Moviefone Editorial

Tag: ryan-phillippe

  • ‘One Mile’ Interview: Ryan Phillippe and C. Thomas Howell

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    Available on digital beginning February 20th is the new series of action films ‘One Mile: Chapter One’ and ‘One Mile: Chapter Two’, which were directed by Adam Davidson (‘Shooter’), and stars Ryan Phillippe (’Cruel Intentions’) and C. Thomas Howell (‘The Outsiders’).

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    (L to R) Ryan Phillippe and C. Thomas Howell star in 'One Mile: Chapter One' and 'One Mile: Chapter Two'.
    (L to R) Ryan Phillippe and C. Thomas Howell star in ‘One Mile: Chapter One’ and ‘One Mile: Chapter Two’.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Ryan Phillippe and C. Thomas Howell about their work on ‘One Mile: Chapter One’ and ‘One Mile: Chapter Two’, how the project came together, shooting both movies back-to-back, Phillippe’s character’s relationship with his daughter, how Howell brought humanity to his villainous character, and working together on the action sequences.

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    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interview.

    Related Article: Ryan Philippe and Filmmaker Matthew Gentile Talk ‘American Murderer’

    (L to R) Ryan Phillippe as “Danny” and Amélie Hoeferle as “Alex” in the Action, Thriller, Suspense film, 'One Mile: Chapter One' and 'One Mile: Chapter Two'. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).
    (L to R) Ryan Phillippe as “Danny” and Amélie Hoeferle as “Alex” in the Action, Thriller, Suspense film, ‘One Mile: Chapter One’ and ‘One Mile: Chapter Two’. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).

    Moviefone: To begin with, Ryan, can you talk about how this unusual project came together and what was your reaction to the idea of shooting a movie and its sequel at the same time and then releasing them together on the same day?

    Ryan Phillippe: Well, I had worked with the producer, Aaron Kaplan on a mini-series that I did with Juliette Lewis years ago called ‘Secrets and Lies’. So, we had a prior working relationship, and he called me up and pitched me this story that was born out of a real situation with him and his daughter, Jaiden Kaplan, who’s one of our producers. They were on college tours in rural New Hampshire, and on a road where they had no cell service, and she just kind of said to him, “Dad, imagine if we broke down right now, what would happen?” So essentially, once he told me the story about how he and Jaiden had this idea when she was 17, he asked me if I would be interested in developing it into a movie. Which then ended up being two movies, which is incredibly ambitious and rarely done that you shoot a film and its sequel back-to-back. So, there were a lot of challenging elements related to that. But it was just a fun ride, and I loved that a father and daughter conceived it initially, and the story was emotionally at its heart, at least from Danny’s perspective, about a father and daughter attempting to reconnect. Being a parent myself, having two daughters, I found a lot of relatable elements to that, and I just think that it’s unique to have a father and daughter action piece and a survival story like this. So, we developed it over a couple of years and then was so excited when C. Thomas Howell came on board, and that brought the whole thing to life.

    (L to R) C. Thomas Howell as “Stanley Dixon” and Amélie Hoeferle as “Alex” in the Action, Thriller, Suspense film, 'One Mile: Chapter One' and 'One Mile: Chapter Two'. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).
    (L to R) C. Thomas Howell as “Stanley Dixon” and Amélie Hoeferle as “Alex” in the Action, Thriller, Suspense film, ‘One Mile: Chapter One’ and ‘One Mile: Chapter Two’. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).

    MF: C. Thomas, can you talk about joining this project and your approach to playing the villain?

    C. Thomas Howell: Well, I love playing despicable characters. Finding a flawed character and injecting them with humanity. He’s trying to really do the best for the group of people that he holds a very big responsibility for, their survival in this off the grid culture, and there’s some similarities between the two characters. He’s fighting to take care of the one that he loves, and I’m fighting to take care of those that I love. So, I didn’t really approach him from the perspective of being a bad guy, and that’s what I liked about it, even though he was somebody that was willing to do things that are deemed despicable. He was coming from a good place, at least from his perspective. He felt justified. So, that made it very interesting for me instead of just some sort of socially disconnected psychopath, and that’s far less interesting to me. Really owning the fact that this small village that he created was on the verge of distinction unless he was willing to take some major steps in terms of not allowing that to happen, even if it meant kidnapping somebody. That was the force that I think, at least from my character’s perspective, that drives the movie.

    (L to R) Ryan Phillippe as “Danny” and Amélie Hoeferle as “Alex” in the Action, Thriller, Suspense film, 'One Mile: Chapter One' and 'One Mile: Chapter Two'. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).
    (L to R) Ryan Phillippe as “Danny” and Amélie Hoeferle as “Alex” in the Action, Thriller, Suspense film, ‘One Mile: Chapter One’ and ‘One Mile: Chapter Two’. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).

    MF: Ryan, can you talk about Danny’s relationship with his daughter and creating that relationship on screen with actress Amélie Hoeferle?

