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☆ As ‘The Phantom Menace’ turns 25, six (non-Jar Jar) things the ‘Star Wars’ prequel got right
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —The teeth-gnashing aspects of “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” have been chewed upon for a quarter century, from Watto to Anakin Skywalker’s Midi-chlorian count (and miracle birth) to almost everyone’s favorite punching bag, Jar Jar Binks. Think of them as creative building blocks, which overcame clunkier parts of the script and awkward performances to influence the rest of the “Star Wars” timeline. Ray Park as the villainous Darth Maul in "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace." It’s also likely a key reason why “Star Wars” has continued to flourish as parents pass it on to their kids. “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” will play in select theaters beginning May 3.

Persons: Anakin Skywalker’s, George Lucas ’, Dave Filoni, “ Obi, Wan, They’re, Darth Sidious, Ian McDiarmid, Lucas, credibly, Mace Windu, Samuel L, Jackson didn’t, Ray Park, Darth Maul, Filoni, “, Ewan McGregor, Liam Neeson, Obi, Wan Kenobi, McGregor, Neeson, Wan –, John Williams, It’s, ” Organizations: CNN, “, “ Star, Lucasfilm, Force Locations: Watto, Republic

☆ ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’ review: Harvey Keitel stars in a love story set in the darkest of times
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-02 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Jumping around in time, this British production captures the horror of that experience while finding notes of grace in its narrator’s survival. That’s in part because this six-part series is at its core a love story, unfolding under the most horrible of circumstances. Harvey Keitel as the older Lali Sokolov in "The Tattooist of Auschwitz." Martin Mlaka/Sky UK“I haven’t got long,” Lali tells her, fueling her commitment to ensure his story gets told. “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” premieres May 2 on Peacock.

Persons: Harvey Keitel, Lale Sokolov, Jonah Hauer, King, Anna Próchniak, “, Gita, Lali, Heather Morris, Melanie Lynskey, Lali Sokolov, Martin Mlaka, haven’t, ”, Barbra Streisand, Sokolov Organizations: CNN Locations: Auschwitz

☆ As ‘Alien’ turns 45, those screams still echo through space and time
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —“In space, no one can hear you scream.”“Alien” premiered with that memorable advertising line in June 1979. I went to see “Alien” on its opening weekend with my older brother, knowing relatively little about it. Driving to the Avco cinemas in Westwood near UCLA, we immediately noticed the long line for tickets wrapping around the theater and heading down the block. Yaphet Kotto, Sigourney Weaver and Ian Holm in "Alien." Yet in the 1970s, with films like “Jaws,” “Star Wars” and “Alien,” they seemed to emerge almost organically, yielding screams, either of delight or horror, that, like those memories, have echoed across space and time.

Persons: CNN —, “, Ridley Scott’s, Ellen Ripley, Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, Yaphet Kotto, Ian Holm, –, thrall, Ripley, Romulus, ”, James Cameron’s Organizations: CNN, Los Angeles Times, Avco, UCLA, Fox, Hollywood Locations: Westwood

☆ ‘Knuckles’ review: Idris Elba reprises his ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ warrior in a Paramount+ series that goes nowhere fast
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —The “Sonic the Hedgehog” movies weren’t particularly good, but they had Jim Carrey and made a lot of money, so inevitably, there’s more. Lacking Carrey to help carry the load, “Knuckles,” spun out of that game-to-screen universe, isn’t just bad, but a next-level degree of bad, starting with the puzzling question of for whom this six-episode Paramount+ series was made. Despite only six half-hour episodes to complete the trek from points A to B, “Knuckles” goes nowhere fast and doesn’t seem to be in much of a hurry to get anywhere. “I do not make jokes,” Knuckles tells Wade. “Knuckles” premieres April 26 on Paramount+.

