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Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Montana Supreme Court: When the public's right to know is vindicated, attorneys fees should follow
The entrance to the Montana Supreme Court (Photo by Eric Seidle/ For the Daily Montanan). In a sprawling, 61-page decision that had about as many opinions attached to it as members of Montana's highest court, a majority of justices said that the State of Montana, specifically the governor's office, should pay attorneys fees in a public documents fight between the office and groups wanting more information about a mining executive. However, the particular details before the court were not whether a former mining executive should be permitted to lead a mining company after his former company was found to be a 'bad actor' by state law. Instead, the Montana Supreme Court weighed in on when the government should pay attorneys fees in the public records dispute. In a fractured mix of majority, concurring and dissenting opinions, at least four justices agreed that Lewis and Clark District Judge Christopher Abbott should have given attorneys fees to the Montana Environmental Information Center and Earthworks, which had sued Gov. Greg Gianforte for documents related to Phillips S. Baker, Jr., and permitting documents related to both Hecla Mining and the Montanore mine. The MEIC argued that the state had not enforced its 'bad actor' provision against Baker, the Hecla CEO, because of his leadership in a company that went went bankrupt, while leaving millions of dollars of mining mess to be taken care of in perpetuity by the state. MEIC and Earthworks, which won the public documents fight against the governor, also asked for attorneys fees because they brought the lawsuit under the Montana Constitution's right-to-know provisions. In the state, judges have discretion to award attorneys fees when private groups or individuals are successful in vindicating constitutional rights, like obtaining public documents. Previously, the Montana State Supreme Court had been reluctant to recommend a checklist of conditions that have to be met in order to award attorneys fees, instead relying on the judgment of district or trial court judges. However, a majority of the court decided to take up the issue, saying that more guidance was necessary for judges, something a minority, including Chief Justice Cory Swanson, balked at. The dissenting opinions centered on the idea that judges should still have latitude to decide on a case-by-case basis, and that if the Legislature wanted to mandate attorneys fees, it should be done in law. Justice Laurie McKinnon wrote the majority opinion, with James Jeremiah Shea, Katherine Bidegaray and Ingrid Gustafson concurring. Justices Jim Rice and Beth Baker, along with Swanson were in the minority. The majority pointed out in the case that the governor's office had employed a 'novel' legal theory that Abbott debunked, but even so, 'the court found the governor's office shirked its clear legal duty to MEIC's request.' 'When a party succeeds in litigation based on a right to know request, it has performed a public service in ensuring that Montana's government is appropriately transparent and accountable to the people,' the majority opinion said. The justices reasoned that if constitutionally protected rights are meaningful, then litigation — or the ability to take the government to court — must be accessible. 'The result of the district court's order — that MEIC prevailed and undeniably performed a public service, yet it is denied attorney's fees — is dissonant with the foundational purposes of Article II, Section 9, and actively disincentivizes citizens from enforcing that right,' the majority opinion said. 'For citizens to be able to enforce the provision against the government, litigation must be accessible; for litigation to be accessible, there should be a basic presumption towards awarding attorney's fees when the party seeking to enforce the right to know has prevailed on its merits.' The majority shifted the blame back to the Montana Supreme Court, saying the state's provisions for awarding attorneys fees had created a 'vacuum of necessary guidance,' and the majority wanted to more fully develop the advice. Abbott had determined that because Gianforte had not acted in bad faith, and because attorneys fees would essentially be borne by Montana taxpayers, he decided not to award attorneys fees. However, the court said the calculus Abbott used — whether there was evidence of bad faith — shouldn't be the deciding factor in the right-to-know cases. 'When a plaintiff prevails on the merits of a right to know dispute, it means that, whether in good faith or bad faith, the government pushed back against the constitutional presumption and, in doing so, violated a fundamental right,' the opinion said. 'But because we have previously neglected to suggest a presumption — or even a preference — for awarding fees in this context, even plaintiffs with an exceptionally strong case and an egregious violation must carefully consider whether it is worth the risk of winning the documents but losing fees.' The court's opinion also said it was taking up the matter because it's essential for courts and citizens to understand fundamental or Constitutional rights. 'We seek to provide basic guidance that works to encourage and strengthen the people's exercise of a fundamental constitutional right. This presumption does not eliminate judicial discretion, but rather structures it to reflect the constitutional emphasis on transparency,' the ruling said. 'This presumption is not a novelty imagined at the whims of this court; it is part of the fabric of the right to know which has been errantly lost to an unboundedly deferential standard that allows for results fundamentally at odds with the Constitution.' Leaders from both Earthworks and MEIC cheered the decision, saying the decision was a win for residents who want to keep tabs on government officials. 'Montana's Constitution guarantees the public the right to know what government is up to. Justice only works when every person has the ability to oversee their government,' said Anne Hedges, executive director with MEIC. 'This decision will ensure the public can continue to access government documents and will prevent abuse when the government officials refuse to comply with the constitution.' MEIC Earthworks right to know decision
India.com
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
1 hour 43 minutes horror film will leave you scared, climax will bring shivers down your spine, is trending on OTT, movie is..., lead actor is..
