Latest news with #TheFastandtheFurious'
New Straits Times
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 'Impak Maksima' returns with a bang
THEY call it Malaysia's answer to 'The Fast and the Furious' film series, but director Dr Ahmad Idham Ahmad Nadzri's 'Impak Maksima' series is an entirely homegrown adrenaline-pumping adventure on roads and highways. Having debuted in 2007 as 'Impak Maksima', the original "drift movie" with lots of explosive motor racing, as well as dramatic fight sequences, is back with a bang as a long-awaited sequel 18 years in the making on July 17. ISKANDAR PUTERI At the redent preview of 'Impak Maksima 2 at GSC Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur, Ahmad Idham said that the sequel, which was filmed over two months beginning December last year, features "a lot more high-speed action" in more scenic locations around Malaysia. "Unlike the first movie, where all the action was centred in the Klang Valley, this time we've also filmed in Iskandar Puteri, Johor Baru and Melaka. "And in all locations, there is a fair share of high-speed action." CITY HALL Ahmad Idham thanked the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Melaka Historical City Council (MBMB), Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) and Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) for greatly assisting his crew throughout filming. "'Impak Maksima 2' has nearly 1,000 cars of various types. It's a story with both style and substance," he said. 'Impak Maksima 2' features a cast of veteran actors paired with new performers. From the first movie comes Zul Huzaimy Marzuki, Datuk Seri Eizlan Yusof, Dynas Mokhtar, Riezman Khuzaimi, and Opie Zamie, and they are joined by newcomers Arfie Shah, Nelissa Nizam, Muhsin Nadzli, Fad Bocey, Riena Amirah and Man Raja Lawak. CAPTIVATING Ahmad Idham said the main challenge he faced was to ensure that 'Impak Maksima 2' was more captivating than 'Impak Maksima'. "To do this, my creative team and I promoted lots of scenes and behind-the-scenes gimmicks on social media, and this bold approach has been very effective." MCO Ahmad Idham said that 'Impak Maksima' became popular among first-time viewers during the 2020 Movement Control Order (MCO), and this was the "surest sign" that 'Impak Maksima 2' had to be made. "The MCO slowed things down, but I'm glad that we've completed 'Impak Maksima 2' before the first movie's 20th birthday," he said. Eizlan said that he was happy that the racing scenes were a lot better, with the use of state-of-the-art photography which enabled lots of aerial shots. "Joe is once again the father figure of the movie, but this time his protege is Rudy," he said. SUBDUED Zul Huzaimy said: "While Ray is still menacing, he is a little more subdued this time. Nevertheless, he is still determined to seek revenge against his old enemy, Joe." Arfie, who is working with Ahmad Idham for the first time, said that it was his dream come true to collaborate with the director, as well as Eizlan and Zul Huzaimy. "When I was much younger, I fell in love with 'Impak Maksima' and watched it repeatedly, until I memorised its characters' lines," he said. COMIC Fad, who is also a fan of the first movie, said that he was honoured to work with the main cast, especially Eizlan. "My character Naim provides comic relief, nevertheless, he is an unsung hero who helps Rudy a lot." Nelissa said that it was her first action movie, and she was honoured to be part of it. "I'm not a motor racing enthusiast, but I've always wanted to star in a movie that's about motorsports and loyalty among friends." POLICE In 'Impak Maksima 2', Joe (Eizlan) owns a motorsport centre called APDCREW Circuit in Selangor. One day, Joe is visited by Rudy (Arfie), who is the nephew of his old acquaintance in Johor Baru, ASP Maria (Dynas). Rudy often gets involved in illegal racing and is arrested by the police. Maria understands that Rudy is rebelling against his mother, who disagrees with him continuing his studies in the automotive field. Maria agrees to support Rudy's passion for motorsports on the condition that he works with Joe's company to receive professional guidance. At APDCREW, Rudy proves to be a disciplined employee, and gradually begins to excel in motorsports. Rudy, who helps manage the arena, becomes best friends with Naim (Fad) the spare parts specialist and Puteri (Riena Amirah), Joe's sister and assistant. Here, he gets to know Rio (Muhsin Nadzli), who takes drift classes and hangs out with his wealthy friends, as well as his girlfriend Gia (Nelissa). DRAWN While Rudy keeps his distance from Rio, Gia soon breaks up with her boyfriend and is drawn to him. As a result, Rio challenges Rudy to a race, and he is encouraged by his mentor Ray (Zul Huzaimy), who is also Gia's elder brother.
