Nicole Kidman has captivated audiences with her spellbinding acting for over 40 years and has excelled in theatre, film, and television. Not only is she an accomplished producer but a five-time Academy Award nominee. Her role as Virginia Woolf in The Hours (2002) earned her the Oscar for Best Actress in 2002.
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1967, she began her career in Australia as a teenager with roles in Bush Christmas (1983) and BMX Bandits (1983). Her performance in Dead Calm (1989) would grab the attention of Hollywood, and Tom Cruise, casting her in her breakout role as neurologist Dr. Claire Lewicki, in Days of Thunder (1990).
Her trajectory to establishing herself among Hollywood’s A-List continued as she starred alongside Cruise again in Far and Away (1992), mastered her comedic acting chops as an aspiring television personality in Gus Van Sant’s black comedy, To Die For (1995), and portrayed another doctor in the superhero film Batman Forever (1995), opposite Val Kilmer.
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1967, she began her career in Australia as a teenager with roles in Bush Christmas (1983) and BMX Bandits (1983). Her performance in Dead Calm (1989) would grab the attention of Hollywood, and Tom Cruise, casting her in her breakout role as neurologist Dr. Claire Lewicki, in Days of Thunder (1990).
Her trajectory to establishing herself among Hollywood’s A-List continued as she starred alongside Cruise again in Far and Away (1992), mastered her comedic acting chops as an aspiring television personality in Gus Van Sant’s black comedy, To Die For (1995), and portrayed another doctor in the superhero film Batman Forever (1995), opposite Val Kilmer.
- 4/28/2024
- by Robert Lang
- Deadline Film + TV
Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman poses for Vogue” (Australia) magazine, wearing Gucci, Cartier and Gentle Monster, photographed by Steven Klein:
Kidman began her acting career in Australia with the 1983 films “Bush Christmas” and “BMX Bandits”. Her breakthrough came in 1989 with the thriller film “Dead Calm” and the miniseries “Bangkok Hilton”.
In 1990, she achieved international success with the action film “Days of Thunder”. She received greater recognition with lead roles in “Far and Away” (1992), “Batman Forever” (1995), “To Die For” (1995) and “Eyes Wide Shut” (1999).
In 2003, she won the ‘Academy Award’ for ‘Best Actress’ for her portrayal of writer ‘Virginia Woolf’ in the drama film “The Hours” (2002). Among her numerous feature films, Kidman received additional Academy Award nominations for her roles in the musical “Moulin Rouge!” (2001) and the dramas “Rabbit Hole” (2010), “Lion” (2016) and “Being the Ricardos” (2021).
Kidman's television roles include “Hemingway & Gellhorn” (2012), “Big Little Lies” (2017–2019), “Top of the Lake: China Girl” (2017), “The Undoing...
Kidman began her acting career in Australia with the 1983 films “Bush Christmas” and “BMX Bandits”. Her breakthrough came in 1989 with the thriller film “Dead Calm” and the miniseries “Bangkok Hilton”.
In 1990, she achieved international success with the action film “Days of Thunder”. She received greater recognition with lead roles in “Far and Away” (1992), “Batman Forever” (1995), “To Die For” (1995) and “Eyes Wide Shut” (1999).
In 2003, she won the ‘Academy Award’ for ‘Best Actress’ for her portrayal of writer ‘Virginia Woolf’ in the drama film “The Hours” (2002). Among her numerous feature films, Kidman received additional Academy Award nominations for her roles in the musical “Moulin Rouge!” (2001) and the dramas “Rabbit Hole” (2010), “Lion” (2016) and “Being the Ricardos” (2021).
Kidman's television roles include “Hemingway & Gellhorn” (2012), “Big Little Lies” (2017–2019), “Top of the Lake: China Girl” (2017), “The Undoing...
- 4/25/2024
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Long before she was a movie star, a teenage Nicole Kidman appeared in the early-’80s action comedy “BMX Bandits,” a rowdy Australian kidpic full of bicycle stunts and Scooby-Doo crime-stopping shenanigans. It’s too early to say whether any of the adorable young leads in “Riddle of Fire” will go on to have successful acting careers. Still, it’s amusing to think that two decades into the 21st century, writer-director Weston Razooli has taken inspiration from such questionable classics, along with vintage live-action Disney fare — like “Escape from Witch Mountain” and the Herbie movies, which the studio sold in puffy white VHS cases — for his own retro-spirited debut.
Spun from equal parts imagination and nostalgia, “Riddle of Fire” comes as close as any film since “Spy Kids” or “Kisses” to mirroring the kind of cinematic adventures we made in our heads as kids. Razooli remembers how it feels to...
Spun from equal parts imagination and nostalgia, “Riddle of Fire” comes as close as any film since “Spy Kids” or “Kisses” to mirroring the kind of cinematic adventures we made in our heads as kids. Razooli remembers how it feels to...
- 3/25/2024
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman poses for the 60th anniversary issue of “Vogue” (Australia), wearing Chanel, Givenchy, Galliano and Schiaparelli, photographed by Inez van Lamsweerde + Vinoodh:
Kidman began her acting career in Australia with the 1983 films “Bush Christmas” and “BMX Bandits”. Her breakthrough came in 1989 with the thriller film “Dead Calm” and the miniseries “Bangkok Hilton”.
In 1990, she achieved international success with the action film “Days of Thunder”. She received greater recognition with lead roles in “Far and Away” (1992), “Batman Forever” (1995), “To Die For” (1995) and “Eyes Wide Shut” (1999).
In 2003, she won the ‘Academy Award’ for ‘Best Actress’ for her portrayal of writer ‘Virginia Woolf’ in the drama film “The Hours” (2002). Among her numerous feature films, Kidman received additional Academy Award nominations for her roles in the musical “Moulin Rouge!” (2001) and the dramas “Rabbit Hole” (2010), “Lion” (2016) and “Being the Ricardos” (2021).
Kidman's television roles include “Hemingway & Gellhorn” (2012), “Big Little Lies” (2017–2019), “Top of the Lake: China Girl...
Kidman began her acting career in Australia with the 1983 films “Bush Christmas” and “BMX Bandits”. Her breakthrough came in 1989 with the thriller film “Dead Calm” and the miniseries “Bangkok Hilton”.
In 1990, she achieved international success with the action film “Days of Thunder”. She received greater recognition with lead roles in “Far and Away” (1992), “Batman Forever” (1995), “To Die For” (1995) and “Eyes Wide Shut” (1999).
In 2003, she won the ‘Academy Award’ for ‘Best Actress’ for her portrayal of writer ‘Virginia Woolf’ in the drama film “The Hours” (2002). Among her numerous feature films, Kidman received additional Academy Award nominations for her roles in the musical “Moulin Rouge!” (2001) and the dramas “Rabbit Hole” (2010), “Lion” (2016) and “Being the Ricardos” (2021).
Kidman's television roles include “Hemingway & Gellhorn” (2012), “Big Little Lies” (2017–2019), “Top of the Lake: China Girl...
- 3/10/2024
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman poses for the February 2024 issue of “Vogue” (Australia) magazine, wearing Gucci, Cartier and Gentle Monster, photographed by Steven Klein:
Kidman began her acting career in Australia with the 1983 films “Bush Christmas” and “BMX Bandits”. Her breakthrough came in 1989 with the thriller film “Dead Calm” and the miniseries “Bangkok Hilton”.
In 1990, she achieved international success with the action film “Days of Thunder”. She received greater recognition with lead roles in “Far and Away” (1992), “Batman Forever” (1995), “To Die For” (1995) and “Eyes Wide Shut” (1999).
In 2003, she won the ‘Academy Award’ for ‘Best Actress’ for her portrayal of writer ‘Virginia Woolf’ in the drama film “The Hours” (2002). Among her numerous feature films, Kidman received additional Academy Award nominations for her roles in the musical “Moulin Rouge!” (2001) and the dramas “Rabbit Hole” (2010), “Lion” (2016) and “Being the Ricardos” (2021).
Kidman's television roles include “Hemingway & Gellhorn” (2012), “Big Little Lies” (2017–2019), “Top of the Lake: China Girl...
Kidman began her acting career in Australia with the 1983 films “Bush Christmas” and “BMX Bandits”. Her breakthrough came in 1989 with the thriller film “Dead Calm” and the miniseries “Bangkok Hilton”.
