Tag: rachel-mcadams

  • Best Rachel McAdams Movies of All Time Ranked!

    (L to R) Dylan O'brien as Bradley Preston and Rachal McAdams as Linda Liddle in 20th Century Studios' 'Send Help'. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
    (L to R) Dylan O’brien as Bradley Preston and Rachal McAdams as Linda Liddle in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Send Help’. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Rachel McAdams is one of the most talented actresses working in film today.

    The actress first gained attention for her work in ‘Mean Girls,’ and since then has appeared in such popular movies as ‘The Notebook,’ ‘Wedding Crashers,’ ‘The Time Traveler’s Wife,’ and ‘Southpaw,’ as well as the ‘Sherlock Holmes‘ and ‘Doctor Strange‘ franchises, and the Oscar-winning film ‘Spotlight.’

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    McAdams’ latest movie, ‘Send Help,’ which was directed by Sam Raimi, is scheduled for release in theaters on January 30th.

    In honor of the release of ‘Send Help,’ Moviefone is counting down the 20 best films of Rachel McAdams’ career.

    Let’s begin!

    Related Article: Rachel McAdams in Talks to Star for Sam Raimi in Horror Thriller ‘Send Help’


    20. ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.’ (2023)

    (L to R) Rachel McAdams as Barbara Simon and Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret Simon in 'Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.' Photo Credit: Dana Hawley.
    (L to R) Rachel McAdams as Barbara Simon and Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret Simon in ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.’ Photo Credit: Dana Hawley.

    11-year-old Margaret (Abby Ryder Fortson) is uprooted from her life in New York City for the suburbs of New Jersey, going through the messy and tumultuous throes of puberty with new friends in a new school. She relies on her mother, Barbara (McAdams), who is also struggling to adjust to life outside the big city, and her adoring grandmother, Sylvia (Kathy Bates), who isn’t happy they moved away and likes to remind them every chance she gets.

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    19. ‘The Family Stone‘ (2005)

    An uptight, conservative businesswoman (Sarah Jessica Parker) accompanies her boyfriend (Dermot Mulroney) to his eccentric and outgoing family’s annual Christmas celebration and finds that she’s a fish out of water in their free-spirited way of life.

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    18. ‘Red Eye‘ (2005)

    A woman (McAdams) is kidnapped by a stranger (Cillian Murphy) on a routine flight. Threatened by the potential murder of her father (Brian Cox), she is pulled into a plot to assist her captor in offing a politician.

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    17. ‘Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows‘ (2011)

    There is a new criminal mastermind at large, Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris) and not only is he Holmes’ (Robert Downey Jr.) intellectual equal, but his capacity for evil and lack of conscience may give him an advantage over the detective.

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    16. ‘Doctor Strange‘ (2016)

    After his career is destroyed, a brilliant but arrogant surgeon (Benedict Cumberbatch) gets a new lease on life when a sorcerer takes him under her (Tilda Swinton) wing and trains him to defend the world against evil.

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    15. ‘Game Night‘ (2018)

    (L to R) Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams in 'Game Night'. Photo: Warner Bros.
    (L to R) Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams in ‘Game Night’. Photo: Warner Bros.

    Max (Jason Bateman) and Annie’s (McAdams) weekly game night gets kicked up a notch when Max’s brother Brooks (Kyle Chandler) arranges a murder mystery party — complete with fake thugs and federal agents. So when Brooks gets kidnapped, it’s all supposed to be part of the game. As the competitors set out to solve the case, they start to learn that neither the game nor Brooks are what they seem to be. The friends soon find themselves in over their heads as each twist leads to another unexpected turn over the course of one chaotic night.

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    14. ‘State of Play‘ (2009)

    When a congressional aide is killed, a Washington, D.C. journalist (Russell Crowe) starts investigating the case involving the Representative, his old college friend (Ben Affleck).

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    13. ‘The Vow‘ (2012)

    Happy young married couple Paige (McAdams) and Leo (Channing Tatum) are, well, happy. Then a car accident puts Paige into a life-threatening coma. Upon awakening she has lost the previous five years of memories, including those of her beloved Leo, her wedding, a confusing relationship with her parents, or the ending of her relationship with her ex-fiance (Scott Speedman). Despite these complications, Leo endeavors to win her heart again and rebuild their marriage.

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    12. ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness‘ (2022)

    Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), with the help of mystical allies both old and new, traverses the mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities of the Multiverse to confront a mysterious new adversary.

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    11. ‘Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga‘ (2020)

    Two small-town aspiring musicians (Will Ferrell and McAdams) chase their pop star dreams at a global music competition, where high stakes, scheming rivals and onstage mishaps test their bond.

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    10. ‘The Time Traveler’s Wife‘ (2009)

    (L to R) Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana in 'The Time Traveler's Wife'. Photo: Warner Bros.
    (L to R) Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana in ‘The Time Traveler’s Wife’. Photo: Warner Bros.

    Due to a genetic disorder, handsome librarian Henry DeTamble (Eric Bana) involuntarily zips through time, appearing at various moments in the life of his true love, the beautiful artist Clare Abshire (McAdams).

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    9. ‘Wedding Crashers‘ (2005)

    John (Owen Wilson) and his buddy, Jeremy (Vince Vaughn) are emotional criminals who know how to use a woman’s hopes and dreams for their own carnal gain. Their modus operandi: crashing weddings. Normally, they meet guests who want to toast the romantic day with a random hook-up. But when John meets Claire (McAdams), he discovers what true love – and heartache – feels like.

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    8. ‘About Time‘ (2013)

    The night after another unsatisfactory New Year’s party, Tim’s father (Bill Nighy) tells his son (Domhnall Gleeson) that the men in his family have always had the ability to travel through time. They can’t change history, but they can change what happens and has happened in their own lives. Thus begins the start of a lesson in learning to appreciate life itself as it is, as it comes, and most importantly, the people living alongside us.

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    7. ‘Mean Girls‘ (2004)

    Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) is a hit with The Plastics, the A-list girl clique at her new school, until she makes the mistake of falling for Aaron Samuels (Jonathan Bennett), the ex-boyfriend of alpha Plastic Regina George (McAdams).

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    6. ‘Sherlock Holmes‘ (2009)

    Eccentric consulting detective Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and Doctor John Watson (Jude Law) battle to bring down a new nemesis and unravel a deadly plot that could destroy England.

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    5. ‘Send Help‘ (2026)

    (L to R) Dylan O'Brien as Bradley Preston and Rachel McAdams as Linda Liddle in 20th Century Studios' 'Send Help'. Photo by Brook Rushton. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
    (L to R) Dylan O’Brien as Bradley Preston and Rachel McAdams as Linda Liddle in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Send Help’. Photo by Brook Rushton. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Two colleagues (McAdams and Dylan O’Brien) become stranded on a deserted island, the only survivors of a plane crash. On the island, they must overcome past grievances and work together to survive, but ultimately, it’s a battle of wills and wits to make it out alive.

