Latest news with #TheTown
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Netflix just got an intense crime thriller movie with Ben Affleck and Jeremy Renner — and it's an adrenaline-fueled watch
Ben Affleck might be best known to some for playing Batman, but to me, he's at his most compelling when he steps behind the camera and gives us something a little darker. Case in point: 'The Town,' a gritty Boston-set crime thriller that Affleck not only directed but also starred in, and it's just landed on Netflix U.S. Now, I'll be honest: I didn't fully appreciate this movie the first time I streamed it at home. Maybe I was expecting more action or something flashier, but rewatching it recently was different. This isn't just a heist movie but a surprisingly emotional story about loyalty, regret, and trying (and failing) to escape the life you were born into. And it's got one of Jeremy Renner's best performances ever. 'The Town' arrived alongside a wave of great crime movies, and it holds its own as a standout in the genre. Whether you missed it when it first came out or just want to experience it again with fresh eyes, now's the perfect time. Here's why this intense crime thriller deserves a spot on your Netflix watchlist. 'The Town' is set in Boston's tough Charlestown neighborhood, where bank robbery runs in the blood of many locals. The story follows Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck), a skilled and smart leader of a close-knit crew of lifelong friends who pull off daring heists. Doug has always dreamed of leaving his criminal life behind, but his loyalty to his crew, including Jem (Jeremy Renner), and the pull of his past make it difficult to break free. After a botched bank robbery, Doug unexpectedly forms a connection with Claire Keesey (Rebecca Hall), the bank manager they took hostage during the heist. As their relationship deepens, Doug finds himself torn between his life of crime and the hope for a fresh start with Claire. Meanwhile, the FBI, led by the determined agent Adam Frawley (Jon Hamm), intensifies its efforts to bring Doug and his crew down. I'll admit when I first heard about 'The Town,' I expected a high-octane heist movie packed with non-stop action and explosive shootouts. After all, it's a crime thriller set in Boston with Ben Affleck and Jeremy Renner — how could it not be? But what I got was something much more nuanced and surprisingly emotional. 'The Town' isn't just about the heists or the tension of evading the law (although that's still interesting to watch). It's about the messy fallout that comes after the adrenaline fades and the personal cost of a life lived on the edge. Instead of glorifying the gunfire and getaways, the movie zeroes in on the characters and their struggles. Doug might be a criminal mastermind, but he's also just a guy struggling with loyalty to his friends, his past, and the hope that he can make a fresh start. When he gets involved with Claire, the movie shifts gears from crime caper to emotional drama and it really works. I found myself genuinely invested in their relationship and what would come of it. The movie doesn't shy away from showing the fallout of violence, either. These characters are incredibly flawed and weighed down by guilt and fear. Jeremy Renner as Jem, the unpredictable friend who's always one step away from blowing everything up, makes those emotional moments even more intense and real. Ultimately, 'The Town' lingers long after the heists end because it's as much about the people behind the crimes as the crimes themselves. Affleck showed he's got serious chops as a director here, managing to mix intense, adrenaline-fueled moments with some really emotional storytelling. He nails the gritty Boston vibe but never loses sight of the characters and their messy relationships. Of course, I won't spoil the ending, but it's bittersweet enough to give the story meaning. Action fans won't be disappointed either. Even though it focuses more on being a character study, there are plenty of action-packed sequences (especially in the final act) that will keep you on edge. Now that 'The Town' is streaming on Netflix, it's the perfect time to give it a watch. Ben Affleck delivers a strong performance both in front of and behind the camera, crafting a story that's more than just a heist movie. 'The Town' might not be flawless, but Affleck gets a lot right especially when it comes to casting. He surrounds himself with strong actors and gives them the space to really shine. Amid the gripping action scenes, the movie also breaks the tension with some sharp, funny moments that add a bit of warmth (so it's not entirely melancholy). I'm not alone in my praise, because this thriller earned a solid score of 92% on Rotten Tomatoes back in 2010, with the site's critics consensus reading: 'Tense, smartly written, and wonderfully cast, The Town proves that Ben Affleck has rediscovered his muse — and that he's a director to be reckoned with.' If I haven't quite convinced you to watch 'The Town' on Netflix, or you're just interested in checking out some other options, here's a quick look at everything new coming to Netflix this month.
