Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Now Showing: Ghost Rider: Damnation
Ghost Rider: Damnation
Genre: Action/Superhero/Supernatural
Director: Ilya Naishuller
Writer: Mark Newton
Based on Marvel Comics characters
Cast: Aaron Paul, Emma Greenwell, David Duchovny, Thomas Jane, Greta Lee, Eamonn Walker, David Denman, Virginia Madsen
Plot: Burned demonic symbols, shattered windows and the stench of sulfur in the air litter a dark, decrepit factory on the outskirts of Detroit. The silence is shattered by the roar of a motorcycle engine. Danny Ketch (Aaron Paul) - as Ghost Rider - bursts through a concrete wall, his skull ablaze with blue flames. His motorcycle blares through the building. He sniffs the air, announcing that he knows there are demons there. He uses his flaming chains, dragging one demon out of the shadows, slamming him against a wall. Another demon tries to flee, but Ghost Rider launches his chain like a whip, wrapping it around the demon's leg. Ghost Rider incinerates the demons in a blaze of hellfire, sending them back where they belong, leaving only ashes behind.
As the factory burns behind him, Danny Ketch reverts to his human form, exhausted. He rides north, away from the city, heading deep into the woods of northern Michigan. He retreats to a remote cabin, secluded and far from the evils and sins of civilization. Inside, the cabin is sparse. He's clearly been living there for some time now, with newspapers covering recent supernatural events and a map pinned to the wall marked with locations of demonic activity. Danny briefly stares at his own reflection in a cracked mirror before collapsing on a cot to sleep as the sunrise begins to creep in through the window curtains.
Back in Detroit, Barbara Ketch (Emma Greenwell), Danny's sister, is still recovering from her previous injuries. She runs her fingers over the bullet scar on her shoulder. She is working as a waitress working the graveyard shift at a 24 hour diner. Outside, Detective Michael Badilino (David Denman) sits in his car, sipping coffee, keeping his promise to Danny to keep Barbara safe. When the sun rises and Barbara's shift at the diner ends, she gets into Michael's car. She gives him a kiss on the cheek and he drives her home.
In Hell, Mephisto (David Duchovny), is still seething with anger at his minions' failure to defeat Ketch. In his fiery throne room, where he is surrounded by infernal landscapes and tormented souls, Mephisto summons his daughter Jezebel (Greta Lee), a beautiful and seduction demon. He orders her assistance in capturing the Ghost Rider. Mephisto reveals his plan to Jezebel. First the will eliminate any allies Ketch might have and then use Stephen Lords as bait to draw him out. Mephisto, in a cloud of sulfuric smoke, materializes before Stephen Lords (Eammon Walker) in his prison cell. Lords is terrified, but intrigued by the offer Mephisto makes: freedom in exchange for his assistance. Mephisto warns Lords not to betray or fail him again, promising him unimaginable power if he succeeds.
In the ruins of her church, Ketch's mother, Sister Clara (Virginia Madsen) prays, sensing a dark presence approaching. The air grows cold, and Clara's candles flicker. Mephisto suddenly appears. He demands to know where Danny is hiding. Clara refuses to tell him anything. Mephisto tries o intimidate her, but Clara stands firm. Mephisto tortures Clara, twisting her body with dark magic as she screams in anguish. He promises to end her suffering if he tells him what he wants to know, but she remains resolute. Infuriated, Mephisto decides that Clara serves no further purpose and kills her with a wave of his hand, leaving her distorted, lifeless body crumpled at the burned altar of her church before setting it ablaze with hellfire.
Stephen Lords sits in his prison cell as the lights around him begin to flicker. A thick, sulfurous mist begins to seep through the bars of his cell. Jezebel materializes out of the shadows. She moves silently through the corridors of the prison, her presence causing the very walls to crack and crumble. Inmates cower in fear, sensing the evil that radiates from her. She finally reaches Lords' cell and with a wave of the hand, the cell door melts away. Together they make their way to the death row wing of the prison, where the most dangerous and depraved inmates are kept. The death row inmates are drawn to Jezebel. She begins a dark ritual and black flames engulf the prisoners, transforming them into monstrous demon minions, becoming servants of Mephisto. Jezebel turns to Lords and tells him that now is the time to draw the Ghost Rider out as he won't be able to resist the pull of so much darkness.
Noble Kale (Thomas Jane) arrives at the burning remains of the church, finding Clara's body lying amidst the ruins, on his motorcycle. His leather jacker bears the symbol of an ancient order. He dismounts his bike and walks through the charred remains, his face filled with sorrow as he surveys the devastation. He kneels beside Clara's corpse. In a flashback, we see younger Noble and Clara in a happier time, laughing together in a sunlit meadow. As Noble walks back to his motorcycle, the flames of the church suddenly flare up, responding to his anger. He revs his motorcycle and speeds away, determined to find Ketch, as he rides into the night.
As Danny Ketch sleeps, he experiences a vivid and terrifying nightmare that has been invaded by a vision sent by Mephisto. In the nightmare, Danny is powerless, watching as Barbara is hunted by demonic forces. Shadowy, monstrous figures with glowing eyes close in on Barbara. These figures are led by Jezebel, who taunts Barbara, promising her that she will suffer for her connection to the Ghost Rider. The vision climaxes with Jezebel raising a clawed hand, ready to strike Barbara down. Just as Barbara screams for Danny's help, he awakens with a jolt, drenched in sweat. The echoes of Barbara's screams and Jezebel's laughter still ring in his ears. Danny believes it was not merely a dream, but rather a warning. As Danny tries to shake off the terror of the vision, he feels the Spirit of Vengeance within him stir more violently than ever before. Danny realizes that staying in Michigan, close to Barbara, will only put her in the crossfire of Mephisto's vendetta. The Spirit of Vengeance compels him to leave, to take flight away from Barbara and those he cares about. He quickly packs a bag and gets onto his motorcycle, determined to put as much distance between himself and Barbara as possible. He leaves a note for Barbara, telling her that he's sorry but that it's too dangerous for her right now. In the letter he urges her to stay safe and to avoid any contact with anyone connected to the supernatural world. As Danny revs up his motorcycle, the flames of the Ghost Rider flicker faintly around the tires, leaving scorch marks on the ground as he speeds out of the woods and onto the open road toward the heartland of America. Noble Kale, follows Danny at a distance on his own vintage motorcycle.
