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Cosmopolitan
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
Is ‘Weapons' Based on a True Story?
For a story about 17 kids who disappear from their homes in the middle of the night, it feels silly to ask is this real? Well it would, if not for the opening lines of Weapons, 'this is a true story.' That narration comes from the voice of a little girl and gives urban legend. It's a clever trick by writer-director Zach Cregger, who knows exactly what those words do to an audience. But even with that, Weapons is not a documentary. Warning: Spoilers ahead! With a nearly perfect Rotten Tomato score, Weapons follows a small town's unraveling after 17 children vanish in the middle of the night. The film's structure borrows from the 'multi-perspective' tradition, hopping between the viewpoints of a guilt-ridden teacher (Julia Garner), a grieving father (Josh Brolin), a conflicted small-town cop, and the lone child who stayed behind. Though it feels like a ripped-from-the-headlines drama, there is no sleepy Pennsylvania town called Maybrook, no real-life witch named Gladys who lured children into her basement, no 2:17 a.m. mass exodus of elementary schoolers into the night. Still, while the events are made up, the emotional backbone is real. Cregger has said that the initial spark for Weapons came after the sudden death of his friend and Whitest Kids U' Know collaborator Trevor Moore in 2021. Grief and the strange, suspended reality it creates is a driving force in the story. The missing children, the fractured families, the town slowly turning on itself is all filtered through that lens of personal loss. So no, Weapons is not based on a real-life case. There's no crime to solve, no cold files to pull from. But it's also not pure invention. It's a work of fiction anchored by very real feelings of grief, paranoia, and the fear that the people you love can vanish in an instant. That might be why the 'true story' line sticks. It's not true in the journalistic sense, but it's true in the way a ghost story can be—emotionally real and spiritually credible. That said, Weapons also works as a shadow commentary on America's ongoing gun violence epidemic, particularly the impact of school shootings on communities. At least that's what an English teacher would glean. There is familiarity in the imagery of empty desks, grieving parents, and teachers grappling with guilt. In Weapons, the children aren't victims of bullets but of an otherworldly predator. Yet the emotional landscape– the collective trauma, the search for someone to blame, the helplessness in the face of an unthinkable event—mirrors the reality many communities face after mass violence. Cregger never names this parallel outright, but it's there in the DNA of the movie. The different perspectives—teacher, parent, police—map neatly onto the roles we see dissected in media coverage after school shootings. By framing the horror as supernatural, Weapons creates enough distance for the audience to engage without shutting down, while still confronting the same core fears. Slay, Zach.
Buzz Feed
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Polarizing Movies Opinion Poll
These quizzes are gonna help me find out your taste in movies. Some were loved by critics and hated by the general public, some were the opposite, and some are considered the best films of all time. But do you agree? Your opinion is the only one that matters to me. ❤️ These 19 "Bad" Movies Are Hated By Critics But Loved By Everyone Else — I'm Curious Who You Agree With Sometimes critics just hate fun, but that doesn't have to be you. Take the quiz here. These 17 Popular Movies Are Famously "Hated," And These 19 Bad Movies Are Secretly "Loved" — But I Want To Know Your Thoughts It'll surprise you to see how polarizing some of these movies are, but you can settle the debate once and for all. Take the quiz here. People Are Naming The Most Beloved Movies Of All Time, And I'm Nodding Along To Every Single One X user @CoreyAtad once said, "someone should make a movie everyone likes," and the internet responded with their picks. Do you agree with them? Take the quiz here. These 36 Movies Have A 99% Rotten Tomato Score — How Many Have You Seen? Finally, here are a bunch of movies that critics think are basically perfect, but have you seen them? If nothing else, they'll make a good addition to your watchlist. Take the quiz here.
