Day Three at CinemaCon Brings Dragons!

 

Jeri Jacquin

The third day of CinemaCon and a bit of weather doesn’t change what this amazing convention brings in its four days in Las Vegas. After breakfast, which is a fantastic time to catch up about what has been presented so far and what has interested each of us the most, it is time to move on to the days first presentation.

Angel Studios was founded in 2013 by Neal, Daniel, Jeffrey and Jordan Harmon who wanted then to create a studio that provides empowering films. Presenting their slate for the second year at CinemaCon, their philosophy is one of community and providing, what they call, a “viable family-friendly alternative to Hollywood”. The most recent success for Angel Studios is the television series The Chosen and the film Sound of Freedom. One of my favorites from the studio is the film SIGHT which is the true story of Dr. Ming Wang becoming a renowned eye surgeon. Coming to theatres next week is the animated THE KING OF KINGS. During their presentation they spoke about “the Angel Guild” which is a audience-driven entertainment landscape. They also announced that a Toronto International Film Festival choice of SKETCH with Tony Hale and D’Arcy Caden is under their umbrella and will hit theatres August 6^th.

The biopic TRUTH & TREASON is set for October and is a Holocaust story and the thriller ZERO A.D. directed by Alejandro Monteverde. The film has an impressive line up with heavy hitters with Deva Cassel, Gael Garcia Bernal, Ben Mendelsohn, Sam Worthington and Jim Caviezel. The latter actor has been known to be open about his faith and chooses that important part of his life over his career so Angel Studios is the place to be for Caviezel. Another actor who shares that his faith is a significant influence is Neal McDonough who has co-written the film THE LAST RODEO due in studios in May. Brandon Purdie, Executive Vice President and Head of Theatrical Distribution says of their presentation this morning, “At CinemaCon 2025, we unveiled the most ambitious and cinematic slate in Angel Studios’ history. There are no greater partners than the dedicated exhibitors who bring these stories to life on the big screen. We are all in on theatrical, bullish on the big screen, unwavering in our commitment to the theatrical window, and firm believers in the power of the shared moviegoing experience.” Their films have truly been successful as the box office shows.

Now it’s time to turn the lights down with the Universal and DreamWorks previewing of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON. Prepare to return to the world of dragons and a friendship between a boy and a nightfury! Gerard Butler takes on the live-action character of Stoick the Vast.

Universal brings out their presentation reminding viewers of such offerings as BACK TO THE FUTURE, JURASSIC PARK, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, PSYCHO, JAWS DESPICABLE ME, CONCLAVE, OPPENHEIMER and WICKED. These films and so many more have left an iconic mark on the lives of movie-goers and brought film lines into our world like “we’re going to need a bigger boat!”. The dinosaur world isn’t done with us yet either as director Gareth Edwards offers up Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali to talk about JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH. It seems Johansson has been biding her time to get into the franchise saying, “This time I went to Steven Spielberg directly and told him I’ll play any role, even if I was eaten in the first five minutes. It’s an incredible honor to be here with Jurassic and we want to put the scares back into Jurassic.” Let’s just say from what I’ve seen, a T-rex chasing people in a dingy, sounds like a fun watch to me. DreamWorks is taking one of their beloved shows on Netflix and turning it into something on a larger scale with GABBY’S DOLLHOUSE and I personally know a few kids who are going to be thrilled about that. Universal is also taking a swing at a HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON sequel coming to theatres in 2027 so look for that. Tyriq Withers plays a football player with a head injury in HIM and there is going to be some more bustin’ and bruising coming to theatres when Bob Odenkirk returns in NOBODY 2.

