2023 Week 30: Haunted Mansion - Sympathy for the Devil

 Starting on July 24, Netflix will be releasing the documentary "Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine." This unique behind-the-scenes look follows NASA's mission to launch the James Webb Space Telescope, directed by Shai Gal. Join a team of engineers and scientists as they embark on this groundbreaking journey. This is part of the "Unknown" series, which previously featured "Cave of Bones," mentioned last week, and two others titled "The Lost Pyramid" and "Killer Robots." 

Another documentary to look out for on Netflix is "The Lady of Silence: The Mataviejitas Murders," directed by María José Cuevas. It explores a wave of murders targeting elderly women in Mexico City between 1998 and 2005, leading to the hunt for an unexpected suspect. 

Continuing with Netflix releases, "Paradise" is a German sci-fi thriller hitting the platform on July 27, directed by Boris Kunz. The movie revolves around a man who uncovers the dark side of the time-manipulating biotech company he works for when his wife sacrifices 40 years of her life to repay a crushing debt. 

Also on July 27, Netflix brings us "Happiness for Beginners," starring Ellie Kemper and directed by Vicky Wight. Follow the journey of a schoolteacher at a crossroads after her divorce, as she embarks on a life-changing group hiking trip, opening the doors to a fresh start in life and love. Luke Grimes also stars in this romantic comedy, set against the stunning backdrop of the Appalachian Trail. 

"Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie," an animated fantasy action film, lands on Netflix on July 28. The story follows an ordinary Parisian teenager, Marinette, who transforms into Ladybug with superhuman abilities. She must team up with Cat Noir to save Paris from a new villain's chaos. 

Shifting to a different streaming platform, Disney Plus presents "The Slumber Party," directed by Veronica Rodriguez. This comedic tale unravels the hilarious aftermath of a sleepover birthday party gone wrong, leaving best friends Megan and Paige, along with soon-to-be step-sister Veronica, with no memory of the night before.  Curious if this will involve face tattoos and tigers like The Hangover? 

Remember Beanie Babies? If you do, then you'll want to check out "The Beanie Bubble" streaming on Apple TV starting July 28. The documentary explores how Ty, a frustrated toy salesman, turned his stuffed animals into a defining '90s trend through collaboration with three women. This behind-the-scenes look at history's biggest toy craze is a wild story about what—and who—is valued in this world, sure to evoke a sense of nostalgia for collectors. 

For DC animated film enthusiasts, "Justice League: Warworld" hits digital release on July 25. And if you're a fan of the Resident Evil series, "Resident Evil: Death Island" is also available on digital platforms the same day. These releases promise to keep you entertained with their action-packed plots. 

On July 28, Disney releases “Haunted Mansion” in theatres. “A woman and her son enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters.” The ride was previously adapted into a movie in 2003, and this latest film is directed by Justin Simien and stars a host of familiar faces – too many to list here actually – but include Rosario Dawson, Chase W. Dillon, Lakeith Stanfield, Owen Wilson and Tiffany Haddish. You may have heard, but the premiere of the film was held in Disneyland last week, but due to the actor’s strike, none of the cast could appear. Instead, Disney had famous characters – in full costume – walking the red carpet. Haunted Mansion has an estimated budget of 150 million dollars. 

 

Mark your calendars for "Sympathy For the Devil," releasing on July 28, starring the film enthusiast's favorite actor, Nicolas Cage. Alongside Joel Kinnaman, this movie, directed by Yuval Adler, promises a thrilling tale of high-stakes intrigue after a man is forced to drive a mysterious passenger at gunpoint. Not everything is as it seems in this gripping cat and mouse game. Apparently, about half the movie was shot in a virtual studio, utilizing an LED sound stage. Keep an eye on your local listings for this!   

 

 

2023 Week 29: Oppenheimer - Barbie

Hello Film World, and welcome to another episode of Film Cell Weekly! I'm your host, CELL, an advanced AI-based text to speech algorithm, driven by humans with a love for movies and technology. I’m here to give you a rundown of upcoming film releases on many of the popular streaming platforms, followed by the week’s wide theatrical releases. In the show notes, you’ll find links to all the films we mention here, as well as a link to my “blog” where I have full transcripts of each episode over on https://filmcellweekly.blogspot.com/⁠ 

Feel free to leave comments and remember that constructive criticism is always welcomed! Let’s get started!

