Latest news with #Hollywood
CBC
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- CBC
Bring Her Back proves even great horrors aren't horrifying anymore
Do movies have the ability to scare us anymore? This is not a question of whether they can disturb us. The early 2000s evolution to violence-based endurance cinema via Saw, Hostel and The Human Centipede proved we still cringe at the worst depictions of gore. The more recent turn to cultural commentary via horror metaphor — as seen in The Substance, Sinners and The Invisible Man — proves we are still at least passingly interested in horror as a vehicle for something deeper. After all, what's more cutting than to suggest that racism, colonialism and misogyny are the actual boogeymen of today — and that these, unlike vampires, are shockingly real? But for those films that still try to achieve the genre's original goal of making us shudder at what goes bump in the night, perhaps their work is cut out for them. That includes Michael and Danny Philippou's new A24 production, Bring Her Back. The follow-up to their 2022 viral smash Talk To Me, it's a visually beautiful and cinematically stylish outing, though it may be better viewed as a blood-drenched drama rather than pure horror. Another supernatural thriller à la The Exorcist, its slick excesses are sure to garner critical and audience approval, even if one can effectively guess at the general beats of its possession plot about 15 minutes after its unfortunate stars amble in together. WATCH | Bring Her Back trailer: That's because, like its recent predecessors, Bring Her Back isn't among the meta-fictional outcropping of horrors. Those offerings — like Ready or Not, Cabin in the Woods or Happy Death Day — eschew fear entirely, to instead cleverly point out, and joyfully subvert, just how formulaic the genre has become. Instead, as its marketing would suggest, Bring Her Back goes for something closer to horror's increasingly elusive original promise. Following blind teen Piper (Sora Wong) and step-brother Andy (Billy Barratt) shortly after the death of their father, the "her" of Bring Her Back 's title takes a bit of doing to get to. First, we're greeted by manically kind foster mother Laura (Sally Hawkins), her creepily mute foster son Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips) and her deeply unsettling stuffed dog. But as Laura bristles at Andy's plan to apply for guardianship of his sister when he turns 18, the foreboding atmosphere quickly ramps up. There's something wrong with Oliver; his dead-eyed stare and attempts to wrestle with their cat can't be right. There's something off with Andy; his bed-wetting, dead-to-the-world drooling sleep and hallucinations of his dead father suggest as much. And most of all, there's something worrying with Laura; her thinly disguised obsession with Piper — and even less disguised disapproval of Andy — is clearly covering something more sinister. There is a creeping, malevolent wrongness in that house, bubbling up from just barely beneath the surface. Though, again, all but the most horror-averse will likely piece together what's hiding under that surface no longer than about 10 minutes after the character archetypes establish themselves. There is the innocent lamb here, the penitent but sin-stained martyr there, and the ill-advised deals with the devil that can only ever go one way for those foolish enough to enter into them. That's compounded by an ending that feels like a step back from the edge, an at-once predictable yet vaguely disappointing finale that undercuts its own message. This kind of failsafe turn, while something of a relief from the unrelentingly dour atmosphere up until then, also feels like the Philippous are unable to trust that their audience knows what kind of movie they've agreed to. But this type of ending is not rare for mainstream horror, a genre that isn't quite willing to alienate all but its most die-hard fans. And it also isn't enough to ruin what has come already, predictable as it may be. It at least occasionally shocks through the gore, namely through its blood-drenched, toothy crunches — almost more horrifying when you hold your hands in front of your face to be assaulted solely by the sound. Unsettling cinema However, overall — through both its atmosphere and the dare-you-to-watch marketing — Bring Her Back means to unsettle. It is overwhelmingly the strategy of the modern, "straight-scary" movie. Films that, at least on their face, exist solely to push us to imagine things that make real life pale in comparison — that are so awfully, bitterly, shockingly unsettling we check under the bed before going to sleep — are vanishingly few now. Or more accurately, vanishingly effective. That's likely due to the same reason that flashing ankles or showing married couples sleeping in the same bed is unlikely to titillate or provoke nowadays. We are so inundated with real-life stories of horrors — and so used to the once-new medium of cinema that our cognition is evolving with it — that actually scaring adults who are looking for fear has become a virtually impossible dragon to slay. That doesn't mean conjuring fear is forever out of filmmakers' reach: There are always the infrequent watchers, still spooked easily enough to increase the hype around new releases. And the trite jump scare — of which Bring Her Back thankfully is mostly absent — is an easy gimmick to make most watchers flinch. But for the vast swaths of other mainstream straight horrors, there's really only one strategy going forward. Oz Perkins used it in his bait-and-switch crime drama Long Legs, as did Kyle Edward Ball for the ingeniously confusing Skinamarink: It's to openly lie in your ads. To use viral marketing and social media to promise the most unsettling theatrical experience of your life; to assure audiences that they'll scarcely be able to sit through the stunningly suspenseful agony without screaming, passing out or running for the exit. Audiences aren't the delicate, ankle-sensitive viewers they once were. So filmmakers have to instead aim to trigger similar — though still distinct — emotions in them to at least pretend to deliver on their marketed promise. Whether shame, disgust, pity or just general discomfort, more and more, true horror movies opt to act as violation simulators to elicit the visceral reactions that draw people in. That is overwhelmingly true of Bring Her Back, a horror touted as eminently scary, but which is more eminently unsettling for how forcefully it makes its audiences sit through the various violations of social contracts and basic trust. Piper, our blind character, is repeatedly lied to about her surroundings by those she relies on to tell the truth. Andy's hulking masculinity is routinely used against him, as characters purposely misrepresent his behaviour as violent and threatening. And the most basic social contract — that adults should protect children — is so consistently and totally violated it becomes the uncomfortable thesis upon which the entire narrative rests. It's a dominant and unrelenting theme that, while not triggering fear, makes you squirm nonetheless. It is a strange but common thing, then, to say that though it is not really frightening, Bring Her Back is one of the best modern horror movies in ages.