A small, quiet town rests in the American heartland, the kind of place where everyone knows each other, and the days pass by without much incident. As night falls, the town's tranquility is shattered. The townspeople look up confused as the air grows cold and violent. From the shadows at the edge of town, Jezebel emerges, accompanied by Stephen Lords and the demonic death row inmates. With a wave of Jezebel's hand, the demonic figures charge through the down, turning the peaceful town into a scene of chaos and horror. Jezebel spots the town church where a group of townspeople have taken refuge, praying for deliverance. With a single gesture, Jezebel summons a wave of dark energy that collapses the church's walls, burying the people inside under rubble. By the time the night ends, the small town is in ruins. Buildings have been reduced to smoldering rubble, the streets littered with bodies. Jezebel and Lords leave the town, their twisted followers in tow. Jezebel murmurs that this is only the beginning.
The next day, Danny Ketch arrives in the town, following the pull of the Spirit of Vengeance. As he rides through the ruined streets, he sees the aftermath of Jezebel's attack. The devastation confirms to Danny that he is on the right path. Danny continues down the road to Route 66. To stop for a brief rest, Danny pulls off to a nearly empty roadside diner. Danny orders a coffee and takes a seat. As he sits, Noble Kale enters the diner. After Danny finishes his coffee and stands to leave, Noble tells Danny that he is running from something that cannot be outrun. Noble introduces himself, revealing that he has been following the trail of supernatural disturbances, leading him to Danny. Noble shares his backstory with Danny, explaining that he is nearly 400 years old, his life extended unnaturally by the Spirit of Vengeance, revealing himself as a Ghost Rider. Noble reveals that he first became a Ghost Rider in early colonial America when he was a simple farmer in a small Puritan village deeply in love with a woman named Magdelena, a healer and wise woman in the village. Driven by superstition and paranoia, the village elders accused Magdelena of witchcraft and condemned her to death. Noble reveals that he was forced to watch as Magdelena was burned alive at the stake, and in his moment of despair it was Mephisto who answered his calls, offering the power to avenge to Magdelena's death in exchange for his soul. Noble tells Danny that, blinded by his desire for revenge, he accepted the deal to become the first Ghost Rider. He unleashed his wrath upon the village, burning it to the ground and condemning the souls of those who wronged him. Danny asks what all of this has to do with him. Noble then reveals to Danny that the only woman he ever loved other than Magdelena was Danny's mother Clara. At the mention of his mother, Danny gets a bad feeling, quickly realizing that Noble tracked him down because Clara has been killed. Noble offers to help train Danny, to help him control the Spirit of Vengeance rather than be controlled by it.
Back in Detroit, Det. Badilino is investigating the events surrounding Stephen Lords' escape from prison. No other detectives believe the supernatural could be involved, stalling the investigation. After Badilino leaves the crime scene, Barbara tells him that she is worried about Danny. She decides to visit Danny's cabin. Badilino insists on accompanying her, suspecting that Danny could have a connection or knowledge that could help his own investigation. When Barbara and Michael arrive at the cabin, they find it eerily quiet. Michael observes that it looks like Danny left in a hurry. Barbara finds Danny's letter. She tells Michael that Danny left to keep her safe and has asked that she stay away. Barbara then tells Michael that they have to go after him. Michael questions her, pointing out that the letter specifically says to stay away. Barbara scoffs, insisting that Danny would only write that if he needed help. They get back into the car. Michael asks what direction they should head. Barbara tells Michael to drive south for now.
After an intense training session where Noble has begun teaching Danny to have more control over his powers, they sit to rest. Noble tells Danny that the Spirit of Vengeance is not just a curse but a force that seeks out those capable of bringing justice to a world filled with evil - however, the line between justice and vengeance is thin. Danny changes the subject, asking Noble about his relationship with Clara. Noble reveals that he and Clara were once in love, and that Danny is his son. He explains that he left Clara because he knew the darkness that followed him would endanger her and young Danny. This revelation hits Danny hard, stirring up a mix of anger and sadness. Noble gives Danny some space to process when suddenly an intense surge of dark energy ripples through the air. Both Danny and Noble feel it - a powerful force calling out to the Spirit of Vengeance.
Dark skies loom over a remote supermax prison, a fortress holding the most evil souls around. Jezebel and Stephen Lords arrive at the prison, shrouded in darkness. Jezebel's presence causes the guards to cower in fear as she rips their bodies apart with hellfire. Lords looks around at the heavily secured cells containing the most dangerous and depraved criminals - serial killers, terrorists, mass murderers. He turns to Jezebel, questioning why they need more minions to complete their mission as they already have enough beasts. Jezebel smirks. She tells Lords that her father has underestimated her for too long, viewing her as a pawn in his game, but she has bigger plans. She tells Lords that she plans to build such an army that she can create a new Hell on Earth that will overthrow her father's rule. Lords is taken aback by Jezebel's revelation. Jezebel begins transforming the inmates, just as she did with the death row inmates earlier. The prisoners scream in their cells as their bodies contort and mutate.
Meanwhile, Barbara and Michael are following Danny's trail across the heartland by tracking reports of strange occurrences and unexplained fires. They stop at a small gas station along a deserted stretch of highway. The grizzled attendant warns them that the next town down the road has been cursed. Barbara asks if a man on a motorcycle has passed through recently. The attendant says there have been a couple of them. Barbara and Michael continue toward the cursed town where they find the aftermath of Jezebel massacre - charred human remains, burnt houses, total destruction.
