Brian De Palma's 1996 action thriller "Mission: Impossible" is, compared to its sequels, terse and restrained. Its helicopter chase through the Chunnel notwithstanding, "Mission: Impossible" is more about negotiation with villains, eluding assassination, and heist movie shenanigans. Before star Tom Cruise began grasping onto the sides of actual airplanes, the tensest moments in "Mission: Impossible" came when a single drop of sweat nearly touched an alarm sensor.
"Mission: Impossible" also disappointed fans of the 1966 TV series on which it was based. The series was typically about entire teams of spies, working together to undo -- or commit -- acts of espionage. The first act of De Palma's film introduces a diverse team of players only to immediately kill them off during their first mission. Ethan Hunt (Cruise) is the only agent to survive, and he spends the film assembling a new team. "Mission: Impossible" wasn't about the agency or its inner workings,...
"Mission: Impossible" also disappointed fans of the 1966 TV series on which it was based. The series was typically about entire teams of spies, working together to undo -- or commit -- acts of espionage. The first act of De Palma's film introduces a diverse team of players only to immediately kill them off during their first mission. Ethan Hunt (Cruise) is the only agent to survive, and he spends the film assembling a new team. "Mission: Impossible" wasn't about the agency or its inner workings,...
- 1/21/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
In 1996, Brian De Palma, who directed the first "Mission: Impossible" film, crafted it with the intention of being a standalone spy thriller about an Imf agent called Ethan Hunt who is forced to turn rogue. De Palma couldn't have foreseen the series' critical and commercial success -- and that it would act as a launchpad for Tom Cruise's career as a certified action star, who is now synonymous with the death-defying stunts that are a staple in Hunt's evolving journey.
However, the audacious action sequences that are now an intrinsic part of the "Mission: Impossible" films can be traced back to De Palma taking a massive leap of faith. Be it the memorable CIA infiltration sequence or the massive train car showdown towards the end, De Palma pitched these ideas directly to Cruise, who was blown away by the sheer coolness of the storyboards.
"Mission: Impossible" has De Palma's fingerprints all over it,...
However, the audacious action sequences that are now an intrinsic part of the "Mission: Impossible" films can be traced back to De Palma taking a massive leap of faith. Be it the memorable CIA infiltration sequence or the massive train car showdown towards the end, De Palma pitched these ideas directly to Cruise, who was blown away by the sheer coolness of the storyboards.
"Mission: Impossible" has De Palma's fingerprints all over it,...
- 1/20/2023
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
Hollywood is mourning one of it’s most recognizable faces.
Adam West, who immortalized the caped superhero for the 1960’s TV series Batman, died Friday after a short battle with leukemia at the age of 88.
“Our dad always saw himself as The Bright Knight and aspired to make a positive impact on his fans’ lives. He was and always will be our hero,” his family said in a statement.
Burt Ward, the Robin to West’s Batman, also released a statement remembering his good friend and costar.
“I am devastated at the loss of one my very dearest friends,” Ward said in a statement.
Adam West, who immortalized the caped superhero for the 1960’s TV series Batman, died Friday after a short battle with leukemia at the age of 88.
“Our dad always saw himself as The Bright Knight and aspired to make a positive impact on his fans’ lives. He was and always will be our hero,” his family said in a statement.
Burt Ward, the Robin to West’s Batman, also released a statement remembering his good friend and costar.
“I am devastated at the loss of one my very dearest friends,” Ward said in a statement.
- 6/10/2017
- by Ale Russian
- PEOPLE.com
When Fred Weasley comes up on Tinder, swipe left.
One user of the dating app — supposedly a 22-year-old named Trent — thought he’d score some matches by using photos of Harry Potter star James Phelps in his profile.
But his plan backfired when an observant fan of the actor recognized that Trent’s photo just happened to be the same as Phelps’ profile picture on Twitter.
“When a guy tries to catfish you on Tinder but @James_Phelps was your childhood crush,” the savvy Tinder user tweeted, sharing a screenshot of the imposter’s profile.
