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  • Michelle Monaghan and Adam Scott Join ‘The Whisper Man’

    (Left) Michelle Monaghan in 'The White Lotus' Season 3. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO. (Right) Adam Scott in 'Severance', now streaming on Apple TV+.
    (Left) Michelle Monaghan in ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO. (Right) Adam Scott in ‘Severance’, now streaming on Apple TV+.

    Preview:

    • Michelle Monaghan and Adam Scott are joining crime thriller ‘The Whisper Man.’
    • Robert De Niro is starring in the movie.
    • James Ashcroft will direct the adaptation of the Alex North novel.

    Since their time spent working in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, directors Joe and Anthony Russo have launched production company AGBO and embarked on directing several movies of their own while producing shows and films for others, including via a deal with Netflix.

    AGBO’s Netflix output has included 2019’s ‘Mosul,’ 2020 Chris Hemsworth starrer ‘Extraction,’ while 2022 saw the release of Ryan Gosling/Chris Evans spy thriller ‘The Gray Man’ (which reached No. 7 on Netflix’s all-time most popular film list despite some seriously mixed reviews), and 2023 sequel ‘Extraction 2.’ All three of the titles reached the Netflix Top 10 list in 93 countries.

    The pair currently has sci-fi adventure ‘The Electric State’ headed to the streaming service this Friday, but is also developing new crime thriller ‘The Whisper Man’ based on Alex North’s novel, with Robert De Niro starring and ‘Coming Home in the Dark’ and ‘The Rule of Jenny Pen’ filmmaker James Ashcroft in the director’s chair.

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    ‘The First Omen’s Ben Jacoby and ‘It’ veteran Chase Palmer have written the script for the new movie.

    Here’s what the AGBO team said when ‘The Whisper Man’ was first announced:

    “AGBO is excited to be embarking on our 6th film with our incredible partners at Netflix. ‘The Whisper Man’ is a gripping thriller but at its core is a poignant and complex story of father and sons. We are grateful to have one of the finest actors of his generation, Robert De Niro, anchoring that story and with the remarkable James Ashcroft directing.”

    The cameras are scheduled to start rolling this spring on the East Coast and now, via Deadline, word arrives that the film’s cast is expanding to include Michelle Monaghan and Adam Scott.

    Related Article: Robert De Niro and Sebastian Maniscalco Talk Comedy ‘About My Father’

    What’s the story of ‘The Whisper Man’?

    Robert De Niro as George Mullen in 'Zero Day'. Photo: Jojo Whilden/Netflix © 2024.
    Robert De Niro as George Mullen in ‘Zero Day’. Photo: Jojo Whilden/Netflix © 2024.

    Here’s the official synopsis of the book: after the sudden death of his wife, Tom Kennedy believes a fresh start will help him and his young son Jake heal. A new beginning, a new house, a new town. Featherbank.

    But the town has a dark past. Twenty years ago, a serial killer abducted and murdered five residents. Until Frank Carter was finally caught, he was nicknamed “The Whisper Man,” for he would lure his victims out by whispering at their windows at night.

    Just as Tom and Jake settle into their new home, a young boy vanishes. His disappearance bears an unnerving resemblance to Frank Carter’s crimes, reigniting old rumors that he preyed with an accomplice.

    Now, detectives Amanda Beck and Pete Willis must find the boy before it is too late, even if that means Pete has to revisit his great foe in prison: The Whisper Man.

    While no character details have been revealed for the movie, we’re thinking Scott will play Kennedy, while the film’s synopsis mentions he has an estranged retired police detective for a father, so that’s a role we could see De Niro taking.

    As for Monaghan, might she be detective Beck?

    Where else can we see Michelle Monaghan?

    Michelle Monaghan in 'Bad Monkey,' premiering August 14, 2024 on Apple TV+.
    Michelle Monaghan in ‘Bad Monkey,’ premiering August 14, 2024 on Apple TV+.

    Monaghan is scoring great reviews currently playing Jaclyn Lemon on ‘The White Lotus’, a TV actor on vacation with friends at a luxury resort in Thailand when old rivalries and issues surface.

    She’s also been seen recently on Apple TV+ series ‘Bad Monkey’ and on the streaming service’s 2023 action comedy ‘The Family Plan,’ the sequel to which is currently in production.

    On top of that, she played a detective in last year’s ‘MaXXXine,’ Ti West’s wrap-up to his horror trilogy.

    Where else can we see Adam Scott?

    Adam Scott in 'Severance', now streaming on Apple TV+.
    Adam Scott in ‘Severance’, now streaming on Apple TV+.

    Scott is back as Mark Scout for the second season of workplace drama mystery ‘Severance,’ which is getting good notices on Apple TV+.

    He was part of the bloody first scene in Osgood Perkins’ horror movie ‘The Monkey,’ where he played Captain Petey Shelborn.

    Last year, Scott was seen in Sony’s Spider-Man spin-off ‘Madame Web’ as Ben Parker.

    Coming up, he has comedy thriller ‘The Saviors’ and horror title ‘Hokum.’

    And he’s planning to make his feature directorial debut with thriller ‘Double Booked.’

    When will ‘The Whisper Man’ be on our screens?

    With the movie produced by AGBO under its deal with Netflix, we do know it’ll be headed to the streaming service, but neither company has said anything about a release date yet.

    Robert De Niro in 1991's 'Cape Fear'. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    Robert De Niro in 1991’s ‘Cape Fear’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    List of Robert De Niro Movies and TV Shows:

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  • TV Review: ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3

    (L to R) Jason Isaacs, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sarah Catherine Hook, and Sam Nivola in 'The White Lotus' Season 3. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO.
    (L to R) Jason Isaacs, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sarah Catherine Hook, and Sam Nivola in ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO.

    ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 receives 7 out of 10 stars.

    Launching on HBO and streaming service Max with its first episode on February 16th, the third season of Mike White’s darkly hued comedy drama series ‘The White Lotus‘ is set at yet another location for the fictional, titular luxury resort chain, this time the lush climes of Thailand.

    We’re greeted with a (mostly) new set of characters, all carrying some emotional baggage to complement their fancy suitcases. The question that must be asked, though, is the third time the charm?

    Related Article: ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 Adds Jason Isaacs, Parker Posey and more

    Should you check into ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3?

    (L to R) Morgana O'Reilly, Arnas Fedaravičius, Christian Friedel, Dom Hetrakul, and Lalisa Manobal in 'The White Lotus' Season 3. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO.
    (L to R) Morgana O’Reilly, Arnas Fedaravičius, Christian Friedel, Dom Hetrakul, and Lalisa Manobal in ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO.

    “Everyone who comes to Thailand, they’re either hiding from someone or looking for someone…” So says one of the characters early in the season, and so it proves true: whether that means the someone they’re after or hiding from is a faith, a stranger or themselves.

    Mike White has the formula down pat for the show now, and the real issue here is that it feels like he’s just putting minor spins on ideas that have been explored before. The characters might be different, but there is the typical clash between the spoiled guests and the staff who must cater to their whims, and while it would be boring if everyone were happy and settled, the crises don’t perhaps always add up to the same level of drama as previous outings.

    Script and Direction

    Walton Goggins in 'The White Lotus' Season 3. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO.
    Walton Goggins in ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO.

