When Studio Ghibli announced its future would be focused on making short films, fans the world over were deeply saddened. One of the upsides of this decision has been that the studio will now be co-producing foreign films, with The Red Turtle being the first foreign film they have co-produced in their 30-year history.
Recently, the crowdfunding campaign of an upcoming Western called Gunhand was pointed out to me. I was very impressed: production values look amazing, and the story sounds promising.
And just like that, it’s November 2016! How was your Halloween? We had a great time celebrating it on Film Inquiry this year, we recounted the films we love to watch most during the season, and published a great list of foreign horror films.
The Godzilla franchise has had a long and storied history, dating back to the original motion picture of 1954 directed by Ishirō Honda. Produced and distributed by famed Japanese film studio Toho, the original feature has spawned multiple franchise sequels over the years, from both its country of origin and the United States. Starting with the 1956 Japanese-American remake of Honda’s original feature from only two years prior, Godzilla, King of the Monsters!
Director Amma Asante examined race’s influence on social status in her breakout film Belle and continues that line of interest in her follow-up A United Kingdom. The focus shifts from British aristocracy to colonialism this time, delving into all the nasty idiosyncrasies of that setup. Based on the real life story of the interracial couple that broke Botswana from European rule, David Oyelowo’s Seretse Khama and Rosamund Pike’s Ruth Williams weren’t welcome in either partner’s homeland.
A “Cinematic Universe” is a modern concept of establishing an ever-expanding franchise. Some consider Marvel Studios to be the modern trendsetter. Their films build up the franchise with standalone entries, until the moment that they cross over.
Oscar winners Tom Hanks and Ron Howard reunite in their third collaboration on a Dan Brown adaptation, Inferno. Small wonder. The Da Vinci Code grossed better than $750 million worldwide, and its sequel, Angels & Demons, based on a lesser known novel that marked the first appearance of globe-trotting symbologist Robert Langdon, pulled in close to $500 million.
Warren Beatty’s name doesn’t get thrown around as much as it once did, but it’s still a name that carries weight. Many of his acting roles are classics, and while his career has seen him write, direct, and produce only a handful of times, the consistent success of these projects make him one of the great quadruple threats in the industry. The now 79-year-old has largely been absent during the new millennium, but he’s been quietly working in all four capacities on his ‘50s throwback Rules Don’t Apply.
Sure, we’ve all heard the rumours: topping the critics’ pick of the flicks for this century, hell, this millennium so far, is David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive. But what exactly happened up in the darkness of those famous hills, on those enticing yet savage switchbacks?
Magnolia Pictures brought important documentaries like Blackfish and Food, Inc to the public at large, and now they’re bringing us Danny Says. While Danny Says might not be an activist film meant to make an impact on our present day lives and the world we live in, Danny Fields made a huge impact on the world of music from behind the scenes – and this is his story, directed by Brendan Toller. Experimenting With Rock n Roll As a fan of documentaries, biographies and music, this film was right up my alley.
Every Tuesday, we publish a list of the movies that are opening in cinemas. Opening this week are Doctor Strange; Loving; Hacksaw Ridge; Trolls; Dog Eat Dog; My Dead Boyfriend; The Ivory Game; Stagecoach: The Texas Jac Story; CRD and Peter & The Farm.
Film is one of the best artistic mediums because it’s always growing; it speaks every language, and every place in the world has their iteration as to what’s scary, twisted, weird or just downright bizarre. Different countries offer different interpretations of horror, from China where vampires hop to Korean Shaman. They don’t wave crosses, nor do they compel the power of Christ upon anyone, but just don’t fall in love with Isabelle Adjani.
Halloween – the season of ghouls, screams and tricks or treats. It’s the time of year when scares of all kinds are acceptable and even welcomed. We become the creatures of the night, in search for something to satisfy our yearly holiday craving.
Is this any way to sell a board game? Hasbro’s perennial moneymaker “Ouija” is the basis of Universal’s micro-budget horror franchise in the making, and it’s hard to imagine a game manufacturer working any harder to discourage people from buying its product. The 2014 release Ouija opened at number one, and a followup was inevitable.
A comeback is a long road, especially when you’ve burned as many bridges as M. Night Shyamalan. The modest success of 2015’s The Visit got people excited for a return to form, but the near ten year stretch of atrocious films that preceded it hasn’t been forgotten.