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    4. ‘Southpaw‘ (2015)

    Billy “The Great” Hope (Jake Gyllenhaal), the reigning junior middleweight boxing champion, has an impressive career, a loving wife (McAdams) and daughter, and a lavish lifestyle. However, when tragedy strikes, Billy hits rock bottom, losing his family, his house and his manager. He soon finds an unlikely savior in Tick Willis (Forest Whitaker), a former fighter who trains the city’s toughest amateur boxers. With his future on the line, Hope fights to reclaim the trust of those he loves the most.

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    3. ‘Midnight in Paris‘ (2011)

    A romantic comedy about a family traveling to the French capital for business. The party includes a young engaged couple (Owen Wilson and McAdams) forced to confront the illusion that a life different from their own is better.

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    2. ‘Spotlight‘ (2015)

    The true story of how the Boston Globe uncovered the massive scandal of child molestation and cover-up within the local Catholic Archdiocese, shaking the entire Catholic Church to its core.

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    1. ‘The Notebook‘ (2004)

    (L to R) Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams in 'The Notebook.' Photo: New Line Cinema.
    (L to R) Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams in ‘The Notebook.’ Photo: New Line Cinema.

    An epic love story centered around an older man (James Garner) who reads aloud to a woman (Gena Rowlands) with Alzheimer’s. From a faded notebook, the old man’s words bring to life the story about a couple (Ryan Gosling and McAdams) who is separated by World War II, and is then passionately reunited, seven years later, after they have taken different paths.

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  • Best Valentine’s Day Movies of All Time Ranked

    (L to R) Cary Elwes and Robin Wright in 'The Princess Bride'. Photo: 20th Century Fox.
    (L to R) Cary Elwes and Robin Wright in ‘The Princess Bride’. Photo: 20th Century Fox.

    Happy Valentine’s Day!

    And there is no better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than sitting down with your sweetheart and watching a romantic movie.

    But with so many choices available, from classics like ‘Pretty Woman‘ and ‘The Notebook,’ to recent films like ‘Materialists‘ and ‘Merv‘, Moviefone is here to help you pick the perfect romantic movie.

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    So, we’re counting down the 30 most romantic movies of all-time to help you decide what to watch on Valentine’s Day!

    Let’s Begin!

    Related Article: 30 New and Classic Movies to Watch on New Year’s Day


    30. ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding‘ (2002)

    (L to R) John Corbett and Nia Vardalos in 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding'. Photo: IFC Films.
    (L to R) John Corbett and Nia Vardalos in ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’. Photo: IFC Films.

    A young Greek woman (Nia Vardalos) falls in love with a non-Greek (John Corbett) and struggles to get her family to accept him while she comes to terms with her heritage and cultural identity.

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    29. ‘People We Meet on Vacation‘ (2026)

    Poppy’s (Emily Bader) a free spirit. Alex (Tom Blyth) loves a plan. After years of summer vacations, these polar-opposite pals wonder if they could be a perfect romantic match.

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    28. ‘Always Be My Maybe‘ (2019)

    Reunited after 15 years famous chef Sasha (Ali Wong) and hometown musician Marcus (Randall Park) feel the old sparks of attraction but struggle to adapt to each others worlds.

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    27. ‘Overboard‘ (1987)

    Heiress Joanna Stayton (Goldie Hawn) hires carpenter Dean Proffitt (Kurt Russell) to build a closet on her yacht—and refuses to pay him for the project when it’s done. But after Joanna accidentally falls overboard and loses her memory, Dean sees an opportunity to get even.

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    26. ‘Love, Simon‘ (2018)

    Everyone deserves a great love story, but for 17-year-old Simon Spier (Nick Robinson), it’s a little more complicated. He hasn’t told his family or friends that he’s gay, and he doesn’t know the identity of the anonymous classmate that he’s fallen for online. Resolving both issues proves hilarious, terrifying and life-changing.

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    25. ‘Sleepless in Seattle‘ (1993)

    (L to R) Meg Ryan, Ross Malinger and Tom Hanks in 'Sleepless in Seattle'. Photo: TriStar Pictures.
    (L to R) Meg Ryan, Ross Malinger and Tom Hanks in ‘Sleepless in Seattle’. Photo: TriStar Pictures.

    When Sam Baldwins (Tom Hanks) wife dies he is left to bring up his eight-year-old son Jonah (Ross Malinger) alone and decides to move to Seattle to make a new start. On Christmas Eve Jonah rings a radio phone-in with his Christmas wish to find a new wife for his dad. Meanwhile in Baltimore journalist Annie Reed (Meg Ryan), who is having doubts about her own relationship is listening in.

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    24. ‘Dirty Dancing‘ (1987)

    Expecting the usual tedium that accompanies a summer in the Catskills with her family, 17-year-old Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman (Jennifer Grey) is surprised to find herself stepping into the shoes of a professional hoofer—and unexpectedly falling in love.

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    23. ‘Notting Hill‘ (1999)

    William Thacker (Hugh Grant) is a London bookstore owner whose humdrum existence is thrown into romantic turmoil when famous American actress Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) appears in his shop A chance encounter over spilled orange juice leads to a kiss that blossoms into a full-blown affair. As the average bloke and glamorous movie star draw closer and closer together they struggle to reconcile their radically different lifestyles in the name of love.

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    22. ‘Anyone But You‘ (2023)

    In the edgy comedy Anyone But You, Bea (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell) look like the perfect couple, but after an amazing first date something happens that turns their fiery hot attraction ice cold – until they find themselves unexpectedly thrust together at a destination wedding in Australia. So they do what any two mature adults would do: pretend to be a couple.

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    21. ‘Valentine’s Day‘ (2010)

    More than a dozen Angelenos navigate Valentine’s Day from early morning until midnight. Three couples awake together but each relationship will sputter. A grade-school boy wants flowers for his first true love. Two high school seniors plan first-time sex at noon. A TV sports reporter gets the assignment to find romance in LA. A star quarterback contemplates his future. Two strangers meet on a plane. Grandparents together for years face a crisis. And an “I Hate Valentines Day” dinner beckons the lonely and the lied to.

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    20. ‘Materialists‘ (2025)

    Dakota Johnson in 'Materialists'. Credit: Atsushi Nishijima.
    Dakota Johnson in ‘Materialists’. Credit: Atsushi Nishijima.

    A young, ambitious New York City matchmaker (Dakota Johnson) finds herself torn between the perfect match (Pedro Pascal) and her imperfect ex (Chris Evans).