    White, who writes and directs every episode like an extended indie movie (albeit with the hefty budget of a prestige HBO show) brings his usual style and wit to the show, crafting another group of memorable characters.

    Yet, as mentioned, they feel like versions of other seasons’ guests –– the younger ones are mostly looking for hedonistic party times, while the elders want to relax and escape their stressful lives.

    And there is the standard assortment of people dealing with personal issues, from financial difficulties to a tragic secret from their past that has them simmering with vengeful anger that they’ve not shared with anyone around them, so everyone else thinks they’re just grumpy.

    While the exploration of faith and religion as the big theme is new here, it’s not as fresh as it might be given how one young character explored the native traditions of Hawaii back in the first season, and again their wealthy, slightly conservative parents can’t quite understand the appeal or feeling like it’s a failure in upbringing.

    Thankfully, the cast help to elevate the material.

    Cast and Performances

    (L to R) Carrie Coon, Michelle Monaghan and Leslie Bibb in 'The White Lotus' Season 3. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO.
    (L to R) Carrie Coon, Michelle Monaghan and Leslie Bibb in ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO.

    Given the show’s award-winning ways, it’s not surprising that an excellent crop of actors has agreed to show up for Season 3 (and the promise of spending some time in a tropical locale, all expenses paid, doesn’t hurt either). You may find yourself, however, wishing they had fresher scripts to work from –– and there are other issues too.

    Walton Goggins plays Rick Hatchett, a wealthy sort (one of those who prefers not to discuss in detail how they earned their fortune) who is traveling with younger girlfriend Chelsea (a funny and spirited type brought to life by ‘Sex Education’s Aimee Lou Wood).

    Rick’s the aforementioned man on a mission, though he has not disclosed that to anyone, and Goggins plays him with appropriate snark and gruffness, and he makes for an entertaining duo with Wood.

    Then we have Michelle Monaghan’s Jaclyn Lemon, a TV actress traveling with two old friends, Carrie Coon’s Laurie and Leslie Bibb’s Kate. Away for a girls’ trip on Jaclyn’s dime, you won’t be shocked when old issues rear their heads between them and the lure of an attractive young man who works at the hotel drives a wedge into a friendship that was already starting to drift apart over the years.

    (L to R) Parker Posey and Jason Isaacs in 'The White Lotus' Season 3. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO.
    (L to R) Parker Posey and Jason Isaacs in ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO.

    Filling the spot of wealthy-but-troubled family there’s Jason Isaacs as Timothy Ratliff, at the resort with pill-popping wife Victoria (Parker Posey) and their brood, gym bro Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger), who has gone into financial business working for his dad, spiritual Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook) who has her own reasons for the trip and bookish Lochlan (Sam Nivola), who Saxon is looking to draw out of his shell.

    While the performances are all solid, the biggest issue for that group is Isaacs attempting a Texan accent, which seems to wander around the States and occasionally sounds Australian. While the actor has done good work in the past, here the accent gets in his way.

    Around them are the staff, including solid supporting turns from Tayme Thapthimthong as ambitious security officer Gaitok, who has a thing for resort worker and dancer Mook (Lalisa Manoban), whose stories will become knotted up with the guests.

    And Natasha Rothwell makes a welcome return as Belinda from Season 1, who is given a little more depth here.

    Final Thoughts

    Patrick Schwarzenegger in 'The White Lotus' Season 3. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO.
    Patrick Schwarzenegger in ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO.

    ‘The White Lotus’ knows what it needs to do each season and does it with style. If it perhaps feels a little less fresh these days, there is still enough mystery to keep you hooked and ready to spend time with these people –– no matter how annoying some of them might turn out to be.

    HBO gave press the first six episodes of eight, so we can’t tell you whether the show solves its lingering background mystery as well as previous seasons, but it’ll keep you guessing.

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    What’s the plot of ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3

    The new season of the show brings a fresh group of wealthy characters (and the return of Natasha Rothwell’s spa worker Belinda Lindsey from Season 1’s Maui resort, who is hoping to pick up some tips from the staff) traveling to the lush jungles and beaches of Thailand.

    Here, some of the characters are ready to explore faith and mysticism, others are looking for some much needed bonding time and at least one has a dark hidden agenda for their trip that could have a tragic fallout.

    Who is in the cast of ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3

    • Leslie Bibb as Kate
    • Carrie Coon as Laurie
    • Walton Goggins as Rick Hatchett
    • Sarah Catherine Hook as Piper Ratliff
    • Jason Isaacs as Timothy Ratliff
    • Lalisa Manobal as Mook
    • Michelle Monaghan as Jaclyn Lemon
    • Sam Nivola as Lochlan Ratliff
    • Lek Patravadi as Sritala
    • Parker Posey as Victoria Ratliff
    • Natasha Rothwell as Belinda Lindsey
    • Patrick Schwarzenegger as Saxton Ratliff
    • Tayme Thapthimthong as Gaitok
    • Aimee Lou Wood as Chelsea
    'The White Lotus' Season 3. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO.
    ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO.

    Other Mike White Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Mike White Movies on Amazon

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  • TV Review: ‘Bad Monkey’

    Vince Vaughn in 'Bad Monkey,' premiering August 14, 2024 on Apple TV+.
    Vince Vaughn in ‘Bad Monkey,’ premiering August 14, 2024 on Apple TV+.

    Launching on Apple TV+ with its first two episodes, ‘Bad Monkey’ represents the latest show from ‘Scrubs’ creator Bill Lawrence, who has more recently hit paydirt with ‘Ted Lasso’ and also produced the Jason Segel dramedy series ‘Shrinking’.

    For ‘Bad Monkey’, he and a producing/writing/directing team that includes Jeff Ingold, Matt Tarses, Marcos Siega, Liza Katzer and star Vince Vaughn skew more towards the dramatic side of either of his previous works, though given that it adapts the work of satirist and Floridian crime expert Carl Hiaasen, also skews comedic when needed.

    Related Article: Jason Segel Talks Apple TV+’s ‘Shrinking’ and Working with Harrison Ford

    Does ‘Bad Monkey’ investigate a decent case?

    Vince Vaughn and Natalie Martinez in 'Bad Monkey,' premiering August 14, 2024 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Vince Vaughn and Natalie Martinez in ‘Bad Monkey,’ premiering August 14, 2024 on Apple TV+.

    Bringing Carl Hiaasen’s work to the screen has been a hit-or-miss affair in the past and given that the biggest title spawned from his writing is 1996 Demi Moore-starring drama ‘Striptease’, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s mostly miss.

    Still, television feels like a more natural home for his work, and the rambling serio-comic crime caper that is ‘Bad Monkey’ certainly has the time to tell its story, with an Apple TV budget to bring the Floridian visuals to life in all their sun-drenched humidity.

    It’s also entertaining to see Vince Vaughn make one of his occasional forays into TV; his last lead role was, let’s not forget, on the benighted second season of ‘True Detective’, and fortunately ‘Bad Monkey’ feels much more suited to his particular comedy stylings.

    ‘Bad Monkey’ Season 3: Script and Direction

    Meredith Hagner and Rob Delaney in 'Bad Monkey,' premiering August 14, 2024 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Meredith Hagner and Rob Delaney in ‘Bad Monkey,’ premiering August 14, 2024 on Apple TV+.

