Looking at the bright colors, elaborate costumes and lush sets of “Fantasmas,” you would be forgiven for thinking the inspiration for Julio Torres‘ latest HBO comedy is more joyful than it actually is.
“Thinking about the world and thinking about the kinds of people I wanted to have in the show, this common thread of feeling alienated and feeling a little lonely kept coming up,” Torres told TheWrap. “I wrote down all of the stories I wanted to tell, saw the common denominator and allowed that to inform the through-line of the story and the overarching world of it.”
Torres originally sold his latest comedy in 2020. However, thanks to the “bottleneck of the pandemic” and the creator’s work on other projects such as his film “Problemista” — which he wrote and directed — the series was delayed.
“I feel like doing work in this industry feels like a burst,” Torres said.
“Thinking about the world and thinking about the kinds of people I wanted to have in the show, this common thread of feeling alienated and feeling a little lonely kept coming up,” Torres told TheWrap. “I wrote down all of the stories I wanted to tell, saw the common denominator and allowed that to inform the through-line of the story and the overarching world of it.”
Torres originally sold his latest comedy in 2020. However, thanks to the “bottleneck of the pandemic” and the creator’s work on other projects such as his film “Problemista” — which he wrote and directed — the series was delayed.
“I feel like doing work in this industry feels like a burst,” Torres said.
- 6/8/2024
- by Kayla Cobb
- The Wrap
Julio Torres’ new HBO series Fantasmas takes its name from the Spanish word for “ghosts,” which Torres’ fictionalized alter ego wants to use for a clear crayon. When a Crayola executive asks why anyone would want such a thing, Julio argues, “Some things aren’t the normal colors, or play by the rules of the rainbow.”
Torres himself has no interest in normal colors, whether in his movie Problemista or his previous HBO show, the surreal supernatural buddy comedy Los Espookys. He can look at ridiculous things and treat them with intense seriousness,...
Torres himself has no interest in normal colors, whether in his movie Problemista or his previous HBO show, the surreal supernatural buddy comedy Los Espookys. He can look at ridiculous things and treat them with intense seriousness,...
- 6/7/2024
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Rollingstone.com
As a writer for “Saturday Night Live” from 2016 to 2019, Julio Torres was able to create immersive worlds — the existential melancholy of a sink; the font obsession of an “Avatar” super fan — in just a few minutes’ worth of sketch. Over time, the comedian has only acquired more space and resources to realize his singular vision. Since 2019, Torres has co-created and co-starred in the surreal sitcom “Los Espookys”; recorded the hourlong special “My Favorite Shapes”; and directed his feature debut, “Problemista,” acting opposite Tilda Swinton. With every added level of authority, Torres has assumed even greater control of the ultra-specific sensibility evident in his earliest “SNL” breakouts. Torres’ imagination yields glamorous, distinctly queer realities with the logic of a fairy tale, grounded by the bemused frustration of an author who had to traverse the American immigration system to bring his dreamy art to life.
With his new series “Fantasmas,” Torres answers...
With his new series “Fantasmas,” Torres answers...
- 6/7/2024
- by Alison Herman
- Variety Film + TV
One of the more commonly overused words in entertainment marketing is “visionary.”
Whether or not a single consumer has ever watched a film or TV show because of an unsourced studio claim that the alleged auteur behind it was a “visionary,” the frequency with which the term is applied appropriately is very low. Wanna call Wes Anderson a visionary? Sure. Even people who hate the guy can’t deny the singularity of his approach. But just as frequently it’s tossed in the direction of, say, a guy whose vision was making a commercial with Antonio Banderas as a bee who hates snot. There needs to be a more thorough “visionary” vetting process.
That being said: Julio Torres is a visionary.
The former Saturday Night Live writer’s new HBO comedy Fantasmas doesn’t exactly confirm the absurdist promise of HBO’s Los Espookys and the recent feature Problemista mostly...
Whether or not a single consumer has ever watched a film or TV show because of an unsourced studio claim that the alleged auteur behind it was a “visionary,” the frequency with which the term is applied appropriately is very low. Wanna call Wes Anderson a visionary? Sure. Even people who hate the guy can’t deny the singularity of his approach. But just as frequently it’s tossed in the direction of, say, a guy whose vision was making a commercial with Antonio Banderas as a bee who hates snot. There needs to be a more thorough “visionary” vetting process.
That being said: Julio Torres is a visionary.
The former Saturday Night Live writer’s new HBO comedy Fantasmas doesn’t exactly confirm the absurdist promise of HBO’s Los Espookys and the recent feature Problemista mostly...
- 6/6/2024
- by Daniel Fienberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
With its list of new releases for June 2024, HBO streamer Max is finally headed back to Westeros.
The highlight of this month is undoubtedly the premiere of House of the Dragon season 2 on June 16. Episode 1 will drop on both HBO and Max that Sunday night at 9 p.m. Et. With the infamous Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons now underway, the next batch of episodes for this Game of Thrones prequel should be truly epic.
Arriving before House of the Dragon season 2 is another story of a fraught succession. Ren Faire, a documentary series about an ailing king retiring from the country’s largest renaissance festival, premieres on June 2. Other TV options this month include Julio Torres comedy Fantasmas on June 7 and docuseries One South: Portrait of a Psych Unit on June 25.
Max plays host to a couple of major movies in June as well. The...
The highlight of this month is undoubtedly the premiere of House of the Dragon season 2 on June 16. Episode 1 will drop on both HBO and Max that Sunday night at 9 p.m. Et. With the infamous Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons now underway, the next batch of episodes for this Game of Thrones prequel should be truly epic.
Arriving before House of the Dragon season 2 is another story of a fraught succession. Ren Faire, a documentary series about an ailing king retiring from the country’s largest renaissance festival, premieres on June 2. Other TV options this month include Julio Torres comedy Fantasmas on June 7 and docuseries One South: Portrait of a Psych Unit on June 25.
Max plays host to a couple of major movies in June as well. The...
- 6/1/2024
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Bei Mubi Go im Juni stehen u.a. das vielfach prämierte Historiendrama „King’s Land“ und Eva Trobischs neue, bei der Berlinale erstmals vorgestellte Arbeit „Ivo“ im Programm.
„King’s Land” (Credit: Plaion / Henrik Ohsten / Zentropa)
In der Reihe Mubi Go präsentiert der Streamingdienst und Filmverleih auch im Juni wieder ein fein kuratiertes Programm, das sich Abonnenten kostenlos in einem der Partnerkinos anschauen können. Gleich am Anfang, in der Woche vom 6. Juni, präsentiert das Angebot das vielfach preisgekrönte Historiendrama „King’s Land“ von Nikolaj Arcel mit Mads Mikkelsen in der Hauptrolle. Darauf folgt die surreale Komödie „Problemista“. Eva Trobischs neue Arbeit „Ivo“, die auf der Berlinale Weltpremiere feierte, können Mubi Go-Mitglieder in der Woche vom 20. Juni im Kino sehen. Den Abschluss im Juni macht Jeff Nichols‘ stargespickter „The Bikeriders“, der die Subkultur der amerikanischen Motorradclubs der 1960er Jahre zu neuem Leben erweckt.