Danny and Noble ride down the road to the supermax prison on their motorcycles, knowing that evil awaits. They burst through the prison's gates as they transform into their Ghost Rider forms - Danny with blue flames and Noble with orange flames. As soon as they enter the prison, Jezebel's demonic minions attack, commanded by Stephen Lords. Danny wields his chains, using them to rip the minions apart, while Noble uses a shotgun to blast holes in the monsters. Jezebel watches from a distance, confident that her minions will overwhelm Danny and Noble. Noble fights off the monsters while Danny goes after Lords. Danny grabs Lords by the neck and uses his Penance Stare, forcing him to relive all the pain and suffering he has caused. Overwhelmed by his own sins, Lords is consumed by the flames of the Ghost Rider. Jezebel decides to join the fight herself, creating shadowy tendrils that snake through the air, seeking to ensnare Danny and Noble. She hits Danny, sending him crashing through a wall. With Danny momentarily incapacitated, Jezebel turns her attention to Noble. She taunts him, bringing up the memory of Magdelena, insisting that she has spent the last few centuries being tortured in Hell. Noble, channels every last bit of the Spirit of Vengeance he has left. Engulfed in flames, Noble grabs Jezebel and unleashes a massive explosion of hellfire. The shockwave of the attack destroys the remaining demonic minions, reducing them to ash. Noble's body begins to disintegrate. Noble turns to Danny and with his dying breath tells him to continue to use his powers for good. Noble's body crumbles to dust. Danny rises back to his feet, but doesn't find Jezebel anywhere. In the dust of Noble's body, Danny finds an ancient map.
Barbara and Michael arrive at the prison, seeing the aftermath of the battle, and Danny standing alone, his skull still ablaze with blue flames. Barbara calls out to her brother. Danny turns and the flames recede, reverting back to his human form. Danny tells Barbara that she needs to leave, that it's too dangerous, but Barbara refuses, insisting that they are stronger together. Michael awkwardly offers his support as well.
Mephisto appears before Jezebel, who has survived Noble's attack, though she is weakened. Mephisto is furious at his daughter's failure and orders her to join him in Las Vegas to set a trap for Ghost Rider.
Danny, Barbara and Michael ride west into the desert landscape, Danny on his motorcycle and Barbara and Michael following in a car. Michael questions where they are going, but Barbara insists that Danny must know something. They ride toward Las Vegas, its neon lights looming on the horizon. When they arrive on the Strip, they find the city's usual crowds are completely absent. All of the lights in the city suddenly go dark except for one casino. Danny motions in that direction as Barbara and Michael follow. They cautiously enter the casino where they are suddenly attacked by a horde of demonic revenants - zombie-like creatures transformed by Mephisto from the city's sinners. They move with unnatural speed and aggression, swarming toward Danny, Barbara, and Michael. Danny transforms into the Ghost Rider, his skull igniting with blue flames. The revenants attack in waves. Michael quickly arms himself and Barbara. They fire into the oncoming masses while Danny uses his chains to tear through the revenants. The casino's interior is torn apart by the chaos as the trio hold their ground and push deeper into the casino. Ghost Rider lets out a roar, firing a blast of hellfire from his mouth, which destroys the rest of the revenants.
Ghost Rider finds Jezebel in a large lobby with a grand fountain. Jezebel transforms the water of the statue into flames that engulf the Ghost Rider as he moves toward her. He trudges forward, finally getting close enough to get his hands on Jezebel. He attempts to use his Penance Stare on Jezebel, but she starts laughing at him, revealing that she has no soul. Danny wraps his chains around Jezebel's neck. He increases the heat of the chains, which become molten as the melt the Jezebel's flesh. Jezebel's head falls off her body, but she continues to taunt Ghost Rider. He stomps on Jezebel's head, crushing it into a black goo.
Mephisto suddenly appears and congratulates Danny on his victory over his petulant daughter. He makes Danny an offer to take away the curse of the Ghost Rider and allow Danny to live a normal life, free from the burden of the Spirit of Vengeance. Danny is tempted as Mephisto promises that Danny could leave all his troubles behind, forget the pain and suffering, and live a life of peace with his sister. Barbara, hearing the offer, emotionally suggests that Danny consider it. Despite the temptation, Danny refuses to make any deal with the devil. Instead of bargaining, Danny tightens his grip on his hellfire-infused chains. With a roar, Danny lashes out with his chains, wrapping them around Mephisto. The chains burn with blue flames as Danny hurls Mephisto with all his strength, forcing the demon lord back into the depths of Hell.
The flames of the Ghost Rider subside as the sun begins to rise over Sin City as Danny returns to his normal state. Danny is exhausted from the fight. Barbara and Michael help him walk out of the casino and out into the blinding morning light. Barbara asks Danny what he plans to do next. Danny tells her that this is only a temporary reprieve - Mephisto will return sooner or later and the forces of evil will continue to pose a threat. He tells Barbara and Michael that he plans on finding out where Noble's map leads, but that he must do it alone. Barbara understands. Michael puts his arm around her. Danny gets on his motorcycle and rides away from the city. Barbara watches as Danny disappears over the horizon.
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Resume: Aaron Paul
For this latest edition of Resume, we will take a look at the filmography of LRF's Ghost Rider, Aaron Paul!
SEASON 3
Heart of Stone
Director: Jean-Marc Vallee
Writer: Mo Buck
Budget: $39,000,000
Domestic Box Office: $60,402,054
Foreign Box Office: $57,468,177
Total Profit: -$5,876,478
Aaron Paul made his LRF debut in a small supporting role in the late Jean-Marc Vallee's Heart of Stone. The film was well-received by critics, although the were sure to mention that it was not a pleasant watch, but lost money despite strong box office due to its budget.
SEASON 9
SEASON 9
Outlaw Country
Director: David Michod
Writer: Dwight Gallo
Budget: $49,000,000
Domestic Box Office: $69,904,375
Foreign Box Office: $40,389,121
Total Profit: $19,760,518
Next up for Paul was a sizable supporting role as Cole Younger in the western action film Outlaw Country. The film was a hit with critics and audiences alike, and Paul managed his first (and only so far) Golden Reel Nomination as part of the film's ensemble cast.
SEASON 10
SEASON 10
Life of a Champion Part 2
Director: Derek Cianfrance
Writer: Alex Conn
Budget: $25,000,000
Domestic Box Office: $28,306,120
Foreign Box Office: $17,155,567
Total Profit: -$16,003,119
Just one season later, Paul was appearing in another supporting role, this time in the crime drama sequel Life of a Champion Part 2. The film ended up being Paul's first negatively received films on the critical front, while the film also flopped at the box office.
SEASON 21
SEASON 21
Ghost Rider
Director: Ilya Naishuller
Writer: Mark Newton
Budget: $85,000,000
Domestic Box Office: $106,245,697
Foreign Box Office: $160,190,558
Total Profit: $57,697,540
It took until Season 21 for Paul to finally get his first leading role for LRF taking the title role as Ghost Rider for the studio's Marvel Universe. The film was a hit at the box office and even managed two GRA nominations (Best Production Design and Most Wanted Sequel).