    Lawrence as showrunner here leans into the low-key crime style that Hiaasen’s novels for adults have come to rely on. The new show is full of the oddballs that populate his books, usually up to no good –– and the ones who are on the side of the law are just as weird in their own way.

    It takes a while for the whole thing to truly get going, but once it established the storyline, there’s more than enough entertainment value to be found watching Vaughn’s character work his way through the twisty mystery.

    Zach Braff in 'Bad Monkey,' premiering August 14, 2024 on Apple TV+.
    Zach Braff in ‘Bad Monkey,’ premiering August 14, 2024 on Apple TV+.

    One subplot, featuring his off-again-on-again lover Bonnie Witt (Michelle Monaghan) never quite gels with the rest, though, and there’s an uncomfortably awkward whiff of creepiness about her character, a teacher who slept with a student years ago. It’s one of the few missteps the story makes.

    Directors Marcos Siega (who supervises), Colin Bucksey, Erica Dunton, Liz Friedlander and Sam Jones all bring the required flare to the show while also giving the script and actors room to do their thing.

    ‘Bad Monkey’: Performances

    Charlotte Lawrence and Meredith Hagner in 'Bad Monkey,' premiering August 14, 2024 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Charlotte Lawrence and Meredith Hagner in ‘Bad Monkey,’ premiering August 14, 2024 on Apple TV+.

    ‘Bad Monkey’ boasts a solid ensemble who bring the various characters to life with an ease and charm that works on different levels.

    Vince Vaughn as Andrew Yancy

    While it might seem like it takes Vaughn an episode or two to truly hit the right vibe as Yancy –– much as the show itself needs a moment to truly find its groove –– he’s great as the sardonic, witty leading man, a cop on suspension who is making ends meet as a food inspector. His chemistry with the likes of Natalie Martinez in particular is easy and warm, and he can deliver the chewy dialogue without it seeming forced.

    Natalie Martinez as Rosa Campesino

    Martinez’ Rosa is the Miami pathologist chafing against the depressing ghoulishness of her job who finds herself drawn into Yancy’s investigation and soon sparks a relationship with him that spills into the personal. As a foil for Vaughn and a character in general, Martinez is great in the series, sparky and spiky when needed, dealing with her family and just the right amount of sarcastic to match Vaughn’s energy.

    Rob Delaney as Christopher

    Rob Delaney tends to crush it in smaller supporting roles, and here he’s handed a character with more to do than usual, and absolutely nails the sort of nervous-yet-over-confident energy that an unexpectedly criminal type such as Christopher needs. He’s both in over his head and nasty when called upon, yet always watchable.

    Meredith Hagner as Eve

    The dominant force in Christopher’s life and his partner in crime, Meredith Hagner is excellent as the needy, pragmatic and often whiny Eve, who masterminds a scheme to make them both rich. Hagner makes her come alive in a way that is both human and horrific and gives her more life than the seemingly one-note character might suggest.

    Michelle Monaghan in 'Bad Monkey,' premiering August 14, 2024 on Apple TV+.
    Michelle Monaghan in ‘Bad Monkey,’ premiering August 14, 2024 on Apple TV+.

    Michelle Monaghan as Bonnie Witt

    As mentioned above, the Bonnie character gave me real pause, and aside from a few moments, feels like something that could have been taken out of the story without sacrificing all that much. Still, that’s no fault of Monaghan, who does what she can with the role.

    Jodie Turner-Smith as the Dragon Queen

    Jodie Turner-Smith, a little like Delaney (but in very different roles), has been doing great work with supporting characters of late, especially in ‘The Acolyte’. Here, she has a more rounded role to bring to life, the mysterious and seemingly powerful sorceress who is in reality very complicated She’s fantastic, projecting supreme confidence when needed and utter vulnerability at other times.

    Jodie Turner-Smith in 'Bad Monkey,' premiering August 14, 2024 on Apple TV+.
    Jodie Turner-Smith in ‘Bad Monkey,’ premiering August 14, 2024 on Apple TV+.

    Other notable characters

    The season is blessed with a solid ensemble, including John Ortiz as Yancy’s former police partner Rogelio and, in true Lawrence fashion, since he loves putting his family in his work, Charlotte Lawrence as Christopher’s daughter (and yes, she avoids the “nepo baby” criticism by being suitably prickly and fun in the role).

    ‘Bad Monkey’: Final Thoughts

    John Ortiz in 'Bad Monkey,' premiering August 14, 2024 on Apple TV+.
    John Ortiz in ‘Bad Monkey,’ premiering August 14, 2024 on Apple TV+.

    It might be called ‘Bad Monkey’ (with Crystal from ‘The Hangover’ playing the titular simian), but this show never really lives up to its title, since the creature plays a very small role in the story at all.

    Don’t let that put you off though –– this is a twisty, funny, dramatic and chaotic comedy drama and a successful attempt to bring Carl Hiaasen’s work to the screen.

    ‘Bad Monkey’ receives 8 out of 10 stars.

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    What’s the story of ‘Bad Monkey’?

    ‘Bad Monkey’ is the story of Andrew Yancy (Vince Vaughn), who has been bounced from the Miami Police Department and is now a health inspector in the Keys.

    But after stumbling upon a case that begins with a human arm fished up by tourists, he realizes that if he can prove murder, he’ll be back in. He just needs to get past a trove of Floridian oddballs and one bad monkey.

    Who else is in ‘Bad Monkey’?

    The cast of ‘Bad Monkey’ also includes L. Scott Caldwell, Rob Delaney, Meredith Hagner, Natalie Martinez, Alex Moffat, Michelle Monaghan, Ronald Peet, Jodie Turner-Smith and Charlotte Lawrence.

    Ronald Peet in 'Bad Monkey,' premiering August 14, 2024 on Apple TV+.
    Ronald Peet in ‘Bad Monkey,’ premiering August 14, 2024 on Apple TV+.

    Other Vince Vaughn Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Vince Vaughn Movies on Amazon

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  • 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.

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    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

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  • Jason Isaacs and more join ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3

    (Left) Jason Isaacs as Cary Grant in 'Archie.' Photo: BritBox International. (Center Left) Parker Posey stars in director Ari Aster's 'Beau Is Afraid.' (Center Right) Leslie Bibb as Ellie in 'About My Father.' Photo Credit: Dan Anderson. (Right) Michelle Monaghan in 'The Family Plan,' premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    (Left) Jason Isaacs as Cary Grant in ‘Archie.’ Photo: BritBox International. (Center Left) Parker Posey stars in director Ari Aster’s ‘Beau Is Afraid.’ (Center Right) Leslie Bibb as Ellie in ‘About My Father.’ Photo Credit: Dan Anderson. (Right) Michelle Monaghan in ‘The Family Plan,’ premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    Preview:

    • Jason Isaacs, Parker Posey and Michelle Monaghan have boarded ‘The White Lotus’ for Season 3.
    • Mike White is back to write and direct the series.
    • Season 3 will be set in Thailand.

    We’ve had to wait longer than originally thought for our next visit to a White Lotus property –– the fictional luxury resorts that form the backdrop for Mike White’s darkly comic series ‘The White Lotus’, which has, across two seasons, brought to life some grotesque characters and others who interact with them.

