Moviefone Editorial

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  • ‘Deep Cover’ Interviews: Bryce Dallas Howard and Cast

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    Premiering on Prime Video beginning June 12th is the new action comedy ‘Deep Cover’, which was directed by Tom Kingsley (‘The Darkest Universe’), and stars Bryce Dallas Howard (‘Jurassic World’), Orlando Bloom (‘Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl’) and Nick Mohammed (‘Ted Lasso’).

    Related Article: Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard Talk Sequel ‘Jurassic World Dominion’

    (L to R) Nick Mohammed, Bryce Dallas Howard and Orlando Bloom star in 'Deep Cover'.
    (L to R) Nick Mohammed, Bryce Dallas Howard and Orlando Bloom star in ‘Deep Cover’.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Bryce Dallas Howard, Orlando Bloom and Nick Mohammed about their work on ‘Deep Cover’, Howard’s first reaction to the screenplay and experience working with director Tom Kingsley, Bloom’s character’s dedication to his craft and if Bloom would want to act opposite him in real life, and how improv comedy helps Mohammed’s character grow and change.

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

    Bryce Dallas Howard as Kat in 'Deep Cover'. Credit: Peter Mountain / © 2025 Copertura Productions LTD. All Rights Reserved.
    Bryce Dallas Howard as Kat in ‘Deep Cover’. Credit: Peter Mountain / © 2025 Copertura Productions LTD. All Rights Reserved.

    Moviefone: To begin with, Bryce, what was your first reaction to the screenplay, the situation the characters find themselves in, and did it read funny on the page?

    Bryce Dallas Howard: Oh yeah. So, the script is written by two brilliant improv comedians. Some of the best, honestly. So, it was hilarious, but it was also truthful. I really related to the characters and all the characters were very different. You know, it’s fun because this is a true ensemble. So, I had heard about the movie for years from Colin (Trevorrow) because we worked together on ‘Jurassic World’. I’d heard of it as a British action comedy, and I didn’t think that there would be any room for an American but then very luckily I got invited into it.

    Orlando Bloom as Marlon in Bryce Dallas Howard as Kat in 'Deep Cover'. Credit: Peter Mountain / © 2025 Copertura Productions LTD. All Rights Reserved.
    Orlando Bloom as Marlon in Bryce Dallas Howard as Kat in ‘Deep Cover’. Credit: Peter Mountain / © 2025 Copertura Productions LTD. All Rights Reserved.

    MF: Orlando, can you talk about your character’s dedication to his craft and is Marlon someone that you would want to work with on a movie set? What do you think he would be like to have as a scene partner?

    Orlando Bloom: I don’t think so. He’d be somebody you’d poke fun at. I think that was the low hanging fruit, the layup for the character was that I think historically and hilariously actors can and have and maybe some do or have taken themselves too seriously. Me, I’ve never done that. As a guy who’s just desperate and thirsty for that shot at life, he sees this opportunity to sort of go deep method, if you like, instead of deep cover. He’s creating this weird world. I kind of based the character on Liam Gallagher a little bit because he was written as a Northerner and I thought, well, that’s the most swag because I grew up with the band Oasis. I saw this guy as this, and it informed the whole Roach aspect of the character even down to the costume and some of the physicality and the attitude that I think was right for the role. You know, the writing being so well done, the humor was on the page, and I just had to play the truth of all those moments. I’ve not done a lot of straight comedy as it were, but that’s what I’ve kind of realized that when there’s heart and truth in it, if the writing is good, then the humor lands.

    Nick Mohammed as Hugh in 'Deep Cover'. Credit: Lara Cornell / © 2025 Copertura Productions LTD. All Rights Reserved.
    Nick Mohammed as Hugh in ‘Deep Cover’. Credit: Lara Cornell / © 2025 Copertura Productions LTD. All Rights Reserved.

    MF: Nick, why does your character join this improv group, what he is hoping to get out of it, and how does his life change as a result?