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    19. ‘Eternity‘ (2025)

    In an afterlife where souls have one week to decide where to spend eternity, Joan (Elizabeth Olsen) is faced with the impossible choice between the man she spent her life with (Miles Teller) and her first love (Callum Turner), who died young and has waited decades for her to arrive.

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    18. ‘Call Me by Your Name‘ (2018)

    In 1980s Italy, a relationship begins between seventeen-year-old teenage Elio (Timothee Chalamet) and the older adult man (Armie Hammer) hired as his father’s (Michael Stuhlbarg) research assistant.

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    17. ‘Her‘ (2014)

    In the not so distant future, Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix), a lonely writer, purchases a newly developed operating system designed to meet the user’s every need. To Theodore’s surprise, a romantic relationship develops between him and his operating system (Scarlett Johansson). This unconventional love story blends science fiction and romance in a sweet tale that explores the nature of love and the ways that technology isolates and connects us all.

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    16. ‘Shotgun Wedding‘ (2023)

    In Shotgun Wedding, Darcy (Jennifer Lopez) and Tom (Josh Duhamel) gather their lovable but very opinionated families for the ultimate destination wedding, just as the couple begin to get cold feet. And if that wasn’t enough of a threat to the celebration, suddenly everyone’s lives are in danger when the entire party is taken hostage. “’Til Death Do Us Part” takes on a whole new meaning in this hilarious, adrenaline-fueled adventure as Darcy and Tom must save their loved ones—if they don’t kill each other first.

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    15. ‘Merv‘ (2025)

    (L to R) Zooey Deschanel, Gus and Charlie Cox in 'Merv'. Photo Credit: Dana Hawley/Prime Video. © Amazon Content Services LLC.
    (L to R) Zooey Deschanel, Gus and Charlie Cox in ‘Merv’. Photo Credit: Dana Hawley/Prime Video. © Amazon Content Services LLC.

    When their beloved dog Merv loses his spark after their split, Anna (Zooey Deschanel) and Russ (Charlie Cox) are forced into the world’s most awkward co-parenting arrangement. Hoping to shake Merv out of his funk, Russ takes him to Florida for a much-needed getaway-only for Anna to show up unexpectedly. As Merv slowly gets his groove back, turns out fixing their dog’s broken heart may lead to a few sparks of their own.

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    14. ‘Splitsville‘ (2025)

    After Ashley (Adria Arjona) asks for a divorce, good-natured Carey (Kyle Marvin) runs to his friends, Julie (Dakota Johnson) and Paul (Michael Angelo Covino), for support. He’s shocked to discover that the secret to their happiness is an open marriage, that is until Carey crosses the line and throws all of their relationships into chaos.

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    13. ‘Palm Springs‘ (2020)

    When carefree Nyles (Andy Samberg) and reluctant maid of honor Sarah (Cristin Milioti) have a chance encounter at a Palm Springs wedding, things get complicated when they find themselves unable to escape the venue, themselves, or each other.

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    12. ‘Deadpool‘ (2016)

    The origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds), who, after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.

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    11. About Time (2013)

    The night after another unsatisfactory New Year’s party, Tim’s father (Bill Nighy) tells his son ( Domhnall Gleeson) that the men in his family have always had the ability to travel through time. They can’t change history, but they can change what happens and has happened in their own lives. Thus begins the start of a lesson in learning to appreciate life itself as it is, as it comes, and most importantly, the people living alongside us.

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    10. ‘La La Land‘ (2016)

    (L to R) Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling in 'La La Land'. Photo: Lionsgate.
    (L to R) Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling in ‘La La Land’. Photo: Lionsgate.

    Mike (Tatum), an experienced stripper, takes a younger performer called The Kid (Alex Pettyfer) under his wing and schools him in the arts of partying, picking up women, and making easy money. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, the film also stars Joe Manganiello, Matt Bomer, Riley Keough, Olivia Munn, and Matthew McConaughey.

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    9. Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)

    Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) is living the American dream. He has a good job, a beautiful house, great children and a beautiful wife, named Emily (Julianne Moore). Cal’s seemingly perfect life unravels, however, when he learns that Emily has been unfaithful and wants a divorce. Over 40 and suddenly single, Cal is adrift in the fickle world of dating. Enter, Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling), a self-styled player who takes Cal under his wing and teaches him how to be a hit with the ladies.

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    8. Brokeback Mountain (2006)

    Two modern-day cowboys (Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal) meet on a shepherding job in the summer of ’63, the two share a raw and powerful summer together that turns into a lifelong relationship.

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    7. Love Story (1970)

    Harvard Law student Oliver Barrett IV (Ryan O’Neal) and music student Jennifer Cavilleri (Ali MacGraw) share a chemistry they cannot deny – and a love they cannot ignore. Despite their opposite backgrounds, the young couple put their hearts on the line for each other. When they marry, Oliver’s wealthy father (Ray Milland) threatens to disown him. Jenny tries to reconcile the Barrett men, but to no avail.

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    6. When Harry Met Sally (1989)

    During their travel from Chicago to New York, Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) debate whether or not sex ruins a friendship between a man and a woman. Eleven years later, and they’re still no closer to finding the answer.

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    5. A Star Is Born (2018)

    (L to R) Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in 'A Star Is Born.' Photo: Warner Bros.
    (L to R) Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in ‘A Star Is Born.’ Photo: Warner Bros.

    Seasoned musician Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) discovers — and falls in love with — struggling artist Ally (Lady Gaga). She has just about given up on her dream to make it big as a singer — until Jack coaxes her into the spotlight. But even as Ally’s career takes off, the personal side of their relationship is breaking down, as Jack fights an ongoing battle with his own internal demons.

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    4. The Princess Bride (1987)

    In this enchantingly cracked fairy tale, the beautiful Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright) and the dashing Westley (Cary Elwes) must overcome staggering odds to find happiness amid six-fingered swordsmen (Christopher Guest), murderous princes (Chris Sarandon), Sicilians and rodents of unusual size. But even death can’t stop these true lovebirds from triumphing.

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    3. Titanic (1997)

    101-year-old Rose DeWitt Bukater (Gloria Stuart) tells the story of her life aboard the Titanic, 84 years later. A young Rose (Kate Winslet) boards the ship with her mother and fiancé. Meanwhile, Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Fabrizio De Rossi (Danny Nucci) win third-class tickets aboard the ship. Rose tells the whole story from Titanic’s departure through to its death—on its first and last voyage—on April 15, 1912.

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    2. Pretty Woman (1990)

    When a millionaire wheeler-dealer (Richard Gere) enters a business contract with a Hollywood hooker Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts), he loses his heart in the bargain.

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    1. The Notebook (2004)

    (L to R) Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams in 'The Notebook.' Photo: New Line Cinema.
    (L to R) Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams in ‘The Notebook.’ Photo: New Line Cinema.

