Moviefone Editorial

Tag: animation

  • ‘Twilight of the Gods’ Interview: Zack Snyder and Wesley Coller

    (L to R) Kristofer Hivju as Andvari, Birgitte Hjort Sørensen as Hervor, Peter Stormare as Ulfr, Jamie Clayton as Seid-Kona, Sylvia Hoeks as Sigrid and Thea Sofie Loch Naess as Thyra in 'Twilight of the Gods'. Photo: Netflix © 2024.
    (L to R) Kristofer Hivju as Andvari, Birgitte Hjort Sørensen as Hervor, Peter Stormare as Ulfr, Jamie Clayton as Seid-Kona, Sylvia Hoeks as Sigrid and Thea Sofie Loch Naess as Thyra in ‘Twilight of the Gods’. Photo: Netflix © 2024.

    Premiering on Netflix September 19th is the new animated series from visionary director Zack Snyder (‘Watchmen’ and ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’) entitled ‘Twilight of the Gods’.

    The series is based on Norse mythology and features Sylvia Hoeks (‘Blade Runner 2049’), Stuart Martin (‘Army of Thieves’), Pilou Asbeck (‘Game of Thrones’), John Nobel (‘Fringe’), Peter Stormare (‘Constantine’), Jamie Chung (‘Sucker Punch’), Lauren Cohan (‘The Walking Dead’), Corey Stroll (‘Ant-Man’) and Jessica Henwick (‘The Gray Man’) amongst the voice cast.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with co-creator and executive producer Zack Snyder, as well as executive producer Wesley Coller about their work on ‘Twilight of the Gods’, Snyder’s interest in Norse mythology, reinventing it for a new audience, the freedom of animation, bringing Snyder’s unique filmmaking style to the series, the voice cast, and Hans Zimmer’s score.

    Related Article: Director Zack Snyder Talks ‘Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver’

    Director Zack Snyder at Next on Netflix Animation Preview.
    Director Zack Snyder at Next on Netflix Animation Preview. Photo: Netflix.

    Moviefone: Zack, can you talk about your interest in Norse Mythology and breaking the story for the series?

    Zack Snyder: I’ve long had an interest in Norse mythology. I think it’s easy to be seduced and captivated by the adventures of these gods. Viking gods are interesting to anybody, obviously. When we talked about the show, we had this character of Sigrid and that she was this Warrior Shield maiden. We really wanted to focus on this love affair between she and Leif because I really love the idea of the tenderness and deep connection that these two have with each other, and that through it all, through the landscape of these gods on their whims that can destroy us, but their love the thing that holds the whole universe together for them. We really loved that idea. The great thing about doing a series is that you have time to develop those relationships and really dig into the whys and wherefores of these characters. So yeah, it was super fun and super satisfying to realize.

    MF: Wesley, can you talk about the challenges of adapting Zack’s specific visual style to this animated series?

    Wesley Coller: It was a great experience. We’ve done animation before, so it wasn’t wholly new to us, but doing 2D in a series space is a whole different ask. For me, what I loved about it is I could make no assumptions, which as a producer are my favorite junctures, where nothing’s on autopilot. I must really be open to learning and being a part of a process that is new in this 2D series space. I think in terms of having that work with Zack’s style, it was a natural fit. I think the fact that here’s this beautiful 2D landscape, the designs that Zack and everybody came up with is amazing. I think it’s an amazing foundation to tell this mythical epic story where there’s man and gods and giants and dragons. I think that it created a place for the story to be told at the scale, at the pace, all the things that directorially, Zack the team wanted to do. For me, I think that it was a really just organic fit and process, and watching that take place and being a part of that was really an honor and I’m so thrilled with how it turned out.

    (L to R) Sylvia Hoeks as Sigrid and Birgitte Hjort Sørensen as Hervor in 'Twilight of the Gods'. Photo: Netflix © 2024.
    (L to R) Sylvia Hoeks as Sigrid and Birgitte Hjort Sørensen as Hervor in ‘Twilight of the Gods’. Photo: Netflix © 2024.

    MF: Zack, you make big movies based on big ideas, is there a certain freedom that comes with animation because you can execute anything that you can imagine?

    ZS: There is. I think that it’s fun to do a scene with something outrageous in it and not have to worry about how we’re going to do it, because that’s a big part of being a filmmaker, is the sort of puzzling out of the production methodology that would be the most effective for rendering these crazy images. I think for me, I draw, so when you draw something crazy and you’re like, “Well, how are we going to film that?” It’s a big deal. Everyone’s like, “Oh, you can’t do that.” We do hear that a lot in live action. But here they’re like, “Yeah, we’ll just make that. Why not?” So, it’s quite liberating in some ways.

    MF: Wesley, can you talk about assembling the voice cast?

    WC: I think just like anytime you’re casting, you go into that process looking for the person, the voice, that presence that’s going to really embody that character. We were talking about at one point that because it’s animation, the ask of time is less. So even our busiest friends and people we’ve worked with before, it was not a huge ask to be able to carve out a little bit of time. Zack really got to say, “You know who’d be great for this?” And we got to just go straight for those people. I’m so thrilled with the casting and I feel like the performances they deliver are just amazing. You put those (voices) in this story, this world with this visual aesthetic and I just think it’s a captivating watch.

    Twilight of the Gods (L to R) Sylvia Hoeks as Sigrid and Pilou Asbæk as Thor in 'Twilight of the Gods'. Photo: Netflix © 2024.
    Twilight of the Gods (L to R) Sylvia Hoeks as Sigrid and Pilou Asbæk as Thor in ‘Twilight of the Gods’. Photo: Netflix © 2024.

    MF: Zack, can you talk about having the opportunity to reintroduce characters like Thor, Loki and Odin to a new audience that may only know of them from the Marvel movies?

    ZS: I think that for me it was fun to get at their real Norse mythological origins. This is sort of the non-commercial version of the Norse gods and maybe it’s a fun dive to go see how flawed and crazy they really were. I think that’s just incredible. Like our Odin is just off the charts freaky, and I love him.

    MF: Finally, Wesley, can you talk about Hans Zimmer’s score and what it adds to the series?

    WC: Fortunately, we have a relationship with him and when we started talking about what to do for score, reaching out to Hans was something that we just immediately thought that would be amazing. We reached out and he put together the team and they just collectively came back to us with the most amazing score. It was funny because they came to us with the first pass, which was great, but there were some unique, edgy ideas that they had peppered in. We heard it and the note was just more of that. “Just go for it. There should be no restraints on this and have fun with it and get weird with it.” They came back on pass two and had infused so much more of that. I’m so thrilled with that. I feel like it is really part of the DNA of the story.

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    What is the plot of ‘Twilight of the Gods’?

    In a mythical world of great battles, great deeds and great despair, Leif (Stuart Martin), a mortal King, is saved on the battlefield by Sigrid (Sylvia Hoeks), an iron-willed warrior with whom he falls in love. On their wedding night, Sigrid and Leif survive a wrath of terror from Thor (Pilou Asbæk), which sets them – and a crew of crusaders – on an against all odds and merciless mission for vengeance. This heroic story of love, loss and revenge, is a journey to Hell and beyond… across fantastical lands, battlefields fierce and bloody, and wars waged against Gods and demons.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Twilight of the Gods’?

    • Sylvia Hoeks as Sigrid
    • Stuart Martin as Leif
    • Pilou Asbæk as Thor
    • John Noble as Odin
    • Paterson Joseph as Loki
    • Rahul Kohli as Egill
    • Jamie Clayton as The Seid-Kona
    • Kristofer Hivju as Andvari
    • Peter Stormare as Ulfr
    • Jamie Chung as Hel
    • Lauren Cohan as Inge
    • Corey Stoll as Hrafnkel
    • Jessica Henwick as Sandraudiga
    (L to R) Sylvia Hoeks as Sigrid and Paterson Joseph as Loki in 'Twilight of the Gods'. Photo: Netflix © 2024.
    (L to R) Sylvia Hoeks as Sigrid and Paterson Joseph as Loki in ‘Twilight of the Gods’. Photo: Netflix © 2024.

