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Best Brad Pitt Movies

Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes in Apple Original Films’ ‘F1’, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Photo by Scott Garfield. Courtesy Warner Bros Pictures / Apple Original Films. Copyright: © 2025 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Brad Pitt is one of the last of the true movie stars!

The iconic actor became a household name with his breakout performance in ‘Thelma & Louise‘, and has since appeared in such beloved movies as ‘True Romance‘, ‘Se7en‘, ‘Fight Club‘, ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button‘, ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith‘, ‘Moneyball‘, ‘Inglourious Basterds‘, the ‘Ocean’s Eleven‘ trilogy and Quentin Tarantino‘s ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood‘, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

His new film, ‘F1 The Movie‘, which is set in the world of Formula One racing and was directed by Joseph Kosinski (‘Top Gun: Maverick‘), opens in theaters on June 27th.

In honor of ‘F1’, Moviefone is counting down the 25 best films of Brad Pitt’s legendary career, including his latest.

Let’s begin!

25. ‘Bullet Train‘ (2022)

Brad Pitt stars in ‘Bullet Train.’ Photo: Scott Garfield. Copyright: 2022 CTMG. All Rights Reserved.

Unlucky assassin Ladybug (Pitt) is determined to do his job peacefully after one too many gigs gone off the rails. Fate, however, may have other plans, as Ladybug’s latest mission puts him on a collision course with lethal adversaries from around the globe—all with connected, yet conflicting, objectives—on the world’s fastest train.
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24. ‘Troy‘ (2004)

In year 1250 B.C. during the late Bronze age, two emerging nations begin to clash. Paris (Orlando Bloom), the Trojan prince, convinces Helen (Diane Kruger), Queen of Sparta, to leave her husband Menelaus (Brendan Gleeson), and sail with him back to Troy. After Menelaus finds out that his wife was taken by the Trojans, he asks his brother Agamemnon (Brian Cox) to help him get her back. Agamemnon sees this as an opportunity for power. They set off with 1,000 ships holding 50,000 Greeks to Troy.
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23. ‘The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford‘ (2007)

Outlaw Jesse James (Pitt) is rumored to be the ‘fastest gun in the West’. An eager recruit into James’ notorious gang, Robert Ford (Casey Affleck) eventually grows jealous of the famed outlaw and, when Robert and his brother (Sam Rockwell) sense an opportunity to kill James, their murderous action elevates their target to near mythical status.
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22. ‘Ocean’s Thirteen‘ (2007)

Danny Ocean’s (George Clooney) team of criminals are back and composing a plan more personal than ever. When ruthless casino owner Willy Bank (Al Pacino) doublecrosses Reuben Tishkoff (Elliot Gould), causing a heart attack, Danny Ocean vows that he and his team will do anything to bring down Willy Bank along with everything he’s got. Even if it means asking for help from an enemy.
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21. ‘Fury‘ (2014)

In the last months of World War II, as the Allies make their final push in the European theatre, a battle-hardened U.S. Army sergeant named ‘Wardaddy’ (Pitt) commands a Sherman tank called ‘Fury’ and its five-man crew on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. Outnumbered and outgunned, Wardaddy and his men face overwhelming odds in their heroic attempts to strike at the heart of Nazi Germany.
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20. ‘World War Z‘ (2013)

Brad Pitt in ‘World War Z’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.

Life for former United Nations investigator Gerry Lane (Pitt) and his family seems content. Suddenly, the world is plagued by a mysterious infection turning whole human populations into rampaging mindless zombies. After barely escaping the chaos, Lane is persuaded to go on a mission to investigate this disease. What follows is a perilous trek around the world where Lane must brave horrific dangers and long odds to find answers before human civilization falls.
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19. ‘Spy Game‘ (2023)

On the day of his retirement, a veteran CIA agent (Robert Redford) learns that his former protégé (Pitt) has been arrested in China, is sentenced to die the next morning in Beijing, and that the CIA is considering letting that happen to avoid an international scandal.
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18. ‘Snatch‘ (2001)

Unscrupulous boxing promoters, violent bookmakers, a Russian gangster, incompetent amateur robbers and supposedly Jewish jewelers fight to track down a priceless stolen diamond.
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17. ‘Ocean’s Twelve‘ (2004)

Despite pulling off one of the biggest heists in Las Vegas history and splitting the $160 million take, each of the infamous Ocean’s crew have tried to go straight, lay low and live a legit life … but that’s proven to be a challenge. Casino owner Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia) demands that Danny Ocean (George Clooney) return the money, plus millions more in interest. Unable to come up the cash, the crew is forced to come together to pull off another series of heists, this time in Rome, Paris, and Amsterdam – but a Europol agent is hot on their heels.
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16. ‘Legends of the Fall‘ (1995)

In early 20th-century Montana, Col. William Ludlow (Anthony Hopkins) lives on a ranch in the wilderness with his sons, Alfred (Aidan Quinn), Tristan (Pitt), and Samuel (Henry Thomas). Eventually, the unconventional but close-knit family are bound by loyalty, tested by war, and torn apart by love, as told over the course of several decades in this epic saga.
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15. ‘Interview with the Vampire‘ (1994)

(L to R) Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in ‘Interview with the Vampire.’ Photo: Warner Bros.

