How did Lollapalooza make music history? The new docuseries “Lolla: The Story of Lollapalooza” explores the influential festival and its impact on an entire generation. Jane’s Addiction and Porno for Pyros frontman Perry Farrell created a tour that featured up-and-coming bands — many of whom would become synonymous with the decade. The event proved to be more than just another concert for audiences and performers.

Continue reading ‘Lolla: The Story Of Lollapalooza’ Trailer: Sundance Docuseries About The Influential Concert Debuts This Month at The Playlist.

How did Jim Henson inspire generations of dreamers? Director Ron Howard chronicles the life and legacy of this master puppeteer in “Jim Henson Idea Man.” The documentary follows Henson’s life from working on local television to crafting a highly regarded filmography. Along the way, he would see The Muppets become pop culture icons in their own right with a TV series and several box office hits. Henson’s work also extended to children’s education programming with the much beloved “Sesame Street.” 

READ MORE: Scott Derrickson To Direct A Sequel To Jim Henson’s ‘Labyrinth’

This film is far from the first documentary by Howard — his non-fiction projects span several decades.

Continue reading ‘Jim Henson Idea Man’ Trailer: Ron Howard Directs New Doc About Beloved ‘Muppets’ & ‘Sesame Street’ Puppet Genius at The Playlist.

What happens when a fake hit man blurs the lines between reality and fiction? The true story of a professor going undercover acts as a starting point for Richard Linklater’s “Hit Man” (read our review). Its premise goes well beyond the events written about by Texas Monthly’s Skip Hollandsworth. Instead, the film takes a fictional journey into what could have happened between two people under different circumstances.

Continue reading ‘Hit Man’ Trailer: Glen Powell & Adria Arjona Lead Richard Linklater’s New Romantic Action Flick at The Playlist.

How did friends become rivals? The Transformers venture into their past with “Transformers One.” This time, the popular franchise explores the backstories of Optimus Prime and Megatron. These legendary characters were not always enemies, instead existing side-by-side. The film takes a cue from the cult classic “The Transformers: The Movie” and opts for animation over live-action.

A first look during CinemaCon had the audience cheering.

Continue reading ‘Transformers One’ Trailer: Chris Hemsworth & Scarlett Johansson Lead A New Animated Adventure Coming In September at The Playlist.

Should adults reconnect with their lost imaginary friends? A young girl can make that happen in the new film “IF.” Writer and director John Krasinski crafts a comedy that speaks to childhood imagination while showing how much adults lose that sense of wonder. Cailey Fleming stars as the special kid with a knack for seeing imaginary friends. She finds herself balancing the unique gift with trying to live an everyday life. Ryan Reynolds co-stars as a man whose abilities might align with his young neighbor.

Continue reading ‘IF’ Trailer: John Krasinski Explores Imaginary Friends With Ryan Reynolds In May at The Playlist.

What made The Beach Boys musical icons? The band that helped a generation connect with their California dreams is getting the documentary treatment. “The Beach Boys” gives viewers an unprecedented look at a group who defined ‘60s surf culture. Hits like “Good Vibrations” put them on top of the world, but the trials and tribulations that came with success would push some members to dreadful places.

Continue reading ‘The Beach Boy’s Trailer: New Doc Series About One of Pop’s Greatest Bands Hits Disney+ In May at The Playlist.

How does a girl perceive her mother? Lucy is facing that reality in the new film “Janet Planet.” Set in the early ‘90s, this coming-of-age film highlights how complicated the relationship can be. The A24 film hails from Annie  Baker, who previously wrote an episode of the Prime Video series “I Love Dick.” 

The Playlist’s Gregory Ellwood noted the connection between Baker’s direction and Maria von Hausswolf’s cinematography, calling it “exquisite.” “Whether it’s a close-up of a dangling earring or Janet getting swept up in line dancing, the perspective is always intentional,” he wrote after its 2023 Telluride premiere.

Continue reading ‘Janet Planet’ Trailer: Julianne Nicholson and Zoe Ziegler Star In A24’s Acclaimed Telluride Drama at The Playlist.

Will obsession lead to destruction or success? It’s a question that one persistent detective faces in Prime Video’s “Them: The Scare.” The series’ second season focuses on LA during a pivotal point in its history — the ’90s. Creator, executive producer, and showrunner Little Marvin found the location’s turbulent decade to be the perfect pairing for horror. “With ‘Them: The Scare,’ we wanted to combine our love of horror with a look at Los Angeles’s rich history and evolution,” he said.

Continue reading ‘Them: The Scare’ Trailer: Prime Video’s Horror Anthology Series Returns In April at The Playlist.

How do superheroes navigate their own mental health journeys? Sony Pictures Animation and Sony Pictures Imageworks are utilizing one of their biggest cinematic franchises to address the topic. “The Spider Within: A Spider-Verse Story” sees Miles Morales deal with the issues surrounding his anxiety after a panic attack. It’s a story that finds the young hero reaching out to others, a crucial step to healing.

