Last summer, Maria Bamford joined the throng of must-binge Netflix shows with “Lady Dynamite.” The comedy, loosely based on her own life, was an instant hit, moving beyond diehard fans and capturing a larger audience. Now Bamford is back for a whole new round of episodes, of everything is turning upside down (yep, just like on “Stranger Things“).

This new season sees Maria embarking on her greatest adventure ever — love.

Continue reading ‘Lady Dynamite’ Season 2 Trailer: Maria Bamford’s World Goes Upside Down at The Playlist.

The book that will someday be written detailing the evolution of the cinematic head-stomp will be divided, rather like the most unfortunate victim of “Bone Tomahawk,” into two halves: before S. Craig Zahler‘s ‘Tomahawk’ follow-up, “Brawl in Cell Block 99,” and after. And by rights it deserves to be a similar marker in the career of star Vince Vaughn, who plays protagonist Bradley — occasional stompee, but more often stomper of said heads.

Continue reading ‘Brawl In Cell Block 99’ Is A Bloody, Meaty, Gruesome Blast [Venice Review] at The Playlist.

“Twin Peaks” is providing plenty of summer weirdness on the small screen, but if you’re looking for something oddball at the cinema, put “Lemon” on your list. The new comedy from director Janicza Bravo premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and now the distinct flavor is gearing up to get out in the world.

READ MORE: Sour ‘Lemon’ With Brett Gelman, Michael Cera, Judy Greer & Gillian Jacobs Is Heavy On The Quirk, But Little Else [Rotterdam Review]

The ensemble includes Brett Gelman (who co-wrote the film), Judy Greer, Michael Cera, Shiri Appleby, Fred Melamed, Rhea Perlman, David Paymer, Gillian Jacobs, Jon Daly, Martin Starr, Megan Mullally, Jeff Garlin, Elizabeth De Razzo, Marla Gibbs, and Nia Long in this story of a 40 year-old man grappling with a severe mid-life crisis.

Continue reading Brett Gelman & Michael Cera Get Weird In New Trailer For ‘Lemon’ at The Playlist.

So often the problem with quirk is not the quirk itself, but the fact that the quirk is alloyed with sentimentality, and the resulting whimsy becomes just too cute to bear. So Janicza Bravo‘s directorial debut, which premiered in Sundance before opening the International Film Festival of Rotterdam, is to be congratulated for avoiding that pitfall by quite some distance: it quirks hard for its money, but its tone is sourer than the eponymous citrus fruit.

Continue reading Sour ‘Lemon’ With Brett Gelman, Michael Cera, Judy Greer & Gillan Jacobs Is Heavy On Quirk, But Little Else [Rotterdam Review] at The Playlist.

Review: Jason Reitman's Hulu Series 'Casual'

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Exclusive: Visit The Theatre In Clip From Comedy 'Blumenthal' Starring Brian Cox, Fred Melamed & More

Continue reading Exclusive: Visit The Theatre In Clip From Comedy ‘Blumenthal’ Starring Brian Cox, Fred Melamed & More at The Playlist.

L.A. Film Fest Review: 'In A World...' Directed By & Starring Lake Bell

Continue reading L.A. Film Fest Review: ‘In A World…’ Directed By & Starring Lake Bell at The Playlist.