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Film Review: ‘Young Tiger’
13 minutes ago
Although immigrant stories abound in French cinema, Cyprien Vial’s impressive debut, “Young Tiger,” about an illegal Punjabi teen in France, ranks as something of an anomaly in that it deals with the nation’s seldom-seen Indian Sikh community. Closer in tone to the Dardennes’ “La Promesse” or Ken Loach’s “It’s a Free World … ” than to its Gallic brethren, the drama arises not from cultural alienation, but from mutually exclusive loyalties and conflicted moral imperatives. Vial’s coming-of-ager builds seamlessly as emotional stages of the hero’s roller-coaster trajectory play out in closeup; although well received at festivals, it seems a long shot to claw its way into arthouse release Stateside.
Scared, confused and locked in a basement with other illegal immigrants, 15-year-old Many (newcomer Harmandeep Palminder) expects to begin working immediately so he can send money back to his parents, who have gone into debt to smuggle him into France. »
- Ronnie Scheib
‘Pride and Prejudice and Zombies’ Set for Feb. 19, 2016
18 minutes ago
Screen Gems has set “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies,” starring Lily James (“Cinderella”), Sam Riley and Bella Heathcote, for a Feb. 19 release.
Burr Steers (“Charlie St. Cloud”) is directing from a screenplay he wrote with David O. Russell. Producers are Cross Creek topper Brian Oliver, Allison Shearmur, Sean McKittrick, Natalie Portman, Annette Savitch, Tyler Thompson and Marc Butan.
James is portraying Elizabeth Bennet and Riley is playing Mr. Darcy. Heathcote has been cast Elizabeth’s sister and Matt Smith is playing Mr. Collins.
The project is based on Seth Grahame-Smith’s 2009 novel, a mashup of the zombie horror genre with Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.”
EuropaCorp’s thriller “Shut-In,” starring Naomi Watts, has also been dated for Feb. 19.
Warner Bros. also announced Monday it’s moving its “Vacation” reboot forward two months to July 31 from Oct. 9.
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- Dave McNary
Dennis Hopper’s Last Film Reaches $90,000 Kickstarter Goal
57 minutes ago
A Kickstarter campaign to complete Dennis Hopper’s unreleased final film has topped its $90,000 fundraising goal in three weeks.
The funds will enable director Linda Yellen to finish the comedy “The Last Film Festival,” which was halted in 2010 when Hopper died. The funds will pay for the rights to use footage from other motion pictures, edit the movie and add special effects to complete the film’s narrative.
Yellen said she plans to release the movie in May to coincide with the fifth anniversary of Hopper’s death. She explained that other investment offers would have required cutting certain scenes, altering the film’s score and changing Hopper’s voice.
“Dennis saw a rough cut of the movie before he died and loved it,” she said. “We want everyone to see the same film that Dennis and I envisioned.”
“The Last Film Festival” tells the story of a big-shot Hollywood producer, »
- Dave McNary
Film Review: ‘In Her Place’
1 hour ago
An urban woman arrives at a failing farm to watch and wait until an erratic teen gives birth to the child she’ll adopt in Albert Shin’s confident, acutely observed “In Her Place.” If elements of other directors come to mind — Polanski, Bergman — it’s because Canadian helmer Shin, working for the first time in his ancestral land, has co-written a script of discreet probity and quietly chilling tension, about three unnamed women whose psychological profiles are given equal, nonjudgmental weight. A healthy, award-wining fest life may presage a place on arthouse screens, though critical push will be necessary for the film to go far beyond VOD.
Viewers can’t be faulted for questioning why the characters aren’t assigned names: It’s one of the few missteps here, and while the rationale was possibly to lend the story some sort of universality, the concept is upended by the »
- Jay Weissberg
Film Review: ‘Salad Days: A Decade of Punk in Washington, D.C. (1980-90)’
2 hours ago
“Salad Days” provides a solid, borderline exhaustive survey of the Washington, D.C., hardcore punk scene of the 1980s — possibly the nation’s most influential such milieu, if not tied with Los Angeles. Scott Crawford’s feature is playing mostly one-off dates around the country, with longer runs booked at San Francisco’s Roxie (started March 27) and New York’s IFC Center (April 16). It should do well among music fans as a download item.