    Nick Mohammed: Well, you know, he’s at crossroads in his life like all the characters really, but Hugh works in an office. He doesn’t have an acting background or an improv background or anything. He quite fortuitously just stumbles into Kat’s class, likes what he sees, feels like he might have maybe found his people or at least found a way to improve his confidence. Little does he know that very quickly things spiral out of control and obviously he ends up on these undercover missions. I mean, he is truly out of his depth, goes on a big journey, including having that fleeting relationship with Shosh. But by the end, he does have his confidence built. He’s sort of found these confidence soulmates in in Marlon and Kat. He’s just feels like a better person, more of his own person, more comfortable in his in his own skin, I guess, by the end. His journey is kind of like that.

    (L to R) Orlando Bloom as Marlon, Bryce Dallas Howard as Kat, Nick Mohammed as Hugh in 'Deep Cover'. Credit: Peter Mountain / © 2025 Copertura Productions LTD. All Rights Reserved.
    (L to R) Orlando Bloom as Marlon, Bryce Dallas Howard as Kat, Nick Mohammed as Hugh in ‘Deep Cover’. Credit: Peter Mountain / © 2025 Copertura Productions LTD. All Rights Reserved.

    MF: Finally, Bryce, can you talk about working on the set with filmmaker Tom Kingsley, and as an actress, has your approach to working with directors changed since you became a director yourself?

    BDH: No, because I’m a third-generation actor. So, my dad (Ron Howard) grew up on sets, and I grew up on sets and whether that’s an inappropriate thing, we’ll leave that to other people to debate. But because of that, I’ve always viewed things more from an outside perspective. I see the process more through the director’s eyes and then acting is like something fun that I feel like I’m getting away with. Where I’m like, “Oh my God, I get to go in front of the camera. That’s crazy.” So, it’s such a joy getting to see how other directors direct, because that’s often the challenge when you’re directing full time. You’re doing your stuff, but you’re not actually getting to see how other people do it. You know, you always learn so much and, my God, Tom is such a gentle, lovely, open minded and encouraging director. He really wants us to all feel a sense of ownership over the work that we’re doing, and just no ego whatsoever. I just really loved getting to be around him and getting to work with him.

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    What is the plot of ‘Deep Cover’?

    Set in the London criminal underworld, three improv-actors (Bryce Dallas Howard, Orlando Bloom and Nick Mohammed) are recruited by the police for sting operations, in which they must “yes, and…” their way into a criminal gang.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Deep Cover’?

    (L to R) Orlando Bloom as “Marlon,” Bryce Dallas-Howard as “Kat,” and Nick Mohammed as “Hugh” in the action comedy 'Deep Cover'. Photo courtesy of Peter Mountain/ Metronome Film.
    (L to R) Orlando Bloom as “Marlon,” Bryce Dallas-Howard as “Kat,” and Nick Mohammed as “Hugh” in the action comedy ‘Deep Cover’. Photo courtesy of Peter Mountain/ Metronome Film.

    List of Bryce Dallas Howard Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Bryce Dallas Howard Movies on Amazon

     

  • Where To Watch Director Alex Garland’s ‘Civil War’

    Kirsten Dunst and Cailee Spaeny in 'Civil War.'
    (L to R) Kirsten Dunst and Cailee Spaeny in ‘Civil War.’ Photo: A24.

    A24’s ‘Civil War’ takes a terrifying look at what would happen if the United States became fractured. The film follows a group of journalists who are determined to witness history no matter the cost – with chaos and fright at every corner.

    The film is written and directed by Alex Garland, who also helmed ‘Ex Machina’ and ‘Annihilation’. Kristen Dunst stars as war photographer Lee Smith, who travels across the nation to take photos of the country. Alongside Dunst are Nick Offerman, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny, Sonoya Mizuno, Jefferson White, Stephen McKinley Henderson, and Jesse Plemons.

    While the movie seems inspired by the current political climate, it does not tell the story from either the left or the right. Rather, Garland focused on the battles between the citizens of the United States.

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    Where Can I Watch ‘Civil War’?

    Kirsten Dunst in 'Civil War.'
    Kirsten Dunst in ‘Civil War.’ Photo: A24.

    The film premiered at SXSW on March 14, 2024, garnering positive reactions from critics and audiences alike. Originally scheduled for an April 26 release, ‘Civil War’ arrived in theaters on April 12. The film’s budget of $50 million makes it the most expensive movie to be released by A24. Since its release, it has grossed over $114.3 million worldwide. The movie has a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes.