    Movies Directed By Zack Snyder:

    Buy Zack Snyder Movies on Amazon

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  • SDCC 2024: ‘Transformers One’ Panel

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    Preview:

    • The ‘Transformers One’ Panel at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con featured casting news about Laurence Fishburne and Steve Buscemi.
    • Chris Hemsworth and Tyree Henry are among the leads.
    • ‘Toy Story 4’ director Josh Cooley made the new movie.

    While this year’s outing of the San Diego Comic-Con has so far proved to be a relatively quiet one (at least until the likes of Marvel show up to offer tantalizing news tidbits), there was some new information about an animated movie that is garnering some positive buzz off the back of early screenings: ‘Transformers One’.

    The movie, which stars the voices of Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Keegan-Michael Key and Scarlett Johansson features the much-loved robots in disguise… but at a time when they were able to transform at all.

    Keegan-Michael Key, Chris Hemsworth and Bryan Tyree Henry at the Comic-Con 2022 'Transformers One' presentation.
    (L to R) Keegan-Michael Key, Chris Hemsworth and Bryan Tyree Henry at the Comic-Con 2022 ‘Transformers One’ presentation. Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    It kicked off one of the early presentation panels, and the actors (minus Johansson, who was busy on the new ‘Jurassic World’ film) were on hand alongside director Josh Cooley (‘Toy Story 4’) and producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura to debut some fresh footage and provide some new insight into the movie.

    And the panel also offered up the latest trailer, which you can watch above.

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    What’s the story of ‘Transformers One’?

    'Transformers One'.
    ‘Transformers One’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    The new movie is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever.

    Hemsworth voices Orion Pax, who will become Autobot leader Optimus Prime, while Henry is D-16, the future Megatron. Key plays B-127, a chatty ‘bot who’ll later be known as Bumblebee, and Johansson is Elita-1.

    Related Article: Where To Watch ’Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’

    What did we learn about the ‘Transformers One’ cast?

    (Left) Jon Hamm as Vice Admiral Beau "Cyclone" Simpson in 'Top Gun: Maverick.' Photo: Paramount Pictures. (Center) Laurence Fishburne in 'Clipped'. Photo: FX. (Right) Steve Buscemi in 'Boardwalk Empire'. Photo: HBO Entertainment.
    (Left) Jon Hamm as Vice Admiral Beau “Cyclone” Simpson in ‘Top Gun: Maverick.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures. (Center) Laurence Fishburne in ‘Clipped’. Photo: FX. (Right) Steve Buscemi in ‘Boardwalk Empire’. Photo: HBO Entertainment.

    The panel included word (or rather, confirmation) that Jon Hamm is playing Cybertron leader Sentinel Prime, with Laurence Fishburne taking the Morpheus-alike role of Alpha Prion.

    Perhaps the biggest revelation was word that Steve Buscemi voices Starscream, who we know will become one of Megatron’s (usually) loyal lieutenants. In ‘Transformers One’, they’re in opposition, with Starscream proclaiming that “the idea of a unified Cybertron is a myth” –– though it’s clear D-16 is starting to have doubts about his alliances.

    Chris Hemsworth at the Comic-Con 2022 'Transformers One' presentation.
    Chris Hemsworth at the Comic-Con 2022 ‘Transformers One’ presentation. Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    Among the panel highlights were funny moments, including Hemsworth remarking that he and Henry –– who never shared a recording booth –– prepped to play best friends by sleeping in bunk beds.

    Key, meanwhile (whose character is the comic relief for the movie), looked to lead the Hall H audience in a rendition of the ‘Transformers’ cartoon theme tune, only to find few takers. “Good, now we know who’s over 40,” he quipped.

    Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura at the Comic-Con 2022 'Transformers One' presentation.
    Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura at the Comic-Con 2022 ‘Transformers One’ presentation. Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    This is what producer di Bonaventura had to say about the advantages of animation for a Transformers movie:

    “If we did this as a live-action movie, it would probably cost $500M. What has been tricky in live-action is that every time a robot talks, it costs a lot of money. In animation, you can have them build out their character.”

    And for Cooley, it was a chance to dig into the characters lore.

    “Hasbro gave me the bible of ‘Transformers’, this Tolkien-length history –– so much to play with, a huge sandbox –– I wanted the feeling of what it was like to play with the toys as a kid, that feeling of nostalgia and joy trying to make these things work.”

    When will ‘Transformers One’ be in theaters?

    ‘Transformers One’ will be released on September 20th.

    Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Keegan-Michael Key, Chris Hemsworth, director Josh Cooley and Bryan Tyree Henry at the Comic-Con 2022 'Transformers One' presentation.
    (L to R) Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Keegan-Michael Key, Chris Hemsworth, director Josh Cooley and Bryan Tyree Henry at the Comic-Con 2022 ‘Transformers One’ presentation. Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    Other Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Transformers’ Franchise:

    Buy ‘Transformer’ Movies on Amazon

  • Movie Review: ‘Despicable Me 4’

    'Despicable Me 4' opens in theaters on July 3, 2024. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    ‘Despicable Me 4’ opens in theaters on July 3, 2024. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Opening in theaters on July 3rd, ‘Despicable Me 4’s is Illumination Entertainment (and distributor Universal) unleashing the latest salvo of their behemoth franchise.

    The success of ‘Despicable’ movies is almost comically predictable at this point, and while the latest offering does very little that’s really new, it seems certain to appeal to the family target audience.

    Related Article: Movie Review: Minions: The Rise of Gru

    Will ‘Despicable Me 4’ Keep the Family Happy?

    'Despicable Me 4' opens in theaters on July 3, 2024. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    ‘Despicable Me 4’ opens in theaters on July 3, 2024. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Though it would be wrong to say that the franchise really matures, the new offering does at least represent the usual evolution of the story, as it finds Steve Carell’s Gru well and truly settled into family life. Yet his villainous past once more comes back to haunt him when a rival threatens his domestic bliss and the Gru clan is forced to retreat to a safe house.

    Plus, any movie featuring Gru is contractually obliged to include the Minions, and here there is a new spin on that concept, albeit a slightly tired satire of a genre that has long since been spoofed beyond reason.

    Script and Direction

    'Despicable Me 4' opens in theaters on July 3, 2024. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    ‘Despicable Me 4’ opens in theaters on July 3, 2024. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Written by ‘Despicable’ veteran Ken Daurio and in a slightly surprising turn, Mike White (though ‘The White Lotus’ boss is also credited with last year’s ‘Migration’, also from Illumination), so he’s clearly found a side gig groove with the animation company.

    Don’t go expecting any ‘Lotus’-level depth here (not that you would from a knockabout cartoon effort), and the movie is refreshingly free of hackneyed attempts to teach family bonding lessons, mostly because they’ve all been covered before by the ‘Despicable’ movies. The gags come thick and fast, but the main issue with the screenplay and the movie on which they are based is that it all feels like separate elements that eventually try to gel for the big finish, but never feel like they’re all in the same plotline.

    Gru, for example, not only has to deal with an old nemesis coming back, but a new potential threat, and the screenplay doesn’t really juggle them as effectively as they might, with several feeling underserved.

    'Despicable Me 4' opens in theaters on July 3, 2024. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    ‘Despicable Me 4’ opens in theaters on July 3, 2024. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Kudos, though, to the team for two referential jokes that feel like they were layered in specifically for the parents bringing their kids to this one –– particularly a ‘Terminator 2’ moment that really works.