New York Post
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Jordana Brewster just bought a $12M NYC apartment
Actress Jordana Brewster and her financier husband Mason Morfit have just bought a $12 million Park Avenue apartment, Gimme Shelter has learned. The purchase comes via The Nikki Munson Trust, named after one of her popular characters, Nikki Munson, in the soap opera series 'As the World Turns.' The family-sized apartment, at 730 Park Ave., comes with four bedrooms and 4.5 baths. Born in Panama City, Brewster shares two children with her first husband, Andrew Form. She married Morfit in 2022. Last year, Brewster — best known for her role as Mia Toretto in 'The Fast and the Furious' franchise — opened up to People about having her two children via surrogate, and being a part of a blended family; Morfit has four children of his own. Advertisement 3 Jordana Brewster. WireImage 3 Brewster made the purchase in a trust whose name matches one of her most famous characters. Getty Images The sellers are Motoko Sakurai, the CEO of the jewelry brand, Catbird, and Harry Taylor, managing director of TA Associates, which invests in software companies. They bought the co-op for $7.8 million in 2019, according to property records. The home first hit the market for $11 million in 2016. It was last asking $12.5 million with Corcoran's Scott Stewart. Advertisement The renovated 4,300-square-foot dwelling has been featured in Architectural Digest Italia. It opens from a private elevator landing into a marble-floored foyer that leads to a corner great room primed for entertaining — with a bar area and three sitting spaces. The great room is a combination of the original living room and a library, flanked by two marble-clad woodburning fireplaces, and six sets of large windows with views over Madison Avenue to Central Park. 3 The ornate exterior of the building. Stephen Yang Advertisement Also impressive: a formal dining room that seats 12 to 14 guests framed by a large picture window overlooking East 71st Street. The oversize chef's kitchen comes with custom cabinetry and a hidden coffee station, along with an eat-in area. The main bedroom boasts pocket doors, moldings and oak floors, along with a sitting area-equipped sun room. Built in 1928, the 20-story building was designed in a neo-Renaissance and neo-Jacobean style by architect Lafayette A. Goldstone. It converted to co-ops in 1945.
USA Today
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Judge dismisses multiple claims in Vin Diesel sex abuse lawsuit from ex-assistant
Judge dismisses multiple claims in Vin Diesel sex abuse lawsuit from ex-assistant Show Caption Hide Caption Elon Musk faces allegations of workplace harassment at SpaceX Elon Musk has been accused of pursuing sexual relationships with women at SpaceX, including a former intern 20 years his junior. unbranded - Newsworthy Over a year after Vin Diesel was sued by a former assistant, who accused him of wrongful termination and sexual assault, the judge in the case is dismissing some of its most potent claims. In a tentative ruling on June 3, Judge Daniel M. Crowley agreed to dismiss four different claims of harassment made by Diesel's former employee Asta Jonasson. Jonasson, who originally sued the actor in December 2023, has alleged he sexually assaulted her in the fall of 2010 during the filming of "Fast Five," the fifth installment of his brand-making "Fast and Furious" franchise. She was then unceremoniously fired, she alleges, a claim that lies at the center of the parts of the lawsuit Crowley opted to dismiss. USA TODAY has reached out to lawyers for both Diesel and Jonasson for comment. 'The Fast and the Furious' turns 20: Vin Diesel recalls fixing Paul Walker's 'goofy lines' A technical rather than substantive error, Crowley ruled that because Jonasson levied her claims under California's Fair Employment and Housing Act, she would have been required to file a complaint with the state's Civil Rights Division within a certain time frame. She would have had to file the complaint within a year of the incident, a deadline which came and went in 2011, Crowley wrote, calling it an "incurable procedural defect" that required he dismiss Jonasson's claims of a hostile work environment, discrimination, retaliation and a failure to prevent harassment on the part of Diesel and his company. While this week's ruling notches a small win for the action star, he will continue to face Jonasson's six other allegations, which include accusations of sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Vin Diesel to stay with 'Fast and Furious' franchise after sexual assault lawsuit What is Vin Diesel accused of? According to the original lawsuit, Jonasson was hired by Diesel's production company, One Race (also named in the suit), to work for him in various capacities, including accompanying the actor to parties and ensuring she was nearby in photos if the actor attended events without his longtime girlfriend. After a late night in September 2010, Jonasson's lawyers allege she was asked to wait for Diesel in his suite at the St. Regis hotel while he entertained hostesses from a club. When the women left, Diesel grabbed Jonasson's wrists and pulled her onto the bed, according to the lawsuit. She escaped and asked Diesel to leave, but he allegedly began to grope her breasts, kiss her chest and run his hands along her waist and upper legs, including her inner thighs. Jonasson was afraid to "forcibly refuse