Moviefone Editorial

Tag: kevin-bacon

  • ‘The Toxic Avenger’ (2025) Interview: Kevin Bacon

    CZocB4jM

    2025’s ‘The Toxic Avenger’, which is a reboot of the 1984 cult classic and was directed by Macon Blair (‘Brothers’), is scheduled for release in theaters on August 29th.

    ONHy8weYYsZexyU7f3Yu66

    The film stars Peter Dinklage (‘Game of Thrones’) in the title role, as well as Jacob Tremblay (‘Room’), Taylour Page (‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’), Elijah Wood (‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’), and Kevin Bacon (‘X-Men: First Class’).

    Kevin Bacon stars in 'The Toxic Avenger'.
    Kevin Bacon stars in ‘The Toxic Avenger’.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with legendary actor Kevin Bacon about his work on ‘The Toxic Avenger’, the original movie and why he wanted to be involved with the reboot, his approach to playing Bob Garbinger and his relationship with his brother, working with Elijah Wood and director Macon Blair, and his own personal history with Moviefone.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video payer above to watch our interviews with Bacon, director Macon Blair, and producer Lloyd Kaufman.

    Related Article: San Diego Comic-Con 2025: ‘The Toxic Avenger’ Panel Brings Crazy Action

    Kevin Bacon as “Bob Garbinger” in the action, comedy, horror film, 'The Toxic Avenger', a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.
    Kevin Bacon as “Bob Garbinger” in the action, comedy, horror film, ‘The Toxic Avenger’, a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.

    Moviefone: To begin with, were you a fan of the original movie and why did you want to be a part of this new version?

    Kevin Bacon: I don’t know if I was not really the right age or whatever, but I didn’t really know that much about the original. But of course, I went back and not only watched the original, but also of did a Troma deep dive and really loved it. I mean, really when you think about it, it’s a combination of independent filmmaking and popcorn filmmaking. Which are two things that I really like, but a lot of times they don’t live in the same movie. You know what I mean? Because these oftentimes are Oscar contenders or dramas, that kind of stuff, and popcorn movies are big, flashy and cost a lot of money. So, to me, to hit that sweet spot is something that not a lot of people have done. That’s the thing that I really admired about the whole world of Troma and came to admire. I also knew Macon Blair but didn’t really know him personally. I knew his work and I thought that he had a good take on this. Clearly, Pete Dinklage was great. I mean, it’s a great cast so it was kind of a no brainer.

    MF: Can you talk about your approach to playing Bob Garbinger and why you decided to play him that specific way? Was that how he was described in the script, or did you find the character improvising on set?

    KB: We did do a lot of improvising, although I think that a lot of what’s in there is what Macon wrote, which is fantastic. But he is a guy that is very collaborative and very interested in improvising in terms of how Bob would be manifested in terms of the hair and the clothing and the whole thing. That was, again, ideas that we bounced back and forth. When you really get into the weeds on something like that, you forget what came from what. I would have to go back and read the script to see what was in there, but I do know that I was given free rein. Anything can happen here. So, I thought a lot about televangelists. I’ve thought about today’s billionaires who oftentimes have very larger than life characters. In the old days, the billionaires were the very quiet guys behind the closed doors and in back rooms and that’s not really the case anymore. They’re more like personalities in your face. So, to sort of embrace that and just push things as far as I could, knowing that hopefully Macon was going to protect me from embarrassing myself too much.

    Elijah Wood as “Fritz Garbinger” in the action, comedy, horror film, 'The Toxic Avenger', a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.
    Elijah Wood as “Fritz Garbinger” in the action, comedy, horror film, ‘The Toxic Avenger’, a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.

    MF: Can you talk about Bob’s relationship with his brother Fritz, and what was it like working with Elijah Wood?

    KB: I mean, I didn’t know Elijah’s whole look and everything. Of course, I had seen drawings, so I kind of knew where I was going, but to see him come out and embody that, it was so great. They’ve got this very abusive codependent relationship, but, again, just funny. And Elijah, we’d not worked together before and he was very focused, hilarious and just a lot of fun.

    MF: Can you talk about your experience working with director Macon Blair and at this point in your career, what is it like for you to work with a new generation of filmmakers?

    KB: Look, I mean, I am a huge fan of the movies and I get especially excited when I see someone who is doing something right out of the gate or in the early stages. I mean, I’ll give you an example. I saw a movie years ago called ‘Slither’ and I thought, “Wow, this is well done.” No one’s going to be walking the red carpet at the Oscars for ‘Slither’, but I can tell that this is an excellent filmmaker, and I got a chance to do James Gunn‘s next movie (‘Super’). James comes from the Troma world of very small independent productions and not completely outside of the tone of ‘Toxic Avenger’. Then the next movie James did was ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. Just recently I reached out to the guys that directed ‘Final Destination Bloodlines’ just because I want to talk to people that are making movies. I’m not dismissive of things that are the genre because I feel like there’s a lot of genius that’s kind of come out of that. I mean, in his own way (Steven) Spielberg was a genre director when he started, so that’s an exciting thing for me. I’m often hoping to get in on the ground floor with someone like James Gunn or John Watts, who I worked with on ‘Cop Car’, which was a similar situation with Macon on this film. What usually happens is they lose my number, all of them. They become much more famous and in demand than I am and then suddenly I can’t get in touch with them.

    Director Macon Blair at the San Diego Comic-Con premiere of 'The Toxic Avengers'. Photo: Cineverse.
    Director Macon Blair at the San Diego Comic-Con premiere of ‘The Toxic Avengers’. Photo: Cineverse.

    MF: Finally, Moviefone has been proud to partner with ‘The Toxic Avenger’ for this new release and explore the nostalgia of both brands. What is your history with Moviefone? Do you remember calling for showtimes back in the day?

    KB: 100%. Oh, my God, yes! Yeah, of course I called up Moviefone. It was amazing. With a little bit of work, I could probably do the voice because it was just such the classic announcer voice. “Hello, welcome to Moviefone.” Or do you want me to be Bob Garbinger? “Hello, this is Bob Garbinger. Welcome to Moviefone. Press one for ‘Toxic Avenger’.”

    MF: Just so you know, you can call 802-377-FILM now and hear Peter Dinklage as the Toxic Avenger doing the Mr. Moviefone voice.

    KB: That’s cool. I got to do that.

    gMUigPJC

    What is the plot of ‘The Toxic Avenger’?

    When a downtrodden janitor, Winston Gooze (Peter Dinklage), is exposed to a catastrophic toxic accident, he’s transformed into a new kind of hero: The Toxic Avenger. Now, Toxie must rise from outcast to savior, taking on ruthless corporate overlords and corrupt forces who threaten his son (Jacob Tremblay), his friends, and his community. In a world where greed runs rampant… justice is best served radioactive.

    Who is in the cast of ‘The Toxic Avenger’?

    • Peter Dinklage as Winston Gooze / the Toxic Avenger (voice)
    • Luisa Guerreiro as the Toxic Avenger (suit performer)
    • Jacob Tremblay as Wade Gooze
    • Taylour Paige as J.J. Doherty
    • Kevin Bacon as Bob Garbinger
    • Elijah Wood as Fritz Garbinger
    • Sarah Niles as Mayor Togar
    • Julia Davis as Kissy Sturnevan
    • Julian Kostov as Budd Berserk
    • David Yow as Guthrie Stockins
    • Macon Blair as Dennis
    • Rebecca O’Mara as Shelly Gooze
    • Jonny Coyne as Thad Barkabus
    • Jane Levy as Cheerful Insurance Representative (voice)
    Luisa Guerreiro as “Toxie” in the action, comedy, horror film, 'The Toxic Avenger,' a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.
    Luisa Guerreiro as “Toxie” in the action, comedy, horror film, ‘The Toxic Avenger,’ a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.

    List of Movies and TV Shows in ‘The Toxic Avenger’ Franchise:

    Buy Tickets: ‘The Toxic Avenger’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy ‘The Toxic Avenger’ Movies On Amazon

     

  • Movie Review: ‘The Toxic Avenger’ (2025)

    Luisa Guerreiro as “Toxie” in the action, comedy, horror film, 'The Toxic Avenger,' a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.
    Luisa Guerreiro as “Toxie” in the action, comedy, horror film, ‘The Toxic Avenger,’ a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.

