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The holidays are upon us, so whether you’re looking for film-related gifts or simply want to get for yourself some of the finest this year had to offer, we have a gift guide for you. Including must-have books on filmmaking, the best from the Criterion Collection and other home-video lines, subscriptions, magazines, music, and more, dive in below.

4K & Blu-ray Box Sets

There’s no better gift than an epic film collection, and 2024 was an embarrassment of riches thanks to a number of box sets. The king of them all, especially if you’re looking for a gift for a burgeoning cinephile, is Criterion’s massive CC40, collecting 40 landmark films form their 40-year history. It’s not the only stellar set from the company, of course, as I adored the essential Chantal Akerman Masterpieces, 1968–1978, Éric Rohmer’s Tales of the Four Seasons, Gregg Araki’s Teen Apocalypse Trilogy, Three Revolutionary Films by Ousmane Sembène,...

After finding happiness in her relationship with fiancé Nathan, Londoner Gemma faces heartbreak when a tragic accident takes his life shortly before their wedding. Refusing to give up on the future they planned together, Gemma makes a surprising decision – she will go ahead with marrying Nathan, even though he has passed. With permission required from authorities to make their union legally binding, Gemma embarks on an uphill journey to convince them of her case.

Joining Gemma on this unexpected path is Nathan’s sister Audrey, a free-spirited artist who travels from America to support Gemma in her endeavor. Though opposing viewpoints from Gemma’s family and friends pose challenges, with help from Audrey’s unbounded spirit she fights passionately for her goal. Along the way we learn more about Gemma and Nathan’s bond through flashbacks, witnessing a romance that despite its brevity clearly meant the world to Gemma.

Through...

There was something illusory about Shelley Duvall’s movie career. Not in the sense that her talent, charisma, and presence weren’t real, but in how deceptively selective she was in showing it off. A viewer making their way through classics of the ’70s and ’80s, or the filmographies of certain high-profile directors,...

The press have been digging up old interviews with GOP Vice Presidential candidate J.D. Vance in which he suggests there should be a dividing line in society between those who have children, perhaps even giving those parents more than one vote, and those who don’t by suggesting they should be lesser in society. That sounded like political absurdity to me, and then I saw The Assessment.

Supposedly in the near future this “sci-fi” premise creates a world in which prospective parents must pass an initial test in order to prove their basic worth for having a child, and then endure a seven-day live-in visit from a facilitator known as the assessor who will put them through the ringer in all kinds of imaginable and unimaginable situations where at the end they will either get a passing grade — or not. Sounds like the ideal job for Vance should he decide to switch careers.

“Cinema is in a very bad way – I think it’s lost its place,” Brian Cox told the Edinburgh International Film Festival (Eiff) during a surprise appearance in the festival’s industry programme.

“I think it has lost its place, partly because of the grandiose element between Marvel and DC and all of that, and it’s beginning to implode. You’re losing the plot, I think. Television has really stolen the march, when you get incredible things like Ripley, like Succession,” said Cox.

“In terms of the work,” continued the Succession star, referencing films in the vein of Deadpool & Wolverine,...

What do Billie Lourd, Colin Hanks, and Bette Midler have in common? The answer: They were all rather taken with Daniel Reisinger.

The charismatic Australian director (Sideswiped, Players) spoke to The Hollywood Reporter on just how he landed such an impressive cast for what is a relatively niche British rom-com. And Mrs is one of Edinburgh Film Festival‘s world premieres in its out of competition category this year.

To describe this film, penned by Melissa Bubnic, as a rom-com feels misleading; its protagonist Gemma, played by Irish actress Aisling Bea, is left bereft and blindsided when her fiancé Nathan (Hanks) drops dead months before their wedding. In a bizarre but incredibly endearing effort to honor their love and distract herself from her own grief, she sets about trying to posthumously marry him.

