Moviefone Editorial

Tag: zodiac

  • Best Mark Ruffalo Movies of All Time Ranked

    Mark Ruffalo attends the European Gala Screening for Amazons: 'Crime 101' at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on January 28, 2026 in London, England. Photo: Kate Green/Getty Images for Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment.
    Mark Ruffalo attends the European Gala Screening for Amazons: ‘Crime 101’ at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on January 28, 2026 in London, England. Photo: Kate Green/Getty Images for Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment.

    Mark Ruffalo is one of the most respected and talented actors working today.

    Best known for playing the Hulk in ‘The Avengers‘ and other MCU movies, the actor has also appeared in such popular and acclaimed films as ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,’ ‘Collateral,’ ‘Zodiac,’ ‘Shutter Island,’ ‘Now You See Me,’ ‘Spotlight‘, ‘Foxcatcher‘ and ‘Poor Things,’ which earned Ruffalo an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the 96th Academy Awards.

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    His newest film, ‘Crime 101‘, which also stars Chris Hemsworth and Halle Berry, opens in theaters on February 13th.

    In honor of the actor and his iconic performances, Moviefone is counting down the 20 best movie’s of Mark Ruffalo’s impressive career, including his latest.

    Let’s begin!

    Related Article: Mark Ruffalo Joins Chris Hemsworth in Don Winslow Adaptation ‘Crime 101’

    20. ‘Dark Waters‘ (2019)

    Mark Ruffalo in 'Dark Waters.' Photo: Focus Features.
    Mark Ruffalo in ‘Dark Waters.’ Photo: Focus Features.

    A tenacious attorney (Ruffalo) uncovers a dark secret that connects a growing number of unexplained deaths to one of the world’s largest corporations. In the process, he risks everything — his future, his family, and his own life — to expose the truth.

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    19. ‘The Adam Project‘ (2022)

    A time-traveling pilot (Ryan Reynolds) teams up with his younger self (Walker Scobell) and his late father (Ruffalo) to come to terms with his past while saving the future.

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    18. ‘Infinitely Polar Bear‘ (2014)

    A manic-depressive mess of a father (Ruffalo) tries to win back his wife (Zoe Saldana) by attempting to take full responsibility of their two young, spirited daughters, who don’t make the overwhelming task any easier.

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    17. ‘Safe Men‘ (1998)

    Two untalented singers (Sam Rockwell and Steve Zahn) are mistaken for a pair of major league safe crackers in Providence, Rhode Island. The two are pressed into service by the local hoodlums (Michael Lerner and Paul Giamatti) and quickly find themselves in conflict with their professional colleagues (Ruffalo and Josh Pais). Romantic interest is added by the daughter (Christina Kirk) of the underworld leader (Harvey Fierstein) who won’t date the men she knows are gangsters.

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    16. ‘You Can Count on Me‘ (2000)

    A single mother’s (Laura Linney) life is thrown into turmoil after her struggling, rarely-seen younger brother (Ruffalo) returns to town.

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    15. ‘Begin Again‘ (2014)

    (L to R) Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo in 'Begin Again'. Photo: The Weinstein Company.
    (L to R) Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo in ‘Begin Again’. Photo: The Weinstein Company.

    Gretta (Keira Knightly), a budding songwriter, finds herself alone after her boyfriend Dave (Adam Levine) ditches her. Her life gains purpose when Dan (Ruffalo), a record label executive, notices her talent.

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    14. ‘Avengers: Infinity War‘ (2018)

    As the Avengers and their allies have continued to protect the world from threats too large for any one hero to handle, a new danger has emerged from the cosmic shadows: Thanos (Josh Brolin). A despot of intergalactic infamy, his goal is to collect all six Infinity Stones, artifacts of unimaginable power, and use them to inflict his twisted will on all of reality. Everything the Avengers have fought for has led up to this moment – the fate of Earth and existence itself has never been more uncertain.

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    13. ‘Avengers: Endgame‘ (2019)

    After the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War, the universe is in ruins due to the efforts of the Mad Titan, Thanos (Josh Brolin). With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers must assemble once more in order to undo Thanos’ actions and restore order to the universe once and for all, no matter what consequences may be in store.

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    12. ‘Foxcatcher‘ (2015)

    The greatest Olympic Wrestling Champion brother team (Channing Tatum and Ruffalo) joins Team Foxcatcher led by multimillionaire sponsor John E. du Pont (Steve Carell) as they train for the 1988 games in Seoul – a union that leads to unlikely circumstances.