Partnerkinos von Mubi Go sind:
Berlin:
14 Kinos der Yorck Kinogruppe, Wolf Kino,...
„King’s Land” (Credit: Plaion / Henrik Ohsten / Zentropa)
In der Reihe Mubi Go präsentiert der Streamingdienst und Filmverleih auch im Juni wieder ein fein kuratiertes Programm, das sich Abonnenten kostenlos in einem der Partnerkinos anschauen können. Gleich am Anfang, in der Woche vom 6. Juni, präsentiert das Angebot das vielfach preisgekrönte Historiendrama „King’s Land“ von Nikolaj Arcel mit Mads Mikkelsen in der Hauptrolle. Darauf folgt die surreale Komödie „Problemista“. Eva Trobischs neue Arbeit „Ivo“, die auf der Berlinale Weltpremiere feierte, können Mubi Go-Mitglieder in der Woche vom 20. Juni im Kino sehen. Den Abschluss im Juni macht Jeff Nichols‘ stargespickter „The Bikeriders“, der die Subkultur der amerikanischen Motorradclubs der 1960er Jahre zu neuem Leben erweckt.
Partnerkinos von Mubi Go sind:
Berlin:
14 Kinos der Yorck Kinogruppe, Wolf Kino,...
- 5/31/2024
- by Barbara Schuster
- Spot - Media & Film
It’s almost time to head back to Westeros as the second season of “House of the Dragon” premieres on Max and HBO on Sunday, June 16. The epic prequel series to “Game of Thrones” will air new episodes in HBO’s premier window on Sunday night through Aug. 4. Also hitting the service in June will be the comedy special from “Hacks” star “Hannah Einbinder: Everything Must Go” and the motel-renovation series “Trixie Motel: Drag Me Home.”
Also coming to Max via the Bleacher Report Sports Add-On will be United States Men’s and Women’s soccer games, the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, Major League Baseball games, and potentially the conclusions of the NBA and NHL conference championship slates. Don’t miss any of the sports action and streaming premieres of the best prestige and unscripted titles on Max. The streamer offers three monthly subscription plans ranging from ad-supported...
Also coming to Max via the Bleacher Report Sports Add-On will be United States Men’s and Women’s soccer games, the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, Major League Baseball games, and potentially the conclusions of the NBA and NHL conference championship slates. Don’t miss any of the sports action and streaming premieres of the best prestige and unscripted titles on Max. The streamer offers three monthly subscription plans ranging from ad-supported...
- 5/30/2024
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
When Los Espookys was cancelled in 2022, a chorus of disappointment rang out through the industry and from fans of the beloved show. It was the kind of news that threatened a certain sense of disillusionment, but unbeknownst to its fans at the time, creator Julio Torres had a lot up his sleeve. The writer, who first became known for his work on Saturday Night Live digital shorts like “Papyrus” and “The Actress,” was already hard at work on his first feature film and a new series. Problemista hit theaters this spring, and the new series became Fantasmas, which will open Atx TV Festival on May 30 before premiering on Max June 7.
The series, which Torres wrote, directed, and stars in, follows a character of the same name as he follows the trail of a lost earring. Torres spoke to The Hollywood Reporter ahead of the premiere about navigating the industry’s...
The series, which Torres wrote, directed, and stars in, follows a character of the same name as he follows the trail of a lost earring. Torres spoke to The Hollywood Reporter ahead of the premiere about navigating the industry’s...
- 5/30/2024
- by Seija Rankin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
"I can feel the inner lives of shapes and colors and sounds and numbers..." Wow that's strange. Max has revealed an official trailer for a wacky comedy series called Fantasmas, streaming this June. It's the latest creation of comedian / writer / actor Julio Torres, who stars in, writes, directs this series after releasing his Problemista film with A24 last year. Fantasmas translates directly to "ghosts" in Spanish, though this series is actually about a golden oyster, or dreams, or other weird things. Torres explores the peculiar world of folktales with a "fresh and unique twist on the classic tale of the lost golden oyster." Ever since he was struck by lightning as a child, he has seen the world in a different light. After experiencing weird dreams, Julio decides to embark on a journey through a surreal, alternate version of New York City. The series stars Torres with Martine Gutierrez, Tomas Matos,...
- 5/26/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Following HBO’s “Los Espookys” comedy and his surreal A24 fantasy comedy “Problemista,” comedian Julio Torres is back at it and back with a new series, again for his former HBO partners. Created, directed by, and starring Torres, his latest series in the show “Fantasmas” debuts Friday, June 7 (11:00–11:30 p.m. Et/Pt) on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. New episodes of the six-episode season will debut weekly.
Continue reading ‘Fantasmas’ Trailer: Julio Torres’ New HBO Comedy Features Emma Stone & Paul Dano As Guests & Hits June 7 at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Fantasmas’ Trailer: Julio Torres’ New HBO Comedy Features Emma Stone & Paul Dano As Guests & Hits June 7 at The Playlist.
- 5/23/2024
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
Julio Torres is stepping into a very literal and gender-swapped “Girl With a Pearl Earring” rendition for HBO.
The “Los Espookys” creator is back at the network with new surreal series “Fantasmas,” which he created, directed, and stars in. The series debuted at the Atx TV Festival earlier this year.
Torres plays a fictionalized version of himself as he tries to uncover a lost gold oyster earring. In his search to find the precious object, Torres’ character Julio reflects on the offbeat folks he encounters in introspective, eerie, and comedic vignettes set in a dreamy, alternate version of New York City. The surreal series is billed as a “fantastical six-part tale” that is a “kaleidoscope of color” to “weave together stories of people looking for meaning, purpose, and connection in an increasingly isolating world.”
In addition to Torres, the cast includes Martine Gutierrez, Tomas Matos, and Joe Rumrill as the voice of Bibo.
The “Los Espookys” creator is back at the network with new surreal series “Fantasmas,” which he created, directed, and stars in. The series debuted at the Atx TV Festival earlier this year.
Torres plays a fictionalized version of himself as he tries to uncover a lost gold oyster earring. In his search to find the precious object, Torres’ character Julio reflects on the offbeat folks he encounters in introspective, eerie, and comedic vignettes set in a dreamy, alternate version of New York City. The surreal series is billed as a “fantastical six-part tale” that is a “kaleidoscope of color” to “weave together stories of people looking for meaning, purpose, and connection in an increasingly isolating world.”
In addition to Torres, the cast includes Martine Gutierrez, Tomas Matos, and Joe Rumrill as the voice of Bibo.
- 5/23/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
The HBO Original comedy series Fantasmas, created, directed, written and starring Julio Torres, debuts this June on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. New episodes of the six-episode season will debut weekly. In Fantasmas, Julio Torres tells the tale of when he lost a golden oyster. The people he encounters as he searches for it and the musings he has become points of departure for little films along the way, as Torres navigates weaving in and out of these introspective, often eerie comedic stories. Fantasmas is created, directed, and written by Julio Torres. Executive ... Read more...
- 5/2/2024
- by Thomas Miller
- Seat42F
Julio Torres is crediting Ryan Gosling for being a “world-builder” of a comedic actor.
The “Problemista” writer/director/star told Entertainment Weekly that Gosling had more than a few sketch ideas when he returned to host “SNL.” Torres previously worked as a “Saturday Night Live” writer, and also returned with a skit per Gosling’s request to follow-up their viral “Papyrus” sequence parodying the font used in James Cameron’s “Avatar.” And much like the “Avatar” franchise itself, Gosling had a vision for making multiple installments of the “Papyrus” sketch.
“With no Ryan Gosling, there’s no ‘Papyrus 1,’ and there’s no ‘Papyrus 2,’” Torres said. “The first one was this sort of throwaway joke I made that he really latched on to. He was like, ‘Oh, I think maybe there’s an idea there,’ and I was like, ‘I really don’t think so.’ I didn’t tell him that,...
