Scream VI (2023)
87%RT Audience Score: 91%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Scream VI, the latest installment in the iconic slasher franchise, has left critics divided. While some have praised the film for its suspenseful set pieces and fun ride, others have criticized it for being too cliche-riddled and lacking in impact. However, one thing is for sure: Scream VI is not afraid to take risks and reinvent the series, even if it means becoming its own punch line. With a new generation of filmmakers at the helm, the future of Scream is uncertain, but one thing is certain: fans of the franchise will not be disappointed by the gore, meta rants, and surprising amount of fun that Scream VI has to offer.
Scream VI is like a rollercoaster ride that starts off slow and then picks up speed, but instead of loops and drops, it’s filled with jump scares and gore. While some critics may say it’s lost its touch, I say it’s still a fun time. Plus, who doesn’t love a good meta rant and a surprise twist? Just make sure to bring a friend to hold onto during the scary parts.
Production Company(ies)
Ensemble, Paramount Pictures, Project X Entertainment, Spyglass Media Group, Warner Bros.
Distributor
Paramount Pictures
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
MPAA / Certificate
R
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:2.39 : 1
-
Runtime:2h 3m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Mar 10, 2023 Wide
Genre(s)
Horror/Mystery & thriller
Keyword(s)
Scream VI, horror, mystery & thriller, R rating, directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, written by James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick, produced by William Sherak, James Vanderbilt, Paul Neinstein, starring Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Courteney Cox, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Hayden Panettiere, reviewed by Kimber Myers, Wenlei Ma, Isaac Feldberg, A Tony Jerome, David Sims, Sara Michelle Fetters, Christian Toto, Andy Klein, Trace Thurman, JD Duran, box office gross of $75.9M, Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos sound mix, digital 2.39:1 aspect ratio, Paramount Pictures distributor, 2h 3m runtime, Ghostface killings, Woodsboro, murderously meta franchise, inventive set pieces, change of setting, requel, core four, gnarly kills, total scream
Worldwide gross: $168,961,389
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $123,952,710
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 919
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 13,517,198
US/Canada gross: $108,161,389
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $83,952,710
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 836
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $35,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $35,000,000
Production budget ranking: 1,032
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $18,847,500
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $70,105,210
ROI to date (est.): 130%
ROI ranking: 825
Jenna Ortega – Tara Carpenter
Courteney Cox – Gale Weathers
Jasmin Savoy Brown – Mindy Meeks-Martin
Mason Gooding – Chad Meeks-Martin
Hayden Panettiere – Kirby Reed
Director – Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett
Producers – William Sherak, James Vanderbilt, Paul Neinstein
Writers – James Vanderbilt, Guy Busick
Director(s)
Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett
Writer(s)
James Vanderbilt, Guy Busick
Producer(s)
William Sherak, James Vanderbilt, Paul Neinstein
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (266) | Top Critics (57) | Fresh (206) | Rotten (60)
With Scream VI, Scream (2022) filmmakers Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett are so interested in reinventing Wes Craven’s saga and keeping audiences guessing and grossed out that they’ve made a film that makes no impact at all.
March 21, 2023 | Rating: D+
Kimber Myers
Crooked Marquee
TOP CRITIC
Don’t be shocked if there are more laughs and whoops in the cinema than there are shrieks and gasps – but Scream has never tried to take itself too seriously which has always been part of the charm.
March 19, 2023 | Rating: 3/5
Wenlei Ma
News.com.au
TOP CRITIC
Too cliche-riddled and irony-poisoned to avoid collapsing into exactly the sort of artificial franchise extension Craven would have slashed to ribbons.
March 18, 2023 | Rating: C-
Isaac Feldberg
Above the Line
TOP CRITIC
You’re gonna get your classic killings, the violence of which is three looking-through-my-hands worthy.
March 13, 2023
A. Tony Jerome
Autostraddle
TOP CRITIC
There just isn’t enough juice behind the stagecraft. The Scream movies have thrived because they’ve always stayed one step ahead of their source material — but as the franchise grows more bloated, they risk becoming their own punch line.
March 13, 2023
David Sims
The Atlantic
TOP CRITIC
Scream VI shows there’s still life in this series, and now that a new generation has been given control of the story, I’m curious to see where things go next.
March 13, 2023 | Rating: 3/4
Sara Michelle Fetters
MovieFreak.com
TOP CRITIC
Slasher franchise brings meta rants, gore and surprising amount of fun.
March 22, 2023 | Rating: 2.5/4
Christian Toto
HollywoodInToto.com
The first one that is really a step down… Having said that, it’s still a fun ride.
March 21, 2023
Andy Klein
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
Pull Quote: With higher stakes and some truly suspenseful (and fun!) set pieces, Scream VI might be the best Scream sequel since Scream 2.
March 21, 2023 | Rating: 4.5/5
Trace Thurman
Horror Queers Podcast
SCREAM VI is painting with a broader brush in regards to franchises while also channeling what was so great about SCREAM 2.
March 21, 2023 | Rating: B+
JD Duran
InSession Film
I really enjoyed this and appreciated that the new setting gave the series new blood. There’s a lot of things that didn’t add up but it’s so much fun that I can ignore it for the most part.
March 19, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
Justin Brown
Medium Popcorn
For the sixth entry in the series, this was a great adjustment from the past two entries in giving us a new setting and an incredible opening sequence. My main gripe is that the writers have to do better with the “murder mystery” element…
March 19, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
Brandon Collins
Medium Popcorn…
Plot
Sam, Mindy, Chad, and Tara – four survivors of the most recent batch of Ghostface killings – leave Woodsboro behind and start a fresh chapter in New York City. Sixth installment in the Scream franchise.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
All entries contain spoilers
Matt-Bettinelli-Olpin.jpg
87%
The Lost King (2023)
87%RT Audience Score: 92%
Awards & Nominations: NA
The Lost King is a delightful and charming film that tells the story of a woman’s quest to uncover the truth about a long-lost king. While the film may not be groundbreaking in its storytelling, it is a heartwarming tale that is sure to leave audiences feeling uplifted. The performances are all top-notch, with Sally Hawkins delivering a standout turn as the determined protagonist. The film also touches on important themes of discrimination and misinformation, making it a timely and relevant piece of cinema. Overall, The Lost King is a must-see for anyone looking for a feel-good movie with a bit of historical intrigue thrown in.
“The Lost King” is a movie that will make you feel like you’re on a treasure hunt for the truth. It’s a story about a woman who is determined to uncover the real story behind Richard III, and she won’t let anyone stand in her way. The movie is a mix of history, mystery, and drama, and it’s a lot of fun to watch. The cast is great, and the story is engaging from start to finish. If you’re looking for a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat, “The Lost King” is definitely worth checking out.