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    11. ‘The Kids Are All Right‘ (2010)

    Two women, Nic (Annette Bening) and Jules (Julianne Moore), brought a son (Josh Hutcherson) and daughter (Mia Wasikowska) into the world through artificial insemination. When one of their children reaches age, both kids go behind their mothers’ backs to meet with the donor (Ruffalo). Life becomes so much more interesting when the father, two mothers and children start to become attached to each other.

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    10. ‘Crime 101‘ (2026)

    (L to R) Mark Ruffalo and Chris Hemsworth star in 'Crime 101'. Photo Credit: Merrick Morton.
    (L to R) Mark Ruffalo and Chris Hemsworth star in ‘Crime 101’. Photo Credit: Merrick Morton.

    Set against the sun-bleached grit of Los Angeles, ‘Crime 101’ weaves the tale of an elusive jewel thief (Chris Hemsworth) whose string of heists along the 101 freeway have mystified police. When he eyes the score of a lifetime, his path crosses that of a disillusioned insurance broker (Halle Berry) who is facing her own crossroads. Convinced he has found a pattern, a relentless detective (Ruffalo) is closing in, raising the stakes even higher. As the heist approaches, the line between hunter and hunted begins to blur, and all three are faced with life-defining choices–and the realization that there can be no turning back.

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    9. ‘Now You See Me‘ (2013)

    An FBI agent (Ruffalo) and an Interpol detective (Mélanie Laurent) track a team of illusionists (Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Jesse Eisenberg and Dave Franco) who pull off bank heists during their performances and reward their audiences with the money.

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    8. ‘Thor: Ragnarok‘ (2017)

    Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is imprisoned on the other side of the universe and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok, the destruction of his home-world and the end of Asgardian civilization, at the hands of a powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela (Cate Blanchett).

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    7. ‘Poor Things‘ (2023)

    From filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos and producer Emma Stone comes the incredible tale and fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter (Stone), a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). Under Baxter’s protection, Bella is eager to learn. Hungry for the worldliness she is lacking, Bella runs off with Duncan Wedderburn (Ruffalo), a slick and debauched lawyer, on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. Free from the prejudices of her times, Bella grows steadfast in her purpose to stand for equality and liberation.

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    6.’Shutter Island‘ (2010)

    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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    5. ‘The Avengers‘ (2012)

    2012's 'The Avengers.' Photo: Marvel Studios.
    2012’s ‘The Avengers.’ Photo: Marvel Studios.

    When an unexpected enemy emerges and threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury (Samuel L .Jackson), director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins!

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    4. ‘Collateral‘ (2004)

    Cab driver Max (Jamie Foxx) picks up a man (Tom Cruise) who offers him $600 to drive him around. But the promise of easy money sours when Max realizes his fare is an assassin.

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    3. ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind‘ (2004)

    Joel Barish (Jim Carrey), heartbroken that his girlfriend (Kate Winslet) underwent a procedure to erase him from her memory, decides to do the same. However, as he watches his memories of her fade away, he realises that he still loves her, and may be too late to correct his mistake.

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    2. ‘Zodiac‘ (2007)

    A cartoonist (Jake Gyllenhaal) teams up with an ace reporter (Robert Downey Jr.) and a law enforcement officer (Ruffalo) to track down an elusive serial killer.

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    1. ‘Spotlight‘ (2015)

    (L to R) Michael Keaton and Mark Ruffalo in 'Spotlight.' Photo: Open Road Films.
    (L to R) Michael Keaton and Mark Ruffalo in ‘Spotlight.’ Photo: Open Road Films.

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

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  • David Fincher Reportedly Directing New Western Drama ‘Bitterroot’

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

    Other David Fincher Movies:

    Buy David Fincher Movies on Amazon

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  • Best Robert Downey Jr. Movies

    Robert Downey, Jr. accepts the Oscar® for Actor in a Supporting Role during the live ABC telecast of the 96th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Credit/Provider: Trae Patton ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.
    Robert Downey, Jr. accepts the Oscar® for Actor in a Supporting Role during the live ABC telecast of the 96th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Credit/Provider: Trae Patton ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    Robert Downey Jr. is one of the most beloved and talented actors of his generation.