    Buy Tickets: ‘Civil War’ Movie Showtimes

    Garland’s action-thriller became available on digital platforms as of May 24, 2024. Missed it in theaters? Now you can enjoy all the action from home – rent for $19.99 or purchase for $24.99 on VOD platforms such as Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, and Vudu.

    Where to Stream: ‘Civil War’

    A Film That Sparks Debate

    Nick Offerman in 'Civil War.'
    Nick Offerman in ‘Civil War.’ Photo: A24.

    ‘Civil War’ presents California and Texas as a united force, which seems an unlikely alliance given how far they are apart politically. However, Garland does not tell the story from either side of the political aisle. The director intends for the film to start conversations and spark debates.

    The cast has also spoken on the topic. “The whole movie is open to interpretation,” said Dunst in an interview with Variety. Nick Offerman calls the movie “a brilliant piece of fiction” at the film’s premiere and says that his depiction of the President of the United States isn’t based on current or former presidents, “When you see the movie, it’s so unattached to anything in modern politics, not only in your country but any country.”

    Related Article: Movie Review: ‘Civil War’ 

    When Can I Get ‘Civil War’ On Blu-Ray?

    Wagner Moura in 'Civil War.'
    Wagner Moura in ‘Civil War.’ Photo: A24.

    For physical media lovers, the action-thriller will be available on DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K UHD on July 9, 2024, and will include special features such as:

    • Torn Asunder: Waging Alex Garland’s ‘Civil War’ Six-Part Documentary
    • Theatrical trailer

    Those who purchase the physical copy from Amazon will also receive an Amazon Blu-ray Exclusive special feature with their copy – a Q&A with the cast and director.

    Buy ‘Civil War’ on Amazon

    Watch the official trailer for ‘Civil War’ below:

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    The official synopsis for ‘Civil War’ is below:

    In a near-future America, the United States has collapsed into civil war as different factions prepare for a final assault on Washington D.C. to unseat the President. A small band of journalists race across a once-familiar and now-dangerous country to get to the frontline and witness what happens.

    Who’s In the Cast of ‘Civil War’

    • Kirsten Dunst as Lee Smith
    • Wagner Moura as Joel
    • Cailee Spaeny as Jessie
    • Stephen McKinley Henderson as Sammy
    • Nick Offerman as the President of the United States
    • Jesse Plemons as soldier
    Kirsten Dunst in 'Civil War.'
    Kirsten Dunst in ‘Civil War.’ Photo: A24.

    Other Alex Garland Movies:

     

  • Rosario Dawson Joins the Voice Cast for ‘Terminator Zero’

    (Left) Rosario Dawson. Photo: Jamie McCarthy. (Right) 'Terminator Zero'. Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2024.
    (Left) Rosario Dawson. Photo: Jamie McCarthy. (Right) ‘Terminator Zero’. Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2024.

    Preview:

    • Rosario Dawson, Ann Dowd and André Holland are joining ‘Terminator Zero’.
    • Timothy Olyphant is starring in the series.
    • The new show was created by ‘The Batman’ co-writer Mattson Tomlin.

    Since James Cameron launched ‘The Terminator’ upon the world in 1984 and then followed that up with one of the greatest movie sequels of all time via ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’, the franchise has struggled.

    We’ve had further movie sequels of varying quality and diminishing returns (even 2019’s ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’, which roped Cameron back in as producer, couldn’t crack the quality/box office appeal factor with anything like the success of the first two efforts).

    Indeed, one of the more respected ‘Terminator’ treatments has been on TV, where ‘Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles’ ploughed its own furrow for a couple of seasons, with Lena Headey playing Sarah.

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    But despite the seeming “Terminator Curse”, that hasn’t stopped other companies from taking a shot, and the latest is Netflix, which has animated series ‘Terminator Zero’ due in a couple of months.

    And while we already knew that Timothy Olyphant is lending his voice to the show, the cast list has been updated to include Rosario Dawson, Ann Dowd, André Holland and Sonoya Mizuno.

    What’s the story of ‘Terminator Zero’?

    Timothy Olyphant as The Terminator in 'Terminator Zero'.
    Timothy Olyphant as The Terminator in ‘Terminator Zero’. Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2024.

