Latest news with #PlatinumDunes
Geek Tyrant
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Jason Segel to Star in James Ponsoldt's Twisted Recovery Thriller SPONSOR — GeekTyrant
Jason Segel is taking a sharp turn from comedy and heartfelt dramedy into full-blown psychological darkness. He's set to lead Sponsor , a new thriller from director James Ponsoldt, his collaborator on Shrinking . This time around, Segel isn't playing a lovable everyman with emotional baggage. In Sponsor , he plays Peter, a man whose life derails after a DUI crash and who must either serve prison time or enter a court-mandated recovery program. He chooses the latter, and that's where the real nightmare begins. The program pairs him with Jerry, a mysterious 12-step mentor whose 'support' becomes something far more sinister. That role is still being cast. Segel and Ponsoldt co-wrote the script, and the duo released a joint statement that gives a taste of the tone they're aiming for: 'We set out to explore what happens when support becomes control — when the person you turn to for salvation slowly becomes your worst nightmare. 'After collaborating on Shrinking, we were excited to channel that same emotional intimacy into a psychological thriller, where the stakes are darker, more dangerous, and deeply personal. We can't wait to bring this unsettling story to life with such an incredible team.' Backing the project is Platinum Dunes, the producing powerhouse behind A Quiet Place and The Purge . Producer Brad Fuller added: 'We loved the twists and turns as well as the inside look at the world of recovery. Moreover, Jason and James' work together speaks volumes.' Between Segel stepping into darker territory and Ponsoldt's ability to capture raw, intimate performances, this could be the kind of story that fans will be interested in watching. Source: Variety
The Sun
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Drop serves killer looks
DROP, the American thriller directed by Christopher Landon, arrives with an irresistible premise: a first date that spirals into a nightmare of anonymous threats, escalating dangers and rising suspicion. Add in the backing of genre powerhouses Blumhouse and Platinum Dunes and expectations naturally soar. But while Drop delivers gorgeously polished visuals and performances, its narrative leans heavily on familiar tricks, asking viewers to stay patient as it unfurls its tangled threads. There is no denying that Drop is a feast for the eyes. Cinematographer (who deserves applause here) bathes the upscale restaurant setting in moody lighting, gleaming surfaces and just the right touches of noirish shadow. Every glass of wine, flicker of candlelight and nervous glance is captured with surgical precision. This is a film where even a cell phone notification looks cinematic. But as sharp as the visuals are, the plot sometimes struggles to keep pace. Familiar recipe (but still tasty enough) Let us be clear: Drop does not reinvent the thriller wheel. The core premise: a protagonist trapped in a confined, elegant space while an unseen tormentor pulls the strings, echoes everything from Phone Booth to Panic Room. Add in a widowed protagonist with a tragic backstory, a too-charming date and a parade of suspicious side characters and the setup feels more comfort-food familiar than groundbreaking. Yet despite the sense of déjà vu, Drop remains a solid watch. This is thanks largely to Meghann Fahy's magnetic presence as Violet, the frazzled yet determined single mom trying to navigate both dating jitters and escalating danger. Fahy brings an emotional vulnerability that grounds the more outlandish moments, making the audience root for her even when the plot feels like it is jogging in place. Brandon Sklenar's Henry, meanwhile, plays the charming date with just the right amount of 'Is he or isn't he?' ambiguity. The supporting cast, including Violett Beane as Violet's sister and Gabrielle Ryan as the sharp-eyed bartender, fill out the ensemble with texture, even if many of them serve more as set dressing for Violet's rising paranoia. Let tension build Here is the key to enjoying Drop: approach it knowing that it is not a nonstop thrill ride. This is not one of those breathless, edge-of-your-seat thrillers where the plot fires off twists every ten minutes. Instead, Landon crafts a deliberately slow burn, teasing out the tension piece by piece. For some, this will be a treat, a rare thriller that luxuriates in mood, atmosphere and simmering dread. For others, it might test their patience. There are stretches where the movie seems to coast on its vibes rather than push the story forward and the central mystery occasionally feels padded out to stretch the runtime. But for viewers willing to sink into the slow-building unease, Drop offers a satisfying payoff. Visual that outshines its plot It bears repeating: the real star of Drop is its visual design. The film's upscale restaurant setting is a living, breathing character, full of reflective surfaces, shadowy corners and a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere. Director Landon, known for stylish genre hits like Happy Death Day and Freaky, brings his playful touch here, making even the most mundane objects: a phone, a cocktail glass, a note scribbled on a napkin, pop with cinematic flair. The visuals are so compelling that they often distract from the more predictable beats of the story. There is a sense that Landon and his team know they are working with a somewhat familiar script, so they lean hard into the atmosphere, ensuring the film at least looks fresher than it reads. For thriller fans who value aesthetics and mood, this attention to detail makes Drop worth the ticket price alone. Worth a watch, with right expectations Drop is not the most original thriller to hit screens this year, but it does not need to be. It knows what it is doing, delivering a tense, visually stunning cat-and-mouse game wrapped in a glossy package and it does it well enough to satisfy. Sure, the plot relies on familiar tropes and the pacing demands a patient viewer, but the overall experience is polished, suspenseful and anchored by strong lead performances. Audiences looking for groundbreaking twists or adrenaline-pumping action might walk away wishing for more. But for those content to settle in for a stylish, slow-burning thriller with a killer aesthetic, Drop delivers just enough thrills to keep them watching and admiring how good it all looks along the way. DIRECTOR: Christopher Landon CAST: Meghann Fahy, Brandon Sklenar, Reed Diamond, Gabrielle Ryan, Violett Beane E-VALUE: 7/10 PLOT: 7/10 ACTING: 8/10