    Chris Renaud (another ‘Despicable’ veteran) and Patrick Delage (who has worked his way up from the animation department into more of an overall leadership role here) oversaw direction. And rather than trying to change what was working about the look and feel of the movies, they kept to the basic template –– lots of Minion moments (even if, like the split plotlines, they feel like separate skits that are crowbarred into the story until they serve a point at the end. And even then, they feel like a throwaway afterthought.

    If you’re taking kids who are really only there for the squat, chattering, yellow pill-shaped nuisances, you might be better off just re-watching old shorts and moments online.

    Performances

    'Despicable Me 4' opens in theaters on July 3, 2024. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    ‘Despicable Me 4’ opens in theaters on July 3, 2024. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    The voice cast is predictably entertaining –– many of them have been at this franchise long enough to bed into their roles. Where things fall down somewhat is a by-the-numbers script that doesn’t really give them much that’s fresh.

    Steve Carell as Gru

    'Despicable Me 4' opens in theaters on July 3, 2024. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    ‘Despicable Me 4’ opens in theaters on July 3, 2024. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Carell knows how to knock out a Gru line in his sleep these days, but he throws himself into the role with typical relish. He’s a little isolated from the rest of the family for large stretches of the story, but he bounces well off of Joey King, who plays Poppy, a teenager with criminal aspirations of her own.

    Will Ferrell as Maxime Le Mal

    'Despicable Me 4' opens in theaters on July 3, 2024. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    ‘Despicable Me 4’ opens in theaters on July 3, 2024. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Will Ferrell here plays Gru’s old schoolmate and nemesis, but though Ferrell tries out a cod-French accent to try and get something new, he’s rarely all that memorable. An obsession with cockroaches seemingly opens the door to Minion-style madness, but his insect army is established and then quickly forgotten. In the ranks of gadget-obsessed villainy that have cropped up in the movies, Le Mal doesn’t really pop.

    And that goes double for his girlfriend, Valentina (Sofia Vergara). It seems clear that either there is more of her role on the cutting room floor, or Vergara spent roughly 10 minutes in the recording booth as Valentina is a largely pointless character.

    Stephen Colbert, Kristen Wiig and More

    'Despicable Me 4' opens in theaters on July 3, 2024. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    ‘Despicable Me 4’ opens in theaters on July 3, 2024. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Stephen Colbert, Carell’s old ‘Daily Show’ colleague is always good value matched against him (here as snooty, preppy new neighbor Perry Prescott.

    Kristen Wiig, meanwhile, gets some meatier material as Lucy Wilde, Gru’s wife, including her attempts to become part of the new community where they’re forced to move.

    And finally, there’s Gru Jr. the family’s new addition (who mostly just makes gurgling and other infant sounds). He’s a fun diversion, a child who simply doesn’t like his father (until…. Well, that would be spoiling things, but you can guess).

    The Minions do their thing as usual, and their superhero spoof is diverting if not really effective at this point when we don’t really need another example of poking fun at the genre.

    Final Thoughts

    'Despicable Me 4' opens in theaters on July 3, 2024. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    ‘Despicable Me 4’ opens in theaters on July 3, 2024. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Gru and co. are such reliable money spinners for Illumination at this point that they could probably just put out 90 minutes of Minions babbling and slapping each other, and family audiences would crack open their wallets to see it.

    You might find yourself wishing for something truly revolutionary, but it’s unlikely to disappoint the diehard kiddie fans.

    ‘Despicable Me 4’ receives 7 out of 10 stars.

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    What’s the story of ‘Despicable Me 4’?

    Gru (Steve Carrell) and Lucy (Kristen Wiig) and their girls —Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Madison Polan) — welcome a new member to the Gru family, Gru Jr., who is intent on tormenting his dad.

    At the same time, Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) and his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina (Sofia Vergara), and the family is forced to go on the run.

    Who else lends their voices to ‘Despicable Me 4’?

    The voice cast for the new animated movie includes Joey King, Stephen Colbert, Chloe Fineman, Pierre Coffin and Steve Coogan.

    'Despicable Me 4' opens in theaters on July 3, 2024. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    ‘Despicable Me 4’ opens in theaters on July 3, 2024. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Other Movies in the ‘Despicable Me’ Franchise:

    Buy Tickets: ‘Despicable Me 4‘ Movie Showtimes

    Buy ‘Despicable Me’ Movies On Amazon

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  • Rosario Dawson Joins the Voice Cast for ‘Terminator Zero’

    (Left) Rosario Dawson. Photo: Jamie McCarthy. (Right) 'Terminator Zero'. Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2024.
    (Left) Rosario Dawson. Photo: Jamie McCarthy. (Right) ‘Terminator Zero’. Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2024.

    Preview:

    • Rosario Dawson, Ann Dowd and André Holland are joining ‘Terminator Zero’.
    • Timothy Olyphant is starring in the series.
    • The new show was created by ‘The Batman’ co-writer Mattson Tomlin.

    Since James Cameron launched ‘The Terminator’ upon the world in 1984 and then followed that up with one of the greatest movie sequels of all time via ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’, the franchise has struggled.

    We’ve had further movie sequels of varying quality and diminishing returns (even 2019’s ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’, which roped Cameron back in as producer, couldn’t crack the quality/box office appeal factor with anything like the success of the first two efforts).

    Indeed, one of the more respected ‘Terminator’ treatments has been on TV, where ‘Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles’ ploughed its own furrow for a couple of seasons, with Lena Headey playing Sarah.

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    But despite the seeming “Terminator Curse”, that hasn’t stopped other companies from taking a shot, and the latest is Netflix, which has animated series ‘Terminator Zero’ due in a couple of months.

    And while we already knew that Timothy Olyphant is lending his voice to the show, the cast list has been updated to include Rosario Dawson, Ann Dowd, André Holland and Sonoya Mizuno.

    What’s the story of ‘Terminator Zero’?

    Timothy Olyphant as The Terminator in 'Terminator Zero'.
    Timothy Olyphant as The Terminator in ‘Terminator Zero’. Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2024.

    Here’s the official synopsis for the show:

    2022: A future war has raged for decades between the few human survivors and an endless army of machines. 1997: The AI known as Skynet gained self-awareness and began its war against humanity.

    Caught between the future and this past is a soldier (Mizuno) sent back in time to change the fate of humanity. She arrives in 1997 to protect a scientist named Malcolm Lee (Holland) who works to launch a new AI system designed to compete with Skynet’s impending attack on humanity.

    As Malcolm navigates the moral complexities of his creation, he is hunted by an unrelenting assassin from the future which forever alters the fate of his three children.

    Related Article: Next on Netflix Animation Preview Announces Upcoming Movies and TV Shows

    Which characters are the other new additions playing in the show?

    Rosario Dawson as Kokoro in 'Terminator Zero.'
    Rosario Dawson as Kokoro in ‘Terminator Zero.’ Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2024.

    Dawson is Kokoro, an advanced AI and Japan’s answer to Skynet, if brought online, Kokoro will be endowed with the same power as Skynet. Kokoro must calculate for itself: is humanity the plague Skynet believes? Or are human beings worth saving?

    Dowd plays The Prophet. In the future, the Prophet is the philosophical guide for the human resistance, a light shepherding survivors in the darkness of the unknown future ahead.

    As for Olyphant? He has the title role, in a version that sounds like the original movie’s killing machine: The Terminator is still out there. It still can’t be bargained with. It can’t be reasoned with. It doesn’t feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it absolutely will not stop, ever, until you’re dead (though we’re promised a fresh take on the iconic character).

    Who is making ‘Terminator Zero’?

    Sonoya Mizuno as Eiko in 'Terminator Zero.'
    Sonoya Mizuno as Eiko in ‘Terminator Zero.’ Photo: Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2024.

    Leading the creative team on the new show is Mattson Tomlin, who worked on 2022’s ‘The Batman’ with Matt Reeves and is co-writing the sequel with him.

