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Tag: Eddie Marsan

  • Movie Review: ‘Back to Black’

    Marisa Abela stars as Amy Winehouse in director Sam Taylor-Johnson's 'Back To Black,' a Focus Features release.
    Marisa Abela stars as Amy Winehouse in director Sam Taylor-Johnson’s ‘Back To Black,’ a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Dean Rogers/Focus Features.

    In theaters on Friday, May 17th, ‘Back to Black’ aims to chronicle the rise of jazz-influenced singer Amy Winehouse, who became one of the most successful British artists of all time, but saw her life and career cut tragically short at 27 due to alcohol poisoning.

    Sam Taylor-Johnson, who also made ‘Nowhere Boy’ (which focused on the earlier life of John Lennon), tackles another well-known UK performer, but the result here is nowhere near as successful.

    Related Article: Marisa Abela and Director Sam Taylor-Johnson Talk ‘Back to Black’

    Is ‘Back to Black’ a Decent Musical Biopic?

    Marisa Abela stars as Amy Winehouse in director Sam Taylor-Johnson's 'Back To Black,' a Focus Features release.
    Marisa Abela stars as Amy Winehouse in director Sam Taylor-Johnson’s ‘Back To Black,’ a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Dean Rogers/Focus Features.

    It feels like we’ve been besieged by biopics of musical legends of late. With ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ scoring an Oscar for star Rami Malek, many more of the genre that had either been lingering in development limbo or not even considered were suddenly hauled out into active forward movement. In the last couple of years alone, we’ve seen the likes of Elvis Presley (and Priscilla Presley), Leonard Bernstein and Bob Marley brought to screens via movies that, for the most part, focus on specific chunks of their lives and careers.

    So to have a chance at standing out, ‘Back to Black’, which certainly features a fascinating, troubled subject at its core in British crooner Amy Winehouse, would have to be something special. Regrettably, outside of a superb central performance by ‘Industry’s Marisa Abela, this new example of the genre singularly fails to offer much in the way of a fresh take.

    ‘Back to Black’: Script and Direction

    Actor Marisa Abela and director Sam Taylor-Johnson on the set of 'Back To Black,' a Focus Features release.
    (L to R) Actor Marisa Abela and director Sam Taylor-Johnson on the set of ‘Back To Black,’ a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Dean Rogers/Focus Features.

    Matt Greenhalgh, who previously collaborated with Taylor-Johnson on ‘Nowhere Boy’ and wrote the excellent ‘Control’ (about fellow UK act Joy Division), here doesn’t quite crack the necessary vibe that would make the story truly come to life.

    It’s not entirely his fault –– Winehouse’s life and career certainly boasts some familiar beats in terms of creativity and struggles with addiction. Originally just a casual weed smoker and binge-drinker, her relationship with beau Blake Fielder-Civil turned her on to the idea of crack and other narcotics, but the script simply doesn’t find a way to bring it all to the screen without coming across as cliched. And there are some truly groan-worthy, only-in-a-biopic lines, such as Winehouse’s initial refusal to go to rehab. There’s taking inspiration from the artists’ lyrics, but then there’s verging into ‘Walk Hard’ parody territory.

    It doesn’t help that beyond Winehouse and possibly Fielder-Civil, the vast majority of the other roles are underwritten ciphers that it takes talented actors to do much with (more on that below).

    As for Taylor-Johnson’s direction, it’s mostly a back-to-basics approach that itself offers little invention and rarely does Winehouse justice. One or two moments work effectively, but the whole is most certainly less than the sum of its parts. Were it not for Abela’s luminous work and Winehouse’s clever, emotion-packed lyrics, there would be little to recommend this one beyond big fans of the singer. But even many of those are likely to walk away unsatisfied. If you already know the story, you won’t find much in the way of extra layers or insight here.

    ‘Back to Black’: Performances

    Marisa Abela as Amy Winehouse and Jack O'Connell as Blake Fielder-Civil in director Sam Taylor-Johnson's 'Back To Black,' a Focus Features release.
    (L to R) Marisa Abela as Amy Winehouse and Jack O’Connell as Blake Fielder-Civil in director Sam Taylor-Johnson’s ‘Back To Black,’ a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Dean Rogers/Focus Features.

    If there is anything that serves as the movie’s saving grace, it’s the powerhouse central performance from Marisa Abela, who completely inhabits Winehouse’s skin. She’s got the look (partly thanks to some effective work by the make-up and hair department) and the cheeky/depressive style of the singer down pat. She almost overcomes the limitations of the movie around her, her Amy a bucketful of charm that you root for, even as she descends into an all-too familiar spiral of sex and drugs.

    The singing, always an important element of a movie such as this, works well, Abela impressively pulling most of it off herself, with judicial use of the real Winehouse here and there.

