Mothers' Day Picks

On any Mothers' days, would you wish to watch with your mom, or think of her ?  Movie stories we loved, have been many, about relationships with your dearest.

And many actresses stood and delivered, their best performances, most memorable, classic film fans remember "Mommy Dearest (1981)", but it was a biopic of a real screen legend's litany of motherhood.

And the best, as you all agree..., "Terms of Endearment (1983)", the best picture, best actress, Shirley MacLaine, Oscar winner, now presented in 4K UHD, with special feature commentaries.  Time to celebrate.

No Joke

And they are not too villainous either, they are made for each other !?  And they are made for us, anticipated movie fans.  As newest release and revealed the official release date, Oct. 4 (Fri.), "Joker: Folie a Deux" is ready.

'Twisted Romance' featured in 'Tango With Evil" image, what else can we expect, when Lady Gaga is present as Harley Quinn.  Equally said, and asked, "Are they both super-heroes or else ?"

As "Deadpool & Wolverine" arrives exclusively earlier in theaters from July 26 (Fri.), a 'wisecracking mercenery' against Hugh Jackman's return to iconic X-men character, first time in seven years. 

New Genre

The Box Office and the film viewers are in awe, to have "Challengers" on top, and received mixed reviews, that the subject characters set, simply new, too unique ?

 

It is about the relationship, evolving the young, played by Zendaya, but how she's evolved, as never seen before, it could be treated as an 'art house', but attracting many variety of audience.

As controversial as "Civil War" ?  Already described as 'apocalyptic', as much as violent, too heavy, futuristic, yet too realistic ?

First Blood

This April, 2024 box office is unsettled, rocked.  By, let's say, new trend of frighteners, unexpectedly.  The debut of "Abigail", Vampire-Horror-Comedy (!?) is uncommon enough.

But 12 years-old girl's superhuman ability in underworld, might be something new & attractive to variety of audience range.  Alex Garland's "Civil War" is described 'dystopian political action (!?)'.

 

And two films are doing well on the chart, climbing over "Godzilla vs. Kong", and even the week-end revenues are not seeing "The First Omen" ! 

Blue-ray Revivals

This April 2024 only could have film classic line-up, presented into your home entertainment collection, which are certainly 4K Ultra HD, given new lives.

On top of your pre-order list, before April 30 release, must be "Ocean's Trilogy", from 2001 to 2007, all star tricksters and thieves in sleek thrillers, directed by Oscar-winner, Steven Soderbergh, were on heist of movie fun.  And they're back in 4K 3-discs.

 

And this HD comeback is from 1968 !  As if by the cult demand, indeed this Jane Fonda's eccentric 60's futuristic fashion, modern art, comedy SF back then, ought to be re-presented, re-appreciated in blue-rays.

SXSW Films

South By South Festival takes place in Austin, Texas, started in 1987, now is an interactive, integral, art showcase, music and film & television showcases, we could all attend.

This year, as any, multi-focused, unique new movie titles, but now is, most controversial it became, Alex Garland's near future, apocalyptic, America at war, "Civil War" was world premiered.

Along with the introduction of "The Fall Guy", also re-imaging of the 80's cult classic, "Road House" having a modern day twist, in a home-coming to Florida turns violent story.  

77th Festival de Cannes

Aside to any other film festivals, or awards presentations, traditionally the annual Cannes Film Festival has been the show case, first and most for upcoming marquee movies of the year.

The news from March 21, 2024, the world premiere of "Fuorisa: A MAD MAX saga" would be revealed at the Grand Theatre Lumiere, at Palais des Festivals, on Wednesday, May 24.

And one more celebration for women..., Greta Gerwig was named as Jury President.  The Festival runs through May 14 to 25, the official selection would be announced April 12.

40th Anniversary

And we must begin by dedicating to the late Ivan Reitman, the original creator, Harold Ramis, original cast.  It was 1984, 1st "GHOSTBUSTERS" was born to save, and entertain the world. 

For 40 years, this franchise became the beloved comedy blockbusters, till the latest "Frozen Empire", now coming back to save their home, New York City.

Though aged, the original members, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson, and Annie Potts, could have much more, longer to go on ?  

They Shall Return.

They are the longest movie franchises in history.  And they keep coming back, due to popular demands.  The 1st original 'King Kong' was created in 1933, then following his footstepps, or footprints, came 'Godzilla'.

And it's titled "New Empire", and stomping on Easter 2024 Box Office, obscuring "Dune: Part 2".  Awaiting is "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes", opening from May 10, which is another sci-fi classic series, began in 1968.

 

Based on French author Pierre Boulle's influential 1963 novel, this year to date, their 'Kingdom' could still take over our planet, at least, or most, over movie screens. 

Oscars based on...