    An epic love story centered around an older man (James Garner) who reads aloud to a woman with Alzheimer’s (Gena Rowlands). From a faded notebook, the old man’s words bring to life the story about a couple (Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams) who is separated by World War II, and is then passionately reunited, seven years later, after they have taken different paths.

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  • Movie Review: ‘Send Help’

    Rachal McAdams as Linda Liddle in 20th Century Studios' 'Send Help'. Photo by Brook Rushton. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
    Rachal McAdams as Linda Liddle in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Send Help’. Photo by Brook Rushton. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Opening in theaters on January 30 is ‘Send Help,’ directed by Sam Raimi and starring Rachel McAdams, Dylan O’Brien, Edyll Ismail, Xavier Samuel, Dennis Haysbert, and Emma Raimi.

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    Related Article: The 20 Best Rachel McAdams Movies of All Time!

    Initial Thoughts

    (L to R) Dylan O'Brien as Bradley Preston and Rachel McAdams as Linda Liddle in 20th Century Studios' 'Send Help'. Photo by Brook Rushton. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
    (L to R) Dylan O’Brien as Bradley Preston and Rachel McAdams as Linda Liddle in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Send Help’. Photo by Brook Rushton. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Imagine ‘Cast Away,’ only with a more sympathetic Annie Wilkes from ‘Misery’ as the lead. Now mix that up with a whole lot of ‘Triangle of Sadness’ and, of course, the TV show ‘Survivor,’ and you might come up with Sam Raimi’s new thriller, ‘Send Help.’

    Billed as Raimi’s first horror film since 2009’s ‘Drag Me to Hell,’ ‘Send Help’ is more a darkly comic survival thriller in which the two leads deal with their workplace issues while trying to withstand monsoons, wild boar, poison berries, and each other. Their antics are enormously entertaining, and Rachel McAdams in particular throws herself into her role with as much physical gusto and emotional complexity as possible. It might not be an all-out horror movie, but it might just be Raimi’s best all-around feature in a long while.

    Story and Direction

    Rachal McAdams as Linda Liddle in 20th Century Studios' 'Send Help'. Photo by Brook Rushton. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
    Rachal McAdams as Linda Liddle in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Send Help’. Photo by Brook Rushton. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Linda Liddle works in the strategy and planning department of a consulting firm, where she’s a genius at crunching numbers yet awkward in all kinds of social interactions. Still, she’s due for a promotion – until the president of the company passes away and his arrogant, misogynist, nepo-baby son Bradley (Dylan O’Brien) takes over, giving the job to his frat brother instead.

    Nevertheless, Linda, a ‘Survivor’ fan who lives in a small apartment with her pet parrot and a whole bunch of foreshadowing – sorry, we mean books on survival and nature – is invited by Bradley with the rest of the execs to a conference in Bangkok to help close a deal. But the private jet crashes in a vicious storm, leaving Linda and Bradley as the only survivors on an uninhabited island somewhere in the Gulf of Thailand.

    With Bradley injured, Linda sets about making it possible for them to stay alive – which is where all her books and ‘Survivor’ knowledge comes into play. Although Bradley begins to recover and assert himself, it soon becomes clear that the tables have turned – Linda is the boss now, with Bradley reliant on her to keep them alive and a reborn Linda thriving in a situation that she’s suddenly not too eager to leave.

    (L to R) Dylan O'brien as Bradley Preston and Rachal McAdams as Linda Liddle in 20th Century Studios' 'Send Help'. Photo by Brook Rushton. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
    (L to R) Dylan O’brien as Bradley Preston and Rachal McAdams as Linda Liddle in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Send Help’. Photo by Brook Rushton. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    ‘Send Help’ pulls liberally from the films mentioned above, with the reversal of fortune and power right out of ‘Triangle’ director Ruben Östlund’s playbook and the character dynamics coming from both that and ‘Misery.’ As opposed to that Stephen KingRob Reiner thriller, however, this film keeps the viewer off-balance for most of the way about Linda’s true mental state even when it veers into darker territory. Speaking of which, the final third of the movie does labor a bit to stay on top of its narrative and character turns, also playing a couple of tricks one too many times, but comes back around with a thoroughly satisfying payoff (including a chilling last line).

    As he’s done his whole career, Sam Raimi makes ‘Send Help’ a clever combo of morality play, black comedy, and cartoonish gorefest. The director doles out the blood and the wild camera moves with a lot more restraint than he used to (save for one battle with a wild boar), but they’re just as effective as always, and he even manages to squeeze in one outright ‘The Evil Dead’-type jump scare. This is the director at his most energetic and playful, aided enormously by his two leads.

    Cast and Performances

    (L to R) Rachal McAdams as Linda Liddle and Dylan O'Brien as Bradley Preston in 20th Century Studios' 'Send Help'. Photo by Brook Rushton. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
    (L to R) Rachal McAdams as Linda Liddle and Dylan O’Brien as Bradley Preston in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Send Help’. Photo by Brook Rushton. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Rachel McAdams seems like a perennially underrated actress, possibly because she doesn’t work as constantly as other stars, yet her talents are on full display here as Linda Liddle. McAdams positively owns the role, making Linda’s transformation from cast-off office worker to survivalist warrior believable and layered through both her physical commitment and psychological dexterity (even the ill-fitting clothing that she starts off wearing), with Linda remaining sympathetic throughout even as she takes a darker turn toward the end.

    Dylan O’Brien may be equally underrated, and while Bradley is perhaps not as layered a character as Linda, he still manages to give this largely despicable and toxic male just enough shading to make him more than a one-dimensional villain (credit too to screenwriters Damian Shannon and Mark Swift for getting some more depth for both onto the page).

    And yes, although we missed him ourselves, we’re reliably informed that Bruce Campbell does show up – but you might have to look a little harder to spot him.

    Final Thoughts

    Rachel McAdams as Linda Liddle in 20th Century Studios' 'Send Help'. Photo courtesy of 20th Cnetury Studios. © 2026 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
    Rachel McAdams as Linda Liddle in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Send Help’. Photo courtesy of 20th Cnetury Studios. © 2026 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    For most of its length, Sam Raimi finds the right balance of thrills, humor, violence, and character development in ‘Send Help,’ and both McAdams and O’Brien are game for whatever he and the script hurls at them.

    The movie wears its themes on its sleeve, but doesn’t come across as heavy-handed. While not the most original work in Sam Raimi’s filmography, this may be his best film since 2004’s ‘Spider-Man 2,’ and certainly his most rewarding. ‘Send Help’ doesn’t need any assistance whatsoever to be the kind of entertaining yet rich thrill ride that Sam Raimi can deliver.

    ‘Send Help’ receives a score of 85 out of 100.

