Latest news with #HughGrant
NZ Herald
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Unlikely social-media law a scroll in right direction
Editorial Hollywood A-lister Hugh Grant has emerged as a timely endorsement for an unlikely National Party member's bill to ban under-16s from social media. Whilst not talking directly to the Social Media Age-Appropriate Users Bill pushed last month by Tukituki MP Catherine Wedd, the father-of-five made headlines at a school in
Metro
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Chilling horror starring iconic British actor soars up Amazon Prime chart
A 2024 horror movie that produced an unexpected career turn for a famous British actor is proving a hit with Amazon Prime Video viewers. Heretic, which starred Hugh Grant as the eccentric and creepy Mr. Reed, was released in November last year to widespread critical acclaim. The film follows the story of two Mormon missionaries who visit Mr. Reed's home after he expresses interest in joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The two missionaries – Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East) – immediately realise they're in a situation that's more than they bargained for. While Heretic only made back $60million (£44m) at the global box office, that was still roughly six times larger than the budget it was made with – $10m (£7m). And critics were fans too, with Heretic currently boasting a Rotten Tomatoes critic rating of 91%, a critic score of 7.3 out of 10, and an audience rating of 76%. The film was recently added to the massive libraries of horrors on Amazon Prime Video, and viewers are already sending it soaring up the trending charts. @Matthieson4426 celebrated the turn from Hugh Grant: 'Heretic. Hugh Grant is absolutely brilliant. Manages to make an unarmed middle aged man in a brown jumper epically scary. A great watch.' Elsewhere, @MandoDameron was excited that 'Heretic is on Amazon Prime at last!' with a series of emojis implying they were running to watch it. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video @MontyIsBlessed also couldn't get enough: 'Theologically thrilling and brilliant — I never imagined a movie and theology could bang this hard.' @PaulDuncan67 said: 'Hugh Grant gets better every time I watch him. Heretic is totally absorbing… It takes real talent to demand your attention with minimal players.' @Luluhit said: 'I had no idea this film was so impressive, packed with exquisite dialogue. It's like I've been in a classroom… They come back and tell you the truth right in your face.' On Reddit, SomeGreatGoodThing joked: 'I honestly can't imagine something more horrifying than being trapped in a room with a man telling me his opinions on religion, so this movie really worked for me.' As well as starring Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, and Chloe East, Heretic also features That 70s Show actor Topher Grace as Elder Kennedy, who makes a brief appearance in the film. More Trending For Metro, film critic Tori Brazier described Heretic as a 'horror reinvention' and said Hugh's career is now 'less and less defined by his bumbling rom-com persona from the 90s'. She also described it as an 'intriguing prospect with its approach to debate and engaging Mr Reed in a confined cat-and-mouse chase with two Mormon missionaries'. Heretic was co-written and co-directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, the horror film super team who were also behind the 2018 apocalypse movie A Quiet Place. Watch Heretic on Amazon Prime Video now. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Biggest film of 2025 won't be getting a sequel, director confirms MORE: Netflix fans furious over gutting announcement for the streaming giant's biggest hit MORE: The Simpsons episode that was banned 27 years after its original release
Daily Record
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
'Best film ever made' with 100% Rotten Tomatoes score now streaming on Amazon Prime
Over 100 professional critics have hailed the 'masterpiece' as 'one of the best films ever made' and Amazon Prime subscribers can now watch it from home. A "glorious" 1956 film that boasts a flawless 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes is now streaming on Amazon Prime and Apple TV. The 208-minute epic has been praised unanimously by 102 professional critics with a near-impossible 100% rating, coupled with an audience approval of 97% based on over 50,000 reviews. Crafted by the legendary director Akira Kurosawa and unfolding within 16th-century Japan, Seven Samurai tells the tale of a destitute farming village that opts to employ seven ronin, masterless samurai, for protection against impending bandit raids after their next harvest. Kurosawa's direction is sublime, meticulously developing the story with themes of duty, sacrifice, and human connection taking centre stage, the Express reports. One critic on Rotten Tomatoes applauded the film, stating: "The glorious vigour and strength of this film is presented with such theatrical relish and flair: its energy flashes out of the screen like a sword." Another impressed reviewer praised: "Seven Samurai is one of the crown jewels of cinema, a movie that could be screened for visiting aliens in order to show what the art form can achieve." Yet another fan remarked: "Kurosawa's epic adventure masterpiece is one of the best films ever made." A fourth branded it as "among the best of the best action films". Somebody else acknowledged: "Although Kurosawa blends the styles of Japanese cinema with Western sensibilities, the buildup of suspense is approached in near complete contrast to that of modern movies." Guided by the experienced and wise Kambei, the film follows the village as the samurai readies them for combat by strengthening the village and training them in warfare. Despite initial frictions, an unexpected alliance starts to take shape and as the bandits reappear, a series of tactical and fiercely contested battles unfold. Seven Samurai is not the only title to recently be added to Amazon Prime with an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score. The streaming platform has also finally added what's been dubbed by viewers as the 'best horror movie of 2024' and described as a 'masterclass in suspense'. Heretic, which boasts a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, appeared on the platform's coming soon list over a month ago and it's finally here. The plot follows two young missionaries who become trapped in a deadly game of cat and mouse when they knock on the door of the diabolical Mr. Reed, played by British actor Hugh Grant. Stuck in his home, they must turn to their faith if they want to make it out alive. The movie caused quite a stir when it was released in cinemas last year, as it stars Hugh Grant in a very different role to his usual on screen portrayals. Grant's impressive performance earned him a BAFTA 2025 nomination for Best Leading Actor.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Amazon quietly adds 'simply perfect' horror movie
