Tag: wolfs

  • Movie Review: ‘Wolfs’

    Brad Pitt and George Clooney in 'Wolfs'.
    (L to R) Brad Pitt and George Clooney in ‘Wolfs’. Photo: Sony Pictures.

    Opening in theaters in limited release from September 20th ahead of a September 27th arrival on Apple’s TV+ service, ‘Wolfs’ is the latest attempt by the tech giant to lure in audiences with big names and healthy budgets, though seemingly –– given that one-week run in theaters –– more concerned about buzz (and subscribers) than box office.

    Still, the movie itself offers enough fun to make it a worthwhile effort, even if it seems a little too much in love with the star wattage of its two central famous faces.

    Related Article: Jon Watts’ George Clooney and Brad Pitt Caper ‘Wolfs’ is Spawning a Sequel

    Will ‘Wolfs’ Blow You Away?

    Brad Pitt and George Clooney in 'Wolfs'.
    (L to R) Brad Pitt and George Clooney in ‘Wolfs’. Photo: Sony Pictures.

    Do you long to see George Clooney and Brad Pitt reunited on screen for the first time since –– no, not the ‘Ocean’s movies but actually the Coen brothers’ ‘Burn After Reading,’ which barely counts since they only occupy the same cinematic space for a very brief time?

    If you’re yearning to have two of the most famous movie stars Hollywood has to offer trading barbs, occasionally letting themselves look vulnerable but generally being just as cool as you expect, then Apple has the answer for you. And the giant tech corporation has kindly agreed to put in theaters for exactly a week before the whole affair shuffles off to its Apple TV+ service.

    That might sound sarcastic or cynical, but it’s hard not to see the ploy in the same light: agree to back ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy director Jon Watts’ new original crime caper, see him secure two giant stars then look for buzz over box office.

    Still, the film that was made does have enough going for it to warrant seeing it on the big screen, even if you must be quick. Just don’t go expecting a completely original tale, as what unspools is largely a fun version of stories we’ve seen before with a tweak here and there.

    Script and Direction

    Director Jon Watts, Brad Pitt and George Clooney on the set of 'Wolfs'.
    (L to R) Director Jon Watts, Brad Pitt and George Clooney on the set of ‘Wolfs’. Photo: Sony Pictures.

    Watts has been sitting on the ‘Wolfs’ script for years, fully hoping that Clooney and Pitt might agree to star, since the roles very much feel written for them in ‘Ocean’s chatty mode. Of course, Spidey has gotten in the way for the last few years (albeit doing plenty for the filmmaker’s profile and bank balance), but the director has now broken free of Marvel’s grasp to get back to the sort of movie that launched his career, ‘Cop Car.’

    The ‘Wolfs’ script is light on its feet, mostly driven by the banter between Clooney and Pitt, though it does at times twist itself in knots trying to figure out certain situations. And there is also sometimes too much of a reliance on certain repetitive dialogue tricks, such as the duo overlapping each other or one saying a curse word, then the other saying the same thing when they discover what he’s looking at.

    It all adds up to the movie at times feeling exactly that, a movie –– while we don’t go to star-driven films such as this for gritty reality, it does jolt you out of the experience from time to time.

    And Watts knows how to direct both actors and action, New York shot in appealing tones as the characters make their way on their unexpected mission. One moment in particular –– no spoilers, but it involves a car and one of the characters is played in slow-mo for maximum impact.

    Performances

    (L to R) George Clooney and Brad Pitt in 'Wolfs'. Photo: Sony Pictures.
    (L to R) George Clooney and Brad Pitt in ‘Wolfs’. Photo: Sony Pictures.

    Aside from Clooney and Pitt, almost everyone else is a cipher (and one particular actor should feel hard done by –– see below.)

    George Clooney as “Margaret’s Man”

    Neither of the stars’ characters are given names that we learn here; that pretty much comes with the job of mysterious, gruff fixer. Still, Clooney can knock this sort of role out of the park in his sleep and here he’s offered the chance to sideline the twinkly charm for a more circumspect character.

    Brad Pitt as “Pam’s Man”

    Both Pitt and Clooney are channeling their real-life friendship here, albeit, submerging under layers of characters who don’t want to work together. Pitt, like his co-star, is on good form, underplaying it and keeping his cool. There are a few funny grace notes to the pair aging, such as cracking backs or downing Advil, and it all adds to the layers of the two fixers.

    Austin Abrams as “Kid”

    Yes, names really are not a thing in this movie (with a couple of exceptions), but Abrams doesn’t need one to make an impact. He’s a fine pick to play off of the two leads, his nervy, slightly manic energy (since his character is in the midst of a drug trip/comedown during the story) works well against their measured stoicism and he really makes the part work.

