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In hindsight, it's impossible to imagine anyone but Mark Harmon in the role of gruff "NCIS" boss Leroy Jethro Gibbs. It wasn't exactly a career-reigniting role for the actor, who had already built a legacy on shows like "St. Elsewhere" and "Chicago Hope" before joining the CBS military police procedural's inaugural 2003 season. However, it soon became apparent that Gibbs would be his defining role. Harmon embodied the character in a way that made him the unquestionable centerpiece of the ensemble cast throughout his 19 seasons with the show. He left "NCIS" in 2021, but Gibbs perseveres: In 2024, CBS rolled out the prequel show "NCIS: Origins," with Austin Stowell playing young Gibbs while Harmon narrates, "Young Sheldon"-style.

Knowing Harmon's importance to the "NCIS" franchise, it may be surprising to find out that the people behind the show didn't call his agent the second they conceived the character of Gibbs. In 2023, the makers...

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Paradise is a sci-fi political conspiracy thriller series created by Dan Fogelman. The Hulu series is set in an idyllic community housing some of the most important people in the world, and it follows Special Agent Xavier Collins after the President of the United States is murdered. Paradise stars Sterling K. Brown, Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi, Nicole Brydon Bloom, Aliyah Mastin, Percy Daggs IV, and James Marsden. So, if you loved the political intrigue, genre-blending plot, and compelling characters in Paradise, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Salvation (Rent on Prime Video) Credit – CBS

Salvation is a sci-fi mystery thriller drama series created by Liz Kruger, Craig Shapiro, and Matt Wheeler. The CBS series follows a group of people as they discover that an asteroid will hit the Earth in six months and destroy the planet.

NCIS has long raged as one of the most praiseworthy crime dramas of all time, and one of the major reasons behind its success besides its outstanding plotlines is the star-studded cast the show sported. Throughout the time it has been on air, the series cast the most perfect actors in the most accurate roles, with Mark Harmon leading it as Leroy Jethro Gibbs for almost two decades.

NCIS. | Credits: CBS.

That said, Harmon’s casting, for one, continues to sit finely with fans worldwide, even after almost half a decade since the actor’s departure from the show in 2021. But the surprising part is that showrunner Don Bellisario wasn’t 100 percent on board from the start for casting Harmon as Gibbs, even though even the casting director had her eyes on the actor right from the start.

NCIS showrunner had to be convinced to cast Mark Harmon as Gibbs...

The Green Goblin is, in the eyes of many fans, Spider-Man's greatest enemy. On the big screen, he first took centre stage in 2002's Spider-Man with Willem Dafoe delivering a memorable take on the twisted Norman Osborn. 

Chris Cooper briefly played the villain in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and was expected to later transform into an Ultimate-style, monstrous version of the character. 

Realising it would be tough to beat what Dafoe did with the Green Goblin, Marvel Studios brought him back for the Multiversal Spider-Man: No Way Home. The actor once again stole the show and, in the process, we learned that there's no Norman on Earth-616. 

Anything could change after Avengers: Secret Wars and, in an interview with The Direct, Invincible star and Mickey Mouse voice actor Chris Diamantopoulos shared his interest in playing Norman. 

"I was born going to Silver Snail comic shop. That's like one of the...

One major Spider-Man villain has never appeared in a movie yet, despite his huge impact in Marvel Comics. Throughout the years, Spider-Man has faced many antagonists on the big screen, from A-list Marvel supervillains such as Doctor Octopus and Venom in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy to lesser-known criminals like Shocker and Donald Glover's pre-Prowler Aaron Davis in the McU's Spider-Man: Homecoming. Sony's Spider-Man Universe also gave some villains their own movies, turning them into anti-heroes who faced their own enemies.

Being Spider-Man's lifelong archnemesis in the comics, Green Goblin has been a constant threat to the wall-crawler across all three major live-action movie franchises. Willem Dafoe's Norman Osborn was Spidey's main enemy in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man and the McU's Spider-Man: No Way Home; James Franco's Harry Osborn fought Tobey Maguire's Peter Parker in Spider-Man 3, and Dane DeHaan's Harry killed Gwen Stacy...

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This January, Hulu is bringing you a lot of entertainment, from the highly anticipated release of the mystery crime thriller Paradise to the multiple new comedy shows like Going Dutch and Shifting Gears. However, for the purposes of this article, we are only including the films that are coming to Hulu this month and have an 80% or higher Rotten Tomatoes score. So, check out the eight best movies that are coming to Hulu in January 2025 with an 80% or higher Rotten Tomatoes score.

Paddington (January 1) Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97% Credit – StudioCanal

Paddington is a live-action, animated, feel-good comedy film written and directed by Paul King. The 2014 film follows Paddington, a talking bear who migrates from the jungles of Peru to the Streets of London, where he begins living with the Brown family. Paddington stars Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walter,...