In 1990, she achieved international success with the action film “Days of Thunder”. She received greater recognition with lead roles in “Far and Away” (1992), “Batman Forever” (1995), “To Die For” (1995) and “Eyes Wide Shut” (1999).
In 2003, she won the ‘Academy Award’ for ‘Best Actress’ for her portrayal of writer ‘Virginia Woolf’ in the drama film “The Hours” (2002). Among her numerous feature films, Kidman received additional Academy Award nominations for her roles in the musical “Moulin Rouge!” (2001) and the dramas “Rabbit Hole” (2010), “Lion” (2016) and “Being the Ricardos” (2021).
Kidman's television roles include “Hemingway & Gellhorn” (2012), “Big Little Lies” (2017–2019), “Top of the Lake: China Girl...
- 1/28/2024
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman poses for "Vanity Fair" magazine, with a provocative cover photographed by Maurizio Cattelan and Pierpaolo Ferrari, that stands alongside Kidman’s numerous photo shoots for the publication over the years:
Kidman began her acting career in Australia with the 1983 films “Bush Christmas” and “BMX Bandits”.
Her breakthrough came in 1989 with the thriller film “Dead Calm” and the miniseries “Bangkok Hilton”.
In 1990, she achieved international success with the action film “Days of Thunder”.
She received greater recognition with lead roles in “Far and Away” (1992), “Batman Forever” (1995), “To Die For” (1995) and “Eyes Wide Shut” (1999).
In 2003, she won the ‘Academy Award’ for ‘Best Actress’ for her portrayal of writer ‘Virginia Woolf’ in the drama film “The Hours” (2002).
Among her numerous feature films, Kidman received additional Academy Award nominations for her roles in the musical “Moulin Rouge!” (2001) and the dramas “Rabbit Hole” (2010), “Lion” (2016) and “Being the Ricardos” (2021).
Kidman's television roles...
Kidman began her acting career in Australia with the 1983 films “Bush Christmas” and “BMX Bandits”.
Her breakthrough came in 1989 with the thriller film “Dead Calm” and the miniseries “Bangkok Hilton”.
In 1990, she achieved international success with the action film “Days of Thunder”.
She received greater recognition with lead roles in “Far and Away” (1992), “Batman Forever” (1995), “To Die For” (1995) and “Eyes Wide Shut” (1999).
In 2003, she won the ‘Academy Award’ for ‘Best Actress’ for her portrayal of writer ‘Virginia Woolf’ in the drama film “The Hours” (2002).
Among her numerous feature films, Kidman received additional Academy Award nominations for her roles in the musical “Moulin Rouge!” (2001) and the dramas “Rabbit Hole” (2010), “Lion” (2016) and “Being the Ricardos” (2021).
Kidman's television roles...
- 11/29/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman poses for the latest issue of "Vanity Fair" magazine, with a provocative cover photographed by Maurizio Cattelan and Pierpaolo Ferrari, that stands alongside Kidman’s numerous photo shoots for the publication over the years:
Kidman began her acting career in Australia with the 1983 films “Bush Christmas” and “BMX Bandits”.
Her breakthrough came in 1989 with the thriller film “Dead Calm” and the miniseries “Bangkok Hilton”.
In 1990, she achieved international success with the action film “Days of Thunder”.
She received greater recognition with lead roles in “Far and Away” (1992), “Batman Forever” (1995), “To Die For” (1995) and “Eyes Wide Shut” (1999).
In 2003, she won the ‘Academy Award’ for ‘Best Actress’ for her portrayal of writer ‘Virginia Woolf’ in the drama film “The Hours” (2002).
Among her numerous feature films, Kidman received additional Academy Award nominations for her roles in the musical “Moulin Rouge!” (2001) and the dramas “Rabbit Hole” (2010), “Lion” (2016) and “Being the Ricardos...
Kidman began her acting career in Australia with the 1983 films “Bush Christmas” and “BMX Bandits”.
Her breakthrough came in 1989 with the thriller film “Dead Calm” and the miniseries “Bangkok Hilton”.
In 1990, she achieved international success with the action film “Days of Thunder”.
She received greater recognition with lead roles in “Far and Away” (1992), “Batman Forever” (1995), “To Die For” (1995) and “Eyes Wide Shut” (1999).
In 2003, she won the ‘Academy Award’ for ‘Best Actress’ for her portrayal of writer ‘Virginia Woolf’ in the drama film “The Hours” (2002).
Among her numerous feature films, Kidman received additional Academy Award nominations for her roles in the musical “Moulin Rouge!” (2001) and the dramas “Rabbit Hole” (2010), “Lion” (2016) and “Being the Ricardos...
- 2/20/2022
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Roadshow’s The Dry has enjoyed a stellar run since its release on New Year’s Day, taking in nearly $7 million to date.
Robert Connolly’s adaption of Jane Harper’s best-selling novel returned to the top of the box office last weekend with takings of more than $2 million, bringing its overall total to $6.9 million.
It comes after the film grossed $3.5 million on its opening weekend, joining Happy Feet and Mad Max as one of the biggest box office debuts for an Australian film.
Roadshow Films CEO Joel Pearlman said the results “absolutely confirm” Australian films can deliver blockbuster results alongside their Hollywood counterparts.
“This result is an incredible example of just how willing Australian audiences are to support their own cinema and stories and how important it is for the local filmmaking community to continue to be provided with opportunities to create great works of cinema for Australians to delight in,...
Robert Connolly’s adaption of Jane Harper’s best-selling novel returned to the top of the box office last weekend with takings of more than $2 million, bringing its overall total to $6.9 million.
It comes after the film grossed $3.5 million on its opening weekend, joining Happy Feet and Mad Max as one of the biggest box office debuts for an Australian film.
Roadshow Films CEO Joel Pearlman said the results “absolutely confirm” Australian films can deliver blockbuster results alongside their Hollywood counterparts.
“This result is an incredible example of just how willing Australian audiences are to support their own cinema and stories and how important it is for the local filmmaking community to continue to be provided with opportunities to create great works of cinema for Australians to delight in,...
- 1/13/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Video Version of this Article Photo/Video: Nicole Kidman/Lionsgate Entertainment/ Hollywood Insider YouTube Channel At birth, Nicole Kidman was given the Hawaiian name “Hōkūlani”, meaning “heavenly star”. While many casting directors have acknowledged Kidman’s features as having a celestial quality to them, she’s challenged herself throughout her career to bedevil this angelic trajectory. Despite occasionally becoming the focus of the tabloid lens, Kidman is a consummate professional who continues to seek out fresh and challenging work and doesn’t seem to have a bad thing to say about anyone. In her storied career, she’s played the queen of the punks, the queen of Atlantis, and the nemesis of Paddington the bear. Related article: A Musical ‘The Prom’: Love Wins In Celebration of the Year with Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman | Must-Watch Related article: Video: Full Commentary & Reactions From Stars On ‘Bombshell’ With Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman,...
- 12/30/2020
- by Trent Kinnucan
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
‘Hearts and Bones.’
Madman Entertainment had dated Ben Lawrence’s debut feature Hearts and Bones for an April 30 premiere on 40 screens, the marketing campaign was ready and Hugo Weaving was set do a a publicity tour.
That was until the sky fell in – all cinemas closed due to the pandemic – so the distributor and producer Matt Reeder had to rethink their strategy.
The upshot: The drama which follows Weaving’s war photographer and a South Sudanese refugee (newcomer Andrew Luri), who discovers a photograph that threatens to destroy them both, will be available to buy on digital platforms for $19.95 from May 6.
“Matt and Ben are fully on board with the decision; this is a great time to experiment,” says Madman Entertainment MD Paul Wiegard.
Wiegard is confident the download-to-own offer will get significant take-up through iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, Sony PlayStation, Telstra and Fetch TV. That will be followed by...
Madman Entertainment had dated Ben Lawrence’s debut feature Hearts and Bones for an April 30 premiere on 40 screens, the marketing campaign was ready and Hugo Weaving was set do a a publicity tour.
That was until the sky fell in – all cinemas closed due to the pandemic – so the distributor and producer Matt Reeder had to rethink their strategy.
The upshot: The drama which follows Weaving’s war photographer and a South Sudanese refugee (newcomer Andrew Luri), who discovers a photograph that threatens to destroy them both, will be available to buy on digital platforms for $19.95 from May 6.
“Matt and Ben are fully on board with the decision; this is a great time to experiment,” says Madman Entertainment MD Paul Wiegard.