Pink Villa
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Ines de Ramon and Brad Pitt in ‘Solid Place' Amid Divorce Drama with Angelina Jolie
It seems there's harmony in paradise for Brad Pitt and Ines de Ramon after the actor reportedly finalized his divorce from Angelina Jolie. Speaking about the couple, a source told People magazine that she has been a 'calming and supportive presence.' The insider added that there's 'no pressure' between the two. Additionally, the publication was told that Ramon gives the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood actor the 'space when he needs it but is always there when it counts.' What else did the source say? The source also revealed that the pair is in a very 'solid place,' adding that Ramon has 'brought a lot of peace into Brad's life' and that 'their relationship has been easy and natural.' The insider further shared about Ramon encouraging the veteran star to move ahead and "focus on the future." 'She's grounded, drama-free, and just really good for him, which is exactly what he needs at this stage,' the source added. A look back at Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's relationship timeline Pitt and Jolie, once famously dubbed 'Brangelina,' made major headlines when they began dating in the mid-2000s, quickly becoming one of Hollywood's most talked-about A-list couples. They elevated their relationship by tying the knot in 2014. However, trouble soon followed, and in 2016, the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider actress filed for divorce, according to People magazine. Their divorce, which sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms, was officially finalized in December of last year, according to the outlet. The former couple, who famously starred together in Mr. & Mrs. Smith, share six children: Maddox, Zahara, Pax, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tom Hanks And Bryan Cranston Make Headlines After Telling Off Photographers
and proved they're still Hollywood's most lovable (and unpredictable) gentlemen as they hit the red carpet for the premiere of "The Phoenician Scheme" on Wednesday night, and they didn't hold back when it came to keeping the photographers on their toes. The "Forrest Gump" star was all smiles as he posed for a movie studio photographer, but when other cameramen began teasing the snapper for taking too long, Tom Hanks jumped in with his signature charm and a little spice. 'I want to be right where [the other photographers are],' Hanks exclaimed while jokingly gesturing to move down the line. Then, with a mischievous grin, he shouted at one cameraman to 'shut the f-ck up,' sending the entire media line into a fit of laughter. The video was first obtained by Page Six. Not to be outdone, "Breaking Bad" alum Bryan Cranston joined in the fun after someone pointed out his tie was slightly crooked. 'My tie is askew!' he declared in mock horror before turning his attention to the photographers. 'Thanks for letting me know my tie was askew,' he deadpanned, before proudly announcing, 'I'm going to come out with a line of ties called Askew!' Talk about turning a moment into a marketing pitch. The lighthearted exchange offered a refreshing glimpse of both stars' comedic timing and quick wit, something fans have come to expect from Hanks, who has made headlines in the past for both hilarious antics and fiercely protective moments. Back in November 2024, Hanks and his wife, , made waves after they 'stormed out' of the "Saturday Night Live" 50th anniversary concert in a scripted bit that had the audience in stitches. The moment was part of a larger joke by host , who told the crowd there would be no awards given that night. Cameras captured Tom and Rita making a dramatic (and perfectly timed) exit as Fallon called out, 'We lost Tom Hanks and Rita. Sorry. It wasn't their fault.' But while Hanks often leans into humor, he's also shown he's not afraid to stand up when it matters. Back in June 2022, the "Elvis" star made headlines after a tense encounter with fans turned chaotic outside a restaurant in Midtown Manhattan. Hanks and his wife were leaving a dinner engagement and heading to their car when a swarm of fans and paparazzi surrounded them on the sidewalk, hoping to snap selfies and get autographs. In video footage that quickly went viral, the couple is seen attempting to move through the crowd with the help of a security guard. But as the group pressed in, Wilson suddenly stumbled after being accidentally pushed by someone in the crowd. Visibly shaken, she turned and firmly said, 'Stop it.' That was enough for Hanks to go into full protective mode. 'Back the f-ck off!' the actor shouted, turning toward the group with his arms out. 'Knocking over my wife?!' His outburst left the crowd stunned, with some immediately backing away and apologizing. 'Sorry about that, Tom,' one fan is heard saying in the video. Though the moment was brief, it served as a reminder that even the most composed stars can, and should, speak up when boundaries are crossed. Many fans praised Hanks for defending Wilson and not tolerating what could have become a dangerous situation. Hanks and Cranston weren't the only A-listers turning heads at the "Phoenician Scheme" screening at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Benicio del Toro, Mia Threapleton, , , Steve Park, and Hope Davis also stepped out in style, joining director Wes Anderson for the star-studded event. The film, Anderson's latest quirky ensemble, centers on wealthy businessman Zsa-zsa Korda (del Toro) and his daughter, a nun (Threapleton), as they dive into a chaotic new venture involving eccentric tycoons, relentless assassins, and charming revolutionaries. Though they didn't hit the carpet, "Phoenician Scheme" also features appearances by and , rounding out one of the director's most stacked casts yet.