    With White gearing up to start work on the next season, we know some of the people who will be showing up in the cast.

    Who has joined ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3?

    Jason Isaacs as Cary Grant in 'Archie.'
    Jason Isaacs as Cary Grant in ‘Archie.’ Photo: BritBox International.

    According to Variety, the new season will feature the following…

    And in a separate report from Jeff Sneider, ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’s Carrie Coon is also in talks for the series, though she is less confirmed.

    There are also the rumored names who are even less official at this point: Woody Harrelson, Walton Goggins and Patrick Schwarzenegger are among those who are mooted. We’ll see if any of those become a reality.

    The new additions join Natasha Rothwell, who will reprise the role of Belinda from the first season (you might recall her as the kindly, enthusiastic spa worker who strikes up a friendship with Jennifer Coolidge’s Tanya McQuoid).

    Related Article: Jason Isaacs and Dyan Cannon Talk Cary Grant TV Series ‘Archie’

    What’s the story of ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3?

    Jennifer Coolidge in HBO's 'The White Lotus.'
    Jennifer Coolidge in HBO’s ‘The White Lotus.’ Photograph by Fabio Lovino/HBO.

    There are no details about the story for this one yet, though we can reliably assume that it’ll follow a group of wealthy, privileged types and the associated hotel staff and hangers-on who orbit them.

    Do we think there might be a murder or a mysterious death that is teased early on and explained towards the end? Given the format to date, it’s a fair guess.

    Where will the new season of ‘The White Lotus’ take place?

    Haley Lu Richardson and Leo Woodall in 'The White Lotus' season 2.
    (L to R) Haley Lu Richardson and Leo Woodall in ‘The White Lotus’ season 2. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO.

    Following stays in Hawaii and then Italy, the third season’s locale has been confirmed as Thailand, where a Four Seasons property will be transformed into the White Lotus brand of hotels.

    Here’s what Janet Graham Borba, executive vice president of production for HBO & Max said about the choice:

    “We are pleased to partner with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to execute Mike’s creative vision and showcase all that the beautiful country of Thailand has to offer, as the next group of guests check in to the White Lotus.”

    You do have to wonder if White is just picking locations from his vacation bucket list, but when the show is as entertaining as this, it’s hard to hold it against him.

    When will ‘The White Lotus’ be on screens?

    HBO and Max have yet to announce a date for this one, though if completed in time it could be on screens before the end of the year –– though more likely it’ll be 2025.

    Aubrey Plaza in 'The White Lotus' season 2.
    Aubrey Plaza in ‘The White Lotus’ season 2. Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO.

    Other Jason Isaacs Movies:

    Buy Jason Isaacs Movies on Amazon

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  • Movie Review: ‘The Family Plan’

    Mark Wahlberg and Iliana Norris in 'The Family Plan,' premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    Mark Wahlberg and Iliana Norris in ‘The Family Plan,’ premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    Assassins on screen. Every time they try to retire or devote themselves to a quieter life, their past always catches up with them. Just as Keanu Reeves’ John Wick. Or Liam Neeson’s Bryan Mills, whose ‘Taken’ character ends up having to put his particular set of skills back into play when his daughter is kidnapped.

    It stands to reason that cinematic assassins should just stick with their regular jobs, but still they keep yearning for something more –– or perhaps less (at least from a stress/danger point of view). Such is the case with Dan Morgan (Mark Wahlberg) in Apple’s new action comedy ‘The Family Plan’, who has swapped international assassination (of, he’s quick to point out when the truth is revealed, Very Bad People) for a seemingly sleepy world of marriage and kids in Buffalo New York.

    But with so many examples of this story already out there, the biggest question is whether ‘The Family Plan’ does enough to stand out.

    Is ‘The Family Plan’ a good pick for your family?

    Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Monaghan, Zoe Colletti and Van Crosby in 'The Family Plan,' premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Monaghan, Zoe Colletti and Van Crosby in ‘The Family Plan,’ premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    For the most part, the answer to that question is… Not really. This is a fairly bland example of the genre with one or two moments of invention that happen later in the story.

    After a few early years of interesting material, Wahlberg has largely settled into a predictable mix of action movies and comedies –– you might find yourself wondering what his occasional collaborator Peter Berg would have done with this, but then it’s not really the sort of movie that Berg would gravitate towards since the rougher edges have been well and truly sanded off here.

    Related Article: 10 Things We Learned at ‘The Family Plan’ Cast & Crew Press Conference

    ‘The Family Plan’: Script and Direction

    Mark Wahlberg in 'The Family Plan,' premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    Mark Wahlberg in ‘The Family Plan,’ premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    Writer David Coggeshall is more normally known for the horror likes of ‘Orphan: First Kill’ and 2019’s ‘Prey’ (not the ‘Predator’ prequel, a slightly less effective tale of a young man hunted by a creature on an island retreat), but he does his best with mixing the action and comedy beats here.

    The screenplay for ‘The Family Plan’ mostly goes through the motions of introducing Dan’s seemingly happy family life, bringing up the issues with his kids (one wants to throw away her long-held Stanford dreams to follow a boyfriend to a far lesser college), the other has secretly been playing video games at a high level with the gamer tag “Kyllboi”.

    When Dan’s old life starts to invade his own, the clues are a little easy to spot (a character who approaches Jessica early on might as well have “villain” stamped across their forehead), but it at least has a few fun set pieces early on.

    Michelle Monaghan and Mark Wahlberg in 'The Family Plan,' premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Michelle Monaghan and Mark Wahlberg in ‘The Family Plan,’ premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    As for the visual side of things, director Simon Cellan Jones has largely worked in television comedy/drama, though he has branched out into the more action-orientated likes of ‘See’, ‘The Expanse’ and ‘Jessica Jones’.

    His big screen work has largely been in the rom-com and comedy-drama sphere, and he does what he can to turn the set pieces into watchable encounters. A fight in a grocery store is an early highlight, and the big finale has its moments. For the most part, though, this isn’t going to worry the likes of ‘Wick’ or the likes of David Leitch for inventiveness.

    ‘The Family Plan’: Performances

    Michelle Monaghan and Mark Wahlberg in 'The Family Plan,' premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Michelle Monaghan and Mark Wahlberg in ‘The Family Plan,’ premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    Wahlberg is on strictly standard mode here, Dan Morgan a blandly likeable leading man who you can mostly buy as a skilled assassin even as he’s whipping through a diaper change like he’s loading a gun. But if you’re truly supposed to care about him and his story, there’s not a lot here to grab hold on to.

    Michelle Monaghan, meanwhile, is saddled with another slightly thankless role as the other half to an action man who doesn’t realize what’s really going on until the danger intrudes on her life (she’s been down this path before, most notably in ‘Mission: Impossible III’). Jessica at least has some depth to her, and there’s a moment near the end where she gets to be both comedic and badass.

    Zoe Colletti and Van Crosby as their kids are largely called upon to be bratty and then helpful, and they do what they can to breathe life into the roles. Less well served is Ciarán Hinds as the antagonist, though even he has something of a backstory. Pretty much everyone else is reduced to stock henchmen characters, some not even blessed with actual names. They’re literally cannon fodder.