Production Company(ies)
BBC Film, The Ingenious Group
Distributor
IFC Films
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom; London, England, United Kingdom; Scotland, United Kingdom; London M25 Loop, England, United Kingdom
MPAA / Certificate
PG-13
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 49m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United Kingdom
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Mar 24, 2023 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 9, 2023
Genre(s)
Comedy/Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Sally Hawkins, Steve Coogan, Harry Lloyd, Mark Addy, James Fleet, Jessica Hardwick, directed by Stephen Frears, written by Steve Coogan, Jeff Pope, comedy, drama, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Katie Walsh, Rafer Guzman, Emily Zemler, Tim Cogshell, Christy Lemire, Kyle Smith, Frank Swietek, Roger Moore, Rob Thomas, Aaron Neuwirth, Martha K Baker, Abbie Bernstein, producer Steve Coogan, Christine Langan, Dan Winch, Wendy Griffin, MPAA rating PG-13, archeology, King Richard III, British history, discrimination, misinformation, sexism, amateur historian, Philippa Langley, Richard Buckley, John Ashdown-Hill, The Bookseller, Dolby Digital, IFC Films, limited release, Sally Hawkins as Philippa Langley, Steve Coogan as John Langley
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $5,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $5,000,000
Production budget ranking: 1,821
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $2,692,500
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Steve Coogan – John Langley
Harry Lloyd – Richard III
Mark Addy – Richard Buckley
James Fleet – John Ashdown-Hill
Jessica Hardwick – The Bookseller
Director(s)
Stephen Frears
Writer(s)
Steve Coogan, Jeff Pope
Producer(s)
Steve Coogan, Christine Langan, Dan Winch, Wendy Griffin
Film Festivals
Toronto
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (116) | Top Critics (42) | Fresh (90) | Rotten (26)
Reveals a distinctly British obsession with royalty and propriety that doesn’t always translate with the same reverence abroad. But the more important story is the one about discrimination and misinformation; that fact can be twisted into fiction
March 29, 2023 | Rating: 3/4
Katie Walsh
Tribune News Service
TOP CRITIC
A true story, potentially inspirational but mostly just peculiar.
March 28, 2023 | Rating: 2/4
Rafer Guzman
Newsday
TOP CRITIC
The viewer will recognize a classic David vs. Goliath tale at the heart of The Lost King, which is what makes it such a good story.
March 27, 2023 | Rating: 3.5/4
Emily Zemler
Observer
TOP CRITIC
It’s sweet and nice, but it didn’t need the extra stuff.
March 25, 2023
Tim Cogshell
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
TOP CRITIC
Stephen Frears gives us something really comforting, sweet, solid and sincere.
March 25, 2023
Christy Lemire
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
TOP CRITIC
As it ticks along from one small but crucial development to another, this climax is far more exciting than any part of any superhero movie I’ve seen in recent months.
March 24, 2023
Kyle Smith
Wall Street Journal
TOP CRITIC
A low-key, engaging crowd-pleaser about historical detective work that’s also a David-and-Goliath story involving sexism and the prejudice against amateurs felt by professionals, as well as a modest reevaluation of Richard’s personality and regal status.
April 5, 2023 | Rating: B
Frank Swietek
One Guy’s Opinion
A featherweight little charmer
March 30, 2023 | Rating: 3/4
Roger Moore
Movie Nation
“The Lost King” brings a light but firm touch to a story that’s too good not to dig into.
March 30, 2023 | Rating: 3/4
Rob Thomas
Capital Times (Madison, WI)
That path this film goes down is somewhat predictable, but it’s no less interesting to see unfold. Plus, seeing a friendlier take on Richard III for a change is nice.
March 30, 2023 | Rating: 7/10
Aaron Neuwirth
We Live Entertainment
Hawkins perfectly portrays this fragile woman, toughened by the overbearing professors of Leister University. Coogan is believable as her supportive ex. Mark Addy plays one of the few men on her side.
March 29, 2023
Martha K. Baker
KDHX (St. Louis)
The Lost King successfully illustrates someone struggling to validate their own sense of identity through achievement, and that’s something most viewers can recognize from life.
March 27, 2023 | Rating: B+
Abbie Bernstein
Assignment X…
Plot
In this inspiring true story, amateur historian Philippa Langley takes on Britain’s most eminent historians to prove that she has found the lost burial site of King Richard III.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
No goofy, funny, or odd comments were found on Fresh Kernels about the film Signed in.
Stephen-Frears.jpg
87%
Tetris (2023)
87%RT Audience Score: 88%
Awards & Nominations: NA
“Tetris” is a film that takes the audience on a nostalgic journey back to the 80s, where the classic game was born. Director Jon S Baird does an excellent job of capturing the graphic style and music of the era, making it a fun and entertaining watch. Taron Egerton’s performance is commendable, and he fits perfectly into the story of the game’s origins. However, the film does have its flaws, with some critics noting that it lacks originality and occasionally drops “Tetris” pieces or inserts animated 8-bit elements into the frame. Despite this, “Tetris” is an intriguing and interesting film that captures the excitement of being on the cusp of a technological breakthrough.
Who knew a movie about Tetris could be so intriguing? Apparently, the critics did. Taron Egerton’s performance is being hailed as one of his best, and the film captures the excitement of being on the brink of a technological breakthrough. Sure, it may not be the most original movie out there, but it’s definitely worth a watch. Plus, who doesn’t love a good game of Tetris?
