Today's Movies Pulse
Paramount cleared to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, but states gear up for antitrust fights
The U.S. Justice Department approved Paramount Global's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, concluding it will not substantially lessen competition in the media sector. Regulators noted the combined entity would create a stronger streaming alternative while existing live‑programming and film‑studio competition remains robust. Meanwhile, California, New York and several other states are preparing separate antitrust challenges, hinting at a multi‑jurisdictional battle.
Exit 8 Review – Escher-Esque Subway Station Corridor Leads to Disquieting Psychological Mystery
Exit 8, directed by Genki Kawamura, translates the unsettling Japanese video game into a claustrophobic psychological thriller. The film follows a young commuter, played by Kazunari Ninomiya, who becomes trapped in an Escher‑like subway corridor that loops endlessly, echoing a Möbius strip. As he navigates the surreal maze, he confronts existential dread and the monotony of modern commuter life. The movie blends horror, existential themes, and striking visual design to deliver a chilling meditation on routine and anxiety.
Sydney Sweeney Cameo Has Been Cut From ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’
A three‑minute cameo featuring *Euphoria* star Sydney Sweeney was removed from *The Devil Wears Prada 2* after a "creative decision" deemed the scene structurally unsound. The sequel reunites Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci 20 years after...
Primavera (2025)
Primavera, directed by opera‑theater veteran Damiano Michieletto, adapts Tiziano Scarpa’s novel “Stabat Mater” into a visually striking Italian costume drama. Set in 18th‑century Venice, it follows orphaned teen Cecilia as she becomes a pupil of composer Antonio Vivaldi, intertwining her...
Ralph Fiennes, Viggo Mortensen, Charlotte Rampling, Katherine Langford & More Set For István Szabó’s ‘Embers’; Filming Underway & First Looks...
István Szabó’s long‑awaited period drama Embers has begun shooting in Budapest, starring three‑time Oscar nominee Ralph Fiennes opposite Viggo Mortensen. The film adapts Sándor Márai’s acclaimed novel, with a screenplay by two‑time Oscar winner Christopher Hampton and a score by Mychael...
Films to Die For Review – Love Letter to Cinema Under the Guise of a Documentary
Films to Die For, directed by Lúcia Nagib, is a documentary that explores the late‑2000s panic over the “death of cinema” in Hollywood and the indie world. The film features interviews with Wim Wenders, Paulo Branco, Walter Salles and theorist Laura Mulvey, offering...
‘The Office’ Producer & Roughcut TV Boss Ash Atalla Joins NFTS Board
Ash Atalla, the Emmy‑winning producer behind The Office and other UK comedies, has been appointed to the governing board of the National Film and Television School (NFTS). His arrival coincides with NFTS’s major campus expansion, the Cubby Broccoli Building, slated...
What Scares Hollywood’s Top Producers the Most About the State of Movies
In this live CinemaCon episode, legendary producers Jerry Bruckheimer and Emma Thomas discuss the new Filmmakers Council aimed at protecting theatrical exhibition, the fallout from compressed release windows, and the looming Warner‑Paramount merger. They stress that strong, well‑budgeted movies and...
Jason Blum Built a Hit-Making Movie Machine. Does It Still Work?
In this episode, Peter Kafka talks with Jason Blum of Blumhouse Productions about the evolution of his low‑budget horror model in an era where theater attendance is declining. Blum explains his original formula—tiny budgets, profit‑sharing with talent, and a high‑volume...
How EntertainLens Is Covering the New Wave of Chinese IP Going Global
Over the past eighteen months Chinese intellectual property—web‑novel adaptations, micro‑drama formats, and animated franchises—has moved from a niche trade topic to headline‑making acquisitions by Amazon, Netflix and others. EntertainLens, a Los‑Angeles‑based media platform, was created to fill the reporting gap,...
IFFLA Industry Days 2026 to Spotlight South Asian Talent and Strengthen Global Industry Connections
The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) returns for its 2026 Industry Days, a two‑day program on April 24‑25 that links South Asian filmmakers with Hollywood studios, independent platforms, and financiers. The event features panels on hybrid distribution, animation,...
CinemaCon: Amazon MGM Promises More Prime Deliveries
At CinemaCon, Amazon MGM Studios used the stage to cement its claim as a major theatrical distributor, riding the momentum of "Project Hail Mary," which is poised to exceed $300 million domestically and $600 million worldwide. The studio highlighted its upcoming slate,...