A vampire (Tom Cruise) relates his epic life story of love, betrayal, loneliness, and dark hunger to an over-curious reporter.
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14. ‘Twelve Monkeys‘ (1996)

In the year 2035, convict James Cole (Bruce Willis) reluctantly volunteers to be sent back in time to discover the origin of a deadly virus that wiped out nearly all of the earth’s population and forced the survivors into underground communities. But when Cole is mistakenly sent to 1990 instead of 1996, he’s arrested and locked up in a mental hospital. There he meets psychiatrist Dr. Kathryn Railly (Madeleine Stowe) and the son of a famous virus expert (Pitt) who may hold the key to the Army of the 12 Monkeys; thought to be responsible for unleashing the killer disease.
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13. ‘Thelma & Louise‘ (1991)

Taking a break from their dreary lives, close friends Thelma (Geena Davis) and Louise (Susan Sarandon) embark on a short weekend trip that ends in unforeseen incriminating circumstances. As fugitives, both women rediscover the strength of their bond and their newfound resilience.
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12. ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith‘ (2005)

A husband (Pitt) and wife (Angelina Jolie) struggle to keep their marriage alive until they realize they are both secretly working as assassins. Now, their respective assignments require them to kill each other.
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11. ‘True Romance‘ (1993)

Clarence (Christian Slater) marries hooker Alabama (Patricia Arquette), steals cocaine from her pimp (Gary Oldman), and tries to sell it in Hollywood, while the owners of the coke try to reclaim it.
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10. ‘F1 The Movie‘ (2025)

(L to R) Damson Idris as Joshua Pearce and Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes in Apple Original Films’ ‘F1’, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Photo by Scott Garfield. Courtesy Warner Bros Pictures / Apple Original Films. Copyright: © 2025 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Racing legend Sonny Hayes (Pitt) is coaxed out of retirement to lead a struggling Formula 1 team—and mentor a young hotshot driver (Damson Idris), while chasing one more chance at glory.
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9. ‘Ocean’s Eleven‘ (2001)

Less than 24 hours into his parole, charismatic thief Danny Ocean (George Clooney) is already rolling out his next plan: In one night, Danny’s hand-picked crew of specialists will attempt to steal more than $150 million from three Las Vegas casinos. But to score the cash, Danny risks his chances of reconciling with ex-wife, Tess (Julia Roberts).
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8. ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button‘ (2008)

Born under unusual circumstances, Benjamin Button (Pitt) springs into being as an elderly man in a New Orleans nursing home and ages in reverse. Twelve years after his birth, he meets Daisy (Cate Blanchett), a child who flits in and out of his life as she grows up to be a dancer. Though he has all sorts of unusual adventures over the course of his life, it is his relationship with Daisy, and the hope that they will come together at the right time, that drives Benjamin forward.
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7. ‘Burn After Reading‘ (2008)

When a disc containing memoirs of a former CIA analyst (John Malkovich) falls into the hands of gym employees, Linda (Frances McDormand) and Chad (Pitt), they see a chance to make enough money for Linda to have life-changing cosmetic surgery. Predictably, events whirl out of control for the duo, and those in their orbit.
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6. ‘The Big Short‘ (2015)

The men who made millions from a global economic meltdown.
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5. ‘Moneyball‘ (2011)

Brad Pitt in ‘Moneyball’. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.

The story of Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane’s (Pitt) successful attempt to put together a baseball team on a budget, by employing computer-generated analysis to draft his players.
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4. ‘Inglourious Basterds‘ (2009)

In Nazi-occupied France during World War II, a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as “The Basterds” are chosen specifically to spread fear throughout the Third Reich by scalping and brutally killing Nazis. The Basterds, lead by Lt. Aldo Raine (Pitt) soon cross paths with a French-Jewish teenage girl (Mélanie Laurent) who runs a movie theater in Paris which is targeted by the soldiers.
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3. ‘Se7en‘ (1995)

Two homicide detectives are on a desperate hunt for a serial killer (Kevin Spacey) whose crimes are based on the “seven deadly sins” in this dark and haunting film that takes viewers from the tortured remains of one victim to the next. The seasoned Det. Somerset (Morgan Freeman) researches each sin in an effort to get inside the killer’s mind, while his novice partner, Mills (Pitt), scoffs at his efforts to unravel the case.
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2. ‘Fight Club‘ (1999)

A ticking-time-bomb insomniac (Edward Norton) and a slippery soap salesman (Pitt) channel primal male aggression into a shocking new form of therapy. Their concept catches on, with underground “fight clubs” forming in every town, until an eccentric gets in the way and ignites an out-of-control spiral toward oblivion.
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1. ‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood‘ (2019)

Brad Pitt in ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.’ Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.

Los Angeles, 1969. TV star Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), a struggling actor specializing in westerns, and stuntman Cliff Booth (Pitt), his best friend, try to survive in a constantly changing movie industry. Dalton is the neighbor of the young and promising actress and model Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie), who has just married the prestigious Polish director Roman Polanski (Rafał Zawierucha).
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July 1, 2025
David Fincher Reportedly Directing New Western Drama ‘Bitterroot’
David Fincher on the set of ‘Mank’. Photo: Gisele Schmidt/Netflix.