Up Next:
After Ghost Rider: Damnation, Paul is still signed on for future LRF Marvel Universe productions. In addition to that, he has been in some early talks for a couple other upcoming projects as well.
Review:
- Highest Grossing Film: Ghost Rider ($266,436,255)
- Most Profitable Film: Ghost Rider ($57,697,540)
- Most Awarded Film: Outlaw Country (3 Nominations)
- Best Reviewed Film: Heart of Stone (Metascore: 78)
In Dvelopment
Hideaway: The ensemble cast of director Luca Guadagnino's erotic drama Hideaway is now complete with the additions of Charles Melton (May December, Heart of Champions), Jharrel Jerome (Tomato Can, Among Us) and Rachel Sennott (Slowly Dying, Time Out!). Roy Horne penned the script.
Willamette: The Harrison Ford-led thriller Willamette has added Mimi Rogers (Newbury Street, "Bosch: Legacy") as Ford's wife and Kevin Alejandro (American Dirt, "Fire Country") and Lauren German (Eye of the Scarecrow, "Lucifer") as a pair of cult members he encounters in the forests of Oregon. M. Night Shyamalan directs from a script by Jack Brown.
Nineteen Eighty-Four, Part One: Diedrich Bader (The Blackening, "American Housewife"), Melanie Lynskey (Nineteen Minutes, The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger) and Saoirse Ronan (Resident Evil 5, The Driftwood Populace) have joined the George Orwell adapatation of Nineteen Eighty-Four, which has been turned into a multi-part story by writer Meirad Tako. Darren Aronofsky is directing the feature.
Terror of the Lost Time: Director David F. Sandberg's new horror film for the studio, Terror of the Lost Time, is another film completing its casting process today with the additions of Virginia Gardner (An Anonymous Girl, Amityville), Natasha Liu Bordizzo (The Immortal Iron Fist, Day Shift) and Brandon Micheal Hall (Detroit: Become Human, "God Friended Me").
The Beauty: Ralph Fiennes (The Terminal Spy, Paki) and Paul Mescal (Solace, The Beat Goes On) are set to star in a new drama film, The Beauty, from Irish director Jim Sheridan (The Secret Scripture, In America) and writer Jimmy Ellis (At Night All Blood Is Black, Eve of Destruction). Fiennes will play a former great painter who finds himself creatively reinvigorated after becoming a mentor to a young painter played by Mescal.
Written By Jason: Lucas Hedges (Spider-Man: Requiem, Kansas City) and Jack Dylan Grazer (Uncharted 4, Gigantor) are set to star in Written By Jason from director Sofia Coppola (E.P., Floyd Monroe). Hedges will play a young filmmaker set to attend the premiere of his latest film as he flashes back on his teen years and the events that led him where he is today. Grazer will play the high school years version of the main character. Jacob Jones (Scrappy, Saving Yemen) penned the script for the film.
Monday, November 4, 2024
Release: Saving Yemen
Saving Yemen
Genre: Comedy
Director: Jeremiah Zagar
Writer: Jacob Jones
Cast: Adam Sandler, Reese Witherspoon, Jacob Tremblay, Miriam Spumkin, Kumail Nanjiani, Golshifteh Farahani
Budget: $60,000,000
Domestic Box Office: $150,503,995
Foreign Box Office: $46,194,112
Total Profit: $32,430,947
Reaction: Saving Yemen's numbers are almost the exact opposite of the last time writer Jacob Jones and star Adam Sandler teamed up - the dark comedy D.I.C.K. in Season 28. That movie lost $30 million at the box office compared to the $32 million earned by this one.
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Top 10 Most Wanted Sequel Nominees Yet To Have a Sequel (Seasons 1-20)
Sherman J. Pearson here for another Top 10. With Season 21 Most Wanted Sequel GRA nominee, Ghost Rider, finally having a sequel about to be released, I decided to take a look at winners of that award that have still yet to garner a sequel.
Top 10 Most Wanted Sequel Nominees Yet To Have a Sequel (Seasons 1-20)
10. The Mutation
9. Flash Gordon
8. Kingmaker Chronicles
7. Numero Uno
6. Constantine: The Hellblazer
5. Zatanna
4. Metamorpho
3. Synthetic
2. Justice League Dark
1. The Question: The End
Sunday, November 3, 2024
Now Showing: Saving Yemen
Saving Yemen
Genre: Comedy
Director: Jeremiah Zagar
Writer: Jacob Jones
Cast: Adam Sandler, Reese Witherspoon, Jacob Tremblay, Miriam Spumkin, Kumail Nanjiani, Golshifteh Farahani
Plot: Outside a local elementary school, young Lilli (Miriam Spumkin) eagerly awaits for her car to arrive, bouncing up and down as she does. A car pulls up from the drive-thru, revealing her mother Amie (Reese Witherspoon) and her older brother Jack (Jacob Tremblay). Amie and Lilli embrace for a moment before entering the car, all three family members celebrating the last day of school. Lilli proceeds to ask Amie where Walter (Adam Sandler) is. Amie assures her that he’s busy preparing their summer vacation trip for the year.
Inside the lush house of the Mannings, the middle-aged photographer is busy putting on the final touches of his big surprise, claiming to himself that it’s the best idea he’s ever had when the door opens. He greets the family, ruffling Jack’s hair and giving Amie a kiss on the cheek before leading them towards the living room and ushering them to the couch.
Walter begins his special presentation by congratulating Jack and Lilli on a great school year, playing a clip show of the best moments, only to cut off when Walter finds an embarrassing photo of himself. Walter knows that they’ve been wondering where they’re gonna go for this summer and he figured that this year, they try something extra special. A place no one had ever thought of going to.
“Gang, we’re going…to Yemen!”
Amie and Jack stare at Walter, absolutely baffled while Lillie claps with excitement. Amie clears her throat, telling Jack and Lilli to head to their rooms. As Jack and Lilli take their leave, Amie stares at Walter with a blunt question: Why?
