There’s a terrific ambiguous tension at the heart of the creepy, home-invasion-style Airbnb vacation thriller, “The Rental” that always keeps the movie on an engagingly sinister edge. Whether it’s the unrequited romantic anxiety that emanates from would-be best friends, the vague racism and misogyny conspicuously aimed at one of the female Iranian characters, or the imprecise red neck-y vibes and Trump-ian air around the main hayseed caretaker characters, everything seems just slightly off.

Continue reading ‘The Rental’: Dave Franco’s Thriller Debut Has Terrific Tension, But You Won’t Want To Ultimately Stay [Review] at The Playlist.

We may not be getting new movies in theaters at the moment due to the ongoing pandemic and industry-wide lockdown, but that doesn’t mean that the creative juices are taking over filmmakers. Among the many scripts being written during the lockdown, Dave Franco and Alison Brie wrote what Franco describes as an “elevated version of a romantic comedy” inspired by classics like “When Harry Met Sally.”

READ MORE: ‘The Kissing Booth 2’ Trailer: Netflix Pumps up the Drama With Their YA Rom-Com Sequel

That’s right, we’re still not done with the whole “elevated horror” debate and now Franco comes and throws “elevated romantic comedy” at us?

Continue reading Dave Franco And Alison Brie Wrote An “Elevated” Romantic Comedy During Quarantine Inspired By ‘When Harry Met Sally’ at The Playlist.

We’ve made it to July. We’ve marked the halfway point of this year from hell and now it seems we blink and a month passes. It’s the point of the year where best of the year so far lists begin to roll out and, if they’re anything to go by, at the very least the quality of films hasn’t diminished too greatly despite the constant shifts and changes going on in the industry.

READ MORE: The Best Films Of 2020… So Far

It’s a small, insignificant silver lining in the grand scope of the world but, at this point in time when many of us need moments of escapism, it’s much welcomed.

Continue reading 10 Movies To Watch In July: ‘The Truth,’ ‘Old Guard’ & More at The Playlist.

Most actors wouldn’t consider leaving a role as one of the most popular and beloved characters on one of the most acclaimed BBC costume dramas in its prime. However, most actors aren’t Dan Stevens. To avoid being typecast, the “Downton Abby” alum boldly exited the series in 2012 to pursue a career in American cinema. Since then, Stevens has strived to diversify his filmography. He’s had great success in genre films such as “The Guest” and “Colossal” and even lent his musical talents to Disney‘s live-action “Beauty and the Beast” as The Beast.

Continue reading Dan Stevens Talks ‘Eurovision,’ Dave Franco’s ‘The Rental’ & More [Fourth Wall Podcast] at The Playlist.

Airbnb can be a fun affordable alternative for those feeling adventurous and craving a more intimate vacation experience vacation. Because nothing beats closer proximity and greater likelihood to try the local food specialties, take in the sights, and embrace the culture. But stepping foot into someone else’s personal space doesn’t always feel like a holiday. Filth, flies, and freaky owners could be commonplace, in a stay gone wrong. To that end, “The Rental” may as well join the long list of actual Airbnb horror stories.

Continue reading ‘The Rental’ Trailer: Alison Brie & Friends Find A Nightmare Reservation In Dave Franco’s Creepy Directorial Debut at The Playlist.

While older brother James seems to hog a majority of the spotlight, Dave Franco is out there making a name for himself with strong films and interesting roles. Having appeared in films like “If Beale Street Could Talk,” “6 Balloons,” and “The Disaster Artist,” the younger Franco might have eclipsed his older brother as the more interesting of the duo. And he plans to make his case as the best Franco with his upcoming directorial debut.

Continue reading Alison Brie & Dan Stevens To Star In Dave Franco’s Directorial Debut ‘The Rental’ at The Playlist.