CinemaCon Finishes the Last Day with Paramount Pictures and Disney Offerings

Jeri Jacquin

The final day is here in what has been a four-day movie lovers dream of what is to come in theatres, what studios are celebrating and some pretty cool stars to show us the way. The morning begins with Paramount Pictures and gladiators making absolutely sure we know what is coming.

One of the films I am so looking forward, as writer/director John Krasinski shows up on the big screen to introduce it, is the movie IF. Starring Ryan Reynolds and Cailey Fleming, the story of imaginary friends is one we are all going to relate to as adults and thrilled to share with the kids. President and CEO of Paramount Brian Robbins announces they have deals with Krasinski and Reynolds and I think that’s a smart move!

Scarlett Johansson makes her on screen appearance to talk about the film TRANSFORMERS ONE. This is an origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron based on Cybertron that is the home of both Autobots and Decepticons. She welcomes Chris Hemsworth as Optimus Prime and Brian Tyree Henry as Megatron to the group. The film is directed by Josh Cooley.

A new Smurfs Movie is coming with James Corden, Nick Offerman, Amy Sedaris, Sandra Oh and Kurt Russell. The lovely Rihanna is providing the songs for the film which should be a lot of fun. There is more Airbender news as there will be a trilogy starting with Aang: The Last Airbender. SpongeBob and the gang are back with (a very long title) The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants with Clancy Brown and Brian Doyle-Murray.  

A QUIET PLACE: Day One is the third in In John Krasinski’s vision, along with writer/director Michael Sarnoski and Bryan Woods, of the world invaded by creatures. Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn bring in a new trailer in this telling of what happened on the very first day when the world went quiet. The tag line of Hear How It All Began is very smart.

One of my family’s favorite video games is Sonic the Hedgehog, so you can imagine our thrill when in 2020, a film of the same name was released and we got to see our blue hero come to life and take on Dr. Robotnik. Two years later, Sonic is back with new friends Knuckles and Tails to once again take on the bad doctor. It is no surprise that SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 is wrapped and ready! If you’re looking for something a big more, well, frightening, then SMILE 2 should bright up the day. Director Parker Finn has taken it on and we can all be smiling, or not, in October.  

Ridley Scott joins the audience from the big (and I mean big) screen to introduce footage to GLADIATOR II. The film tells the story of Lucius, played by Paul Mescal, and his life after the death of Maximus. The film also stars Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen just to name a few. It’s going to be absolutely epic.

In development and news at Paramount is a Star Trek origins film, Edgar Wright is working on THE RUNNING MAN with Glen Powell (who seems to be everywhere), the inevitable is here with a GI JOE and TRANSFORMERS crossover, the LAST RONIN, a musical coming from the South Park and Book of Mormon team (oh lawd help us all!), and another SCARY MOVIE film. Also, one of my all-time favorite films by Christopher Nolan is the 10-year anniversary release of INTERSTELLAR. The release will have both 70mm and IMAX releases and I’m going to see them both!

The final presentation comes from the Disney Studio with a cheerful and informative reminder about cell phone (okay so it wasn’t so cheerful and informative is subjective) from Deadpool & Wolverine. To talk about what the studios of Disney, Walt Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, Searchlight and 20^th Century Studios are offering up is Alan Bergman, Co-Chair of Disney Entertainment.

In development are more of the AVATAR, AVENGERS, STAR WARS, TOY STORY and FROZEN franchises. To give audiences a peek that include a bunch of apes, as KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES will be released this year in IMAX. Jerry Bruckheimer is the producer of Daisy Ridley’s next film YOUNG WOMAN AND THE SEA which is the tale of Trudy Ederle who swam across the English Channel. INSIDE OUT 2 gives the audience exactly what it wants, Amy Poehler referring to CinemaCon as “the coolest of all the Cons” and a look at the film.

Representing Marvel Studios is Kevin Feige who brings the slate of films to come, Florence Pugh “screen times” from the THUNDERBOLTS set, and Anthony Mackie brings a bit of CAPTAIN AMERICA: Brave New World. Writer/director Shawn Levy promises a “spoilerish-free” look at DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE. The next in the line of alien’s films is ALIEN: Romulus and a message from Fede Alvarez. The story is a group of space colonizers scavenge in the wrong place, well, we know what’s going to happen.

