Oscar season is a marathon whether you win or lose. Ryuske Hamaguchi was lucky enough to be on the winning end when “Drive My Car” won the International Film Oscar two years ago. In so doing, the filmmaker became just the fifth Japanese director to win the honor and the first since Yōjirō Takita triumphed in 2009 for “Departures.” It also became the first Japanese film nominated for Best Picture, a landmark achievement for a nation with a legacy of auteur filmmakers.

Continue reading Ryusuke Hamaguchi Takes An Unexpected Turn With ‘Evil Does Not Exit’ [Interview] at The Playlist.

In this week’s episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo gets swept up in the whirlwind romance at the heart of “The Idea of You” with writer/director Michael Showalter (“The Big Sick,” “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” “Wet Hot American Summer”). The movie is based on the book of the same name and follows a forty-year-old woman reeling from a divorce who stumbles into a romance with a twenty-something singer from the world’s biggest boy band.

Continue reading ‘The Idea Of You’: Michael Showalter Discusses His Anne Hathaway-Led Rom-Com, ‘Wet Hot American Summer’ & More [The Discourse Podcast] at The Playlist.

Keeping a television series fresh and engaging after its first few seasons is always a difficult task. It often separates the classic TV shows from the also-rans. And it’s often even tougher to pull off for a network comedy or sitcom. In many ways, that’s why it’s a relief that the third season of “Abbot Elementary” may arguably be one of its best. A major reason for that has to be Janelle James‘ portrayal of the blunt and take-no-prisoners elementary school principal, Ava.

Continue reading ‘Abbott Elementary’: Janelle James Makes A Case For Ava & Janine’s Friendship at The Playlist.

In this week’s episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo goes undercover to discuss “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” with star Cary Elwes (“The Princess Bride,” “Stranger Things,” “Saw”). The movie is based on real events and dives into the origin of the Special Operations Executive, a small group of highly skilled men recruited by the British military to strike German forces behind enemy lines.

Continue reading ‘The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare’: Cary Elwes Talks Special Connection To Guy Ritchie’s Film, ‘Knuckles,’ ‘The Princess Bride’ & More [The Discourse Podcast] at The Playlist.

We almost wish “One Day” was a continuous series. Not because we wanted to extend the narrative of David Nichols’ original novel, but because if it was a drama series we’d be assured stars Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall would almost be guaranteed to receive the Emmy love they deserve. Those categories allow for significantly more nominees than the Limited Series acting categories. But, if there is any justice, Mod, in particular, will somehow fend off one Oscar and previous Emmy winner after another to land a Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie nomination.

Continue reading Ambika Mod Answers (Almost) All Your Questions About ‘One Day’ at The Playlist.

Rebecca Ferguson is becoming close to a household name. O.K., maybe “close” is a slight exaggeration, but her profile is bigger than her social media presence, and that’s primarily because her resume over the past decade is filled with one banger after another. “The Greatest Showman,” three acclaimed “Mission: Impossible” flicks, a Best Picture nominee in “Dune” and, likely, a second Oscar nominee in her latest blockbuster, “Dune: Part Two.” And now, she’s up for a potential Emmy nomination as Juliette, a “sheriff” in a post-apocalyptic civilization trying to discover the truth behind the gigantic, multi-level “Silo” humanity is confined to.

Continue reading Rebecca Ferguson Revisits ‘Silo’ & The Talks “Tricky Conversation” For ‘Dune: Messiah’ at The Playlist.

In this week’s episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo grows out his handlebar mustache and puts on a southern accent to discuss “Blood for Dust” with star Kit Harington (“Game of Thrones,” “Eternals”). The movie follows a struggling salesman with a troubled criminal past who is pulled back into a string of crimes by a former colleague, leading to a trail of blood…and dust.

Continue reading ‘Blood For Dust’: Kit Harington Talks New Crime Drama, The ‘Jon Snow’ Series, Almost Playing King Arthur & More [The Discourse Podcast] at The Playlist.

In this week’s episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo pursues the truth while discussing “Civil War” with star Wagner Moura (“Narcos,” “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”). The movie takes place in the near future during a second Civil War in America and follows a group of war journalists and photographers on a quest to interview the president and capture the war before the battle ends.

Continue reading ‘Civil War’: Wagner Moura On His Political War Thriller, Alex Garland Stepping Away From Directing & More [The Discourse Podcast] at The Playlist.

In this week’s episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo crosses into unfamiliar territory to discuss “The Absence of Eden” with star Zoe Saldana (“Avatar,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”) and her husband and first-time director Marco Perego-Saldana. The film follows multiple characters from both sides of the U.S./Mexico border and revolves around the dilemmas faced in dealing with the many hardships brought on by immigration laws and the enforcement of those laws.