    (L tp R) Dylan O'brien as Bradley Preston and Rachal McAdams as Linda Liddle in 20th Century Studios' 'Send Help'. Photo by Brook Rushton. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
    (L tp R) Dylan O’brien as Bradley Preston and Rachal McAdams as Linda Liddle in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Send Help’. Photo by Brook Rushton. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    What is the plot of ‘Send Help’?

    The only survivors of a plane crash, two colleagues become stranded on a deserted island, where they must overcome past grievances and work together to survive. But it ultimately becomes a battle of wills and wits to see who makes it out alive.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Send Help’?

    • Rachel McAdams as Linda Liddle
    • Dylan O’Brien as Bradley Preston
    • Edyll Ismail as Zuri
    • Xavier Samuel as Donovan
    • Chris Pang as Chase
    • Dennis Haysbert as Franklin
    • Thaneth Warakulnukroh as Boat Captain
    • Emma Raimi as River
    (L to R) Dylan O'brien as Bradley Preston and Rachal McAdams as Linda Liddle in 20th Century Studios' 'Send Help'. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
    (L to R) Dylan O’brien as Bradley Preston and Rachal McAdams as Linda Liddle in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Send Help’. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    List of Rachel McAdams Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Tickets: ‘Send Help’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Rachel McAdams Movies on Amazon

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  • A Sequel to ‘The Family Stone’ is in the Works

    The cast of 'The Family Stone.' Photo: 20th Century Fox.
    The cast of ‘The Family Stone.’ Photo: 20th Century Fox.

    Preview:

    • A sequel to ‘The Family Stone’ is at the script stage.
    • The 2005 festive comedy drama has become an annual favorite.
    • It starred Diane Keaton, and the sequel will honor her memory.

    Christmas is coming faster than you can imagine, which means that people are getting ready to (or already have) watched their festive favorites.

    One more unlikely perennial is the spiky, funny family comedy ‘The Family Stone,’ which arrived in 2005 featuring the likes of Diane Keaton, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rachel McAdams and Dermot Mulroney.

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    While there has been chatter of late about a potential follow-up to the movie, it has taken an encouraging step forward, with writer/director Thomas Bezucha telling CNN that he’s writing a sequel.

    Related Article: Diane Keaton, Iconic Star of ‘Annie Hall’, Passes Away at the Age of 79

    What’s the story of ‘The Family Stone’?

    (L to R): Sarah Jessica Parker, Dermot Mulroney, Elizabeth Reaser and Diane Keaton in 'The Family Stone.' Photo: 20th Century Fox.
    (L to R): Sarah Jessica Parker, Dermot Mulroney, Elizabeth Reaser and Diane Keaton in ‘The Family Stone.’ Photo: 20th Century Fox.

    In the first film, Sybil and Kelly (Keaton and Craig T. Nelson) host their adult kids (Mulroney, McAdams, Luke Wilson and Elizabeth Reaser) for the holidays, as she prepares to tell the family about her terminal illness.

    The visit is complicated by Everett’s (Mulroney) plans to propose to his high-strung girlfriend Meredith (Parker), of whom Sybil does not approve.

    What did Bezucha say about the sequel?

    (L to R): Diane Keaton, Tyrone Giordano, Claire Danes, Craig T. Nelson and Dermot Mulroney in 'The Family Stone.' Photo: 20th Century Fox.
    (L to R): Diane Keaton, Tyrone Giordano, Claire Danes, Craig T. Nelson and Dermot Mulroney in ‘The Family Stone.’ Photo: 20th Century Fox.

    While Keaton’s character has passed away by the end of the movie (which shows the family a year later), Bezucha has said he fully intends it to honor Keaton, who herself died in October:

    “I’ve been haunted by the loss of Sybil for months now while I worked on it, and so this was a blow on a tender bruise already. Mentally, I’ve been spending time in that house where I’ve been missing her for a while already.”

    And he fully intends to have the original cast back, having reached out to them and received positive reactions (though no deals are done yet). He has said he also wants to do right by the surviving actors:

    “I’m not interested in the Brady family reunion without the original Jan.”

    When will the ‘Family Stone’ sequel be on screen?

    With none of the acting deals signed and no official greenlight, we’ll have to wait and see when 20th Century Studios decides to make this one a reality.

    (L to R): Rachel McAdams and Diane Keaton in 'The Family Stone.' Photo: 20th Century Fox.
    (L to R): Rachel McAdams and Diane Keaton in ‘The Family Stone.’ Photo: 20th Century Fox.

    Selected Movies Starring Diane Keaton:

    Buy Diane Keaton Movies and TV on Amazon

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  • Rachel McAdams in Talks for Horror Thriller ‘Send Help’

    Oscar®-nominee Rachel McAdams arrives at The 88th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 28, 2016. Credit/Provider: Sara Wood / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.
    Oscar®-nominee Rachel McAdams arrives at The 88th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 28, 2016. Credit/Provider: Sara Wood / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    Preview:

    • Rachel McAdams is in talks for new horror thriller ‘Send Help.’
    • Sam Raimi is on board to direct the movie.
    • Damian Shannon and Mark Swift wrote the script.

    Is Rachel McAdams ready to be the latest muse for director Sam Raimi? If so, she might want to consult with Bruce Campbell or ‘Drag Me to Hell’s Alison Lohman about how that goes.

    Still, the actor has form with Raimi –– she reprised the role of Dr. Christine Palmer (across more than one universe) in Marvel’s ‘Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness’ in 2022.

    It’s not so surprising, then, that she might look to collaborate again, and according to Jeff Sneider, McAdams is circling one of the lead roles in Raimi’s new planned horror thriller ‘Send Help,’ which is currently moving forward at 20th Century Studios.

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    What’s the story of ‘Send Help’?

    Academy Award presenter Rachel McAdams arrives at the 82nd Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, CA, on Sunday, March 7, 2010. Credit/Provider: Greg Harbaugh / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.
    Academy Award presenter Rachel McAdams arrives at the 82nd Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, CA, on Sunday, March 7, 2010. Credit/Provider: Greg Harbaugh / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    Written by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift, whose last produced movie credit was the somewhat unfortunate ‘Baywatch,’ the new horror-thriller is described as a two-hander set on an island.

    It’s apparently pitched somewhere between Rob Reiner’s Stephen King adaptation ‘Misery’ (in which Kathy Bates’ superfan tortures James Caan’s author because he kills off her favorite character in his latest book) and Robert Zemeckis’ classic ‘Cast Away’ (which sees Tom Hanks as a FedEx worker who is marooned on an island and must find a way to escape).

    Has Rachel McAdams starred in a horror movie before?

    (L to R) Rachel McAdams and Cillian Murphy in 2005's 'Red Eye'. Photo: DreamWorks Pictures.
    (L to R) Rachel McAdams and Cillian Murphy in 2005’s ‘Red Eye’. Photo: DreamWorks Pictures.