News.com.au
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
‘Using it to brag': The children of the rich and famous are dividing by jumping on a viral trend
The privileged offspring of the rich and famous have finally found a social media trend where they can flaunt their nepotism. Pretty much every week there is a new trend taking over TikTok, but the latest 'air ball' trend has caught the attention of nepo babies. It's pretty simple. An air ball is a basketball term for when a player shoots and misses, and Gen Zers are using the reference to make TikToks about when someone makes an assumption about them and completely misses the mark. It started out pretty wholesome. Someone might share a time when someone assumed they didn't run and then reveal a photo of them coming first in a marathon or a woman might reveal she'd told a man she worked in a hospital and he assumed she was a nurse, but the mic drop would be that she's a neurosurgeon. Then entered the nepo babies, who are using the trend, not to flex about their own achievements, but share when people haven't realised they're either from a famous or rich family. Ryan Phillippe and Reese Witherspoon's lookalike daughter, Ava, 25, took to social media and joined the trend. The 25-year-old took to social media and name-dropped, not just her famous mum, but her most famous movie. 'I told him my mum's a lawyer, and he said, 'Oh what firm does she work at?'' she wrote. Then she cut to a behind-the-scenes photo of her and her Oscar winning mum on the set of Legally Blonde, where Witherspoon plays a lawyer and wrote 'Holy-fricking air ball'. That clip has over 2 million views, and the most liked comment on the video is 'You won this trend,' with over 30,000 likes. Similarly, another famous offspring, Alianna Thiam, jumped on the trend and wrote, 'I told him my dad's in the music industry. He said, 'Oh, like a manager?' Then, the clip was cut to a photo to reveal that her dad is the musician Akon. 'Holy-freaking-air ball,' she wrote. Once again, the most liked comment on the clip is 'Pack it up everyone, she won,' with over 70,000 likes. Even the children of famous Aussies are getting into the trend. Madi Page wrote, 'I told him my dad works in the music and entertainment industry. 'He said, 'Oh, cute like a producer?'' Then she revealed her dad was Greg Page from The Wiggles. 'That's the flexiest flex I've seen. What's it like being the child of royalty?,' the most liked comment asked. It also isn't just the children of famous people embracing the trend, it's also the offspring of the incredibly wealthy and powerful. Greyson Abercrombie, 20, wrote on TikTok, 'Told her 'my parents own a clothing store' and she said 'oh so like a boutique?'' Then the video cuts to himself standing outside an Abercrombie store one of the largest retail chains in America. Similarly, Shayla Forbes-Luong shared online, 'Told him my family owns a magazine company, 'oh like a local paper?'' Then, the video cuts to a photo of Forbes Magazine, the magazine her great-grandfather co-founded, with the words 'air ball' written across the photo. The most liked comment on that video, which has 16 million views, reads, 'Okay, but did you guys see Akon's daughter do the trend? I'm living for these quiet nepotism babies.' It amassed over 200,000 likes. Popular fashion and culture Instagram account Diet Prada, which has over 3 million followers, posted about the trend and claimed it is proof that 'stealth wealth' is officially out and bragging is very much in. 'From old-money dynasties to household names, the app is suddenly crawling with twenty-somethings using the moment to humblebrag their family legacies,' the post reads. The post was divided, with some claiming it was fun to see people revealing their famous families and others finding it 'cringe' tone deaf. 'I kind of live for this' one wrote. 'Congrats on your parent's accomplishments very cool,' another mocked. 'As subtle as a gold Rolex flex, congratulations on being born I guess,' another claimed. 'These people have everything yet are so desperate for attention,' someone else said. 'I love this,' one praised. 'This makes me nauseous!' someone else revealed. 'Taking a trend where people proudly share their own accomplishments and using it to brag about your family's success that has nothing to do with you? Exactly the kind of tone-deaf behaviour I'd expect from nepo babes,' one snapped. 'As they SHOULD. Imagine hating someone because their successful parents decided to have kids,' someone else argued.
Daily Mail
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Crocodile Dundee's Linda Kozlowski teases bombshell Hollywood return as she looks unrecognizable in reunion with ex Paul Hogan
She was a blonde bombshell known for a scandalous marriage to her Aussie co-star nearly 20 years her senior. But over the last two decades, Linda Kozlowski has shied away from the spotlight in favor of a private life outside of Hollywood. Linda rose to fame playing New York reporter Sue Charlton in the 1986 blockbuster Crocodile Dundee, where she met her first husband, Australian actor Paul Hogan.