The “Problemista” writer/director/star told Entertainment Weekly that Gosling had more than a few sketch ideas when he returned to host “SNL.” Torres previously worked as a “Saturday Night Live” writer, and also returned with a skit per Gosling’s request to follow-up their viral “Papyrus” sequence parodying the font used in James Cameron’s “Avatar.” And much like the “Avatar” franchise itself, Gosling had a vision for making multiple installments of the “Papyrus” sketch.
“With no Ryan Gosling, there’s no ‘Papyrus 1,’ and there’s no ‘Papyrus 2,’” Torres said. “The first one was this sort of throwaway joke I made that he really latched on to. He was like, ‘Oh, I think maybe there’s an idea there,’ and I was like, ‘I really don’t think so.’ I didn’t tell him that,...
- 5/1/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Warner Bros. Discovery has revealed a first look at the HBO Original comedy series Fantasmas, which was created, directed, and written by Julio Torres.
The series, also starring Torres, will debut this June on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. New episodes of the six-episode season will debut weekly.
In Fantasmas, Julio Torres tells the tale of when he lost a golden oyster. The people he encounters as he searches for it and the musings he has become points of departure for little films along the way.
Torres navigates, weaving in and out of these introspective, often eerie comedic stories.
The show is executive-produced by Julio Torres. The co-executive producer is Ali Herting.
Emma Stone and Dave McCary for Fruit Tree, Alex Bach and Daniel Powell for Irony Point, and Olivia Gerke for 3 Arts also serve as executive producers.
The post Fantasmas First Look From HBO and...
The series, also starring Torres, will debut this June on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. New episodes of the six-episode season will debut weekly.
In Fantasmas, Julio Torres tells the tale of when he lost a golden oyster. The people he encounters as he searches for it and the musings he has become points of departure for little films along the way.
Torres navigates, weaving in and out of these introspective, often eerie comedic stories.
The show is executive-produced by Julio Torres. The co-executive producer is Ali Herting.
Emma Stone and Dave McCary for Fruit Tree, Alex Bach and Daniel Powell for Irony Point, and Olivia Gerke for 3 Arts also serve as executive producers.
The post Fantasmas First Look From HBO and...
- 5/1/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Thanks to a breakout role in Max‘s “Hacks,” and a couple of roles in indies like “Problemista” and “Sometimes I Think About Dying,” Meg Stalter is on the brink of stardom. Let’s see if her first star vehicle pushes her beyond that point, as “Cora Bora” hits theaters this summer.
Read More: The 100 Most Anticipated Films Of 2024
The upcoming queer comedy sees Stalter star as a musician who returns home to try and win back her girlfriend.
Continue reading ‘Cora Bora’ Trailer: Meg Stalter Is A Musician Who Needs Saving In Upcoming Queer Comedy On June 14 at The Playlist.
Read More: The 100 Most Anticipated Films Of 2024
The upcoming queer comedy sees Stalter star as a musician who returns home to try and win back her girlfriend.
Continue reading ‘Cora Bora’ Trailer: Meg Stalter Is A Musician Who Needs Saving In Upcoming Queer Comedy On June 14 at The Playlist.
- 4/25/2024
- by Ned Booth
- The Playlist
Exclusive: The comedy duo of Mimi Davila (Problemista) and Laura Di Lorenzo (Selena: The Series)—who perform as The Chonga Girls— are set to write, star and co-executive produce an eponymous multi-camera comedy series in development at CBS Studios, Deadline has learned exclusively.
The project hails from Marlena Rodriguez who will serve as writer and showrunner. Additionally, Rodriguez will EP alongside Wilmer Valderrama and Kaitlin Saltzman under his Wv Entertainment banner, and Al Madrigal.
The Chonga Girls follows two dangerously confident childhood friends, Mimi and Laura, who move from Miami to Hollywood to realize their dream of becoming famous. But, much to their surprise, they find themselves working at the makeup counter for a department store right off the Walk of Fame.
L-r: Marlena Rodriguez, Wilmer Valderrama, Kaitlin Saltzman and Al Madrigal
Davila is a Cuban/Bulgarian actress, comedian and writer who, alongside her best friend Di Lorenzo,...
The project hails from Marlena Rodriguez who will serve as writer and showrunner. Additionally, Rodriguez will EP alongside Wilmer Valderrama and Kaitlin Saltzman under his Wv Entertainment banner, and Al Madrigal.
The Chonga Girls follows two dangerously confident childhood friends, Mimi and Laura, who move from Miami to Hollywood to realize their dream of becoming famous. But, much to their surprise, they find themselves working at the makeup counter for a department store right off the Walk of Fame.
L-r: Marlena Rodriguez, Wilmer Valderrama, Kaitlin Saltzman and Al Madrigal
Davila is a Cuban/Bulgarian actress, comedian and writer who, alongside her best friend Di Lorenzo,...
- 4/24/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
We live in a society that insists if you work hard, you can probably achieve the goals you've set for yourself. But "Problemista," the first feature film by writer and comedian Julio Torres, which is now in theaters worldwide, poses the question: is working hard always enough? Loosely based off of Torres's own immigration experience, the film follows Alejandro, an aspiring toy designer from El Salvador struggling to make his dream a reality in New York City who loses his job and desperately needs to secure a sponsor to stay in the States. Even after taking a freelance assistant gig with an erratic art critic named Elizabeth (played by Tilda Swinton), Alejandro (played by Torres) finds himself in one of the most relentless and nightmarish mazes of American bureaucracy - the US immigration system.
"I think that I've always been fascinated with how soulless and how isolating bureaucracy can be,...
"I think that I've always been fascinated with how soulless and how isolating bureaucracy can be,...
- 4/24/2024
- by Johanna Ferreira
- Popsugar.com
It’s a slow weekend for theatrical releases but a great one for streaming debuts. The hottest title is a surefire Oscar candidate, and the others have become fan favorites with long shelf lives ahead.
The contender to watch this week: “Dune: Part Two“
Denis Villeneuve‘s first “Dune” won six of its 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Original Score and Best Visual Effects. His second, 2024’s highest-grossing movie to date, could show up in many of the same categories next year. Timothée Chalamet probably has a better shot at a nomination for the Bob Dylan biopic he’s currently shooting, and if Zendaya deserves recognition for anything, it’s “Challengers.” But even without acting contenders, “Dune: Part Two” could rank among next season’s biggest players. It’s still in theaters, but you can now ride the sandworm at home by renting or purchasing the film on VOD.
Other contenders:...
The contender to watch this week: “Dune: Part Two“
Denis Villeneuve‘s first “Dune” won six of its 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Original Score and Best Visual Effects. His second, 2024’s highest-grossing movie to date, could show up in many of the same categories next year. Timothée Chalamet probably has a better shot at a nomination for the Bob Dylan biopic he’s currently shooting, and if Zendaya deserves recognition for anything, it’s “Challengers.” But even without acting contenders, “Dune: Part Two” could rank among next season’s biggest players. It’s still in theaters, but you can now ride the sandworm at home by renting or purchasing the film on VOD.
Other contenders:...
- 4/20/2024
- by Matthew Jacobs
- Gold Derby
Emma Stone is proving two Oscars and being an Emmy hopeful isn’t a curse by any means.
The “Poor Things” Academy Award winner is already starring in Yorgos Lanthimos’ follow-up “Kinds of Kindness,” which will debut at Cannes 2024, and she’s also attached to Lanthimos’ upcoming satirical film “Save the Green Planet,” a remake of the Korean comedy of the same name. But Stone has yet another project in the works too: leading an untitled Universal feature directed by her real-life husband.