    After recently winning a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice Award, Downey finally scored a Best Supporting Actor Oscar at the 96th Academy Awards for his work on ‘Oppenheimer.’

    Best known for his work as Tony Stark in ‘Iron Man‘ and the MCU movies, Downey Jr. has also appeared in such popular movies as ‘Weird Science,’ ‘Back to School,’ ‘Less Than Zero,’ ‘Chaplin,’ ‘Natural Born Killers,’ ‘Bowfinger,’ ‘Zodiac,’ ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang‘ ‘Tropic Thunder‘ and ‘Sherlock Holmes.’

    In honor of his recent Oscar win, Moviefone is counting down the top 30 movies of Robert Downey Jr.’s long and impressive career.

    Let’s begin!

    30. ‘Due Date‘ (2010)

    Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis in 'Due Date.'
    (L to R) Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis in ‘Due Date.’ Photo: Warner Bros.

    Peter Highman (Downey Jr.) must scramble across the US in five days to be present for the birth of his first child. He gets off to a bad start when his wallet and luggage are stolen, and put on the ‘no-fly’ list. Peter embarks on a terrifying journey when he accepts a ride from an actor (Zach Galifianakis).

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    29. ‘Two Girls and a Guy‘ (1997)

    Two women (Natasha Gregson Wagner and Heather Graham) confront their boyfriend (Downey Jr.), a two-timing actor who professed eternal love to each.

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    28. ‘Air America‘ (1990)

    Air America was the CIA’s private airline operating in Laos during the Vietnam War, running anything and everything from soldiers to foodstuffs for local villagers. After losing his pilot’s license, Billy Covington (Downey Jr.) is recruited into it, and ends up in the middle of a bunch of lunatic pilots, gun-running by his friend Gene Ryack (Mel Gibson), and opium smuggling by his own superiors.

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    27. ‘Charlie Bartlett‘ (2008)

    Awkward teenager Charlie Bartlett (Anton Yelchin) has trouble fitting in at a new high school. Charlie needs some friends fast, and decides that the best way to find them is to appoint himself the resident psychiatrist. He becomes one of the most popular guys in school by doling out advice and, occasionally, medication, to the student body.

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    26. ‘The Judge‘ (2014)

    A successful lawyer (Downey Jr.) returns to his hometown for his mother’s funeral only to discover that his estranged father (Robert Duvall), the town’s judge, is suspected of murder.

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    25. ‘U.S. Marshals‘ (1998)

    Joe Pantoliano, Tommy Lee Jones and Robert Downey Jr. in 'U.S. Marshalls.'
    (L to R) Joe Pantoliano, Tommy Lee Jones and Robert Downey Jr. in ‘U.S. Marshalls.’ Photo: Warner Bros.

    U.S. Marshal Sam Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones) is accompanying a plane load of convicts from Chicago to New York. The plane crashes spectacularly, and Mark Sheridan (Wesley Snipes) escapes. But when Diplomatic Security Agent John Royce (Downey Jr.) is assigned to help Gerard recapture Sheridan, it becomes clear that Sheridan is more than just another murderer.

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    24. ‘Soapdish‘ (1991)

    Celeste Talbert (Sally Field) is the star of the long-running soap opera “The Sun Also Sets.” With the show’s ratings down, Celeste’s ruthlessly ambitious co-star, Montana Moorehead (Cathy Moriarty), and the show’s arrogant producer, David Seton Barnes (Downey Jr.), plot to aggravate her into leaving the show by bringing back her old flame, Jeffrey Anderson (Kevin Kline), and hiring her beautiful young niece, Lori Craven (Elisabeth Shue).

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    23. ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming‘ (2017)

    Following the events of ‘Captain America: Civil War,’ Peter Parker (Tom Holland), with the help of his mentor Tony Stark (Downey Jr.), tries to balance his life as an ordinary high school student in Queens, New York City, with fighting crime as his superhero alter ego Spider-Man as a new threat, the Vulture (Michael Keaton), emerges.

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    22. ‘Weird Science‘ (1985)

    Two unpopular teenagers, Gary (Anthony Michael Hall) and Wyatt (Ilan Mitchell-Smith), fail at all attempts to be accepted by their peers. Their desperation to be liked leads them to “create” a woman via their computer. Their living and breathing creation is a gorgeous woman, Lisa (Kelly LeBrock), whose purpose is to boost their confidence level by putting them into situations which require Gary and Wyatt to act like men.