Along with the first movie in the animated franchise, there are plenty of movies like Sing 2 that capture the same magic that makes the family-friendly sequel such a gem. Much like its predecessor, Sing 2 is a jukebox musical and features a satirical look at the entertainment industry. This time around, Buster Moon and his friends are organizing another big show to impress a media mogul, which also includes convincing a reclusive rock star to come out of retirement and join them on stage.

The movie is an entertaining bit of fun for all ages, continuing the winning combination of popular music and adorable animal characters. While it has its own charm, there are some other great movies that share similarities fans may find interesting. Whether it is the celebration of underdogs showcasing their talents, the excitement of putting on a big show, or other animated movies with a musical energy,...

Slick suits, high-octane stunts, and fiery explosions are all must-haves for any good spy movie hoping to compete with the James Bond franchise. In fact, if these elements aren’t in an espionage film, it's probably not worth watching in the first place. Specific aspects of plot, dialogue, and character portrayal further fuel the intensity of these super-charged cinematic feats. However, the staples of the spy genre must be in place for such things to land.

For decades, the James Bond Franchise has capitalized on a formula that proves successful over and over. Bond is the center of this enterprise, but many contenders have rolled up to the party with their own license to thrill. Boasting everything from gritty realism to ridiculous gadgets (even more outrageous than James Bond's toys), films like Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Atomic Blonde have stolen the spotlight from 007.

The Bourne Identity (2002) The James...

There's something sort of mythical about the state of Texas. It's one of the biggest states in the United States, both in terms of its geographical size and population, but it has an equally big reputation. Movies set in the state tend to be just as big, whether they're the laid-back ensemble comedies of Richard Linklater or one of the many gritty Westerns to which Texas has played host. But which among them is the best film set in Texas? Figuring that out is a pretty gargantuan task given the sheer number of truly great movies set in Texas, but I gave it my honest best. 

That being said, David Byrne's wacky musical comedy "True Stories," Ivan Reitman's farcical "Twins," Brian Robbins's soapy football drama "Varsity Blues," James L. Brooks's family tragicomedy "Terms of Endearment," and David Mackenzie's hard-boiled neo-western "Hell or High Water" all make the honorable mentions list.

December is here and with it, streamers are getting their monthly influx of new titles to watch. From “Wicked” director Jon M. Chu’s first feature to one of the standout horror movies of 2024 you might have missed, there are plenty of new movies on Hulu in December worth tuning into. To help you skip the infinite scrolling, here’s a curated selection of the best new movies streaming on Hulu this month.

“Gladiator” (Universal Pictures) ‘Gladiator’ (2000)

If the long-awaited arrival of Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator” sequel has you in the mood to revisit the original 2000 film, Hulu has you covered this December. Russell Crowe stars as Maximus Decimus Meridius, a faithful soldier of the Roman Empire, loyal to Marcus Aurelius, who loses everything at the hands of Marcus’ scheming, sniveling son Commodus (a slithery Joaquin Phoenix) and winds up fighting for his life in the Gladiator arena. Nearly 25 years later,...

Is that a chill in the air? Perhaps your boots are starting to feel colder and damper with each passing day. Maybe your cheeks are turning pink every time you step outside. Whether we like it or not, winter is here, which means it’s the perfect time to avoid the cold and hurry to your nice, warm movie house. With the holidays right around the corner, repertory theaters are stocking up on Christmas classics and seasonal favorites. For those looking for something more traditional than Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist” and Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu,” which release December 20 and December 25, respectively, cinemas in New York and Los Angeles have plenty of options for the whole family, as well as more festive adult fare for those looking to spice things up.

Selections this month come from the Metrograph located on the Lower East Side in New York City and Village East by Angelika,...

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This December, Hulu is bringing you a lot of entertainment, from the highly anticipated U.S. release of Paris Has Fallen to the thrilling drama film Amber Alert. However, for the purposes of this article, we are only including the films that are coming to Hulu this month and have an 80% or higher Rotten Tomatoes score. So, check out the five best films that are coming to Hulu in December 2024 with an 80% or higher Rotten Tomatoes score.

Cast Away (December 1)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%

Credit – DreamWorks Pictures

Cast Away is a survival drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis from a screenplay by William Broyles Jr. The 2000 film follows Charles “Chuck” Noland, a FedEx system analyst who gets stranded on an uninhabited island after a plane crash and tries to survive long enough so that someone can find and he can return home.

Gone are the days when Westerns ruled the box office, with superheroes now filling the role that cowboys once played in the American consciousness. But fear not, the Western genre is far from dead (which you would have known if you had read our list of the 100 Greatest Westerns of All Time). The brutality of the American West, combined with the hope that many people found in it, continues to inspire some of the most exciting filmmakers working today. It also has one of the richest histories of any genre, which allows filmmakers with a passion for Hollywood history to engage with the classics of the 20th century while updating Western tropes for modern audiences. The genre is so versatile that Westerns can reflect almost any political sentiment, meaning that Western movies tend to be an interesting barometer of the era in which they were made.