    As her future husband, Blake Fielder-Civil, Jack O’Connell is… fine? His most impressive scene is his introduction, meeting Amy in the local watering hole and striding in the cat that got the cream, sweeping her off her feet with music references and his laddish charisma. But as the story progresses, he begins to fade away, the screenplay offering him little to chew on, Fielder-Civil reduced to a moaning partner who at times treats Amy’s feelings like his personal plaything.

    As her father Mitch, Eddie Marsan turns in a predictably solid performance as the reliable, trustworthy, proud dad whose heart breaks as his daughter dives into drugs as her success level explodes. Yet the role calls upon him to do little other than worry, one speech in particular bringing the character to life, but that’s about it.

    Beyond the central trio, Lesley Manville has one or two fun scenes as Amy’s stylish, inspirational singer grandmother, but as the real-life story dictates, she’s moved off screen relatively soon.

    ‘Back to Black: Final Thoughts

    Marisa Abela stars as Amy Winehouse in director Sam Taylor-Johnson's 'Back To Black,' a Focus Features release.
    Marisa Abela stars as Amy Winehouse in director Sam Taylor-Johnson’s ‘Back To Black,’ a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Dean Rogers/Focus Features.

    Given the memorable story and real-life inspiration, ‘Back to Black’ really doesn’t do either much justice. Outside of Abela, this is not much to write home about, and is very much an average musical biopic hitting familiar notes.

    If someone tries to make you go to ‘Back to Black’, your answer might best be “no, no, no…”

    ‘Back to Black’ receives 5.5 out of 10 stars.

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    What is the plot of ‘Back to Black’?

    The extraordinary story of Amy Winehouse’s (Marisa Abela) early rise to fame from her early days in Camden through the making of her groundbreaking album, ‘Back to Black’ that catapulted Winehouse to global fame. Told through Amy’s eyes and inspired by her deeply personal lyrics, the film explores and embraces the many layers of the iconic artist and the tumultuous love story at the center of one of the most legendary albums of all time.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Back to Black’?

    • Marisa Abela as Amy Winehouse
    • Jack O’Connell as Blake Fielder-Civil
    • Eddie Marsan as Mitch Winehouse
    • Juliet Cowan as Janis Collins-Winehouse
    • Lesley Manville as Cynthia Winehouse
    Musician Nick Cave, director Sam Taylor-Johnson and musician Warren Ellis during a scoring session of 'Back to Black', a Focus Features release.
    (L to R) Musician Nick Cave, director Sam Taylor-Johnson and musician Warren Ellis during a scoring session of ‘Back to Black’, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Back to Black’:

    Buy Amy Winehouse Music on Amazon

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  • ‘Back to Black’ Interview: Marisa Abela and Sam Taylor-Johnson

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    Opening in US theaters on May 17th is the new biopic ‘Back to Black,’ which chronicles the life and career of legendary singer Amy Winehouse. The film stars Marisa Abela (‘Barbie’) as Winehouse and was directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson (‘Nowhere Boy’).

    Related Article: ‘Back to Black’: Amy Winehouse Biopic Casts Marisa Abela

    Director Sam Taylor-Johnson and Marisa Abela Talk 'Back to Black'.
    (L to R) Director Sam Taylor-Johnson and Marisa Abela Talk ‘Back to Black’.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Marisa Abela and director Sam Taylor-Johnson about their work on ‘Back to Black’, how Abela prepared for the role, why Taylor-Johnson wanted to make the film, and the legacy of Amy Winehouse.

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

    Marisa Abela stars as Amy Winehouse in director Sam Taylor-Johnson's 'Back To Black,' a Focus Features release.
    Marisa Abela stars as Amy Winehouse in director Sam Taylor-Johnson’s ‘Back To Black,’ a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Dean Rogers/Focus Features.

    Moviefone: To begin with, Marisa, can you talk about preparing for this role and what did you learn about Amy’s life that really helped you capture her spirit on screen?

    Marisa Abela: I mean, the preparation was an intense one. It was different to anything I’ve ever done before as an actor. There’s a lot of emotional prep and imaginative prep that goes into playing any part. But when someone is as intense as Amy Winehouse, as well as recognizable as Amy and a real person, there’s just a lot more factual and technical work that goes into playing that person. So, there’s all the emotional nuances that you would normally do, and then you must layer on these mannerisms and her singing voice, the way she moves, the way she talks, and all these things. So, I booked the job about four months before I started filming, and I was in intense preparation for those four months. Singing lessons, guitar lessons, movement lessons, and a physical transformation. But also, I mean, the truth about transforming into Amy was finding what about her that I felt was important. The truth is that when I first found out about the job and when I was auditioning for it, I felt a connection to Amy in my very early stages of research to her soul and to her wants and desires in life. Quite immediately and quite emotionally, I think that carried me through the whole process and made this feel like an authentic path for me to take as an actor. Because I just connected to something within her soul that was important to me. You can sort of add all the affectations on top of a thing, but if the thing itself isn’t real, then it counts for nothing. She needed to exist, really. That’s something that’s internal. It’s internal work, and it’s about intention, feeling and perspective. Luckily, I found that, but we also found it together.

