Latest news with #28YearsLater
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
28 Years Later review: zombie franchise returns with a groggy start
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Just about any list of the greatest zombie movies of all time is sure to include Danny Boyle and Alex Garland's 28 Days Later. So naturally there was a lot of excitement around the two returning for the latest sequel in the series, 28 Years Later. But does the 2025 new movie live up to its predecessor? Meh. 28 Years Later is an up and down experience. It features some of the gruesome zombie action that many fans likely desire, as well as a handful of sincerely beautiful moments. However the movie's highs don't quite reach the same level of the original movie, while some of the lows are either a bit boring or outright baffling (the ending being the biggest evidence of the latter). 28 Years Later takes place nearly three decades after the outbreak depicted in the first movie, focusing on an entirely new set of characters (rumors that Cillian Murphy would appear in this one were shot down, though he is reportedly set to appear in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, coming out in 2026). In this one, 12-year-old Spike (Alfie Williams), who has spent his entire life on an island protected from the infected, makes his first trip to the UK mainland with his dad (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). When Spike learns that a mysterious doctor (Ralph Fiennes) is close, he decides to take his ailing mother (Jodie Comer) to see if he can help; if they can survive the infected first. Williams' Hollywood debut is a memorable one, as the young actor steals the movie as Spike. It's an effective choice to reintroduce this world through the eyes of a child, with Williams' effectively portraying Spike's growth as he comes to understand real horrors and hard truths. Fiennes also gives a good, supporting performance, bringing the emotional heart of the movie. Comer has a few touching moments, but I wouldn't rank this among her best. In terms of the movie's action, those who want to see gore will get a good bit of it in 28 Years Later, both humans killing zombies and zombies killing humans. Boyle and his editors also kept some of that gritty, hectic style for the action that the first movie had. Though in some instances, they may have taken it too far. Mostly relevant in the movie's first half, there are editing choices (both visually and audially) that don't make a whole lot of sense. They add a creepy, unsettling element to the movie, sure, but they don't fit naturally with the story that we are seeing unfold, or are unnecessary, jarring jumps that take you somewhat out of the moment. And if we're talking about being taken out of the moment, the ending is the chief culprit. I won't get into the details, but the movie feels like it is settling on a natural and generally satisfying conclusion before it introduces something completely off the wall that is wholly inconsistent with what we've just watched. It left me scratching my head as I was leaving the theater. 28 Years Later has the basis of a solid story and characters, with a few standouts in Williams and Fiennes. But the movie only reaches its highest potential in a few moments, while a number of the stylistic choices from Boyle are more curious oddities than compelling features. All in all, 28 Years Later opens the door for a potentially interesting story to be continued with its set follow-up and a potential third movie, but judging just on its own, it's a middling start. 28 Years Later opens exclusively in movie theaters on June 20. Solve the daily Crossword
Cosmopolitan
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
When 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' 2025 Movie Will Be Available to Stream and How to Watch
The summer of 2025 is a great time to be a horror fan. Recent releases include the franchise sequels Final Destination Bloodlines and 28 Years Later, and the new stories Weapons and Together are still on the way. And there's also a blast from late '90s past: the I Know What You Did Last Summer sequel, which, somewhat confusingly, has the same title as the original. I Know What You Did Last Summer is the fourth movies in the franchise, following the original, the second movie I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, and the straight-to-video I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer, which didn't feature any of the original cast and doesn't really count, tbh. But if you love the first movie, then you're probably excited to see Julie James (Jennifer Love Hewitt) and Ray Bronson (Freddie Prinze Jr.) 28 years later (spooky!) as they reprise their roles. The plot's similar—a new group of friends accidentally kill someone with a car only to unleash the wrath of a serial killer—but Julie and Ray are the wise, older survivors now. Wanna watch? Here's when and where you can check it out. I Know