    Here’s the official synopsis for the show:

    2022: A future war has raged for decades between the few human survivors and an endless army of machines. 1997: The AI known as Skynet gained self-awareness and began its war against humanity.

    Caught between the future and this past is a soldier (Mizuno) sent back in time to change the fate of humanity. She arrives in 1997 to protect a scientist named Malcolm Lee (Holland) who works to launch a new AI system designed to compete with Skynet’s impending attack on humanity.

    As Malcolm navigates the moral complexities of his creation, he is hunted by an unrelenting assassin from the future which forever alters the fate of his three children.

    Related Article: Next on Netflix Animation Preview Announces Upcoming Movies and TV Shows

    Which characters are the other new additions playing in the show?

    Rosario Dawson as Kokoro in 'Terminator Zero.'
    Rosario Dawson as Kokoro in ‘Terminator Zero.’ Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2024.

    Dawson is Kokoro, an advanced AI and Japan’s answer to Skynet, if brought online, Kokoro will be endowed with the same power as Skynet. Kokoro must calculate for itself: is humanity the plague Skynet believes? Or are human beings worth saving?

    Dowd plays The Prophet. In the future, the Prophet is the philosophical guide for the human resistance, a light shepherding survivors in the darkness of the unknown future ahead.

    As for Olyphant? He has the title role, in a version that sounds like the original movie’s killing machine: The Terminator is still out there. It still can’t be bargained with. It can’t be reasoned with. It doesn’t feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it absolutely will not stop, ever, until you’re dead (though we’re promised a fresh take on the iconic character).

    Who is making ‘Terminator Zero’?

    Sonoya Mizuno as Eiko in 'Terminator Zero.'
    Sonoya Mizuno as Eiko in ‘Terminator Zero.’ Photo: Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2024.

    Leading the creative team on the new show is Mattson Tomlin, who worked on 2022’s ‘The Batman’ with Matt Reeves and is co-writing the sequel with him.

    Here’s Tomlin on ‘Terminator Zero’:

    “Anyone who knows my writing knows I believe in taking big swings and going for the heart. I’m honored that Netflix and Skydance have given me the opportunity to approach Terminator in a way that breaks conventions, subverts expectations, and has real guts.”

    When will ‘Terminator Zero’ be on our screens?

    Netflix previously announced that the new show will hit its screens on the well-chosen date of “Judgement Day” from the movies –– which means August 29th if you’re not keeping track.

    André Holland as Malcolm Lee in 'Terminator Zero.'
    André Holland as Malcolm Lee in ‘Terminator Zero.’ Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2024.

    Other Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Terminator’ Franchise:

    Buy ‘Terminator’ Movies On Amazon

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  • First Trailer for ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2

    Preview:

    • ‘House of the Dragon’ has a first Season 2 trailer online.
    • The ‘Game of Thrones’ spin-off follows the war within House Targaryen.
    • The series will be back in the summer.

    If the end of ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 1 teased that war was on the way, the trailer for Season 2 confirms that it has well and truly landed on big, scaly legs to roar in our faces.

    The first spin-off from ‘Game of Thrones’ follows the brutal events years before the original series’ storyline and is full of the sort of chaos we’ve come to expect from George R.R. Martin’s fantastical drama.

    And taking advantage of the fact that most of its cast are covered by British acting unions rather than SAG-AFTRA (and that its scripts were written before the WGA industrial action) to shoot during the strikes, the second season is closer to finished than some other shows.

    Which means we can expect plenty of dragon action so soar across our screens next year. Plus, there’s scope for more family in-fighting and weird sexy times.

    Related Article: TV Review: ‘House of the Dragon’

    What’s the story of ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2?

    Matt Smith in HBO's 'House of the Dragon.'
    Matt Smith in HBO’s ‘House of the Dragon.’ Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO.

    Continuing the story adapted from Martin’s prequel novel, ‘Fire & Blood’, the show is set 200 years before the events of ‘Game of Thrones,’ tells the violent story of House Targaryen.

    Season 2 picks up after the fateful events of the first as Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) and Alicent Hightower’s (Olivia Cooke) forces go head to head — well, dragon to dragon. The trailer shows Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) suiting up in his impressive armor, knights on horseback, soldiers burning alive and several of the main characters riding their dragons into battle.