Phelps, 31, got wind of the...
One user of the dating app — supposedly a 22-year-old named Trent — thought he’d score some matches by using photos of Harry Potter star James Phelps in his profile.
But his plan backfired when an observant fan of the actor recognized that Trent’s photo just happened to be the same as Phelps’ profile picture on Twitter.
“When a guy tries to catfish you on Tinder but @James_Phelps was your childhood crush,” the savvy Tinder user tweeted, sharing a screenshot of the imposter’s profile.
Phelps, 31, got wind of the...
- 5/16/2017
- by Stephanie Petit
- PEOPLE.com
Emma Watson e Bonnie Wright no tapete vermelho do Tribeca Film Festival #TheCircle...
- 4/27/2017
- by Caitlin Hacker
- Popsugar.com
Will seeing the Harry Potter cast reunite ever get old? No. No it will not. A few former Hogwarts students (and one professor) got back together on Tuesday when they stopped by the Forbidden Forest at The Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London. Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick/Griphook), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), Oliver Phelps (George Weasley), and James Phelps (Fred Weasley) couldn't have looked happier as they returned to their old stomping grounds. In addition to the men sharing a few Butterbeers while sitting at Hagrid.'s forced perspective table, the group posed with Buckbeak and held lanterns at the forest's entrance. The fun get-together comes just a few weeks after Evanna, Oliver, and James helped unveil the exhibit's expansion with fellow star Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy). Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) also reunited with Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley) at a party in La in early March.
- 3/29/2017
- by Caitlin Hacker
- Popsugar.com
Luna Lovegood and the Weasley twins are no longer barred from entering the Forbidden Forest.
The now-grownup actors who played the fan-favorite characters — Evanna Lynch, Oliver Phelps and James Phelps — reunited for the star-studded opening of the Forbidden Forest, part of the Warner Bros Studio Tour in London on Monday.
Oliver and James played Fred and George Weasley, respectively, the quirky older brothers of Harry Potter’s best friend Ron, while Lynch played the etherial Lovegood.
From Coinage: See Where 6 Stars Were Before They Were Famous
The trio were joined at the event by Warwick Davis, who played three characters...
The now-grownup actors who played the fan-favorite characters — Evanna Lynch, Oliver Phelps and James Phelps — reunited for the star-studded opening of the Forbidden Forest, part of the Warner Bros Studio Tour in London on Monday.
Oliver and James played Fred and George Weasley, respectively, the quirky older brothers of Harry Potter’s best friend Ron, while Lynch played the etherial Lovegood.
From Coinage: See Where 6 Stars Were Before They Were Famous
The trio were joined at the event by Warwick Davis, who played three characters...
- 3/29/2017
- by Mike Miller
- PEOPLE.com
Author: David Sztypuljak
Over the past 6 years we’ve had the pleasure of attending press events at the now world famous Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London. The attraction has become one of the most-see locations for any Harry Potter fan and today we were treated to something very special.
It’s been two years since we last visited Leavesden which has now become one of the key locations for filming at Warner Bros. Many of the sets for Guy Ritchie’s next movie King Arthur: Legend of the Sword were built there along with The Legend of Tarzan which came from Harry Potter Director and Producer David Yates and David Barron sitting next to the backlock are stages J & K (a coincidence amusingly) working in unison with Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling’s name housing many of the sets used in the Harry Potter movies.
Two years ago it...
Over the past 6 years we’ve had the pleasure of attending press events at the now world famous Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London. The attraction has become one of the most-see locations for any Harry Potter fan and today we were treated to something very special.
It’s been two years since we last visited Leavesden which has now become one of the key locations for filming at Warner Bros. Many of the sets for Guy Ritchie’s next movie King Arthur: Legend of the Sword were built there along with The Legend of Tarzan which came from Harry Potter Director and Producer David Yates and David Barron sitting next to the backlock are stages J & K (a coincidence amusingly) working in unison with Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling’s name housing many of the sets used in the Harry Potter movies.
