Moviefone Editorial

Tag: napoleon

  • Every Ridley Scott Movie, Ranked

    (L to R) Pedro Pascal, Director Ridley Scott and Paul Mescal on the set of 'Gladiator II' from Paramount Pictures.
    (L to R) Pedro Pascal, Director Ridley Scott and Paul Mescal on the set of ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures.

    Ridley Scott is one of the greatest directors of all time!

    The Oscar-winning filmmaker’s resume includes some of the most popular movies of the last 40 years such as ‘Alien,’ ‘Blade Runner,’ ‘Thelma & Louise,’ ‘Gladiator,’ ‘Black Hawk Down,’ ‘American Gangster‘ and ‘The Martian.’

    The director’s latest, ‘Gladiator II‘, opens in theaters on November 22nd and stars Paul Mescal in the title role. In honor of the new sequel, Moviefone is counting down every film Ridley Scott has ever made.

    Let’s begin!

    29. ‘The Duellists‘ (1977)

    In 1800, as Napoleon Bonaparte rises to power in France, a rivalry erupts between Armand (Keith Carradine) and Gabriel (Harvey Keitel), two lieutenants in the French Army, over a perceived insult. For over a decade, they engage in a series of duels amidst larger conflicts, including the failed French invasion of Russia in 1812, and shifts in the political and social systems of Europe.

    15840

    28. ‘1492: Conquest of Paradise‘ (1992)

    1492: Conquest of Paradise depicts Christopher Columbus’ (Gérard Depardieu) discovery of The New World and his effect on the indigenous people.

    1000028

    27. ‘The Counselor‘ (2013)

    A lawyer (Michael Fassbender) finds himself in far over his head when he attempts to get involved in drug trafficking.

    10079196

    26. ‘All the Money in the World‘ (2017)

    The story of the kidnapping of 16-year-old John Paul Getty III (Charlie Plummer) and the desperate attempt by his devoted mother (Michelle Williams) to convince his billionaire grandfather Jean Paul Getty (Christopher Plummer) to pay the ransom.

    IoPy9fEUoL50SyRQ4fkcL2

    25. ‘Alien: Covenant‘ (2017)

    (L to R) Danny McBride and Katherine Waterston in 'Alien: Covenant'. Photo: 20th Century Fox.
    (L to R) Danny McBride and Katherine Waterston in ‘Alien: Covenant’. Photo: 20th Century Fox.

    Bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy, the crew of the colony ship ‘Covenant’ discovers what is thought to be an uncharted paradise, but is actually a dark, dangerous world—which has a sole inhabitant: the ‘synthetic’, David (Michael Fassbender), survivor of the doomed Prometheus expedition.

    20075133

    24. ‘The Last Duel‘ (2021)

    King Charles VI (Alex Lawther) declares that Knight Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon) settle his dispute with his squire, Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver), by challenging him to a duel.

    Rm1QgodKU5LQhqvrOBkqb4

    23. ‘Body of Lies‘ (2008)

    The CIA’s hunt is on for the mastermind of a wave of terrorist attacks. Roger Ferris (Leonardo DiCaprio) is the agency’s man on the ground, moving from place to place, scrambling to stay ahead of ever-shifting events. An eye in the sky – a satellite link – watches Ferris. At the other end of that real-time link is the CIA’s Ed Hoffman (Russell Crowe), strategizing events from thousands of miles away. And as Ferris nears the target, he discovers trust can be just as dangerous as it is necessary for survival.

    35449

    22. ‘Legend‘ (1986)

    Set in a timeless mythical forest inhabited by fairies, goblins, unicorns and mortals, this fantastic story follows a mystical forest dweller (Tom Cruise), chosen by fate, to undertake a heroic quest. He must save the beautiful Princess Lili (Mia Sara) and defeat the demonic Lord of Darkness (Tim Curry), or the world will be plunged into a never-ending ice age.

    1020426

    21. ‘Prometheus‘ (2012)

    A team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.

    1441561

    20. ‘A Good Year‘ (2006)

    Russell Crowe in 'A Good Year'. Photo: 20th Century Fox.
    Russell Crowe in ‘A Good Year’. Photo: 20th Century Fox.

    Failed London banker Max Skinner (Russell Crowe) inherits his uncle’s (Albert Finney) vineyard in Provence, where he spent many childhood holidays. Upon his arrival, he meets a woman from California (Abbie Cornish) who tells Max she is his long-lost cousin and that the property is hers.

    23305

    19. ‘Robin Hood‘ (2010)

    When soldier Robin (Russell Crowe) happens upon the dying Robert of Loxley (Douglas Hodge), he promises to return the man’s sword to his family in Nottingham. There, he assumes Robert’s identity; romances his widow, Marion (Cate Blanchett); and draws the ire of the town’s sheriff (Matthew Macfadyen) and King John’s henchman, Godfrey (Mark Strong).