Stone is in talks to star in the movie that would be directed by Dave McCary, who is also in talks, an individual with knowledge of the project told IndieWire. The two most recently worked together as executive producers on the Showtime series “The Curse.” Stone and McCary together work under their production banner Fruit Tree.
The Universal film originated as a spec script penned by Patrick Kang...
The “Poor Things” Academy Award winner is already starring in Yorgos Lanthimos’ follow-up “Kinds of Kindness,” which will debut at Cannes 2024, and she’s also attached to Lanthimos’ upcoming satirical film “Save the Green Planet,” a remake of the Korean comedy of the same name. But Stone has yet another project in the works too: leading an untitled Universal feature directed by her real-life husband.
Stone is in talks to star in the movie that would be directed by Dave McCary, who is also in talks, an individual with knowledge of the project told IndieWire. The two most recently worked together as executive producers on the Showtime series “The Curse.” Stone and McCary together work under their production banner Fruit Tree.
The Universal film originated as a spec script penned by Patrick Kang...
- 4/12/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Emma Stone is in talks to star in an untitled film for Universal Pictures with her husband Dave McCary in talks to direct.
Patrick Kang and Michael Levin, supervising producers of NBC and Utv’s “Young Rock,” wrote the original spec screenplay for the film.
Shawn Levy, Dan Cohen, and Dan Levine will produce through 21 Laps. Michael H. Weber (“The Disaster Artist”) will produce. Stone, McCary, and Ali Herting are in talks to produce through Fruit Tree.
Stone is a two-time Academy Award winning actress and producer known for such titles as “Poor Things,” “La La Land,” “The Favourite,” “Easy A,” “Birdman,” “Cruella” and most recently “The Curse,” for which she also serves as executive producer. Stone is repped by WME, Anonymous Content, The Lede Company and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.
McCary is recently produced “A Real Pain” with Stone, “Problemista” and executive produced “The Curse.” Previously he directed...
Patrick Kang and Michael Levin, supervising producers of NBC and Utv’s “Young Rock,” wrote the original spec screenplay for the film.
Shawn Levy, Dan Cohen, and Dan Levine will produce through 21 Laps. Michael H. Weber (“The Disaster Artist”) will produce. Stone, McCary, and Ali Herting are in talks to produce through Fruit Tree.
Stone is a two-time Academy Award winning actress and producer known for such titles as “Poor Things,” “La La Land,” “The Favourite,” “Easy A,” “Birdman,” “Cruella” and most recently “The Curse,” for which she also serves as executive producer. Stone is repped by WME, Anonymous Content, The Lede Company and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.
McCary is recently produced “A Real Pain” with Stone, “Problemista” and executive produced “The Curse.” Previously he directed...
- 4/12/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
Isabella Rossellini inLa Chimera(Neon), on the red carpet (Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images), inBlue Velvet(De Laurentis Entertainment Group/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis)Graphic: Jimmy Hasse
Welcome to Random Roles, wherein we talk to actors about the characters who defined their careers. The catch: They don’t know beforehand what...
Welcome to Random Roles, wherein we talk to actors about the characters who defined their careers. The catch: They don’t know beforehand what...
- 4/8/2024
- by Brent Simon
- avclub.com
Key to the ongoing conversations about Latino representation in the U.S. entertainment industry is the need for the diversification of stories, which in turn would breed valuable specificity. Rather than expecting one production to speak strongly to every single subset of the vast Latino community, projects should reflect the unique microcosms and experiences that speak to groups such as Cuban Americans in Florida, Mexican Americans in Los Angeles, or Dominican Americans in New York City.
Enter the multi-hyphenate Rudy Mancuso, whose charmingly inventive and loosely autobiographical feature directorial debut “Música” highlights the Brazilian American community of New Jersey’s Ironbound neighborhood. In addition to starring in the film as a fictionalized version of his younger self, the talented Mancuso — who started out making videos on the now-defunct app Vine before moving on to YouTube and live shows — co-wrote the screenplay with Dan Lagana and, fittingly, also created the integral music.
Enter the multi-hyphenate Rudy Mancuso, whose charmingly inventive and loosely autobiographical feature directorial debut “Música” highlights the Brazilian American community of New Jersey’s Ironbound neighborhood. In addition to starring in the film as a fictionalized version of his younger self, the talented Mancuso — who started out making videos on the now-defunct app Vine before moving on to YouTube and live shows — co-wrote the screenplay with Dan Lagana and, fittingly, also created the integral music.
- 4/6/2024
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Variety Film + TV
In Roger Ebert’s one-star review of David Lynch‘s “Blue Velvet” in 1986, the film critic had strong words for the director he never softened through the rest of his career, even as Ebert came to appreciate some of Lynch’s later films. Ebert wrote that Isabella Rossellini “is asked to do things in this film that require real nerve… She is degraded, slapped around, humiliated and undressed in front of the camera. And when you ask an actress to endure those experiences, you should keep your side of the bargain by putting her in an important film.”
But Rossellini, who at the time of the controversial landmark’s release was in a relationship with director Lynch, today doesn’t necessarily agree with Ebert’s takedown of the movie. The daughter of Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini had by then gathered some modeling and film credits, but “Blue Velvet” proved to be her big breakout.
But Rossellini, who at the time of the controversial landmark’s release was in a relationship with director Lynch, today doesn’t necessarily agree with Ebert’s takedown of the movie. The daughter of Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini had by then gathered some modeling and film credits, but “Blue Velvet” proved to be her big breakout.
- 3/27/2024
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Deadline already told you two years ago that A Simple Favor 2 was happening with Paul Feig back in the director’s chair and Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick starring, but today Amazon MGM Studios has made it official that the movie is a go and with the original cast members returning, read Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Joshua Satine, Ian Ho, and Kelly McCormack.
Lionsgate is co-producing the sequel to the 2018 black comedy which minted $97M off a $20M budget. Cameras roll this spring. A streaming release on Prime Video in 240 countries is planned.
In part two, we see the return of Stephanie Smothers (Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Lively) as they head to the beautiful island of Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman. Along with the glamorous guests, expect murder and betrayal to RSVP for a wedding with more twists and turns than...
Lionsgate is co-producing the sequel to the 2018 black comedy which minted $97M off a $20M budget. Cameras roll this spring. A streaming release on Prime Video in 240 countries is planned.
In part two, we see the return of Stephanie Smothers (Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Lively) as they head to the beautiful island of Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman. Along with the glamorous guests, expect murder and betrayal to RSVP for a wedding with more twists and turns than...
- 3/27/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
While HBO fans will have to wait even longer for a new season of “Euphoria,” another viral series will be back for its long-awaited third season: “Industry.”
The critically-acclaimed drama set in the world of finance will screen its Season 3 premiere episode at this year’s Atx TV Festival, taking place from May 30 to June 2. Creators/writers/directors/executive producers Mickey Down and Konrad Kay will be joined by cast members including Myha’la Herrold to discuss the making of the latest installment that captures the intensity of international banking.
Fellow upcoming HBO series “Fantasmas” hailing from creator/director/star Julio Torres is also debuting at the Austin-based Atx TV Festival, with Torres discussing his new series. The “Problemista” writer/director/star helms the anthology “Fantasmas” which is described as being “little films” following “eerie comedic stories” as Torres tries to find a missing golden oyster.
HBO and Max will additionally...
The critically-acclaimed drama set in the world of finance will screen its Season 3 premiere episode at this year’s Atx TV Festival, taking place from May 30 to June 2. Creators/writers/directors/executive producers Mickey Down and Konrad Kay will be joined by cast members including Myha’la Herrold to discuss the making of the latest installment that captures the intensity of international banking.