Focus Features brings a slate of their own and one in particular is going to be a heartache for me but let’s get to that in a moment. First, Wes Anderson brings a cast that includes Benicio Del Toro, Michael Cera, Bryan Cranston, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch and the one and only Tom Hanks to star in THE PHOENCIAN SCHEME. Another director that likes the unusual is Yorgos Lanthimos and his next film BUGONIA with Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Alicia Silverton and more. Now, for my heartache, Focus Features comes to the screen one more time with DOWNTON ABBEY: The Grand Finale with a screenplay by Julian Fellowes and Carson telling everyone “Welcome to 1930”. Downton fans knew that one day this would come and I personally have watched the series over and over again along with the previous films but Kleenex is going to have to be included in the ticket price for sure. The cast we have come to love from both upstairs and down will be back for a final bow. Oh gosh, the tears just creeped in a little.

Blumhouse makes sure they are getting their turn at the frights with a trailer for FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S 2 as Jason Blum takes us all back at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza and I’m already creeped out and that’s the point. Another of my family’s favorite films has a sequel as THE BLACK PHONE 2 is purported by Blum to be scarier than the first one a telephone ring and “Hello Finney, did you think our story was over?’ gave me chills. Ticket please! Want more frights? Well, M3Gan 2 brings a different look but same jaw drops and SOULMSTE is a little more adult but same crazy technology. Universal’s president Jim Orr teases of an upcoming Steven Spielberg film with “a return to form in the spirit of his monumental classics, with a propulsive, out of this world twist” which could basically be said of most of his films. Untitled for now, we will have to keep our eye on this one. Finally, producer Mark Platt and director Jon M. Chu get to talk about WICKED: For Good. For fans who are waiting for the second installment, Chu says, “Our second film deals with the consequences of the decisions made. This film brings us past the point where Dorothy drops in.”  Because, in the words of Elphaba, “this is between the wizard and I”.

The final presentation of the evening begins with Head of Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios, Mike Hopkins. His first time at CinemaCon, Hopkins recalls seeing STAR WARS as a kid with his brother (something I can totally relate to with the hundreds of times I have seen the film since I was 16). He announces that the studio plans to offer up fifteen films a year by 2027 with 12-14 starting next year. He says, “It is still early days for us, and we have a ton of work to do but we are committed to epic, culturally, relative storytelling that needs to be seen on giant screens like the one behind me.” Later next year, Ryan Goslings film PROJECT HAIL MARY get a sneak peek. Gosling says of the film, “it’s an insanely ambitious story, massive in scope and so big we tried to put it on television once, it wouldn’t fit.”  That’s what happens when you make a film about space and a guy trying to save the world.

AFTER THE HUNT brings director Luca Guadagino (BONES AND ALL), and cast Andrew Garfield and Ayo Edebiri to talk about the thriller that also stars Julia Roberts as a college professor and situation that leads to secrets. Also shown is Michael Showalter’s VERITY and the remake of THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR with Michael B. Jordan. As a detective accused of a crime, Chris Pratt is seen in the footage for the film MERCY coming next January. A month after that is Hugh Jackman and Emma Thompson’s film THREE BAGS FULL: A Sheep Detective Movie. Two of my favorite actors together so I’ll be seeing it.

Another sneak peek is for the film CRIME 101 with Halle Berry and Chris Hemsworth. Directed by Bart Layton, he says, “from the very beginning, this movie was written, imagined, planned and dreamed for the big screen.”  Making her directorial debut, Aleshea Harris brings her own work to the screen with IS GOD IS with Vivica A. Fox, Kara Young and Mallori Johnson. Bassam Tariq brings YOUR MOTHER YOUR MOTHER with Mahershala Ali who has a message for the audience. Oh goodness my grown boys are going to get the first tickets in theatres to see MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE!  Directed by Travis Knight and will be ready for fans next June, he says, “We’re not making a cartoon here!”.

Ben Affleck’s film THE ACCOUNTANT 2 bring he, Jon Bernthal, Daniella Pineda, Cynthia Addai-Robinson and director Gavin O’Connor to the stage and a look at what’s coming to theatres. Reflecting on his character, Affleck says, “It does feel great to continue the story of THE ACCOUNTANT. I’m thrilled to be playing this part again with this great cast. In some ways, I feel like this character never left me.

