About twenty minutes into the new Netflix thriller “The Mother,” star Jennifer Lopez locks eyes with a snarling, angry wolf in the snowy Alaskan wilderness. Just as Lopez raises her rifle, a bunch of cute wolf babies emerge from their snowy home. The wolf stops growling and runs over to her babies. The wolf represents Lopez in a heavy-handed metaphor that acts as a through-line for the overly-long, utterly preposterous movie.

Continue reading ‘The Mother’ Review: Jennifer Lopez Leads A Soulless Faux-Feminist Netflix Thriller at The Playlist.

Immovable objects meet unstoppable forces. Netflix may not be the best platform when it comes to promoting its original titles, but when that original film happens to feature a retired assassin played by Jennifer Lopez, odds are you don’t need to put a ton of money into the marketing budget. Audiences have been hungry for more Lopez ever since her scene-stealing turn in 2019’s “Hustlers,” and the seeds planted in that performance – and the subsequent media cycles it inspired – are being paid off in 2023 with films like “Shotgun Wedding,” and now, “The Mother.”

READ MORE: ‘The Mother’: Jennifer Lopez To Play An Assassin In Netflix Action Film From ‘Mulan’ Director Niki Caro

In the first trailer for “The Mother,” Jennifer Lopez plays a deadly female assassin who comes out of hiding to protect the daughter that she gave up years before while on the run from dangerous men.

Continue reading ‘The Mother’ Trailer: Jennifer Lopez Is A Deadly Assassin Protecting Her Estranged Daughter At Any Cost at The Playlist.

Today is Tudum day: Netflix‘s annual flex where the streamer shows off the goods for upcoming films; new teasers, posters, trailers, first looks, announcements, and more. And much of the day was dedicated to impressive-looking action films like “Extraction 2“ and a new Jennifer Lopez-starring assassin movie called, “The Mother.“

The director behind “The Mother” is Niki Caro, known for the spectacular action she brought to Disney‘s live-action version of “Mulan.

Continue reading ‘The Mother’ Teaser Trailer: Jennifer Lopez Stars In An Assassin Actioner For Director Niki Caro at The Playlist.

Academy Award-winning actress Charlize Theron continues to expand her impressive (and perhaps even under-appreciated) oeuvre as a producer. Following her most recent effort with “The Old Guard,” Theron returns to Netflix to produce a feature film centering on the plights and prejudice experienced by competitive female surfers. The picture will be directed by Niki Caro.

READ MORE: Kerry Washington & Charlize Theron Cast In Paul Feig’s Fantasy Film, ‘The School For Good & Evil’

According to Deadline, Theron and Caro are teaming up for a film based on Daniel Duane’s New York Times article, “The Fight For Gender Equality In One of the Most Dangerous Sports on Earth.” Originally published in 2019, Duane’s piece follows the specific journeys of four women – Bianca Valenti, Andrea Moller, Paige Alms, and Keala Kennelly – each uniquely striving for equal treatment and opportunity within the competitive surfing scene.

Continue reading Charlize Theron & Director Niki Caro Team For A Competitive Surfing Film For Netflix at The Playlist.

Last year, after months of delays due to the pandemic, Disney’s long-awaited live-action remake, “Mulan,” was finally released. The film got mixed reviews overall, but many people were really happy with the work director Niki Caro did in the fantasy action film. Now, she’s moving onto more grounded action in her next feature, “The Mother,” with Jennifer Lopez attached to star.

Continue reading ‘The Mother’: Jennifer Lopez To Play An Assassin In Netflix Action Film From ‘Mulan’ Director Niki Caro at The Playlist.

You may be shocked to hear this, but the 2020-2021 Oscar season is unlike any other awards season Hollywood has ever seen. I know, it sounds like hyperbole at its finest. Isn’t there always some jaw-dropping drama around the Oscars? We’re not even going to try and debate that one. This year, however, the worldwide coronavirus pandemic has put the entire theatrical distribution world on hold. The Academy changed its rules temporarily to allow for films that debuted on streaming to qualify if they had intended a theatrical release.

Continue reading Is ‘Mulan’ A Player In A Pandemic-Affected Oscar Season? at The Playlist.

A stirring and majestic adaptation of the cherished 1998 animated movie with spectacular action and remarkable visuals, for all its dazzling bravura, the most disarming qualities of 2020’s live-action “Mulan” might still be its surprising emotional depth. Beyond the enchanting colors of its ravishing prologue, and the inspiring idea of a shimmering sparkplug of a little girl destined for greater things, there’s a father (Tzi Ma) who recognizes his daughter’s abilities with wistful worry.

Continue reading ‘Mulan’: Niki Caro Brings Wuxia Majesty & Fairy Tale Heart To A Rousing Warrior Epic [Review] at The Playlist.

