I find your lack of faith disturbing. These are some of the most iconic quotes from Star Wars‘ legendary Sith Lord, Darth Vader.

In a galaxy where the ‘Force’ reigns supreme and battles between good and evil shape the cosmos, one figure stands out as the classic example of villainy – Darth Vader. With his imposing presence, commanding voice and iconic quotes, Vader has cemented himself as a pop culture icon, transcending the confines of cinema to become a symbol of terror and power. 

From theatres to the small screen, Vader’s legacy continues, with recent portrayals by Hayden Christensen and James Earl Jones in Disney+ projects like Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka ensuring that the Sith Lord remains a force to be reckoned with.

While Vader may strike fear into the hearts of rebels and Jedi alike, he is equally known for his best one-liners and zingers that punctuate the Star Wars franchise. Despite his dark side and villainous deeds, there’s no denying Vader’s charisma and charm. His witty retorts and dark humour have captivated audiences for generations, solidifying his status as one of the cinema’s most powerful characters. 

In this piece, we take a look at the most iconic and motivational Darth Vader quotes to explore the depths and darkness of his character in the Star Wars franchise.

Here are the 10 best Darth Vader quotes that are truly iconic

• “The Force is strong with this one.”

–  Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

During the Battle of Yavin, Darth Vader pursues Luke Skywalker through the Death Star’s trenches. Impressed by Luke X-Wing’s piloting skills, Vader makes a surprising observation that the Force is strong with his new opponent.

In this line, Vader acknowledges the latent power of his adversaries. It demonstrates his deep connection to the Force and his ability to sense its presence in others, setting the stage for epic confrontations between the forces of light and dark.

• “I find your lack of faith disturbing.”

– Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

This chilling line, delivered in the earliest scenes of A New Hope with Vader’s trademark calmness tinged with menace, perfectly encapsulates his authoritarian nature. It’s a reminder of his intolerance for anything less than complete allegiance to the Empire, striking fear into the hearts of his subordinates and adversaries alike.

• “No, I am your father.”

– Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

Arguably one of the most iconic lines by Dark Vader, this revelation from Vader to Luke Skywalker in The Empire Strikes Back is a pivotal moment in the Star Wars saga. It not only shatters Luke’s perception of reality but also adds complexity to Vader’s character, revealing his tragic past and inner turmoil. 

• “You don’t know the power of the dark side.”

– Star Wars Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi

Vader’s unwavering conviction in the superiority of the dark side is evident in this quote. It underscores his belief in the strength of his chosen path and serves as a warning to those who would oppose him, emphasising the consequences of underestimating his resolve.

• “I am altering the deal. Pray I do not alter it further.”

– Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

During the events of The Empire Strikes Back, Vader showcases his mastery of manipulation, altering deals to suit his own ends. This quote demonstrates his disdain for negotiation and his ruthless pursuit of his goals.

• “All too easy.”

– Star Wars Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back

Vader’s nonchalant dismissal of his adversaries’ efforts establishes his confidence in his own abilities. This succinct yet impactful line reveals Vader’s arrogance and dominance on the battlefield, as he effortlessly overcomes obstacles in pursuit of his goals.

• “Careful not to choke on your aspirations, Director.”

– Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

In Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Vader encounters Director Orson Krennic, using his dark wit to admonish the ambitious Imperial. This scene showcases Vader’s impatience with political manoeuvring and his willingness to assert his authority.

• “Your strength has returned. But the weakness still remains.”

– Obi-Wan Kenobi – “Part VI”

During the lightsaber duel in the Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney+ series, Vader muses about Kenobi’s newfound strength and unchanged weaknesses. This moment reveals Vader’s insight into emotional vulnerabilities and his relentless pursuit of victory.

• “All I am surrounded by is fear… and dead men.”

– Star Wars: Vader Down #1

In the comic Star Wars: Vader Down #1, Vader calmly responds to overwhelming odds, highlighting his unyielding resolve and the fear he instils in his enemies. This moment defines Vader’s reputation as a formidable and unstoppable force.

• “The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am.”

– Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

In Return of the Jedi, Darth Vader visits the incomplete Death Star II and confronts Moff Jerjerrod about its progress. Warning Jerjerrod of the Emperor’s imminent arrival, Vader subtly implies his own leniency compared to the Emperor’s wrath, through this funny yet motivational quote. 

(Header and feature image courtesy: IMDb/Star Wars Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi/Rogue One: A Star Wars Story)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Which is the best Darth Vader motivational quote?
“The Force is strong with this one” from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope is often dubbed as one of the most motivational Darth Vader quotes.

– Which is the funniest Darth Vader quote?
“Careful not to choke on your aspirations, Director” from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is one of the funniest Darth Vader quotes.

This story originally appeared in Augustman Singapore

The post The most iconic Darth Vader quotes from ‘Star Wars’ appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Here’s what we know about Dev Patel’s directorial debut film, Monkey Man.

The results of actors transitioning to directors can often be underwhelming. However, British actor Dev Patel is poised to defy expectations with his directorial debut, Monkey Man, a movie that’s already drawing comparisons to the stellar entries in the John Wick franchise.

This explosive new action-packed thriller, which Patel has not only directed but also produced and starred in, chronicles the journey of an amateur fighter seeking revenge against the corrupt overlords responsible for his mother’s murder and the oppression of society’s underprivileged. Think, intense emotions, shootouts, adrenaline-pumping fight sequences and gripping suspense that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat!

Premiering to thunderous applause at the South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) 2024 on 11 March, Monkey Man left audiences spellbound, a reception that rendered Patel teary-eyed. This emotional resonance has only fueled anticipation among Dev Patel fans and eager moviegoers who can’t wait to catch the film in theatres. 

Dev Patel receives a standing ovation after a #SXSW screening of his feature directorial debut “Monkey Man.” pic.twitter.com/OcpjhByVSu

— Variety (@Variety) March 12, 2024

Are you eager to delve deeper into Dev’s directorial debut? Here’s everything you need to know about Monkey Man, from the movie’s release date to the stellar cast.

What is it about?

Drawing inspiration from the Hindu legend of the monkey god or Hanuman, symbolising strength and valour, Monkey Man places Patel in the role of Kid, an anonymous youth scraping by in the brutal world of underground fight clubs. Night after night, concealed behind a gorilla mask, Kid endures bad beatings for profit.

But when years of pent-up rage reach a boiling point, he uncovers a path to infiltrate the inner sanctum of the city’s evil elite. With childhood traumas resurfacing, his scarred hands become instruments of vengeance, unleashing a violent campaign to settle scores with those who stripped him of everything and were responsible for his mother’s murder.

Meet the cast of ‘Monkey Man’

 

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Featuring a heavily-Asian cast, the film showcases a lineup of fresh and emerging talent, set against the backdrop of South Asia. Joining Patel are Sharlto Copley, Pitobash, Vipin Sharma, Sikandar Kher, Sobhita Dhulipala, Ashwini Kalsekar, Adithi Kalkunte and Makarand Deshpande.

In addition to his on-screen role, Patel also assumes credits as a screenwriter, producer and director, with Nope and Get Out maker Jordan Peele lending his expertise as a producer.

Do we have a release date for ‘Monkey Man’?

Originally slated for a Netflix release, Monkey Man has secured a theatrical debut in the United States on 5 April 2024, courtesy of Universal Pictures and Peele acquiring the rights and joining as a producer.

Is there a movie trailer for ‘Monkey Man’?

Yes! The electrifying trailer offers a glimpse into Dev’s revenge-fueled journey, featuring heart-stopping action sequences, exhilarating chases and more, all set to the iconic beats of “Mundian to Bach Ke” by Punjabi MC and Jay-Z. 

(Header and feature image courtesy: IMDd/Monkey Man)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Who is in the cast of the Monkey Man movie?
The cast includes Dev Patel, Sharlto Copley, Pitobash, Vipin Sharma, Sikandar Kher, Sobhita Dhulipala, Ashwini Kalsekar, Adithi Kalkunte and Makarand Deshpande.

– When is Monkey Man releasing?
Monkey Man will hit theatres in the United States on 5 April 2024. 

– What is the plot of the movie Monkey Man?
Inspired by the Hindu legend of Hanuman, the movie follows Kid, played by Dev Patel, a young fighter surviving in underground arenas. After enduring years of abuse, Kid seeks revenge against the city’s corrupt elite who caused his suffering.

This story originally appeared in Augustman Singapore

The post What we know about Dev Patel’s ‘Monkey Man’ appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

From Titanic to Oppenheimer, here’s a list of the most Oscar-nominated movies.

Oppenheimer’s impressive showing at the 2024 Oscars, with seven wins out of thirteen nominations, naturally reignited curiosity about other cinematic masterpieces that have made history. Which Oscar-nominated movies have captivated audiences and critics alike with their exceptional storytelling and technical brilliance, garnering an extraordinary number of Academy Award nominations?

The Oscars symbolise the pinnacle of excellence in filmmaking. Every Oscar nomination is a badge of honour, recognising a film’s artistry, innovation and lasting impact. Yet, some movies earn an even more distinguished place in Oscars history by receiving an abundance of nominations. These films represent the absolute best of the best.

Let’s delve into the top 10 highest Oscar-nominated movies of all time. From sweeping historical epics to dazzling musicals, these films have transcended expectations and left an enduring mark on the world of cinema. Whether you are an Academy Awards enthusiast or simply cherish exceptional storytelling, this list is sure to offer an inspiring journey through cinematic excellence.

These Oscar-nominated movies serve as a testament to the power of film to move, entertain and challenge us. They showcase the extraordinary talent and dedication of filmmakers who push the boundaries of creativity. The list comprises iconic films that have shaped our cultural landscape, offering profound insights into the human experience while leaving audiences in awe.

The list is ordered from least successful to most.

Most Oscar-nominated movies of all time

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008): 13 nominations

This whimsical tale follows a man who ages in reverse, experiencing life from an extraordinary perspective. It garnered 13 nominations and took home three awards: Best Art Direction, Best Makeup and Best Visual Effects.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

The first instalment in Peter Jackson’s epic fantasy trilogy follows hobbit Frodo Baggins on a quest to destroy the One Ring and defeat the evil Sauron. It received 13 nominations, demonstrating its technical and artistic achievement, and won in four categories: Best Cinematography, Best Makeup, Best Original Score and Best Visual Effects.

The Shape of Water (2017): 13 nominations

Guillermo del Toro’s fantasy romance film is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant story about a mute woman who falls in love with a captured amphibian creature. The Shape of Water surprised audiences and critics alike with its originality and beauty. It earned 13 nominations and won four awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for del Toro.

Mary Poppins (1964): 13 nominations

Beloved for generations, this musical tells the story of a magical nanny who brings joy into the lives of a dysfunctional family. Its charm paid off with 13 nominations and five wins, including Best Actress (Julie Andrews) and Best Original Score.

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966): 13 nominations

An intense and often brutal drama exploring the bitter complexities of a long-term marriage. Its raw performances and unflinching dialogue led to 13 nominations and five wins, including Best Actress (Elizabeth Taylor) and Best Supporting Actress (Sandy Dennis).

Forrest Gump (1994): 13 nominations

Robert Zemeckis’ heartwarming comedy-drama tells the story of a simple man with a low IQ whose life intersects with some of the most important events of the 20th century. Forrest Gump is a feel-good film that resonated with audiences and critics alike. It earned 13 nominations and won six awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Tom Hanks.

Chicago (2002): 13 nominations

This dazzling musical set in the world of crime and celebrity follows two ambitious women seeking fame. Its bold style impressed, scoring 13 nominations and six wins, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress (Catherine Zeta-Jones).

Oppenheimer (2023): 13 nominations

Christopher Nolan’s biographical exploration of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist responsible for the atomic bomb. The film delves into his life and the ethical dilemmas surrounding his creation. It received 13 nominations and won in seven categories, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor for Cillian Murphy. Additionally, Robert Downey Jr won in the Best Supporting Actor category, his maiden Oscar.

Shakespeare in Love (1998): 13 nominations

This fictionalised romantic comedy offers a whimsical take on a young William Shakespeare’s creative process and love life. It received 13 nominations and won seven awards, including Best Picture, Best Actress (Gwyneth Paltrow) and Best Original Screenplay.

Gone with the Wind (1939): 13 nominations

This sweeping romance is set against the Civil War and follows fiery Scarlett O’Hara navigating her turbulent life. Considered one of the greatest films ever made, it took home eight Oscars from 13 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director (Victor Fleming) and Best Actress (Vivien Leigh).

From Here to Eternity (1953): 13 nominations

Set in Hawaii during the lead-up to Pearl Harbor, this drama examines love, loss and military life. It garnered 13 nominations and won in eight categories, including Best Picture, Best Director (Fred Zinnemann), Best Supporting Actor (Frank Sinatra) and Best Supporting Actress (Donna Reed).

La La Land (2016): 14 nominations

Damien Chazelle’s dazzling love letter to Los Angeles and the world of musicals is a visual and auditory feast. La La Land‘s vibrant colours, catchy tunes and heartfelt performances by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone earned it a staggering 14 nominations. It won six awards, including Best Director for Chazelle and Best Actress for Stone.

All About Eve (1950): 14 nominations

This scathing Hollywood satire tells the story of a young woman who insinuates herself into the life of a fading Broadway star. With 14 nominations, it holds the record for the most acting nominations in Oscar history for female actors. Bette Davis won her second Best Actress award for her performance and the film itself triumphed in six categories, including Best Picture.

Titanic (1997): 14 nominations

James Cameron’s epic romance-disaster film needs no introduction. It captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with its grand love story set against the backdrop of a doomed ship. Starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, Titanic raked in a record-breaking 14 nominations and tied All About Eve for the most nods ever received. It ultimately went on to win eleven awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for James Cameron.

(Hero image: Courtesy of © 1997 – Paramount Pictures/ IMDb; Universal Pictures – © Universal Pictures/ IMDb; Featured image: Courtesy of Universal Pictures – © Universal Pictures/ IMDb)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

-What movie has won all 11 Oscars it was nominated for?

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003), the conclusion to Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, has the distinction of winning all 11 Oscars it was nominated for.

-Who has had 52 Oscar nominations?

Legendary film composer John Williams, known for composing music for films like Star Wars, Harry Potter (main theme), Jurassic Park and Superman, has earned him a total of astounding 52 nominations. However, the late Walt Disney still holds the record for most nominations: 59.

-Who got the most Oscar nominations in 2024?

The biographical drama Oppenheimer dominated the 2024 Oscars, receiving a remarkable 13 nominations across various categories.

-Which actor was nominated 7 times for an Oscar?

Many actors and actresses have been nominated for 7 or more Oscars. Meryl Streep holds the record for the most Oscar nominations for acting with a total of 21. Katharine Hepburn and Jack Nicholson come close with 12 nominations each.

The post These are the movies with the most Oscar nominations appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Netflix’s true crime documentary Can I Tell You A Secret? tells the tale of cyberstalker Matthew Hardy, who harassed over 100 women online. Here’s everything you need to know about this true crime story.

Across its two parts, the true crime docuseries tells the individual experiences of these women, shedding light on the personal impact of relentless cyberbullying crimes.

Additionally, the crime documentary collaborates with Sirin Kale, the investigative journalist from The Guardian, who spearheaded the original investigation and also hosted the Can I Tell You A Secret? podcast.

The most prolific cyber stalker in history terrorized upwards of a hundred women over the course of a decade through their social media accounts. Three women with remarkably similar experiences whose lives were changed forever tell their story.

Can I Tell You A Secret is now… pic.twitter.com/ZAnKcgeJWc

— Netflix (@netflix) February 21, 2024

While Netflix’s Can I Tell You a Secret? sheds light on some of Hardy’s victims, it only scratches the surface of the fear and anguish caused by his cyberstalking. So, for those who are wondering what exactly happened in the Netflix documentary, here is the complete true story of Hardy and his harassment against women.

Here’s what went down in the Netflix series ‘Can I Tell You A Secret?’

In the Netflix true-crime series Can I Tell You a Secret?, the focus is on the harrowing experiences of three women —Zoe Jade Hallam, Abby Furness and Lia Marie Hambly — as they recount the terror inflicted by a shared online tormentor. Their stories unfolded similarly, commencing with harmless messages from a follower that escalated into a blast of messages from various individuals across different social media platforms. The distressing messages not only targeted the three women but extended to involve their colleagues and loved ones, creating false narratives and revealing private details and images.

Faced with the complexities of identifying and prosecuting online abusers, the victims found themselves with limited options. However, after enduring months of relentless torment, each woman discovered an ally in police constable Kevin Anderson.

Together, they embarked on a mission to apprehend the prolific cyberstalker.

What exactly happened to Zoe Jade Hallam, Abby Furness and Lia Marie Hambly?

According to The Guardian, Hardy’s approach to initiating online conversations with all his stalking victims involved starting with the question, ‘Can I share a secret with you?’. Zoe Jade Hallam, Abby Furness and Lia Marie Hambly were some of the many victims who faced this question before their lives took a turn for the worse.

Hallam, a model and a mechanic, was targeted by Hardy’s relentless stalking. He went to great lengths, creating false identities online, including posing as Hallam’s boyfriend’s father, a doctor. Under this guise, he engaged in explicit conversations with teenage girls using fake social media accounts. This disturbing manipulation added another layer to the complexity of the cyberstalking, amplifying the psychological toll on Hallam and those connected to her.

‘He’d send messages saying, I’m only just getting started.’

Matthew Hardy is Britain’s most prolific cyber stalker, for more than a decade, Hardy terrorised women online by creating fake social media accounts.

Now he is the focus of a Netflix Documentary called ‘Can I Tell You… pic.twitter.com/Wf6UNfS1Ds

— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) February 29, 2024

So, what happened to Matthew Hardy?

Hardy is currently serving an unprecedented eight-year prison sentence in the UK, marking it as the longest custodial term in British history for online stalking. Initially sentenced in January 2022, he was handed a nine-year term with a minimum requirement of four-and-a-half years.

The court, as depicted in Netflix’s Can I Tell You A Secret? heard details of Hardy’s elaborate schemes, which involved creating fake social media profiles. These actions formed the basis for the serious charges against him and the substantial prison sentence he received.

Over the years, the Cheshire police (Hardy’s hometown) received over 100 complaints regarding the stalker, indicating the widespread impact and persistent nature of Hardy’s crimes. Despite numerous reports, Hardy managed to evade legal consequences for a decade. He was arrested a total of 10 times during this period.

After Hardy’s initial sentencing, Anderson said: “Having led on this case for more than 18 months I have seen the emotional distress and turmoil that Hardy has inflicted on his victims — he did all of this while hiding behind his computer screen.”

(Hero and feature image credit: IMDb and Netflix)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The post The true story behind the ‘Can I Tell You A Secret?’ crime documentary on Netflix appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Sydney Sweeney is back yet again, and she’s here to scare. Here are the movies to watch in cinemas in Thailand this March.

Po returns to the big screen this March to fend off another villain while slurping on noodles. Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore join forces for a riveting drama. Bob Marley graces our screens in his very own biopic. And Sydney Sweeney is once again up on the big screen but we’re definitely not complaining.

[Hero image: Neon]

What to watch in cinemas in Thailand this March

Kung Fu Panda 4

March 7

Directed by Mike Mitchell
Starring Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Awkwafina, Viola Davis, and James Hong

Po (Black) is set to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, but to do that, he must first pass the mantle of Dragon Warrior. As he searches for a successor, a new threat called The Chameleon (Davis) arises. 

Bob Marley: One Love

March 14

Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green
Starring Kingsley Ben-Adir, Lashana Lynch, and James Norton

In the midst of a divided Jamaica, a young musician named Bob Marley (Ben-Adir) seeks to promote peace and unity through his music. The film chronicles the rise of Marley as the world’s most famous reggae artist until his untimely death. 