The saga is told in roughly chronological fashion by a large cast of talking heads, and illustrated with plenty of archival materials; the degraded quality of much of the older concert footage is apt enough for a scene that was anything but slick. Two of the higher-profile interviewees, Ian MacKaye (Minor Threat, Fugazi) and Henry Rollins (a D.C. native who formed his first band, S.O.A., there before moving to L.A. to join »
- Dennis Harvey
Film Review: ‘Dukhtar’
2 hours ago
Pakistan’s 2014 Oscar entry, “Dukhtar,” is a handsomely made, nicely modulated fugitive drama with forceful social overtones that decries the ongoing practice of marrying child brides in tribal regions of the country’s mountainous north. New York-based scripter-helmer Afia Nathaniel certainly doesn’t shy away from challenges, since the film’s exceptional location work in remote areas of the Punjab couldn’t have been easy, but the gamble paid off, and the pic not only is a natural for human-rights fests but could also see modest action on Stateside arthouse screens.
While unquestionably an issue-based pic, “Dukhtar,” which means “daughter” in Urdu, works well on its own terms, and in her feature debut, Nathaniel proves her mettle in a national industry where distaff directors are rare. The setting is the Hunza Valley, a place still riven by blood feuds in which powerless women and girls are frequently used as bargaining chips. »
- Jay Weissberg
Sony Taps Nielsen Veteran John Restall for Research Post
2 hours ago
Sony Pictures Entertainment has named Nielsen Nrg exec John Restall as its chief of domestic theatrical marketing research.
He’ll report to Dwight Caines, the president of theatrical marketing for the studio. Restall will collaborate closely with his international research counterparts, who report to international marketing president Michael Horn.
Restall has been Nielsen Nrg’s senior VP of client consulting. He’s been the lead account representative for several of the firm’s studio clients and oversaw design, analysis and management of ad testing, tracking, screenings, positioning studies, brand studies, exit polls and focus groups. Restall also previously worked in research analysis at MarketCast.
Sony finished fourth among the majors last year in domestic market share with 12.2% and $1.26 billion in domestic grosses. Its “The Amazing Spider-Man 2″ fell short of expectations with $2o2 million while “22 Jump Street” overperformed with $191 million. The studio also was hit by a massive hack in »
- Dave McNary
‘Jurassic World’s’ Colin Trevorrow to Direct ‘Book of Henry’ for Sidney Kimmel
2 hours ago
“Jurassic World” director Colin Trevorrow has closed a deal to direct “Book of Henry” for Sidney Kimmel Entertainment.
The script was written by author Gregg Hurwitz but plot details are being kept under wraps.
Sidney Kimmel Entertainment will independently finance and co-produce the film with Double Nickel Entertainment. Sidney Kimmel will produce, along with Double Nickel’s Jenette Kahn and Adam Richman (“Gran Torino”).
Ske’s Carla Hacken and Jim Tauber are executive producers. Production is expected to start this fall in New York.
“ ‘Book of Henry’ is a remarkable piece of screenwriting that has stuck with me for years,” Trevorrow said. “I feel very fortunate to be able to tell this story. It is a true original.”
This project is the second in the past month that Trevorrow has lined up, having also attached himself to the sci-fi project “Intelligent Life.” “Jurassic World” bows on June 12.
Trevorrow is repped by Verve, »
- Justin Kroll
John Malone’s Stock-Swap Deal With Lionsgate Closes
3 hours ago
Lionsgate and Starz have closed their Feb. 11 stock exchange agreement, placing media mogul John Malone on the studio’s board of directors.
In an 8-k filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Lionsgate disclosed that it exchanged 3.43% of its common stock for a portion of Starz’s common stock held by Malone and his affiliates that represents 4.51% of Starz’s common stock and 14.50% of the total voting power of Starz’s common stock.
The federal government has signaled that it has no issues with the deal. The Federal Trade Commission issued a notice of early termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino antitrust review, meaning that neither it nor the Department of Justice will block the deal.
Investors have been enthused at the prospect that the flirtation could end with wedding bells. Shares of Lionsgate closed on the day of the announcement at $32.42, up 9.2 %, and Starz’s stock rose 3.45% to $31.76. Both stocks have »
- Dave McNary
Disney Developing Live-Action ‘Mulan’
3 hours ago
Disney is developing a live-action version of its 1998 animated movie “Mulan.”
The project is based on a script by Elizabeth Martin and Lauren Hynek focused on the Chinese warrior character Hua Mulan. The project has been set up with Chris Bender and J.C. Spink.
The original “Mulan,” directed by Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook, centered on the title character disguising herself as a man to take her father’s place in the army with her dragon friend Mushu. “Mulan” grossed over $300 million worldwide.
Disney’s seen an impressive run with its live-action versions of animated films starting in 2010 with “Alice in Wonderland,” followed by last year’s “Maleficent” and this year’s “Cinderella,” which has topped $336 million worldwide in three weeks. It’s developing a live-action version of “Beauty and the Beast” starring Emma Watson with a release already set for March 17, 2017.