Believe it or not, we are just mere days away from the release of “Mulan” and perhaps the biggest studio gamble since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down theaters in March. And though the discussion surrounding “Mulan” has revolved around the release strategy (going straight to Disney+ at a premium price), the release of the film also marks yet another milestone for diversity in Hollywood, with the film’s primarily Asian cast.

Continue reading ‘Mulan’: Niki Caro Responds To Critics Who Wanted The Film To Be Directed By A Chinese Filmmaker at The Playlist.

As the world waits for Niki Caro’s big-budget, live-action remake of “Mulan,” it appears the filmmaker is already bracing herself for her next project, the upcoming film “Beautiful Ruins.” According to Variety, Caro has signed on to direct the new romantic drama which finds the filmmaker teaming up with Amblin Partners.

READ MORE: Disney’s ‘Mulan’ Moves To Late August, & ‘Bill & Ted 3’ Shifts Again

“Beautiful Ruins” tells a story that spans decades, as it begins in 1962 with a young man that runs an empty hotel.

Continue reading ‘Mulan’ Director Niki Caro To Helm ‘Beautiful Ruins’ For Amblin; Sam Mendes To Produce at The Playlist.

Another day, another release date domino effect in the face of growing Coronavirus concerns, spiking positive COVID-19 results and a pandemic that never really went away and is biting the entire country in the ass (thanks, jackasses). One of those industries effected, obviously is the theatrical industrial complex and with COVID on the rise again, and L.A. theaters not given the go-ahead to reopen yet, all the studios are getting gun shy again—no one really wants to be the first major film in release in case there is yet another coronavirus surge and their film is blamed.

Continue reading Disney’s ‘Mulan’ Moves To Late August, & ‘Bill & Ted 3’ Shifts Again at The Playlist.

Yesterday was a bit of a crazy day, as far as the film industry goes. Obviously, COVID-19 is wreaking havoc all across the world, leaving thousands sick and many dead. However, as far as the entertainment industry is concerned, the effect of the pandemic was truly felt yesterday, with the delays of “F9,” “A Quiet Place 2,” “The Lovebirds,” “Antlers,” “Mulan,” and more.

Continue reading ‘Mulan’ Director Hopes The Character’s “Fighting Spirit” Will Inspire People Battling Coronavirus at The Playlist.

Disney animated films of the ‘80s and ‘90s hold a special place in the hearts of millions of people worldwide. But let’s be honest, they’re not the most diverse productions around, often featuring horrible stereotypes and casting white voice actors in roles meant for People of Color. But with the live-action remakes, it’s clear that Disney has tried to fix those ills, for the most part. That being said, there is still controversy that has followed recent remakes such as “Aladdin” and “Mulan,” particularly when it comes to whitewashing.

Continue reading ‘Mulan’ Director Dismisses Whitewashing Rumors As “Made Up” at The Playlist.

Academy snubs be damned, 2019 was a spectacular end to a decade of outstanding films directed by women. Joanna Hogg reinvented visual memoir with “The Souvenir,” Lulu Wang challenged American conceptions of family and death in “The Farewell,” and Greta Gerwig’s “Little Women” adaptation upended one of the most iconic American novels by and about a woman.

Continue reading 52 Films Directed By Women To Watch In 2020 at The Playlist.

Disney really is in the market to bring back those feelings of nostalgia, as over the past few years they’ve brought back “Star Wars,” “Aladdin” and “The Lion King.” But the nostalgia trip doesn’t stop there as “Mulan” gets the live-action treatment.

Directed by Niki Caro (“The Zookeeper’s Wife”), the story of a young woman who disguises herself as a male warrior will once again grace the big screen. 

Continue reading ‘Mulan’ Trailer: Niki Caro Directs Disney Princess Warrior In Yet Another Live-Action Remake at The Playlist.

Reese Witherspoon is continuing to make a claim as one of the more dominant forces in TV producing. After her hit series “Big Little Lies” took HBO by storm, she’s been at the forefront of a variety of major series and films, including the recently released “The Morning Show” on Apple TV+. Now, Amazon is getting in on the Witherspoon game, with a brand-new streaming series starring Riley Keough, titled “Daisy Jones & the Six.”

READ MORE: ‘Earthquake Bird’: Alicia Vikander Is Ultimately Wasted In Wash Westmoreland’s Inert ’80s Thriller [Review]

According to Deadline, Keough has signed on to star in the upcoming ‘70s rock musical/drama series “Daisy Jones & the Six,” which will be directed by Niki Caro.

Continue reading Riley Keough To Star in New Amazon Musical Drama ‘Daisy Jones’ From Director Niki Caro & Producer Reese Witherspoon at The Playlist.