    Actor Marisa Abela and director Sam Taylor-Johnson on the set of 'Back To Black,' a Focus Features release.
    (L to R) Actor Marisa Abela and director Sam Taylor-Johnson on the set of ‘Back To Black,’ a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Dean Rogers/Focus Features.

    MF: Finally, Sam, as a filmmaker, why did you want to make this movie and what did you want to say about Amy’s life?

    Sam Taylor-Johnson: When they asked me to make this movie, I found myself saying yes before I really processed the responsibility that I was taking on in a way. But one of the reasons, or I guess primarily the only reason I wanted to make it was the music, because the music was such a gift, and they are two of the greatest albums. But really, I wanted to frame our story with ‘Back to Black,’ because it really felt so truthful, and so much so that her voice leads us through the movie in that way. That the songwriting and the lyrics and going into her perspective was interesting for me as a filmmaker to create something where we really sort of sit intimately in her space and understand creatively who she was when she wrote this music. But, you know, it’s a knife edge that you must walk in a way to make something like this, because of that sense of responsibility. Because she really lived, and there are still people, you know, her family and her friends. The only way I felt I could do it in a way that did justice to her was to use her voice as my kind of north star, if you like.

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    What is the plot of ‘Back to Black’?

    The extraordinary story of Amy Winehouse’s (Marisa Abela) early rise to fame from her early days in Camden through the making of her groundbreaking album, ‘Back to Black’ that catapulted Winehouse to global fame. Told through Amy’s eyes and inspired by her deeply personal lyrics, the film explores and embraces the many layers of the iconic artist and the tumultuous love story at the center of one of the most legendary albums of all time.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Back to Black’?

    Marisa Abela stars as Amy Winehouse in director Sam Taylor-Johnson's 'Back To Black,' a Focus Features release.
    Marisa Abela stars as Amy Winehouse in director Sam Taylor-Johnson’s ‘Back To Black,’ a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Dean Rogers/Focus Features.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Back to Black’:

    Buy Amy Winehouse Music on Amazon

     

  • Guy Ritchie to Oversee ‘Ray Donovan’ Spin-Off ‘The Donovans’

    Liev Schreiber as Raymond "Ray" Donovan in 'Ray Donovan.'
    Liev Schreiber as Raymond “Ray” Donovan in ‘Ray Donovan.’ Photo: Showtime.

    Preview:

    • Guy Ritchie is aboard a ‘Ray Donovan’ spin-off series.
    • The new series will be loosely based on the Live Schreiber show.
    • ‘Top Boy’ creator Ronan Bennett will write all initial 10 episodes.

    Though it will only launch on Netflix next week, Guy Ritchie’s series ‘The Gentleman’, which the writer/director created based on his 2019 gangster crime comedy, is clearly impressing people.

    That includes Paramount, which is looking to the filmmaker to lead the creative team on a new series that loosely adapts Liev Schreiber drama ‘Ray Donovan’, which began on Showtime in 2013, ran for seven seasons and was finished via TV movie ‘Ray Donovan: The Movie’ in 2022.

    Ritchie will be the main director and executive producer on the new series, which has been written by ‘Top Boy’ creator Ronan Bennett.

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    What was ‘Ray Donovan’ about?

    Liev Schreiber as Raymond "Ray" Donovan in 'Ray Donovan.'
    Liev Schreiber as Raymond “Ray” Donovan in ‘Ray Donovan.’ Photo: Jeff Neumann/Showtime.

    Created by Ann Biderman, the original series starred Schreiber as the title character, a tough nut fixer in the sprawling mecca of the rich and famous. Ray does the dirty work for LA’s top power players as the go-to guy who makes the problems of the city’s celebrities, superstar athletes, and business moguls disappear.

    But the problems he can’t solve are his own and his family’s, especially when his violent father Mickey (Jon Voight) is released from prison. The show also starred Eddie Marsan, Dash Mihok and Kerris Dorsey.

    Related Article: TV Review: ‘The Gentlemen’ 

    What’s the story of ‘The Donovans’?

    Guy Ritchie on the set of 'The Gentlemen.'
    Guy Ritchie on the set of ‘The Gentlemen.’ Photo: Kevin Baker/Netflix. Copyright: © 2023, Netflix Inc.

    From the sounds of it, the new series will be along the lines of ‘The Gentlemen’ in connective tissue to the source material, i.e. taking place in a similar world, but not featuring the same characters.

    In fact the new show –– which has Bennett scripting the first season of 10 episodes –– will relocate the idea to the UK.

