Get ready for an entertaining showcase of hilarious yet predatory wickedness
Watch out for Marla Grayson in Netflix’s “I Care a Lot”, she’s truly bad, bad to the bone. The crooked legal guardian played by Rosamund Pike is all about the next opportunity.
Grayson and business partner Fran are hawks, able to easily identify rich powerless older clients. She traps them in her care by declaring them mentally incompetent and then drains all their savings.
Marla then meets her latest mark, Jennifer Peterson, played by Dianne Wiest who has a nice amount in her savings and no apparent living relatives.
This time around, she may have finally met her match, when up pops some unexpected baggage she was definitely not prepared for. Those that have watched the movie have called it “diabolical ruthlessness“, “unapologetically sour” and “a sleekly unnerving thriller“.
In addition to Pike and Wiest, the film stars Peter Dinklage, Eiza González, Chris Messina, Alicia Witt, Isiah Whitlock Jr. and Macon Blair. Available to stream starting February 19, 2021 on Netflix.
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Netflix’s newest drama, “Firefly Lane” has jumped to the first spot on the platforms top 10. The series follows the decade-long friends, Tully Hart played by Katherine Heigl and Kate Mularkey played Sarah Chalke. The young girls original meet in the early 1970’s when then the two teens move across from one other on ….Firefly Lane.
The two become inseparable friends through 30 years of the good and bad times, as well as everything that in between that can happen when you’ve been friends for multiple decades. The series follows the two young ladies from their teens years up to their 40’s.
I’m not gonna lie…this feels really really good!! Thank you to all those who watched!! You’ve made our #fireflylane dreams come true!! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/no73tIyp0Y
Click to see “Firefly Lane” and help independent bookstores. Also available on Amazon.
Katherine Heigl, who many people recognize her name from the very famous ABC series “Grey’s Anatomy”.
The actor who has been working for decades, was labeled in Hollywood as “difficult” back in the early 2000’s and was essentially blacklisted for a period of time. “Firefly Lane” is the actresses latest comeback, and by looks of her tweet, she is very happy about it!
The episodic, based on the bestselling novel by Kristin Hannah (with same title) premiered February 3rd, and those that have already binged it, are already wanting to know, desperately when season 2 will be out.
Those that have read the book, without giving away any spoilers, knows that there will be a dramatic ending to the season.
Upcoming drama focusing on the complicated matters of Love
Zendaya, most recently known for her HBO episodic work in “Euphoria” is making a return to the big screen for the Netflix. The actress will be joining John David Washington (“Tenet”) in the romance film “Malcolm & Marie”, which was shot in black and white.
The upcoming film was created by Sam Levinson (also writer, producer and director of “Euphoria”) and was among the first films that were put together during the pandemic. It has been reported that the production team went above and beyond with precautions to be compliant with the covid-19 protocols.
“Malcolm & Marie” focuses in on a couple’s conversation regarding their past relationships.
The film, which is scheduled for release Feb. 5, has already started to stir up talks of an Academy Award nomination for Zendaya, and as can be hinted from trailer she gives highly charged, emotional performance.
“I am so grateful to this cast and crew, many of whom are my ‘Euphoria’ family, for coming together during such uncertain times. We felt privileged to be able to make this film together and we did so with a lot of love. We are all thrilled that it has ended up with Netflix which is unparalleled in allowing filmmakers the freedom to tell their stories that reach audiences all over the world.”
First look at Disney’s new adventuress and superhero
The recently dropped trailer gives Disney lovers a glimpse of the upcoming movie inspired by Southeast Asian folklore. Voices will feature Kelly Marie Tran as Raya and Awkwafina as Sisu, the dragon. Writer, Qui Nguyen spoke about the character Raya in an interview, being a new kind of female lead, and her special qualities as more of a “superhero” than a “princess”.
“Raya and the Last Dragon” will premier simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ Premier Access (additional fee required apart from Disney+ monthly subscription) on March 5, 2021.
“Growing up in Southeast Asia, we’re very proud of our culture and our history. But you don’t really ever see it on a Hollywood big screen. I had lots of action heroes on screen growing up, but it was like Hong Kong action kung fu. And now, the idea to be part of a Disney movie that can really celebrate everything that’s beautiful about our culture and how strong our women are is great. And that Raya’s not just an ass-kicker. She’s got so much personality. I feel that it’s so much of the spirit of a lot of the women I grew up with. And so, I’m very excited for the world to see this too.”