Production Company(ies)
Disney+, MARV, Original Film
Distributor
Distributor: Apple TV+
Release Type
Streaming
Filming Location(s)
Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom; Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
MPAA / Certificate
R
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital, Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:2.39:1
-
Runtime:1h 58m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United Kingdom
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Mar 24, 2023 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 31, 2023
Genre(s)
Mystery & thriller/Biography
Keyword(s)
starring Taron Egerton, Nikita Efremov, Toby Jones, Sofya Lebedeva, Ben Miles, Rick Yune, directed by Jon S Baird, written by Noah Pink, mystery, thriller, biography, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Richard Roeper, Wendy Ide, Stephanie Zacharek, Ty Burr, Adam Graham, Brian Lowry, Stephen Silver, Shawn Edwards, Lael Loewenstein, Wade Major, Frank Wilkins, producer Gillian Berrie, Len Blavatnik, Gregor Cameron, Claudia Schiffer, Matthew Vaughn, MPAA rating R, Henk Rogers, Alexey Pazhitnov, Cold War-era thriller, video game, Soviet Union, inventor, double-crossing villains, unlikely heroes, nail-biting race to the finish, Dolby Digital, limited release, streaming on Apple TV+
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $25,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $25,000,000
Production budget ranking: 1,227
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $13,462,500
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Nikita Efremov – Alexey Pajitnov
Toby Jones – Robert Stein
Sofya Lebedeva – Sasha
Ben Miles – Howard Lincoln
Rick Yune – Larry
Director – Jon S. Baird
Producers – Gillian Berrie, Len Blavatnik, Gregor Cameron, Claudia Schiffer, Matthew Vaughn
Writer – Noah Pink
Director(s)
Jon S. Baird
Writer(s)
Noah Pink
Producer(s)
Gillian Berrie, Len Blavatnik, Gregor Cameron, Claudia Schiffer, Matthew Vaughn
Film Festivals
South by Southwest
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (168) | Top Critics (36) | Fresh (137) | Rotten (31)
Taron Egerton fits perfectly into story of the classic game’s origins.
April 3, 2023 | Rating: 3/4
Richard Roeper
Chicago Sun-Times
TOP CRITIC
Director Jon S Baird harnesses the graphic style and plinky plonk music of 80s computer games to amusing effect.
April 2, 2023 | Rating: 3/5
Wendy Ide
Observer (UK)
TOP CRITIC
In movie terms, it all works, and Egerton and Efremov are wonderful.
April 1, 2023
Stephanie Zacharek
TIME Magazine
TOP CRITIC
It settles down into an engagingly paranoid 8-bit variation on “Bridge of Spies”…
April 1, 2023 | Rating: 2.5/4
Ty Burr
Ty Burr’s Watch List
TOP CRITIC
Baird occasionally drops “Tetris” pieces or inserts animated 8-bit elements into the frame, because otherwise the movie is a lot of drab interiors and conversations about rights, contracts and business ethics. It’s not enough…
March 31, 2023 | Rating: C
Adam Graham
Detroit News
TOP CRITIC
Tetris isn’t a perfect movie, but for the purposes of justifying Apple TV+’s investment, it stacks up just fine.
March 31, 2023
Brian Lowry
CNN.com
TOP CRITIC
A fun but complex romp about how different factions around the world, from the U.S. to Japan to Britain to the Soviet Union, all wanted a piece of that addictive video game.
April 10, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
Stephen Silver
Splice Today
“Tetris” is intriguing and interesting. Gets a bit espionagy but it’s totally fascinating. Taron Egerton completely commits and sneakily delivers perhaps the best performance of his career.
April 8, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
Shawn Edwards
Fox 4 Kansas City
The film really captures being on the cusp of a technological breakthrough… Quite entertaining.
April 7, 2023
Lael Loewenstein
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
They’re pushing the dramatization beyond what actually happened, but that said it’s an awful lot of fun.
April 7, 2023
Wade Major
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
Were it about anything other than a silly 8-bit game we’ve all played a million times, it probably wouldn’t work as well as it does.
April 7, 2023 | Rating: 3/5
Frank Wilkins
Reel Reviews
Despite its interesting story and Taron Egerton’s commendable performance, it lacks the originality that characterized its source of inspiration. [Full Review in Spanish]
April 7, 2023 | Rating: 2.5/4
Rene Sanchez
Cine Sin Fronteras…
Plot
“Tetris” tells the true story of Henk Rogers, who risks everything to bring the popular video game to the masses by traveling to the Soviet Union and teaming up with inventor Alexey Pazhitnov.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Fresh Kernels mentions that Taron Egerton fits perfectly into the story of the classic game’s origins in Tetris.
Jon-S.-Baird.jpg
87%
Ponniyin Selvan: Part II (2023)
87%RT Audience Score: 88%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Ponniyin Selvan: Part II is a cinematic masterpiece that leaves the audience in awe of its grandeur and storytelling. The film’s strong acting, costumes, production design, and cinematography all come together to create a fitting portrayal of ambition, greed, romance, and grief. Director Ratnam and his collaborators have successfully adapted Kalki’s epic story into a gargantuan pot-boiler that is big enough to get lost in. What sets PS2 apart is how it humanizes its characters, making them relatable and endearing despite their positions of power. While some may find it a mixed bag, this film is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted epic.
Ponniyin Selvan: Part II is a grand spectacle that will leave you wanting more. The acting is top-notch and the costumes and production design are stunning. It’s like Game of Thrones, but with less dragons and more heart. The story is full of ambition, greed, romance, and grief, but what really sets it apart is how relatable the characters are. You’ll get lost in this world and won’t want to leave. Overall, it’s a must-see for anyone who loves epic tales and beautiful filmmaking.
Production Company(ies)
Foreign Language
Distributor
Red Giant Movies
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:2h 44m
-
Language(s):
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:NA
Genre(s)
Action/Adventure/Drama/History
Keyword(s)
starring Vikram, Aishwarya Rai, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Trisha Krishnan, Prabhu, directed by Mani Ratnam, written by Mani Ratnam, B. Jeyamohan, Kumaravel, action, adventure, drama, history, Tamil language, box office gross $4.7M, reviewed by Shalini Dore, Anupama Chopra, Simon Abrams, Vishal Menon, Sukanya Verma, Jimmy Cage, Lyca Productions, Madras Talkies, Red Giant Movies, MPAA rating not provided, Nandini, Chola Princes, Emperor Sundara Chozhar, Pandya King Veerapandian, Rashtrakutas, Periya Pazhuvettarayar, Aditha Karikalan, Kundavai, Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan, Mandakini Devi, Ponniyin Selvan, costumes, production design, cinematography.
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $75,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $75,000,000
Production budget ranking: 562
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $40,387,500
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Aishwarya Rai – Mandakini Devi / Nandini
Jayam Ravi – Arunmozhi Varman / Ponniyin Selvan
Karthi – Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan
Trisha Krishnan – Kundavai
Prabhu – Unknown role
Director – Mani Ratnam
Writers – Mani Ratnam, B. Jeyamohan, Kumaravel
Production Company – Lyca Productions, Madras Talkies
Distributor – Red Giant Movies
Director(s)
NA
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
NA
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (6) | Top Critics (3) | Fresh (5) | Rotten (1)
The acting is strong across the board, while costumes, production design and cinematography all serve to tell the tale fittingly.
May 5, 2023
Shalini Dore
Variety
TOP CRITIC
Ambition, greed, romance and grief. This game of thrones doesn’t overshadow the people playing it.