Wiegard is confident the download-to-own offer will get significant take-up through iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, Sony PlayStation, Telstra and Fetch TV. That will be followed by...
- 4/19/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Celeste Franklin.
Emerging Western Australian screenwriter Celeste Franklin has been awarded the Australian Film Television and Radio School’s 2020 Storytelling Scholarship, which supports Aftrs’ mission to discover and support writers from under-represented groups.
A former primary school teacher, Franklin worked in costume departments for more than 20 years on numerous productions including Paper Planes, Lockie Leonard, Last Train to Freo and Water Rats.
This year she began a Masters of Arts Screen: Screenwriting so the scholarship will cover her tuition fees for the two-year course.
Her maternal grandfather was a Kalkatung man who fought in Jimmy Sharman’s boxing tents. Her maternal great, great, grandfather was blackbirded from the South Sea Islands to be a kanaka on the northern Queensland cane fields.
She won the scholarship based on her creative response to the story provocations in the Aftrs brand campaign Storytellers Wanted, which was developed by the agency 72andSunny and directed...
Emerging Western Australian screenwriter Celeste Franklin has been awarded the Australian Film Television and Radio School’s 2020 Storytelling Scholarship, which supports Aftrs’ mission to discover and support writers from under-represented groups.
A former primary school teacher, Franklin worked in costume departments for more than 20 years on numerous productions including Paper Planes, Lockie Leonard, Last Train to Freo and Water Rats.
This year she began a Masters of Arts Screen: Screenwriting so the scholarship will cover her tuition fees for the two-year course.
Her maternal grandfather was a Kalkatung man who fought in Jimmy Sharman’s boxing tents. Her maternal great, great, grandfather was blackbirded from the South Sea Islands to be a kanaka on the northern Queensland cane fields.
She won the scholarship based on her creative response to the story provocations in the Aftrs brand campaign Storytellers Wanted, which was developed by the agency 72andSunny and directed...
- 3/2/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
British actor Bryan Marshall, known for his portrayal of Commander Talbot in The Spy Who Loved Me, and for his starring role in Australian daytime soap Neighbours, died Tuesday. He was 81. Marshall’s agent, Eca’s Esta Charkham, confirmed the news on Twitter Wednesday.
“So sad that my dear old chum Bryan Marshall has gone on ahead,” wrote Charkham. “A wonderful actor – he was so good you never noticed how good he was. He was a valued chum.”
Born in Battersea, London, Marshall began his acting career in the 1960s with a breakout role in Alfie alongside Michael Caine. He went on to star in one of his most memorable roles as Councillor Harris in crime film The Long Good Friday. In 1977, he starred alongside Roger Moore in Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me. His character Commander Talbot had his submarine captured at the beginning of the film before later being rescued by Bond.
“So sad that my dear old chum Bryan Marshall has gone on ahead,” wrote Charkham. “A wonderful actor – he was so good you never noticed how good he was. He was a valued chum.”
Born in Battersea, London, Marshall began his acting career in the 1960s with a breakout role in Alfie alongside Michael Caine. He went on to star in one of his most memorable roles as Councillor Harris in crime film The Long Good Friday. In 1977, he starred alongside Roger Moore in Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me. His character Commander Talbot had his submarine captured at the beginning of the film before later being rescued by Bond.
- 6/26/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Nicole Kidman is almost unrecognizable as a damaged Los Angeles Police Department detective in the first trailer for Annapurna’s “Destroyer.”
The footage, released Wednesday, shows Kidman’s character, Erin Bell, haunted by the memory of an undercover operation with a gang in the California desert that ended with tragic results. When the leader of that gang re-emerges many years later, she has to confront her own history.
“I’m mad,” she says. “I’m still mad. It’s burned a circuit in my brain.”
Karyn Kusama directed “Destroyer” from a script by Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi. The cast also includes Sebastian Stan, Tatiana Maslany, Bradley Whitford, and Toby Kebbell. Fred Berger, Hay and Manfredi are producing.
“Destroyer” premiered at this year’s Telluride Film Festival. In his review for Variety, Peter Debruge gave the thriller high praise, noting Kidman’s physical transformation: “Nothing Nicole Kidman has done in...
The footage, released Wednesday, shows Kidman’s character, Erin Bell, haunted by the memory of an undercover operation with a gang in the California desert that ended with tragic results. When the leader of that gang re-emerges many years later, she has to confront her own history.
“I’m mad,” she says. “I’m still mad. It’s burned a circuit in my brain.”
Karyn Kusama directed “Destroyer” from a script by Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi. The cast also includes Sebastian Stan, Tatiana Maslany, Bradley Whitford, and Toby Kebbell. Fred Berger, Hay and Manfredi are producing.
“Destroyer” premiered at this year’s Telluride Film Festival. In his review for Variety, Peter Debruge gave the thriller high praise, noting Kidman’s physical transformation: “Nothing Nicole Kidman has done in...
- 10/17/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Nothing Nicole Kidman has done in her career can prepare you for “Destroyer” — to the extent it’s easy to imagine someone wandering/tuning in to the film and watching for several minutes before realizing that the sunburnt piece of beef jerky up on screen is none other than the alabaster beauty from “BMX Bandits” and “Far and Away.” And that’s just the surface. “Destroyer” may as well be called “Nasty Woman: The Movie,” so committed is it to the idea of presenting a Don Siegel-style anti-hero who’s dirtier than Harry, deadlier than “The Killers.”
Going from fresh-faced FBI cadet to what looks like a roadie for the Rolling Stones, this is a transformation on par with Charlize Theron in “Monster” — not just in appearance, but in terms of her entire persona: the way her eyes move, like those of a skittish animal scanning the horizon for...
Going from fresh-faced FBI cadet to what looks like a roadie for the Rolling Stones, this is a transformation on par with Charlize Theron in “Monster” — not just in appearance, but in terms of her entire persona: the way her eyes move, like those of a skittish animal scanning the horizon for...
- 9/2/2018
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
One part revisionist documentary, one part LSD-infused YouTube compilation video, Soda_Jerk’s controversial film shatters old narratives
Remember the scene from the original Mad Max, when a wounded Max Rockatansky lies on the road and Nicole Kidman from BMX Bandits arrives and jumps over him? Remember how Olivia Newton-John from Grease, glammed up in a leather jacket and skin-tight black pants, observed this interaction from the side of the road while smoking a cigarette?
Remember how one of the cars in Mad Max was destroyed by a group of angry women, including Lucy Fry from the Wolf Creek TV series and Jacqueline McKenzie from Romper Stomper? Remember how Essie Davis from The Babadook throws a match on the vehicle while Toni Collette and Rachel Griffiths from Muriel’s Wedding laugh as it goes up in flames?...
Remember the scene from the original Mad Max, when a wounded Max Rockatansky lies on the road and Nicole Kidman from BMX Bandits arrives and jumps over him? Remember how Olivia Newton-John from Grease, glammed up in a leather jacket and skin-tight black pants, observed this interaction from the side of the road while smoking a cigarette?
Remember how one of the cars in Mad Max was destroyed by a group of angry women, including Lucy Fry from the Wolf Creek TV series and Jacqueline McKenzie from Romper Stomper? Remember how Essie Davis from The Babadook throws a match on the vehicle while Toni Collette and Rachel Griffiths from Muriel’s Wedding laugh as it goes up in flames?...
- 3/20/2018
- by Luke Buckmaster
- The Guardian - Film News
Welcome back for Day 9 of Daily Dead’s fourth annual Holiday Gift Guide, readers! Once again, our goal is to help you navigate through the horrors of the 2016 shopping season with our tips on unique gift ideas, and we’ll hopefully help you save a few bucks over the next few weeks, too. For today’s gift guide, we’re showcasing several of the amazing Arrow Video releases of 2016, and we're also featuring the work of IBTrav Illustration & Design, the Mondo soundtrack release for Deathgasm, more enamel pins, a book celebrating Marvel’s Doctor Strange, Horror LEGOs, recent Monster High releases, and so much more!
This year’s Holiday Gift Guide is sponsored by several amazing companies, including Mondo, Anchor Bay Entertainment, DC Entertainment, and Magnolia Home Entertainment, who have all donated an assortment of goodies to help get you into the spirit of the season. Daily Dead also recently...
This year’s Holiday Gift Guide is sponsored by several amazing companies, including Mondo, Anchor Bay Entertainment, DC Entertainment, and Magnolia Home Entertainment, who have all donated an assortment of goodies to help get you into the spirit of the season. Daily Dead also recently...