Fellow upcoming HBO series “Fantasmas” hailing from creator/director/star Julio Torres is also debuting at the Austin-based Atx TV Festival, with Torres discussing his new series. The “Problemista” writer/director/star helms the anthology “Fantasmas” which is described as being “little films” following “eerie comedic stories” as Torres tries to find a missing golden oyster.
HBO and Max will additionally...
- 3/27/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Obviously, blasting March with franchise sequels was the way to turn things around after a number of slower months at the box office. Read on for the weekend box office report.
The big new release for the weekend was Sony’s sequel, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” which opened in 4,345 theaters, with much of the returning cast from 2021’s “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” including Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, and McKenna Grace, as well as many of the original Ghostbusters from Ivan Reitman‘s ’80s comedies. It also introduced new characters played by comics Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt, and James Acaster.
By Thursday, the movie had only racked up 45% on Rotten Tomatoes, showing less critical support than “Afterlife,” but it still was able to open with $16 million on Friday, including $4.7 million in Thursday previews. Sony has estimated an opening weekend of $45.2 million for the action-comedy, averaging just over $10,000 per location, just slightly ahead of “Afterlife’s” $44 million opening,...
The big new release for the weekend was Sony’s sequel, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” which opened in 4,345 theaters, with much of the returning cast from 2021’s “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” including Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, and McKenna Grace, as well as many of the original Ghostbusters from Ivan Reitman‘s ’80s comedies. It also introduced new characters played by comics Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt, and James Acaster.
By Thursday, the movie had only racked up 45% on Rotten Tomatoes, showing less critical support than “Afterlife,” but it still was able to open with $16 million on Friday, including $4.7 million in Thursday previews. Sony has estimated an opening weekend of $45.2 million for the action-comedy, averaging just over $10,000 per location, just slightly ahead of “Afterlife’s” $44 million opening,...
- 3/24/2024
- by Edward Douglas
- Gold Derby
‘Problemista’ Unites Acclaimed Actresses in a Tale of Art and Dreams The cinematic landscape is set to be enriched by the unique storytelling of Julio Torres in his directorial debut, ‘Problemista’. With a narrative that weaves through the complexities of immigration and the pursuit of one’s dreams, the film presents a surreal journey set against the backdrop of New York City. Tilda Swinton and Isabella Rossellini grace the screen with their presence, bringing depth and nuance to this compelling story. Swinton, known for her transformative performances, plays Elizabeth, an art-world outcast whose erratic behavior is matched only by her brilliance.
The post Tilda Swinton and Isabella Rossellini Team Up in ‘Problemista’ first appeared on TVovermind.
The post Tilda Swinton and Isabella Rossellini Team Up in ‘Problemista’ first appeared on TVovermind.
- 3/22/2024
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
When the March box office seems to be tailing off after a weaker weekend, who you gonna call? Read on for Gold Derby’s box office preview to find out.
For the third weekend this month, we have the potential for a movie to open with more than $40 million after literally months without one. That new movie is Sony’s “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” the sequel to the Jason Reitman-directed “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” which helped revive the franchise in 2021 with what is now lovingly referred to as a “requel,” i.e. a combo of a reboot and a sequel.
“Frozen Empire” brings back the newest Ghostbusters, played by Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard and Mckenzie Grace, and other characters from “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” as well as the OGs (Original Ghostbusters): Dan Ackroyd, Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson and even Annie Potts. New characters for the movie — which returns the Ghostbusters to...
For the third weekend this month, we have the potential for a movie to open with more than $40 million after literally months without one. That new movie is Sony’s “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” the sequel to the Jason Reitman-directed “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” which helped revive the franchise in 2021 with what is now lovingly referred to as a “requel,” i.e. a combo of a reboot and a sequel.
“Frozen Empire” brings back the newest Ghostbusters, played by Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard and Mckenzie Grace, and other characters from “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” as well as the OGs (Original Ghostbusters): Dan Ackroyd, Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson and even Annie Potts. New characters for the movie — which returns the Ghostbusters to...
- 3/20/2024
- by Edward Douglas
- Gold Derby
Perhaps the only sane way to tell a story about the U.S. Immigration system is to make it as absurd and fantastical as possible, and Julio Torres’ “Problemista,” like his HBO series “Los Espookys,” is packed with visually elaborate set pieces that feel handmade and human. But the most complex build of the film — one that also features a child’s impossible dream castle and a maze of immigration offices laid out like the world’s worst ant farm — was located in Torres’ vision of the digital world.
Larry Owens personifies the website Craigslist, to which Torres’ character Alejandro turns to raise the cash to process his work sponsorship forms for his visa, assuming that the mercurial Elizabeth (Tilda Swinton) will, in fact, sign them. Over the course of “Problemista,” Alejandro and Craiglist commune several times, first and most spectacularly with Ale falling through, one assumes, the wormhole tubes...
Larry Owens personifies the website Craigslist, to which Torres’ character Alejandro turns to raise the cash to process his work sponsorship forms for his visa, assuming that the mercurial Elizabeth (Tilda Swinton) will, in fact, sign them. Over the course of “Problemista,” Alejandro and Craiglist commune several times, first and most spectacularly with Ale falling through, one assumes, the wormhole tubes...
- 3/19/2024
- by Sarah Shachat
- Indiewire
There’s no doubt an element of wish-fulfillment at play when you’re a debut queer filmmaker casting Tilda Swinton as the lead of your movie.
That’s the case for the 37-year-old Julio Torres, a seasoned comedian onstage and former writer of “Saturday Night Live” (2016 through 2021) and co-creator of HBO’s short-lived cult series “Los Espookys.” His new A24 comedy “Problemista,” now in select theaters before opening wide on March 22, has already grossed more than $690,000 in just a handful of theaters. He stars in the endearing comedy as Alejandro, a fledgling toy designer hustling in New York in the last few days before his visa expires and he’s sent back to Central America. Alejandro accepts an assistant job under Elizabeth (Tilda Swinton), a whirling dervish and New York art scene castaway with faded magenta hair and a short fuse who tasks him with organizing a posthumous show for her dead artist husband,...
That’s the case for the 37-year-old Julio Torres, a seasoned comedian onstage and former writer of “Saturday Night Live” (2016 through 2021) and co-creator of HBO’s short-lived cult series “Los Espookys.” His new A24 comedy “Problemista,” now in select theaters before opening wide on March 22, has already grossed more than $690,000 in just a handful of theaters. He stars in the endearing comedy as Alejandro, a fledgling toy designer hustling in New York in the last few days before his visa expires and he’s sent back to Central America. Alejandro accepts an assistant job under Elizabeth (Tilda Swinton), a whirling dervish and New York art scene castaway with faded magenta hair and a short fuse who tasks him with organizing a posthumous show for her dead artist husband,...
- 3/18/2024
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
“Kung Fu Panda 4” (Universal) and “Dune: Part Two” (Warner Bros.) came in a close #1-#2 this weekend, with the DreamWorks Animation title edging out Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi adaptation by just under $1 million ($30 million to $29.1 million). The two films, in their second and third weekends respectively, are positioned to exceed their most optimistic pre-release projections.
Going against last year’s trend of disappointing franchise results, the two sequels made up about two thirds of the weekend’s $90 million total. With little help from other new releases, this fell just short of last year’s $92 million. It reduced the year’s deficit to nine percent.
“Dune” joined WB’s “Wonka” as the second film to pass the domestic $200 million total since last July. By next weekend, it will surpass that film’s $218 million gross.