    Opening in theaters on August 29th is ‘The Toxic Avenger’, which is a reboot of the 1984 cult classic and was directed by Macon Blair (‘Brothers’).

    ONHy8weYYsZexyU7f3Yu66

    The film stars Peter Dinklage (‘Game of Thrones’) in the title role, as well as Jacob Tremblay (‘Room’), Taylour Paige (‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’), Elijah Wood (‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’), and Kevin Bacon (‘Footloose’).

    Related Article: San Diego Comic-Con 2025: ‘The Toxic Avenger’ Panel Brings Crazy Action

    Initial Thoughts

    Peter Dinklage as “Winston Gooze” in the action, comedy, horror film, 'The Toxic Avenger', a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.
    Peter Dinklage as “Winston Gooze” in the action, comedy, horror film, ‘The Toxic Avenger’, a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.

    While it’s not going to win any Oscars, ‘The Toxic Avenger’ reboot is the best possible updated version of the 1984 cult classic. Director Macron Blair clearly understood the assignment and delivers over-the-top action, violence, and humor, but also injects the movie with an emotional core that makes you care about the characters.

    Peter Dinklage’s performance as the pre-Toxic Avenger Winston Gooze anchors the film and creates a sympathetic character for the audience to root for. His relationship with his son played by Jacob Tremblay is the emotional heart of the film, and they are joined by hilariously over-the-top performances from the film’s villains, played by Kevin Bacon and Elijah Wood.

    Story and Direction

    Director Macon Blair at the San Diego Comic-Con premiere of 'The Toxic Avengers'. Photo: Cineverse.
    Director Macon Blair at the San Diego Comic-Con premiere of ‘The Toxic Avengers’. Photo: Cineverse.

    The movie begins by introducing us to Winston Gooze, a down on his luck janitor trying to raise his teenage stepson Wade (Jacob Tremblay), after his wife’s sudden death. Winston works at a factory owned by billionaire health guru Bob Garbinger, who with the help of a crime boss is manufacturing toxic beauty products. We also meet J.J. Doherty (Taylour Paige), an investigative journalist trying to expose Garbinger’s illegal practices after he had her mentor killed.

    With evidence in hand to ruin Garbinger, he sends a group of assassins led by his brother Fritz Garbinger (Elijah Wood) to kill J.J. But they mistakenly kill Gooze instead and dump his body in a pool of chemical waste, transforming him into the hero the Toxic Avenger (played by suit performer Luisa Guerreiro).

    Using his newfound powers, Winston becomes a local hero as the Toxic Avenger and tries to reconnect with Wade. But when Bob discovers his identity, he dispatches Fritz and an army of assassins to capture Wade and lure the Toxic Avenger to his death. Now, Winston must team up with J.J. to save Wade and stop Bob for good.

    Screenwriter/Director Macon Blair on the set of the action, comedy, horror film, 'The Toxic Avenger', a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.
    Screenwriter/Director Macon Blair on the set of the action, comedy, horror film, ‘The Toxic Avenger’, a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.

    Director Macon Blair, who helmed last year’s ‘Brothers’ and starred in ‘Blue Ruin’ and ‘Green Room’ is one filmmaker that you want to keep your eyes on. Blair has elevated the source material and delivered a script that while incorporating the tone, violence and humor of the original, focuses on the relationship between Winston and Wade, creating an emotional core for the film and forcing you care about what happens to these strange characters.

    Blair’s direction is also impressive, moving the camera in an interesting way, and using practical effects rather than VFX, which helps with the campy tone. Blair accomplishes his goal with ‘Toxic Avenger’, recapturing the strange tone and over-the-top gore and campiness of the original, while creating something new, with a real heart, that audiences can relate to.

    Cast and Performances

    (L to R) Peter Dinklage as “Winston Gooze” and Jacob Tremblay as “Wade” in the action, comedy,horror film, 'The Toxic Avenger', a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.
    (L to R) Peter Dinklage as “Winston Gooze” and Jacob Tremblay as “Wade” in the action, comedy,horror film, ‘The Toxic Avenger’, a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.

    Peter Dinklage was perfectly cast as Winston Gooze and beings so much heart and sympathy to the role. However, Dinklage’s performance as the Toxic Avenger is a voice role only, but suit performer Luisa Guerreiro does fantastic work and her performance with Dinklage’s added audio works seamlessly.

    Jacob Tremblay, who first came to fame as a child actor in films like ‘Room’ and ‘Wonder’, is now a young man and once you get over that shock, he gives a heartfelt performance as Wade. Tremblay has great chemistry with Dinklage and is at his best in their scenes together early in the film.

    Kevin Bacon as “Bob Garbinger” in the action, comedy, horror film, 'The Toxic Avenger', a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.
    Kevin Bacon as “Bob Garbinger” in the action, comedy, horror film, ‘The Toxic Avenger’, a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.

    The film’s villains are all great, including the over-the-top Kevin Bacon, who seems to be having a lot of fun chewing up the scenery. Julia Davis also gives an excellent evil performance as Bob Garbinger’s love interest and assistant, but its Elijah Wood as Fritz Garbinger that really steals the film, playing the character as a dangerous yet sympathetic villain, who is just looking for his brother’s love and approval.

    Actress Taylour Paige, last seen in ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’ as Eddie Murphy’s daughter, is fine in her role but ultimately not give enough to do and gets lost in the film’s shocking moments and its various over-the-top characters.

    Final Thoughts

    Elijah Wood as “Fritz Garbinger” in the action, comedy, horror film, 'The Toxic Avenger', a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.
    Elijah Wood as “Fritz Garbinger” in the action, comedy, horror film, ‘The Toxic Avenger’, a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.

    Again, while it’s not going to win any Oscars, ‘The Toxic Avenger’ is exactly what it should be, a gore-filled, campy, over-the-top remake of the original. Director Macon Blair injects the film with enough heart for the audience to truly care about the characters, and the cast is excellent, led by a commanding performance from Peter Dinklage, and wild performances from Kevin Bacon and Elijah Wood. Fans of the original and the genre in general, should be very happy with the new film.

    ‘The Toxic Avenger’ (2025) receives a score of 75 out of 100.

    Luisa Guerreiro as “Toxie” in the action, comedy, horror film, 'The Toxic Avenger,' a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.
    Luisa Guerreiro as “Toxie” in the action, comedy, horror film, ‘The Toxic Avenger,’ a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.

    What is the plot of ‘The Toxic Avenger’?

    When a downtrodden janitor, Winston Gooze (Peter Dinklage), is exposed to a catastrophic toxic accident, he’s transformed into a new kind of hero: The Toxic Avenger. Now, Toxie must rise from outcast to savior, taking on ruthless corporate overlords and corrupt forces who threaten his son (Jacob Tremblay), his friends, and his community. In a world where greed runs rampant… justice is best served radioactive.

    Who is in the cast of ‘The Toxic Avenger’?

    • Peter Dinklage as Winston Gooze / the Toxic Avenger (voice)
    • Luisa Guerreiro as the Toxic Avenger (suit performer)
    • Jacob Tremblay as Wade Gooze
    • Taylour Paige as J.J. Doherty
    • Kevin Bacon as Bob Garbinger
    • Elijah Wood as Fritz Garbinger
    • Sarah Niles as Mayor Togar
    • Julia Davis as Kissy Sturnevan
    • Julian Kostov as Budd Berserk
    • David Yow as Guthrie Stockins
    • Macon Blair as Dennis
    • Rebecca O’Mara as Shelly Gooze
    • Jonny Coyne as Thad Barkabus
    • Jane Levy as Cheerful Insurance Representative (voice)
    Luisa Guerreiro as “Toxie” in the action, comedy, horror film, 'The Toxic Avenger,' a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.
    Luisa Guerreiro as “Toxie” in the action, comedy, horror film, ‘The Toxic Avenger,’ a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.

    List of Movies and TV Shows in ‘The Toxic Avenger’ Franchise:

    Buy Tickets: ‘The Toxic Avenger’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy ‘The Toxic Avenger’ Movies On Amazon

    gMUigPJC

  • San Diego Comic-Con 2025: ‘The Toxic Avenger’ Panel

    (L to R) Peter Dinklage, Taylour Paige, Lloyd Kaufman, Macon Blair, Elijah Wood and Jacob Tremblay at the San Diego Comic-Con premiere of 'The Toxic Avengers'. Photo: Cineverse.
    (L to R) Peter Dinklage, Taylour Paige, Lloyd Kaufman, Macon Blair, Elijah Wood and Jacob Tremblay at the San Diego Comic-Con premiere of ‘The Toxic Avengers’. Photo: Cineverse.