- 12/7/2016
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
Director Brian Trenchard-Smith is a giant among men when it comes to exploitation cinema. The director, a British transplant to the Land of Oz, is responsible for some of the most incredible examples of Ozploitation that the island has to offer. Among his contributions to cinematic ignominy are the insanely over-the-top post-apocalyptic action bacchanal Turkey Shoot, the extremely vivid BMXploitation king BMX Bandits (starring a very young Nicole Kidman), and the crazy combination of rock 'n roll and death-defying stunts, Stunt Rock. However, the film that is perhaps my favorite Brian Trenchard-Smith (Bts) project is the punks-gone-wild bonanza, Dead End Drive-In. In the film, naturally set after the world's economy has collapsed and Australia has turned to martial law, society's undesirables are lured to the...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 10/23/2016
- Screen Anarchy
The third week of September has a lot of fantastic horror and sci-fi home entertainment offerings coming our way, including an incredible pair of Criterion Blu-ray releases—Cat People (1942) and Blood Simple—as well as the 30th Anniversary Edition of Labyrinth and the Special Edition of Brian Trenchard-Smith’s Dead End Drive-In. Other notable titles being released on September 20th include the horror doc The Blackout Experiments (which premiered earlier this year at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival), Sacrifice, The Rift (1990), Beware! The Blob, and a Blu-ray set featuring all kinds of Twin Peaks goodness.
Beware! The Blob (Kino Lorber, Blu-ray & DVD)
Newly Re-mastered in HD! The Blob returns... more outrageous than ever in this 1972 sequel to the popular sci-fi classic! Plenty of familiar faces, including Robert Walker Jr. (Ensign Pulver), Larry Hagman (Dallas), Sid Haig (Busting), Burgess Meredith (Rocky), Dick Van Patten (Eight is Enough), Godfrey Cambridge...
Beware! The Blob (Kino Lorber, Blu-ray & DVD)
Newly Re-mastered in HD! The Blob returns... more outrageous than ever in this 1972 sequel to the popular sci-fi classic! Plenty of familiar faces, including Robert Walker Jr. (Ensign Pulver), Larry Hagman (Dallas), Sid Haig (Busting), Burgess Meredith (Rocky), Dick Van Patten (Eight is Enough), Godfrey Cambridge...
- 9/20/2016
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
I’ve written about Brian Trenchard-Smith a number of times here on Bloody Disgusting. The BMX Bandits director is undoubtedly one of my favorites and one of the most underrated directors around. Slowly but surely I think more folks have started realizing just how talented Bts is. Last year two of his films, Turkey Shoot and The Seige of Firebase Gloria, made the […]...
- 8/10/2016
- by Chris Coffel
- bloody-disgusting.com
Xavier Samuel in Kimble Rendall's Bait 3D.
Adelaide-raised Xavier Samuel is returning home to star in South Australian feature Bad Blood, a suspense thriller to be directed by David Pulbrook (Last Dance) about a couple's long weekend away that turns sinister.
Samuel will star alongside Morgan Griffin (San Andreas, Unbroken) in his first Sa-shot film since his debut film, 2006's 2:37 (the film which also provided an early breakout role for Teresa Palmer).
Bad Blood will be produced by Wolf Creek's David Lightfoot alongside Antony I. Ginnane, with filming in the Adelaide Hills and at Adelaide Studios to begin June 6 and run for three weeks.
.Interest in filming in South Australia is currently very high, with the State.s experienced crews, diverse filming locations and the state-of-the-art Adelaide Studios all proving strong drawcards among producers and directors," South Australian Film Corporation Chief Executive Annabelle Sheehan said.
.In the last two years,...
Adelaide-raised Xavier Samuel is returning home to star in South Australian feature Bad Blood, a suspense thriller to be directed by David Pulbrook (Last Dance) about a couple's long weekend away that turns sinister.
Samuel will star alongside Morgan Griffin (San Andreas, Unbroken) in his first Sa-shot film since his debut film, 2006's 2:37 (the film which also provided an early breakout role for Teresa Palmer).
Bad Blood will be produced by Wolf Creek's David Lightfoot alongside Antony I. Ginnane, with filming in the Adelaide Hills and at Adelaide Studios to begin June 6 and run for three weeks.
.Interest in filming in South Australia is currently very high, with the State.s experienced crews, diverse filming locations and the state-of-the-art Adelaide Studios all proving strong drawcards among producers and directors," South Australian Film Corporation Chief Executive Annabelle Sheehan said.
.In the last two years,...
- 5/18/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Turkey Shoot, the Ozploitation favorite from Australian treasure Brian Trenchard-Smith (BMX Bandits, Stunt Rock) will make its Blu-ray debut this September from Severin Films. Featured prominently in Mark Hartley’s essential Not Quite Hollywood doc (of which never-before-seen outtakes will be included on this disc), Turkey Shoot (aka Escape 2000 and Blood Camp Thatcher) is 1982 shocker…
The post Turkey Shoot: Ozploitation Classic Comes to Blu appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.
The post Turkey Shoot: Ozploitation Classic Comes to Blu appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.
- 7/29/2015
- by Samuel Zimmerman
- shocktillyoudrop.com
Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece Vertigo, restored and presented in 70mm, will be shown at the Hollywood Theatre in Portland on July 17, 18, and 19. I’ll be there, because this film has a special place in my heart. In 1959 we lived in the small English village of Odiham in Hampshire. 3000 people, 7 pubs, one picture palace—The Regal. I was 13 years old, and for the first time I was allowed to go to the movies on a winter’s night by myself. (My mother was a little over-protective, hence my later flirtation with stunts.) To get to the Regal on the outskirts of town, I had to walk through the cemetery of the Norman-era church. Dark shadows. Wisps of fog. Knowing I was going to see a film crafted by a director dubbed the Master of Suspense made the graveyard all the spookier. Vertigo was on its re-release, making its way through the...
- 7/15/2015
- by Brian Trenchard-Smith
- Trailers from Hell
David Argue has rediscovered his passion for acting after playing an Australian astronaut in Astro Loco, the debut feature from writer-director Aaron McLoughlin. The actor who made his name in the 1980s classics Gallipoli, BMX Bandits and Razorback, shot the sci-fi comedy at Rmit University.s studios in Melbourne after taking a self-imposed break .
Explaining the hiatus, he tells If, .On a couple of projects I felt I was not treated the right way, or the film was shafted..
Astro Loco follows four misfit astronauts who discover during their mission they have been given one-way tickets and they.re not going home.
.When Aaron sent me the treatment I thought, .That.s right out there,. a bit like Red Dwarf,. Argue says. .My character Lucien is quite angry, he.s not the full astronaut..
The actor thoroughly enjoyed the shoot, observing, .It was an awakening, my reconnection with the film business.
Explaining the hiatus, he tells If, .On a couple of projects I felt I was not treated the right way, or the film was shafted..
Astro Loco follows four misfit astronauts who discover during their mission they have been given one-way tickets and they.re not going home.
.When Aaron sent me the treatment I thought, .That.s right out there,. a bit like Red Dwarf,. Argue says. .My character Lucien is quite angry, he.s not the full astronaut..
The actor thoroughly enjoyed the shoot, observing, .It was an awakening, my reconnection with the film business.
- 6/2/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Ruth Richards, David Argue and Brenton Foale.
.
When actor Brenton Foale told friends he wanted to try his hand at writing and directing they suggested he start with a short film.
Foale had different ideas, convinced he had the ability to shoot a feature based on a script he started developing just two years ago.
He joined forces with Passion Media Productions. Leanne Campbell, for whom he worked as a crew member on her short film Love in Motion last year.
With private investment, a crowd-funding campaign on Pozible and $60,000 of Foale.s own money, they are financing Deal, which started shooting in Melbourne on Saturday.
The plot follows six people whose lives become entangled, erupting in violence, deceit and crime. They include Stephanie (Madison Vulic), an attractive young woman who has an opportunity to attend a top modelling school but has little money.
Dean (John McCullough) is living on...
.
When actor Brenton Foale told friends he wanted to try his hand at writing and directing they suggested he start with a short film.
Foale had different ideas, convinced he had the ability to shoot a feature based on a script he started developing just two years ago.
He joined forces with Passion Media Productions. Leanne Campbell, for whom he worked as a crew member on her short film Love in Motion last year.