How high could it go? Pre-release, the most optimistic hopes were perhaps $250 million — $150 million more than the first “Dune,...
Going against last year’s trend of disappointing franchise results, the two sequels made up about two thirds of the weekend’s $90 million total. With little help from other new releases, this fell just short of last year’s $92 million. It reduced the year’s deficit to nine percent.
“Dune” joined WB’s “Wonka” as the second film to pass the domestic $200 million total since last July. By next weekend, it will surpass that film’s $218 million gross.
How high could it go? Pre-release, the most optimistic hopes were perhaps $250 million — $150 million more than the first “Dune,...
- 3/17/2024
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
As Oscar night fades in the rearview, arguments over who got robbed and who had the nicest dress continue to recede. One story, however, continues to rage on — a backlash (and backlash to the backlash) to the acceptance speech given by Jonathan Glazer alongside producers James Wilson and Len Blavatnik when The Zone of Interest won for best international film. THR has learned that that, even though Glazer claimed to speak for all three of them, he had not run his comments by Blavatnik, according to a spokesperson for the billionaire.
Glazer, The Zone of Interest’s writer-director, said (and it’s important to get this right) that his Auschwitz-set movie “shows where dehumanization leads at its worst” and continued “right now we stand here as men who refute their Jewishness and the Holocaust being hijacked by an occupation which has led to conflict for so many innocent people,...
Glazer, The Zone of Interest’s writer-director, said (and it’s important to get this right) that his Auschwitz-set movie “shows where dehumanization leads at its worst” and continued “right now we stand here as men who refute their Jewishness and the Holocaust being hijacked by an occupation which has led to conflict for so many innocent people,...
- 3/13/2024
- by Jordan Hoffman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
We’re taking a look into Emma Stone‘s family!
The 35-year-old now two-time Oscar winner usually keeps her personal life private, but over the years, but she has been very happily married since 2020 and is also a mom.
After giving them a sweet shout-out in her 2024 Oscars acceptance speech, we have compile some details so you can find out more about Emma‘s husband Dave McCary and their daughter Louise!
Keep reading to find out more…Keep scrolling to find out more…
Emma first met Dave, 38, in late 2016 when she hosted Saturday Night Live. From 2013 until 2018, Dave served as a segment director for SNL and was also the main director for the first two seasons of the web series Epic Rap Battles of History.
Their relationship was confirmed in October 2017, with a source revealing the two had been dating for three months.
Emma and Dave announced their engagement in...
The 35-year-old now two-time Oscar winner usually keeps her personal life private, but over the years, but she has been very happily married since 2020 and is also a mom.
After giving them a sweet shout-out in her 2024 Oscars acceptance speech, we have compile some details so you can find out more about Emma‘s husband Dave McCary and their daughter Louise!
Keep reading to find out more…Keep scrolling to find out more…
Emma first met Dave, 38, in late 2016 when she hosted Saturday Night Live. From 2013 until 2018, Dave served as a segment director for SNL and was also the main director for the first two seasons of the web series Epic Rap Battles of History.
Their relationship was confirmed in October 2017, with a source revealing the two had been dating for three months.
Emma and Dave announced their engagement in...
- 3/11/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Thanks to the combined heft of “Kung Fu Panda 4” (Universal) and “Dune: Part Two” (Warner Bros.), domestic box office improved over the same 2023 weekend for the first time. And it did so with two films grossing over $40 million, not seen since last July when “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” did so for their parallel first two weeks.
Not only did #1 “Panda” exceed expectations with $58.3 million, but the “Dune” sequel, with $46 million, dropped only 44 percent from its excellent debut. Notably, that was about the same decrease seen by “Oppenheimer” its second weekend after a nearly identical initial gross. Also significant is that sequels traditionally drop more in their second weeks than original titles.
Meantime, A24 had its second consecutive strong platform debut, with “Love Lies Bleeding” with Kristen Stewart grossing $167,000 in five New York/Los Angeles locations. That bests last week’s “Problemista.” The latter film expanded to 20 theaters this week, with...
Not only did #1 “Panda” exceed expectations with $58.3 million, but the “Dune” sequel, with $46 million, dropped only 44 percent from its excellent debut. Notably, that was about the same decrease seen by “Oppenheimer” its second weekend after a nearly identical initial gross. Also significant is that sequels traditionally drop more in their second weeks than original titles.
Meantime, A24 had its second consecutive strong platform debut, with “Love Lies Bleeding” with Kristen Stewart grossing $167,000 in five New York/Los Angeles locations. That bests last week’s “Problemista.” The latter film expanded to 20 theaters this week, with...
- 3/10/2024
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Many filmmakers making their feature debut opt to tell a story inspired — at least in part — by their life. Although this has brought about some incredible films, others feel like complete ego trips. Tracie Laymon’s Bob Trevino Likes It is uncharacteristically humble for this genre, telling its story in a way that perfectly balances humor and humanity, allowing it to overcome its somewhat simplistic storytelling and be genuinely moving.
The film follows a young woman who finds an unexpected connection on Facebook with a man sharing her father’s name after falling out with her real father. Although this sounds like it could make a stranger-than-fiction story, Laymon’s approach doesn’t lean into this absurdity. Instead, it takes the form of a mostly low-key, pretty maudlin, but very effective indie dramedy.
Since Bob Trevino Likes It is based on a true story from writer-director Tracie Laymon’s life,...
The film follows a young woman who finds an unexpected connection on Facebook with a man sharing her father’s name after falling out with her real father. Although this sounds like it could make a stranger-than-fiction story, Laymon’s approach doesn’t lean into this absurdity. Instead, it takes the form of a mostly low-key, pretty maudlin, but very effective indie dramedy.
Since Bob Trevino Likes It is based on a true story from writer-director Tracie Laymon’s life,...
- 3/10/2024
- by Sean Boelman
- FandomWire
In this week’s episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo embraces the absurd to discuss the film “Problemista” with director and star Julio Torres and co-star Tilda Swinton. In the A24 comedy, out now, Alejandro (Torres) is an aspiring toymaker who loses his job and falls in with an art-world outcast (Swinton) to maintain his work visa.
Continue reading ‘Problemista’: Tilda Swinton & Julio Torres Discuss Their A24 Comedy, Big Budget Experimentation & ‘Constantine 2’ [The Discourse Podcast] at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Problemista’: Tilda Swinton & Julio Torres Discuss Their A24 Comedy, Big Budget Experimentation & ‘Constantine 2’ [The Discourse Podcast] at The Playlist.
- 3/8/2024
- by Mike DeAngelo
- The Playlist
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on February 29th, 2024, reviewing “Problemista,” the debut film of writer/director/lead actor Julio Torres. In select theater now, in Chicago March 8th.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
Torres is Alejandro, a nebbishy immigrant from El Salvador in New York City. He is there for one goal … to become a toy designer for Hasbro. While going through the application process, he works for a cryogenic company, maintaining the frozen body of Bobby (portrayed by the rapper Rizza). Bobby’s wife Elizabeth (Tilda Swinton), a prominent art critic, needs to sell Bobby’s paintings to pay for his frozen state. When Alejandro needs a sponsor to extend his visa, and Elizabeth needs an assistant to help mount a show, a new odd couple is born.
”Problemista” is in select theaters March 1st, and Chicago March 8th. See local listings.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
Torres is Alejandro, a nebbishy immigrant from El Salvador in New York City. He is there for one goal … to become a toy designer for Hasbro. While going through the application process, he works for a cryogenic company, maintaining the frozen body of Bobby (portrayed by the rapper Rizza). Bobby’s wife Elizabeth (Tilda Swinton), a prominent art critic, needs to sell Bobby’s paintings to pay for his frozen state. When Alejandro needs a sponsor to extend his visa, and Elizabeth needs an assistant to help mount a show, a new odd couple is born.