    RP: I mean, she’s great. We did an exhaustive search to find the right Alex and saw a hundred girls. But the moment I saw Amélie’s audition tape, I told the other producers that this was the girl. She’s meant to be this angsty teenager at a point in her life where she’s got this desire to be an artist and her mother has designs for her that are not in that realm. I think the fact that on set we had to do so much physical work in this movie. We had to jump into icy, cold water. We had to run full speed over rocky terrain, and this girl did not complain once. Her character in the movie has agency. She is cut of the same cloth as her father and we start to see elements of that, of her fighting back and her using her intelligence. I think that eventually they do start to grow closer together and then he does offer his apologies for not having been around as much. Then it becomes that he wants to save this person that he loves most in the world and would do anything for. As a parent, that’s very relatable.

    C. Thomas Howell as “Stanley Dixon” in the Action, Thriller, Suspense film, 'One Mile: Chapter One' and 'One Mile: Chapter Two'. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).
    C. Thomas Howell as “Stanley Dixon” in the Action, Thriller, Suspense film, ‘One Mile: Chapter One’ and ‘One Mile: Chapter Two’. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).

    MF: C. Thomas, can you talk about executing the action sequences and working with Ryan on those scenes?

    CTH: You know, I come from a stunt background. My family, my father, spent a lifetime doing stunts in this business. So that’s not really something that I struggle with, but I certainly prefer standing back and watching Ryan get beat up and thrown into icy cold water as opposed to being a part of that. But we had our moments where he got his revenge and took it out on me. It’s something that I think when an actor can do their own physical stunts, it really adds something to the piece and Ryan has spent a very big portion of his career training and doing that. He’s very coordinated. He’s a black belt in multiple martial arts, so I don’t want to make him that angry. It was easy to get physical and to work out our stunt sequences together. He’s very physical, and it made it fun at times. That can be very tough when you’re working with another actor that doesn’t necessarily have those capabilities and they’re put into that position. Somebody can get hurt. It can look poorly done and it can become awkward. But when you can work with somebody who is capable, it makes it fun.

    (L to R) Ryan Phillippe as “Danny” and James Michalopoulos as “Vince” in the Action, Thriller, Suspense film, 'One Mile: Chapter One' and 'One Mile: Chapter Two'. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).
    (L to R) Ryan Phillippe as “Danny” and James Michalopoulos as “Vince” in the Action, Thriller, Suspense film, ‘One Mile: Chapter One’ and ‘One Mile: Chapter Two’. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).

    MF: Finally, Ryan, do you have a philosophy when it comes to shooting action sequences?

    RP: It is a dance of sorts, and we were lucky to have an incredible stunt team, incredible stunt choreography, and we really worked hard at it. Working with Tommy, first, I was excited because I watched him when I was younger, and I loved his work and his performances. But also, the intensity he brought to the role of Stanley ups my game. It makes me a better actor. It makes me lock in and focus a different way. So, I felt fortunate.

    'One Mile: Chapter One' and 'One Mile: Chapter Two' will be available digitally on February 20th.
    ‘One Mile: Chapter One’ and ‘One Mile: Chapter Two’ will be available digitally on February 20th.

    What is the plot of ‘One Mile: Chapter One’?

    Danny (Ryan Phillippe), a former special forces operative, travels with his teenage daughter Alex (Amélie Hoeferle) on a college road trip. After an unexpected detour brings them into contact with a violent, isolated community living off the grid, Alex is taken, and Danny is forced into a desperate rescue attempt.

    What is the plot of ‘One Mile: Chapter Two’?

    In the second installment, Danny is pulled back into conflict with the same group when Alex is abducted again as part of an act of revenge, sending him into another pursuit against an enemy prepared for him.

    Who is in the cast of One Mile: Chapter One and Two’?

    (L to R) Amélie Hoeferle as “Alex” and Ryan Phillippe as “Danny” in the Action, Thriller, Suspense film, 'One Mile: Chapter One' and 'One Mile: Chapter Two'. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).
    (L to R) Amélie Hoeferle as “Alex” and Ryan Phillippe as “Danny” in the Action, Thriller, Suspense film, ‘One Mile: Chapter One’ and ‘One Mile: Chapter Two’. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).

    List of Ryan Phillippe Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Ryan Phillippe Movies on Amazon

  • ‘Saint Clare’ Exclusive Interview: Bella Thorne

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    Opening in theaters, On Demand and on digital beginning July 18th is the new thriller ‘Saint Clare’, which was directed Mitzi Peirone (‘Braid’), and stars Bella Thorne (‘Blended’), Ryan Phillippe (‘The Lincoln Lawyer’), and Rebecca De Mornay (‘Risky Business’).

    Related Article: Ryan Philippe and Filmmaker Matthew Gentile Talk ‘American Murderer’

    Bella Thorne as “Clare Bleecker” in the mystery thriller 'Saint Clare', a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.
    Bella Thorne as “Clare Bleecker” in the mystery thriller ‘Saint Clare’, a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Bella Thorne about her work on ‘Saint Clare’, her approach to her character, working with veteran actress Rebecca De Mornay, and shooting emotionally difficult scenes with Ryan Phillippe.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video above to watch our interviews with Thorne and Rebecca De Mornay.

