Moviefone Editorial

Tag: poppy-liu

  • TV Review: ‘Hacks’ Season 5

    Jean Smart as Deborah Vance in Season 5 of 'Hacks'. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.
    Jean Smart as Deborah Vance in Season 5 of ‘Hacks’. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.

    Arriving on HBO Max on April 6 with the first episode (of 10) is the fifth and final season of ‘Hacks’, which returns us to the world of caustic, charismatic comedian Deborah Vance, as brought to award-winning life by Jean Smart.

    AulZezx8OrKuKzuMPlPnE3

    The cast for the series also includes Hannah Einbinder (‘North Hollywood’), Paul W. Downs (‘Broad City’), Megan Stalter (‘Problemista’), Carl Clemons-Hopkins (‘Candyman’), Mark Indelicato (‘Ugly Betty’), Kaitlin Olson (‘High Potential’), Jane Adams (‘Happiness’) and Christopher McDonald (‘Happy Gilmore’).

    Related Article: TV Review: ‘Hacks’ Season 4

    Initial Thoughts

    (L to R) Hannah Einbinder as Ava Daniels and Jean Smart as Deborah Vance in Season 5 of 'Hacks'. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.
    (L to R) Hannah Einbinder as Ava Daniels and Jean Smart as Deborah Vance in Season 5 of ‘Hacks’. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.

    Like coming up with the perfect punchline for a stand-up routine, ending a TV series is no easy task. For ‘Hacks’, which charts the unlikely mentorship between Deborah Vance, a long-established, wealthy comedian, and Ava Daniels, a struggling younger comedy writer.

    As the show has gone on, we’ve seen every shade of the professional relationship and personal friendship between the pair, from being in sync to very much not. But as the story comes to a close, there are certainly plenty of last laughs to be had.

    Script and Direction

    (L to R) Megan Stalter as Kayla, Hannah Einbinder as Ava, Mark Indelicato as Damien, Jean Smart as Deborah and Paul W. Downs as Jimmy in Season 5 of 'Hacks'. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.
    (L to R) Megan Stalter as Kayla, Hannah Einbinder as Ava, Mark Indelicato as Damien, Jean Smart as Deborah and Paul W. Downs as Jimmy in Season 5 of ‘Hacks’. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.

    Show creators Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky (with the trio also directing the majority of this season’s episodes) bring a particularly entertaining dynamic to the screen with the show –– Deborah and Ava’s partnership is always a weird one, and the stories work well.

    The team has also delivered on the wider world of ‘Hacks’, including Deborah’s employees and the various characters they interact with. As to whether the show wraps up in satisfying fashion, I’d have to say a qualified yes. One big plot point towards the end feels a little rushed, but on the whole, the season works.

    Cast and Performances

    (L to R) Kaitlin Olson as DJ and Jean Smart as Deborah in Season 5 of 'Hacks'. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.
    (L to R) Kaitlin Olson as DJ and Jean Smart as Deborah in Season 5 of ‘Hacks’. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.

    Smart and Einbinder have been well awarded for their work, and the Deborah/Ava side of things has certainly entered a friendlier aspect as the story winds down. Which isn’t to say anything is complacent –– there is certainly rich comedy to be found here.

    Downs as Ava and Deborah’s endlessly stressed manager Jimmy goes on his own journey here, with Megan Stalter once again stealing scenes as sidekick Kayla. And among the recurring guest cast, special mention goes to Kaitlin Olson (as Deborah’s daughter DJ, who has her own hilarious episode with her mother) and Lauren Weedman, who is always memorable as the wacky Mayor of Vegas.

    Final Thoughts

    Lauren Weedman as Mayor Jo in Season 5 of 'Hacks'. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.
    Lauren Weedman as Mayor Jo in Season 5 of ‘Hacks’. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.

    The idea of Deborah on a mission and how Ava helps/hinders her might feel a little familiar, but the creative team has found a welcome, warm way to wind down the series, featuring grace notes for recurring characters and keeping you invested in the main story.

    ‘Hacks’ Season 5 receives 78 out of 100.

    (L to R) Jean Smart as Deborah, Carl Clemons-Hopkins as Marcus, Rose Abdoo as Josefina and Mark Indelicato as Damien in Season 5 of 'Hacks'. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.
    (L to R) Jean Smart as Deborah, Carl Clemons-Hopkins as Marcus, Rose Abdoo as Josefina and Mark Indelicato as Damien in Season 5 of ‘Hacks’. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.

    What’s the plot of ‘Hacks’ Season 5?

    In the aftermath of mistaken and unflattering news reports that she passed away, Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and Ava (Hannah Einbinder) return to Las Vegas more determined than ever to secure Deborah’s legacy as a comedian.

    Who stars in ‘Hacks’ Season 5?