May December

March 14

Directed by Todd Haynes
Starring Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore

Actress Elizabeth Berry (Portman) spends some time with the woman she’s set to portray in her next project, Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Moore), who was caught having sex with a 13-year-old boy in 1992. As Elizabeth delves deeper into her life, she realises that she may be getting too involved and that it might be too late to back away. 

Immaculate

March 21

Directed by Michael Mohan
Starring Sydney Sweeney

Cecilia (Sweeney) is an innocent and devout Catholic nun. After being offered a place in a well-known convent in the Italian countryside, she happily takes the role, but soon realises that this convent hides some horrifying secrets. 

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

March 28

Directed by Adam Wingard
Starring Rebecca Hall, Bryan Tyree Henry, and Dan Stevens

A new threat emerges from the depths as the history of the Titans is revealed. But this brand new threat will be too much for mankind to face alone. Thankfully, they’ve got the two legendary kaijus on their side this time around. 

The post LSA Movie List: What to watch in cinemas in Thailand this March appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Dune: Part Two is being hailed as a masterpiece, so the question now is whether we’ll get a Dune 3.

Director Denis Villeneuve wants to explore the world of Arrakis beyond the second part, and we couldn’t be more excited.

Setting a new standard for sci-fi movies, Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two fully represent one of the most impressive and epic transfers from page to screen. There have, of course, been previous adaptations of Dune — in 1984 and 2000 — but the Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya-starrer franchise has left fans asking for more.

Those who have been following the source material and the movies might be aware that Dune: Part Two has concluded the events from Frank Herbert’s original novel. However, there remains ample material for the exploration of potential sequels.

https://t.co/6W0fLz59PR pic.twitter.com/JGqwt5dbYV

— Dune: Part 2 Countdown (@Dune2Countdown) August 27, 2023

If you’re eager to explore what could unfold next for the franchise, here is everything to know about Dune 3. (Spoilers ahead) 

Is ‘Dune 3’ in the works?

Right from the outset, Villeneuve’s vision for Dune involved crafting a grand cinematic experience by splitting Herbert’s original masterpiece into two epic movies. Fortunately, with the positive reception for 2021’s Dune: Part One, he received the go-ahead to conclude his adaptation with the upcoming Dune: Part Two. So far, everything seems to be proceeding well.

However, those deeply familiar with the film’s universe know that the story doesn’t conclude there.

Herbert had extended the tale of Arrakis across a series of subsequent novels, a legacy that his son Brian continued by expanding the story even further. So, if Dune: Part Two receives the same success as its prequel, there is a possibility that Villeneuve might continue to explore the world of sand and sandworms.

During an interview with Empire magazine, the director expressed his hopes for a third instalment of the sci-fi film by stating, “If I succeed in making a trilogy, that would be the dream.” This implies that a potential part three aka Dune 3 is being contemplated.

Offering a look into the status of Dune: Part Three, Villeneuve also teased its ongoing development by disclosing, “I will say, there are words on paper.”

‘Dune 3’ movie’s potential plot

Dune: Part Two concludes with Paul Atreides rising to the position of Emperor. However, faced with resistance from the other noble houses unwilling to acknowledge his rule, Paul initiates a holy war against them. The film concludes just before revealing the consequences and aftermath of these actions.

So, what will happen in the next part? Safe to say, Dune: Part Three will draw inspiration from Dune Messiah, the immediate follow-up to Herbert’s original 1965 novel Dune. Herbert’s writing legacy extended across five sequels, including titles such as Children of Dune and God Emperor of Dune.

“Dune Messiah was written in reaction to the fact that people perceived Paul as a hero, which is not what he (Herbert) wanted to do. My adaptation of Dune is closer to his idea that it’s a warning,” Villeneuve explains. If it does happen, Dune 3 would probably mark the end of Villeneuve’s time on Arrakis. “After that the books become more esoteric,” he says.

For the uninitiated, in Dune: Part Two, the story follows the journey of Paul Atreides as he allies himself with Chani and the Fremen community to seek vengeance against the individuals responsible for his family’s downfall. Alongside Chalamet and Zendaya, the ensemble cast of Dune: Part Two features names like Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken and Léa Seydoux.

‘Dune 3’ movie’s release date and cast

There is no officially confirmed release date for Dune 3. However, considering the three-year gap between Dune: Part One in 2021 and the release of Dune: Part Two in 2024, we can expect a potential release for Dune: Part Three by 2027 or 2028.

In a recent interview with The Times, Villeneuve mentioned that the production of the third part of the franchise will not commence soon. He expressed his desire not to rush the development of the sequel.

Coming to the cast, Chalamet and Zendaya will reprise the roles of Paul and Chani, Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan, Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica and Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck.

(Hero and feature image credits: Courtesy IMDb/ Dune 2)

This article first appeared here 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Is Dune 3 confirmed?
While there is no official announcement, director Denis Villeneuve has revealed that Dune 3′s script is in the works.

– When is Dune 3 expected to be released?
As of now, there has been no confirmation on Dune 3‘s release date as the movie is in its early stages of pre-production.

– What will be the plot of Dune 3?
Dune 3 will likely draw inspiration from Dune Messiah, the immediate follow-up to Frank Herbert’s original 1965 novel Dune.

-Who will be in the cast of Dune 3?
Dune 3 will see Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson and Josh Brolin in the ensemble cast.

The post Are we getting a ‘Dune 3’? Here’s what we know appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

From Saltburn to Shutter Island, here are 10 movies with crazy plot twists you need to watch.

What makes a thriller film excellent? Well, it is all about the art of storytelling, especially when audiences are caught off guard at any certain point of the journey. A well-executed movie plot twist has the power to engage, shock and elevate a film from a mere work of entertainment to a memorable masterpiece.

Throughout the years, writers and filmmakers have innovatively curated methods to consistently engage audiences. Directors like Christopher Nolan, M. Night Shyamalan and Jordan Peele have mastered the art of dropping twists and unexpected revelations, leaving an indelible mark on cinematic history. Whether the big reveal occurs midway through the film or leaves audiences in jaw-dropping disbelief in the final scene, these mind-blowing films are dubbed as the epitome of storytelling mastery.

Shutter Island (2010)
Dir: Martin Scorsese pic.twitter.com/txGR3ZO8LN

— Emir Han (@RealEmirHan) February 1, 2024

From gripping thrillers and psychological dramas to exceptionally dark comedies, we have curated a compilation of Hollywood’s most unforgettable films with major plot twists. (Warning: Spoilers ahead!)

If you crave an ending that defies expectations and keeps you guessing, scroll through the list of best film plot twists of all time.

10 movies with major plot twists that will keep you guessing till the end

Inception (2010)

IMDb rating: 8.8/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 87%

Directed by: Christopher Nolan

Synopsis: Inception tells the tale of Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), who works as an extractor of information by entering the dreams of his targets. Accused of being involved in his wife’s death, he is desperate to redeem himself. Fortunately, Cobb is presented with a challenging opportunity — to perform ‘inception’, aka plant an idea into someone’s mind.

He assembles a team to carry out the challenging task for a powerful businessman named Saito (Ken Watanabe) and the target is Robert Fischer (Cillian Murphy), heir to a vast energy conglomerate. To accomplish the inception, the team must navigate multiple layers of dreams within dreams, each with its own set of rules and challenges.

Plot twist: Cobb’s personal struggles, particularly his guilt and grief over the death of his wife Mal become central to the story. It is revealed sometimes in the film that she still appears as a projection within Cobb’s subconscious, creating obstacles and jeopardising the mission. Here onwards, viewers are left guessing throughout the runtime about which scenes are real and which are a dream.

Fight Club (1999)

IMDb rating: 8.8/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 79%

Directed by: David Fincher

Synopsis: Fight Club follows the story of an unnamed narrator (Edward Norton), a white-collar worker suffering from insomnia and dissatisfaction with his mundane life. He attends support groups in an attempt to cure his insomnia. On a business trip, he meets Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt), a soap salesman with disrespect for modern society. The two form an underground fight club, known as Project Mayhem as a form of male bonding and rebellion against societal norms.

Plot twist: In the film, the plot twist occurs when it is revealed that Tyler Durden is a figment of the narrator’s imagination. The narrator and Tyler are two personalities within the same person, and the fight club, as well as Project Mayhem, are hallucinations of the narrator’s inner struggles and desires.

Parasite (2019)

Directed by: Bong Joon-ho

IMDb rating: 8.5/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 99%

Synopsis: Parasite is a dark comedy thriller that reflects on social class disparity and family dynamics. The Kim family, struggling with unemployment and poverty, comes up with a plan to infiltrate the wealthy Park family’s household. One by one, each member of the Kim family manipulates their way into working for the Park family, they enjoy their newfound prosperity, taking advantage of the Parks’ trust.

Plot twist: When the Kim family discover a hidden underground bunker in the Park family’s mansion, they realise the previous housekeeper has been hiding her husband in there for years and leeching off the mansion’s resources. This twist not only adds a layer of suspense and horror but also turns the film into a commentary on the disparity existing within different classes of society.

Shutter Island (2010)

IMDb rating: 8.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 69%

Directed by: Martin Scorsese

Synopsis: Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo) travel to Shutter Island, a remote mental institution for the criminally insane, to investigate the disappearance of Rachel Solando, a prisoner convicted of murdering her three children. As the trio investigates, Teddy begins to experience disturbing dreams and memories related to his time as a soldier in World War 2 and the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp.

Plot twist: At the end of the film, it is revealed that Teddy is Andrew Laeddis, a patient at the institution. The entire investigation, the missing prisoner and the conspiracy were elaborate role-playing scenarios set up by the staff and Dr. Cawley, as a form of therapy to help Teddy confront the truth about his past.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

IMDb rating: 8.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 86%

Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan

Synopsis: In The Sixth Sense, Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis), a child psychologist undertakes the treatment of a young boy named Cole (Haley Joel Osment), who can see and communicate with deceased people. Crowe persuades Cole to assist these spirits. In return, Cole aids Malcolm in repairing his relationship with his estranged wife.

Plot twist: It turns out that Dr Malcolm has been dead throughout the entire movie. The film cleverly leads the audience to believe that Crowe is interacting with the living, including his wife, and trying to help Cole. However, in a shocking revelation, it becomes clear that Crowe himself is one of the ghosts Cole sees.

Gone Girl (2014)

IMDb rating: 8.1/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 88%

Directed by: David Fincher

Synopsis: Gone Girl is a psychological thriller revolving around the tumultuous marriage of Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) and Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike). On their fifth wedding anniversary, Amy mysteriously disappears, and the media frenzy ensues. As the investigation unfolds, suspicions fall on Nick, and the public becomes increasingly convinced of his guilt.

Plot twist: Amy orchestrates her disappearance to frame Nick for her murder. In a carefully calculated plan, she leaves clues and stages crime scenes to make it appear as though Nick was responsible for her death. The diary entries were fabricated, and Amy’s public image as the victim of a troubled marriage was meticulously crafted to manipulate public perception.

Get Out (2017)

IMDb rating: 7.8/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 88%

Directed by: Jordan Peele

Synopsis: Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya), a young African American man discovers disturbing truths when he visits the family of his Caucasian girlfriend, Rose Armitage (Allison Williams). As he spends time with Rose’s family and their friends, he begins to notice weird behaviour and encounters strange occurrences. As the weekend progresses, Chris becomes increasingly uneasy, discovering that other African Americans in the neighbourhood are acting strange.

Plot twist: Here, the plot twist is the true intentions of the Armitage family and their associates. It is revealed that the Armitages have been hypnotising and transplanting the consciousness of older white individuals into the bodies of younger, healthy African Americans. The goal is to achieve a form of immortality by transferring their minds into the bodies of the black victims, who are chosen for their physical attributes.

American Psycho (2000)

IMDb rating: 7.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 68%

Directed by: Mary Harron

Synopsis: Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) is a successful and wealthy investment banker in the ’80s. On the surface, he appears to be living the American Dream, with a high-paying job, a luxurious apartment and a glamorous social life. However, beneath the facade of success, he is a psychopath with a preference for brutal and sadistic violence.

Plot twist: At one point in the film, Patrick openly admits all his crimes to his lawyer. However, when he confronts the lawyer later, the latter has no idea about the confessions. As the film concludes, viewers are led to believe that all the murders were a product of his imagination.

Hereditary (2018)

IMDb rating: 7.3/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 90%

Directed by: Ari Aster

Synopsis: Hereditary follows the Graham family, particularly Annie (Toni Collette), after the death of her secretive and emotionally distant mother. As the family copes with grief, strange and terrifying events unfold, revealing a dark family history. Annie discovers her mother’s involvement in a cult that worships a demonic entity.

Plot twist: When the true nature of the family’s curse is revealed, it is disclosed that Annie’s mother, Ellen had entered into a pact with a demonic entity named Paimon. Through a series of disturbing rituals and manipulations, Paimon seeks a male host for ultimate power.

Saltburn (2023)

IMDb rating: 7.1/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 71%

Synopsis: Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan), a student on a scholarship from Prescot, faces challenges fitting into the University of Oxford due to his unfamiliarity with upper-class etiquette. He forms a friendship with Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi), a wealthy and well-liked student who empathises with Oliver’s accounts of his parents’ struggles with substance abuse and mental health. Overwhelmed by grief after his father’s unexpected death, Felix invites Oliver to spend the summer at his family estate, Saltburn.

Plot twist: Oliver had a strategic scheme all along to steal the vast wealth of the Catton family, and he executed it with great success. To accomplish this, he causes Felix’s death by luring him to drink the poisoned champagne and also supplies Venetia with a razor, who takes her own life while having an emotional breakdown.

Hero and feature image: Courtesy IMDb/Saltburn and Shutter Island

This story first appeared here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Which is the best thriller movie with a plot twist?
Shutter Island, Inception, Hereditary and American Psycho are some of the best thriller movies with a plot twist.

– Which is the best thriller movie with a plot twist on Netflix?
Shutter Island, Hereditary, Get Out and Gone Girl are some of the best thriller movies with a plot twist available to stream on Netflix.

– Which is the best-rated plot twist movie on IMDb?
Inception is the best-rated plot twist movie on IMDb with a rating of 8.8/10.

The post 10 movies with mind-bending plot twists appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

The upcoming serial killer movies of 2024 promise audiences a cocktail of fear, morbid curiosity, and weird fascination.

One look at the upcoming serial killer movies, and it becomes clear that audiences are in for a cocktail of fear, morbid curiosity and weird fascination. From a horror retelling of a famous children’s story to a psychological cop hunt, these movies straddle multiple gritty genres at the same time while keeping murder as the nucleus of the story.

Serial killer movies have evolved over time, often blurring the lines between good and evil. From classic black-and-white thrillers like M (1931) to modern psychological explorations like Se7en (1995), they explore the darkness lurking within humanity through a deranged pivotal character.

There is suspense, and there are body counts. Tension reigns supreme as the story progresses, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Societal lessons are also at times shared through such films, like the perception of good and evil through the serial killer Hannibal Lecter in Silence of the Lambs (1991) or a scathing social commentary about psychology and consumerism like American Psycho (2000).

Though there are scares, it is important to note that serial killer movies are different from those of pure horror, the latter example of which would also include supernatural, fantasy or even comedy films as co-genres.

Must-watch upcoming serial killer movies

Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey 2

Directed by: Rhys Frake-Waterfield

Cast: Scott Chambers, Ryan Oliva, Eddy MacKenzie, Lewis Santer, Simon Callow

Release date: Early 2024

Synopsis: Following the events of the previous film, Winnie-the-Pooh (Oliva) and his feral friends go on a serial killing spree through the town of Ashdown, seeking revenge on Christopher Robin (Chambers).

More about the film: Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey 2 is a sequel to Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey (2023), the British independent slasher film, which was a re-imagining of the characters created by A. A. Milne and E. H. Shepard in the Winnie-the-Pooh books.

The original film was a surprise hit at the worldwide box office despite critics panning it severely. Made on a budget of less than USD 100,000, the film earned around USD 6 million. The sequel has reportedly cost the makers around USD 1 million.

The sequel is one of the most significant upcoming movies which straddles multiple horror genres, including serial killer and thriller. It marks the first appearance of Tigger in the franchise after the character entered the public domain along with Mickey Mouse on 1 January 2024.

Originally scheduled for release on 14 February 2024, the film’s exact release date is now unclear. Some reports suggest that it might hit the screens in March.

The Strangers: Chapter 1

Directed by: Renny Harlin

Cast: Madelaine Petsch, Froy Gutierrez, Rachel Shenton, Gabriel Basso

Release date: 17 May 2024

Synopsis: Maya (Petsch) and her longtime boyfriend, Ryan (Gutierrez), head for the Pacific Northwest by road to start a new life. Their car breaks down in a sparsely populated area in Venus, Oregon, and they take shelter in an isolated Airbnb home. The couple then face the most terrifying night of their lives when three murderous masked strangers arrive.

More about the film: The Strangers: Chapter 1 is part of The Strangers franchise, which started with the first film in 2008. According to Deadline, Chapter 1 is a remake of the original film and is the first in a trilogy.

The original film throws ample hints that the three strangers are actually serial killers who have been murdering gullible people in the isolated area. Makers Lionsgate intends to expand the story in a new form for the sequel. But given the story of the original, The Strangers: Chapter 1 is certainly one of the most-awaited serial killer movies.

Speak No Evil

Directed by: James Watkins

Cast: James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy, Alix West Lefler

Release date: 13 September 2024

Synopsis: A family vacation turns into a deadly nightmare for a couple when they visit an idyllic country house on the invitation of another family they recently befriended.

More about the film: Speak No Evil is the English-language remake of the Danish psychological horror thriller Gaesterne (2022). The Danish film, which is about a serial killer family, was directed by Christian Tafdrup. It was nominated for 11 Danish Film Awards, which is Denmark’s equivalent to the Oscars.

Longlegs

Directed by: Osgood Perkins

Cast: Maika Monroe, Nicolas Cage, Alicia Witt, Blair Underwood

Release date: 12 July 2024

Synopsis: In the 1970s America, Lee Harker (Monroe), an FBI agent, is investigating a cold case connected to the crimes committed by a serial killer (Cage). During her probe, she uncovers occult evidence and a personal connection to the killer.

More about the film: Osgood “Oz” Perkins is the son of Anthony Perkins, renowned universally for playing Norman Bates in Alfred Hitchcock’s suspense thriller Psycho (1960). The younger Perkins has made a name for himself as a director of horror movies such as The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015), I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (2016) and Greta and Hansel (2020).

(Hero and Featured images: Lionsgate)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Which is the best serial killer movie?

Numerous serial killer movies are counted among the best. Chief of them are Psycho (1960), Se7en (1995) and Zodiac (2007).

– Why is Psycho movie famous?

Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho (1960) is considered a landmark film across the genres and sub-genres of psychological, thriller, crime, suspense and serial killer. It is credited for laying the benchmark for all similar films that followed. It is universally praised for its direction, camerawork, atmospheric effects and performances.

The post The most hyped new serial killer movies releasing in 2024 appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Fancy a movie that puts you on the edge of your seat? These are the best psychological thriller movies on Netflix according to IMDB.

There’s a unique thrill in watching a film that plays with your perception, a film that makes you question everything you see and hear. Psychological thriller movies tap into our deepest fears and anxieties, exploring the hidden complexities of the human mind. And Netflix offers a treasure trove of these mind-bending movies — all with impressive IMDb ratings above 6.5. They promise unforgettable journeys into obsession, madness and the chilling power of manipulation.

What is a psychological thriller?

It is a genre of thriller that focuses on the inner turmoil, twisted motivations and fragile mental states of its characters. Unlike traditional thrillers that rely heavily on external dangers and action, psychological thrillers build suspense and terror by exploring the complexities of the human mind.

These movies on Netflix often feature unreliable narrators. The protagonist’s own perception is induced by mental illness, trauma, deliberate deception or even substance abuse, making it unreliable as well. This creates a sense of unease and doubt for the audience.

