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Tag: michelle yeoh

  • TV Review: ‘The Brothers Sun’

    Michelle Yeoh as Mama Sun in 'The Brothers Sun.'
    Michelle Yeoh as Mama Sun in ‘The Brothers Sun.’ Photo: Michael Desmond/Netflix © 2023.

    Premiering on Netflix January 4th, ‘The Brothers Sun’ is a blend of martial arts action and comedy that follows a family whose Taiwan-set criminal empire spills over into Southern California.

    Looking to channel the style of Jackie Chan, this new series from Byron Wu and Brad Falchuk (the latter of whom is more normally found working with Ryan Murphy on his various shows) is a mostly successful mix of laughter, family drama and stunt-filled set pieces.

    Does ‘The Brothers Sun’ shine?

    Zhan Wang as Yuan, Johnny Kou as Big Sun in 'The Brothers Sun.'
    (L to R) Zhan Wang as Yuan, Johnny Kou as Big Sun in ‘The Brothers Sun.’ Photo: Michael Desmond/Netflix © 2023.

    The new series will certainly appeal to those who are fans of Michelle Yeoh (and who isn’t a fan of Michelle Yeoh?) and while it might not offer the splendidly surreal delights of something along the lines of ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’, it has enough to keep you pressing play on the next episode.

    While stories about Asian-American kids struggling with the staider values of their immigrant parents are very common these days (it’s a part of the aforementioned ‘Everything Everywhere’), ‘The Brothers Sun’ has other elements to offer, including some very dynamic fight scenes and appealing (with one or two appalling by design) characters.

    It feels like a new spin on established concepts, with solid work from the cast and some tricky plotting to tie it all together.

    ‘The Brothers Sun’: Script and Direction

    Justin Chien as Charles Sun in 'The Brothers Sun.'
    Justin Chien as Charles Sun in ‘The Brothers Sun.’ Photo: Michael Desmond/Netflix © 2023.

    Working with a writers’ room that included Justin Calen-Chenn, Soojeong Son, Amy Wang, Andrew Law, Jason Ning and Ally Seibert, Wu and Falchuk keep various plotlines bubbling along, managing to juggle the various characters without having them feel like they’re fighting for attention.

    Justin Chien’s Charles Sun, for example (the older brother of the two here who remained in Taiwan and became an enforcer for his father) could just be your typically stoic, gruff warrior, but he’s leavened via an obsession with ‘The Great British Baking Show’ (which actually plays into his character instead of simply being a throwaway quirk), while Sam Song Li’s Bruce Sun manages to be more than just a wimpy, Americanized Chinese student –– he has layers, too, even beyond his love of improvisational theater.

    On the directing front, with duties handled by Kevin Tancharoen (‘Fame’, ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’) and Viet Nguyen (‘iZombie’, ‘The Flash’), the show looks as slick as you might hope, with the set pieces effective fight scenes that also help further the story.

    Related Article: Sydney Taylor and Ben Wang Talk Disney+’s ‘American Born Chinese’

    ‘The Brothers Sun’: Performances

    Michelle Yeoh as Mama Sun in 'The Brothers Sun.'
    Michelle Yeoh as Mama Sun in ‘The Brothers Sun.’ Photo: Michael Desmond/Netflix © 2023.

    Somewhat naturally, Yeoh is fantastic as the mother of the family, who made the decision to move her youngest child to America in order to protect him from the gangland world. While she’s initially seen as a harried single mother, and you wonder whether there will be another side to her… just wait.

    Chien does solid work as Charles, who finds himself caught between the world he knows and understands and figuring out how to protect his brother in a place where he doesn’t have the same resources as he does in Taiwan –– but he’s certainly still resourceful. Chien injects welcome frustration and charisma into the role.

    Song Li has the more comedic side of things to handle, and he pulls it off well, without slipping into full farce except where it’s warranted. He’s also able to adapt to whatever twists and turns the story throws at Bruce. And the character doesn’t suddenly become a martial arts expert –– he remains the goofy charmer, letting his brother handle it.

    As Bruce’s best pal and wannabe bigshot TK, Joon Lee brings plenty of added comic value to a relatively small role, but he’s always more than the basic “funny friend”.

    Does every character work on the level of the leads? Not completely –– some slip into cliché and others aren’t given the space they might need to break out of their assigned roles (and a few are mostly disposable gang henchmen, but then there are always some of those in a story such as this). And the dynamic between the brothers and their father is also not as effective as that between them and their mother, but that’s partly because the dad has less screen time and that the person who plays him is, well, not Michelle Yeoh (though Johnny Kou is still good as Big Sun).

    ‘The Brothers Sun’: Final Thoughts

    Sam Song Li as Bruce Sun, Michelle Yeoh as Mama Sun in 'The Brothers Sun.'
    (L to R) Sam Song Li as Bruce Sun, Michelle Yeoh as Mama Sun in ‘The Brothers Sun.’ Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2023.

    There have been some encouraging forward movement on Asian representation across the media in the last few years, and ‘The Brothers Sun’ helps that along in its own way.

    The limited series –– there is scope for more if this is a success, though it feels like the best story was told first –– has a slickly told story and some nimble sequences.

    While there is the expected culture clash and parental/child issues, it’s a fresh and funny look at both that also manages to be a crime story, a family drama and an occasionally wacky comedy. The mixture sometimes doesn’t completely gel, but when it does, it’s a smoothly executed, entertaining series.

    ‘The Brothers Sun’ receives 7.5 out of 10 stars.

    Michelle Yeoh as Mama Sun, Chau Long as Steve in 'The Brother’s Sun.'
    (L to R) Michelle Yeoh as Mama Sun, Chau Long as Steve in ‘The Brother’s Sun.’ Photo: Michael Desmond/Netflix © 2023.

    What’s the story of ‘The Brothers Sun’?

    When the head of a powerful Taiwanese triad is shot by a mysterious assassin, his eldest son, legendary killer Charles “Chairleg” Sun (Justin Chien) heads to Los Angeles to protect his mother, Eileen (Michelle Yeoh), and his naive younger brother, Bruce (Sam Song Li) — who’s been completely sheltered from the truth of his family until now.

    But as Taipei’s deadliest societies and a new rising faction go head-to-head for dominance — Charles, Bruce and their mother must heal the wounds caused by their separation and figure out what brotherhood and family truly mean before one of their countless enemies kills them all.

    Who is in ‘The Brothers Sun’?

    Alongside the three leads, the cast also includes Johnny Kou, Highdee Kuan, Alice Hewkin, Joon Lee, Jenny Yang and Jon Xue Zhang.

    Michelle Yeoh as Mama Sun in 'The Brothers Sun.'
    Michelle Yeoh as Mama Sun in ‘The Brothers Sun.’ Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2023.

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  • First Teaser and Poster for ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’

    Preview:

    • The poster for animated movie ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ is online.
    • The animated movie will feature Michelle Yeoh and Sandra Oh.
    • It’ll land on Paramount+ on February 2nd.

    New animated movie ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ has had quite the journey to screens, first picked up as a potential live-action adaptation of Laurence Yep’s 2003 book by Cartoon Network in October 2008, with a script by David Magee (who has some experience with tigers given ‘Life of Pi’).

    The project was cancelled after Cartoon Network stopped developing live-action projects, but Paramount picked it up as an animated adventure movie in 2019, and while it was originally targeting a 2022 release, pandemic delays led to a slot for 2024.

    Now, though, the movie will premiere on Paramount+.

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    What’s the story of ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’?