Preview:
- David Fincher is reportedly aboard a new western called ‘Bitterroot’.
- Michael Gilio wrote the script, which appeared on the 2008 Black List
- Netflix has yet to confirm Fincher’s attachment.
It’s fair to say that the Western is having a mixed time in terms of success at the moment. While Taylor Sheridan’s modern-day take on the genre ‘Yellowstone’ (and its period set prequels) have been doing great business, Kevin Costner (who effectively left the parent ‘Yellowstone’ series to pursue his passion project) has seen giant Western saga ‘Horizon’ stumble at the box office, with theatrical plans for the second film in the franchise currently on hold.

Despite that, it appears David Fincher may be ready to try his hand at an oater, with What’s On Netflix reporting that he’s on board for a Western called ‘Bitterroot.’

Related Article: Movie Review: ‘The Killer’

What’s the story of ‘Bitterroot’?

‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ from Paramount Pictures and eOne.

Michael Gilio, who also wrote the script draft that got ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ into development, crafted ‘Bitterroot,’ which hit the 2008 Black List when it was originally titled ‘Big Hole.’

The movie’s premise apparently concerns an elderly rancher whose life savings have been stolen.

He sets out to get his money back by robbing banks and hunting down the thieves — all while being pursued by his son, who is the sheriff. Compelling, eh?!

Comparisons have been made to Clint Eastwood classic ‘Unforgiven,’ so even with the riskier marketplace, this is a script that will surely be mad at some point. And it’s perhaps not surprising that given its long lifespan in the Hollywood marketplace, there has been at least one previous attempt to bring it to screens. Blind Wink Productions and Aversano Films were working on it with Gilio on board to both write and direct and Gore Verbinski to produce back in 2011.

We’ll caution at this point that Netflix has yet to officially comment on the possibility, though this appears –– according to What’s On Netflix’s sources –– to be coming together quickly, with casting offers out to potential stars.

What else is Fincher developing?

(L to R) Gary Oldman and David Fincher on the set of ‘Mank’. Photo: Miles Crist/Netflix.

The ever-busy filmmaker, who last directed ‘The Killer’ for the streaming service, has a couple of other irons in the Netflix fire.
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There is a US version of ‘Squid Game’ that is awaiting approval from the company (budget issues are reportedly a sticking point, though you’ve got to imagine Netflix would look to get this made given the original series’ popularity).

And also? Fincher has been circling a ‘Chinatown’ prequel series that would follow the story before the classic movie.

On the movie front, the director has an untitled crime thriller at an early stage of development, but details are naturally scarce.

(L to R) David Fincher and Gary Oldman on the set of ‘Mank’. Photo: Miles Crist/Netflix.

Other David Fincher Movies:
- ‘Alien³‘ (1992)
- ‘Se7en‘ (1995)
- ‘The Game‘ (1997)
- ‘Fight Club‘ (1999)
- ‘Panic Room‘ (2002)
- ‘Zodiac‘ (2007)
- ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button‘ (2008)
- ‘The Social Network‘ (2010)
- ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo‘ (2011)
- ‘Gone Girl‘ (2014)
- ‘Mank‘ (2020)
- ‘The Killer‘ (2023)
Buy David Fincher Movies on Amazon
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September 6, 2024
Best Richard Roundtree Movies

2019 ‘Shaft’s Richard Roundtree.

Legendary actor and Hollywood icon Richard Roundtree passed away in 2023 after a long battle with cancer at the age of 81.

Best known for playing the iconic character John Shaft in five movies including the original ‘Shaft‘ and the 2000 reboot starring Samuel L. Jackson, Roundtree also appeared in the groundbreaking TV series ‘Roots‘, as well as popular movies like ‘Earthquake‘, ‘Se7en‘, ‘George of the Jungle‘, ‘Brick‘, and ‘Speed Racer‘.

Roundtree’s final film is the action-comedy ‘Thelma,’ which also stars Oscar-nominee June Squibb and opens in theaters on June 21st. Roundtree’s final performance is already earning the late actor some of the best reviews of his long career.

In honor of ‘Thelma’s release, Moviefone is counting down the 20 best movies of Richard Roundtree’s legendary career, including his last.

Let’s begin!

20. ‘Corky Romano‘ (2001)

(L to R) Peter Berg, Chris Penn and Chris Kattan in ‘Corky Romano’. Photo: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution.

Corky Romano (Chris Kattan) is a bumbling, simpleton, veterinarian and the youngest, outcast son of an aging gangster, named Pops Romano (Peter Falk), who calls upon Corky to infiltrate the local FBI and retrieve and destroy evidence being used to incriminate Pops for racketeering charges.
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19. ‘Steel‘ (1997)

When a renegade military reject puts new superweapons in dangerous hands, John Henry Irons (Shaquille O’Neal) becomes Steel. Wearing body armor, wielding a fearsome electrohammer and riding a gadget-packed motorcycle, he’s ready to wage war… if he can fix the untimely glitches in his untested gear.
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18. ‘Man Friday‘ (1975)

