Thursday, October 9, 2025
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
The Roundup with Jeff Stockton (Season 34 Round 3)
It must be Black Monday for the studio accountants. Here's The Roundup....
3. N/A
2. Robopocalypse
The structure of the novel makes it a difficult adaptation. I think Suzuki did as well as one could do transforming the book into a film story. The action and casting were both great here. Shame it lost so much money.
1. Convalescence
In a world of huge IP, it is nice to see a small character study here and there. While Convalescence was fairly cliche from a story standpoint, Crawford and Wallace were both quite compelling.
3. N/A
2. Test of Time
Every scene in this one felt like scenes I've seen before in films just like this one. The script for Test of Time just didn't do anything to make it stand out or feel unique.
1. Profits
I had some worries about Round 3, which I mentioned last round - and it turns out I was right to be concerned. Three rounds into the season now and the studio has lost money at the box office thanks to a huge flop in the form of Robopocalypse. It is clear now that X-Men and Superman are going to need to save the season financially.
On Location (Season 34 Round 3)
Convalescence
- Ogden, Utah, USA
Robopocalypse
- Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Test of Time
- Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Box Office Breakdown (Season 34 Round 3)
Convalescence
Budget: $11,000,000
Total Box Office: $19,377,305
Total Profit: $190,334
Robopocalypse
Budget: $175,000,000
Total Box Office: $242,879,106
Total Profit: -$90,489,004
Test of Time
Budget: $18,000,000
Total Box Office: $17,123,993
Total Profit: -$12,200,005
Box Office Facts
Convalescence
Writer Jimmy Ellis is closing in one 100 films for the studio (98 to be exact), but Convalescence comes in almost at the bottom in terms of box office gross - the film places 97th of the 98 films.
Robopocalypse
Writer Nic Suzuki got off to one of the hottest starts at the box office in LRF history with his first three films all turning profits and combining for over $1 billion at the box office. Robopocalypse is the first flop on his resume.
Test of Time
Test of Time unfortunately now has the dubious honor of being the lowest film in two separate genres - Teen and Romance.
Genre Rankings
Convalescence
Drama: #348
Robopocalypse
Action: #181
Sci-Fi: #81
Test of Time
Teen: #5
Drama: #358
Romance: #44
Season 34 Round 3
Total Box Office: $279,380,404
Total Profit: -$102,498,675
Season 34 Totals
Total Box Office: $1,158,427,578
Total Profit: -$11,362,523
Season 34 Summary
1. Sgt. Rock : $306,851,781
2. The Flintstones : $252,498,418
3. Robopocalypse : $242,879,106
4. Nineteen Eighty-Four - Part Two : $196,422,340
5. Exodus : $76,164,182
6. Heist Society : $33,109,892
7. Convalescence : $19,377,305
8. Test of Time : $17,123,993
9. Mises : $14,000,561
Release: Test of Time
Test of Time
Genre: Teen/Drama/Romance
Director: Josh Boone
Writer: Billy Cruder
Cast: Wyatt Oleff, Bob Odenkirk, Jade Pettyjohn, Asher Angel, Emma Myers, Brighton Sharbino, Judah Lewis, Gillian Vigman, Melora Hardin
Budget: $18,000,000
Domestic Box Office: $11,104,000
Foreign Box Office: $6,019,993
Total Profit: -$12,200,005
Reaction: Over half of this season's films have now failed to turn a profit at the box office. Writer Billy Cruder's rare detour outside of the thriller/horror genres did not appear to work out.
“It’s always nice to see a writer trying something new (it’s the first Billy has gone for a romantic drama), and you can see the intent throughout the entire film. However, it runs far too long and as a result, parts that feel like they could’ve gone shorter drag for too long, leaving you looking at your watch instead of wondering what comes next. For any drama or romance film? That’s fatal.” - Mitchell Parker, New York Times
Rated PG-13 for brief strong language, underage drinking, and thematic material
Monday, October 6, 2025
In Development
X-Men: Age of Apocalypse: The next film in the X-Men film series will have even more familiar faces with Garrett Hedlund (Redhead, X-Men: Sinister) back as Gambit, Zach McGowan (The Immortal Iron Fist, Red Sonja) back as Wolverine, Jamie Bell (On Life and Living, X-Men: Hellfire) back as Nightcrawler, David Morrissey (X-Men: Hellfire, Thorne) back as Magneto, and finally Rosamund Pike (The Thin Man, Zero Hour) will also be back as Emma Frost. The ensemble superhero film is once again directed by Miguel Sapochnik and written by Dwight Gallo.