”Problemista” is in select theaters March 1st, and Chicago March 8th. See local listings.
- 3/7/2024
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
When Tilda Swinton first got the script for Problemista, she wasn’t sure what to make of the character Elizabeth, who the film’s writer-director-star Julio Torres was hoping she would play. Set in New York City, Problemista tells the story of Alejandro, a Salvadorian immigrant who is desperately navigating the brutal bureaucracy of the U.S. immigration system so he can pursue his dream of becoming a toy designer at Hasbro.
When the film opens, Alejandro is working at a cryogenic facility where dying people pay large sums of...
When the film opens, Alejandro is working at a cryogenic facility where dying people pay large sums of...
- 3/6/2024
- by Elisabeth Garber-Paul
- Rollingstone.com
Problemista.As a former Saturday Night Live writer, co-creator of the bilingual HBO cult favorite Los Espookys, and government-certified “alien of extraordinary ability,” Julio Torres has been preoccupied with the secret life of objects: the existential dilemmas that plague baubles and trinkets divorced from their original purpose. In Problemista (2024), Torres’s debut feature, the efficacy of form and function, as it applies to the predominant social order and the flimsy structures that reinforce it, is up for constant reconsideration. Through fabulist vignettes and an iridescent array of signs and symbols, the film offers a buoyant critique of institutional frameworks, especially the Kafkaesque bureaucracy of the American immigration system, but also the avarice of corporate banks and the innumerable hypocrisies of the art world. Contributing a singular perspective to the discourse surrounding “the queer art of failure,” Torres views conventional notions of utility with puckish skepticism and advocates for a deliberate...
- 3/5/2024
- MUBI
“Dune: Part Two” (Warner Bros.) did its part to launch what needs to be a comeback March for theaters. With an estimated gross of $81.5 million in U.S./Canada on its first weekend — about double the initial “Dune” in October 2021 — Denis Villeneuve’s sequel had the best opening since “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” (at a higher average ticket price), “Barbie,” and “Oppenheimer” last July.
Meantime, A24’s “Problemista” with $140,000 in five New York/Los Angeles theaters had the best platform start since the holidays nearly a year after its SXSW premiere. Written and directed by Julio Torres, he also stars opposite Tilda Swinton in a comedy about an El Savadoran toy designer who must confront the vagaries of the New York art world.
Propelling “Dune 2” are premium formats with elevated prices, which provided 48 percent of the gross (23 percent from IMAX). The performance is a critical boost to the idea that an expensive sequel,...
Meantime, A24’s “Problemista” with $140,000 in five New York/Los Angeles theaters had the best platform start since the holidays nearly a year after its SXSW premiere. Written and directed by Julio Torres, he also stars opposite Tilda Swinton in a comedy about an El Savadoran toy designer who must confront the vagaries of the New York art world.
Propelling “Dune 2” are premium formats with elevated prices, which provided 48 percent of the gross (23 percent from IMAX). The performance is a critical boost to the idea that an expensive sequel,...
- 3/3/2024
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Julio Torres’s directorial debut Problemista from A24 posted the highest per-screen average of the weekend with a solid limited opening, grossing $140.9k on five screens in New York and LA with multiple sold out Q&As.
The film starring Torres and Tilda Swinton saw a PSA of $28k and strong exits at all locations.
A surreal comedy about a young aspiring toy designer from El Salvador navigating New York City and the U.S. immigration system, it premiered at SXSW last year. Expands to select top markets this weekend with a nationwide rollout to follow.
Oscar-Nominated Shorts from ShortsTV and Magnolia hit a solid $330k on 258 screens in week three, looking set to surpass last year’s $3.025 million, likely by the end of this week, Magnolia said. It’s grossed about $200k more so far this year than it had at the same point in 2023. The program, broken into...
The film starring Torres and Tilda Swinton saw a PSA of $28k and strong exits at all locations.
A surreal comedy about a young aspiring toy designer from El Salvador navigating New York City and the U.S. immigration system, it premiered at SXSW last year. Expands to select top markets this weekend with a nationwide rollout to follow.
Oscar-Nominated Shorts from ShortsTV and Magnolia hit a solid $330k on 258 screens in week three, looking set to surpass last year’s $3.025 million, likely by the end of this week, Magnolia said. It’s grossed about $200k more so far this year than it had at the same point in 2023. The program, broken into...
- 3/3/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
The big box office news story of the weekend was always going to be about the opening of Denis Villeneuve‘s sci-fi epic “Dune: Part Two” … and it was. Read on for the weekend box office report.
Famously delayed from its original November release due to the actors and writers strike, “Dune: Part Two” took advantage of the longer lead time to get the hot young cast of Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Austin Butler and Florence Pugh out and about to promote the film. What really helped greatly was the almost overwhelmingly positive critics’ reviews that declared “Part Two” to be better than “Part One.” The movie ended up with 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, the best showing for a movie since the actual awards season in November and December.
Warner Bros. opened Villeneuve’s latest in 4,071 theaters with Thursday previews bringing in $12 million, including $2 million from earlier previews and $4.5 million of that amount coming from IMAX screens.
Famously delayed from its original November release due to the actors and writers strike, “Dune: Part Two” took advantage of the longer lead time to get the hot young cast of Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Austin Butler and Florence Pugh out and about to promote the film. What really helped greatly was the almost overwhelmingly positive critics’ reviews that declared “Part Two” to be better than “Part One.” The movie ended up with 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, the best showing for a movie since the actual awards season in November and December.
Warner Bros. opened Villeneuve’s latest in 4,071 theaters with Thursday previews bringing in $12 million, including $2 million from earlier previews and $4.5 million of that amount coming from IMAX screens.
- 3/3/2024
- by Edward Douglas
- Gold Derby
After premiering at SXSW in March 2023 (where we gave the film a glowing review), Julio Torres’s feature debut, Problemista, is finally coming out in theaters after delays due to the WGA and SAG strikes.
Written, directed by, and starring the former SNL writer and Los Espookys creator, the A24 comedy follows an immigrant struggling to get by in New York City with dreams of becoming a toymaker as he takes a job as an assistant to an eccentric widow of an artist (played incredibly by Tilda Swinton).
In advance of Problemista‘s release, we at FandomWire got the opportunity to speak with Torres about his movie. Check out the interview here:
Julio Torres Problemista interview
In the film, your character Alejandro’s ideas represent things about his life. Is there a real-life toy you think encapsulates your life, and if so, what would it be?
You know, for a little bit,...
Written, directed by, and starring the former SNL writer and Los Espookys creator, the A24 comedy follows an immigrant struggling to get by in New York City with dreams of becoming a toymaker as he takes a job as an assistant to an eccentric widow of an artist (played incredibly by Tilda Swinton).
In advance of Problemista‘s release, we at FandomWire got the opportunity to speak with Torres about his movie. Check out the interview here:
Julio Torres Problemista interview
In the film, your character Alejandro’s ideas represent things about his life. Is there a real-life toy you think encapsulates your life, and if so, what would it be?
You know, for a little bit,...
- 3/2/2024
- by Sean Boelman
- FandomWire
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Though 2024 has gotten off to a slow start, especially on the movies front, March seems determined to correct that. The year’s first real blockbuster, Dune: Part Two, debuts on the first of the month in theaters. Jake Gyllenhaal steps into Patrick Swayze’s shoes in the Road House remake on Prime Video. And, on the returning front, we’re getting a chance to see Pixar’s charming...