Disney is also releasing a live-action version of »
- Dave McNary
‘Home’ Final Box Office Tops Off at $52.1 Million, Lower Than Estimates
3 hours ago
“Home” wasn’t quite as inviting as initial estimates suggested.
The family film pulled in $52.1 million in its opening weekend, less than the $54 million that DreamWorks Animation and distributor Fox expected it to generate.
It still goes in the “win” column for DreamWorks Animation, which had been bracing for a debut in the $30 million to $35 million range. Overseas numbers were better than expected, coming in at $25.4 million, higher than the $24 million that the studio initially reported.
Wall Street seemed impressed by the performance. DreamWorks Animation’s shares closed at $24.17, up 6.57%. Analysts predict that the film could launch a new franchise — welcome news for a studio that’s endured months of flops like “Turbo” and “Mr. Peabody and Sherman,” as well as layoffs and writedowns.
The weekend’s other major new release, “Get Hard,” also came in lower than expected, generating $33.8 million instead of the $34.6 million that Warner Bros. estimated it would rack up. »
- Brent Lang
NYPD Confirms Harvey Weinstein Questioned for Allegedly Groping Woman
7 hours ago
Police questioned Harvey Weinstein after the indie studio chief allegedly groped a 22-year-old woman in Tribeca on Friday, a NYPD spokesman confirmed to Variety.
The woman accused the Weinstein Co. boss of touching her breasts and hips, police confirmed. The Daily News, which broke the story, reported that the incident took place at around 6 p.m. Friday at the Tribeca Film Center.
But another source told Variety that there were no official events held at the Tribeca Film Center on Friday night, and the Weinstein Co. shares office space with Tribeca Enterprises. Police could not immediately confirm if the alleged assault took place at Weinstein’s offices or in another part of the building.
An investigation is ongoing and no charges have been filed. Neither the district attorney’s office nor the Weinstein Co. responded to requests for comment. Weinstein is expected to attend the New York premiere of his »
- Brent Lang and Ramin Setoodeh
Desmond Harrington Joins Elle Fanning in ‘Neon Demon’
8 hours ago
“Dexter” star Desmond Harrington has joined the cast of Nicolas Winding Refn’s horror film “The Neon Demon,” with shooting set to start in Los Angeles.
“Neon Demon” stars Elle Fanning along with Keanu Reeves, Christina Hendricks, Abbey Lee (“Drive”), Jena Malone and Bella Heathcote (“Dark Shadows”). It’s Refn’s follow-up to “Only God Forgives,” starring Ryan Gosling.
Refn and Mary Laws penned the script, which is about an aspiring model who moves to Los Angeles, only to have her youth and vitality devoured by a group of beauty-obsessed women.
Refn’s partner, Lene Borglum (“Valhalla Rising,” “Only God Forgives”), is producing via their company Space Rocket in association with Wild Bunch and Gaumont.
»
- Dave McNary
Emily Blunt Joins Animated Feature ‘Animal Crackers’
8 hours ago
“Edge of Tomorrow” star Emily Blunt is the latest Hollywood name to join the voice cast of “Animal Crackers,” an Australian-made animated feature backed by Chinese finance.
Blunt will play Zoe, one half of a married couple with John (played by John Krasinski) whose family life is turned upside down when they inherit a rundown circus and a mysterious box of Animal Crackers, which magically changes the person who eats them into animals.
Scott Christian Sava is co-directing with Tony Bancroft (“Mulan”) from a script he co-wrote with Dean Lorey.
Blunt joins a cast that already includes Sylvester Stallone, Ian McKellen and Danny DeVito.
The film is produced by Blue Dream Studios in a partnership with Beijing Wen Hua Dongrun Investment Co. and China Film Co. Australian independent sales agent Odin’s Eye is representing the international rights. Release is set for mid-2016.
Other key credits go to character designer Carter Goodrich, »
- Patrick Frater
DreamWorks Animation’s Stock Soars on ‘Home’ Success
10 hours ago
DreamWorks Animation is getting a big lift from the box office success of “Home.”
Shares in the company are up more than 8% as markets open, kicking off the day trading at $24.30. That’s the highest level they have reached since last November. It’s a welcome change for DreamWorks Animation, which has seen its stock slide precipitously since spring of 2014, weighed down by a series of film flops, write downs, failed sales to Hasbro and Softbank, and layoffs.
But “Home” briefly swept those troubles aside when it debuted to $54 million, roughly $20 million more than most analysts had predicted it would generate.
“It’s a huge morale boost both for investors and employees at the company,” said Tony Wible, an analyst with Janney Capital Markets. “The film business is what’s been languishing there and these results mean they avoid another impairment and have found a possible other franchise.”