    Here’s Tomlin on ‘Terminator Zero’:

    “Anyone who knows my writing knows I believe in taking big swings and going for the heart. I’m honored that Netflix and Skydance have given me the opportunity to approach Terminator in a way that breaks conventions, subverts expectations, and has real guts.”

    When will ‘Terminator Zero’ be on our screens?

    Netflix previously announced that the new show will hit its screens on the well-chosen date of “Judgement Day” from the movies –– which means August 29th if you’re not keeping track.

    André Holland as Malcolm Lee in 'Terminator Zero.'
    André Holland as Malcolm Lee in ‘Terminator Zero.’ Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2024.

    Other Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Terminator’ Franchise:

    Buy ‘Terminator’ Movies On Amazon

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  • Movie Review: ‘Robot Dreams’

    Director Pablo Berger's 'Robot Dreams'.
    Director Pablo Berger’s ‘Robot Dreams’. Photo: Bteam Pictures.

    In theaters on Friday May 31st, ‘Robot Dreams’, which was nominated for this year’s Oscars and has scooped up a lot of other awards, proves every inch the trophy-worthy delight.

    Director Pablo Berger, who previously worked on movies such as ‘Torremolinos 73’ and ‘Abracadabra’ delivers something truly special –– all without a word of dialogue from its main characters.

    Is ‘Robot Dreams’ Worth Activating?

    Director Pablo Berger's 'Robot Dreams'.
    Director Pablo Berger’s ‘Robot Dreams’. Photo: Bteam Pictures.

    Adapting a graphic novel about a friendship between a dog and a robot that faces the ultimate test –– all told wordlessly –– sounds like a hefty challenge for any filmmaker. Yet Pablo Berger has not only attempted it, but he’s also crushed it and the results (even without speech) speak for themselves.

    This is a completely charming visual and musical feast, bursting with inspiration and imagination. And in an era where even giant budgets and long development processes don’t deliver movies that are full of real emotion, it’s a real pleasure to find something that truly lives up to the hype –– and deserves your big screen attention (the robot character even breaks out of the screen at one point in a beautifully meta moment).

    Related Article: Director Gareth Edwards Talks ‘The Creator’ and Artificial Intelligence

    ‘Robot Dreams’: Script and Direction

    'Robot Dreams' director Pablo Berger.
    ‘Robot Dreams’ director Pablo Berger. Photo: Daniel ALEA.

    Berger here bases his script on Sara Varon’s 2007 graphic novel, which re-imagined New York as an animal-filled metropolis deep in the 1980s. We’re introduced to Dog (Ivan Labanda), who spends his days in a mundane routine of quiet nights at home eating microwave mac and cheese in front of the TV or playing Pong (kids, ask your… grandparents?)

    Tired of being alone (as he sees couples and friends enjoying themselves on the street or in opposing windows from his apartment building), he sends away for a kit to build himself a robotic buddy (also Labanda). Once constructed (our hero is a smart hound with a knack for electronics), his robot quickly becomes his best friend.

    Figuring out their dynamic in the midst of a sweaty, sunny, NYC summer, they take in the park, much on hot dogs and head to the amusement park at Ocean Beach. But it’s there where disaster strikes –– the robot becomes rusty after time in the sea, and his power runs down. Dog is forced to abandon him as the beach closes for the fall/winter season, but swears he’ll be back. Just one problem –– when he returns the following June, robot is gone, only one leg left behind.

    Director Pablo Berger's 'Robot Dreams'.
    Director Pablo Berger’s ‘Robot Dreams’. Photo: Bteam Pictures.

    It’s a heartbreaking story of love and loss, and doesn’t opt for a simple narrative, instead spinning the pair off into their own adventures, Robot imagining he’s being rescued and Dog moving on to pastures new. All along, Berger’s clever writing keeps you feeling for the main duo and appreciating clever touches all over the place. This boasts the same level of innovation as classic Pixar or Disney movies, wonderfully thought out.

    And his direction is just as effective, the imagined world of New York brought to vivid life, every decision made smartly. When Berger sends Robot off on his flights of fantasy (including one that references a very famous tale of someone whisked off to a new world, and blends that with New York streets to impressive effect).

    Musically, the movie is just as impressive, with Earth Wind & Fire’s 1970s hit ‘September’ utilized as a running motif through the story. And that’s just one of the songs dotting the film.

    ‘Robot Dreams’: Performances

    Director Pablo Berger's 'Robot Dreams'.
    Director Pablo Berger’s ‘Robot Dreams’. Photo: Bteam Pictures.

    As mentioned, the cast don’t specifically voice their characters –– though they do provide plenty of evocative sounds, grunts and other noises. Working in concert with their director, they really make you care for these characters and worry about what might happen to them, particularly Robot.

    There are so many characters who make an impact here, from the gruff scrap metal merchant (and his candy-obsessed child) to the snarky, impatient anteaters that Dog attempts to befriend at one point yet turn out to be terrible people to spend time with.

    ‘Robot Dreams’: Final Thoughts

    Director Pablo Berger's 'Robot Dreams'.
    Director Pablo Berger’s ‘Robot Dreams’. Photo: Bteam Pictures.

    Original, clever and full of heart, ‘Robot Dreams’ has already seen its share of acclaim, but it definitely deserves a spot on your family’s Must-See list. It’ll entertain audiences of all ages, and certainly never proves to be a chore for parents bringing kids. Smaller tykes may not respond to the dialogue-free flow, but they’re still likely to be captivated by the expressive characters and fun moments.

    It is always a pleasure to find something like this, which is immersive and impressive in equal measure. And in a world where actually original stories are few and far between, it’s even more welcome.

    Berger’s film is a minor miracle, and you won’t regret checking it out. If you’re sick of endless sequels, animated and otherwise, do not sleep on ‘Robot Dreams’.

    ‘Robot Dreams’ receives 9 out of 10 stars.

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    What’s the story of ‘Robot Dreams’?

    ‘Robot Dreams’ focuses on Dog, who lives in Manhattan and he’s tired of being alone. One day he decides to build himself a robot, a companion. Their friendship blossoms, until they become inseparable, to the rhythm of 80’s NYC.

    One summer night, Dog, with great sadness, is forced to abandon Robot at the beach.

    Will they ever meet again?

    Who provides the voices in ‘Robot Dreams’?

    Though there isn’t traditional dialogue from the characters (though plenty of music to help the mood), the voice cast for the movie includes Ivan Labanda, Albert Trifol Segarra, Rafa Calvo, José García Tos, José Luis Mediavilla, Graciela Molina and Esther Solans.

    Director Pablo Berger's 'Robot Dreams'.
    Director Pablo Berger’s ‘Robot Dreams’. Photo: Bteam Pictures.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Robot Dreams:’

    Buy Animated Movies on Amazon

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  • Movie Review: ‘The Garfield Movie’

    Chris Pratt voices Garfield in 'The Garfield Movie.'
    (Left) Chris Pratt voices Garfield in ‘The Garfield Movie.’ Photo: Sony.

    Opening in theaters on May 24th is the new animated family film ‘The Garfield Movie,’ which stars Chris Pratt (‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’) as the voice of the title character and was directed by Mark Dindal (‘Chicken Little’).

    The movie also features the voice work of Samuel L. Jackson (‘Secret Invasion’), Hannah Waddingham (‘The Fall Guy’), Ving Rhames (‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning’), Nicholas Hoult (‘X-Men: First Class’), and Harvey Guillén (‘What We Do in the Shadows‘) as Odie.

    Related Article: Chris Pratt Talks ‘The Garfield Movie’ and Voicing the Iconic Cat

    Initial Thoughts

    Chris Pratt is the voice of Garfield in 'The Garfield Movie'.
    Chris Pratt is the voice of Garfield in ‘The Garfield Movie’. Copyright: © 2023 Project G Productions, LLC. Photo: DNEG Animation.

