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Korea Herald
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Why 'My Daughter is a Zombie' could be summer's pleasant surprise
A feel-good zombie comedy juggles horror, heart and humor with dexterity Korean cinema showed up fashionably late to the zombie party. But when it finally arrived with 2016's "Train to Busan," it more than proved it could hold its own. Now we're dealing with an even quirkier subspecies: The so-called zom-com, a hybrid genre as awkwardly constructed as its shambling subjects. From cult favorites like "Shaun of the Dead" to "Warm Bodies" and "Zombieland," this mash-up of horror and comedy has staked out real cinematic territory — one that turns blood-soaked chaos into unexpected belly laughs. Korea's earliest foray into this space might be 2019's "Zombie for Sale," which spun the undead into a get-rich-quick scheme gone predictably sideways. Enter "My Daughter is a Zombie," based on the popular webtoon of the same name. It takes the zom-com formula one step further by throwing earnest family melodrama into an already volatile mix. The story centers on Jung-hwan (Jo Jung-seok), a zookeeper and devoted single father raising his teenage daughter Soo-ah (Choi Yu-ri) through the familiar turbulence of adolescence. She's got the classic puberty playbook on display — rolling her eyes at her dad, brushing off his well-meaning questions, and delivering dry comebacks with teenaged flair. Their occasional moments of connection come through a shared love of dance. Jung-hwan, once an aspiring performer, now bonds with his daughter by helping her rehearse K-pop routines for her school talent show — including, rather quaintly, BoA's 2002 hit 'Number One.' But the everyday bickering comes to a halt when the zombie apocalypse strikes. The two watch in disbelief as their neighbors begin devouring each other in the street — mistaking the carnage at first for passionate lovemaking. The reality hits when a zombified neighbor crashes through their apartment window, and emergency broadcasts confirm their worst fears. Jung-hwan grabs Soo-ah and makes a run for his mother's home in the countryside, but the escape takes a devastating turn when Soo-ah is bitten during their frantic getaway. Despite its sunny title and cartoonish promotional materials, "My Daughter is a Zombie" doesn't shy away from legitimate horror tropes. Soo-ah's transformation sequence is surprisingly intense — bulging veins, clouded pupils, basically the full undead makeover. After a chaotic slapstick scuffle in the car that ends with Jung-hwan knocking his daughter unconscious, he straps her in and speeds toward his hometown, dodging military helicopters and roadblocks along the way. Once they arrive at grandmother Bam-soon's (Lee Jung-eun) house, Jung-hwan tries to keep the truth under wraps. But when Bam-soon discovers her granddaughter's condition, she's more irritated than alarmed. Wielding a wooden back scratcher like a weapon and armed with a sharp tongue, she instantly asserts dominance. The zombified Soo-ah, cowed by her grandmother's presence, behaves like a scolded puppy. Still, the question lingers: What now? After agonizing over whether to put his daughter down, Jung-hwan starts noticing glimmers of humanity in her behavior. Most strikingly, Soo-ah responds to familiar K-pop songs — reflexively moving through bits of choreography. Encouraged by a dubious YouTube clip suggesting that memory triggers can reverse zombie symptoms, Jung-hwan launches a desperate, increasingly bonkers rehabilitation mission: Retraining his daughter like one of the animals at his zoo. He's soon joined by childhood friend Dong-bae (Yoon Kyung-ho), a well-meaning but somewhat hapless pharmacist who offers comic relief and steady support. Things grow more complicated when Jung-hwan crosses paths with his childhood crush Yeon-hwa (Cho Yeo-jeong), now a middle school teacher. Yeon-hwa, still traumatized by her own zombie-related past, is now a militant anti-undead crusader determined to stamp out any infected survivors. As suspicions grow and the authorities close in, Jung-hwan is forced to go to greater lengths to shield Soo-ah — while confronting long-buried family rifts along the way. At its core, "My Daughter is a Zombie" traffics primarily in anodyne feel-good vibes, following a predictable emotional arc that trades logic for crowd-pleasing sentiment. It isn't chasing profound insights into humanity — and to its credit, it doesn't pretend otherwise. Its shortcomings are fairly easy to spot: The film occasionally loses momentum in meandering slice-of-life interludes that feel more like a webcomic vignette than a feature film. And for a film billing itself as a comedy, the humor can be hit-or-miss — the slapstick is plentiful, but not always sharp. Still, it would be a mistake to dismiss the film outright. Some movies manage to transform their clunkiness into charm, and "My Daughter is a Zombie" comes close to hitting that sweet spot. The key lies in its bold tonal shifts — gripping suspense undercut by slapstick gags, gut-punch drama interrupted by biting one-liners — which sound ridiculous on paper but click in practice. In an early escape sequence, Jung-hwan and Soo-ah avoid detection by mimicking zombie movements through dance — a stunt so over-the-top it becomes unexpectedly delightful. Elsewhere, a tense debate over whether to mercy-kill Soo-ah is derailed by a cultural