    The movie follows the story of Tom Lee, who gets drawn into a magical world against his wishes when his eccentric grandmother who he lives with in San Francisco’s Chinatown turns out to be the guardian of the phoenix egg.

    When his grandmother perishes in battle and is spirited away in a ghost cart, Tom must apprentice with an unlikely mentor –– a tiger, Mr. Hu –– to learn ancient magic and become the egg’s new protector. They team with an unlikely band of exotic creatures, each representing a different sign of the Chinese zodiac, who can morph into human form while retaining their innate animal characteristics.

    Related Article: Guy Ritchie casts Henry Golding, Cary Elwes, Til Schweiger and More in ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’

    Who lends their voices to ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’?

    ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice' hits Paramount+ on February 2nd.
    ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ hits Paramount+ on February 2nd. Photo: Paramount+.

    ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ certainly boasts a top-notch cast, led by Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh and Henry Golding (who shared the screen with her in the live-action ‘Crazy Rich Asians’).

    Brandon Soo Hoo plays Tom, while the cast also includes Michelle Yeoh as Mrs. Lee, Sandra Oh as Mistral, Henry Golding as Mr. Hu, Sherry Cola as Empress Nü Kua, Leah Lewis as Räv, Bowen Yang as Sidney, Patrick Gallagher as Dog, Deborah S. Craig as Vatten, Kheng Hua Tan as Monkey, Giullian Yao Gioiello as Loo, Rachel Rath as Tom’s mother, Ryan Christopher Lee as Liam and Jo Koy, Greta Deborah Lee, and Lucy Liu, whose roles have yet to be revealed.

    Who has made ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’?

    The director for the movie is Raman Hui, with Paul Watling and Yong Duk Jhun as co-directors. ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ filmmaker Bob Persichetti joined the film as a producer in 2022.

    Magee and ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ and ‘Cowboy Bebop’s Christopher L. Yost are behind the script.

    When will ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ be on screens?

    ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ hits Paramount+ on February 2nd.

    ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice' hits Paramount+ on February 2nd.
    ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ hits Paramount+ on February 2nd. Photo: Paramount+.

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  • Where To Watch Kenneth Branagh’s ‘A Haunting In Venice’

    Tina Fey as Ariadne Oliver and Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting In Venice.'
    (L to R) Tina Fey as Ariadne Oliver and Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting In Venice.’ Photo by Rob Youngson. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    The third installment in the Agatha Christie movies takes a chilling turn in ‘A Haunting in Venice’. Actor and director Kenneth Branagh returns to helm the film and reprise his role of the famed mustache detective, Hercule Poirot.

    A Murder Mystery Fit For Halloween

    Michelle Yeoh as Mrs. Reynolds in 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting in Venice.'
    Michelle Yeoh as Mrs. Reynolds in 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting in Venice.’ Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    The movie is based on Christie’s novel ‘Hallowe’en Party’ and will be available on streaming and digital just in time for Halloween. While these murder mystery novels are often accompanied by a sense of suspense and horror, ‘A Haunting In Venice’ leans straight into the horror theme by placing the murder inside a haunted palazzo.

    Releasing on Halloween means the film will just make the Huluween line-up at the end of its celebration. Additionally, ‘A Haunting In Venice’ will also be available to rent or purchase on digital on the same day.

    Related Article: Movie Review: ‘A Haunting In Venice’

    The Film Switched From Shooting In 70 Millimeter To Digital

    Director Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot and crew on the set of 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting In Venice.'
    (L to R) Director Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot and crew on the set of 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting In Venice.’ Photo by Rob Youngson. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Branagh teams up once again with cinematographer Haris Zambarloukos (‘Death on the Nile’, ‘The Orient Express’). In an interview with Collider, the British cinematographer expands on why they made the switch from filming on 70 millimeter to digital, “There were a lot of photographic characteristics that we wanted to maintain in the Poirot films. One was a certain kind of clarity, the other is a sense of depth of field.” he explains.

    “One of the things that I think makes the intimacy of the portraiture that we have used on previous Poirot films is that we work at a slightly higher depth of field than most films, T4. Not ‘Citizen Kane‘ levels, but just enough that a face and its features are all in focus. So, we wanted to shoot with a large format lens camera system that was in the highest sensitivity to light, and that was the Sony Venice 2. Those photographic elements were more important than the analog versus digital – that we were able to shoot at low-light levels but with our preferred depth of field. Those were the choices behind shooting this with a digital camera.”

    Where Can I Watch ‘A Haunting In Venice’?

    Kelly Reilly as Rowena Drake in 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting In Venice.'
    Kelly Reilly as Rowena Drake in 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting In Venice.’ Photo by Rob Youngson. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    ‘A Haunting In Venice’ held its world premiere at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square at the West End London on September 11th. It was released domestically on September 15, 2023, and is still available in theaters if you want to experiment it in standard format or in IMAX. ‘A Haunting In Venice’ has a total runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes.

    Buy Tickets: ‘A Haunting in Venice’ Movie Showtimes

    Watch the official trailers for ‘A Haunting In Venice’ below:

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    The movie will be available on digital on October 31 on major platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, YouTube, and Google Play for rent or purchase.

    Where to Watch: ‘A Haunting In Venice’ Online

    Fans of physical media can also look forward to 4K UHD, Blu-Ray, and DVD release of the film on November 28.

    Buy ‘A Haunting In Venice’ Movie On Amazon

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    The official synopsis for ‘A Haunting In Venice’ is below:

    Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) has retired from detective work and has moved to Italy to live a quiet life. His peace is interrupted when old friend and novelist Ariadne Oliver (Tina Fey) stops by and insists he attends a séance on Halloween in order to expose a psychic named Joyce Reynolds (Michelle Yeoh). However, when a murder occurs, Poirot vows to catch the killer within the haunted palazzo.

    Who Is In The Cast of ‘A Haunting In’?

    Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting in Venice.'
    Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting in Venice.’ Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

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  • Movie Review: ‘A Haunting in Venice’

    Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting In Venice.'
    Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting In Venice.’ Photo by Rob Youngson. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Opening in theaters on September 15th is ‘A Haunting in Venice,’ which is the third film in actor and director Kenneth Branagh’s Agatha Christie trilogy following 2017’s ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ and 2022’s ‘Death on the Nile.’

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    What is the plot of ‘A Haunting in Venice’?

    Following the events of ‘Death on the Nile,’ the world’s greatest detective, Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh), has retired and is now living a quiet life in Italy. One day he is visited by his old friend and mystery novelist Ariadne Oliver (Tina Fey), who invites him to a séance on Halloween to expose a fraudulent psychic named Joyce Reynolds (Michelle Yeoh). But when someone if murdered, Poirot vows to catch the killer.

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    Who is in the cast of ‘A Haunting in Venice’?

    Initial Thoughts

    Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot and Tina Fey as Ariadne Oliver in 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting In Venice.'
    (L to R) Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot and Tina Fey as Ariadne Oliver in 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting In Venice.’ Photo by Rob Youngson. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    ‘A Haunting in Venice’ feels more like an epilogue than an actual third installment but is still a fairly entertaining yet predictable mystery movie. Kenneth Branagh gives another good performance as Hercule Poirot but the film never really seems to come together as a whole. The new supporting cast create interesting foils for Poirot, but ultimately, the mystery is not that hard for the audience to solve.