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    21. ‘Short Cuts‘ (1993)

    Many loosely connected characters cross paths in this film, based on the stories of Raymond Carver. Waitress Doreen Piggot (Lily Tomlin) accidentally runs into a boy with her car. Soon after walking away, the child lapses into a coma. While at the hospital, the boy’s grandfather tells his son, Howard (Bruce Davidson), about his past affairs. Meanwhile, a baker starts harassing the family when they fail to pick up the boy’s birthday cake.

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    20. ‘Iron Man 3‘ (2013)

    Robert Downey Jr. in 'Iron Man 3.'
    Robert Downey Jr. in ‘Iron Man 3.’ Photo: Marvel Studios.

    When Tony Stark’s (Downey Jr.) world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin (Ben Kingsley), he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution.

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    19. ‘Chef‘ (2014)

    When Chef Carl Casper (Jon Favreau) suddenly quits his job at a prominent Los Angeles restaurant after refusing to compromise his creative integrity for its controlling owner, he is left to figure out what’s next. Finding himself in Miami, he teams up with his ex-wife (Sofia Vergara), his friend (Downey Jr.) and his son (Emjay Anthony) to launch a food truck. Taking to the road, Chef Carl goes back to his roots to reignite his passion for the kitchen — and zest for life and love.

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    18. ‘Captain America: Civil War‘ (2016)

    Following the events of ‘Age of Ultron,’ the collective governments of the world pass an act designed to regulate all superhuman activity. This polarizes opinion amongst the Avengers, causing two factions to side with Iron Man (Downey Jr.) or Captain America (Chris Evans), which causes an epic battle between former allies.

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    17. ‘Home for the Holidays‘ (1995)

    After losing her job, making out with her soon to be ex-boss, and finding out that her daughter plans to spend Thanksgiving with her boyfriend, Claudia Larson (Holly Hunter) has to face spending the holiday with her family. She wonders if she can survive their crazy antics.

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    16. ‘Back to School‘ (1986)

    Self-made millionaire Thornton Melon (Rodney Dangerfield) decides to get a better education and enrolls at his son Jason’s (Keith Gordon) college. While Jason tries to fit in with his fellow students, Thornton struggles to gain his son’s respect, giving way to hilarious antics.

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    15. ‘The Avengers‘ (2012)

    2012's 'The Avengers.'
    2012’s ‘The Avengers.’ Photo: Marvel Studios.

    When an unexpected enemy emerges and threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins!

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    14. ‘Natural Born Killers‘ (1994)

    Two victims  of traumatized childhoods (Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis) become lovers and serial murderers irresponsibly glorified by the mass media.

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    13. ‘Bowfinger‘ (1999)

    On the verge of bankruptcy and desperate for his big break, aspiring filmmaker Bobby Bowfinger (Steve Martin) concocts a crazy plan to make his ultimate dream movie. Rallying a ragtag team that includes a starry-eyed ingenue, a has-been diva and a film studio gofer, he sets out to shoot a blockbuster featuring the biggest star in Hollywood, Kit Ramsey (Eddie Murphy) — only without letting Ramsey know he’s in the picture.

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    12. ‘Wonder Boys‘ (2000)

    Grady (Michael Douglas) is a 50-ish English professor who hasn’t had a thing published in years—not since he wrote his award winning ‘Great American Novel’ 7 years ago. This weekend proves even worse than he could imagine as he finds himself reeling from one misadventure to another in the company of a new wonder boy (Tobey Maguire) author.

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    11. ‘Avengers: Infinity War‘ (2018)

    As the Avengers and their allies have continued to protect the world from threats too large for any one hero to handle, a new danger has emerged from the cosmic shadows: Thanos (Josh Brolin). A despot of intergalactic infamy, his goal is to collect all six Infinity Stones, artifacts of unimaginable power, and use them to inflict his twisted will on all of reality. Everything the Avengers have fought for has led up to this moment – the fate of Earth and existence itself has never been more uncertain.

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    10. ‘Zodiac‘ (2007)

    Robert Downey Jr. in 'Zodiac.'
    Robert Downey Jr. in ‘Zodiac.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    A cartoonist (Jake Gyllenhaal) teams up with an ace reporter (Downey Jr.) and a law enforcement officer (Mark Ruffalo) to track down an elusive serial killer.