    ‘The Family Plan’: Final Thoughts

    Mark Wahlberg and Iliana Norris in 'The Family Plan,' premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Mark Wahlberg and Iliana Norris in ‘The Family Plan,’ premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    Despite all the faint praise in the preceding review, ‘The Family Plan’ is not entirely without merit, as it has some chuckles to offer and a brace of stunt moments that do bring something entertaining.

    It’s strictly straight-down-the-line work, but there’s nothing wrong with that if you’re in the mood for it.

    ‘The Family Plan’ receives 6.5 out of 10 stars.

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    What is the Plot of ‘The Family Plan’?

    Dan Morgan (Mark Wahlberg) is a seemingly normal family man, but was once the deadliest assassin in the world. When his past finally catches up with him, Dan takes his family on a “road trip” to Las Vegas so he can confront the man who wants him dead—all while trying to keep his old life a secret from his wife and children.

    Who is in the cast of ‘The Family Plan’?

    Mark Wahlberg in 'The Family Plan,' premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    Mark Wahlberg in ‘The Family Plan,’ premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    Other Mark Wahlberg Movies:

    Buy Mark Wahlberg Movies on Amazon

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  • ‘The Family Plan’ Press Conference with Cast and Crew

    Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Monaghan, Zoe Colletti and Van Crosby in 'The Family Plan,' premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Monaghan, Zoe Colletti and Van Crosby in ‘The Family Plan,’ premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    In his career, Mark Wahlberg has brought us plenty of family comedy and has also been part of some high-adrenaline action movies.

    But he’s rarely had the chance to combine them. That changes now as he’s the star of Apple and Skydance’s ‘The Family Plan’, which sees him as a man who has to protect his family when his past comes back to haunt him.

    In ‘The Family Plan’, Wahlberg plays Dan Morgan, who loves his quiet suburban life as a devoted husband, father of three and successful car salesman. But that’s only half the story.

    Decades earlier, he was an elite government assassin tasked with eliminating the world’s deadliest threats. When enemies from his past track him down, Dan packs his unsuspecting wife Jessica (Michelle Monaghan), angsty teen daughter, pro-gamer teen son and adorable 10-month-old baby into their minivan and takes off on an impromptu cross-country road trip to Las Vegas.

    Determined to protect his family — while treating them to the vacation of a lifetime — Dan must put his long-dormant skills into action, without revealing his true identity.

    Directed by Simon Cellan Jones, who has worked on TV shows such as ‘See’, ‘Ballers’ and Netflix’s ‘The Diplomat’, ‘The Family Plan’ takes aim at being a fun watch for the family.

    Moviefone recently attended a virtual press conference for ‘The Family Plan.’ Taking part were stars Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Monaghan, Zoe Margaret Colletti and Van Crosby and director Simon Cellan Jones.

    Here are 10 things we learned from the press conference, edited for clarity and length.

    1) Michelle Monaghan and Mark Wahlberg appreciated different things about their characters

    Michelle Monaghan and Mark Wahlberg in 'The Family Plan,' premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Michelle Monaghan and Mark Wahlberg in ‘The Family Plan,’ premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    The pair both found something to like about the people they were playing on screen, with Wahlberg as family man/former assassin Dan Morgan and Monaghan as wife Jessica.

    Michelle Monaghan: I like how spontaneous [Jessica] is. Yeah, I think she’s a really spontaneous character. She is up for anything, and she really wants more of that in her life. And so that was fun. I got to do a lot of stunts and things related to that and I loved that. I loved the roller coaster, loved the all the stunts. That was all really, really fun for me.

    Wahlberg, however ,was focused more on the side that Dan, his character, shows to the family, rather than his former life. It’s something he gets to do in real life when he swaps being a movie star for being a dad.

    Mark Wahlberg: What I liked was that he was embracing being boring. I could relate to that. I’ve adopted that attitude quite some time ago. I get to be fun and exciting during my job, but other than that, I’m just boring dad.

    2) Mark Wahlberg Really Enjoyed Working with Director Simon Cellan Jones

    Mark Wahlberg in 'The Family Plan,' premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    Mark Wahlberg in ‘The Family Plan,’ premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    Wahlberg and his ‘The Family Plan’ director Jones clearly got on like a house on fire. They clicked so well, in fact, that Wahlberg has gone on to work with Jones on a new movie, ‘Arthur the King’.

    MW: I’ve worked with him now two films, five seasons of a television show and I just learned how to pronounce his name! He’s like a brother. I mean, we bonded so quickly. Such fun, energetic, super talented, always prepared but game for anything. Willing to try anything. Very patient. This took me back to the days where movie-making wasn’t so labor-intensive and taxing. It was a joyful experience, it really was. And I accredit Simon and Michelle especially for that.

    3) Doing a Keg Stand Was Michelle Monaghan’s Favorite Part of Making the Movie

    Michelle Monaghan in 'The Family Plan,' premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    Michelle Monaghan in ‘The Family Plan,’ premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    Even given the stunt training she went through, or time with the movie’s family, Monaghan admits that a sequence where she heads to a college and ends up doing a keg stand was her most memorable moment.

    MM: That keg stand was really fun. I loved to see that in the script. I’d grown up in the Midwest and I was very familiar with keg stands for better or for worse. So that was really funny, a little blast from the past. And I guess learning the little pole vault stunt and doing some of those scenes were really fun as well.

    4) Simon Cellan Jones was a little daunted by the scale of the film, but ended up loving it

    Mark Wahlberg in 'The Family Plan,' premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    Mark Wahlberg in ‘The Family Plan,’ premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    While director Simon Cellan Jones has made movies before (including 2000’s ‘Some Voices’ and 2002’s ‘The One and Only’), he’s largely spent the last few years making TV, such as ‘See’, ‘Ballers’ and ‘The Diplomat’. And ‘The Family Plan’ is by some measure the biggest movie he’s tackled so far.

    Simon Cellan Jones: Working on a big film like this, for the first week, I was terrified. And then I went, “wait a minute, this is really fun. It’s really exciting.” I was working with fantastic people, actors and crew. We had enough money to do some ambitious stuff. Believe me, I don’t want to go back. I love it like this!

    Related Article: Actor and Producer Mark Wahlberg Talks ‘Father Stu’

    5) Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Monaghan related to the road trip scenes

    Michelle Monaghan and Mark Wahlberg in 'The Family Plan,' premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Michelle Monaghan and Mark Wahlberg in ‘The Family Plan,’ premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    As Wahlberg’s Dan takes the family on what they think is an impromptu vacation, he realizes that those threatening them might track their phones. So he collects everyone’s devices and throws them off a bridge, much to their shock.

    For Monaghan she felt seen as a mother who is occasionally frustrated with her kids’ phone use.

    MM: For me, one of my favorite scenes is the scene were we’re in the road trip and Mark takes all the devices and throws them out the window. That is so relatable to my family. That is wish fulfillment! That is exactly right! The way that it is edited with everyone’s reaction, is just was such a great edit. But that is definitely something that I relate to so very much. In the car we think that we’re going to connect, and then everybody’s got their own headphones on and everybody’s doing their own thing and it makes me crazy.