Lourd, the daughter of Star Wars legend Carrie Fisher, is Nathan’s zany and heavily pregnant sister Audrey,...

Comedian and actor Aisling Bea headlines the dark comedy drama film And Mrs, out in September. Here’s a trailer:

Since beginning her career as a stand-up comedian, Aisling Bea has made her mark on screens big and small. She put in a memorable performance as a contestant on series five of Taskmaster, and since 2021 she has written and starred in her own superb sitcom This Way Up, which is available to stream on Channel 4. She also found success in America, starring opposite Paul Rudd in sci-fi comedy drama Living With Yourself.

Bea is next set to headline the comedy drama film And Mrs, about a woman whose husband-to-be dies just before their wedding day. The synopsis, if you’d prefer a more official description, reads as follows:

A hilarious and heartfelt comedy drama about Gemma, a woman living in London whose American fiancé, Nathan, dies shortly before their wedding day.

"That is the promise that I made!" Vertigo Releasing has unveiled an official trailer for an amusing romantic comedy film called And Mrs, from director Daniel Reisinger. Set for a UK release this fall after premiering at the 2024 Edinburgh Film Festival coming up in August (though no US release set yet). When a reluctant bride-to-be's fiance drops dead, she insists on marrying him anyway - vowing to overcome public opinion, the law of the land, and her loved one's objections. Apparently marrying someone posthumously is actually allowed in France, but not in the UK. Aisling Bea stars as Gemma, joined by Colin Hanks, Billie Lourd, Susan Wokoma, Harriet Walter, and Elizabeth McGovern. The director explains: "Gemma's quest to marry Nathan is about a good old-fashioned forever love - one that's beyond swiping right or left. And Mrs lets you laugh about love and grief like touchstone films, The Big Chill...

Who says the death of the groom should stop a wedding from happening? In the new film, “And Mrs,” we see that a little death shouldn’t stop the planned nuptials.

As seen in the trailer, “And Mrs” tells the story of a woman in London who is excited to marry her fiancé. Unfortunately, just days before the wedding, her fiancé passes away. As she begins to reevaluate her life, she realizes that she needs to continue with the wedding as a way to put the relationship to rest, so to speak.

Continue reading ‘And Mrs’ Trailer: A Woman Continues With A Wedding After Her Fiancé’s Death In This Comedy at The Playlist.

Comedian and ventriloquist Nina Conti makes her directorial debut with Sunlight, it will premiere in Edinburgh in August.

Nina Conti comes from a showbiz family, her father being noted actor Tom Conti. Nina trained with theatre director Ken Campbell, which is explored in the documentary Her Master’s Voice. Conti is best known for her ventriloquism, performing with a variety of characters, the best known of which is the sardonic Monkey.

Conti has now made her feature directorial debut with Sunlight.

The plot “follows two people on the edge of life who find purpose and romance through an unlikely connection, escaping the darkness in search of some sunlight. Disappearing into a monkey costume and creating a new persona, Jane strives to break free from a toxic relationship when she encounters a suicidal radio show host, Roy, who presents a path to freedom. After hitting the open road in Roy’s Airstream,...

Daisy-May Hudson’s fiction debut Lollipop, a documentary about a man’s relationship with a life-sized AI-animated doll and Nina Conti’s Cannes Great 8 title Sunlight are among 18 world premieres at the new-look Edinburgh International Film Festival.

A total of 37 feature films form the line-up of Eiff’s 77th edition, which is the first under the leadership of Paul Ridd as festival director and Andrew Macdonald as chair. The line-up includes 10 world premieres in the running for the £50,000 Sean Connery prize for feature filmmaking excellence, plus four retrospective screenings, a Midnight Madness strand and five short film programmes.

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Real Cricketers Take The Field In Rajkummar Rao, Janhvi Kapoor’s Mr. & Mrs. Mahi. (Photo Credit – Instagram)

The upcoming film Mr. & Mrs. Mahi, starring Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor, promises to deliver an authentic cricket experience. To achieve this, the filmmakers have gone a step beyond simply casting actors who can bat and bowl. Here’s a surprising detail – every single player seen on screen, apart from the lead actors, is a real professional cricketer!