Horror category movies are always thrilling to watch. However, with a great script, powerful acting, and definitely haunted background music, it can only help to amplify the look and feel of a horror movie. Today, we bring you a film of the same genre which will give you nightmares. Not just that, you cannot watch the film all by yourself as it is that haunting. The movie which we are discussing will make you sweat and force you to bite your nails out of fear. Yes, you read that right! This film has got a good IMDb rating and is currently trending on OTT. If you are wondering which movie we are talking about, then the film here in discussion is The Wolf Man. Directed by Leigh Whannell, The Wolf Man features Christopher Abbott, Julia Garner, Matilda Firth, Sam Jaeger in lead roles. The movie was released on January 16, 2025. After making a huge success on the big screens, now The Wolf Man is making noises on the OTT screens. The movie revolves around a writer Blake Lovell (Christopher Abbott), who comes to live in a farmhouse with his family. There, a mysterious creature attacks him and his family. Following the attack, Blake starts to notice different changes in him and he slowly starts turning into a werewolf. Later, he realises that he has become a threat to his family. What follows next will leave you stunned and sleepless. The biggest plus point of the movie is its visual effects and thrilling story. Also, the cinematography and background music of the film make the atmosphere more scary. The acting of the actors is also commendable, especially the actor playing the character of Blake has won the hearts of the audience with his expressions and dialogues. The movie received a good response from the audience and critics. The film earned $34.15 million (2,937 crores) on a budget of $25 million (2,139 crores). The movie is available on Amazon Prime Video to watch.
Forbes
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Horror Thriller ‘Wolf Man' Coming To Streaming On Peacock This Week
Christopher Abbott in "Wolf Man." Wolf Man — a remake of the Universal Studios Monsters classic The Wolf Man starring Lon Chaney Jr. — begins streaming on Peacock this week. Directed by Leigh Whannell, who directed the 2020 remake of Universal's monster movie classic The Invisible Man, Wolf Man opened in theaters on Jan. 17. Julia Garner (Ozark) and Christopher Abbott (Kraven the Hunter) star in Wolf Man as Charlotte and Blake, a couple with a strained marriage who travel with their young daughter, Ginger (Matilda Firth) to a remote house in the Oregon mountains that belonged to Blake's late estranged father, Grady (Sam Jaeger). While the family is trying to locate the abode, Blake is clawed by a werewolf and soon begins to physically transform and exhibit attributes and senses that are not human. Before too long, Blake turns into a werewolf himself, which puts Charlotte and Ginger in grave danger. Wolf Man will begin streaming on Peacock on Friday, April 18, according to the streaming service. Peacock offers a pair of streaming package options. Viewers can get an ad-based package for $7.99 per month or $79 per year or an ad-free package for $13.99 per month or $139.99 per year. Universal Studios, of course, produced the original version of The Wolf Man with Lon Chaney Jr., in 1941 and the character or other werewolf interations appeared in several follow-up movies including a the 2010 remake of The Wolfman starring Benicio Del Toro, Emily Blunt and Anthony Hopkins. The new version of Wolf Man differs though, in the pacing of how Christopher Abbott's Blake transforms into the werewolf and the manner in which it happens. For that reason, Julia Garner told Screen Rant in a January interview, the transformation is what makes the scares more effective. 'It's more scary when it is a slower transition because I still recognized little elements of Chris. His skin and his hair was changing, but he still had his eyes and I think if you want to make anything scarier just go with something familiar,' Garner told Screen Rant. 'That's why they always put dolls in horror films because you see a doll, like, almost every day," Garner added. "So I think that this Wolf Man is almost scarier for that reason — that there's something familiar, that Charlotte still sees her husband, but he's not there anymore.' Wolf Man has earned $20.7 million domestically and $14.1 million internationally for a worldwide box office tally of $34.6 million against a $25 million production budget before prints and advertising, per Variety. The film received a 50% 'rotten' rating from Rotten Tomatoes critics based on 260 reviews and a 56% 'rotten' score based on 1,000-plus verified user ratings from audience members. Rated R, Wolf Man arrives on streaming video on demand on Peacock on Friday.