    Amy Ryan as Margaret

    Ryan is the first person we meet in the film, and though she only makes a brief appearance as a panicked district attorney who initially summons Clooney’s character for help when she thinks she has a dead body in her room after a hookup gone awry, she does a lot with a little.

    Supporting cast

    A few other roles pop –– ‘Never Have I Ever’s Poorna Jagannathan is dry and funny as June, the doctor to whom the central pair take the kid, while Zlatko Burić dutifully portrays the gangster Dimitri with whom our heroes interact during the movie.

    Still, there is one giant crime in the movie (and we don’t mean murder or drugs), and that’s the utter waste of the brilliant Richard Kind, who while he’s great as always, has maybe a couple of lines of dialogue and a minute or two of screen time.

    Final Thoughts

    Brad Pitt and George Clooney in 'Wolfs'.
    (L to R) Brad Pitt and George Clooney in ‘Wolfs’. Photo: Sony Pictures.

    ‘Wolfs’ gets by on star power for good and ill, slowly turning the dial on the central characters, peeling away some layers and adding in some moral questions, which is surely why Clooney and Pitt took the gig beyond the chance to team back up again on screen.

    It doesn’t totally succeed, but it’s better than your average crime caper.

    ‘Wolfs’ receives 7 out of 10 stars.

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    What’s the plot of ‘Wolfs’?

    ‘Wolfs’ sees George Clooney as a professional fixer hired to cover up a high-profile crime. But when a second fixer (Brad Pitt) shows up and the two “lone wolves” are forced to work together, they find their night spiraling out of control in ways that neither one of them expected.

    Who stars in ‘Wolfs’?

    • George Clooney as Jack
    • Brad Pitt as Nick
    • Amy Ryan as Margaret
    • Austin Abrams as Kid
    • Poorna Jagannathan as June
    • Zlatko Burić as Dimitri
    • Richard Kind as Kid’s dad
    (L to R) George Clooney and Brad Pitt in 'Wolfs'. Photo: Sony Pictures.
    (L to R) George Clooney and Brad Pitt in ‘Wolfs’. Photo: Sony Pictures.

    Other George Clooney and Brad Pitt Movies:

    Buy George Clooney Movies on Amazon

    Buy Brad Pitt Movies on Amazon

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  • 2024 Fall Movies Preview

    Moviefone's 2024 Fall Movie Preview.
    Moviefone’s 2024 Fall Movie Preview.

    Summer is officially over and that means that the fall movie season is about to begin!

    From long-awaited sequels such as ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,’ ‘Joker: Folie à Deux,’ ‘Moana 2,’ and ‘Gladiator II‘, to animated adaptions of ‘The Lord of the Rings‘ and ‘Transformers‘,  two Spider-Man spinoffs (‘Kraven the Hunter‘ and ‘Venom: The Last Dance‘), thrillers and horror movies like ‘Never Let Go‘ and ‘Terrifier 3‘, Oscar contenders (‘Megalopolis‘ and ‘Conclave‘) and Christmas themed movies like ‘Red One‘, fall 2024 promises a little bit of something for everyone.

    Moviefone has compiled a list of the most anticipated movies opening in theaters and/or streaming from September to December of 2024, which not only includes major studio releases but also smaller independent films that you won’t want to miss.

    Let’s begin!


    September:

    Beetlejuice Beetlejuice‘ (9/6)

    Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice in Warner Bros. Pictures’ comedy, 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice', a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Parisa Taghizadeh. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice in Warner Bros. Pictures’ comedy, ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Parisa Taghizadeh. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    After a family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River. Still haunted by Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton), Lydia’s (Winona Ryder) life is turned upside down when her teenage daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega), accidentally opens the portal to the Afterlife.

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    His Three Daughters‘ (9/6)

    (L to R) Natasha Lyonne as Rachel, Elizabeth Olsen as Christina and Carrie Coon as Katie in 'His Three Daughters'. Photo: Sam Levy/Netflix ©2024.
    (L to R) Natasha Lyonne as Rachel, Elizabeth Olsen as Christina and Carrie Coon as Katie in ‘His Three Daughters’. Photo: Sam Levy/Netflix ©2024.

    Emotions run high when three estranged sisters (Natasha Lyonne, Carrie Coon and Elizabeth Olsen) reunite in a cramped New York City apartment to watch over their ailing father during his final days.

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    Rebel Ridge‘ (9/6)

    (L to R) Don Johnson as Chief Sandy Burnne and Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond in 'Rebel Ridge'. Photo: Allyson Riggs/Netflix © 2024.
    (L to R) Don Johnson as Chief Sandy Burnne and Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond in ‘Rebel Ridge’. Photo: Allyson Riggs/Netflix © 2024.

    A former Marine (Aaron Pierre) confronts corruption in a small town when local law enforcement unjustly seizes the bag of cash he needs to post his cousin’s bail.