    Story and Direction

    Director Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot and crew on the set of 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting In Venice.'
    (L to R) Director Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot and crew on the set of 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting In Venice.’ Photo by Rob Youngson. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    The movie begins by introducing us to an older and weathered Hercule Poirot (Branagh), who is now retired from detective work and living a quiet life in Italy. One day he is visited by his old friend, an American mystery novelist named Ariadne Oliver (Fey), who’s most popular literary character is based on Poirot himself. Oliver invites Poirot to a séance on Halloween night at the house of the wealthy Rowena Drake (Reilly), who recently lost her daughter in a tragic accident. The séance is being conducted by a medium named Joyce Reynolds (Michelle Yeoh). Oliver believes she is the real deal and wants to base her next novel on her, but needs Poirot, ever the skeptic, to witness her work and confirm she’s for real.

    Poirot is not impressed by Reynolds, and confirms his suspicions but is then attacked by an unknown assailant. Not long after, one of the guests is murdered and with a storm closing the canals, the remaining guests are trapped in Drake’s house, presumably with the killer, and with nowhere else to go. While waiting for the weather to clear, Poirot begins to investigate and questions everyone, including Oliver, Drake, her doctor, Dr. Leslie Ferrier (Jamie Dornan), and his young son, Leopold Ferrier (Jude Hill).

    I enjoyed both of Branagh’s other Agatha Christie movies, ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ and ‘Death on the Nile,’ but ‘A Haunting in Venice’ lacks the scope or style of its predecessors. It feels rushed, truncated and lacking of any real purpose. In fact, Branagh’s performance is really the only bright spot in the movie, which is otherwise tedious. But as a director, Branagh adds no style or freshness to the movie. It’s pretty much a paint-by-numbers mystery, and nothing is added to make that more sophisticated or cinematic. The first two movies benefited from the exotic locations which Branagh shot in an epic manner, but the director does not utilize his backdrop here, as most scenes take place at night, in the rain, or inside.

    A scene from 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting in Venice.'
    A scene from 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting in Venice.’ Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Kenneth Branagh’s performance as Hercule Poirot

    Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting in Venice.'
    Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting in Venice.’ Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    The only saving grace ‘Haunting’ offers is Branagh’s solid performance as Poirot. After three movies the actor really has the character down, and it helps that we as an audience have embraced him in this role. In this outing, Branagh explores Poirot’s age and his passion for life after spending so much of it surrounded by death. This Poirot is older, weathered, and questioning himself, maybe for the first time in his life, and it’s an interesting juxtaposition for the character. Also this time around, Branagh wisely chose to cut back Poirot’s signature mustache just a bit, which doesn’t affect the character or the performance, but is a little less distracting than in the previous films.

    Related Article: Movie Review: ‘Death on the Nile’ 

    Supporting Cast

    Tina Fey as Ariadne Oliver, Michelle Yeoh as Mrs. Reynolds, and Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting In Venice.'
    (L to R) Tina Fey as Ariadne Oliver, Michelle Yeoh as Mrs. Reynolds, and Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting In Venice.’ Photo by Rob Youngson. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    This is where the movie starts to fall apart, and it’s not the fault of the actors, who are all very good, but their characters are either poorly written or not fleshed out enough. Now some may not care for Tina Fey’s performance as Ariadne Oliver, as she is basically doing a Katherine Hepburn impression, but I actually thought the characterization fit well considering the movie’s 1940’s setting. Oliver is feisty and smart, and a good companion to Poirot, and Fey has nice chemistry with Branagh. However, without giving anything away, a twist in the third act renders the character unreliable.

    Jude Hill, who was last seen in Branagh’s Oscar-winning ‘Belfast,’ gives a good performance as the precocious Leopold Ferrier and has strong chemistry with Jamie Dornan, who once again plays his father as he did in ‘Belfast.’ As Dr. Leslie Ferrier, Dornan is solid and plays a man with PTSD well, but the character is not given enough to do and is basically used as a red herring to the mystery.

    Recent Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh has a few fun scenes as the psychic Joyce Reynolds, but again, is really not given a lot to do. You don’t really get a chance to know the character or understand her motivations in her limited screentime, and again, it’s a shame the character was used as a bit of a red herring. It was nice to see ‘Yellowstone’ actress Kelly Reilly return to the big screen, and while the actress plays the role to the best of her abilities, the character was terribly written and weakens the mystery at the core of the story.

    Predictable Mystery

    Kelly Reilly as Rowena Drake in 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting In Venice.'
    Kelly Reilly as Rowena Drake in 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting In Venice.’ Photo by Rob Youngson. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    The real problem with ‘A Haunting in Venice’ is that the mystery is too predictable and easy to solve. While there was a bit of a twist in the third act, I knew who the killer was from the beginning and it just seemed too obvious. While the previous movies had third act twists as well, they seemed fresh and original at the time and this one just feels like we’ve seen it before.

    Final Thoughts

    Tina Fey as Ariadne Oliver and Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting In Venice.'
    (L to R) Tina Fey as Ariadne Oliver and Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting In Venice.’ Photo by Rob Youngson. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    While ‘A Haunting in Venice’ is a serviceable and entertaining enough movie that includes another fine performance by Branagh as Poirot, it lacks the fun and urgency of the previous films and features an extremely predictable mystery at its core.

    ‘A Haunting in Venice’ receives 5 out of 10 stars.

    Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios' 'A Haunting In Venice.'
    Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot in 20th Century Studios’ ‘A Haunting In Venice.’ Photo by Rob Youngson. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

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    Buy Tickets: ‘A Haunting in Venice’ Movie Showtimes

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    ‘A Haunting in Venice’ is produced by 20th Century Studios, Scott Free Productions, The Mark Gordon Company, and Genre Films. It is set to release in theaters on September 15th, 2023.

     

     

  • Where To Watch ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’

    Optimus Primal and Optimus Prime in 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.'
    (L to R) Optimus Primal and Optimus Prime in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.’ Paramount Pictures and Skydance Present in association with Hasbro and New Republic Pictures, a di Bonaventura Pictures Production, a Tom Desanto /Don Murphy Production, a Bay Films Production.

    Autobots, roll out! The latest installment of the Transformers franchise ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ transports the audience to the home world of the Maximals and introduces Unicron – also known as the Chaosbringer, who consumes planets.

    The official synopsis for ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ is below:

    “Returning to the action and spectacle that have captured moviegoers around the world, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will take audiences on a ’90s globetrotting adventure with the Autobots and introduce a whole new faction of Transformer — the Maximals — to the existing battle on earth between Autobots and Decepticons.”

    The cast of ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’’ includes Anthony Ramos (‘In The Heights’) as Noah Diaz, Dominique Fishback (‘Judas and the Black Messiah’) as Elena Wallace, Ron Perlman (‘Drive’) as Optimus Primal, Peter Dinklage (‘Cyrano’) as Scourge, Michelle Yeoh (‘The School for Good and Evil’) as Airazor, Pete Davidson (‘Fast X’) as Mirage, Colman Domingo (‘Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken’) as Unicron, John DiMaggio (‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’) as Stratosphere, Cristo Fernandez (‘Ted Lasso’) as Wheeljack, Liza Koshysteve (‘Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken’) as Acree, Luna Lauren Velez (‘Spider-man: Across the Spider-Verse’) as Breanna Diaz, Dean Scott Vazquez (‘Theater Camp’) as Kris Diaz, and Tobe Nwigwe as Reek.

    ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ was released domestically on June 9, 2023.