From Searchlight, writer/director Jesse Eisenberg is a film about cousins who tour Poland is the film A REAL PAIN. When a career woman decides to stay home, it turns into the film NIGHTBITCH starring Amy Adams. Finally, from Searchlight, Emma Stone, Jesse Plemmons and Willem Dafoe star in KINDS OF KINDNESS. Twentieth Century Studios brings THE AMATEUR starring Rami Malek in the action thriller.

Disney brings a beloved story deeper into the telling as director Barry Jenkins talks about MUFASA: The Lion King. Now that Simba is the king of the Pride Lands, he wants to make sure his son knows the way to lead learning about Mufasa’s journey.

Who better to introduce MOANA 2 than Maui himself, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. He believes that the film is “so much deeper than a movie to me”. He is also given the NATO Spirit of the Industry Award for “his commitment to the theatrical experience”. Mitch Neuhauser says of Johnson, “No one exemplifies a commitment to the theatrical experience more than Dwayne Johnson. He has attended CinemaCon more than any other creative person, which speaks volumes when it comes to his support of the global exhibition community, and we are thrilled he is here today to accept the Spirit of the Industry Award.”

To end this year’s CinemaCon event is the 2024 BIG SCREEN ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS with Kevin Frazier hosting. This year’s winners are:

STAR OF THE YEAR

Lupita Nyong’o

CINEMACON VANGUARD AWARD

Amy Poehler

DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

Shawn Levy

BREAKTHROUGH PPERFORMER OF THE YEAR

Joseph Quinn

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE IN ACTING

Dan Stevens

RISING STAR OF 2024

Ariana Greenblatt

VIOLA DAVIS TRAILBLAZER AWARD

Geena Davis

CINEMA ICON AWARD

Dennis Quaid

 

Congratulations and well-deserved to all and see you next year at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas!

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.

CinemaCon 2024 Day Two Brings Stars and Upcoming Titles

Jeri Jacquin

It is day two at CinemaCon 2024 and its full steam ahead. The Trade Show will be opening soon but it’s off to the Colosseum for Crunchyroll and the Warner Bros. Pictures presentations.  

The most amazing celebration is that of Godzilla’s 70^th Anniversary with Hiro Matsuoka. He says of GODZILLA MINUS ONE, “It was a surprise on many levels. With featured talent that was widely unknown and a story that is specific to the Japanese people, the community that has grown with Toho over the decades recognized that.” He expresses his gratitude that Godzilla is world wide and acknowledges movie theater owners.

Charlie Rivkin, MPA’s CEO and Chairman spoke about the State of the Industry. He begins with, “Preserving the magic of movies is what motivates me to lead the MPA every day and attend CinemaCon with you each spring. We are in the business of creating experiences: Experiences that enrich, engage, and entertain. Experiences that grow out of the extraordinary ideas of our creative workforce. Experiences that bring audiences together to feel a sense of wonder, community and belonging.”

He discusses the challenges after making a steady recovery and the volatility of the industry. Focusing on two pillars: “Protecting content and the people who produce it. By doing so, ensuring the creative forces of the industry can reach even bigger audiences.” Next to speak is Chris Johnson, CEO of Classic Cinemas, who says he loves coming to CinemaCon “for the community and the spectacular presentations because it reinforces what an incredibly impactful industry that we are all so lucky to be part of.”

Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of NATO who describes his presence with, “We are a young organization with a young history and a bright future”. What I absolutely agree with was O’Leary’s statement that films need “to shift to a 52-week movie calendar and not just traditional ‘busy times’”. That would be amazing to see consistency in movie released so that going to the movies several times a month would be awesome.

For the first time ever, Mitchel Berger, VP of Global Commerce, makes it clear that anime has an audience. “Maybe you don’t know how young and diverse Anime fans are but a billion fans worldwide will help you out!”. Crunchyroll brings an announcement that they have acquired three new anime films ready for release. HAIKYU!! The Dumpster Battle, BLUE LOCK THE MOVIE – EPISODE NAGI, and OVERLORD: The Sacred Kingdom. If that isn’t enough, the first minutes of SPY x FAMILY CODE: White are shown as it comes to theatres April 19th.