    Bella Thorne as “Clare Bleecker” in the mystery thriller 'Saint Clare', a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.
    Bella Thorne as “Clare Bleecker” in the mystery thriller ‘Saint Clare’, a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.

    Moviefone: To begin with, can you talk about your approach to playing this character, how you would describe her in her own words, and her emotional arc in the movie?

    Bella Thorne: How would I describe Clare? Kick ass! We love an arc. I think that we had such an interesting time going through that arc emotionally, finding that Clare hides her feelings, which is where the narration comes in in such a great way to let us know where we’re at with her. I think I just love that final ending moment, the curtain drawn in full, “You are going for it now.” I love that.

    (L to R) Joy Rovaris as “Juliana LeBlanc,” Rebecca De Mornay as “Gigi Newberry” and Bella Thorne as “Clare Bleecker” in the mystery thriller 'Saint Clare', a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.
    (L to R) Joy Rovaris as “Juliana LeBlanc,” Rebecca De Mornay as “Gigi Newberry” and Bella Thorne as “Clare Bleecker” in the mystery thriller ‘Saint Clare’, a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.

    MF: What was your experience like working with Rebecca De Mornay?

    BT: I love Rebecca. She’s just amazing to work with, so much fun, and charisma, and truly wants what’s best for the scene when she’s stepping on set. Even reconnecting again with her through the press and festival process has been amazing. She is just way too hot. She needs to calm down.

    Bella Thorne as “Clare Bleecker” in the mystery thriller 'Saint Clare', a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.
    Bella Thorne as “Clare Bleecker” in the mystery thriller ‘Saint Clare’, a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.

    MF: Finally, you have some emotionally challenging scenes opposite Ryan Phillippe. What was it like working with him on those sequences?

    BT: Yeah, those scenes were again, more sparring in this movie, the kind of cat and mouse game, and playing with the idea that you are anxious. This is one of the times that we really see things coming back to bite her in that way, the things that she’s done. As well as at one point there is a serious shift choice in emotionally, “I know, and I’m ahead of you in this game.” I think that that was fun to play with as well.

    Editorial Note: Krisily Fernstrom conducted this interview and contributed to this article.

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    What is the plot of ‘Saint Clare’?

    To the world, sixteen-year-old Clare Bleecker (Bella Thorne) appears to be a normal teenager: a Catholic school student, an animal lover and devout vegan living with her grandparents. But like the small town she lives in, Clare is more than she appears to be. Underneath her reserved appearance lives a sociopath with dissociative identity disorder – a serial killer.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Saint Clare’?

    Bella Thorne as “Clare Bleecker” in the mystery thriller 'Saint Clare', a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.
    Bella Thorne as “Clare Bleecker” in the mystery thriller ‘Saint Clare’, a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.

    List of Bella Thorne Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Bella Thorne Movies on Amazon

     

  • Freddie Prinze Jr. Joins the New ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ Sequel

    Freddie Prinze Jr. in 'The Girl in the Pool'.
    Freddie Prinze Jr. in ‘The Girl in the Pool’.

    Preview:

    • Freddie Prinze Jr. is aboard the new ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ sequel.
    • The new movie’s story is a mystery for now.
    • Jennifer Kaytin Robinson is co-writing and directing the new film.

    Is ‘I know What You Did Last Summer’ looking to follow ‘Scream’ down the legacy sequel route? It certainly appears that way as original cast member Freddie Prinze Jr. has now agreed to appear in the latest movie.

    The new film –– currently called just ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ (in that confusing ‘Scream’ style) is coming together at Sony.

    And the creative team had been in talks with more than one member of the original cast to show up, with Prinze Jr.’s co-star Jennifer Love Hewitt also discussing a deal to return.

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    What’s the story of ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’?

    (L to R) Freddie Prinze Jr., Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe in 'I Know What You Did Last Summer'. Photo: Columbia Pictures.
    (L to R) Freddie Prinze Jr., Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe in ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’. Photo: Columbia Pictures.

    The original movie starred Prinze Jr., Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe as four teens from a small seaside town who are stalked by a hook-wielding killer one year after covering up a car accident that was believed to be fatal.

    That film became a box office success with $125 million globally. It was followed by the 1998 sequel ‘I Still Know What You Did Last Summer’ with Hewitt and Prinze Jr. as well as the straight-to-video reboot ‘I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer.’

    Prime Video attempted a TV version in 2021, which ran for one season.

    What is happening with the new ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’?

    (L to R) Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Ryan Phillippe in 'I Know What You Did Last Summer'. Photo: Columbia Pictures.
    (L to R) Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Ryan Phillippe in ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’. Photo: Columbia Pictures.

    While the plotline is unknown, we could see the new characters tackling the further fallout from the original crime, with Prinze Jr. returning to help (or hinder).

    Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, who previously directed the likes of ‘Do Revenge’ and ‘Someone Great’, is handling the new film, having written the latest draft of the script alongside Sam Lansky.

    The new cast for the movie includes Chase Sui Wonders, Madelyn Cline, Sarah Pidgeon, Tyriq Withers and Jonah Hauer-King.