    ‘The Garfield Movie’ is a surprisingly entertaining and funny family animated film that explores the character’s previously unknown family history and origin story. Samuel L. Jackson’s Vic, Garfield’s father, is a strong addition to the franchise’s group of characters and is a great foil for our beloved feline. Director Mark Dindal packs a lot of humor and heart into the film, which is basically a heist movie that also explores family and friendship.

    Script and Direction

    Vic and Garfield in 'The Garfield Movie.'
    (L to R) Vic and Garfield in ‘The Garfield Movie.’ Photo: DNEG Animation. Copyright: © 2023 Project G Productions, LLC.

    The movie begins by reintroducing us to the lazy but lovable lasagna eating cat, Garfield (voiced by Chris Pratt). We are also quickly introduced to his owner Jon Arbuckle (voiced by Nicholas Hoult) and his canine buddy Odie (voiced by Harvey Guillén) and learn how they all first met when Garfield was abandoned by his father, Vic (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson).

    Vic soon reappears in Garfield’s life and involves him and Odie in a heist plot to pay back a villainous Persian Cat named Jinx (voiced by Hannah Waddingham), who Vic is indebted to. Along the way, they meet a bull named Otto (voiced by Ving Rhames), who has been separated from his true love, and the father and son attempt to help him while trying to outsmart Jinx and ruin her evil plans. Eventually, Vic and his son are brought closer together by the events, while Garfield and Odie desperately try to return to their happy home with Jon.

    Odie, Vic and Garfield in 'The Garfield Movie'.
    (L to R) Odie, Vic and Garfield in ‘The Garfield Movie’. Photo: DNEG Animation. Copyright: © 2023 Project G Productions, LLC.

    Director by Mark Dindal delivers a fun and heartwarming film that not only reveals Garfield’s origin, but also explores the relationship between fathers and sons in a very interesting way. Focusing on Garfield’s personal history was a wise choice, as it has not been previously explored in any other incarnation of the character. The movie is also an entertaining heist film and builds on the exploration of the characters throughout.

    While the animation is not anything too groundbreaking, it does work well for the material and has a similar look to the comic strip cartoons where the character originated. The movie is clearly designed for a younger audience as some of the jokes are rather immature, but they still fit the character and there is enough nostalgia, action and emotion for an older audience.

    Chris Pratt as Garfield

    Chris Pratt as the voice of Garfield in 'The Garfield Movie'.
    Chris Pratt as the voice of Garfield in ‘The Garfield Movie’. Photo By Trae Patton. © 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Following in the footsteps of Lorenzo Music (‘Here Comes Garfield’) and Bill Murray (‘Garfield’), Chris Pratt channels his ‘Parks and Recreation’ character to deliver a lazy, sarcastic performance worthy of the cartoon cat. Pratt’s humor is also on display, and he has great chemistry with Samuel L. Jackson. In fact, the exploration of Garfield and Vic’s estranged relationship is at the heart of the movie, and Pratt delivers the emotion when needed.

    The Supporting Cast

    Jinx in 'The Garfield Movie'.
    Jinx in ‘The Garfield Movie’. Photo: DNEG Animation. Copyright: © 2023 Project G Productions, LLC.

    Of the supporting voice cast, Samuel L. Jackson is the standout as Garfield’s estranged father, Vic. Jackson’s famous cool voice lends itself perfectly to the character, and he works well with Pratt’s laidback performance. Also, a standout is Hannah Waddingham as the voice of Jinx, and the actresses own offscreen persona plays well into the over-the-top villainous feline character. Ving Rhames is also a great addition to the voice cast as his unique deep voice lends itself to Otto the bull quite well.

    Nicholas Hoult and Harvey Guillén are fine as Jon and Odie, respectively, but are at times shortchanged by the script, particularly Hoult. Also worth mentioning is a cameo by the very recognizable voice of Snoop Dogg, who plays a one-eyed cat.

    Final Thoughts

    Vic, Garfield, Odie and Otto in 'The Garfield Movie'.
    (L to R) Vic, Garfield, Odie and Otto in ‘The Garfield Movie’. Photo: DNEG Animation. Copyright: © 2023 Project G Productions, LLC.

    While nostalgia for the beloved cartoon cat carries the film far, it’s his origin story, the heist plot, and exploring the relationship between fathers and sons that makes the new movie worth watching. The movie’s humor is mostly skewed towards kids, and some juvenile jokes may not land with an older audience, but adults will be able to latch on to some of the larger ideas in the movie and should find it enjoyable anyways. Chris Pratt carries the mantel of Garfield well, and Samuel L. Jackson’s Vic is a great addition to the overall franchise.

    ‘The Garfield Movie’ receives 7 out or 10 stars.

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    What is the Plot of ‘The Garfield Movie’?

    Garfield (voiced by Chris Pratt), the world-famous, Monday-hating, lasagna-loving indoor cat, is about to have a wild outdoor adventure! After an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father – scruffy street cat Vic (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson) – Garfield and his canine friend Odie (voiced by Harvey Guillén) are forced from their perfectly pampered life into joining Vic in a hilarious, high-stakes heist.

    Who is in the cast of ‘The Garfield Movie?

    Chris Pratt is the voice of Garfield in 'The Garfield Movie'.
    Chris Pratt is the voice of Garfield in ‘The Garfield Movie’. Copyright: © 2023 Project G Productions, LLC. Photo: DNEG Animation.

    Other Garfield Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Tickets: ‘The Garfield Movie’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy ‘Garfield‘ Movies On Amazon

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  • ‘The Garfield Movie’ Interview: Chris Pratt

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    Opening in theaters on May 24th is the new animated film ‘The Garfield Movie,’ which centers around Jim Davis’ famous cartoon cat.

    Directed by Mark Dindal (‘Chicken Little’), the movie stars Chris Pratt (‘Guardians of the Galaxy’) as the voice of Garfield as well as Samuel L. Jackson (‘Secret Invasion’), Hannah Waddingham (‘The Fall Guy’), Ving Rhames (‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning’), Nicholas Hoult (‘X-Men: First Class’), and Harvey Guillén (‘What We Do in the Shadows‘) as Odie.

    Chris Pratt stars in 'The Garfield Movie'.
    Chris Pratt stars in ‘The Garfield Movie’.

    Related Article: Director James Gunn and Chris Pratt Talk ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3’

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Chris Pratt about his work on ‘The Garfield Movie’, what fans can expect from the film, his approach to voicing the iconic cat, and telling Garfield’s origin story.

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

    Chris Pratt as the voice of Garfield in 'The Garfield Movie'.
    Chris Pratt as the voice of Garfield in ‘The Garfield Movie’. Photo By Trae Patton. © 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Moviefone: To begin with, what would you say to audience members sitting down in a theater to prepare them for the theatrical experience they are about to have?

    Chris Pratt: Oh, they’re already in the theater? I’d say turn your phones off, get your popcorn, sit back and relax. You thought you knew Garfield? You didn’t know nothing yet. That’s what I would say, something like that. But to those who are thinking of going to the movies, I would say get your tickets now, because they’re going to sell out. May 24th don’t miss it!

    Chris Pratt is the voice of Garfield in 'The Garfield Movie'.
    Chris Pratt is the voice of Garfield in ‘The Garfield Movie’. Copyright: © 2023 Project G Productions, LLC. Photo: DNEG Animation.

    MF: You are following in the footsteps of Lorenzo Music and Bill Murray, who have both voiced this role. What does it mean to you personally to get a chance to put your own spin on an iconic character like Garfield?