For instance, The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) tells a chilling story of identity theft and sinister ambition. Whereas viewers witness a terrifying battle against an unknown danger in Run (2020). The haunting thriller Calibre (2018) takes audiences into the darkness of a spiralling nightmare.

The masterfully crafted 2014 mystery film Gone Girl depicts a story of obsession and dysfunctional relationships and the Spanish masterpiece of deception in God’s Crooked Lines (2022) features a private investigator who infiltrates a psychiatric hospital, only to have her own sanity thrown into question. Those who like thrillers with a futuristic twist can explore the desperate attempts to decipher a mysterious blackout and its effect on a family in Leave the World Behind (2023).

So let yourself be consumed by the suspense of the best psychological thrillers on Netflix and unravel their mysteries. You will remember these stories long after the credits roll.

Best psychological thrillers on Netflix that will have you questioning reality

The post The highest-rated psychological thriller movies on Netflix according to IMDB appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

The internet has a lot to say about Sony’s new superhero movie. Here are some of the best reactions to Madame Web.

Sony’s latest addition to the Spiderverse (despite Dakota Johnson’s insistence that it’s not) was finally released into the world this past week, and it’s got people talking. That’s not necessarily a good thing. The trailers already weren’t promising with the line “He was in the Amazon with my mom when she was researching spiders right before she died” now becoming iconic and memable. Some hoped that Dakota Johnson and Sydney Sweeney, who’s been enjoying the success of her romcom Anyone But You, would be enough star power to save the film. Alas, that doesn’t seem to be the case.

We took a look at the Platform Formerly Known as Twitter to see what the interwebs had to say. They didn’t disappoint.

The internet’s best reactions to Madame Web

This user “praised” Dakota Johnson’s performance.

Dakota Johnson’s performance in MADAME WEB pic.twitter.com/5SUnLNcuxN

— Dalton (@RedDragon733) February 17, 2024

While this user applauded the stellar work of the writers.

https://twitter.com/HassanHamid266/status/1759648948447297729?s=20

Sony is on a roll—again, not necessarily a good thing.

No way Sony can make a movie worse than Morbius…

Madame Web: pic.twitter.com/mk3WKCIOGu

— Austin Burke (@theBurk3nator) February 15, 2024

Crime is really taking a turn for the worse.

Stay safe out there everyone.. so i had 2 tickets for the Madame Web movie in my car and someone broke in and left 4 more pic.twitter.com/agTxbbwhJp

— kira 👾 (@kirawontmiss) February 15, 2024

Maybe Wiseaunian should be a film genre.

Just got out of #MadameWeb and honestly I havent felt this way in a theater since Cats. 10/10 for this Tommy Wiseau esque approach to Catwoman 2004. Couldn’t stop laughing the whole runtime. pic.twitter.com/nlIGWQp5hC

— Allen Ortega (@kenjisalk) February 15, 2024

If you watched the movie, you’ll understand.

The Villain in #MadameWeb pic.twitter.com/vTtKr3zNYX

— Molted (@Moltedomen) February 18, 2024

And finally, while everyone agrees the movie was bad, that doesn’t mean no one enjoyed it.

https://twitter.com/ZachNyx/status/1758360926322073685?s=20

Madame Web is now in theatres—if you dare watch it.

The post The most hilarious reactions on the internet to ‘Madame Web’  appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

From Deadpool & Wolverine and beyond, these are the Marvel movies releasing this 2024 onward.

Step right up, folks, and behold the majesty of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), an entertainment juggernaut so colossal it could even make the Incredible Hulk feel like a puny human. As we stand on the precipice of yet another wave of superheroic exploits, it is hard not to feel a sense of awe at the sheer magnitude of what Marvel Studios has achieved. Here we explore the new Marvel movies in the MCU releasing in 2024 and beyond.

In a landscape where blockbuster franchises come and go like fads, the MCU has stood tall as a towering monolith of cinematic achievement for more than one-and-a-half decades, daring to push the boundaries of storytelling with each new instalment. But as the roster of costumed crusaders continues to swell and the stakes grow ever higher, one can’t help but wonder: how much bigger can this universe get before it collapses under its own weight?

We’ll witness the return of Ryan Reynolds as Merc with a Mouth in the third film in the Deadpool franchise, marking the character’s first foray into the MCU, owing to Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox’s assets. Then, prepare to explore the post-Blip world with Captain America: Brave New World, where Sam Wilson grapples with the challenges of his new role.

And let’s not forget the return of the daywalker in Blade, with Mahershala Ali taking on the iconic role. Additionally, get ready for epic clashes against time-travelling warlords and intergalactic threats in the next two Avengers films: The Kang Dynasty and Secret Wars.

Note: In this compilation, we are exclusively focusing on MCU films and not the broader spectrum of Marvel movies. It’s worth noting that while Sony holds the screen rights to Spider-Man and its associated characters, the company has also been crafting its own cinematic universe, known as Sony’s Spider-Man Universe or SSU. This list contains only new Marvel movies that are produced by Marvel Studios in 2024.

Marvel’s MCU spectacular: All the new Marvel movies in 2024 and 2025

Deadpool 3

Release date: 26 July 2024

Directed by: Shawn Levy

Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Morena Baccarin

About the film: The titular mutant (Reynolds) teams up with Wolverine (Jackman) to form an uneasy partnership. This will be the first R-rated film in the MCU. Deadpool is finally in the MCU, thanks to Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox’s assets, which include Marvel properties like X-Men and Fantastic Four.

Captain America: Brave New World

Release date: 14 February 2025

Directed by: Julius Onah

Cast: Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Liv Tyler

About the film: While plot details are yet to be released, we know the Marvel project tackles the post-Blip world and the challenges Sam Wilson (Mackie) faces as the new Captain America. Mackie’s Wilson took over the mantle of Captain America in the TV series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

Fantastic Four

Release date: 2 May 2025

Directed by: Matt Shakman

Cast: N/A

About the film: Fantastic Four is expected to be focusing on the family dynamics of the titular superhero team. Viewers may find cosmic adventures, multiverse connections and individual heroics woven into a cohesive team effort.

Thunderbolts

Release date: 25 July 2025

Directed by: Jake Schreier

Cast: David Harbour, Hannah John-Kamen, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Olga Kurylenko, Florence Pugh

Synopsis: A team of reformed villains, morally ambiguous vigilantes and government-sanctioned people like Bucky Barnes (Stan), Yelena Belova (Pugh), Red Guardian (Harbour), US Agent (Russell), Ghost (John-Kamen) and Taskmaster (Kurylenko) are recruited to go on dangerous missions for the US government.

About the film: Thunderbolts, in comics, is considered Marvel’s response to Suicide Squad.

Blade

Release date: 7 November 2025

Directed by: Yann Demange

Cast: Mahershala Ali, Mia Goth, Delroy Lindo

About the film: Previously, Wesley Snipes portrayed the role in a trilogy of movies spanning 1998 to 2004. Snipes congratulated Ali when he was cast in MCU’s Blade.

Avengers: The Kang Dynasty

Release date: 1 May 2026

Directed by: N/A

Cast: Anthony Mackie, Tenoch Huerta

About the film: Superheroes are expected to clash against Kang the Conqueror, a time-travelling warlord from the 30th century with ambitions of galactic domination. But Jonathan Majors, who was set to reprise his role as Kang from Loki, has been dismissed from the project. The story is based on the 2001–2002 comic book Kang Dynasty.

Avengers: Secret Wars

Release date: 7 May 2027

Directed by: N/A

Cast: Iman Vellani, Anthony Mackie, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, Dominique Thorne

About the film: The story is based on the 1984–1985 comic book Secret Wars.

The post All the Marvel movies releasing in 2024 and beyond appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Marvel gave its fans a surprise Valentine’s Day treat when it unveiled the cast of The Fantastic Four.

While couples were busy being all lovey-dovey and singles were busy being lonely-lonely, Marvel decided to make an announcement that caught everyone off-guard. Ever since Disney acquired 20th Century Fox, fans have been eager and anxious to see Marvel’s First Family debut in the MCU—and who Marvel will cast to play them.

Well, that was answered yesterday.

[Hero image: Marvel Studios]

Meet the cast of Marvel’s The Fantastic Four

In a retro-style poster reminiscent of the ‘60s, Marvel Studios unveiled the very first artwork for The Fantastic Four—and along with it, its cast. As previously rumoured, Pedro Pascal will play Reed Richards, the genius who has the ability to re-shape and stretch his body in any way he wants. Vanessa Kirby is Sue Storm, also known as the Invisible Woman. Stranger Things’ Joseph Quinn will be playing Sue’s brother, Johnny, who gains the power to control fire and combust in flames. Finally, cousin himself, Ebon Moss-Bacharach, will take on the role of Ben Grimm aka The Thing. 

Will The Fantastic Four be set in the past—or is something else going on?

The poster sent fans into a frenzy celebrating the reveal of the cast, but others got busy theorising. Many are speculating that the movie may be set in the ‘60s because of… well, everything about the poster. From the art style, the way the logo is designed, and even the magazine Ben is reading, there’s a good possibility that it may be retrofuturistic movie of sorts.

That also brings up a lot of other questions. The MCU has gone back to the ‘70s before in Avengers: Endgame where Tony Stark and Steve Rogers have a run-in with Howard Stark, Peggy Carter, and Hank Pym. But if the Fantastic Four were around then, surely they would be mentioned?

Since this is the Multiverse Saga, it’s quite possible that The Fantastic Four isn’t set in the past but in the present—albeit in another retrofuturistic Jetson’s-style universe. After all, it’s not the first time we’ve seen a member of the First Family appear in the MCU: John Krasinski played a version of Reed Richards in Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness. Kevin Feige also hinted in the book Marvel Studios: The Marvel Cinematic Universe – An Official Timeline that timelines could “crash or converge”, meaning that even the original 2004 films could be canon.

Does this version of the First Family come from a different universe than Iron Man, Thor, and Cap? Or is it really just set in the past? Guess we’ll find out when the movie hits theatres on July 25, 2025.

The post We finally have the cast for Marvel’s ‘The Fantastic Four’ appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

With the new Mean Girls movie coming out, and the original celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, we thought it would be the perfect time to reminisce. Which cocktail do you drink to get into the vibe of each iconic scene? You never asked, but girl, did we provide.

After Mean Girls was released in 2004, the world was never the same. It completely shifted the history of cinema into something much more fetch, and spawned iconic lines to quote for at least the next century. All we’re saying is that Tina Fey could do Avatar, but James Cameron couldn’t make Mean Girls.

So, if you want to get into the vibes of all the iconic scenes in Mean girls, we know which cocktail you should drink.

[Hero and featured image credit: Mean Girls (2004), Paramount Pictures]

Entertainment

How to celebrate Mean Girls Day in Bangkok

Dining

The best new bars and cocktail menus in Bangkok right now

Cocktail Cinema: The most iconic scenes from Mean Girls as cocktails

Not a regular mum but a cool mum: “Flower Power” from Find The Locker Room

Colourful, flowery, born in the ’60s — there’s no better cocktail that encapsulates the essence of Mrs George better than the “Flower Power” cocktail from Find The Locker Room. The cool mum is all for love and acceptance, which requires a whole lot when your daughter is Regina George, but if you’d have a little bit of alcohol, she’d prefer you do it in the house.

Wednesday shopping at the mall: “For a Cooler You” from Tropic City

From their new Tropicology menu, “For a Cooler You” is a tiki-style drink with Naked Malt whisky, an array of fruits, and salted maple syrup. If you want to feel what Cady Heron felt surrounded by the animals at the watering hole at the mall, this drink at Tropic City will take you to the rainforest and back.

Alternatively, the refreshing “So Fresh & So Clean” with Lillet blanc, Campari, and Monsoon jasmine tea could also work for this scene. We wouldn’t want Taylor Wedell to drink something too strong after her trip back from Planned Parenthood after all.

The Plastics’ talent show number: Eggnog from 4th Wall

We don’t know what magic is sprinkled into 4th Wall‘s Eggnog, but it has, on several occasions, Jingle Bell Rocked our world. It’s got a kick, it’s sweet, and has spice — something The Plastics were trying to channel until Jason was hit in the face by a boombox. If you feel more like Damien’s talent show with the Christina Aguilera song, we feel like it’s more of a Ramos Gin Fizz. Yes, you can also order that at 4th Wall.

Spring Fling dress tryout: Campari and Soda

Sometimes all you need is a refreshing glass of Campari and Soda. That way, you don’t have to head over to Sears to get a dress for the Spring Fling. A glass has only 120 calories, after all. Ask the bartender to throw in a lemon peel for the extra scent and colour. Being a Mean Girl is a whole vibe, even if it’s for a cocktail.

“The Ugliest Effing Skirt”: Harvey Wallbanger

Arguably, there’s no classic cocktail that represents 1970s America as well as the Harvey Wallbanger. Vodka, Galliano, and orange juice — it’s a guy in a leather jacket with a girl sitting cross-legged in her plaid skirt and shades, driving down Hollywood Boulevard in a convertible. Is it that the ugliest effing skirt we’ve ever seen? Yes. Are we interested? Also yes.

School riot incited by the Burn Book: “Chicken Dinner” from F*nkytown

They say revenge is best served cold, but we’d argue that it’s best served as calm and collected, like drinking the “Chicken Dinner” from F*nkytown. It’s actually a hot cocktail, and it tastes like having hot chicken soup — spiked, of course. Tasting it feels like you’re rewarding yourself for executing a genius plan, and seeing it served from a teapot is nothing but camp.

You also have the option to have the drink garnished with white truffle, which is honestly on brand for Regina George.

Mathletes Championship: “Green Coffee Grasshopper” from The Bamboo Bar

Chanel Adams’ Green Coffee Grasshopper puts a twist on the classic with pandan and coconut milk. It’s so easy to drink you’ll think the limit does not exist, and the absinthe represents our emotional state studying maths. The Bamboo Bar’s menu is also centred around versatility, which is what Cady Heron is all about.

The post Cocktail Cinema: The most iconic scenes from ‘Mean Girls’ as cocktails appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

How tall is Godzilla? Seems to be a simple question, but an artist on Instagram points out something about the kaiju that no one noticed.

Beyoncé, Madonna, Adele, Cher… Godzilla. Very few are known by just a singular name. Sure, you can argue that unlike the others I listed, Godzilla doesn’t have a last name—or does it? Maybe it’s just so iconic it doesn’t need one.

The legendary kaiju, who debuted all the way back in an eponymous movie in 1954, has become a pop culture icon, first in Japan and then over in the West. The ongoing franchise by Legendary Pictures brings Godzilla together with another legendary beast, King Kong. The most recent film, Godzilla Minus One, is produced by Toho Studios and is the first ever Godzilla movie to be nominated for an Academy Award. 

So it’s safe to say that everyone knows Godzilla—or do we? A recent post by an artist on Instagram reveals otherwise.

[Hero image: Legendary Pictures]

How tall is Godzilla—and are its legs stumpy like we think?

The post by Instagram user @dontlikethatbro was actually made all the way back in 2019, but pop culture news account Pubity resurfaced the post yesterday. The Malaysian artist behind the account, Ernest Ng, makes an interesting observation about Godzilla in the 2019 film Godzilla: King of the Monsters.

One of the most popular shots from the movie, which was also used for the film’s poster, features Godzilla knee-deep in the ocean releasing its atomic breath into the sky, illuminating the clouds in an electric blue, while a submarine floats nearby. It’s iconic. It’s breathtaking. It’s showstopping—much like the divas I mentioned previously so don’t wonder why I put Godzilla in the same category.

But Ng points out a problem in that scene that flew above everyone’s heads: how is Godzilla only knee-deep in the ocean? Despite the fact that the monster stands at a height of 120 metres, the ocean definitely isn’t shallow; the submarine is evidence of that. As formidable as the King of the Monsters is, it has stumpy legs. So why in the world isn’t the legendary beast submerged in the water?

Ng gives plausible (and hilarious) explanations. Perhaps Godzilla is standing on the summit of an underwater mountain. The scene is dark anyway, so it may just be hard to make out. Or perhaps it’s a mountain of trash, a reasonable theory since our oceans are, sadly, heavily polluted. Perhaps Godzilla made friends with a whale that has so graciously allowed itself to carry the kaiju on its back, or maybe Godzilla is rocking platform shoes underneath the dark murky water.

Finally, Ng makes one last suggestion: maybe Godzilla just has really long legs and it’s been duping us into thinking they’re stumps.

Will the new movie, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, answer this mystery? Perhaps, but if it does, I hope the explanation is that Kong gave Godzilla some really nice heels. I told you he belongs perfectly in that category. 

The post So Godzilla may be taller than you think appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

The first trailer of Deadpool 3 was revealed along with its official title: ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’. Here are all the details we know so far.

One of the most-awaited films of 2024, Deadpool & Wolverine marks the official debut of both the Merc with a Mouth and Logan aka Wolverine in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

The film is placed as a sequel to Deadpool (2016) and Deadpool 2 (2018) and the 34th film in the overall MCU.

All about ‘Deadpool 3’ and what it indicates

What does the trailer show?

The first thing the Deadpool 3 trailer confirms is that the story is connected to the Time Variance Authority (TVA), the organisation that formed the basis of Disney+ series Loki.

Wade Wilson aka Deadpool is celebrating his birthday with those close to him. Agents from the TVA interrupt his celebration and force him back into their headquarters.

Deadpool meets Paradox, who tells him that the TVA is recruiting him for a mission. He is shown images of the Avengers, Captain America, Iron Man and Thor and others, and told “This is your chance to be a hero among heroes.”

The trailer then descends into the gravity-defying action that the wisecracking Deadpool is known for, before ending with a silhouette of Wolverine apparently coming to the mercenary’s aid.

Cast of ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’

Ryan Reynolds returns as Wade Wilson/Deadpool. Also returning from previous Deadpool films are Morena Baccarin as Vanessa, Rob Delaney as Peter, Leslie Uggams as Blind Al, Brianna Hildebrand as Negasonic Teenage Warhead, Shioli Kutsuna as Yukio and Karan Soni as Dopinder.

Hugh Jackman reprises his iconic role of James “Logan” Howlett/Wolverine from the X-Men film series (2000–2017). He last played the role in the critically acclaimed Logan (2017), whose story brought an end to his character in X-Men.

Succession star Matthew Macfadyen appears as the TVA agent Paradox. Emma Corrin will play the unnamed main antagonist while Jennifer Garner is set to appear as Elektra from Daredevil (2003) and Elektra (2005) films.

When is ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ releasing?

Deadpool & Wolverine (or Deadpool 3) has an official release date of 26 July 2024. It is the only MCU film set for release this year.

Deadpool & Wolverine will be followed by Captain America: Brave New World, Fantastic Four, Thunderbolts and Blade in 2025.

More about the film

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Deadpool & Wolverine will be the first R-rated MCU movie.

Though both are Marvel comic book characters, their rights were held by 20th Century Fox till Disney acquired the company in 2019. The acquisition paved the way for the two characters as well as the galaxy of X-Men, Fantastic Four and others to become part of the MCU.

The film has been co-written by Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Zeb Wells, Reynolds and Levy. It is produced by Levy, Reynolds and Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige.

(Hero and Featured images: Marvel Studios/Courtesy of Marvel Studios – © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL./IMDb)

This article originally appeared on Augustman Singapore.

The post All about ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’: Trailer, release date, cast and more appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

If you love romance thrillers, then here are some of the best and highest-rated romantic thriller movies to add to your watch list.

What does a marriage endangered by an illicit affair, a nameless second wife trapped in a mysterious estate and a missing wife seeking revenge from her husband have in common? They make for the plotlines of some of the best romantic thriller movies to ever exist. From Hitchcock’s 1940 classic Rebecca to David Fincher’s 2014 hit Gone Girl, here is a list of the best romance thriller movies with an IMDb rating above 6.5 to watch with your special someone this Valentine’s Day.