    No jokes about ‘The Notebook,’ please.

    McAdams does have some horror in her resume –– she starred opposite Cillian Murphy in 2005’s ‘Red Eye,’ which saw an airplane passenger discover that her seatmate is a terrorist who tries to rope her into an assassination scheme.

    Related Article: The 20 Best Rachel McAdams Movies of All Time!

    What else does Sam Raimi have in development?

    Director Sam Raimi at San Diego Comic-Con
    Director Sam Raimi at San Diego Comic-Con

    Raimi is a prolific producer who regularly helps usher other filmmakers’ work to screens –– he’s got a variety of movies at different stages including horror thriller ‘Don’t Move’ (directed by Brian Netto and Adam Schindler) arriving later this month via Netflix and another thriller, ‘Locked’ in post-production, that one directed by David Yarovesky.

    And there are a variety of others still locked in limbo, including a potential ‘Drag Me to Hell’ sequel.

    But the current hot rumor has Raimi also in final talks to return to the MCU and another ‘Doctor Strange’ sequel. We’ll have to wait and see if that pans out.

    Oscar®-nominee, Rachel McAdams, arrives at The 88th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 28, 2016. Credit/Provider: Aaron Poole / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.
    Oscar®-nominee, Rachel McAdams, arrives at The 88th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 28, 2016. Credit/Provider: Aaron Poole / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    Other Rachel McAdams Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Rachel McAdams Movies on Amazon

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  • Movie Review: ‘Mean Girls

    Avantika, Renee Rapp, Angourie Rice and Bebe Wood on the set of 'Mean Girls' from Paramount Pictures.
    (L to R) Avantika, Renee Rapp, Angourie Rice and Bebe Wood on the set of ‘Mean Girls’ from Paramount Pictures. Photo Credit: Jojo Whilden/Paramount ©2023 Paramount Pictures.

    Opening in theaters on January 12th, ‘Mean Girls’ is just the latest example of a movie that represents the latest evolution for a story that started as a novel, became a movie, transitioned to the Broadway stage for a musical and is now back on screens as a musical movie.

    But as with every movie of this type –– see also the recent ‘The Color Purple’ –– the latest take has to make a convincing argument for it to exist in the first place. Why should audiences shell out more money to see a story they’ve previously experienced (and, in the case of ‘Mean Girls’ loved to endlessly quotable and meme-able levels) with the addition of different actors and a few songs?

    The answer, at least in this case, is “mostly”.

    Does ‘Mean Girls’ make fetch happen?

    Bebe Wood plays Gretchen Wieners, Renee Rapp plays Regina George and Avantika plays Karen Shetty in 'Mean Girls' from Paramount Pictures.
    (L to R) Bebe Wood plays Gretchen Wieners, Renee Rapp plays Regina George and Avantika plays Karen Shetty in ‘Mean Girls’ from Paramount Pictures. Photo: Jojo Whilden/Paramount © 2023 Paramount Pictures.

    ‘Mean Girls’ exists in the shadow of the original, and it’s no easy job to follow what has long become known as a classic in the genre. Given the pressure to be a version of both the first film and the musical, you can understand why the new movie sometimes crumbles under that workload.

    But fans will be relieved to know that if it doesn’t quite make the grade in every way, it at least serves as a successful comedy musical in its own right.

    ‘Mean Girls’: Script and Direction

    Producers Lorne Michaels and Tina Fey on the set of 'Mean Girls' from Paramount Pictures.
    (L to R) Producers Lorne Michaels and Tina Fey on the set of ‘Mean Girls’ from Paramount Pictures. Photo Credit: Jojo Whilden/Paramount ©2023 Paramount Pictures.

    The new movie, on the writing front at least, represents the return of very experienced hands with Tina Fey –– who adapted Rosalind Wiseman’s 2002 book ‘Queen Bees and Wannabes’, which documented female social cliques in high schools into 2004’s ‘Mean Girls’. It’s story of a young woman swapping far-flung homeschooling with her scientist parents for the wilds of an Illinois high school and ends up falling in with the most popular/vindictive girls at campus.

    Fey’s original script is beloved, a classic high school comedy with more than one line that has entered the pop cultural consciousness. She was also behind the book for the stage musical version, while her husband and regular creative collaborator Jeff Richmond created the lyrics.

    They’re both back for the new movie, which means that the tone and dialogue is certainly up to scratch. The one issue might be that the musical numbers, on purely a written front, can be hit and miss. And if you know the movie inside and out, that’s the only thing that will feel new besides one or two moments and ideas (Cady, for example, only has one parent in this version, played by Jenna Fischer).

    Directors Arturo Perez Jr. and Samantha Jayne on the set of 'Mean Girls' from Paramount Pictures.
    (L to R) Directors Arturo Perez Jr. and Samantha Jayne on the set of ‘Mean Girls’ from Paramount Pictures. Photo Credit: Jojo Whilden/Paramount ©2023 Paramount Pictures.

    Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr. make their shared directorial debut with the movie, taking over for the original film’s Mark Walters. They do an adequate job of staging the musical numbers and having the songs replace elements such as Cady’s voice-over.

    One or two of the songs here –– ‘Revenge Party’, ‘Stupid with Love’ –– work really well, while the others are fine but nothing to get people dancing in the aisles.

    ‘Mean Girls’: Performances

    Angourie Rice plays Cady Heron, Bebe Wood plays Gretchen Wieners and Avantika plays Karen Shetty in 'Mean Girls' from Paramount Pictures.
    (L to R) Angourie Rice plays Cady Heron, Bebe Wood plays Gretchen Wieners and Avantika plays Karen Shetty in ‘Mean Girls’ from Paramount Pictures. Photo: Jojo Whilden/Paramount © 2023 Paramount Pictures.

    With Lindsay Lohan playing the original Cady, Angourie Rice has famous shoes to fill. And she does so well, giving this new version of a life of her own, while not going too far away from what fans expect from the character.

    But that’s nothing compared to Reneé Rapp, who has to embody queen bee Regina George, as brought to life by Rachel McAdams in the original. Rapp is a fantastic Regina, having the benefit of playing the role on stage for several months. Which means she has a fully-formed take on the preening, scheming character. And when Regina suffers her downfall, she’s just as able to land those comedy turns.

    Avantika plays Karen Shetty, Angourie Rice plays Cady Heron, Renee Rapp plays Regina George and Bebe Wood plays Gretchen Wieners in 'Mean Girls' from Paramount Pictures.
    (L to R) Avantika plays Karen Shetty, Angourie Rice plays Cady Heron, Renee Rapp plays Regina George and Bebe Wood plays Gretchen Wieners in ‘Mean Girls’ from Paramount Pictures. Photo: Jojo Whilden/Paramount © 2023 Paramount Pictures.