Persons: Jim Carrey, Carrey, “ Knuckles, ”, Idris Elba, Knuckles, –, Wade Whipple, Adam Pally, Wade, Rory McCann, Knuckles ”, Stockard Channing, “ Knuckles ”, “ Organizations: CNN, Paramount Locations: Reno , Nevada, Wade, detours

☆ ‘Avengers Assemble:’ Five years after ‘Endgame,’ the box office needs more than just a blip
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

For many it felt like a soothing balm, underscoring the kind of communal experience people were missing as the still-new coronavirus pandemic shuttered theaters. Even allowing for that, the operatic heights achieved by “Endgame,” which grossed nearly $2.8 billion worldwide, would have been difficult to replicate. Such a concept would have sounded particularly foreign in the run-up to “Endgame,” when Marvel and its leader, Kevin Feige, appeared to possess a Midas touch. Venezuelan filmgoers watch the first screening in Venezuela of Marvel Studios' "Avengers: Endgame" at a cinema in Caracas on April 26, 2019. Unlike “Endgame,” the challenges that face the movie business can’t be undone with a snap of the fingers.

Persons: Captain, Thanos, ”, Marvel, Kevin Feige, Federico Parra, Joe, Anthony Russo, America, Russo, Joe Russo, Barbie ”, Captain America Organizations: CNN, Captain America, Marvel Studios, Marvel, DC, Warner Bros, Hollywood, “, Getty, Film, Captain, Disney Locations: Venezuela, Caracas, AFP

☆ ‘Challengers’ review: Zendaya stars in director Luca Guadagnino’s triangle where love means nothing
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —In tennis, “love” means nothing. Back in the present, Tashi is Art’s wife and coach, having lost her own career to a devastating knee injury. Even using the sport as a metaphor, “Challengers” might become a bit of a challenge for those who show up eager to see the principals sweat for different reasons. Because she’s playing more complicated angles, Zendaya’s Tashi is the most interesting character as well as a source of frustration. While the build-up proves effective, the payoff simply feels too precious, in a way that’s particularly unsatisfying.

Persons: Love, whiffing, Luca Guadagnino, Zendaya, Mike Faist, Patrick, Josh O’Connor, Tashi, “, ” Guadagnino, Justin Kuritzkes Organizations: CNN, “, Wimbledon

☆ ‘The Sympathizer’ review: Robert Downey Jr. heads down the rabbit hole of the Vietnam War
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-14 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —The fortuitous timing of having a series produced by and featuring newly minted Oscar-winner Robert Downey Jr. tumbles down a very strange rabbit hole in “The Sympathizer,” a darkly satirical look at the Vietnam War and its aftermath. Each episode begins with dated-looking credits that evoke the 1970s, a promising Quentin Tarantino-ish conceit that, given what follows, sets expectations too high. As constructed, it’s a rather heavy-handed approximation of the fate Vietnam experienced in the pull of the war, which doesn’t make the Captain’s increasingly surreal arc any more compelling. Strangelove,” assuming that was the intent, than a means of maximizing the star’s presence without really heightening its impact. “The Sympathizer” is hardly the first project to funnel the contradictions of the Vietnam War through an exaggerated lens (“Apocalypse Now” being a prime example), but except for a few bracing sequences the execution only clouds that vision.

Persons: Robert Downey Jr, Downey, can’t, Park Chan, ”, Don McKellar, Quentin Tarantino, Duy Nguyen, Fred Nguyen Khan, Peter Sellers, “ Dr, Strangelove, Sandra Oh, David Duchovny, “ Organizations: CNN, Viet Thanh, CIA, HBO, coy, Credit Downey, Warner Bros . Locations: Vietnam, Viet, Saigon, what’s, “

☆ ‘Franklin’ review: Michael Douglas can’t quite catch lightning as Benjamin Franklin in new Apple TV+ series
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-12 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

“Franklin” comes from “John Adams” writer-producer Kirk Ellis, with Howard Korder (“Boardwalk Empire”), director Tim Van Patten (“The Sopranos”) and former HBO programming chief Richard Plepler joining him among the executive producers with pedigreed connections to that network. Michael Douglas and Ludivine Sagnier in "Franklin." Yet unlike “John Adams,” it lacks the level of supporting players and driving tension related to the Adams-Thomas Jefferson dynamic to provide a strong sense of narrative momentum. But even those attributes, and Douglas’ interpretation of them, don’t quite prove inventive enough to compensate for its shortcomings. “Franklin” premieres April 12 on Apple TV+.