Leading the list of the best romantic thriller movies is Alfred Hitchcock’s magnum opus, the 1958 directorial Vertigo. Starring James Stewart and Kim Novak in lead roles, the movie is famous for its complex love story, mind-bending twists and groundbreaking camera techniques. In 1989, Vertigo became one of the first 25 films to be selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”. One of the highest-rated romance thrillers of all time, it enjoys a solid 8.3 rating on IMDb.

Meanwhile, exploring the darkest corners of the human psyche is David Fincher’s postmodern romance thriller Gone Girl. An instant box-office hit, the 2014 movie collected a staggering USD 369 million worldwide against a USD 61 million budget, becoming Fincher’s highest-grossing release of all time, reports Box Office Mojo.

Additionally, Rosamund Pike’s impressive performance as the vengeful wife Amy, earned a Best Actress nomination at the prestigious Academy Awards in 2015.

Lest we forget Adrian Lyne’s crown jewel, the 2016 hit Unfaithful, with Diane Lane playing the titular character. Described by Lyne as a romantic thriller “about the body language of guilt”, the romance thriller is based on the 1969 French film The Unfaithful Wife by Claude Chabrol.

18 best, highest-rated romantic thriller movies with an IMDb rating above 6.5

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Here’s what we know about the MCU’s Fantastic Four/

It’s time for OG Marvel fans to rejoice as the Fantastic Four are officially making a comeback on the big screen. However, there’s one small catch – you have to be a bit patient. The Fantastic Four, considered to be some of Marvel’s most iconic superheroes, are all set to return to the silver screen … but in 2025.

Matt Shakman will be directing the upcoming superhero film, with the writing team consisting of Josh Friedman, Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer.

Part of the Marvel Universe, the Fantastic Four is a renowned superhero team of, you guessed it, four individuals who gained superpowers after being exposed to cosmic rays during a space mission. The team consists of Mr Fantastic, aka Reed Richards who can stretch his body in any direction, and Invisible Woman, aka Susan Storm who can become invisible and create force fields.

The other two characters are the Human Torch, aka Johnny Storm, who can generate and control fire, and the Thing, aka Ben Grimm, who possesses superhuman strength and has a rock-like appearance. Together, the four use their powers to protect the world from various threats in the universe. 

Now that you are up to date on who the superheroes are, let us take a closer look at the Fantastic Four 2025 reboot, including its plot details, cast and release date.

Who is in the cast of the 2025 Fantastic Four reboot?

According to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s website, it has been confirmed that Pedro Pascal will be a part of the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot. This comes in after several months of speculations and insider reports suggesting that Pascal had secured the part of Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His career page reads: “Pascal recently wrapped production on Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated Gladiator 2 and will soon begin production on Marvel Studios’ Fantastic Four.”

It is also being speculated that Vanessa Kirby, known for her Emmy-nominated performance in The Crown and Oscar-nominated performance in Pieces of a Woman, has been chosen to play Sue Storm in the upcoming 2025 Fantastic Four reboot. Additionally, Joseph Quinn, known for his work in Stranger Things, is reportedly set to play the role of Johnny Storm.

What will be the plot of the new Fantastic Four movie?

As of now, the Fantastic Four reboot is still in the early stages of development. However, according to Sneider’s report, the film’s plot will likely see Galactus as the antagonist and might even include The Silver Surfer.

When will the Fantastic Four reboot hit theatres?

The release of the Fantastic Four reboot is planned for 2 May 2025. It will be part of Phase Six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Hero and feature image: Courtesy IMDb/ Fantastic Four 2015 and Fantastic Four 2007

This story first appeared here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What will be the plot of Fantastic Four 2025?
The plot for the Fantastic Four reboot is currently under wraps. However, it is being speculated that the upcoming movie will see Galactus as the antagonist. It might even feature the Silver Surfer.

– When is MCU’s Fantastic Four reboot expected to release?
The Fantastic Four reboot will be released on 2 May 2025.

The post What we know about the MCU’s ‘Fantastic Four’ appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Here’s what to know about the true story behind The Iron Claw.

A24 delivered several hits in 2023 including the recently released Sean Durkin directorial. The A24 biographical sports drama movie The Iron Claw circles around the true story of professional wrestler Kevin Von Erich and the Von Erich family and discusses the downfall of the family, which is considered to be one of the greatest professional wrestling family in the business. The film is finally arriving in India on 9 February in theatres, so let’s learn a little about the history of the family.

The film stars Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Maura Tierney, Holt McCallany, and Lily James. The film is shot from the point of view of Kevin Von Erich, who witnessed the tragic deaths of his brothers and lived through the Von Enrich curse. The title of the movie comes from the popularised wrestling hold known as “the iron claw,” invented by the Von Enrich family. Let’s take a look at the true story of A24 movie The Iron Claw.

The Iron Claw: The inspiring true story that inspired the plot of the A24 movie

Kevin Von Erich is best known for his time with World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) in the 1970s and 1980s. The character will be played by Zac Efron in The Iron Claw. Kevin, along with his brothers David (played by Harris Dickinson), Kerry (played by Jeremy Allen White), Mike (played by Stanley Simons), and Chris, achieved immense popularity and success in the world of professional wrestling. Their father, Fritz Von Erich (played by Holt McCallany), was a wrestler and promoter who founded WCCW.

Kevin, like his brothers, faced personal hardships and family tragedies. However, his brothers including David, Mike, Kerry, and Chris, died prematurely and these tragedies deeply affected Kevin and his family. Following his retirement from wrestling, Kevin remained involved in the wrestling world. He is often seen making appearances at wrestling events and conventions. The true story of his struggles in maintaining family relations will be shown in the A24 movie The Iron Claw.

Meet the Von Erich family

The Von Erich family’s wrestling legacy began with patriarch Fritz Von Erich, whose real name was Jack Adkisson. Fritz started his wrestling career in the 1950s and eventually became one of the most prominent figures known to people. He later transitioned into promoting wrestling events in Texas, founding World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW).

Jack Jr. was his eldest son, who passed away at a young age. David Von Erich was one of the most popular and promising members of the Von Erich family. He passed away in 1984 at the age of 25 due to acute enteritis. Kerry Von Erich was one of the most celebrated members of the family. He achieved worldwide fame and success as “The Modern Day Warrior” and held multiple championships, including the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Tragically, Kerry died by suicide in 1993. Mike Von Erich also pursued a career in professional wrestling. However, he struggled with health issues and injuries throughout his career. Mike tragically died by suicide in 1987. Chris Von Erich was the youngest son of Frit. He also pursued a career in wrestling but faced challenges due to health issues and injuries. Chris died by suicide in 1991.

The Von Erich curse

The true story of the Von Erich curse will also be a part of the plot of the A24 movie The Iron Claw. The “Von Erich curse” is a term used to describe the series of miserable events and untimely demises that occurred in the Von Erich family. The curse gained attention due to the string of misfortunes that tormented the family, including the premature deaths of the Von Erich sons’ David, Mike, Kerry, and Chris who died prematurely. In addition to the tragic deaths, the Von Erich sons faced challenges on a personal level throughout their lives that forced them to take drastic decisons. The deaths and hardships faced by the Von Erich family had a profound impact on Kevin.

Where is Kevin now?

Von Erich married Pam Adkisson in 1980 and has four children, including Ross Von Erich and Marshall Von Erich, who are third-generation wrestlers taking forward the family legacy. He returned to wrestling for the first time in a long time at the age of 60. He teamed with his sons Ross and Marshall as they defeated Marty Jannetty, Jumping Lee and Gery Roif at The Rage Wrestling Mega Show in Tel Aviv, Israel in 2017.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Is The Iron Claw based on a true story?
Yes, it is a biographical sports drama film based on the life of professional wrestler Kevin Von Erich and the Von Erich family.

– What happened to The Iron Claw family?
Five of the six sons of the Erich died prematurely.

– Why is Chris not in The Iron Claw?
Unlike his brothers, Chris never had a successful career as a wrestler and hence is not a part of the plot.

– What book is The Iron Claw based on?
The film is not based on any book.

Hero & Feature Image: Courtesy IMDb

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These are the best Johnny Depp movies according to IMDB.

The thought of some of the best Johnny Depp movies reminds one of his spectacular transformations. Be it the marvellous red bandana-clad Captain Jack Sparrow, the knife-wielding Edward Scissorhands, the vengeful barber in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, the eccentric candy baron Willy Wonka or the Mad Hatter, every Johnny Depp character has garnered critical praise, with the movies scoring high IMDb ratings.

Debuting in 1984 with A Nightmare on Elm Street, Johnny Depp films have attracted audiences who appreciate a unique plot. He donned the director’s hat for the first time for The Brave (1997). Years later, Depp is helming the biographical drama Modi, which is based on the life of Italian painter Amedeo Modigliani. It stars Al Pacino, Riccardo Scamarcio, Antonia Desplat, Stephen Graham, Bruno Gouery, Ryan McParland. In January 2024, he released some of the production images. This marks his first major film project since his public lawsuit victory over Amber Heard and is a highly anticipated film.

Here are some of the best Johnny Depp movies with high IMDb ratings

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

IMDb rating: 8.1

Director: Gore Verbinski

Cast: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley

Synopsis: Blacksmith Will Turner (Bloom) and Captain Jack Sparrow (Depp) head out on a swashbuckling adventure to rescue Elizabeth Swann (Knightley), the governor’s daughter and Jack’s love interest. She is kidnapped by Jack’s former pirate allies, headed by the ferocious Captain Barbossa (Rush) and is held hostage in the Black Pearl ship. However, little does Jack or Will know that the pirates are cursed to transform into the undead.

About the film: As the first instalment in the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise, this movie introduced Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow and catapulted him to become a mainstream actor. This, along with the ensuing films in the franchise, is regarded as his most prolific body of work.

Awards won: Depp won Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role at the 2004 Screen Actors Guild Awards. The film was nominated for five Oscars, including Best Actor in a Leading Role — the first for Depp.

Watch Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl on Disney+Hotstar.

Platoon (1986)

IMDb rating: 8.1

Director: Oliver Stone

Cast: Johnny Depp, Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe

Synopsis: Chris Taylor (Sheen), a young novice soldier, is sent to fight in Vietnam. Owing to his limited experience in field, he realises that his presence doesn’t matter. He is caught between two non-commissioned officers (NCOs), the ill-tempered Staff Sergeant Robert Barnes (Berenger) and the more cooperative Sergeant Elias Grodin (Dafoe). Chris experiences war brutality meted out by comrades and goes through a moral dilemma.

Awards won: Won four Oscars in 1987 — Best Picture, Best Director, Best Sound and Best Film Editing. Won three Golden Globes in 1987 and two BAFTAs in 1988.

Watch Platoon on Amazon Prime Video.

Edward Scissorhands (1990)

IMDb rating: 7.9

Director: Tim Burton

Cast: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Kathy Baker, Vincent Price

Synopsis: High up on a solitary hill, a scientist, who goes by the name The Inventor (Price) dies after nearly creating an artificial man named Edward (Depp). Since then, Edward, who has long sharp blades for fingers, has lived alone. His unusual and rather scary looks made him feel like a fish out of water in society. However, a kind-hearted lady named Peg (Wiest) takes him to her home. Although things start well, they soon take a wrong turn when Edward falls in love with Peg’s daughter Kim (Ryder).

About the film: Edward Scissorhands marked Tim Burton and Johnny Depp’s first collaboration. It was a huge hit, earning over USD 86 million worldwide during its runtime.

Awards won: Nominated for the 1991 Oscar for Best Makeup. Depp earned his first Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical.

Watch Edward Scissorhands on Disney+Hostar.

Ed Wood (1994)

IMDb rating: 7.8

Director: Tim Burton

Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker, Martin Landau, Patricia Arquette

Synopsis: Ed Wood follows the life and dreams of failed filmmaker Ed Wood Jr (Depp). Owing to his absolute lack of talent and crass productions, he is seen as a Hollywood outcast. However, Ed refuses to give in to such negativity and creates films with the help of once-famous Bela Lugosi (Landau) and a crew of misfits. He keeps his dreams alive and never lets go of his aspirations to become a renowned name.

Awards won: Landau won the 1995 Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. The film bagged the Academy Award for Best Makeup. While Depp won a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical, Burton was nominated for the 1995 Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

Donnie Brasco (1997)

IMDb rating: 7.7

Director: Mike Newell

Cast: Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen, Al Pacino, Bruno Kirby

Synopsis: Undercover FBI agent Joseph Pistone (Depp) finds his way into the Bonanno crime family as gangster Donnie Brasco. He befriends their close ally and hitman Lefty Ruggiero (Pacino), who in turn teaches him tricks of the trade, and the two develop a real friendship. However, Donnie’s life begins to fall apart because of the dual identities he must comply with. At one point, he has to decide whether to complete the mission that would result in giving up his trusted best friend.

Awards won: The film earned an Oscar nomination for Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published in 1998.

What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1997)

IMDb rating: 7.7

Director: Lasse Hallström

Cast: Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis, Darlene Cates

Synopsis: Gilbert Grape (Depp) lives a very commonplace life in the small midwestern town of Endora with little to look forward to. However, he has concerns bigger than any other person of his age — Gilbert must fend for his mentally challenged younger brother Arnie (DiCaprio) and his obese mother Bonnie (Cates). Despite his aspirations to grow older, he toils at a grocery store for his family. Gilbert’s life gets a breath of fresh air with the arrival of the free-spirited Becky (Lewis).

About the film: It is based on Peter Hedges’ 1991 novel of the same name.

Awards won: DiCaprio received his first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the age of 19 in 1994. He also received a Golden Globe nomination in the same category.

Finding Neverland (2004)

IMDb rating: 7.7

Director: Marc Forster

Cast: Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Dustin Hoffman, Freddie Highmore

Synopsis: Set in 1903 London, playwright James Matthew Barrie’s (Depp) latest play Little Women failed, and he is under pressure from theatre owner Charles Frohman (Hoffman) to come up with something impressive. Out on a walk, he meets the recently widowed Sylvia Llewelyn Davies (Winslet) and her four young sons. James becomes their close friend as he connects with the boys who influence him with childish imaginations. He is inspired to write about a band of boys who refuse to grow up, and there comes the hit play, Peter Pan. The titular character is based on Sylvia’s third son Peter Llewelyn Davies (Highmore), who remains distant from James and is reeling from his father’s death.

Awards won: Among seven nominations, including Best Actor for Depp, Finding Neverland won the 2005 Academy Award for Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score. While Depp received a Screen Actors Guild nomination for Best Actor, Highmore was nominated for a supporting role.

Rent Finding Neverland on Amazon Prime Video.

Blow (2001)

IMDb rating: 7.5

Director: Ted Demme

Cast: Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Franka Potente, Paul Reubens, Ethan Suplee

Synopsis: George Jung (Depp) spends his childhood in poverty as his father is unable to fend for them. George is adamant about turning the tables for him and takes his friend Tuna’s (Suplee) advice and begins to deal in marijuana. He becomes a big shot in California in the 1960s. However, when arrested, George learns about cocaine. Upon his release, he rises to become the largest importer of cocaine in America from Pablo Escobar’s Medellin cartel, at the cost of a hefty penalty.

Rent Blow Amazon Prime Video.

Dead Man (1995)

IMDb rating: 7.5

Director: Jim Jarmusch

Cast: Johnny Depp, Gary Farmer

Synopsis: William Blake (Depp) is a soft-spoken accountant from Cleveland in the late 1800s. He spends the remnants of his savings to travel to the western frontiers of America to make a fresh start. But his efforts go in vain as he learns the position is no longer available. Severely wounded, both physically and spiritually, from escaping a bunch of looters, William encounters a native American called Nobody (Farmer) who thinks a presumably dead poet with the same name has returned. The two become companions and embark on a spiritual journey across the wilderness.

Awards won: Jarmusch was nominated for the 1995 Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

Watch Dead Man on Amazon Prime Video.

Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas (1998)

IMDb rating: 7.5

Director: Terry Gilliam

Cast: Johnny Depp, Benicio Del Toro, Tobey Maguire

Synopsis: Journalist Raoul Duke (Depp) and his attorney friend Dr Gonzo (del Toro) embark on a road trip in a red convertible across the Mojave desert to Las Vegas to cover a motorcycle race. They carry a suitcase full of drugs which the duo consume at an alarming rate. They offer a lift to a hitchhiker (Maguire) and continue their journey. The hitchhiker, however, escapes, leaving the two worried about the consequences. The sequence of events after they reach the race makes this a fun watch.

About the film: The film is based on Hunter S. Thompson’s 1971 novel of the same name.

Awards won: Gilliam was nominated for the 1998 Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

Watch Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas on Jio Cinema.

(Hero and feature image: Courtesy Johnny Depp/ @johnnydepp/ Instagram)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

-Which is Johnny Depp’s best movie?
Some of Johnny Depp’s best movies include Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Platoon, Edward Scissorhands and Ed Wood.

-When was Johnny Depp’s last movie released?
Jeanne du Barry was Depp’s last movie, released in 2023.

-What was Johnny Depp’s first big hit?
Johnny Depp debuted in the film industry with A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), which grossed USD 25,504,513 worldwide after release and has a 7.4 IMDb rating.

-How successful is Johnny Depp?
A slew of high-end brand endorsements, a long filmography and varied interests in direction and music have made Johnny Depp a successful actor. He has a net worth of USD 150 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth, as of 20 December 2023.

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Put your cat in your backpack and start running. Here are the movies to watch in cinemas in Thailand this February.

Run to your nearest cinema if you want to watch a twisty and action-packed spy thriller—or if you just want to see Henry Cavill in a weird haircut. Sydney Sweeney is making another appearance on the big screen, this time with Dakota Johnson. And if you’re in the mood for something fetch, there’s only one thing to watch. 

[Hero image: Apple TV+]

What to watch in cinemas in Thailand this February

Argylle 

February 1

Directed by Matthew Vaughn
Starring Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, John Cena, Samuel L. Jackson, and Dua Lipa

A reclusive author (Howard) finds herself thrust into the world of espionage when she starts being hunted down by agencies and villains alike. Apparently, the novel she’s writing mirrors real life a little too closely, and because of that, she’s become wanted by many people. 

Madame Web

February 14

Directed by S.J. Clarkson
Starring Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney, Celseste O’Connor, and Isabela Merced

In the aftermath of an accident, Cassie Webb (Johnson) discovers she has clairvoyant abilities and is drawn to three young women (Sweeney, O’Connor, and Merced). She doesn’t know what exactly the connection is between all of them, but someone with otherworldly powers is hell-bent on hunting them down. 

Mean Girls

February 14

Directed by Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr.
Starring Angourie Rice, Reneé Rapp, Auliʻi Cravalho, Christopher Briney, Tim Rice, and Tina Fey

This movie adaptation of the Broadway musical adaptation of the movie adaptation of the 2002 book follows Cady (Rice), a fish-out-of-water high schooler who is suddenly thrust into the unforgivable public school system after being homeschooled her entire life. She befriends a group of outsiders much like herself, but she also gets invited by Queen Bee Regina (Rapp) to the Plastics, a group of snobbish girls that have the run of the school. 

Dune: Part Two

February 29

Directed by Denis Villeneuve
Starring Timothée Shalamalabingbong, Zendaya, John Brolin, Rebecca Ferguson, Christopher Walken, Florence Pugh, Austin Butler, and Léa Seydoux

With his father dead, Paul Atreides (Shalamalabingbong) has set his eyes on retribution and seeks out those who have wronged his family. Now in league with the Chani and Fremen, he also starts foreseeing a terrible future ahead and questions whether he and his allies would be enough to stave off the incoming doom. 

The post LSA Movie List: What to watch in cinemas in Thailand this February appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Here’s a list of movies based on the works of Shakespeare, from Anyone But You to an Akira Kurosawa film.

Shakespeare’s influence on stories cannot be understated. There’s always a trace of the Bard in the books, shows, or movies we consume, a testament to just how much of a literary genius he truly was. That influence hasn’t waned either; it’s still going strong today, as evidenced by the fact that the Sydney Sweeney/Glen Powell romcom Anyone But You has done so well in theatres. And if you didn’t know, yes, the movie was inspired by a Shakespeare play.