With private investment, a crowd-funding campaign on Pozible and $60,000 of Foale.s own money, they are financing Deal, which started shooting in Melbourne on Saturday.
The plot follows six people whose lives become entangled, erupting in violence, deceit and crime. They include Stephanie (Madison Vulic), an attractive young woman who has an opportunity to attend a top modelling school but has little money.
Dean (John McCullough) is living on...
- 5/17/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Tom Hardy in Mad Max: Fury Road..
.
Pre-release tracking in the Us suggests Mad Max: Fury Road will rev up a B.O. tally of upwards of $US40 million next weekend, possibly behind fellow opener Pitch Perfect 2. That prognostication may seriously underestimate the drawing power of George Miller.s action-adventure, judging by the first batch of glowing reviews, social media chatter and high praise from one director who attended the premiere in Los Angeles. BoxOffice.com analyst Phil Contrino told Variety, .It.s poised to be the kind of movie where Thursday shows happen and people go nuts for it and it snowballs into a huge weekend.. The fourth movie in the franchise follows Mad Max (Tom Hardy) as he becomes swept up with a group fleeing across the wasteland in a war rig driven by Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron). The mob has escaped a citadel tyrannized by the Immortan Joe,...
.
Pre-release tracking in the Us suggests Mad Max: Fury Road will rev up a B.O. tally of upwards of $US40 million next weekend, possibly behind fellow opener Pitch Perfect 2. That prognostication may seriously underestimate the drawing power of George Miller.s action-adventure, judging by the first batch of glowing reviews, social media chatter and high praise from one director who attended the premiere in Los Angeles. BoxOffice.com analyst Phil Contrino told Variety, .It.s poised to be the kind of movie where Thursday shows happen and people go nuts for it and it snowballs into a huge weekend.. The fourth movie in the franchise follows Mad Max (Tom Hardy) as he becomes swept up with a group fleeing across the wasteland in a war rig driven by Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron). The mob has escaped a citadel tyrannized by the Immortan Joe,...
- 5/10/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
There’s only one director who can claim to have introduced the world to Nicole Kidman (in 1983’s BMX Bandits) and directed two Leprechaun films (1995’s Leprechaun 3 and 1997’s Leprechaun 4: In Space). That director’s name? Brian Trenchard-Smith.
The latest film from the prolific auteur and Tarantino favorite is the action-comedy Drive Hard, which stars John Cusack as a criminal who robs a bank run by criminals and Thomas Jane as an ex-race car driver he coerces into becoming his reluctant wheelman. How did the project come about? “Well, I’ve never met a green light I didn’t like,...
The latest film from the prolific auteur and Tarantino favorite is the action-comedy Drive Hard, which stars John Cusack as a criminal who robs a bank run by criminals and Thomas Jane as an ex-race car driver he coerces into becoming his reluctant wheelman. How did the project come about? “Well, I’ve never met a green light I didn’t like,...
- 9/4/2014
- by Clark Collis
- EW - Inside Movies
How did a low budget horror movie about a diminutive Irish monster spawn five sequels, a new reboot, and the career of Jennifer Aniston? EW tracks the deranged history of the Leprechaun franchise.
British actor Warwick Davis says he has “specific” fans—well-wishers who want to discuss just one of the several fantasy franchises in which he has appeared. “People talk about Star Wars, people talk about Harry Potter,” he explains, “and people talk about Leprechaun.”
Alert readers will have noticed that one of these franchises is not like the others. While Star Wars and Harry Potter have raked in billions of dollars,...
British actor Warwick Davis says he has “specific” fans—well-wishers who want to discuss just one of the several fantasy franchises in which he has appeared. “People talk about Star Wars, people talk about Harry Potter,” he explains, “and people talk about Leprechaun.”
Alert readers will have noticed that one of these franchises is not like the others. While Star Wars and Harry Potter have raked in billions of dollars,...
- 8/25/2014
- by Clark Collis
- EW - Inside Movies
John Cusack takes Thomas Jane on a dangerous joy ride in the trailer for Drive Hard.
Jane is a driving instructor in the new action comedy film, and soon finds his instruction vehicle hijacked by an armed thief.
John Cusack, Adrien Brody join Jackie Chan's Dragon Blade
The duo then go on the run from the police, putting trust in one another as their only chance for survival.
Drive Hard was shot on location along Queensland, Australia's Gold Coast.
Brian Trenchard-Smith - whose long career has included directing cult classics BMX Bandits and The Quest - has overseen the new movie.
Drive Hard opens on October 3 in the Us. A UK release has not been set.
Jane is a driving instructor in the new action comedy film, and soon finds his instruction vehicle hijacked by an armed thief.
John Cusack, Adrien Brody join Jackie Chan's Dragon Blade
The duo then go on the run from the police, putting trust in one another as their only chance for survival.
Drive Hard was shot on location along Queensland, Australia's Gold Coast.
Brian Trenchard-Smith - whose long career has included directing cult classics BMX Bandits and The Quest - has overseen the new movie.
Drive Hard opens on October 3 in the Us. A UK release has not been set.
- 8/17/2014
- Digital Spy
Brian Trenchard-Smith has been a director for 40 years and has made around the same amount of movies, from 1975’s George Lazenby-featuring action film The Man from Hong Kong through 1986’s cult film Dead End Drive-In to last year’s straight-to-dvd thriller Absolute Deception, which starred Cuba Gooding Jr. “I’ve never met a green-light I didn’t like,” chuckles the urbane auteur.
Trenchard-Smith is one of Quentin Tarantino’s favorite filmmakers and a frequent contributor to Joe Dante’s fantastic Trailers from Hell website, alongside such fellow Tfh “gurus” as Guillermo del Toro, Edgar Wright, and John Landis, and...
Trenchard-Smith is one of Quentin Tarantino’s favorite filmmakers and a frequent contributor to Joe Dante’s fantastic Trailers from Hell website, alongside such fellow Tfh “gurus” as Guillermo del Toro, Edgar Wright, and John Landis, and...
- 7/30/2014
- by Clark Collis
- EW - Inside Movies
The cycling movie is an expansive genre, covering everything from sports documentaries like the recent Pantani: The Accidental Death of a Cyclist to quirky comedies such as Pee-Wee's Big Adventure and fondly remembered children's adventure movies, like the oh-so-1980s BMX Bandits.
Cycling as a professional sport is also well represented on screen, whether it's the Indiana University Little 500 race in classic comedy-drama Breaking Away, an animated Tour de France in Belleville Rendez-vous or the Paris–Roubaix in Jørgen Leth's stunning documentary A Sunday in Hell.
With the Tour de France about to enter its final week, Digital Spy takes a look at the ten best cycling movies.
1) Breaking Away (1979)
Peter Yates' wonderful small town comedy-drama won an Oscar for Best Screenplay and was nominated for four more, including Best Picture. Dennis Christopher stars as Dave Stoller, an Indiana teenager obsessed with the Italian cycling team, who gets...
Cycling as a professional sport is also well represented on screen, whether it's the Indiana University Little 500 race in classic comedy-drama Breaking Away, an animated Tour de France in Belleville Rendez-vous or the Paris–Roubaix in Jørgen Leth's stunning documentary A Sunday in Hell.
With the Tour de France about to enter its final week, Digital Spy takes a look at the ten best cycling movies.
1) Breaking Away (1979)
Peter Yates' wonderful small town comedy-drama won an Oscar for Best Screenplay and was nominated for four more, including Best Picture. Dennis Christopher stars as Dave Stoller, an Indiana teenager obsessed with the Italian cycling team, who gets...
- 7/20/2014
- Digital Spy
As many of you readers know, I've been a fan of Cineplexx for years. Their latest single -- "Te Quiero"-- is an infectious "afrofunk" tune lifted from their new album Florianopolis. Cineplexx is actually the Argentina-born, London-based Sebastian Litmanovich. His smart indie pop-rock features collaborations with Jad Fair (Half Japanese), Duglas Stewart & BMX Bandits, Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub), Nigel Baillie (Camera Obscura), Cathy Claret, Lilies on Mars, Ally Kerr, Federico Aubele, Natalia Clavier, Daniel Melero, Wechsel Garland, Montag, Lupe Nuñez (Amor de Dias), Yushimi, to name but a few. Buy it today!