Indeed, “Home »
- Brent Lang
Redbox Renews Deal with Warner Bros. Through 2017
10 hours ago
Redbox, which rents DVDs through vending machines dotted across the U.S., has extended its deal with Warner Bros. by two years, through March 31, 2017, maintaining a 28-day window on the studio’s Blu-ray Disc and DVD titles.
Deal comes after Redbox hired Mark Horak, previously president of the Americas at Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, as president about a year ago.
“Redbox is an important partner,” Ron Sanders, president of Warner Bros. Worldwide Home Entertainment Distribution, said in a statement. “I am very pleased that we have finalized a new two-year agreement.”
Last year, Redbox reached similar renewals with Universal, Paramount and Lionsgate. But the DVD-kiosk vendor is facing headwinds, as consumers increasingly turn to subscription VOD services, according to analysts. Last October, Outerwall — Redbox’s parent company — and Verizon shuttered their Svod joint venture, Redbox Instant by Verizon, after it failed to gain traction.
In December, Redbox raised the daily »
- Todd Spangler
Malala Yousafzai Documentary Bought by Fox Searchlight
11 hours ago
Fox Searchlight has acquired worldwide rights to the documentary “He Named Me Malala” for release later this year.
The movie explores the life of Pakistani student activist Malala Yousafzai, who survived a Taliban assassination attempt and then became a campaigner for the rights of children worldwide. She was named the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize recipient in December.
“Waiting for Superman” director Davis Guggenheim helmed. The deal covers all markets except for French-speaking territories. Studiocanal will distribute the film in France.
“He Named Me Malala” is produced by Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald under their long-term production partnership with Image Nation Abu Dhabi and co-financed by Participant Media.
“Malala’s incredible journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring,” said Fox Searchlight toppers Steve Gilula and Nancy Utley. “Her bravery in the face of adversity brought us to tears. The chance to bring her story to a global audience will be an honor for »
- Dave McNary
Cannes Film Fest, Kering Launch Women in Motion
13 hours ago
Paris– Entering a new Era, the Cannes Film Festival and its general delegate Thierry Fremaux are joining forces with Kering, François-Henri Pinault’s French luxury powerhouse, to launch Women in Motion.
Conceived by Kering to highlight women’s achievements in film, Women in Motion will host a series of talks with high-profile talent and execs, as well as hand out two awards during the upcoming 68th Cannes film festival, which will mark Pierre Lescure’s inaugural year as president.
The first award will honor a prominent industry figure — regardless of gender — who has significantly contributed to the cause of women. The prizewinner will choose the recipient of the second award, which will go to an up-and-coming female director. Women in Motion will then support one of the projects of this young filmmaker.
Fremaux, who has had to address criticism over the perceived under-representation of women helmers in the official selection, »
- Elsa Keslassy
‘Interstellar’ wins Film, Director at Empire Awards
14 hours ago
London — Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar” reigned at the 20th Jameson Empire Awards, which is voted for by readers of Empire magazine.
“Interstellar” took the awards for director and film, and Nolan was also honored with the Empire Inspiration award, presented to him by “Interstellar” actress Jessica Chastain. Star of “Man of Steel” and the forthcoming “Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice,” both produced by Nolan, Henry Cavill presented the director award, while Kit Harington and Peter Firth, stars of “Spooks: The Greater Good,” presented the film award.
The cast of HBO’s “Game of Thrones” received the Empire Hero Award in celebration of the popularity of the series, marking the first time an Empire Award has gone to a TV show. As previously announced, the Empire Legend honor went to Ralph Fiennes, who received his award from Liam Neeson.
Andy Serkis picked up the actor award for his role as »
- Leo Barraclough
Film Review: ‘A Girl Like Her’
14 hours ago
The causes and consequences of teen bullying get a potent if not entirely persuasive airing in “A Girl Like Her,” a mix of found-footage thriller, mock-doc realism and public service announcement that rings true almost as often as it rings false. There is much to admire in writer-director Amy S. Weber’s well-acted, well-meaning cautionary tale about a high-school student who attempts suicide after being relentlessly targeted by a verbally abusive classmate. Yet the film’s agenda-driven approach, while sure to strike topical chords and generate exposure in American high schools far and wide, has the inevitable effect of compromising the drama, which seems less and less convincing the more blatantly it strives for authenticity.
Weber’s film has a tough opening scene: Jessica Burns (Lexi Ainsworth), a sophomore at South Brookdale High School, opens her parents’ medicine cabinet, downs a bottle of pills and falls unconscious. All this is shot from Jessica’s p. »
- Justin Chang
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