Latest news with #GabrielByrne


Forbes
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘From The World Of John Wick: Ballerina' Ending, Explained
Partial poster of "From the World of John Wick: Ballerina" featuring Ana de Armas. From the World of John Wick: Ballerina doesn't have a post-credits scene, but that doesn't mean Keanu Reeves' John Wick universe won't have more action in store for Ana de Armas following the conclusion of the film. Rated R, Ballerina opens in 3,400 North American theaters on Friday. The film marks the first John Wick spinoff movie after the success of the first four films in the John Wick franchise, with the last being in 2023 with John Wick: Chapter 4. Directed by Len Wiseman, the official summary for Ballerina reads, 'Taking place during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, the film follows Eve Macarro (Armas) who is beginning her training in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma.' Reeves reprises his role as Wick in Ballerina, as does Ian McShane as Winston, Anjelica Huston as The Director and the late Lance Reddick as Charon. The film also introduces Gabriel Byrne, Catalina Sandino Moreno and Norman Reedus. Note: The next two sections include spoilers for 'Ballerina.' In From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, Ana de Armas' Eve is seeking revenge after the death of her father, Javier (David Castañeda), who was killed in an assassination attempt by his father-in-law and her grandfather, The Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne) a dozen years before. Javier was in hiding trying to protect his young daughter (Victoria Comte), whom The Chancellor solely wants to carry on the bloodline of his cultish 200-year-old crime organization that has no central location. After her father's death, Eve meets Winston (Ian McShane), who brings her to the theater/headquarters of the Ruska Roma, where The Director (Anjelica Huston) trains the young girl to not only become a ballerina, but an expert assassin. When the adult Eve seeks revenge on The Chancellor, however, The Director warns her that she'll be starting a war with the ruthless faction and puts a hit out on her to stop her. Without going into major spoilers, Eve evades the hit and survives her showdown with The Chancellor. However, since Eve been declared incommunicado (much like Keanu Reeves' John Wick in previous Wick films) for defying The Director's orders, she's forced to go on the run from her fellow assassins at the conclusion of Ballerina. Naturally, the open-ended conclusion begs the question of what's next for Eve after the events of Ballerina. Ana de Armas in "From the World of John Wick: Ballerina." While a post-credits scene generally helps with indicating that a sequel is planned for any given movie, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina makes it clear at the conclusion of the film that the door is wide open for more murderous mayhem for Ana de Armas' Eve in the John Wick universe. As such, the film doesn't need any stingers after the credits to state what is already obvious. Of course, the first thing that needs to happen for Lionsgate — the studio behind the John Wick franchise — to even consider a sequel for Ballerina is for the film to become a financial success. Lucky for Ballerina, industry box office projections for the film's opening weekend are indicating that the film will get off to a solid start. While long-range tracking forecasts dropped from a couple of weeks ago, Variety has the film pegged for a $28 million to $30 million opening, while Box Office Pro is projecting a $32 million to $40 million opening weekend. The good news for Lionsgate is that Ballerina has a modest production budget — at least by summer movie standards — of $90 million, Variety reported. So how exactly does Ballerina set up a sequel for de Armas should they decide to go that route? To start, Lionsgate is in a tricky position with a potential sequel to Ballerina. Since Ballerina takes place during the events of John Wick 3 — Parabellum (it's fun to see a recreation of one scene from the film from a different vantage point in Ballerina), there could conceivably be another World of John Wick prequel film for de Armas. From a creative standpoint, it could either be set before John Wick: Chapter 4 or take place during the events of it. In all likelihood, de Armas' Eve will end up in a sequel, just not one that's solely dedicated to the character. After all, Lionsgate already has its hands full with a forthcoming John Wick animated series as well as a World of John Wick film featuring Caine (Donnie Yen), the assassin who played a pivotal role in John Wick Chapter 4. As such, a Ballerina sequel would need to get in line with those two films and another big chapter in Wick's world. Instead, look for de Armas' ballerina assassin to turn up in Reeves' sequel, John Wick 5, which was announced at CinemaCon 2025 in April. Again, without revealing any major spoilers, Ballerina makes it pretty clear that Eve and Wick are a cut of the same cloth and it would make sense from a narrative standpoint to include de Armas in the upcoming Wick sequel, which is still in development. Effectively, de Armas' Ballerina is sure to be back in some sort of capacity, it's just a matter of Lionsgate and the franchise's creatives including director Chad Stahelski and Reeve, to determine where and when. From the World of John Wick: Ballerina opens in theaters everywhere on Friday.