Andy Serkis’ Animal Farm Is an Abomination: Review
Andy Serkis’ animated adaptation of George Orwell’s Animal Farm arrives in theaters on May 1 2026, backed by Angel Studios. The film features a star‑studded voice cast including Seth Rogen, Kathleen Turner, Glenn Close and Gaten Matarazzo. Critics slam the movie for a saccharine...
Exit 8: Surreal Subway Horror Forces Existential Confrontation
A young man confronts his life and fears while trapped in a surreal, endless subway corridor, in the surprisingly effective Japanese horror film "Exit 8". Here's my spoiler-free review: https://t.co/lesrIWr4ZV #horror #film #movies #exit8 https://t.co/3KkEuFgY6y
EXCLUSIVE: New Film Independent President Juan Devis on His Story – and the Next Chapter
Film Independent announced veteran media executive Juan Devis as its new president, succeeding the late Josh Welsh. Devis, who grew up in Colombia and previously led KCET’s content and production unit, outlined a vision to evolve the nonprofit from a...
Savage House Sets June 5, 2026 Release Date in New Trailer
Republic Pictures unveiled a trailer for ‘Savage House,’ confirming a June 5, 2026 theatrical release. The period dark comedy stars Richard E. Grant and Claire Foy and is directed by Peter Glanz, marking a notable addition to the 2026 slate.
This Is Not a Vivaldi Biopic: Damiano Michieletto on Primavera
Damiano Michieletto’s feature debut *Primavera* premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025, dramatizing Antonio Vivaldi’s early years at Venice’s Ospedale della Pietà. The film follows a fictional pupil, violinist Cecilia, as she navigates a patriarchal world while...
Super Nature, a Love Letter to Nature Created on Super 8 Film, to Be Released on 4 September
BFI Distribution announced that Ed Sayers’ *Super Nature* will open in UK and Ireland cinemas on 4 September 2026. The documentary is filmed entirely on vintage Super 8 cameras, featuring footage from 40 collaborators across 25 countries and contributions from notable artists such...
On the Imperfections of Motherhood: Daughter’s Daughter by Xi Huang
"Daughter’s Daughter," directed by Xi Huang, follows Ai as she confronts the tangled legacies of motherhood with her two daughters—adopted Emma and estranged Zuer—after a sudden tragedy. The film delves into Zuer’s IVF journey, her partner’s subtle presence, and the...
"Terrifying" New Evil Dead Movie Gets an Incredible Teaser Trailer You Need to See
The sixth entry in the Evil Dead franchise, *Evil Dead Burn*, drops in theaters on July 10, 2024. Written and directed by Sébastien Vaniček—who helmed 2023’s *Infested*—the film sees original creator Sam Raimi back as executive producer. The teaser reveals a grieving woman battling demonic...
Netflix Quietly Adds Martin Short Movie Collection to Celebrate New Documentary
Netflix is bolstering its comedy slate ahead of the May 12, 2026 debut of the documentary *Marty, Life is Short*. The streamer will add Martin Short’s *Father of the Bride* and its sequel to its catalog in May, joining existing titles like...
Sydney Sweeney Isn’t in The Devil Wears Prada 2 Anymore
Sydney Sweeney filmed a three‑minute cameo for the upcoming *The Devil Wears Prada* sequel, playing herself as a celebrity client of Emily Blunt’s character. The scene was removed during post‑production after editors deemed it didn’t fit the film’s structural flow....
Screen Forever 2026: Lifetime Achievement for Nadia Tass & David Parker
Renowned Australian filmmaking duo Nadia Tass and David Parker will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 24th Screen Producers Australia Awards. Their company, Cascade Films, founded in 1985, has earned more than 70 international awards and showcased titles at...
Netflix Plans to Buy Historic Radford Studio Center
Netflix is in advanced talks to acquire the historic Radford Studio Center in Studio City for a price between $330 million and $400 million. The deal comes after the lot’s former operator, Hackman Capital Partners, defaulted on a $1.1 billion mortgage, prompting Goldman...
The Next Best Picture Podcast – Interview With “I Swear” Star Robert Aramayo
"I Swear" is a 2025 British biographical drama directed by Kirk Jones that chronicles the life of John Davidson, a Scottish man with severe Tourette syndrome featured in the 1989 documentary “John’s Not Mad.” The film debuted at the Toronto...