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    The Thicket‘ (9/6)

    (L to R) Peter Dinklage in 'The Thicket'. Photo: Samuel Goldwyn Films.
    (L to R) Peter Dinklage in ‘The Thicket’. Photo: Samuel Goldwyn Films.

    An innocent young man, Jack (Levon Hawke), goes on an epic quest to rescue his sister Lula (Esme Creed-Miles) after she has been kidnapped by the violent killer Cut Throat Bill (Juliette Lewis) and her gang. To save her, Jack enlists the help of a crafty bounty hunter named Reginald Jones (Peter Dinklage), a grave-digging alcoholic son of an ex-slave (Gbenga Akinnagbe), and a street-smart prostitute (Leslie Grace). The gang tracks Cut Throat Bill into the deadly no-man’s land known as The Big Thicket — a place where blood and chaos reign.

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    Continue‘ (9/6)

    Nadine Crocker in 'Continue'. Photo: Lionsgate.
    Nadine Crocker in ‘Continue’. Photo: Lionsgate.

    A girl (Nadine Crocker) suffering from depression is forced to get her life together when she is taken involuntarily to a mental institution after trying to follow in her fathers footsteps, but failing in her suicide attempt. She finds unlikely friends, unwavering love, and a life she never imagined possible for a girl like her. All to find out some decisions can’t be undone.

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    I’ll Be Right There‘ (9/6)

    (L to R) Kayli Carter, Edie Falco, and Jeannie Berlin in 'I'll Be Right There.' Photo: Brainstorm Media.
    (L to R) Kayli Carter, Edie Falco, and Jeannie Berlin in ‘I’ll Be Right There.’ Photo: Brainstorm Media.

    Wanda (Edie Falco), a single mother with a pregnant daughter (Kayli Carter), a wayward son, a mother (Jeannie Berlin) who believes is dying. Barely having time for herself and living to take care of her family but everyone around her doesn’t seem to accept it, why isn’t that enough?

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    The Front Room‘ (9/6)

    Brandy Norwood in 'The Front Room'. Photo: A24.
    Brandy Norwood in ‘The Front Room’. Photo: A24.

    Everything goes to hell for newly-pregnant Belinda (Brandy Norwood) after her mother-in-law moves in. As the diabolical guest tries to get her claws on the child, Belinda must draw the line somewhere…

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    The Killer’s Game‘ (9/13)

    Dave Bautista in 'The Killer's Game'. Photo: Lionsgate.
    Dave Bautista in ‘The Killer’s Game’. Photo: Lionsgate.

    In the new action-comedy ‘The Killer’s Game’, when top hitman Joe Flood (Dave Bautista) is diagnosed with a terminal illness, he decides to take matters into his own hands – by taking a hit out on himself. But when the very hitmen he hired also target his ex-girlfriend (Sofia Boutella) , he must fend off an army of assassin colleagues and win back the love of his life before it’s too late.

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    Speak No Evil‘ (9/13)

    James McAvoy in 'Speak No Evil.' Photo: Universal Pictures.
    James McAvoy in ‘Speak No Evil.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.

    When an American family (Scott McNairy and Mackenzie Davis) is invited to spend the weekend at the idyllic country estate of a charming British (James McAvoy and Aisling Franciosi) family they befriended on vacation, what begins as a dream holiday soon warps into a snarled psychological nightmare.

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    The 4:30 Movie‘ (9/13)

    (L to R) Reed Northrup, Nicholas Cirillo and Austin Zajur in director Kevin Smith's ‘The 4:30 Movie'. Photo: Saban Films.
    (L to R) Reed Northrup, Nicholas Cirillo and Austin Zajur in director Kevin Smith’s ‘The 4:30 Movie’. Photo: Saban Films.

    Writer-director Kevin Smith presents his most personal film to date with this coming-of-age story — set in the summer of 1986 — that follows three sixteen-year-old friends who spend their Saturdays sneaking into movies at the local cineplex. When one of the guys invites the girl of his dreams to see an R-rated film, all hilarity breaks loose, as a self-important theater manager (Ken Jeong) and teen rivalries interfere with his best-laid plans.

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    Subservience‘ (9/13)

    (L to R) Megan Fox as “Alice” in the Sci-Fi/Thriller, 'Subservience', an XYZ Films release. Photo courtesy of XYZ Films.
    (L to R) Megan Fox as “Alice” in the Sci-Fi/Thriller, ‘Subservience’, an XYZ Films release. Photo courtesy of XYZ Films.

    Megan Fox stars as Alice, a lifelike artificially intelligent android, who has the ability to take care of any family and home. Looking for help with the housework, a struggling father (Michele Morrone) purchases Alice after his wife becomes sick. Alice suddenly becomes self-aware and wants everything her new family has to offer, starting with the affection of her owner – and she’ll kill to get it.