    CP: Man, I’m grateful. This is an entire collaborative effort by a great production team and a wonderful director who had been working on this for years before I jumped on board. So really, I was just honored and blessed that they thought the voice of the guy from ‘Parks and Rec’ was the voice of this cat. That’s what they told me. He said, “I’ve been working on this for years. I keep hearing your voice coming out of this cat in my head. That’s what I want. You’ve got a natural, lazy, sarcastic tone to your voice. I want that voice.” I was like, “Well, that’s cool. Because I know the guy who has that voice, and he could do it for you. I’ve been working on this voice for my whole life, apparently.” So, it was nice. In a way it kind of took the pressure off because I knew what they wanted, and only I could give it to them. It was just something organic and natural, my own breath, my own voice, my own spirit for this character. I feel blessed.

    Chris Pratt as the voice of Garfield in 'The Garfield Movie'.
    Chris Pratt as the voice of Garfield in ‘The Garfield Movie’. Photo By Trae Patton. © 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    MF: Can you talk about your approach to the character? Did you relate to him right away?

    CP: Yeah, early on. There are elements in my life that make me feel like Garfield now. I’m very pampered. I’m a Hollywood guy. There was a certain affectation in the voice which was kind of closer to what a person sounds like when they’re about to yawn, and I just thought that was kind of something to work in. That’s where I was feeling like a lot of times the voice would come from, and just trusting the director and knowing that we had a great script. Once the action took over, it was about a character that was on an adventure. So, it’s like the sleepiness and the laziness that really works for the character who’s being pampered and who’s living a lazy life. But when you’re on the run and you’re in a heist movie, you must shift gears and become a character on an action adventure. Because suddenly, this cat that’s typically sarcastic and a little bit of a biting, comedic laziness, can’t be sarcastic and lazy, he must be on the road. Once you get clipping along, that’s what the movie becomes.

    Odie, Vic and Garfield in 'The Garfield Movie'.
    (L to R) Odie, Vic and Garfield in ‘The Garfield Movie’. Photo: DNEG Animation. Copyright: © 2023 Project G Productions, LLC.

    MF: Finally, we got to see Garfield’s origin story in this movie, and meet his father, Vic. Can you talk a little bit about that and Garfield’s relationship with Vic?

    CP: It’s a great relationship. Samuel L. Jackson voices Vic beautifully. Vic is this streetwise, scruffy, outdoor cat, and he’s kind of on the run. Garfield is your world-famous lasagna-loving, Monday-hating, sarcastic, indoor-pampered pet. Vic takes him on this epic outdoor adventure along with Odie, and they basically are enlisted in this really high-stakes and super-funny heist scenario. So that’s the movie. That’s the relationship. The relationship is one of a father who his son believed abandoned him in an alley one day, and you see that from the trailer. You see that in the opening scene of the movie that he’s got an issue with this guy Vic who claims to be his dad, because his dad left him in an alley. So, healing that relationship and seeing the father try to teach this cat some valuable tricks of the trade, some hard knocks lessons on how to be an outdoor cat, is some of the fun in the movie.

    vq1bGSQGNnm2pDkhPgP4m2

    What is the Plot of ‘The Garfield Movie’?

    Garfield (voiced by Chris Pratt), the world-famous, Monday-hating, lasagna-loving indoor cat, is about to have a wild outdoor adventure! After an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father – scruffy street cat Vic (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson) – Garfield and his canine friend Odie (voiced by Harvey Guillén) are forced from their perfectly pampered life into joining Vic in a hilarious, high-stakes heist.

    Who is in the cast of ‘The Garfield Movie?

    Chris Pratt is the voice of Garfield in 'The Garfield Movie'.
    Chris Pratt is the voice of Garfield in ‘The Garfield Movie’. Copyright: © 2023 Project G Productions, LLC. Photo: DNEG Animation.

    Other Garfield Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Tickets: ‘The Garfield Movie’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy ‘Garfield‘ Movies On Amazon

  • ‘Inside Out 2’ Press Conference with Director Kelsey Mann

    Pixar's 'Inside Out 2'.
    Pixar’s ‘Inside Out 2’. © 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

    Preview:

    • There were a total of nine emotions in the original pitch.
    • The sequel will explore the minds and emotions of a teenager.
    • Finding the new voices for ‘Inside Out 2’.

    Pixar Animation’s upcoming sequel ‘Inside Out 2’ will see the journey of Riley in her teenage years. Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Anger, and Fear are gearing up for brand new adventures for the next chapter in Riley’s life, but unbeknownst to them, everything they know is about to change.

    During the long lead day presentation at the Pixar Animation Studio in Emeryville, California, director Kelsey Mann (‘Good Dinosaur’) and producer Mark Nielson held a press conference to discuss the sequel.

    Related Article: Director Kelsey Mann Presents Footage from Pixar’s ‘Inside Out 2’

    When it comes to crafting the next chapter, Mann has some big shoes to fill. 2015’s ‘Inside Out’ was directed by Pete Docter, who is now the Chief Creative Officer for Pixar. The film won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature at the 88th Academy Award. Mann talks about the pressure of needing to make something great, but he was up for the challenge, “There’s nobody’s feet I’d rather follow than that man.”

    Kelsey Mann is photographed on September 25, 2013 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif.
    Kelsey Mann is photographed on September 25, 2013 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar.

    On taking over for the sequel and following in Docter’s footsteps:

    Kelsey Mann: I’ve really been following Pete’s footsteps for a long time. But I feel nothing but, you know, excitement. Joy is at my console and, of course, you’re like you wanna make sure you’re doing right to everyone that loves the original film. I wanna do Pete proud. I wanna do everybody who loved the original proud. I’m just more excited than I am scared.

    The New Emotions

    Pixar's 'Inside Out 2'.
    Pixar’s ‘Inside Out 2’. © 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

    Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui join the original five emotions for ‘Inside Out 2’. Mann reveals that more emotions were originally planned – nine, to be exact.

    Kelsey Mann: Nine new emotions showed up. I really wanted Joy to feel overwhelmed by all of these new emotions that showed up. I was like well, let’s have a lot show up. Then you couldn’t keep track. There were so many emotions and they all canceled each other out because you couldn’t keep up with everybody. My first note from the first screening was simplify.

    The director mentions the many emotions that didn’t make the cut for both films, including the emotion Schadenfreude, which means joy or satisfaction felt at someone else’s expense. Pete Doctor originally had the idea of having Schadenfreude in the first film, so Mann wanted to try again but it was ultimately cut from the film.

    To help narrow down the number of new emotions, Mann and Nielson enlist the help of Dacher Keltner, a professor at Berkeley who also served as the emotional expert on the first movie.

    The Mind of a Teenager

    Pixar's 'Inside Out 2'.
    Pixar’s ‘Inside Out 2’. © 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

    Mann knew he wanted to pitch the idea of exploring Riley’s mind as a teenager for the sequel. He speaks about the drama that would go on, as well as hilarious moments to highlight in the film:

    Kelsey Mann: I looked into what happens in our brains at that age, and it’s a lot. There’s a lot that goes on. It gave us everything that we kinda need for a Pixar movie. There’s a lot of drama that goes on. But also it’s really funny. Like, I could come up with a lot of really good gags about Riley being inside the mind of a teenager.

    When it came to deciding which of the new emotions would take control at the console inside Riley’s mind, Mann knew it had to be Anxiety. Conferring with emotions expert Dacher Keltner, they focused on the self-conscious emotions, “at this age, you start, we’re hard wired at this age to start to become really self-conscious.”

    Kelsey Mann: In part, we’re doing it because when you’re a kid, you’ve got your parents and your caregivers taking care of you. Eventually, you’re gonna have to take care of yourself. That’s why we’re hard wired to like, push our parents and our caregivers away is so that we can become independent people that can take care of ourselves.

    Mann also touches on a teenager’s need to fit in and feel accepted.