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    9. ‘Good Night, and Good Luck.‘ (2005)

    David Strathairn as Edward R. Murrow in 'Good Night, and Good Luck.'
    David Strathairn as Edward R. Murrow in ‘Good Night, and Good Luck.’ Photo: Warner Independent Pictures.

    The story of journalist Edward R. Murrow’s (David Strathaim) stand against Senator Joseph McCarthy’s anti-communist witch-hunts in the early 1950s.

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    8. ‘Less Than Zero‘ (1987)

    Robert Downey Jr. in 'Less Than Zero.'
    Robert Downey Jr. in ‘Less Than Zero.’ Photo: 20th Century Fox.

    A college freshman (Andrew McCarthy) returns to Los Angeles for Christmas at his ex-girlfriend’s (Jami Gertz) request, but discovers that his former best friend (Downey Jr.) has an out-of-control drug habit.

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    7. ‘Sherlock Holmes‘ (2009)

    Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr. in 'Sherlock Holmes.'
    (L to R) Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr. in ‘Sherlock Holmes.’ Photo: Warner Bros.

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

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    6. ‘Chaplin‘ (1992)

    Robert Downey Jr. in 'Chaplin'
    Robert Downey Jr. in ‘Chaplin’ Photo: TriStar Pictures.

    An elderly Charlie Chaplin (Downey Jr.) discusses his autobiography with his editor (Anthony Hopkins), recounting his amazing journey from his poverty-stricken childhood to world-wide success after the ingenious invention of the Little Tramp.

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    5. ‘Avengers: Endgame‘ (2019)

    Robert Downey Jr. in 'Avengers: Endgame'.
    Robert Downey Jr. in ‘Avengers: Endgame.’ Photo: Marvel Studios.

    After the devastating events of ‘Avengers: Infinity War,’ the universe is in ruins due to the efforts of the Mad Titan, Thanos (Josh Brolin). With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers must assemble once more in order to undo Thanos’ actions and restore order to the universe once and for all, no matter what consequences may be in store.

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    4. ‘Tropic Thunder‘ (2008)

    Robert Downey Jr. in 'Tropic Thunder.'
    Robert Downey Jr. in ‘Tropic Thunder.’ Photo: DreamWorks Pictures.

    Ben Stiller, Jack Black and Downey Jr. lead an ensemble cast in ‘Tropic Thunder,’ an action comedy about a group of self-absorbed actors who set out to make the most expensive war film. After ballooning costs force the studio to cancel the movie, the frustrated director refuses to stop shooting, leading his cast into the jungles of Southeast Asia, where they encounter real bad guys.

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    3. ‘Iron Man‘ (2008)

    Robert Downey Jr. in 'Iron Man.'
    Robert Downey Jr. in ‘Iron Man.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    After being held captive in an Afghan cave, billionaire engineer Tony Stark (Downey Jr.) creates a unique weaponized suit of armor to fight evil.

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    2. ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang‘ (2005)

    Val Kilmer and Robert Downey Jr. in 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.'
    (L to R) Val Kilmer and Robert Downey Jr. in ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.’ Photo: Warner Bros.

    A petty thief posing as an actor (Downey Jr.) 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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    1. ‘Oppenheimer‘ (2023)

    Robert Downey Jr is Lewis Strauss in 'Oppenheimer,' written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.
    Robert Downey Jr is Lewis Strauss in ‘Oppenheimer,’ written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.

    The story of J. Robert Oppenheimer‘s (Cillian Murphy) role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II.

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  • Movie Review: ‘Boston Strangler’

    Keira Knightley as Loretta McLaughlin in 20th Century Studios' 'Boston Strangler,' exclusively on Hulu.
    Keira Knightley as Loretta McLaughlin in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Boston Strangler,’ exclusively on Hulu. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Released on Hulu today, ‘Boston Strangler’ faces the pressure of being both a true crime story and a crusading journalist narrative, which have been brought to screens in compelling and memorable form by stories such as Netflix‘s ‘Mindhunter’ and ‘Spotlight’. We bring up those two titles in particular, because this new movie comes across as a mash-up of both, even if it’s not quite playing on their level.

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    What’s the story of ‘Boston Strangler’

    One of the most infamous crime cases in history, the story of the Boston Strangler has already inspired several movies and TV series. Between 1962 and 1964, more than a dozen single women, ranging in age from 19 to 85, were killed in the Boston area, all of them strangled, their bodies posed provocatively by a mysterious attacker who came to be known as the “Boston Strangler.”