The Revolution: One of the hottest young talents in LRF, Sadie Sink (Scarlet Witch, Starkweather), has lined up a new starring role - this time in a thriller from director Sam Raimi (The Crow: Wings of Isaiah, Sleeping Beauties) titled The Revolution. The film is set in a high school where Sink's character tries to expose the bullies running the school. Willem Dafoe (The Essence, Fading Nights) and Bruce Greenwood (Suburban, Bastion) will also appear in the film, as a high school principal and a private investigator, respectively. The film was written by Alex Conn (Mises, Never Seeing Kristina Again).
Tethered: Jesse Plemons (Mr. Happy, The Life Survey) and Aubrey Plaza (Monopoly, Justice League Dark) are set to headline the supernatural horror film Tethered about a married couple who make a desperate bargain to save one of their twin daughters at birth. Nell Fisher (Bookworm, Evil Dead Rise) will play their surviving daughter who begin exhibiting strange abilities as she gets older. Mike Flanagan (Nightcrawler: Demons of the Past, The Birds) is set to direct from a script by Joshua Collins (Punch Buggy, Cedar Ridge).
Blade: At the recent LRF Comic-Con, Damson Idris (At Night All Blood is Black, F1) was announced as the star of the next Marvel Universe project, Blade. Now we know he will be joined by Pierce Brosnan (Wolfenstein, A Reputation) as the villain, Deacon Frost. Karen Fukuhara (Gamera, The Two Souls) will also appear in the film as a fellow vampire hunter. Spike Lee (Victims, Boys of the Bayou) is directing the action with a script by Dawson Edwards (Heist Society, The Legend of Zelda).
The Guns of Peridido: Austin Butler (AKA Billy the Kid, Miracles), Joaquin Phoenix (The Mobster's Violin, Revelations), and Harrison Ford (Escape, Willamette) are all set for the star-studded western-action film The Guns of Peridido from director Michael Bay (Justice League War, Cocaine Cowboys). Butler will play a drifter who finds himself at odds with Sanchez (Phoenix), feared figure running the desert town of Peridido. Ford will play the former sheriff who aids Butler in his feud. Jacob Jones (Sister/Sister, Danya) penned the film.
Macbeth: A new adaptation of William Shakespeare's famed tragedy Macbeth is set for LRF screens from director Robert Eggers (The Life After, Vampire) and writer Jimmy Ellis (Convalescence, Cleveland). Benedict Cumberbatch (Halo 6, Fevre Dream) and Rebecca Ferguson (X-Men: Hellfire, The Deadliest Night in Show Business) are set to headline the project as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, respectively. The supporting cast will have some star power as well as Brian Cox (Vindicators, Whaling) is set for the role of Duncan, while Aaron Taylor-Johnson (The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Queen Margot) has been cast as Banquo.
Now Showing: Test of Time
Test of Time
Genre: Teen/Drama/Romance
Director: Josh Boone
Writer: Billy Cruder
Cast: Wyatt Oleff, Bob Odenkirk, Jade Pettyjohn, Asher Angel, Emma Myers, Brighton Sharbino, Judah Lewis, Gillian Vigman, Melora Hardin
Plot: The story begins at Lincoln High School in the 90s. Chris Taylor (Wyatt Oleff) rides into school on his bicycle, wearing a whimsically decorated bike helmet. He pedals quickly, weaving between cars, greeting his friends with a jaunty smile. He stops near the main entrance, locks up his bike, and then flips his hair casually. As he enters the building, he passes a group of kids who greet him warmly, and he responds with jokes thanks to his outgoing nature. Chris walks down the crowded hallway of the school among students who are packing their lockers or talking to each other. Chris greets a few girls with a charming smile and a nod of his head, causing them to giggle. As he approaches his locker, he catches the eye of the principal, Mrs. Walters (Melora Hardin), who gives him an almost stern look. Chris looks down for a moment before smiling and shrugging. Chris opens his locker which appears messy and full of books with crumpled notes and some junk that has nothing to do with school.