HAIKY!! The Dumpster Battle gives audiences Shoyo Hinata who has joined Karasuno High’s volleyball club because he wants to be like the former player known as “Little Giant”. It isn’t going to be easy as Tobio Kageyama is someone Shoyo doesn’t see eye to eye with. They are going to have to find a way to work together if they are to beat the rival Nekoma High in the “Dumpster Battle”.

BLUE LOCK THE MOVIE – EPISODE NAGI Nagi Seishiro lives by the phrase “that’s a hassle” with a life that doesn’t seem to be doing much. Mikage Reo dreams of winning the World Cup and sees what Nagi is capable of. When he receives an invitation from the Blue Lock Project, it can change everything for them both.

OVERLORD: The Sacred Kingdom tells the story of Momonga, a 12-year-old who loves playing MMORPG. Logging in to play the game, he is taken away to game world and his avatar becomes Sorcerer King Ains Ooal Gown. Peace surrounds the Sacred Kingdom until Demon Emperor Jaldabaoth and his demi-humans. The Slane Theocracy asks the Sorcerer Kingdom for help but will they heed the call?

Next up is Warner Bros. Pictures and coming onto the stage is Jeff Goldstein and Andrew Cripps totally Beetlejuice’d! Of course, with their sizzle reel, BARBIE, THE COLOR PURPLE, WONKA, THE MEG 2 and THE NUN  2 are shown as their highly successful 2023 films. On the horizon are the highly anticipated films like JOKER 2, BEETLEJUICE2 and FURIOSA: A Mad Max Saga plus more.  

George Miller, along with Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth, take the stage as George explains, “In order to tell the story in Mad Max, we had to know where every vehicle, prop and character came from. We wrote the back stories for everyone. When FURY ROAD had enough traction, we had to go into FURIOSA and here we are.” Of course there was a sneak peek of the film as well.

A familiar last name has brought something interesting to the stage, Ishana Night Shyamalan brings a look at her new film starring Dakota Fanning, THE WATCHERS. James Gunn sends greetings and thanks from the set of SUPERMAN. SUPER/MAN: The Christopher Reeve Story is a documentary on the life of the astounding and never forgotten Christopher Reeves.

Kevin Costner (yes, insert heavy heart sigh here), talks about HORIZON: An American Saga by saying “There’s things that speak out loud to you. I love the experience of, in the dark, looking up. There was a promise out here, in America, if you could go, if you were tough enough, mean enough, lucky enough, you could take what you wanted in America.” HORIZON will be made in four parts and an exclusive sneak peek is always exciting. Costner also received the CinemaCon Visionary Award which, to my way of thinking, is absolutely well deserved!

Bong Joon-ho brings MICKEY 17 (changed from Mickey 7 because, as he said, “I kill him ten times more”) and Robert Pattinson explains, “I have been the biggest fan on Bong for many, many years. I got send the script and was told that I was going to love it but the part would be impossible”. The film also stars Toni Collette, Steven Yeun and Mark Ruffalo.

Another in the Shyamalan family brings an offering to CinemaCon, M. Night brings a look to his upcoming film TRAP. Anything he does is going to be good as far as I’m concerned (I did grimace at THE HAPPENING but let’s not talk about that shall we?) so I am looking forward to seeing this film absolutely.

Okay, like a dead bad guy in a rotten bug candy story, its BEETLEJUICE, BEETLEJUICE, BEETLE…I’m going to stop here. Michael Keaton, Catherine O’Hara, Willem Dafoe, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci and the man himself, Tim Burton have so much to share. Keaton, this family’s personal favsies, says “Over the years we would kick the notion around. We would go ‘what do you think?’, and then it just got right. The timing and the script was a very difficult thing to write so I just follow his [Burton’s} lead.” A gruesome peek is everything!

Director Todd Phillips brings JOKER: Folie a Deux and talks about the cast including how Phoenix and Phillips talked about a part 2 quietly between them and that casting Lady Gaga “because she’s magic”.  Jack Black makes a screen working on the MINECRAFT movie to introduce what else is coming in 2025. FLOWERVALE STREET with Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor and Ryan Coogler with the next FINAL DESTINATION movie in the franchise.

That’s what day two at CinemaCon and all the excitement is coming to a theater near you soon. The rest of 2024 is gearing up to be such an awesome time for families and friends of action, adventure, comedy, thrills and anime. The surprises aren’t over so keep reading because there are two days left of presentations and I have a sneaking suspicion that they are going to be just as awesome.