    Preview:

    • ‘The Toxic Avenger’ landed at this year’s Comic-Con.
    • Director Macon Blair and star Peter Dinklage talked the movie up.
    • Fans were also treated to footage.

    It has taken a few years for the latest version of classic Troma character ‘The Toxic Avenger’ to make it to screens, but what better place than the San Diego Comic-Con for writer/director Macon Blair, star Peter Dinklage and other cast members to hype it up at a raucous panel?

    ONHy8weYYsZexyU7f3Yu66

    Not appearing in person, but certainly there in spirit (and via video) was Kevin Bacon, who even broke into song at one point.

    “Stayin’ at home going to make you blue / You need the movies and the movies need you,” Bacon sang. “Down to the theater, try your luck / ‘Toxic Avenger,’ show the f**k up.”

    Related Article: Peter Dinklage is the Mutated Hero in the First Image of New ‘The Toxic Avenger’ Movie

    What’s the story of ‘The Toxic Avenger’?

    Peter Dinklage as “Toxie” in the action, comedy, horror film, 'The Toxic Avenger', a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.
    Peter Dinklage as “Toxie” in the action, comedy, horror film, ‘The Toxic Avenger’, a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.

    When a downtrodden janitor, Winston Gooze (Dinklage), is exposed to a catastrophic toxic accident, he’s transformed into a new kind of hero: The Toxic Avenger.

    Now, Toxie must rise from outcast to savior, taking on ruthless corporate overlords and corrupt forces who threaten his son, his friends, and his community. In a world where greed runs rampant… justice is best served radioactive.

    Lloyd Kaufman on ‘The Toxic Avenger’s history

    Producer Lloyd Kaufman at the San Diego Comic-Con premiere of 'The Toxic Avengers'. Photo: Cineverse.
    Producer Lloyd Kaufman at the San Diego Comic-Con premiere of ‘The Toxic Avengers’. Photo: Cineverse.

    Lloyd Kaufman, the boss of Troma studios, who created the original Toxie (for 1984’s movie), talked about the challenges of battling censors over what was allowed.

    He recalled that the MPAA forced the company to cut 20 minutes from the original. But, as he reveals:

    “Eventually, people were able to get the director’s cut with the full head-crushing.”

    That film spawned a franchise and a cult following –– and now, has led to this brand-new take, which Kaufman happily supports.

    This was his comment on the new movie:

    “It’s everything we tried and didn’t quite get there”

    ‘The Toxic Avenger’: The Director and Stars Talk

    Director Macon Blair at the San Diego Comic-Con premiere of 'The Toxic Avengers'. Photo: Cineverse.
    Director Macon Blair at the San Diego Comic-Con premiere of ‘The Toxic Avengers’. Photo: Cineverse.

    Director Macon Blair and the cast were overjoyed to be anticipating the movie’s release after worrying that it might not see screens at all.

    Blair said he wanted to capture the spirit of the original film without matching its plot beat-for-beat, so he knew the violence had to have the goopy goodness you expect but he also wanted to match what he saw as the warm-hearted nature of the first film.

    For Dinklage, his first exposure to Toxie was via a Betamax video at a friend’s house, joking that “there’s always an older brother!” He was persuaded to take on the role because of his appreciation for Blair’s filmmaking style and the environmental message of the movie.

    And he revealed that more than 70% of his performance “over 70% of my performance” is down to actor Luisa Guerreiro, who wore the full-body suit and makeup once Winston is transformed into the Toxic Avenger.

    Here’s what Dinklage had to say:

    “That was a real exercise in trust, in relinquishing something that was important to me. She does a better me than I do of me.”

    (L to R) Peter Dinklage and Elijah Wood appear in Hall H at 2025 San Diego Comic-Con for 'The Toxic Avenger'. Photo: Cineverse.
    (L to R) Peter Dinklage and Elijah Wood appear in Hall H at 2025 San Diego Comic-Con for ‘The Toxic Avenger’. Photo: Cineverse.

    Elijah Wood, a huge fan of horror –– who has starred in and produced his fair share of the genre –– plays one of the new movie’s villains.

    He admitted e loved how this ‘Toxic Avenger’ is filled to the brim with ideas and fun and playing with the medium. But he singled out the father-son story between Dinklage and Jacob Tremblay’s characters as central to the charm of the movie.

    Finally, Blair discussed what had been added to the movie since its premiere at Fantastic Fest in 2023. But he had to somewhat talk around it for the family-friendly panel requirements:

    “We added really just one VFX shot. I believe this is an all-ages crowd. It involves a depiction of a body part and that’s going to be added for theatrical release. I think you’ll notice it.”

    When will ‘The Toxic Avenger’ be in theaters?

    Toxie will be creating vengeful havoc on big screens from August 29th.

    (L to R) Peter Dinklage, Taylour Paige, Elijah Wood and Jacob Tremblay at the San Diego Comic-Con premiere of 'The Toxic Avengers'. Photo: Cineverse.
    (L to R) Peter Dinklage, Taylour Paige, Elijah Wood and Jacob Tremblay at the San Diego Comic-Con premiere of ‘The Toxic Avengers’. Photo: Cineverse.

    Movies Featuring The Toxic Avenger:

    Buy The Toxic Avenger Movies and TV on Amazon

    61N8Wdt3

  • Julianne Moore and Milly Alcock Starring in ‘Sirens’

    (Left) Julianne Moore in Netflix's 'May December.' (Center) Milly Alcock. Photo: Emilia Staugaard. (Right) Meghann Fahy in 'The White Lotus'. Photo: Courtesy of HBO.
    (Left) Julianne Moore in Netflix’s ‘May December.’ (Center) Milly Alcock. Photo: Emilia Staugaard. (Right) Meghann Fahy in ‘The White Lotus’. Photo: Courtesy of HBO.

    Preview:

    • Julianne Moore, Milly Alcock and Meghann Fahy will star in ‘Sirens’.
    • Kevin Bacon and Glenn Howerton are also in the cast.
    • ‘Maid’ creator Molly Smith Metzler is behind the new show.

    We’ve seen a lot of examples of late of unsettling dynamics between colleagues recently, on screens big and small. Jake Gyllenhaal’s character got in trouble for an affair with one in ‘Presumed Innocent’. A promotion caused chaos for the personal relationship between colleagues in ‘Fair Play’. And let’s not even get into the craziness of Christoph Waltz in ‘The Consultant’.

    But that isn’t stopping Molly Smith Metzler from adapting her play Elemeno Pea into a new dark comedy thriller limited series for Netflix called ‘Sirens’, which has landed Julianne Moore, Milly Alcock and Meghann Fahy to star. From the sounds of it, this will be edging more into comedy territory than some of the examples we cited.

    What’s the story of ‘Sirens’?

    Meghann Fahy in 'The White Lotus'.
    Meghann Fahy in ‘The White Lotus’. Photo: Courtesy of HBO.

    Devon (Fahy) thinks her sister Simone (Alcock) has a really creepy relationship with her new boss, the enigmatic socialite Michaela Kell (Moore). Michaela’s cult-ish life of luxury is like a drug to Simone, and Devon has decided it’s time for an intervention. When Devon tracks her sister down to say WTF, she has no idea what a formidable opponent Michaela will be.

    Told over the course of one explosive weekend at The Kells’ lavish beach estate, ‘Sirens’ is described as an incisive, sexy, and darkly funny exploration of women, power, and class.

    Who else has been cast in ‘Sirens’?

    (Left) Kevin Bacon. Photo: Netflix. (Right) Glenn Howerton. Photo: Netflix.
    (Left) Kevin Bacon. Photo: Netflix. (Right) Glenn Howerton. Photo: Netflix.

    Kevin Bacon will play Michela’s husband Peter Kell. Peter comes from an old money family and is the highest-status person in every room he enters. He’s an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the occasional joint.

    Glenn Howerton is aboard as Ethan Corbin II. Ethan is a dear friend of the Kells and lifelong bachelor who lives next door. He’s a regular at the yacht club and he’s rapidly burning through his trust fund.