Though 2024 has gotten off to a slow start, especially on the movies front, March seems determined to correct that. The year’s first real blockbuster, Dune: Part Two, debuts on the first of the month in theaters. Jake Gyllenhaal steps into Patrick Swayze’s shoes in the Road House remake on Prime Video. And, on the returning front, we’re getting a chance to see Pixar’s charming...
- 3/1/2024
- by Keith Phipps
- Rollingstone.com
Two well-reviewed indies are taking a bow in limited release in the shadow of Dune, A24’s Problemista by Julio Torres, and Shayda from Sony Pictures Classics, the feature debut of Noora Niasari.
Torres, the comedian, actor and writer, in his directorial debut, stars with Tilda Swinton as Problemista gets its release at last after being bumped from August due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. He also penned the screenplay, and produced alongside Fruit Tree’s Dave McCary, Ali Herting and Emma Stone. Premiered at SXSW last year, see Deadline review, and sits at 91% with critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
This surreal comedy adventure amid the treacherous worlds of New York City and the U.S. Immigration system follows Torres’ Alejandro, an aspiring toy designer from El Salvador trying to land a spot at Hasbro’s incubator program. When he’s fired from the cryogenic center where he tends...
Torres, the comedian, actor and writer, in his directorial debut, stars with Tilda Swinton as Problemista gets its release at last after being bumped from August due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. He also penned the screenplay, and produced alongside Fruit Tree’s Dave McCary, Ali Herting and Emma Stone. Premiered at SXSW last year, see Deadline review, and sits at 91% with critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
This surreal comedy adventure amid the treacherous worlds of New York City and the U.S. Immigration system follows Torres’ Alejandro, an aspiring toy designer from El Salvador trying to land a spot at Hasbro’s incubator program. When he’s fired from the cryogenic center where he tends...
- 3/1/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including events for Dune: Part Two, The Regime and Spaceman.
Dune: Part Two premiere
Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Souheila Yacoub, Stellan Skarsgard, Javier Bardem and Denis Villeneuve walked the carpet on Sunday for the New York premiere of their sci-fi sequel.
Anya Taylor-Joy, Souheila Yacoub, Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet, Denis Villeneuve, Austin Butler, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Florence Pugh and Léa Seydoux Zendaya Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken and Léa Seydoux
Spaceman special screening
Netflix hosted a special screening of Spaceman on Monday with stars Adam Sandler, Carey Mulligan, Isabella Rossellini, Kunal Nayyar and director Johan Renck.
Johan Renck, Carey Mulligan, Adam Sandler, Isabella Rossellini and Kunal Nayyar
The Regime premiere
Kate Winslet joined costars Guillaume Gallienne and Andrea Riseborough...
Dune: Part Two premiere
Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Souheila Yacoub, Stellan Skarsgard, Javier Bardem and Denis Villeneuve walked the carpet on Sunday for the New York premiere of their sci-fi sequel.
Anya Taylor-Joy, Souheila Yacoub, Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet, Denis Villeneuve, Austin Butler, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Florence Pugh and Léa Seydoux Zendaya Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken and Léa Seydoux
Spaceman special screening
Netflix hosted a special screening of Spaceman on Monday with stars Adam Sandler, Carey Mulligan, Isabella Rossellini, Kunal Nayyar and director Johan Renck.
Johan Renck, Carey Mulligan, Adam Sandler, Isabella Rossellini and Kunal Nayyar
The Regime premiere
Kate Winslet joined costars Guillaume Gallienne and Andrea Riseborough...
- 3/1/2024
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
FileMaker Pro is the root of all evil in Julio Torres’ idiosyncratic immigrant comedy “Problemista,” in which the writer/director and comedian stars as an El Salvadoran toy designer trying to secure a visa before he’s kicked out of the U.S.
The computer database engine, used by the creative community for filing and data tracking, is a software Torres’ Alejandro is woefully unfamiliar with. And when he accepts the demoralizing gig of organizing a show of egg paintings bequeathed by a now-cryogenically frozen artist (RZA) to his wife, former art critic and current art world castaway Elizabeth (Tilda Swinton), it’s one facet of the job description Alejandro just can’t hack. Yet, for Elizabeth, working knowledge of the program is the be-all and end-all for employment.
Swinton, who spoke with IndieWire from a hotel bed in New York City over Zoom after the film’s hometown premiere,...
The computer database engine, used by the creative community for filing and data tracking, is a software Torres’ Alejandro is woefully unfamiliar with. And when he accepts the demoralizing gig of organizing a show of egg paintings bequeathed by a now-cryogenically frozen artist (RZA) to his wife, former art critic and current art world castaway Elizabeth (Tilda Swinton), it’s one facet of the job description Alejandro just can’t hack. Yet, for Elizabeth, working knowledge of the program is the be-all and end-all for employment.
Swinton, who spoke with IndieWire from a hotel bed in New York City over Zoom after the film’s hometown premiere,...
- 3/1/2024
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
You don’t have to work in media or the fashion industry to know a Miranda Priestly type. You don’t need to be a fairy princess to have encountered a Maleficent or two in your day. And you don’t need to be familiar with the NYC art world — or for that matter, be a Salvadorian immigrant looking for a way to keep your work visa active until you get your dream job at Hasbro designing twee toys for kids — to recognize someone like Elizabeth Asencio. She is the...
- 3/1/2024
- by David Fear
- Rollingstone.com
It’s immediately evident that Problemista, the new feature from A24, certainly comes from the mind of Julio Torres, the writer and comedian who brought his surreal ideas to Saturday Night Live and the HBO series about horror lovers, Los Espookys. But unlike most of his other work, Problemista gets personal.
Problemista — which Torres wrote, directed and stars in — follows Alejandro, who, like Torres did at one point, needs a visa sponsorship to stay in the United States rather than returning home to El Salvador. Alejandro is desperate to work at Hasbro, but they never respond to his applications containing beautifully bizarre ideas for toys that are more philosophical than practical. (Think: Torres’ beloved SNL sketch “Wells for Boys.”) Instead, he works at a cryonics center where humans are frozen, with the idea that they will be brought back to life in the future. He watches over the icy tomb...
Problemista — which Torres wrote, directed and stars in — follows Alejandro, who, like Torres did at one point, needs a visa sponsorship to stay in the United States rather than returning home to El Salvador. Alejandro is desperate to work at Hasbro, but they never respond to his applications containing beautifully bizarre ideas for toys that are more philosophical than practical. (Think: Torres’ beloved SNL sketch “Wells for Boys.”) Instead, he works at a cryonics center where humans are frozen, with the idea that they will be brought back to life in the future. He watches over the icy tomb...
- 2/29/2024
- by Esther Zuckerman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Julio Torres
Photo: Jon Pack
Problemista, the debut film from stand-up comedian, SNL Melania whisperer, and Los Espookys co-creator Julio Torres, lands closer to Uhf than Being John Malkovich, creating a slick and consistently hilarious comedic satire that aims to please more than challenge. Abandoning the confidence of his “Space Prince” stage persona,...
Photo: Jon Pack
Problemista, the debut film from stand-up comedian, SNL Melania whisperer, and Los Espookys co-creator Julio Torres, lands closer to Uhf than Being John Malkovich, creating a slick and consistently hilarious comedic satire that aims to please more than challenge. Abandoning the confidence of his “Space Prince” stage persona,...
- 2/29/2024
- by Matt Schimkowitz
- avclub.com
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