Two years ago it...
- 3/8/2017
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Wicked! Adam Johnson, 11, Daniel Johnson, 13, and Victoria Johnson, 14, from Los Angeles recently won a trip to London, courtesy of VisitLondon.com, and embarked on the Warner Bros. Studio VIP Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter. After they arrived, they were delighted to discover they were given a personal tour guide, who was none other than James Phelps, who played Fred Weasley in the films. "Oh my God!" Victoria exclaimed as the 30-year-old actor greeted the group, as seen in a YouTube video. Donning maroon and yellow Gryffindor scarves, the three checked out attractions such as the Hogwarts Express and the animatronic entrance to the Chamber of Secrets...
- 4/1/2016
- E! Online
The death of Alan Rickman, the British stage and film actor widely known for his roles as Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films and as Hans Gruber in Die Hard, has sent ripples of sadness around the world. Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling was "shocked and devastated" over the news, as she worked with the actor on the massively successful film franchise. "There are no words to express how shocked and devastated I am to hear of Alan Rickman's death," she tweeted on Thursday morning. "He was a magnificent actor & wonderful man." There are no words to express...
- 1/14/2016
- by Maria Yagoda, @mariayagoda
- PEOPLE.com
Author J.K. Rowling and her greatest creation, Harry Potter, both have birthdays today -- July 31. The author already tweeted her thanks to fans, but did you see the sweet birthday messages shared by several "Harry Potter" cast members to Time?
As Harry turns 35, his mum turns (it's not polite to say but the cast does refer to it) 50. Time celebrated J.K. Rowling's big milestone by getting 17 birthday notes from these movie stars: Alan Rickman (Snape), Imelda Staunton (Dolores Umbridge), Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid), Natalia Tena (Tonks), David Thewlis (Lupin), Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom), Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy), Clemence Poesy (Fleur), movie director Chris Columbus, Oliver and James Phelps (George and Fred Weasley), Katie Leung (Cho Chang), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), Sean Biggerstaff (Oliver Wood), Frances de la Tour (Madame Olympe Maxime), Mark Williams (Arthur Weasley), and Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley).
While some of the messages were...
As Harry turns 35, his mum turns (it's not polite to say but the cast does refer to it) 50. Time celebrated J.K. Rowling's big milestone by getting 17 birthday notes from these movie stars: Alan Rickman (Snape), Imelda Staunton (Dolores Umbridge), Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid), Natalia Tena (Tonks), David Thewlis (Lupin), Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom), Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy), Clemence Poesy (Fleur), movie director Chris Columbus, Oliver and James Phelps (George and Fred Weasley), Katie Leung (Cho Chang), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), Sean Biggerstaff (Oliver Wood), Frances de la Tour (Madame Olympe Maxime), Mark Williams (Arthur Weasley), and Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley).
While some of the messages were...
- 7/31/2015
- by Gina Carbone
- Moviefone
Tom Felton has said that he wants to play James Bond or a Bond villain because he was first inspired to become an actor by the franchise.
Speaking to Metro, the actor said that it is an "unfulfilled career ambition" of his to work on a Bond film.
"I haven't landed James Bond yet," he said. "Playing Bond or a Bond villain was why I wanted to do movies in the first place."
The actor, who is best known for his role as bully Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, also said that he does not believe he has become typecast as a villain.
"I enjoy darker characters and humanising people who seem villainous, but who might just be insecure or have their own problems," he said.
"I'm not typecast, I am going for things further up the heroic scale. But I would be happy to play villainous roles...
Speaking to Metro, the actor said that it is an "unfulfilled career ambition" of his to work on a Bond film.
"I haven't landed James Bond yet," he said. "Playing Bond or a Bond villain was why I wanted to do movies in the first place."
The actor, who is best known for his role as bully Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, also said that he does not believe he has become typecast as a villain.
"I enjoy darker characters and humanising people who seem villainous, but who might just be insecure or have their own problems," he said.