Englishman Robinson Crusoe (Peter O’Toole), stranded alone on an island for years, is overjoyed to find a fellow man, a black islander whom he names Friday (Roundtree). But Crusoe cannot overcome the shackles of his own heritage and upbringing and is incapable of seeing Friday as anything other than a savage who needs Crusoe’s brand of cultural and religious enlightenment. Friday attempts to share his own more generous and unashamed culture, but ultimately realizes that Crusoe can never see him as anything but an inferior being. With that awareness, Friday sets out to turn the tables on Crusoe.
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17. ‘George of the Jungle‘ (1997)

Deep in the African jungle, a baby named George (Brendan Fraser), the sole survivor of a plane crash, is raised by gorillas. George grows up to be a buff and lovable klutz who has a rain forest full of animal friends: Tookie, his big-beaked toucan messenger; Ape, a witty talking gorilla; and Shep, a peanut-loving pooch of an elephant. But when poachers mess with George’s pals, the King Of Swing swings into action.
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16. ‘Escape to Athena‘ (1979)

During the World War II, the prisoners of a German camp in a Greek island are trying to escape. They not only want their freedom, but also seek an ineffable treasure hidden in a monastery at the summit of the island’s mountain.
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15. ‘Shaft‘ (2019)

(L to R) Samuel L. Jackson and Richard Roundtree in 2019’s ‘Shaft’. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.

JJ, aka John Shaft Jr. (Jessie T. Usher), may be a cyber security expert with a degree from MIT, but to uncover the truth behind his best friend’s untimely death, he needs an education only his dad can provide. Absent throughout JJ’s youth, the legendary locked-and-loaded John Shaft (Samuel L. Jackson) agrees to help his progeny navigate Harlem’s heroin-infested underbelly.
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14. ‘What Men Want‘ (2019)

Magically able to hear what men are thinking, a sports agent (Taraji P. Henson) uses her newfound ability to turn the tables on her overbearing male colleagues.
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13. ‘Game for Vultures‘ (1980)

The South African businessman David Swansey (Richard Harris) is delivering illegal German helicopters to Rhodesia That makes the patriot Gideon Marunga (Roundtree) an angry man.
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12. ‘Earthquake‘ (1974)

Various interconnected people struggle to survive when an earthquake of unimaginable magnitude hits Los Angeles, California.
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11. ‘Maniac Cop‘ (1988)

Innocent people are brutally killed on the streets of New York by a uniformed police officer. A young cop, Jack Forrest (Bruce Campbell), finds himself marked as the chief suspect after his wife is murdered.
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10. ‘Shaft’s Big Score!‘ (1972)

Richard Roundtree in ‘Shaft’s Big Score!’. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

John Shaft (Roundtree) is back as the lady-loved black detective cop on the search for the murderer of a client.
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9. ‘City Heat‘ (1984)

(L to R) Burt Reynolds and Clint Eastwood in ‘City Heat’. Photo: Warner Bros.

Set in Kansas City in 1933, Clint Eastwood plays a police lieutenant known simply by his last name, Speer. Burt Reynolds plays a former cop turned private eye named Mike Murphy. Both Speer and Murphy served on the force together and were once good friends, but are now bitter enemies. When Murphy’s partner is slain they team up again to fight the mob.
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8. ‘Moving On‘ (2023)

(L to R) Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda star in director Paul Weitz’s ‘Moving On.’

Two old friends (Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin) reconnect at their friend’s funeral, and decide to exact revenge on the widower who wronged all three of them decades earlier.
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7. ‘Shaft in Africa‘ (1973)

(Right) Richard Roundtree in ‘Shaft in Africa’. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Detective John Shaft (Roundtree) travels incognito to Ethiopia then France to bust a human trafficking ring
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6. ‘Speed Racer‘ (2008)

(L to R) Christina Ricci, Susan Sarandon, John Goodman, Kick Gurry and Emile Hirsch in ‘Speed Racer’. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.

Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch) is a young and brilliant racing driver. When corruption in the racing leagues costs his brother his life, Speed must team up with the police and the mysterious Racer X (Matthew Fox) to bring an end to the corruption and criminal activities.
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5. ‘Shaft‘ (2000)

(L to R) Samuel L. Jackson and Jeffrey Wright in 2000’s ‘Shaft’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.

New York police detective John Shaft (Samuel L. Jackson) arrests Walter Wade Jr. (Christian Bale) for a racially motivated slaying. But the only eyewitness disappears, and Wade jumps bail for Switzerland. Two years later Wade returns to face trial, confident his money and influence will get him acquitted — especially since he’s paid a drug kingpin (Jeffrey Wright) to kill the witness.
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4. ‘Brick‘ (2005)

(Left) Joseph Gordon-Levitt in ‘Brick’. Photo: Focus Features.

After a phone call from his ex-girlfriend (Emilie de Ravin), teenage loner Brendan Frye (Joseph Godron-Levitt) learns that her dead body was found. Vowing to solve her murder himself, he must infiltrate high-school cliques that he previously avoided. His search for the truth brings him before some of the school’s roughest characters.
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3. ‘Se7en‘ (1995)

(L to R) Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman in ‘Se7en’. Photo: New Line Cinema.