    Kelsey Mann: How do I fit in? Do you like me? It’s all about fitting in at that age. It’s part of our design of who we are because if you don’t like me, you’re gonna banish me and I’m gonna go out into the woods and die alone. So, that’s why we kind of worry so much about what others think about us at that age. It kinda turns on and it kinda never goes away. You kinda have to manage it, which is a big reason why I’m making this movie. So, that’s why we ended up going towards the emotions that we have in the film now.

    As a father, Mann speaks to how important and personal this story is to him.

    Kelsey Mann: A big reason why I’m making this movie is I want to make it for everyone but I’m also making it for my little girl. I’m making it for my daughter. I wish I had a movie like this when I was a teenager.

    Finding the Voices for ‘Inside Out 2’

    Pixar's 'Inside Out 2'.
    Pixar’s ‘Inside Out 2’. © 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

    The film sees the return of Amy Poehler as Joy, Phyllis Smith as Sadness, and Lewis Black as Anger. Tony Hale as Fear and Liza Lapira as Disgust (taking over for Bill Hader and Mindy Kaling) join the cast. Maya Hawke, Ayo Edebiri, Adèle Exarchopoulos, and Paul Walter Hauser voice the new emotions.

    When cast for the new emotions, Mann and Nielson looked for actors who embodied the characters they were building.

    Mark Nielsen: The process, we kinda take it emotion by emotion and what we’re looking for is for actors out there that purely embody the character that we are building. So, you know, going back to the first film, Lewis Black, when you think about Anger, and if you’ve seen any of his comedy, there was no question that there wasn’t anybody else that could play that character.

    When it came to casting Maya Hawke for Anxiety, the creative team had a very funny and unexpected story, where Mann auditioned the actress from Disney World.

    Kelsey Mann: So, we went out to do an audition with Maya, and Mark [Nielsen] was like, “Good news is she said, yes, she would love to audition and meet with you. Bad news is it’s during your vacation.” So, me and my kids, we were all at Disney World. I’m like, “I’m at Disney World.” He’s like “Don’t worry, we’ll figure something out.” So, I went to Disney World, and I was at EPCOT.

    The casting team for Pixar took Mann through the backlots of EPCOT, through the Mexico Pavilion, and auditioned Hawke via Zoom. Mann was so happy with her audition he burst into tears.

    Kelsey Mann: She absolutely crushed it. My favorite part was, at the end of it, I talked about what I wanted the movie to be about and she just immediately connected with it. I think I even cried as she was talking. I walked away and called you and were like “oh my God, she’s perfect.” Then I went back into EPCOT and continued my vacation. It was hilarious.

    ‘Inside Out 2’ Is Also A Parental Movie

    Pixar's 'Inside Out 2'.
    Pixar’s ‘Inside Out 2’. © 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

    While the story takes place inside Riley’s mind, the sequel also serves as a parental movie, inspired by Mann and Nielsen’s own lives as parents to teenagers. The film also highlights Joy’s protective nature when it comes to Riley.

    Kelsey Mann: When I started, my daughter was 13 and my son was 14. I’m like this is the exact age I want her to be in the movie. So they’re immediately right there. You’re always pulling from your lives in every movie I’ve done here. We’re always talking about what it’s like to be alive and be a person, a father, a husband, you know, whatever it may be. So, you’re always kind of putting that into the movie.

    Pixar's 'Inside Out 2'.
    Pixar’s ‘Inside Out 2’. © 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

    Mark Nielsen: Yeah. This really is a parental story, and even though it takes place in Riley’s mind, she is kind of the set piece and there’s something incredibly universal about this story and these emotions that we all have. Even Joy who’s the protagonist of this story, has a very parental view of Riley and all the emotions do, right? They’re there to serve her. They’re there to do their very best to do whatever they need to protect their girl and to kind of steer her in the right way. So, even the original film was based on Pete Docter’s observations of his daughter as she was growing up and going through change and becoming a young teen. So, having the parental lens on this film has been incredibly helpful.

    What Else Is There To Know About ‘Inside Out 2?’

    Pixar's 'Inside Out 2'.
    Pixar’s ‘Inside Out 2’. © 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.
    • There is a 4*Town easter egg in the movie
    • There was a land called Procrastination Land inside Riley’s brain – a land that would always be under construction and never finished. Ultimately, Procrastinating Land did not make the final cut of the film.
    • The baggage Anxiety carries during her first appearance in the film originally belonged to Guilt, one of the nine emotions that didn’t make the cut.
    • This is the first Pixar animated feature film to have a female composer – Andrea Datzman

    ‘Inside Out 2’ arrives in theaters on July 14, 2024.

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    What Is the Plot of ‘Inside Out 2’?

    Following the 2015 movie, ‘Inside Out 2’ will return to the mind of Riley (Kensington Tallman) as she enters her teenage years. Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Liza Lapira), and Fear (Tony Hale) have their hands full as Riley experiences life-changing moments, along with Headquarters going under a sudden demolition to make room for something completely unexpected – brand new Emotions. Experience an emotional rollercoaster as the sequel introduces Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser), Envy (Ayo Edebiri), and Ennui (Adèle Exarchopoulos), who will share Headquarters with the original 5 Emotions.

    Who Is the Voice Cast of ‘Inside Out 2’?

    • Amy Poehler as Joy
    • Phyllis Smith as Sadness
    • Lewis Black as Anger
    • Tony Hale as Fear
    • Liza Lapira as Disgust
    • Maya Hawke as Anxiety
    • Ayo Edebiri as Envy
    • Adèle Exarchopoulos as Ennui
    • Paul Walter Hauser as Embarrassment
    • Kensington Tallman as Riley Andersen
    Inside Out 2 logo
    Pixar’s Inside Out 2 logo. © 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Inside Out 2:’

    Buy Pixar Movies on Amazon

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  • Bill Hader to Lead New ‘The Cat in The Hat’ Movie

    Bill Hader on 'Barry.'
    Bill Hader on ‘Barry.’ Photograph by Merrick Morton/HBO.

    Preview:

    • Bill Hader is leading the voices in a new ‘Cat in the Hat’ movie.
    • Quinta Brunson and Matt Berry are almost among the cast.
    • The movie is due in theaters in March 2026.

    Dr. Seuss’ ‘The Cat in the Hat’ has something of a checkered history in movies. While the 1957 book has been successfully adapted in animated form for TV, the last time it was seen in theaters was the disastrous 2003 live-action version starring Mike Myers as the title character.

    That is probably best forgotten, but Warner Bros. Animation and the Seuss Enterprises company are hoping to change the feline’s filmic reputation via a new animated movie, which has Bill Hader leading the cast as the Cat.

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    What’s the story of ‘The Cat in the Hat’?

    2003's 'The Cat in the Hat.'
    2003’s ‘The Cat in the Hat.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Seuss’ tome sees two kids who are left home alone by their mother who are surprised to have The Cat barge into their house. Far from screaming about Stranger Danger, they agree to his playful schemes, only for the family fish to put up a fight and order him to leave.

    But The Cat still has plenty of fun, including unleashing two identical “Things” upon the house and chaos ensues –– but once ordered to leave, he returns with a machine to clean the place up.

    Related Article: ‘Inside Out’ Unscripted: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Mindy Kaling

    Who is in the new ‘The Cat in the Hat’ movie?

    Quinta Brunson on ABC's 'Abbott Elementary.' Photo Courtesy of ABC's YouTube Channel.
    Quinta Brunson on ABC’s ‘Abbott Elementary.’ Photo Courtesy of ABC’s YouTube Channel.

    Alongside Hader (who played a slightly less family-friendly Cat in a ‘Saturday Night Live’ sketch), the cast includes ‘Abbott Elementary’ star/creator Quinta Brunson, ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ Xochitl Gomez, ‘Saturday Night Live’s Bowen Yang, Matt Berry of ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ and ‘Girls5Eva’s Paula Pell.

    Is this the first attempt at a new ‘The Cat in the Hat’ movie?

