In early February, A24 and Apple’s joint production of the documentary “Boys State” opened at the Sundance Film Festival. The response was overwhelming. Hailed as one of the best documentaries, and features for that matter, at the festival, “Boys State” found directors Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine — who previously collaborated on “The Overnighters,” a film we called one of the Best Documentaries of the last decade — winning the Grand Jury Prize for Documentary at the year’s first big film fest.

Continue reading ‘Boys State’ Trailer: Sundance 2020 Doc Winner Showcases Texas Teens Who Build A Mock Government at The Playlist.

Following their relative critical success with “Damsel,” the screenwriting-directing duo of brothers David and Nathan Zellner have set their sights on a new project with a cast full of familiar names. The Zellners will be directing and producing “Alpha Gang” after David Zellner wrote the script for the upcoming sci-fi comedy, slated to begin filming in 2021.

READ MORE: ‘Nancy’ Proves Andrea Riseborough Is One Of The Greatest Actors Working Today [Review]

“Alpha Gang” follows a group of aliens who develop emotions while attempting to conquer Earth.

Continue reading “Alpha Gang” Set for Cannes Market Starring Andrea Riseborough, Jon Hamm, Nicholas Hoult, and Steven Yeun at The Playlist.

As the world waits to see Edgar Wright’s upcoming psychological terror, “The Last Night in Soho”— delayed into spring 2021 thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic—the admired English filmmaker already has a new film on his radar. Wright will be adapting the popular, Amazon book “The Chain,” written by Irish writer Adrian McKinty. With Wright directing and Jane Goldman (“X-Men” and “Kingsmen” series) penning the screenplay, this adaptation of “The Chain” has been acquired by Universal Studios in a big seven-figure deal, with the hope of turning this novel into a cash cow once theaters open again fully over the next couple years. 

Continue reading Edgar Wright To Direct ‘The Chain’ Kidnapping Thriller With Writer Jane Goldman at The Playlist.

Following in the footsteps of fellow European Claire Denis, Polish director Małgorzata Szumowska will release her English-language debut later this year. Szumowska, with 14 other directorial credits to her name, has been hailed consistently since the turn of the century. Winning the Teddy Award at the Berlinale Film Festival for “In the Name of,” Szumowska makes thrilling, intense films, similar to her contemporary in Denis.

Continue reading ‘The Other Lamb’ Trailer: Małgorzata Szumowska’s English-Language Debut Follows A Teenage Cultist at The Playlist.

The ending of “Game of Thrones” left a massive hole in HBO’s programming. Over its run, it became the most popular show for the network giant, but also within television in general. It turned into a cultural phenomenon, and HBO is looking for a show to fill the ‘Thrones’ void.

A few shows have the bandwidth to insert themselves into this space. “Watchmen” and “His Dark Materials” put together interesting first seasons, with the former garnering critical and cultural praise.

Continue reading ‘Westworld’ Season 3 Trailer: HBO’s Biggest Remaining Series Finally Returns Next Month at The Playlist.

It’s always interesting to see which original horror films get sequels. Critical acclaim often fades into the background, as commercial success pushes production companies forward in making these new films. Films that get panned by critics end up having two, three, or four sequels, while individual critical darlings are one-and-done. In this case, “The Boy,” which came out in 2016 and panned universally by critics, looks to be given a second chance in the form of “Brahms: The Boy II.”

READ MORE: 100 Most Anticipated Films Of 2020

Reuniting director William Brent Bell (“The Devil Inside”) with screenwriter Stacey Menear (“The Boy”), “Brahms: The Boy II” will focus again on a creepy doll found by a young child.

Continue reading ‘Brahms: The Boy II’ Trailer: Why Do Kids Keep Becoming Friends With Creepy Dolls? at The Playlist.

Over the last five years, Elle Fanning, only 21, became an independent cinema go-to, a staple that worked with production companies like IFC Films and A24. A popular child actor partially due to the success of “Super 8,” Fanning recently worked on critical indie hits like “20th Century Women” and “Teen Spirit.” 

READ MORE: 100 Most Anticipated Films Of 2020

Fanning
is teaming up with director Brett Haley (“Hearts Beat Loud”) for
her new Netflix film and young adult adaptation “All The Bright Places.”
Production for the film started back in 2014, with Fanning being the first
actor linked to the movie, joined soon by Justice Smith (“Detective
Pikachu”) playing opposite her.