CinemaCon 2024 Brings Four Days of Excellence

Returning to Caesars Palace in Las Vegas is NATO, the National Association of Theater Owners, who come to see what is going to excite movie goers. The studios bring their upcoming and slated films for theater owners (and welcomed press), as well as what is coming in technology and in concessions of the trade show floor. 

The stage brings Walter Hickey, Pulitzer Prize-winning Author who takes on the subject of the "science of exactly what goes on when people go to the cinema, and how movies have a significant and measurable effect on people who watch them". I'm sure all movie-goers, at one time or another, have had significant effects by a movie they have seen. To this day I can admit I have watched NOW VOYAGER, IMITATION OF LIFE, up to and including ARRIVAL AND interstellar OVER 100 TIMES. Why? Because the stories move and have continually moved me.  

Michael O'Leary, President & CEO of NATO, is the moderator of a panel with rock Bagby, President of B&B Theaters, Lisa Bunnell, President, Distribution, Focus Features, Elissa Federoff, President, Distribution, NEON and Rebecca Stein, VP, National Amusements. The discussion is the success of such films as ANATOMY OF A FALL, GODZILLA MINUS ONE and THE HOLDOVERS that are considered mid-budget films. The interest is allowing such films to have theater screenings as well and work together  to make that happen.

Starting of the week with a bang, Universal Pictures screens THE FALL GUY. The film stars Ryan Gosling as a stuntman who is brought back into it all after an accident because the ex, Emily Blunt, is missing! The film is inspired by The Fall Guy, a 1980's television series that starred Lee Majors, Heather Thomas and Douglas Barr. 

Other important happenings is the Big Screen Achievement Awards to be held on Thursday night at the Colosseum in Caesars Palace sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company. Lupita Nyong'o is to receive the CinemaCon Star of the Year Award. Mitch Neuhauser says of the actress, "In just over ten years, Lupita Nyong'o has established herself as one of the most talented and respected actors of our tie. From her Oscar winning role in 12 YEARS A SLAVE to her most chilling and determined performance in US, she never fails to surprise, captivate, and engrossing us with each new role she undertakes. Lupita Nyong'o is recognized around the world for being a star of the highest magnitude, and CinemaCon and the global exhibition community are honored to recognize her as its 2024 Star of the year". Nyong'o will next be seen this summer in A QUIET PLACE: Day One.

Director of the Year Award will be going to filmmaker Shawn Levy. Again, Neuhauser says of the filmmaker, "Throughout his impressive career, Shawn Levy never fails to give audiences what they want, the most entertaining, enjoyable and crowd pleasing films imaginable. As one of our most talented and leading filmmakers working today, we can't wait to see what he brings to our theaters this summer with the eagerly anticipated DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE." This is definitely one I am lookin forward to seeing myself as Deadpool happens to be my hero - in a weird, twisted and a bit psychotic way. George Miller will be receiving the CinemaCon International Career Achievement in Filmmaking Award. His film FURIOSA: A Mad Max Saga will be hitting theaters soon but Miller made his directorial debut co-writing MAD MAX where we all got our first look at Mel Gibson. Neuhauser says of Miller, "He is an archetype storyteller, transforming the imaginations of moviegoers worldwide for, forever altering the cinematic landscape. His Filmmaking serves as a testament to his enduring impact and inspiration." CinemaCon will also honor Jon M. Chu for "Representing voices ad perspectives" in his filmmaking. He is the director of Universal Pictures upcoming film WICKED.  

It should come as no surprise that the CinemaCon Vanguard Award would go to one of the most critically acclaimed funny ladies of our time. "Amy Poehler, in a most distinguished career, has been entertaining people on the big screen for over 20 years. She is one of the most versatile, recognizable, and talented performers of our generation who simply brings joy, happiness, and a smile to our faces in each new role". Of course Joy brought us joy in 2015 with the film INSIDE OUT which I saw at CinemaCon so you can imagine me and m families excitement at Poehler's return with more Joy in INSIDE OUT 2.