    Although convicted sex offender Alberto DeSalvo confessed to the crimes, there was no physical evidence tying him to the victims; he instead received a life sentence for a separate series of rapes and sexual assaults and was stabbed to death in prison years after his conviction. Speculation remains whether he was the sole perpetrator of the Strangler murders — decades later, the case is the subject of widespread fascination for many armchair sleuths and true-crime aficionados.

    Written and directed by Matt Ruskin, ‘Boston Strangler’ follows Loretta McLaughlin (Keira Knightley), a reporter for the Record-American newspaper, who becomes the first journalist to connect the murders.

    When we first meet her, Loretta is assigned to the lifestyle section, she pushes to do more crime reporting, even as her hard-bitten bosses think she’s not up to the job. Early stumbles don’t help with that impression, but she’s soon making progress.

    As the mysterious killer claims more and more victims and fear spreads across the city, Loretta attempts to continue her investigation alongside colleague and confidante Jean Cole (Carrie Coon), yet the duo finds themselves stymied by the rampant sexism of the era.

    Nevertheless, McLaughlin and Cole bravely pursue the story at great personal risk, putting their own lives on the line in their quest to uncover the truth.

    Carrie Coon as Jean Cole in 20th Century Studios' 'Boston Strangler,' exclusively on Hulu.
    Carrie Coon as Jean Cole in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Boston Strangler,’ exclusively on Hulu. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Related Article: ‘Prey’s Amber Midthunder Discusses Hulu’s New ‘Predator’ Prequel

    What works about ‘Boston Strangler’?

    Ruskin, no stranger to true crime tales after ‘Crown Heights’ and a wealth of documentary experience, brings a sure touch to the new movie, which does convincingly follow in the footsteps of ‘Zodiac’ and other serial killer thrillers.

    Knightley and Coon of course bring great performances to the central roles, convincingly embodying women who are battling their bosses and trying to juggle family life even as they dig into the complicated case.

    Unlike, say, the recent ‘She Said’, which slightly suffered from showing the journalists digging into a case that was largely in the past, ‘Boston Strangler’ –– despite its period setting –– throws you right into the heart of the case as the murders are still happening, and the two women are under threat even as they work to find the truth.

    And that 1960s setting also means that the difficulties the pair face in convincing anyone to take them seriously are deeper and more shocking when viewed through today’s lens. When you have cops falsely claiming that a journalist was flirting with one of their officers to get information, you know the stakes are higher than just dealing with the crime.

    Refreshingly, Ruskin doesn’t shy away from the divisions that crept in between the two as the case continued, as their differing ideas on the investigation began to drag them apart (though they still remained friends afterwards). And despite a clear passion for their work, he crafts the characters as fallible humans, not just crusading angels.

    Around the central pair, the writer/director also builds a classy ensemble of veterans including Chris Cooper as editor Jack MacLaine, the man who reluctantly gives McLaughlin her shot at the crime desk. He’s a boozy, old school newspaper man who has connections to the cops that she’s frustrating but finds it within himself to back her when he realizes that she’s truly on to something.

    There’s also the likes of Alessandro Nivola as driven cop Detective Conley, who figures out that it’s better to work with McLaughlin rather than stonewall her, and Bill Camp as Commissioner McNamara, who resents her stories painting his department in a bad light, however true it might be.

    Alessandro Nivola as Detective Conley in 20th Century Studios' 'Boston Strangler,' exclusively on Hulu.
    Alessandro Nivola as Detective Conley in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Boston Strangler,’ exclusively on Hulu. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Are there problems with the movie?

    One major issue with the film late on is the pace, which slackens noticeably even as it should be ramping up. True, Ruskin is largely bound by the true story –– which can be both a blessing and a curse when you’re trying to make a compelling movie.

    Part of the frustration of this case, with none of the authorities able to pin down a suspect (and being massively negligent when it comes to digging into the case) translates to the screen as the story starts to drag a little.

    And Knightley, while breathing convincing life into McLaughlin, manages an American accent, but it’s not one you’d quite describe as “Bostonian” (especially given the real McLaughlin was born in Massachusetts) and it stands out even more given the accents around her (Coon, for example, sounds convincingly like she comes from the area). But it’s not a huge issue as you’re too busy following the journalists’ story.