Daily Mirror
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
The Naked Gun movie branded 'buffoonery' as others hail reboot as 'masterclass'
Film critics provide reviews of Naked Gun remake following the success of the original film starring Leslie Nielsen who played the legendary Frank Drebin Ahead of it's release, the remake of Naked Gun had a lot to live up to considering the original, starring Leslie Nielsen, became a cult classic across the world. But it looks as though Liam Neeson's who plays Frank Drebin Jnr, who is on a mission to solve a murder to halt the closure of the police department, has nailed it. The crime comedy film has garnered rave reviews by film critics on Rotten Tomato as it successfully introduces "deadpan buffoonery", while feeding in a gripping plot. One critic wrote: "Director Akiva Schaffer and his co-writers, Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, get to the heart of the humor in a non-ironic, non-revisionist fashion." A writer from the New York Times penned: "As the movie continues, though, [Neeson] adds emotional texture to the character and another, somewhat similar yet also different-enough Frank Drebin emerges." It comes after one Top Gear host admitted he 'never got along' with Jeremy Clarkson as he made a bold statement. Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones split as he joins a notorious dating app on a lads' holiday Taylor Swift sparks engagement rumours as fans spot Travis Kelce's lock screen Meanwhile another critic for The Times added: "See it with an audience, and experience the rare and wonderful pleasure of a crowd scrambling to keep up with one of the stupidest films it's ever seen." And a fourth person said: "So dense with jokes, gags and references to noir tropes and cop shows that it is impossible to clock them all on a single viewing." Meanwhile a fourth person added: "Reviving a cult classic like The Naked Gun is a bit like bringing slapstick to a funeral — gutsy, awkward, and, when done right, oddly cathartic. Director Schaffer attempts just that, blending puns, parodies, and pop culture into a screwball cocktail... " And it seems the sentiments of the critics is also echoed among fans of the film. One person said: "A funny movie that delivered what was advertised!" A second said: "loved this film. Silly and refreshing. Liam and Pam are awesome together." And a third added: "If you a fan of the originals will enjoy this. Classic Naked Gun humor gotta always be paying attention." Aside from the success of the film another talking point among fans is the chemistry between Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson. In an interview with People magazine, Liam, 73, candidly confessed to being "madly in love" with the mum of two. At the time, he told the publication: "With Pamela, first off, I'm madly in love with her." He added: "She's just terrific to work with. I can't compliment her enough, I'll be honest with you. No huge ego. She just comes in to do the work. She's funny and so easy to work with. She's going to be terrific in the film." And in response to his comments, Pamela who was formerly a pin up girl following her lengthy stint on nineties TV show Baywatch, claimed that he was "the perfect gentleman". She added: "He brings out the best in you…with respect, kindness, and depth of experience. It was an absolute honor to work with him." And while the couple have been careful to only discuss their work life, Pamela let slip their relationship spilled over into their personal life as she even cooked for him. In May, she revealed: "I also baked my sourdough bread for therapy and regularly shared with him, along with cookies and muffins."
Metro
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
8 of Netflix's best 90-minute movies for when you're short on time
Sophie-May Williams Published May 23, 2025 10:21am Link is copied Comments What do films like Oppenheimer, The Irishman and The Wolf of Wall Street all have in common? As well as all achieving huge success, they also run for three hours or longer. Granted, we all love an occasional sofa sesh with popcorn, hot chocolates and hours-long binges, but sometimes we just haven't got the time. Instead, a 90-minute or so film will do - long enough to get hooked in but short enough that it doesn't take up the whole evening. Luckily, Netflix has got plenty of these, ranging from comedy to drama and everything in between, so there's something for everyone. Looking for your next quick film fix? Here are eight of the best 90-minute movies for when you're short on time… (Picture: Getty Images) Jake Gyllenhaal and Riley Keough star in this crime thriller that follows a police officer who has been demoted to a 911 operator. During one of his emergency calls, he speaks to a kidnapped woman and tries to save her. Bang on 90 minutes, and the suspense is real... Rotten Tomato rating: 74% (Picture: Netflix) Bad Trip is a hidden camera comedy film where two best friends, Chris and Bud, embark on a road trip and pull hilarious and creative pranks on the public. From a fake robbery to stolen police cars, its tongue-in-cheek humour that lasts for an easy 84 minutes. Rotten Tomato rating: 80% (Picture: Netflix) Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler star as husband and wife duo Nick and Audrey Spitz. During the first film, they take a trip to Europe where they're accidentally framed for the murder of an elderly billionaire. The second instalment sees them in action after the launch of their own detective agency, where they find themselves at the centre of another investigation after their friend is abducted. The first film is 97 minutes while number two is a shorter 89 minutes. They're fun, easy watches, albeit not critically acclaimed. Rotten Tomato rating: 43% & 46% (Picture: Netflix) Fancy some horror and drama mixed into one? Windfall is the perfect choice. It follows a burglar who breaks into a tech billionaire's empty holiday home, but unbeknownst to him, the businessman and his wife are planning a last-minute weekend trip. Fast-paced and fierce, this film comes with a 92-minute run-time. Rotten Tomato rating: 59% (Picture: Netflix) Lindsay Lohan is Maddie, a book editor who falls in love with her client, Paul Kennedy. However, he falls in love with her best friend Emma and the pair get engaged. While in Ireland for the wedding, Maddie makes a wish for true love, and wakes up the next morning as the bride-to-be. Short and sweet, Irish Wish runs for 94 minutes. Not a smash with the critics, but it dominated the Netflix charts with viewers. Rotten Tomato rating: 42% (Picture: Patrick Redmond/Netflix) Going through a break-up and need cheering up? Jen and Mel, the characters in this rom-com, have got your back. Played by