    Related Article: Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman Talk Todd Haynes’ ‘May December’

    Who else is part of the ‘Sirens’ creative team?

    The show represents Metzler reuniting with Netflix after ‘Maid’ and has sprouted from the creative partnership between the showrunner and the streaming service.

    ‘Watchmen’ director Nicole Kassell is involved as an executive producer, tackling the first two episodes.

    And the new series comes from LuckyChap, with Margot Robbie producing alongside her partners Dani Gorin and Tom Ackerley.

    When will ‘Sirens’ be on Netflix?

    Netflix has yet to confirm when the show will land on its servers, but we’d guess either later this year or early next.

    Julianne Moore attends Netflix's 'May December' Los Angeles premiere at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
    Julianne Moore attends Netflix’s ‘May December’ Los Angeles premiere at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Natasha Campos/Getty Images for Netflix.

    Meghann Fahy Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Meghann Fahy Movies On Amazon

    InkKJyeq

  • Movie Review: ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’

    Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley and Paul Reiser as Jeffrey Friedman in 'Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.'
    (L to R) Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley and Paul Reiser as Jeffrey Friedman in ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.’ Courtesy of Netflix © 2024.

    Premiering on Netflix July 3rd, ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’ is the realization of the long-in-development new sequel for the ‘Cop’ franchise. After more false starts than a car with a banana in its tailpipe (including a failed TV pilot), Paramount sold off the rights to the movie series starring Eddie Murphy as wisecracking detective Axel Foley.

    Related Article: The 30 Best Eddie Murphy Movies of All Time!

    Initial Thoughts

    Bria Murphy as Officer Renee Minnick and Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley in 'Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.'
    (L to R) Bria Murphy as Officer Renee Minnick and Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley in ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.’ Photo: Melinda Sue Gordon/Netflix ©2023.

    Feeling in some ways like fellow legacy sequel ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (it even starts with Murphy’s Foley still in action, still breaking rules and managing to stay on the job thanks to leverage from a friend in high places much like Tom Cruise’s Pete “Maverick” Mitchell), yet never quite rising to the heights of that box office barnstormer, ‘Axel F’ nevertheless manages to walk the nostalgia beat without relying on it so heavily as to be overused.

    It’s certainly good to see Murphy back actually enjoying himself in the role (which certainly didn’t seem to be the case for a lot of 1994’s ‘Beverly Hills Cop III’), and the movie around him, though it can’t compete with Martin Brest’s 1984 original or Tony Scott’s 1987 sequel, should easily slip into third place in most fans’ lists, which is more than can be said for some legacy sequels such as the recent ‘Exorcist’ release or ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’.

    Script and Direction

    Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley, Taylour Paige as Jane Saunders, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Detective Bobby Abbott, and Bronson Pinchot as Serge in 'Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.'
    (L to R) Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley, Taylour Paige as Jane Saunders, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Detective Bobby Abbott, and Bronson Pinchot as Serge in ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.’ Courtesy of Netflix © 2024.

    Written by Will Beall and Tom Gormican, the script manages to bring back many of the stalwarts of the franchise, yet also combines them with a story that acknowledges where they would be now and some modern attitudes to policing from characters including Joseph Gordon–Levitt’s Bobby Abbott. And even more welcome, it lets Murphy be funny again, giving the season performer room to improvise and feel like the Axel that fans remember. It also smartly comments on the franchise’s past, including a slightly snarky (but entirely earned) shot at the third movie, and a moment where Axel considers putting on a voice and playing a character to get what he wants, but ditches it, tired of the same old routine.

    Mark Molloy is a commercial director making his feature debut here, and the style he’s chosen certainly fits with the look of the original trilogy (nodding more towards Scott’s perhaps). It doesn’t announce itself too much and he also lets Murphy breathe as the main character, while finding solid work for the whole cast.

    Performances:

    ‘Axel F’ has a solid ensemble supporting Murphy, and both the returning veterans and new franchise faces have a good role to play.

    Eddie Murphy as Detective Axel Foley

    Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley in 'Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.'
    Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley in ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.’ Courtesy of Netflix © 2024.

    One of Murphy’s most famous characters, and the one that made him a star, Axel Foley is clearly a place that the actor feels comfortable in (even if he hasn’t always shown that). For ‘Axel F’, he’s on good form, wrangling the motor-mouthed Axel from the original two movies with the more laidback, mature version.

    Here he’s faced with old friends in a story that services both him, and them, well.

    Judge Reinhold as Billy Rosewood

    Though Judge Reinhold’s Billy (the only other person besides Murphy to appear in all the movies) is somewhat sidelined for a chunk of the storyline, he’s also recognizably Billy –– a littler greyer, a little more wizened, but still the enthusiastic friend and handy with a gun.

    John Ashton as Chief John Taggart, Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley and Judge Reinhold as Billy Rosewood in 'Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.'
    (L to R) John Ashton as Chief John Taggart, Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley and Judge Reinhold as Billy Rosewood in ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.’ Photo: Melinda Sue Gordon/Netflix ©2024.

    John Ashton as John Taggart

    Now a Chief in the Beverly Hills police force (despite, er, being mentioned as retired when John Ashton couldn’t reprise the role in the third movie, though that is addressed here in dialogue), Ashton’s Taggart is still the old grump, even more so now he can actually count as an old grump.

    Neither Ashton nor Reinhold have lots to do, but they’re used as much as they were in the original films –– solid support for the leading man, with entertaining stories of their own.

    Taylour Paige as Jane Saunders

    Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley and Taylour Paige as Jane Saunders in 'Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.'
    (L to R) Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley and Taylour Paige as Jane Saunders in ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.’ Photo: Melinda Sue Gordon/Netflix © 2024.

    Axel’s estranged daughter is now a hotshot but empathetic lawyer, and in some ways more a chip off the old block than she’d care to admit. Taylour Paige plays well off of Murphy and leans into the role of the daughter who harbors anger towards the man who hasn’t been in touch with her but warms up to the idea of having Axel back in her life. It’s a well-used plotline but doesn’t feel tired.

    Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Detective Bobby Abbott

    Joseph Gordon Levitt as Detective Bobby Abbott and Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley in 'Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.'
    (L to R) Joseph Gordon Levitt as Detective Bobby Abbott and Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley in ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.’ Photo: Melinda Sue Gordon/Netflix © 2024.

    Gordon-Levitt, like Paige, has a fun energy in Murphy’s company, and stands as a watchable character in his own right.

    Final Thoughts

    Kevin Bacon as Captain Grant and Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley in 'Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.'
    (L to R) Kevin Bacon as Captain Grant and Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley in ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.’ Courtesy of Netflix © 2024.

    There can be a real risk sticking to the playbook with a legacy sequel –– you can be seen as reheating old bits in a desperate attempt to entertain fans of the franchise while trying to attract new ones.

    But the formula functions at an entertaining level with ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’, which targets what works about the franchise and finds organic ways to insert new characters and plot angles. Most importantly, it feels like a ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ movie made by people who respect the previous outings.

    ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’ receives 7.5 out of 10 stars.

    fImsuXnDAInsRdcT2fukm2

    What’s the Plot of ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’?

    Detroit Detective Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) is back on the beat in Beverly Hills. After his estranged daughter Jane’s (Taylour Paige) life is threatened, she and Foley team up with a new partner (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and old pals Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and John Taggart (John Ashton) to turn up the heat and uncover a conspiracy.

    Who is in the Cast of ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’?

    • Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley
    • Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Detective Bobby Abbott
    • Kevin Bacon as Captain Cade Grant
    • Taylour Paige as Jane Saunders
    • Judge Reinhold as Lieutenant William “Billy” Rosewood
    • John Ashton as John Taggart
    • Paul Reiser as Jeffrey Friedman
    • Bronson Pinchot as Serge
    Judge Reinhold, Eddie Murphy and John Ashton attend the 'Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F' World Premiere at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on June 20, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California.
    (L to R) Judge Reinhold, Eddie Murphy and John Ashton attend the ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’ World Premiere at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on June 20, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. Photo by John Sciulli/Getty Images for Netflix.

    Movies in the ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ Franchise:

    Buy ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ Movies On Amazon

    QeIQ1Gq8

  • Movie Review: ‘MaXXXine’

    Mia Goth and Halsey in 'Maxxxine'.
    (L to R) Mia Goth and Halsey in ‘Maxxxine’. Photo: Starmaker Studios LLC.