That’s the last for day three of CinemaCon with the last day tomorrow bringing all the fun to an end. Paramount and Disney are the last studios to bring their slates and then celebrate with awards at the end of the evening. See you then!

His Life is about SIGHT

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital from writer/director Andrew Hyatt, Angel Studios and Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment comes the true story of a man who learns about life through SIGHT.

Dr. Ming Wang (Terry Chen) has a practice in Nashville as an eye surgeon who takes on the tough cases. Along with his surgeon partner Dr. Misha Bartnovsky (Greg Kinnear), they have a wonderful success rate in helping children see. Sister Marie (Fionnula Flanagan) has brought them a case with the young Kajal (Mia Swaminathan) who had her eyesight taken from her in the most brutal way.

Studying her case and trying to find answers, Dr. Wang is almost broken hearted when, along with Dr. Bartnovsky, things don’t go according to plan. Trying to understand what is happening in his life, Dr. Wang sees someone from his past that is bringing up memories that are difficult. Along with his parents, Dr. Wang grew up in China during a difficult time in the country’s history. Both his parents were learned and wanted the same for their son.

From food insecurity to the closing of schools, Ming (Ben Wang) had to work very hard to learn the best he could and find his way to university. His best friend Lili (Sara Ye) was a big part of his life and with that a memory he can not seem to contain. All of this comes flooding back to a grown-up Ming and it is causing him to have doubts about his abilities as a surgeon.

When another case comes his way, Dr. Wang immediately steps away not understanding what is happening to him. Dr. Bartnovsky tries so hard to understand his friend’s difficulties that seem to be growing by the day. Then, it is one little girl’s warmth and kindness that helps Dr. Wang find his way back to his true calling!

Chen as Dr. Ming Wang plays the true-life role of a man that has seen the world through a different set of eyes. His growing up was difficult with its cultural challenges and striving hard for his education. Chen gives his role such heart, strength and beauty that this story truly moved me. His struggle is heartfelt and portraying someone’s real life is daunting enough but Chen does so with such grace.

Kinnear as Dr. Misha Bartnovsky is portraying a man who clearly loves what he is doing and the partnership with Ming comes across as effortless as they both want to help those less fortunate. Even when the friendship is tested by something Misha has difficulty understanding, he never gives up on his friend and Kinnear does so in such lovely form.

Wang as the teen Ming absolutely drew me into the story. Watching this young man who hungered for learning, had to struggle with the breakdown of his country that was going through struggles of its own. That being said, it did not stop young Ming from pushing forward and Wang is absolutely stunning in this role. Ye as Lili is sharing in what is happening to the teen yang as it affects her as well. My heart immediately went out to her and I am left wondering what happened to her.

Swaminathan as Kajal is such an adorable, charming and accepting young actress to take on this role. She truly is a small girl with a huge light that shines through it all. The character she plays is one that might break most people but then again, Kajal and Swaminathan are not most people. Flanagan as Sister Marie carries all her hopes with young Kajal and she, along with Dr. Wang, learn so much from the young girl – more than they could have ever expected. I love Flanagan and every time she is on the screen I smile!

Other cast include Natasha Mumba as Ruth Tarik, Raymond Ma as Zhensheng, Wai Ching Ho as Alian, Garland Chang as Yu Wang, Donald Heng as Zhensheng (30s), Leanne Wang as Alian (30s), Jeffrey Pai as Lao Bin, Kelvin Luo as Yu, Natalie Skye as June Bartnosvsky, Peter Chan as Gao, Danni Wang as Anle and Jayden Zhang as Ming (8-years-old).

Angel Studios is a new kind of movie studio that produces and distributes award-winning titles from independent creators. Covering genres including Christian films, comedy, drama, documentaries and kids shows, these are just some of the projects they include. For more of what Angel Studios has to offer, please visit www.angel.com.

Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment has new titles that include Grace and Pedro: Mission Impossible with the voices of Susan Sarandon, Brooke Shields, Alicia Silverstone and Billy Nighy; World War I action-epic Before Dawn; Scandinavian crime-thriller WHAT REMAINS starring Andrew Riseborough and Stellan Skarsgrd; sweeping bipic Cabrini from director of the smash-hit SOUND OF FREEDOM; and the all-female cast drama TELL THAT TO THE WINTER SEA. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.kaleidoscopehomeentertainment.com.

The film SIGHT was awarded ICVM Crown Awards for Best Picture for producer David E. Fischer and director Andrew Hyatt, winner of the Silver Crown for Best Cinematography for Michael Balfry, and a Bronze Crown for Best Actor for Terry Chen. The Heartland International Film Festival gave SIGHT Best Premier, Narrative Feature to director Andrew Hyatt and producer David E. Fischer.

This is truly a family that the entire family should see. It is not just about sight; it is about the world we have seen and how it affects the world we live in now. Everyone has a past, everyone has had struggles but this film shows us that it is how you deal with those struggles that either keeps you in the dark or helps you shine even brighter. The cast brings this story through the entire range of human emotion and that is what grabs the heart. Director Hyatt knew the story he wanted to tell and how to bring it to life – and he does so with perfection!

In the end – there is more than one way to shine your light!

 

CinemaCon Day Three Brings Angel Studios, Lionsgate, Universal and Focus Features

Jeri Jacquin

Day three begins early at CinemaCon but it starts with Angel Studios! The hit 2023 film SOUND OF FREEDOM starring Jim Caviezel, Mira Sorvino and Bill Camp is proving that the studios has much to offer in the film arena. Claiming the #8 stop at $300 million in global revenue, more films are on the way. Angel Studios announces SIGHT and POSSUM TROT upcoming and two films slated for later this year with BONHOEFFER, a World War II story about pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the post-apocalyptic film HOMESTEAD.

Taking on the musical genre, the animated film DAVID will take on the poet and biblical king. Jared Geesey says, “We are excited about Angel’s upcoming slate of films for 2024 and 2025 and look forward to pushing audiences to fully immerse themselves in powerful stories at movies theatres.”

Lionsgate opens with a look at their biggest films in 2023 and a tease of what is coming in 2024. First up is the announcement by chair of Lionsgate Adam Fogelson of the re-teaming up with Jason Blum of Blumhouse and producer Roy Lee for the development of a new THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT. The first Blair Witch film was released in 1999 taking in over $248 million and is one of Las Vegas’s most popular escape room experiences.

Fogelson says, “I have been incredibly fortunate to work with Jason many times over the years. We forged a strong relationship on THE PURGE when I was at Universal, and we launched STX with his film THE GIFT. There is no one better at this genre than the team at Blumhouse.”

Henry Cavill sets the audience in a flutter to talk and get a peek at director Guy Ritchie’s upcoming film IN THE GREY starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Rosamund Pike and Eiza Gonzalez. Cavill explains, “Guy has created a wonderful environment on set. It’s creative freedom. People often stand up on stages like this and say ‘it’s like a family’. To a degree it is but not necessarily the family you want to keep hanging out with but with Guy’s sets it really is.” Well, most of us can relate to the ‘want to keep hanging out with’ part.

The dashing Cavill also had something to say about the upcoming film HIGHLANDER (which he is perfect for if anyone were to ask me), “If you thought you had seen me do sword work before, you haven’t seen anything”. On a tease I say – prove it Cavill, prove it!

The next film is one that I’m truly spine tingled about (and not in a good way necessarily). THE STRANGERS, Chapter 1, is coming to theatres in May but it is only the first part of a three-part series. The fascinating part will be in learning the origin of it all and with three-parts, its going to be a long frightening road.

BORDERLANDS with writer/director Eli Roth has its turn on the stage. The film stars Jack Black, Ariana Greenblatt, Cate Blanchett, Gina Gershon, Kevin Hart and Jamie Lee Curtis. The story is a band of misfit ‘heroes’ who take on aliens and bad guys with the fate of the world in the balance.  After expressing his surprise that Blanchett agreed to be in the movie, Roth says, “Making movies is a faith-based system. You have a vision in your head and hope it works out. This one does.”