“Why not?” Walter asks, Amie’s always wanted to explore the world. Amie is quick to point out that Yemen is a dangerous country that is in the midst of a civil war and a humanitarian crisis. After pausing to acknowledge how awful it is, Walter claims that it might be a good way to show kids how hard the real world is. With Amie still not buying it, Walter makes one last argument.
“I hear it’s nice this time of year!”
Amie flatly tells Walter that he can do so all he wants, the rest of the family isn’t going. Desperate, Walter insists that Amie trust him on this. He knows that it’s a stupid idea, but he wants to try something different and new for summer vacation rather than ordinary trips. If it goes to shit, Walter will gladly go to Disneyland, just let them try this one year.
A few days later, Walter is at the airport, sadly staring at a picture of his wife and kids on his phone before grabbing all his suitcases and boarding his flight to Yemen. After such a long flight, Walter arrives at the curious country, exiting the premises, introducing himself…
“Hello Ye-AAAAAAAAAAGH!”
…and immediately getting shot in the left arm.
That evening, Walter lies on a bed, wondering if he’s died, only for a man to approach him, saying that he’s lucky to have survived. He introduces himself as Adnan (Kumali Nanjiani), a local doctor, and for today, Walter’s caretaker. Relieved, Walter thanks Adnan, claiming that his vacation is off to a bad start.
“I wish I had vacations.” Adnan quips, before sedating Walter for some sort of operation.
The next day, Walter finds that his arm has been taped up and that he’s free to go. As Walter heads out of the hospital, he is disturbed to find a shocking amount of children, most of them severely underweight, malnourished and in clear agony. Fearing for his life, Walter sprints towards the nearest phone, calling Amie.
Meanwhile, at Disneyland, Amie is with Lilli and Jack, having a wonderful time when her phone rings. Amie picks up the call, listening to a groveling Walter admit that this was a terrible idea, begging Amie to take him home. Wanting to run salt in his wound, Amie tells Walter that he wanted to go to Yemen, so he should enjoy it.
“Besides,” Amie says in a mocking tone, “I heard it’s nice this time of year!” before hanging up.
Walter heads out, looking for a hotel to stay in, only to be cursed at by everyone he sees. Eventually, he sits by the streets, pondering his plight. First he gets shot, then he finds nearly dead babies and now this. Is Yemen really that bad? And then, Walter remembers what Amie said about Yemen’s humanitarian crisis. By this point, Walter leaps up to his feet and makes a bold declaration, he’s going to save Yemen!
After dodging multiple gunfire shots, Walter crashes headfirst inside an abandoned house, scrummaging for pieces of paper and a pencil. He writes several catchy slogans, including “Don’t Be A Lemon, Save Yemen!” and “Mr. Gun is No Fun!”. Later that day, citizens are baffled to find Walter marching in the streets shouting about how they need to put the guns down and feed their dang kids. As this is happening, Adnan watches from his house, amused by Walter’s effort.
Walter is then shot in the other arm by an annoyed citizen. Watching the man coil in agony, Adnan swarms in to make the save, carrying Walter on his back and slamming him on the back seat of his car.
That evening, Walter again finds himself in the hospital, coming face to face with the man who has now twice saved his life, Adnan. Walter voraciously thanks his savior who humbly asks for him to stay by his house once he’s healed. He wants to address something. Walter lies on his hospital bed, wondering what Adnan has to say as his operation begins.
The next day, Walter is awakened by a soothing female voice, who he mistakenly believes is Amie’s. The woman tells him that he’s not dreaming. He is still in Yemen. Adnan then appears by the kitchen, introducing Walter to his wife, Ushe (Golshifteh Farahani). The three sit by a table, Adnan handing Walter a bowl of soup before addressing why he’s here. They heard of Walter’s calls to “Save Yemen”. Walter worries that they don’t need saving, but they assure him that Yemen has many issues.
“But they can be fixed, right?” Walter asks.
Adnan and Ushe stare at each other uncomfortably before Ushe tells Walter that it’s not that easy. She goes into detail of the now ten-year humanitarian crisis, which involves a civil war between the Houthis, Armed Forces and Al-Qaeda and a lack of basic needs and goods. They both accounts their own personal struggles, having lost relatives and family members due to them not having basic needs.
Walter recalls Amie mentioning the crisis, calling it the reason why she’s not here, feeling guilt over the situation. Ushe assures Walter that he has no reason to pity them. They remain strong each day they can.
“But what about the others?” Walter asks, “They need food and water like everyone else.”
Walter reveals that he came from a family that prides on doing good, and now that he’s here in Yemen, he feels a need to help these people. Especially now that he’s heard from Adnan and Ushe. After pondering about what to do, Walter gathers an idea, asking Adnan if he has a camera he can borrow, claiming to have an idea that might just work.
The next day, Walter publishes an ad on the internet involving several malnourished babies in clear agony as through voice-over, Walter gives insight on the situation in Yemen, urging people to donate and send goods to the country. When asked by Adnan what this is meant to accomplish, Walter responds as such:
“People melt when they see children cry. Don’t ask why, it’s just how it is.”
Adnan and Ushe trust Walter’s thinking, unsure of how it’s supposed to work. That evening, Walter is busy having soup when he hears a commotion outside. As it turns out, someone has sent a plane full of canned goods and bottled water. Stunned, Walter rushes out, investigating the premises when out from the plane comes a billionaire. They express gratitude in Walter for their campaign, having touched their heart. Stunned, Walter shakes the billionaire’s hand before excitedly telling Adnan and Ushe the news. Yemen is saved!
For a brief moment, the credits roll when Adnan tells Walter that Yemen is not saved. Yes, it’s amazing that Walter got all this food, but they still have a long way to go before they can truly call Yemen safe.
Walter paces back and forth inside Adnan’s house, wondering what to do next when he opts to call Amie, hoping she picks up. She does, asking Walter how Yemen is treating him. Walter proceeds to give Amie a genuine, heartfelt response regarding the humanitarian crisis, admitting that he never realized how and it was until he saw it first hand. Now, he’s committed to help make Yemen a better place.
Walter tells Amie that she doesn’t have to come to Yemen, but that the two of them can make a difference if they try to help out somehow. He waits three days straight for Amie and the kids, but to no avail. On the fourth day, however, Adnan awakens Walter from his bed, taking him outside to reveal a whole group of people carrying immense crates of food. Among the able bodies are Amie and the kids.
