Tag Archives: Movies

How John Wick 4 Writer Broke in With His Extreme Spec Script | Final Draft

By Final Draft Blog, March 16, 2023

From article…

John Wick is one of the most visually spectacular and emotionally unrelenting action franchises around. Chapter 4 is about to hit theaters – part Western, part Kung Fu film, part Samurai story and part redemption tale, this genre mash up is thrilling, sexy, violent and – oh yeah, one hell of a good time.

From a screenplay by Shay Hatten and Michael Finch, based on characters by Derek Kolstad, the latest sequel picks up after a tense cliff hanger in Chapter 3 only to bewitch the audience with another jaw-dropping twist at the end of Chapter 4. We sat down with writer Shay Hatton to find out more about his writing process and the unconventional spec that landed him the job writing for the John Wick films.

Source: How John Wick 4 Writer Broke in With His Extreme Spec Script

The Consummate Professional: Lance Reddick (1962-2023) | Tributes | Roger Ebert

By Brian Tallerico March 20, 2023

From article…

It’s clichéd to say this about someone after they’re gone, but a show or movie changed when Lance Reddick showed up. He brought a quiet intensity and refined gravity to everything he did. So when his face appeared on screen, everything was somehow instantly elevated.

Think about when he appears late in Adam Wingard’s “The Guest,” taking a film that has been focused on a family and community terrorized by a sociopath and turning it into something much more expansive and intense. His very presence in a scene somehow added stakes to that scene. Oh, wait, we have to take this more seriously now. Lance is here.

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Source: The Consummate Professional: Lance Reddick (1962-2023) | Tributes | Roger Ebert

The Art of the Murder Mystery: The 10 Best Whodunits, Ranked | MOVIEWEB

By Brian Hawkins, Published 5 days ago

Paramount Pictures

Murder, mystery, intrigue, and the machinations of the macbre hold a lot of what movie-goers find most entertaining and thrilling about storytelling.

Found within the idea of not-knowing, the classic “Whodunit?” offers something in the foundation of its conception that other genres do not: An active role for each viewer as a guest-detective.

The best murder mysteries/whodunits do just that, they bring the audience into the story, taking them on a ride, introducing characters, obstacles, and setting, to deliver the poignant punch of mystery.

This mystery is what captivates each movie-goer and puts them on both a chase and a race to the finish line, as viewers are tantalized by the mystery and galvanized in their participant-watcher role of both trying to inwardly figure out “who did it” while watching the plot unfold toward the ultimate revelation that either confirms their suspicions or gives them the best “A-Ha!” moment.

Over the years, there have been several movies that have done this extremely well. Here are some of those, ranked.

10/10 Clue (1985)

Clue (1985)
Guber-Peters Company

Based on the original board game of the same name, Clue revolves around six guests who are mysteriously invited to a mansion for a dinner, but when the host of the dinner is murdered, the guests and the attending staff are all suspects as they attempt to figure out who is the killer. The movie is considered a brilliant comedy while simultaneously offering a great mystery to solve.

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Source: The Art of the Murder Mystery: The 10 Best Whodunits, Ranked

How “It’s a Wonderful Life” Almost Never Happened | Library of Congress Blog | Library of Congress

By Neely Tucker, December 21, 2022

James Stewart and Donna Reed, center, in a famous scene from “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Photo: RKO publicity still.

Elizabeth Brown is a reference librarian in the Researcher and Reference Services Division. This article appears in the Library of Congress Magzine, Nov.-Dec. 2

Perhaps the most beloved Christmas film of all time got its start during a morning shave. Philip Van Doren Stern, while getting ready for work one day in 1938, had an idea for a story: A stranger appears from nowhere to save a husband and father from a suicide attempt on Christmas Eve, restoring his joy of living by helping him realize his value to others. Stern, an author and editor, eventually wrote a draft that he polished periodically and, in 1943, shared with his literary agent. It didn’t sell.

 The first page of the script of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Motion Picture, Film & Recorded Sound Division.

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Source: How “It’s a Wonderful Life” Almost Never Happened | Library of Congress Blog

The Best Christmas Movies in 2022 and Where to Watch Them – TV Guide

Where to stream 8-Bit Christmas, A Christmas Carol, and more

By Allison Picurro, Nov. 24, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. PT

June Diane Raphael, Neil Patrick Harris, and Sophia Reid-Gantzert, 8-Bit Christmas HBO Max

Remember the rule about no Christmas music until after Thanksgiving? Yeah, that rule is a thing of the past. “Jingle Bell Rock” is all over your local Starbucks, so you may as well watch a Christmas movie too.

At this rate, we’ll be watching Christmas movies in before we go trick-or-treating, and you know what? I’m fine with it! Especially with all the great Christmas movies out there, both old and new.

Our list of the best Christmas movies to watch in 2022 is updated with all the latest streaming destinations, and features childhood favorites like Elf and A Christmas Story, all-time classics like A Christmas Carol and It’s a Wonderful Life, and new movies like 8-Bit Christmas and Happiest Season, whether they’re on HBO Max, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or anywhere else. If you’re looking for more Christmas cheer, check out our guide to every Christmas movie and special airing on TV or streaming on your favorite streaming service, or check out our list of the best new Christmas movies on Hallmark, Parmount+, Hulu, and everywhere else.

Editor’s Note: Read more, see link below for original item...

Source: The Best Christmas Movies in 2022 and Where to Watch Them – TV Guide

Why You Should Turn Subtitles On For Absolutely Everything – CNET

I use subtitles all the time. No matter what.

By Mark Serrels, Sept. 19, 2022 5:10 p.m. PT

overhead shot of a video presentation about sex education on a laptop
Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

“Once you overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.”

That’s Academy Award winner Bong Joon-ho, quoted from a Golden Globes acceptance speech all the way back in January 2020. He was talking about subtitles, which, despite being completely necessary and helpful and beyond useful, are apparently hated by some people.

Bong Joon Ho: “Once you overcome the one inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films” https://t.co/oWOsq8YtW4 pic.twitter.com/mJAJhEIH4U— Variety (@Variety) January 6, 2020

Almost immediately afterward, Bong pulled in a ridiculous four Oscars with Parasite — a fantastically made, multilayered dark comedy that delves deep into the underbelly of class divides. Parasite was an extremely deserving winner. You should absolutely watch this movie.

Source: https://www.cnet.com/culture/entertainment/why-you-should-turn-subtitles-on-for-absolutely-everything/