In just the last few Oscar seasons,...

Mark Harmon played the role of Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs to perfection in the Jag spin-off series. The actor portrayed the role for 19 seasons, establishing himself as a central part of the show.

However, what most NCIS fans don’t know is that there were several other actors who the creators were considering for that role. Notable names like Harrison Ford, Alec Baldwin, Clive Owen, and even Charlie Sheen were contemplated for the character. Harmon too initially wanted to reject the role until one thing made him accept the offer.

What’s in a name?: Mark Harmon changed his mind Mark Harmon in Jag | Credits: NBC & CBS

The military police procedural TV series, NCIS managed to captivate the audience with its unique concept and garnered substantial success. After the positive response from the initial seasons, the show soon became one of the most-watched TV series.

Related Harrison Ford...

Stars: Chris Cooper, Kris Kristofferson, Matthew McConaughey, Elizabeth Peña, Joe Morton, Stephen Mendillo, Oni Faida Lampley | Written and Directed by John Sayles

A major figure in independent filmmaking, writer/director John Sayles began his career working with the legendary Roger Corman and is now considered one of the greatest screenwriters in film history. One of his best-regarded works is his tenth feature, Lone Star, a masterpiece which earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Screenplay. Despite such glowing reviews, lacking availability made this film a struggle to watch for the longest time, although that has thankfully been rectified due to a Criterion release. As part of Cinema Rediscovered on Tour, this film was available to see on the big screen across the UK and Ireland, and it is thanks to FilmBath that I received the opportunity to see this for myself.

Opening in the desert, two off-duty sergeants find their...

A sci-fi thriller Stephen Kingadaptation is now available to stream after being removed from another platform. Across film and television, there is a litany of upcoming King adaptations in various stages of development. On the immediate front, however, there are three big-screen projects to watch for: The Monkey, helmed by Longlegs director Osgood Perkins; Edgar Wright's The Running Man starring Glen Powell; and Francis Lawrence's The Long Walk. The first two movies are slated for 2025, while the third is undated.

On the TV side, there's Welcome to Derry, the television adaptation of the It movies, which will bring back Bill Skarsgrd in the role of Pennywise. It was also recently announced that King's seminal novel Carrie will be adapted as a miniseries by The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass creator Mike Flanagan. But before those hit screens, a well-received sci-fi thriller may be getting a second look from audiences,...

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Before is a psychological thriller drama miniseries created by Sarah Thorp. The Apple TV+ series follows Eli, a recently widowed child psychologist who meets his next patient and soon figures out that the young boy has a haunting connection to his past. Their unconventional bond deepens as Eli tries to figure out the mystery behind the boy. Before stars Billy Crystal, Jacobi Jupe, Maria Dizzia, Ava Lalezarzadeh, Rosie Perez, and Judith Light. So, if you loved the intense story, psychologically thrilling mystery, and compelling characters in Before here are some similar shows you should check out next.

The Patient (Hulu) Credit – FX

The Patient is a psychological thriller miniseries created by Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg. The FX series follows Alan Strauss, a grieving therapist who is held prisoner by a patient who reveals himself to be a...

Could you imagine someone other than Mark Harmon playing Leroy Jethro Gibbs on the NCIS cast?

No, we aren’t talking about the Young Gibbs we have seen in flashbacks and on NCIS: Origins. We are talking about someone else nabbing the role on NCIS before Harmon got it.

Harmon starred as Gibbs on NCIS from 2003 until 2021. He left the show early in Season 19, and Gibbs was retired to Alaska.

Harmon also appears on NCIS: Origins, serving as the narrator and appearing in scenes where Gibbs writes a memorial about his exploits.

Actor Austin Stowell now plays the Young Gibbs on NCIS: Origin, taking the mantle from Sean Harmon, who had played Young Gibbs in NCIS flashbacks.

NCIS fans continue hoping that Gibbs (played by Harmon) will have a reason to resurface on the primary show in the future.

Who else could have played Gibbs on NCIS?

A fun report...

An expert explains how the 2007 spy thriller Breach accurately depicts its true story. Directed and co-written by Billy Ray, who went on to write Captain Phillips and Richard Jewell, the 2007 spy thriller is based on the true story of Robert Hanssen, an FBI agent who was convicted of spying for the Soviet Union and later Russia for over two decades, and Eric O'Neill, the FBI investigator who instrumental in his downfall. The movie stars Chris Cooper, Ryan Phillippe, Laura Linney, Dennis Haysbert, Caroline Dhavernas, Gary Cole, and Kathleen Quinlan.

In a video from Insider, former double agent Naveed Jamali rated spy scenes in movies and TV shows for realism, including the 2007 spy thriller Breach. He says the film accurately portrays the true story of Robert Hanssen, emphasizing its emotional depth, and goes on to explain the ongoing challenges of modern espionage. Overall, he rated Breach a 9/10 for realism. Read his...