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    Maximals On The Big Screen

    Optimus Primal, Cheetor, Wheeljack and Arcee in 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.'
    (L to R) Optimus Primal, Cheetor, Wheeljack and Arcee in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.’ Paramount Pictures and Skydance Present in association with Hasbro and New Republic Pictures, a di Bonaventura Pictures Production, a Tom Desanto /Don Murphy Production, a Bay Films Production.

    This is the first time the Maximals faction is introduced in the ‘Transformers’ franchise. They are descendants of the Autobots and in their fight with the Terrorcons, they are forced leave behind their homeworld and hide out on Earth until the Terrorcon figured out their location.

    Similar to Autobots, the Maximals can also transform. Instead of transforming into vehicles and aircrafts, Maximals transform into Animal-like robots. The Maximals in the film are Optimus Primal, Apelinq, Airazor, Cheetor, and Rhinox.

    Before they made their big screen debut, the Maximals were Introduced in Beast Wars – a computer animated TV series from 1996. There are four factions in Transformers – Autobots, Decepticons, Maximals, and Predacons.

    Where Does This Take Place In The Transformers Franchise?

    Arcee, Optimus Prime, and Bumblebee in 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.'
    (L to R) Arcee, Optimus Prime, and Bumblebee in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.’ Paramount Pictures and Skydance Present
    in association with Hasbro and New Republic Pictures, a di Bonaventura Pictures Production, a Tom Desanto /Don Murphy Production, a Bay Films Production.

    The first ‘Transformers‘ film was directed by Michael Bay and was released in 2007, starring Shia LeBeouf and Megan Fox. Since then, there have been six Transformers movies, include ‘Rise of the Beasts’. Director Michael Bay helmed the first five films until the franchise received a “soft reboot” in 2017 with Travis Knight’s ‘Bumblebee’, which starred Hailee Steinfeld and fan-favorite Autobot Bumblebee.

    Knight’s film took place in the 1980s while Steven Caple Jr.’s film takes place in the 90s, serving as a sequel to ‘Bumblebee’. In the film, there was a small nod to the 2017 film where Optimus Prime acknowledges that Bumblebee has made a human friend during his initial arrival on Earth.

    Paramount has already confirmed there will be two more sequels to follow, though it is unclear whether stars Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback will be involved. There is also a scene in the film that eludes to the Transformers franchise potentially having a cross-over with another Hasbro property. If this cross-over does happen, it would be the first time in live-action for these two Hasbro IPs exist in the same movie.

    Related Article: Every Transformers Movie Ranked!

    Where Can I Watch ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’?

    Mirage in 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.'
    Mirage in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.’ Paramount Pictures and Skydance Present in association with Hasbro and New Republic Pictures, a di Bonaventura Pictures Production, a Tom Desanto /Don Murphy Production, a Bay Films Production.

    The movie held its premiere at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore on May 27, 2023. It was released domestically on June 9, 2023, and is currently playing in theaters in formats such as IMAX, RealD 3D, Dolby cinema, and 4DX. Be sure to check showtimes on Moviefone below.

    Buy Tickets: ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ Movie Showtimes

    Watch the official trailers for ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ below:

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    As of July 11, 2023, the film has been made available on digital for rent or purchase. Services such as Apple TV, Prime Video, Vudu, YouTube, Microsoft, Redbox, and Google Play will have it for $19.99 or $24.99 respectively.

    Where To Watch: ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ Online

    For DVD and blu-ray release, that’ll come on October 10, 2023. Bonus content will include:

    • ‘Human Affairs’ – In a world of robots, machines, and aliens, we explore the humans who help save the world.
    • ‘Life in the 90s’ – The filmmakers discuss how the music, set design, fashion, and cultural references transport viewers to New York in the 90s.
    • ‘Heroes’ – Get an inside look at the inspiration and thought process behind designing the Autobots and the Maximals.
    • ‘Villains’ – Watch as the filmmakers bring the Terrorcons and Predacons to life.
    • ‘The Chase’ – Meet Mirage, a new Autobot that converts into a 1993 Porsche, and experience the adrenaline-filled car chase through New York City.
    • ‘The Battle of Ellis Island’ – Join the cast and crew as they go behind-the-scene of the epic battle sequence between the Autobots and the Terrorcons at the museum.
    • ‘Into the Jungle’ – The Transformers franchise has been filmed all over the globe. This time, join the cast and crew as they explore the new and exotic location of Peru.
    • ‘The Switchback Attack’ – Witness the wild and intense driving sequences filmed on location in Peru where the Autobots fight the Terrorcons through a town square and into the mountains 15,000 feet up.
    • ‘The Final Conflict’ – Get a behind-the-scenes look at the film’s epic climax. Watch as the Autobots, Maximals, Noah, and Elena attempt to save the world
    • ‘Extended/Deleted Scenes’ – Includes an alternate opening and ending to the film.

    Buy ‘Transformer: Rise of the Beasts’ on Amazon

    ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ rolls out into theaters on June 9th.
    ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ rolls out into theaters on June 9th.

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    Please click on the video player below to watch our interviews with the cast and crew of ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.’
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  • ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ Cast Interviews

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    Opening in theaters on June 9th is the seventh live-action ‘Transformers‘ movie entitled ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,’ which was directed by Steven Caple Jr. (‘Creed II’).

    What is the plot of ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’?

    ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ will take audiences on a ‘90s globetrotting adventure with the Autobots and introduce a whole new faction of Transformers, the Maximals, to join them as allies in the existing battle for earth.

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    Who is in the cast of ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’?

    ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ stars Anthony Ramos (‘A Star is Born’) as Noah Diaz, Dominique Fishback (‘Judas and the Black Messiah’) as Elena Wallace, Luna Lauren Velez (‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’) as Breanna Diaz, Tobe Nwigwe (Netflix’s ‘Mo’) as Reek, Dean Scott Vazquez (‘In the Heights’) as Kris Dias, and Michael Kelly (‘Man of Steel’) in an undisclosed role.

    The movie also features the voices of Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime, Pete Davidson as Mirage, Liza Koshy as Arcee, Cristos Fernandez as Wheeljack, John DiMaggio as Stratosphere, Ron Perlman as Optimus Primal, Michelle Yeoh as Airazor, David Sobolov as Rhinox, Tonagayi Chirisa as Cheetor, Peter Dinklage as Scourge, Michaela Jae Rodriguez as Nightbird, and Colman Domingo as Unicron.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback about their work on ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,’ their love for the franchise, their characters, and working with the beloved robots.

    Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback star in 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.'
    (L to R) Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback star in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.’ Paramount Pictures and Skydance Present in association with Hasbro and New Republic Pictures, a di Bonaventura Pictures Production, a Tom Desanto /Don Murphy Production, a Bay Films Production.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Ramos, Fishback, and Tobe Nwigwe.

    Moviefone: To begin with, Anthony, how familiar were you with the ‘Transformers’ universe before making this movie?

    Anthony Ramos: Very. ‘Beast Wars: Transformers’ was a childhood favorite and I love all the Maximals. I went crazy when Optimus Primal in the movie says, “Maximals maximize.” I promise you, I jumped out of my seat. That moment got me more hyped than the Autobots roll out, because ‘Beast Wars’ was such a huge part of my childhood, so I’m deeply connected to these characters. Then, I saw the ‘Transformers’ movies after that, so I’ve been a big fan.

    Arcee, Optimus Prime, and Bumblebee in 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.'
    (L to R) Arcee, Optimus Prime, and Bumblebee in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.’ Paramount Pictures and Skydance Present in association with Hasbro and New Republic Pictures, a di Bonaventura Pictures Production, a Tom Desanto /Don Murphy Production, a Bay Films Production.