We take a look at some of the other movies inspired by Shakespeare’s works, from romcoms to bloody samurai films.

[Hero image: Sony]

From Anyone But You to West Side Story: Movies based on the works of Shakespeare

Anyone But You

Bea (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell) have a fling one time but end up not being able to stand one another. For their own reasons, they decide to pose as a couple in a wedding they’re both invited to, but the whole “pretend we’re together” schtick never ends up just being pretend.

The main characters’ names are already a dead giveaway as to which Shakespeare’s play the movie is based on. Much like their 21st-century counterparts, Beatrice and Benedick also can’t stand each other in Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, the original modern rom-com. However, unlike the movie, it’s the people around them who scheme and have them fall in love with each other.

She’s the Man

Viola (Amanda Bynes) pretends to be her brother, Sebastian, in his school so she can join their football team. Things get complicated though, especially when she falls for her roommate, Duke (Channing Tatum). 

The characters’ names betray the play yet again, and it’s not just the main characters either as key supporting characters also bear the same name as they do in the play. Twelfth Night tells the story of a complicated love story: Viola likes Duke but Duke thinks she’s a dude; Olivia likes Viola not knowing she’s a girl; and Viola is busy playing a dude. Shakespeare was undeniably ahead of his time. 

The Lion King

If you know your Shakespeare, it is ridiculously obvious what The Lion King is based on. Scar (Jeremy Iron) kills his brother, Mufasa (James Earl Jones), who is the king. Simba (Matthew Broderick), the king’s son, is banished but returns later to reclaim the throne from his conniving uncle. The only thing missing was Simba reciting “To be or not to be”. Or maybe it’s Hamlet that’s missing “Hakuna Matata”.

West Side Story

Two teenage gangs, both alike in dignity, in fair Manhattan where the film takes place. And of course, Tony and Maria fall in love, the star-crossed lovers of this version of Romeo and Juliet. Tony even serenades Maria looking up at her window, which is reminiscent of the famous balcony scene. West Side Story may have a lesser body count than the Bard’s original play but it still has a pretty tragic ending.

10 Things I Hate About You

This iconic retelling of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew tames down the misogyny. Instead of a man training a woman to be the picture-perfect bride, Patrick (Heath Ledger) tries to win the reclusive Kat’s (Julia Stiles) heart, but it’s all a ruse. Patrick was actually hired by Cameron to date Kat so that he could date her younger sister since her father has set a rule that she can’t date until Kat does. However, Patrick starts developing real feelings for her.

Warm Bodies

Romeo and Juliet had two members of rival families fall in love. West Side Story had two members of two gangs fall in love. This movie has a zombie and a girl fall in love. The aptly named R (Nicholas Hoult) is a zombie who finds himself smitten by a human, Julie (Teresa Palmer). In a surprising turn of events, he discovers his heart starts beating when he first lays eyes on her, and so the two begin a fun and complicated relationship. 

Throne of Blood

Shakespeare’s influence isn’t just on Western films. The legendary Japanese director Akira Kurosawa released this film in 1957 revolving around a samurai general Washizu. After encountering an evil spirit who tells him that he will become a lord. With the help of his scheming wife, he takes matters into his own hands which sends the both of them into a downward spiral.

It’s not that the original Scottish setting is boring, but Macbeth in feudal Japan just feels a tad more epic.

The post ‘Anyone But You’ and other movies based on Shakespeare appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

The King of Pop is set to get the Hollywood treatment. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming 2025 biopic about Michael Jackson.

All hail the King of Pop! Michael Jackson’s life and professional journey is undergoing a cinematic adaptation and a biopic is on its way to hit the theatre screens in 2025.

Back in January 2023, Lionsgate revealed its plans for a biographical film about the King of Pop, titled Michael. The upcoming biopic is directed by Antoine Fuqua, penned by John Logan and produced by Graham King. Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of the pop legend and son of Jermaine Jackson has been chosen to portray Michael in the film.

I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon.

Photo by Jourdynn Jackson pic.twitter.com/Xow9Mkakup

— Jaafar Jackson (@JaafarJackson) January 30, 2023

Recently, Jaafar also dropped a first look of the movie on his Instagram and X handle. In the black-and-white photograph, the actor is captured wearing a black fedora while executing Jackson’s iconic toe-standing move.

So, in case you are curious about Michael, here is everything to know about the movie’s plot, cast and release date.

The Michael Jackson biopic’s plot and cast

Michael will chronicle the life and career of Michael Jackson, spanning over four decades.

According to the official logline, “Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop. The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale — from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified by his most iconic performances. As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.”

While the upcoming music biopic aims to encompass all facets of the singer’s life, it remains uncertain whether the film will address Jackson’s controversies. Notably, it is unknown whether the movie will address the allegations of child abuse that were prominently highlighted in the 2019 documentary film Leaving Neverland.

Coming to the cast, Michael, actor-musician Jaafar Jackson is portraying his late uncle Michael Jackson. Juliano Krue Valdi is playing the role of young Michael Jackson

Image credit: X/Jafaar JacksonAdditionally, Colman Domingo is cast as Joe Jackson and Nia Long is taking on the character of Katherine Jackson.

In an interview with Variety, Fuqua talked about how Jackson’s casting came through. She explains, “There was such a spiritual connection when I first met Jaafar, who has a natural ability to emulate Michael and such a great chemistry with the camera.”

When is ‘Michael’ releasing?

Michael will hit theatres on 18 April 2025 globally.

(Hero and feature image credit: Courtesy IMDb)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Who will play Michael Jackson in Michael 2025 movie?
Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew is set to play the pop star in the upcoming biopic.

– When is the Michael Jackson biopic expected to be released?
Michael Jackson’s biopic, Michael, is set to release on 18 April 2025.

The post Here’s what we know about the Michael Jackson biopic appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

With Milly Alcock officially cast as the Girl of Steel, we take a look at what we know so far about the DCU’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow movie.

DC mavericks James Gunn and Peter Safran announced their DC Universe plans for the coming years in January 2023 and looks like things are finally taking shape. Among the upcoming releases is the highly anticipated live-action movie Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. 

And now the film has received a significant update with Milly Alcock, known for her role in House of the Dragon, being cast as Kara Zor-El/Supergirl, the lead character expected to resonate throughout the DCU. 

 

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As reports hint at chances of production starting later this year, Woman of Tomorrow emerges as one of the franchise’s early and potentially monumental ventures.

With excitement for this new DC gem getting palpable, we explore everything about this upcoming epic adventure Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, from its plot to the rest of the cast.

What is the ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’ movie about?

Adapted from Tom King and Bilquis Evely’s twelve-issue comic miniseries, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow‘s plot delves into Kara Zor-El’s emotional journey. 

Plagued by doubts about escaping the shadows of her popular cousin, Superman (Clark Kent), Kara embarks on an intergalactic journey alongside her loyal companion, Krypto the Superdog. Their encounter with Ruthye, a young woman seeking vengeance for her father’s death, propels them on a quest across galaxies, despite Kara’s vulnerability under a Red Sun.

This character-driven narrative explores Kara’s courage, resilience, and insecurities, making it a poignant addition to DC Comics’ recent offerings.

Also, with Superman: Legacy set to mark the start of a new universe for DC characters, it would be worth watching out for how Superman’s cousin follows in his footsteps and continues his legacy. 

The cast of ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’: Who will play Supergirl?

Director and co-CEO of DC Universe James Gunn on January 29 confirmed Milly Alcock’s casting as Supergirl, praising her talent and embodiment of the character envisioned by the creators. Alcock emerged victorious after auditions alongside Emilia Jones and Meg Donnelly, who were also being considered for the titular role.

The other actors in the film are yet to be announced.

Notably, previous portrayals of Supergirl by Helen Slater and Melissa Benoist have been etched in history, with Benoist’s portrayal in the Arrowverse being particularly iconic. Most recently, Sasha Calle also portrayed Kara in recent cinematic collaborations with The Flash.

Does ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’ have a release date?

While the Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow movie awaits a specific release date, James Gunn’s timeline suggests a 2027 launch for the film, following Superman: Legacy, which is slated for a July 2025 release. 

With production yet to commence, fans eagerly anticipate glimpses of teasers or trailers.

Do we have a trailer for the ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’ movie?

With production yet to commence, DC fans would need to wait a little longer to glimpse a teaser or a trailer for Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.

Meet the makers behind ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’

Currently, James Gunn, Peter Safran and Tom King are spearheading the project, with Ana Nogueira penning the script. A director remains yet to be onboarded, heightening expectations for what could be a remarkable addition to the superhero landscape.

(Header and feature image courtesy: IMDb/Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– When is Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow movie expected to be released?
The release date for this new DC film is yet to be announced. However, it is projected to hit theatres approximately two years after Superman: Legacy, which is slated for a 2025 release.

– Who is in the cast of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow movie?
Milly Alcock has been cast as Supergirl, following auditions that included Emilia Jones and Meg Donnelly. 

– What will be the plot of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow movie?
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow adapts the graphic novel by Tom King and Bilquis Evely. The story follows Kara Zor-El as she travels with Krypto the Superdog to aid Ruthye in her quest for vengeance against her father’s killer, despite Kara’s vulnerability under a Red Sun. The narrative explores Kara’s bravery, resilience and insecurities, offering an intense character study within the DC Comics universe.

This story originally appeared in Augustman India

The post What we know about the DCU’s ‘Supergirl: Woman Of Tomorrow’ movie appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Aside from Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig, these are some of the other films and artists that people consider have been snubbed of an Oscars nomination this 2024.

The much-anticipated 96th Academy Awards nominations have been revealed. While Oppenheimer, Killers of the Flower Moon and Barbie dominate the list with 13, 10, and 8 nods, respectively, some notable omissions have raised eyebrows and stirred conversations.

Missing out in some of the key races, A-listers like Margot Robbie, Charles Melton and Leonardo DiCaprio were not named in the acting nominations. Meanwhile, actor Colman Domingo and director Justine Triet were some unexpected inclusions this year. 

Here, we break down the biggest snubs and surprises from the 2024 Oscar nominations.

Oscar nominations 2024 announcement: Shocking omissions and surprise inclusions

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Let’s start our list with a nomination ‘surprise’ because we have a long list going for the Oscar nominations 2024 snubs. 

Justine Triet’s unexpected triumph with ‘Anatomy of a Fall’

In a groundbreaking moment for the Oscars, three of the Best Picture nominees were directed by women, including Celine Song’s Past Lives and Justine Triet’s Anatomy of a Fall. While Barbie creator Greta Gerwig and Song faced snubs in the Best Director category, Triet’s inclusion was a pleasant surprise.

Having previously won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, Triet’s twisty legal drama added a unique flair to the nominations.

Greta Gerwig’s ‘Barbie’ snubbed in the Best Director category

 

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Greta Gerwig, the director behind the billion-dollar blockbuster Barbie, made history with the highest-grossing movie directed by a woman. However, her directorial prowess failed to secure her a nomination in the highly contested Best Director category. Despite the film earning eight nominations, including Best Picture, Gerwig’s absence in the directing race left fans surprised and questioning the Academy’s choices.

Margot Robbie left out of the Lead Actress race

Despite her exceptional performance in Barbie, Margot Robbie finds herself overlooked in the Best Lead Actress category. Robbie’s portrayal, characterised by impeccable comic timing and emotional depth, failed to secure the Academy’s recognition, leaving fans and critics alike puzzled by the oversight of discounting good acting in comedy.

Ken without Barbie? Ryan Gosling secures a nod for ‘Barbie’

Ryan Gosling just released a statement that directly calls out this morning’s Gerwig and Robbie snubs in best director and best actress: pic.twitter.com/gf5vQI5Z0c

— Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) January 23, 2024

Barbie also missed out on some other technical nominations, such as cinematography and editing. But it did at least pull off a dark-horse Supporting Actress nomination for America Ferrera alongside another nod for Ryan Gosling in the Best Supporting Actor category.

However, both Ferrera and Gosling have expressed their disappointment for Gerwig and Robbie not being nominated. Gosling even released a statement on Twitter (X) and said he was honoured by his nomination, but that there would be “no Ken without Barbie, and … no Barbie movie without Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie.”

Oscar’s love-hate relationship with Leonardo DiCaprio continues

Leonardo DiCaprio, known for his versatile performances, faced another snub in the Lead Actor category for Killers of the Flower Moon. The campaign, primarily focused on DiCaprio’s co-star Lily Gladstone, assumed his automatic inclusion. Voters were left amused but not surprised by the miss. After all, it took the actor six Oscar nominations to finally land his first win for The Revenant (2015). 

With 10 nominations, Martin Scorsese’s Osage Nation murder mystery was well-represented in other categories. However, the screenwriting duo of Scorsese and seven-time nominee Eric Roth also went unrecognised for their transformation of what on the page was largely a police procedural into a multidimensional portrait of an indigenous community.

Greta Lee’s incredible work in ‘Past Lives’ overlooked 

Greta Lee’s remarkable performance in Past Lives failed to secure a nomination in the Lead Actress category. The film, while receiving acclaim, didn’t translate into recognition for Lee’s nuanced portrayal, highlighting the Oscars’ inclination towards more dramatic performances.

‘May December’ actors Charles Melton and Julianne Moore left in the shadows

Despite a promising start with a Golden Globe nomination for Charles Melton, May December was left unrecognised by the Oscars. The film’s provocative character study faced a shift in reception on social media, with debates on its genre and style overshadowing the outstanding performances of its cast.

‘Saltburn’ snubs: Rosamund Pike, Jacob Elordi, Barry Keoghan and Emerald Fennell miss out

 

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Emerald Fennell’s darkly humorous tale, Saltburn, was a long shot for some, but it garnered attention, especially after a strong showing at the recent BAFTA Awards. Despite its potential, the film failed to secure even a single Oscar nomination in 2024, leaving acclaimed performances by Rosamund Pike, Jacob Elordi and Barry Keoghan unnoticed. Fennell’s original screenplay also went unnoticed by the Academy.

Andrew Scott’s unacknowledged brilliance in ‘All of Us Strangers’

Talking about the other overlooked nominations at the 96th Academy Awards, Andrew Scott’s rebuff for his role in All of Us Strangers also left fans confused. Despite a compelling portrayal in a film that left a lasting impression, Scott’s nuanced performance was ignored by the Oscar voters. Known for his memorable supporting roles, the Fleabag actor’s lead performance in this film showcased his versatility. 

Wes Anderson’s inclusion, Pedro Almodóvar’s exclusion

The short-film branch, often known for its discerning eye, has historically been resistant to recognising directors perceived as dilettantes. This year, however, a change in dynamics allowed members from various branches to nominate films for best live-action short. In a surprising move, Wes Anderson’s The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar found a spot, while Pedro Almodóvar faced yet another snub for his western Strange Way of Life, starring Pedro Pascal and Ethan Hawke.

Bradley Cooper’s dual recognition for ‘Maestro’

 

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While Bradley Cooper secured a Best Actor nomination for Maestro and the film received a nod for Best Picture, his directorial prowess was overlooked. Cooper’s dual talents in front of and behind the camera showcased his multifaceted contribution to the film, yet the directing category failed to acknowledge his achievements.

‘The Color Purple’ falls short in the Best Picture race

 

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The Color Purple, a late arrival in the Oscar race, faced challenges in gaining momentum. Despite its adaptation from the 2005 Broadway musical and powerful storytelling, the film missed out on a Best Picture nomination. Controversies surrounding working conditions on set overshadowed its initial positive reception, contributing to the film’s exclusion from the prestigious category.

‘Society of the Snow’ gets in for Best International Film

Society of the Snow emerged as a surprising international film contender. Beyond its initial premise of a plane crash survival story, the film impressed with its effects and makeup, both earning nominations. Director J.A. Bayona’s creation not only captivated audiences on Netflix, becoming one of the streaming giant’s most successful non-English films but also defied expectations by making a significant impact on the Oscars stage.

Well, as the countdown for the 2024 Oscar Ceremony begins (March 10), the notable nomination snubs and surprises add an extra layer of intrigue, sparking discussions and debates about the diversity and recognition of talent in the film industry.

This article first appeared on Augustman Singapore 

(Header and feature image courtesy: IMDb/Barbie/Maestro)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Who were the nominees for the Academy Awards 2024 for Best Actor in a Leading Role?
Bradley Cooper for Maestro, Colman Domingo for Rustin, Paul Giamatti for The Holdovers, Cillian Murphy for Oppenheimer and Jeffrey Wright for American Fiction are the nominees for the Oscars 2024.

– Who were the nominees for the Academy Awards 2024 for Best Director?
Justine Triet for Anatomy of a Fall, Yorgos Lanthimos for Poor Things, Martin Scorsese for Killers of the Flower Moon, Jonathan Glazer for The Zone of Interest and Christopher Nolan (Oppenheimer) have been nominated in the Best Director category for the 2024 Oscars.

The post The biggest snubs of the 2024 Oscars nominations appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

As the internet continues to celebrate and debate the recently announced nominations, we take a look at the sometimes confusing process of how Oscars voting works.

Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig weren’t nominated for Best Actress and Best Director. It’s something that everyone is talking about and will still be talking about come March when the Oscars are held. Host Jimmy Kimmel will likely make a quip or two about it. We even gave our own two cents about the whole thing.

But Barbie got eight nominations, including Best Supporting Actor for Ryan Gosling, which many have found ironic considering, well, the whole message of the movie. Many are scratching their heads as to how this happened and are probably asking how does the Oscars even work? Who nominates these people and films? How does nominating work? How do winners get decided?

Here’s a glimpse into how the Oscars voting works.

[Hero image: The Academy FB]

How does voting work for the Oscars?

Who votes?

As of 2021, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles has 9,362 voting members. Deadline reported that eligible voters from 93 countries voted this year, a substantial increase from last year which only saw voters from 79 countries

Academy membership is divided into 17 branches—actors, directors, producers, costume designers and so on—and candidates must be active or otherwise have “achieved distinction” in the industry. Applicants must be sponsored by two Academy members representing their branch. Oscar winners and nominees are automatically considered for membership and don’t need sponsors.

Applications are reviewed once a year by the Academy’s Board of Governors, which has the final say on who joins the elite group. Members used to enjoy voting rights for life but since 2016, “voting status” has been limited to 10 years, and is renewable, to avoid having voters who are no longer active in the business. Lifetime voting rights only come after three 10-year terms. Those not active become “emeritus” members who cannot vote.

Who are the Academy members?

For a long time, the Academy did not reveal its voting roll, though nothing prevents a member from saying he or she can cast a ballot. At the time of the #OscarsSoWhite uproar in 2015 and 2016, about the lack of nominees of color, the Academy revealed that of its 6,000 members, 93 percent were white and 76 percent were men. The median age was 63.

The Academy announced it would double the number of women and minority members by 2020 to foster a more diverse environment. In the summer of 2020, the organization announced it had met that goal, saying The Academy is now one-third female and 19 percent “underrepresented minorities.” The group has also vastly boosted its foreign membership. As of 2021, more than 2,100 are not Americans.

How are the nominees chosen?

Members of each of the 17 branches pick the nominees in their area of expertise. The actors’ branch, the largest voting group, submits nominations for the acting categories, directors submit nominations for best director and so on. Nominations for certain awards, like Best International Film and Best Animated Feature, are chosen by special committees. The entire membership votes to choose the nominees for best picture.

How are the winners chosen?

All voting members choose the winners. In 22 of 23 categories, the person with the most votes is the winner. But when it comes to the coveted Best Picture award, the Oscar voters have since 2009 used a complicated preferential ballot system in which they rank the films from favourite to least favourite. A total of ten nominees are chosen for Best Picture.  If one film garners more than 50 percent of the vote outright, it automatically wins. Otherwise, the count unfolds in rounds—the film that received the lowest number of first-place votes is eliminated and those votes given to it are then allocated to the voters’ second choice.