Bill Skarsgard has taken a lot of flak for the upcoming film THE CROW. Continually trying to assure fans it stands on its own, it is time to give it a look-see. Halle Berry takes on NEVER LET GO directed by Alexandre Aja, with a story of evil spirits and a family that must confront them. Berry says she is a, “bonafide adrenaline junky and the bigger the coaster, the higher the bungee jump. As a child, THE SHINING was one of my favorites.”

Director/writer Aziz Ansari has put together GOOD FORTUNE with Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen and Keke Palmer. Taking the presentation by storm, Ansari says “I really wanted to make a comedy and I really wanted it to be in theatres.”

Other films coming are THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, Mark Wahlberg in FLIGHT RISK directed by Mel Gibson, THE KILLER’S GAME with Dave Bautista and GOTG co-star Pom Klementieff, and Ben Kingsley, SHADOW FORCE with Kerry Washington and Mark Strong, BALLERINA with Ana De Armas, the biopic MICHAEL, and in development are HIGHLANDER, NARUTO, NOW YOU SEE ME 3 and MONOPOLY.

Finally, to round out the third day of presentations is Universal Pictures and Focus Features beginning with Jim Orr, Universal President of Theatrical Distribution who has a right to be proud. The two highest grossing from Universal (and two of my favorite) were THE SUPER MARIO BROS. and OPPENHEIMER. Nolan offers up his thanks to theatre owners via screen but still cool. BRIDGET JONES: Mad About the Boy is going to take hearts on Valentines Day in 2025 with the biopic MICHAEL to follow weeks after.

Chris Meledandri, the coolest Founder and most awesome CEO of Illumination (do you hear Minions singing Illuuuummminnnaaatiiiion? Because I do!) gets to talk about DESPICABLE ME 4. Pharrell is also back to do the songs and perform and that makes up all happy! The film is to cause fireworks in July! Meledandri also talked about the next Mario Bros. installment in 2026. I know one particular grandkid who is going to go nuts when I tell her.

Everyone ready for a big of cow? Lee Isaac Chung says, “Jumping to a big blockbuster film was the scariest jump in my life – like dealing with a twister”. That’s because Chung is taking the wind on with the upcoming TWISTERS. The film stars Glen Powell, social media junkie, and Daisy Edgar-Jones storm-chaser, make there way through twisters in Oklahoma.

If you want something more frightening, try Universal and Blumhouse’s WOLFMAN, or director James Watkins trailer for SPEAK NO EVIL with the amazing James McAvoy. He is one actor that can do both good characters and not so good characters exceedingly well – right Patricia?

Chairman Peter Kujawski from Focus Features talks BACK TO BLACK, the story of Amy Winehouse played by Marisa Abela and Austin Butler and Tom Hardy team up in Jeff Nichols film THE BIKERIDERS about the rise of Vandals MC. The film CONCLAVE looks fascinating and not just because it is about Pope’s and Cardinals, but the cast includes Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini. Bill Skarsgard, Nicholas Hoult and Lily-Rose Depp bring the bite back in director Robert Eggers film NOSFERATU. The film also stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Willem Dafoe so sign me up! DreamWorks Animation shows up with a peek at THE WILD ROBOT.

Donna Langley of NBC Universal gets to talk about WICKED. Jeff Goldblum arrives to share his feelings with the audience, “I have never been a part of this particular flavor of magic that is this movie. Or should I say movies. We shot two.” Director Jon M. Chu says of the film that, “it imprinted on me permanently.” The cast is a powerhouse with Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Peter Dinklage, and so many more. To end it in a grand way (no pun intended), is a sneak peek of what is coming this December.

What a powerful day and with one more to go, who knows what else awaits! Paramount Pictures will start the final day of CinemaCon 2024, the Filmmaker Lunch will honor Jon M. Chu with the Cultural Impact in Filmmaking Award and the final presentations with The Walt Disney Studios. CinemaCon comes to a close with the Big Screen Achievement Awards.