    Camila Mendes was originally part of that cast but had to drop out due to a schedule clash with the new ‘Masters of the Universe‘ movie, where she’s playing Teela.

    Freddie Prinze Jr. talks his experience on the original

    Freddie Prinze Jr. in 'I Still Know What You Did Last Summer'. Photo: Columbia Pictures.
    Freddie Prinze Jr. in ‘I Still Know What You Did Last Summer’. Photo: Columbia Pictures.

    Prinze Jr. will certainly be hoping to have a better time of it on the new movie, remembering his nightmarish experiences on the first film.

    Here’s what he said on his ‘That Was Pretty Scary’ podcast:

    “It was a struggle to finish work every day. I was in pain every single day on that movie. However, it prepared me for this business in a way. I’m forever grateful to Jim for being such an asshole because I’ve never met one like that since… No other director I’ve met felt crossing those lines would be OK. I’ve been prepared for every lesser A-hole in the business.”

    Related Article: Freddie Prinze Jr. and Monica Potter Talk ‘The Girl in the Pool’

    When will the new ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ be in theaters?

    Sony has scheduled the movie for a July 18th, 2025 release.

    Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt in 1997's 'I Know What You Did Last Summer.'
    (L to R) Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt in 1997’s ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer.’ Photo: Columbia/courtesy Everett Collection.

    Other Movies and TV Shows in the ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ Franchise:

    Buy ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ Movies on Amazon

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  • ‘Cruel Intentions’ TV Series in the Works

    Reese Witherspoon and Sarah Michelle Gellar in 1999's 'Cruel Intentions.'
    (L to R) Reese Witherspoon and Sarah Michelle Gellar in 1999’s ‘Cruel Intentions.’

    Like a slow-boiled revenge plot finally coming to fruition, it looks like Amazon may finally have cracked a small-screen version of 1999 teen seduction thriller ‘Cruel Intentions’, which starred some of Hollywood’s biggest young stars of the time.

    According to TV Line, the company is targeting the new show for either its free-with-commercials Freevee service or the main Prime Video subscription streamer.

    More than one failed attempt litters the TV development ground, including a Fox-based prequel series called ‘Manchester Prep’ that never made it to air but was repurposed as a direct-to-video film called ‘Cruel Intentions 2’ in 2000. And 2004 saw another video release, ‘Cruel Intentions 3’.

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    What happened in the 1999 movie?

    As directed by Roger Kumble, ‘Cruel Intentions’ — itself based on the 18th-century novel Dangerous Liaisons — starred Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe as step-siblings Kathryn Merteuil and Sebastian Valmont, who wagered on Sebastian’s ability to seduce Annette Hargrove (Reese Witherspoon), the daughter of the headmaster at their elite New York City prep school.

    There were scandals and double-crosses, plots and moral lessons.

    Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe in 1999's 'Cruel Intentions.'
    (L to R) Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe in 1999’s ‘Cruel Intentions.’

    Related Article: Reese Witherspoon Back for ‘Election’ Sequel

    What’s the plot of the new show?

    The new ‘Cruel Intentions’ plans to shift the action somewhat, which should allow for a fresh take, albeit with recognizable elements from the original book and movie.

    Set in Washington, D.C., the series follows two ruthless step-siblings who will do anything to stay at the top of the Greek Life hierarchy at their elite college. When a brutal hazing incident threatens the entire Panhellenic system, they’ll do whatever is necessary to preserve their power and reputations… including seducing the daughter of the U.S. vice president.

    ‘Euphoria’s Phoebe Fisher is on to write the pilot alongside ‘Gossip Girl’ veteran Sara Goodman. Which feels appropriate, since ‘Cruel Intentions’ could fit happily into the same genre of the latter in particular.

    This is far from the first attempt to turn the movie into a show. In 2016, NBC ordered a pilot for a version that would pick up more directly from the original. In it, Annette (with Kate Levering taking over the role), is raising the baby she had after her relationship with Sebastian (who dies at the end of the movie). Set 16 years later, Annette once again interacts with Kathryn (which would see Sarah Michelle Gellar returning to the role) when the teen, Bash, runs away to San Diego.

    The series didn’t go beyond that point despite Sony Pictures TV then looking for a new home, and Gellar admits she didn’t think it would work in hindsight.

    Here’s what she had to say to TV Line:

    “On the first day, I was like, ‘This isn’t working.’ It’s just not a network show. And if it is a network show, it’s not my ‘Cruel Intentions’. So, I was actually grateful.”

    Production on the new show should be kicking off this July in Toronto.

    Selma Blair and Sarah Michelle Gellar in 1999's 'Cruel Intentions.'
    (L to R) Selma Blair and Sarah Michelle Gellar in 1999’s ‘Cruel Intentions.’

    Movies Similar to ‘Cruel Intentions:’

    Buy ‘Cruel Intentions’ on Amazon

  • ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ Sequel to Reunite Original Cast

    Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt in 1997's 'I Know What You Did Last Summer.'
    (L to R) Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt in 1997’s ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer.’ Photo: Columbia/courtesy Everett Collection.

    In horror movies, famously, almost no one is ever really dead. And in our current, not-yet-crested wave of pop cultural nostalgia, no old entertainment property is deemed unworthy of an excavation or potential reboot.