Continue reading ‘All The Bright Places’ Trailer: Elle Fanning Is UltraViolet In New Feelgood YA Netflix Film at The Playlist.

When you look at the filmography of actor Guy Pearce, you see classics like “L.A. Confidential” and “Memento” beside box office and critical duds like “Factory Girl” and “Seeking Justice.” Active since before 1990, Pearce has worked with great directors, impressive co-actors, and played a plethora of roles. Continually, he veers back in the direction of films surrounding law enforcement and the spheres that circle this section of the world. 

Continue reading ‘Disturbing the Peace’ Review: Guy Pearce Marshals This Ruthless, Pointless Western at The Playlist.

Though there might be a surplus of teenage television series in the age of streamable content, one show seems to stand above the rest in terms of fandom and success. Over the last few years, CW’s “Riverdale” amassed a following of ardent fans, thanks to stars and social media trendsetters Cole Sprouse, KJ Apa, Camila Mendes, and Lili Reinhart.To combat the success, streamers have turned to their own supernatural teen dramas, with Netflix original and spin-off “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” taking the stapled place for witches and vampires.

Continue reading ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Part 3’ Trailer: More Witchy Teenage Drama Heats Up at The Playlist.

Nick Kroll represents a certain brand of comedy. His “dude humor” gained him devout fans with his role in “The League” as a lovable yet disgusting fantasy footballer. His friendship with fellow comedian John Mulaney advanced both their careers, working together to perform their Broadway play and Netflix special “Oh, Hello On Broadway,” along with hosting the Independent Spirit Awards.

READ MORE: The 100 Most Anticipated Films Of 2020

Kroll continued showing his comedic prowess by creating, writing, and starring in Netflix’s “Big Mouth,” a show surrounding middle schoolers going through puberty.

Continue reading ‘Olympic Dreams’ Trailer: Nick Kroll Flips The Script By Starring In A Winter Olympic Games-Set Romantic Drama at The Playlist.

Though lacking critical acclaim, Tom Hardy’s take on the Marvel superhero, or supervillain, in “Venom” grew into a massive commercial success, riveting fans of comic books, of Hardy, and of gritty, action movies. In that film, Venom existed in a world without Spider-Man, but a universe that still knew his name and his character. Sony will be expanding this universe in 2020 with a different, yet still dark character study in “Morbius.

Continue reading ‘Morbius’ Trailer: The SpiderVerse Universe Expands With A Vampiric Jared Leto at The Playlist.

Justin Long always looks confused. His characters rarely understand or grasp the significance of their actions and the pending consequences. From playing a student creating in his own college in “Accepted” to portraying a misogynistic coworker Off-Broadway in “Do You Feel Anger,” Long acts best when he’s misguided and unsure. In director Daniel Schechter’s new film “After Class,” Long’s character Josh works best when you don’t know his decision-making process or his thoughts on a certain subject.

Continue reading ‘After Class’: Justin Long Amazes In This Tricky Tale Of Family Drama & Safe Spaces [Review] at The Playlist.

Kelly Reichardt has been in our lives since 1994. Over 25 years later, Reichardt continues to make character studies, films that humanize specific people, and particular relationships. She gives us characters to relate to, honest films that focus on real people and real stories. After indie success in “Certain Women” and slowly growing a cult following, Reichardt’s new film “First Cow” already has a level of critical acclaim before even hitting theaters.

Continue reading ‘First Cow’ Trailer: Kelly Reichardt Continues Her Soulful Storytelling Mission With A24 In The Oregon Territory at The Playlist.

When Fox announced “The New Mutants” more than three years ago, excitement grew. Director Josh Boone of “Stuck in Love” and “The Fault in Our Stars” would be teaming up with famous acting youngsters and TV stars Maisie Williams (“Game of Thrones”) and Charlie Heaton (“Stranger Things”), Anya Taylor-Joy (“The Witch) for a horror-filled superhero-esque thriller.

Continue reading ‘The New Mutants’ Trailer: Fox’s Leftover Marvel Horror Is Finally Coming Of Age at The Playlist.

Amy Adams made the 2010s a decade of outstanding performances, with an emphasis on the films “Arrival” and “The Master,” and even “Sharp Objects” in the realm of television. She showed her ability to transform into any character, morphing into one of Hollywood’s most respected and ambitious actors. Even though her Oscar got lost in the mail, Adams’ star power continues to grow.