This commitment to realism extends to both the men’s and women’s games depicted in the film. For scenes featuring Rajkummar Rao‘s character playing cricket, the filmmakers cast actual male cricketers from various clubs and academies across Mumbai.

Janhvi Kapoor’s journey as an aspiring cricketer in the film is made even more believable by the presence of real professional players on the field alongside her. From the key bowlers and...

2024: The Year Janhvi Kapoor Swings for the Fences? Mr & Mrs Mahi Leads the Charge ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Janhvi Kapoor, Bollywood’s young talent, is poised for a breakout year. Her upcoming film Mr & Mrs Mahi has generated significant buzz, not just for its cricket backdrop but also for Kapoor’s dedication and the promise it holds for her career. The film chronicles Kapoor’s character’s transformation from a doctor to a cricketer. Social media buzz suggests her commitment to the role and captivating screen presence are already generating high expectations.

Fashion with a Six: Combining Style and Substance

Janhvi Kapoor‘s promotional appearances have also been a hit. She’s donned unique outfits that blend cricket elements with high fashion, creating a stir at every event. These carefully curated appearances not only elevate the film’s visibility but also showcase Kapoor’s ability to combine style with substance.

El elenco de voces incluye a Beyoncé y a su hija. © Disney

Ya se ha publicado el primer tráiler y póster de “Mufasa: El Rey León”, la nueva película, la precuela de animación fotorrealista del remake de la película de 1994 “El Rey León”, que se estrenó en 2019.

En “Mufasa: El Rey León”, Rafiki debe transmitir la leyenda de Mufasa a la joven cachorro de león Kiara, hija de Simba y Nala, con Timón y Pumba aportando su estilo característico. La historia se cuenta en flashbacks y presenta a Mufasa como un cachorro huérfano, perdido y solo hasta que conoce a un simpático león llamado Taka, heredero de un linaje real. Este encuentro fortuito pone en marcha el viaje de un extraordinario grupo de inadaptados que buscan su destino y sus lazos se pondrán a prueba mientras trabajan juntos para escapar de un enemigo amenazador y letal.

Las voces que dan...

Ever since 2016, the former It Couple of Hollywood, Angelina Jolie, and Brad Pitt have been embroiled in a long legal battle: over custody, alleged abuse claims, and business. After the custody battle for their 6 children, Jolie and Pitt seem to be clashing again and again over Chateau Miraval, the French estate and winery the couple had purchased back in 2008.

Angelina Jolie (as Fox in Wanted)

While Jolie sold out her share to a Russian Oligarch, Pitt had been trying to get the sale declared null and void. However, after years of a cruel battle in the court, the Eternals star seems to have finally given up and just wants her ex-husband to put her out of this predicament for it’s unlikely that she will ever be getting a fair deal.

Angelina Jolie Gives Up on Winery Battle with Brad Pitt Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in a still from Mr.

When Mr. & Mrs. Smith was announced as a TV series for Prime Video in 2021, there were plenty of reasons to be skeptical about the project.

It was based on a movie of the same name that did reasonably well but isn't especially well-remembered.

The announced starring duo of Donald Glover and Phoebe Waller-Bridge was intriguing, especially considering that both performers were credited as creators.

Both had a history of starring in and creating successful series, including Glover with Atlanta and Waller-Bridge with Fleabag. Plus, Waller-Bridge served as the showrunner in the first season of Killing Eve, another prestige series about an assassin.

But then Waller-Bridge dropped out of the project just a few months after it was announced due to "creative differences," with Maya Erskine replacing her as the show's female lead. Glover and Francesca Sloane are credited as the co-creators.

Beyond that, the series had its premiere delayed repeatedly,...

