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!