    These two separate truths meet in a hearty high-five with today’s news, according to Deadline, that a “legacy-quel” is in the works for the 1997 teen slasher flick ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer,’ with original stars Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. already in talks to return.

    Looking to renew their IP control, Sony Pictures, which produced the first film, recently took a meeting with director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and actress-turned-screenwriter Leah McKendrick (‘Deviant Love,’ ‘M.F.A.‘), and liked what they heard enough to give a green light to their pitch. Original series producer Neal H. Moritz is also potentially rejoining the project.

    The news comes, of course, after Paramount successfully rebooted the ‘Scream’ franchise last year, to the tune of $140 million in theatrical receipts, with a movie that blended old, familiar franchise faces and new characters.

    It also follows a previous stab at franchise rejuvenation which stalled out. A little over eight years ago, coming on the heels of the buzzy, well-regarded low-budget horror movie ‘Oculus,’ Sony committed to a ‘Summer’ reboot from writer-director Mike Flanagan, who would go on to make ’Before I Wake’ and ‘Doctor Sleep.’ It was put on their release calendar for 2016, but never started shooting, and was eventually cancelled.

    Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Ryan Phillippe in 1997's 'I Know What You Did Last Summer.'
    (L to R) Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Ryan Phillippe in 1997’s ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer.’

    Based on the bestselling, red herring-heavy 1973 young adult suspense novel by Lois Duncan, the original movie centered around four young friends, bound together by a tragic accident and its cover-up, who are reunited when they receive a threatening note and subsequently find themselves being stalked by hook-wielding maniac who is also heavily into Gorton’s Fisherman cosplay. A $125 million box office hit, the 1997 movie helped launch the big screen careers of Hewitt, Prinze, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Ryan Phillippe.

    With last year’s ‘Scream’ already having taken a bit of the steam out of legacy sequels, in addition to having some fun at the expense of so-called elevated horror, it remains to be seen what form and direction a new ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ will take.

    While 1996’s ‘Scream’ and the original ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ shared a screenwriter in Kevin Williamson, the former leaned into a post-modern, self-referential tone, while the latter embraced much more conventional genre plotting.

    The original ‘Summer’ was followed by two sequels, 1998’s ’I Still Know What You Did Last Summer,’ which also featured Hewitt and Prinze, and 2006’s more supernaturally-oriented ‘I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer,’ which featured an entirely new cast.

    Presumably the new movie will not feature a plot which extensively drills down into a strenuous and grammatically exacting unpacking of just which summer’s events are actually now known, and thus subject to deadly score-settling, but tiresome pedants everywhere would surely celebrate such a plot. Rather, one can expect a somewhat more streamlined tale of unearthed secrets and murderous revenge, leaning into the adage that the past is never really dead.

    A co-screenwriter on ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ and consulting producer on ‘Hawkeye,’ Robinson made her feature directorial debut with 2019’s romantic comedy ‘Someone Great,’ and additionally drew positive notices for ‘Do Revenge,’ a high school-set black comedy loosely inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Strangers on a Train.’ Her latest effort, it seems, could involve a bit more blood.

    Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe and Freddie Prinze Jr. in 1997's 'I Know What You Did Last Summer.'
    (L to R)Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe and Freddie Prinze Jr. in 1997’s ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer.’
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  • Ryan Philippe and Matthew Gentile Talk ‘American Murderer’

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    Opening in theaters on October 21st and on demand and digital on October 28th is ‘American Murderer,’ which was written and directed by first time filmmaker Matthew Gentile and is based on a true story.

    The new movie follows the true story of Jason Derek Brown (Tom Pelphrey) a charismatic con man bankrolling his extravagant lifestyle through a series of scams. Hot on his trail is Lance Leising (Ryan Phillippe), an FBI special agent determined to put Brown behind bars.

    Running out of money and luck, Brown plots an elaborate scheme that ends in the murder of an innocent man, and the unlikely and elusive fugitive ending up on the FBI’s most-wanted list.

    In addition to Pelphrey and Phillippe, the cast also includes Idina Menzel, Shantel VanSanten, Paul Schneider, Kevin Corrigan, and Oscar-nominee Jacki Weaver.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with writer/director Matthew Gentile and actor Ryan Phillippe about their work on ‘American Murderer,’ the true story it is based on, why Gentile wanted to make the film, and how Phillippe prepared for his role.

    Ryan Philippe as Lance Leising in 'American Murderer.'
    Ryan Philippe as Lance Leising in ‘American Murderer.’

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Gentile, Phillippe, and Tom Pelphrey.

    Moviefone: To begin with, Matthew, what fascinated you about Jason’s true story and what made you want to make this particular movie?

    Matthew Gentile: Before I wanted to be a filmmaker, I wanted to be an FBI agent. So, I wanted to be Ryan’s character in the movie, and when I was 14 this crime happened. I had heard about it because I used to go on the FBI website and I would look at the top 10 fugitives. Just normal kid habits, right? I was very interested in fugitives and criminals. Jason’s face stuck out because on the Top 10 list you have menacing faces, Whitey Bulger, Osama Bin Laden, and then this surfer dude from Southern California. I was immediately interested in the story.