Receiving the CinemaCon Breakthrough Performer of the Year Award will be goin to Joseph Quinn who will be seen on the screen soon with his roles in A QUIET PLACE: Day One and the highly anticipated GLADIATOR 2. "With two major tentpoles on the horizon in 2024, " says Neuhauser, "Joseph Quinn's star is more on the rise than anyone could have anticipated and is set to become one of THE FANTASTIC FOUR. The 2024 breakthrough Performer of the Year award is a most timely and well deserved accolade". Ariana Greenblatt is to receive CinemaCon's Rising Star of 2024 Award. "To say that her star is on the rise is a true understatement. Next up is the eagerly anticipated BORDERLANDS that will undoubtedly continue this young star's trajectory towards stardom", says Neuhauser.

This next award goes to an actor who I certainly adored in his role as Matthew in the hit series Downton Abbey, but he has moved on to bigger things, literally. Dan Stevens is to receive the CinemaCon Award of Excellence in Acting,. This year alone his upcoming films GODZILLA x KONG: The New Empire, and the horror films ABIGAIL and CUCKOO (Which I am down for!). Neuhauser says, "Each will showcase Dan's talents to a wide range of moviegoers, further enhancing his status as one of our most talented actors working today. We are honored to recognize his achievements with the CinemaCon Award of Excellence in Acting." Is it okay to say I still adore him as Matthew?

Actor Dennis Quaid would receive the Cinema Icon Award at CinemaCon this year. "From compelling dramas to exhilarating thrillers, Denis Quaid's remarkable career is a testament to his talent and versatility as an actor. His ability to embody diverse characters has captivated audiences for decades with his dedication to crating authentic portrayals. He is truly a Hollywood icon," says Neuhauser and you will get no argument from me. He truly is an amazing actor that has made us laugh, cry, think and jaw drop at some of his performances. One of my all-time favorites is the 2000 film FREQUENCY which also stars Jim Caviezel. If that film doesn't thrill, try the 1987 film SUSPECT which is where I first experienced Quaid. 

Actress Geena Davis is no stranger to CinemaCon and this year she will receive the VIOLA DAVIS TRAILLAZER AWARD. "Geena Davis exemplified the true essence of a trailblazer in Hollywood for not only her remarkable film career, but also in her tireless advocacy championing underrepresented voices in film and other forms of media." Davis is the Founder and Chair for the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media.

As always, CinemaCon brings it all and holds nothing back in the way of entertainment information and there is nothing wrong with it being just so much fun as well. Tomorrow begins with the State of the Industry address, Sony Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures and all of it to kick off a celebration of summer in 2024~

What is the MONOLITH?

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from director Matt Vesely and Well Go USA is the mystery behind the MONOLITH.

An Interviewer (Lily Sullivan) is a journalist who is currently dealing with issues that might get her fired. Alone in her parent’s home, she decides to start a podcast about the mysteries of the world. One story she finds out about is that a woman named Floramae (Ling Cooper Tang) tells her a strange story about a brick that changed her life. Upset that her black brick was sold without her permission, it leads to Klaus (Terence Crawford).

Klaus tells her almost the same story except he admits that he collects the black bricks. He also tells her the story of how the brick and the death of his brother feel related. After putting these two interviews together, she posts her podcast and it blows up with more and more people letting her know that they too have had strange things happen.

Then a knock at the door leads her to believe that Klaus is messing with her. Her partner Scott (Matt Crook) is worried about what is now happening to her and coming to terms with what she learns from her father. Trying to find out all she can, it becomes clear that all the warnings from people she has interviewed is about to come to pass and nothing can stop it.  

Sullivan carries this film from start to finish without batting an eye. That is difficult enough to do with a small cast but being totally by one’s self on the screen leading us into the story until its conclusion is awesome. That’s what Sullivan does here, she starts out trying to figure out where she is going to go with a podcast and instantly strikes gold – or a black brick actually. Then, she guides us slowly but surely through till its frightening end and I’m all for it.

Other cast include Ansuya Nathan as Paula, Rashidi Edward as John, Erik Thomson as Dad, Kate Box as Laura, Brigid Zengeni as Shiloh, Belle Kalendra-Harding and Damon Herriman.

Well Go USA Entertainment is a theatrical and home entertainment company specializing in bringing the best Action, Genre and Independent films from around the world to North American markets. As a leader in independent film distribution, Well Go USA Entertainment’s titles can be seen across a variety of platforms including theatrical, digital, subscription and cable VOD, packaged media and broadcast television. Well Go USA Entertainment currently releases three to five films per month. To see more please visit www.wellgousa.com.