    Who else is in ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2?

    Olivia Cooke in HBO's 'House of the Dragon.'
    Olivia Cooke in HBO’s ‘House of the Dragon.’ Photograph by Theo Whitman/HBO.

    The rest of the returning cast includes Eve Best, Steve Toussaint, Fabien Frankel, Ewan Mitchell, Tom Glynn-Carney, Sonoya Mizuno, and Rhys Ifans. Additional returning cast includes Harry Collett, Bethany Antonia, Phoebe Campbell, Phia Saban, Jefferson Hall and Matthew Needham.

    Fans are also excited to see some new faces, including Clinton Liberty as Addam of Hull, Jamie Kenna as Ser Alfred Broome, Kieran Bew as Hugh, Tom Bennett as Ulf, Tom Taylor as Lord Cregan Stark, and Vincent Regan as Ser Rickard Thorne. Previously announced new season two cast includes Abubakar Salim as Alyn of Hull, Gayle Rankin as Alys Rivers, Freddie Fox as Ser Gwayne Hightower and Simon Russell Beale as Ser Simon Strong.

    When will ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 be on screens?

    Emma D’Arcy in HBO's 'House of the Dragon.'
    Emma D’Arcy in HBO’s ‘House of the Dragon.’ Photograph by Theo Whitman/HBO.

    HBO has yet to confirm an actual date, but we do know the show will be back in summer 2024.

    Ewan Mitchell in HBO's 'House of the Dragon.'
    Ewan Mitchell in HBO’s ‘House of the Dragon.’ Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO.
    Steve Toussaint in HBO's 'House of the Dragon.'
    Steve Toussaint in HBO’s ‘House of the Dragon.’ Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO.
    Rhys Ifans and Olivia Cooke in HBO's 'House of the Dragon.'
    (L to R) Rhys Ifans and Olivia Cooke in HBO’s ‘House of the Dragon.’ Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO.
    Matt Smith and Emma D’Arcy in HBO's 'House of the Dragon.'
    (L to R) Matt Smith and Emma D’Arcy in HBO’s ‘House of the Dragon.’ Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘House of the Dragon’:

    Buy ‘Game of Thrones’ On Amazon

     

  • Movie Review: ‘Shortcomings’

    Justin Min as Ben and Sherry Cola as Alice in 'Shortcomings.'
    (L to R) Justin Min as Ben and Sherry Cola as Alice in ‘Shortcomings.’ Photo credit: Jon Pack. Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.

    Opening in theaters on August 4th, ‘Shortcomings,’ directed by Randall Park, reaches for authenticity in the way its characters’ foibles are portrayed, but ultimately falls short itself with a blandly solipsistic, mopey main character and side stories that feel like they’d be much more interesting as the central narrative.

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    What’s the story of ‘Shortcomings’?

    Justin Min as Ben and Ally Maki as Miko in 'Shortcomings.'
    (L to R) Justin Min as Ben and Ally Maki as Miko in ‘Shortcomings.’ Photo credit: Jon Pack. Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.

    This is essentially the story of Ben (Justin H. Min), a struggling filmmaker, who lives in Berkeley, California, with his girlfriend, Miko (Ally Maki), who works for a local Asian American film festival.

    When he’s not managing a struggling arthouse movie theater as his day job, Ben spends his time obsessing over unavailable blonde women, watching Criterion Collection DVDs, and eating in diners with his best friend Alice (Sherry Cola), a queer grad student with a serial dating habit.

    When Miko moves to New York for an internship, Ben is left to his own devices, and begins to explore what he thinks he might want –– mostly relationships with other women in his orbit. Alice, meanwhile, ends up moving to New York herself after an incident at school.

    Who else is in ‘Shortcomings’?

    Justin Min as Ben, Ally Maki as Miko, Timothy Simons as Leon in 'Shortcomings.'
    (L to R) Justin Min as Ben, Ally Maki as Miko, Timothy Simons as Leon in ‘Shortcomings.’ Photo credit: Jon Pack. Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.

    The cast also includes Tavi Gevinson, Debby Ryan, Sonoya Mizuno, Timothy Simons, Jacob Batalon, Theo Iyer and Scott Seiss.