    MF: Dominique, how about you? Were you a fan of ‘Transformers’ before being cast in this film?

    Dominique Fishback: Actually, when Anthony was watching the cartoons, I was watching a bunch of romances, so I was not aware. But I loved ‘Even Stevens,’ and I loved Shia LaBeouf in that show, and I was a huge Disney fan. I always wanted to be an actor. So when he went from ‘Even Stevens’ to ‘Transformers,’ I was like, “Oh man, okay.” I was mapping it out in my head, like, “Okay, I have to do something like that, a show and then a movie like ‘Transformers.’” I never thought that it would actually be ‘Transformers’, so it’s really incredible.

    Anthony Ramos stars in 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.'
    Anthony Ramos stars in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.’ Paramount Pictures and Skydance Present in association with Hasbro and New Republic Pictures, a di Bonaventura Pictures Production, a Tom Desanto /Don Murphy Production, a Bay Films Production.

    MF: Anthony, can you talk about why Noah is so willing to help the Transformers and join forces with them?

    AR: He’s broke. There’s a lot of things you’ll do when you are not making money, but he’s also desperate. He’s desperate too, and that desperation comes for his love for his family and wanting to be able to help them and support them and his sick brother. It almost seems like he feels like this is a last resort. Obviously, he probably eventually would’ve gotten a job, but I think it’s a movie about robots and Transformers, and it only seems right that his last resort is to join these robot aliens.

    Dominique Fishback stars in 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.'
    Dominique Fishback stars in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.’ Paramount Pictures and Skydance Present in association with Hasbro and New Republic Pictures, a di Bonaventura Pictures Production, a Tom Desanto /Don Murphy Production, a Bay Films Production.

    MF: Dominique, can you talk about Elena’s growth as a character throughout the course of the movie?

    DF: I think the growth is just being intentional with (director) Steven Caple Jr. and saying, “Okay, in acting school, you learn how is a character different from the beginning of the movie to the end of the movie, from the beginning of the scene to the end of the scene.” So she starts off, the beginning of the movie, really engaged in her books and not going for the adventure. I think too, she’s a little bit scared to put herself out there. She lives behind her books, and I think even in the beginning, it’s like, “Oh, you want me to go?” Then, by the end, there’s a sense of, “I’m here for this fight as well, and I’m not leaving either,” type of thing.

    Dominique Fishback and Anthony Ramos star in 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.'
    (L to R) Dominique Fishback and Anthony Ramos star in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.’

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    ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ is produced by Skydance, Paramount, di Bonaventura Pictures, Bay Films, New Republic Pictures, Tom DeSanto/Don Murphy Production, Hasbro Studios, Entertainment One, and Amblin Entertainment. It is set to release in theaters on June 9th, 2023.

     

  • Movie Review: ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’

    Optimus Primal and Optimus Prime in 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.'
    (L to R) Optimus Primal and Optimus Prime in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.’ Paramount Pictures and Skydance Present in association with Hasbro and New Republic Pictures, a di Bonaventura Pictures Production, a Tom Desanto /Don Murphy Production, a Bay Films Production.

    In theaters June 9th, ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ offers the usual combination of robo-clashes and half-hearted human characters while proving that the franchise is really starting to run out of invention or momentum.

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    What’s the story of ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’?

    ‘Rise of the Beasts’ opens on the planet of the Maximals, a group of Transformers who arrived years ago and assumed the forms of native fauna in order to blend in (sort of). But when Scourge (Peter Dinklage), the henchman of living planet Unicron (Colman Domingo) seeking a vital McGuffin, the heroic Maximals are forced to escape, ending up on Earth thousands of years before the Autobots.

    Cut to Brooklyn of the 1990s, where Noah Diaz (Anthony Ramos) is trying to support his single mother and ailing younger brother while being turned down for various jobs. Drawn into a heist by an acquaintance, he accidently ends up stealing a Porsche that is actually the Autobot Mirage (voiced by Pete Davidson) and is suddenly thrust into a battle for the future of both the robots and the planet –– as Unicron, Scourge and their other evil associates have tracked the Maximals to Earth.

    Noah agrees to help Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen) and the other robots to find what they need to defeat Unicron, and that ends up pulling museum researcher Elena Wallace (Dominique Fishback) into the mission. Soon, they’re racing to stop Unicron’s plan to devour the Earth, with the help of Maximals such as Optimus Primal (Ron Perlman) and Airazor (Michelle Yeoh).

    Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback star in 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.'
    (L to R) Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback star in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.’ Paramount Pictures and Skydance Present in association with Hasbro and New Republic Pictures, a di Bonaventura Pictures Production, a Tom Desanto /Don Murphy Production, a Bay Films Production.

    Who else is in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’?

    The cast also includes John DiMaggio as the voice of Stratosphere, ‘Ted Lasso’s Cristo Fernández voicing Wheeljack, Liza Koshy as Arcee, Luna Lauren Velez as Mrs. Diaz and Dean Scott Vazquez as Kris.

    Director Steven Caple Jr. on the set of 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.'
    Director Steven Caple Jr. on the set of ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.’ Paramount Pictures and Skydance Present in association with Hasbro and New Republic Pictures, a di Bonaventura Pictures Production, a Tom Desanto /Don Murphy Production, a Bay Films Production.

    Robots in Disappointment

    If this was supposed to be Paramount’s big return for the ‘Transformers’ franchise, it is, sad to report, a big miss.

    Directed by Steven Caple Jr. (who has already done decent work on a sequel with ‘Creed II’), the new movie mostly boasts re-heated plot elements and ideas, while throwing in very little that is fresh or new.

    It’s yet another hunt for an energy thingy that will save or destroy everything, leading to very little that will engage all but the youngest cinemagoers.

    Most annoyingly, while the movie does its best to hand wave the idea that humanity at large isn’t aware of the giant robots in their midst until the 2000s setting of the first Michael Bay film, the events that transpire here simply don’t support that.

    Unicron, meanwhile, is far from a compelling baddie, mostly seen through communication with Scourge like an angry boss who keeps ranting at his employees. Scourge himself, despite the best efforts of the effects team, is a stock lead henchman who threatens our heroes.

    Nightbird, Scourge and Battletrap in 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.'
    (L to R) Nightbird, Scourge and Battletrap in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.’ Paramount Pictures and Skydance Present in association with Hasbro and New Republic Pictures, a di Bonaventura Pictures Production, a Tom Desanto /Don Murphy Production, a Bay Films Production.

    And most annoyingly, he has a particular power used against one of the Maximals later in the film that is so effective you have to wonder why he doesn’t employ it more often. Maybe it takes a lot out of the poor guy. Not that anyone is expecting careful logic from a ‘Transformers’ movie, but it makes the experience of watching it that much more frustrating.

    The action is relatively perfunctory, though clearer than the later Bay movies, even if Caple Jr. can’t compete with the stylish levels of “Bayhem.” There are still moments, though, where it’s tough to figure out which hunk of metal is battling which. And don’t get us started on a final act moment that comes across as the laziest rip-off of ‘Iron Man’ possibly conceived, suffering from cheap effects and a ludicrous deus ex Maximals.

    Plus, between this and his useless cameo in ‘Fast X’, it might truly be time for a moratorium on movie appearances by Pete Davidson –– he’s such a one-note performer and Mirage is rarely as funny as he thinks he is. Thank goodness for Cullen, who, even when he’s playing a weirdly angry Optimus, does so with some flare.