    Here’s the official synopsis:

    “With the most powerful clients in Europe, ‘The Donovans’ will see family fortunes and reputations at risk, odd alliances unfold, and betrayal around every corner. And while the family might be London’s most elite fixers today, the nature of their business means there is no guarantee what’s in store tomorrow.”

    This is what Bennett had to say about the new project:

    “We’re going to deliver a show which provides massive thrills, entertainment and a huge rush of adrenaline for audiences around the world. At the same time, I’m totally focused on exploring real characters, in body and in soul, and I’m committed to writing stories with deep dramatic impact. We’re going to get under the skin of the criminal underworld, in a way which will show you the bone-deep truths of how they live and how it sometimes will — inevitably — impact on our own lives.”

    When will ‘The Donovans’ be on screens?

    The most surprising part of this story is that the show will apparently be ready to launch on Paramount+ with Showtime later this year.

    Which means Ritchie has a film (‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’, on screens in April) and two TV series all out in the same year. Presumably he has given up on the concept of sleep…

    Liev Schreiber as Raymond "Ray" Donovan in 'Ray Donovan.'
    Liev Schreiber as Raymond “Ray” Donovan in ‘Ray Donovan.’ Photo: Showtime.

    Other Guy Ritchie Movies:

    Buy Guy Ritchie Movies On Amazon

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  • New Amy Winehouse and Bob Marley Biopic Photos

    Marisa Abela as Amy Winehouse in 'Back to Black' and Kingsley Ben-Adir as Bob Marley in 'Bob Marley: One Love.'
    (Left) Marisa Abela as Amy Winehouse in ‘Back to Black.’ Photo: Studiocanal & Monumental Pictures. (Right) Kingsley Ben-Adir as Bob Marley in ‘Bob Marley: One Love.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    Preview:

    • Images from ‘Back to Black’ and ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ have arrived online.
    • The musical biopics chronicle two musical icons.
    • Both films will be out in 2024.

    There has been a definite rise in the number of musical biopics in the last few years, spurred, most likely, by the Oscar-winning success of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. We’ve seen films about singing stars such as Elton John, Whitney Houston and “Weird Al” Yankovic brought to life on screen (that last one, admittedly more of a spoof version of the genre).

    You can add two more to the list via upcoming movies –– Britain’s Amy Winehouse and Reggae icon Bob Marley. Winehouse’s story will be told in ‘Back to Black’ while Marley gets the cinematic treatment in ‘Bob Marley: One Love’.

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    What’s the story of ‘Back to Black’?

    Marisa Abela as Amy Winehouse in 'Back to Black.'
    Marisa Abela as Amy Winehouse in ‘Back to Black.’ Photo: Studiocanal & Monumental Pictures.

    Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson (who has form with musical folk via John Lennon film ‘Nowhere Boy’, the movie stars Marisa Abela as Winehouse, who was widely considered one of the greatest artists in recent history, selling more than 30 million records worldwide, and today generating more than 80 million streams per month.

    Her acclaimed 2006 album “Back to Black”, propelled her to global stardom, going on to win a (at the time) record breaking 5 Grammy Awards, including Record Of The Year and Song of The Year for hit single “Rehab”. She got her start on the North London jazz circuit and rose to become a musical superstar. She tragically died of alcohol poisoning at the age of 27.

    The movie will focus on Amy’s extraordinary genius, creativity and honesty that infused everything she did. A journey that took her from the craziness and color of 90’s Camden High Street to global adoration.

    Who else is in ‘Back to Black’?

    The cast also includes Jack O’Connell, Eddie Marsan and Lesley Manville.

    Related Article: ‘Back to Black’: Amy Winehouse Biopic Casts Marisa Abela

    Sam Taylor-Johnson talks ‘Back to Black’

    Marisa Abela stars as Amy Winehouse in director Sam Taylor-Johnson's 'Back To Black.'
    Marisa Abela stars as Amy Winehouse in director Sam Taylor-Johnson’s ‘Back To Black.’

    Here’s what the director said when the movie was first announced:

    “My connection to Amy began when I left college and was hanging out in the creatively diverse London borough of Camden. I got a job at the legendary KOKO club, and I can still breathe every market stall, vintage shop, and street,” she says in a statement. “A few years later Amy wrote her searingly honest songs whilst living in Camden. Like with me, it became part of her DNA. I first saw her perform at a talent show at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in Soho and it was immediately obvious she wasn’t just ‘talent’… She was genius. As a filmmaker you can’t really ask for more. I feel excited and humbled to have this opportunity to realise Amy’s beautifully unique and tragic story to cinema accompanied by the most important part of her legacy – her music. I am fully aware of the responsibility, with my writing collaborator––Matt Greenhalgh––I will create a movie that we will all love and cherish forever. Just like we do Amy.”

    When will ‘Back to Black’ be in theaters?

    ‘Back to Black’ has yet to confirm a domestic release date, but it starts rolling out in the UK and other international locations on April 12th, 2024.