This important project represents a collaboration with the Kevin Love Fund.

Continue reading ‘The Spider Within: A Spider-Verse Story’: Watch The Full ‘Spider-Verse’ Short Film About Anxiety & Mental Health at The Playlist.

Who killed Reena Virk? The teenager’s murder and subsequent investigation are at the heart of the new crime series “Under the Bridge.” Hulu’s limited series adapts  Rebecca Godfrey’s book about the crime, a case that would shock Canada during the late ’90s. 29-year-old wunderkind writer/director Quinn Shephard heads up the project, also acting as executive producer. The multi-hyphenate previously helmed the dramedy-thriller film “Not Okay.”

READ MORE: The 70 Most Anticipated TV Shows & Mini-Series Of 2024

Lily Gladstone leads the cast as Cam Bentland, an officer tasked with unraveling the case.

Continue reading ‘Under The Bridge’ Trailer: Riley Keough & Lily Gladstone’s New Hulu Crime Series Arrives  April 17 at The Playlist.

How far will one woman go to stop a disaster?” The Veil” contrasts two distinct characters. One is set on a deadly path that could lead to a global crisis, while the other seeks to stop her plans by any means necessary. Elisabeth Moss stars in the FX Productions drama and is also an executive producer under her Love & Squalor Pictures banner. Yumna Marwan, Dali Benssalah, and Josh Charles round out the cast.

Continue reading ‘The Veil’ Trailer: Elisabeth Moss’ New FX Thriller Series From Steven Knight Debuts April 30 at The Playlist.

How far would you go for love? Eric Draven is about to test the limits of his soulmate. “The Crow” sees this antihero face life and death after brutal murders separate the pair. Its title, character, and story may be familiar to audiences. James O’Barr’s popular creation first hit comic book shelves in the late ‘80s before Brandon Lee’s tragic on-set death became film history.

Continue reading ‘The Crow’ Trailer: Bill Skarsgård Stars In The Gothy Revenge Remake Set For June at The Playlist.

What happened to Kim’s Video? New York cinephiles were devastated to see the iconic Manhattan video store close in 2008. For decades, the venue offered an unrivaled selection — partly aided by an expansive bootleg inventory. That underground mentality permeates through the new documentary “Kim’s Video.” Directors Ashley Sabin and David Redmon offer a glimpse of what made it beloved before discovering a surprising mystery around the store’s storied collection. 

Continue reading ‘Kim’s Video’ Trailer: New York’s Beloved Cinephile Video Store Gets The Doc Treatment at The Playlist.

What turns a historical figure into a legend? Shirley Chisholm defied the odds to become a force in US politics. Netflix’s “Shirley” tells the story of this American icon, showing the private moments that inspired her strength. John Ridley, the award-winning screenwriter of “12 Years a Slave,” lends his talents to the project. He takes on added duties, writing and directing this long-awaited biopic.

Continue reading ‘Shirley’ Trailer: Regina King Stars In John Ridley’s Biopic Of A Black Political Trailblazer at The Playlist.

What happens when a beloved creature transforms into a terrifying monster? A  girl must fight against her mutated pet spider in the new film “Sting.” The intriguing project features practical effects from Weta Workshop and Creative Director Richard Taylor. Their work creates a result that is both believable and disturbing. “Sting” relies on a talented cast. The film stars Ryan Corr (“House of the Dragon,” “The Water Diviner”), Alyla Browne (“Three Thousand Years of Longing,” “Nine Perfect Strangers,” “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga”), Penelope Mitchell (“Hellboy”), and Jermaine Fowler, known for “The Blackening” and “Coming 2 America” turns in a noteworthy performance as the exterminator.

Continue reading ‘Sting’ Trailer: Kiah Roache-Turner’s New Arachnophobia-Inducing Horror Arrives In April Via Well Go USA at The Playlist.

What’s really behind that perfect marriage? A family is about to confront the reality behind their idyllic life in “Apples Never Fall.” This highly anticipated Peacock series adapts the bestselling novel by Liane Moriarty, author of “Big Little Lies” and “Nine Perfect Strangers.” ‘Apples’ follows the trajectory of Moriarty’s other adaptations by recruiting an all-star cast. 

Continue reading ‘Apples Never Fall’ Trailer: Secrets Poison Family In A New Thriller Starring Annette Bening, Sam Neill & Alison Brie at The Playlist.

What does it take to join high society? Maxine Simmons is about to find out in “Palm Royale.” The Apple TV+ series follows Simmons as she challenges societal divides and her own perceptions of fitting in. Set during the late ‘60s, the project examines this tumultuous period from a female perspective. ‘Royale” is loosely based on Juliet McDaniel’s novel “Mr.

Continue reading ‘Palm Royale’ Trailer: Kristin Wiig & Laura Dern’s Beach Club Comedy Series Comes To Apple In March at The Playlist.

