed by Lee Isaac Chung. (Right) Kurt Russell in ‘Backdraft’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Preview:

    • Producer Brian Glazer says he’s working on a ‘Backdraft’ remake.
    • He mentions Glen Powell is likely to star in the project.
    • There are no other official details yet.

    Glen Powell is, as the old phrase runs, “so hot right now”. He confirmed his star status with the likes of ‘Anyone But You’ and ‘Hit Man’ and is in theaters again this weekend with ‘Twisters’, which has been picking up some positive reviews like a tornado scoops up cows and cars.

    You can imagine, then, that he’s high on studios and production companies’ list of people to work with, and that includes Brian Grazer.

    The veteran producer, a business partner of Ron Howard, who has shepherded many movies and TV shows to screens of all sizes, is now talking about going back to territory that he and Howard tackled in 1991.

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    And if he really intends to do it, he apparently needs A) a fire axe and B) Glen Powell –– as, according to what Grazer told CNBC business series Squawk Box as part of a wider interview about Hollywood’s future, he dropped mention of a potential remake of ‘Backdraft’.

    Here’s what Grazer had to say:

    “Imagine [Entertainment] has always played in that zone where there is that chance, high probability of chance, that it [a movie] will be successful in a movie theater. It’s great for us because we’ve built, over 30 years, over 100 different products –– brands. Whether it’s ‘Backdraft’ which I’m now going to do today with Glen Powell, or whether it’s 24, a movie that we’re going to do in a very interesting way with Disney-Fox.”

    You can find more about the ‘24’ movie in our report below.

    Related Article: Disney’s 20th Century Studios is Developing a Movie Based on ‘24’

    What’s the Story of ‘Backdraft’?

    William Baldwin, Kurt Russell and Scott Glenn in 'Backdraft'.
    (L to R) William Baldwin, Kurt Russell and Scott Glenn in ‘Backdraft’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    ‘Backdraft’ –– directed by Howard from a script by Gregory Widen, follows Chicago firefighting brothers Stephen (Kurt Russell) and Brian (William Baldwin), who have been rivals since childhood.

    Brian, struggling to prove himself, transfers to the arson unit. There he aids Don (Robert De Niro) in his investigation into a spate of fires involving oxygen-induced infernos called backdrafts. But when a conspiracy implicating a crooked politician and an arsonist leads Brian back to Stephen, he is forced to overcome his brotherly competitiveness in order to crack the case.

    It was a big box office hit, earning more than $150 million worldwide (in 1991, don’t forget) from a $40 million budget.

    And in case your remake anger levels are rising, you might also recall –– or, for most people, learn –– that a sequel to the original arrived in 2019. William Baldwin and Donald Sutherland were among the actors who returned for the straight-to-video effort that arrived with little heat.

    What Else Did Grazer Say About a Potential New ‘Backdraft’?

    Kurt Russell in 'Backdraft'.
    Kurt Russell in ‘Backdraft’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    According to the producer, we could see the fire effects –– which were pretty superb back in the 1991 effort, and brought to life practically –– given a modern-day make-over:

    “AI and digital effects have so far advanced themselves that you can have tiny little cameras, almost imperceptible, that will capture the physics of a fire in a way that’s never been done before… Those are the advancements and benefits of AI and digital effects.”

    Will Glen Powell Actually Star?

    Glen Powell stars in 'Hit Man'.
    Glen Powell stars in ‘Hit Man’. Photo: Netflix.

    Grazer is not one to spread wild rumours, so his mentioning Powell’s name means there have probably been discussions even if there’s no deal in place. And given that there’s zero official word on any studio involvement (Universal has the rights), it’s a waiting game at this point.

    Powell, meanwhile, is already attached to a remake or two: he’ll star in Edgar Wright’s take on ‘The Running Man’ and has been named as a potential lead for a new take on ‘Heaven Can Wait’.

    Kurt Russell and William Baldwin in 'Backdraft'.
    (L to R) Kurt Russell and William Baldwin in ‘Backdraft’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Movies in the ‘Backdraft’ Franchise:

    Buy ‘Backdraft’ Movies On Amazon

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