We FINALLY Got Someone in Prada
Simone Ashley, playing Miranda Priestley’s new assistant Emily in “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” becomes the first cast member to wear Prada on screen. The sequel’s premiere featured a star‑studded lineup including Lady Gaga, Ciara, Kenneth Branagh, Justin Theroux and Broadway talent Helen J. Shen....
TriCoast's Nick Risher On Why Owning The Content Changes The Math
TriCoast Media, a film distributor with a 5,000‑title library and four FAST channels, has evolved into a supply‑side platform (SSP). By offering its content to publishers at a reduced revenue‑share rate, it can secure cheaper CPMs for backfill inventory. This...
Obsession Director, Curry Barker, to Chew on A24's Texas Chainsaw Massacre Reboot
A24, which secured the Texas Chainsaw Massacre rights in February 2025, is launching a new film and television reboot of the iconic horror franchise. Director Curry Barker, known for his low‑budget YouTube hit "Milk & Serial," has been appointed to...
Not All the Jacksons Wanted to Be in Michael
The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, titled *Michael*, will omit several key family members who have declined participation, most notably Janet Jackson. Randy and Rebbie Jackson also chose not to be involved, while Michael’s daughter Paris publicly criticized the film’s emphasis...
Stream It Or Skip It: ‘18th Rose’ on Netflix, A Nostalgic Filipino Coming-of-Age Tale Set in the 2000s
Netflix has added the Filipino teen dramedy "18th Rose" to its streaming lineup, a film set in the early 2000s that follows newcomer Jordan and street‑smart Rose as they navigate family expectations and first love. Writer‑director Dolly Dulu uses Y2K...
Stray Cats by Jennie Kermode
Spanish indie thriller Luger marks director Bruno Martín’s first feature in 16 years and writer Santiago Taboada’s debut as a feature‑film screenwriter. The story follows two petty criminals, Rafa and Toni, whose uneasy friendship drives a gritty, low‑budget action narrative centered on a...
Stream It Or Skip It: ‘UNTOLD: The Shooting at Hawthorne Hill’ on Netflix, a True-Crime Story From the World of...
Netflix’s UNTOLD series adds a new entry, "The Shooting at Hawthorne Hill," chronicling the 2019 attempted murder of dressage rider Lauren Kanarek by former Olympian trainer Michael Barisone. The documentary uniquely features on‑camera interviews with both the victim and the...
Michael Jackson Biopic Stirs Debate Ahead of Release
The forthcoming Michael Jackson biopic has ignited controversy as critics and fans question whether the film will present a complete picture of the singer's life. Industry observers note strong box‑office potential despite the backlash.
‘Avengers: Endgame’ Will Return to Theaters. Unfortunately, I Have to See It.
Marvel announced a limited‑run re‑release of Avengers: Endgame on September 25, 2026, featuring a new premium‑format called “Infinity Vision.” The rerelease will include brand‑new scenes designed to bridge the 2019 climax directly to the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. Disney presented Infinity Vision...
L.A. to Cut Film Permit Fees, but Only for Small Projects
Los Angeles launched a six‑month pilot to slash film‑permit fees for very small productions, cutting application costs from $931 to $350 and waiving fire‑department spot‑check fees. The program targets shoots with fewer than 30 cast and crew members, lasting no...
What IMAX Got Right While the Rest of the Movie Industry Flatlined
Domestic box‑office revenue has stalled under $9 billion for three years, yet IMAX posted a record $449 million domestic haul and $1.28 billion globally, a 40% year‑over‑year rise. With only about 1% of North American screens, IMAX captured nearly 20% of opening‑weekend grosses...
Jaafar Shines, but Film Remains Shallow, Surface‑level
Michael - Jaafar Jackson is terrific as MJ. But the rest of it is just fine. Not bad, not very good either - an impressively surface level examination focused entirely on the theme of escaping the strict control of his...