    Less effective are Bebe Wood, and Avantika Vandanapu as Gretchen and Karen, Regina’s sidekicks, though it’s no fault of the actors –– they’re mostly saddled with characters who feel like barely-tweaked versions of the original, and you have to wonder whether Fey and co. could have done more to make them stand out.

    But if there’s one true MVP here, it’s Auliʻi Cravalho as the character of Janis, one of the “weird” kids that Cady initially befriends and who helps her get revenge on the “Plastics” led by Regina. Cravalho, best known previously as the voice of Moana in Disney’s animated movie, is superb here, breathing truly fresh life into the character and proving that she’s more than just a great voice performer.

    ‘Mean Girls’: Final Thoughts

    Tina Fey plays Ms. Norbury in 'Mean Girls' from Paramount Pictures.
    Tina Fey plays Ms. Norbury in ‘Mean Girls’ from Paramount Pictures. Photo: Jojo Whilden/Paramount © 2023 Paramount Pictures.

    ‘Mean Girls’ certainly offers a solid level of entertainment, though that’s partly because the original is such a success. Fans of the film will find something new to enjoy, but for the most part, the pleasures come from revisiting what worked before, either on screen or stage.

    And while the new movie isn’t a patch on the original, it does at least prove to be worthwhile.

    ‘Mean Girls receives 6.5 out of 10 stars.

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    What’s the story of ‘Mean Girls?

    Adapting the plot of the 2004 movie into musical form, ‘Mean Girls’ narrative feels familiar.

    New student Cady Heron (Angourie Rice) gets welcomed into the top of the social food chain by an elite group of popular girls called the Plastics, ruled by the conniving queen bee Regina George (Reneé Rapp). However, when Cady makes the major misstep of falling for Regina’s ex-boyfriend, she soon finds herself caught in their crosshairs.

    Who else is in ‘Mean Girls?

    The cast also includes Auli’i Cravalho, Christopher Briney, Jenna Fischer, Jon Hamm, Tina Fey, Tim Meadows, Busy Philipps, Bebe Wood, Ashley Park and Avantika Vandanapu.

    Jon Hamm plays Coach Carr in 'Mean Girls' from Paramount Pictures.
    Jon Hamm plays Coach Carr in ‘Mean Girls’ from Paramount Pictures. Photo: Jojo Whilden/Paramount © 2023 Paramount Pictures.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Mean Girls:’

    Buy Tickets: ‘Mean Girls’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy ‘Mean Girls’ On Amazon

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  • Movie Review: ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’

    Rachel McAdams as Dr. Christine Palmer, Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr. Stephen Strange, and Xochitl Gomez as America Chavez
    (L-R): Rachel McAdams as Dr. Christine Palmer, Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr. Stephen Strange, and Xochitl Gomez as America Chavez in Marvel Studios’ ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.

    Opening in theaters on May 6th is the latest MCU movie and sequel to 2016’s ‘Doctor Strange’ entitled, ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.’ Directed by Sam Raimi (‘Evil Dead II,’ ‘Spider-Man’) the new film once again stars Benedict Cumberbatch as the title character and follows the events of ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ and the Disney+ series ‘WandaVision’ as Strange must stop Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) from destroying the multiverse.

    In addition to Cumberbatch and Olsen, the cast also includes Benedict Wong as Wong, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Karl Mordo, Rachel McAdams as Christine Palmer, and Xochiti Gomez as new MCU character America Chavez. The result is a strong sequel that surpasses its predecessor and transcends the genre by introducing horror elements into the MCU. Sam Raimi delivers one of his best films, which is anchored by excellent performances from Benedict Cumberbatch and Elizabeth Olsen.

    The movie begins with Dr. Stephen Strange (Cumberbatch) having a dream of helping a mysterious young girl escape from a demon. He awakes only to see the same girl running from a monster in the streets of New York. Strange saves the girl and soon learns that she is from another universe and that her name is America Chavez (Gomez). She has the power to move through the multiverse, and the demon chasing her is trying to steal her powers.

    Strange goes to Wanda Maximoff (Olsen) for help, only to find that she is the “demon” chasing Chavez and wants her power to find her children who “disappeared” after the events of ‘WandaVision.’ In order to stop the Scarlet Witch, Strange and Chavez travel through the multiverse and meet alternate versions of Strange, Christine Palmer (McAdams), Karl Mordo (Ejiofor), and the Illuminati, which is an Avengers-level team within the multiverse comprised of new and different versions of Marvel characters.

    Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff i
    Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff in Marvel Studios’ ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.

    Without giving anything away, the Illuminati scenes are some of the best in the film and feature real surprises for fans. The actors that play different versions of characters they’ve played before are fun to watch in these new roles, while the actors playing characters we haven’t seen in the MCU previously, are all perfectly cast and have moments to shine. In fact, the Illuminati is a team I would love to see back in the MCU again, even if it is just on an episode of Disney+’s ‘What If …?’

    As always with Marvel movies, there are two end credit scenes, and I won’t give either away. But I will say that the mid-credit scene features an A-list actress joining the MCU as a new Marvel character, and the end credit scene is just for laughs.

    What elevates this film from the original is definitely the vision of master filmmaker Sam Raimi. The creator of ‘The Evil Dead’ series, as well as the man behind the first ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy, Raimi clearly has a love for the source material, he actually name-dropped Doctor Strange in ‘Spider-Man 2.’ Obviously, he also has a gift for making scary movies, and was able to push the horror in this film in a way he could not with the ‘Spider-Man’ films. Raimi is also a master at mixing horror and comedy, as seen in ‘Army of Darkness,’ and gets to do that a bit in this movie with a run-on gag featuring his ‘Evil Dead’ star Bruce Campbell.

    Raimi fans are really going to enjoy this movie and will see his signature shots and camera movements all over the film. But the director also nicely blends his directing style with the material, the already established tone of the MCU, and the advanced visual effects that were not available when he began his career. Composer Danny Elfman’s score also adds to the horror-vibes of Rami’s film and its dark tone.

    Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr. Stephen Strange
    Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr. Stephen Strange in Marvel Studios’ ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.

    The script by Michael Waldron is good and covers a lot of ground quickly. One complaint I do have, is that the basic plot is just too simple. “Strange has to stop Wanda while traveling through the Multiverse to save America Chavez,” a character he just met, by the way. But it does work and delivers fun characters and set pieces along the way.

    Another downside to the movie is that it’s not really a follow up to ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ as previously believed. In fact, I think it’s only referenced once. The movie is really a follow up to the Disney+ series ‘WandaVision’ and I fear that if you didn’t see that show, some of Wanda’s motivations in the movie may be lost on you. However, the film does work hard to make you understand what happened to her and why she’d behaving this way, as misguided as it may be.