Two homicide detectives are on a desperate hunt for a serial killer whose crimes are based on the “seven deadly sins” in this dark and haunting film that takes viewers from the tortured remains of one victim to the next. The seasoned Det. Sommerset (Morgan Freeman) researches each sin in an effort to get inside the killer’s mind, while his novice partner, Mills (Brad Pitt), scoffs at his efforts to unravel the case.
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2. ‘Thelma‘ (2024)

(L to R) Richard Roundtree and June Squibb in ‘Thelma’, a Magnolia Pictures release. Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.

Deceived by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson, a 90-year-old woman (June Squibb) sets out on a quest to reclaim what was taken from her.
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1. ‘Shaft‘ (1971)

Richard Roundtree in 1971’s ‘Shaft’. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Cool black private eye John Shaft (Roundtree) is hired by a crime lord to find and retrieve his kidnapped daughter.
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June 18, 2024
Movie Review: ‘The Killer’
Michael Fassbender as an assassin in ‘The Killer.’ Photo: Netflix ©2023.

On Netflix beginning November 10th, ‘The Killer’ marks David Fincher’s latest collaboration with the streaming service, a methodical revenge thriller that sees Michael Fassbender as the title figure, a man on a mission after his latest job goes awry.

As per usual with Fincher, this is as carefully constructed as its central character, though it might leave some wishing for a little more excitement in places.

Does ‘The Killer’ Hit its Target?

Michael Fassbender as an assassin in ‘The Killer.’ Cr. Netflix ©2023.

The last time David Fincher shot something for big (and ultimately small, given Netflix’s cinema-then-server policy with its big movie scores), we got ‘Mank,’ which felt like something different for the director.

That one was bursting with huge personalities, a romantic storyline and a compelling if cynical love for old Hollywood. For ‘The Killer’ however, Fincher has dialed the needle back to his more usual stock-in trade, cold-blooded, full-power cynicism.

This is a man, after all, who made the likes of ‘Se7en’, ‘Fight Club’ and ‘The Social Network’, which all blended his rigorous approach to filmmaking with compelling characters at their heart. Michael Fassbender’s unnamed central figure here just about fits into that category with his various quirks and occupational theorizing –– you might find yourself, however wishing for something more to connect to.

Related Article: ‘The Killer’ Teaser

‘The Killer’: Script and Direction

Michael Fassbender as an assassin in ‘The Killer.’ Cr. Netflix ©2023.

‘The Killer’ reunites Fincher with one of his best collaborators, Andrew Kevin Walker, who wrote the screenplay for ‘Seven’. The pair relishes the chances to take another shot at poking around the darker, grubbier corners of life. Though their previous team-up focused on the law enforcement side of things, this new outing is firmly on the side of someone breaking the rules, albeit with his own strict code.

Walker’s script is precise and darkly funny in its way, primarily comprised of internal monologues from Fassbender’s fastidious assassin, who has several repeating mantras, including about anticipating not improvising, and how empathy is weakness.

While we spend most of our time with the character, there are the bursts of activity once his latest job goes bad and the repercussions hit close to home for him (though you do find yourself wondering why someone who seems to against connections in the world because of the baggage they bring was able to make some).

Michael Fassbender as an assassin in ‘The Killer.’ Photo: Netflix ©2023.

And as usual with David Fincher, the direction is beyond reproach, starkly color washed and full of interest in every frame. As Fassbender’s killer goes globe-trotting on his vengeful quest, we’re treated to some fantastic sights, including fancy restaurants and a billionaire’s very private (though not quite enough) penthouse.

He finds a way to bring the character’s world to life with his usual dark vibrancy, all metallic sheen and well-composed frames. Not a shot is wasted, and the craft at work is clear. The idea that the killer uses music from The Smiths to blot out the distractions of the world is an interesting one (perhaps, given his pessimistic worldview these days, Morrissey might even appreciate it) and adds another subtle layer of humor.

The director’s regular musical team Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross meanwhile, provide a subtle score that complements the visuals.

‘The Killer’: Performances

Michael Fassbender as an assassin in ‘The Killer.’ Photo: Netflix ©2023.

Michael Fassbender is at the core of this film, his dry (by choice and need) delivery of the killer’s monologues given just the right amount of snark. And when called upon to show his particular set of skills, the actor (who was lured out if a long break from acting for this juicy role) is more than up to the task, watchable when in silent preparation for an assassination or throwing down with a hulking henchman.

There’s also the chance for him to face off against some great actors, his encounter with Charles Parnell’s lawyer/boss/mentor figure one for the ages and, without giving too much away, involving creative use of a nail gun.

Tilda Swinton as The Expert in ‘The Killer.’ Photo: Netflix ©2023.

Tilda Swinton, meanwhile, is able to prove she’s still among the best, interacting with our man in more cerebral fashion, telling a solid joke about a hunter and a bear and ultimately coming across perfectly as someone who has found that putting their morals and ethics aside was surprisingly easy when the pay is right.

Elsewhere, the smaller roles are effectively filled, even as you mostly just view them in relation to Fassbender. As he tends to, the director has a good eye for interesting people in supporting roles, filling out the world in such a way as you believe it.

‘The Killer’ Final Thoughts

Michael Fassbender as an assassin in ‘The Killer.’ Photo: Netflix ©2023.