The process of elimination continues until there is one film left with more than 50 per cent of the vote. “The idea of the preferential ballot is to reflect the wishes of the greatest number of voters,” explained Ric Robertson, who was the Academy’s chief operating officer in 2009 when the process changed. “Otherwise you might end up with a movie that, say, 25 per cent of the people love and the rest can’t stand,” he told the Los Angeles Times. “This way, hopefully, you have a winner that most people can live with.”

This story was published via AFP Relaxnews

The post How exactly does Oscars voting work? appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

The biggest film festival in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong International Film Festival, is set to return this March with Karena Lam as its ambassador.

The Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) just unveiled the dates for its 48th edition. The city’s largest film festival will take place from March 28 to April 8. Singer-actress Karena Lam is also the ambassador for the festival, taking over Aaron Kwok who held the position for the past five years.

Alongside the announcement, organisers also dropped the main visuals for the festival and the HKIFF Project Market. Keep reading to find out more details.

Karena Lam is the new ambassador for the Hong Kong International Film Festival

Lam is a recipient of multiple acting accolades including the Hong Kong Film Awards and Golden Horse Awards. In addition to her ambassadorship, the singer-actress will also serve as one of the jury members for the Firebird Awards’ Young Cinema Competition (Chinese Language) this year.

“Films have had a significant role in my life since childhood. When the [organisers] approached me to become their ambassador, I was thrilled and honoured,” she said. “I am excited to join the audience in watching films from around the world and share my viewing experiences with them,” Lam added.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong-based Trilingua Design created the two main visuals for the festival with the creative use of artificial intelligence. Titled A Portal to Another World, it presents a vibrant and visually captivating screen that dominates the bustling, neon-lit streets of reimagined Hong Kong. The design invites viewers on a cinematic journey through time and space.

 

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Hong Kong’s leading film festival

The Hong Kong International Film Festival is one of the city’s most important cultural events celebrating film. It is also the longest-running international film festival in Asia. It brings together filmmakers, film professionals, and cinephiles worldwide to create new projects and experience outstanding films. The festival introduces local and world cinema to Hongkongers to enrich and deepen their understanding and appreciation of the art.

As of now, the festival line-up has not yet been revealed. So, stay tuned on HKIFF’s social media channels for more updates.

The post The Hong Kong International Film Festival returns this March appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Nominations for the 2024 Oscar awards were announced on 23 January live from the Film Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater. A series of Asian names and titles are in the running in some major categories, including Studio Ghibli’s The Boy and the Heron and the monster film Godzilla Minus One.

The announcements were made by Jack Quaid and Zazie Beetz for all 23 categories, including best picture, best director, best actor, and best actress.

Oppenheimer, a strong favourite, received the highest nods with 13. It is in the running in almost all major categories except Best Actress. Poor Things and Killers of the Flower Moon follow with 11 and 10 nominations, respectively.

Barbie, the highest-grossing film of 2023, received eight nominations, including Best Picture. But Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig were not nominated in the Best Actress and Best Director categories, respectively. The snub for the two has led to an uproar on social media. Gerwig, however, has been nominated in the Best Adapted Screenplay category.

Interestingly, this will be the first Academy Awards where the films had to meet two of the four representation and inclusion standards set forth by the Academy to be able to run for the Best Picture nomination.

The 2024 Oscars ceremony will be on 10 March 2024 at the Dolby Theatre and will be broadcast live on ABC. The ceremony will be held from  4 pm – 7:30 pm PT / 7 pm – 10:30 pm ET.

Jimmy Kimmel will return as the host for the fourth time.

Asian nominations at the 2024 Oscar Awards

The 2023 Oscars was a major win for Asian cinema, with Everything Everywhere All at Once taking home the Best Picture as well as acting nods for Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan and Jamie Lee Curtis;  and writing and directing Oscars for Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert.

Though a repeat of the feat is unlikely this year, it is expected that some Asian nominees in major categories will emerge winners.

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Past Lives

Nominated for: Best Picture and Best Writing (Original Screenplay)

Celine Song made her feature-length directorial debut with Past Lives. The film is semi-autobiographical and is written by Song. For the film, Song has already won a series of awards both as director and as a screenplay writer.

Past Lives stars Greta Lee, Teo Yoo and John Magaro in pivotal roles. It is about two childhood friends in Korea who fall in love, but are forced to grow apart. Their lives intersect over the course of 24 years as they try to understand their love for each other, even though they cannot be together.

Perfect Days

Nominated for: Best International Feature Film

As a movie directed by German filmmaker Wim Wenders, Perfect Days has the unique distinction of being the first film by a non-Japanese director that Japan sent as the country’s official sentry in the Best International Feature Film category in more than 70 years of submissions to the Oscars.

The film’s cast includes Kōji Yakusho, Tokio Emoto and Arisa Nakano among others. It is about a Tokyo janitor, played by Yakusho, who is leading a life of contentment, satisfied with his job. He loves spending time with books and his music. His life takes a turn when he meets a young girl who asks him if he would like to see the ocean.

For his performance, Yakusho won the Best Actor prize at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. Wenders, too, was awarded the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury at the event. 

Godzilla Minus One

Nominated for: Best Visual Effects

Takashi Yamazaki’s kaiju movie Godzilla Minus One is one of the biggest box office successes in Japan in 2023. Made on a budget of just USD 15 million, the film has grossed around USD 100 million worldwide.

Featuring a large ensemble including Ryunosuke Kamiki, Minami Hamabe, Yuki Yamada, Munetaka Aoki, and Hidetaka Yoshioka among others, Godzilla Minus One is the 37th film in the Godzilla franchise. It is about the monster of the seas wreaking havoc in post-war Japan

Yamazaki is a winner of six Japanese Academy Awards for Always: Sunset on Third Street (2005) and The Eternal Zero (2013). He wrote the story of Godzilla Minus One and created the visual effects of the film along with Kiyoko Shibuya, Masaki Takahashi and Tatsuji Nojima. Thus, the Oscar nomination marks the first in his career.

The Boy and the Heron

Nominated for: Best Animated Film

Written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the anime film The Boy and the Heron is the strongest contender for the Oscar in the category it has been nominated in. The film has won the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film and is in the running for a BAFTA in a similar category.

Universally hailed as one of the best films by Miyazaki, The Boy and the Heron is about a 12-year-old boy named Mahito who is trying to come to terms with his mother’s death. He meets a talking heron, who tells him that his mother is alive. Mahito follows the heron to an abandoned tower and embarks on a strange adventure of a lifetime.

Miyazaki won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature for Spirited Away (2001) and is a recipient of the Academy Honorary Award.

To Kill a Tiger

Nominated for: Best Documentary Feature Film

Nisha Pahuja, Cornelia Principe and David Oppenheim have been nominated for this significant Canadian documentary about a family in India’s Jharkhand state battling the society, the village, its leaders and all odds for justice after their teenage daughter was sexually assaulted by three men.

Pahuja is a renowned documentary filmmaker. Born in Delhi, she received an Emmy nomination for The World Before Her (2012).

Island in Between

Nominated for: Best Documentary Short Film

Island in Between captures the tension in Taiwan, as it finds itself in the middle of an escalating rift between China and the US. The documentary short film shows the rural Taiwanese outer islands of Kinmen, popular with tourists but just a few miles off the coast of China.

Its director, S. Leo Chiang, depicts the local life as well as tour group visits alongside his own thoughts on Taiwan, China and the US.

Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó

Nominated for: Best Documentary Short Film

Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó is a film by first-generation Taiwanese American filmmaker Sean Wang. It is in Mandarin and English languages and is described as a “multigenerational story” that celebrates Sean Wang’s paternal and maternal grandmothers.

It won the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award at the SXSW film festival and has since been on an award-winning spree. Wang also serves as the film’s producer, along with Sam Davis and Malcolm Pullinger.

Red, White and Blue

Nominated for: Best Live Action Short Film

Nazrin Choudhury is a British screenwriter and actress of Bangladeshi descent, best known as the writer and producer of post-apocalyptic horror drama Fear the Walking Dead (2020–2023).

Choudhury wrote and directed Red, White and Blue. The film’s logline reads: “A young mother from Arkansas is forced to travel across state lines in search of an urgent and necessary abortion.” Brittany Snow plays the lead role.

The film has been co-produced by Choudhury with Sara McFarlane.

(Hero and Featured images: IMDb)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who are the Asian Oscar nominees for 2024?

Among the top Asian nominees at the 2024 Oscars are Celine Song for Past Lives, Japanese film Perfect Days, Takashi Yamazaki and others for Godzilla Minus One, and Hayao Miyazaki for The Boy and the Heron.

Has an Asian ever been nominated for an Oscar?

According to The New York Times, only 23 of the 1,808 acting award nominees till the 2023 Oscars could be identified as Asian.

Which Asian movie won an Oscar?

Parasite (2019) is the only completely Asian movie that has won an Oscar for Best Picture.

The post Oscar nominations 2024: All the Asian names in the running for the top honours appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

These South Korean movies won big at the box office. Have you watched all of them yet?

If you are looking forward to South Korean films that are a wholesome blend of elite direction, thought-provoking themes, engaging storytelling and visually stunning cinematography, then these highest-grossing Korean movies will make great additions to your watch list.

At the forefront of the list are ground-breaking hits like Bong Joon-ho’s 2019 Oscar-winner Parasite and Yoon Je-kyun’s 2014 masterpiece Ode to My Father, which managed to achieve global acclaim with their exceptional storylines. The former made box-office history by becoming the first South Korean Oscar-winning film to take home four Academy Awards — Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film, at the 92nd Academy Awards. Meanwhile, the latter, starring popular actor Hwang Jung-min, became the 11th highest-grossing Korean movie to surpass 10 million ticket sales after its release on 17 December 2014.

Meanwhile, drawing inspiration from the Korean Joseon dynasty Buddhist paintings and early Buddhist texts of the Ten Kings of Hell is the Ha Jung-woo starrer Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds (2017). One of the highest-grossing movies in South Korean cinema history, the fantasy thriller topped the box office with over USD 2.9 million gross on its first day, reports the Korean Film Council.

These highest-grossing Korean movies are a must-watch

The post Feast your eyes on the highest-grossing Korean movies of all time appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

There is no coincidence. From Inside Out 2 and Despicable Me 4 to Kung Fu Panda 4 and Dragonkeeper, here are eight animated movies set to release in 2024.

Over the years, animated films have consistently held a significant place among the year’s blockbuster releases, owing to their broad appeal, particularly among children and young adults. The 2024 release calendar is also studded with several noteworthy animated movies that promise much excitement for audiences.

In the lineup of animated movies for 2024, franchises are poised to take centre stage. Major studios, including Pixar, Walt Disney Animation, DreamWorks and Illumination, are all gearing up for new releases. Notably, the number of original works from these studios is relatively limited compared to newer titles being added to their established franchises such as Inside Out, Kung Fu Panda and Despicable Me.

🚧Things are getting messy🚧

Disney and Pixar’s #InsideOut2 is coming to theaters June 2024 with brand new emotions! pic.twitter.com/u5AgPaYs1t

— #InsideOut (@PixarInsideOut) November 9, 2023

So if you are curious to know what animated movies are releasing in 2024, we have got you covered! From Inside Out 2, Despicable Me 4, Spellbound and Dragonkeeper to Orion and the Dark, here are eight exciting animated movies we are waiting for in 2024.

8 best animated movies set to release in 2024

Orion and the Dark

Adapted from Emma Yarlett’s book, Orion and the Dark revolves around a timid boy named Orion, who encounters his greatest fear, darkness personified. He then embarks on a global journey with Dark to overcome his fears.

The movie marks Sean Charmatz’s feature directorial debut and is written by Charlie Kaufman. Additionally, the film is produced by DreamWorks Animation and brought to life through animation by Mikros Animation and is set to premiere on Netflix.

Release date: 2 February

Kung Fu Panda 4

Kung Fu Panda 4 serves as the latest instalment in the popular Kung Fu Panda franchise. Directed by Mike Mitchell and co-directed by Stephanie Ma Stine, the film brings back familiar voices with Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, James Hong, Bryan Cranston and Ian McShane reprising their roles from the earlier films.

The official synopsis of Kung Fu Panda 4 reads: “Po, the Dragon Warrior is called upon by destiny to…  give it a rest already. More specifically, he’s tapped to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. In addition to this, Po must also seek a successor for the role of the Dragon Warrior. While Po aims to fulfil his leadership duties, Davis’ Chameleon seeks to bring evil back to the Valley of Peace via the ‘Staff of Wisdom’, which would give her the power to re-summon all the master villains whom Po has vanquished to the spirit realm.”

Release date: 29 March

The Garfield Movie

The Garfield Movie is an animated comedy film that draws inspiration from Jim Davis’s iconic comic strip, Garfield. Helmed by director Mark Dindal and driven by a screenplay crafted by Paul A. Kaplan, Mark Torgove and David Reynolds, the movie features Chris Pratt as Garfield. The star-studded cast includes the vocal talents of Samuel L. Jackson, Hannah Waddingham, Ving Rhames, Nicholas Hoult, Cecily Strong, Harvey Guillén, Brett Goldstein and Bowen Yang.

The official synopsis on IMDb reads: “Garfield, the world-famous, Monday-hating, lasagna-loving indoor cat, is about to have a wild outdoor adventure! After an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father – scruffy street cat Vic – Garfield and his canine friend Odie are forced from their perfectly pampered life into joining Vic in a hilarious, high-stakes heist.”

Release date: 14 May

Inside Out 2

Inside Out 2, the sequel to the Oscar-winning movie from 2015, continues the story with Riley, as she navigates the complexities of growing up and discovers new emotions influencing her world. Directed by Kelsey Mann in his feature debut and written by Meg LeFauve, the film reunites the voices of Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith and Lewis Black, who reprise their roles as Joy, Sadness and Anger.

Additionally, the cast is joined by the talents of Tony Hale, Liza Lapira and Maya Hawke as Fear, Disgust and Anxiety, respectively. The new additions promise to bring fresh perspectives and emotions to the imaginative world of the original film.

Release date: 9 June

Despicable Me 4

In Despicable Me 4, the notorious mastermind Gru and the lovable Minions make a triumphant return in the latest instalment of the beloved Despicable Me franchise. The film features the voices of Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove and Steve Coogan.

Directed by Patrick Delage and Chris Renaud, this new chapter promises to deliver the same blend of humour and adventure that has endeared audiences to the franchise.

Release date: 3 July

Sonic the Hedgehog 3

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a highly anticipated action-adventure comedy film that continues the cinematic journey based on the popular video game series published by Sega. Serving as the sequel to both Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2, the film is directed by Jeff Fowler and the screenplay is crafted by Pat Casey, Josh Miller and John Whittington.

The cast includes familiar faces such as James Marsden, Ben Schwartz, Tika Sumpter, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, Lee Majdoub and Idris Elba. So, brace yourself for another thrilling adventure with Sonic and his friends in this exciting continuation of the thrilling animated film series.

Release date: 10 December

Spellbound

Spellbound is an animated musical fantasy film directed by Vicky Jenson. Set in the enchanting realm of Lumbria, the screenplay by Linda Woolverton, Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin follows Princess Ellian, a young girl determined to break a spell that has divided her kingdom into two.

Produced by Skydance Animation, the movie features a star-studded cast including Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis and Nathan Lane.

Release date: TBD

Dragonkeeper

Dragonkeeper is a Spanish-Chinese animated fantasy adventure film co-directed by Salvador Simó and Li Jianping. The story unfolds in Han Imperial China and centres around the exploits of an enslaved girl named Ping and the ancient dragon Long Danzi.

In a kingdom where dragons have been banished, Ping, an orphan, stumbles upon one of the last remaining dragon eggs. To protect these mythical creatures from extinction, palace guards compel Ping to return the dragon egg to the ocean. Through her quest, Ping discovers her true destiny as a Dragonkeeper, adding layers of magic and intrigue to the tale.

Release date: TBD

(Hero and feature image credit: Courtesy IMDb/Kung Fu Panda and Inside Out 2)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Which is the best animated movie releasing in 2024?
Inside Out 2, Despicable Me 4 and Kung Fu Panda 4 are some of the best animated movies releasing in 2024.

The post The most highly anticipated animated movies releasing in 2024 appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Award-winning film Everything Everywhere All At Once is arriving on Netflix this February. Perfect for both the ones who have watched it and the ones that haven’t, here’s when, where, and how to stream the award-winning film on your streaming platform.

Everything Everywhere All At Once will arrive on Netflix this February

The Academy Awards, Golden Globes, Critic’s Choice,  SAG, BAFTA — you name it, they won it. In fact, Everything Everywhere All At Once is estimated to be the most awarded film of all time, winning 266 awards out of 405 total nominations.

Everything Everywhere All at Once is coming to Netflix on February 23. Until then, just be a rock. pic.twitter.com/KOglZ1Z1Sk

— Netflix (@netflix) January 18, 2024

Michelle Yeoh plays dissatisfied laundromat owner and later multiverse jumper Evelyn Wang, Ke Huy Quan plays Evelyn’s carefree and goofy husband Waymond, Stephanie Hsu plays multiverse-jumping nihilist villain Joy, Jamie Lee Curtis plays IRS inspector Deidre, and James Hong plays Evelyn’s hard-headed father. The cast is nothing but stacked. And with perfect comedic timings as well as a look into intergenerational trauma that is especially present in Asian families, it has received immense love from critics and viewers all over the globe.

Entertainment

Where to dine like you’re in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ in Bangkok

Entertainment

7 multiverse movies like ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’

Where to stream Everything Everywhere All At Once

Netflix has announced that Everything Everywhere All At Once will arrive to stream on its platform from 23 February onwards. The film, as of writing, is currently available to stream online on Prime Video and Paramount+ with Showtime, as well as HBO GO and Max.

[Hero and featured image credit: Everything Everywhere All at Once/IMDb]

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It feels strange watching something so near and dear to heart being remade, but it was kind of fetch. Read our review of the 2024 Mean Girls musical reboot.

Two decades after it first hit cinemas, pop phenom Mean Girls gets a musical reboot, based on the Tony-nominated stage show. The enduring popularity of the 2004 film, which captured the savagery of schooldays with pep and panache, has kept it part of our cultural fabric. But folding some poppy showtunes into the mix is an appealing notion, while a lot has changed in 20 years. Read on for our review of the 2024 Mean Girls movie.

Screenwriter Tina Fey updates her original script (itself based on Rosalind Wiseman’s 2002 book Queen Bees and Wannabes) and steps back into the sensible shoes of beleaguered maths teacher Ms Norbury (also returning is her admirer, Principal Duvall, played by Tim Meadows). Angourie Rice takes over from Lindsay Lohan as new kid Cady, who goes from being homeschooled in rural Africa by her anthropologist mother (Jenna Fischer) to being thrown into the jungle of US high school.

Fortunately, Cady is taken under the wing of two savvy outsiders, Janis (Auli’i Cravalho) and Damian (Jaquel Spivey), who also act as the film’s narrators, and is simultaneously drawn to a group of ostensibly popular girls: the notorious “Plastics”. Led by Reneé Rapp’s total biatch Regina (the “apex predator” as one song dubs her), with Avantika’s dim-witted Karen and Bebe Wood’s eager-to-please Gretchen making up numbers, the clique are the talk of the corridors.

But acceptance into the fold comes at a price and the trio are not to be trusted. And when Cady falls for Regina’s ex, Aaron (Christopher Briney), things get ugly fast.

Mean Girls 2024 review: Watch or skip?

It can be a bit of a strange experience watching something that is so close to its beloved predecessor, particularly as the film has opted to retain much of the original script. Without a significant rewrite, some of the attempts to bring things up to date – mainly in the form of social media hot takes – can feel a little tacked on.

However, most of Fey’s new gags blend in seamlessly and, with the line delivery occasionally coming across like an odd imitation of what’s gone before, it’s the new jokes rather than the old that stand out.