Jackie van Beek and Madeleine Sami respectively, the two women befriend each other after discovering their boyfriend was cheating on them - with each other. So, they decide to set up an agency helping people to break up with their partners. This film wins the quickest run-time award, coming in at just 80 minutes, and a very high critic rating. Rotten Tomato rating: 89% (Picture: Netflix) What was supposed to be a fun weekend away in Croatia turns into the holiday from hell when Beth realises her best friend Kate is missing. Things soon get worse when Beth becomes the police's primary suspect and is accused of her murder. A nail-biting thriller at just 89 minutes? Err, yes please. Rotten Tomato rating: 41% (Picture: Ivan Šardi/Netflix) Ending with the highest-rated title. A group of teenagers living in the Bronx discover a terrifying plot to destroy their neighbourhood. The trio must work together to stop the vampires from invading and save their community. Heads up - you might want to concentrate from start to finish, as this all happens within the space of 86 minutes. Rotten Tomato rating: 90% (Picture: Jon Pack/NBC Universal) A version of this article was originally published in April 2024
Daily Mail
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Reclusive Josh Hartnett breaks social media ban after new film Fight Or Flight earns 100% Rotten Tomato score
Hollywood action star Josh Hartnett surprised fans with a rare social media appearance on Tuesday. The reclusive actor, 46, appeared in a clip shared to the official Instagram for his latest film, Fight or Flight, which has a 100% Rotten Tomato score. The Oppenheimer star — who left Los Angeles at the height of his fame due to stalking incidents — was pictured typing on the phone, his face barely visible in the lower part of the screen, with a text overlay that read: 'Me promoting my film before ghosting social media for another 10 years.' The caption of the post jokingly stated: 'when your team insists on a social media content day to promote your new film, Fight or Flight (in theaters May 9), but you don't get any of these viral trends.' Fans in the comments shared their surprise, with one writing, 'What the hell? Josh Harnett?' 'Please josh you need to come back (actually come back),' another pleaded. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fight or Flight (@fightorflightmovie) 'Oh Josh i never thought i will see this,' someone else wrote. '2035 shaking in its boots right now trying to figure out how to top that,' another joked. Hartnett plays an assassin protecting a VIP on a plane in the new thriller, which is set to hit theaters May 9th. Chaos erupts as rival assassins emerge, all vying for the same target. The film is directed by James Madigan. The cast also includes Charithra Chandran, who plays the target he's charged with protecting, as well as Julian Kostov, Katee Sackhoff and Marko Zaror. The trailer for the movie shows Hartnett rocking bleach blonde hair and sporting bruises on his face, as he spars with the other killers on board of the plane. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes have given the action movie a perfect 100% score. 'A solid bit of high-concept B-movie fun, establishing Josh Hartnett as a credible action hero, and James Madigan as a genre director to watch,' John Nugent from Empire Magazine wrote. The Oppenheimer star was pictured typing on the phone, his face barely visible in the lower part of the screen, with a text overlay that read: 'Me promoting my film before ghosting social media for another 10 years' Fans in the comments shared their surprise, with one writing, 'What the hell? Josh Harnett?' 'Fight or Flight is a bonkers action-comedy that is fun and devilishly gory enough to overlook some of its more gaping flaws, while providing Josh Hartnett with another magnetic lead turn in a script filled with chaos,' Jack Martin from Film Feeder said of the film. Donald Clarke from Irish Times added, 'This is cartoon violence at a level of savagery that might give Itchy & Scratchy pause for thought.' Before taking on his latest role, Hartnett played a brutal serial killer dubbed 'The Butcher' in director M. Night Shyamalan's psychological thriller film Trap, which premiered last year. And the actor revealed to Entertainment Weekly that he drew acting inspiration from 'psychopaths' he's come face-to-face with in show business over the years. 'There are a lot of CEOs, politicians, people in our business… a lot of people who are at the top,' Hartnett dished. 'They don't mind stepping over people or doing horrible things to get where they're going, and not having any empathy is a pretty big sign of being a psychopath.' With these ruthless real-life people in mind, Hartnett and Shyamalan felt they could mold the perfect complex character. 'Whether or not you're murdering people, I've met people like this, you know what I mean? So it was easy to take it all a step further, make it a little bolder, and make his cover so intense,' he explained. Last year, Hartnett opened up about his exodus from Los Angeles at the height of his stardom more than two decades ago. The Minnesota native was just 19 when he arrived in Los Angeles, and quickly started landing roles, with his film debut as Laurie Strode's (Jamie Lee Curtis) son in Halloween H20: 20 Years Later. While his career skyrocketed with roles in Black Hawk Down, Pearl Harbor, 40 Days and 40 Nights and others, he moved back to his home state in the early 2000s. Now residing in England with his wife Tamsin Egerton, Hartnett opened up about his L.A. departure in an interview with The Guardian. While he said there were many factors as to why he left, a number of stalking incidents paved the way for the move. When asked if there was a certain moment that triggered the move back home, he admitted, 'People's attention to me at the time was borderline unhealthy.' When asked to elaborate, Hartnett insisted, 'Well, look, I don't want to give this a lot of weight. There were incidents. People showed up at my house. People that were stalking me.' Another scary incident involved, 'a guy showed up at one of my premieres with a gun, claiming to be my father. He ended up in prison.' Hartnett was 27 when he decided to move back to Minnesota, 19 years ago, adding, 'There were lots of things. It was a weird time. And I wasn't going to be grist for the mill.' He admitted that at the time 'I just didn't want my life to be swallowed up by my work. And there was a notion at that time you just kind of give it all up.' He added, 'And you saw what happened to some people back then. They got obliterated by it. I didn't want that for myself.' The actor and his family now live permanently in the U.K.'s Hampshire countryside. Josh and Tamsin wed in 2021.