Bonus Features include Writer, Producer and Director Audio Commentary, Behind the Scenes and Trailer.

Actress Lily Sullivan said in an interview that playing The Interviewer as a “challenge of a lifetime” and believed the roll was “terrifying…I ended up approaching it like theatre, almost, I’ve never been more aware of my voice”.

Nominated for Best Film at the FrightFest Awards and Sullivan won Best Actress, nominated fir a film prize at the CinefestOZ, nominated for the New Visions Award at Sitge Film Festival, Benjamin Speed was nominated for Best Original Song at the 2023 Screen Music Awards, Best Direction in a Debut Feature Film for director Vesely at the ADG Awards and nominated for Best Indie Film at the AACTA Awards.

MONOLITH is the kind of story that is just so darn satisfying to watch. It is original, and sweeping without special effects (okay, maybe one), without fanfare or car chases. I so applaud films that can do all of that while keeping my attention focused on everything that is said during the film. Sullivan is the storyteller and kept me looking and listening because I wanted to know everything she wanted to know.

Portraying the Interviewer, we are constantly reminded to just listen and that’s the price we pay for going on this ride. It is all about what we hear, what we see and how much of it we actually comprehend that leads us to the end – with answers? That’s for the viewer to decide.

In the end – all you have to do is listen!

NIGHT SWIM Laps onto Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from writer/director Bryce McGuire and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the horror in the darkness of the water with NIGHT SWIM.

The Waller family have just found their forever home with big rooms, wide spaces and a back yard swimming pool. Husband Ray (Wyatt Russell), wife Eve (Kerry Condon), daughter Izzy (Amelie Hoeferle) and young son Elliott (Gavin Warren) can’t wait to settle in. Ray is looking forward to cleaning out the pool to help with his illness that has kept him from his baseball career.

Having it inspected, they discover that they don’t need to do anything to it because the water comes from an underground spring. Spending a lot of time in the pool, Ray begins to feel better but Eve sees a change in him. What she doesn’t know is that Izzy and Elliot each have experienced something frightening in the pool. During a party with friends, the realtor that sold them the house talks about a young girl named Rebecca that had an accident in the pool.

Eve investigates the house and discovers that this isn’t the first event that has happened surrounding the pool. Finding the young Rebecca’s mother, Eve is shocked by what she learns. Experiencing the horror for herself, Elliot becomes trapped in the pool and a spirit helps Eve get to safety. Now Ray is out of control and they are all in danger because of the evil that lives in the water.

Yet, there is only one way to stop it, one way only.

Condon as Eve is thrilled with the new house and being able to stay in one place for a while. Getting the house in order, she is happy to see that Ray is using the pool and that the kids are having a good time. But when Ray starts to change, that’s when she discovers the fear, they are all experiencing. Condon gives us the strong mama bear but after seeing her role from the film IN THE LAND OF SAINTS AND SINNER, it is not hard to see her once again taking a strong female role.

Russell as husband Ray is dealing with the life changing illness and doing what ever he can to lighten the load for wife Eve. The pool starts out as a way to deal with the illness but when the pool works its magic it is not for the good. Russell slowly changes from an uncertain person to one that has no control. It is all subtle but when it happens, Russell gives it plenty of crazy.

Hoeferle as Izzy is a teen that is doing teen things, except she discovers first what trouble their new home is going to bring. Warren as Elliot is also enjoying the pool and spending a lot of time in the waters until he learns what the waters are capable of.

Other cast include Jodi Long as Lucy Summers, Nancy Lenehan as Kay, Eddie Martinez as Coach E, Elijah J. Roberts as Ronin, Ellie Araiza as Angel and Rahnuma Panthaky as Dr. Sridhar.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience and re-experience in our own home theaters. There are films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

All New Bonus Features include Masters of Fear, Demons From the Depths, Into the Deep and more!

NIGHT SWIM has given us all a reason to now stay out of our swimming pools as sharks did going into the ocean. The Waller family learned quickly how to freak us all out and will probably keep up away from pools parties for the summer. That’s what a good spooky movie will do, check us about the weirdest fears in the most common of places.