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    What’s the story of ‘Bob Marley: One Love’?

    Kinglsey Ben-Adir as “Bob Marley” in 'Bob Marley: One Love' from Paramount Pictures.
    Kinglsey Ben-Adir as “Bob Marley” in ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ from Paramount Pictures.

    Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, who most recently made ‘King Richard’, ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity.

    We’ll discover Bob’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music.

    Who appears in ‘Bob Marley: One Love’?

    'Bob Marley: One Love' is scheduled to be released in theaters on January, 12th 2024.
    ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ is scheduled to be released in theaters on January, 12th 2024.

    The movie stars Kingsley Ben-Adir as Marley, with Lashana Lynch as his wife, Rita. The cast also includes James Norton, Tosin Cole, Umi Myers, Anthony Welsh, Nia Ashi, Aston Barrett Jr., Anna-Sharé Blake, Naomi Cowan and Michael Gandolfini.

    Reinaldo Marcus Green on why he chose to make ‘Bob Marley: One Love’

    Musician Bob Marley from the 2012 documentary 'Marley.'
    Musician Bob Marley from the 2012 documentary ‘Marley.’

    The director told Empire that he knows the film is a big responsibility:

    “I’ve always loved Bob, his music was playing in my household growing up was thinking, how serendipitous. Somehow it felt like it was written for me; Bob Marley lived at 42 Oakley Street in London and 42 is my favourite number. There were all these weird signs calling me to this film. And I think what Bob sang for, his message of unity and peace and love are the things I believe in as a human being. I’m sure they’ve been trying to make a Marley move for years and it’s never happened and somehow it’s falling on my doorstep. I just thought, ‘yeah it’s a gigantic risk because Bob is so beloved and an icon, a fascinating character and he has a cult following so you don’t mess with Bob, you can’t get him wrong.’”

    A trailer for ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ is now online.

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    When will ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ land in theaters?

    The Marley movie will be on screens on February 14th.

    Kingsley Ben-Adir as Bob Marley in 'Bob Marley: One Love.'
    Kingsley Ben-Adir as Bob Marley in ‘Bob Marley: One Love.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Back to Black’ and ‘Bob Marley: One Love’:

    Buy Amy Winehouse Music on Amazon

    Buy Bob Marley Music on Amazon

  • Movie Review: ‘Fair Play’

    Alden Ehrenreich as Luke and Phoebe Dynevor as Emily in 'Fair Play.'
    (L to R) Alden Ehrenreich as Luke and Phoebe Dynevor as Emily in ‘Fair Play.’ Cr. Sergej Radovic / Courtesy of Netflix.

    Opening in theaters on September 29th before streaming on Netflix October 6th, ‘Fair Play’ pokes into the pressure on couples who work together, and what can happen to both of them when the level changes dramatically.

    The new dramatic thriller from writer/director Chloe Domont received strong notices out of this year’s Sundance Film Festival, and is all together very well made, but does somewhat lose the plot towards the end.

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    What’s the story of ‘Fair Play’?

    Alden Ehrenreich as Luke and Phoebe Dynevor as Emily in 'Fair Play.'
    (L to R) Alden Ehrenreich as Luke and Phoebe Dynevor as Emily in ‘Fair Play.’ Cr. Courtesy of Netflix.

    When a coveted promotion at a cutthroat financial firm arises, once supportive exchanges between lovers Emily (Phoebe Dynevor) and Luke (Alden Ehrenreich) begin to sour into something more sinister.

    As the power dynamics irrevocably shift in their relationship, the couple must face the true price of success and the unnerving limits of ambition.

    Soon, destructive gender dynamics are pitting partners against each other in a world that is transforming faster than the rules can keep up.

    Who else is in ‘Fair Play’?

    Eddie Marsan as Campbell in 'Fair Play.'
    Eddie Marsan as Campbell in ‘Fair Play.’ Cr. Sergej Radovic / Courtesy of Netflix.

    The movie’s cast also includes Eddie Marsan, Rich Sommer, Sebastian De Souza, Sia Alipour, Brandon Bassir, Jamie Wilkes, Geraldine Somerville and Patrick Fischler.

    Related Article: Alden Ehrenreich is the Latest Addition to Disney+ Series ‘Ironheart’

    What works about ‘Fair Play’?

    Phoebe Dynevor as Emily in 'Fair Play.'
    Phoebe Dynevor as Emily in ‘Fair Play.’ Cr. Sergej Radovic / Courtesy of Netflix.

    ‘Fair Play’ may represent Chloe Domont’s feature directorial debut, but she brings to the table a wealth of experience on shorts, writing other movies and TV work, including HBO’s ‘Ballers’ and, perhaps mostly fittingly for the new film’s tricky financial shark pool, ‘Billions’.

    For the vast majority of its running time, ‘Fair Play’ is a superbly crafted look at a couple whose relationship is tested to breaking point and beyond.