Walter gives Amie a warm embrace, amazed that she was able to pull all this off. Amie admits that he convinced her, before another plane drops down on Yemen, this one being full of food and water. Walter watches on, amazed as Jack and Lillie rally the people over to the planes. Amie and Walter look on, the latter awestruck by what has transpired, thanking Amie profusely.
“Hey, someone has to watch out for you.” Amie snarks, before giving Walter a kiss. Over the next few days, Amie and Walter continue to deliver food all over Yemen, bringing relief to people and spreading joy to all. Their deeds bring about national attention and they become featured on the news. However, violence still remains rampant on the streets, especially in regards to the Houthis and Hadis.
Amie tends to a group of people wounded from the bloodshed, all while Walter tries to sell bubble wrap shields. Adnan and Ushe are able to talk Walter down, admitting that it would take a miracle to settle the civil war. There are talks to end the war, but they’re in a standstill. By this point, Walter gets a surprise call on his phone.
Amie, having studied the Yemeni civil war offers to help broker a peace deal, considering this a good opportunity to fulfill her childhood dream of being a diplomat. Walter rashly interrupts, announcing that the pizza chains of America want him to give a speech on Yemen tomorrow.
The next morning, inside Yemen’s biggest hotel, Walter stands in the bathroom, dressed in a suit and tie when Amie checks up on him. Walter admits he’s a little nervous, but Amie assures him that he can do it, giving him a kiss on the cheek, heading off to city hall to discuss peace talks.
Later that day, Walter hosts several representatives from Little Caesar’s, Dominos, Pizza Hut and Papa John’s, giving a demonstration on why it’s important to support Yemen during these critical times when one person asks a simple question: “Why do you care now?”
Walter pauses, thinking back to when his mission started, before giving a heartfelt speech on all he has learned to this point and how the kindness he had been shared by others needed to be reciprocated. He was told to be kind, and they were kind to him, and as such, everyone should be kind back. How to do that? Simple. Let them eat pizza.
The representatives, now misty-eyed from the speech, applaud Walter, all signing off on the deal. More incredible news emerges as Amie excitedly reveals that she might have broken through to both sides. Sure enough, the next day, the Houthis and Hadis are finally able to bury the hatchet, ending a decade long civil war at last.
Now, Yemen is saved.
The credits again roll before Walter steps in, sheepishly greeting the audience. As amazing as all this is, it’s made for a rather boring movie. Or someone’s wish fulfillment. He hasn’t decided yet.
Regardless, Walter reveals that, while yes, Yemen is saved, it came with some complications:
“Therefore we shall call this phase, WTF. Better known as, Walter the Fuckup.”
As the days go by, the incredible turnaround of Yemen is reported all over the world, particularly highlighted by Walter and Amie’s efforts. Noticeably, however, Walter seems to be putting all the focus on himself, something that rubs Amie the wrong way as they reach their bedroom.
Amie asks Walter if he even remembers what she did to help stop the civil war. Walter does, saying that she did a great job. That’s all in the past, however, Walter is thinking of something bigger. Amie reminds Walter that they need to be home by August.
Walter claims that this may not be easy. Sure, Yemen may be saved, but who’s to say it won’t fall apart if they leave. Walter needs to make sure Yemen thrives in the decades to come and he has just the idea. The next day, the world is baffled but morbidly intrigued to find out that Walter is running for president of Yemen.
As Walter is inside his house eating soup, he receives a phone call from the president of United States, congratulating him on becoming the new president of Yemen, along with leaders from other countries. Baffled, he turns toward Ushe and Adnan, asking what on Earth just happened. Ushe confesses that Yemen hasn’t had a fair election in a long time, so unsure of what to do and content with what he’s done, they just decided to let Walter be the president.
Outside Adnan and Ushe’s house, a large crowd gathers, all clamoring for Walter. Walter steps forward, claiming that he’s got this, opening the door and greeting the crowd, only to find that they have significant demands. From infrastructure to foreign policy, education and even bringing sports over, there is no end to the list of requests. Walter assures the public that he’ll have it all figured out.
“There is no way I’m going to figure this out!” Walter exclaims, panicking in front of Adnan and Ushe.
Ushe tells Walter not to worry, and that they can help, along with the others. Over the next few days, Walter forms his cabinet, with Amie handling foreign relations, Ushe with education, Adnan with infrastructure and the kids becoming spokespeople for Walter. As the days go on, it becomes abundantly clear that Walter has no idea what he’s doing and is being carried by the rest of his group, noticeably Adnan and Ushe who, upon seeing Walter struggling, begin to take several small jobs to help ease the burden.
One day, Amie is preparing for a diplomacy meeting when she comes across Jack and Lilly who both ask when they’re coming home. They miss their friends and they’re tired of eating soup. As they leave, Amie realizes what she needs to do, canceling the meeting and making her way towards Walter as he prepares his own speech. They need to talk.
Amie tells Walter that they need to go home. The children miss their house and everything. Walter claims he can’t leave, he needs to keep helping the people of Yemen. What follows is a back and forth argument between both sides, ending with Walter making a plea regarding the citizens of Yemen.
“They need us!” Walter exclaims.
“No,” Amie responds, “they don’t.” It’s there Amie asks a serious question. Did Walter really save Yemen because he wanted to or because it made him look good? Walter freezes up, unable to answer. That leads to another question. Did you even need us for this?
Still no response. Amie sighs, her suspicions confirmed. She walks off, wishing Walter luck with his mission. Walter tries to plead only for the door to slam shut. Realizing what he’s done, Walter collapses onto the bed and buries his head in his face.
Later that day, Amie takes Jack and Lilly to the airport, saying that Walter won’t be coming. All seems normal when a group of masked people hide behind a building, going over their plan one final time. In order to kill the president, they must work their way up the chain. The head of the operation sees Amie and the kids walking by, ordering for them to strike.
Walter sits inside his room, packing his things. Ushe goes to check up on him, having heard the argument. Guiltridden, Walter admits that Amie is right, they need to go home. He’ll right up a resignation speech and hop on the first plane home. Ushe, while disappointed, understands and thanks Walter for everything
Outside, however, Walter and Ushe hear several screams. Walter looks outside and finds Amie trying to fight off a band of terrorists, the kids having already been tied up. In a panic, Walter tells Ushe to get Adnan and law enforcement
involved. Walter sprints out of the house, watching as the lead terrorist pulls out a gun. Fearing the worst, Walter leaps into view, stopping him from hitting his wife…
…but not stopping the bullet from going through his arm.