    • Jean Smart as Deborah Vance
    • Hannah Einbinder as Ava Daniels
    • Carl Clemons-Hopkins as Marcus Vaughan
    • Megan Stalter as Kayla Schaefer
    • Paul W. Downs as Jimmy LuSaque Jr.
    • Mark Indelicato as Damien Asada Agosto
    • Kaitlin Olson as Deborah “DJ” Vance Jr.
    • Christopher McDonald as Marty Ghilain
    (L to R) Jean Smart as Deborah, Poppy Liu as Kiki and Hannah Einbinder as Ava in Season 5 of 'Hacks'. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.
    (L to R) Jean Smart as Deborah, Poppy Liu as Kiki and Hannah Einbinder as Ava in Season 5 of ‘Hacks’. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max.

    Other TV Shows Similar to ‘Hacks’:

    Buy Jean Smart Movies On Amazon

    loA1JDj9

  • Movie Review: ‘Dog Man’

    DreamWorks Animation’s 'Dog Man', directed by Peter Hastings.
    DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Dog Man’, directed by Peter Hastings.

    ‘Dog Man’ receives 6 out of 10 stars.

    Opening in theaters on January 31st, ‘Dog Man’ is proof that there is surely no children’s book that DreamWorks Animation won’t try to adapt for its ever-hungry franchise machine.

    Yes, if you thought ‘The Boss Baby’ was the wildest source material the company could track down, you’ve clearly never seen 2017’s ‘Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie,’ the first DreamWorks title to draw from Dav Pilkey’s particular style of books.

    Related Article: Lil Rel Howery Talks Comedy Mystery ‘Reunion’ and Working with the Cast

    Will ‘Dog Man’ arrest your family’s time?

    Chief (Lil Rel Howery) in DreamWorks Animation’s 'Dog Man', directed by Peter Hastings.
    Chief (Lil Rel Howery) in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Dog Man’, directed by Peter Hastings.

    How much you appreciate ‘Dog Man’ might depend on your tolerance for very loud, extremely wacky shenanigans that also try to cram in a little heart to make the story work. There are few concessions to convention here, but the idea that this is based on kids’ work –– after all, the ‘Dog Man’ books were, in canon of the books, at least, created by the young heroes of ‘Captain Underpants’ –– really shines through.

    Script and Direction

    'Dog Man' director Peter Hastings. Photo: DreamWorks Animation.
    ‘Dog Man’ director Peter Hastings. Photo: DreamWorks Animation.

    Peter Hastings pulled triple duty on this one, adapting Pilkey’s book into the script, directing and providing the voice for Officer Knight, Greg the dog and their eventual, post-accident combination, Dog Man.

    As a writer, he really has channeled the anarchic feel of the ‘Captain Underpants’ universe, where ‘Dog Man’ was first created. Younger children in particular will thrill to the wilder moments, such as giant buildings being brought to life and the idea of characters’ howls turning into letters that litter the ground after they fall.

    As director, he has conjured up the look of the ‘Dog Man’ books, adapted for 3D animation, in bouncy, squishy, hectic form. Again, the visual style will primarily appeal to younger audiences, while parents might at time regret bringing them to see this one.

    ‘Dog Man’: Performances

    Around Hastings’ main character, the cast is loaded with comedy talent.

    Peter Hastings as Dog Man

    Peter Hastings voices Dog Man in DreamWorks Animation’s 'Dog Man', directed by Peter Hastings.
    Peter Hastings voices Dog Man in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Dog Man’, directed by Peter Hastings.

    It’s perhaps sometimes stretching things to say Hastings performs as Dog Man, but he does infuse the character’s barks with solid heart and comedy value.

    Pete Davidson as Petey

    Pete Davidson voices Petey in DreamWorks Animation’s 'Dog Man', directed by Peter Hastings.
    Pete Davidson voices Petey in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Dog Man’, directed by Peter Hastings.

    While Davidson’s style in live-action might not to be to everyone’s taste, but he’s definitely the right person to voice the scheming, chaotic feline who is Dog Man’s nemesis in the books.

    He certainly embraces the wacky style of the voice characterizations in general and appears to be having a blast bringing the character to life.

    Isla Fisher as Sarah Hatoff

    Isla Fisher voices Sarah Hatoff in DreamWorks Animation’s 'Dog Man', directed by Peter Hastings.
    Isla Fisher voices Sarah Hatoff in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Dog Man’, directed by Peter Hastings.

    Ohkay City’s (where story is set), ace reporter, Sarah is firmly in the April O’Neil mold, forever chasing the next story, and becoming wrapped up in Dog Man’s story.

    Fisher brings a likeable, funny energy to the part.

    Lil Rel Howery as Chief

    Lil Rel Howery voices Chief in DreamWorks Animation’s 'Dog Man', directed by Peter Hastings.
    Lil Rel Howery voices Chief in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Dog Man’, directed by Peter Hastings.

    Dog Man’s forever frustrated boss, Chief is perpetually under pressure from city authorities including the Mayor, who makes big demands on his time.

    Howery is a shouty, entertaining presence in the movie.