Persons: “ Franklin ”, “ John Adams, ”, Michael Douglas, Benjamin Franklin, “ John Adams ”, Kirk Ellis, Howard Korder, Tim Van Patten, Richard Plepler, Franklin, Tom Wilkinson, Douglas, Temple, Noah Jupe, Ludivine, Madame Brillon, John Adams, “ Ray Donovan’s, Eddie Marsan, “, ” Douglas, Liberace, –, Stacy Schiff’s, Adams, Thomas Jefferson Organizations: CNN, Air, Apple, HBO, Continental Army, Franco, ” Locations: France, it’s, Paris, American, Great Britain, Franklin

☆ Critics are calling Netflix's 'Ripley' a stunning Hitchcockian thriller. But like its criminal anti-hero, it ends up overstaying its welcome.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-05 | by ( Eve Crosbie | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

The series is a slow-burn thriller that might not work for everyone. NetflixAs many critics have pointed out, "Ripley" indulges in every minute of its almost eight-hour run time. It may take a few episodes to engross audience members, but it's well worth the ride. "This kind of meticulous artistry deserves equally attentive viewing," Lena Wilson argued for IGN, adding: "Despite streaming in full on Netflix, 'Ripley' works best when watched in moderation." However, Aramide Tinubu, writing for Variety, disagreed, arguing that "the episodes are painfully overlong and full of dead space."

Persons: Dakota Fanning, Johnny Flynn, Andrew Scott, Ripley, Dan Einav, Lucy Mangan, Lena Wilson, Aramide Tinubu, Maurizio Lombardi, —, Brian Lowry Organizations: Netflix, Financial Times, The Guardian, IGN, Variety Locations: Ripley, Dickie's

☆ ‘Ripley’ review: Andrew Scott stars in a very slow-burn Netflix series based on the Tom Ripley books
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-04 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Moving slowly, indeed almost hypnotically, “Ripley” takes a few episodes to kick in, but once it does there’s no turning back. Set in the early 1960s, the format provides the latitude to luxuriate in uncomfortable moments and build palpable tension around situations in Patricia Highsmith’s books, a sensation that becomes more intense once it’s demonstrated how ruthless Scott’s Tom Ripley can be. Living an idyllic life with his girlfriend Marge (Dakota Fanning), Dickie resists the notion but foolishly invites Tom into his orbit. Marge might be suspicious of Tom’s motivations, but he quickly wins over Dickie despite his occasionally strange behavior. If they do, give the credit, primarily, to the talented Messrs. Zaillian and Scott.

Persons: “ Ripley ”, Ripley ”, Andrew Scott, “, Matt Damon, Steven Zaillian, ” “ Ripley ”, Patricia Highsmith’s, Tom Ripley, Ripley, Dickie Greenleaf, Johnny Flynn, Marge, Dakota Fanning, Dickie, Scott, Maurizio Lombardi, Ravini, ”, “ Ripley, –, it’s, deceptions, Zaillian Organizations: CNN, New Yorker, Netflix Locations: Italy, Ripley, Flitting

☆ ‘A Gentleman in Moscow’ review: Ewan McGregor traces Russian history from the prison of a hotel in Showtime series
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-29 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Spanning decades of Russian history from the confines of a luxury hotel, “A Gentleman in Moscow” provides another strong TV showcase for Ewan McGregor, this time playing opposite his wife, Mary Elizabeth Winstead. At the same time, the show manages to be quite funny and even romantic, nicely developing the other lives that Alexander touches. Plus, there’s the added kick of seeing McGregor and Winstead (who met shooting the third season of FX’s “Fargo”) sink their teeth into such juicy, flamboyant roles. And while Alexander might not be able to leave, viewers who voluntarily check into the Hotel Metropol will have plenty of reasons to enjoy their stay. “A Gentleman in Moscow” premieres March 29 on Paramount+ with Showtime and March 31 at 9 p.m.