Debut narrative feature directors Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr do a decent, at times dynamic job, incorporating the musical numbers impressively with slick, snappy transitions. The kids bursting fairly randomly into song can be fun, and yet – and this is the real sticking point – the tunes themselves (which presumably are the justification for the entire project) don’t exactly pop.

Fey’s husband, Jeff Richmond, is behind the music, with Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde: The Musical) on lyrics, yet what they’ve come up with lacks the same comic snap as Fey’s script, or hooks so catchy that it would hardly matter. And, although the musical numbers bring extra attitude to the party, they can sometimes feel like a belaboured explanation of what we already know.

The original film had a remarkable eye for talent, launching the careers of Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried and Lizzy Caplan (Lohan was a successful child star prior to its release) and this offers up its own clutch of up-and-comers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Reprising her role from the stage show, newcomer Rapp has the fierceness and swagger of a professional singer (she released her first album Snow Angel last year) and brings that fire to her musical performances. She distinguishes herself well from McAdams’s portrayal of Regina, but the comedic chops and underlying charm of McAdams are missed.

Rice is a good match for the earnest but easily led Cady, while Cravalho (who voiced Disney’s Moana) and Spivey well and truly steal the show. From the older generation, Jon Hamm is a highlight as inappropriate sex educator Coach Carr.

It might not be perfect but there’s no reason why Generation Z shouldn’t have their own take on this eternally relevant story, and Fey remains a class act. Now with added sass as well as songs, Mean Girls remains a smart, relatable look at teen turmoil.

Enjoyed our review of the 2024 Mean Girls musical reboot? The movie released in the US on 12 January 2024; fingers crossed that it premieres in Thailand soon.

(All images: Mean Girls)

This story first appeared on www.radiotimes.com

© Immediate Media Company London Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. First published on RadioTimes.com and reproduced with permission of Immediate Media Company London Limited. Reproduction in any manner in any language in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited. Radio Times and the Radio Times logo are registered trade marks of Immediate Media Company London Limited and used under licence.

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Get ready to jump back into the Danger Zone. Here’s what we know about Top Gun 3.

Top Gun 3, starring Tom Cruise, will soon take off on the big screen in the near future. The third instalment in the Top Gun franchise will reportedly fly around the characters seen in Top Gun: Maverick, the blockbuster that shattered records in 2022.  

American new media company Puck was the first to report on the development, revealing that Top Gun: Maverick co-writer Ehren Kruger is writing the script for the third film.

Cruise, who is 61 years old, continues to be one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood, turning big-budget, action-packed movies into some of the highest-grossers at the worldwide box office.

Top Gun is a franchise of Paramount Pictures, with whom Cruise has been collaborating since 2011’s Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.

The news about Top Gun 3 comes just days after Cruise signed a non-exclusive deal with Warner Bros. Discovery to star and produce movies for the studio.

Everything to know about Top Gun 3:

Who will be part of the cast of Top Gun 3?

Reports suggest that Top Gun 3 will see the return to at least two younger cast members from Top Gun: Maverick alongside Cruise. They are Miles Teller and Glen Powell, who were the principal supporting actors on the second instalment.

There is no word on whether the other main cast members from Maverick, namely Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Ed Harris, Charles Parnell, Monica Barbaro and Lewis Pullman, will be part of the third film.

Among the actors who would most likely not be part of Top Gun 3 is Val Kilmer, who played Admiral Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in Maverick. Kilmer was the main supporting actor in 1986’s Top Gun, the first film in the franchise. His character dies in the second instalment. So, unless there is some flashback sequence, there is little possibility of Kilmer reprising his iconic role.

Maverick’s producers Jerry Bruckheimer and David Ellison will also likely back the third instalment.  Joe Kosinski, who directed Maverick, will either helm Top Gun 3 or produce it. Cruise, too, was one of the producers of the second film, which means that there is a possibility of him doing the same for the third.

Top Gun 3 release date

Tom Cruise is reportedly shooting Mission: Impossible 8 for Paramount. The film is the next instalment in the long-running Mission: Impossible franchise and is a direct sequel to Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, which hit the screens in 2023.

Mission: Impossible 8 is expected to release in May 2025. Therefore, according to Puck, shooting for Top Gun 3 won’t start till at least Cruise is done with his work on Mission: Impossible 8.

But that is not all. Cruise is also working with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on a film set in outer space.

Doug Liman is directing the untitled film, which reportedly has a budget of around USD 200 million and will come from the stables of Universal Pictures.

In an interview with BBC in 2022, Donna Langley, the head of Universal Pictures, dropped a hint that Cruise might even do a spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS) to become the first civilian to do so.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if Cruise actually performs a spacewalk. He is, after all, renowned for pulling off some of the most insane stunts on his own, including those seen in Maverick and Dead Reckoning Part One.

What to expect in Top Gun 3?

Nothing about the plot of Top Gun 3 is known. However, like the previous two films, the third instalment will certainly revolve around US Navy fighter pilots who are part of the United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor programme, also known as Top Gun.

Maverick showed Tom Cruise’s character, Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, training and leading a group of young pilots on a deadly mission in enemy territory, while also dealing with the ghosts from the past.

Top Gun 3 will likely centre around a new mission.

How much did Top Gun: Maverick earn in the box office?

Top Gun: Maverick earned USD 1.49 billion at the worldwide box office, becoming the second-highest-grosser in the world in 2022 behind Avatar: The Way of Water.

It is the highest-grossing movie of Tom Cruise’s career. The film received six nominations at the  95th Academy Awards in 2023, including Best Picture. It was eventually awarded the Oscar for Best Sound.

The film came at a crucial time when the theatrical business was still trying to recover from the effects of the pandemic. The phenomenal success of Top Gun: Maverick led Steven Spielberg to publicly thank Tom Cruise for “saving Hollywood.”

Cruise earned USD 100 million from the film, through his salary and shares in ticket sales and home rentals.

Films starring Tom Cruise after Top Gun: Maverick

Tom Cruise’s only release since Top Gun: Maverick is Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. The seventh film in the Mission: Impossible franchise, which started in 1996, the film earned over USD 567 million worldwide and was critically lauded.

Though it is the 10th highest-grossing film of 2023, its box office success was hampered by the simultaneous releases of Barbie and Oppenheimer just over a week after its release.

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One will be followed by the eighth film. Since the story of the eighth film directly follows the seventh, most of the actors, including Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, and Hayley Atwell, will be seen alongside Cruise in Mission: Impossible 8.

(Hero and Featured images: Paramount Pictures/Paramount Pictures – © 2019 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All rights reserved./IMDb; Scott Garfield/Scott Garfield – © 2022 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All rights reserved./IMDb)

Frequently Asked Questions:

– Is there going to be a Top Gun 3?

Yes, Top Gun 3 is reportedly in the works with Tom Cruise.

– How much did Tom Cruise make for Top Gun 2?

Tom Cruise earned around USD 100 million for Top Gun 2, as part of his salary and shares in ticket sales and rentals.

– How many Top Gun movies are out?

Two Top Gun movies have been released so far: Top Gun (1986) and Top Gun: Maverick (2022).

The post What we know about ‘Top Gun 3’ appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

AI bringing people back to life, Roman Roy with Mark Zuckerberg, and Superman. These are some of the movies premiering in Sundance 2024 that we’re excited about.

The Sundance Film Festival has been celebrating indie films for the past 45 years. Though there are those who would argue the festival has since become too elite to truly be focused on indie projects, it still can’t be denied that it’s the place for projects that would otherwise fade into the background to shine. The festival has grown greatly since it started, but it was only in 2022 that a Sundance film, CODA, won Best Picture at the Oscars.

This year’s lineup once again features a varied and intriguing list of films, from satirical comedies about the role of black people in movies to a documentary about a Japanese journalist fighting to defend the truth. Here are our picks for movies we’re excited about in the Sundace 2024 lineup.

[Hero image: Image credit: Sundance]

The movies premiering at Sundance 2024 that we’re excited about 

A Real Pain

Starring Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin
Directed by Jesse Eisenberg

Eisenberg writes, directs, and stars alongside Kieran Culkin in this film about two cousins who have recently lost their grandmother. In an effort to discover their roots and find out where they came from, they take a trip to Poland and join a Holocaust tour, making them examine their family history and the reality of intergenerational trauma. 

A Different Man

Directed by Aaron Schimberg
Starring Sebastian Stan

Edward (Stan) is an aspiring actor who thinks his physical appearance is what’s keeping him from his dreams. He undergoes surgery to change his appearance, but it seems to have the opposite intended effect on his career. 

Love Me

Directed by Sam and Andy Zuchero
Starring Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun

The film’s plot is simple and vague: a buoy and a satellite fall in love in a post-apocalyptic world. What does that mean? Are Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun playing personifications of these things? What we do know is it’s a love story with Stewart and Yeun, so we’re in.  

Black Box Diaries

Directed by Shiori Ito

This documentary follows journalist Shiori Ito as she seeks to uncover the truth of a sexual assault. In turn, the decades-old laws of Japan are exposed, revealing that victims are at the mercy of these outdated systems. There is, however, an interesting twist to this true story: the victim of the sexual assault was Ito herself.

Eternal You

Directed by Hans Block and Moritz Riesewieck

Artificial intelligence has been a hot topic recently but it’s not just being used for conversations, “art”, and videos. This documentary follows the startups that are using AI to “revive” deceased people, allowing their loved ones to get one more chance to spend some time with them. 

Presence

Directed by Steven Soderbergh

Steven Soderbergh’s style is a joy to see on the big screen, so while plot details are scarce for this film, Soderbergh’s name is enough to get us excited. A family moves into a new house in the suburbs, but then they realize they might not be alone.

Freaky Tales

Directed by Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden
Starring Pedro Pascal, Ben Mendelsohn, Ji-Young Yoo, and Angus Cloud

Set in Oakland, California in the ‘80s, the movie follows four interconnected stories of underdogs trying to make it and prove their worth in the Bay. The film is described as a “joyful ode to the 80s” and “a stirring anthem to solidarity and Oakland’s egalitarian, countercultural, and multicultural spirit”.

Love Lies Bleeding

Directed by Rose Glass
Starring Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian

Gym manager Lou (Stewarts) likes to keep to herself, but when bodybuilder Jackie (O’Brian) comes through town, she falls hard for her. But their love is more than what they bargained for as both of them get involved in Lou’s criminal family. 

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

Directed by Ian Bonhôte

Even though there have been two Supermen and one more along the way after him, Christopher Reeve remains the quintessential Man of Steel. But believe it or not, Reeve was an unknown actor before he donned the cape. This documentary traces his beginnings and his eventual casting as one of the most iconic superheroes of our time. 

The American Society of Magical Negroes

Directed by Kobi Libii
Starring Justice Smith and David Alan Grier

This satirical comedy sees a young man named Aren (Smith) who gets the chance of a lifetime: being recruited into a secret society of Black people who possess magical powers. Their mission is simple: make white people’s lives easier.

See the entire Sundance 2024 lineup on its website

The post 10 movies from Sundance 2024 to watch out for appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

From Lisa Frankenstein to Beetlejuice 2, these are the horror movie you need to watch this 2024.

There is a high chance that 2024 will be an exciting time for fans of horror movies. New instalments of familiar franchises are set to share the big screen with terrifying originals, offering a diverse line-up of chills and thrills.

There is something for everyone. Fans of gore will get to see the sequel to the surprise hit Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey. Those who love a hint of the supernatural will have Imaginary perhaps making them look at a teddy bear with suspicion. The English remake of the Danish thriller Speak No Evil could perhaps succeed in highlighting how certain displays of human traits can turn out to be deeply disturbing for others.

Three movies in particular are among the most-awaited: A Quiet Place: Day One, Beetlejuice 2, and Nosferatu. The first is part of an acclaimed franchise. The second comes 26 years after the original, making it a legacy sequel. The third is a new adaptation of a classic movie from the early part of the 20th century.

The most-anticipated new horror movies of 2024

Lisa Frankenstein

Directed by: Zelda Williams

Cast: Kathryn Newton, Cole Sprouse, Liza Soberano, Henry Eikenberry, Joe Chrest, Carla Gugino

Release date: 9 February

About the film: The horror-comedy film marks the feature-length directorial debut of Zelda Williams, who is the daughter of the late Robin Williams. Set in the year 1989, the film is about a misunderstood teenager named Lisa Swallows (Newton) who reanimates a Victorian-era corpse (Sprouse). According to the logline of the film, the two then “embark on a murderous journey to find love, happiness and a few missing body parts.”

Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey 2

Directed by: Rhys Frake-Waterfield

Cast: Scott Chambers, Ryan Oliva

Release date: 14 February

About the film: Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey 2 is the sequel to the 2023 movie of the same name, which, unexpectedly, was one of the most talked-about movies.

Despite the critical drubbing it received, the first instalment, which was made on a budget of less than USD 100,000, earned USD 6 million worldwide. This resulted in the makers agreeing to a sequel, which, according to The Hollywood Reporter, has been made on a budget of around USD 1 million.

The plot of the sequel is not known, but the roles of Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh are being played by new cast members, Chambers and Oliva, respectively.

Imaginary

Directed by: Jeff Wadlow

Cast: DeWanda Wise, Tom Payne, Taegen Burns, Pyper Braun, Veronica Falcón, Betty Buckley

Release date: 8 March

About the film: The supernatural-horror revolves around Jessica (Wise), a woman whose stepdaughter, Alice (Braun), has grown attached to a teddy bear she calls Chauncey. Jessica discovers to her horror that Alice is exhibiting dangerous behavioural changes, and Chauncey is more than just a stuffed toy.

The Watchers

Directed by: Ishana Night Shyamalan

Cast: Dakota Fanning, Georgina Campbell

Release date: 7 June

About the film: The Watchers marks the feature-length directorial debut of Manoj Night Shyamalan’s daughter, Ishana.

Based on the A.M. Shine horror novel of the same name, the film follows Mina (Fanning), a woman travelling the Western Irish countryside. When her car breaks down and she is forced to wander through a forest in the night, Mina finds herself trapped with three strangers inside a bunker. Outside it are monstrous creatures observing them through a glass wall.

A Quiet Place: Day One

Directed by: Michael Sarnoski

Cast: Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn, Djimon Hounsou, Alex Wolff, Denis O’Hare

Release date: 28 June 

About the film: A Quiet Place: Day One is the third instalment of the A Quiet Place film series. The movie serves as a prequel to the first two films. Reports suggest that even though plot details have not been disclosed, the film will centre on a group of new characters in the early days of the alien invasion by bloodthirsty creatures. At least two of the main protagonists will be essayed by Oscar-winner Nyong’o and Stranger Things star Quinn.

The film was previously planned for a March 2024 release but had to be postponed due to the SAG-AFTRA strike.

Stree 2

Directed by: Amar Kaushik

Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Abhishek Banerjee, Aparshakti Khurana, Vijay Raaz, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Tamannaah Bhatia, Varun Dhawan

Release date: 30 August

About the film: One of the most-awaited horror movies of 2024 in India, Stree 2 is the first direct sequel to the critically acclaimed Stree (2018). It is part of a shared universe created by film producer Dinesh Vijan, whose other movies include Roohi (2021) and Bhediya (2022).

 

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Although the plot of Stree 2 is not known, Indian media reports suggest that it will likely revolve around the story of the witch from the first film. In July, Rao shared a first-look motion poster of the sequel, which shows that it is set in the same village of Chanderi as the original. It also hinted that the sequel will see the villagers terrorised by a headless entity.

Speak No Evil

Directed by: James Watkins

Cast: James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy

Release date: 9 August

About the film: A remake of the acclaimed 2022 Danish film of the same name, Speak No Evil is about a family who faces a nightmarish situation at an idyllic country house with another family while on their dream vacation.

Beetlejuice 2

Directed by: Tim Burton

Cast: Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Willem Dafoe

Release date: 6 September

About the film: Beetlejuice 2 boasts some of the most famous names in acting, working under the direction of the maverick Tim Burton. In fact, the career of Burton, who is famous for his long association with Johnny Depp, took off with the success of the original Beetlejuice in 1988, which won an Oscar for Best Makeup.

As a sequel to the massively popular Beetlejuice, the film is one of the most highly anticipated horror movies of 2024. Not much is known about the plot of the sequel, except some character details. Keaton reprises his role as the titular troublemaking ghost. Joining him from the original is Winona Ryder, who returns as Lydia. Jenna Ortega plays Lydia’s daughter.

Saw XI

Directed by: TBA

Cast: Tobin Bell

Release date: 27 September

About the film: The critical acclaim of Saw X (2023) led to the confirmation of the 11th film in the franchise in December of the same year. Reports suggest that Bell, who has played John Kramer aka Jigsaw in all the movies except one in the acclaimed horror film series, will reprise his role in the upcoming instalment.

 

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A post shared by SAW (@saw)

The makers have not revealed plot details, cast or crew members. The only things known are the expected release date, based on a cryptic hint in Roman numerals in the official poster, and the words, “The game continues,” indicating that Saw XI may go deeper into Jigsaw’s personal life.

Terrifier 3

Directed by: Damien Leone

Cast: Lauren LaVera, Elliott Fullam, David Howard Thornton, Samantha Scaffidi

Release date: 25 October

About the film: Terrifier 3 is a slasher film which is the third instalment in the Terrifier franchise. Expectations are very high from it, especially since the second instalment earned a worldwide gross of USD 15 million on a budget of just USD 250,000.

Its story is about the return of the terrifying Art the Clown (Thornton) who unleashes chaos on the residents of the peaceful Miles County on Christmas Eve. Besides Thornton, returning cast members include Lauren LaVera as Sienna Shaw, Samantha Scaffidi as Victoria Heyes and pro-wrestler actor Chris Jericho as Burke.

Nosferatu

Directed by: Robert Eggers

Cast: Bill Skarsgård, Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, Willem Dafoe

Release date: 25 December

About the film: Nosferatu is not just one of the most-anticipated horror movies of 2024, it is also among the biggest expected releases of the year. This is both because of its stellar ensemble cast and it being only the second remake of the landmark 1922 German Expressionist film of the same name which popularised the vampire genre in cinema. The original German film was, in turn, an unofficial adaptation of Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula.

According to Focus Features, the makers, Nosferatu is “a gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake.” Nothing else is known about the film. A still on Focus Features’ official site, however, shows Lily-Rose Depp’s character Ellen Hutter looking out a window in a state of dread, with the shadow of a large hand with pointed fingers cast on her face.

(Hero and Featured images: Courtesy of Michelle K. Short – © 2023 – Focus Features/IMDb)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

–  Which horror movie is banned?

Several horror movies have been banned in the past. Among the famous ones are The Exorcist (1973), which was banned in parts of Great Britain, and The Evil Dead (1981), which faced a ban in several countries, including Finland, Ukraine and Singapore.

The post The horror movies you need to watch out for in 2024 appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

From mysterious deaths to questionable beverages, this house has seen it all. Here’s what to know about the Saltburn mansion, Drayton House.

Emerald Fennell’s movie Saltburn has led to an increased interest in a property known as Drayton House.

Released in November 2023, Saltburn has been praised by critics for the performances of its principal cast members which include Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant, Alison Oliver, Archie Madekwe, and Carey Mulligan. The film received several major award nominations, including a Golden Globe nod each for Keoghan and Pike.

The titular mansion is where most of the drama in the film unfolds. Inspired by it, a popular trend where young people can be seen dancing through their fancy homes is doing the rounds of social media. 

But what is so interesting about the aristocratic residential building presented as the fictional mansion in the film and where is it located?

All about the Saltburn mansion

Fans would be delighted to know that Drayton House appears as it is seen in Saltburn. Of course, it is never mentioned by its original name and is instead given the fictional name of ‘Saltburn’ for the sake of the film.

The mansion is located in Lowick, in Northamptonshire, England, but it is not open to the public.

“A place as unreal as Saltburn always had to feel real,” writer and director Emerald Fennell told Town & Country.