STREAMING

If you’re a documentary fan, then this may be a good week for you on Netflix. First up, we have the film “Unknown: Cave of Bones” directed by Mark Mannucci. “Journey to South Africa’s Cradle of Mankind, where Paleoanthropologist Lee Berger has found the world’s oldest graveyard — which is not human. If Lee and his team can prove that this ancient, small brained, ape-like creature practiced complex burial rituals, it will change everything we know about hominid evolution and the origins of belief.” Cave of Bones releases on July 17.

Next up is the documentary feature “The Deepest Breath” by Laura McGann, coming out July 19 on Netflix. “A champion free diver and expert safety diver seemed destined for one another despite the different paths they took to meet at the pinnacle of the freediving world. A look at the thrilling rewards — and inescapable risks — of chasing dreams through the depths of the ocean.” Even though this is a documentary, it sounds like a tense watch, akin to the popular “Free Solo” from 2018.

On July 21, Netflix is releasing “They Cloned Tyrone” a mystery comedy with a bit of sci-fi sprinkled in for good measure. This stars John Boyega, Teyonah Parris, and Jamie Foxx, and is directed by Juel Taylor. “A series of eerie events thrusts an unlikely trio onto the trail of a nefarious government conspiracy lurking directly beneath their neighborhood.”

THEATRICAL

This is a big week for theatrical releases, featuring not one, but two highly anticipated films.

First up, is “Oppenheimer” by Christopher Nolan. “The story of J. Robert Oppenheimer’s role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II.” Early buzz on this promise nothing but the finest for Nolan’s latest film. The cast is loaded with some incredible talent. To name a few: Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Junior, and Florence Pugh. This movie begs to be seen on the biggest screen as well, since Nolan’s delved into the IMAX film format, with special 70-millimeter screenings in some markets.

Opening this week is “Barbie” starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, and directed by Greta Gerwig. “To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place. Unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken.” It’s a bit surprising to see anything open alongside Oppenheimer, but here we are with Barbie, and people are pretty excited as the “Barbenheimer” phenomena sweeps social media and film circles throughout. There will be plenty of time to watch both, but the question to you is: which one are you seeing first?

CLOSING

And that’s a wrap on another Film Cell Weekly! Thank you for listening, I really appreciate you being here for this adventure. Be sure to support your local theatres, and until next time, enjoy your film journey!

2023 Week 19: Knights of the Zodiac - Hypnotic - Book Club: The Next Chapter

Introduction 

Hello film world! This is Film Cell Weekly. I’m your host, Cell, and I'm back for another week of movie releases! We’ll review the weekend box office of the newest movies from last week, then get into previews for those upcoming films. Letterboxd is my platform of choice, so you’ll find links to all the movies discussed here in the show notes. Also, be sure to check out my web page over on “filmcellweekly.blogspot.dot.com”, where you can read transcripts and leave comments. Constructive criticism is always welcome! 

Box Office 

We all knew that “Guardians of the Galaxy 3” was going to dominate the box office, and it did so with ease. The latest Marvel movie burst onto the scene this past weekend with a world wide take of 290 million dollars! That officially ends the Super Mario Brothers movie's reign on the top of the box office. Domestically, Guardians 3 pulls in 114 million , which I think includes Canada, USA and Mexico.. For the sake of comparison domestic opening weekend numbers, the first Guardians filmed opened to 94 million and the second entry hit 146 million.  “Love Again” was the other film that braved a release last weekend, and it brought in 2.4 million from a release on twenty seven hundred screens. 

Streaming 

Now that we’ve got “Guardians of the Galaxy volume 3”, we’re seeing both streaming and theatrical releases coming back. All the movies we’re talking about today have a May 12th release date. Starting off, we have “The Mother” coming out on Netflix. This action thriller is directed by Niki Caro, whose work you may recognize in the live action remake of “Mulan”, as well as “The Zookeeper’s Wife” and “Whale Rider.” It stars Jennifer Lopez, starring as a deadly female assassin coming out of hiding to protect her family. 

Over on Disney Plus, the family adventure film “Crater” is releasing. “After the death of his father, a boy growing up on a lunar mining colony takes a trip to explore a legendary crater, along with his four best friends, prior to being permanently relocated to another planet.” 

“What happens when an incurable optimist confronts an incurable disease?” It’s “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie” coming out on Apple TV, a documentary about the pop culture icon featuring perspective directly from Fox himself. 

Theatrical 

Before we delve into the wide theatrical releases, I wanted to shout out the movie “Blackberry” which is seeing a limited release this week. This documentary with a comedic edge stars Jay Baruchel and Glenn Howerton. This film is tracking well with a very positive average on Letterboxed so far. 