What You Did Last Summer hits U.S. cinemas on July 18, 2025—which really means July 17 for a lot of theaters with the movie actually premiering on Thursday rather than Friday. Just look up showtimes at your local cinema and buy tickets online—from the theater directly or through Fandango—or in person. And get popcorn. It's a slasher movie. You need something to nervously munch. BUY TICKETS ON FANDANGO You'll have to wait a little while if you want to watch the new I Know What You Did Last Summer at home since it is only being released in theaters at first. Eventually, it will probably show up on Netflix due to distributor Sony's deal with the streamer. Sony releases tend to debut on Netflix three to four months after the theatrical premiere. So, for I Know What You Did Last Summer, this means you can expect it around October or November. (Mid-October would be perfect timing for Halloween, so that's my guess!) Before Netflix, though, you'll probably be able to rent or buy the movie on a service like Amazon Prime Video for around $20 to $25. But, hey, that's more than a movie ticket (well, barely, for some places), so you might just want to make your way to the theater, if you can. And if you can stomach seeing "the Fisherman" killer on the big screen.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Aaron Taylor-Johnson Is Heading To Another A+ Horror Movie After 28 Years Later Sequel, And I Can Already Hear The Kraven Comparisons
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been a star on the rise in recent years. His name has been mentioned as a strong candidate to be the next James Bond, and he's coming off the critically acclaimed horror movies 28 Years Later and Nosferatu. The actor is now set to join another high-profile horror film that might unfortunately also remind fans of one of the actor's recent missteps. According to Variety, Aaron Taylor-Johnson is reteaming with Nosferatu director Robert Eggers for the auteur's next project, Werwulf. The film will be set in 13th-century England for a werewolf story that will even use period-accurate dialogue. Fellow Nosferatu star Lily-Rose Depp is reportedly also in talks to join the project. It seems that Eggers, like many directors has discovered that he likes working with certain actors, and those actors seem to like working with him as well. Kraven The Werewolf? While Variety doesn't specify what role Taylor-Johnson is set to play, other reports claim he will play the werewolf character, which does seem likely under the circumstances. Unfortunately, when I think of Aaron Taylor-Johnson starring in a movie as a werewolf, it doesn't make me think of Nosferatu so much as it makes me think of the actor' lackluster comic book project, Kraven the Hunter. Kraven the Hunter was a strange combination of animal and man in his own way, not entirely dissimilar to a werewolf. The problem with this comparison is that, of course, Kraven the Hunter was a famously bad movie featuring lots of shots of the lead actor looking sassy in fur-lined costuming. It's also one that has the dubious distinction of ending Sony's flop-marked attempt at building up a Spider-Man-adjacent cinematic universe. I can already see social media memes being generated from this news. That is, of course, assuming that the rest of the world hasn't already forgotten about Kraven the Hunter. To be fair, even though not a lot of people saw it in theaters, the movie did become briefly popular after it was available to stream via Netflix subscription, presumably from those aiming to see if the movie was really as bad as people said. Spoiler, it was. Of course, nobody would ever confuse Kraven the Hunter for a Robert Eggers movie. Each of the director's films are cloaked with a unique atmosphere, and often don't feel like they've all the product of one vision. The dialogue alone, if it really uses 13th-century language, is going to put Werwulf in a class by itself when it comes to modern horror films. Let's just hope Taylor-Johnson can bring more pathos to these lines than those of Kraven. Werwulf is likely to be an incredible movie based on its director alone, and it may be just the thing to help launch Aaron Taylor-Johnson to a new level of stardom. The movie is set to release on Christmas Day in 2026, and we may not even have a new James Bond by then. Solve the daily Crossword
Wales Online
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Welsh star of 28 Years Later tipped to be Hollywood's 'next big thing'