    As Emily, Dynevor (possibly best known for the first season of ‘Bridgerton’) is by turns fierce and fragile, driven and devastated, and her chemistry with Ehrenreich, who plays her partner, Luke, is impressive from the start.

    They work at the same financial firm, but because of the strict rules against fraternization, they haven’t told any of their colleagues they’ve been dating.

    Rich Sommer as Paul, Sia Alipour as Arjun and Sebastian De Souza as Rory in 'Fair Play.'
    (L to R) Rich Sommer as Paul, Sia Alipour as Arjun and Sebastian De Souza as Rory in ‘Fair Play.’ Cr. Slobodan Pikula / Courtesy of Netflix.

    We meet the pair at Luke’s brother’s wedding, in the full blush of love, sneaking off to a washroom to have lusty sex –– or at least start to, before realizing that Emily’s lipstick is smeared on Luke’s face, and therefore her clothes –– and sharing a laugh as they try to clean up.

    Then Emily finds an engagement ring and Luke proposes, this seemingly happy couple’s good news cemented when rumors spread that Luke will be promoted at the firm.

    Except that’s not what happens, as Emily turns out to be the chosen golden one of firm boss Campbell (an excellent Eddie Marsan, who often plays intense working-class types or sniveling underlings, here channeling the former as a tough corporate type).

    Domont, working with her cast, the sound team and composer Brian McOmber, slowly raise the temperature on the relationship, and not for the better. Despite his initial protestations of support, you can see in Ehrenreich’s eyes that Luke feels diminished and unhappy at the news that the woman he loves will now be his superior.

    The pair’s happy connection begins to wither quickly as Emily embraces her new status and Luke’s attitude congeals. Insulted by her promises to help him secure his own promotion, he turns to the work of a business guru (Patrick Fischler) whose advice runs dangerously close to those of “pick up artists” who claim men can convince women to sleep with them by changing their worldview.

    It’s through these concepts that Luke aims to turn around his fortunes, but it also unleashes seething jealousy from within –– and Emily is his primary target. At least until things go wrong on a trade…

    Alden Ehrenreich as Luke in 'Fair Play.'
    Alden Ehrenreich as Luke in ‘Fair Play.’ Cr. Courtesy of Netflix.

    It’s so perfectly pitched throughout most of the film, the tension rising as the soundtrack intensified, and the drama begins to heighten. The portrayal of the cutthroat world of finance is a keen one, without dipping too far into the tropes established by the likes of ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’, ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ and ‘Boiler Room’.

    Outside of the office, the movie puts a fresh spin on such erotic-tinged thrillers as ‘Fatal Attraction’ and ‘Indecent Proposal’: Emily and Luke are under such believable pressure that you completely buy one or both of them cracking under it.

    It’s not hard to see how this movie scored a Grand Jury Prize nomination at this year’s Sundance Fest. Domont has delivered an impactful and penetrating look at a committed couple torn apart in mostly understandable fashion, and a painfully honest exploration at imbalance, assumed emasculation and ambition.

    What doesn’t work about ‘Fair Play’?

    Rich Sommer as Paul, Chloe Domont, writer and director and Phoebe Dynevor as Emily on the set of 'Fair Play.'
    (L to R) Rich Sommer as Paul, Chloe Domont, writer and director and Phoebe Dynevor as Emily on the set of ‘Fair Play.’ Cr. Slobodan Pikula / Courtesy of Netflix.

    For the most part, Domont keeps it all under control, steering the story in the right direction.

    Yet when it comes time to wrap it all up, it’s almost as if this pressure cooker of a movie, that has been rattling away successfully , suddenly explodes, splattering overwrought behavior across our central pair.

    In keeping with the more lurid and outrageous 1980s and 1990s thrillers, it reaches the sort of climax that, while not completely unwarranted, does push things beyond the realms of believability. We won’t spoil any of it here, but suffice to say, nobody comes out of it well.

    Alden Ehrenreich as Luke and Phoebe Dynevor as Emily in 'Fair Play.'
    (Center L to R) Alden Ehrenreich as Luke and Phoebe Dynevor as Emily in ‘Fair Play.’ Cr. Courtesy of Netflix.

    You do have to wonder why the pair’s respective families –– who at one point gather for a surprise engagement party that sees Emily and Luke spar in a way that would see most people calling the authorities –– don’t step in when they truly see how the issue is affecting their admittedly grown children.

    There is, thankfully, far more to recommend about ‘Fair Play’ than not, and if you’re after a tricky take on a modern relationship torn apart by primal and basic emotions, then this is definitely worth a watch.

    ‘Fair Play’ receives 7.5 out of 10 stars.