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Woman of the Hour is a crime thriller drama film directed by Anna Kendrick from a screenplay by Ian McDonald. Based on the true story of serial killer Rodney Alcala, the Netflix film is set in the late 1970s and it follows the story of The Dating Game show contestant Cheryl Bradshaw who aspires to become an actress until she crosses paths with a serial killer on the dating show. Woman of the Hour stars Kendrick in the lead role with Daniel Zovatto, Autumn Best, Kathryn Gallagher, Pete Holmes, Kelley Jakle, and Tony Hale starring in supporting roles. So, if you loved the thrilling story, a terrifying serial killer, and compelling characters in Woman of the Hour here are some similar movies you should check out next.

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (Netflix) Credit – Netflix

Extremely Wicked,...

Meryl Streep could soon be adding another series to her growing list of TV credits. The three-time Oscar winner is attached to star in a series adaptation of author Jonathan Franzen’s National Book Award-winning novel “The Corrections,” according to Puck and Variety.

The series is being developed by CBS Studios and wiip and will be shopped around to streamers and networks, but no buyer is attached yet. Franzen is writing the adaptation and will executive produce.

The novel, which was first published in 2001, tells the story of a Midwestern family as they prepare to reconvene for “one last Christmas” before the patriarch’s health declines further. It covers themes of family, generation gaps, identity, and the pursuit of happiness. It is considered by critics to be one of the best American novels of the 21st century so far.

There have been attempts to adapt “The Corrections” since it was published.

One of the most celebrated American novels of the 21st century may finally be coming to the screen, and it’s bringing one of the most celebrated American actors of the 20th century to help tell it.

Meryl Streep is set to star in a series adaptation of Jonathan Franzen’s 2001 novel “The Corrections,” which Franzen himself will adapt for television. Franzen will also executive produce, as confirmed to IndieWire by a person with knowledge of the project.

The series is being set up at CBS Studios with executive producers Mark Roybal and Nicole Clemens. “The Corrections” doesn’t yet have a network or streamer attached, but the producers are bringing it to market soon.

CBS Studios declined to comment.

This particular version of “The Corrections” was originally slated to be at Paramount Television Studios, but amid Paramount layoffs, the entire Television Studios division shut down in August 2024.

There have...

Meryl Streep is attached to star in a series adaptation of Jonathan Franzen’s novel, “The Corrections.”

The project, which comes from CBS Studios and will be adapted and executive produced by Franzen, currently has no streaming service or network attached. Mark Roybal of wiip also executive produces. A spokesperson for CBS Studios declined to comment.

“The Corrections,” which was published in 2001, revolves around the troubles of an elderly Midwestern couple and their three adult children, tracing their lives from the mid-20th century to “one last Christmas” together near the turn of the millennium.

CBS Studios’ adaptation of “The Corrections” marks the second attempt to turn the novel into a TV series.

HBO shot a pilot for a series adaptation of the book in 2011 starring Chris Cooper, Dianne Wiest and Ewan McGregor, though it was ultimately not taken to series.

The project was formerly at Paramount Television Studios prior...

The Corrections could finally make it to the small screen — with Meryl Streep attached to headline.

Deadline has confirmed that Streep is set to star in the project from CBS Studios. Author Jonathan Franzen is adapting the 2001 novel chronicling a Midwestern couple and their adult children.

CBS Studios, which is producing with wiip, will take out the project soon. Franzen, wiip’s Mark Roybal and Nicole Clemens, formerly of Paramount TV Studios), will exec produce.

There’s been a previous attempt to bring the book to the small screen. In 2011, HBO ordered a pilot from Noah Baumbach. Scott Rudin, who had been developing the project for a decade, originally as a feature, was set to executive produce with Baumbach and Franzen. The pilot starred Chris Cooper, Dianne Wiest, Ewan McGregor, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Rhys Ifans and Greta Gerwig.

The following year, however, HBO declined to move forward. Puck first reported the news.

Jonathan Franzen’s novel The Corrections is getting a second shot at a TV adaptation — with Meryl Streep attached to star.

CBS Studios is in the early stages of development a drama based on the acclaimed 2001 novel, with Franzen adapting his own work and executive producing. The project doesn’t have a streaming or network outlet attached.

CBS Studios declined comment.

The CBS Studios project is the second attempt at a TV adaptation of The Corrections. HBO shot a pilot for a series adaptation in 2012 that starred Chris Cooper and Dianne Wiest but opted not to take it to series.

The rights to Franzen’s novel have been at Paramount since producer Scott Rudin optioned the book in the early 2000s. The current project had been housed at Paramount Television Studios but moved to CBS Studios last month when Paramount Global shut down Ptvs.

A National Book Award winner in...

Meryl Streep could soon have her next major TV role. Variety has confirmed with sources that Streep is attached to star in a series adaptation of the Jonathan Franzen novel “The Corrections.”