Persons: Ewan McGregor, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, “ Obi, Wan, “, ” McGregor, Count Alexander Rostov, Alexander, Winstead, Johnny Harris, Joseph Stalin, Russia, McGregor Organizations: CNN, Moscow ”, Paramount, Showtime Locations: Moscow, Russian, Fargo

☆ ‘Manhunt’ review: Tobias Menzies stars in Apple’s bland Lincoln-assassination thriller
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-15 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —What sounds like an enticing historical thriller mostly falls flat in “Manhunt,” an Apple TV+ series about the frantic search for John Wilkes Booth after he assassinated Abraham Lincoln. Anthony Boyle as John Wilkes Booth in "Manhunt." That’s especially true of Booth, through no fault of Boyle’s, who as written possesses less depth than his flamboyantly villainous mustache. “Manhunt” sounds promising on paper, only to mirror Apple’s even-splashier World War II series “Masters of the Air” by offering a meticulously produced window into the past that only fitfully gets off the ground. “Manhunt” premieres March 15 on Apple TV+.

Persons: John Wilkes Booth, Abraham Lincoln, James L, Edwin Stanton, Tobias Menzies, “, Outlander, ’, Booth, Anthony Boyle, Lincoln, Hamish Linklater, Samuel Mudd, Matt Walsh, detours, Menzies, Stanton, Andrew Johnson, Glenn Morshower, Honest Abe Organizations: CNN, Apple, Lincoln’s, Apple’s “, Ford’s Theatre Locations: Washington

☆ 2024 Review: Oscars hits and misses including best moments, performances and speeches
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-10 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

The Oscars faced the double whammy of starting an hour earlier and the switch to Daylight Savings Time. Video Ad Feedback See who Host Jimmy Kimmel thanked in his opening monologue at the Academy Awards 01:04 - Source: CNNBrevity (relatively, anyway). A clip of late Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny is played onstage during the 96th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, California on March 10, 2024. Even with “Oppenheimer” nearly blotting out the sun, seven of the 10 best-picture nominees went home with at least something, with “Maestro,” “Past Lives” and “Killers of the Flower Moon” being the three that left empty-handed. Becky G performs during the 96th Academy Awards.

Persons: Ryan Gosling’s, “ Oppenheimer, ”, Christopher Nolan’s, Emma Stone, Lily Gladstone, Jessica Lange, Michelle Yeoh, Charlize, Theron, Jennifer Lawrence, Sally Field, Richard Harbaugh, A.M.P.A.S, Joy Randolph, He’s, Ken, Ryan Gosling, “ I’m, Ken ”, Emily Blunt, Barbie, Gosling, Jimmy Kimmel, Kimmel, helpfully, Alexey Navalny, Patrick T, Fallon, Jonathan Glazer’s, Mstyslav, Sen, Katie Britt, Donald Trump’s, “ Maestro, Hayao Miyazaki’s, John Cena’s, Becky G, Stewart Cook, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Danny DeVito, Michael Keaton Organizations: CNN, Savings, International Alliance, Alliance, Television Producers, Getty Locations: Hollywood , California, AFP, Gaza, Russian, Mariupol, Ukraine

☆ Oscars 2024: ‘Barbie’ might be the belle of the ball, but it looks like ‘Oppenheimer’s’ night
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-07 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —If you drink every time someone mentions “Barbie” at this Sunday’s Oscars, you probably won’t be awake to see the best picture category presented, even with the show’s earlier start time. Yet while the year’s biggest box-office winner will get plenty of attention – due in part to its much-debated “snubs” – the 96th Academy Awards looks destined to be “Oppenheimer’s” night. While few superhero or genre movies have managed to break through (“Black Panther” being an exception), “Barbie’s” mix of stars and social commentary nabbed eight nominations, including best picture. The award-industrial complex’s fondness for smaller films, further fueled by their availability via streaming services, is evident in the other best picture contenders. Cillian Murphy accepts the Screen Actors Guild award for his starring role in "Oppenheimer," the heavy favorite on Oscar night.

