Today's Movies Pulse
The sci‑fi thriller from Spielberg is described as a flawed yet entertaining ride, while its Rotten Tomatoes rating has exceeded fan expectations. The film’s reception highlights both its narrative shortcomings and its unexpected critical approval.
Love, Lust and Loose Screws: The Weekender’s 10 Best AI Movies of the Past 20 Years
The Weekender curated a subjective list of the ten most impactful AI‑themed films released over the past two decades, ranking them by cultural stickiness, emotional payoff, and rewatchability. The list spans from early classics like WALL‑E and Her to recent releases such as Companion (2025) and The Creator (2023), noting box‑office grosses ranging from $37 million to $672 million and multiple Oscar nominations and wins. Each entry highlights how the movies use artificial intelligence not merely as a gadget but as a mirror for human flaws. The article argues that AI cinema consistently reflects enduring human anxieties about control, grief, and connection.
Watch Michelle Yeoh, Maggie Cheung, and Anita Mui Save a Bunch of Floating Babies in ‘The Heroic Trio’
Johnnie To’s 1993 cult classic The Heroic Trio has been added to the Criterion Collection and is now streaming on HBO Max, bringing the three‑woman kung‑fu superhero adventure back into the spotlight. The film stars Michelle Yeoh, Maggie Cheung and the late Anita Mui, blending wuxia, sci‑fi...
Exclusive Look at Michael's Uncensored Original Script
If you saw Michael and want to know what it WOULD have been without the legal issues, here’s the only analysis you’ll find of the original script (because I’m the only journalist who actually read it). ⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/U0HWAjLs1U
Two Prisoners Perfect a Delicate Dance of Appeasement and Self-Interest in 'Wasteman'
Cal McMau’s feature debut, *Wasteman*, follows Taylor (David Jonsson), a low‑key inmate serving a 13‑year sentence, as he navigates a volatile prison hierarchy and a looming early‑parole hearing. The film pits Taylor’s passive survival tactics against the domineering Dee (Tom...
The Stranger, The Drama, and the Criticism of Ben Lerner
The review contrasts two recent films, the black‑and‑white adaptation “The Stranger” of Camus’s novel and the genre‑bending romantic‑comedy‑thriller “The Drama.” “The Stranger” leans on classic noir techniques but ends with a familiar, philosophically vague soliloquy, while “The Drama” employs flash‑forward...
The Next Best Picture Podcast – Interview With “Apex” Screenwriter Jeremy Robbins
The Next Best Picture Podcast released an interview with "Apex" screenwriter Jeremy Robbins, offering behind‑the‑scenes insight into the 2026 survival thriller starring Charlize Theron, Taron Egerton and Eric Bana. Directed by Baltasar Kormákur, the film follows a rock climber hunted...
‘The Silence of the Lambs’ Returns in 4K for Its 35th Anniversary
For its 35th anniversary, the Academy‑Award‑winning horror‑thriller *The Silence of the Lambs* is being shown in 4K at select US theaters this weekend. The re‑release offers fans a chance to see the iconic film on the big screen again, while...
Director and Producer Earn Millions for Sanitizing Film
The director and producer of Michael got paid millions more for the trouble of sanitizing the movie, per @tgbuckley. https://t.co/pWvvzwlzn3 https://t.co/kUaaQ4OirM
Spider-Man: Brand New Day Will Be Missing This Original MCU Star
Spider‑Man: Brand New Day, the fourth MCU‑linked Spider‑Man film, will hit theaters on July 31. Tom Holland and Zendaya return, but Jon Favreau’s Happy Hogan will be absent. Favreau confirmed on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that he isn’t in the movie, citing...
Why ‘Leaving Neverland’ Disappeared From Streaming
Dan Reed’s two‑part HBO documentary *Leaving Neverland* aired in 2019, won an Emmy and sparked a legal battle with the Michael Jackson estate over alleged one‑sidedness and a nondisparagement clause. The estate sued HBO, and the case lingered until both sides...