May 2, 2023
Anupama Chopra
Film Companion
TOP CRITIC
Ratnam and his collaborators stick the landing on their gargantuan pot-boiler, and while Krishnamurthy’s world may not look as grand as it seemed, either in the moviemakers’ heads or on the page, it is big enough to get lost in.
April 28, 2023 | Rating: 3/4
Simon Abrams
RogerEbert.com
TOP CRITIC
What makes PS2 a special film is how we’re always accepting of these characters for who they are as regular people, devoid of the stature their positions come with.
May 5, 2023
Vishal Menon
Film Companion
Ponniyin Selvan: 2 winds up the saga in all its spectacular and sorrowful glory.
May 1, 2023 | Rating: 3.5/5
Sukanya Verma
Rediff.com
It’s a mixed bag and unfortunately not the adaptation that Kalki’s epic story deserves.
April 28, 2023 | Rating: 5/10
Jimmy Cage
Jimmy Cage Movie Reviews (YouTube)…
Plot
In Ponniyin Selvan: Part II, the Chola Princes must battle against the wrath of the Pandyas, the enraged army of the Rashtrakutas, the powerful Pazhuvettarayar’s betrayal, and the vengeful Nandini.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Rotten Tomatoes doesn’t have anything goofy or funny or odd to say about the film Signed in.
NA.jpg
87%
Polite Society (2023)
87%RT Audience Score: 84%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Polite Society is a cinematic masterpiece that seamlessly blends British wit, Kung Fu action, and Bollywood flair into a deliciously entertaining film. Manzoor’s directorial debut is a triumph, showcasing her immense talent and leaving audiences eagerly anticipating her next project. The film’s central performances by Kansara and Arya are nothing short of brilliant, with their sisterly bond radiating off the screen and captivating viewers. While some critics may find fault with the film’s pacing or plot, it’s impossible not to be swept up in the contagious energy and unabashed joy of Polite Society. This is a must-see film that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.
Polite Society is like a Bollywood movie, a British comedy, and a Kung Fu action film all rolled into one. It’s a fun and quirky celebration of sisterhood that will leave you feeling good. The plot is constantly surprising, and the performances by Priya Kansara and Arya are top-notch. While it may not be a black belt, it’s definitely a tasty snack that will satisfy your movie cravings. Overall, Polite Society is a great debut from director Manzoor and a promising start to her career.
Production Company(ies)
Focus Features, Parkville Pictures, Sister, Working Title
Distributor
Focus Features
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
SHOOT LOCATION(S):
London, England, United Kingdom
MPAA / Certificate
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:1h 43m
-
Language(s):
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:NA
Genre(s)
Action/Comedy
Keyword(s)
starring Priya Kansara, Ritu Arya, Shobu Kapoor, Ella Bruccoleri, Seraphina Beh, Shona Babayemi, directed by Nida Manzoor, written by Nida Manzoor, produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Olivier Kaempfer, John Pocock, action, comedy, PG-13, box office gross $1.5M, budget unknown, reviewed by Claudia Puig, Stephen Romei, Ty Burr, Wendy Ide, Alison Willmore, Robert Abele, Matthew Simpson, Dann Gire, Sonal Pandya, Rubén Rosario, Wade Major, Jared Mobarak, British, Kung Fu, Bollywood, sisterhood, wedding heist, martial arts, parental disappointment, independence, partial nudity, sexual material, violence, April 28 2023 limited release, May 16 2023 streaming release, Focus Features, Working Title Films.
Worldwide gross: $2,445,289
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: $1,545,600
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $7,500,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $7,500,000
Production budget ranking: 1,767
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $4,038,750
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Ritu Arya – Lena
Shobu Kapoor – Fatima
Ella Bruccoleri – Alba
Seraphina Beh – Clara
Shona Babayemi – Kovacs
Director – Nida Manzoor
Producers – Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Olivier Kaempfer, John Pocock
Writer – Nida Manzoor
Director(s)
NA
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
NA
Film Festivals
Sundance
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (141) | Top Critics (40) | Fresh (128) | Rotten (13)
A fusion of British wit, Kung Fu action movies, and Bollywood… And a very sweet celebration of sisterhood.
May 17, 2023
Claudia Puig
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
TOP CRITIC
This 104-minute movie is a promising big screen debut from Manzoor, who is 33. It will be interesting to see what she does next.
May 8, 2023 | Rating: 3.5/5
Stephen Romei
The Australian
TOP CRITIC
It’s a crowd pleaser, certainly, and Manzoor and Kansara are talents to watch.
May 5, 2023 | Rating: 3/4
Ty Burr
Ty Burr’s Watch List
TOP CRITIC
The pinballing plot is constantly surprising, and both Kansara and Arya sparkle in this kickass celebration of sisterly bonds.
April 30, 2023 | Rating: 3/5
Wendy Ide
Observer (UK)
TOP CRITIC
Finally, all the angst of diasporic existence… can be confronted with a straightforward punch to the face. It’s a device that Polite Society can’t entirely pull off, though it’s still a good time.
April 29, 2023
Alison Willmore
New York Magazine/Vulture
TOP CRITIC
Manzoor…always finds an honest vibe to win you over, whether it’s sisterly camaraderie, youthful awkwardness or you’re-going-down spunk, which allows the abundant personality in her wonderful cast to hit all the necessary top notes.
April 28, 2023
Robert Abele
Los Angeles Times
TOP CRITIC
With great central performances, downright contagious energy, and a great story about what it means to be family, Polite Society is one not to miss.
May 18, 2023 | Rating: 8/10
Matthew Simpson
Exclaim!
A boldly deranged, multi-pop-cultural movie…
May 17, 2023 | Rating: 3.5/4
Dann Gire
Chicago Daily Herald
Priya Kansara shines in this fun yet uneven comedy.
May 17, 2023
Sonal Pandya
Hindustan Times
This tasty snack is no black belt, but it gives your comfort-food movie cravings a decent workout. It’ll do.
May 17, 2023
Rubén Rosario
MiamiArtZine
I love British comedies, I love Bollywood, and I love kung fu movies, but pack them all into one and it’s like jack of all trades, master of none.
May 17, 2023
Wade Major
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
Add the authentic love shared by Kansara and Arya and it’s tough not to come aboard for a madcap adventure that cements Manzoor’s talent as someone worth following.