    Stephen Root as Grampa

    Root, a comedy veteran, was a solid idea to play Petey’s delinquent father, and makes him an almost entirely unsympathetic character. It’s a testament to the movie that it doesn’t try to cram in an emotional arc for at least this character.

    Ricky Gervais as Flippy

    Ricky Gervais voices Flippy in DreamWorks Animation’s 'Dog Man', directed by Peter Hastings.
    Ricky Gervais voices Flippy in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Dog Man’, directed by Peter Hastings.

    A telekinetic fish who is dead when the story begins but is brought back to life by the Living Spray Factory (you really just have to embrace the weirdness here), Flippy is a major antagonist.

    And while, like Davidson, Gervais can be a divisive figure, he makes for a watchable villain, fully understanding the assignment.

    Butler (Poppy Liu) in DreamWorks Animation’s 'Dog Man', directed by Peter Hastings.
    Butler (Poppy Liu) in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Dog Man’, directed by Peter Hastings.

    Poppy Liu as Butler

    One of the comic highlights of the movie, Butler is Petey’s sarcastic aide, always ready with a dry comment or quip, and the running joke about the money he owes her is one of the better examples in the script.

    Final Thoughts

    Dog Man (Peter Hastings) in DreamWorks Animation’s 'Dog Man', directed by Peter Hastings.
    Dog Man (Peter Hastings) in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Dog Man’, directed by Peter Hastings.

    ‘Dog Man’ really does evoke the look and comedy of Pilkey’s work. It’s certainly more approachable than, say, the confusing likes of the web series ‘Skibidi Toilet’ and blends zany antics with some decent gags (our favorite was probably the Indifferent Store, which remarks “meh” when brought to life).

    Though some kids were a little restless at the screening we attended, it should at least capture the imagination of the books’ fans.

    UzClpA8dbadoyNocuzzGx5

    What’s the plot of ‘Dog Man’?

    When a human police officer named Knight and his dog Greg are injured together on the job, a life-saving surgery changes the course of history when Dog Man is born. Dog Man (Peter Hastings) must protect and serve as he doggedly pursues the feline Petey the Cat (Pete Davidson), but the unexpected arrival of Li’l Petey (Lucas Hopkins) changes their dynamic

    Who is in the voice cast of ‘Dog Man’?

    • Peter Hastings as the vocal effects of Dog Man
    • Pete Davidson as Petey
    • Lucas Hopkins as Li’l Petey
    • Lil Rel Howery as Chief
    • Isla Fisher as Sarah Hatoff
    • Billy Boyd as Seamus
    • Ricky Gervais as Flippy the Fish
    • Stephen Root as Grampa
    • Poppy Liu as Butler
    (from left) Li’l Petey (Lucas Hopkins Calderon) and Dog Man (Peter Hastings) in DreamWorks Animation’s 'Dog Man', directed by Peter Hastings.
    (from left) Li’l Petey (Lucas Hopkins Calderon) and Dog Man (Peter Hastings) in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Dog Man’, directed by Peter Hastings.

    List of Movies Featuring Dogs:

    Buy Tickets: ‘Dog Man’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Pete Davidson Movies On Amazon

    Ndlu8zb6

  • ‘Space Cadet’ Interview: Emma Roberts and Tom Hopper

    0cVGUK3z

    Premiering on Prime Video beginning July 4th is the new comedy ‘Space Cadet’ which was directed by Liz W. Garcia and stars Emma Roberts (‘Madame Web’), Tom Hopper (‘The Umbrella Academy’), Poppy Liu (‘The Afterparty’), Desi Lydic (‘The Daily Show‘), Gabrielle Union (‘Strange World’), and Dave Foley (‘A Bug’s Life’).

    Related Article: Director Alejandra Márquez Abella Talks ‘A Million Miles Away’

    Emma Roberts and Tom Hopper talks 'Space Cadet'.
    (L to R) Emma Roberts and Tom Hopper talks ‘Space Cadet’.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Emma Roberts and Tom Hopper about their work on ‘Space Cadet’, their first reaction to the screenplay, their characters’ relationship, singing karaoke together on screen, and working with director Liz W. Garcia.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Roberts, Hopper, Poppy Liu and director Liz W. Garcia.

    Emma Roberts in 'Space Cadet'.
    Emma Roberts in ‘Space Cadet’. Credit: Eric Liebowitz//Prime Video. Copyright: © Amazon Content Services LLC.

    Moviefone: To begin with, Emma, can you talk about your first reaction to the screenplay, and what was it like playing a character who has such a positive attitude?

    Emma Roberts: I love the script for ‘Space Cadet’. I read it and immediately fell madly in love with the character of Rex, and it was fun to get to play someone so optimistic and upbeat and also a little bit tiring.

    MF: Was it emotionally draining playing a character as upbeat as Rex?