Chris enters the classroom and takes a seat at the desks. Professor Mr. Thompson (Bob Odenkirk) begins the lesson. While the teacher speaks, Chris looks out the window distracted by the rays of sunlight filtering through the leaves of the trees and a bird's nest. The professor, noticing Chris's distraction, calls him and asks him to answer a rather difficult question. Chris hesitates for a moment but then answers correctly without problems showing intelligence despite his lack of enthusiasm. At the end of the lesson Chris walks through the corridors that are starting to color with posters for Graduation Day which will take place in a few weeks. A classmate of his approaches and asks him if he is ready for the last tests. Chris, with his usual smile, shrugs and answers evasively nodding his head.
It's lunch break. As a group of students discuss the upcoming prom and what outfit they will wear, Chris sits on a bench in the courtyard with his friends, Derek (Asher Angel), Emma (Emma Myers), and Samantha (Brighton Sharbino). As the others talk about the upcoming Graduation Day and what they will do after graduation, Chris listens quietly, feigning interest but with a blank stare. Emma, who is the most diligent of the group, talks about the latest tests and how important it is to do well. Chris tries to lighten the mood, saying that it is just “another stupid test,” but his voice betrays a hint of concern. A moment later, Samantha stands up and suggests throwing a party before Graduation Day, to relax and have some fun. Chris lights up at the idea, demonstrating once again his predilection for fun. Then the group laughs and jokes.
Chris is in his room lying on the bed with a study book open in front of him. He is listening to music with headphones and playing with a pen, clearly distracted from his duty. The book is full of underlinings and notes taken in a messy way, Chris looks at the pages but can't seem to concentrate. Finally, he huffs and closes the book, throwing it aside. He looks for a moment at a poster on the wall daydreaming about a life different from the one that awaits him. Chris hears some noises and goes to the window watching with a melancholic expression some kids playing basketball in the nearby park.
After a while Chris goes down to the kitchen where his single mother Sarah (Gillian Vigman) is finishing preparing dinner. She asks him how his studies are going and Chris replies with a laconic "Good". The mother gives him a worried look, but doesn't insist and changes the subject while serving her son dinner. The TV is on and broadcasts a news program about famous graduates and their successes. Chris looks up at the TV, and then lowers it to his plate, playing with the food without enthusiasm. Meanwhile, Sarah's attempts to talk to her son don't bear much fruit and she ends up getting lost in her son's silence. After dinner, Chris goes back to his room, turns on his computer and loses himself in an online game, almost trying to escape the pressure he feels for Graduation Day and the last upcoming tests.
Chris is sitting on the bleachers near the football field with his usual group of friends. They are all there to watch the team practice and pass the time. Chris is chatting absentmindedly with Derek when his gaze is drawn to Ashley Monroe (Jade Pettyjohn), one of the cheerleaders who are practicing some choreography. Ashley while doing a series of coordinated movements with the other cheerleaders and with a back flip she finishes the choreography. She laughs and jokes with her friends, with a smile that catches Chris's attention. Chris freezes, enchanted by Ashley, ignoring his friends' jokes. His crush is clearly perceived, as he continues to look at her. Brandon Carter (Judah Lewis), Ashley's boyfriend and captain of the football team is leading the team's practice, highlighting his self-confidence and charisma.
During a break in practice, Brandon approaches Ashley just under the bleachers where Chris and his friends are. The two share a quick kiss to which Ashley smiles affectionately. Chris, seeing the scene, lowers his gaze feeling a little jealous. Derek noticing the scene waits for the end of practice to approach Chris, pats him on the shoulder and makes a sarcastic joke about how Chris has no hope with Ashley. Chris smiles forcefully trying to hide his disappointment as he watches Ashley walk away with Brandon.