May 5, 2023 | Rating: 7/10
Jared Mobarak
Hey, Have You Seen …?…
Plot
Action/Comedy follows martial artist-in-training Ria Khan as she attempts to save her older sister Lena from an impending marriage by pulling off the most ambitious of all wedding heists in the name of independence and sisterhood.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
NA
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87%
Monica (2023)
87%RT Audience Score: 87%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Monica, a film that explores the complexities of grief, family, and reconciliation, has received mixed reviews from critics. While some have praised the film’s nuanced performances and refusal to conform to conventional storytelling, others have criticized its slow pace and pretentious cinematography. However, as a highly intelligent and verbose critic, I must say that Monica is a tender character study that delicately navigates the struggles of the transgender community within the context of family. Director Andrea Pallaoro’s restraint in storytelling allows for the performances of Lysette and Clarkson to shine, creating a unique and universal experience that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. While some may find the film slow-moving, its deliberate pace allows for a deeper exploration of the themes at hand. Overall, Monica is a beautifully crafted film that deserves recognition for its poignant portrayal of the human experience.
Monica is a movie that will make you feel all the feels. It’s a heartwarming story about family, grief, and acceptance. The performances are top-notch, and the direction is subtle yet effective. Sure, it may be a bit slow-moving, but that’s just because it wants you to savor every moment. And let’s be real, we could all use a little more savoring in our lives. So grab some tissues and get ready to be moved by this beautiful film.
Production Company(ies)
LGBTQ Stories, VOD
Distributor
IFC Films
Release Type
Streaming, Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
SHOOT LOCATION(S):
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States; Ohio, United States
MPAA / Certificate
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:1h 54m
-
Language(s):
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:NA
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Trace Lysette, Patricia Clarkson, Adriana Barraza, Emily Browning, Joshua Close, Brittany Picard, directed by Andrea Pallaoro, written by Andrea Pallaoro, Orlando Tirado, drama, R rating, box office gross $27.9K, IFC Films, Alacran Pictures, Propaganda Italia, Varient, Melograno Films, Solo Five Productions, Fenix Entertainment, reviewed by Mark Jenkins, Tracy Brown, Peter Sobczynski, Teo Bugbee, Randy Myers, Niko Stratis, Murjani Rawls, Wade Major, Mike McGranaghan, Mike Scott, Todd Jorgenson, trans story, family drama, aging, abandonment, reconciliation, forgiveness, acceptance, courage, pain, fear, cognitive look, human condition, Dolby Digital, Gina Resnick, Christina Dow, Eleonora Granata-Jenkinson, produced by Andrea Pallaoro, Monica.
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $7,500,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $7,500,000
Production budget ranking: 1,767
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $4,038,750
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Patricia Clarkson – Eugenia
Adriana Barraza – Leticia
Emily Browning – Laura
Joshua Close – Paul
Brittany Picard – Mother
Director – Andrea Pallaoro
Producers – Gina Resnick, Christina Dow, Eleonora Granata-Jenkinson, Andrea Pallaoro
Writers – Andrea Pallaoro, Orlando Tirado
Production Companies – Alacran Pictures, Propaganda Italia, Varient, Melograno Films, Solo Five Productions, Fenix Entertainment
Sound Mix – Dolby Digital
Director(s)
NA
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
NA
Film Festivals
Venice
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (32) | Top Critics (14) | Fresh (27) | Rotten (5)
Monica is moody, slow-moving and stronger on style than characterization, yet Lysette and Clarkson endow it with feeling.
May 17, 2023 | Rating: 2.5/4
Mark Jenkins
Washington Post
TOP CRITIC
Monica is an intimate look at the complexity of grief, reconciliation and family.
May 15, 2023
Tracy Brown
Los Angeles Times
TOP CRITIC
A quiet, heartfelt, and beautifully nuanced drama that feels unique and universal.
May 12, 2023 | Rating: 4/4
Peter Sobczynski
RogerEbert.com
TOP CRITIC
Director Andrea Pallaoro doesn’t burden this delicate tale of reconciliation with long monologues or extensive back stories, and the performances are compelling in their restraint.
May 11, 2023
Teo Bugbee
New York Times
TOP CRITIC
Pallaoro refuses to tell this story, co-written by Orlando Tirado, in a conventional and tidy movie-of-the-week manner, which is evident even in the framing of individual shots where main character’s faces are sometimes cut off.
May 11, 2023 | Rating: 3/4
Randy Myers
San Jose Mercury News
TOP CRITIC
Placing a uniquely trans story in the center of a well-worn road creates a path to a new sentiment to be granted to a tale that many people have and will face in their life.
May 8, 2023
Niko Stratis
Autostraddle
TOP CRITIC
There’s no need for the shock to be at the forefront – especially given so many instances centering around trans stories that based themselves on the cruelty of the world in which they exist. Beauty also exists, and it’s what ‘Monica’ makes room for. May 18, 2023
Murjani Rawls
Draftkings Nation
Pretentiously photographed, which takes away from the performances.
May 18, 2023
Wade Major
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
Monica is the kind of picture that builds empathy by depicting a few of the issues members of the transgender community face within their families.
May 17, 2023 | Rating: 3/4
Mike McGranaghan
Aisle Seat
At its most basic, Monica is soft sigh of a movie, a tender character study built around smartly constructed moments.
May 15, 2023 | Rating: 3/4
Mike Scott
Times-Picayune
Familiar themes of acceptance and reconciliation are given fresh relevance in this deliberately paced but quietly powerful family drama.
May 13, 2023
Todd Jorgenson
Cinemalogue
Pallardo’s film has such stringent narrative goals, yet proceeds nowhere and with nothing. Its vague and enervating plot purports to signify profundity, but only accomplishes the desultory.
May 12, 2023
Zachary Goldkind
In Review Online…
Plot
Monica returns home to the Midwest to care for her ailing mother, and through themes of abandonment, aging, rejection, acceptance, and forgiveness, we get to know Monica and her world in the emotionally resonant drama, Monica.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Rotten Tomatoes doesn’t say anything goofy or funny or odd about the film Monica.
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87%
Jethica (2023)
87%RT Audience Score: 83%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Jethica, the latest offering from director Pete Ohs, is a horror-comedy that manages to strike a delicate balance between creepy and comic. With its clever techniques and old-fashioned allure, it feels like a modern update on a Hollywood B-movie. While it may not offer much in the way of scares or laughs, it is strangely fascinating nonetheless. Ohs and his screenwriting-cast deftly manage to transition from one tone to the other by slow degrees, resulting in a film that is both clever and accomplished. Despite its meandering plot and tonal gambits, Jethica is a delightful and small little film that is well worth a watch.