    As for the Maximals, they’re less believable performances from respected (and in Yeoh’s case, recently Oscar-winning) actors, and more the bored sound of people crammed into a voice booth and asked to recite trope-heavy dialogue that you’ve heard in a hundred movies such as this.

    Oh, and because no giant studio movie can escape the lure of franchise building and potential crossovers, there’s a scene after the credits that nods towards connections with another big Hasbro property that has faltered on the big screen. It’s less likely to make fans cheer than make them sigh and wonder when the movie was going to earn this.

    Bumblebee in 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.'
    Bumblebee in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.’ Paramount Pictures and Skydance Present in association with Hasbro and New Republic Pictures, a di Bonaventura Pictures Production, a Tom Desanto /Don Murphy Production, a Bay Films Production.

    What works?

    The ‘Transformers’ movies have tried to nod towards its human characters’ storylines (‘Bumblebee’ most effectively), and ‘Rise of the Beasts’ offers Ramos and Fishback at least something to do outside of running and reacting to the giant metal creatures.

    They’re pleasingly not forced into the cliched love story, and actually contribute to the narrative, even giving the likes of Noah’s ill younger brother something to do beyond look cute and be a driving force for him changing his life.

    Optimus Primal, Cheetor, Wheeljack and Arcee in 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.'
    (L to R) Optimus Primal, Cheetor, Wheeljack and Arcee in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.’ Paramount Pictures and Skydance Present in association with Hasbro and New Republic Pictures, a di Bonaventura Pictures Production, a Tom Desanto /Don Murphy Production, a Bay Films Production.

    Fans will be excited to see the Maximals enter the movie canon, though like the Dinobots before them, they largely end up as reasons for our heroes to go on a new mission rather than truly believable as characters in their own right.

    The ‘Transformers’ team appears to have learned only a few lessons from ‘Bumblebee’, and ‘Rise of the Beasts’ mostly feels like a backwards step in a franchise that peaked with the 2007 original. It’s not entirely without merit, but the entertainment value could use more energon crystals.

    ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ receives 4 out of 10 stars.

    ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ rolls out into theaters on June 9th.
    ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ rolls out into theaters on June 9th.

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    Buy Tickets: ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ Movie Showtimes

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    ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ is produced by Skydance, Paramount, di Bonaventura Pictures, Bay Films, New Republic Pictures, Tom DeSanto/Don Murphy Production, Hasbro Studios, Entertainment One, and Amblin Entertainment. It is set to release in theaters on June 9th, 2023.

     

  • ‘American Born Chinese’ Interview: Sydney Taylor and Ben Wang

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    Premiering on Disney+ beginning May 24th is the new series ‘American Born Chinese,’ which was created by writer and actor Kelvin Yu (‘Wonder Woman 1984’) from the graphic novel of the same name by Gene Luen Yang.

    What is the plot of ‘American Born Chinese’?

    ‘American Born Chinese’ tells the story of teenager Jin Wang (Ben Wang), a son of Chinese immigrants, who for the most part is a typical high school kid. He collects manga, tries to join the soccer team, and is on a journey dealing with his own identity as he tries to figure out who he is. One day, Wei-Chen (Jimmy Liu), an exchange student, arrives at Jin’s school. Unlike Jin, Wei-Chen didn’t grow up in America, is loud and open by nature, and doesn’t inhabit Jin’s self-doubt and insecurities. At times, this causes Jin to feel embarrassed being associated with Wei-Chen who’s very different.

    Wei-Chen is revealed to be the son of Sun Wukong (Daniel Wu), commonly known as the Monkey King, a legendary figure in Chinese literature. Wei-Chen had a dream that the mythical Fourth Scroll can stop an uprising against Heaven. The dream also told him that an ordinary teenager is destined to aid him in his search. So Wei-Chen stole his father’s magical staff and is now, disguised as a high-schooler, searching for the scroll in earthly California, convinced that Jin is the ordinary teenager from his prophetic dream.

    Who is in the cast of ‘American Born Chinese’?

    ‘American Born Chinese’ stars Ben Wang (‘Sex Appeal‘) as Jin Wang, Yeo Yann Yann (‘Havoc‘) as Christine Wang, Chin Han (‘Mortal Kombat‘) as Simon Wang, Oscar-winner Ke Huy Quan (‘The Goonies‘) as Jamie Yao, Jimmy Liu as Wei-Chen, Sydney Taylor as Amelia, Daniel Wu (‘Reminiscence‘) as Sun Wukong, Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh (‘Crazy Rich Asians‘) as Guanyin, Ronny Chieng (‘M3GAN‘) as Ji Gong, Rosalie Chiang (‘Turning Red‘) as Suzy Nakamura, James Hong (‘Big Trouble in Little China‘) as Jade Emperor, Jimmy O. Yang (‘80 for Brady‘) as Ao Guang, and Stephanie Hsu (‘Everything Everywhere All at Once‘) as Shiji Niangniang.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of sitting with Sydney Taylor and Ben Wang to talk about their work on ‘American Born Chinese,’ what the series means to Wang, how he’s similar to his character, Jin and Amelia’s relationship, her home life, and Jin’s friendship with Wei-Chen.

    Sydney Taylor and Ben Wang star in Disney+'s 'American Born Chinese.'
    (L to R) Sydney Taylor and Ben Wang star in Disney+’s ‘American Born Chinese.’

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Taylor and Wang, Daniel Wu, Jimmy Liu, Yeo Yann Yann, Chin Han, and executive producers Gene Luen Yang and Melvin Mar.

    Moviefone: To begin with, Ben, what is it like for you to be on a series like this that features real representation?

    Ben Wang: I don’t know if I have the right words to describe how I feel. It is a bit overwhelming, but also this show, we’ve been sitting on it for a year. I’ve been pumped for everybody to see it. For like a year now, I’ve known how great it is and so I’m just really excited for everybody else to find out too. I’d never had a show like this when I was growing up and I know that it would’ve been really helpful for me to have a show like this. I’m really glad and grateful that I get to be a part of this project.

    MF: Ben, what are some of the things that you can relate to personally between your character and your real life?

    BW: All of the things, every single one of the things. When I read the script, when I read the graphic novel, it was like (Graphic novel author) Gene (Luen Yang) had spied on me while I was growing up and just drew frames from my exact life. Everything down to Jin’s aesthetic, his shirt and his terrible haircut is everything I had. I would walk on set and they’d be like, “Is that your costume or is that what you came here today in?” I’d have to tell them every time. So it was kind of incredible to see that degree of specific representation. It caught me off guard and then it made me really emotional because I had never seen that before.

    Sydney Taylor and Ben Wang star in Disney+'s 'American Born Chinese.'
    (L to R) Sydney Taylor and Ben Wang star in Disney+’s ‘American Born Chinese.’ Photo: Disney/Carlos Lopez-Calleja.

    Related Article: Stephanie Hsu and Ashley Park Discuss Universality of ‘Joy Ride’

    MF: Sydney, how would you describe Amelia and Jin’s relationship?

    Sydney Taylor: I think Amelia and Jin’s relationship, it’s very different from beginning to end. Because the story is told through Jin’s eyes, I think in the beginning it sort of starts like Amelia is this perfect being that has all of the things he wants. She’s this all-American girl, is popular and pretty, and this and that, and everyone likes her and all of these things. Then he sort of idolizes her to a certain extent at the start. So, then, as the story continues, we get to see that relationship sort of change and that he sees her as more of a person than this unattainable thing on a pedestal. She gets to be an actual person to him. So then as that changes, we get to see their relationship form a better connection with each other. They end with this really wonderful relationship, and friendship, and closeness.