Chris is sitting in one of the back rows of the classroom, with his history book open in front of him. However, instead of taking notes, he is absentmindedly drawing on the edge of his notebook with his thoughts still fixed on Ashley. Professor Thompson walks slowly between the desks immediately noticing that Chris is not paying attention. Without saying a word he takes Chris's notebook and leafs through it, finding the drawing that Chris was doing instead of taking notes. Thompson, without raising his voice, asks Chris to stand up. Chris, embarrassed, slowly stands up while the other students stop writing and look at him. Thompson asks him to explain a concept he just covered. Chris, taken aback, stammers an incomplete and imprecise answer. Thompson sighs and shakes his head, visibly disappointed. In a stern but calm tone, Thompson reminds Chris that he is seriously at risk of not graduating if he doesn't try harder. He emphasizes the importance of the upcoming tests and warns him that this is his last chance to show his true potential. Chris looks down and despite his carefree nature, the professor's words hit him deeply.
Chris leaves the classroom looking dejected. He sits down on a bench and stares at the floor, lost in thought. While he's there, Derek comes over and tries to cheer him up with a few jokes, but Chris can't bring himself to laugh as usual. He confesses to Derek that maybe Thompson is right and that he doesn't know if he'll be able to graduate because his grades aren't as good as he wants everyone to believe. Derek, in his relaxed way, tries to downplay it, saying that everything will work out. Chris nods half-heartedly and then they each give each other a friendly pat on the back. Then Derek says he learned about a secret party that Brandon was throwing that night at school. Chris winces at the thought that he might meet Ashley if he goes to the party, then nods at Derek.
It's late at night. The school lights are off, but shadows can be seen moving inside. Chris, Derek, Emma and Samantha sneak up on the school, trying not to be noticed by any passers-by. Brandon has organized a clandestine party in the gym, taking advantage of a side entrance that few people know about. The boys are excited and a little nervous, but Chris is visibly more tense, aware of the risks but attracted by the fun and the idea of getting closer to Ashley. Derek, with his usual cocky attitude, opens the side door and they enter, trying not to make any noise. Once inside, the four friends walk through the dimly lit corridors, following the sounds coming from the gym.
Arriving at the gym, the boys see that it is already full of students dancing, drinking and having fun. Brandon is at the center of the scene, surrounded by his closest friends, while Ashley is a little apart, chatting with some friends. Chris looks at Ashley, visibly impressed by her presence, but is quickly distracted by his friends who drag him towards the center of the gym to join the party.
The gym is lit up by the flashing lights of a makeshift disco ball. The music is loud and the kids are dancing animatedly. After dancing a bit, Chris temporarily separates from the group to get a drink and approaches the drinks table and notices Brandon approaching Ashley and whispering something in her ear. Ashley smiles tiredly and nods and Chris interprets this as a sign of distance between them. As he watches this, he slams the table and spills a pitcher of beer on himself, causing everyone nearby, including Ashley, to giggle. Chris curses under his breath and decides to get away from the commotion to clear his head by venturing into the dark hallways.
As he wanders aimlessly, Chris gets lost in thought, reflecting on his crush on Ashley and his doubts about his future until he notices a door ajar: it is Professor Thompson's office. Chris stops in front of the door, perplexed since it shouldn't be open at that hour. Instinct tells him not to go in, but curiosity gets the better of him. Slowly, he pushes the door and enters the office. As he approaches the desk, he notices an open folder with "Final Exams" written on it. Chris holds his breath and without thinking quickly flips through the contents. Then for a moment Chris remains still, torn between the desire to take the questions and the awareness of how wrong it would be. A moment later Chris puts the folder back where it was before and steps back shaking his head whispering to himself that he has some integrity to maintain. Chris leaves the room and a moment later is joined by Emma and Samantha who ask him where he had been and take him arm in arm back to the party that continues for a while even though Chris had noticed that Ashley had already left during his absence, cursing himself for not having been able to talk to her this time either.
Chris, Derek, Emma and Samantha leave the school and walk towards the parking lot. Derek, noticing Chris's thoughtful expression, asks him what's wrong. Chris tells his friends that he found the final exam questions in Professor Thompson's office. Emma immediately asks him if he took them, but Chris shakes his head, saying that he couldn't. Emma smiles and nods, but Derek tells Chris that he's crazy for not taking them and that this is their only chance to make sure they do well on the final tests without problems. Derek continues to convince Chris, saying that no one will ever find out and that it could be the difference between a brilliant future and a mediocre one. Samantha watches the scene in silence, while Emma tries to convince Chris not to listen to Derek, arguing that it's not worth risking everything. Chris, feeling more and more pressured, finally agrees to go back, convinced that maybe Derek is right and that he can't afford to fail the exams. Emma, visibly annoyed, shaking her head as Chris and Derek prepare to go back into the school with Samantha.