    Though it’s a shame that Disney decided to put the movie on to Hulu rather than giving it a shot in theaters, you can see why it might be considered a risk –– unless you have the likes of David Fincher aboard, there’s a chance audiences won’t show up for such a dark, moody thriller in an age of giant franchise movies.

    Ably telling its story with just a few issues of its own, ‘Boston Strangler’ is a worthy addition to the genre blending journalism and crime.

    ‘Boston Strangler’ receives 8 out of 10 stars.

    Chris Cooper as Jack MacLaine in 20th Century Studios' 'Boston Strangler,' exclusively on Hulu.
    Chris Cooper as Jack MacLaine in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Boston Strangler,’ exclusively on Hulu. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

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  • Philip Baker Hall Dies aged 90

    Phillip Baker Hall in 2012's 'Argo.'
    Phillip Baker Hall in 2012’s ‘Argo.’

    Philip Baker Hall, an actor for his hangdog expressions, gruff-but-kind demeanor, and undaunted acting ability, has died. He was 90.

    Hall was born in Toledo, Ohio on September 30, 1931, served as a U.S. Army translator in Germany and worked as a high school teacher before trying his hand at acting. He didn’t in fact, give performing a shot until he was 30 years old.

    After building a career on the New York stage, he relocated to Los Angeles and made his big-screen debut with an uncredited role in Michelangelo Antonioni’s 1970 film ‘Zabriskie Point.’

    He also spent years as a guest star on shows such as ‘Good Times’ and ‘M*A*S*H,’ Hall but drew widespread notice on the stage for his performance as disgraced former President Nixon in the 1983 one-man play ‘Secret Honor’ at the Los Angeles Actors’ Theatre. He reprised the role on stage in Boston, Washington and off-Broadway, where he earned a Drama Desk nomination, and on the big screen in Robert Altman’s 1984 feature film adaptation.

    His work continued steadily through the 1908s, as Hall had supporting roles in ‘Ghostbusters II,’ ‘Say Anything’ and ‘Midnight Run,’ on the big screen and ‘Miami Vice,’ ‘Benson’ and ‘Family Ties’ on TV.

    Philip Baker Hall and Larry David on HBO's 'Curb Your Enthusiasm.'
    (L to R) Philip Baker Hall and Larry David on HBO’s ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm.’

    Hall proved equally adept at drama and comedy, appearing in nearly 200 film and television projects, as well as more than 100 roles in the theater throughout his six-decade career. Continuing to work late into his life, even as he required an oxygen tank at times due to his health issues, he made memorable appearances in a variety of movies films including several for Paul Thomas Anderson: ‘Hard Eight’, ‘Boogie Nights’ and ‘Magnolia’, plus the likes of ‘Bruce Almighty,’ ‘Zodiac’, as a CIA director in ‘Argo’ and as a cranky neighbor Walt Kleezak on the ABC sitcom ‘Modern Family’.

    He famously showed up on ‘Seinfeld’ as a hard-boiled detective pursuing a 20-year-overdue library book, lambasting Jerry, and drawing new fans to his work. It was such a success that he returned for the series finale. And he went on to appear on ‘Seinfeld’ co-creator Larry David’s ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’

    “So sad to hear that we’ve lost the great Philip Baker Hall,” director Greg Mottola said on Twitter. “I had the sublime pleasure of working with him twice. A fantastic actor, a lovely man, and nobody made Larry David break on camera as much as Phil. RIP”

    Holly Wolfle Hall, the actor’s wife of nearly 40 years, on Monday said Hall died Sunday surrounded by loved ones in Glendale, California. Hall had apparently been well until a few weeks earlier, and spent his final days in warm spirits, reflecting on his life.

    “His voice at the end was still just as powerful,” said Wolfle Hall, remarking that he’d never retired from acting.

    He’s a huge loss to the community and to the world in general, and he’ll be sorely missed.

    https://twitter.com/gregmottola/status/1536405625097314304

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  • Jake Gyllenhaal’s 8 Essential Performances

    Jake Gyllenhaal’s 8 Essential Performances

    From “City Slickers” to the upcoming “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” it feels like Jake Gyllenhaal has been in our lives as an actor for, well, as long as we can remember. (Do you remember him in “City Slickers?” He played Billy Crystal’s son.)