    Wahlberg also saw the reality of the situation.

    MW: The only real power you have over your children still might be to be able to threaten them, to cut them off from what they think is the most important way to communicate even though it’s so impersonal. But yeah, that was a very fun moment.

    6) Mark Wahlberg was happy to get the chance to film in Las Vegas

    Mark Wahlberg in 'The Family Plan,' premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    Mark Wahlberg in ‘The Family Plan,’ premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    While the majority of the movie was shot in Atlanta, Las Vegas did serve as a location for the big finale of the film –– and some scenes were filmed there.

    MW: It meant a lot. Being a new resident, I think I was excited to really be able to showcase Vegas in a way that I thought would, again just make it more appealing because obviously people know Vegas for the Strip, but there’s a lot more to it than that and it is very family oriented in, as far as its entertainment and appeal. And I moved there for my kids. So, I was very, very excited to not only shoot the film there but also premiere the film there and hopefully be able to build a studio and make films there.

    7) Working with Babies is as Tough as You Might Imagine

    Van Crosby, Iliana Norris, Michelle Monaghan and Zoe Colletti in 'The Family Plan,' premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Van Crosby, Iliana Norris, Michelle Monaghan and Zoe Colletti in ‘The Family Plan,’ premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    The old adage reads “never work with children or animals”, but ‘The Family Plan’s team needed a baby for the Morgan dynamic to work. Twins Vienna and Iliana Norris played Max, the youngest Morgan. Who certainly gets to take part in some big scenes…

    Zoe Margaret Colletti, for one, was very happy to spend time with them.

    Zoe Margaret Colletti: They’re my favorite costars. I love them. Their names are Ilena and Vienna, and they’re the cutest little sweetest girls. They are playing a boy, but they are two little girls and they’re precious.

    Acting alongside them was one thing. But directing them and making sure all was safe during big action moments? That was quite another for director Simon Cellan Jones.

    SCJ: They worked out in the end, but I’m going to level with you. We had a big, big fight in a supermarket, which, so far, so normal. But there’s one kicker on it. There’s a baby strapped into a baby Bjorn. And we had two twins playing the baby Max who were both fantastic, but this was their first big heavy day. And of course one of them is strapped to Mark Wahlberg and he’s lovely with kids, so he looks after them very well, but he’s fighting and he’s moving around and he’s doing all that stuff. And the babies were going, “Wait a minute, wait a minute. This is not in our contract!” So we had to be very, very patient that day. It worked out. But there were a couple of times when I was going, “Oh my God, my career is over.”

    8) The Biggest Lesson Mark Wahlberg Took Away from the Movie Was About Family

    Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Monaghan in 'The Family Plan,' premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Monaghan in ‘The Family Plan,’ premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    MW: We have to embrace [change] too though, to allow that to happen and embrace the evolution and the growth. Sometimes we find ourselves wanting our kids to stay small and little forever and we know that is impossible. It’s inevitable that they’ll grow and change. You want to be able to embrace that you’re giving life, you’re not having somebody that’s going to be your little pet forever. So you want to be able to hopefully just guide them and protect them and teach them and point them in the right direction and most importantly be a good example. But yes, it’s hard to see them grow and change and go off to college. My daughter now is at college, but at the same time I’m looking forward for my wife and I to have more time together to do things on our own and not have to lock the door!

    9) Mark Wahlberg Watched an Early version of the Movie With His Kids

    Mark Wahlberg and Iliana Norris in 'The Family Plan,' premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Mark Wahlberg and Iliana Norris in ‘The Family Plan,’ premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    As one of the producers of the movie as well as being the star, Wahlberg had access to the film at an early stage of the post-production phase. And he found a handy test audience to help judge if it was working.

    MW: I think watching it the first time at a very, very early stage of the edit with my entire family was a lot of fun because it wasn’t a thing where I invited everybody to come and sit and watch the movie. I was just sitting at home in my living room in Vegas watching it and everybody just kind of started to gather around and watch and started to really enjoy it. And it wasn’t until Michelle flipped the toothbrush out of her mouth in the movie that everybody looked at me like, whoa, ‘you didn’t tell us about this part!’

    10) A Joke About The Name “Van” Was in the Script Before Van Crosby was Cast

    Zoe Colletti, Iliana Norris, Michelle Monaghan and Van Crosby in 'The Family Plan,' premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Zoe Colletti, Iliana Norris, Michelle Monaghan and Van Crosby in ‘The Family Plan,’ premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    As Dan puts his plans in place to try and have his family disappear under new identities to avoid his old associates, he gets them new passports. Kyle Morgan discovers he has the name “Van”, which leads sister Nina to crack, “you’re named after a vehicle!” It sounds like an in-joke about Van Crosby, who plays Kyle, but it predates him.

    Van Crosby: That was in the original script. When I got the script for the audition, that was already in there, so that was completely by chance. That was not written in at all, so I was just as surprised too. I was like, “What? That’s my name.” Yeah. So yeah, that was already there.

    aUTgjTssdQWOgSSBMnp951

    What is the Plot of ‘The Family Plan’?

    Dan Morgan (Mark Wahlberg) is a seemingly normal family man, but was once the deadliest assassin in the world. When his past finally catches up with him, Dan takes his family on a “road trip” to Las Vegas so he can confront the man who wants him dead—all while trying to keep his old life a secret from his wife and children.

    Who is in the cast of ‘The Family Plan’?

    Mark Wahlberg and Iliana Norris in 'The Family Plan,' premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    Mark Wahlberg and Iliana Norris in ‘The Family Plan,’ premiering December 15, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    Other Mark Wahlberg Movies:

    Buy Mark Wahlberg Movies on Amazon

    Bxzyf9yV

     

  • ‘Spinning Gold’ Interview: Jeremy Jordan

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    Opening in theaters on March 31st is the new movie ‘Spinning Gold,’ which tells the story of Casablanca Records founder Neil Bogart and was written and directed by his son, Timothy Scott Bogart.

    What is the plot of ‘Spinning Gold?’

    ‘Spinning Gold’ depicts the life and career of record producer and Casablanca Records founder Neil Bogart, who was credited with discovering many iconic musical acts such as Donna Summer, Kiss, and the Village People. Along with a rag tag team of young music lovers, Neil and Casablanca Records would rewrite history and change the music industry forever. The movie also examines Bogart’s own personal love triangle with wife Beth Bogart (Michelle Monaghan) and manager Joyce Biawitz (Lyndsy Fonseca).

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    Who is in the cast of ‘Spinning Gold?’

    ‘Spinning Gold’ stars Jeremy Jordan (‘Supergirl’) as Neil Bogart, Michelle Monaghan (‘Mission: Impossible III’) as Beth Bogart, Jay Pharoah (‘Top Five’) as Cecil Holmes, Dan Fogler (‘The Offer’) as Buck Reingold, Jason Isaacs (‘Mass’) as Al Bogart, Lyndsy Fonseca (‘Kick-Ass’) as Joyce Biawitz, Chris Redd (‘Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping’) as Frankie Crocker, and Sebastian Maniscalco (‘The Irishman’) as Giorgio Moroder.