- 5/16/2014
- by Dusty Wright
- www.culturecatch.com
The short answer is no, and there isn’t a longer one. But let a man dream why don’t you? It’s been a while since John Cusack was a box-office draw, and it’s been just as long since he’s worn any color other than black. Coincidence? Probably not. His last lead role in a wide release was in 2012′s The Raven, and since then he’s starred in nine other films. Can you name more than one or two of them? Probably not. The same can be said to an albeit lesser degree for the careers of both Thomas Jane and writer/director Brian Trenchard-Smith. Jane’s leading man status of the mid ’00s has devolved into supporting roles in indies, while Trenchard-Smith has kept busy with TV and Dtv titles since his early ’80s one-two-three punch of Stunt Rock, Escape 2000, and BMX Bandits. All three deserve a chance to get back...
- 2/15/2014
- by Rob Hunter
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Drive Hard has debuted a new trailer.
John Cusack and Thomas Jane star in director Brian Trenchard-Smith's (BMX Bandits) action movie.
The film centres around a retired racing driver turned driving instructor (Jane) who is roped into a bank heist by his new student (Cusack).
When the two men go on the run from the authorities and armed mercenaries, the driver discovers that he is more suited to a life of crime than he expected.
Cusack's other upcoming films include The Prince, Love and Mercy and Reclaim.
Jane will be seen in Reach Me and Broken Horses.
Drive Hard will arrive later in 2014.
John Cusack and Thomas Jane star in director Brian Trenchard-Smith's (BMX Bandits) action movie.
The film centres around a retired racing driver turned driving instructor (Jane) who is roped into a bank heist by his new student (Cusack).
When the two men go on the run from the authorities and armed mercenaries, the driver discovers that he is more suited to a life of crime than he expected.
Cusack's other upcoming films include The Prince, Love and Mercy and Reclaim.
Jane will be seen in Reach Me and Broken Horses.
Drive Hard will arrive later in 2014.
- 2/14/2014
- Digital Spy
Drive Hard may sound like a Wayans-style spoof but just take one look at John Cusack and Thomas Jane in this new trailer, fresh in via Indiewire, and ask yourself: are these men kidding around? No. No, they are not. Well, maybe a little. See for yourself. The story picks up with a retired racing driver turned driving instructor (Jane) picking up a new client (Cusack). Pretty quickly - specifically when the cops start shooting at him - he discovers that he's a just stooge for the latter's bank heist. From there on it looks a lot like the innocent man with the wig becomes a lot less unwitting an accomplice than he started. As Bette Davis didn't quite say: "Fasten your seatbelts. It's The Punisher." Behind all this fun and frivolity is Anglo-Aussie director Brian Trenchard-Smith, the man behind the very great BMX Bandits. His recent CV is heavier...
- 2/14/2014
- EmpireOnline
10. They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?
Directed by Sydney Pollack
Written by James Poe and Robert E. Thompson
USA, 1969
They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? is a wildly acclaimed 1969 American drama directed by Sydney Pollack that went on to receive nine Academy Award nominations. Like most of the films to appear on this list, it is based on a novel, a 1935 tome by Horace McCoy. Penned by James Poe and Robert E. Thompson, the film is an allegorical drama set amongst the contestants in a marathon dance contest during the Great Depression.
So how does a movie revolving around a dance competition relate to The Hunger Games? Much like The Hunger Games, the participants (all teens) are broken down into couples in hopes of winning and taking home the prize money, cash that’s much needed during such hard economic times. There is even a sleazy opportunistic Mc who urges...
Directed by Sydney Pollack
Written by James Poe and Robert E. Thompson
USA, 1969
They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? is a wildly acclaimed 1969 American drama directed by Sydney Pollack that went on to receive nine Academy Award nominations. Like most of the films to appear on this list, it is based on a novel, a 1935 tome by Horace McCoy. Penned by James Poe and Robert E. Thompson, the film is an allegorical drama set amongst the contestants in a marathon dance contest during the Great Depression.
So how does a movie revolving around a dance competition relate to The Hunger Games? Much like The Hunger Games, the participants (all teens) are broken down into couples in hopes of winning and taking home the prize money, cash that’s much needed during such hard economic times. There is even a sleazy opportunistic Mc who urges...
- 11/17/2013
- by Ricky da Conceição
- SoundOnSight
Image Entertainment has nabbed the U.S. rights for cult director Brian Trenchard-Smith's Drive Hard, starring John Cusack and Thomas Jane. The film was bankrolled by Vancouver based production company Odyssey Media Inc. Odyssey has a track record that includes such gems as Avalanche Shark Attack, Fire Quake, Dracano and Uwe Boll's Suddenly. Yep. Quality. Brian Trenchard-Smith is, of course, a very much beloved director of cult films like BMX Bandits, Turkey Shoot (aka Escape 2000) and The Man From Hong Kong! Here's more from the official press release: Image Entertainment, an Rlj Entertainment (Nasdaq: Rlje) brand, has acquired all U.S. rights at the American Film Market to the action film Drive Hard starring John Cusack (The Number Station, 2012) and Thomas Jane (The Punisher). Drive...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 11/8/2013
- Screen Anarchy
From Nicole Kidman on a BMX to Collingwood on the big screen, our pick of the best sport films
1) Save Your Legs
There are a couple of pretty fail-safe ways to stop a conversation dead in its tracks, but one of the best is to try and convince someone that they need to go and see an Australian movie. If that Australian movie happened to be about a cricket team, it wouldn't be out of the question to suggest that your co-conversationalist might just turn and walk at pace. Which brings us to Save Your Legs, surely one of the least-loved Australian films of recent times and with no good reason; this film is actually half-decent.
It's quite admirable that an Australian filmmaker would multiply their odds of failure by making a film like this one. We're often told that cricket is the sport with the richest and most voluminous literary canon,...
1) Save Your Legs
There are a couple of pretty fail-safe ways to stop a conversation dead in its tracks, but one of the best is to try and convince someone that they need to go and see an Australian movie. If that Australian movie happened to be about a cricket team, it wouldn't be out of the question to suggest that your co-conversationalist might just turn and walk at pace. Which brings us to Save Your Legs, surely one of the least-loved Australian films of recent times and with no good reason; this film is actually half-decent.
It's quite admirable that an Australian filmmaker would multiply their odds of failure by making a film like this one. We're often told that cricket is the sport with the richest and most voluminous literary canon,...
- 9/10/2013
- by Russell Jackson
- The Guardian - Film News
Analysis of 10,000 movies reveals the films with the highest disparity between critic and audience reviews
There are some movies you'll just go and see no matter what the critics say. Maybe it's a big dumb comedy and you feel like a laugh, or there's that one actor who you'll watch no matter what. Conversely, there are some critics who can have a big influence on what you'll see, no matter what your friends say – you know their work, and trust their recommendations.
So, what are the movies that people loved, but critics hated? And what about those movies that got rave reviews but just didn't click with audiences?
To try and answer these questions I've analysed 10,000 movies from 1970 to 2013 in the Rotten Tomatoes database, and determined the difference in audience score and critic score by subtracting the former from the latter. This gives us an index of audience-critic agreement, which...
There are some movies you'll just go and see no matter what the critics say. Maybe it's a big dumb comedy and you feel like a laugh, or there's that one actor who you'll watch no matter what. Conversely, there are some critics who can have a big influence on what you'll see, no matter what your friends say – you know their work, and trust their recommendations.
So, what are the movies that people loved, but critics hated? And what about those movies that got rave reviews but just didn't click with audiences?
To try and answer these questions I've analysed 10,000 movies from 1970 to 2013 in the Rotten Tomatoes database, and determined the difference in audience score and critic score by subtracting the former from the latter. This gives us an index of audience-critic agreement, which...
- 7/12/2013
- by Nick Evershed
- The Guardian - Film News
Three features promised production investment from Screen Australia are to be partly filmed outside of the country.
The films include Ariel Kleiman’s directorial debut Partisan and Robert Connolly’s “big family film” Paper Planes, which were promised production investment from Screen Australia this week.
Australian filmmakers are increasingly looking outward and these two films continue that trend.
So too does Ruin, the third film backed this time around by Screen Australia. Formerly known as Om Tuk, the drama has already been filmed in Cambodia by writer/directors Amiel Courtin-Wilson and Michael Cody.
Anna McLeish, who is producing with her business partner Sarah Shaw, told ScreeenDaily that Partisan, starring Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis), is expected to go into production in late September and will be filmed in Georgia, Europe and in Warp Films Australia’s home state of Victoria.
Kleiman has made a number of short films including Deeper Than Yesterday, which won a jury...