    Just from there, years later I was graduating film school and I was figuring out what my first feature was going to be. The news came up that this guy was still missing, and once his face literally popped on the screen I just immediately remembered it and I said to myself, “This guy is still missing, what happened here?” I started watching everything I could about it and reading everything I could, and I asked myself, “Why isn’t this a movie?” That really began the journey that was ‘American Murderer.’

    It initially started as a character study of a charismatic con man and it was a pot-boiler, noir, because I used to love film noir growing up. I grew up watching TCM and ‘Noir Alley’ with Eddie Muller so I was very into that kind of thing. It makes sense that I would do this kind of film to anyone who knows me, but the thing that really drew me in was this was a story about someone who meant so many different things to so many different people.

    He was loved by a lot of people. He was a lover, he was a brother, he was a criminal, he was a scallywag, he was all of these things and everything in between. I just was really fascinated by that, and this real dichotomy of Ryan’s character, Lance Leising, who was hunting him, the criminal. It had the elements of a neo-western to me, a sheriff and an outlaw, and it was really a story that, I thought, had everything that would make for a movie that I would pay to go see on Friday night.

    Tom Pelphrey as Jason Derek Brown in 'American Murderer.'
    Tom Pelphrey as Jason Derek Brown in ‘American Murderer.’

    MF: Ryan, what was your approach to playing Lance Leising, and did you have an opportunity to talk to him or any of the actual FBI agents that worked on this case?

    Ryan Phillippe: I didn’t actually get to talk to Lance. There was some footage of him. There were obviously quotes of his in various articles that we read. It helps as an actor to prepare when the person you’re playing existed or does exist currently. I’ve done a fair number of projects where I’ve played various members of law enforcement, FBI, military, so that comes naturally to me at this point.

    What I really responded to was the laser focused nature of this script and the fact that Matthew wrote it in such a way that it felt almost like a documentary in its focus simplicity. There weren’t these manufactured overwrought moments of drama. It played out in a way that I felt that was very realistic, and my character’s goal in this, is very simple.

    He doesn’t fulfill that goal ultimately, because Jason Derek Brown is still at large, and maybe people seeing this film will change that. Maybe he’ll finally be brought to justice, but I was really drawn in by Matthew’s script, his take on the project, the even-handed nature in which he was willing to tell this story, and that’s why I wanted to be a part of it. And look at this fantastic cast. Tom does an excellent job. Everyone does. It’s really a cool thing to be a part of.

    Ryan Philippe as Lance Leising in 'American Murderer.'
    Ryan Philippe as Lance Leising in ‘American Murderer.’

    MF: Finally, how does Lance really feel about Jason? Is he obsessed with catching him because he can’t believe this guy is getting away with it?

    RP: Absolutely. Yeah. They are polar opposites, I think, as human beings and personalities, and certainly from a morality standpoint. I think that’s what gets under Lance’s skin.

    He sees the people that have been drawn into Jason’s web, the people who have been hurt by him, the people that have helped him in some ways, his family who have let things go, and so I think there’s an indignation on my character’s part in reference to who this guy is, and how he’s been able to con so many people and hurt so many people.

    Tom Pelphrey as Jason Derek Brown in 'American Murderer.'
    Tom Pelphrey as Jason Derek Brown in ‘American Murderer.’
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  • 7 Movie Matchmakers to Help You Find Love and/or Marriage

    7 Movie Matchmakers to Help You Find Love and/or Marriage

    Prior to the Internet, before swiping right, in the days preceding both speed and blind dating, there were Matchmakers, experts at love who took the worry out of making a match that would last a lifetime – or until the next marriage. Here are a few of Moviefone’s favorite Movie Matchmakers.

    Yente from ‘Fiddler On The Roof’ (1971)

    Rosalind Harris as Tzeitel and Molly Picon as Yente in 'Fiddler on the Roof'
    Rosalind Harris as Tzeitel and Molly Picon as Yente in ‘Fiddler on the Roof’

    Yente (Molly Picon) is the OG matchmaker in the Russian village of Anatevka where she has her sights set on Tevye and his family of five girls (“Girls,” he says ruefully). Yente makes a deal with the local butcher to arrange a match between him and Tevye‘s eldest, Tzeitel. The butcher is named Lasar Wolf, pronounced like he’s an early prototype of the secret Jewish space laser, but Tzeitel already has feelings for another, much to Yente’s chagrin. Love eats into the matchmaker’s fee. Fiddler is a 3-hour musical epic with classic songs and occasional appearances by Yente, who was so memorable the word “yente” became synonymous with matchmakers in Jewish circles. But, when you listen to “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” beyond the opening lines (“Matchmaker, Matchmaker, make me a match. Find me a find, catch me a catch.”), you hear a darker side. Yente is willing to pair young girls with drunks and abusers to keep her fees rolling in, because the worst husband is better than no husband.
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    The Matchmaker (Miriam Margolyes) from ‘Mulan’ (1998)