No streaming service or network is attached to the project at this time, but it will be taken out to market soon. Franzen is adapting the novel for the screen and will serve as executive producer. Mark Roybal of wiip will also executive produce. CBS Studios is behind the project. The project was formerly at Paramount Television Studios before it was shut down in August, with Nicole Clemens of Ptvs executive producing as well.

Reps for CBS Studios declined to comment.

“The Corrections” was originally published in 2001. It tells the story of an elderly Midwestern couple who try to hold a Christmas reunion with their three adult children due to the father’s failing health.

This is not...

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Midnight at the Pera Palace is a Turkish time-travel historical drama series created by written by Elif Usman. Inspired by the 2014 historical non-fiction book titled Midnight at the Pera Palace: The Birth of Modern Istanbul by author Charles King, the Netflix series follows the story of Esra, a young journalist in modern-day Istanbul as she is tasked with writing an article about the Pera Palace Hotel and soon she is transported back in time and tries to stop a sinister plot from unfolding that could change the Turkey she knows. So, if you loved the time travel intrigue, compelling characters, and a thrilling story in Midnight at the Pera Palace here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Dark (Netflix) Credit – Netflix

Dark is a German sci-fi mystery thriller series created by Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese.

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Travelers has to be one of the most brilliantly thought-out time travel thriller dramas ever made. Created by Brad Wright, the Netflix series follows a group of travelers who had to send their consciousness back in time to the 21st century. Knowing what is going to happen in the future if they don’t complete their mission, these travelers have to stop the end of the world. Travelers stars Eric McCormack, MacKenzie Porter, Nesta Cooper, Jared Abrahamson, Reilly Dolman, and Patrick Gilmore. So, if you loved the thrilling stories, sci-fi elements, and compelling characters in Travelers here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Continuum (Prime Video) Credit – Showcase

Continuum is a sci-fi action drama series created by Simon Barry. The Showcase series follows the story of Kiera Cameron, a cop in 2077 as she is forced...

The best Joely Richardson movies and TV shows feature roles working with some of the best directors and showrunners working in Hollywood today. Richardson is a legacy actress, the daughter of Tony Richardson and Vanessa Redgrave. Her sister was the late Natasha Richardson, and her brother-in-law is Liam Neeson. While her name might have gotten her some attention, her talent got her some big roles. She got her start when she was three in one of her dad's movies, and she never looked back.

Over the years, Richardson has appeared in movies starring Mel Gibson and Arnold Schwarzenegger, a hit film by David Fincher, and several groundbreaking and popular television shows. She has earned nominations at the Golden Globes, Satellite Awards, and Independent Spirit Awards. With over 20 different television show credits and almost 50 movies to her name, most fans have seen her in something, from horror movies and historical epics...

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His Three Daughters is a comedy-drama film written and directed by Azazel Jacobs. The Netflix film revolves around three estranged sisters as they reunite in New York City to take care of their ailing father but soon they find themselves fighting with each other due to their past issues and current predicament. His Three Daughter stars Elizabeth Olsen, Carrie Coon, and Natasha Lyonne in the lead roles with Jay O. Sanders, Jovan Adepo, Rudy Galvan, Jose Febus, and Jasmine Bracey starring in supporting roles. So, if you loved the heartwarming comedy, dysfunctional family, and compelling characters in His Three Daughters here are some similar movies you should check out next.

This Is Where I Leave You (Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Warner Bros.

This Is Where I Leave You is a comedy-drama film directed by Shawn Levy from a screenplay by Jonathan Tropper.

Kristen Stewart announced at the beginning of 2024 that she was quitting acting until she got her long-gestated feature directorial debut The Chronology of Water over the line.

The actress and director has achieved her ambition with a first image released today showing her on the set directing Imogen Poots in the lead role.

The movie is adapted from Lidia Yuknavitch’s best-selling 2011 memoir of the same name, with Stewart taking screenplay co-writing credits with Andy Mingo.

A tale of turning trauma into art, the personal story follows protagonist Lidia from her earliest childhood memories in the Pacific Northwest, through explosive misfires and mistakes, children that almost-were, toxic relationships, art heroes, wins and losses.

Drifting in the water of Lidia’s memories, the film follows her journey to becoming a professional writer and repossessing her story by writing one she can live with. The film is billed as “an in-depth exploration of sexuality,...

The first look at Kristen Stewart’s feature directorial debut, “The Chronology of Water,” is finally here.

The Oscar-nominated actor is pictured above on set with star Imogen Poots, who portrays author Lidia Yuknavitch in the film adaptation of her 2011 bestselling memoir of the same name.

According to the film’s official synopsis, it’s “about turning trauma into art” and follows Lidia “from her earliest childhood memories in the Pacific Northwest, through explosive misfires and mistakes, children that almost-were, toxic relationships, art heroes, wins and losses.”

The film “drifts in the water of Lidia’s memories on her journey to become a professional writer, repossessing her own story by writing one she can live with,” the description continues. “‘The Chronology of Water’ is an in-depth exploration of sexuality, of creativity, an unflinching stare at all the gory details of having a female body and a sensitive depiction of the emotional vocabulary of youth.