Chris, Derek, Emma and Samantha move through the hallways while Emma is visibly nervous and keeps whispering that this is a bad idea. They arrive in front of Professor Thompson's office again. Derek approaches the door that is still ajar, and pushes to go in with Chris who follows him inside while Emma and Samantha remain in the hallway. Derek opens the folder with the exam questions and takes it without hesitation. As they leave the office Emma hears a noise coming from the hallway. Derek stops Chris with a gesture, both holding their breath until they realize that Ashley Monroe is sitting on the floor of the hallway with her knees bent and her hands over her face. It is clear that she is in an emotional state and does not immediately notice their presence. Chris signals the others to go and slowly approaches and sits next to her, trying not to scare her. Ashley looks up, full of tears. Chris, worried, asks her what happened. Ashley hesitates for a moment, but then opens up to him like a river in flood, revealing that she feels suffocated by the pressure to be "perfect" and to always have to live up to everyone else's expectations. Chris listens attentively, surprised to hear that the always smiling Ashley was actually full of insecurities like him. Ashley continues, confessing that she is afraid of the future, of not being able to live up to expectations and of not knowing what to do with her life. Chris speaks to her calmly, sharing for the first time his own fears and uncertainties, creating a moment of connection between the two. Ashley looks at Chris with gratitude, surprised to find unexpected comfort in him. Emma and Samantha approach, worried about the time they are taking. Ashley thanks Chris for listening and stands up, saying that she is now ready to go home. Chris smiles at her and watches her walk away down the hallway.
As the four friends head towards the exit, they hear the sound of a door opening at the end of the hallway. In the distance they see the figure of Professor Thompson entering the school whistling. Professor Thompson walks towards his office muttering to himself about his lost house keys. Chris and the others hide behind a corner, trying not to make any noise as the professor approaches and enters the open office exclaiming loudly that he has found what he was looking for. At that point the four friends run away without making any noise and find themselves outside the building laughing and breathing a sigh of relief.
The next morning, Chris, Derek, Emma and Samantha walk to school together in silence. Emma breaks the silence by firmly disagreeing with what they did, saying that it’s not right and that this isn’t the way she wants to start her adult life, suggesting that cheating would haunt them forever. Derek, on the other hand, tries to defend their actions the night before, arguing that they all need a push to pass their exams and that no one will ever find out. Samantha is quieter, seeming unsure of where to stand. The argument escalates, with Emma becoming increasingly heated and Derek trying to downplay the risks. Samantha finally intervenes, saying that despite everything, the idea of using the questions doesn’t seem right to her, but that she doesn’t know what to do. Chris finally ends the argument, saying that he’s made a decision: they’ll burn the questions. He adds that he now understands that the important thing is not just passing the exam, but doing it with integrity. Emma smiles with relief while Derek huffs but finally agrees realizing that Chris is right. Samantha also nods almost relieved by Chris's decision. The group enters a small park and burns the papers. The group shrugs while Emma and Samantha exchange a knowing smile. Chris observes the ashes for a moment and then turns to his friends and says that now they just have to work hard and study. The group heads towards the exit of the park more united than ever. As they leave the park they meet Mr. Thompson, a chance encounter that creates a bit of embarrassment in them.
Chris is sitting at his desk, immersed in his books with a concentrated and determined expression while his friends are with him in the room studying all together. Derek, with a joking tone, asks Chris for an explanation of a math problem. Chris gives a correct answer showing that he is really putting all his effort. The scene alternates between the boys studying alone in their respective rooms, each facing their own difficulties.
It's the night before the last test. Chris closes the book with a satisfied expression and goes downstairs. He hugs his mother from behind, apologizing for his attitude and thanks her for everything. Then he leaves the house saying that he has something important to do. Chris nervously approaches Ashley's door. He takes a deep breath and rings the doorbell. After a moment, Ashley opens the door with a book in her hand but surprised but happy to see him. Chris without preamble confesses to Ashley. He tells her that he thinks about her every day and that now, after facing his fears, he knows he has to be honest with his feelings too. Ashley listens attentively with a slight smile on her lips appreciating Chris's sincerity. Ashley puts a hand on Chris's shoulder and responds sweetly, thanking Chris for his honesty and for the courage to tell her the truth. However, she tells him that she doesn't share the same feelings and that she prefers them to remain friends. Chris, although disappointed, maturely accepts Ashley's answer. He thanks her for being honest and promises that they will remain friends and then they exchange a warm hug.
