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☆ ‘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

☆ Carl Weathers, prolific actor famous for ‘Rocky’ and ‘The Mandalorian,’ dead at 76
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-02 | by ( Dan Heching | Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Carl Weathers, who came to fame as Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” movies and proceeded to appear in dozens of movies and TV shows from “Predator” to “The Mandalorian,” has died, according to his manager Matt Luber. “Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life,” his family said in a statement provided to CNN. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.”Sylvester Stallone and Carl Weathers perform a boxing scene in the movie "Rocky" directed by John G. Avildsen. Carl Weathers and Arnold Schwarzenegger on the set of "Predator" (1987). Weathers had also directed episodes of several TV series, including “Chicago Med,” “Law & Order” and “Hawaii Five-O.”American actor and former professional football player Carl Weathers posing in June 1979.

Persons: Carl Weathers, ”, Matt Luber, Weathers, “, Luber, “ Carl, ” Sylvester Stallone, John G, Avildsen, Michael Ochs, Stallone, ’, Muhammad Ali, Weathers parlayed, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jackson, Adam Sandler, Happy Gilmore ”, Carl, Michael Putland, ” Weathers, Mandalorian, Pedro Pascal, Instagram, Sandler Organizations: CNN, “, Michael Ochs Archives, Hollywood, Disney, Chicago, San Diego State, Oakland Raiders, Canadian Football League Locations: Detroit, American, New Orleans

☆ ‘Argylle’ review: Henry Cavill, John Cena and Dua Lipa play spies in Matthew Vaughn’s action comedy
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-01 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —After a trio of “Kingsman” movies, director Matthew Vaughn essentially hits the reset button with “Argylle,” another fun, highly stylized and less violent spy movie. Cast to the hilt, the film proves inventively twisty if a little convoluted, with the modest disclaimer that it’s not as good as the trailer makes it look. Bryce Dallas Howard and Sam Rockwell as an author and spy, respectively, in "Argylle." As Elly’s guide on this overwhelming journey, Rockwell steals the show, presenting a more human-scale spy who still does amazing things with smart-alecky wit and bravado. As noted, Vaughn’s work stands out for its energetic and playful approach to action, which is very much in evidence here.

Persons: Matthew Vaughn, Argylle, ”, Said, Elly Conway, Bryce Dallas Howard, Henry Cavill, James Bond, Dua, John Cena, Elly, Catherine O’Hara, she’s, Aidan, Sam Rockwell, Peter, Jason Fuchs, “, Bryan Cranston, Ariana DeBose, Sofia Boutella, Samuel L, Jackson, Rockwell, “ Napoleon, Kingsman ” Organizations: CNN, Apple Locations: Dua Lipa

☆ ‘Griselda’ sees Sofia Vergara transform into female drug kingpin Griselda Blanco
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-23 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —The title might be “Griselda” and the promotion all about Sofia Vergara, but this limited series devoted to a real-life drug kingpin could easily be dubbed “Narcos,” Season 4. After a title card in which Pablo Escobar offers an admiring quote, “Griselda” opens with its frantic title character, Griselda Blanco, fleeing from Medellin to Miami with her three sons. Vergara dons enough makeup to render her considerably less glamorous than her “Modern Family” image, although early accounts calling her “unrecognizable” must be from people who don’t know what Sofia Vergara looks like. Still, as the series spans years and various crises, “Griselda” becomes the least compelling – albeit unintended – addition to the “Narcos” universe, a solid but almost by-the-numbers exercise. Chalk that up in part to the fact that in both TV and the drug trade, the product doesn’t always deliver as much of a kick if you hit the same stuff too often.

Persons: Griselda ”, Sofia Vergara, Pablo Escobar, “ Griselda ”, Griselda Blanco, Griselda, Carmen, Vanessa Ferlito, Vergara, Juliana Aidén Martinez, “ Narcos, Eric Newman, Andrés Baiz Organizations: CNN, Sofia, Netflix Locations: Medellin, Miami

☆ ‘I.S.S.’ review: Ariana DeBose stars in an outer-space thriller that can’t maintain the gravity of its premise
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —If “Alien” broke ground as a haunted house movie in outer space, “I.S.S.” moves the suspense thriller into a similar confined and tense setting. Set in the near future, the film hinges on a mixed Russian-American crew aboard the International Space Station. Bringing that modern wrinkle to Cold War-era paranoia is ripe with possibilities, especially given the frostier interactions between the US and Russia in recent years. Ariana DeBose in the outer-space thriller "I.S.S." “I.S.S.” premieres January 19 in US theaters.