Perth Now
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Sydney Sweeney and Michael Bay team up for OutRun movie
Sydney Sweeney and Michael Bay are to make an 'OutRun' movie. The 'Euphoria' star, 27, and the 60-year-old filmmaker are teaming up for a movie adaptation of Sega's iconic 1986 arcade video game of the same name for Universal Pictures, with Sweeney attached to produce and Bay set to direct. As well as directing, the 'Transformers' filmmaker is also due to produce the 'OutRun' flick with partner Brad Fuller through their Platinum Dunes banner alongside Toru Nakahara and Shuji Utsumi for Sega. While Sweeney is on board as a producer, Deadline reports the 'Anyone but You' actress was not currently in talks to star in 'OutRun'. No plot details or potential cast members have been revealed yet. The original 'OutRun' game launched in 1986, and challenged players to dodge traffic and reach their destination before time runs out. The game pioneered a new genre of driving games, and spawned several other instalments, such as 'OutRunners' in 1993 and 'OutRun Online Arcade' in 2009. Universal's last video game films came in 2023 with 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' and 'Five Nights at Freddy's', with sequels for both titles currently in the works. 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' - which starred Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Jack Black and Anya Taylor-Joy - was based on Nintendo's beloved IP of the same name, and followed Mario and his brother Luigi as they tried to save Princess Peach from the evil clutches of Bowser and protect Mushroom Kingdom. Previously, Keegan-Michael Key - who portrayed Toad in the film - teased 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' sequel will have some 'really deep cuts' for fans. He told Men's Journal: 'One thing I can say about the second movie is that it's a little broader in scope, and where it takes place is very intriguing lore and the Mario world. They're going to find some really fantastic Easter eggs and it's been very exciting so far. 'I feel like what they've done creatively is they've really widened out the universe that these characters live in and we're going to meet some new folks. 'We're going to meet some new folks that are old favourites and some folks that I think are really deep cuts, but because of the way the story's laying itself out right now, those characters are going to be very intriguing.' Meanwhile, 'Five Nights at Freddy's' adapted developer Scott Cawthon's 2014 indie horror game of the same name, and followed Mike Schmidt (Josh Hutcherson) who gets roped into working as a security guard at the long-abandoned Freddy Fazbear's Pizza, only for him to discover the old animatronics come to life at night - and have violent intentions. The movie - which also starred Matthew Lillard and Elizabeth Lail - is set to get a sequel later this year, and Hutcherson promised 'Five Nights at Freddy's 2' would be 'bigger' and 'scarier' than its predecessor. He told Esquire: 'There's more animatronics being brought in, different animatronics being brought in, and the world just opens up in a big way. 'We're finding the balance right now of building this world and expanding it in a really cool way but also making sure the characters stay really grounded.'
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Michael Bay to Direct Sydney Sweeney-Produced ‘OutRun' Video Game Movie
Michael Bay is set to direct and produce an upcoming film for Universal based on Sega's hit 1986 arcade driving game 'OutRun,' with Sydney Sweeney also attached to produce. Bay, who last directed the action thriller 'Ambulance' for Universal, will produce alongside Brad Fuller through their production company Platinum Dunes as part of a first-look deal with Universal. Plot details are being kept under wraps for the film, which will be written by Jayson Rothwell ('Arachnid'). Toru Nakahara, who was a producer for Sega on Paramount's 'Sonic the Hedgehog' films, will also produce alongside Sweeney and Bay. Sega President/COO Shuji Utsumi will oversee the project on behalf of the company. Released in arcades in November 1986, 'OutRun' became the highest grossing arcade cabinet in the U.S. and Japan the following year. It was praised for pushing the boundaries of driving video games with its efforts to replicate the skills required of actual race car driving, becoming a precursor for later driving game franchises like 'Ridge Racer,' 'Gran Turismo' and 'Forza Motorsport.' But the series has been dormant for the past 15 years, with its last installment being 'OutRun Online Arcade' for the Xbox 360 in 2009. 'OutRun' becomes the latest video game franchise swept up in Hollywood's bid for new IP. Universal has been at the forefront of the video game boom thanks to the record setting $1.4 billion success of 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie,' which has a sequel out next year, and the low budget success of Blumhouse's 'Five Nights at Freddy's,' which also gets a sequel this December. Bay is represented by Rich Cook at Range Media Partners. Sweeney is represented by Paradigm, imPRint and Stewart Brookman at Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, etc. Rothwell is represented by Cliff Roberts at Syndicate Entertainment, and Austin Williams at Sloan Offer Weber & Dern. Universal's Executive Vice President of Production Development Matt Reilly and Senior Vice President of Production Development Ryan Jones will oversee the project for the Studio. The post Michael Bay to Direct Sydney Sweeney-Produced 'OutRun' Video Game Movie appeared first on TheWrap.