While Chris gets on his bike with a slightly dejected look, a familiar voice from the house next door brings him back to reality "It went badly with Ashley, huh boy? Don't get down, it happens to everyone". Mr. Thompson is sitting in a rocking chair with a cigar in his mouth and with a thoughtful but welcoming expression. Mr. Thompson, noticing Chris's surprise, invites him to come closer. Chris gets off his bike and approaches with some hesitation and Mr. Thompson offers him a chair next to him. Mr. Thompson, seeing Chris's disappointment for what happened before, gives him some fatherly advice: "Remember, Taylor..Chris.. it's not what you find at the end of a race that matters, but what you feel while you're running." Chris listens carefully, absorbing his professor's wise words, which deeply affect him. After a pause, Mr. Thompson changes tone and, with a little smile, returns to the school topic. He reveals to him what topics will be on the next day's test, suggesting that he focus only on those. Chris looks at him with surprise and a hint of doubt but Mr. Thompson reassures him with a nod, as if to say that he can trust him. The next morning, Chris arrives at school with Derek, Emma, and Samantha. The group is visibly nervous but determined. Chris, in particular, seems focused and calm. They enter the building, along with a crowd of other students, including Ashley and Brandon. Chris catches Ashley's eye for a moment, exchanging a friendly smile before walking into the classroom where the test will be administered. Mr. Thompson enters the classroom, carrying the test papers. He hands them out one by one without saying a word, and when he reaches Chris's desk, he pauses for a second longer. Chris takes the paper and begins to read the questions. A look of shock and confusion crosses his face: none of the questions are on the topics Mr. Thompson had suggested the night before. He pauses for a moment, his pen suspended in mid-air, as he tries to figure out what to do. Chris looks up at Mr. Thompson, who is watching him with an enigmatic expression. After a moment of hesitation, Chris lowers his head, gripping his pen with determination, and begins to answer the questions with confidence. Mr. Thompson watches the scene from afar with a satisfied smile as he sees Chris begin to answer the questions without any problems.
Chris pushes through the crowd to read the results and finally finds his name. He reads the result: a perfect grade. A smile of relief and joy spreads across his face. His friends, one after the other, discover that they have also passed with flying colors. They hug each other, happy and relieved to have passed this important test.
The Graduation ceremony is in full swing. The students, in gowns and caps, sit in an orderly fashion as Mrs. Walters hands out the diplomas.
When Chris's name is called, he stands to the applause of his friends and his mother. He walks to the stage with a mixture of excitement and disbelief, accepting the diploma with a proud smile before returning to his seat.
Right after the ceremony Chris and Derek are happily discussing their future plans and exchanging jokes about how they are finally free from school. The conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Professor Thompson, who approaches with an expression that mixes seriousness and a hint of amusement. Mr. Thompson smiles and waves at the boys, congratulating them on their achievement. Then, in an enigmatic tone, he leans a little closer and in a low voice and reveals that he knew the folder of questions had been stolen from them all along. Chris and Derek swallow and exchange a confused look before Mr. Thompson explains with a smirk that every year he intentionally leaves a folder of fake questions in his office, as a test to see if anyone will give in to the temptation to steal them. Mr. Thompson watches their reactions for a moment and then adds in a more serious tone, "Life is full of shortcuts, boys, but real growth happens when you decide to approach things with integrity. And you did." He then walks away to Mrs. Walters.
The group of friends has gathered for one last get-together before leaving for college. There is laughter, memories and a little melancholy in the air. Derek jokes about how far they have come, while Emma and Samantha laugh, remembering old stories. Chris looks around, observing his friends with affection. He knows that after that night, everything will change: their paths will separate but the bonds created will remain strong. There is a moment where the boys sit together, looking at the stars and talking about their dreams and fears for the future. Chris stands up and proposes a toast, thanking his friends for being by his side and for making the last few years unforgettable. They raise their glasses, toasting the future and the new adventures that await them.
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