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    Winner‘ (9/13)

    Director Susanna Fogel's 'Winner'. Photo: Vertical.
    Director Susanna Fogel’s ‘Winner’. Photo: Vertical.

    Winner is a brilliant young misfit from Texas who finds her morals challenged while serving in the U.S. Air Force and working as an NSA contractor. A fresh take on the traditional whistleblower thriller, the coming-of-age story follows an idealistic young woman persecuted for standing by her principles.

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    Transformers One‘ (9/20)

    'Transformers One'.
    ‘Transformers One’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    Transformers One is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime (Chris Hemsworth) and Megatron (Brian Tyree Henry), better known as sworn enemies, but once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever.

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    Never Let Go‘ (9/20)

    Halle Berry as Momma in 'Never Let Go'. Photo Credit: Liane Hentscher.
    Halle Berry as Momma in ‘Never Let Go’. Photo Credit: Liane Hentscher.

    In this new psychological thriller/horror, as an Evil takes over the world beyond their front doorstep, the only protection for a mother, played by Oscar-winner Halle Berry, and her twin sons is their house and their family’s protective bond. Needing to stay connected at all times – even tethering themselves with ropes – they cling to one another, urging each other to never let go. But when one of the boys questions if the evil is real, the ties that bind them together are severed, triggering a terrifying fight for survival.

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    The Substance‘ (9/20)

    Demi Moore in 'The Substance'. Photo: Mubi.
    Demi Moore in ‘The Substance’. Photo: Mubi.

    A fading celebrity (Demi Moore) decides to use a black market drug, a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself.

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    Omni Loop‘ (9/20)

    (L to R) Mary-Louise Parker and Ayo Edebiri in 'Omni Loop'. Photo: Magnolia Pictures.
    (L to R) Mary-Louise Parker and Ayo Edebiri in ‘Omni Loop’. Photo: Magnolia Pictures.

    Diagnosed with a black hole growing inside her chest and stuck in a loop reliving the last five days of her life, a 55-year-old wife and mother (Mary-Louise Parker) from Miami, Florida decides to solve time travel in order to go back and be the person she always intended to be.

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    Wolfs‘ (9/20)

    Brad Pitt and George Clooney in 'Wolfs'.
    (L to R) Brad Pitt and George Clooney in ‘Wolfs’. Photo: Sony Pictures.

    A professional fixer (George Clooney) is hired to cover up a high profile crime. But when a second fixer (Brad Pitt) shows up and the two “lone wolves” are forced to work together, they find their night spiraling out of control in ways that neither one of them expected.

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    Hounds of War‘ (9/20)

    Frank Grillo in 'Hounds of War'.
    Frank Grillo in ‘Hounds of War’.

    Frank Grillo, Robert Patrick and Rhona Mitra star in ‘Hounds of War’ about the best military mercenaries money can buy. Known as ‘The Hounds’, they are sent on a final mission by their creator: a carefully planned trap set up to destroy them.

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    Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story‘ (9/21)

    Christopher Reeve as Superman in the documentary feature 'Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Christopher Reeve as Superman in the documentary feature ‘Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Never-before-seen home movies and extraordinary personal archives reveal how Christopher Reeve went from unknown actor to iconic movie star as the ultimate screen superhero. He learned the true meaning of heroism as an activist after suffering a tragic accident that left him quadriplegic and dependent on a ventilator to breathe.

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    Megalopolis‘ (9/27)

    Adam Driver and Nathalie Emmanuel in 'Megalopolis'.
    (L to R) Adam Driver and Nathalie Emmanuel in ‘Megalopolis’. Photo: Lionsgate.

    Genius artist Cesar Catilina (Adam Driver) seeks to leap the City of New Rome into a utopian, idealistic future, while his opposition, Mayor Franklyn Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito), remains committed to a regressive status quo, perpetuating greed, special interests, and partisan warfare. Torn between them is socialite Julia Cicero (Nathalie Emmanuel), the mayor’s daughter, whose love for Cesar has divided her loyalties, forcing her to discover what she truly believes humanity deserves.

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    The Wild Robot‘ (9/27)

    (from back center) Roz (Lupita N’yongo), and Brightbill (Kit Connor) in DreamWorks Animation’s 'Wild Robot,' directed by Chris Sanders.
    (from back center) Roz (Lupita N’yongo), and Brightbill (Kit Connor) in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Wild Robot,’ directed by Chris Sanders.

    A robot — ROZZUM unit 7134 (Lupita Nyong’o), “Roz” for short — is shipwrecked on an uninhabited island and must learn to adapt to the harsh surroundings, gradually building relationships with the animals on the island and becoming the adoptive parent of an orphaned gosling.