    Opening in theaters July 5 is ‘MaXXXine,’ directed by Ti West and starring Mia Goth, Kevin Bacon, Giancarlo Esposito, Elizabeth Debicki, Lily Collins, Halsey, Michelle Monaghan, and Bobby Cannavale.

    Related Article: Mia Goth and Alexander Skarsgård Talk Brandon Cronenberg’s ‘Infinity Pool’

    Initial Thoughts

    Mia Goth in 'Maxxxine'.
    Mia Goth in ‘Maxxxine’. Photo: Starmaker Studios LLC.

    Ti West is nothing if not ambitious. The indie horror auteur has followed up 2022’s ‘X’ (set in the ‘70s) and ‘Pearl’ (set in 1918) with ‘MaXXXine,’ the conclusion to what has turned into a wide-ranging horror trilogy spanning three seminal decades in American history and popular culture. Now ‘MaXXXine’ fast-forwards to the 1980s, when the indie horror of the ‘70s was seeping into Hollywood and changing the way the genre was portrayed and films were made, while at the same time the porn industry was migrating to home video.

    The epicenter of it all is Hollywood, the connection point between sleaze and cinema, and at the very center of West’s movie is Maxine Minx (Mia Goth), the sole survivor of ‘X’ and now an established adult film star looking to make it big in mainstream movies. Goth, who also played an elderly Pearl in ‘X’ and a younger version in ‘Pearl,’ plays Maxine to the hilt this time around, her drive for success just as relentless as her determination to let nothing stand in her way.

    ‘MaXXXine’ is largely driven by Goth’s magnetic performance, which is just as much the centerpiece here as it was in the previous films. And this time she and West are working on a bigger canvas, with a larger, star-studded cast, and an expansive narrative. But while the first two-thirds of the movie are fun, the last act strangely lets down both Maxine herself and the world West is building.

    Story and Direction

    Director Ti West on the set of 'Maxxxine'.
    Director Ti West on the set of ‘Maxxxine’. Photo: Starmaker Studios LLC.

    Several years after the farmhouse massacre that ended ‘X,’ sole survivor and top porn star Maxine Minx yearns to make the leap to mainstream movies. She gets the chance via ‘The Puritan II,’ a sequel to a slasher hit that’s being directed by Elizabeth Bender (Elizabeth Debicki), who sees tremendous potential in Maxine but perhaps overestimates that of her own movie. Just as filming begins, people around Maxine – including her porn actor friend Tabby (Halsey) and others – begin to die, killed gruesomely in a series of attacks (shot Dario Argento-style) that resemble those being perpetrated by the Night Stalker (a real-life serial killer who terrorized L.A. in 1984 and 1985).

    Maxine also gets a visit from a seedy private detective named John Labat (Kevin Bacon), who’s up from New Orleans to find Maxine on behalf of a mysterious client. The client may have knowledge of Maxine’s involvement in the farmhouse murders – and may also have a connection to the killings that are closing in around her now as well.

    ‘MaXXXine’ both pays homage to and satirizes the Hollywood culture of the time, the slasher genre that was prevalent that decade, and the efforts to which women have to go to make it in the business (particularly in the ‘80s). West, cinematographer Eliot Rockett, and production designer Jason Kisvardy get the aesthetic of the period almost absolutely perfect: scenes are either brightly lit or awash in inky darkness, while the buildings, interiors, cars, and props immediately immerse the viewer in both the gaudiness and tackiness of the decade (they’re equally matched by the wardrobe, makeup, and hair, courtesy of Mari-An Ceo, Sarah Rubano, and Jaime Leigh McIntosh, respectively).

    Mia Goth and Sophie Thatcher in 'Maxxxine'.
    (L to R) Mia Goth and Sophie Thatcher in ‘Maxxxine’. Photo: Starmaker Studios LLC.

    All this is in service of a story that is wildly offbeat and a bit unstructured for its first two-thirds, as Maxine pursues her dream even as the grisly killings continue around her (and they are gruesome, in that delightfully bloody ‘80s way). In addition to Labat, she’s also under the scrutiny of two cops played by Michelle Monaghan and Bobby Cannavale, the latter out to nail Maxine for the crimes while the former responds to her as a fellow woman struggling in a male-dominated business.

    When it all comes to a head in the final third, however, ‘MaXXXine’ loses both steam and coherence. There are simply too many plot strands and characters for West to juggle effectively, and a few crucial points get lost in the shuffle. Curiously, Maxine also loses a great deal of her agency in the latter half of the film, acting almost as a passive bystander as events happen to and around her. While she reasserts herself at the very end, Maxine doesn’t quite push the confluence of events forward, robbing her arc of some of its potency.

    The Cast

    Mia Goth and Elizabeth Debicki in 'Maxxxine'.
    (L to R) Mia Goth and Elizabeth Debicki in ‘Maxxxine’. Photo: Starmaker Studios LLC.

    While ‘X’ had the benefit of including an always watchable Brittany Snow and a pre-‘Wednesday’ Jenna Ortega in its cast, and ‘Pearl’ gave us a look at David Corenswet before he donned Superman’s cape, ‘MaXXXine’ clearly has the most stacked ensemble of the three films.

    Of course, it all revolves around Goth, whose mix of hard-bitten cynicism, sultriness, self-confidence, and arrogance are just as bracing here as her work in the previous two films (although her astounding performance in ‘Pearl’ may be hard to top). Between the ‘X’ trilogy and last year’s ‘Infinity Pool,’ Goth may very well have positioned herself as the reigning queen of indie horror, capable of fearless, nuanced work in roles that seem tailor-made for her slightly otherworldly presence.

    This time out, however, she’s more than ably supported by the chewy antics of Kevin Bacon (doing a sweaty, Cajun-flavored Hank Quinlan in the clothes of Jake Gittes), and the magnificent Giancarlo Esposito, who plays Maxine’s agent with a mix of fatherly protectiveness and ‘done it all’ world-weariness. Halsey and Lily Collins’ appearances are too brief to really register (although Collins has a funny bit), and the detectives essayed by Cannavale and Monaghan are instantly fun to watch even if they don’t get a lot of time to develop. Elizabeth Debicki is always a welcome presence as well, although her scenes as the ambitious ‘Puritan II’ director are somewhat repetitive as she constantly reminds Maxine how important their movie is.

    Final Thoughts

    Mia Goth in 'Maxxxine'.
    Mia Goth in ‘Maxxxine’. Photo: Starmaker Studios LLC.

    Overall, the ‘X’ trilogy (which could apparently expand to a fourth film, according to recent comments from West) has been a blast to watch, with the writer-director paying tribute to several different movie genres at once and getting the look and style right in all three films (while populating all three with some good old-fashioned gore and sex as well). And in Maxine herself, West and Goth have created an indelible new combination of genre femme fatale and scream queen.

    But ‘X’ and ‘Pearl’ were far more focused that ‘MaXXXine,’ which tries to tie together so many elements – the rise of the slasher film genre, the moral panic over said movies by cultural watchdogs, the real-life panic over the Night Stalker and other “Satanic” murders, the battle of women to get recognition and respect in an exploitative industry – that it never quite achieves the grand finale it’s clearly aiming for. But in a funny way, that’s almost how it should be as well – we all know that the third movie in a trilogy never quite sticks the landing.

    ‘MaXXXine’ receives 7 out of 10 stars.

    eBgUY23IU2Fvmb23F79JO1

    What is the plot of ‘MaXXXine’?

    As adult film star Maxine Minx (Mia Goth) reaches for stardom in 1980s Hollywood with a role in a slasher film, a series of mysterious killings with possible connections to her past threaten her life and the lives of those around her. Maxine must confront the ghosts of her past and the forces conspiring against her if she wants to finally grasp what she’s desired for so long.

    Who is in the cast of ‘MaXXXine’?

    • Mia Goth as Maxine Minx
    • Kevin Bacon as John Labat
    • Elizabeth Debicki as Elizabeth Bender
    • Giancarlo Esposito as Teddy Knight
    • Moses Sumney as Leon
    • Michelle Monaghan as Detective Williams
    • Bobby Cannavale as Detective Torres
    • Halsey as Tabby Martin
    • Lily Collins as Molly Bennett
    Mia Goth in 'Maxxxine'.
    Mia Goth in ‘Maxxxine’. Photo: Starmaker Studios LLC.