It was a huge hit with fans and critics alike Amazon Prime has finally added what fans are calling the 'best horror film of 2024', described as a 'masterclass in suspense'. Heretic, which appeared on the platform's coming soon list over a month ago, is now available for streaming at no extra cost to Prime subscribers from today (June 1). The film created quite a buzz when it hit cinemas last year, featuring iconic British actor Hugh Grant in an unexpected role that earned him a BAFTA nomination for Best Leading Actor. The plot centres around two young missionaries who find themselves caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse after knocking on the door of the sinister Mr. Reed (Grant). Trapped in his house, they must rely on their faith to escape alive. Written and directed by filmmaking duo Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, known for writing the original A Quiet Place together, their latest project was equally well received, earning a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reports the Daily Record. One verified reviewer said it 'messes with your mind'. Fans continue to heap praise on the film, with many claiming it is the 'hands down, best horror movie of 2024.' Viewers have been raving about the psychological thriller Heretic, with one commenting: "Thought-provoking. Somewhere between Saw, Cube, and 10 Cloverfield Lane, wrapped in a 'crisis of faith' theme. Come for the psychological thriller, stay for the philosophical killer. Excellent performances/directing. Much like the titular antagonist, the film manages to hold a microscope up to religion while giving us challenging choices to make." Hugh Grant has earned high praise for his role in the film, as one audience member remarked: "Heretic is an absolute masterclass in suspense and psychological horror, and Hugh Grant delivers one of the most chilling performances of his career." The same fan added: "Stepping away from his usual charming roles, Grant embodies pure menace with eerie precision, proving once again why he's one of the most versatile actors in the industry." Praise was also heaped on A24 by a cheerer of their work, who said they 'knocked it out the park again', while another viewer suggested 'Hollywood has done a disservice to Hugh Grant.' That person elaborated: "Based on this performance, he clearly should have been given more antagonist roles. He chews up dialogue like Denzel in Training Day and easily layers on tension and malice. Fantastic." Another enthusiast expressed that their immediate reaction after seeing the film was simply: "This movie is simply PERFECT. Like Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" perfect."
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Amazon Prime finally adds 'best horror movie of 2024' that's 'masterclass in suspense'
The lead performance was praised by critics and fans Amazon Prime has finally added what has been dubbed by fans as the 'best horror movie of 2024' and described as a 'masterclass in suspense'. After appearing in the platform's coming soon list more than a month ago, Heretic, has finally been included in the streamer's library. It is now available to stream at no additional cost to Prime subscribers from today (June 1). The film caused quite a stir when it was released in cinemas last year, as it stars iconic British actor Hugh Grant in a very different role. His performance would eventually earn him a BAFTA nomination for Best Leading Actor. Its story follows two young missionaries who become ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse when they knock on the door of the diabolical Mr. Reed (Grant). Trapped in his home, they must turn to their faith if they want to make it out alive. The film was written and directed by filmmaking duo Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. The pair are well known for penning the original A Quiet Place together. Their recent project was just as well received critically, earning a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. One verified reviewer saying it 'messes with your mind'. Fans are still singing its praises just as much with several claiming that it is the 'hands down, best horror movie of 2024.' Another said: "Thought-provoking. Somewhere between Saw, Cube, and 10 Cloverfield Lane, wrapped in a 'crisis of faith' theme. Come for the psychological thriller, stay for the philosophical killer. Excellent performances/directing. Much like the titular antagonist, the film manages to hold a microscope up to religion while giving us challenging choices to make." Singing Grant's praises in particular, one viewer states: "Heretic is an absolute masterclass in suspense and psychological horror, and Hugh Grant delivers one of the most chilling performances of his career." They continue: "Stepping away from his usual charming roles, Grant embodies pure menace with eerie precision, proving once again why he's one of the most versatile actors in the industry." One fan praised the studio behind the release, A24, stating they 'knocked it out the park again', while another claimed 'Hollywood has done a disservice to Hugh Grant.' They said: "Based on this performance, he clearly should have been given more antagonist roles. He chews up dialogue like Denzel in Training Day and easily layers on tension and malice. Fantastic." Someone else claimed that their immediate reaction after seeing the film was: "This movie is simply PERFECT. Like Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" perfect."