This new David Fincher movie will certainly please his regular fans, even if it doesn’t always quite live up to the standards of previous work. There’s a cold aloofness here that might also turn off more casual viewers (though if you’re sitting down to watch a movie called ‘The Killer’, you likely know what you’re in for).

The opening segment (the movie is split into neatly organized chapters, which would surely appeal to the persnickety pistol packer) at its heart is entertaining but does require a patience level as high as our antihero, since it truly takes its time to get to the point.

Still, if we can’t have more ‘Mindhunter’ on Netflix, at least it’s reassuring to know that David Fincher is keeping busy, and this also represents a welcome return for Michael Fassbender. Completely on target? Not always, but certainly well aimed for the most part.

‘The Killer’ receives 7.5 out of 10 stars.
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What’s the story of ‘The Killer’?

An unnamed man in unremarkable clothes, The Killer (Michael Fassbender) watches from the floor of an empty office, across from the plush apartment of his target, rifle at hand. Measured, controlled, he takes every step to ensure the job goes flawlessly…

It doesn’t.

The Killer flees, following his strict personal mantra of dispassionate action. But his employers want him erased. By attacking his home, they disturb his sanctuary and, with it, his sense of self. This – he will not abide, traveling through the Dominican Republic and the United States, eliminating anyone who might disrupt his hard-won peace again.

Who else is in ‘The Killer’?

‘The Killer’ also stars Charles Parnell, Arliss Howard, Sophie Charlotte, Kerry O’Malley, Emiliano Pernía, Sala Baker and Tilda Swinton.

Michael Fassbender as an assassin in ‘The Killer.’ Photo: Netflix ©2023.

Other Movies Similar to ‘The Killer:’
- ‘The Killer‘ (1989)
- ‘La Femme Nikita‘ (1991)
- ‘Léon: The Professional‘ (1994)
- ‘Assassins‘ (1995)
- ‘Grosse Pointe Blank‘ (1997)
- ‘Kill Bill: Vol. 1‘ (2003)
- ‘Collateral‘ (2004)
- ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith‘ (2005)
- ‘Hitman‘ (2007)
- ‘The American‘ (2010)
- ‘The Mechanic‘ (2011)
- ‘John Wick‘ (2014)
- ‘Assassin’s Creed‘ (2016)
- ‘Atomic Blonde‘ (2017)
- ‘American Assassin‘ (2017)
- ‘John Wick: Chapter 2‘ (2017)
- ‘The Hitman’s Bodyguard‘ (2017)
- ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum‘ (2019)
- ‘John Wick: Chapter 4‘ (2023)
Buy Michael Fassbender Movies On Amazon
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November 11, 2023
‘Shaft’ Actor Richard Roundtree is Dead At 81
(L to R) ‘Shaft’s Samuel L. Jackson, Jessie T. Usher and Richard Roundtree.

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- Actor Richard Roundtree, best remembered for playing detective John Shaft, has died.
- Roundtree was 81 and had been suffering from pancreatic cancer.
- Co-stars and those influenced by him have paid tribute to his memorable work.
Actor Richard Roundtree, who will be forever linked to cult movie detective John Shaft from 1971’s ‘Shaft,’ has died. He was 81.

Roundtree, a famous breast cancer survivor, was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died surrounded by family at his bedside.

His agency, and manager Patrick McMinn, released a statement about his death:

“Artists & Representatives Agency mourns the loss of our friend and client Richard Roundtree. His trailblazing career changed the face of entertainment around the globe and his enduring legacy will be felt for generations to come. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

“Trailblazing” is as good a term as any for Roundtree, who portrayed the first Black private detective on screen. Yet while he’ll most closely be identified with his Blaxploitation career and particularly the iconic Shaft character, the actor enjoyed a long run of work on screens big and small.
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Early life

Richard Roundtree as John Shaft in 1971’s ‘Shaft.’ Photo: MGM.

Richard Roundtree was born in New Rochelle, New York, played football for Southern Illinois University and did some modeling before the acting bug bit.

He was drawn to theater and joined New York’s acclaimed Negro Ensemble Company, then starred as Jack Johnson in ‘The Great White Hope’ off-Broadway before the role of John Shaft presented itself –– a lucky break secured after Sidney Poitier refused to screen test for the role, leading director Gordon Parks to cast Roundtree instead.

The role of John Shaft, the “hotter than Bond, cooler than Bullitt” private detective, changed Roundtree’s life and the course of Hollywood by introducing him as an unapologetic protagonist and subterranean fighter of crime.

He went on to play the role in the sequels ‘Shaft’s Big Score!’ and ‘Shaft in Africa’ as well as the short-lived 1973 ‘Shaft’ TV series.

The actor’s many film credits include 1981’s ‘Inchon’, ‘City Heat‘ (1984) as well as ‘Se7en’, ‘George of the Jungle’, ‘Body of Influence’, ‘Amityville: A New Generation’, and ‘What Men Want’. He was last seen in Paul Weitz’s comedy ‘Moving On’.

Related Article: Suzanne Somers of ‘Three’s Company’ and ‘Step By Step’ Dies At Age 76

TV roles

(L to R) Leslie Uggams and Richard Roundtree in ‘Roots.’ Photo: Warner Bros Television.