    There’s something about those dreamy, droopy eyelids and that impish grin that have burned themselves into the pop culture firmament, long before the days he was shuffling across the heartland in “Bubble Boy” and even through when he was floating through space, trying to escape a mysterious alien entity in “Life.” There’s also “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time,” which we’ve all agreed that it’s best to try and forget ever happened. But with the 37-year-old actor’s birthday coming up on December 19, we decided to celebrate his greatest achievements as an actor, those performances where he transformed himself — or our expectations of him — into something better, bigger or more unexpected than ever before.

    “Donnie Darko” (2001)

    Flower Films

    Richard Kelly’s debut film spawned a cult following and two wildly different versions, but the thing that unified both (and audiences) was Gyllenhaal’s turn in the title role. Lumbering through the film as an ordinary teenager prone to mysterious, psychedelic visions, he proved that his fresh-scrubbed good looks could hide deeper complexities that he’d only begun to explore as an actor.

    “Brokeback Mountain” (2005)

    Universal

    Ang Lee’s adaptation of Annie Proulx’s short story of the same name changed a lot in Hollywood about perceptions of gay characters, not to mention their stories. It also demonstrated what gifted actors Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger were.

    As the erstwhile focus of the film, Ledger’s Ennis is consumed by the torment of his feelings and the society that condemns them. And Gyllenhaal provides a wonderful, equally tragic counterpoint as Jack Twist, whose juggling of the life he must pretend to lead, and the one he truly wants, ultimately fuels Ennis’ epiphany about what their love truly meant to him.

    “Zodiac” (2007)

    Paramount/WB

    When David Fincher asks you to play a role in one of his films, you don’t refuse.

    Gyllenhaal’s turn as Robert Graysmith in “Zodiac” offered a devastatingly believable portrait of obsession as the cartoonist who becomes consumed by his investigation of the real-life San Francisco serial killer. It’s a movie of deliberate and often understated technique, but Gyllenhaal’s performance mirrors Fincher’s cool precision and its inescapable absorption into a criminal case that remains enigmatic even today.

    “Enemy” (2013)

    Entertainment One

    Gyllenhaal worked with director Denis Villenueve twice in the span of little more than a year on the films “Prisoner” and Enemy.” But the latter proved to be the bigger challenge of the two, a psychological thriller about a man who believes that he’s encountered his own doppelganger. He soon becomes consumed by imitating, and integrating, their lives into one another. Mirroring himself in ways almost imperceptible, Gyllenhaal conjures a vivid portrait of two men whose identities converge into one.

    “Nightcrawler” (2014)

    Universal

    Dan Gilroy wrote for decades before making his directorial debut with this story of a freelance videographer who ruthlessly facilitates and even stages violent scenarios in order to make his name with local news stations. Gyllenhaal stars and co-produces the film, a revelatory, poisonous portrait of ambition run amuck in a profession disinclined to embrace morality in its pursuit of the best headlines. For my money, Gyllenhaal has never been better — or more frightening.

    “Southpaw” (2015)

    TWC

    Eminem was reportedly once considered for the role Gyllenhaal played in this film, Billy Hope, a boxer working towards redemption after the death of his wife. But in addition to transforming himself physically to play a believable and threatening prize fighter, Gyllenhaal lays himself bare in the scenes where his rage and desperation threaten to ruin not only his financial success, but his relationship with his daughter — the last vestige of his connection to his late wife.

    “Stronger” (2017)

    Bold Films

    Jeff Bauman, a real-life survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing who lost both his legs, is an all-timer role for the actor. The emotional and physical trauma — as evidenced through his strained romantic relationship post-accident and his relatable struggle to work through and accept the challenges of his rehab and healing process — is a tricky AF balance that Gyllenhaal pulls off effortlessly. It is both a simmering, internalized performance punctuated with bursts of pain, laughter and tears. Thanks to David Gordon Green’s subtle and inspired “ground-level” approach to the drama, the audience experiences every one of Bauman’s set backs and triumphs. It’s a game of inches down a very long road to recovery, and Gyllenhaal’s performance carries you every step of the way.

    “Okja” (2017)

    Netflix

    There are moments in Bong Joon-Ho’s environmental fable where Gyllenhaal’s performance as Johnny Wilcox, a quite possibly deranged zoologist and TV personality, seem stripped from another film entirely. But in a story about the manipulation not only of the world’s resources (including animals) for corporate narratives, political goals, and personal gain, his contributions galvanize and amplify the film’s themes and showcase both his remarkable versatility and fearlessness.

    Even in a small role, he demonstrates a consummate understanding of the film he’s in, and how best to serve it.