Qui Nguyen and Adele Lim
Disney’s synopsis:
“Long ago, in the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. But when sinister monsters known as the Druun threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, those same monsters have returned and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the last dragon in order to finally stop the Druun for good. However, along her journey, she’ll learn that it’ll take more than dragon magic to save the world—it’s going to take trust as well.”
Classical, new and skillful presentation make spoken english optional
Omar Sy plays Assane Diop in ‘Lupin’, a limited Netflix series that has become a somewhat unexpected hit. While there have been some successful streaming hits with original French production and english sub-titles, this time it’s not an impediment but a feature.
This observation – that a challenge to read rather than only hear the shows, is followed by many more pleasant and highly satisfying surprises, as the viewer is pulled into the larger story. (some may have dubbed english available, but subtitles provide the meaning without forsaking the nuance of the original acting performances)
The first French language series to hit #1 on the platform, the Netflix original series, produced by Gaumont and created by George Kay, in collaboration with François Uzan, was viewed by over 70 million households, in estimates, during its first month.
The title gives away the first layer of the story – that it is based on the main character’s obsession with the Arsène Lupin novels by Maurice Leblanc, which began after Assane Diop, played by Omar Sy, received one of the novels as a gift from his father, (Fargass Assandé), for his birthday.
The depth of Assane’s lifelong obsession with Arsène Lupin, and the degree to which it gave him a purpose in life, a unique identity and more, is the base fabric and foundation of the tale.
The basic concept is that the impressionable, highly intelligent boy, transforms himself into “Lupin, gentleman thief” all with no more than intense, diligent and concentrated study of the book(s).
A harmony of elements…
But the way that it is told – with various flashbacks to Assane’s formative teen years, contrasted with the “today” narrative and then interspersed with various time-frames to emphasize moments in the long journey of his life, is where the story leaps off the screen.
The fact that his ex-wife, Claire (Ludivine Sagnier) with whom he has a son, Raoul (Etan Simon), around the age, Assane, himself, was when he was gifted the book that changed his life, and she was a big part his life ever since he was a teenager, makes for a circular story that has a ring of truth and yet the beauty of a dream.
The casting – Sy’s ability to portray the character at various ages, along with the teenage versions of both Assane and Claire makes the flashbacks extremely satisfying, like films within the film, Mamadou Haidara as Young Assane and Ludmilla Makowski as Young Claire are particularly well cast and play off each other with delicious chemistry.
The sparing use of technology, in the portrayal of the heist scenes, which gradually changes with each episode, give the modern setting a classical feeling that is entirely appropriate and a nice touch, as so many modern dramas fumble with the task of how to portray cell phone addiction and social media without either oversimplification or over use as a screen device.
From acting performances to the casting, scene realization and more, all intertwine with elegance, much like a Lupin novel
The story builds with each episode and the fifth and final installment of part one, ends on a cliffhanger, as is expected, but the various threads of the story each have the feeling of only having begun to bear fruit, leading to even more lust for a continuation.
Fortunately, Netflix has already finished production on the second batch and the release has been confirmed for later in 2021.
Any who enjoyed and absorbed the first part of the series, up until the dangling final moments, will only have to wait months, not years for the conclusion, or at least the continuation of the saga. Stay tuned.
A relatively low budget film without big marketing mojo is getting added to prestigious best film of 2020 lists. First it was the AP critics, now the National Society of Film Critics has followed suit.
Also, as with the AP, “First Cow” was a runner up. “Never Rarely Sometimes Always” got a nod as well.
The concept is sure to be relatable for many, as it deals with struggles to survive in hard economic times, and follows her journey and experience traveling across the American Heartland looking for ways to get back on her feet.
The story is based on the book of the same title, telling a tale of darker side of the American economy, one where many low-cost labor pools have resulted in many transient older adults, Americans that have to be incredibly resilient and find creative ways in order to survive.
The movie stars Frances McDormand, who plays as a widow, unable to afford her home during the recession, sells her home and packs up all her necessities into her van. There she embarks on journey through the American West, living in her van, as a modern-day, nomad, picking up seasonal work and relying on the compassion and generosity in her travels. Written, edited and produced by Chloe Zhao.