    Other Ti West Movies:

    Buy Tickets: ‘MaXXXine’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Ti West Movies on Amazon

    U5LVZ85f

  • Movie Review: ‘Leave the World Behind’

    Mahershala Ali as G.H., Myha’la as Ruth, Julia Roberts as Amanda and Ethan Hawke as Clay in 'Leave the World Behind.'
    (L to R) Mahershala Ali as G.H., Myha’la as Ruth, Julia Roberts as Amanda and Ethan Hawke as Clay in ‘Leave the World Behind.’ Photo: Courtesy Netflix.

    Opening in select theaters on November 22nd before premiering December 8th on Netflix, ‘Leave the World Behind’ represents ‘Euphoria’ creator Sam Esmail putting his own stamp on the sort of the mystery box thriller that M. Night Shyamalan has been cranking out for years.

    Featuring a starry lead cast that includes Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke and, in a small but impactful role, Kevin Bacon, the movie cranks up the tension as it throws ever more problems at the main characters, causing them to grow increasingly paranoid, desperate and swear like sailors (or the cast of ‘Succession‘).

    Does ‘Leave the World Behind’ Prepare You for the Worst, or the Best?

    Ethan Hawke as Clay, Julia Roberts as Amanda and Mahershala Ali as G.H in 'Leave the World Behind.'
    (L to R) Ethan Hawke as Clay, Julia Roberts as Amanda and Mahershala Ali as G.H in ‘Leave the World Behind.’ Photo: JoJo Whilden/Courtesy Netflix.

    Starting in unexpected fashion –– with Julia Roberts’ stressed ad exec proclaiming that she has rented an isolated luxury house outside of New York to spirit her family away on an impromptu vacation because she “f*****g hates people”. Esmail’s latest film starts to ratchet the tension slowly –– of course cell service might be spotty in a place like the woody spot that Amanda picks to stay. The story pushes ‘Leave the World Behind’ in directions that are both understandable and, in a few places, ridiculous, reaching for a dark seam of comedy it can’t quite make work, which somewhat lessens the impact.

    Clearly Netflix has stumped up for a decent budget on this one (witness an early scene where an oil tanker runs aground at the beach where Amanda and co. have been sunning themselves, or a plane crash later on), but in some ways it could function as a play, the main characters spending most of their time in the spacious, luxurious main house spitting out truths about suspicion in particular and the world in general.

    ‘Leave the World Behind’: Script and Direction

    Mahershala Ali as G.H. and Julia Roberts as Amanda in 'Leave the World Behind.'
    (L to R) Mahershala Ali as G.H. and Julia Roberts as Amanda in ‘Leave the World Behind.’ Photo: JoJo Whilden/Courtesy Netflix.

    Esmail is known for his slightly stylized dialogue (no one accuses ‘Euphoria’, for all of its searing portrait of teen life, of being completely naturalistic), and here he’s free to let loose, even though he’s adapting the novel by Rumaan Alam.

    As mentioned above, the script can seriously start to sound, well scripted. Though Roberts and Ali’s characters in particular are accomplished with backgrounds in reading people (she works with advertising clients, he manages money for wealthy types), which offers some extra leeway, but when almost everyone has a hyper-literate way of talking, it verges into unbelievability.

    How many 13-year-old daughters (Rose, played by Farrah Mackenzie), for example, are bingeing ‘The West Wing’ enough to remember a particular quote that lends itself to the situation? And given that Esmail’s current big job airs on HBO and streams on Max, you wonder at raised eyebrows from Netflix at endless references to a competing company’s series.

    Which bring us to the ‘Friends’ thing. Rose is obsessed with the sitcom about the Manhattan pals and is desperate to find out how the show’s final season ends; no easy feat in a world where phones, the internet and TV aren’t working. It’s resolved in a way that is likely to divide audiences, though we found it somewhat laughable, and not perhaps in the way Esmail intended.

    The look of the movie is part Hitchcockian, part David Fincher in his ‘Fight Club’/’Panic Room’ era. You’ll wonder how many times Esmail and his team can send the camera flowing through holes in windows or rise up through rooves, and the answer is: many. He’s looking to keep you off-kilter (the frame goes that way from time to time), but at times it’s more likely to make you roll your eyes rather than keep them glued to the screen.

    Related Article: Actor Ethan Hawke Talks Marvel’s ‘Moon Knight’

    ‘Leave the World Behind’: Performances

    Ethan Hawke as Clay and Julia Roberts as Amanda in 'Leave the World Behind.'
    (L to R) Ethan Hawke as Clay and Julia Roberts as Amanda in ‘Leave the World Behind.’ Photo: JoJo Whilden/Courtesy Netflix.

    If you hire Julia Roberts, you know you’re going to get good work –– Esmail, in fact, has worked with her before on Amazon’s ‘Homecoming’ series. She’s more than up to the challenge of playing Amanda, who is by turns paranoid and flinty.

    You’ll absolutely buy her increasing distrust of everyone around her, and the slight thawing that happens later on.

    Ali is right there on her level, his G.H. initially somewhat mysterious (though the screenplay does rather bend over backwards to keep him that way in his initial moments, since he really doesn’t bother to immediately explain why he’s at the house –– and that he’s the owner. But in Ali’s hands, it’s still a convincing, well-rounded performance.

    Hawke has less to do, his initially easy-breeze Clay curdling into desperation as more and more problems present themselves, and he has a great moment between Ali and Kevin Bacon on the porch of a house.

    Oh yes –– Bacon. He makes a meal of the smaller role of Danny, having him believably walk the line of crazed prepper and sense-talking human.

    Myha’la, keeps Ruth sensibly snarky and mistrusting given the situation. It’s perhaps not surprising to learn that she auditioned for the role of Rue in ‘Euphoria’ that went to Zendaya, and that Esmail kept her in mind.

    ‘Leave the World Behind’: Final Thoughts

    Julia Roberts as Amanda in 'Leave the World Behind.'
    (L to R) Julia Roberts as Amanda in ‘Leave the World Behind.’ Photo: Courtesy Netflix.

    ‘Leave the World Behind’ can at times feel like a knock-off Shyamalan or Esmail’s attempt to crossbreed his ‘Euphoria’ style with ‘The Twilight Zone’. There are chunks that don’t really work (a recurring motif with deer is overegged and suffers from occasionally less-than-convincing VFX) but on the whole, it’s an effectively creepy and paranoia-inducing movie.

    Just don’t blame us if you start stocking up on water and nonperishable food after watching it.

    ‘Leave the World Behind’ receives 7 out of 10 stars.

    g55iFYT0USP6QSnuTrOfw4

    What’s the story of ‘Leave the World Behind’?

    Amanda (Julia Roberts) and Clay’s (Ethan Hawke) aspirational vacation with their teenage children is interrupted by the arrival of a middle aged couple who own the holiday home and who have fled an unprecedented blackout in the city.

    When the internet, television and radio stop working, as does the landline, they have no way of finding out what is happening. As strange sonic booms shatter the peace of the countryside, and animals start to migrate in strange ways, the physical and mental health of the families –– because the renters are joined by G. H. (Mahershala Ali) and his daughter Ruth (Myha’la Herrold), spooked by the unfolding chaos –– begins to disintegrate.

    The renters are upscale and White; the owners are upscale and Black. The issues of race clash and become distractions to the more alarming things are happening all around them.

    Who else is in ‘Leave the World Behind’?

    The cast for the thriller also includes Farrah Mackenzie as Clay and Amanda’s daughter Rose, Charlie Evans as son Archie, and Kevin Bacon as G.H.’s neighbor/contractor/doomsday prepper Danny.

    Myha’la as Ruth, Mahershala Ali as G.H., Ethan Hawke as Clay and Julia Roberts as Amanda in 'Leave the World Behind.'
    (L to R) Myha’la as Ruth, Mahershala Ali as G.H., Ethan Hawke as Clay and Julia Roberts as Amanda in ‘Leave the World Behind.’ Photo: Courtesy Netflix.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Leave the World Behind:’

    Buy Tickets: ‘Leave the World Behind’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Julia Roberts Movies On Amazon

    8jEtLQcJ

     

  • First Picture of ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley’

    Eddie Murphy in 'Beverly Hills Cop 4.'
    Eddie Murphy in ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley.’ Photo: Empire Magazine.