    33539

    18. ‘Exodus: Gods and Kings‘ (2014)

    The defiant leader Moses (Christian Bale) rises up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses (Joel Edgerton), setting 400,000 slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues.

    10126877

    17. ‘Hannibal‘ (2001)

    After having successfully eluded the authorities for years, Hannibal (Anthony Hopkins) peacefully lives in Italy in disguise as an art scholar. Trouble strikes again when he’s discovered leaving a deserving few dead in the process. He returns to America to make contact with now disgraced Agent Clarice Starling (Julianne Moore), who is suffering the wrath of a malicious FBI rival (Ray Liotta) as well as the media.

    8106

    16. ‘House of Gucci‘ (2021)

    When Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga), an outsider from humble beginnings, marries into the Gucci family, her unbridled ambition begins to unravel the family legacy and triggers a reckless spiral of betrayal, decadence, revenge, and ultimately… murder.

    eSYPhDvdre7oklyPFpv5Q5

    15. ‘Kingdom of Heaven‘ (2005)

    Orlando Bloom in 'Kingdom in Heaven'. Photo: 20th Century Fox.
    Orlando Bloom in ‘Kingdom in Heaven’. Photo: 20th Century Fox.

    After his wife dies, a blacksmith named Balian (Orlando Bloom) is thrust into royalty, political intrigue and bloody holy wars during the Crusades.

    17799

    14. ‘Matchstick Men‘ (2003)

    A phobic con artist (Nicolas Cage) and his protege (Sam Rockwell) are on the verge of pulling off a lucrative swindle when the con artist’s teenage daughter (Alison Lohman) arrives unexpectedly.

    14373

    13. ‘White Squall‘ (1996)

    In 1960, a hardy group of prep school students boards an old-fashioned sailing ship. With Capt. Christopher Sheldon (Jeff Bridges) at the helm, the oceangoing voyage is intended to teach the boys fortitude and discipline. But the youthful crew are about to get some unexpected instruction in survival when they get caught in the clutches of a white squall storm.

    1961

    12. ‘Someone to Watch Over Me‘ (1987)

    Claire Gregory (Mimi Rogers), an upper class New York personality, witnesses a murder in a luxurious nightclub. Detective Mike Keegan (Tom Berenger), recently promoted, is assigned to protect her.

    1032643

    11. ‘Napoleon‘ (2023)

    An epic that details the checkered rise and fall of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte (Joaquin Phoenix) and his relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his wife, Josephine (Vanessa Kirby).

    UbfouXgmnJOVru1pH1dUP

    10. ‘Gladiator II‘ (2024)

    Paul Mescal plays Lucius in 'Gladiator II' from Paramount Pictures.
    Paul Mescal plays Lucius in ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures.

    Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus (Russell Crowe) at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.

    CJVuNFCKxFBq4IsG555O72 qXxCIs2H

    9. ‘G.I. Jane‘ (1997)

    In response to political pressure from Senator Lillian DeHaven (Anne Bancroft), the U.S. Navy begins a program that would allow for the eventual integration of women into its services. The program begins with a single trial candidate, Lieutenant Jordan O’Neil (Demi Moore), who is chosen specifically for her femininity. O’Neil enters the grueling training program under the command of John James Urgayle (Viggo Mortensen), who unfairly pushes O’Neil until her determination wins his respect.

    4491

    8. ‘Black Rain‘ (1989)

    Two New York cops (Michael Douglas and Andy Garcia) get involved in a gang war between members of the Yakuza, the Japanese Mafia. They arrest one of their killers and are ordered to escort him back to Japan. However, in Japan he manages to escape, and as they try to track him down, they get deeper and deeper into the Japanese Mafia scene and they have to learn that they can only win by playing the game—the Japanese way.

    1092204

    7. ‘American Gangster‘ (2007)

    Following the death of his employer and mentor, Bumpy Johnson (Clarence Williams III), Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) establishes himself as the number one importer of heroin in the Harlem district of Manhattan. He does so by buying heroin directly from the source in South East Asia and he comes up with a unique way of importing the drugs into the United States. Partly based on a true story.

    19137

    6. ‘The Martian‘ (2015)

    During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.

    20056968

    5. ‘Blade Runner‘ (1982)

    1982's 'Blade Runner' Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures.
    1982’s ‘Blade Runner’ Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures.

    In the smog-choked dystopian Los Angeles of 2019, blade runner Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) is called out of retirement to terminate a quartet of replicants who have escaped to Earth seeking their creator for a way to extend their short life spans.

    20001523

    4. ‘Thelma & Louise‘ (1991)

    Whilst on a short weekend getaway, Louise (Susan Sarandon) shoots a man who had tried to rape Thelma (Geena Davis). Due to the incriminating circumstances, they make a run for it and thus a cross country chase ensues for the two fugitives. Along the way, both women rediscover the strength of their friendship and surprising aspects of their personalities and self-strengths in the trying times.