Irish Independent
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Gabriel Byrne on Adolesence and how drama can help teens express their feelings: ‘It opens up ideas in your head and that transforms you'
Gabriel Byrne wants to talk. He watched the TV drama series Adolescence and is still reeling from it. 'You can watch all the documentaries you like, but drama is the thing that really connects with other people,' says the Dublin-born actor and writer. 'It changes you. It has that power.'


Edinburgh Live
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
'Perfect' gangster film starring forgotten Hollywood legends has near perfect rating
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Decades on from its debut, the 1990 film is hailed as an "all-time classic" by fans, marking one of many hits from the successful Coen Brothers. The American gangster film Miller's Crossing stands as a pivotal work by Joel and Ethan Coen, renowned for their cross-genre storytelling seen in acclaimed films No Country for Old Men and Fargo. Amongst their notable body of work, this particular film is lauded by viewers as the siblings' "greatest", resonating as a "hallmark" within the noir genre. One Rotten Tomatoes critic says: "All-time classic. This has all the hallmarks of a noir. The script is very complicated but never convoluted to the point where you can't follow it, which is a testament to the masterful editing. My only real complaint is while the music is good, I wish it was used a bit more, but this really is never dry. Everyone should give this a try once." Its narrative delves into the lives of two feuding gangs during the turmoil of the 1929 Prohibition era, with Albert Finney portraying Irish mob leader Leo O'Bannon who triggers a gang war in defence of his girlfriend's brother, Bernie, embroiled in conflict with a rival faction. Unbeknownst to him, his own partner-in-crime, Tom Reagan—portrayed by Gabriel Byrne—is entangled in an affair with his sweetheart. Despite Tom's maneuvers to serve up his brother Bernie to the wolves, Leo's faith in his decision to safeguard him remains unshaken. However, with the rise of his Italian gangster nemesis Johnny Caspar, he requires the services of his trusted lieutenant now more than ever, until the bombshell revelation that he's been having an affair with his girlfriend, reports the Daily Record. The film is peppered with grim humour and startling violence, questioning whether Tom harbours any real empathy. Ostracised by his mob and trapped between two relentless sides, he faces the dire task of assassinating Bernie himself – a test of whether his resolve matches his cold exterior. A viewer praised the film, writing: "This may be one of the best gangster films I have ever seen. There's not much action, but the drama and acting are so on point. Gabriel Byrne and John Turturro are so freakin' good in this film. The Coen Brothers always make great movies, and this may be their biggest hidden gem." Meanwhile, another said: "The violence, like the rest of Miller's Crossing, is poetically staged and strangely tasteful. But the movie's real firepower is the staccato slang of its script." Another highlight is Gabriel Byrne's exemplary portrayal, recognised for standout performances in Hereditary, Little Women, and In Treatment. Renowned as a noteworthy talent who notably never received an Oscar nod, Byrne has nevertheless accrued numerous awards throughout his distinguished career. Miller's Crossing boasts a talented ensemble cast, including John Turturro and the late Jon Polito, who amassed over 220 film credits throughout his illustrious 35-year career. The film's exceptional performances have prompted audiences to leave glowing five-star reviews. One reviewer said: "With dialogue so sharp it should come with a safety warning, this movie is amazing. If I had to declare my favourite film across all genres, this would be a very strong contender. Wonderful performances from a truly super many standout scenes... and that to perfect." Another viewer added: "One of the greatest noir films of all time, Miller's Crossing is probably the Coens' greatest film. Byrne's performance is spellbinding and stands out among terrific performances by Finney, Marcia Gay Harden, John Turturro, and Steve Buscemi. Brilliantly shot, blocked, and edited realisation of a great screenplay, it's one of the 100 greatest films of all time." Miller's Crossing is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime, offering viewers the chance to experience this critically acclaimed gangster movie for themselves.