MJ Biopic Serves Legal Agenda, Not Storytelling
Lionsgate’s buzzy biopic is, amid legal peril (as opposed to commercial pressures), mostly just an (entertaining) IMAX-friendly musical montage, a prologue to a theoretical sequel that’s (mostly) intended to publicly relitigate Michael Jackson’s later years. (Review of #Michael, via @scott_alan_mendelson) https://scottmendelson.substack.com/p/review-michael-jackson-movie-shuts-up-and-sings
![‘Leviticus’ Review: Adrian Chiarella Conjures a Timely and Biblically Scary Gay Horror Story [A-]](https://hixhlmpcokxhartfkpyi.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/images/thumbnails/a24a98b5801063d86fc5abb925f0a67a.webp)
‘Leviticus’ Review: Adrian Chiarella Conjures a Timely and Biblically Scary Gay Horror Story [A-]
Adrian Chiarella’s debut horror film Leviticus premiered at Sundance’s Midnight section, earning strong critical buzz and a heated seven‑figure acquisition by NEON. The Australian‑set thriller uses biblical motifs to critique homophobic interpretations of Leviticus and the trauma of conversion therapy. Starring Joe Bird...
Simple, Movie‑scene Teasers Beat Traditional Ads
Evil Dead Burn’s teaser trailer is excellent. HBO used to cut their movie ads like this. Simple, clean, effective, attention grabbing. I’ve been saying for decades now that more of ‘em should just be sequences from the movie itself.
Florida's Wild Pursuit of Invasive Burmese Pythons
Florida People Gone Wild in 'The Python Hunt' Doc Film Official Trailer https://t.co/4FcbLIjzJR #docs #ThePythonHunt #snakes #Flordia #Burmesepython https://t.co/lJU2bggb0n
Tim Cook Turned Apple Into a Hollywood Power Player. Does the New CEO Feel the Same Way?
Tim Cook transformed Apple from a hardware‑centric firm into a major player in Hollywood by launching Apple TV+ and an in‑house studio, driving services revenue from $46.3 billion in 2019 to $109 billion last year. The platform attracted marquee talent such as...
William H. Macy Haunts Train in ‘Speed Demon’ Trailer
William H. Macy in Exorcism-on-a-Train Movie 'Speed Demon' Trailer https://t.co/8J9yEsOUiD #SpeedDemon #horror #WilliamHMacy #KatieCassidy #Asmodeus https://t.co/dK0yRQSuuU
Project Hail Mary Puppeteer James Ortiz Oscar‑eligible
An Oscar for Rocky? ‘Project Hail Mary’ Puppeteer James Ortiz Is Eligible for Best Supporting Actor (EXCLUSIVE) https://t.co/iXDRoop8tD via @variety
Translating the Script to Budget FREE WEBINAR
Dear Producer is hosting a free two‑hour webinar on May 9, 2024, titled “How the Scope of the Script Defines the Budget.” Line Producer and DGA Production Manager Jennifer A. Haire will walk creative teams through script breakdowns, location scouting, scheduling, and...
Official US Trailer Drops for Hand-Drawn Anime Jinsei
Official US Trailer for Hand-Drawn Anime 'Jinsei' Made by Ryuya Suzuki https://t.co/98oy3NHfdG #animation #Jinsei #RyuyaSuzuki #AceCool https://t.co/rqiS5LUD4v
Kumail Nanjiani, Jim Belushi Join Tatiana Maslany in Green Bank
Excl: Kumail Nanjiani, Jim Belushi, Brittany O’Grady & Taylor John Smith join Tatiana Maslany in sci-Fi thriller GREEN BANK https://t.co/psEXwXj5dh
Millie Bobby Brown's Netflix Adaptation of Her "Remarkable" Novel Gets Exciting Update
Netflix is moving ahead with "Nineteen Steps," the period drama adaptation of Millie Bobby Brown’s debut novel, now helmed by Oscar‑winning director Tom Hooper. Brown will both star in and co‑produce the film alongside her husband Jake Bongiovi, with four‑time...
Richard Gadd's 'Half Man' Trailer Explores Modern Masculinity
Behind the Story Promo Video for 'Half Man' Richard Gadd's New Series https://t.co/W54Al0CyfD #HalfMan #JamieBell #RichardGadd #masculinity #HBO #BBC https://t.co/xKUzMiPtVm
2026 Cannes: Short Film and La Cinef Titles Announced
The 79th Cannes Film Festival will feature ten short films in competition, selected from 3,184 submissions representing 136 countries. The Short Film Palme d’or will be presented on May 23, concluding the festival’s May 12‑22 run. Parallel to the main event, La Cinef’s 29th...
The Short Films Lineup For The 2026 Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Film Festival’s 2026 short film competition will feature ten titles chosen from a pool of 3,184 entries, representing 136 countries. The lineup spans a range of genres and includes works by emerging directors such as Hadrien Bels, Mathilde...