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    Lee‘ (9/27)

    Kate Winslet 'Lee'. Photo: Roadside Attractions & Vertical.
    Kate Winslet ‘Lee’. Photo: Roadside Attractions & Vertical.

    Miller (Kate Winslet) had a profound understanding and empathy for women and the voiceless victims of war. Her images display both the fragility and ferocity of the human experience. Above all, the film shows how Miller lived her life at full throttle in pursuit of truth, for which she paid a huge personal price, forcing her to confront a traumatic and deeply buried secret from her childhood.

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    The Damned‘ (9/27)

    Director Thordur Palsson's 'The Damned'. Photo: Vertical.
    Director Thordur Palsson’s ‘The Damned’. Photo: Vertical.

    A 19th-century widow is tasked with making an impossible choice when, during an especially cruel winter, a ship sinks off the coast of her impoverished Icelandic fishing village. Any attempt to rescue survivors risks further depleting the starving villagers’ supplies.

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    Bagman‘ (9/27)

    Sam Claflin as Patrick McKee in 'Bagman'. Photo Credit: Vladislav Lepoev.
    Sam Claflin as Patrick McKee in ‘Bagman’. Photo Credit: Vladislav Lepoev.

    In the dark horror film ‘Bagman’, a family finds themselves ensnared in a nightmare as they are hunted by a malevolent, mythical creature. For centuries and across cultures, parents have warned their children of the legendary Bagman, who snatches innocent children and stuffs them into his vile, rotting bag—never to be seen again. Patrick McKee (Sam Claflin) narrowly escaped such an encounter as a boy, which left him with lasting scars throughout his adulthood. Now, Patrick’s childhood tormentor has returned, threatening the safety of his wife Karina (Antonia Thomas) and son Jake (Caréll Rhoden).

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    October:

    Hold Your Breath‘ (10/3)

    Sarah Paulson in 'Hold Your Breath'. Photo: Searchlight Pictures.
    Sarah Paulson in ‘Hold Your Breath’. Photo: Searchlight Pictures.

    A young mother in 1930s Oklahoma who is haunted by her past and trapped in horrifying dust storms. She becomes convinced that her family is threatened by a mysterious presence and takes extraordinary measures to protect them.

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    Joker: Folie à Deux‘ (10/4)

    Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck / Joker and Lady Gaga as Dr. Harleen Quinzel / Harley Quinn in 'Joker: Folie à Deux.'
    (L to R) Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck / Joker and Lady Gaga as Dr. Harleen Quinzel / Harley Quinn in ‘Joker: Folie à Deux.’ Photo: Todd Phillips’ Instagram Account.

    While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) not only stumbles upon true love, but also finds the music that’s always been inside him.

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    Things Will Be Different‘ (10/4)

    (L to R) Adam David Thompson as “Joseph” and Riley Dandy as “Sidney” in the Sci-Fi/Thriller, 'Things Will Be Different', a Magnet release. Photo courtesy of Magnet Releasing.
    (L to R) Adam David Thompson as “Joseph” and Riley Dandy as “Sidney” in the Sci-Fi/Thriller, ‘Things Will Be Different’, a Magnet release. Photo courtesy of Magnet Releasing.

    In order to escape the police after a robbery, two estranged siblings lay low in a metaphysical farmhouse that hides them away in a different time. There they reckon with a mysterious force that pushes their familial bonds to unnatural breaking points.

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    Saturday Night‘ (10/11)

    (L to R) Gilda Radner (Ella Hunt), Jane Curtain (Kim Matula), Dick Ebersol (Cooper Hoffman), Rosie Shuster (Rachel Sennott), Garrett Morris (Lamorne Morris), Alan Zweibel (Josh Brener) and Lorne Michaels (Gabriel LaBelle) in 'Saturday Night'. Photo: Sony Pictures.
    (L to R) Gilda Radner (Ella Hunt), Jane Curtain (Kim Matula), Dick Ebersol (Cooper Hoffman), Rosie Shuster (Rachel Sennott), Garrett Morris (Lamorne Morris), Alan Zweibel (Josh Brener) and Lorne Michaels (Gabriel LaBelle) in ‘Saturday Night’. Photo: Sony Pictures.

    At 11:30pm on October 11, 1975, a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television forever. This is the story of what happened behind the scenes in the 90 minutes leading up to the first broadcast of ‘Saturday Night Live‘.

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    We Live in Time‘ (10/11)

    (L to R) Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield in 'We Live in Time'. Photo: A24.
    (L to R) Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield in ‘We Live in Time’. Photo: A24.

    Almut (Florence Pugh) and Tobias (Andrew Garfield) are brought together in a surprise encounter that changes their lives. As they embark on a path challenged by the limits of time, they learn to cherish each moment of the unconventional route their love story has taken, in filmmaker John Crowley’s decade-spanning, deeply moving romance.

