Simon West knows a thing or two about action. More importantly, he’s proficient at capturing engaging performances set against explosions galore. His latest is a grounded affair, one where the jokes are good but the bullets are real. Compared to the likes of Con Air and The Expendables 2, it’s a quieter film that does less to glamorize assassins, and more to humanize them. In the film, Christoph Waltz plays Danny Dolinski, the titular “old guy” who is asked to train a young protege, any story about a hitman (of any age) will certainly have its fair share of sizzle, snark and a sniper rifle. Enjoy this chat with Simon…
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G-S-T Review…’Paddington In Peru’
Ten years ago, the UK’s most cuddly (and perpetually hungry) little bear jumped onto the big screen in a huge way. Paul King gave the beloved literary characters such tangible vibrancy, and with his 2017 follow up succeeded in enchanting the entire world again. Now, a decade on, Dougal Wilson takes the helm (for a jungle cruise, how fitting) in this third entry of the Paddington series; one with a rather logical and obvious goal. The characters have grown over the last two films and Paddington is, now, officially a citizen of Great Britain. Huzzah! This new outing is most definitely a road trip movie (or as close as you…
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Interview…Composer Jared DePasquale on Deep Dives Into Audio Soundscapes
For nearly thirty years Jared DePasquale has composed the musical scores for some of Western culture’s most celebrated stories and iconic characters. The recipient of numerous awards and critical acclaim, his work is widely recognized for its ability to musically capture complex characters amidst stories that are rich in texture and meaning. Early in his career, Jared apprenticed under Emmy and ASCAP Award winning composer Joseph LoDuca. With LoDuca, Jared learned the business of composing for A-list projects including the globally syndicated television shows Xena: The Warrior Princess and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. Immediately following his apprenticeship, Jared scored several horror films for Full Moon Pictures and Rapid Heart Pictures…
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Top 10 Fun Live-Action Films Starring Dwayne Johnson
Editor’s note: This post comes courtesy of an old colleague from our early days blogging the cineweb. Dan Stephens is the founder and editor of Top 10 Films, one of the UK’s longest-running movie sites. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has solidified his place as one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, with a career spanning blockbuster action, heartfelt dramas, and laugh-out-loud comedies. His films have become synonymous with larger-than-life characters, edge-of-your-seat action, and a dose of irresistible charm. Whether he’s playing a heroic federal agent in Fast Five, a jungle-hopping adventurer in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, or an ancient anti-hero in Black Adam, Johnson possesses a magnetic screen presence and…
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Interview…Harry Gregson-Williams on the Vocals, Violence and Variety in ‘Gladiator II’
As film score fans, the only thing we love more than revisiting our favorite scores is when a sequel happens and a composer gets to take the themes into new territory. As such, our guest today has expanded not only his own work but many other composers’ efforts. Scan through the site, and you’ll see that we are very fond of Harry Gregson-Williams, and it’s always a treat catching up with him to talk shop. While any acoustic endeavor might be intimidating, how could one even start thinking about working on a sequel to Gladiator?? It’s a perfect film that resounds to this day, and that goes double for its…
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Interview…Volker Bertelmann on the Comfort and Chaos Between the Quiet Moments in ‘Conclave’
One of the best films of 2024 is Conclave, and it will certainly top many critics’ top 10 lists. It’s a quiet narrative that doesn’t have a lot going on on the surface, but that’s the beauty of Edward Berger‘s film: what you don’t see is the most interesting part of the story. In a way, it’s very much like a duck whose feet are swimming feverously under the water to get to its destination. The film is utterly gorgeous – the sets, locations and costumes dazzle – and in a story about holy men serving an ideal, we get to see crisis of conscience, infighting and scheming behind the…
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Interview…Composer Aaron Zigman on the Compelling Compassion to ‘Six Triple Eight’
American composer and pianist Aaron Zigman has written more than 70 Hollywood film scores. Firmly established as one of Hollywood’s go-to composers, his film career was launched in 2000, when director Nick Cassavetes heard his work and asked him to collaborate on six films, including the romantic cult classic The Notebook, for which the composer’s score sold a record number of albums. Other box-office hits include Bridge to Terabithia, The Proposal, For Colored Girls, The Company Men, Wakefield,and the Sex and the City franchise. Similarly distinguished in television, Zigman has penned songs for shows including the popular series Fame and the Showtime TV movie Crown Heights, for which his setting…
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Interview…Director Mika Simmons on the Color, Comedy and Character of ‘My Week With Maisy’
As the year winds down, we’ve been trying to catch up with those creatives whose stories have surprised, entertained or delighted us. In the realm of short films, 2024 featured so many personal endeavors and original tales that shine a light on the human experience. And what more universal story can you ask for, especially this time of year, than a narrative about someone finding their heart thawing? It can be as satisfying for the characters as it is for the audience, and such is the case with Mika Simmons‘ latest directorial effort. In My Week With Maisy, we are introducing to Mrs. Foster (played by Dame Joanna Lumley) as…
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Interview…Director Martin Campbell on ‘Dirty Angels’ and Favorite Action Scenes of His Career
Whenever we enter the holiday season, I tend to think of the many amazing opportunities the site has been offered over the years. It’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the release schedule, and I for one am so thankful for experiences on the press tours. And since 2011, we’ve spent time with numerous creative talents talking about their craft on projects big and small. Some are our heroes, others are bucket list gets, some may be totally new territory, but all are welcome. At the very least, they are fun and informative. At best, they have become industry friends with whom we’ve chatted on several…
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Top 10 Christmas Movie Sequels That Are Actually Worth Watching
Editor’s note: This post comes courtesy of an old colleague from our early days blogging the cineweb. Dan Stephens is the founder and editor of Top 10 Films, one of the UK’s longest-running movie sites. From festive fun to heartfelt moments, these Top 10 Christmas Movie Sequels bring holiday magic with humor, nostalgia, and fresh twists. Christmas movies hold a special place in our hearts because they blend the warmth of the holiday spirit with humor, family, and tradition. Whether it’s the joy of seeing our most beloved characters or the thrill of festive adventures, these films create memories we love to revisit year after year. While original Christmas classics…