    The Matchmaker (voiced by Miriam Margolyes) in 'Mulan'
    The Matchmaker (voiced by Miriam Margolyes) in ‘Mulan’

    Her appearance is brief, but is an important catalyst for the tale of the young warrior, Mulan. Here, the Matchmaker, voiced by Miriam Margolyes, operates out of a sense of honor more than a purely monetary element, although the deference she is shown in the village indicates she probably does all right for herself. When young maidens are summoned before her, they are there for inspection, so she may guarantee prospective grooms that their bride knows the ways of proper Chinese wives. The Matchmaker is the first line of marriage defense, and when Mulan fails to impress (“You may look like a bride, but you’ll never bring your family honor!”), the rejection sets her story in motion.
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    Emma Woodhouse from ‘Emma’ (1996) & ‘Emma.’ (2020)

    Anya Taylor-Joy in 'Emma.' (2020) and Gwyneth Paltrow in 'Emma' (1996)
    Anya Taylor-Joy in ‘Emma.’ (2020) and Gwyneth Paltrow in ‘Emma’ (1996)

    Jane Austin’s novel has been brought to the screen a few times, with two versions being direct, appropriately-named adaptations. Gwyneth Paltrow is young Emma Woodhouse in the first, a British socialite delighted by her supposed matchmaking prowess. The movie opens on a wedding she set in motion through a simple introduction, and full of overconfidence in her abilities, she decides it is time for the village vicar to be paired with a love interest. If there had been some version of Instagram available back then, Emma would probably be an expert with selfies and filters, but in the English countryside, she is left with only human beings to manipulate. This film shares many story beats with the more recent ‘Emma.,’ played by the wide-eyed Anya Taylor-Joy, who recently grabbed well-deserved attention for her work in The Queen’s Gambit. Her take on Miss Woodhouse has decidedly less chess and drug use than that, but as with the earlier ‘Emma,’ costumes and sets are gorgeous and the performances keep it light and enjoyable.
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    Cher Horowitz from ‘Clueless’ (1995)

    Alicia Silverstone as Cher in 'Clueless'
    Alicia Silverstone as Cher in ‘Clueless’

    Around the time the Gwyneth version of Emma started production, director Amy Heckerling had already been shooting a modernized version, starring Alicia Silverstone as Cher, a well-meaning matchmaker at her local high school. Cher is not entirely altruistic; she sets up two of her teachers to increase their dopamine levels so they’ll raise her midterm grades. The cast is kind of incredible, considering how much you’ve seen them in since 1995, and the clever reworking of a 19-century British novel into a snapshot of late 20th-century American high school is still entertaining.
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    Dolly Levi from ‘Hello, Dolly!’ (1969)

    Barbra Streisand as Dolly Levi in 'Hello, Dolly!'
    Barbra Streisand as Dolly Levi in ‘Hello, Dolly!’

    Barbra Streisand’s matchmaker is a hustler, through and through, who makes her living via matchmaking and other sidelines. She spends her time here looking for a wife for the well-known “half-a-millionaire,” Horace Vandergelder (Walter Matthau). The hustle here is that Dolly’s not looking that hard – she intends to pair herself with the wealthy bachelor. The film, directed by Gene Kelly, features show-stopping performances, including one of the final #1 hits for Louis Armstrong, the titular “Hello, Dolly!” The movie was a struggle to make, since Matthau and Streisand argued constantly, with him telling Babs at one point that she “had no more talent than a butterfly’s fart.” She is, of course, beloved today and he starred in the Grumpy Old Men franchise.
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    Kathryn Merteuil from ‘Cruel Intentions’ (1999)

    Sarah Michelle Gellar as Kathryn Merteuil in 'Cruel Intentions'
    Sarah Michelle Gellar as Kathryn Merteuil in ‘Cruel Intentions’

    She’s the most twisted matchmaker on the list, but Sarah Michelle Gellar nails the role of a terrible rich girl determined to destroy another society girl through matchmaking. Using hidden cameras, sexual tension and her stepbrother’s (Ryan Phillippe’s) step-incestuous desires for her smokin’ bod, she succeeds in screwing up several young lives and leaves herself open for a serious comeuppance. If you like your matchmaking hot and steamy, with a side order of girl kisses between Gellar and Selma Blair, ‘Cruel Intentions’ scratches that itch.
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  • Ryan Phillippe Will Star as Resurrected Cop in Frankenstein-Inspired Series ‘Alive’

    Ryan Phillippe Will Star as Resurrected Cop in Frankenstein-Inspired Series ‘Alive’

    USA

    Ryan Phillippe will star as a resurrected cop who’s haunted by memories of his last case in the Frankenstein-inspired CBS pilot “Alive.”

    Katrina Law (“The Oath”) will play his wife and Aaron Staton (“Mad Men“) will play the strange scientist who brought Mark Escher (Phillippe) back to life. A scientist who just happens to be named Victor Frankenstein.

    Law’s character Elizabeth Lavenza is a pathologist and medical examiner whose expertise comes in handy in discerning the truth behind his mysterious reappearance. Adding more complications to the scenario: Frankenstein and Lavenza used to be an item.