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    Terrifier 3‘ (10/11)

    Lauren LaVera in 'Terrifier 3'. Photo: Cineverse.
    Lauren LaVera in ‘Terrifier 3’. Photo: Cineverse.

    Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton) unleashes chaos on the unsuspecting residents of Miles County as they peacefully drift off to sleep on Christmas Eve.

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    Chosen Family‘ (10/11)

    Heather Graham in 'Chosen Family'. Photo: Bleeker Street.
    Heather Graham in ‘Chosen Family’. Photo: Bleeker Street.

    Ann (Heather Graham) is a yoga teacher struggling to achieve inner peace despite the fact her family is driving her crazy and her dating life is miserable. She doesn’t know how to say no and wants to fix everyone’s problems.

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    Bad Genius‘ (10/11)

    Director J.C. Lee's 'Bad Genius'. Photo: Vertical.
    Director J.C. Lee’s ‘Bad Genius’. Photo: Vertical.

    A highly-gifted student sees an opportunity to escape her roots by helping wealthy classmates cheat on key exams, but at great risk to her future.

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    Piece By Piece‘ (10/11)

    Pharrell Williams stars in director Morgan Neville’s 'Piece By Piece, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features / © 2024 FOCUS FEATURES LLC.
    Pharrell Williams stars in director Morgan Neville’s ‘Piece By Piece, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features / © 2024 FOCUS FEATURES LLC.

    ‘Piece By Piece’ is a unique cinematic experience that invites audiences on a vibrant journey through the life of cultural icon Pharrell Williams. Told through the lens of LEGO® animation, turn up the volume on your imagination and witness the evolution of one of music’s most innovative minds.

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    Smile 2‘ (10/18)

    Naomi Scott stars in Paramount Pictures Presents a Temple Hill Production of a Parker Finn Film 'Smile 2'.
    Naomi Scott stars in Paramount Pictures Presents a Temple Hill Production of a Parker Finn Film ‘Smile 2’.

    About to embark on a new world tour, global pop sensation Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) begins experiencing increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events. Overwhelmed by the escalating horrors and the pressures of fame, Skye is forced to face her dark past to regain control of her life before it spirals out of control.

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    Anora‘ (10/18)

    Mikey Madison as Ani in 'Anora'. Courtesy of Neon.
    Mikey Madison as Ani in ‘Anora’. Courtesy of Neon.

    Anora (Mikey Madison), a young sex worker from Brooklyn, gets her chance at a Cinderella story when she meets and impulsively marries the son of an oligarch. Once the news reaches Russia, her fairytale is threatened as the parents set out for New York to get the marriage annulled.

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    Exhibiting Forgiveness‘ (10/18)

    (L to R) André Holland and Andra Day in 'Exhibiting Forgiveness'. Courtesy of Roadside Attractions.
    (L to R) André Holland and Andra Day in ‘Exhibiting Forgiveness’. Courtesy of Roadside Attractions.

    Utilizing his paintings to find freedom from his past, a Black artist on the path to success is derailed by an unexpected visit from his estranged father, a recovering addict desperate to reconcile. Together, they learn that forgetting might be a greater challenge than forgiving.

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    Bookworm‘ (10/18)

    (L to R) Elijah Wood and Nell Fisher in 'Bookworm'. Photo: Rialto Distribution.
    (L to R) Elijah Wood and Nell Fisher in ‘Bookworm’. Photo: Rialto Distribution.

    Eleven-year-old Mildred’s (Nell Fisher) life is turned upside down when her mother lands in hospital and estranged, American magician father, Strawn Wise (Elijah Wood), comes to look after her. Hoping to entertain the bookish tween, Strawn takes Mildred camping in the notoriously rugged New Zealand wilderness, and the pair embark on the ultimate test of family bonding – a quest to find the mythological beast known as the Canterbury Panther.

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    Die Alone‘ (10/18)

    (L to R) Carrie-Anne Moss and Douglas Smith in 'Die Alone'. Photo: Filmoption.
    (L to R) Carrie-Anne Moss and Douglas Smith in ‘Die Alone’. Photo: Filmoption.

    Lost in a world reclaimed by nature and overrun by mysterious creatures, a young man with amnesia teams up with an eccentric survivalist to find his missing girlfriend.

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    Venom: The Last Dance‘ (10/25)

    Venom in Columbia Pictures 'Venom: The Last Dance'. Photo Courtesy: Sony Pictures. ©2024 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Venom in Columbia Pictures ‘Venom: The Last Dance’. Photo Courtesy: Sony Pictures. ©2024 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Eddie (Tom Hardy) and Venom are on the run. Hunted by both of their worlds and with the net closing in, the duo are forced into a devastating decision that will bring the curtains down on Venom and Eddie’s last dance.