‘Searching For Drug Peace’ Trailer: Hot Docs Film Explores “Daring Reform Activist” Waging War On The War On Drugs
The documentary *Searching for Drug Peace* will debut at Hot Docs in Toronto on April 28, 2026, chronicling activist Dana Larsen’s battle against the North American War on Drugs. The film highlights the staggering overdose toll—nearly 80,000 deaths in the U.S. in...
The North - Jennie Kermode - 20308
"The North" is a documentary that follows friends Chris and Lluis on a 28‑day trek across Scotland’s West Highland Way and the Cape Wrath Trail. The film blends breathtaking highland scenery with a personal exploration of friendship, life choices, and...
In the Wake of War, a German Boy Finds a Way Forward in the Arresting 'Amrum'
“Amrum” is a new German coming‑of‑age drama set on the North Sea island of Amrum in 1945, following 12‑year‑old Nanning as he navigates post‑war hardship and his family’s Nazi legacy. The film is directed by Fatih Akin, who adapted a...
Yes, ‘Michael’ Really Ends Like That
Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic, *Michael*, concludes with a “His Story Continues” title card, echoing superhero sequels. The original cut would have opened in 1993 with a police raid on Neverland and the Chandler molestation lawsuit, but the Jackson estate...
Inside Trump and David Ellison’s Private Party in Washington
Paramount Pictures CEO David Ellison hosted a private dinner in Washington that included President Donald Trump, senior administration officials, and CBS News executives as the studio seeks federal approval for its $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Attendees also included...
CinemaCon: Paramount Punts And Skydance Promises
At CinemaCon, Paramount unveiled plans for new installments of legacy franchises such as Star Trek, Transformers, G.I. Joe and TMNT, while acknowledging that its recent slate has underperformed at the box office. The studio’s only thriving original franchise is Sonic,...
CinemaCon 2026: A Merger Splits the House
CinemaCon 2026 highlighted a resilient theatrical market while exposing deep fault lines over the approved Paramount‑Warner Bros. Discovery merger. Industry leaders like MPA chair Charles Rivkin emphasized the cultural value of cinema and pushed for a federal film‑tax incentive, but...
Pete Ohs Wants Filmmaking to Be Fun — and for You to Edit His Movies
Indie director Pete Ohs is turning his latest feature, “Erupcja,” into a collaborative experiment by publishing the trailer’s raw footage for anyone to edit. Shot in Warsaw, the film required SAG contract rates, pushing the budget above his typical $10,000...
'I Swear' Tells a True Story of Tourette's Syndrome and Someone Hoping to Make a Change
British actor Robert Aramayo captured the BAFTA lead‑actor award for his portrayal of Tourette’s activist John Davidson in the biopic “I Swear.” The film, written and directed by Kirk Jones, traces Davidson’s four‑decade struggle against stigma, from a bullied teenager...
AGON: Giulio Bertelli’s Debut Film Reframes Sport as Something Stranger and More Political
Italian director Giulio Bertelli’s debut feature *AGON* arrives on April 24, branding itself as “techno neorealism.” The film follows a female fencer, played by Olympic gold‑medalist Alice Bellandi, as she navigates a sport stripped of crowds, ceremonies and media framing. Bertelli, a...
WGA Members Ratify New 4-Year Deal with Film and TV Studios
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) ratified a four‑year contract effective May 2, 2026 through May 1, 2030, with over 90 percent of voting members in favor. Studios will contribute $280 million to the guild’s health...
THE SAVIORS: Paranoia, Perspective, and the Danger of Assumption
Kevin Hamedani’s debut feature *The Saviors* fuses satire, horror and sci‑fi, delivering a genre‑bending thriller that keeps audiences guessing. The story follows a financially strained couple, Sean (Adam Scott) and Kim (Danielle Deadwyler), who rent their guest house to Middle‑Eastern siblings, sparking...
Universal Shifts Star‑Studded Films, Delays MJ‑Butler to 202
Major reshuffle at #Universal’s release schedule, as just a day after confirming #MiamiVice85 to AUG 06, 2027, the studio just pushed #MichaelBJordan & #AustinButler to SUMMER 2028, now debuting on MAY 19, 2028. That slot belonged to #TheMummy sequel starring #BrendanFraser...