    ER: I mean, a little bit, but also it was fun. I’ve been doing a lot of much darker stuff the last few years, and so it was fun to play someone that I felt like the audience will connect to and feel uplifted by and inspired by, because I just feel like we’ve all been through a lot these last few years. So, to do a movie where there is no real darkness, it really is light and fun and something you can watch with your family and friends and siblings and not be embarrassed that you’re watching it with them, was fun.

    Tom Hopper and Gabrielle Union in 'Space Cadet'.
    (L to R) Tom Hopper and Gabrielle Union in ‘Space Cadet’. Photo Credit: Eric Liebowitz//Prime Video. Copyright: © Amazon Content Services LLC.

    MF: Tom, what was your first reaction to the screenplay and your approach to playing Logan?

    Tom Hopper: First reaction was that it’s very fun. I read a lot of scripts, and there’s very few that make me laugh and make me think all at the same time, and then also have a character that is compelling and that I would have a good time playing. So that was my first reaction, and certainly one that I took into wanting to have the meeting with Liz Garcia. Then in terms of Logan, for me, someone like Logan is an example of what I think a lot of people end up doing, which is they become their job. They identify purely by their job rather than who they really are as a person, and they fit into that mold. That’s what’s happened to Logan. I think he’s very much by the book. Then, I think there is a more human side and more fun side of Logan that is then brought out by Rex and that’s why he’s so compelled by her, but also scared of her as well, because she represents the thing that he’s kind of shut down and pushed away. So, he is kind of fighting that thing to bring that back to life, which I think is kind of a lovely message of the movie that the Logan character brings, is that we should all kind of try and do that sometimes.

    MF: Emma, how would you describe Rex’s friendship with Nadine?

    ER: We were channeling our ‘Romy and Michele’. I loved that duo. I remember when Poppy and I were walking into the high school reunion and we were like, “It’s ‘Romy and Michele’”. We had to. It’s one of my favorite movies.

    Emma Roberts in 'Space Cadet'.
    Emma Roberts in ‘Space Cadet’. Credit: Eric Liebowitz//Prime Video. Copyright: © Amazon Content Services LLC.

    MF: Emma, can you talk about Rex’s relationship with Logan, what she sees in him, and what was it like for you working with Tom?

    ER: Tom Hopper is a literal joy. He is the real Rex. He comes to work every day and is just the happiest guy there and just uplifts everyone. But he was so fun, and I loved Rex and Logan’s relationship because obviously it’s super unlikely and I especially love their karaoke scene together. I think people are going to love it because I know when the Counting Crows comes on, I lose my mind. So, I think people are going to love that little throwback that they give.

    MF: Tom, how would you describe Logan and Rex’s relationship, why he’s attracted to her and what was it like for you working with Emma?

    TH: I think it is an unusual match. But like I say, underneath it, they’re probably more similar than they realize. But I had a great time working with Emma. I think from what was on the page to what it became, I think I’m really pleased with how it turned out. Emma was a great scene partner. She brought her A game every day, and she’s just so full of life. She comes to life on set and on screen, and it’s very easy to work with.

    Emma Roberts and director Liz W. Garcia in 'Space Cadet'.
    (L to R) Emma Roberts and director Liz W. Garcia in ‘Space Cadet’. Photo Credit: Eric Liebowitz//Prime Video. Copyright: © Amazon Content Services LLC.

    MF: Was it fun shooting the karaoke scene and singing Counting Crows’ ‘Mr. Jones’ with Emma on screen?

    TH: Yeah. We started rehearsing that the hour after I landed in New Jersey. We went and rehearsed that straight away, along with two other songs, because we didn’t know which song it was going to be at that point, because they were still figuring out the rights for the song. But when it turned out, I was pleased it turned out to be that song, because that was my favorite one of the three. But yeah, it was an experience. We just sort of dove in head-first together, and it was a lot of fun. It was a good way to get to know each other quite quickly.

    MF: Finally, Tom, what was your experience like collaborating with director Liz W. Garcia on set?

    TH: Liz is wonderful as a director. She’s so collaborative. I knew from the first meeting I had with her that we were going to get along. Her manner and her energy were perfect for this movie. Plus, she’s the writer as well, right? So, when it came to suggesting stuff on set, she had full reign to be able to just move things around and say, “Oh, say this, or say that.” For me, I love that. When a director is just going to get their hands dirty, and comes in and you collaborate and you say, “Oh, what about if I did this?” Or “What about if I did that?” I think that’s when comedy particularly is great, because you get to just play, and you get this sort of synergy with the director. She’s great for that. She’s amazing. It’s always super helpful having the writer as the director, for sure. Sometimes you get that leeway with a director that’s not the writer, because they’ve been given free reign of the script to move it around on the day. They don’t have to go and check with the writer. But it’s always amazing when it’s a writer/director. They’re not married to their words, and they’re very open to you to come with suggestions and make it real for you. So, if they’re fully behind that, then that’s a match made in heaven. That’s great.