3 days ago
- Business
Concern grows over whether the Hollywood industry can survive in California
Los Angeles — For years, Phil Mangano made a good living as a film and television editor in Los Angeles. "It was just job after job after job," Mangano told CBS News. "…Very consistent work." But after Hollywood writers and actors went on monthslong strikes in 2023, production ground to a halt. California lost roughly 40,000 film and tv jobs that year alone, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "When that finally settled, we were like, OK, great, things will come back," Mangano said. "And there has been no significant increase in job opportunities." Since its peak in 2021, television production in the greater Los Angeles area has decreased by 58%, according to the nonprofit group FilmLA, which handles film permitting for the city and county of Los Angeles. The number of shoot days for television fell from 18,560 in 2021 to 7,716 in 2024. And in the first quarter of 2025, on-location production in L.A. declined by 22.4% from the same period last year, per numbers from FilmLA. "Right now, it's a triage situation. The patient is dying and you need to bring it back to life," Matthew Belloni, who covers show business for Puck News and hosts the popular podcast "The Town," told CBS News. Belloni says Hollywood productions, and hence the jobs, have gone to other U.S. states and other countries who are willing to offer generous tax incentives. "Some European countries that are offering up to 40% back on these productions," Belloni said. "And that's incredibly influential." California Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to stop the bleeding by more than doubling the state's annual film and TV tax credits from $330 million to $750 million. "Film and film making, pre and post-production, it's on life support," Newsom told reporters earlier this month. "L.A. County and L.A. city are struggling." But is the proposal too little too late? "The sad reality is that California has sat on this issue for 30 years," Belloni said. Belloni is unsure if California can provide enough tax credits to offset the high cost of working in the state. "Other jurisdictions have done their own aggressive cuts to that bureaucracy," Belloni said. "Is California willing to do that? Don't know." In the meantime, Mangano and thousands of others in Hollywood are looking for whatever work they can find. "I applied for a job at Costco a couple months ago," said Mangano, who adds that he cannot hold out "much longer." "I have a little savings left," he adds. "We're hoping that'll float us for a few more months. And then we have to start making some hard decisions…Whether or not we can keep the house." Trump says Musk is "not really leaving" as DOGE savings lag behind projections How a toddler's brave walk into the darkness to get help inspired his family California track and field final begins with new rules for transgender athletes
7 days ago
- Entertainment
‘Harry Potter' Series Is ‘Not Secretly Being Infused' With J.K. Rowling's Anti-Trans Beliefs, Says HBO Boss: ‘If You Want to Debate Her, You Can Go on Twitter'
HBO's chief content officer Casey Bloys recently appeared on 'The Town' podcast and stressed to 'Harry Potter' fans that the network's upcoming TV adaptation of J.K. Rowling's literary franchise will not be 'infused' with the author's controversial views on the transgender community. Both the network and the new 'Harry Potter' cast have received backlash for getting into business with Rowling, who continues to post what many believe are transphobic comments on X. She also uses social media to regularly troll her critics and take aim at public figures (such as slamming John Oliver's comments on trans athletes). 'The decision to be in business with J.K. Rowling is not new for us. We've been in business for 25 years,' Bloys said, nodding to the mega-successful 'Harry Potter' film franchise that spawned eight movies, grossed $7.7 billion worldwide and launched spinoffs, video games and more. More from Variety Josh Hutcherson Joins Rachel Sennott HBO Comedy Series 'Gilded Age' Sets Season 3 Release Date, HBO Drops First Teaser John Lithgow Says He 'Absolutely' Didn't Expect Any J.K. Rowling Backlash After Joining HBO's 'Harry Potter' Series: 'Why Is This a Factor?' Bloys was asked if Rowling's views on the trans community made him worried for the show, to which he continued: 'We already have a show on HBO from her called 'C.B. Strike' that we do with the BBC. It's pretty clear that those are her personal, political views. She's entitled to them. 