    Elizabeth Olsen first played Wanda Maximoff in ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ and at the time it seemed like Marvel didn’t really know what to do with the character. But thanks to her relationship with Vision, she really grew through the latter Avengers films and has come into her own after the series and now with ‘Multiverse of Madness.’

    Scarlet Witch is a full-on villain now and Olsen plays her well, with true conviction yet an emotionally vulnerable but also somewhat relatable side. It’s unclear where Marvel will take the character from here, and whether a redemption ark is in her future, but Olsen deserves credit for creating a truly memorable MCU character.

    Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr. Stephen Strange
    Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr. Stephen Strange in Marvel Studios’ ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.

    ‘Multiverse of Madness’ marks Benedict Cumberbatch’s sixth time playing Doctor Strange on screen and with Iron Man gone, is now one of the premiere heroes in the Marvel Universe. While the first ‘Doctor Strange’ only gave a taste of the character, he’s grown through his experiences in the Avengers and Spider-Man movies and is at his best when sparring with fellow heroes, which this film includes quite a bit. Cumberbatch is charming, funny, and believable in the role, giving one of his best performances yet as the character. The actor also had the task of playing different versions of his character and gives each one a unique spin.

    In the end, ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ is a really fun and unique Marvel movie, which expands the genre by mixing horror with heroes. The film succeeds in large part thanks to Sam Raimi’s unique style, the horror elements, the multiverse concept, Benedict and Olsen’s strong performances and the surprise cameos.

    ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ gets 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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  • New Trailer for ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’

    'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' Poster. Photo Courtesy of Disney+.
    ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ Poster Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios.

    Movie studios like to go big with their Super Bowl trailers these days, and few have the capability like Marvel. The new trailer for ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ certainly showed that off, as Benedict Cumberbatch’s sorcerer faced creatures and consequences.

    The latter come courtesy of his actions in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ in which (for the benefit of the three people who haven’t seen it), Doctor Strange tampered with the multiverse to protect Peter Parker’s (Tom Holland) true identity.

    Those chickens have well and truly come home to roost – and some of them look like weird tentacled beasts. Yes, turns out tampering with the multiverse is sort of a bad idea, and now Strange has the bad dreams to prove it. Yet unlike a certain more recent Marvel character, he can tell the difference between waking life and dreams.

    Trouble is, his waking life is a real nightmare, since the dimensions are beginning to merge and he’s in big trouble for that little spell. As Chiwetel Ejiofor’s Mordo points out, Strange will be held responsible.

    Our favourite Sorcerer (not Supreme – that’s Benedict Wong’s Wong, who looks to be in trouble himself) seeks out Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), who makes her own good point that there’s a real double standard at play: his rule-breaking saw him hailed a hero, she’s been called a villain for what went down during ‘WandaVision’.

    Yet Strange will also face some judgement, hauled in front of a tribunal to answer for what he did – and that sounds like Patrick Stewart, AKA the Professor X of Fox/Marvel’s ‘X-Men’ movies.

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    The multi-dimensional nature of the story naturally lends itself to plenty of cameos from across the MCU and beyond, and one of the big advantages of Disney owning… well, everything… is that so many characters could potentially appear. Fans have already spotted Captain Carter’s (Hayley Atwell) shield on the poster for the movie, which points to her variant from ‘What If…?’ showing up.

    And talking of the animated Marvel series, that scruffier looking Strange who makes an appearance comes from the story that saw him shatter his own existence trying to save Dr. Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams, who is also on screen here, looking very much alive as she did at the end of the first movie). Will he be a problem or an ally for “our” Strange? Only time will tell.

    Making her debut in this movie is a more recent character from Marvel comics, America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez), an interdimensional butt-kicker who is sure to have a big impact going forward.

    What this truly represents, though is a big homecoming for director Sam Raimi, who can unleash amazing imagery when he wants (with the music coming from old friend Danny Elfman). And, paired with a script from ‘Loki’s Michael Waldron, anything can happen… And probably will.

    ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ will open in theaters on May 6th.

    'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' Poster Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios.
    ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ Poster Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios.
    Yn5kjVbedpQ4FE8rL2agE6
  • Dan Stevens Joins ‘Eurovision’ Opposite Will Ferrell, Rachel McAams

    Dan Stevens Joins ‘Eurovision’ Opposite Will Ferrell, Rachel McAams

    FX

    Fresh off the final season of FX’s “Legion,” Dan Stevens is warming up his vocal cords for “Eurovision.”

    The “Beauty and the Beast” star and “Downton Abbey” alum is joining the cast of Netflix’s “Eurovision,” a comedy flick about the famous global singing competition that is headlined by Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams.

    “Wedding Crashers” director David Dobkin is on board to helm, reuniting him with Ferrell and McAdams.

    Stevens will star as Alexander Lemtov, a Russian contestant. Ferrell is Lars Erickssong (Ferrell), whose father Erick Erickssong (Pierce Brosnan) is known as the “most handsome man in Iceland.” McAdams is struggling musician Sigrit Ericksdottir.

    The movie is set around The Eurovision Song Contest – the longest running annual international TV song competition. Former winners include ABBA (1974 for Sweden) and Celine Dion (1988 for Switzerland).

    The contest started in 1956 with seven western European nations. This year’s edition had 41 countries competing. At the finale in Tel Aviv, the Netherlands won with the song “Arcade”, performed by Duncan Laurence and written by Laurence, Joel Sjöö, Wouter Hardy and Will Knox.

    Ferrell co-wrote the script with Andrew Steele and is also producing, as is frequent collaborator Adam McKay.

  • Pierce Brosnan Joins Netflix’s ‘Eurovision’ as the Most Handsome Man in Iceland

    Pierce Brosnan Joins Netflix’s ‘Eurovision’ as the Most Handsome Man in Iceland

    Universal

    Meet the most handsome man in Iceland — Pierce Brosnan.

    The actor is joining the cast of Netflix’s “Eurovision,” a comedy flick about the famous global singing competition that also stars Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams.

    “Wedding Crashers” director David Dobkin is on board to helm, reuniting him with Ferrell and McAdams.

    Brosnan will play Erick Erickssong, the father of the film’s main character, Lars Erickssong (Ferrell), and known as the “most handsome man in Iceland.” McAdams is struggling musician Sigrit Ericksdottir.

    The movie is set around The Eurovision Song Contest – the longest running annual international TV song competition. Former winners include ABBA (1974 for Sweden) and Celine Dion (1988 for Switzerland).

    The contest started in 1956 with seven western European nations. This year’s edition had 41 countries competing. At the finale in Tel Aviv, the Netherlands won with the song “Arcade”, performed by Duncan Laurence and written by Laurence, Joel Sjöö, Wouter Hardy and Will Knox.

    Ferrell co-wrote the script with Andrew Steele and is also producing, as is frequent collaborator Adam McKay.