Maya Erskine and Donald Glover are all smiles at the premiere of their new series Mr. & Mrs. Smith held at The Curzon Mayfair on Wednesday (January 17) in London.

The 36-year-old actress and the 40-year-old entertainer take on the leading roles of Jane and John Smith in the upcoming action series, which is a reimagining of the 2005 film of the same name.

They were also seen posing with Francesca Sloane, who co-created and executive produces with Donald.

In a new magazine interview that was released that same day, Maya opened up about taking on the role after Phoebe Waller-Bridge left the project, and how she prepared for the role.

Keep reading to find out more…

“I felt pressure because of the pressure I put on myself, and I respect Phoebe Waller-Bridge immensely. But I had to look at it as this is a different version,” Maya told Marie Claire. “If...

What began as a single segment titled “Love and the Television Set” on the anthology series “Love, American Style,” grew to become a top ten sitcom that lasted 11 seasons and defined “cool” for a generation. Set in 1950s Milwaukee, “Happy Days” debuted on January 15, 1974, and, although it was only a moderate success initially, became one of the most iconic TV series of its time.

Ron Howard was already a well-known TV star from his days as Opie Taylor on “The Andy Griffith Show,” so it’s not surprising this series centered around his all-American teenage character Richie Cunningham and his middle-class family. In fact, Howard’s appearance in the “Love, American Style” episode led to his casting by George Lucas in the equally nostalgic “American Graffiti” in 1973 — the success of which prompted ABC to pick up “Happy Days.” But it was the character of greaser Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli (Henry Winkler...

Prime Video has released a new trailer for the upcoming TV series reimagining of 2005 action comedy film ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith.’

Two lonely strangers land a job working for a mysterious spy agency that offers them a glorious life of espionage, wealth, world travels and a dream brownstone in Manhattan. The catch: new identities in an arranged marriage as Mr. & Mrs. John and Jane Smith. Now hitched, John and Jane navigate a high-risk mission every week while facing a new relationship milestone. Their complex cover story becomes even more complicated when they catch real feelings for each other. What’s riskier, espionage or marriage?

Donald Glover and Maya Erskine take the leads while Parker Posey, Wagner Moura, Michaela Coel, John Turturro, and Paul Dano co-star. Ron Perlman, Sarah Paulson, Eiza González, Billy Campbell and Alexander Skarsgard guest star.

The series comes from co-creators and executive producers Donald Glover and Francesca Sloane.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith is arriving on Prime Video next month, and the streaming service has released a teaser video taking viewers behind the scenes.

Inspired by the feature film of the same name, the Mr. and Mrs. Smith show follows two lonely strangers who land jobs working for a mysterious spy agency that offers them a glorious life of espionage, wealth, world travels, and a dream brownstone in Manhattan. The catch is they have new identities in an arranged marriage, as Mr. and Mrs. John and Jane Smith. Now hitched, John (Donald Glover) and Jane (Maya Erskine) navigate a high-risk mission every week while also facing a new relationship milestone. Their complex cover story becomes even more complicated when they catch real feelings for each other.

The show's cast also includes Alexander Skarsgård, Billy...

Donald Glover and Maya Erskine are together for better or worse, til death by assassin do them part.

The duo star as the title characters for Prime Video series “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” co-created by lead actor Glover and Francesca Sloane, with Sloane serving as showrunner. The eight-episode series centers on two strangers (Glover and Erskine) who land jobs working for a mysterious spy agency that offers them a glorious life of espionage, wealth, world travel, and a dream brownstone in Manhattan. The only issue? They now have to pretend to be Mr. and Mrs. John and Jane Smith.

Per the synopsis, “Now hitched, John and Jane navigate a high-risk mission every week while also facing a new relationship milestone. Their complex cover story becomes even more complicated when they catch real feelings for each other. What’s riskier: espionage or marriage?”

Alexander Skarsgård, Eiza González, Sarah Paulson, Sharon Horgan,...