Continue reading ‘The Woman In The Window’ Trailer: Amy Adams Hides In A New Mystery Thriller at The Playlist.

The career of Lin-Manuel Miranda deserves to be compared to a rocket, a spaceship, anything that has reached outer space, the moon, and beyond. In his short 39 years of life, Miranda has received three Tony Awards, three Grammy awards, an Emmy award, a Pulitzer Prize, and an Oscar nomination. He provided the music and lyrics for three Broadway productions, including his first real hit “In the Heights.” He has become a star.

Continue reading ‘In the Heights’ Trailer: Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway Hit Gets The Hollywood Treatment at The Playlist.

If you don’t know the name of Jesse Plemons (“The Irishman”, “Game Night”), you certainly have seen his face. Since 2014, Plemons has appeared in 20 films and television series, with another 3-5 appearances expected in 2020 alone. He is what you might call a “working actor.”

Besides the sheer amount of appearances, his filmography includes huge successes in film and television, including movies like “The Irishman” and “The Post,” and TV shows like “Black Mirror” and “Fargo.” He even has worked with directors like Martin Scorsese, Adam McKay, and Steven Spielberg.

Continue reading ‘Antlers’ Trailer: Jesse Plemons & Keri Russell Are Up Against Something Evil In Scott Cooper’s New Thriller at The Playlist.

There’s no denying it. With the release of “Doctor Sleep” and the continued success of “Mr. Mercedes,” author Stephen King continues to insinuate himself into today’s discussion of pop culture. His horror novels still receive praise and fly off the shelves.

READ MORE: The Best TV Shows & Mini-Series’ Of The Decade [the 2010s]

Actor Jason Bateman (“Ozark”) is also having himself a great couple of years.

Continue reading ‘The Outsider’ Trailer: Ben Mendelsohn, Jason Bateman, Stephen King, & More HBO Horrors at The Playlist.

On the surface, there doesn’t seem to be anything new with Destin Daniel Cretton’s “Just Mercy.” It joins a long line of adaptations, particularly within the last decade. It deals with courtroom drama, and all of the racial implications along with the American justice system, especially in the South. It pairs a young actor on the rise, Michael B. Jordan (“Creed,” “Black Panther,” and “Fruitvale Station“), with an older one who has a track record of excellence, Jamie Foxx (“Ray” and “Django Unchained“).

Continue reading ‘Just Mercy’ Trailer: Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx & Brie Larson Plead For Clemency at The Playlist.

Musicians and singers alike commonly cameo in films and television series. They provide a familiar face, a musical note, or needed comedy for some darker plots. In the past, we rarely would see huge musicians of the time have big roles in movies. Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Bruce Springsteen do not have great film careers for example, even if each of them has specials and album recording documentaries to their names.

Continue reading ‘Trolls World Tour’ Trailer: A Sequel With A Logjam Of Musicians For A New Tribe Of Trolls at The Playlist.

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are sludging through interesting points in their careers. Smith, who made his living on lone wolf or dueled action movies like “I Am Legend,” “Men in Black,” “I, Robot,” and more recently “Focus,” has been staying relevant through his Instagram page of more than 39 million followers and his YouTube vlogs.

Continue reading ‘Bad Boys For Life’ Trailer: Will Smith & Martin Lawrence Attempt To Revive Their Action Franchise at The Playlist.

When we hear the phrase “Whodunnit,” we think of old mystery novels and plays. We think of the great Agatha Christie and one of her several masterpieces in the genre bringing us to the edge of our seats simply through a well-crafted guessing-game. It’s a genre oft-ignored and rarely attempted, as if all the best mysteries have already been written. Few would be up to the task, and writer-director Rian Johnson (“Brick,” “Looper,” “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”) is swinging for the fences with his own family mystery in “Knives Out.”

READ MORE: ‘Knives Out’: Rian Johnson Crafts A Terrific, Ingenious Whodunnit About American Rot [TIFF Review]

Though Johnson reached mass audiences by directing “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” he’s been making critically-praised movies since he started out nearly 15 years ago.

Continue reading ‘Knives Out’ Final Trailer: Rian Johnson’s Witty Whodunnit Inches Closer To Mystifying Audiences at The Playlist.