Persons: Ariana DeBose, John Gallagher Jr, Gordon, “, ” Chris Messina, Costa, Pilou Asbæk, Masha Mashkova, Gabriela Cowperthwaite, CNN Films ’, Nick Shafir, burnishing, ” Organizations: CNN, Space, CNN Films, “ Locations: Russian, American, Russia, I.S.S

☆ Takeaways from the Emmy Awards
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-15 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —After a four-month delay prompted by Hollywood’s twin actors and writers strikes, the 75th annual Emmy Awards finally have their moment in the spotlight. With its trio of technical wins at earlier Emmy presentations, the show drove away with eight awards in all. Brunson became the first Black women recognized as lead comedy actress in more than four decades, since Isabel Sanford of “The Jeffersons.”Quinta Brunson accepting the award for lead actress in a comedy at Monday's Emmy Awards. John Oliver, winner of outstanding scripted variety series with "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver," speaks onstage at Monday's Emmy Awards. Because of the postponement, the Emmys somewhat awkwardly followed the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards in rapid succession.

Persons: HBO’s, ”, Ali Wong, Steven Yeun, Anthony Anderson, Christina Applegate, Carol Burnett, Quinta Brunson, Ayo, “ Abbott, –, Brunson, Isabel Sanford of, ” Quinta Brunson, Valerie Macon, Edebiri, Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss, Bachrach, “, Jennifer Coolidge, Matthew Macfadyen, ” Niecy Nash, Betts, Jeffrey Dahmer, John Oliver ”, Trevor Noah, John Oliver, Elton John, Oscar, Tony –, Sarah Kate Ellis Organizations: CNN, HBO, Netflix, MLK, “, Getty, Comedy, EGOTs, Disney, Globes, Fox, NFL, The Television Academy, Writers Guild of America, GLAAD Locations: Isabel Sanford of “, AFP, Noah’s, Hollywood

☆ Michael Jackson documentary: ‘Thriller 40’ focuses on the art, not the artist
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-01 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

By sidestepping the philosophical questions about separating the art from the artist, “Thriller 40” can focus steadfastly on the music, and all the other ways Jackson influenced the industry, and less on the man himself. The documentary incorporates a bit of context about The Jackson 5, primarily to make the point that Jackson’s success as a solo artist was by no means a preordained conclusion. His success with 1979’s album “Off the Wall” offered a mere teaser of what was to come – the explosion of hits on his subsequent record “Thriller”in 1982, including the title track, “Bille Jean” and “Beat It.”Michael Jackson's music is explored in the documentary "Thriller 40." “Thriller 40” consciously and effectively brings the focus back to the music and the thrills he delivered as a performer. “Thriller 40” premieres December 2 on Paramount+ and at 8 p.m.

Persons: CNN — Michael Jackson, Nelson George, Jackson, Usher, Mary J, Blige, George, Michael Jackson ”, –, Misty Copeland, “ Bille Jean ”, Michael Jackson's, Robert Hilburn, Fred Astaire, “, John Landis, Jafaar Jackson Organizations: CNN, ”, MTV, Paramount, SHOWTIME, Motown, Los Angeles Times, Jackson, Showtime Locations: London

☆ ‘Maestro’ review: Bradley Cooper picks up the tune he started in ‘A Star is Born’
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-23 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —In hindsight, Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut “A Star is Born” served as the commercial tune-up that paved the way for “Maestro,” as both films deal with the price of art as well as loving an artist. Before getting to the movie itself, a word about the controversy it triggered over the prosthetic nose that Cooper donned to better resemble his Jewish character. Carey Mulligan and Bradley Cooper in "Maestro," which Cooper also directed. Still, watching Cooper and Mulligan portray their characters across decades, it’s hard not to be impressed, while nurturing a greater appreciation for why Cooper found Bernstein’s contributions and complications deserving of such a tribute. Cooper and Mulligan’s work should be very much in those conversations, if not the movie itself.

Persons: Bradley Cooper’s, ”, “ Maestro, Leonard Bernstein, Cooper, Carey Mulligan, Bernstein, Matt Bomer, Felicia Montealegre, Mulligan, Sarah Silverman, Edward R, Murrow’s, ” Bernstein, Felicia, Bradley Cooper, Jason McDonald, Maestro ”, Josh Singer, aren’t, Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, “ Maestro ” Organizations: CNN, Netflix Locations: “

☆ ‘Wish’ review: Disney tries to thaw out its ‘Frozen’ magic with Ariana DeBose
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-22 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —More than 70 years after Disney had a cricket sing about wishing upon a star, “Wish” picks up that theme, in an animated movie that desperately wants to thaw out some of the studio’s “Frozen” magic. Hailing from members of that movie’s creative team, “Wish” doesn’t quite reach the stars, but it does shine intermittently while introducing another plucky teenage female heroine, gamely voiced by Ariana DeBose. The movie does however celebrate the power of wishes, and in the process, decades of Disney history. By that measure, “Wish” mostly delivers – a credible addition to Disney’s long filmography, even if it’s not exactly a dream come true. “Wish” will offer early-access screenings on November 18 and open wide in US theaters on November 22.