The films include Ariel Kleiman’s directorial debut Partisan and Robert Connolly’s “big family film” Paper Planes, which were promised production investment from Screen Australia this week.
Australian filmmakers are increasingly looking outward and these two films continue that trend.
So too does Ruin, the third film backed this time around by Screen Australia. Formerly known as Om Tuk, the drama has already been filmed in Cambodia by writer/directors Amiel Courtin-Wilson and Michael Cody.
Anna McLeish, who is producing with her business partner Sarah Shaw, told ScreeenDaily that Partisan, starring Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis), is expected to go into production in late September and will be filmed in Georgia, Europe and in Warp Films Australia’s home state of Victoria.
Kleiman has made a number of short films including Deeper Than Yesterday, which won a jury...
- 6/26/2013
- by Sandy.George@me.com (Sandy George)
- ScreenDaily
Anglo/Australian filmmaker Brian Trenchard-Smith is developing Sword Point, a drama about an injured Chinese gymnast who takes up fencing in a bid to realise her dream of representing China in sport.
The Los Angeles-based filmmaker and his producing partner Marty Fink are shopping the project to Chinese companies with a view to a mounting it as an Australian/Chinese co-production.
The sports-themed drama may seem far removed from the usual milieu of the writer-director whose credits include the action adventures BMX Bandits, The Man from Hong Kong and Stunt Rock, horror movies Turkey Shoot and Dead End Drive-in, and TV.s Flipper.
.I have no usual milieu if you look at my resume, GenresRUs; this will be a sports movie,. said the filmmaker who is on the Gold Coast shooting Hard Drive, an action comedy that stars John Cusack as a mysterious American who arrives in Brisbane, goes looking...
The Los Angeles-based filmmaker and his producing partner Marty Fink are shopping the project to Chinese companies with a view to a mounting it as an Australian/Chinese co-production.
The sports-themed drama may seem far removed from the usual milieu of the writer-director whose credits include the action adventures BMX Bandits, The Man from Hong Kong and Stunt Rock, horror movies Turkey Shoot and Dead End Drive-in, and TV.s Flipper.
.I have no usual milieu if you look at my resume, GenresRUs; this will be a sports movie,. said the filmmaker who is on the Gold Coast shooting Hard Drive, an action comedy that stars John Cusack as a mysterious American who arrives in Brisbane, goes looking...
- 6/23/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
John Cusack and Thomas Jane are set to star in.Hard Drive, a thriller that starts shooting in Queensland on June 4.
The writer-director is Los Angeles-based Brian Trenchard-Smith. It.s his second film to be shot on the Gold Coast following last year.s Absolute Deception, which stars Cuba Gooding Jr. and Emmanuelle Vaugier and was acquired by Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions in the Us..
Cusack will play a mysterious American who arrives in Brisbane and goes looking for a getaway driver. He hires a driving school instructor and washed-out Formula One driver (Jane). There follows a chase along the Gold Coast as the duo is pursued by the cops and the Mob.
Casting is underway for the supporting roles including the lawyer wife of Jane.s character, a no-nonsense female Australian Federal Police Officer, a ruthless businessman and a corrupt cop.
The producers are Odyssey.s Paul O.Kane and Pam Collis,...
The writer-director is Los Angeles-based Brian Trenchard-Smith. It.s his second film to be shot on the Gold Coast following last year.s Absolute Deception, which stars Cuba Gooding Jr. and Emmanuelle Vaugier and was acquired by Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions in the Us..
Cusack will play a mysterious American who arrives in Brisbane and goes looking for a getaway driver. He hires a driving school instructor and washed-out Formula One driver (Jane). There follows a chase along the Gold Coast as the duo is pursued by the cops and the Mob.
Casting is underway for the supporting roles including the lawyer wife of Jane.s character, a no-nonsense female Australian Federal Police Officer, a ruthless businessman and a corrupt cop.
The producers are Odyssey.s Paul O.Kane and Pam Collis,...
- 5/22/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
John Cusack and Thomas Jane are set to star in The Hard Drive, a thriller that starts shooting in Queensland on June 4.
The writer-director is Los Angeles-based Brian Trenchard-Smith. It.s his second film to be shot on the Gold Coast following last year.s Absolute Deception, which stars Cuba Gooding Jr. and Emmanuelle Vaugier and was acquired by Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions in the Us..
Cusack will play a mysterious American who arrives in Brisbane and goes looking for a getaway driver. He hires a driving school instructor and washed-out Formula One driver (Jane). There follows a chase along the Gold Coast as the duo is pursued by the cops and the Mob.
Casting is underway for the supporting roles including the lawyer wife of Jane.s character, a no-nonsense female Australian Federal Police Officer, a ruthless businessman and a corrupt cop.
The producers are Odyssey.s Paul O.Kane and Pam Collis,...
The writer-director is Los Angeles-based Brian Trenchard-Smith. It.s his second film to be shot on the Gold Coast following last year.s Absolute Deception, which stars Cuba Gooding Jr. and Emmanuelle Vaugier and was acquired by Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions in the Us..
Cusack will play a mysterious American who arrives in Brisbane and goes looking for a getaway driver. He hires a driving school instructor and washed-out Formula One driver (Jane). There follows a chase along the Gold Coast as the duo is pursued by the cops and the Mob.
Casting is underway for the supporting roles including the lawyer wife of Jane.s character, a no-nonsense female Australian Federal Police Officer, a ruthless businessman and a corrupt cop.
The producers are Odyssey.s Paul O.Kane and Pam Collis,...
- 5/22/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
BMX Bandits
Directed by Brian Trenchard-Smith
Written by Patrick Edgeworth and Russell Hagg
Australia, 1983
The 1980′s saw a big boom in the sport of BMX racing, and the bikes began appearing in several Hollywood and non-Hollywood productions. Long before Rad, and a year before E.T. put BMX bikes on the world stage, Ozploitation legend Brian Trenchard-Smith (Turkey Shoot, Dead End Drive-In), directed BMX Bandits – a breezy, action-packed adventure most famous for employing Nicole Kidman in her very first movie role. The film has grown to become a considerable cult hit in many circles and with reason. Bandits is an irresistible time capsule, showing what the sport, and bikes, were once like. These were the days when you could actually sit on a BMX bike seat and didn’t need to rely on your feet to break. And while the Kuwahara was made famous thanks to Spielberg’s ’84 masterpiece, Bandits featured a blue Mongoose,...
Directed by Brian Trenchard-Smith
Written by Patrick Edgeworth and Russell Hagg
Australia, 1983
The 1980′s saw a big boom in the sport of BMX racing, and the bikes began appearing in several Hollywood and non-Hollywood productions. Long before Rad, and a year before E.T. put BMX bikes on the world stage, Ozploitation legend Brian Trenchard-Smith (Turkey Shoot, Dead End Drive-In), directed BMX Bandits – a breezy, action-packed adventure most famous for employing Nicole Kidman in her very first movie role. The film has grown to become a considerable cult hit in many circles and with reason. Bandits is an irresistible time capsule, showing what the sport, and bikes, were once like. These were the days when you could actually sit on a BMX bike seat and didn’t need to rely on your feet to break. And while the Kuwahara was made famous thanks to Spielberg’s ’84 masterpiece, Bandits featured a blue Mongoose,...
- 5/19/2013
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
Rad
Directed by Hal Needham
Written by Sam Bernard and Geoffrey Edwards
1986, USA
It’s going to take a lot more than skill for Cru Jones to conquer the toughest BMX challenge in the world. It’s going to take a miracle.
Rad, made three years after Nicole Kidman’s BMX Bandits, remains the most popular BMX film to date; which isn’t saying much since there have only been a handful of BMX films ever made. A product of the 80′s, Rad seems more interested in ramping up as much product placement as it could squeeze in, than in character development or plot – but longtime Stuntman-turned-director Hal Needham (Smokey and the Bandit, Cannonball Run) does the best he can with the script given to him. In fact, Rad fits so well into Needham’s oeuvre that it’s no wonder he offers a stunning opening 8 minute BMX montage and...
Directed by Hal Needham
Written by Sam Bernard and Geoffrey Edwards
1986, USA
It’s going to take a lot more than skill for Cru Jones to conquer the toughest BMX challenge in the world. It’s going to take a miracle.