Les Films du Losange and WME Independent have taken on sales for Kristen Stewart’s directorial feature debut The Chronology Of Water.

The film, which releases a first look image today, shot in Latvia and Malta over six weeks in June/July.

The screenplay is written by Stewart and Andy Mingo adapted from Lidia Yuknavitch’s best-selling memoir.

WME Independent is handling North American sales. Les Films du Losange is on board for international sales and French distribution.

The cast of The Chronology of Water includes Imogen Poots as Lidia, Thora Birch, Earl Cave, Michael Epp, Susannah Flood, Kim Gordon and Jim Belushi.

Blake Lively has always made interesting choices as an artist. As /Film's Hannah Shaw-Williams noted while writing about the larger-than-anticipated box office debut for Lively's romantic drama "It Ends with Us," the "Gossip Girl" alum is the rare actor to become "a reliable star of so-called 'chick flicks' i.e. movies overtly marketed towards a female audience" in recent years. This dates back to her breakout role nearly 20 years ago in Ken Kwapis' "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants," a deeply earnest coming-of-age film that also happens to be about a pair of jeans that magically fits four teen girls with decidedly different body types. It's a good movie!

As she settled into adulthood, Lively continued to branch out, collaborating with auteurs like Rebecca Miller and Oliver Stone while primarily focusing on low-to-mid-budget, non-franchise fare at a time when such films were being banished to the direct-to-streaming realm. That's not...

Sayles’s 1996 film tackles racial division in Texas as a sheriff uncovers dark secrets about his home town and his father’s past

This rerelease of John Sayles’s western crime drama from 1996 is a reminder that he offered a vital but now maybe overlooked strand of indie movie-making and myth-making in 90s Hollywood, distinct from the brilliant ironies and shocks of Tarantino or the literary noir of the Coen brothers. Lone Star is a richly and densely achieved movie that gets a lot of storytelling done in two and a quarter hours; it is thoughtful and complex and grownup, a movie about the old west and the new west and about the culture wars of Texas and Mexico, about the melancholy spectacle of old white guys in Stetsons having coffee together, about who owns the narrative and who prints the legend. And it’s a film about the Freudian...

Known for bringing the popular superhero Spider-Man on-screen in the beloved trilogy, Tobey Maguire also had to follow a strict regimen to prepare for his role. The actor reportedly worked out four days a week and adhered to a high-protein diet for his Spider-Man debut on-screen in Sam Raimi’s 2002 film.

Spider-Man | Credit: Sony

While the film performed well and established the actor as one of the most beloved figures in the superhero genre, his ripped physique caused issues for his role in the 2003 sports film Seabiscuit. Transforming from the bulked-up superhero look to the lean, jockey physique required for the film proved to be a significant challenge for Maguire.

Tobey Maguire’s Challenging Transformation For Seabiscuit

Tobey Maguire’s hard work for Spider-Man paid off, as he sported a superhero physique. However, embodying the muscular superhero became an issue for his next film, in which he was cast in...

The Instigators is a heist action comedy film directed by Doug Liman from a screenplay co-written by Chuck Maclean and Casey Affleck. The Apple TV+ film follows the story of a former marine and an ex-con as they team up for a heist. When their plan goes awry they have to run and they drag one of their therapist in the process. The Instigators stars Matt Damon and Casey Affleck in the lead roles with Hong Chau, Paul Walter Stuhlbarg, Ving Rhames, Alfred Molina, Toby Jones, Jack Harlow, and Ron Perlman starring in supporting roles. So, if you loved the action, comedic banter, and heist drama in The Instigators here are some similar movies you could watch next.

Logan Lucky (Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Bleecker Street

Logan Lucky is a heist comedy-drama film directed by Steven Soderbergh from a screenplay by Rebecca Blunt. The 2017 film follows the story of Jimmy Logan,...

Roland Emmerich initially nervous working with Mel Gibson on The Patriot. Heath Ledger helped bridge the gap between Emmerich and Gibson. Gibson's career remains controversial due to a number of problematic comments.

At San Diego Comic-Con, Roland Emmerich explains his initial nervousness upon working with Mel Gibson on The Patriot. Emmerich was the director of the film, which starred Gibson as Benjamin Martin, a farmer who becomes a part of the Colonial Militia during the American Revolution. In addition to Gibson, The Patriot featured a leading cast including Heath Ledger, Joely Richardson, Jason Isaacs, Chris Cooper, Tcheky Karyo, Rene Aubjerjonois, Lisa Brenner, Tom Wilkinson, Donal Logue, and Leon Rippy.

Speaking with Collider at Sdcc, Emmerich explains his initial hesitation about working with Gibson. The director described Gibson as "a very angry guy deep down" making Emmerich "really, really nervous to shoot The Patriot." Emmerich also worried about crossing Gibson when...