    4611

    3. ‘Black Hawk Down‘ (2001)

    When U.S. Rangers and an elite Delta Force team attempt to kidnap two underlings of a Somali warlord, their Black Hawk helicopters are shot down, and the Americans suffer heavy casualties, facing intense fighting from the militia on the ground.

    10067

    2. ‘Alien‘ (1979)

    During its return to the earth, commercial spaceship Nostromo intercepts a distress signal from a distant planet. When a three-member team of the crew discovers a chamber containing thousands of eggs on the planet, a creature inside one of the eggs attacks an explorer. The entire crew is unaware of the impending nightmare set to descend upon them when the alien parasite planted inside its unfortunate host is birthed.

    4966

    1. ‘Gladiator‘ (2000)

    Russell Crowe in 'Gladiator'. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
    Russell Crowe in ‘Gladiator’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    In the year 180, the death of emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) throws the Roman Empire into chaos. Maximus (Russell Crowe) is one of the Roman army’s most capable and trusted generals and a key advisor to the emperor. As Marcus’ devious son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) ascends to the throne, Maximus is set to be executed. He escapes, but is captured by slave traders. Renamed Spaniard and forced to become a gladiator, Maximus must battle to the death with other men for the amusement of paying audiences.

    6076

  • Where To Watch Ridley Scott’s War Drama ‘Napoleon’

    Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon Bonaparte in director Ridley Scott's 'Napoleon.'
    Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon Bonaparte in director Ridley Scott’s ‘Napoleon.’ Photo courtesy of Apple TV+ and Columbia Pictures.

    A notable historical figure, Napoleon Bonaparte is considered to be one of the greatest generals in military history. Through Ridley Scott’s ‘Napoleon,’ we see his ruthless tactics on the battlefield, his rise to become the first Emperor of France, his relationship with Josephine, and the decisive battle that led to Napleon’s downfall.

    This film reunited Academy Award winning director Ridley Scott with Joaquin Phoenix since their collaboration on ‘Gladiator’, which was released over 20 years ago in 2000.

    UbfouXgmnJOVru1pH1dUP

    Where Can I Watch ‘Napoleon’?

    Joaquin Phoenix in 'Napoleon,' premiering in theaters around the world on November 22, 2023.
    Joaquin Phoenix in ‘Napoleon,’ premiering in theaters around the world on November 22, 2023.

    The movie held its premiere at Salle Pleyel in Paris on November 14, 2023. Although the film is set for an Apple TV+ debut later this year, it was released exclusively in theaters on November 22nd for a limited run.

    Buy Tickets: ‘Napoleon’ Movie Showtimes

    With the film’s runtime of 2 hours and 38 minutes, some viewers may want to enjoy ‘Napoleon’ from the comfort of their homes. Luckily, the historical war epic is now available to rent or purchase on VOD platforms such as Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, and Vudu. Prices range from $19.99 for rental or $24.99 for purchase.

    There is no confirmed date for when ‘Napoleon’ will stream on Apple TV+.

    Where to Watch: ‘Napoleon’ Online

    Recreating the Battle Scenes

    'Napoleon' premiering in theaters around the world on November 22, 2023.
    ‘Napoleon’ premiering in theaters around the world on November 22, 2023.

    To recreate the battle scenes, Ridley Scott worked with long time collaborator and cinematographer Dariusz Wolski (‘The Last Duel’, ‘House of Gucci’). Crafting epic battle scenes such as the Battle of Austerlitz and the Battle of Waterloo required extensive planning and coordinating on many fronts.

    “You’re basically creating a huge event. You have army personnel, you have extras trained to behave like soldiers from the 19th century, you have horse people, then we have armor, you have professional effects people, explosions, then you have main characters. You basically design the whole battle,” said Wolski.

    While some CGI was utilized, the majority of the battle scenes used practical effects such as large soldier formations, cavalry runs, and canons without lethal ammunition rounds. Scenes are shot with over eight cameras simultaneously.

    Related Article: Movie Review: ‘Napoleon’ 

    Napoleon and Josephine

    Vanessa Kirby and Joaquin Phoenix in 'Napoleon,' premiering in theaters around the world on November 22, 2023.
    (L to R) Vanessa Kirby and Joaquin Phoenix in ‘Napoleon,’ premiering in theaters around the world on November 22, 2023.

    This may be a war epic, but for Ridley Scott, it was also important to show the curious and often times, volatile relationship between Napoleon and his long-time love, Josephine (Vanessa Kirby). Napoleon may be relentless and confident on the battlefield, but when it comes to his relationship with Josephine, he is insecure and awkward.

    Opposite Napoleon, Josephine was quiet and observant, alluring and flirtatious. Their dynamic shifted constantly. Prior to filming, Kirby traveled to Josephine’s home in Malmaison as a part of her extensive research. In an interview with Deadline, she spoke about the fear of taking on the role initially:

    “I love most taking on things that scare me. This was scary just because it’s hard to play a real person, and it’s a different kind of process. You’re not inventing their history, their lives, their childhood, their background, and their psyche. You are trying to accurately embody someone that really has lived, and lived such an extraordinary life that’s really, really far from any of ours or anything that I could relate it to personally.”