Continue reading ‘The Absence Of Eden’: Zoe Saldana & Marco Perego-Saldana On Their Immigration Drama, ‘Lioness,’ ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy,’ & More [The Discourse Podcast] at The Playlist.

There is a bluntness about Kirsten Dunst that has always been refreshing. You wanna know if she was asked to be in “Spider-Man: No Way Home”? She’s gonna tell you. Wanna know why you only see her in maybe one project a year? She’ll tell you why. And for her latest project, Alex Garland’s celebrated new thriller “Civil War,” she’s not going to minimize its political message.

Continue reading Kirsten Dunst: ‘Civil War’ “Will Leave You With A Lot To Think About” [Interview] at The Playlist.

If the final episode of season two is the last of “Tokyo Vice,” the MAX series saw several storylines come to a fitting conclusion. Speaking to creator J.T. Rogers and executive producer (and director) Alan Poul, however, it’s clear the brains behind the period thriller believe there are still more stories to tell. But first, a major spoiler warning if you haven’t watched episode 10, “Endgame,” yet.

Continue reading ‘Tokyo Vice’: J.T. Rogers & Alan Poul Spill On Season Two Finale & Tease What’s Next [Interview] at The Playlist.

In this week’s episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo digs into the film “DogMan” with writer/director Luc Besson (“The Fifth Element,” “Leon: The Professional,” “Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets.”). The film follows Doug (Caleb Landry Jones), a young, crippled, abandoned man, beaten down by a tough life who has a supernatural connection to his canine companions.

Continue reading ‘DogMan’: Luc Besson On His Divisive Dog-Eat-Dog Drama, Gary Oldman’s “Genius” & More ‘Valerian’ [The Discourse Podcast] at The Playlist.

It’s been a tumultuous few years for French filmmaker Luc Besson, to put it mildly. But with #MeToo allegations outwardly behind him and the director seemingly exonerated, it appears to be full steam ahead for the “Fifth Element” and “Leon: The Professional” director. After a four-year absence from the screen, his latest effort is the drama “DogMan,” starring Caleb Landry Jones, about a boy bruised by life who finds his salvation through the love of his dogs.

Continue reading Luc Besson Says ‘Lucy 2’ Sequel Is News To Him & Addresses Natalie Portman’s Negative Thoughts On ‘Leon’ at The Playlist.

Adam Wingard has always had a flair for the most ultra-vibrant and loud segments of the color spectrum. Growing up in the ’80s, the golden age of movie tie-in merchandise, the director vividly remembers the neon palette, the yellows, blues, and reds of seemingly every toy from “Transformers” to “Thundercats” to even just “the mellow yellow NASCAR” from “Days of Thunder.” Bold visuals and bright colors were a staple of “Godzilla vs.

Continue reading ‘Godzilla X Kong’: Adam Wingard Talks ‘New Empire,’ Toys, Toho, & Godzilla’s Atomic Half-Life [Interview] at The Playlist.

In this week’s episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo stays up late to discuss the film “Late Night with the Devil” with producer and star David Dastmalchian (“The Dark Knight,” “The Suicide Squad.” The film follows a fledgling late-night host (Dastmalchian) who decides to invite some spooky guests on his struggling 70’s late-night show to boost ratings—unleashing evil in front of the whole world.

Continue reading ‘Late Night With The Devil’: David Dastmalchian On His Horror Hit, ‘The Dark Knight,’ ‘Oppenheimer,’ & More [The Discourse Podcast] at The Playlist.

In today’s episode of Bingeworthy, our TV and streaming podcast host Mike DeAngelo attempts to sail through murky waters when discussing “Shogun.” The FX/Hulu series is based on the beloved book of the same name and is set in 17th-century Japan. It follows multiple characters in a struggle for power and freedom after a British vessel is found stranded in a small fishing village, leading to political unrest and potential war.

Continue reading ‘Shogun’: Justin Marks, Rachel Kondo, & Hiroyuki Sanada Discuss Their Epic Miniseries, ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’ ‘Mortal Kombat’ & More [Bingeworthy Podcast] at The Playlist.

In this week’s episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo weaves through memory to discuss the film “Knox Goes Away” with director and star Michael Keaton (“Batman,” “Beetlejuice”) and co-star James Marsden (“X-Men,” “Sonic the Hedgehog”). The film follows the story of Knox (Michael Keaton), a seasoned contract killer whose life takes a dark and unexpected turn when he’s diagnosed with a degenerative brain disease while also needing to help his estranged son (Marsden) before he loses his mind completely.

Continue reading ‘Knox Goes Away’: Michael Keaton & James Marsden On Their Crime Drama, Batman, ‘Sonic 3,’ & ‘Beetlejuice’ [The Discourse Podcast] at The Playlist.