“WHO’S IDEA WAS IT TO HAVE THINGS COME IN THREES?!” Walter cries out as Adnan and Ushe chase off the group and free Amie and the kids. Horrified, Amie checks on a passed out Walter, making sure he’s alright.
Walter, once again, sees himself in the hospital, being taken care of by Adnan. He opens his eyes to find Amie, Ushe and the kids, all relieved to see him alright. Amie embraces Walter, thanking him for saving their lives. Walter takes this time to apologize to everyone for his behavior. He was so worried about keeping Yemen strong that he forgot about why he did it to begin. Because it was good. Now he understands that it’s better to be good than to just do good.
With that, Walter announces his resignation as president of Yemen, surprising everyone when he asks Adnan and Ushe to take the mantle. They’ve done so much to help him and his family out. Touched, they whole-heartedly accept the offer thanking Walter and his family for all they’ve done. The group share a warm embrace…
“Gah, that arm’s still sore.”
One Year Later:
Inside a large hall, Walter sits with his family, awaiting the big announcement. To his surprise, out come Adnan and Ushe, the president and vice-president of Yemen to present the Nobel Peace Prize to Walter and his family for their contributions to Yemen. Walter takes his step onstage, proudly claiming his award. He takes one look at Adnan and smiles.
Now, Yemen is truly saved.
Release: Ecstasy
Ecstasy
Genre: Drama / Romance
Director: Megan Park
Writer: Diane Esposito
Based on The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Cast: Jenna Ortega, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Dominic Sessa, Rudy Pankow, Angourie Rice, Halle Bailey, Manny Montana, Casper Van Dien, Leonor Varela
Budget: $25,000,000
Domestic Box Office: $46,249,005
Foreign Box Office: $25,031,210
Total Profit: $16,493,559
Reaction: Writer Diane Esposito's first film, The Shadow, lost $15 million for the studio, so the $16 million in profit brings her into the black overall as Season 31 slowly starts to churn out profitable films.
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Saturday, November 2, 2024
Now Showing: Ecstasy
Ecstasy
Genre: Drama / Romance
Director: Megan Park
Writer: Diane Esposito
Based on The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Cast: Jenna Ortega, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Dominic Sessa, Rudy Pankow, Angourie Rice, Halle Bailey, Manny Montana, Casper Van Dien, Leonor Varela
Plot: Nick Carson (Dominic Sessa) steps out of a sleek black car in front of an impressive suburban mansion in Long Island, New York. He is greeted by his uncle Scott Black (Casper Van Dien) and his aunt Eva Blake (Leonor Varela), who are standing at the front steps. Scott warmly greets Nick, his sister's son. Nick's cousin, Daisy Blake (Jenna Ortega), appears from behind her parents. Scott asks Daisy to help get Nick settled.
That night, Nick sits through an awkward family dinner in the Blake family's formal dining room. Scott asks how Nick feels about finishing off the rest of the school year at a new school. Nick is uneasy about it, but his parents felt it would be best for him to complete the year in the United States while they are overseas. Eva chimes in, commenting that the diplomatic work of Nick's parents can be quite demanding as she pours herself a large glass of red wine. Scott makes Daisy promise to help Nick out on his first day of school at West Egg High.
After dinner, Nick stands on the balcony of his bedroom, observing the grand mansion across the way throwing a party. Nick sees Daisy sneak out of the house and go toward the party, so Nick does the same and follows her over. At the party, Nick navigates through a sea of beautiful young people dancing under strobe lights. The music is thumping and Nick notices small groups discreetly exchanging ecstasy pills. Nick watches as Daisy dances provocatively with Tom Bennett (Rudy Pankow). Nick is startled by the party's house, Jay Gatsby (Hero Fiennes Tiffin), whose enigmatic presence takes Nick by surprise. Jay introduces himself to Nick as the host of the party and owner of the house. Nick is impressed that someone so young could own such a house and assumes his parents must really own it. Jay comments to Nick that she is beautiful. Nick replies that she's his cousin. Jay gives Nick a pat on the back and tells him to enjoy himself - "Mi casa es su casa". Jay looks down at Daisy dancing.
On Nick's first day at West Egg High, Daisy shows him around the school's bustling courtyard, introducing him to her boyfriend Tom and her best friend Jordan Barker (Angourie Rice). After school, Daisy confesses to Nick that she was recently accepted to Cornell University but she hasn't told anyone yet. Nick asks why she's keeping it a secret and why she's telling him. Daisy confesses that she's bored with what she has and feels like she is expected to go to an Ivy League school, but thinks that will just be more of the same.
Jay invites Nick over to his house. Nick, not sure what to expect, decides to go because he simply doesn't have anything better to do. Jay asks Nick for a favor - he wants his help winning Daisy's heart. Nick doesn't know what to say. Jay explains that he has had a crush on Daisy since they went to the same summer camp in middle school. Nick agrees, but wants to know the truth about Jay. Nick asks if the house is really Jay's. Jay reveals to Nick that it is - the house, the parties, the house - all his. Nick asks how that's possible. Jay confides in Nick that he sells ecstasy. Jay goes on to explain that his parents died a couple years prior, but he wanted to keep the house as the last semblance of life with his family, so he took to dealing drugs in order to afford to keep it. Nick is stunned at the revelation.
Tom is in a dimly lit corner of the school's lock rooms with Maya Willis (Halle Bailey). She is drawn in by Tom's charisma. She says they shouldn't be doing anything, but Tom simply pulls her closer as he kisses her. Tom begins undressing Maya and lays her down on a bench in the locker room. Maya asks what they should do if Daisy ever finds out about their affair. Tom tells her not to worry about things that will never happen as he kisses her.
Nick helps arrange secret meetings between Jay and Daisy in secluded spots around West Egg, Long Island, away from prying eyes of classmates. On a drive to the city they talk about their past, present and future. Jay takes Daisy to a night club in the city where Jay's connections allow them VIP access. After dancing at the club, the two sit back down in the VIP lounge. Daisy finds herself drawn to Jay's bad boy persona, confiding that she has never felt as alive as she does when she is with him.