Welsh star of 28 Years Later tipped to be Hollywood's 'next big thing' Sam Locke followed his gut to pursue his love of acting, and his determination is already paying off Sam Locke from Merthyr Tydfil is currently starring in 28 Years Later, the latest instalment in director Danny Boyle's series which is in cinemas now Sam Locke is reflecting on how his life is shifting after being tipped to be the next 'big thing' in Hollywood. After failing his A Levels - Drama was the only subject he managed to pass. He initially planned to retake the year and try again, but in a moment of unexpected clarity while sitting in a Wetherspoons, the boy from Merthyr Tydfil changed direction entirely. He chose to study drama and the rest was history, as he is currently starring in the hit film 28 Years Later as Jimmy Fox, who is part of a group known as 'The Jimmys,' who are featured prominently in the film, in the fast-paced horror story. The film, directed by Danny Boyle is centred around the breakdown of society after a deadly, rage-inducing virus is unleashed, focusing on the struggles of survivors to endure both the infected and the consequences of societal collapse. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter It's already had a huge reaction with plenty of buzz surrounding its release in cinemas as the film, which has a large fan base as a sequel to 28 Days Later. But Sam has taken it all in his stride, noting when asked if he felt any pressure: 'Not really, thankfully. Any pressure in that context is a privilege anyway, in fact I invite it and hope to work on projects where I can feel bit of pressure, but I definitely feel that even If I was massively nervous, stepping on to set and being with Danny, my fellow actors and everyone else involved eased my nerves. 'Ultimately I'm immensely proud I am now etched into this franchise, I get to forever be affiliated with it, and represent Wales, and Merthyr at these heights.' Article continues below Back at home, Sam is often found frequenting his local pub, The Grawen Arms, on Brecon Road. Sam Locke says drama and acting have been an 'ever-present thing' in his life (Image: TwoCatsInTheYard Photography ) 'I find that keeps me grounded', he says. 'People in Merthyr, they like to remind you where you're from and remind you who you are and I'm incredibly grateful for that.' Relaxing, for Sam is seeing his friends and watching football, or walking in the valleys. A Liverpool fan, he usually catches up with the football with his mates at home or his grandfather. He adds: 'I use walking as a means to relax. It's grounding myself in nature but also just grounding myself in general because when filming for any project it puts you in lots of different environments.' Growing up, Sam attended Cyfarthfa High School, then later went on to study at college in Merthyr. He says drama and acting have been an 'ever-present thing' in his life, noting: 'I used to love it when it was on my timetable in the first year of high school. 'I just went into that class enjoying the making process and later studied A Level Drama, A Level Photography and A Level Film and I actually didn't do too well in Photography and Film but I excelled in Drama. 'Then I had like an ultimatum in Wetherspoons when I was literally sat there and had that metaphorical moment where you can choose one path which leads you to one place or go down another and you go somewhere else because I could have gone left and re-enrolled and done my A Levels again, or I had the chance to turn right and pursue full time performing arts. 'I was properly umm-ing and aah-ing on the second day of that new academic year and this was the final hour of my choice. And I ended up going to study the Performing Arts UAL at Merthyr College.' Sam recalled that within 15 minutes, he knew this was what he wanted to do full time, and hasn't looked back since. 'I'd tell my younger self to trust my gut a little bit more', he says. Sam Locke was born on April 12, 2001 'I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to pick that option more than the other one. That was the one I was leaning towards more.' Sam's first audition which he had come through was for Emmerdale which took him a back as he realised that more things were starting to happen for him. Since then, he says he's been seen for bigger roles and feels a 'real sense of accomplishment'. He explains: 'The work is doing the self tape, and the reward is the yes and getting the role.' Speaking to Sam, it's clear that his mindset and determination set him apart. As he reflects on all of the opportunities that have come his way, he is not taking any of it for granted. When asked how he works to maintain such a grounded mentality, he notes: 'I know I'm not alone in this industry and there are so many actors trying to - I don't want to say make it because I don't think making it is a thing - but there are so many people trying to do this as an occupation and putting so much effort in. 'I am one of them and I'll never stop but when you get those chances and those roles and those opportunities that you've been working for, enjoy them and never take them for granted and that makes the jobs sweeter. 'There was a slight bit of imposter syndrome I think at the start of every role but that quickly subsides and then you realise you're here for a reason.' Already known for playing PC Ryan in Michael Sheen's THE WAY for BBC1, as well as his most recent role in 28 Years Later, Sam has a number of projects in the pipeline ready to be released. But a highlight so far, he has pinpointed was working alongside the famous Danny Boyle. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Alfie Williams, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes and Danny Boyle attend the "28 Years Later" World Premiere (Image:) 'Working with Danny was for me a bucket list achievement', Sam says. 'The energy he brings to set is just amazing. He engages with you with a sort of gentle authority which I liked. I knew I was there to act in his movie, but by the way he interacted with me, he put me at so much ease and subconsciously reassured me. 'Something I picked up on which was quite interesting and entertaining to watch was when he'd be behind his monitor, ducking and diving from the action as if he's a consumer of his work; he wants and needs to believe his own work so much, and you can literally see when he does.' Speaking about the atmosphere on set, he added: 'I think given the size of the production and the profile of people within, it felt 'normal' or rather, comfortable - and again that's because of everyone involved. 'There was definitely excitement flowing through us, we were all so so pleased to be there, but there was a level of professionalism where we knew we were there to make a Danny Boyle & and Alex Garland film, though there were many times myself and some of my immediate cast would have discussions and get giddy over the fact we got here!' So far, the film has been well-received by critics who have commended its evolution from the original's intense horror to a more emotionally rich, character-focused story. The film broadens the scope of the '28' franchise as it has delved into themes like generational trauma and the lasting effects of the Rage virus, and while some people have noted that it lacks the raw terror of the first film, its thoughtful portrayal of human fears and striking use of the British landscape have been regarded as standout elements. Reflecting on the process his own character goes through and how he prepared for his role, Sam explains: 'In the literal sense, we had a week of stunt and combat training. 'This was very crucial to not only build up our stamina and endurance for the actions that we do in these films, but also to allow me, and my immediate cast to bond and gel as a unit. Director Danny Boyle, pictured in London attending a 20-year anniversary screening of 28 Days Later in 2022 (Image: Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images ) 'I think we all were appreciative of that intense training week. In terms of prep for the character, it was unique, it's a unique role as it is - always high octane and very hard to draw from personal experience, but I did find some reference characters to look into and to 'study' very loosely, because I wanted my performance to be instinctual, and looking back at it, my performance for the most part was exactly that. 'The training for one, definitely pushed me physically. It was demanding - I remember hurting my leg on one of the days and honestly it set me back mentally, having to reign it all in for a day or two but getting through that helped make me stronger. 'And another way it pushed me was getting to exercise that instinctual acting I talked about, a skill which I hadn't really thought about in great depth before through other projects, but it unlocked something and getting to that point of realisation pushed me.' Right now, it's evident that the 24-year-old is carrying some hard-earned lessons into every corner of his career. When asked what some of his biggest takeaways have been from people he's worked with so far, he notes: 'I'll give you three things; one being from Danny - I think he taught me that if you've been cast you're there for a reason. 'Be loose, have fun with it and don't take yourself seriously. The second being from Jack [O'connell] - I took from him to give it 100% when you're not the one being filmed, your co-actors need things to work from and draw off when the camera is just on them. Article continues below 'Jack was such a generous actor, he wanted everyone to get their best takes, and in doing that, he gave 100% every take. 'And lastly from Erin [Kellyman] her ability to do certain stunts like flips and somersaults, I can't say I learnt how to fully do it like her, but it's something I'd love to be able to do, I need more lessons.'
Straits Times
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Book review: Leigh Radford attempts to reanimate zombie genre with One Yellow Eye
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox In One Yellow Eye by Leigh Radford, a researcher tries to search for a cure to help her husband infected by a virus that turns him into a zombie. By Leigh Radford Fiction/Tor Nightfire/Paperback/364 pages/$30.87 With the success of the television series The Last Of Us (2023 to present) and the movie 28 Years Later (2025), the zombie genre has shambled back from its supposed grave.