Rad, made three years after Nicole Kidman’s BMX Bandits, remains the most popular BMX film to date; which isn’t saying much since there have only been a handful of BMX films ever made. A product of the 80′s, Rad seems more interested in ramping up as much product placement as it could squeeze in, than in character development or plot – but longtime Stuntman-turned-director Hal Needham (Smokey and the Bandit, Cannonball Run) does the best he can with the script given to him. In fact, Rad fits so well into Needham’s oeuvre that it’s no wonder he offers a stunning opening 8 minute BMX montage and...
- 5/12/2013
- by Ricky da Conceição
- SoundOnSight
Blu-ray & DVD Release Date: June 4, 2013
Price: DVD $22.99
Studio: Sony
Cuba Gooding Jr. (The Hit List) continues his string of starring roles in straight-to-dvd action thriller films with his latest, 2013′s Absolute Deception.
When FBI Agent John Nelson’s (Gooding Jr.) key informant, Miles, is abducted and shot, all that’s left is a severed finger. In order to find a new lead, Nelson travels to New York City to learn what he can from Miles’ widow, Rebecca Scott (Emmanuelle Vaugier, Hysteria). Traveling to Australia’s Gold Coast, the two soon discover Miles may have been part of an elaborate “Ponzi scheme” to bilk investors—including a vengeful billionaire—out of millions of dollars. As more layers of Miles’ secret life are exposed, can the two stay ahead of the mysterious attackers who will stop at nothing to halt their investigation?
Originally entitled Deception, but craftily altered to the name Absolute Deception...
Price: DVD $22.99
Studio: Sony
Cuba Gooding Jr. (The Hit List) continues his string of starring roles in straight-to-dvd action thriller films with his latest, 2013′s Absolute Deception.
When FBI Agent John Nelson’s (Gooding Jr.) key informant, Miles, is abducted and shot, all that’s left is a severed finger. In order to find a new lead, Nelson travels to New York City to learn what he can from Miles’ widow, Rebecca Scott (Emmanuelle Vaugier, Hysteria). Traveling to Australia’s Gold Coast, the two soon discover Miles may have been part of an elaborate “Ponzi scheme” to bilk investors—including a vengeful billionaire—out of millions of dollars. As more layers of Miles’ secret life are exposed, can the two stay ahead of the mysterious attackers who will stop at nothing to halt their investigation?
Originally entitled Deception, but craftily altered to the name Absolute Deception...
- 4/1/2013
- by Laurence
- Disc Dish
Odd List Ryan Lambie Feb 18, 2013
Beneath the high-gloss sci-fi of last year's Prometheus lurked a wealth of retro toy references...
Yes, we know Prometheus is old news now. But even as its release fades into history, we can't help returning to it now and again, to revel in its occasional flashes of inspiration as well as its quirkier occurrences, which even its staunchest defenders will surely admit it contains.
That Prometheus also provides the occasional nod to 80s toys is something we'd noted from its earlier trailers, and we immediately put it down to the film's designers obliquely acknowledging its roots in the 70s and 80s Alien franchise. But as we've subjected ourselves to repeat viewings, we've gradually noticed more and more pieces of set and prop design apparently inspired by retro toys from 20 or so years ago.
You may have noticed one or two of the things we've spotted below yourselves,...
Beneath the high-gloss sci-fi of last year's Prometheus lurked a wealth of retro toy references...
Yes, we know Prometheus is old news now. But even as its release fades into history, we can't help returning to it now and again, to revel in its occasional flashes of inspiration as well as its quirkier occurrences, which even its staunchest defenders will surely admit it contains.
That Prometheus also provides the occasional nod to 80s toys is something we'd noted from its earlier trailers, and we immediately put it down to the film's designers obliquely acknowledging its roots in the 70s and 80s Alien franchise. But as we've subjected ourselves to repeat viewings, we've gradually noticed more and more pieces of set and prop design apparently inspired by retro toys from 20 or so years ago.
You may have noticed one or two of the things we've spotted below yourselves,...
- 2/15/2013
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Joseph Gordon-Levitt's Premium Rush finally hits theaters today after a long delay, and writer/director David Koepp's action thriller sees Jgl take to the streets on a "fixie" bike with no brakes as he tears across New York City trying to deliver a mysterious package. With that in mind, we thought it would be fun to highlight some other films in which the main characters cruise around on wheels, whether it be on BMX bikes, skateboards, or rollerblades, so hit the jump for a list of some of the best (or worst, depending on how you look at it) that the subgenre of extreme sports movies on wheels has to offer. Check out our picks below! BMX Bandits (1983) First up, we've got Nicole Kidman's first movie role in Brian Trenchard-Smith's BMX Bandits. The Oscar-winner certainly has come a long way since her early days on camera cruising through Sydney,...
- 8/24/2012
- by Ben Pearson
- firstshowing.net
What is Movie News After Dark? It’s a nightly column about movies that is comin’ at ya, like an adrenaline-crazed bike messenger doing 50 down Broadway… We begin this evening with a new image from Zero Dark Thirty featuring some rough and tumble types who are about to go in and take down that Bin Laden guy. This Kathryn Bigelow directed ditty is going to be one hell of a ride, if any of her previous works are any indication. 1. Maniac gets a Midnight deal – Elijah Wood in a remake of William Lustig’s cult classic serial killer thriller? Who wouldn’t pick that up for distribution? Everyone but IFC Midnight, that’s who. 2. Why is Louie such a remarkable show? – Tell us, Vulture’s Matt Zoller Seitz, tell us! 3. Dan Castellaneta explains the “D’oh!” – The man behind Homer J. Simpson explains the origin of the world’s most famous yellow dad’s most iconic of...
- 8/24/2012
- by Neil Miller
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Katie Holmes was an actress once – surely, you remember. This was before she turned into a dead-eyed, cult-dodging, Stepford wife, famous only for putting designer heels on her precocious tot and pacing the streets of Manhattan as she plotted her escape.
A fresh-faced Katie Holmes in Dawsons Creek
And with exquisite timing, we have a reminder of her talents, as her film Jack and Jill – the Hilarious Adam Sandler vehicle – goes on DVD release today. Like several of her projects since becoming Mrs Cruise, its cinema audience reception amounted to one big Mr Babbage-sounding raspberry, although the more curious Katie-watchers may well tip DVD sales over a more respectable line this week.
However, people “close” to the “actress” are hoping that Holmes, like Nicole Kidman before her, will enjoy a revitalised career now that she has escaped the grip of what her reps are insisting was a “suffocating” “controlling” personal life,...
A fresh-faced Katie Holmes in Dawsons Creek
And with exquisite timing, we have a reminder of her talents, as her film Jack and Jill – the Hilarious Adam Sandler vehicle – goes on DVD release today. Like several of her projects since becoming Mrs Cruise, its cinema audience reception amounted to one big Mr Babbage-sounding raspberry, although the more curious Katie-watchers may well tip DVD sales over a more respectable line this week.
However, people “close” to the “actress” are hoping that Holmes, like Nicole Kidman before her, will enjoy a revitalised career now that she has escaped the grip of what her reps are insisting was a “suffocating” “controlling” personal life,...
- 7/2/2012
- by the
- Huffington Post
Since 2004, Short Film Corner which takes up the bottom lobby portion of the Cannes Film Festival market has granted producers and directors the possibility to show their films and more importantly, shake hands and make connections. This year, the Romanian Short Waves – part of the Short Film Corner – includes 9 short films: Tatăl meu e cel mai tare/My Father is the Best – director Radu Potcoavă, 24 găleți, 7 șoareci, 18 ani/24 buckets, 7 mice, 18 years – director Marius Iacob, Lost Springs 2 – director Andrei Dobrescu, Chefu’ /The Party – director Adrian Sitaru, Hello, Kitty – director Millo Simulov, Numărătoarea manuală – director Daniel Sandu, Fotografii de familie/Family Pictures – director Andrei Cohn, Stremț ’89 – directors Anda Pușcaș and Dragoș Dulea (see pic above), and Wedding Duet – director Goran Mihailov.
These films are joined by Cristi Iftime’s Tabăra din Răzoare/The Camp in Razoare – also selected for Cinefondation, Betoniera – director Liviu Săndulescu, Așteptând zorile – director Mihai Sofronea, Micile vedete...
These films are joined by Cristi Iftime’s Tabăra din Răzoare/The Camp in Razoare – also selected for Cinefondation, Betoniera – director Liviu Săndulescu, Așteptând zorile – director Mihai Sofronea, Micile vedete...
- 5/14/2012
- by Marin Apostol
- IONCINEMA.com
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.