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    November:

    Conclave‘ (11/1)

    Ralph Fiennes stars as Cardinal Lawrence in director Edward Berger's 'Conclave', a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features. © 2024 All Rights Reserved.
    Ralph Fiennes stars as Cardinal Lawrence in director Edward Berger’s ‘Conclave’, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features. © 2024 All Rights Reserved.

    From director Edward Berger (‘All Quiet on the Western Front’) ‘Conclave’ follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events – selecting a new Pope. Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope. Once the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders have gathered from around the world and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Lawrence finds himself at the center of a conspiracy and discovers a secret that could shake the very foundation of The Church.

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    Red One‘ (11/15)

    (L to R) Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans in 'Red One.' Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.
    (L to R) Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans in ‘Red One.’ Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.

    After a villain kidnaps Santa (J.K. Simmons) from the North Pole, an E.L.F (Extremely Large and Formidable) operative (Dwayne Johnson) must partner with the world’s most accomplished tracker (Chris Evans) to find Santa and save Christmas.

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    Gladiator II‘ (11/22)

    Paul Mescal plays Lucius in 'Gladiator II' from Paramount Pictures.
    Paul Mescal plays Lucius in ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures.

    Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus (Russell Crowe) at the hands of his uncle (Joaquin Phoenix), Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.

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    Wicked‘ (11/22)

    (L to R) Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba and Ariana Granda is Glinda in 'Wicked', directed by Jon M. Chu.
    (L to R) Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba and Ariana Granda is Glinda in ‘Wicked’, directed by Jon M. Chu.

    Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), an ostracized but defiant girl born with green skin, and Glinda (Ariana Grande), a privileged aristocrat born popular, become extremely unlikely friends in the magical Land of Oz. As the two girls struggle with their opposing personalities, their friendship is tested as both begin to fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and The Wicked Witch of the West. The first of a two-part film adaptation of the Broadway musical.

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    Moana 2‘ (11/27)

    Walt Disney Animation Studios’ all-new feature film 'Moana 2' reunites Moana with Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) three years later for an expansive new voyage to the far seas of Oceania. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, 'Moana 2' features music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa‘i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina. The all-new feature film opens in theaters on Nov. 27, 2024. © 2024 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Walt Disney Animation Studios’ all-new feature film ‘Moana 2’ reunites Moana with Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) three years later for an expansive new voyage to the far seas of Oceania. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, ‘Moana 2’ features music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa‘i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina. The all-new feature film opens in theaters on Nov. 27, 2024. © 2024 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical ‘Moana 2’ takes audiences on an expansive new voyage with Moana (Auli’i Cravalho), Maui (Dwayne Johnson) and a brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.

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    December:

    The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim‘ (12/13)

    (L to R) Wulf voiced by Luke Pasqualino and General Targg voiced by Michael Wildman in New Line Cinema’s and Warner Bros. Animation’s epic anime adventure 'The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    (L to R) Wulf voiced by Luke Pasqualino and General Targg voiced by Michael Wildman in New Line Cinema’s and Warner Bros. Animation’s epic anime adventure ‘The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    183 years before the events chronicled in the original trilogy, a sudden attack by Wulf (Luke Pasqualino), a clever and ruthless Dunlending lord seeking vengeance for the death of his father, forces Helm Hammerhand (Brian Cox) and his people to make a daring last stand in the ancient stronghold of the Hornburg. Finding herself in an increasingly desperate situation, Héra (Gaia Wise), the daughter of Helm, must summon the will to lead the resistance against a deadly enemy intent on their total destruction.

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    Kraven the Hunter‘ (12/13)

    Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Sergei Kravinoff / Kraven the Hunter in 'Kraven the Hunter.'
    Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Sergei Kravinoff / Kraven the Hunter in ‘Kraven the Hunter.’

    Kraven the Hunter is the visceral, action-packed origin story of how and why one of Marvel’s most iconic villains came to be. Aaron Taylor-Johnson plays Kraven, a man whose complex relationship with his ruthless father, Nikolai Kravinoff (Russell Crowe), starts him down a path of vengeance with brutal consequences, motivating him to become not only the greatest hunter in the world, but also one of its most feared.

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    Sonic the Hedgehog 3‘ (12/20)

    Shadow (Keanu Reeves) in 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' from Paramount Pictures and Sega of America, Inc.
    Shadow (Keanu Reeves) in ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ from Paramount Pictures and Sega of America, Inc.

    Sonic (Ben Schwartz), Knuckles (Idris Elba), and Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow (Keanu Reeves), a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With their abilities outmatched in every way, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance in hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet.