    MF: Sydney, can you also talk about Amelia’s less than perfect home life?

    ST: Yes, that was largely accredited to the writers. It was written in such a good way because it’s told through his eyes, so we see her as very almost one-dimensional. It’s a really great reveal that she largely represents the universal experience of not feeling understood, not feeling like you get along with people, having issues with your parents, and having issues with yourself. I think she serves as a really good universal being.

    Ben Wang and Jimmy Liu star in Disney+'s 'American Born Chinese.'
    (L to R) Ben Wang and Jimmy Liu star in Disney+’s ‘American Born Chinese.’ Photo: Disney/Carlos Lopez-Calleja.

    MF: Finally, Ben, can you talk about Jin’s friendship with Wei-Chen?

    BW: It’s a complicated friendship. It’s a complicated friendship for many reasons. Wei-Chen is a monkey God and Jin is an awkward little boy from Earth. But more importantly, it’s complicated because they’re so different as people. Wei-Chen is this sort of hyper-confident kid who goes into any situation, guns blazing without a single shred of doubt in himself. Jin is like 99% doubt. So they have a lot to teach each other about. The progression of their twin arcs throughout the series is they sort of meet in the middle, right? Wei-Chen teaches Jin how to be more confident. What is a healthy amount of confidence? I almost want to say what is a healthy amount of pride to take in yourself, a healthy amount to believe in yourself? Jin teaches Wei-Chen that sometimes you have to slow down, sometimes you have to think, sometimes you have to work things through, and sometimes you have to think about other people, not just the thing you want. So for the two of them, it’s a story about their friendship and it’s a story about the two of them teaching each other how to be better people, and growing up together.

    ‘American Born Chinese' premieres on Disney+ beginning May 24th.
    ‘American Born Chinese’ premieres on Disney+ beginning May 24th.

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    Buy Michelle Yeoh Movies On Amazon

  • Michelle Yeoh Starring in ‘Star Trek’ Movie

    Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou on Paramount+'s 'Star Trek: Discovery.'
    Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou on Paramount+’s ‘Star Trek: Discovery.’

    Michelle Yeoh made a big impact on the world of ‘Star Trek’ from the very first episode of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. As Captain Phillipa Georgiou, she was a powerful presence… at least (spoiler alert if you’ve somehow not caught up on the episode, which screened in 2017) until she died at the hands (and blade) of a Klingon warrior.

    Yet that was not the end for Yeoh’s story –– a trip to the Mirror Universe (established all the way back in the 1960s original ‘Star Trek’) revealed that there was another Georgiou –– and she was Emperor of the cruel Terran Empire. She eventually ended up helping our heroes, and in a deleted scene, was approached by a member of the stealthy organization Section 31.

    In 2019, we learned that Paramount+ was developing a series featuring Georgiou working for Section 31, but plans have now shifted. Yeoh will now star in a TV movie called ‘Star Trek: Section 31.’

    'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine' (1993 - 1999).
    ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’ (1993 – 1999).

    What is Section 31?

    First introduced in ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’, Section 31 was an organization which claimed to protect the security interests of United Earth and, later, the United Federation of Planets. During the mid-23rd century, they were considered a critical division of Starfleet Intelligence, while by the 24th century, they were believed to be a rogue organization not considered part of the Federation but were in fact still part of Starfleet Intelligence.

    There are no plot details for the show yet, beyond a basic synopsis: “Emperor Philippa Georgiou joins a secret division of Starfleet tasked with protecting the United Federation of Planets and faces the sins of her past.”

    Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou of the CBS All Access series 'Star Trek: Discovery.'
    Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou of the CBS All Access series ‘Star Trek: Discovery.’ Photo: Russ Martin/CBS All Access 2017 CBS Interactive. All Rights Reserved.

    Related Article: Full List of 95th Academy Awards Winners

    Who is making the movie?

    Craig Sweeny is writing the script, with ‘Discovery’ veteran Olatunde Osunsanmi directing.

    Here’s what Yeoh had to say about Georgiou’s return,

    “I’m beyond thrilled to return to my ‘Star Trek’ family and to the role I’ve loved for so long. Section 31 has been near and dear to my heart since I began the journey of playing Philippa all the way back when this new golden age of ‘Star Trek’ launched. To see her finally get her moment is a dream come true in a year that’s shown me the incredible power of never giving up on your dreams. We can’t wait to share what’s in store for you, and until then: live long and prosper (unless Emperor Georgiou decrees otherwise)!”

    Executive producer Alex Kurtzman adds,

    “All the way back in 2017, before the first season of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ had even aired, Michelle had the idea to do a spin-off for her character, Philippa Georgiou. She broke new ground as one of the first two women on screen in the pilot to usher in a new age of ‘Trek,’ and now, six years later, ‘Star Trek: Section 31’ finally arrives on the heels of her latest groundbreaking win. Everyone on Team ‘Trek’ couldn’t be more thrilled to have our legendary friend return home to us as we expand our storytelling into new and uncharted corners of the Trekverse. Long live Emperor Georgiou; long live Michelle Yeoh!”

    Production on the movie will start later this year.

    In related Paramount+ (and indirectly, ‘Star Trek’ news), there is a change going on for the TV series spin-off of 1999 movie ‘Galaxy Quest’.

    The cult favorite film, directed by Dean Parisot, followed a ragtag group of actors played Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Tony Shalhoub, Sam Rockwell, and Daryl Mitchell who all once starred on a ‘Trek’-alike series called ‘Galaxy Quest’.

    One night, after their latest convention outing, the group is contacted by aliens who think their adventures are historical documents and have created a real version of their ship. There’s just one catch… the extraterrestrials need their help to fight the evil, powerful alien warlord Sarris (Robin Sachs). With the help of some young fans (including one played by Justin Long), they’re able to succeed.

    It has been a long road for development on a series based on the movie, but Paramount+ is trying again.

    Sam Rockwell, Alan Rickman, Tim Allen, Daryl Mitchell, Sigourney Weaver, and Tony Shalhoub in 'Galaxy Quest.'
    (L to R) Sam Rockwell, Alan Rickman, Tim Allen, Daryl Mitchell, Sigourney Weaver, and Tony Shalhoub in ‘Galaxy Quest.’ Photo: DreamWorks.

    What happened to the ‘Galaxy Quest’ series before?

    Paramount TV and Amazon were reported as developing a show aimed at continuing the story of the movie back in 2015. Writer Robert Gordon (who was one of the scribes on the movie), was aboard to craft a series script, but problems began over casting the original stars, and that was compounded by the tragic death of Rickman in January 2016.

    Yet there was still hope it could get made; actor, comedian and writer Paul Scheer took over a couple of years later and seemed upbeat about the idea.

    Here’s what Scheer said to Deadline,

    “Without giving much away, I don’t think there has ever been a better time to continue the ‘Galaxy Quest’ story with the explosion and popularity of sci-fi films in recent years. To be able to create and be a part of this world is just mind-blowing, and I’m approaching this truly as what I’d like to see as a fan.”

    Despite all that seemingly positive movement, the series lingered in space dock, seemingly unable to find traction.

    Amazon quietly dropped the idea recently, but Paramount is not ready to give up, with another version now at an early stage via Paramount+.