On the small screen, Roundtree had one of his best opportunities in the breakthrough miniseries ‘Roots’, playing a handsome, well-groomed carriage driver with whom Kizzy (Leslie Uggams) falls in love until she sees that when the master (George Hamilton) calls, Roundtree grovels.

Roundtree starred in the miniseries ‘AD’ and had a supporting role in the series ‘Outlaws’ (CBS, 1986-1987) as Ice McAdams. He was part of the cast of the short-lived multi-racial NBC daytime drama ‘Generations,’ playing a doctor forced to live in hiding for 15 years for a murder he did not commit. He also appeared in a number of sitcoms and other series, including ‘Being Mary Jane’.

Tributes from co-stars

‘Shaft’s Richard Roundtree.

Roundtree reprised his most famous role in the 2000 John Singleton movie ‘Shaft’, starring Samuel L. Jackson, and the 2019 Tim Story-directed sequel.
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Jackson took to Instagram to pay tribute:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CyzcJOspbAT/

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Gabrielle Union, who worked with Roundtree in ‘Being Mary Jane’, tweeted her own tribute:

Working with Richard Roundtree was a dream. Getting to hang with him & our Being Mary Jane family was always a good ass time with the best stories & laughs. He was ALWAYS the coolest man in the room with the BEST vibes & ppl would literally run over to come see him. He was simply… pic.twitter.com/1N8fHVDsA6

— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) October 25, 2023

Richard Roundtree as John Shaft in 1971’s ‘Shaft.’ Photo: MGM.

Richard Roundtree Movies:
- ‘Shaft‘ (1971)
- ‘Shaft’s Big Score!‘ (1972)
- ‘Shaft in Africa‘ (1973)
- ‘Earthquake‘ (1974)
- ‘Man Friday‘ (1975)
- ‘Escape to Athena‘ (1979)
- ‘The Big Score‘ (1983)
- ‘City Heat‘ (1984)
- ‘Maniac Cop‘ (1988)
- ‘Se7en‘ (1995)
- ‘George of the Jungle‘ (1997)
- ‘Steel‘ (1997)
- ‘Shaft‘ (2000)
- ‘Corky Romano‘ (2001)
- ‘Boat Trip‘ (2002)
- ‘Brick‘ (2005)
- ‘Speed Racer‘ (2008)
- ‘What Men Want‘ (2019)
- ‘Shaft‘ (2019)
- ‘Moving On‘ (2023)
Buy Richard Roundtree Movies On Amazon

To watch our exclusive interviews with Samuel L. Jackson, Jessie T. Usher and Richard Roundtree about 2019’s ‘Shaft,’ please click on the video player below.
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October 25, 2023
Best Mystery Movies

Daniel Craig as Detective Benoit Blanc on the set of ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.’ Photo: Courtesy of John Wilson/Netflix © 2022.

Everyone loves a good mystery, right?

The rise in the genre’s popularity is a result of box office successes like Kenneth Branagh’s Hercule Poirot series, including ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ and ‘Death on the Nile,’ and director Rian Johnson‘s ‘Knives Out,’ and its new sequel, ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,’ which is currently in theaters and premieres on Netflix December 23rd.

In honor of ‘Glass Onion’s release, Moviefone is counting down the 25 greatest mystery movies of all time!

Without further ado, grab your detective hat and let’s begin!

25. Mystic River (2003)

The lives of three men (Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, and Kevin Bacon) who were childhood friends are shattered when one of them has a family tragedy.

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24. Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)

Lake Tahoe, 1969. Seven strangers, each one with a secret to bury, meet at El Royale, a decadent motel with a dark past. In the course of a fateful night, everyone will have one last shot at redemption. Starring Jeff Bridges, Cynthia Erivo, Dakota Johnson, Jon Hamm, and Chris Hemsworth.
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23. Death on the Nile (2022)

Based on the 1937 novel by Agatha Christie, “Death on the Nile” is a daring mystery-thriller about the emotional chaos and deadly consequences triggered by obsessive love. Kenneth Branagh, back as the iconic detective Hercule Poirot, is joined by Tom Bateman, four-time Oscar® nominee Annette Bening, Russell Brand, Ali Fazal, Dawn French, Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer, Rose Leslie, Emma Mackey, Sophie Okonedo, Jennifer Saunders and Letitia Wright.
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22. Murder Mystery (2019)

On a long-awaited trip to Europe, a New York City cop (Adam Sandler) and his hairdresser wife (Jennifer Aniston) scramble to solve a baffling murder aboard a billionaire’s yacht.
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21. Pokémon Detective Pikachu (2019)

In a world where people collect pocket-size monsters (Pokémon) to do battle, a boy (Justice Smith) comes across an intelligent monster (Ryan Reynolds) who seeks to be a detective.
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20. Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Warner Bros. Pictures

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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19. What Lies Beneath (2000)

When Claire Spencer (Michelle Pfeiffer) starts hearing ghostly voices and seeing spooky images, she wonders if an otherworldly spirit is trying to contact her. All the while, her husband (Harrison Ford) tries to reassure her by telling her it’s all in her head. But as Claire investigates, she discovers that the man she loves might know more than he’s letting on.
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18. A Simple Favor (2018)