In today’s episode of Bingeworthy, our TV and streaming podcast host Mike DeAngelo attempts to solve the mystery at the heart of Peacock’s new mysterious family drama series, “Apples Never Fall.” The series follows a seemingly happy family on a tumultuous journey to uncover the truth about the disappearance of its matriarch. The show stars Annette Bening, Alison Brie, Jake Lacy, Sam Neill, and more.

Continue reading ‘Apples Never Fall’: Sam Neill On His Peacock Mystery Series, The Delight Of Working With John Carpenter & More [Bingeworthy Podcast] at The Playlist.

In this week’s episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo embraces the absurd to discuss the film “Problemista” with director and star Julio Torres (“Los Espookys,” “Saturday Night Live”) and co-star Tilda Swinton (“Doctor Strange,” “Michael Clayton”). In the A24 comedy, out now, Alejandro (Torres) is an aspiring toymaker who loses his job and falls in with an art-world outcast (Swinton) to maintain his work visa.

Continue reading ‘Problemista’: Tilda Swinton & Julio Torres Discuss Their A24 Comedy, Big Budget Experimentation & ‘Constantine 2’ [The Discourse Podcast] at The Playlist.

If we’re going to praise the visual rapture of Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” movies—and we should—and in particular, the newly released “Dune: Part Two,” there’s no conversation that can happen without mention of Academy Award-winning cinematographer Greig Fraser, who won his first Oscar for “Dune” in 2022.

READ MORE: Denis Villeneuve Calls ‘Dune: Part Two’ A “Dark Tragedy,” Talks Potential ‘Messiah’ Sequel & More [Interview]

While “Dune: Part Two” is genuinely unanimously praised by critics (read our review here)—and this weekend, it grossed $178.5 million worldwide, and with $81 domestic, that’s the biggest opening since “Barbie”— it does have a small group of detractors.

Continue reading Cinematographer Greig Fraser Talks ‘Dune: Part Two,’ The Volume & Says ‘Batman: Part II’ Will Be “Amazing” at The Playlist.

Swedish filmmaker Johan Renck’s sci-fi relationship cosmonaut movie, “Spaceman,” starring Adam Sandler, is out in the universe and on Netflix now (read our review). A type of existential lonely astronaut in space drama that co-stars Paul Dano and Carey Mulligan— one of the most left-of-field movies Adam Sandler has ever made—I spoke to him about that film at length here.

Continue reading Johan Renck Says ‘Dune: Prophecy’ “Completely Changed” & Explains The Drawback Of TV “Committee” Filmmaking at The Playlist.

Filmmaker Johan Renck’s moody new existential relationship astronaut movie with Adam Sandler, “Spaceman,” debuts today on Netflix. It’s the filmmaker’s first feature in 16 years, following 2008’s “Downloading Nancy,” but it’s not like he’s been away. After a career started in music videos—famous clips for artists like Madonna, Beyonce, Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams, and more—Renck has spent the better part of the last decade in the world of television (before that, in the late 90s and early aughts he was a singer-songwriter using the moniker Stakka Bo).

Continue reading ’Spaceman’: Director Johan Renck Talks Adam Sandler’s “Watchable Vulnerability.” David Bowie’s Influence & More [Interview] at The Playlist.

In this week’s episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo powers up to discuss the Netflix film, “Code 8: Part II” with producers and stars Stephen Amell (“Arrow,” “Heels”)and Robbie Amell (“Upload,” “The Witcher”).

In the sequel to “Code 8,” Connor (Robbie Amell) is out of prison and working as a janitor at a community center, having cut ties with his former criminal associate Garrett (Stephen Amell).

Continue reading ‘Code 8: Part II’: Stephen & Robbie Amell Discuss Their Sci-Fi Hit Sequel, The ‘Arrowverse,’ ‘Suits: LA’ & More [The Discourse Podcast] at The Playlist.

Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two” opens this Friday, March 1, and returning for the film as the Bene Gesserit Lady Jessica and Paul Atreides’ mother is actress Rebecca Ferguson, known for the “Mission Impossible” franchise (read our review).

As I noted earlier this week, Ferguson can be a mercurial interview; she’s spirited, unconventional, can turn on a dime, and doesn’t suffer fools gladly.

Continue reading Rebecca Ferguson Talks ‘Dune: Part Two,’ Bene Gesserit Fundamentalism, ‘Dead Reckoning & More [Interview] at The Playlist.

When Julio Torres jumped on a Zoom to discuss his directorial debut “Problemista” it was at the end of June 2023. The WGA strike was going on, but as the filmmaker, he could still speak about his upcoming film. At the time, word was the Screen Actor’s Guild would avoid a strike with the AMPTP. “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” hadn’t even opened. Their review embargos were not even up yet.

Continue reading Julio Torres’ Work Visa Comedy ‘Problemista’ Is Finally Arriving In Theaters at The Playlist.