    Four Hour Director’s Cut

    Director Ridley Scott and Joaquin Phoenix behind-the-scenes of 'Napoleon,' premiering in theaters around the world on November 22, 2023.
    (L to R) Director Ridley Scott and Joaquin Phoenix behind-the-scenes of ‘Napoleon,’ premiering in theaters around the world on November 22, 2023.

    The movie sits at a hefty 2 hours and 38 minutes, but there’s a chance we’ll see a four hours and 10 minutes Director’s Cut once the film is released on streaming. During an interview with Total Film, Scott mentions the extended cut will head to Apple TV+:

    “I’m working on it. It was four [hours] 10 [minutes] this morning. And so what will happen is, we’ll screen [the theatrical cut] first with Sony, and then it has its run, and then the perfect thing is that [the director’s cut] goes to streaming, and we have four hours 10 minutes.”

    Buy ‘Napoleon’ On Amazon

    Watch the official trailers for ‘Napoleon’ below:

    zdqfjHMk

    The official synopsis for ‘Napoleon’ is below:

    ‘Napoleon’ is a spectacle-filled action epic that details the checkered rise and fall of the iconic French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, played by Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix. Against a stunning backdrop of large-scale filmmaking orchestrated by legendary director Ridley Scott, the film captures Bonaparte’s relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his one true love, Josephine, showcasing his visionary military and political tactics against some of the most dynamic practical battle sequences ever filmed.

    Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon Bonaparte in director Ridley Scott's 'Napoleon.'
    (Center) Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon Bonaparte in director Ridley Scott’s ‘Napoleon.’ Photo courtesy of Apple TV+ and Columbia Pictures.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Napoleon’:

     

  • ‘The Hunger Games’ Prequel Wins Thanksgiving Box Office

    Honor Gillies as Barb Azure, Konstantin Taffet as Clerk Carmine and Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird in 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.'
    (L to R) Honor Gillies as Barb Azure, Konstantin Taffet as Clerk Carmine and Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.

    Preview:

    • ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’ topped the Thanksgiving.
    • Disney’s ‘Wish’ for success was not granted.
    • Ridley Scott’s ‘Napoleon’ did well.

    There was a time when the Walt Disney company was the box office behemoth –– in 2019, for example, seven of its releases earned more than $1 billion at the worldwide box office.

    But on the evidence of this weekend’s Thanksgiving box office, those days are well and truly behind it as ‘Wish’, the latest animated fantasy –– one celebrating the studio’s legacy, no less –– earned a disappointing $19.5 million over the weekend and $31.7 million over five days, leaving it in third place behind ‘Hunger Games’ prequel ‘The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’ and Ridley Scott’s latest historical effort, ‘Napoleon’.

    ‘The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’ Bites the Competition

    Tom Blyth as Coriolanus Snow in 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.'
    Tom Blyth as Coriolanus Snow in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.’ Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.

    On its second weekend of release, the adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ prequel novel to best-selling ‘Hunger Games’ book series (which were turned into a successful movie franchise of their own between 2012 and 2015), added $28.8 million over the weekend and $42 million since Wednesday. It has generated $98.3 million in North America and nearly $200 million globally.

    It’s still a far cry from the success of that original four-movie set but given its (relatively) thrifty $100 million production budget, you just know the Lionsgate team will be hoping it can launch its own franchise.

    Related Article: 10 Things We Learned At ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ Press Conference

    ‘Wish’ Fails to Capture the Magic

    SPINNING A YARN – In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Wish,” sharp-witted idealist Asha (voice of Ariana DeBose) makes a wish so powerful, it’s answered by a cosmic force—a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Asha’s new ally communicates in creative ways, making captivating use of a magenta ball of yarn. Helmed by Oscar®-winning director Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn, “Wish” features original songs by Grammy®-nominated singer/songwriter Julia Michaels and Grammy-winning producer/songwriter/musician Benjamin Rice. The epic animated musical opens only in theaters on Nov. 22, 2023. © 2023 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
    SPINNING A YARN – In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Wish,” sharp-witted idealist Asha (voice of Ariana DeBose) makes a wish so powerful, it’s answered by a cosmic force—a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Asha’s new ally communicates in creative ways, making captivating use of a magenta ball of yarn. Helmed by Oscar®-winning director Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn, “Wish” features original songs by Grammy®-nominated singer/songwriter Julia Michaels and Grammy-winning producer/songwriter/musician Benjamin Rice. The epic animated musical opens only in theaters on Nov. 22, 2023. © 2023 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

    There will be much to consider going forward given ‘Wish’s poor third-place start. While not as catastrophic as, say, ‘Strange World’ it’s still a big disappointment.

    The new movie was supposed to be Disney’s big animated return, a lavish musical littered with callbacks to the studio’s history, full of songs and magic. But with a reported $200 million budget (before marketing costs), it has a lot to earn back.