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    Mufasa: The Lion King‘ (12/20)

    Mufasa in Disney’s 'Mufasa: The Lion King'.
    Mufasa in Disney’s ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2024 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Rafiki (John Kani) relays the legend of Mufasa (Aaron Pierre) to lion cub Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter), daughter of Simba (Donald Glover) and Nala (Beyoncé). Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) —the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion a journey of misfits searching for their destiny and working together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.

    j5102Q48KHBLhpCkVy1Dq

    Nosferatu‘ (12/25)

    Nicholas Hoult stars as Thomas Hutter and Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Friedrich Harding in director Robert Eggers’ 'Nosferatu', a Focus Features release.
    (L to R) Nicholas Hoult stars as Thomas Hutter and Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Friedrich Harding in director Robert Eggers’ ‘Nosferatu’, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features / © 2024 FOCUS FEATURES LLC.

    Robert Eggers’ ‘Nosferatu’ is a gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake.

    9AsVzkZWOeFuvGl1R1oWz5
  • ‘Wolfs’ Sequel in the Works Starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt

    Brad Pitt and George Clooney in 'Wolfs'.
    (L to R) Brad Pitt and George Clooney in ‘Wolfs’. Photo: Sony Pictures.

    Preview:

    • George Clooney and Brad Pitt’s ‘Wolfs’ is getting a sequel.
    • It’s the new film from ‘Spider-Man’ recent trilogy director Jon Watts.
    • Yet the movie will also now not be in wide release.

    There is some good news and bad news for the Apple-backed crime caper ‘Wolfs’ that stars George Clooney and Brad Pitt.

    Apple has, via Deadline, decided to start developing a sequel to the Jon Watts movie that will be with us next month. That’s the good news.

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    Here comes the gut punch: instead of a wide release for the original movie, it will now land in theaters just one week before it arrives globally on Apple TV+. Seemingly gone (at least for now) are the days when any movie featuring big stars launches in cinemas and enjoys a healthy run at the box office.

    Still, it’s perhaps not surprising for Apple –– while its big-name releases (such as ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ and ‘Emancipation’ haven’t been box office behemoths, they’ve enjoyed plenty of buzz and some awards recognition.

    Related Article: Director George Clooney and Joel Edgerton Talk ‘The Boys in the Boat’

    What’s the story of ‘Wolfs’?

    Brad Pitt and George Clooney in 'Wolfs'.
    (L to R) Brad Pitt and George Clooney in ‘Wolfs’. Photo: Sony Pictures.

    ‘Wolfs’, which Watts (currently best known for the three most recent ‘Spider-Man’ movies starring Tom Holland) wrote, directed and produced, Clooney plays a professional fixer hired to cover up a high-profile crime.

    But when a second fixer (Pitt) shows up and the two lone wolves are forced to work together, they find their night spiraling out of control in ways neither expected.

    The cast also includes Amy Ryan, Austin Abrams, Poorna Jagannathan, Richard Kind and Zlatko Burić.

    Here’s what Apple Original Films head of features Matt Dentler said to Deadline about the news:

    “‘Wolfs’ is the kind of big event movie that makes Apple TV+ such an exceptional home for the best in entertainment. With George and Brad’s remarkable and engaging chemistry under Jon Watts’ extraordinary direction, ‘Wolfs’ blends all the great elements of comedy, action, and drama into a hugely entertaining movie that will leave audiences ready for what’s next. Releasing the movie to theaters before making it widely available to Apple TV+ customers brings the best of both worlds to audiences, and we’re excited to see fans embrace the movie as we start working with Jon on the sequel.”

    What about other movies from Apple?

    Matt Damon and Casey Affleck in 'The Instigators'.
    (L to R) Matt Damon and Casey Affleck in ‘The Instigators’. Photo: Apple TV+.

    It’s a case of the company judging based on the market. The likes of new crime pic ‘The Instigators’ (which boasts Matt Damon and Casey Affleck as its leads) will be on limited release ahead of its Apple TV+ debut, while the mammoth-budget ‘F1’ that Pitt has been shooting for a while now with Joseph Kosinski directing from a script by Ehren Kruger, is still targeting a wide launch in cinemas next year.

    So, when will ‘Wolfs’ be on screen?

    Brad Pitt and George Clooney in 'Wolfs'.
    (L to R) Brad Pitt and George Clooney in ‘Wolfs’. Photo: Sony Pictures.

    The movie will have its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival before a limited run in cinemas on September 20th and then lands on Apple TV+ on September 27th.

    Director Jon Watts, Brad Pitt and George Clooney on the set of 'Wolfs'.
    (L to R) Director Jon Watts, Brad Pitt and George Clooney on the set of ‘Wolfs’. Photo: Sony Pictures.

    Other George Clooney and Brad Pitt Movies:

    Buy George Clooney Movies on Amazon

    Buy Brad Pitt Movies on Amazon

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