Overall, J. Robert Oppenheimer was a scientist, a physicist, though spent a complex life, whose biography "American Prometheus" written by Pulitzer Prize winning historian, Kai Bird.

Subtitled 'The tragedy and triumph of...'.  Equally, "Killers of the Flower Moon" is based on journalist, David Grann's 2017 best selling book of same title, recounts the true story of brutal murders in Oklahoma, 1920s Osage nation tribes.

They both were made into Academy Award nominated films to go all the way to celebrate, it's also our time to reflect on controversial times of our history. 

Music For Life

Or, vice versa, life for music, Music imitates life.  After all, movie business factoid from last year, 2023, much of box office revenue is from Taylor Swift's 'Eras Tour' over larger screen.

And so is on, towards the large screen, is revival of Queen live from 1981, "Rock Montreal", their music biopic "Bohemean Rapsody"'s Oscar worthy memory ignited the same trend, no doubt.

And as successful is "One Love" Bob Marley story, next on, Amy Winehouse's short lived life, we could review from "Back To Black", opening earlier in UK from April, Amy is played by Marisa Abela, directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson.

Spring Blockbusters

2023, we had a year of 'Barbenheimer", along with "The FLASH", and "Indiana Jones" coming back, this 2024 would be as enthusiastic as ever, and we don't have to wait till the summer blockbusters.

Slated May 3rd release is on "The Fall Guy", Ryan Gosling portraying Colt Seavers, the action star, opposite Emily Blunt, plays the director.  This action entertainment is chased by "Fuorisa; A Mad Max Saga" from May 24.

 

Set as a prequel to "Fury Road", Anya Taylor-Joy is taking over Charlize Theron character.

Equally from Momorial Day weekend, the box office has extravaganza, "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes", 

2024 Razzie Awards

It is inevitable, your movie experience of the year may include the disappointments, this award season, the fans even have noted 'Golden Raspberries' to list as 'worst' categories annually.

There have been shocks, too honest assessment of the films every year, 2023's Harrison Ford's return as Indiana Jones, was it good or bad performance ?  Razzie nominations were topped by "Expend4bles".

Even Dame Helen Mirren is on, from "SHAZAM !: Fury of the Gods", which is among the worst picture, along with "Exorcist: Believer".   The 'worst actor' even has Chris Evans from "Ghosted".  The Razzies would be announced a day before the Oscars.  March 9th, 2024.

Valentine Movies

Since there is a genre now 'Rom-Com', romantic comedies, which is a ladies crowd draw, and you & your sweetheart don't have to be the crowd.  Just stream and click on.  In your living room, or bed room.

"Valentine's Day (2010)" was directed by Gary Marshall, star-studded couples and more characters, intertwining romance in Los Angeles, reviewed as heart warming, on top of your list every February.

And the latest of your list, could be "The Notebook (2004)", based on Nicholas Sparks' novel, teenage love, played by Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, meet again after the separation, available, and appreciable, in Ultimate Collectors' Edition (Blue-ray + DVD Combo).

'3' Is Written Now

 Proceeding March 1st debut of "DUNE: Part 2", the director, Denis Villeneuve reveals, the third installment, 'DUNE: Messiah' would be the last part of the trilogy, since the franchise is based on SF series.

Written by Frank Herbert, the sequels could go on many titles, till "Heretics of Dune".  But it is confirmed even at the end of 2023, the '3' is on, stars are being approached already, such as Zendaya, commented her excitement.

At the latest "Part 2" press conference, Villeneuve said, "2 is much better film than the first.", which garnered 10 Academy Awards nominations.

No Odds

No odds on favor.  Since it seems impossible to make any wagers, on 96th Academy Awards, after the nominations were announced, 2024 Oscars may well be a dominant, predictable, since "Titanic", "Gone With the Wind" ?

By "Oppenheimer", leading the tally by 13, "Poor Things" and "Killers of the Flower Moon" chasing, but that's Best Actress category heating up, others could miss, and that's before the envelopes are opened.

Namely these two, from "Barbie", were not on the list of Best Director, neither Actress, also Leonardo DiCaprio not nominated as Best Actor.  And the Oscar goes to..., on March 10th, Sunday, 2024.

Blockbusters Step Up

The new year 2024 is having a new arraignment, of new release dates, that speed up the major titles, mostly the expected big series, literally big, as early as coming March.

"Ghostbusters" is coming back to New York City, which is frozen up.  "Frozen Empire" is opening from March 22, with new members, and old, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, and Paul Rudd, sure to return.

And one more franchise is moving up the release day, 2 weeks earlier, May 10th, mainly because to avoid crowded Memorial Day debuts of "The Garfield Movie" and "Fuorisa: A Mad Max Saga". 