Jon Favreau‘s hotly-anticipated reworking of “The Lion King” may be hitting theaters soon, but that won’t stop Disney from promoting its next remake. 1998’s “Mulan” proved a home run for Disney, with high-profile critics such as Roger Ebert and James Berardinelli lauding the depth of its characters and themes. Those characters and ideas continue to hold up today, too. But can Disney replicate what the animated original did so effortlessly?

Continue reading ‘Mulan’ Trailer: A Disney Princess Becomes A Kick-Ass, Live-Action Warrior at The Playlist.

With Marvel presenting Brie Larson as “Captain Marvel” at the San Diego Comic Con this summer, it was easy to forget the movie still didn’t have a director. But it looks like the studio is zeroing in one who will helm their first superhero movie led by a woman.

THR reports that Niki Caro (“Whale Rider,” “North Country,” the upcoming “The Zookeeper’s Wife” starring Jessica Chastain), Lorene Scafaria (“Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World,” “The Meddler“) and TV veteran Lesli Linka Glatter (“Twin Peaks,” “Homeland,” “Mad Men“) are all on the shortlist for the gig. 

Continue reading Niki Caro, Lesli Linka Glatter & Lorene Scafaria In Contention To Direct ‘Captain Marvel’ at The Playlist.

If you consider yourself an avid television watcher, then chances are a strong percentage of your viewing comes from Netflix. And the streaming service, who have literally billions of dollars to spend on original content, have kicked off the week by adding two more series to the upcoming and ever-growing slate.

READ MORE: The 30 Most Anticipated Fall TV Shows

First up, the network has ordered “Friends From College” from husband and wife team Nick Stoller (“Neighbors,” “Neighbors: Sorority Rising,” “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” “Get Him to the Greek“) and Francesca Delbanco.

Continue reading Netflix Orders Up Nick Stoller’s ‘Friends From College’ & ‘Anne Of Green Gables’ Series at The Playlist.

The horror movie world is overstuffed with cheap scare flicks, and low budget toss-offs, which makes it all the more remarkable when someone can deliver a movie in the genre with genuine thrills, coupled with a distinctive creative voice. And that’s just what Jennifer Kent did with “The Babadook,” her breakout film that marked the filmmaker as one to watch, and a major female talent in an industry that still doesn’t do enough to create opportunities for women.

Continue reading ‘The Babadook’ Director Jennifer Kent Rumored For ‘Captain Marvel,’ Talks Next Film ‘The Nightingale’ at The Playlist.

Premature Oscar Predictions: The 2017 Best Director Academy Award Contenders

Continue reading Premature Oscar Predictions: The 2017 Best Director Academy Award Contenders at The Playlist.

First Look: Noomi Rapace As Maria Callas In Biopic Directed By Niki Caro

Continue reading First Look: Noomi Rapace As Maria Callas In Biopic Directed By Niki Caro at The Playlist.

Review: Disney Sports Movie 'McFarland, USA' Starring Kevin Costner, Maria Bello & Morgan Saylor

Continue reading Review: Disney Sports Movie ‘McFarland, USA’ Starring Kevin Costner, Maria Bello & Morgan Saylor at The Playlist.

Watch: Kevin Costner Wants The American Dream In Trailer For 'McFarland, USA'

Continue reading Watch: Kevin Costner Wants The American Dream In Trailer For ‘McFarland, USA’ at The Playlist.

After a decade-long absence from U.S. theaters, Joe Eszterhas has signed on to a project about the virgin of Guadalupe, a vision that appeared to the Aztec peasant Juan Diego in 1531.

Continue reading Liam Neeson To Lead ‘Unknown White Male,’ ‘At The Movies’ Gets A Line Up Change, ‘Open Road’ Trailer at The Playlist.

“OneDreamRush” is a series of 42 films by 42 different directors, each lasting 42 seconds and based on a dream the directors’ had. (It’s sponsored by a New Zealand vodka company called 42 Below which was recently purchased by Bermuda-based Bacardi. Drink up, wooo!)

Even though the project has just begun, when all is said and done it will boast an impressive lineup of talent, including directors Mike Figgis, David Lynch, Gaspar Noe, Harmony Korine, Leos Carax, Niki Caro (“Whale Rider”), Carlos Reygadas (“Silent Light”), Abel Ferrara, Larry Clark, Kenneth Anger, and Sergei Bodrov (“Mongol”).

Continue reading David Lynch, Gaspar Noe, Harmony Korine, Sean Lennon, Cat Power & Many More Contribute To <Strike>Trippy Vodka Ad</strike> ‘OneDreamRush’ Shorts Flick at The Playlist.