    Alden Ehrenreich as Luke and Phoebe Dynevor as Emily in 'Fair Play.'
    (L to R) Alden Ehrenreich as Luke and Phoebe Dynevor as Emily in ‘Fair Play.’ Cr. Sergej Radovic / Courtesy of Netflix.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Fair Play’:

    Buy Tickets: ‘Fair Play’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Alden Ehrenreich Movies On Amazon

  • Trailer for the ‘The Power’ TV Adaptation

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    What would happen if one random change shifted the balance of power in the entire world? That’s the basic premise for British writer Naomi Alderman’s 2016 novel ‘The Power’, which spun that out to its logical conclusion.

    It has now been turned into a thriller series for Prime Video by ‘True Blood’ and ‘Jessica Jones’ veteran Raelle Tucker. The full trailer for the show is now online, or you can watch it in the video player above.

    uli'i Cravalho as Jos Clearly on Prime Video's 'The Power.'
    Auli’i Cravalho as Jos Clearly on Prime Video’s ‘The Power.’ Credit: Katie Yu/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.

    What’s the story of ‘The Power’?

    Taking Alderman’s book as its jumping off point, ‘The Power’ shows our world, but for one twist of nature. Suddenly, and without warning, teenage girls develop the power to electrocute people at will.

    So what would that mean for the world? It changes the balance of power between the sexes, as women are less afraid of men, and that begins to shift society. The series’ story stretches from London to Seattle, Nigeria to Eastern Europe, as the Power evolves from a tingle in teenagers’ collarbones to a complete reversal of how men and women interact.

    While the novel is set 5,000 years after the events of the story, where a matriarchy rules the planet after revolution driven by the women who developed the electrical abilities, the show appears to focus on the start of the narrative.

    Of course, as the trailer suggests, though these new abilities mean a lot of the world’s problems for women go away, just because there’s a new group in charge doesn’t mean that there’s suddenly no corruption, crime or violence. It just changes.

    John Leguizamo as Rob Lopez on Prime Video's 'The Power.'
    (L to R) John Leguizamo as Rob Lopez on Prime Video’s ‘The Power.’ Credit: Katie Yu/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.

    Related Article: Aimee Carrero, Mark St. Cyr and Arturo Castro Talk ‘The Menu’ Blu-ray

    Who stars in ‘The Power’?

    This new series stars Toni Collette as Mayor Margot Cleary-Lopez, who along with John Leguizamo as Rob Lopez, discover that their daughter Jos Cleary-Lopez (‘Moana’s Auli’i Cravalho) has started to develop the power.

    Then there’s ‘Ted Lasso’s Toheeb Jimoh as Tunde Ojo, a Nigerian journalist who sees a chance to boost his career by reporting on the women and girls who start to show the electrical charges.

    Josh Charles, meanwhile, Daniel Dandon, who is concerned about what this all means, and drives a programme of tracking and detaining the young women. Then there’s Roxy Monke (Ria Zmitrowicz), who starts to help her criminal father Bernie (Eddie Marsan) in his business.

    And Allie Montgomery (Halle Bush) is a rape survivor who kills her attacker –– her foster father –– and then flees to a convent. The cast also includes Zrinka Cvitešić, Daniela Vega, Alice Eve, Nico Hiraga and Heather Agyepong.

    ‘The Power’ will start on Prime Video on March 31st with the first three episodes, with an episode every Friday until the season finale on May 12th.

    Toni Collette, John Leguizamo, and Auli'i Cravalho in Prime Video's 'The Power.'
    (L to R) Toni Collette, John Leguizamo, and Auli’i Cravalho in Prime Video’s ‘The Power.’ Credit: Katie Yu/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.
    Toni Collette as Margot Cleary-Lopez on Prime Video's 'The Power.'
    Toni Collette as Margot Cleary-Lopez on Prime Video’s ‘The Power.’ Credit: Katie Yu/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.
    Josh Charles as Governor Daniel Dandon on Prime Video's 'The Power.'
    Josh Charles as Governor Daniel Dandon on Prime Video’s ‘The Power.’ Credit: Katie Yu/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.
    Zrinka Cvitešić as Tatiana on Prime Video's 'The Power.'
    Zrinka Cvitešić as Tatiana on Prime Video’s ‘The Power.’ Credit: Ludovic Robert/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.
    Toheeb Jimoh as Tunde Ojo on Prime Video's 'The Power.'
    Toheeb Jimoh as Tunde Ojo on Prime Video’s ‘The Power.’ Credit: Ludovic Robert/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.
    Ria Zmitrowicz as Roxy Monke on Prime Video's 'The Power.'
    Ria Zmitrowicz as Roxy Monke on Prime Video’s ‘The Power.’ Credit: Ludovic Robert/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.
    Halle Bush as Allie on Prime Video's 'The Power.'
    Halle Bush as Allie on Prime Video’s ‘The Power.’ Credit: Courtesy of Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios .
    Eddie Marsan and Ria Zmitrowicz as Bernie and Roxy Monke on Prime Video's 'The Power.'
    (L to R) Eddie Marsan and Ria Zmitrowicz as Bernie and Roxy Monke on Prime Video’s ‘The Power.’ Photo: Ludovic Robert/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.
    Prime Video's 'The Power' premiers on March 31, 2023.
    Prime Video’s ‘The Power’ premiers on March 31, 2023.