Jordan and Nick spend some time together at school in journalism class. Jordan isn't particularly interested in the class, but does view it as an easy good grade. Nick meanwhile enjoys writing stories for the low-rent school paper. While the journalism class teacher drones on about punctuation of special characters, Jordan asks Nick to the prom. Nick, believing that Jordan has romantic feelings for him immediately agrees with excitement.
In Manhattan, Jay meets in the backroom of a high-end restaurant with Meyer Wolfsheim (Manny Montana), his ecstasy supplier. Jay asks for a bit more ecstasy than usual, but for the same price he usually pays. Meyer is incredulous, but Jay works to convince Meyer that he will be able to move a lot of product during the prom and will cut Meyer in on any profits. Meyer contemplates the proposition before accepting, but makes it clear that if Jay screws him over, things won't go well for him.
Jay and Daisy find refuge in Jay's bedroom. Their warm embrace starts with kissing before growing more passionate. Daisy and Jay strip off their clothes and make love under the silk sheets of Jay's bed.
Tom sulks, becoming suspicious of Daisy's behavior. After spotting her with Jay from a distance, he begins investigating Jay. Conversations he has with other West Egg High students start to reveal whispers of Jay's ecstasy dealings. Tom becomes determined to try to prove Jay is no good for Daisy.
West Egg High School's senior prom is underway. Daisy arrives with Tom, but has planned to meet with Jay after the dance. Meanwhile, Jay conducts business, selling ecstasy to other students. Jordan and Nick arrive together as well. Nick tries to kiss Jordan on the dance floor, but she turns away, accepting the kiss on the cheek instead. During a slow dance, Tom and Daisy dance together. Maya watches from a distance, jealous of the attention Daisy gets from Tom. Tom catches a glimpse of Jay nearby and is furious. He stops his dance with Daisy to confront Jay, loudly revealing Jay's drug dealings to Daisy and the rest of the students. The prom descends into chaos. Daisy, overwhelmed, leaves with Jay. Tom, driven by rage, follows after them. Maya follows as well to console Tom to try to finally win his heart and not just his body.
Daisy drives Jay's car away from the dance, speeding through the parking lot with reckless abandon. Daisy crashes the car into Maya, sending her flying through the air violently. Daisy slams on the brakes. She and Jay both look behind the vehicle and see Maya's lifeless body in the parking lot. In a panic, Daisy speeds away as police lights flash, casting red and blue spotlights on the area.
Back at home, Daisy confides in Nick that she doesn't know what to do. Nick awkwardly comforts Daisy without saying a word. Through the window, they see cop cars pull up in front of Jay's mansion. They watch as Jay is handcuffed and led away, arrested for the hit and run death of Maya.
Daisy visits Jay in jail, their faces separated by glass. Tears stream down Daisy's face as she apologizes. Jay reveals that the police found a stash of ecstasy in his house when they arrested him, so he's in deeper trouble than just the accident. Daisy feels that everything was all her fault. Jay tells Daisy that it is not her all fault - they all made choices.
Nick meets up with Jordan, bringing her flowers. Jordan confesses to Nick that she asked him to the prom to hide her sexuality from her conservative parents - she is actually a lesbian. Nick is hurt at first, but accepts and understands Jordan's revelation.
With the school year at an end, Nick begins packing his bags to join his parents overseas. He thanks Uncle Scott and Aunt Eva for their hospitality. He gives Daisy a hug, reminding her not to beat herself up about what has happened in the past.
Six months later, Daisy is excelling in college at Dartmouth. She has a video call with Jay in prison, where he tells her that he is happy that she is doing so well.
Friday, November 1, 2024
In Development
Scarface: The upcoming Scarface remake will round out its cast with the additions of Oscar Jaenada (Wish You Were Here, Task Force X: Jungleland), Cole Hauser (The Girls, "Yellowstone"), Arturo Castro (Road House, The Menu) and Richard Cabral (Made Men, "Mayans MC"). JC Chandor is directing this new take on the title from a script by Dwight Gallo.
Hideaway: The ensemble of the new erotic drama from director Luca Guadagnino and writer Roy Horne has added Charlie Heaton (Unknown, Survive the Night), Suzanna Son (American Gigolo, "The Idol") and Taylor Russell (Eve of Destruction, Flick) to its cast. They will play attractive young adults riding out the early COVID-19 quarantines at a lavish Hamptons mansion.
Willamette: Zach Gilford (Recursion, The Hulk), Jena Malone (Final End, Wolf) and Donal Logue ("Gotham", Door Mouse) have joined Harrison Ford and Jamie Lee Curtis in the new thriller Willamette. Gilford will play the son of Harrison Ford's character who belongs to a cult, Malone and Logue will play cult members. M. Night Shyamalan is directing the film based on an original story by Jack Brown.
The Diplomat: The LRF debut of director Woody Allen has added Jay Mohr (Air, All About Nina), Mallory Wanecque (The Good Teacher, Beating Hearts) and Emma Laird (The Brutalist, "Mayor of Kingstown") to its cast, led by Johnny Depp and Eva Green. Mohr will play a high-profile lawyer representing the French diplomat played by Depp. Wanecque will play the daughter of Depp and Green. Laird will play an escort. The film was penned by Lon Charles.
Nineteen Eighty-Four, Part One: Elden Henson (Jobs, Killers of the Flower Moon), Eric Stonestreet (Spawn, The Life of the Party), and Lukas Haas (Blind Faith, Kurt & Courtney: All Apologies) have joined the cast of the upcoming George Orwell adaptation, Nineteen Eighty-Four, Part One - the first film in a multi-part adaptation of the acclaimed novel. Darren Aronofsky is directing from an adaptation by Meirad Tako.
Terror of the Lost Time: Director David F. Sandberg's upcoming horror project, Terror of the Lost Time, has added more young actors to its cast. Isabelle Fuhrman (The Novice, Orphan: First Kill), Hadley Robinson (Anyone But You, The Pale Blue Eye) and Liana Liberato (Totally Killer, Scream VI) have all signed on to appear in the film, which tells the story of a group partying at a house in the country when a storm brings about the appearance of pre-historic beasts that terrorize the area. Billy Cruder penned the project.
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