    Related Article: 10 Things We Learned at the ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ Press Conference

    What works about ‘Shortcomings’

    Jacob Batalon as Gene and Scott Seiss as Lamont in 'Shortcomings.'
    (L to R) Jacob Batalon as Gene and Scott Seiss as Lamont in ‘Shortcomings.’ Photo credit: Jon Pack. Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.

    Randall Park has been a reliable performer for years, someone who has long proved he has what it takes in front of the camera. Switching effortlessly between leading roles in the likes of TV’s ‘Fresh Off the Boat’ or the Netflix romantic comedy drama movie ‘Always Be My Maybe’ and character pieces such as roles on ‘The Office’ and in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (where he’s more normally found in the ‘Ant-Man’ films as enthusiastic FBI agent Jimmy Woo, Park has developed a recognizable comic style and a following enough to give him a shot at directing.

    ‘Shortcomings’ is his first step behind the camera (though he has a production company and backs projects he sometimes appears in) and, as director, he proves to have a handle on at least what makes characters tick.

    Adapting –– with a script from the writer himself –– Adrian Tomine’s graphic novel, Park sets his story among the arty hipsters of Berkely and Oakland, the Bay Area vibe effectively created on screen here.

    And kicking off with a spoof scene of ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ (starring Oscar nominee Stephanie Hsu and Ronny Chieng), he and Tomine quickly set out their stall, looking to explore the sort of romantic entanglements that usually come with white faces attached. It might not be always subtle, but that at least works –– we see Ben struggle with others judging him for dating white girl Sasha (Ryan) and helping Alice by pretending to be her boyfriend so she can avoid the usual interrogation at a family wedding (even if they have to hide Ben’s Japanese heritage from her parents, though even that would be preferable to them finding out she’s queer).

    Park nudges his characters through their various storylines, anchored by Ben’s malaise and Alice’s struggle to find herself. But there is a problem, and it’s largely Ben.

    What are the movie’s problems?

    Tavi Gevinson as Autumn in 'Shortcomings.'
    Tavi Gevinson as Autumn in ‘Shortcomings.’ Photo credit: Jon Pack. Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.

    The biggest issue with the movie is its central character. All plaudits for breaking away from the “model minority’ image of quietly well-behaved Asian-Americans. Ben is certainly flawed and human but despite the best efforts of Min to bring him to life, he comes across as a whining, self-centered moron that no woman would want to get near, let alone the parade of attractive people who deign date him.

    It gets to the point where you’re desperate for the movie to pivot away from Ben’s story and go and explore Alice’s life more deeply or even Gene (Batalon) and Lamont (Seiss), the two goofballs who work the concession stand at the cinema Ben manages. These two characters, who feel like they walked out of a Kevin Smith movie (and you can sense the New Jersey filmmaker’s influence all over ‘Shortcomings’) make for more entertaining company in a couple of minutes than almost all of Ben’s scenes. Even if they do represent a little more self-indulgence from Park and Tomine –– they refer to Marvel movies and Batalon, a co-star in the most recent ‘Spider-Man‘ trilogy of films, name-drops the character at one point.

    Full marks to the director and writer for trying to make the character feel authentically human instead of a stereotype, but the dial has been turned too far towards frustrating. And with Ben as the focal point of the movie, it makes for a more uncomfortable experience than anything approaching entertainment. Yes, he’s supposed to be annoying, but there’s zero growth and little evidence until right at the end that that’s even possible. Meanwhile, people around him are living much more interesting lives, even cinema employee Autumn, with whom Ben has a brief, unsuccessful dalliance. Subverting the manic pixie dream girl cliché, she’s a punk anarchist performance artist whose current work in progress is taking a picture of her urine-filled toilet every morning.

    ‘Shortcomings’ has enough to recommend it, even if you do find the main character to be a repetitive, time-wasting bore. There’s fun to be had exploring the world that these people live in, and the challenges they face when romantic issues and cultural boundaries clash. It’s just unfortunate that it doesn’t look more deeply into such ideas, choosing instead to indulge the central figure’s dull quest for the perfect relationship or his opinions on essentially anything.

