The simultaneous release of 'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' attempts to replicate the 'Barbenheimer' phenomenon but falls short due to lackluster films and an awkward portmanteau, 'Glicked.' 'Wicked,' a $145 million adaptation of the Broadway musical, only covers the first act, ending with a 'To Be Continued' card, while 'Gladiator II' offers a sillier take on its predecessor with Denzel Washington's standout performance. Despite strong advance sales, neither film matches the cultural impact of 'Barbenheimer.'
"Civil War" is a film that fails to effectively communicate its provocative scenario of a war-torn U.S. and instead presents a hackneyed portrayal of war correspondents in the midst of conflict. The movie lacks depth in exploring ideologies and relies on clichés, with actors delivering one-note performances. While technically impressive, the film's storytelling avoids implicating any potential audience members and lacks political sophistication. Despite a few compelling scenes, "Civil War" ultimately falls short in delivering a meaningful and engaging narrative.
After a decade of planning and construction, the historic Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline has completed its expansion, featuring a new lobby, two state-of-the-art theaters, and an education center. The expansion aims to provide better amenities for customers and accommodate a wider range of films. Despite the changes, the theater plans to preserve its vintage charm and continue showcasing classic films alongside new releases. The new wing will open with screenings of "The Wizard of Oz" and "2001: A Space Odyssey" on March 27, marking a new chapter for the beloved cinematic gem.
Director Takashi Yamazaki expresses interest in helming a sequel to "Godzilla Minus One" that continues the story of the characters. Wes Ball explains why Andy Serkis was not cast in "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes." The star-studded film "Red One" gets a November 2024 release date. "Shining Vale" is canceled after two seasons. The unaired final season of "Snowpiercer" will find a new home. Frank Darabont may direct two episodes of the final season of "Stranger Things."
Film critics Sean Burns and Erin Trahan share their favorite films of 2023. Burns highlights "Oppenheimer," "Killers of the Flower Moon," "Asteroid City," "May December," "Master Gardener," and "Afire" as standout movies, praising their distinctive visions, strong performances, and narrative sophistication. Trahan focuses on debut filmmakers and recommends "All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt," "You Hurt My Feelings," "American Fiction," "Past Lives," and "How to Blow Up a Pipeline" for their originality, storytelling, and exploration of relevant themes.
Netflix plans to make a stand-alone Fear Street movie based on R.L. Stine's original books, while Beetlejuice 2 is expected to meet its September 2024 release date. Deadpool 3 has been rescheduled for July 2024, causing the next Captain America movie to be moved to February 2025, and Blade to November 2025. Mortal Kombat 2 will begin filming before the end of the year. Chad Stahleski announced the development of a John Wick anime series and a live-action spinoff focusing on ancillary characters. A snippet of dialogue from the upcoming Doctor Who special was shared, and a clip from Shining Vale was released.