The world of Yellowstone and its elusive cowboy fantasy has given us enough drama to keep the bored mind occupied for the next semester. But for Kevin Costner and Wes Bentley’s John and Jaime Dutton, peace is a thing of the distant future.

Wes Bentley and Kelly Reilly in Yellowstone [Credit: Paramount Network]

Meanwhile, as the Yellowstone family tears itself apart from the inside out, the outside world moves on at a relatively slower pace, with nothing but reminiscing memories to survive on. One of those memories involves Wes Bentley and his breakout success story, American Beauty.

Wes Bentley Learns a Lesson From Chris Cooper

Yellowstone may have brought global and unparalleled success to Wes Bentley in the years since 2018, but fame came knocking at his door decades earlier in the form of Sam Mendes’ feature directorial debut, American Beauty.

In an interview held by Entertainment Weekly in 2023, Bentley, star...

Chris Cooper is an Oscar-winning actor who has brought his laconic, folksy presence to dozens of movies, many of which have become modern classics. Let’s take a look back at 17 of his greatest films, ranked worst to best.

Born in 1951 in Kansas City, Missouri, Cooper cut his teeth in theater before making his film debut at the age of 36 with a lead role in John Sayles‘ “Matewan” (1987). The movie kicked off a decades long collaboration between the actor and director, with the two pairing up for such titles as “City of Hope” (1991), “Lone Star” (1996), “Silver City” (2004) and “Amigo” (2010).

He hit the Oscar jackpot with his supporting turn in Spike Jonze‘s “Adaptation” (2002), a self-reflective comedy about screenwriter Charlie Kaufman‘s (Nicolas Cage) struggles to adapt Susan Orlean‘s (Meryl Streep) nonfiction book “The Orchid Thief.” Cooper played John Laroche, the eccentric, swampy horticulturalist at the center of Orlean’s story.

There are many ways to celebrate the Fourth of July, but certainly one of the most fitting is by indulging in a great American pastime — watching a movie. There have been many films made about American history, from war epics to inspiring true stories, but we’ve put together a curated list of the best of the best — the most patriotic films that tackle America’s complex history in ways both grand and intimate, comedic and dramatic, awe-inspiring and fist-pump-inspiring.

Behold the best patriotic movies to watch on the 4th of July and where to stream each one.

Saving Private Ryan DreamWorks Pictures

Steven Spielberg’s 1998 film is hailed by many as one of the best World War II movies ever made, and it stands as a tribute to those who served. Set in 1944 Normandy, the story follows a group of soldiers whose mission is to find a private (played...

Jake Gyllenhaal learned the biggest lesson of his acting career during a scene in which he thought he was nailing it. He starred in the 1999 family drama movie October Sky alongside veteran actor Chris Cooper, who was responsible for instilling in him the true essence of acting.

Jake Gyllenhaal in October Sky / Universal Pictures

Fans would recognize Cooper from the 2002 film The Bourne Identity as Alexander Conklin. The Oscar-winning actor was also in 1996’s A Time to Kill and 1999’s American Beauty.

Jake Gyllenhaal On The Greatest Acting Lesson He Learned From Chris Cooper

During his interview with The Howard Stern Show, actor Jake Gyllenhaal said the greatest acting lesson he received was from fellow actor Chris Cooper. The latter portrayed John Hickam in Joe Johnston’s October Sky. In one of their scenes, Gyllenhaal was pouring his heart out by screaming.

Every actor loves to pretend like they’re tough,...

Greta Gerwig is set to reboot The Chronicles of Narnia for Netflix, bringing a modern appeal to the classic novels. Gerwig's success with Little Women proves she can balance faithful retelling with modern storytelling. The cozy cottage aesthetic of Narnia will be faithfully captured by Gerwig, embracing the world of C.S. Lewis.

Greta Gerwig may not seem like the obvious choice for The Chronicles of Narnia franchise, but one movie is proof that she's exactly what the fantasy saga needs. The $1 billion success of Barbie solidified Gerwig as one of Hollywood's most prominent filmmakers, achieving the rare combination of commercial phenomenon and award juggernaut. Shortly after, it was announced that she'd be rebooting The Chronicles of Narnia franchise for Netflix, following Disney's attempts to build a movie saga out of the classic book series in the 2000s.

Disney's Narnia reboots came at a pivotal moment for fantasy films, as they...

Many movie franchises were canceled due to poor box office performance, leaving sequel setups unresolved. Movie endings frequently introduce new conflicts or villains to set the stage for future installments. Factors like cast changes, financial issues, or studio decisions can lead to planned sequels being abandoned, leaving audiences with unresolved storylines.

Many planned movie franchises were canceled following the first movie's poor performance, resulting in some sequel setups that went nowhere. Generally, a poor box office performance is all there is to it the first movie didn't make enough money, so the studio abandoned the franchise altogether rather than risk losing more, regardless of whether the movie acts as though there will be a sequel. Other factors may contribute, like a cast or crew member moving on from the project.