her superior" for her personal safety and job security, but after Diesel moved to pull down her underwear, Jonasson screamed and ran down a hallway. According to the lawsuit, Diesel pinned her to the wall and placed her hand on his genitals and then masturbated, while "terrified, Ms. Jonasson closed her eyes, trying to dissociate from the sexual assault and avoid angering him," according to the suit. Hours later, Diesel's sister and president of One Race, Samantha Vincent, called Jonasson to fire her after fewer than two weeks on the job, the suit says. Though Jonasson signed a nondisclosure agreement when she accepted the position, she was able to file the claims because of the Speak Out Act, which prevents the enforcement of nondisclosure agreements in instances of sexual assault and assault and harassment, and California's AB2777, which temporarily waives statutes of limitations for sexual abuse allegations occurring in 2009 or later. Contributing: Melissa Ruggieri, Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support to survivors and their loved ones in English and Spanish at: (4673) and and en Español
New York Times
29-01-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Stream These Movies and TV Shows Before They Leave Netflix in February
The highlights of this month's Netflix departures are a star-studded bunch, with memorable turns by Chadwick Boseman, Russell Crowe, Vin Diesel, Kirsten Dunst, Mia Goth, Jake Gyllenhaal, Ryan Gosling, Chris Hemsworth and others. And catch two great 'Office'-adjacent comedy series of recent years before they leave. (Dates reflect the final day titles are available and are subject to change.) 'Run All Night' (Feb. 1) Stream it here. Between their collaborations on the airplane thriller 'Non-Stop' and the train thriller 'The Commuter,' Liam Neeson and the director Jaume Collet-Serra teamed up for this taut action flick, which basically amounts to 'Taken' but set in New York with gangsters. Neeson plays an ex-hit man for the Irish Mob who puts his life and that of his estranged son (Joel Kinnaman) in danger when he kills his boss's trigger-happy offspring. Ed Harris is electrifying as the boss, instilling genuine fear with even his offhand gestures; Vincent D'Onofrio shines as a police detective; and Common is ferocious as a fellow hired gun. Neeson, meanwhile, sneaks in some real acting between the punches. 'The Fast and the Furious' Collection (Feb. 11) Stream it here. These early entries in one of the most lucrative and durable of all modern action franchises offer up a fascinating lesson in cinematic evolution and adaptation. The initial outing, 'The Fast and the Furious' (2001), was a fairly straightforward 'Point Break' riff with Paul Walker as a cop who goes undercover in the Los Angeles street racing subculture to bust a petty thief (Vin Diesel) and gets too close for comfort with him and his crew (which also included Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster). Two years later, Walker returned in '2 Fast 2 Furious,' but his chemistry with Diesel was sorely missing, and the 2006 spinoff 'The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift' took the series further afield. But the four principles returned for 'Fast & Furious' (2009; not on Netflix) and solidified the series's new friskier style in the bone-crunching, physics-defying heist spectacles 'Fast Five' and 'Fast & Furious 6.' 'Blackhat' (Feb. 15) Stream it here. The director Michael Mann, always on the cutting edge, wrote and directed this 2015 cyber-thriller about a convicted hacker (Chris Hemsworth) who is offered his freedom if he can help an F.B.I. team track down a dangerous cybercriminal. The plot doesn't entirely hold together, and Hemsworth's casting is a touch hard to swallow. But Mann's distinctive and unmatched style more than holds 'Blackhat' together. And the considerable chemistry of Hemsworth and his character's romantic interest, played by Tang Wei, keeps the sparks flying. 'Pearl' (Feb. 15) Stream it here. The second, and finest, of the three collaborations between the writer-director Ti West and the actress Mia Goth (preceded by 'X' and followed by 'Maxxxine') is this 2022 period thriller, telling the origin story of the psychotic old woman played by Goth in 'X.' We meet the title character in 1918, isolating on her family's Texas farm during the Spanish flu pandemic, awaiting the return of her husband from World War I. But Pearl needs attention and affirmation, and she decides she wants to be a movie star — no matter what it takes. West's supersaturated photography and classical style recall the Golden Age of Hollywood melodrama, while his sly script both deploys and subverts the conventions of contemporary horror. 'Southpaw' (Feb. 20) Stream it here. Jake Gyllenhaal is startlingly convincing as a professional boxer whose life and career are turned upside-down in this sports drama from the director Antoine Fuqua ('Training Day'). Gyllenhaal, whose months of transformative training for the role pay off big onscreen, plays the character's cockiness and fall from grace with equal authenticity, while Rachel McAdams makes the most of her few scenes, and Forest Whitaker transcends the clichés of the crusty, seen-it-all corner man. Most of the narrative will be plenty familiar to sports film fans, but Gyllenhaal's towering performance and Fuqua's attentiveness to detail keep 'Southpaw' from feeling too shopworn. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