Persons: “ Barbie ”, Barbie, ”, Margot Robbie, Greta Gerwig, Martin Mull, ” didn’t, “ Oppenheimer, Oscar, Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer, Matt Winkelmeyer, –, ” “ Maestro, Barbie ”, “ Maestro, Christopher Nolan, Robert Downey Jr, Kane, Love, Ryan ” Organizations: CNN, Hollywood, The Academy, Motion Picture Arts, Sciences, “, Netflix, South, Warner Bros, ABC Locations: France

☆ ‘The Program’ takes a deeply personal look at the ‘troubled-teen’ industry
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —A deeply personal advocacy piece, “The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnapping” becomes messy at times over its three chapters, although in a way, that’s part of its power. Kubler assembles a group of others who were sent away, mostly at the age of 15 or 16, to The Academy at Ivy Ridge, a disciplinary facility in New York state near the Canadian border. The Academy at Ivy Ridge survivors in "The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnapping." Kubler stresses throughout that she’s not a journalist, but rather someone seeking answers to what happened then, shining a light on the emotional scars suffered by Ivy Ridge survivors. “The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnapping” premieres March 5 on Netflix.

Persons: Katherine Kubler, ”, Kubler, Ivy, “, Phil Elberg, There’s Organizations: CNN, Netflix, The Academy, Ivy Ridge, Academy, Ivy Locations: Ivy, New York

☆ ‘The Regime’ review: Kate Winslet’s streak of award-worthy miniseries fizzles with HBO’s political satire
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-01 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Alas, they’ve come a little too close to that with “The Regime,” a political satire that’s weird but not very good, other than savoring Winslet’s over-the-top antics as an autocratic leader. When the story begins, Vernham is already engaging in odd behavior that leaves her ministers (who assemble in “Dr. Matthias Shoenaerts and Kate Winslet in "Regime." Lustily sneering her dialogue in an exaggerated accent, Winslet throws her all into the character, but to what end? But after watching “The Regime,” consider this an offer they probably should have refused.

Persons: “ Mildred Pierce ”, Kate Winslet, they’ve, Will Tracy, Stephen Frears, Jessica Hobbs, ”, Winslet’s Chancellor Elena Vernham, Martha Plimpton, –, Vernham, Dr, Strangelove ”, Herbert Zubak, Matthias Schoenaerts, Herbert, Matthias Shoenaerts, Elena, Andrea Riseborough, Guillaume Gallienne, Herbert isn’t, clouding, Hugh Grant, can’t, Lustily, Winslet Organizations: CNN, HBO, lunacy, Warner Bros . Locations: “, Easttown, Central Europe, “ Amsterdam

CNN —Comedian and actor Richard Lewis, whose self-deprecating humor and acerbic wit in shows like “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Anything but Love” entertained audiences for decades, has died, according to his publicist Jeff Abraham. In April of 2023, Richard revealed that he had been living with Parkinson’s disease. ‘Enthusiasm’ for a lasting friendshipArguably best known for his role on “Curb,” Lewis just recently shared that the decision to play himself on the hit series was creator David’s idea. Lewis and David’s relationship extended beyond the screen, having been in each other’s lives since their 20s. Lewis performed stand-up comedy for 50 years until he took his final bow in 2018 at Chicago’s Zanies.