    The movie also stars musicians Wiz Khalifa as George Clinton, Jason Derulo as Ron Isley of the Isley Brothers, Pink Sweat$ as Bill Withers, Tayla Parx as Donna Summer, and Ledisi as Gladys Knight.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Jeremy Jordan about his work on ‘Spinning Gold,’ playing Neil Bogart, being directed by his son, the artists Casablanca Records discovered, and why Neil believed in them.

    Jeremy Jordan as Neil Bogart in 'Spinning Gold.'
    Jeremy Jordan as Neil Bogart in ‘Spinning Gold.’

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Jordan, Jay Pharoah, Tayla Parx, and director Timothy Scott Bogart.

    Moviefone: To begin with, how much did you know about Neil Bogart and the history of Casablanca Records before joining this project, and what did you learn about him that really helped you play this role?

    Jeremy Jordan: I knew absolutely nothing about it, to be honest with you. I knew some of the music that came out of the recording studio that they’d formed, and that was pretty much it. I really approached it from the perspective that I’m working with this guy’s family. Tim Bogart wrote and directed it, and he gave me so much incredible insight, and really allowed me to find my own way into my version of his dad without trying to be a carbon copy of this guy. It was nice because he’s not a really widely known figure, and there’s not a whole lot of video that people can be like, “Oh, you’re not doing exactly the thing.” But even so, we didn’t really focus on that in the film, even with the more famous characters. We really just got to figure out who these people are and then go from there. That was a really liberating experience. I didn’t feel like I had to do exactly this perfect impression, you know what I’m saying?

    Jeremy Jordan as Neil Bogart and Michelle Monaghan as Beth Bogart in 'Spinning Gold.'
    (L to R) Jeremy Jordan as Neil Bogart and Michelle Monaghan as Beth Bogart in ‘Spinning Gold.’

    Related Article: Superman Arrives in New ‘Supergirl’ Season 2 Teaser

    MF: Was it weird being directed by the son of the person you were playing?

    JJ: It was weird in my head, but in execution, it really wasn’t, except for every once in a while when Tim would be like, “Hey dad.” I was like, “That’s weird. Don’t do that.” But no, I really felt supported a hundred percent all the way through it. If there was ever any guidance, it was done with a really loving hand. One of the things that I was really lucky about is that Tim said one of the reasons that he chose me to play the role was that I had a lot of the essence of his father, and he allowed me to find that version of it within myself. So I never really felt like I was under a microscope or anything, so it was liberating in that way, and I didn’t have to be self-conscious.

    Tayla Parx as Donna Summer and Jeremy Jordan as Neil Bogart in 'Spinning Gold.'
    (L to R) Tayla Parx as Donna Summer and Jeremy Jordan as Neil Bogart in ‘Spinning Gold.’

    MF: Finally, can you talk about the relationships Neil had with musical artists like Donna Summer and Kiss, and the way he discovered them and really believed in them when no one else would?

    JJ: He saw things before everybody else. So he saw Kiss and saw Donna Summer as this incredible thing that was going to change music. He was so far ahead that everybody just kind of thought he was crazy and nothing hit for years with both of them. But he continued to believe in them, almost to a fault. Just tenaciously throwing money at it until some people finally figured it out, or he actually figured out the best way to present them to the world. But he never gave up on them and he never faltered in his belief in them, or never really second guessed any of those decisions. He knew that he was right, and he 99% of the time was. It’s tough to find people like that, especially nowadays. Nothing like this story could ever happen today. I’ve recently tried to join the music business. I started a band and they’re like, start your own TikTok, release your first couple albums and then talk to us. There’s no sending your record tape or your demo and someone saying, “if I believe in you and I think I can make you into something, let’s do it.” If there is, then I don’t know. It’s rare. It’s cutthroat nowadays much more.

    Casey Likes as Gene Simmons, Sam Harris as Paul Stanley and Alex Gaskarth as Peter Criss performing as Kiss in 'Spinning Gold.'
    (L to R) Casey Likes as Gene Simmons, Sam Harris as Paul Stanley and Alex Gaskarth as Peter Criss performing as Kiss in ‘Spinning Gold.’

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Spinning Gold:’

    Buy Tickets: ‘Spinning Gold’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Jeremy Jordan Movies On Amazon

    ‘Spinning Gold’ is produced by Knightsbridge Entertainment, Boardwalk Films, and Foresight Unlimited, and scheduled for release on March 31st.

  • Aaron Paul Wants His ‘Better Call Saul’ Cameo as Much as You Do

    Aaron Paul THE PATH Season 2The Path.” In a good, non-cult-y way, of course.

    Launching its second season on January 27th, the Hulu drama is set in the world of the fictionalized religion known as Meyerism, where, after a season of coming to grips with a faith-breaking spiritual awakening, Paul’s character Eddie Lane finally found the fortitude to break away from the movement, even as he had to walk away from his still zealous wife (Michelle Monaghan) and kids.

    Now, Eddie’s finding his way in an unpredictable landscape outside of Meyerism while still trying to stay tethered to the family he left behind. It’s a scenario not unfamiliar to Paul, who reveals to Moviefone that, not only does he have real-world friends who’ve confided their own similar struggles to him, he also understands what it meant to leave the praised and adored phenomenon “Breaking Bad” to enter an uncertain future — but one he now seems to have well in hand.

    Moviefone: The subject matter here is so interesting and unique — as you got into Season 2, what were the fascinating things you were learning, not just about where the show was going, but where the creative team was drawing real inspiration from?

    Aaron Paul: They were pulling from a lot of different areas around this world, around these different movements, and religions, cults. What I really loved about it, obviously, I have to point out what my character’s journey is going through: I just love that he is stepping foot outside of the reality he called home for so many years, so he’s back to where he started.

    He knows what life is like on the outside, unlike Sarah. She was born into the movement, so this is all she knows. So maybe that’s why he has this sort of aha awakening moment saying, you know what, everything we’re preaching is bullsh*t. It’s all lies.

    So we all saw his journey from Season 1, just living a life of lies. Does he open up about what he’s feeling, knowing that he will lose his family? Or does he just keep everything buried and just sort of go on with those movements? I just love that he’s outside of the pearly gates that he called home, and just trying to come to terms with his new reality.

    What’s been interesting for you in playing that crisis of faith, now that he’s out? Because that’s got to be both freeing and terrifying for him.

    It is freeing and terrifying. I feel like the new kid in school every time I come to work. The Meyerism, Meyerists are there at work on stage. I’m so detached. It feels a little off, which is great for me as an actor. It’s nice to put myself, truly, in those shoes. For me, it’s been so fun just to live on the outside. Getting back to his old reality. Running into old friends, new flings. It’s an interesting world.

    Since viewers have gotten a chance to watch this show, have people come up to you and almost felt compelled to tell you their experiences with cults or similar sorts of organizations?

    Yeah, it’s actually been quite amazing and beautiful — and heartwarming, in a way. I’ve had endless amounts of people, especially in Los Angeles, come up to me, because they feel so connected to my character’s journey, so they feel like they want to just talk to someone about it. Maybe a stranger that they feel connected to about it.