Margaret Qualley and Callum Turner Are Apparently Starring in Smile Director's Possession Remake
Paramount is moving forward with a remake of Andrzej Żuławski’s 1981 cult horror Possession, enlisting Margaret Qualley and Callum Turner as the leads. The project is helmed by Parker Finn, the director of the recent hit Smile, and was first hinted at...
'You Get in the Car, You Go Somewhere, You Have an Experience' By Amber Wilkinson
Indie drama “Omaha,” directed by first‑time filmmaker Cole Webley, opened in U.S. theaters after premiering at Sundance 2025. The film follows a grieving single father (John Magaro) on a road‑trip with his two children and a golden retriever, largely confined to...
Critics Label 'Stranger Things: Tales From ’85' A Cynical Animated Retread
Variety’s Alison Herman panned the Netflix animated spin‑off 'Stranger Things: Tales From ’85', calling it a cynical retread that recycles the original story between Seasons 2 and 3. The review highlights the shift to animation, new voice talent, and the perception that...
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Why Isn't Janet Jackson in “Michael”? Why You Won't See the Pop Icon in Her Brother's Biopic
Michael, the new Lionsgate biopic about Michael Jackson’s early career, opened this week with Prince Jackson producing and family members cast as his parents and brothers. The film omits three of his siblings—Rebbie, Randy and Janet—after Janet reportedly declined to...
Exclusive: Netflix’s Gears of War Movie Is Taking Time to Get It Right
Netflix is developing a live‑action Gears of War movie with director David Leitch, announced in 2025. 87North Productions’ co‑producer Kelly McCormick says the project is deep in the writing phase, prioritizing faithful character and world building over speed. The team...
How Did We End Up With Michael?
Antoine Fuqua’s Michael biopic, starring Jaafar Jackson as his uncle, was originally planned for a 1993 release but now focuses on the artist’s 1988 rise. The film omits any reference to the late star’s child‑abuse allegations because a settlement clause...
Battlefield Movie Coming From Michael B. Jordan
Michael B. Jordan is teaming with director Christopher McQuarrie to develop a film adaptation of Electronic Arts' Battlefield franchise. McQuarrie will write, direct and produce while Jordan will produce and may star, with EA also listed as a producer. The project is being...
The 10 Best Movies and TV Shows to Watch This Weekend
Vulture’s weekend roundup highlights ten must‑watch titles, headlined by Anne Hathaway’s new pop‑star film “Mother Mary.” The movie, directed by David Lowery, draws inspiration from Taylor Swift’s rise and features original songs from Jack Antonoff, Charli XCX and FKA Twigs. The list also...
Massive Box Office Shows Fans Prefer Familiar over Critical Praise
With $12.6 million domestic (and around $31 million worldwide) heading into the weekend, even the most brutal pans declare that 'Michael' will give fans what they want while omitting what they don’t. As such, even the sharpest critical takedowns can...
Film Critics Lose Credibility After Praising The Bride
The absurdity of film critics recommending the disastrous THE BRIDE & trashing MICHAEL has truly ended any relevance they once possessed It’s O-V-E-R https://t.co/RSAdtckoqh
'Michael' Box Office: Why Poor Reviews Are Helping
Lionsgate’s Michael, a Michael Jackson biopic directed by Antone Fuqua, opened to $8.8 million on Thursday and $12.6 million including Wednesday previews, setting a new benchmark for music‑focused biopics. Industry analysts project a domestic opening between $75 million and $95 million, potentially eclipsing the...
Park Chan Wook to Direct Western Thriller with McConaughey
EXCLU with @AndreasWiseman : We have our first major Cannes package to hit the market as Park Chan Wook is set to direct the western thriller BRIGANDS OF RATTLECREEK with Matthew McConaughey, Pedro Pascal and Austin Butler attached to...