Persons: Richard Lewis, ”, Jeff Abraham, Abraham, “, Richard, Lewis, Johnny Carson ”, Larry David, Jamie Lee Curtis, Prince John, Mel Brooks ’, Robin Hood, ” Richard Lewis, Ethan Miller, Lewis ’, ” “ Richard, ” Lewis, David, David “, Larry, ” Larry David, John P, Johnson, “ Richard, he’s, I’ll, ” Lewis ’, Joyce Lapinsky Organizations: CNN, Software, Bellagio, HBO, Warner Bros, ”, Ohio State University Locations: Los Angeles, Las Vegas , Nevada, Brooklyn, New Jersey, Chicago’s

☆ Oscars predictions: ‘Oppenheimer’ seems to be the movie awards voters have been waiting for
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-26 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

A woman poses for a selfie in New York to celebrate the "Barbie" movie on Friday, July 21. Hannah Beier/The Washington Post/Getty Images Cierra Fraser and Joslin Farley pose outside of a theater in Los Angeles on Saturday. Stephanie Keith/Getty Images North America/Getty Images Barbie fan Shannon Douglas poses for a photo Saturday in Somerdale, New Jersey. Hannah Beier/The Washington Post/Getty Images A group of friends gather outside a movie theater in Los Angeles on Friday. Jenna Schoenefeld/The Washington Post/Getty Images A Barbie fan attends a movie showing in New York on Friday.

Persons: CNN — “ Barbie ”, “ Oppenheimer ”, Christopher Nolan’s, “ Oppenheimer, “ Barbie ”, Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan, Cillian Murphy, ”, “, Stephanie Keith, Britney Stewart, Hannah Beier, Cierra Fraser, Joslin Farley, Jenna Schoenefeld, Maria Plascencea, Daniella Galvan, Plascencea, Daniella, Dania Maxwell, Shannon Douglas, Jasmine Vaughn Perrett, Barbie, Perrett, Sophie Davidoff, Ayan Babayeva, Mia Ilyaich, Ayan, Reece Adineh, James Cameron Organizations: CNN, Screen Actors Guild, Producers Guild of America, Academy, Golden Globes, of America, Academy and Universal Pictures, Academy of Motion Picture Arts, Sciences, CNN The Academy, ABC, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Getty, North Locations: New York, Somerdale , New Jersey, Los Angeles, North America, Iran

☆ ‘Shōgun’ review: FX’s 10-part series might be the TV program of the year (again)
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-26 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —In the early heyday of miniseries, “Shōgun” was the show of the year in 1980, and it might be again 44 years later. That chaos also creates the possibility of one regent emerging to consolidate power, and perhaps even gain the title of shōgun. Of course, in today’s heavily fragmented streaming environment “Shōgun” won’t be the massive ratings hit that it was back when there were three broadcast networks (and not much else), but those who wade into this dense history will be amply rewarded. “All men can be broken,” Toranaga muses at one point, with a quiet sense of menace and determination. If only all limited series could be half as good as “Shōgun.”“Shōgun” premieres February 27 on Hulu and at 10 p..m. ET the same day on FX.

Persons: Shōgun ”, James Clavell’s, John Blackthorne, Cosmo Jarvis, –, ” Blackthorne, Toranaga, Hiroyuki Sanada, “ John Wick, shōgun, Eager, Mariko, Anna Sawai, Buntaro, Shinnosuke Abe, Blackthorne, Richard Chamberlain, King, “ Shōgun ”, Sean Connery, Jarvis, Ishido, Hira, ”, Michael Clavell, won’t, ” Toranaga Organizations: CNN, of Regents, Apple’s, NBC, Hulu Locations: Japan, ”, “

☆ ‘Dune: Part Two’ review: Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya headline a sequel that feels as if it’s walking in sand
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-21 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —If David Lynch’s 1984 “Dune” movie raced through the book, the second half of director Denis Villeneuve’s version at times moves as if it’s walking in sand, figuratively as well as literally. The technical wizardry, which earned the 2021 film six Oscars, certainly lends itself to big-screen consumption, and Warner Bros. (like CNN, a unit of Warner Bros. Other new players include Christopher Walken and Florence Pugh as the emperor and his daughter, Léa Seydoux, and briefly, Anya Taylor-Joy. Warner Bros. PicturesWith composer Hans Zimmer’s muscular score (and the overall sound) working overtime, Villeneuve is at his best when depicting the fascistic power of the Harkonnens and their sprawling military machine. “Dune” premieres March 1 in US theaters.