Persons: ”, gamely, Ariana DeBose, Julia Michaels, Benjamin Rice, Bruno, Asha, –, King Magnifico, Chris Pine, Chris Buck, Fawn Veerasunthorn, “ Raya, Jennifer Lee, Allison Moore, “, Alan Tudyk’s, Valentino, it’s, Indiana Jones Organizations: CNN, Disney, “ Locations: Rosas, “, Magnifico

☆ ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ review: Series could use more Godzilla, fewer people
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-17 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Let’s face it, people generally don’t come to Godzilla-related projects for the actors and drama, which is basically the leap that “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” asks viewers to make. Stretched into a multi-generational Apple TV+ series, the show is as much a Titan-ic soap opera as a monster mash, proving mildly watchable but without enough of the city-leveling antics for which the big guy is known. Godzilla appears, occasionally, in the Apple TV+ series "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters." For that latter contingent, “Legacy of Monsters” should be mildly entertaining, but even with Apple’s sizable investment, it too often feels like a gigantic donut with a Godzilla-shaped hole in the middle. “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” premieres November 17 on Apple TV+.

Persons: ”, Lee Shaw, Kurt Russell, Wyatt Russell, Shaw, William, Keiko Randa, Anders Holm, Mari Yamamoto, Keiko, Anna Sawai, Ren Watabe, Russell, Indiana Jones Organizations: CNN, Apple

☆ ‘The Crown’ Season 6 review: Diana takes center stage as final season saves the worst for last
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

After sweeping the Emmys with the previous iteration of its cast, the Netflix drama looks ready to limp across the finish line unbowed, but slightly bloodied. Splitting the final season into two parts, the first four episodes focus on a pair of relationships in the wake of the divorce that shook the world. Fflyn Edwards as Prince Harry, Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana and Rufus Kampa as Prince William in "The Crown" Season 6. The fifth season premiered not long after Queen Elizabeth II’s death, which somewhat obscured its shortcomings. “The Crown” begins its sixth season November 16 on Netflix.

Persons: ”, there’s, Peter Morgan, it’s, Diana, Elizabeth Debicki, Dodi Fayed, Khalid Abdalla, Mohamed Al Fayed, Salim Daw, Charles, Dominic West, Imelda Staunton, Camilla, Olivia Williams, Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Jonathan Pryce, Charles –, Fflyn Edwards, Prince Harry, Rufus Kampa, Prince William, Daniel Escale, Queen Elizabeth II’s Organizations: CNN, Netflix, Royals

☆ ‘The Buccaneers’ review: Edith Wharton’s last novel becomes a ‘Bridgerton’ wannabe
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-08 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Although “The Buccaneers” comes with the literary pedigree of being based on Edith Wharton’s last, unfinished novel, the series so desperately wants to emulate “Bridgerton” that it almost makes your teeth ache, down to the mix of corsets and contemporary music. The result is a mildly watchable Apple TV+ series that proves, to quote Fred Allen, imitation is the sincerest form of streaming, too. Even so, everything feels a little too familiar, including the series’ hissable villain, hidden beneath a polished and presentable veneer. Consumed entirely on its terms, “The Buccaneers” works reasonably well as a soapy distraction for those willing to check their brains at the ballroom door. “The Buccaneers” premieres November 8 on Apple TV+.

Persons: Edith Wharton’s, Fred Allen, Conchita, Alisha Boe, ’ brashness, Nan St, George, Kristine Frøseth, Jinny, Imogen Waterhouse, Nan, Guy Remmers, Matthew Broome, Men’s ” Christina Hendricks, Christina Hendricks, Angus Pigott “ Organizations: Buccaneers, Apple Locations: Europe, New York

☆ ‘The Marvels’ battles nasty superheroes like ‘Gen V,’ ‘The Boys’ and ‘Invincible’
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-04 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Yet for this genre, a more subtle factor might be the bad, no good, extraordinarily nasty “heroes” that have entered the chat, as Amazon’s “The Boys” spinoff “Gen V” concludes its first season and the animated “Invincible” begins its second. Like “The Boys,” “Gen V” has explored the corruptible side of superheroes, with its college-age characters at the appropriately named Godolkin University (God U, for short) yearning for a place among the Seven, the amoral heroes brought to the world by a shadowy corporation more interested in public relations and profits than the public good. Lizze Broadway, Jaz Sinclair and Maddie Phillips in "Gen V," the spinoff to Amazon's "The Boys." The fact that “The Boys,” “Gen V” and “Invincible” play on Prime Video merely reinforces that streaming has created hungry platforms for genre-friendly franchises – including raunchier ones, like Max’s “Peacemaker” – while further adding to the crush of viewing options featuring characters in capes and masks. “Gen V” concludes and “Invincible” begins its second season November 3 on Amazon’s Prime Video.