    2003's 'The Cat in the Hat.'
    2003’s ‘The Cat in the Hat.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.

    This is not the first time an animated movie based on the Cat’s chaos was considered. In 2012, following the financial success of ‘The Lorax’, Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment announced plans to produce a CGI adaptation. Rob Lieber was set to write the script, but it never came to fruition.

    Warner Bros. picked up the rights to produce a ‘Cat’ animated adventure, and Alessandro Carloni and Erica Rivinoja are writing and directing the movie. Jeff Sneider at The InSneider first reported the news of Hader’s casting.

    Here’s what Bill Damaschke, president of Warner Bros. Pictures Animation said about the new plan:

    “We are overjoyed to partner with our friends at Dr. Seuss to take audiences of all ages on an adventure into the beloved world of ‘The Cat in the Hat.’ With this incredible voice cast led by Bill Hader as the fun-loving, agent of chaos himself and our filmmakers Alessandro and Erica at the helm, we look forward to sharing this Seussian cinematic spectacle with audiences everywhere in 2026.”

    When will the new ‘The Cat in the Hat’ movie arrive in theaters?

    The movie will be released on March 6th, 2026.

    Mike Myer's in 2003's 'The Cat in the Hat.'
    Mike Myer’s in 2003’s ‘The Cat in the Hat.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘The Cat in the Hat’:

    Buy Dr. Suess Movies On Amazon

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  • Movie Review: ‘Orion and the Dark’

    Jacob Tremblay as Orion in 'Orion and the Dark.'
    Jacob Tremblay as Orion in ‘Orion and the Dark.’ Photo: DreamWorks Animation © 2023.

    Premiering on Netflix February 2nd, ‘Orion and the Dark’ has mostly flown under the radar. The streaming service put out one trailer, and the concern was that it had ordered something it didn’t like –– in collaboration with DreamWorks Animation, no less –– and was simply dumping it on its servers in the netherworld that is early February.

    It’s a pleasant surprise, then, to learn that the movie is actually delightful, smart, ambitious and much deeper than some other animated offerings premiering on streaming services around the same time.

    Related Article: Movie Review: ‘Nimona’ 

    Is ‘Orion and the Dark’ Illuminating?

    Jacob Tremblay as Orion in 'Orion and the Dark.'
    Jacob Tremblay as Orion in ‘Orion and the Dark.’ Photo: DreamWorks Animation © 2023.

    Netflix is really finding a nice line in creative animation, and this new movie certainly fits into that category. ‘Orion and the Dark’ has a lot to offer, with an unexpected story that will entertain and inform in equal measure.

    With a compelling voice cast and some beautifully realized animated visuals, this breaks out from the pack to be one we’re happy to recommend. After all, did you really expect an animated kids’ film from Charlie Kaufman? We’re not sure we had that on our 2024 movie release bingo card.

    This is one you really wish Netflix had tried to release theatrically, as it would certainly benefit from a healthily big screen. But it still works well on smaller venues, as its power is as much in its imagination as it is the look of the movie.

    ‘Orion and the Dark’: Script and Direction

    Angela Bassett as Dreams in 'Orion and the Dark.'
    Angela Bassett as Dreams in ‘Orion and the Dark.’ Photo: DreamWorks Animation © 2023.

    Given that the movie’s script is adapted from a 2015 children’s picture book created by writer and illustrator Emma Yarlett, ‘Orion and the Dark’ has become a satisfying, charming film with unexpected layers.

    Or perhaps we shouldn’t be too surprised since Charlie Kaufman was hired to write it. While it may not go to the weirdness of some of his other efforts (after all, no one needs a stop-motion sex scene in a kids’ movie). But the man who has created such unique efforts as ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ and ‘Adaptation’ here (alongside Lloyd Taylor) brings some of his incisive wit to the story of a young man who is confronted with his fears.

    Orion feels like an ideal Kaufman character; a nerdy, nervy type who has to go on a journey. But there’s more to it than that –– a narrative wrinkle sees the film as a story narrated by an older Orion to help his daughter handle her own nervousness, which allows for it to serve as a sort of meta commentary on the tale itself and storytelling in general.

    And all the characters have solid purpose beyond being window dressing –– they all have their own small story fragments and emotional grounding.

    The animated side of things, led by Sean Charmatz (who has worked as a story artist on films on the ‘Trolls’ and ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ franchises before stepping up to direct a ‘Trolls’ direct-to-video spin-off) is a thing of beauty. It might not compete with the ‘Spider-Verse’ movies, but the look of the film’s characters is smooth and quirky, at times looking like it comes straight from a child’s sketch book (which feels fitting given the source material). There are also shots of real textured beauty, such as Dark seen from above spreading a near-watercolor curtain of night across the world.

    ‘Orion and the Dark’: Performances

    Nat Faxon as Insomnia, Aparna Nancherla as Quiet, Angela Bassett as Dreams, Natasia Demetriou as Sleep and Golda Rosheuvel as Unexplained Noises in 'Orion and the Dark.'
    (L to R) Nat Faxon as Insomnia, Aparna Nancherla as Quiet, Angela Bassett as Dreams, Natasia Demetriou as Sleep and Golda Rosheuvel as Unexplained Noises in ‘Orion and the Dark.’ Photo: DreamWorks Animation © 2023.

    Paul Walter Hauser has been doing sterling work in a variety of roles both comedic and dramatic, and here he proves to be a warm, gifted voice-over performer. His Dark is a great creation –– funny yet riddled with his own neuroses and burdened with some serious light envy directed towards his opposite number (a committed, if small role for Ike Barinholtz).

    Jacob Tremblay does good work as Orion, and pairs well with Colin Hanks as his adult self, who unpacks his experience (but we won’t spoil how he fully ties in).

    Elsewhere, the rest the night creatures are fun and funny when they’re onscreen and show an inventive peek into nighttime concerns such as unexplained noises and insomnia.

    ‘Orion and the Dark’: Final Thoughts

    Jacob Tremblay as Orion in 'Orion and the Dark.'
    Jacob Tremblay as Orion in ‘Orion and the Dark.’ Photo: DreamWorks Animation © 2023.

    Feeling more like a creative Pixar effort than a pumped-out franchise entry, ‘Orion and the Dark’ certainly offers more thoughtful entertainment than the 545th example of kid-discovers-the-true-power-to-defeat-the-villain-just-needed-help-from-a-magical-mentor that is the seemingly lazy default mode of so many animated movies, no matter how much dressing they put on that particular frame.

    It’s not quite at the level of, say, last year’s ‘Nimona’ (now nominated for an Oscar), but ‘Orion and the Dark’ is certainly worth your and your family’s time.

    ‘Orion and the Dark’ receives 7.5 out of 10 stars.

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    What’s the Plot of ‘Orion and the Dark’?

    Orion (Jacob Tremblay) seems a lot like your average elementary school kid –– shy, unassuming, harboring a secret crush. But underneath his seemingly normal exterior, Orion is a ball of adolescent anxiety, completely consumed by irrational fears of bees, dogs, the ocean, cell phone waves, murderous gutter clowns, even falling off a cliff. But of all his fears, the thing he’s the most afraid of is what he confronts on a nightly basis: the dark.

    So when the literal embodiment of his worst fear pays a visit, Dark (Paul Walter Hauser) whisks Orion away on a roller coaster ride around the world to prove there is nothing to be afraid of in the night. As the unlikely pair grow closer, Orion must decide if he can learn to accept the unknown –– to stop letting fear control his life and finally embrace the joy of living.

    Who Stars in ‘Orion and the Dark’?

    Golda Rosheuvel as Unexplained Noises in 'Orion and the Dark.'
    Golda Rosheuvel as Unexplained Noises in ‘Orion and the Dark.’ Photo: DreamWorks Animation © 2023.

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