Persons: David Lynch’s, Denis Villeneuve’s, Frank Herbert’s, Paul Atreides, Mahdi, – Paul, Stellan, Rabban, Dave Bautista, Austin Butler, Elvis, Sting, Butler, Christopher Walken, Florence Pugh, Léa Seydoux, Anya Taylor, Joy, Léa, Hans Zimmer’s, Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts, ” There’s, Lady Jessica, Rebecca Ferguson, “, “ Wonka, callow, Javier Bardem, Dune’s ”, hasn’t Organizations: CNN, Zendaya, Warner Bros, Villeneuve Locations: Hollywood’s

☆ Jon Stewart marks ‘The Daily Show’ return
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-12 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images Stewart waves goodbye backstage after taping the last episode of "The Jon Stewart Show" in 1995. Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News Archive/Getty Images Stewart holds an award won by "The Daily Show" in 2003. M. Caulfield/WireImage/Getty Images Stewart appears on an episode of CNN's "Crossfire" with Paul Begala, left, and Tucker Carlson in 2004. Scott Kowalchyk/CBS/Getty Images Stewart smiles as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell walks by him on Capitol Hill in 2019. Matt Wilson/Comedy Central's The Daily Show Jon Stewart is back on "The Daily Show."

Persons: Jon Stewart, Jack Paar’s, Stewart, “, Taylor Swift, ”, ” Stewart, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Victoria Will, College of William & Mary, William, Mary Athletics Stewart, Conan O'Brien, Lesly Weiner, Mike Piazza, Jeff Kravitz, Catherine McGann, Ron Galella, Jennifer Beals, Guillermo Diaz, Universal Pictures Stewart, Tracey McShane, Steve Eichner, Adam Sandler, Corey Sipkin, Paul Begala, Tucker Carlson, CNN Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Colbert, Scott Gries, Todd Plitt, —, Rob Corddry, Ed Helms, Samantha Bee —, Ethan Miller, Kevork Djansezian, Mark Peterson, Bill Kotsatos, Nathan, Maggie, Tomorrowland Speedway, David Roark, Benjamin Lowy, Bill O'Reilly, Jamie McCarthy, Valentino, Tracey, Jo, Anne McArthur, Barack Obama, Pete Souza, Trevor Noah, Noah, Brad Barket, Comedy Central Stewart, Biden, Alex Wong, Rossum, James Devaney, John Feal, Zach Gibson, Scott Kowalchyk, Mitch McConnell, McConnell, Bill Clark, Twain, Kevin Wolf, Matt Wilson, Robert Hur’s, Trump, Dulcé Sloan, ” Jordan Klepper Organizations: CNN, Comedy Central, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, College of William &, Mary Athletics, MTV, Getty, Miramax, Everett, Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures, Television Critics Association, Caulfield, MTV Networks, Comedy, Tomorrowland, Walt Disney, Disney, Cancer Moonshot Initiative, New York Knicks, FealGood, CBS, Kennedy Center, Performing Arts, Daily Locations: Williamsburg , Virginia, New York, Washington , DC, Florida, Washington ,

☆ ‘Suncoast’ review: Nico Parker, Laura Linney star in Laura Chinn’s deeply personal coming-of-age story
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-09 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —A little movie with a dour theme, “Suncoast” had no chance of basking in the theatrical sunshine, but deserves to be seen on Hulu. Writer-director Laura Chinn tells the semi-autobiographical story about her dying brother and understandably crazed mother, with no-dry-eyes left performances by Nico Parker and Laura Linney, plus an assist from Woody Harrelson for good measure. “I’ll learn how to be fun again,” the mom tells the daughter in a rare moment of sobriety, acknowledging just how un-fun life has become for both. “Suncoast” premieres February 9 on Hulu. It’s rated R for teen drug and alcohol use.