'Harry Potter' is not secretly being infused with anything. And if you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter.' At a press event last year, Bloys told reporters that Rowling was 'very, very involved in the process selecting' showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod to lead the charge on the 'Harry Potter' TV series. He added that Rowling's anti-trans statements 'haven't affected the casting or hiring of writers or productions staff' for the show. A spokesperson for the network added in a statement to Variety at the time that Rowling's 'contribution' to the larger Warner Bros. Discovery company 'has been invaluable.' 'We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter — the heartwarming books that speak to power of friendship, resolve and acceptance,' the statement continued. 'J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.' HBO confirmed last month the first round of cast members for the new 'Harry Potter' series, including John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. Lithgow told The Times of London afterwards that he was surprised by the backlash that followed. A friend of the actor's sent him an open letter asking him to walk away from the show due to Rowling's involvement. 'I thought, 'Why is this a factor at all?' I wonder how J.K. Rowling has absorbed it,' Lithgow said. 'I suppose at a certain point I'll meet her, and I'm curious to talk to her.' When asked if the backlash has made him reconsider the role, Lithgow said, 'Oh, heavens no.' Best of Variety Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Netflix in May 2025
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
HBO Execs Defend Their Association With J.K. Rowling As New Harry Potter Series Starts Casting. There's A Lot At Stake
The world was undeniably once in love with Harry Potter. HBO hopes that it still is, despite its author's contentious opinions. The books have sold 230 million copies in the U.S. and 600 million worldwide, making it the bestselling book series of all time, according to U.S. publisher Scholastic (NASDAQ:SCHL). The Numbers show the film franchise having grossed over $9.5 billion. Now, however, the Potter brand has become a lightning rod for debate due to its author, J.K. Rowling's divisive views on transgender women. As HBO casts for the new Harry Potter series, executives have been forced to defend their decision to promote Rowling's most famous creation further. Don't Miss: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – 'The decision to be in business with J.K. Rowling is not new for us. We've been in business for 25 years,' HBO's chief content officer, Casey Bloys, said recently on 'The Town' podcast. According to Variety, HBO and the new cast members have already faced criticism for being involved with Rowling. On the podcast, Bloys was asked if he feared Rowling's trans views could affect the show's success. 'We already have a show on HBO from her called 'C.B. Strike' that we do with the BBC,' he responded, 'It's pretty clear that those are her personal, political views. She's entitled to them. 'Harry Potter' is not secretly being infused with anything. And if you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter.' Rowling's role in the new reboot is far from passive. Last year, Bloys told reporters that Rowling was 'very, very involved in the process of selecting' showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod for the new series. Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — 'We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter — the heartwarming books that speak to the power of friendship, resolve and acceptance,' an HBO statement said. 'J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.' HBO is investing heavily in the new series, which it expects to enjoy the same success as its other top-rated shows. 'You know we make shows at this scale with 'House of the Dragon,' 'Game of Thrones,'" Bloys told Deadline in March. 'I imagine it will be that scale or higher. The shorter answer is whatever it takes to make a quality show.' Deadline reported that 'House of the Dragon' cost nearly $200 million with an additional $100 million spent on a marketing campaign for its debut season — the most ever in HBO's history. HBO is clearly hoping for a big return on their investment with Harry Potter. 'We've not been shy about our excitement around Harry Potter,' David Zaslav, CEO of HBO parent Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD), told said on the company's Q4 earnings call in 2023. 'I was in London a few weeks ago with Casey [Bloys] and Channing [Dungey, chair of Warner Bros Television] and we spent some real time with J.K. and her team,' he said. 'Both sides are just thrilled to be reigniting this franchise. Our conversations were great.'The success of the 'Harry Potter and The Cursed Child' stage production saw Rowling's production company earn $10.5 million in 2023, according to Deadline. Forbes reported that the London stage show has sold over 3 million tickets, and the Broadway and Chicago shows has grossed over $250 million to date, showing the continued appetite for Potter-related entertainment. According to the Times of London's 'Rich List', Rowling is a billionaire and would be wealthier had she not given away £200 million ($267 million) of her fortune in philanthropy. Bloys told Deadline he expects the HBO series to arrive in late 2026 or early 2027. Read Next: Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:. 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. Image: Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? SCHOLASTIC (SCHL): Free Stock Analysis Report This article HBO Execs Defend Their Association With J.K. Rowling As New Harry Potter Series Starts Casting. There's A Lot At Stake originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