[Knights of the Zodiac] 

“Knights of the Zodiac” is a new fantasy adventure film from director Tomek Baginski, starring Mackenyu and Famke Janssen. “When a headstrong street orphan, Seiya, in search of his abducted sister unwittingly taps into hidden powers, he discovers he might be the only person alive who can protect a reincarnated goddess, sent to watch over humanity. Can he let his past go and embrace his destiny to become a Knight of the Zodiac?” Based on the original manga and animated series, this film promises an unprecedented level of visual splendor, as cutting-edge special effects and state-of-the-art cinematography bring awe-inspiring battles to life like never before. 

[Hypnotic] 

Robert Rodriguez is back in theatres with the crime thriller “Hypnotic” starring Ben Affleck. “A detective becomes entangled in a mystery involving his missing daughter and a secret government program while investigating a string of reality-bending crimes.” Alice Braga and William Fichtner also star here. "Hypnotic" is a highly anticipated film that will take you on a thrilling journey into the depths of the human mind, where reality and perception intertwine in the most extraordinary ways. Brace yourself for a cinematic masterpiece that will challenge your senses and leave you questioning the very nature of consciousness. 

[Book Club: The Next Chapter] 

Finally, we have “Book Club The Next Chapter” which – as you guessed it – is a followup to the 2018 film. This movie stars Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen. “Four best friends take their book club to Italy for the fun girls’ trip they never had. When things go off the rails and secrets are revealed, their relaxing vacation turns into a once-in-a-lifetime cross-country adventure.” This sequel is a cinematic celebration of the power of books, friendship, and the unbreakable bonds formed through shared stories. 

Closing 

And that's a wrap on another Film Cell Weekly! Thank you for listening, I really appreciate you being here for this adventure.  Be sure to support your local theatres and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone when deciding which movie to watch next. Until next time, enjoy your film journey! 

 

2023 Week 18: Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 3 - Love Again

Introduction 

Hello film world! This is Film Cell Weekly, and I’m your host, Cell, back for another week of movie releases. We’ll review the weekend box office of the newest releases from last week, then get into previews for those upcoming films. Letterboxd is my platform of choice, so you’ll find links to all the movies discussed here in the show notes. Also, be sure to check out my web page over on “film cell weekly dot blog spot dot com”, where you can read transcripts and leave comments. Constructive criticism is always welcome! 

Box Office 

“The Super Mario Brothers” movie surpasses one billion dollars at the worldwide box office! But in terms of the new releases, we have “Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret” coming in with 6.8 million from 3,343 screens. “Sisu” opened in 1,006 screens, and saw a take of 3.25 million dollars, which is a per screen average that is normally reserved for the top of the list. I would expect to see an expansion for the film in coming weeks. On the other end of the spectrum, is “Big George Foreman”, which finished just outside the top ten weekend box office with 3 million dollars, from 3,054 screens. That’s a per screen average just under one thousand dollars – or about a third of “Sisu.” That limited release of “Return of the Jedi” pulled in 4.7 million dollars from 475 screens. You can do the math on that one for the per screen average, but it’s safe to say Star Wars fans showed up.  

Streaming

With Marvel’s latest behemoth film coming out this week, it looks as though most studios are withholding their releases for another week. If you’re not a fan of these superhero films, or if you plan on waiting a bit until you see Guardians in theatres after the initial rush is over, you can consider this a good weekend to get caught up on your own watchlist. 

Theatrical 

[Guardians of the Galaxy volume 3] 

May 5th marks the release date of the latest film in Marvel’s cinematic universe: “Guardians of the Galaxy volume 3.” Given the success of the first two films in the franchise, it's safe to say that fans are eagerly anticipating the release of this third entry. With James Gunn's creative vision and the chemistry of the returning cast, audiences can expect a thrilling, action-packed adventure through the cosmic universe. 

“Peter Quill, still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team around him to defend the universe along with protecting one of their own. A mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.”  

All your favorites return here, including Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, with Vin Diesel and Bradley Cooper providing voices for Groot and Rocket, respectively. It sounds as though this will be the last Guardians film, at least, with this team. I would fully expect to see some roster changes, but this film marks the end of this trilogy.  

[Love Again] 

There is another film sneaking out in theatres this week, and that is: “Love Again” directed by Jim Strouse. “A young woman tries to ease the pain of her fiancé's death by sending romantic texts to his old cell phone number, and forms a connection with the man the number has been reassigned to.” The talented Celine Dion makes an appearance here too! 

Closing 

And that's a wrap for this week! Thank you for listening, I really appreciate you being here for this adventure.  … Be sure to support your local theatres and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone when deciding which movie to watch next. Enjoy your film journey!