This is one of those huge tub-of-popcorn, cuddle up on the sofa with the lights out kind of movie for the whole family to jump and scream from. I have to admit it is fun for my family, we pretty much all have been raised on these kinds of films and are thrilled when a film like NIGHT SWIM will be played again and again for so many fun scary nights to come.

Break out the pool floaties because you may just need them.

In the end – everything you fear is under the surface!

He is MONKEY MAN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Dev Patel, Monkeypaw Productions and Universal Pictures is the story of standing up against evil with MONKEY MAN.

Kid (Dev Patel) is a man who makes a living out of illegal fights run by Tiger (Sharlto Copley). Hiding his face, he uses a monkey mask using the fighter-name of Monkey Man. Long ago, his mother Neela (Adithi Kalkunte) told him of the legend of Hanuman.

What he wants more than anything, is to find those responsible for his childhood flashbacks. Corrupt individuals in the country are using the country to squeeze land from the poor. Rana Singh (Sikandar Kher), the chief of police in Yatana and a world-wide guru Baba Shakti (Makarand Deshpande) and the two biggest corruptors with their high life living through drugs and using women.

Following Queenie (Ashwini Kalsekar), the Kid sets up a way to get a job in the kitchen but works his way up to the penthouse exclusive club where he sees the beautiful Sita (Sobhita Dhulipala). Quickly he rises up into the VIP tower where Rana is a regular and makes his move. Unfortunately, the chase is on as all law enforcement go after the Kid.

Wounded and in the river, he is found by Alpha (Vipin Sharma) and a whole new world opens up to him. Becoming stronger, he takes on the task of saving those the rich and corrupt don’t see and continually hurt. They don’t seem him coming!

Patel as Kid is a man with a truck load of demons that he cannot seem to shake. Feeling the need to get vengeance, he is willing to put himself in harm’s way to find the man responsible. That being said, this character is also quick and knows how to get around. Patel gives his character a quiet nature as he spends more time observing those he wants to bring down. His fighting skills are pretty creative as well.

Kher as Rana is a man who doesn’t care about those he hurts and doesn’t feel the pinch of being held accountable. He is devoted to Baba Shakti but also enjoys the benefits of such devotion in the cruelest ways. Deshpande as Shakti is trying to convince the world that he knows the right path if they only follow him. He also knows that someone is trying to ruin everything and that has him on edge.

Sharma as Alpha is a gentle person who understands what the Kid is going through. Wanting to help, the group helps the Kid not only heal, but understand a new way of looking at things. When it comes time to take on Rana, Alpha and his people don’t mind helping in the slightest.

Copley as Tiger runs the fighting ring and doesn’t know yet what Monkey Man is capable of. It’s nice to see Copley again because he does so make an awesome bad guy. Kalkunte as Neela is a story within a story and explains why the Kid has issues. Kalsekar as Queenie is running things from the basement and she runs a tight ship.

Other cast include Pitobash as Alphonso, Zakir Hussain as Tabla Maestro, and Jatin Malik as the young kid.

Seems Patel decided to create his own world by not only writing, directing and starring in MONKEY MAN, but also added screenplay and producing at well. Patel says, “I think the action genre has sometimes been abused by the system. I wanted to give it real soul, real trauma, real pain and I wanted to infuse it with a little bit of culture.”

Let’s get to it, yes, there are several movie resemblances here from JOHN WICK, ROCKY, TAKEN (with a certain set of skills) and DUNE just to name a few. There is certainly nothing wrong with it because what Patel does is tell his story all the way through. You will figure it all out for yourself and enjoy it all the same. From start to finish this is a film that revves a person up, then lets us take a break and then revves us up again.

It is a two-hour ride that is going to make Patel the new world-wide action hero. Bringing in his own culture is actually quite beautiful as the stories reach a world-wide audience allowing them to understand the culture. The cinematography is equally as stunning whether it is the flashbacks or the constant action, both will keep your attention.

Let’s not forget the fight sequences which are insanely good with a few surprises here and there. From the ring to the streets and up to the VIP club, the action is swift, intense and does not leave anything to chance or the imagination. Well done!

Gather up the action-hero gang for a thrill ride that is courtesy of MONKEY MAN.

In the end – one small ember can burn down everything!