    As a debut, it’s still an impressive one and if Park finds a subject he can bring to life without the frustrations of the human black hole at the center of this one, he’ll have something to truly enjoy. ‘Shortcomings’ might have a few of its own, but it also shows solid potential.

    ‘Shortcomings’ receives 6.5 out of 10 stars.

    Stephanie Hsu as Mrs Wong and Ronny Chieng as Mr Wong in 'Shortcomings.'
    (L to R) Stephanie Hsu as Mrs Wong and Ronny Chieng as Mr Wong in ‘Shortcomings.’ Photo credit: Jon Pack. Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Shortcomings’:

    Buy Tickets: ‘Shortcomings’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Randall Park Movies On Amazon

    ‘Shortcomings’ is produced by Topic Studios, Tango Entertainment, Roadside Attractions, Picture Films, and Imminent Collision. It is set to release in theaters on August 4th, 2023.

  • New Trailer for ‘House of the Dragon’ Lands

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    If you were a big fan of ‘Game of Thrones’ but spent your time watching it hoping for more dragons, ‘House of the Dragon’ is looking to fill your needs.

    And, of course, it’ll also feature lots of the political infighting (and literal fighting) we’ve come to expect from ‘Thrones’ – especially since it sees a civil war kick off.

    House of the Dragon’, like its progenitor, is also based on George R.R. Martin’s books, this time the 2018 novel ‘Fire & Blood’, which chronicled the history of House Targaryen, the family seen via Emilia Clarke’s Daenerys Targaryen in ‘Thrones’. The series itself comes from Martin, ‘Colony’ co-creator Ryan Condal and ‘Thrones’ show veteran Miguel Sapochnik, who is an executive producer and director.

    The setting here is 200 years before the events chronicled in the original series.

    Paddy Considine stars as King Viserys Targaryen, chosen by the lords of Westeros to succeed the Old King, Jaehaerys Targaryen. A warm, kind, and decent man, Viserys only wishes to carry forward his grandfather’s legacy. But good men do not necessarily make for great kings.

    Matt Smith, most recently seen in ‘Morbius’, is Prince Daemon Targaryen, younger brother to King Viserys and heir to the throne. A peerless warrior and a dragonrider, Daemon possesses the true blood of the dragon.

    Matt Smith in 'House of the Dragon.'
    Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen in HBO Max’s ‘House of the Dragon.’

    Eve Best has the role of Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, a dragonrider and wife to Lord Corlys Velaryon, “The Queen Who Never Was” was passed over as heir to the throne at the Great Council because the realm favored her cousin, Viserys, simply for being male.

    Rhys Ifans plays Otto Hightower. The Hand of the King, Ser Otto loyally and faithfully serves both his king and his realm. As the Hand sees it, the greatest threat to the realm is the king’s brother, Daemon, and his position as heir to the throne.

    Olivia Cooke appears as Alicent Hightower, Otto’s daughter, and the most beautiful woman in the Seven Kingdoms. She was raised in the Red Keep, close to the king and his innermost circle; she possesses both a courtly grace… and a keen political acumen.

    Emma D’Arcy’s Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, the king’s first-born child, is of pure Valyrian blood, and a dragonrider. Many would say that Rhaenyra was born with everything… but she was not born a man, which is a disadvantage in the patriarchal world of ‘Thrones’ and even more so in ‘Dragon’. We’ve a feeling she’ll still be powerful, though.

    Steve Toussaint’s Velaryon is “The Sea Snake.” Lord of House Velaryon, a Valyrian bloodline as old as House Targaryen. As the most famed nautical adventurer in the history of Westeros, Lord Corlys built his house into a powerful seat that is even richer than the Lannisters and that claims the largest navy in the world.

    Sonoya Mizuno plays Mysaria, who came to Westeros with nothing, sold more times than she can recall. She could have wilted… but instead she rose to become the most trusted – and most unlikely – ally of Prince Daemon Targaryen, the heir to the throne.

    This new trailer is full of action, throne-envy and, of course, dragons. ‘House of the Dragon’ will be on HBO from August 21st. Before that, the series will have a panel at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday, so keep an eye out for our coverage.

    HBO Max's 'House of the Dragon.' Photograph by Courtesy of HBO.
    HBO Max’s ‘House of the Dragon.’ Photograph by Courtesy of HBO.