"I'm not typecast, I am going for things further up the heroic scale. But I would be happy to play villainous roles...
- 3/23/2015
- Digital Spy
Tom Felton's Instagram game is so hot it could make a Hungarian Horntail wanna retire, man. The Harry Potter star, 27, first pulled off a clever bit of Photoshop wizardry last week, aptly comparing Kim Kardashian's bleached new look to his famous alter ego. Then on Saturday, he made Muggle wishes come true with a sweet photo showing him posing alongside his former Potter castmates - and erstwhile Weasley siblings - James Phelps (Fred), Bonnie Wright (Ginny) and Rupert Grint (Ron). "Kim K stood me up," he captioned the photo. "Outnumbered by 3 Weasleys. Ugh." And if that weren't enough,...
- 3/8/2015
- by Michelle Tauber, @michelletauber
- PEOPLE.com
Hogwarts has invaded West Hollywood! Tom Felton kicked off his weekend with some very familiar faces when he traveled to State Social House on the famous Sunset Strip. Joined by Ron Weasley (Ruper Grint), Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright) and Fred Weasley (James Phelps), the fellow Brit reunited with some of our favorite Harry Potter co-stars for a night out on the town. "Mini family reunion...and Tom," Phelps wrote on Instagram. "Great night with the gang" Wright added, "Look who I found on Sunset #Rupert" The group has remained close even after the popular franchise ended in 2011. In fact, Grint and Felton have continued to support each other at major events. How can we...
- 3/7/2015
- E! Online
As Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, Emma Watson has already proven she can pull off the role of a library-loving bookworm - a key qualification for her upcoming turn as Belle in the live-action version of Beauty and the Beast. But can she sing? "I imagine she's good," Evanna Lynch, who played Luna Lovegood in the films, told People at Universal Orlando's Celebration of Harry Potter on Friday. "She's good at everything else!" said James Phelps, who played Fred Weasley. "Emma works so hard," adds Lynch. "Even if she's not naturally a good singer, she will make herself great at it.
- 1/31/2015
- by Michelle Tauber, @michelletauber
- PEOPLE.com
Robbie Coltrane was taken to hospital after falling ill on a flight on Thursday (January 29).
The actor had been travelling from London to Orlando to attend a special Harry Potter celebration event.
However, on arrival in the Us the actor - who played Hagrid in the Potter movies - was taken to a local hospital, where he is now resting.
His agent has confirmed that he is "fine" and is expected to be discharged in the coming days.
Warner Bros commented: "Robbie took ill last night and is getting the rest he needs to feel better. We are sorry he cannot be with us this weekend and look forward to seeing him up and about soon."
Coltrane was due to join Michael Gambon, James Phelps and Evanna Lynch for the annual 'A Celebration of Harry Potter event' at Universal Resort Orlando this weekend.
The 64-year-old joined his fellow cast members...
The actor had been travelling from London to Orlando to attend a special Harry Potter celebration event.
However, on arrival in the Us the actor - who played Hagrid in the Potter movies - was taken to a local hospital, where he is now resting.
His agent has confirmed that he is "fine" and is expected to be discharged in the coming days.
Warner Bros commented: "Robbie took ill last night and is getting the rest he needs to feel better. We are sorry he cannot be with us this weekend and look forward to seeing him up and about soon."
Coltrane was due to join Michael Gambon, James Phelps and Evanna Lynch for the annual 'A Celebration of Harry Potter event' at Universal Resort Orlando this weekend.
The 64-year-old joined his fellow cast members...
- 1/30/2015
- Digital Spy
You won't need witchcraft or wizardry to come along on E!'s star-studded ride through the newest addition to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando! Just sit back and enjoy as our very own Kristin Dos Santos brings all things Harry Potter to you when she joins the cast live from the red carpet at Diagon Alley. This VIP preview will feature your favorite cast members, such as Helena Bonham Carter, Tom Felton, Bonnie Wright, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Evanna Lynch and more, but other surprise guests will also be in attendance to give you a behind-the-scenes sneak peek into the brand-new attraction. The stars will also be giving you the scoop on the...