Rewarding Season

 Though without Cecil B. DeMille Award presentattion this year 2024..., 81st Golden Globe Awards went on, with new criteria, with true movie fans' peers, such as 'Cinematic and Box Office Achievement'.

Which reflects the year of films looked back, fair and square, and rewarding, that contributed for one year, deserving, with the best picture, "Oppenheimer", and the best director, Christopher Nolan, far above.  Honored.  Finally.

The voting, by Hollywood Foreign Press Association, showed the equality, by simply the film and television works, we liked, most viewed, perhaps "Barbie", best received TV show, "Succession".  We, the audiences, world-wide, spoke clearly.  

New Year, New Dates

Happy new year 2024 brings film fans as happy and exciting as previous, kicking off this January from 23rd, Tuesday, with Oscar nomination announcement.  And before that new trailers are as hectic.

The next massive entertainment starts on Feb. 2, Matthew Vaugn's "Argylle" is a spy thriller, featuring Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Dua Lipa, over the already attractive trailer.

And it's soon to be followed by "Madame Web" starring Dakota Johnson and Sydney Sweeney, 'female-centric' super hero, heroine, film, though set in spider-universe, premiere date now is from Feb. 14, Valentine's Day.

Remastered Christmas

Dear Santa, these must be on top of our gift list...  Since they have been lined up as 'Greatest Christmas Movies of All Time', by the consensus, by film fans, all around the world.

And for film fans, for ages, "It's a Wonderful Life (1946)" has been marked as simply the best, the last blue-ray issue was 'Platinum Anniversary Edition', includes free poster and artcards.

As much as "Home Alone", "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" must be the most watched Holiday comedy, 2022 4K version comes in Ultra HD, special feature commentary by the cast.  Those your family treasure yet ?  Happy Holidays ! 

Wild Card Picture

 The announcement of Golden Globe nomination from Dec. 11 might have been subdued..., or there might have been in surprise, that film fans reminded themselves, 2023 movies were appreciated fairly.

 

For each categories, beyond 'The year of Barbenheimer', the derby top favorites may be set for awards season till the March 2023 Oscar.  Bradley Cooper's "Maestro" could garner the best cinematography, not just best actor, is it surprising ?

If "Napoleon" off from the best picture, still could be on for best director ?  The original screenplay may be critical, "Anatomy of a Fall" over "Barbie" ?   As exciting as best actress, Emma Stone "Poor Things" over Lily Gladstone "Killers of the Flower Moon" ?

Nominate 2024

The first nomination hype of the year end, summing up of the year has been, for the film and television industry, the Golden Globe Awards nomination would be announced on Monday, December 11, 2023.

Even there is a new category, 'Cinematic and Box Office Achievement', sounds a lot like the most popular film of the year, the criteria, don't have to be Hollywood Foreign Press to have.

And it doesn't have to be you, to say 2023 best films are easy to make note of.  Would 'Barbenheimer' dominate ?  And for the TV favorites, final seasons of "The Crown", "Succession" would be predicted as all front runners.

Blue-ray Gift 2023

On our Holidays, passing Black Friday & Cyber Monday 2023, the film fans are still shopping !  As much as attending the theaters, the blockbusters could come to our living rooms to our own personal picks.

And our own reviews.  Especially on to "Indianana Jones and the Dial of Destiny", in 4K UHD, December 5 release, just in time, is it ultimate finale to the most beloved adventurer in the film history ?

But Harrison Ford fans have one more holiday gift, from November 21 sales, "The Fugitive (1993)", this 4K UHD + DIG issue is 30th anniversary itself, to the great classic, 4K & Dolby Atmos revives Harrison Ford forever.

Wish Upon...

 On your Thanksgiving Holidays 2023, our wish to have a great movie experience, along with  all of your joys.  Especially, this 100 anniversary special "Wish" should be the family entertainment choice of all.

And it is reviewed as a replica, of many animated titles, include "Frozen" as the most recent, and a 'throwback', and 'anthology', we wish children and adults alike could be drawn into...

We also wished to be drawn into the French history, with Ridley Scott's epic "Napoleon", performers such as Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby, could conquer us to the emperor's demise, this 2023 ?

Reboot All

The news broke.  But it's not just one.  The latest, was the new "Fantastic Four", announced  release date, that's even 2025, May 2nd, the reboot of the phase 6th.  And one after another, new dates set, "Deadpool 3" opens July 26, 2024.

Then, as anticipated, "Captain America: Brave New World" from February 14, 2025, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) as combination of new Captain America and the Falcon, for its fourth installment of the franchise.

And more awaited, since slated, Mahershala Ali's "Blade" return date is set on November 7, 2025, if not reboot, a whole new avengers, "Thunderbolts" would be introduced July 25, 2025.  Simply marvelous.