    In reality, however, ‘Wish’ has turned into the latest flop for the studio, in a year when many of its movies have stumbled, even those from reliable hitmakers such as Marvel and Pixar.

    Going forward, Disney will be pinning its hopes on the movie showing some sort of legs at the box office, repeating the slow-build success of Pixar’s ‘Elemental’, which had a slow start but has since found its footing at the box office and has been successful on Disney+.

    And the streaming service has been both a boon and a problem for the studio’s movies, with audiences leaning into watching its output at home rather than going out to theaters, a fallout of the pandemic and the rise of at-home content.

    ‘Napoleon’ Sees a Small Victory

    'Napoleon' premiering in theaters around the world on November 22, 2023.
    ‘Napoleon’ premiering in theaters around the world on November 22, 2023.

    Despite its long, 158-minute running time and adult-skewing subject matter, Ridley Scott’s latest historical epic, the Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby-starring ‘Napoleon’ has won out over ‘Wish’, scoring a second place finish over the Thanksgiving period.

    ‘Napoleon’ took in a better-than-expected $21 million over the weekend and $32.5 million in its first five days of release. Globally, “Napoleon” generated $78.8 million.

    And while that isn’t the most successful opening for a movie which cost $200 million to make, Apple (which released it in partnership with Sony Pictures) isn’t likely all that worried, since it’ll drive people to check out the film when it eventually lands on Apple TV+.

    ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’ will be in theaters on November 17th.
    ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’ will be in theaters on November 17th.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’:

    Buy Tickets: ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy ‘The Hunger Games’ Movies On Amazon

    Cz6dmiOg

  • Movie Review: ‘Napoleon’

    Joaquin Phoenix in 'Napoleon,' premiering in theaters around the world on November 22, 2023.
    Joaquin Phoenix in ‘Napoleon,’ premiering in theaters around the world on November 22, 2023.

    Opening in theaters on November 22nd is Ridley Scott’s ‘Napoleon,’ starring Joaquin Phoenix, Vanessa Kirby, Tahar Rahim, Ben Miles, Rupert Everett, and Ludivine Sagnier.

    Initial Thoughts

    Joaquin Phoenix in 'Napoleon,' premiering in theaters around the world on November 22, 2023.
    Joaquin Phoenix in ‘Napoleon,’ premiering in theaters around the world on November 22, 2023.

    With most of his last decade’s worth of films – including ‘Exodus: Gods and Kings,’ ‘The Last Duel,’ ‘House of Gucci,’ and the upcoming ‘Gladiator 2‘ – director Ridley Scott seems intent on creating a series of historical epics both contemporary and classic. His new film, however, ‘Napoleon,’ may have exceeded Scott’s always admirable ambitions. The two-and-a-half-hour drama, does have a sense of grandeur and sweep, in addition to some intense battle scenes. But it suffers from an unwieldy script and a turgid central performance from Joaquin Phoenix as the French military leader and ruler, two elements which make this as dull as your junior year history class.

    Related Article: ‘Napoleon’ Trailer

    Story and Direction

    Director Ridley Scott and Joaquin Phoenix behind-the-scenes of 'Napoleon,' premiering in theaters around the world on November 22, 2023.
    (L to R) Director Ridley Scott and Joaquin Phoenix behind-the-scenes of ‘Napoleon,’ premiering in theaters around the world on November 22, 2023.

    ‘Napoleon’ opens with the French Revolution and the beheading of Marie Antoinette, as David Scarpa’s script throws us right into the chaos that was France at the time (the late 1780s). Napoleon is first seen supporting the Revolution, then earning his initial success as a military strategist in the Siege of Toulon, in which he recaptured a small French town and port from the British.

    We learn almost nothing about his early life, and right from the start, Joaquin Phoenix gives a reductive, stiff performance that borders on lethargy. He only comes faintly to life when he meets Josephine (Vanessa Kirby), a captain’s widow with children whom Napoleon courts and marries. Their relationship is meant to be the spine of the film, as Napoleon first professes his insatiable love for Josephine, only for her to cheat on him while he’s away on his military adventures and writing her letters every day. Although Kirby generates some heat, the chemistry between her Josephine and Phoenix’s Napoleon is nearly non-existent.

    When the two leads are not sitting and staring at each other, ‘Napoleon’ wanders at an extremely leisurely pace through a checklist of the French ruler’s life: his continued success on the battlefield during the Revolutionary Wars, the end of the Reign of Terror and the overthrow of the French government, Napoleon’s rise to power and eventual crowning as Emperor, and his ongoing battles with England, Russia, Austria, and Prussia that eventually took a heavy toll on the French people and armies and led to his humiliating defeat against the English at Waterloo.