Stephanie (Anna Kendrick), a dedicated mother and popular vlogger, befriends Emily (Blake Lively), a mysterious upper-class woman whose son Nicky attends the same school as Miles, Stephanie’s son. When Emily asks her to pick Nicky up from school and then disappears, Stephanie undertakes an investigation that will dive deep into Emily’s cloudy past.
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17. Prisoners (2013)

Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) faces a parent’s worst nightmare when his 6-year-old daughter, Anna (Erin Gerasimovich), and her friend go missing. The only lead is an old motorhome that had been parked on their street. The head of the investigation, Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal), arrests the driver, but a lack of evidence forces Loki to release his only suspect. Dover, knowing that his daughter’s life is at stake, decides that he has no choice but to take matters into his own hands.
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16. Charade (1963)

After Regina Lampert (Audrey Hepburn) falls for the dashing Peter Joshua (Cary Grant) on a skiing holiday in the French Alps, she discovers upon her return to Paris that her husband has been murdered. Soon, she and Peter are giving chase to three of her late husband’s World War II cronies, Tex (James Coburn), Scobie (George Kennedy) and Gideon (Ned Glass), who are after a quarter of a million dollars the quartet stole while behind enemy lines. But why does Peter keep changing his name?
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15. Shutter Island (2010)

Paramount Pictures

World War II soldier-turned-U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) investigates the disappearance of a patient from a hospital for the criminally insane, but his efforts are compromised by troubling visions and a mysterious doctor (Ben Kingsley).

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14. Gosford Park (2002)

Directed by Robert Altman, in 1930’s England, a group of pretentious rich and famous gather together for a weekend of relaxation at a hunting resort. But when a murder occurs, each one of these interesting characters becomes a suspect.
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13. The Great Muppet Caper (1981)

Kermit and Fozzie are newspaper reporters sent to London to interview Lady Holiday (Diana Rigg), a wealthy fashion designer whose priceless diamond necklace is stolen. Kermit meets and falls in love with her secretary, Miss Piggy. The jewel thieves strike again, and this time frame Miss Piggy. It’s up to Kermit and Muppets to bring the real culprits to justice.
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12. Gone Girl (2014)

With his wife’s (Rosamund Pike) disappearance having become the focus of an intense media circus, a man (Ben Affleck) sees the spotlight turned on him when it’s suspected that he may not be innocent.
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11. Laura (1944)

A police detective (Dana Andrews) falls in love with the woman (Gene Tierney) whose murder he’s investigating.
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10. Murder on the Orient Express (2017)

20th Century Fox

Genius Belgian detective Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) investigates the murder of an American tycoon aboard the Orient Express train.
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9. The Nice Guys (2016)

A private eye (Ryan Gosling) and a thug (Russell Crowe) investigate the apparent suicide of a fading porn star in 1970s Los Angeles and uncovers a conspiracy.
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8. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

This English-language adaptation of the Swedish novel by Stieg Larsson follows a disgraced journalist, Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig), as he investigates the disappearance of a weary patriarch’s niece from 40 years ago. He is aided by the pierced, tattooed, punk computer hacker named Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara). As they work together in the investigation, Blomkvist and Salander uncover immense corruption beyond anything they have ever imagined.
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7. Se7en (1995)

Two homicide detectives are on a desperate hunt for a serial killer (Kevin Spacey) whose crimes are based on the “seven deadly sins” in this dark and haunting film that takes viewers from the tortured remains of one victim to the next. The seasoned Det. Sommerset (Morgan Freeman) researches each sin in an effort to get inside the killer’s mind, while his novice partner, Mills (Brad Pitt), scoffs at his efforts to unravel the case.
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6. Memento (2001)

Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce) is tracking down the man who raped and murdered his wife. The difficulty of locating his wife’s killer, however, is compounded by the fact that he suffers from a rare, untreatable form of short-term memory loss. Although he can recall details of life before his accident, Leonard cannot remember what happened fifteen minutes ago, where he’s going, or why.
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5. Brick (2006)

Focus Features

A teenage loner (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) pushes his way into the underworld of a high school crime ring to investigate the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend (Emilie de Ravin).

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4. Murder on the Orient Express (1974)

In 1935, when his train is stopped by deep snow, detective Hercule Poirot (Albert Finney) is called on to solve a murder that occurred in his car the night before.

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3. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

A petty thief (Robert Downey Jr.) posing as an actor is brought to Los Angeles for an unlikely audition and finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation along with his high school dream girl (Michelle Monaghan) and a detective (Val Kilmer) who’s been training him for his upcoming role…
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2. Knives Out (2019)

When renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday, the inquisitive and debonair Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is mysteriously enlisted to investigate. From Harlan’s dysfunctional family to his devoted staff, Blanc sifts through a web of red herrings and self-serving lies to uncover the truth behind Harlan’s untimely death.
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1. Clue (1985)

Paramount Pictures

Clue finds six colorful dinner guests (Eileen Brennan, Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd, Michael McKean, Martin Mull, and Lesley Ann Warren) gathered at the mansion of their host, Mr. Boddy (Lee Ving) — who turns up dead after his secret is exposed: He was blackmailing all of them. With the killer among them, the guests and Boddy’s chatty butler (Tim Curry) must suss out the culprit before the body count rises.
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December 5, 2022