Jethica is like that weird friend you have who you’re not sure if you like or not, but you can’t stop hanging out with them anyway. It’s a horror-comedy that doesn’t quite hit the mark on either front, but somehow manages to be entertaining nonetheless. The plot is a bit all over the place, but the creative techniques and micro-budget charm make up for it. Plus, it’s only 72 minutes long, so even if you don’t love it, at least it won’t waste too much of your time. Overall, Jethica is worth a watch if you’re in the mood for something quirky and offbeat.
Production Company(ies)
Psychological, Supernatural, VOD
Distributor
Cinedigm
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
New Mexico, United States
MPAA / Certificate
NR
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:1h 10m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jan 13, 2023 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 14, 2023
Genre(s)
Comedy/Drama
Keyword(s)
Comedy, Drama, Mystery & thriller, supernatural, stalker, New Mexico, high school, ghost story, horror-comedy, scares, laughs, small budget, indie, creativity, ingenuity, micro-budget, genre conventions, women, harassment, stalking, box office, budget, MPAA rating, Cinedigm, directed by Pete Ohs, produced by Pete Ohs, written by Andy Faulkner, Callie Hernandez, Will Madden, Pete Ohs, Ashley Denise Robinson, starring Callie Hernandez, Ashley Denise Robinson, Andy Faulkner, Will Madden, Stephanie Hunt, Alan Palomo, reviewed by Richard Brody, Noel Murray, Jeannette Catsoulis, Leslie Felperin, Amy Nicholson, Katie Rife, Jenn Adams, Molly Henery, Dennis Harvey, Sarah Boslaugh, Lee Jutton, Jared Mobarak, Fresh Kernels, Tomatometer, audience score, streaming, theaters, limited release, distributor, Vudu, Amazon Prime Video US, iTunes
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $5,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $5,000,000
Production budget ranking: 1,817
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $2,692,500
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Ashley Denise Robinson – Jessica
Andy Faulkner – Benny
Will Madden – Kevin
Stephanie Hunt – Radio Show Host Voice
Alan Palomo – Guy in Back Seat
Director – Pete Ohs
Producer – Pete Ohs
Writers – Andy Faulkner, Callie Hernandez, Will Madden, Pete Ohs, Ashley Denise Robinson
Director(s)
Pete Ohs
Writer(s)
Andy Faulkner, Callie Hernandez, Will Madden, Pete Ohs, Ashley Denise Robinson
Producer(s)
Pete Ohs
Film Festivals
South by Southwest
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (47) | Top Critics (11) | Fresh (43) | Rotten (4)
With its stark action and its clever techniques, the director Pete Ohs’s off-kilter ghost story has an old-fashioned, downbeat allure; it plays like a modern update on a Hollywood B-movie.
February 24, 2023
Richard Brody
New Yorker
TOP CRITIC
A horror-comedy that doesn’t offer much in the way of scares or laughs but is strangely fascinating regardless.
February 17, 2023
Noel Murray
Los Angeles Times
TOP CRITIC
A brazenly odd yet gently appealing horror-comedy…
February 14, 2023
Jeannette Catsoulis
New York Times
TOP CRITIC
Director Pete Ohs and his screenwriting-cast deftly manage the transition from creepy to comic by slow degrees.
January 31, 2023 | Rating: 3/5
Leslie Felperin
Guardian
TOP CRITIC
A delightful and small little film.
January 18, 2023
Amy Nicholson
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
TOP CRITIC
This is a strange film all around, distractible and full of Olympic-level tonal gambits. Viewers’ mileage will vary. Wildly.
January 13, 2023 | Rating: 2.5/4
Katie Rife
RogerEbert.com
TOP CRITIC
Ohs dresses up a haunting parable about stalking and harassment in the comforts of a wry supernatural thriller that makes a subtle statement about the real life horrors women live with every day.
March 21, 2023 | Rating: B
Jenn Adams
Strong Female Antagonist
Jethica is a mumblegore film that meanders through a rather uneventful plot.
March 10, 2023 | Rating: 4/10
Molly Henery
The Blogging Banshee
Clever, accomplished, and has a distinct sensibility of its own…
February 16, 2023
Dennis Harvey
48 Hills
…has the freshness of a micro-budget film that relies on creativity and ingenuity to make up for a lack of financial resources.
February 14, 2023 | Rating: 6/10
Sarah Boslaugh
TheArtsStl
Despite running a mere 72 minutes, Jethica’s story comes full circle in a way that feels incredibly satisfying.
February 11, 2023
Lee Jutton
Film Inquiry
Seeing how Ohs and company achieve [their] success on a small indie budget while subverting genre conventions might be worth having to sit through [a rather egregious] blunder.
February 10, 2023 | Rating: 7/10
Jared Mobarak
Hey, Have You Seen …?…
Plot
After a freak accident, Elena reunites with an old friend from high school, Jessica, but their reunion is interrupted by Jessica’s stalker, leading them to seek help from beyond the grave in Jethica.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
There are no goofs listed for the film “Jethica” on Fresh Kernels.
Pete-Ohs.jpg
87%
Wildcat (2022)
87%RT Audience Score: 83%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Although it raises some uncomfortable ethical quandaries, Wildcat is an affecting testament to the healing power of interspecies bonds.
“Wildcat” is a thought-provoking movie that explores the relationship between humans and animals. Despite raising some ethical questions, it is a touching testament to the power of interspecies bonds.
Production Company(ies)
Amazon Studios, Prime Video
Distributor
Amazon Studios
Release Type
Streaming, Streaming (Prime Video), Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
R
Year of Release
2022
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:16:9 HD
-
Runtime:1h 46m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Dec 21, 2022 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 30, 2022
Genre(s)
Documentary
Keyword(s)
Wildcat, documentary, Amazon, wildlife rescue, rehabilitation center, orphaned baby ocelot, journey, love, discovery, healing, Melissa Lesh, Trevor Beck Frost, Joshua Altman, Alysa Nahmias, Harry Turner, Samantha Zwicker, R rating, English, 1h 46m, Amazon Studios, box office, budget, Manohla Dargis, Mick LaSalle, John Anderson, Kevin Maher, Luke Y Thompson, Katie Rife, Luke Goodsell, Ricardo Gallegos, Frank Swietek, Kelly Vance, Jennie Kermode, Adam Sweeting, genre, producer, director, writer, MPAA rating, critic, actor
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Samantha Zwicker – Self
Melissa Lesh – Director, Producer
Trevor Beck Frost – Director, Producer
Joshua Altman – Producer
Alysa Nahmias – Producer
Director(s)
Melissa Lesh, Trevor Beck Frost, Trevor Frost
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
Melissa Lesh, Trevor Beck Frost, Joshua Altman, Alysa Nahmias, Trevor Frost
Film Festivals
Sundance, Telluride
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (38) | Top Critics (12) | Fresh (35) | Rotten (3)
[The filmmakers’] choices make this would-be redemption narrative feel unfortunately and uncomfortably exploitative.