    Q7XcVRy8DkRzKxLRqOJQB1

    What is the plot of ‘Space Cadet’?

    Tiffany “Rex” Simpson (Emma Roberts) has always dreamed of going to space, and her “doctored” application lands her in NASA’s ultra-competitive astronaut training program. In over her head, can this Florida girl rely on her quick wits, moxie and determination to get through training and into the cosmos before she blows her cover?

    Who is in the cast of ‘Space Cadet’?

    • Emma Roberts as Rex Simpson
    • Tom Hopper as Logan O’Leary
    • Poppy Liu as Nadine Cai
    • Kuhoo Verma as Violet Marie Vislawski
    • Desi Lydic as Dr. Stacy Kellogg
    • Gabrielle Union as Pam Proctor
    • Dave Foley as Rudolph Bolton
    Andrew Call), Desi Lydic, Josephine Huang, and Yasha Jackson in 'Space Cadet'.
    (L to R) Andrew Call), Desi Lydic, Josephine Huang, and Yasha Jackson in ‘Space Cadet’. Photo Credit: Eric Liebowitz//Prime Video. Copyright: © Amazon Content Services LLC.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Space Cadet’:

    Buy Emma Roberts Movies On Amazon

     

  • Movie Review: ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’

    Henry Golding as Hu and Brandon Soo Hoo as Tom in 'The Tiger’s Apprentice,' streaming on Paramount+, 2024.
    (L to R) Henry Golding as Hu and Brandon Soo Hoo as Tom in ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2024. Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures/Paramount+.

    Launching on Paramount+ February 2nd, ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ represents a solid dose of forward momentum for the portrayal of Chinese mythology on screen for more general audiences.

    It’s a shame, though, that the film –– which we’d recommend for its entertaining voice cast more than anything in the script itself –– is an entertaining enough romp for younger audiences but seems unlikely to come across as anything other than second tier when truly boundary-pushing animation exists.

    Does ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ Earn its Stripes?

    Henry Golding as Hu and Sandra Oh as Mistral in 'The Tiger’s Apprentice,' streaming on Paramount+, 2024.
    (L to R) Henry Golding as Hu and Sandra Oh as Mistral in ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2024. Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures/Paramount+.

    In development for a long time, and handed off between different filmmakers, ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ has been on one of those journeys where you have to wonder if something happened to it along the way. It was, at one point, being considered as a theatrical release, but is now arriving direct to streaming.

    There is less of a negative aura about such shifts these days, in a time when there are truly superb streaming shows and movies, but it’s tough to discount the idea that the finished product here just doesn’t scream “theatrical release”. The animation, while certainly competent, can be a little jerky with its human characters in particular (one scene, a vision for the main character, is much more aesthetically pleasing) and the storyline, as we’ll dig into, is a reheated offering of something we’ve seen many times before.

    ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’: Script and Direction

    Brandon Soo Hoo as Tom in 'The Tiger’s Apprentice,' streaming on Paramount+, 2024.
    Brandon Soo Hoo as Tom in ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2024. Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures/Paramount+.

    Perhaps the biggest issue with ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ is in its basic structure. Though some stories are trotted out time and again because they’ve proven to work, here you can really feel that the authentic ethnic detailing layered over the exceedingly basic skeleton doesn’t quite cover the seen-it-before aspect at its core.

    Adapted from the young adult novel by Laurence Yep by David Magee (an Oscar nominee for his work on ‘Life of Pi’) and Christopher Yost (a veteran of Marvel movies and who you suspect provided much of the quippiness on display here), the script has its moments, but struggles to overcome the notion that you’re watching the 534th take on material that the likes of ‘Harry Potter’, ‘Percy Jackson’ and any number of other, better examples have tackled.

    The young target audience, of course, likely won’t mind too much, enjoying the colorful, jokey characters and the rising stakes. But anyone who has seen a movie of this sort will soon find themselves making a mental checklist of what to expect –– the wise mentor (in this case, a grandmother who loses her life to the main villain), the grouchy new guide, the wide-eyed kid who had no idea he possessed magic powers, the goofy sidekick, the noble sidekick, the baddie with an all-purpose idea to wipe humanity off the face of the Earth and rule the darkness that follows, etc., etc.

    Directors Raman Hui, Paul Watling and Yong Duk Jhun do manage to give the movie a grounding in Chinese zodiac beliefs and an authentic feeling of being set in San Francisco (though sometimes falling into bland, generic traps such as having main character Tom attend “San Francisco High School”). As mentioned, the animation style is more serviceable than truly impressive and while not everything can be at the ‘Spider-Verse’ level, these days you do wish more movies would try (it’s a reason we enjoyed ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’).

    ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’: Performances

    Sherry Cola as Naomi, Sandra Oh as Mistral, Bowen Yang as Sidney, Henry Golding as Hu and Brandon Soo Hoo as Tom in 'The Tiger’s Apprentice,' streaming on Paramount+, 2024.
    (L to R) Sherry Cola as Naomi, Sandra Oh as Mistral, Bowen Yang as Sidney, Henry Golding as Hu and Brandon Soo Hoo as Tom in ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2024. Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures/Paramount+.