Upcoming drama focusing on the complicated matters of Love
Zendaya, most recently known for her HBO episodic work in “Euphoria” is making a return to the big screen for the Netflix. The actress will be joining John David Washington (“Tenet”) in the romance film “Malcolm & Marie”, which was shot in black and white.
The upcoming film was created by Sam Levinson (also writer, producer and director of “Euphoria”) and was among the first films that were put together during the pandemic. It has been reported that the production team went above and beyond with precautions to be compliant with the covid-19 protocols.
“Malcolm & Marie” focuses in on a couple’s conversation regarding their past relationships.
The film, which is scheduled for release Feb. 5, has already started to stir up talks of an Academy Award nomination for Zendaya, and as can be hinted from trailer she gives highly charged, emotional performance.
“I am so grateful to this cast and crew, many of whom are my ‘Euphoria’ family, for coming together during such uncertain times. We felt privileged to be able to make this film together and we did so with a lot of love. We are all thrilled that it has ended up with Netflix which is unparalleled in allowing filmmakers the freedom to tell their stories that reach audiences all over the world.”
Although 2020 was not the best year for various things humans like and need (I’ll leave the rest to your imagination), films, it seems, were good, even great, nonetheless.
Even amidst the challenges from a delayed, postponed or hindered production environment, some shows triumphed. The greater the struggle the more beautiful the butterfly, it would appear.
Every year AP compiles lists of the best movies of the year and these are at the absolute top of the list:
First Cow:
Set in the early 19th century, in a settlement near Columbia River, what is now Oregon. Two settlers, one a skillet cook, the other a Chinese immigrant partner up to make their fortune on the frontier. Their success, depends on one valuable ingredient, the prized dairy cow that neither of them owns. Jonathan Raymon wrote the script based on the novel “The Half-Life”, directed by Kelly Reichardt and stars: John Magaro and Orion Lee.
Time calls the film “song of this weird, rough-edged stretch of stolen land we call America, a place where tenderness is still the most precious commodity”
Nomadland:
Frances McDormand stars in the drama as a widow, unable to afford her home during the recession, sells her home and packs up all her necessities into her van. There she embarks on journey through the American West, living in her van, as a modern-day, nomad, picking up seasonal work and relying on the compassion and generosity in her travels. Written, edited and produced by Chloé Zhao.
Drama, Thriller, Historic, Action, these upcoming releases have it all!
Check out the below five new trailers, both for theater releases early next year and some Netflix titles. Sabrina the final season, Liam Neeson in “The Marksman”, Ralph Fiennes in “The Dig”, Jodie Foster in “The Mauritanian” and more. This winter is set to be full of new releases for more streaming entertainment.
The Marksman – Jan. 22, 2021
Starring Liam Neeson, this action thriller is about a rancher on the Arizona border who becomes the unlikely defender of a young Mexican boy who is desperately fleeing the cartel assassins. Currently in post-production is set for release in theaters January 21, 2021.
The Dig – Jan. 29, 2021
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina – Dec. 31
A biographical historical drama stars Lily James, Carey Mulligan and Ralph Fiennes. Based on the novel of the same title by author John Preston. About an archaeologist who embarks on an important excavation of Sutton Hoo ini 1938.
The final season, Part 4 of the Netflix series is about to be back. With the iconic Kiernan Shipka as Sabrina. The series will hit your streaming platform on December 31, 2021.
The Mauritanian – Feb. 19, 2021
With an all-star cast including: Jodie Foster, Benedict Cumberbatch and Shailene Woodley, is a military thriller. A detainee at U.S. detention center – Guantanamo Bay is being held without charges for over a decade and seeks help from a defense attorney for his release. The film is completed and is set for theatrical release on February 19, 2021.
We Can Be Heroes – Coming Soon TBA
A group of super kids team up to rescue their super parents from aliens. Pedro Pascal, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Christian Slater, and Yaya Gosselin star as superheroes. Which definitely gives viewers vibes from “Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl”. No official release date has been release but will be coming to Netflix soon. We will update as more information is released.
![The Mauritanian | Official Trailer [HD] | Rent or Own on Digital HD, Blu-ray & DVD Today](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7tmxxzZXLEM/hqdefault.jpg)