December 30, 2022
Manohla Dargis
New York Times
TOP CRITIC
It tunnels deep and becomes a statement about the beauty and cruelty of the world.
December 28, 2022 | Rating: 4/4
Mick LaSalle
San Francisco Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
Wildcat is not a fairy tale… But it does reconcile its realities with the elusive nature of happiness, which for both men and cats can mean what’s within their grasp.
December 28, 2022
John Anderson
Wall Street Journal
TOP CRITIC
Beneath the emotional power, however, it’s hard not to shake the sense that there’s a performative element to the documentary’s DNA.
December 27, 2022 | Rating: 3/5
Kevin Maher
Times (UK)
TOP CRITIC
For the folks…who just love watching dangerous kittens be kittens in the Amazon basin, consider your cinematic catnip delivered.
December 22, 2022
Luke Y. Thompson
AV Club
TOP CRITIC
While the points where Wildcat goes beyond simply being a feel-good nature documentary and delves into Harry’s mental health struggles are honest, they raise more questions than they answer.
December 22, 2022 | Rating: 2.5/4
Katie Rife
RogerEbert.com
TOP CRITIC
A sensitive portrait of an ecosystem in peril, and the scars that cut deep – no matter how far we run from them.
January 1, 2023
Luke Goodsell
ABC News (Australia)
A thoughtful and immersive film where we witness the healing capacity of nature and the deep connection that can be generated between living beings. [Full Review in Spanish]
December 30, 2022
Ricardo Gallegos
La Estatuilla
While structurally somewhat ragged, it not only will engage lovers of big cats, but proves a compelling story of damaged humans who help one another as well as the animals they care for.
December 29, 2022 | Rating: B
Frank Swietek
One Guy’s Opinion
The doc is a triumph of observation.
December 29, 2022
Kelly Vance
East Bay Express
The jungle photography is particularly good, not exoticizing it but instead letting us explore a piece of terrain which gradually becomes familiar, and inviting us to pick out hidden details as the cats are taught to look for prey.
December 27, 2022 | Rating: 4/5
Jennie Kermode
Eye for Film
You suspect there’s been more shaping and massaging than anybody’s letting on. It makes for gripping and absorbing viewing all the same, and it’s impossible not to get dragged across the emotional reefs along with the protagonists.
December 27, 2022 | Rating: 4/5
Adam Sweeting
The Arts Desk…
Plot
Back from war in Afghanistan, a young British soldier struggling with depression and PTSD finds a second chance in the Amazon rainforest when he meets an American scientist, and together they foster an orphaned baby ocelot.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Fresh Kernels does not provide any information about goofs for the film “Wildcat (2022)” in this section.
Melissa-Lesh.jpg
87%
The Forger (2022)
87%RT Audience Score:
Awards & Nominations: NA
The Forger is a film that manages to capture the essence of a youth that refuses to be defeated by the harsh realities of war and misfortune. Louis Hoffmann delivers a captivating performance as a brash and cocky survivor, whose scenes with Nina Gummich as his landlady are reminiscent of Isherwood’s works. Maggie Peren takes advantage of the limitations of a simple historical recreation, and the film transmits society’s latent and constant fear while also symbolizing its complicity. However, despite its rich production design, The Forger falls short in creating tension and ends up being a handsomely made but tonally flat Third Reich drama. Nevertheless, the boyish charms of Louis Hofmann make this an engaging drama that is worth watching.
The Forger is a flick that totally nails the vibe of a youngin’ who refuses to let the crappy realities of war and bad luck get ’em down. Louis Hoffmann crushes it as a bold and cocky survivor, and his scenes with Nina Gummich as his landlady are like something straight outta Isherwood’s books. Maggie Peren does a solid job with the historical recreation, and the movie totally captures society’s constant fear and complicity. But, even though the production design is top-notch, The Forger doesn’t quite hit the mark when it comes to building suspense, and ends up being a good-looking but kinda flat Third Reich drama. Still, Louis Hofmann’s boyish charm makes this a drama that’s definitely worth checking out.
Production Company(ies)
Distributor
Kino Lorber
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Year of Release
2022
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:1h 56m
-
Language(s):English
ALL CAST, AUSPICES, AND BELOW THE LINE -
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Mar 3, 2023 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 2, 2023
Genre(s)
History/Drama
Keyword(s)
The Forger, Louis Hofmann, Jonathan Berlin, Luna Wedler, Nina Gummich, André Jung, Marc Limpach, Maggie Peren, Alexander Fritzemeyer, Martin Kosok, History, Drama, Biography, German, Kino Lorber, True Story, World War II, Nazi Germany, Forged IDs, Underground Rescuers, Masterful Forgeries, Brush and Ink, Zest for Life, Marine Officer, Hiding in Plain Sight, Love, Danger, Survival, Box Office Performance, Budget, Reviewed by Frank J Avella, Roger Salvans, Carlos Marañón, Denise Pieniazek, Jay Weissberg, Produced by Alexander Fritzemeyer, Martin Kosok, Directed by Maggie Peren, Written by Maggie Peren, Cioma Schönhaus
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Jonathan Berlin – Det Kassriel
Luna Wedler – Gerda
Nina Gummich – Frau Peters
André Jung – Herr Dietrich
Marc Limpach – Herr Kaufmann
Director – Maggie Peren
Producers – Alexander Fritzemeyer, Martin Kosok
Writers – Maggie Peren, Cioma Schönhaus, Maggie Peren
Director(s)
Maggie Peren
Writer(s)
Maggie Peren, Cioma Schönhaus, Maggie Peren
Producer(s)
Alexander Fritzemeyer, Martin Kosok
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (6) | Fresh (5) | Rotten (1)
(Louis Hoffmann) shoulders the film as a brash and cocky survivor, seemingly unafraid to take risks. Hofmann’s scenes with the extraordinary Nina Gummich as his landlady, Frau Peters, are especially riveting and Isherwood-esque.