Daily Record
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
'Poetic' gangster film starring two forgotten Hollywood legends with near perfect rating
Viewers are claiming it is one of the greatest films of all time with "terrific" performances from the star-studded cast Decades since its release, this 1990 movie is considered to be an "all-time classic" by viewers, as one of many films made by successful sibling duo the Coen Brothers. The American gangster movie Miller's Crossing was created by Joel and Ethan Coen, the famous filmmaking brothers known for their cross-genre film style in the likes of No Country for Old Men and Fargo. Despite their impressive catalogue, audiences are calling this film the directors' "greatest", standing strong as a "hallmark" of the noir genre. A Rotten Tomatoes reviewer claims: "All-time classic. This has all the hallmarks of a noir. The script is very complicated but never convoluted to the point where you can't follow it, which is a testament to the masterful editing. My only real complaint is while the music is good, I wish it was used a bit more, but this really is never dry. Everyone should give this a try once." Its story follows two rival gangs, set during the 1929 Prohibition, as Irish mob boss Leo O'Bannon, played by Albert Finney, sets off a war between the two as he protects his girlfriend's brother, Bernie, who has found himself in some trouble with the other group. What he doesn't know is that his girlfriend is having an affair with his partner-in-crime, Tom Reagan, played by Gabriel Byrne. Despite Tom's attempts to feed the brother Bernie to the wolves, Leo trusts in his decision to protect him. But his Italian gangster enemy Johnny Caspar is growing in power, and he needs the help from his right-hand man now more than ever; that is, until he finds out he's been sleeping with his girlfriend. Sprinkled with dark humour and shocking violence, the film poses the big question of whether Tom really has a heart. He is cast out from the gang and stuck in the middle of two unforgiving parties, as he's ordered to kill Bernie himself, but can he actually go through with it? One viewer writes: "This may be one of the best gangster films I have ever seen. There's not much action, but the drama and acting are so on point. Gabriel Byrne and John Turturro are so freakin' good in this film. The Coen Brothers always make great movies, and this may be their biggest hidden gem." While another said: "The violence, like the rest of Miller's Crossing, is poetically staged and strangely tasteful. But the movie's real firepower is the staccato slang of its script." Another standout of the film is its impressive performance from Hollywood legend Gabriel Byrne, best known for his roles in Hereditary, Little Women and the TV series In Treatment. He is considered by many to be one of the best actors never to have received an Oscar nomination but has many accolades to his name. Starring alongside him are John Turturro and Jon Polito, whose accomplished career spanned 35 years in film and landed him over 220 credits on the big screen. It's their timeless acting in the film that has left viewers leaving five-star rave reviews. One person wrote: "With dialogue so sharp it should come with a safety warning, this movie is amazing. If I had to declare my favourite film across all genres, this would be a very strong contender. Wonderful performances from a truly super many standout scenes... and that to perfect." While another viewer shared: "One of the greatest noir films of all time, Miller's Crossing is probably the Coens' greatest film. Byrne's performance is spellbinding and stands out among terrific performances by Finney, Marcia Gay Harden, John Turturro, and Steve Buscemi. Brilliantly shot, blocked, and edited realisation of a great screenplay, it's one of the 100 greatest films of all time." To get to grips with the highly acclaimed gangster movie Miller's Crossing, you can stream it now on Amazon Prime.