    Many of these events come and go in assembly line fashion, and it’s not always easy to grasp their context or the dizzying array of wars, advisers, generals, and rivals that clock in and out of the story. While Napoleon’s machinations to make himself Emperor and the other political upheavals of the time could make for an interesting comment on our own turmoil today – Scott uses handheld cameras to capture several political riots, almost certainly an allusion to the attempted coup on our own government on Jan. 6, 2021 – that avenue is left largely unexplored as Scott meanders to the next thing.

    Ridley Scott is an old-school director in ways that can be mostly positive when he’s on his game, in that he has a natural eye for the cinematic and always has a grasp on the geography of both his story and his set pieces. Indeed, the battle scenes in ‘Napoleon’ are massive, visceral, and dramatic, but the script is murky about the meaning and placement of each one.

    By the time we get to the closing scenes, in which Napoleon tries to return to power in France after being forced to abdicate the throne – only to lose crushingly at Waterloo – even that legendary battle lacks resonance despite being the movie’s most gripping such sequence.

    Napoleon and Josephine

    Vanessa Kirby and Joaquin Phoenix in 'Napoleon,' premiering in theaters around the world on November 22, 2023.
    (L to R) Vanessa Kirby and Joaquin Phoenix in ‘Napoleon,’ premiering in theaters around the world on November 22, 2023.

    “I am not built like other men,” Napoleon tells Josephine at one point in the film. “I am not subject to petty insecurities.” That line got a few chuckles at our screening because Napoleon is packed with such insecurities about his height, his sexual ability, his ability to keep his wife happy (although in the end he divorces her for not being able to produce an heir to the French Empire), and his leadership of France. The only place he seems to feel the most calm and confident is on the battlefield, where history tells us that the real man was one of the greatest military strategists of all time.

    We do get to see a bit of that during the battle scenes in ‘Napoleon,’ but even that part of Bonaparte’s personality is subsumed behind Joaquin Phoenix’s thousand-yard stare of doom. Phoenix seems to be in a trap of his own making: it’s almost as if he’s continuing his performances as Arthur Fleck from ‘Joker’ and the title character from ‘Beau is Afraid,’ making Napoleon as repressed and withdrawn as those damaged men.

    In other words, it’s another tepid performance from the actor who has been so great in films past, but who seems to be bringing his talent down to a low flame. He’s all over the place tonally as well, shouting random lines about a lamb chop or somebody’s boats as if he just woke up mad about the topic, and getting laugh lines in the oddest spots.

    It’s almost a wonder that Vanessa Kirby can bring some much-needed vitality to the proceedings, but she does just that as Josephine. Initially flirtatious and seductive, yet always with an eye on the pragmatic (her marriage to Napoleon seems to be at least partially one of convenience), she creates real pathos during the divorce sequence, clearly hurt by her husband’s actions. She’s always understated, but never flat.

    Editing, Production Design and Music

    'Napoleon' premiering in theaters around the world on November 22, 2023.
    ‘Napoleon’ premiering in theaters around the world on November 22, 2023.

    ‘Napoleon’ is edited by Claire Simpson and Sam Restivo, who don’t necessarily subscribe to the rapid-fire, slam-bang style of many modern editors and give scenes room to build and breathe. Yet as hard as they try (and sometimes succeed, as in some of the battle passages), they have a tough time mustering up energy out of the footage in ‘Napoleon.’

    The production design by Arthur Max is simply superb, down to small details on Napoleon’s complex uniforms. But cinematographer Dariusz Wolski – who has been working with Scott since 2012’s ‘Prometheus’ – and his director have chosen to drape most of ‘Napoleon’ in dreary grays, blues, and browns, making much of it seem unnaturally dark. Martin Phipps’ music is fine and often striking, finding a balance between period music of the time, large orchestral pieces and eerie choral moments.

    Final Thoughts

    Vanessa Kirby and Joaquin Phoenix in 'Napoleon,' premiering in theaters around the world on November 22, 2023.
    (L to R) Vanessa Kirby and Joaquin Phoenix in ‘Napoleon,’ premiering in theaters around the world on November 22, 2023.

    It’s difficult to say whether audiences will respond to a movie like ‘Napoleon’; Ridley Scott’s previous, far superior historical drama, ‘The Last Duel,’ was quickly and ruthlessly cut down in theaters. But anyone willing to give ‘Napoleon’ a try is going to certainly find the film a challenge. It’s long, slow, fairly tedious for great stretches, and while its subject is one of the most compelling and controversial in European history, Joaquin Phoenix does little to help us understand him. The battle scenes and Vanessa Kirby’s work are often exciting, but not enough to make us think that ‘Napoleon’ – a film that even Stanley Kubrick could never get off the ground – will wear the box office crown.

    ‘Napoleon’ receives 4 out of 10 stars.

    UbfouXgmnJOVru1pH1dUP

    What is the plot of ‘Napoleon’?

    As the French Revolution comes to a close but France itself finds itself besieged by endless wars with its European neighbors and political turmoil within, a master military strategist named Napoleon Bonaparte (Joaquin Phoenix) ascends to the highest echelons of power and makes himself Emperor – driven by his love for France and for his Empress, the enigmatic Josephine (Vanessa Kirby).