    Little has been announced about what shape it could take or whether the cast will be involved this time; indeed, no writer or director is attached yet. Mark Johnson, who was an executive producer on the 1999 movie, is driving development of the show, and the search is likely now on for a writer to flesh out the concept.

    By Grabthar’s Hammer, it still has a chance!

    Tim Allen, Alan Rickman, and Sigourney Weaver in 'Galaxy Quest.'
    (L to R) Tim Allen, Alan Rickman, and Sigourney Weaver in ‘Galaxy Quest.’

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    Buy ‘Star Trek’ Movies On Amazon

    Buy ‘Galaxy Quest’ Movies On Amazon

     

     

  • Where To Watch ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’

    Jamie Lee Curtis as Deirdre Beaubeirdre, and Michelle Yeoh as Evelyn Quan Wang in A24's 'Everything Everywhere All at Once.'
    (L to R) Jamie Lee Curtis as Deirdre Beaubeirdre, and Michelle Yeoh as Evelyn Quan Wang in A24’s ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once.’

    Watch out MCU! There’s a different kind of multiverse in town, complete with hot dog fingers.

    ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ has taken this awards season by storm. The A24 movie won big at the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing. The film’s leading stars Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan won the Golden Globes for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor respectively, and co-star Jamie Lee Curtis took home the award for Best Supporting Actress. The movie swept at the Screen Actors Guild Awards with Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan being the first Asian actors to win in the film category.

    All (googly) eyes were on ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ as the 95th Academy Awards drew near. The film was nominated for 11 awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Original Song, Best Costume Design, and Best Film Editing. The film won in 7 categories including Best Actress (Michelle Yeoh), Best Supporting Actor (Ke Huy Quan), Best Supporting Actress (Jamie Lee Curtis), Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Director, and Best Picture.

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    In the wild trailer for ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’, we see Michelle Yeoh (‘Shang-Chi And The Legend Of Ten Rings‘) not just as an exhausted immigrant mother Evelyn Wang, but also as a movie star, a martial artist, and many other variants from different universes.

    The film is written and directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, collectively known as “The Daniels” and it is described as “a big-hearted sci-fi adventure about an exhausted Chinese American woman (Michelle Yeoh) who can’t seem to finish her taxes”. And this is just in one universe. Throughout the movie, we meet many variants of the characters from parallel universes as every life choice creates a new alternative universe. Evelyn must work with the Alpha-verse variant Waymond to save the multiverse from Jobu Tupaki, a variant of Evelyn’s daughter, Joy.

    The film also stars Ke Huy Quan (‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom‘) as Waymond Wang, Stephanie Hsu (‘Poker Face‘) as Joy Wang, Jamie Lee Curtis (‘Halloween Ends‘) as IRS inspector Deirdre Beaubeirdre, and James Hong (‘Wendell & Wild‘) as Evelyn’s father.

    Michelle Yeoh at the 95th Oscars on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
    Michelle Yeoh at the 95th Oscars on Sunday, March 12, 2023. The 95th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC at 8 p.m. EDT/5 p.m. PDT.

    Michelle Yeoh Making History

    We have long enjoyed seeing Michelle Yeoh’s incredible work on the big screen. From executing death-defying stunts in ‘Supercop’ to the poised and formidable Eleanor Young in ‘Crazy Rich Asians’, Yeoh has over 60 movie and television credits under her belt. Playing Evelyn Wang in ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ gave Yeoh a chance to show off her incredible range. In an interview with the LA Times, she speaks about being approached by The Daniels for the role:

    “The first thing is you feel like, ‘Finally, thank you. You guys see me, you guys really see, and you’re giving me the opportunity to show that I’m capable of doing all this.’ As an actor, you need the opportunity. You need the role that will help you showcase what you are capable to do.”

    Yeoh’s win for outstanding performance by a female actor in a leading role at the Screen Actor’s Guild made her the first Asian woman to win in the film category. She is also the first woman to be identified as Asian to be nominated and win for Best Actress at the 95th Academy Awards.

    Michelle Yeoh really is everywhere all at once. Catch the Award-winning actress in the upcoming Disney+ series ‘American Born Chinese’ as Quanyin. She’ll also be in James Cameron’s ‘Avatar 3’, ‘Wicked’, ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beast’, and ‘A Haunting In Venice’

    Ke Huy Quan poses backstage with the Oscar® for Actor in a Supporting Role during the live ABC telecast of the 95th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
    Ke Huy Quan poses backstage with the Oscar® for Actor in a Supporting Role during the live ABC telecast of the 95th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

    Related Article: ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ Wins (Almost) Everything at the 2023 Oscars

    Ke Huy Quan’s Return To Hollywood

    Many will recognize Ke Huy Quan from his role in the 1984 film ‘Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom’ as Indy’s young companion Short Round. Quan also starred in the 1985 cult classic ‘The Goonies’ as the aspiring inventor Data. So why did Quan stop acting? In an interview with People magazine, the actor said he never intended to stop acting but there weren’t any roles for him.

    “I was waiting for the phone to ring, and it rarely did.”

    With little to no opportunities, Quan made the difficult decision to step away from acting. Instead, he focused on being behind the camera and became an assistant director and stunt coordinator. After seeing ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ he passion for acting reignited and he auditioned for ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’. Not only did he land the leading role, he also performed his own stunts in the iconic fight scene in the movie armed with only his fanny pack.

    With his triumphant return and a shiny Oscar statuette, Ke Huy Quan is landing roles left and right, including upcoming Disney+ series ‘Loki’ season two and ‘American Born Chinese’ (alongside EEAAO cast mates Michelle Yeoh and Stephanie Hsu), executive produced by Shang-Chi’s Destin Daniel Cretton.

    Stephanie Hsu, Michelle Yeoh, and Ke Huy Quan in 'Everything Everywhere All at Once.'
    (L to R) Stephanie Hsu, Michelle Yeoh, and Ke Huy Quan in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once.’ Photo Credit: Allyson Riggs.

    Where Can I Watch ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once?

    The film premiere on March 11, 2022 at SXSW and had a limited release on March 25, 2022. It released nationwide on April 8, 2022 and has earned $106.7 million worldwide. You can still see the sci-fi action in theaters and it is worth seeing on the big screen. ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ has a total runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes.

    Buy Tickets: ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ Movie Showtimes

    Watch the official trailer for ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ below:

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    When Will It Be Available To Stream Online?

    The movie is available for Showtime subscriber. The subscription starts at $11 a month. Alternatively, you can purchase the digital copy for $19.99 on other platforms.

    Where To Watch: ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’’ Online

    Prefer the own the physical copy? ‘Everything Everywhere All A Once’ is available for purchase on DVD and Blu-Ray as of July 5, 2022.

    Buy Everything Everywhere All at Once On Amazon

    Michelle Yeoh in 'Everything Everywhere All at Once.'
    Michelle Yeoh in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once.’ Photo Credit: Courtesy of A24.

    Other Films That Explore The Multiverse

    ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ is more than a multiverse-jumping sci-fi action movie. It also touches on family, relationships, the daily struggle and pressure of running a business. Complete with stunning visions and incredible fight choreography.

    Check out the following films that explore an alternate universe:

    See Michelle Yeoh In Action In These Titles

    Whether she’s gliding effortlessly over the top of trees in ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ or jumping universes in ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’, Michelle Yeoh has been in an extensive and impressive list of movies that is worth checking out:

    Michelle Yeoh in 'Everything Everywhere All at Once.'
    Michelle Yeoh in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once.’ Photo Credit: Courtesy of A24.