Express Tribune
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
11 Exciting Movie Reboots Coming in 2025: Superheroes, Classic Monsters, and More
2025 is shaping up to be a big year for movie reboots, with 11 highly anticipated films set to hit theaters. From live-action adaptations of animated classics to superhero revamps and monster remakes, the year promises something for every moviegoer. But when it comes to reboots, the challenge lies in doing it well. When done right, remakes can breathe new life into beloved stories, but when done poorly, they risk tarnishing the original. Let's take a look at the reboots heading your way in 2025, and explore what makes a reboot successful — and when they just fall flat. The Rise of the Reboot Trend Reboots have become an essential part of the movie industry, with studios increasingly relying on familiar stories to guarantee box office success. Disney's live-action adaptations of animated classics are a prime example, having grossed more than $5 billion since Cinderella in 2015. While these remakes are often criticized for lacking originality, they've found massive success, proving that when done well, reboots can be a huge financial win. Take, for instance, The Lion King live-action remake, which retained the heart of the original while adding stunning visuals and new technology to make it more appealing to modern audiences. But not all reboots achieve this balance. Films like The Mummy (2017), intended to launch Universal's "Monsters Universe," received poor reviews and failed to hit the mark, a cautionary tale of when reboots go wrong. Now, let's dive into the upcoming reboots of 2025 and see which ones could live up to expectations — and which ones might fall into the trap of lacking the magic of their originals. 1. Wolf Man (January 17) Universal's attempt to revive its "Monsters Universe" continues with Wolf Man , starring Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner. This reboot draws inspiration from the 1941 film and follows a man who is cursed by a werewolf while visiting his childhood home in Oregon. While the film's premise has potential, Universal's recent struggles with reboots (remember The Mummy ?) might make this one a hit-or-miss. 2. Verona's Romeo & Juliet (February 14) Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet has been reimagined countless times, but this new adaptation sets itself apart as a modern, pop musical version. With Jamie Ward and Clara Rugaard as the iconic star-crossed lovers, it's safe to say that this will be a visually stunning take on the timeless tale of love and tragedy. However, whether it can surpass Baz Luhrmann's 1996 version remains to be seen. 3. Snow White (March 21) Disney's live-action Snow White is poised to hit theaters with a twist. The new version, starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, reimagines the classic tale with a stronger, more independent heroine. If the film can avoid controversy (like that surrounding The Little Mermaid ), it has the potential to follow in the footsteps of its predecessors, The Lion King and Mufasa , which made over $500 million each. 4. The Wedding Banquet (April 18) Before Ang Lee became a household name with films like Brokeback Mountain and Life of Pi , he directed the romantic comedy The Wedding Banquet . Now, it's getting a remake with a diverse cast, including Bowen Yang and Lily Gladstone. Set to capture the essence of the original while updating it for modern audiences, this reboot has strong potential, though it will have to navigate expectations set by the original. 5. Lilo & Stitch (May 23) Who could forget Lilo & Stitch ? Disney's 2002 animated classic is getting a live-action treatment with CGI Stitch voiced by Chris Sanders, the original voice actor. With a stellar cast, including Maia Kealoha and Sydney Agudong as the leads, this reboot could rekindle the magic of the original — if it can match the charm of the beloved animated film. 6. How to Train Your Dragon (June 13) DreamWorks is jumping on the live-action remake bandwagon with How to Train Your Dragon , which grossed over $1.4 billion across three movies. Directed by Dean DeBlois, the film will bring the story of Hiccup and Toothless to life in a new way. With Gerard Butler reprising his role as Stoick, this one's sure to spark nostalgia, though it faces the challenge of living up to the original's success. 7. Superman (2025) After years of box office misfires, DC Studios is hoping to turn things around with a fresh take on Superman . Directed by James Gunn, this reboot stars David Corenswet as the iconic hero and Nicholas Hoult as his nemesis, Lex Luthor. The success of this reboot will depend on whether Gunn can deliver a Superman that feels both fresh and faithful to the character's roots. 8. The Fantastic Four: First Steps (July 25) Marvel's first reboot of The Fantastic Four is set to introduce the iconic team to the MCU. With Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby playing Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Woman, and a host of other big names joining the cast, fans are hopeful that this reboot will finally do justice to the beloved superheroes. However, given the history of Fantastic Four reboots, expectations are mixed. 9. The Bride! (September 26) Maggie Gyllenhaal is set to direct The Bride! , a reimagining of Frankenstein 's "The Bride of Frankenstein." This 1930s-set adaptation promises to be a unique take on the classic tale, starring Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale. If Gyllenhaal can balance the Gothic themes with a fresh approach, this could be a standout reboot. 10. The Running Man (November 7) Based on Stephen King's 1982 novel, The Running Man is getting a reboot with Glen Powell taking on the role originally played by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Set in a dystopian future where contestants must survive a deadly game show, this remake has Edgar Wright at the helm, which could add a much-needed dose of creativity to the original's cheesy charm. 11. Frankenstein (TBD) Guillermo del Toro is tackling another Frankenstein adaptation for Netflix, with rising stars Jacob Elordi and Mia Goth playing the titular monster and Victor Frankenstein. Del Toro's knack for creating captivating monster movies could give this reboot the edge it needs to be both thrilling and emotionally powerful.