    Who is in the cast of ‘Napoleon’?

    'Napoleon' premiering in theaters around the world on November 22, 2023.
    ‘Napoleon’ premiering in theaters around the world on November 22, 2023.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Napoleon’:

    Buy Ridley Scott Movies On Amazon

    ‘Napoleon’ is produced by Scott Free Productions, Latina Pictures, and Apple Studios. It is scheduled to release in theaters on November 22nd, 2023.

    s6S7bq9F

  • CinemaCon 2023: Sony Pictures Presentation

    Sony's 2023 CinemaCon Presentation. Photos courtesy of Sony Pictures.
    Sony’s 2023 CinemaCon Presentation. Photos courtesy of Sony Pictures.

    With audiences returning to theaters properly and box office returns climbing out of the trough of COVID, it was only natural that studio bosses were going to be bullish at this year’s CinemaCon event in Las Vegas.

    First out of the gate this time was Sony, whose chairman Tom Rothman was in an upbeat, triumphant mood. “For the past three years, as the punditocracy pissed on your business, we at Sony held fast,” Rothman boasted. “We are the only studio that held entirely to theatrical. We were sure that movies in theaters would not only survive but triumph. Well, whaddaya know?”

    Sony remains on the theatrical train, with several big releases planned.

    NytTxMylSyqD6ghRVWIFk6

    ‘The Equalizer 3’

    Among the biggest is ‘The Equalizer 3’, which represents that unusual franchise where the star –– in this case, Denzel Washington –– is actually bigger than the property. In an age of superheroes and ‘Star Wars’ selling seats, he’s an outlier.

    The studio had Washington and co-star Dakota Fanning on stage to thank cinema executives for their support and, perhaps more crucially, to highlight the fact that it represents a reunion for the ‘Man on Fire’ stars. And a trailer played, which went online today…

    JaS2JEvT

    ‘The Equalizer 3’ catches up with Washington’s government assassin-turned-kick-ass-do-gooder Robert McCall in Italy, where he’s trying to enjoy some downtime on the picturesque Amalfi coast and not be asked to take on villains.

    Sadly, for McCall, that’s not the way his life goes, and he’s soon caught up helping some locals with Mafia goons and violence. Which means McCall has to break out his particular set of skills and lay the smack down on members of the criminal clan known as the Camorra (think an even more dangerous offshoot of the Mafia).

    And while there are some very wild, violent thugs looking to tackle McCall, none of them are quite ready for what he brings to the table. Literally in one case, as we witness him applying nerve pressure to one of the enforcers. “That’s level three”, he tells the anguished henchman. “If “If it goes to level four, you will shit on yourself.” Thanks Denz!

    But the highlight, as mentioned above, is in the reunion between Washington and Fanning. The latter was just 10 when she shared the screen with Washington ‘Man on Fire’ in 2004. Now, for ‘The Equalizer 3’, she’s playing a young CIA agent drawn to the village because of all the reports of violence.

    And the two actors’ connection was clear, since they have stayed friends all these years. “She’s like a daughter to him, he loves her,” Antoine Fuqua told Empire of the off-screen dynamic between Washington and Fanning. “It was so beautiful to watch them together on the set, just talking, laughing. And they’re both so talented, they just get into it, they didn’t skip a beat. What was weird for me looking through the lens and seeing Dakota as a grown-up! She’s fantastic and watching them together was a joy because she’s a samurai. She knows it, she’s there, she’s pleasant, she does her thing. And it was a bonus her relationship with Denzel. She’s friends with his kids. It was very easy with those two.”

    ‘The Equalizer 3’ will be in theaters on September 1st.

    Denzel Washington in 'The Equalizer 3.'
    Denzel Washington in ‘The Equalizer 3.’ Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures.

    ‘Bad Boys 4’

    While ‘Bad Boys for Life’ represented one of the few hits as the pandemic began to bite, Sony was naturally excited to roll out word of the next movie. The movie is now filming (with ‘For Life’ directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah returning) but isn’t yet at a stage where the studio can show a trailer. Still, it had stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence ebullient in a video introduction.

    SpntnNAElLYciWhOg8Mrp2

    ‘Gran Turismo’

    Sony's 2023 CinemaCon Presentation. Photos courtesy of Sony Pictures.
    Sony’s 2023 CinemaCon Presentation. Photos courtesy of Sony Pictures.

    Related Article: Sony Wants Neill Blomkamp to Direct a ‘Gran Turismo’ Movie

    ‘Gran Turismo’, adapted from the Sony racing game is much further along, though while the trailer played to the presentation audience, it has yet to head online.

    The film will tell the story of Jann Mardenborough ( ‘Midsommar’s Archie Madekwe), a British teenager who in 2011 entered GT Academy, an esports tournament created to find ‘Gran Turismo’ players who were good enough at the game to be able to competitively drive real-life race cars. Mardenborough was victorious in the GT Academy competition and became a race car driver for Nissan, competing in the Dubai 24 Hour endurance race.