Universal Pushes Miami Vice 85 to May, Signaling Confidence
Looks like Universal has more faith in #MiamiVice85 than at first as they slide it to May, encouraging sign https://t.co/aChD5o2byr
Movies You Won’t Want to Miss: Hear From John Early and IndieWire Staffers About CinemaCon, ‘The Mummy,’ and ‘Maddie’s Secret’
IndieWire’s Screen Talk podcast recapped the 2026 CinemaCon, highlighting studio strategies such as Paramount‑Skydance’s pending acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery and Warner’s new Clockwork label debuting Sean Baker’s “Ti Amo.” The episode also reviewed the box‑office performance of Lee Cronin’s “The Mummy,” which...
Wuthering Heights Streams on HBO Max After 77‑day Window
Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of #WutheringHeights starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi will begin #streaming on #HBOMax on Friday, May 1. Its linear television premiere will be the following day on #HBO. That’s a 77-day window between US-wide theatrical release and SVOD....
New to MUBI/VOD - SOUND OF FALLING
Mascha Schilinski’s new film *Sound of Falling* debuts on MUBI, weaving four interlaced timelines set on an East‑German farm to explore how historic trauma reverberates through generations of girls. Each era—from World I to the present—features a young female protagonist whose...
Tony Leung’s Career Retrospective Trailer Premieres in NYC
NYC's 'The Grandmaster: Tony Leung' A Career Retrospective Trailer https://t.co/Et87KaddRn #NYC #FilmLinc #TonyLeungChiuwai #SilentFriend #cinema https://t.co/OeLZydl4Mn
‘Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard And Soft’ To Premiere At Westwood Village Theatre Before Venue’s Fall Renovations
Paramount’s James Cameron‑directed concert film "Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D)" will premiere on May 6 at the historic Westwood Village Theatre, a 95‑year‑old landmark operated by the American Cinematheque. Dolby has upgraded the venue’s...
‘Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass’ Teaser: Zoey Deutch Is on a Mission to Sleep with Jon Hamm
David Wain’s new comedy ‘Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass’ stars Zoey Deutch as a small‑town hairdresser who vows to cross Jon Hamm off her own celebrity‑sex‑pass list after her fiancé’s infidelity. The teaser, released after the film’s Sundance debut, showcases...
Canadian Thriller “Best Boy” Trailer Reveals Twisted Family Games
Official Trailer for Twisted Family Games Film 'Best Boy' from Canada https://t.co/eciPpjKpqJ #BestBoy #thriller #Canada #indiefilm #family #AaronAbrams https://t.co/TvH0cjUMaG
Official Trailer for Twisted Family Games Film 'Best Boy' From Canada
Vortex Media has released the official trailer for "Best Boy," a darkly comic Canadian indie film directed by Jesse Noah Klein. The story follows three adult siblings who compete in a bizarre, high‑stakes challenge to claim their late father’s $100,000...
Exploring Whether History Was Truly Less Violent
Is It True That... the Past Was Less Violent? - Watch the full documentary (but not in the US, unfortunately - seems to be Europe-only). | ARTE in English https://t.co/yxWj1xlBBx
How Hollywood Rediscovered Its Anti-Monopoly Roots
Warner shareholders approved Paramount's $110 billion bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, but the stock fell, signaling investor doubt. Over 4,000 artists, including high‑profile names, signed an open letter decrying the merger as harmful to jobs and creative diversity. State attorneys general,...
Michael B. Jordan to Make Battlefield Movie that Definitely Won't Just Look Like Every Other War Film
Michael B. Jordan and acclaimed filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie are developing a film adaptation of Electronic Arts' long‑running Battlefield franchise. McQuarrie will write, direct and produce, while Jordan will produce and could also star. The move follows Battlefield 6 becoming the best‑selling video...
Hollywood's Unfixable Box Office Weakness Exposed
New Box Office Behavior essay coming Monday. I like this one as it hits on a major Hollywood weakness that has no clear fix (yet). Stay tuned.
Movie Buzz Now Drives Marketing Beyond Opening Weekend
Fascinating good news. People like movies and talk about them, and that's beginning to change marketing so it's not all about the opening weekend. https://t.co/opCwaLv7IT
Myths in the Movies: Excalibur (1981)
The blog post dissects the 1981 film Excalibur, arguing that the movie frames monarchy as a sacred, almost organic system rather than mere politics. It highlights how the narrative ties the health of the land to the legitimacy of King...