    Endless amounts of strangers opening up to me about their journeys of certain movements/cults, and just saying, “Thank you. I know what your character is going through. I stood up and said to my family that I just don’t believe in what we’re selling. Hear me out here. This is why I don’t believe it.” And they see their family members just shut down and just turn their backs. Not even slowly, just quickly just shun them.

    A lot of these people come up to me, they thought, “Well, my family wouldn’t turn their back on me. They love me.” But no. That’s so, so scary that these movements have such a tight grip on families. That’s one of the reasons why I’m so proud to be a part of a show like this that’s not afraid to tell this sort of story.

    I’m sure, probably unintended, but there’s almost now a sociopolitical allegory to it, too. You see these same kinds of estrangement over political allegiances today in our country.

    It’s a crazy time we’re living in. We’re so split. No matter what side you’re on, you’re pointing fingers at the other side in such a passionate way. There’s no sort of talking through it. Trying to understand the other side’s point of view is, obviously … Each side wants change, but it’s just an interesting time.

    After your experience on “Breaking Bad,” what did that do to you as far as your thoughts on the kinds of things you wanted to do next, having that on your resume, after all the accolades that the show got and the love it got from the audience? Did that affect the way you saw your career going forward?

    I think, at the beginning of my career, we all aspire to do good work, good material. We want to be a part of a good story. We want to tell that story. But, at the beginning of my career, I just wanted to work in general. You just want to act, build your resume, get better jobs, build your career. But with “Breaking Bad,” we were so blessed to be a part of such a special show for so many years. It really just kicked open doors for everyone involved.

    So I think you just approach your career after “Breaking Bad” in a more delicate way. It’s hard because you’re a part of something so incredibly special, and the world knows it’s special. They’re going to be looking at you, OK, what’s your next move? So I just wanted to be a part of interesting stories. I’ve always wanted to be a part of that.

    So you’ve just got to kind of stick to your guns in that way. Stay away from any sort of cash grab you can. If you want longevity in this business, you’ve got to just listen to your gut. Don’t spend your money. Be smart. And know, with acting, you’re unemployed the moment they say cut and say, “That’s a wrap.” You may have some things lined up. You’ve just got to be smart.

    It seems inevitable that you’re going to get a call from Better Call Saul.” Are you looking forward to hearing what they come up with when they call you?

    Oh, absolutely. It’s a dream come true, and it hasn’t even happened yet. Maybe it won’t even happen, I don’t know. But I’m such a big fan of that show, of course, for obvious reasons. It’s just brilliant. I watch the show, and especially in this last season, seeing all of these great cameos pop up, throwbacks from the pilot, like Krazy-8, Max Arciniega, who’s a dear friend of mine. I saw him show up. It’s so beautiful getting a deeper look at these backstories. So yeah, of course. It’d be nice to have more layers revealed for this character that I love so deeply.

    What haven’t you done yet that you’re really dying to do?

    I look at Eleven from “Stranger Things”; Millie Bobby Brown is just so brilliant, but also another tortured character. I gravitate towards characters with conflict, characters that are going through a lot. She just does it so beautifully. Also, she has special powers. So I think that would be fun. A character with special powers. I would like to fly. Why not?

    Been in to talk to Marvel yet?

    Exactly! I don’t know — I love it all!

    Being a person who’s attracted to those kind of conflicted characters, do you have a pretty peaceful life away from work?

    I do. I think that’s what it is because I have a beautiful family. I’m so blessed to call Lauren my bride. I’m happily married. I don’t know. I love going to work and feeling heavy emotions. Feels like I’m doing something. For me, it’s just fun to portray a gamut of stories. It doesn’t have to be torturous and drag through the heart. It’s just more fun.

    Do you have a couple projects in your back pocket that you’re developing as a producer?

    Not for myself — not for myself to act; definitely for myself in general. We have some great projects in the works. Some things set up at many different places, which we’re very excited about. Yeah, it’s so fun. All of it’s so fun. I really got a big taste of it with “BoJack [Horseman],” and now with “The Path.” I get almost as much joy — not as much, but almost as much joy — developing and creating stories. For me, it’s a little bit more fun really being inside of those stories as a character.

    I know in my 20-odd years in Los Angeles, I’ve seen friends get sucked into, not necessarily always cults, but some bigger system that they’ve given themselves over to. It’s been interesting, sometimes sad, sometimes “wow” to see these things happen. Have you had those experiences with friends of yours since being here?

    Not so much. But I do have an experience of two buddies of mine, separate group of friends, who have been a part of a movement their entire life. Separately, they have come up to me, and this is the first time they have ever talked to me about their movement. Never opened up one time. Never mentioned it. I always knew they were within a certain movement.

    They just said, “I love your journey you’re going through on ‘The Path.’ I feel that journey.” But, they tell me, they refuse to open up to their family, because they know that they will lose their family, and obviously they don’t want that to happen.

    So they were in Eddie’s shoes in Season 1: “I’m just going to decide to just go through the day-to-day motions, fine. Wake up, go to whatever their family’s a part of, and just know, deep down, I don’t believe in it, but I’d rather not believe in it and still do my day-to-day reality, and still have my family.” They know if they say anything, their families just would turn their backs.

    So that was so interesting that my show sort of allowed that door to just open up just enough for them to feel they had the courage to just talk to me about such a heavy thing, because that’s their life. They trust in me with that. I think it’s a beautiful thing. Also, a little sad.

  • Michelle Monaghan Punched Out Jamie Foxx’s Tooth, for Real, in Sleepless

    Jamie Foxx and Michelle Monaghan from Sleepless
    Jamie Foxx and Michelle Monaghan from Sleepless

    How Jamie Foxx Lost a Tooth During a Fight Scene with Michelle Monaghan in Sleepless

    During a fight scene in the thriller “Sleepless,” fists flew so fast and furious that Michelle Monaghan accidentally landed a hard one on the very expensive face of star Jamie Foxx.

    “She hit me with a real punch,” Foxx tells Made in Hollywood reporter Patrick Stinson.

    “Not a Hollywood punch?” asks Stinson.

    “No, man, right down straight to the kisser,” says Foxx, pointing to his front teeth. “We’re doing the fight scene and I guess ‘action’ got called wrong and BAM! she chipped this. All this is porcelain.”

    Monaghan Admits to Landing Stray Punch on Jamie Foxx in Sleepless

    Monaghan copped to it.

    “I did,” she says. “It split my knuckle. And he was like, ‘Keep going, keep going.’ So I guess I’m going to keep going. And the next day he was fine. The next day the teeth were flawless again.”

    Explains Foxx: “I got a great dentist.”

    The star plays undercover Las Vegas police officer Vincent Downs caught in a high-stakes web of corrupt cops, internal affairs and murderous gangsters. When a failed heist leads to the kidnapping of his teenage son, Downs races against time during a wild and restless night to save him and bring the criminals to justice.

    The movie has white-knuckle car chases and endless action that also left its marks on Monaghan, too.

    “I got bruised and I was sore,” she says. “It’s interesting because you don’t actually feel the pain in the moment because you have a lot of that adrenaline. Then all of a sudden you’re home, and it’s 10 o’clock at night, and you’re like: Oh, god.”

    But neither’s complaining.

    “It’s fun. It’s make believe,” says Foxx. “It’s Hollywood.”

    “It’s …” they say together, “Made in Hollywood!”

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