“It needed to be something that hadn’t been used before. This hadn’t been photographed even, let alone put on film. We always wanted the exact sense that it is a real place,” Fennell told Architectural Digest.

Since Drayton House has never been seen on screen before Saltburn, the mystical charm of the place has got a boost.

A historic property built around six centuries ago

Drayton House is privately owned by the Stopford Sackville family. It is a Grade I-listed country house with 127 rooms. It was originally built in the 14th century on a site that dates back to the 11th century. Ornate Baroque façades were added to the mansion at the turn of the 18th century.

According to The Independent, Drayton House has been described as “one of the best-kept secrets of the English country-house world.”

How the mansion in Saltburn differs from Drayton House

Much of what is seen in Saltburn, such as the rooms, are how they originally appear in Drayton House, though some minor changes were made to the furnishings, paintings, sculptures, topiary and other artworks for filming.

One of those modifications was the addition of a specially designed bath in a scene featuring the characters played by Elrodi and Keoghan. The bath was designed specifically to fit Elordi’s 6 feet 5 inches frame.

Though the film shows that the estate has a maze garden, there is no such thing at Drayton House. According to Architecture Digest, maze designer Adrian Fisher was tasked with creating an artificial maze garden. Since it could not be built in entirety, CGI was used to bring out the final picture.

What is Saltburn about?

Saltburn revolves around Oxford University fresher Oliver Quick (Keoghan), who befriends an aristocratic fellow student named Felix Catton (Elordi). Felix invites Oliver to his family’s Saltburn mansion — a fictional country estate. Oliver meets Felix’s parents, Sir James (Grant) and Lady Elspeth (Pike), and his sister Venetia (Oliver).

As Oliver grows obsessed with Felix, unusual things start happening in the mansion leading to a fatalistic climax.

(Hero and Featured images: Courtesy of Prime – © Amazon Content Services LLC/IMDb)

Frequently Asked Questions

– Who owns Drayton House seen in Saltburn?

Drayton House is privately owned by the Stopford Sackville family.

– Is Saltburn the name of a real house?

No, there is no mansion by the name of Saltburn.

– Can you visit Drayton House?

No, Drayton House is not open to the public. It is a private property.

– When was Drayton House built?

Drayton House was built sometime around 1328.

The post Welcome to Drayton House, the mansion featured in ‘Saltburn’ appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

After THR reported the rumours, Steven Yeun himself confirmed that he will no longer be starring in Marvel’s Thunderbolts.

2023 wasn’t exactly a stellar year for Marvel Studios. Aside from misses in theatres like Quantumania and in streaming like Secret Invasion, it also had to fire Jonathan Majors after being found guilty of domestic abuse charges. A day ago, it was reported by The Hollywood Reporter that according to “sources”, Marvel may be losing another major player in one of its upcoming films. Yesterday, Yeun himself confirmed that he will no longer be part of Thunderbolts. 

[Hero image: Netflix]

Steven Yeun has confirmed he won’t be in Thunderbolts

The Walking Dead actor’s involvement in Thunderbolts was never officially announced by Marvel, but evidently, he was slated to be in the film. Fans speculated that he might have been cast as The Sentry, a very powerful hero in the Marvel universe. But speculation was all anyone could do regarding his role.

In a conversation with Variety, Yeun revealed that the reason he dropped out was because of scheduling. “I think for me, time passing and things shifting kind of pulled me out of it,” he said. Thunderbolts was set to be released this year until it was pushed back to 2025 after the Hollywood strikes. The only MCU film that’s going to be released in 2024 is Deadpool 3.

This doesn’t mean Yeun is closing the door to the studio though. “I wanna do a Marvel movie,” he said. When asked what Marvel movie he would want to do, he replied, “I think it’s too early to say that. I probably pissed off too many people leaving, so I’m just gonna say, ‘Thank you for having me.’” He also said how apologetic he was he had to back out. “It took a lot of drafts on email to make sure that I conveyed the sincerity of how sorry I was to have to back out.”

Thunderbolts is set to release on July 25, 2025, and will focus on a team that comprises Marvel’s antiheroes, which include Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Red Guardian (David Harbour), and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan). Harrison Ford will also take over the role of General Ross from the late William Hurt.

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A steamy rom-com, Hayao Miyazaki, and football. Here are the movies to watch in cinemas in Thailand this January.

Take a trip down under for a steamy hot rom-com. Behold the legendary Hayao Miyazaki’s new masterpiece. Laugh out loud at Taika Waititi’s latest comedy. Or go for an edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller. Do yourself a favour and kick off the new year right: by treating yourself to the movies. 

[Hero image: Sony]

What to watch in cinemas in Thailand this January

Anyone But You

January 4

Starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell
Directed by Will Gluck

After a date that went sour, Bea (Sweeney) and Ben (Powell) find themselves fortuitously attending the same wedding. Their disdain towards one another is real and obvious to everyone. But with Bea’s parents pushing her to get back with her ex and Ben wanting to make his ex jealous (who’s also attending the wedding), the two devise a fool-proof plan: pretend they’re a couple. 

The Boy and the Heron

January 11

Starring Robert Pattinson, Christian Bale, Florence Pugh, Karen Fukuhara, Dave Bautista, Willem Dafoe, and Mark Hamill
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

Hayao Miyazaki’s latest masterpiece follows a young boy grieving his mother’s loss. His father marries his mother’s sister and they move to her rural estate where he befriends a heron (Pattinson) who leads him to an abandoned tower and promises him that he will, in some way, find his mother there. 

Next Goal Wins

January 11

Starring Michael Fassbender, Oscar Kightley, Will Arnett, Luke Hemsworth, and Elisabeth Moss.
Directed by Taika Waititi

Based on true events, the film follows Thomas Rongen, a football coach on the brink of getting fired. He’s given one last chance and tasked with transforming the American Samoa national team into a great squad. The problem, however, is that the team is considered one of the weakest teams in the world. 

Miller’s Girl

January 25

Starring Martin Freeman and Jenna Ortega
Directed by Jade Halley Bartlett

Jonathan Miller (Freeman) is a professor who teaches a class with an intriguing and talented student, Cairo Sweet (Ortega). He assigns her a special creative writing assignment, but it becomes more than what any of them bargained for, resulting in their relationship becoming complicated. 

The post LSA Movie List: What to watch in cinemas in Thailand this January appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Sadly, not everyone is privy to the secrets of the Wizarding World, so if you’re a muggle, here’s a list of spells that you should know from Harry Potter.

The world in which the boy wizard Harry Potter lives pulsates with the rhythm of whispered spells, the list of which is very long. Each incantation is like a thread woven into the tapestry of grand magic. They are always on the tongues of witches and wizards, unlocking doors, conjuring light and even calling forth ethereal guardians for defence. Of course, there is always that characteristic flick of the wand which acts like a trigger and makes the spell come alive.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was created by British author J.K. Rowling with the first book in the Harry Potter series — Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 1997. It was followed by six more titles that together completed the story of its iconic titular character from his boyhood days at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to his final showdown with the dark wizard Lord Voldemort. The books were adapted into eight movies, starting with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001). The main cinematic franchise ended with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011).

Why Harry Potter spells are still popular?

The massive popularity of the Harry Potter films also helped a lot of spells become everyday words for fans around the world. There are seven types of spells in Harry Potter’s universe: charms, curses, transfigurations, healing spells, jinxes, hexes and counter-spells. Charms are typically the least harmful and are used mostly on objects. Curses, jinxes and hexes, however, are harmful.

Take for example Lumos. It is a spell that illuminates the tip of the wand of the caster to help them see in the dark. Or Accio, a charm that is used to summon objects in the books and the movies. The two magical words are among other similar Harry Potter ‘spells’ that iPhone users can speak into their phones to execute fun-filled tasks such as switching on the torch or opening apps.

However, all spells in the world of Harry Potter, the charming wizard played by Daniel Radcliffe in the movies, are not just about mischief or charm. Some are extremely dangerous and are used by the practitioners of the dark arts, like Lord Voldemort or the equally powerful Gellert Grindelwald from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them book and film series — set some decades before Harry Potter’s birth.

These powerful magical incantations include Imperio (for control), Crucio (for pain) and Avada Kedavra (for death) — the three ‘Unforgivable Curses’ in the world of Harry Potter that are used by the evil witches and wizards.

While most spells must be spoken, whether out loud or in a whisper, some are non-verbal. There is indeed a mix of whimsical and fearsome when all spells are put together, the diversity and usage of each prove that it is not the wand but the holder’s heart, which is ultimately good or evil.

As for the names of spells, the official website of the Wizarding World says, “The origins of many incantations [harken] back to Latin terms and phrases; some spells translate pretty directly, while others have been carefully crafted and assembled from fragments of other languages.”

List of Harry Potter spells and what they do

A

Aberto: Unlocks doors.

Accio: Summons an object.

Aguamenti: Summons water.

Alohomora: Unlocks closed objects like boxes and other items.

Anapneo: Clears blocked airways in people.

Aparecium: Reveals hidden messages or written secrets.

Apparate: A teleportation spell that is non-verbal, which means it doesn’t need to be uttered.

Ascendio: Propels someone into the air.

Avada Kedavra: The most dangerous spell in the Wizarding World. It can kill people and is, thus, also known as The Killing Curse.

Avis: Conjures up a flock of birds.

B

Bat-Bogey Hex: Turns the target’s boogers (nasal mucus) into bats.

Bombardo: As the name suggests, triggers a blast.

Brackium Emendo: Quickly heals broken bones.

C

Capacious Extremis: Expands the holding capacity of an object on the inside without affecting its dimensions on the outside. It is also known as the Extension Charm.

Confundo: Leaves the target confused for a while. Also known as the Confundus Charm.

Conjunctivitis Curse: Temporarily affects the vision of the target.

Crinus Muto: Changes colour of hair and style.

Crucio: Causes unbearable pain in the target.

D

Diffindo: Cuts an object in precise measurements.

Disillusionment Charm: Caster takes the appearance of their surroundings.

Disapparate: Does the opposite of Apparate. Also, non-verbal.

E

Engorgio: Target object grows rapidly.

Episkey: Heals minor injuries.

Expecto Patronum: Creates either corporeal Patronus or a wisp of light which helps drive away Dementors. Corporeal Patronus is the most powerful form and emerges from a happy memory of the caster.

Erecto: Quickly builds any structure.

Evanesco: Makes objects vanish.

Expelliarmus: Makes target drop whatever they are holding.

F

Ferula: Wraps and bandages can be conjured up to heal wounds.

Fidelius: Applies only to a chosen “secret keeper” in whose soul a secret is concealed. Works if the location where the secret lies is worthy of concealment. Once done, the location becomes invisible to all.

Fiendfyre: Extremely powerful enchanted flames that destroy anything in its path.

Finite Incantatem: Counter-spell to reverse most charms.

Furnunculus Curse: Causes the target body to have pimples and boils.

G

Geminio: Creates duplicate objects.

Glisseo: Transforms a staircase into a slide.

H

Homenum Revelio: Detects the hidden presence of entities.

Homonculus Charm: This Harry Potter spell was used to create the Marauder’s Map. It detects the true identity of anyone and their location on the map.

I

Immobulus: Living targets are immobilised.

Impedimenta: Moving targets are slowed down temporarily.

Incarcerous: Conjures ropes.

Imperio: The target is under the complete control of the caster.

Impervius: Makes an object waterproof.

Incendio: Conjures flames.

L

Langlock: The tongue of the target sticks to the roof of their mouth.

Legilimens: Caster can penetrate and learn thoughts in the target mind.

Levicorpus: Levitates the target by their ankle.

Locomotor Mortis: The legs of the target get locked.

Lumos: One of the simplest Harry Potter spells, it creates a ball of light on the caster’s wand like a torch.

M

Morsmordre: Conjures and projects Lord Voldemort’s Dark Mark.

Mucus Ad Nauseam: Causes an extreme case of runny nose or cold.

Muffliato: Target is unable to hear anything due to a constant buzzing sound in their ears.

N

Nox: The opposite of Lumos which extinguishes the wand’s light.

O

Obliviate: Erases memory.

Obscuro: Conjures a blindfold.

Oculus Reparo: Repairs damaged eyeglasses.

Oppugno: Causes an object or person to attack another target.

P

Petrificus Totalus: Temporarily stuns the body of a target.

Periculum: Conjures either red sparks or flares.

Piertotum Locomotor: Inanimate objects or artefacts are brought to life.

Protean Charm: Links objects together for better communication.

Protego: Creates an invisible shield on the caster and protects from any other spell except The Killing Curse.

R

Reducto: Destroys target to pieces.

Reducio: Brings back a magically enlarged object to its original size.

Renneverate: Helps the target gain consciousness or awaken.

Reparifors: Heals ailments caused by other spells.

Reparo: Repairs broken objects.

Rictusempra: Disarms an opponent by tickling them.

Riddikulus: Believed to work only on a scary creature called Boggart, which turns it into a funny creature.

S

Scourgify: Cleans objects.

Sectumsempra: Causes severe lacerations and haemorrhaging.

Serpensortia: Conjures up a live snake.

Silencio: Silences the target by making them shut their mouths.

Sonorus: Increases the decibel of the caster’s voice.

Spongify: Turns a hard object into a soft one, almost like rubber.

Stupefy: Similar to Petrificus Totalus; stuns objects and living targets unconscious.

T

Tarantallegra: Makes target dance uncontrollably.

U

Unbreakable Vow: A magically binding contract between two or more witches or wizards that makes them bound to it for life. It usually has objects bound to the bodies of the contractors which kills them if they attempt to break the vow.

W

Wingardium Leviosa: Causes any object to levitate.

All Harry Potter movies are available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.

(Hero image: Courtesy of Jaap Buitendijk – © 2011 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. HARRY POTTER PUBLISHING RIGHTS (C) J.K.R. HARRY POTTER CHARACTERS, NAMES AND RELATED IN/IMDb; Featured image: Courtesy of © 2005 Warner Bros. Ent. Harry Potter Publishing Rights J.K.R./IMDb)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What is Harry Potter’s famous spell?

One of Harry Potter’s most famous spells is Accio, which is used to summon objects.

– What are the seven types of spells in Harry Potter?

The seven types of spells in the Harry Potter universe are charms, curses, transfigurations, healing spells, jinxes, hexes and counter-spells.

– What is the happy spell in Harry Potter?

Expecto Patronum is considered a happy spell because it uses a happy memory to create a mythical animal to help the caster chase Dementors away.

– What are the two most powerful spells in Harry Potter?

Several spells are very powerful, but Imperium, which is used to control others for a long time, and The Killing Curse are two of the most powerful ones.

– What is Harry Potter’s strongest spell?

Being a special wizard, Harry Potter can overcome even Imperium. He is capable of using any spell to its maximum potential, sometimes even without having mastered it, as he did with Expecto Patronum.

The post A list of ‘Harry Potter’ spells for muggles appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Jon Favreau and Roy Choi have made the food truck from the movie Chef a reality, with its permanent home now in Las Vegas.

One of the best films released in the past ten years is an indie film called Chef. Despite being made for only USD $11 million, the movie featured the likes of Sofia Vergara, Oliver Platt, Scarlett Johansson, and even Robert Downey Jr. in a cameo role. The main star? Jon Favreau, the man who would later be behind The Mandalorian, and who also serves as director, writer, and producer in this movie. It’s a pretty stacked group of people.

If you haven’t watched the movie yet, do yourself a favour and get on it right now. After you’re done salivating thanks to the utterly mouthwatering Cubanos they serve in the film, you may want to book a flight to Las Vegas, because that’s where the real-life Chef food truck has made its home.

[Hero image: Park MGM]

The Chef Truck: Jon Favreau and Roy Choi bring the film’s food to life

Jon Favreau has teamed up once again with chef Roy Choi, who was also a co-producer and oversaw the food made on the film, to bring the actual food truck to life. The two have already collaborated after the film on Netflix’s The Chef Show, where they invited guests to cook various dishes. This time around though, the food isn’t on the screen.

Choi revealed that Favreau had been asking him for ten years to open a restaurant together but he had always refused. “I know how tough running a restaurant can be and I didn’t want to risk it getting in the way of our friendship. But with Park MGM as our partner, I knew it was finally time to complete the trilogy.”

The Park MGM is exactly where the truck is located, right on the casino floor. While there have been numerous pop-ups over the years, this is the first time that there’s a permanent home for The Chef Truck. Fans of the film will be able to finally, finally sink their teeth into that crunchy, cheesy, gooey Cubano and top it off with a helping of chocolate molten lava cake. Worth the trip to Vegas? You bet. 

The post The food truck from ‘Chef’ is now a real thing in Las Vegas appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

Here’s what to know about the new Kristen Stewart movie, ‘Love Lies Bleeding’, produced by A24.

A romantic thriller starring Kristen Stewart is coming to our screens courtesy of Rose Glass, the writer-director and twisted mind behind Saint Maud.

And now A24 has released a poster for Love Bleeding Lies as well as the first trailer, which arrived on 19th December 2023. Catch it later in this article.

The movie stars Stewart in the role of a reclusive gym manager named Lou, who falls for bodybuilder Jackie (played by Black Lightning‘s Katy O’Brian). However, “their love ignites violence, pulling them deep into the web of Lou’s criminal family”, the official plot synopsis teases.

Read on for everything you need to know about the thriller.

Love Lies Bleeding release date

The film is being distributed by Lionsgate in the UK and its release follows its premiere at Sundance Film Festival 2024 on 20 January 2024.

The film is rated R in the US and has a runtime of 104 minutes. It is slated to release on 8 March in the US.

Love Lies Bleeding cast

The following cast members have been confirmed for Love Lies Bleeding.

• Kristen Stewart as Lou
• Katy O’Brian as Jackie
• Jena Malone as TBC
• Ed Harris as TBC
• Dave Franco as TBC
• Anna Baryshnikov as TBC

Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian (Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania, The Mandalorian) will lead the cast of the movie as Lou and Jackie, respectively.

Stewart has previously dabbled in horror with projects such as Personal Shopper, Underwater, Lizzie and, in what marked her darkest role so far, David Cronenberg’s Crimes of the Future (2022).

Talking about the dystopian body horror film, in which she played Timlin, a young woman who is fascinated and aroused by Saul Tenser’s body art, Stewart told Insider after the premiere: “Everyone loves to talk about how his (Cronenberg’s) movies are difficult to watch and it’s fun to talk about people walking out of Cannes screenings.”

She continued: “Every single gaping, weird bruise in his movies, it makes my mouth open. You wanna lean in toward it. And it never repulses me ever. The way I feel, it is through really visceral desire and that’s the only reason we’re alive. We’re pleasure sacks.”

The cast of Love Lies Bleeding is rounded out by Jena Malone (The Hunger Games), Ed Harris (Westworld), Dave Franco (The Disaster Artist) and Anna Baryshnikov (Dickinson).

Behind the camera, Glass directed from a script she co-wrote with Weronika Tofilska.

Is there a trailer for Love Lies Bleeding?

Yes! A24 has now released the full trailer for Love Lies Bleeding.

Catch it below.

(Hero and feature images: Courtesy A24 – © Anna Kooris via IMDb)

This story first appeared on www.radiotimes.com

© Immediate Media Company London Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. First published on RadioTimes.com and reproduced with permission of Immediate Media Company London Limited. Reproduction in any manner in any language in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited. Radio Times and the Radio Times logo are registered trade marks of Immediate Media Company London Limited and used under licence.

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If Marvel doesn’t recast Kang, who can take his place? These are some villains that could serve as an Avengers-level threat in the MCU.

With Jonathan Majors officially fired, the question now is what happens in the MCU? Kang was poised to be the big villain of the Multiverse Saga, a villain that threatened not just one but several universes. Recasting the part is the easy answer, and it’s a solution Marvel has done before. But there are also some people who are of the opinion that Kang should just be done away with. He wasn’t really established as a credible threat and even the ending of Loki Season 2 seems like a good pivot away from the villain.