Persons: ”, V ”, Jaz Sinclair, Maddie Phillips, Brooke Palmer, V, Max’s, Marvel, Monica Rambeau, “ WandaVision, Ms, Amazon’s, “ Invincible ” Organizations: Marvel, Disney, Godolkin University, Amazon Studios, DC, Fox, Amazon’s Locations: “

☆ ‘Lawmen: Bass Reeves’ review: David Oyelowo stars in Taylor Sheridan’s latest western with a historical twist
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-03 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

After bland western prequels to his flagship drama “Yellowstone,” producer Taylor Sheridan finds marginally more fertile territory in “Lawmen: Bass Reeves,” a series that will devote each season to a different frontier lawman or outlaw. Eventually, Bass escapes, hiding out during the remaining days of the Civil War before settling down and trying his hand at farming. Dennis Quaid in "Lawmen: Bass Reeves." In that context, “Bass Reeves” kicks off what Paramount clearly hopes will be an ongoing franchise with a solid if unspectacular opening salvo, without fully doing justice to its intriguing subject. “Lawmen: Bass Reeves” premieres November 5 on Paramount+.

Persons: Taylor Sheridan, Bass Reeves, ”, David Oyelowo, George Reeves, Shea Whigham, Bass, Dennis Quaid, Reeves, Sheridan, Judge Parker, Donald Sutherland, “, Chad Feehan, “ Ray Donovan ”, “ Bass Reeves ”, Lauren Smith, Dick Wolf, Tulsa King ”, there’s, ” –, it’s, Bass Reeves ” Organizations: Paramount, Confederate Army, Tulsa King Locations: Kingstown, ”

☆ ‘Sly’ review: Sylvester Stallone reminisces about his ‘Rocky’ rise in nostalgic Netflix documentary
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-03 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger can look back and laugh now about their heated rivalry as they once sought to one-up each other in terms of box-office muscle. Give Arnold the edge when it comes to Netflix documentary memoirs, with his eponymous three-parter easily topping “Sly,” a too Stallone-centric rumination on his “Rocky” rise. Sylvester Stallone earlier in his career, as seen in "Sly." Simply put, Zimny has sat back and allowed this to feel too much like a licensed product. Compared to the best of that fertile genre, though, it’s more of a lightweight than a genuine contender.

Persons: Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Arnold, ”, Stallone, Dolph Lundgren, Rocky ”, Frank, “, “ Rambo, Sly, Schwarzenegger, Talia Shire, Quentin Tarantino, Henry Winkler, Thomas Zimny, “ Springsteen, Sage, –, Sly ”, Rocky, Zimny, “ Arnold, Val, Michael J, “ Sly ”, it’s Organizations: Netflix, Broadway, Fox Locations: Flatbush ”, contextualizing

☆ ‘Billions’ series finale review (SPOILERS): The Showtime drama settles all accounts with its final showdown
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Editor’s note: The following contains spoilers about the series finale of “Billions,” titled “Admirals Fund.”After seven twisty seasons, with more double and triple crosses than you can shake a stock certificate at, “Billions” successfully landed the plane (OK, private jet) with its series finale, in a satisfying finish that reassembled the key players and even gave them time to take individual bows. For a show with so much bite and venom, it was oddly sentimental in generally the best of ways. The final season found a way to raise the stakes above high finance, with billionaire Mike Prince (Corey Stoll) running for president, exhibiting enough problematic qualities and questionable beliefs to inspire those within in his inner circle to turn against him and try to thwart his bid. If it wasn’t quite the game of catch scene from “Field of Dreams,” for these purposes the point was much the same. The “Billions” finale is playing on Paramount+ and will premiere October 29 on Showtime.

Persons: Mike Prince, Corey Stoll, Prince, immeasurably, Damian Lewis, Bobby “, ” Axelrod, Chuck Rhoades, Paul Giamatti, Jeffrey DeMunn, Chuck, “, Brian Koppelman, David Levien, Bobby, Wendy, Maggie Siff, Mike “ Wags ” Wagner, David Costabile, ”, Steve Miller Organizations: “, Showtime, Paramount

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