Persons: Laura Chinn, Nico Parker, Laura Linney, Woody Harrelson, Chinn, Terri Schiavo –, Doris, Parker, Tim Burton’s, Paul, Harrelson, Schiavo, mom’s, –, Doris ’, Linney’s, “, Keyla Monterroso Mejia Organizations: CNN, Suncoast, Hulu ., “, “ Suncoast, Hulu Locations: Clearwater , Florida

☆ Henry Cavill says he’s ‘not a fan’ of sex scenes
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-07 | by ( Lianne Kolirin | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —“Superman” star Henry Cavill has revealed that he’s “not a fan” of on-screen sex scenes. The British actor, who stars in newly released movie “Argylle,” suggested graphic love scenes can sometimes feel gratuitous. Appearing on the podcast “Happy Sad Confused” on Monday, Cavill said he felt that intimate scenes are sometimes “overused”. He said: “Sex scenes can be great in a movie, they can really help with the storytelling, but most of the time the human imagination is going to trump it. “Argylle,” which CNN reviewer Brian Lowry described as a “fun, highly stylized” spy thriller, was released February 2 in the United Kingdom and United States.

Persons: CNN —, Henry Cavill, ”, Cavill, Matthew Vaughn, Vaughn, ” Vaughn, Josh Horowitz, “, ” Matthew Vaughn, Kate Green, ‘, there’s, ” Cavill, …, Brian Lowry Organizations: CNN, Universal Pictures Locations: British, United Kingdom, United States

☆ ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Season 12 review: Larry David begins the end of his show for people who hate people
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-04 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Mostly, Larry David’s extended swan-song provides a final chance to watch him and his pals carry on like idiots, feeling a little more hit-miss in the execution. Larry David and J.B. Smoove in "Curb Your Enthusiasm." That unique dynamic alone has made “Curb” a fascinating experiment, which has lasted far longer than even David probably could have envisioned. Even with all that creative freedom, given David’s quirks, real and imagined, its longevity is frankly remarkable. “Curb Your Enthusiasm” begins its 12th and final season February 4 at 10 p.m.

Persons: ”, Larry David’s, Larry, “, Jeff, Jeff Garlin, David, Susie, Susie Essman, Leon, J.B, Richard Lewis, Ted Danson, Larry’s, Cheryl, Cheryl Hines, Robert F, Kennedy Jr, Tracey Ullman, Larry doesn’t, he’s, Larry David, John Johnson, Siri, there’s, “ Seinfeld Organizations: CNN, HBO, Warner Bros .

☆ ‘Arctic Ascent’ review: ‘Free Solo’s’ Alex Honnold undertakes another dizzying climb
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-03 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —After feeding the collective fear of heights with “Free Solo,” climber Alex Honnold sets his sights on tackling one of the highest unclimbed cliff faces on the planet, while delivering a climate-change message for good measure. “Arctic Ascent with Alex Honnold” works on both levels (one of them really high up), while making viewers appreciate sitting on a flat, stable surface. Alex Honnold on the glacier in "Arctic Ascent With Alex Honnold." (Granted, Honnold was doing this before “Free Solo” dramatically upped his profile, but as an executive producer of this latest project, he’s made the most out of that since.) “Arctic Ascent with Alex Honnold” premieres February 4 at 8 p.m.

Persons: Alex Honnold, Alex Honnold ”, Heidi Sevestre, mercifully, Honnold, Hazel Findlay, Mikey Schaefer, Matt Pycroft, he’s Organizations: CNN, Geographic, Disney, El Capitan, Honnold, “, Hulu Locations: Hulu, Greenland, El

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