What happens when life doesn’t go according to plan? A young actor finds out after becoming stranded far from his dreams. ”Accidental Texan” follows Erwin, played by Rudy Pankow, as he traverses the unfamiliar Texas landscape. A car breakdown introduces him to two uniquely southern figures, Faye and Merle. The waitress and Texas oil driller show Erwin there’s more to life than his Harvard studies. ”Accidental Texan” is directed by Mark Lambert Bristol from a script by Julie B.

Continue reading ‘Accidental Texan’ Trailer: Thomas Haden Church & Carrie-Anne Moss’ New Comedy Arrives March 8 at The Playlist.

What happens when imagination goes too far? The new R-rated comedy “Ricky Stanicky” follows three friends with a unique problem. It’s about a childhood prank gone wrong and a decades-long lie gone too far, and how it all becomes all too real thanks to a failed actor. The project represents a major moment for director Peter Farrelly. He’s returning to the familiar world of raunchy comedies, which saw him previously helm hits like “There’s Something About Mary” and “Dumb & Dumber.”

Outside of the popular genre, Farrelly also directed the award-winning drama “Green Book.” “Ricky Stanicky” stars Zac Efron; the actor teamed up with Farrelly on 2022’s “The Greatest Beer Run Ever.”  John Cena, Jermaine Fowler, Andrew Santino, and William H.

Continue reading ‘Ricky Stanicky’ Trailer: Zac Efron, John Cena & More Star In Peter Farrelly’s New R-Rated Comedy at The Playlist.

Can a remake recreate the success of its predecessor? “Road House” became one of the ‘80s’ best-known action films thanks largely to its star, Patrick Swayze. Now, Jake Gyllenhaal is taking on the property with a reimagining of the cult classic. The current incarnation of “Road House” sees Gyllenhaal portrayed as a bouncer and former UFC fighter. A new job in the Florida Keys puts this heroic figure to the test.

Continue reading ‘Road House’ Trailer: Jake Gyllenhaal Busts Skulls In Doug Liman’s UFC-Updated Fight Remake at The Playlist.

What would it take to change your life? A couple dealing with their own frustrations participate in a unique ritual. The strange opportunity may seem like their perfect escape, but it soon becomes a nightmare. Alex Schaad’s “Skin Deep” explores how we perceive others while showing the limits to reinvention. The filmmaker’s student films received praise, with “Invention of Trust” winning both a Max Ophüls Prize and a Student Oscar.

Continue reading ‘Skin Deep’ Trailer: Alex Schaad’s Drama Finds A Couple Struggling To Salvage Their Relationship at The Playlist.

Can an undercover officer separate fact from fiction? “Hit Man” follows one man’s confusing journey into a world he thought he knew. The film comes from respected director Richard Linklater, whose previous works include “Boyhood” and ‘Before’ trilogy. He reflected on why the story’s central figure was such a fascinating draw. “This character, Gary Johnson, the undercover hitman, opened up such a fascinating world — these people who want to hire someone to kill someone,” the filmmaker told THR.” That’s about as extreme as it gets in the world, right?

Continue reading ‘Hit Man’ Trailer: Richard Linklater’s Assassin Rom-Com Starring Glen Powell Arrives In June at The Playlist.

How far can an obsession go? “Ripley” focuses on a ’60s conman whose fascination leads to deadly results. The Netflix series is yet another adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s popular Tom Ripley novels. Academy Award winner Steven Zaillian heads up the project — writing and directing all episodes. Filming in black and white offers a stylish touch that evokes classic noir titles. For Zallian, the decision came from a single picture.

Continue reading ‘Ripley’ Teaser Trailer: Steven Zaillian’s Long-Awaited Patricia Highsmith Series Starring Andrew Scott Arrives In April at The Playlist.

What comes next for Beth and John? Fans of Amy Schumer’s “Life & Beth” have been waiting for that answer. The Hulu series makes its return next month but don’t expect easy solutions to the show’s difficult questions. The pair are coming to terms with their current relationship while managing expectations. For Beth, it’s a journey that looks to her past. Schumer gives the character added depth as she reflects on how many people face middle age. 

Continue reading ‘Life & Beth’ Season 2 Trailer: Hulu Series With Amy Schumer & Michael Cera Returns On February 16 at The Playlist.

What’s behind a series of puzzling deaths? The Peacock series “Vigil” returns for an anticipated second season full of drama and surprises. DCI Silva and DC Longacre are back to solve another disturbing mystery. Much like season one, their investigation surrounds the politics and traditions of a secretive military system.

READ MORE: The Woman In The Wall’ Trailer: BBC One Thriller Starring Ruth Wilson & Daryl McCormack Hits Showtime & Paramount+ Later This Month

Series leads Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie reprise their roles as Silva and Longacre, respectively.

Continue reading ‘Vigil’ Season 2 Trailer: Rose Leslie & Suranne Jones Return For Peacock’s Investigative Miltary Drama In February at The Playlist.