in-joke about MBTI personality types. These sharp left turns, rather than feeling disjointed, become part of the film's distinct comic rhythm. And when the film drops the comedy to lean into sincerity — especially in its audacious finale — it does so with just enough conviction to land the emotional payoff. Much of this tonal balancing act works because of the cast. Jo Jung-seok, a reliable box office draw ("Pilot" drew 4.7 million viewers; "Exit" pulled in 9.4 million), is in his element here. As the awkward but fiercely loving father, he moves fluidly between goofball gags and gut-punch emotion, grounding the film even in its wildest moments. Lee Jung-eun is equally convincing as Bam-soon, delivering a mix of crusty wit and tough love that's both hilarious and oddly touching — much of it reportedly improvised. And 16-year-old Choi Yu-ri gives a breakthrough performance, managing to project both feral intensity and lingering innocence from beneath layers of prosthetic makeup. Her zombie Soo-ah is part monster, part misbehaving pet — and somehow, still heartbreakingly human. Will "My Daughter is a Zombie" defy expectations and become one of the summer's surprise hits? While it's far from a genre reinvention, it's hard not to root for it. At a time when high-budget blockbusters are tanking one after another, a modest film with genuine laughs and heartfelt moments might be exactly what audiences need. "My Daughter is a Zombie" hits theaters July 30.
See - Sada Elbalad
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Nick Frost Transforms into Hagrid in New Look at HBO's "Harry Potter" Series
Yara Sameh Fresh off HBO's announcement that its upcoming 'Harry Potter' series has officially begun production — and the debut of newcomer Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter — the network has revealed the first image of Nick Frost as the lovable half-giant. The 'Shaun of the Dead' and 'Hot Fuzz' actor follows in the footsteps of Robbie Coltrane, who played Hogwarts' gamekeeper and groundskeeper in all eight of the 'Harry Potter' films. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HBO Max (@hbomax) Production on Season 1 of the series began on Monday at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the U.K. and is expected to last until the spring of 2026. Alongside McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton stars as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The young golden trio were selected from more than 30,000 actors who auditioned in a casting call last fall. The cast also includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown, Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge. Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley and Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley. Additional names revealed on Monday were Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch, and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander. The series will debut in 2027 on HBO and HBO Max where available and is led by showrunner and writer Francesca Gardiner ('His Dark Materials,' 'Killing Eve') and director Mark Mylod ('Succession'). Gardiner and Mylod are executive producing alongside series author J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and TV, and David Heyman of Heyday Films. The 'Harry Potter' series is being made by HBO in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream
Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Harry Potter series: Nick Frost's first look as Hagrid revealed; fans say, ‘Looking horrible'
HBO has unveiled the first look of Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid in the highly anticipated Harry Potter series. The reveal follows the network's recent announcement that production is officially underway. Before Hagrid, HBO had shared the first look of newcomer Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter. The character of Hagrid, originally portrayed by the late Robbie Coltrane in the film franchise, will now be played by Frost, best known for his roles in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. In the still, Nick Frost is seen wearing Hagrid's iconic shaggy coat, along with his wild beard and unkempt hair. However, Frost's first look received a mixed response. Many fans expressed disappointment, saying they couldn't see the actor as a fitting choice for Hogwarts' loyal gamekeeper. Additionally, several users voiced dissatisfaction with the casting choice for Snape in the upcoming series. Check out the look: A post shared by HBO Max (@hbomax) A fan wrote, 'I love Nick Frost and he's a great choice for this role. But… the wig and beard look very unnatural. Makeup artists needs a bit more work on this. It's a bit cosplaylike.' 'I don't know why but what ever pics they are sharing of casts looks like AI. is it just me or you all also felt like that??' another person questioned. A comment read, 'Every photo that comes out just looks like the actor doing a Halloween costume of a movie character we already have seen and love.' 'Such a good casting! Except for Snape… it's going to be soooo distracting,' a disappointed fan wrote. The gentle giant of the wizarding world, Hagrid, has long been a fan-favourite character in J.K. Rowling's magical universe. The shooting for season one of the web series started on Monday at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the U.K. and is expected to go on until spring next year.