- 6/20/2014
- E! Online
Grab your cloaks and wands, Harry Potter is back in a big way. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter had a VIP preview of the new Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando Resort and all your favorite witches and wizards showed up. Yes, even Bellatrix Lestrange made an appearance. But don't worry, nobody uttered any unforgiveable curses (as far as we know). In attendance at the VIP preview: Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange), Oliver Phelps (George Weasley), James Phelps (Fred Weasley), Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom), Domhnall Gleeson (Bill Weasley), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid), Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy) and Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley). They cleaned...
- 6/19/2014
- E! Online
Universal Orlando today (June 18) announced the official opening date of Diagon Alley at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
From Tuesday, July 8, the major theme park expansion will enable fans of the film franchise to enjoy a new series of rides and experiences at the Florida tourist attraction.
In-depth details for the "fully-immersive, action packed journey" remain under wraps, but initial pictures show a highly realistic rendering of memorable scenes and locations from the films, including Gringotts bank and fire-breathing dragon Ironbelly.
According to Universal Orlando, visitors will "enter Gringotts bank and walk through its grand marble lobby and see goblins hard at work".
They will then "take a journey through cavernous passageways that lead deep underground, encountering Harry, Ron and Hermione along the way, while evading the wrath of malicious villains Voldemort and Bellatrix" on the "multi-dimensional 3D thrill ride".
Speaking to Digital Spy at the unveiling, cast members...
From Tuesday, July 8, the major theme park expansion will enable fans of the film franchise to enjoy a new series of rides and experiences at the Florida tourist attraction.
In-depth details for the "fully-immersive, action packed journey" remain under wraps, but initial pictures show a highly realistic rendering of memorable scenes and locations from the films, including Gringotts bank and fire-breathing dragon Ironbelly.
According to Universal Orlando, visitors will "enter Gringotts bank and walk through its grand marble lobby and see goblins hard at work".
They will then "take a journey through cavernous passageways that lead deep underground, encountering Harry, Ron and Hermione along the way, while evading the wrath of malicious villains Voldemort and Bellatrix" on the "multi-dimensional 3D thrill ride".
Speaking to Digital Spy at the unveiling, cast members...
- 6/18/2014
- Digital Spy
Birthday shoutouts go to Anson Mount (above), who is 41, Sean Astin is 43, Oliver and James Phelps are 28, and Sally Jesse Raphael is 79.
Liza Minnelli, Lorna Luft and Joey Luft will appear onstage at The Oscars to help commemorate the 75th anniversary of The Wizard Of Oz.
The NBA decided on Tuesday to make No. 98 Jason Collins jerseys available due to high demand.
Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski To Judge Oscar Fashion On Red Carpet For Access Hollywood. Fair warning.
Brad Fulchuk drops hints about the future of Klaine: “when you’re really on top of each other and really seeing each other and really get to smell each other every day, it’s a little different.”
Patricia Heaton didn’t know about ‘this homophobic guy’ Bryan Fischer. Um, your “gay makeup artist” needs to learn that Google is his friend
PGA nobody tweets incredibly stupid joke about Michael Sam.
Syfy...
Liza Minnelli, Lorna Luft and Joey Luft will appear onstage at The Oscars to help commemorate the 75th anniversary of The Wizard Of Oz.
The NBA decided on Tuesday to make No. 98 Jason Collins jerseys available due to high demand.
Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski To Judge Oscar Fashion On Red Carpet For Access Hollywood. Fair warning.
Brad Fulchuk drops hints about the future of Klaine: “when you’re really on top of each other and really seeing each other and really get to smell each other every day, it’s a little different.”
Patricia Heaton didn’t know about ‘this homophobic guy’ Bryan Fischer. Um, your “gay makeup artist” needs to learn that Google is his friend
PGA nobody tweets incredibly stupid joke about Michael Sam.
Syfy...
- 2/25/2014
- by snicks
- The Backlot
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