    In the trailer, we see Jann arriving with other GT Academy contestants and being put through the wringer by racing trainer Jack Salter (David Harbour) who puts them through a rigorous boot camp to get them in shape. It’s one thing to know how to hit every corner on a world-class racetrack and to overtake in a simulation of a Nissan GT-R LM, but as Jann finds out, it’s hard to do it when the g-forces and hot temperatures of an actual race car are bearing down on you.

    “If you miss a racing line in a game you can reset,” warns Jack. “If you miss it in a real race, you could die.”

    ‘Gran Turismo’ drives into theaters on August 11th.

    I4uiCgfrVm9v0V1Pk8VlB5

    ‘No Hard Feelings’

    Sony's 2023 CinemaCon Presentation. Photos courtesy of Sony Pictures.
    Sony’s 2023 CinemaCon Presentation. Photos courtesy of Sony Pictures.

    Jennifer Lawrence and ‘No Hard Feelings’ director Gene Stupnitsky swapped onstage banter before introducing a new clip from the raunchy comedy about two helicopter parents who hire a woman to “date” their introverted 19-year-old son, so he doesn’t leave for college as a virgin. The comedy hits theaters on June 23.

    Sony's 2023 CinemaCon Presentation. Photos courtesy of Sony Pictures.
    Sony’s 2023 CinemaCon Presentation. Photos courtesy of Sony Pictures.
    Xd4fcV9JA0RNN9HIJZSiR3

    ‘Kraven The Hunter’

    Also on display, Sony/Marvel Spider-adjacent superhero pic ‘Kraven The Hunter’, with star Aaron Taylor-Johnson playing the title character. He introduced the first look at the movie, enthusing that it’s Rated R.

    In the footage, Taylor-Johnson’s Kraven is a tactical stalker with a penchant for cropped leather vests and five-star hair. He shreds his victims viscerally, often with primitive claw-shaped weapons. Blood pours freely over the screen and, at one intense moment, Taylor-Johnson rips the flesh off a target’s neck with his teeth and spits it out. Definitely an R-rating, then.

    ‘Kraven the Hunter’ will be in theaters on October 26.

    IhJWggEGUlOpETHULj3r6

    ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’

    Sony's 2023 CinemaCon Presentation. Photos courtesy of Sony Pictures.
    Sony’s 2023 CinemaCon Presentation. Photos courtesy of Sony Pictures.

    But if Spider-movies are your thing, then ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ was surely the more exciting title.

    Co-director Kemp Powers was joined by voice stars Shameik Moore (who plays Miles Morales), and Hailee Steinfeld (Gwen Stacey), and new recruit Issa Rae (Jessica Drew) to show off 14 impressive minutes of footage from the sequel, which be followed by another movie in 2024.

    “It’s been over a year since the events of first movie and he’s still trying to learn to be a superhero,” Moore added, saying that this movie shows that “how you wear the mask is what makes you a hero.”

    ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ will swing into theaters on June 2nd this year, with ‘Beyond the Spider-Verse’ due next year.

    Sony's 2023 CinemaCon Presentation. Photos courtesy of Sony Pictures.
    Sony’s 2023 CinemaCon Presentation. Photos courtesy of Sony Pictures.
    9GwiTO4NNjuDFLxjoETBm3

    ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ Sequel

    There was also a video from Jason Reitman and the team making the sequel to ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ (on which Reitman and co-writer Gil Kenan have swapped jobs this time, Kenan directing while Reitman produces) confirming the story’s return to the New York haunts of the original 1984 ‘Ghostbusters’. The new film –– whatever its title –– hits theaters on December 20th.

    iirXzcI0noMI9dnIGTRvj5

    ‘Napoleon’

    While ‘The Equalizer 3’ wrapped things up, there was also room for a big get by the Sony executives, who had scored the chance to release Ridley Scott’s Joaquin Phoenix-starring ‘Napoleon’ in partnership with Apple.

    “I know that he can do things cinematically that filmmakers half his age, can’t do,” Rothman said of the 85-year-old director.

    UbfouXgmnJOVru1pH1dUP

    The clip shown had Joaquin Phoenix’s title character commanding the French army in a foggy, blurry wintery epic battle with the Russian and Austrian forces. Napoleon knows it’s coming; he has invited the attack. Lots of bayonets slicing and soldiers falling in the icy water.

    ‘Napoleon’ should be in theaters this Thanksgiving, followed by its arrival on Apple TV+ after that.

    All in all, some big moves, and big movies from Sony.

    Sony's 2023 CinemaCon Presentation. Photos courtesy of Sony Pictures.
    Sony’s 2023 CinemaCon Presentation. Photos courtesy of Sony Pictures.

    Movies Presented at Sony Pictures 2023 CinemaCon Presentation:

    Buy Sony Pictures Movies On Amazon