    Preview:

    • The first image of ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley’ has landed.
    • Eddie Murphy stars alongside Taylour Paige and some returning veterans.
    • Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has praised his star and the film itself.

    For a long time there, it looked like a fourth ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ movie might never happen (and some hoped it wouldn’t, given how the third turned into a disappointment for many fans).

    But happen it has, with Netflix backing the latest installment. Eddie Murphy returns to play maverick cop Axel Foley in a new movie named ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley,’ and a planned return for some veteran actors from the franchise.

    And the first image from the movie is now online via Empire magazine’s site.

    fImsuXnDAInsRdcT2fukm2

    What’s the story of ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley’?

    Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley in 'Beverly Hills Cop.'
    Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley in ‘Beverly Hills Cop.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    Joining the current trend of “legacy sequels” (think ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ or David Gordon Green’s ‘Halloween’ and ‘Exorcist’ movies, which follow the same character years later), ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley’ will pick up the story of Murphy’s officer Foley, whom in his original film, swapped the tough streets of Detroit for the sunnier climes of Los Angeles –– but still found plenty of challenges and a serious law enforcement culture clash.

    These days, we’d expect Axel to be a little more low-key, though we doubt he’ll have lost his smarts and wit. And with some veteran cast members also returning, it’ll be a shot of nostalgia for ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ fans, even if some will worry it can’t live up to the first film in particular.

    Taylour Paige is playing Foley’s criminal defense attorney daughter, who pulls her dad into a California-based case –– where he’ll cause issues for Kevin Bacon’s LAPD special-unit officer, and team up with a new partner, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

    According to producer Jerry Bruckheimer, Gordon-Levitt’s character essentially being stuck with Axel, and they are “hilarious” together.

    Who else in in ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley’?

    Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley, John Ashton as John Taggart and Judge Reinhold as William "Billy" Rosewood in 'Beverly Hills Cop II.'
    (L to R) Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley, John Ashton as John Taggart and Judge Reinhold as William “Billy” Rosewood in ‘Beverly Hills Cop II.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    In addition to the people mentioned above, the cast includes the returning likes of Judge Reinhold, Paul Reiser, John Ashton and Bronson Pinchot.

    Also aboard? New faces Patricia Belcher, James Preston Rogers and Suzanne Ford.

    Related Article: Beverly Hill Cop 4: Mark Molloy to Direct Eddie Murphy in Long-Gestating Sequel

    What has happened with the new ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ movie so far?

    Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley in 'Beverly Hills Cop II.'
    Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley in ‘Beverly Hills Cop II.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    The fourth movie is something that originated back in the 1990s when Murphy set up a version at original studio home Paramount via his production company. It never got past the development stage but pinged the radar again in 2006 when Jerry Bruckheimer –– who produced the first three –– announced that he was trying to get the fourth made.

    Fellow super-producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura stepped in after that, and the project went through a variety of script re-writes, including work from Michael Brandt and Derek Haas.

    Yet nothing seemed to be solved on the writing side, and in 2011, the announcement came that the movie was being thrust back into development jail in favor of a spin-off TV series for CBS that would have seen ‘Percy Jackson’ actor Brandon T. Jackson play Axel Foley’s son, Aaron.

    ‘The Shield’s Shawn Ryan came aboard to produce the show, which cast Kevin Pollak and David Denman, with Barry Sonnenfeld agreeing to direct the pilot.

    Sadly, for the small screen version, CBS passed on the pilot, and it returned to the ether.

    Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley, Lisa Eilbacher as Jeanette "Jenny" Summers and Judge Reinhold as William "Billy" Rosewood in 'Beverly Hills Cop.'
    (L to R) Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley, Lisa Eilbacher as Jeanette “Jenny” Summers and Judge Reinhold as William “Billy” Rosewood in ‘Beverly Hills Cop.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    After that flame-out, Paramount pushed ahead with the movie again, bringing Brett Ratner back in and having Josh Appelbaum and André Nemec write a new script draft. Though it got as close as securing tax credits for shooting in Detroit and landing a March 25, 2016, release date, it was shut down because of script concerns and Ratner left it like a sinking ship.

    But Paramount remained committed, hiring ‘Bad Boys for Life’ co-directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah (though this was on the back of their indie movie work and before they made the latest ‘Bad Boys’), pushing the movie back into pre-production.

    Murphy announced that the movie would shoot once he finished work on ‘Coming 2 America’, but it never materialized.

    In 2019, Paramount licensed the movie to Netflix, intending to have the streaming service make the fourth and a potential fifth entry. El Arbi and Fallah left post-‘Bad Boys’ to focus on ‘Batgirl’ (and we all know what happened there) and the potential movie sat on the shelf once more.

    And then, in April of last year, it was revealed that director Mark Malloy would make his feature directorial debut after cutting his teeth on commercials.

    Producer Jerry Bruckheimer on Eddie Murphy’s return and the movie itself

    Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley in 'Beverly Hills Cop.'
    Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley in ‘Beverly Hills Cop.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    Here’s Bruckheimer talking up his star to Empire:

    “Anytime he walks on set, you never know what you’re going to get. And it’s always pretty brilliant. Every day he’s there throws you back to the ‘80s.”

    And here’s the producer discussing the film’s tone:

    “It’s about the emotion,” he states. “No matter how funny it is, how much great action it has, it’s all about the heartstrings.”

    When will ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley’ be on Netflix?

    The movie doesn’t have a set release date yet, but we’re told it’ll be on the streaming service in 2024.

    Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley in 'Beverly Hills Cop II.'
    Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley in ‘Beverly Hills Cop II.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley’:

    Buy Eddie Murphy Movies on Amazon

    473Hd5PU

  • First Look at New ‘The Toxic Avenger’

    Peter Dinklage in 'The Toxic Avenger.'
    Peter Dinklage in ‘The Toxic Avenger.’ Credit: Legendary Pictures.

    Peter Dinklage is probably still best known as Tyrion Lannister in TV mega-hit ‘Game of Thrones’. But he’s taken on a character that has a chance to become just as recognizable –– especially since it has cult status.

    In the first picture released by Legendary in honor of the movie’s planned debut at next month’s Fantastic Fest, we see Dinklage play ‘The Toxic Avenger,’ mop in hand.

    ONHy8weYYsZexyU7f3Yu66

    What’s the story of ‘The Toxic Avenger‘?

    Exactly how the new movie will update the story remains to be seen, but the 1984 original follows struggling everyman janitor Melvin, who is pushed into a vat of toxic waste. He’s transformed into a mutant freak who must go from shunned outcast to underdog hero as he races to save his son, his friends and his community from the forces of corruption and greed.

    It’s not necessarily the sort of character and concept you might expect to enjoy evergreen status, but spoofing superhero tropes, it became a flagship brand for low budget studio Troma, spawning sequels, a stage musical, a comic and a kids’ cartoon series.

    All we really know at this point is the latest movie is a reimagining, with Dinklage’s character called Winston Gooze. That’s one to stick in the memory.

    Who else is in the new movie?

    Kevin Bacon as Fred Snr. in 'One Way.'
    Kevin Bacon as Fred Snr. in ‘One Way.’

    With Macon Blair writing and directing, the cast also includes Jacob Tremblay, Elijah Wood, Julia Davis, Taylour Paige and Kevin Bacon.

    Related Article: Peter Dinklage Joins the ‘Hunger Games’ Prequel

    Dinklage talks the character and movie

    Haley Bennett as Roxanne, and Peter Dinklage as Cyrano in Joe Wright’s 'Cyrano.'
    (L to R) Haley Bennett as Roxanne, and Peter Dinklage as Cyrano in Joe Wright’s
    ‘Cyrano,’a Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures film. Photo credit: Peter Mountain. © 2021 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Star Peter Dinklage explained to Empire in 2021 why he decided to take the role:

    “It’s a lot of fun. I just wanted to do something that I’ve never done before. So why not be a monster in an over-the-top, crazy movie? “It’s not a remake. I just like guerrilla filmmaking. Those movies –– they just made them, no matter what. They just did it because they love doing it. Some of them are not the best, but some are so much fun. When you make movies too clean, it can distance the audience. They want to feel the dirt under their fingernails. I think those Troma films definitely dipped the audience in toxic waste.”