    Recent TV updates on the Frankenstein story (both set in the Victorian era): Harry Treadaway as the doctor who brings John Clare (Rory Kinnear) back to life on “Penny Dreadful” and Sean Bean as Inspector John Marlott in “The Frankenstein Chronicles,” who’s on the trail of a ghoulish, body-grafting surgeon.

    Phillippe most recently starred in USA’s series “Shooter” (based on the 2007 movie), which aired from 2016-2018. His other TV credits include ABC’s “Secrets & Lies” and FX’s “Damages.”

    Law just completed two seasons of Sony Crackle’s “The Oath” with Sean Bean and Ryan Kwanten. Prior to that, she starred in the CBS series “Training Day.”

    Staton is best known for playing ad man Ken Cosgrove on the AMC series “Mad Men.” He currently stars as Butch Sears in the Netflix drama “Narcos: Mexico” and has a recurring arc in Showtime’s “Ray Donovan.”

    [Via Deadline]

  • 12 Things You Never Knew About ‘Cruel Intentions’ on its 20th Anniversary

    12 Things You Never Knew About ‘Cruel Intentions’ on its 20th Anniversary

    Columbia

    It’s been 20 years since “Cruel Intentions” hit theaters and exposed moviegoers to the seedy, sexual underbelly of New York City prep school life. And despite middling reviews at the time, its popularity has endured over the years. Let’s celebrate the occasion with a few behind-the-scenes secrets about this steamy drama.

    1. The original title for the film was “Cruel Inventions,” but it was altered after test audiences complained that it sounded like a science fiction movie.

    2. “Cruel Intentions” is actually a modernized adaptation of French author  Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ 1782 novel “Les Liaisons dangereuses.”

    Warner Bros.

    3. That novel has been adapted for film six other times, most notably 1988’s “Dangerous Liaisons.”

    4. Producer Neal H. Moritz previously worked with Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe on 1997’s “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and immediately made them his top choices to star in “Cruel Intentions.”

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    5. Reese Witherspoon improvised the memorable moment where her character Annette slaps Phillippe’s Sebastian. That’s why Phillippe’s expression of shock is so genuine.

    6. Despite both playing high schoolers in the film, Witherspoon is actually five years older than Gellar.

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    7. Costume designer Denise Wingate purposely clothed Annette in light colors and Sebastian in dark colors in order to contrast their opposing natures.

    8. While Kathryn tells Sean Patrick Thomas‘ Ronald that Sebastian hit her, the film doesn’t reveal whether she’s actually telling the truth. Director Roger Kumble filmed a scene of Sebastian hitting Kathryn but chose to remove it and maintain the ambiguity.

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    9. An earlier screenplay draft featured an alternate ending where Annette chooses to withhold the journal and blackmail Kathryn rather than publishing it.

    10. There are currently two direct-to-video sequels to “Cruel Intentions,” though 2001’s “Cruel Intentions II” is actually a prequel and 2004’s “Cruel Intentions 3” is a loosely connected spinoff.

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    11. “Cruel Intentions 2” was created using footage from three episodes of an unaired TV series called “Manchester Prep,” and follows younger versions of Sebastian and Kathryn.

    12. In 2015, NBC announced plans for a sequel TV series that would feature Gellar reprising her role as an older Kathryn and revolve around Sebastian and Annette’s son.  Unfortunately, NBC eventually scrapped the project the following year.

  • Are You Ready for ‘MacGruber,’ The TV Series?

    Are You Ready for ‘MacGruber,’ The TV Series?

    Rogue Pictures

    A “MacGruber” series might be coming to a streaming service near you soon. With the entire cast returning.

    Lonely Island member and former “SNL” writer Jorma Taccone told The Daily Beast that he’s been “aggressively” pitching a television series to streaming networks.

    “We just spent the last two days pitching it as a series,” said Taccone. “Eight-to-ten episodes. I’m really hoping that when you print this there’s an announcement that it’s actually happening, because I know nothing right now. This is the first time I’ve mentioned it, so this may be a tragic interview.” (So far no, confirmation of a pick-up.)

    The  2010 comedy (which began as an “SNL” sketch) was a send-up of ’80s series “MacGyver,” with wigs straight out of the Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage” video. It was a flop when it was released, but it’s since become a cult classic. Taccone hopes the time is right to bring it back.

    Hell, everything is coming back. Hollywood is like one big pet sematary right now. Why not?

    Taccone says that the entire cast — Will Forte, Kristen Wiig, Val Kilmer, Ryan Phillippe, and Maya Rudolph — are set to return. “It’s everyone. Val was blown up pretty badly, he’ll have half a head,” jokes Taccone.

    (Of course, there’s no bringing back Powers Boothe: The “Deadwood” actor, who played Colonel Faith in the movie, passed away in 2017.)

    “What’s nice is that, when you make something that had the heartbreak of not doing so well financially… I would feel terrible if the people involved were embarrassed about it, but Ryan loves that s**t, Kristen loves that s**t, all the people involved are so psyched.”

    “We’ve had so many ideas over the years, from the moment we stopped filming. I just love this character so much,” said Taccone.

    [Via The Daily Beast]