To borrow a phrase from the trailer for another upcoming reimagining of an aughts favorite: this is not your mother's "Mr. and Mrs. Smith." The first preview for Prime Video's revamp of the married spy action rom-com is here, and with a new cast, plot, and format, it's clear that this won't be a beat for beat retreat of the original.

"Atlanta" creator and lead Donald Glover stars in the new "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" opposite "PEN15" co-creator and star Maya Erskine, who was tagged in to replace Phoebe Waller-Bridge after she left the project in fall 2021. The storytelling talent behind "Fleabag" was originally set to make this show and star with Glover, but parted citing creative differences -- although it was stressed at the time that there were no hard feelings between the two. At any rate, the inclusion of so many comedians known for their strong creative voice...

Here is a wrap-up of all the news you need to know from Thursday, November 16, 2023.

Harley Quinn will be back for another season of animated thrills on Max, which has renewed the DC comedy for a fifth season.

Harley Quinn Season 4, headlined by Kaley Cuoco, wrapped its run earlier this year.

“The talented Harley Quinn team has once again succeeded in delivering a season that builds on everything that has come before while still feeling fresh and inventive," said Suzanna Makkos, Executive Vice President, of Original Comedy and Adult Animation, Max and Adult Swim.

"They continue to provide hilarious, heartwarming, and deranged stories with our lovable group of DC misfits, and we couldn’t be more excited for the fans to see what they’ve accomplished in season 5.”

Harley Quinn is also getting a spinoff series: Kit Man: Hell Yeah scored a series order earlier this year.

Hooray, right?

Over on Starz,...

"Duck Family Treasure", the new reality TV series, chronicles the backwoods, metal detecting activities of Murray Crowe, Jase Robertson and Jep Robertson, with Uncle Si directing them from 'The Duck Call Room', now streaming on Fox Nation:

"...considered the official follow-up to the reality series 'Duck Dynasty', 'Duck Family Treasure', contains 'educational entertainment' by highlighting historic sites and natural wonders, including those related to the National Park Service..."

Episodes include "Always Hunting Something" "Welcome Home!" "Mrs. Ball and Mrs. Chain" "The Buzzards are Circling" "Steamboat Fever",  "Meteorites!" "Mama's Boy" "The Thrill of the Hunt" and "Home of the Brave" .

Click the images to enlarge...

Some classic rock songs are more complex than you might think. For example, John Lennon said “Give Peace a Chance” had philosophical and moral underpinnings. In addition, he revealed what he thought about the reaction to the song. Notably, it was far more popular in the United Kingdom than it was in the United States.

John Lennon’s ‘Give Peace a Chance’ was inspired by the duality of humanity

A 1980 article from The Washington Post features a series of quotes from John in memoriam. In one of those quotes, John said something very provocative. “We all have Hitler in us, but we also have love and peace,” he said. “So why not give peace a chance?”

John discussed the reaction to “Give Peace a Chance.” “I was pleased when the movement in America took up ‘Give Peace a Chance’ because I had written it with that in mind really,” he revealed.

“Vanderpump Rules” star Ariana Madix is shaking up the “Love Island USA” villa.

In a first-look clip of Madix’s guest appearance on the Peacock dating show, the reality television personality makes a splash while hosting a scandalous game of “Mr. and Mrs” with the islanders.

After learning that a VIP guest would be hosting the challenge — and that the winning duo will win a “very special prize” — the Islanders make a concerted effort to get to know each other intimately, with couples asking each other everything from their ideal love language, favorite sex position and if they’ve ever proposed to anyone before.

The “Vpr” star’s surprise appearance shocks the contestants in the clip, including bombshell Hannah calling Madix an “icon.” “You look up bad b–h in the dictionary, you’re gonna see a picture of Ariana,” Hannah said.

“Tonight we are going to play my favorite ever ‘Love Island’ game,...