Newsweek
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
'Harry Potter' Reboot Reveals First Look at Hagrid
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Production on the "Harry Potter" reboot series is under way at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the U.K. and we're starting to finally get to see some of the cast in full costume as their iconic characters. Today the series released a shot of Nick Frost as the half-giant Rubeus Hagrid. You can see Frost in costume below. First look at Nick Frost as Hagrid in the 'HARRY POTTER' TV series. — DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 15, 2025 Among other things, Hagrid is the gameskeeper of Hogwarts and the Care of Magical Creatures professor. A beloved figure in "Harry Potter," he is also the man who first transports the eponymous hero away from his cruel stepfamily and lets him know about his mystical heritage. Read More: First Look at the New Harry Potter Revealed Frost has big shoes to fill. In the films, Hagrid was played by the late Robbie Coltrane. Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid. Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid. Warner Bros Rumors began swirling about Frost taking over the role of Hagrid in March, fueled by the "Shaun of the Dead" star following confirmed "Harry Potter" series regulars like John Lithgow on social media. Just before Frost's part was publicly confirmed, he posted a selfie on Instagram captioned with, "It's happening, it's actually happening. Stay cool." The reveal of Frost in costume follows the reveal yesterday of Dominic McLaughlin in full Hogwarts regalia as Harry Potter himself. The picture of McLaughlin came along with the announcement that more cast members had been recruited for the series: Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch, and Anton Lesser as Ollivander. The rest of the cast includes Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, Luke Thallon as Professor Quirinus Quirrell, Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape. Like the first movie released in 2001, the first season of "Harry Potter" will adapt the first novel in the series, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." More TV: 'Scrubs' Reboot Confirmed at ABC 'Dexter: Resurrection' Early Reviews Are Overwhelmingly One-Sided
Express Tribune
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Hagrid's look revealed in HBO's new Harry Potter series
HBO has officially unveiled its new Rubeus Hagrid: Nick Frost. The Shaun of the Dead star will portray the gentle half-giant in the upcoming Harry Potter series, which began production this week and is scheduled to debut in 2027. Frost follows the late Robbie Coltrane, who famously played the Hogwarts groundskeeper across all eight original films. In the newly released first-look image, Frost embraces Hagrid's rugged charm and towering presence, complete with the signature wild hair and warm demeanour that made the character a fan favourite. He joins a fresh cast led by newcomer Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, with Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The trio were selected from a massive audition process that saw over 30,000 young actors try out for the iconic roles. The series promises to be a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling's books, unfolding over multiple seasons with a new cast and creative team. Frost's casting as Hagrid has sparked intrigue, especially given his reputation for blending heart and humour in past roles. His presence may bring a slightly more comedic, yet heartfelt tone to the character. The show is being produced by HBO in partnership with Warner Bros. Television and remains one of the most anticipated releases of the decade. Details on other characters and plot specifics remain under wraps, but early signs suggest a bold new chapter in the Wizarding World. Harry Potter fans will have to wait until 2027, but with casting revelations like Frost's, excitement is already brewing.