    If there’s a real saving grace here, it’s the appealing, funny and emotional performances of the voice cast. Though it seems every film (and TV show; witness ‘The Brothers Sun’) with Chinese characters is contractually obliged to include Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh, she does at least give the underwritten villain role some gravitas.

    As Tom, the young man who discovers he has a magical legacy, Brendan Soo Hoo is an appealing personality who sparks well off the rest of the cast. Henry Golding, meanwhile, is somewhat saddled with the standard grouchy-yet-heroic character of Hu, the Tiger who takes Tom under his wing –– er, paw? –– when the lad’s grandmother gives her life to protect him. In terms of character design, he’s like a kid-friendly Wolverine, even down to the muttonchops when in human form.

    Elsewhere, the basic scripting is helped by a great ensemble that includes the likes of Sandra Oh, Sherry Cola and Bowen Yang, who bring the lines to life and work well against both Golding and Hoo.

    ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’: Final Thoughts

    Henry Golding as Hu, Sandra Oh as Mistral, Sherry Cola as Naomi and Brandon Soo Hoo as Tom in The 'Tiger’s Apprentice,' streaming on Paramount+, 2024.
    (L to R) Henry Golding as Hu, Sandra Oh as Mistral, Sherry Cola as Naomi and Brandon Soo Hoo as Tom in The ‘Tiger’s Apprentice,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2024. Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures/Paramount+.

    Definitely one for the younger crowd, and unlikely to inspire much faith from older audiences, ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ is a mildly diverting animated adventure whose welcome diversity can’t disguise the well-used tropes and narrative at its center.

    A fun cast certainly helps, but we’re not sure we see this one launching a franchise any time soon.

    ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ receives 6.5 out of 10 stars.

    FLPM7EmfQiOijQkaTneu12

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

    Based on the popular children’s book series of the same name by Laurence Yep, the movie follows Chinese-American teenager Tom Lee (Brandon Soo Hoo), whose life changes forever when he discovers he is part of a long lineage of magical protectors known as the Guardians.

    With guidance from a mythical tiger named Hu (Henry Golding), Tom trains to take on Loo (Michelle Yeoh), a force that is as powerful as a Guardian but with evil intentions to use magic to destroy humanity. To have a fighting chance against Loo, Tom must reunite all twelve Zodiac animal warriors and master his own newly discovered powers.

    Who else is in ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’?

    The voice cast for ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’ also includes Lucy Liu, Sandra Oh, Bowen Yang, Leah Lewis, Kheng Hua Tan , Sherry Cola, Deborah S. Craig, Jo Koy, Greta Lee, Diana Lee Inosanto, Patrick Gallagher and Poppy Liu.

    Diana Lee Inosanto as Horse, Poppy Liu as Snake, Greta Lee as Rabbit, Jo Koy as Rooster, Henry Golding as Hu, Patrick Gallagher as Dog, Deborah S. Craig as Pig, Sherry Cola as Naomi and Sandra Oh as Mistral in 'The Tiger’s Apprentice,' streaming on Paramount+, 2024.
    (L to R) Diana Lee Inosanto as Horse, Poppy Liu as Snake, Greta Lee as Rabbit, Jo Koy as Rooster, Henry Golding as Hu, Patrick Gallagher as Dog, Deborah S. Craig as Pig, Sherry Cola as Naomi and Sandra Oh as Mistral in ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2024. Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures/Paramount+.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’:

    Buy Henry Golding Movies On Amazon

  • TV Review: ‘The Afterparty’ Season 2

    Tiffany Haddish in 'The Afterparty,' now streaming on Apple TV+.
    Tiffany Haddish in ‘The Afterparty,’ now streaming on Apple TV+.

    Launched with the first two episodes on Apple TV+, the second season of ‘The Afterparty’ manages to take the story in interesting new directors while also maintaining what made the first so entertaining.

    Created by Chris Miller and produced by Miller alongside regular creative partner Phil Lord, ‘The Afterparty’ has the clever conceit of presenting the events of the story from the different points of view of the various characters, all portrayed in different genres.

    And while the new season doesn’t have the frisson of a new idea in quite the same way, there is still plenty of freshness here.

    What’s the story of ‘The Afterparty’s second season?

    Zoë Chao and Sam Richardson in 'The Afterparty,' now streaming on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Zoë Chao and Sam Richardson in ‘The Afterparty,’ now streaming on Apple TV+.

    The story picks up with Aniq (Sam Richardson) and Zoë (Zoë Chao), now a couple, having made it through the murder mystery that sprang up during the afterparty of a high school reunion.

    It’s a year later and the pair are attending the wedding of Zoë’s sister Grace (Poppy Liu), who is getting married to wealthy tech type Edgar (Zach Woods) at his family’s expansive estate north of San Francisco.