    How can I see the movie’s debut?

    Fantastic Fest will take place in Austin, Texas on September 21st - September 28th.
    Fantastic Fest will take place in Austin, Texas on September 21st – September 28th. Photo courtesy of fantasticfest.com.

    Along with many other titles, ‘The Toxic Avenger’ will debut at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas. It’ll serve as the opening night movie.

    The genre-heavy festival runs between September 21st and 28th this year and you can get badges to attend via this link.

    This new ‘The Toxic Avenger’ doesn’t yet have a theatrical release date.

    A scene from 1984's 'The Toxic Avenger.'
    A scene from 1984’s ‘The Toxic Avenger.’ Photo courtesy of Troma Entertainment.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘The Toxic Avenger’:

    Buy Peter Dinklage Movies On Amazon

    7n0fyrXQ

  • Movie Review: ‘The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special’

    Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star-Lord and Dave Bautista as Drax in Marvel Studios' 'The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special,' exclusively on Disney+.
    (L to R): Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star-Lord and Dave Bautista as Drax in Marvel Studios’ ‘The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Jessica Miglio. © 2022 Marvel.

    Premiering on Disney+ beginning November 25th and marking the conclusion of the MCU’s Phase Four is Marvel Studios’ second “Special Presentation” following ‘Werewolf by Night’ entitled ‘The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special.’

    Written and directed by James Gunn, the special bridges the gap between when we last saw the Guardians in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ and what they will be up to when we next see them in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’

    The special follows Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista) and Mantis (Pom Klementieff) as they set out to give Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) the best Christmas ever, after discovering that Yondu (Michael Rooker) ruined the holiday for him as a child. So, the two Guardians travel to Earth to kidnap Peter’s childhood hero, the ‘Footloose’ actor Kevin Bacon (playing himself), as the ultimate gift for Peter.

    Kevin Bacon as himself in Marvel Studios' 'The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special,' exclusively on Disney+.
    Kevin Bacon as himself in Marvel Studios’ ‘The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 Marvel.

    The result is a fun and heartwarming holiday special, and while the plot is somewhat predictable, it features great alternative Christmas music, a funny Kevin Bacon performance, and tees up ‘Guardians Vol. 3’ perfectly.

    Pound for pound, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ is probably my favorite MCU movie, and the story was expanded well in ‘Guardians Vol. 2.’ But those two movies take place back to back, and with ‘Infinity War’ and ‘Endgame’ taking place before ‘Guardians Vol. 3,’ and the untimely firing and rehiring of Gunn by Disney, I’ve been concerned that the third ‘Guardians’ movie would not be what the filmmaker originally conceived for the trilogy. Remember, had Gunn not been fired, ‘Guardians Vol. 3,’ would have been released towards the beginning of Phase Four rather than the end.

    Also, with the original Gamora (Zoe Saldana) dead, and a younger version of her running around the universe, this is not the Guardians team we began with and the ‘Holiday Special’ does a great job of setting up where our characters will be when ‘Vol. 3’ begins.

    Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star-Lord, Dave Bautista as Drax, and Director/Writer James Gunn behind the scenes of Marvel Studios' 'The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special.'
    (L to R): Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star-Lord, Dave Bautista as Drax, and Director/Writer James Gunn behind the scenes of Marvel Studios’ ‘The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special.’ Photo by Jessica Miglio. © 2022 Marvel.

    The Guardians now comprise of Star-Lord, Drax, Mantis, Nebula (Karen Gillan), Kraglin (Sean Gunn), Rocket (Voice of Bradley Cooper), new member Cosmo the Spacedog (Voiced for the first time by Maria Bakalova) and Groot (Voiced by Vin Diesel), who is now in his late teens but almost fully grown. We soon discover that they have inherited Nowhere from the Collector (Benicio del Toro) and are helping the locals rebuild their community. Other Marvel secrets revealed include the identity of Mantis’ father, and that Gamora is still missing at the time of the special.

    Since this is a Disney+ special, and not a theatrical movie, obviously it did not have the same budget as other ‘Guardians’ films, but for the most part it never compromises the project. However, there were two scenes that could have used more effects work.

    The movie begins with a flashback to Peter’s first Christmas with Yondu, and crude animation is used instead of live-action. One can assume this is because Michael Rooker is not in ‘Guardians Vol. 3,’ and was not available on set when they shot the special. The animation is rough, which matches Peter’s foggy memory, but distracted from the rest of the production. If animation was the only way to go with this sequence, using similar animation to the Disney+ series ‘What If…?’ would have fit the project better.

    Pom Klementieff as Mantis and Dave Bautista as Drax in Marvel Studios' 'The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special,' exclusively on Disney+.
    (L to R): Pom Klementieff as Mantis and Dave Bautista as Drax in Marvel Studios’ ‘The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Jessica Miglio. © 2022 MARVEL.

    While Rocket and Groot are used sparingly, probably for budget reasons, Rocket looks good and is on par with his big screen appearances. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Groot, who at times looks more like the theme park character at Disneyland. In the special, Groot looks like someone in a rubber suit, rather than the CGI character we are used to.

    But it’s the music, holiday themes, our beloved characters, and Gunn’s unique storytelling style that puts the “Special” in ‘The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special.’ Gunn clearly understands the spirit of Christmas and knows what works in a project like this, with obvious influences from holiday specials of the past like 1964’s ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,’ 1966’s ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas!,’ and of course, 1978’s ‘Star Wars Holiday Special.’

    The filmmaker also fills the special with non-traditional Christmas music like “Christmastime” by The Smashing Pumpkins or The Pogues’ classic song, “Fairytale of New York.” The underrated rock band the Old 97’s actually makes an appearance as an alien rock group on Nowhere learning about Christmas, and has a great performance at the end of the special with Kevin Bacon, who don’t forget is a musician himself.

    The Old 97’s in Marvel Studios' 'The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special,' exclusively on Disney+.
    The Old 97’s in Marvel Studios’ ‘The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Jessica Miglio. © 2022 Marvel.

    Bacon is great playing a confused version of himself when Drax and Mantis abduct him, and he eventually befriends the whole group, becoming an honorary Guardian, which is fitting. The actor, who appeared in Gunn’s ‘Super,’ is a good sport spoofing his own persona and clearly understands what Gunn was aiming for. It’s also worth noting that Bacon’s real-life wife, actress Kyra Sedgwick makes a vocal cameo in the project.

    As far as the core actors, Dave Bautista and Pom Klementieff have the largest roles, and have become a fantastic comedic team over the last few films. Drax and Mantis’ platonic friendship is one of the most engaging relationships in the franchise, and I’m intrigued to see where it goes in the next installment.

    But the other Guardians have smaller roles. Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord does not have a lot to do but react to Mantis and Drax’s spontaneous Christmas, which he is emotionally touched by until he realizes that they kidnapped Kevin Bacon! Pratt’s basically just there to react, but has a touching scene with Mantis at the end, which I imagine will have large repercussions moving forward.

    Sean Gunn as Kraglin in Marvel Studios' 'The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special,' exclusively on Disney+.
    Sean Gunn as Kraglin in Marvel Studios’ ‘The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Jessica Miglio. © 2022 Marvel.

    While Sean Gunn’s Kraglin is involved in the retelling of Peter’s first Christmas with Yondu, he’s basically in the background with Karen Gillan’s Nebula, who could have had a larger role. I also would have liked to see more interaction between Rocket and Groot, two fan-favorites, but we’ll have to wait for the next movie as Rocket mostly shares his scenes with Cosmo the Spacedog, who was originally introduced in the first film. But it was nice to get a tease of ‘Borat Subsequent Moviefilm’s Maria Bakalova as the voice of Cosmo.

    In the end, ‘The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special’ may not be the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.5’ fans were hoping for, but it is a very funny and entertaining Christmas special that should offer enough character interaction, humor, and music to hold fans over until ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ hits theaters on May 5th, 2023.

    ‘The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special’ receives 4 out of 5 stars.

    Karen Gillan as Nebula and Pom Klementieff as Mantis in Marvel Studios' 'The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special,' exclusively on Disney+.
    (L to R): Karen Gillan as Nebula and Pom Klementieff as Mantis in Marvel Studios’ ‘The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Jessica Miglio. © 2022 Marvel.
    RRfhVBh4lFCPlYzf21OFr5 Tz81ifIw