HBO Execs Defend Their Association With J.K. Rowling As New Harry Potter Series Starts Casting. There's A Lot At Stake
The world was undeniably once in love with Harry Potter. HBO hopes that it still is, despite its author's contentious opinions. The books have sold 230 million copies in the U.S. and 600 million worldwide, making it the bestselling book series of all time, according to U.S. publisher Scholastic (NASDAQ:SCHL). The Numbers show the film franchise having grossed over $9.5 billion. Now, however, the Potter brand has become a lightning rod for debate due to its author, J.K. Rowling's divisive views on transgender women. As HBO casts for the new Harry Potter series, executives have been forced to defend their decision to promote Rowling's most famous creation further. Don't Miss: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – 'The decision to be in business with J.K. Rowling is not new for us. We've been in business for 25 years,' HBO's chief content officer, Casey Bloys, said recently on 'The Town' podcast. According to Variety, HBO and the new cast members have already faced criticism for being involved with Rowling. On the podcast, Bloys was asked if he feared Rowling's trans views could affect the show's success. 'We already have a show on HBO from her called 'C.B. Strike' that we do with the BBC,' he responded, 'It's pretty clear that those are her personal, political views. She's entitled to them. 'Harry Potter' is not secretly being infused with anything. And if you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter.' Rowling's role in the new reboot is far from passive. Last year, Bloys told reporters that Rowling was 'very, very involved in the process of selecting' showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod for the new series. Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — 'We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter — the heartwarming books that speak to the power of friendship, resolve and acceptance,' an HBO statement said. 'J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.' HBO is investing heavily in the new series, which it expects to enjoy the same success as its other top-rated shows. 'You know we make shows at this scale with 'House of the Dragon,' 'Game of Thrones,'" Bloys told Deadline in March. 'I imagine it will be that scale or higher. The shorter answer is whatever it takes to make a quality show.' Deadline reported that 'House of the Dragon' cost nearly $200 million with an additional $100 million spent on a marketing campaign for its debut season — the most ever in HBO's history. HBO is clearly hoping for a big return on their investment with Harry Potter. 'We've not been shy about our excitement around Harry Potter,' David Zaslav, CEO of HBO parent Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD), told said on the company's Q4 earnings call in 2023. 'I was in London a few weeks ago with Casey [Bloys] and Channing [Dungey, chair of Warner Bros Television] and we spent some real time with J.K. and her team,' he said. 'Both sides are just thrilled to be reigniting this franchise. Our conversations were great.'The success of the 'Harry Potter and The Cursed Child' stage production saw Rowling's production company earn $10.5 million in 2023, according to Deadline. Forbes reported that the London stage show has sold over 3 million tickets, and the Broadway and Chicago shows has grossed over $250 million to date, showing the continued appetite for Potter-related entertainment. According to the Times of London's 'Rich List', Rowling is a billionaire and would be wealthier had she not given away £200 million ($267 million) of her fortune in philanthropy. Bloys told Deadline he expects the HBO series to arrive in late 2026 or early 2027. Read Next: Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:. 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. Image: Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? SCHOLASTIC (SCHL): Free Stock Analysis Report This article HBO Execs Defend Their Association With J.K. Rowling As New Harry Potter Series Starts Casting. There's A Lot At Stake originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