    Aniq fails to make a good impression his girlfriend’s family, but that pales in comparison when Edgar is discovered dead the morning after the wedding (along with his pet lizard, Roxana).

    Soon, accusations are being thrown around and skeletons from the past on all sides are coming to light. Aniq contacts Detective Danner –– or rather former Detective Danner (Tiffany Haddish) –– who cracked the case in the first season (and is now trying to write a book about the experience) to come and solve the new murder mystery.

    Who else appears in ‘The Afterparty’ Season 2?

    Jack Whitehall and John Cho in 'The Afterparty,' now streaming on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Jack Whitehall and John Cho in ‘The Afterparty,’ now streaming on Apple TV+.

    Season two boasts a new group of characters including Edgar’s adopted sister Hannah (Anna Konkle), his widowed mother Isabel (Elizabeth Perkins), and business partner Sebastian (Jack Whitehall); Grace and Zoë’s parents Feng (Ken Jeong) and Vivian (Vivian Wu), as well as their long-estranged world-travelling uncle Ulysses (John Cho); and Grace’s ex-boyfriend Travis (Paul Walter Hauser).

    Related Article: Producers Phil Lord, Cristopher Miller and Cast Talk ‘The Afterparty’

    Is ‘The Afterparty’ Season 2 an event worth attending?

    Anna Konkle, Elizabeth Perkins, Zach Woods, Poppy Liu, John Cho, Vivian Wu, Ken Jeong and Zoë Chao in 'The Afterparty,' now streaming on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Anna Konkle, Elizabeth Perkins, Zach Woods, Poppy Liu, John Cho, Vivian Wu, Ken Jeong and Zoë Chao in ‘The Afterparty,’ now streaming on Apple TV+.

    As we mentioned, the idea of splitting the episodes between the various characters’ viewpoints and utilizing a different genre for each one is no longer as fresh and new as the first, but the show’s creative team has worked hard to make it feel different and worthwhile rather than a retread.

    Part of that is rounding up a superb new ensemble to bring the characters to life, with the highlights including Cho as the worldly, weird uncle that Zoë and Grace idolized as youngsters, but haven’t seen for years after he fell out with their parents. His re-introduction to their lives (organized by Edgar and Sebastian) is a fantastic showcase for Cho, who has rarely gotten to play such a flamboyant, weird character.

    Jeong is also great –– a picky shaved ice magnate (he’s quick to point out that it’s Taiwanese rather than Hawaiian) –– gives him a chance to do the sort of shouty, nervy character who works well playing against the others.

    Woods’ Edgar has his own set of quirks; a painfully socially awkward genius whose closest companion is his pet reptile, and while it might come across as the character he played or some he interacted with on ‘Silicon Valley’, he brings something new to this role. Kudos also to the effects team bringing Roxana the lizard to life –– she’s almost as much of a character as she is.

    Among the genres the season offers are Jane Austen-style period drama (for Grace’s story of how she met and fell for Edgar and her worries that Zoë isn’t on board with their whirlwind romance), and one set within the word of TikTok and other social media trends.

    And a breakout hit of the season to come is the episode focused on Danner investigating a different case. We won’t go into any big spoilers but suffice to say that fans of 1980s and 1990s thrillers (and food) will heartily enjoy the craziness on display. You can also expect to see a spoof of heist movies and 1950s melodrama.

    Through it all, Haddish and Richardson provide reliable anchors –– he all nervous energy and trying to do what’s right, she the quick-thinking, smack-talking type who knows that everyone lies at some point.

    There are the same level of twists and turns this time around, the various viewpoints providing different laughs and the emotional quotient remaining high. These are characters you’ll enjoy getting to know and figuring out who might have dangerous motives and reasons to wish Edgar harm.

    It also generates plenty of knowing stories about the tensions both within Asian families and towards them –– at one point Jeong’s Feng points out that white people clustered whispering is never a good thing.

    Lord and Miller have long proved to be skilled at taking comedy and genre and twisting them together, and ‘The Afterparty’ continues to be a great example of that.

    ‘Afterparty’ problems?

    Poppy Liu and Zach Woods in 'The Afterparty,' now streaming on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Poppy Liu and Zach Woods in ‘The Afterparty,’ now streaming on Apple TV+.

    Not every genre pick is quite as effective, which means you might find yourself going from an episode you truly enjoy to one that only offers minor chuckles.

    Yet this is the only real issue with the new show, which has made a successful return to Apple’s streaming service and marks one of the best comedies on TV at the moment. The only other problem you could have is with the weekly drip feed release schedule –– your patience might be taxed waiting for each episode of the remaining eight to drop, but it’s worth it.

    And the only guarantee we can’t give is that the show sticks the landing this time and resolves the mystery effectively, as critics were not provided with the crucial final episode. But on the evidence of the season so far and the great quality of the first, we have faith.

    ‘The Afterparty’ Season 2 receives 8 out of 10 stars.