A common movie sequel setup is the introduction of a new villain following the defeat of the previous installment's antagonist.

10x Grammy nominee Janelle Monáe (Glass Onion) has found her newest film role in Universal Pictures’ coming-of-age musical from director Michel Gondry and producer Pharrell Williams, the studio announced on Thursday.

Details as to her role in the untitled feature project haven’t been disclosed. Set in Virginia Beach in the summer of 1977, the film is inspired by the neighborhood where Williams grew up, and its Atlantis Apartments, in particular.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. leads an ensemble that also includes The Holdovers Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Halle Bailey, Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry, and Grammy winner Missy Elliott.

Written by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson, the film will be produced by Williams and Mimi Valdés for i am Other, as well as Gil Netter for Gil Netter Productions. Universal’s Senior Vice President of Production Development Ryan Jones and Director of Production Development Christine Sun are overseeing the project for the studio.

Taylor Sheridan’s neo-Western drama series Yellowstone was quite well-received by both fans and critics, especially after the first season. Its success paved the way for a slew of spin-offs. Created by Taylor Sheridan, the show revolves around the Duttons family who must protect their property from outsiders all while dealing with internal conflict.

Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone

Yellowstone’s first spinoff was a prequel series, 1883, starring Sam Elliot, Tim McGraw, and more. Following suit, “1923” emerged as another prequel, boasting an enviable lineup led by Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. When it came to coming back for a second season, Harrison Ford couldn’t be more excited. However, his enthusiasm was met with a stark comment from Taylor Sheridan.

Taylor Sheridan Recalls Harrison Ford’s Comment on 1923

Harrison Ford in 1923

While in conversation with Deadline after the release of 1923, Taylor Sheridan was asked if it was difficult to get Harrison...

Taylor Sheridan may not have much to show for his decades of acting career but slaving away at the Hollywood mill did teach him a lesson or two. He then used these lessons to bring Hollywood down to its knees. Churning out award-worthy original content, prequels, and spin-offs at an ungodly pace, Sheridan makes sure the studios perk up as soon as they hear his pen scratching the surface of a paper.

Taylor Sheridan [Photo: Crystal Wise/Fort Worth Magazine]However, Sheridan’s start at the frontlines of television and streaming was not inherently without its flaws. After suffering through an ordeal while securing a platform for Yellowstone, the director encountered and overcame massive obstacles in closing the series arc. His future spin-offs have been easier to pull off, but Sheridan once came incredibly close to losing his deal with Harrison Ford.

Taylor Sheridan’s Ambitious Deal With Harrison Ford

Taylor Sheridan has always been somewhat audacious in his ambitions.

At the inaugural Academy Awards in 1929, native Pennsylvanian Janet Gaynor made history as the first American-born performer to win an Oscar by taking the Best Actress prize for her body of work in “7th Heaven,” “Street Angel,” and “Sunrise.” Over the subsequent 95 years, 215 more thespians originating from the United States won the academy’s favor, meaning the country has now produced 68.1% of all individual acting Oscar recipients. Considering the last decade alone, the rate of such winners is even higher, at 70.3%.

At this point, 96.8% of American-born acting Oscar victors have hailed from one of 34 actual states. Of those constituting the remainder, three originated from the federal District of Columbia, while four were born in the territory of Puerto Rico. New York (home to 49 winners) is the most common birth state among the entire group, followed by California (34), Illinois (13), Massachusetts (11), and Pennsylvania (11).

Bearing in mind our specific birthplace focus, the 16 states...

A Free Palestine march, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, is set to hit Los Angeles on Sunday ahead of the 2024 Oscars.

The protest has been called by a group of organizers, artists and film workers in collaboration with Writers Against the War on Gaza LA (Wawog), Film Workers for Palestine, SAG-AFTRA Members for Ceasefire and many others, as they say, “No awards during a genocide!”

The organizers say they expect hundreds of people to show up to rally, march, blockade and disrupt, as they demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire. They also call for an end to what they say is “the blockade of Gaza and the occupation of Palestine.”

Film Workers for Palestine shared a statement on Instagram in collaboration with Jewish Voice for Peace’s L.A. chapter, calling people to meet at the Cinerama Dome at 1 p.m. Pt Sunday for the march.

“We will not be distracted by the entertainment industry,...

Acclaimed filmmaker John Sayles has revealed exactly what he thinks of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Sayles wrote and directed the Oscar-nominated 1996 film “Lone Star,” a Western set in a Texas border town where Sheriff Sam Deeds (Chris Cooper) unearths long-buried secrets amid racial strife. Since the film was made, a U.S.-Mexico border wall, a pivotal part of Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and known colloquially as “Trump’s wall,” has been built.

In a new interview with The Guardian, Sayles admitted that he recently urinated on the wall.

“I don’t think we’ve made any progress on border issues since the movie was made. Back then, it didn’t have the same tension. The border patrol would just say no me hagas correr to illegal immigrants – don’t make me run – and deport them,” Sayles said. “I don...