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    Buy John Leguizamo Movies on Amazon

  • Chris Pine Talks ‘The Contractor’

    Chris Pine in dark
    Chris Pine in ‘The Contractor.’ Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures.

    Opening in theaters and On-Demand beginning April 1st is the new action movie ‘The Contractor,’ from director Tarik Saleh (‘Westworld’).

    The movie stars Chris Pine (‘Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit‘) as James Harper, a discharged U.S. Special Forces sergeant who joins a private contracting organization. While overseas on a covert mission, he must evade those trying to kill him and make his way back home safely to his family.

    The film reunites Pine with his ‘Hell or High Water‘ co-star Ben Foster, and also features Gillian Jacobs (‘Hot Tub Time Machine 2‘), Eddie Marsan (‘The World’s End‘), and Kiefer Sutherland (‘24‘).

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Chris Pine about his work on ‘The Contractor.’

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    You can read our full interview with Chris Pine below or watch a video of our interviews with Pine and director Tarik Saleh about ‘The Contractor’ by clicking on the player above.

    Moviefone: To begin with, what was your first reaction when you read the script for ‘The Contractor?’

    Chris Pine: I was really moved by it. I thought it was a really poetic and sensitive take on a genre piece. It’s really a character study that’s masquerading as an action thriller film. I thought it was a great opportunity to have something that was highly commercial and accessible, but also required people to really think and that intrigued me.

    MF: Can you talk about the research you did to play this role?

    CP: I spent about three months with a guy, Chris Dunn, out in the desert here in Los Angeles, working, doing close quarters combat and weapons training. I met with Bert Kuntz, who was our technical advisor, who’s a green beret and medic. I read a ton of books and investigated the script with Bert to make sure that things seemed real. That was what I did.

    MF: What do you think your character would say is the most important aspect of his life?

    CP: That’s a difficult question. I think at first it would be family, God, and country. But by the end of the film it’s just family.

    MF: There is a lot of action in the film. Do you do your own stunts and how do you prepare for those scenes?

    CP: I generally do everything that I can, that the insurance company will allow me to do. I had an incredible stunt double with whom I’ve worked for many years. But everything is different. It depends on how they want to shoot it. It depends on the time we have. It depends on so many things, but this one was a particularly brutal shoot.

    Chris Pine and Ben Foster playing catch
    (L to R) Chris Pine and Ben Foster in ‘The Contractor.’ Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures.

    MF: You reunite with your ‘Hell or High Water’ co-star Ben Foster for this movie. What do you like about working with him, and what is the relationship like between your two characters?

    CP: It’s always great working with Ben. I wish I could work with Ben on most things I do. It’s nice to go to work with someone whom you have great respect, who you like and who gets the work the same way you do and wants to achieve the same things. We have a shorthand. Obviously, we didn’t have much time on this film. We didn’t have much money. We didn’t have an incredible amount of rehearsal time. So, to get to go to work, get to set, and hit the ground running was really important.

    MF: Were you involved with choosing Tarik Saleh to direct this movie?

    CP: Yes. 100%. I’d seen ‘The Nile Hilton Incident’ and I absolutely loved it. It’s an Egyptian police noir, starring Fares Fares, who shows up in our film. I think he’s incredibly talented. I heard that he was interested in the script. We met in New York very briefly and then we were off to the races.

    MF: What was he like to work with on set?

    CP: Tarik is wonderful. He’s incredibly collaborative. He trusted me a great deal. We really just picked this thing apart as my much as we could to figure out the emotional arc and through line of it. It was tricky work and it wouldn’t have worked unless we had open minds. It took me, Tarik, Ben and everyone involved trying to say, “Well, how does this work? Does it, does this make sense?”

    Director Tarik Saleh
    Director Tarik Saleh on set of ‘The Contractor.’ Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures.

    MF: Finally, what do you hope audiences take away from seeing the film?

    CP: Really this is a story about one man dealing with the effects of his world being turned upside down. We would never see this man losing his job, losing his pension, losing his healthcare and going to do anything else but being a military contractor. That’s the hard thing. Here’s a guy that is, in terms of the amount of money they spend on one of these highly trained warriors, it’s millions of dollars. They are a weapon.

    After a twenty some odd years of service as a highly trained weapon, you then get out into the real world and if you’re facing financial troubles, you don’t have enough time to get yourself out of the muck by working a normal job. Whereas you can go and make really incredible money doing something you’re passionate about that you’re highly trained and qualified for. It seemed to make a lot of logical sense, making that move for James.

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