    Tiffany Haddish and Elizabeth Perkins in 'The Afterparty,' now streaming on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Tiffany Haddish and Elizabeth Perkins in ‘The Afterparty,’ now streaming on Apple TV+.

    Movies Similar to ‘The Afterparty’ Season 2:

    Buy Tiffany Haddish Movies on Amazon

  • ‘Dead Ringers’: Trailer for the new TV Adaptation

    Wa3O0QGf

    Can you bring the psychological terror and body horror of a David Cronenberg movie to TV? If you have the less scope of streaming, and a Prime Video budget, you can certainly give it a try.

    4607

    In Cronenberg’s original 1988 movie ‘Dead Ringers’, Jeremy Irons stars as the Mantle brothers: both doctors –– gynecologists –– and identical twins. Mentally however, one of them is more confident than the other, and always manages to seduce the women he meets. When he’s tired of his current partner, she is passed on to the other brother… without her knowing. Everything runs smoothly, at least until an actress visits their clinic, and the shy brother is the first to fall in love. Will they be able to ‘share’ her ?

    The concept has now been updated, and gender swapped, to star Rachel Weisz in a limited series. The trailer, set to Soft Cell’s 1981 synth cover of “Tainted Love,” teases a very different storyline compared to the original film, focusing on the twin’s experiments to change the very way women can give birth.

    Rachel Weisz in 'Dead Ringers.'
    Rachel Weisz in ‘Dead Ringers.’ Credit: Courtesy of Prime. Copyright: Amazon Studios.

    What’s the story for the new ‘Dead Ringers’?

    Weisz stars in the lead dual roles of Elliot and Beverly Mantle. They are twin gynecologists who share everything: drugs, lovers, and an unapologetic desire to do whatever it takes — including pushing the boundaries on medical ethics — in an effort to challenge antiquated practices and bring women’s health care to the forefront.

    The twins are very different despite their identical faces –– and that, plus their drive to change the field of medicine promises some big trouble ahead.

    Jennifer Ehle in 'Dead Ringers.'
    Jennifer Ehle in ‘Dead Ringers.’ Credit: Niko Tavernise/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.

    Related Article: Movie Review: ‘Crimes of the Future’

    Who else is involved in ‘Dead Ringers’?

    Rachel Weisz also serves as an executive producer for the limited series, which is created, written, and executive produced by Emmy-nominated writer and playwright Alice Birch, who worked on ‘Normal People’.

    Sean Durkin (who made ‘Martha Marcy May Marlene’, ‘The Nest’, and upcoming wrestling drama ‘The Iron Claw’) directed the first two episodes and co-directed the last episode of the series. The directing roster also boasts ‘Jennifer’s Body’s Karyn Kusama, ‘Snowfall’ veteran Karena Evans and ‘Y: The Last Man’s Lauren Wolkstein.

    And in front of the camera, ‘Dead Ringers’ ensemble cast includes Britne Oldford as Genevieve, Poppy Liu as Greta, Michael Chernus as Tom, Jennifer Ehle as Rebecca and Emily Meade as Susan.

    In an unusual move, the trailer’s release was actually delayed by a day in light of the Nashville school shooting which left three children and three adults dead. The release was delayed out of respect for the families and victims of the tragedy, not due to the content of the series or trailer, which does not involve a shooting.

    All six episodes of ‘Dead Ringers’ will launch on Prime Video on April 21st.

    Rachel Weisz in 'Dead Ringers.'
    Rachel Weisz in ‘Dead Ringers.’ Credit: Niko Tavernise/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.
    Rachel Weisz in 'Dead Ringers.'
    Rachel Weisz in ‘Dead Ringers.’ Credit: Niko Tavernise/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.
    Rachel Weisz in 'Dead Ringers.'
    Rachel Weisz in ‘Dead Ringers.’ Credit: Niko Tavernise/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.
    Rachel Weisz and Michael Chernus in 'Dead Ringers.'
    (L to R) Rachel Weisz and Michael Chernus in ‘Dead Ringers.’ Credit: Niko Tavernise/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.
    Rachel Weisz in 'Dead Ringers.'
    Rachel Weisz in ‘Dead Ringers.’ Credit: Niko Tavernise/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.
    Poppy Liu in 'Dead Ringers.'
    Poppy Liu in ‘Dead Ringers.’ Credit: Niko Tavernise/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.
    Britne Oldford in 'Dead Ringers.'
    Britne Oldford in ‘Dead Ringers.’ Credit: Niko Tavernise/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.
    A scene from 'Dead Ringers.'
    A scene from ‘Dead Ringers.’ Credit: Courtesy of Prime. Copyright: Amazon Studios.
    ‘Dead Ringers’ will launch on Prime Video on April 21st.
    ‘Dead Ringers’ will launch on Prime Video on April 21st.

    Movies Similar to ‘Dead Ringers:’

    Buy Rachel Weisz Movies on Amazon