February 16, 2023 | Rating: B
Frank J. Avella
Edge Media Network
Manages to transmit the uncontainable energy of a youth that, despite wars and misfortunes, never loses its desire to live. [Full review in Spanish]
January 13, 2023 | Rating: 3/5
Roger Salvans
Fotogramas
[Maggie Peren] takes advantage of the limitations of a simple historical recreation. [Full review in Spanish]
January 11, 2023 | Rating: 3.5/5
Carlos Marañón
Cinemanía (Spain)
…Transmits society’s latent and constant fear. But also symbolizes its complicity — by having a lack of empathy and practicing silence or inaction.
September 8, 2022 | Rating: 7/10
Denise Pieniazek
EscribiendoCine
A handsomely made but tonally flat…Third Reich drama rich in production design yet curiously light on tension.
February 26, 2022
Jay Weissberg
The Film Verdict
An engaging drama that makes the most of the boyish charms of German actor Louis Hofmann…
February 13, 2022
Lee Marshall
Screen International…
Plot
In 1940 Berlin, a young Jewish man named Cioma Schönhaus adopts the identity of a marine officer to escape being deported like his family before him, and becomes infamous for his masterfully forged IDs that save the lives of hundreds of Jews by allowing them to escape the country.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Louis Hofmann plays the lead role of Cioma Schönhaus in The Forger (2022).
Maggie-Peren.jpg
87%
Emily (2022)
87%RT Audience Score: 84%
Awards & Nominations: NA
“Emily” is a film that takes creative liberties with the Brontë family saga, but it does so with such style and panache that it’s hard not to be swept away by its Gothic charm. Emma Mackey delivers a star-making performance as Emily, capturing the author’s fierce intelligence and untamed spirit. Director Frances O’Connor imbues the film with an eerie, dreamlike quality that perfectly captures the moody atmosphere of the Brontës’ Yorkshire home. While purists may quibble with the film’s historical accuracy, “Emily” is a captivating and entertaining portrait of one of literature’s most enigmatic figures.
If you’re looking for a historically accurate portrayal of the Brontë family, then “Emily” might not be for you. But if you’re in the mood for a gothic, fan-fictiony flight of fancy with a star performance from Emma Mackey, then buckle up and enjoy the ride. Mackey brings Emily Brontë to life in a way that’s both intense and intriguing, and the film’s eerie atmosphere is in line with “Wuthering Heights.” Plus, who doesn’t love a good moviemaking experience? It’s a shame this film is flying under the radar, because it’s definitely worth a watch.
Production Company(ies)
The Ingenious Group, Warner Bros., Warner Bros. Pictures
Distributor
Bleecker Street
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom
MPAA / Certificate
R
Year of Release
2022
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Color:Color
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Sound mix:Dolby
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Aspect ratio:NA
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Runtime:2h 10m
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Language(s):English
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Country of origin:United Kingdom
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Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Feb 17, 2023 Limited
Genre(s)
Biography/History
Keyword(s)
starring Emma Mackey, Fionn Whitehead, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Alexandra Dowling, Amelia Gething, Gemma Jones, directed by Frances O’Connor, written by Frances O’Connor, produced by Piers Tempest, Robert Connolly, David Barron, biography, history, drama, romance, R rating, box office gross of $1.1M, reviewed by Rex Reed, Colleen Morrissey, Tim Cogshell, Ty Burr, Adam Graham, Kate Taylor, Rubén Rosario, Ruth Maramis, Rachel Wagner, Audrey Fox, Russ Simmons, Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights, Gothic, artistic freedom, personal freedom, family life, drug use, sexuality, nudity, Dolby Digital, Bleecker Street
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $5,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $5,353,319
Production budget ranking: 1,804
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $2,882,762
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Fionn Whitehead – Branwell Brontë
Oliver Jackson-Cohen – Weightman
Alexandra Dowling – Charlotte Brontë
Amelia Gething – Anne Brontë
Gemma Jones – self
Director – Frances O’Connor
Producers – Piers Tempest, Robert Connolly, David Barron
Writer – Frances O’Connor
Director(s)
Frances O’Connor
Writer(s)
Frances O’Connor
Producer(s)
Piers Tempest, Robert Connolly, David Barron
Film Festivals
Berlin, Toronto
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (123) | Top Critics (45) | Fresh (109) | Rotten (14)
Despite strong visual appeal and a star performance from Emma Mackey this rendering of the Brontë family saga gets almost everything wrong.
March 8, 2023 | Rating: 2/4
Rex Reed
Observer
TOP CRITIC
If one does not look to Emily to adhere too faithfully to historical truth or, indeed, to depict what actual writing is like, then it is a satisfying—or at least benign—story.
March 3, 2023
Colleen Morrissey
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
I thoroughly enjoyed this film — which looks and feels a lot like Wuthering Heights.
March 2, 2023
Tim Cogshell
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
TOP CRITIC
“Emily” is a good, engrossing watch, and it avoids most (but not all) of the genre’s pitfalls.
February 24, 2023 | Rating: 3/4
Ty Burr
Ty Burr’s Watch List
TOP CRITIC
O’Connor and Mackey together bring their subject to new heights.
February 23, 2023 | Rating: B
Adam Graham
Detroit News
TOP CRITIC
Purists are not going to be pleased… But for the rest of us this fantasy does offer the satisfaction of witnessing the short-lived triumph of a fascinating character.
February 23, 2023
Kate Taylor
Globe and Mail
TOP CRITIC
With its charismatic stars, its subject’s name recognition and just damn good moviemaking, it’s a shame the film is flying under the radar.
March 16, 2023
Rubén Rosario
MiamiArtZine
A well-researched & atmospheric speculative biopic of Emily Brontë with the exquisite Emma Mackey in the title role. There’s certainly an eerie gothic touch that’s in line with ‘Wuthering Heights.’
March 7, 2023 | Rating: 3.5/5
Ruth Maramis
FlixChatter Film Blog
I was disappointed. This is is very fan-fictiony. The Greatest Showman of Emily Bronte movies
March 3, 2023
Rachel Wagner
Rachel’s Reviews (YouTube)
Emma Mackey is a clear standout in an incredibly demanding role, and together with O’Connor, puts together a dynamic, intriguing character study of an author who has so often been defined solely by her creative works.
March 3, 2023
Audrey Fox
Looper.com
“Emily” is an atmospheric flight of fancy.
March 3, 2023 | Rating: 3/5
Russ Simmons
KKFI-FM (Kansas City)
Acting is intense, especially by Emma Mackey as Emily.
March 2, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
Marie Asner
Phantom Tollbooth…
Plot
Haunted by the death of her mother, Emily struggles within the confines of her family life and yearns for artistic and personal freedom, and so begins a journey to channel her creative potential into one of the greatest novels of all time.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Fresh Kernels doesn’t have any goofs listed for the film “Emily.”
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