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Straits Times
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy Review – Korean Fantasy Action Movie Disappoints
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy (NC16) 117 minutes, opens July 31 ★★☆☆☆ The story: Kim Dok-ja (Ahn Hyo-seop) is an underachiever at everything. The office worker takes refuge in the web novel Three Ways To Survive The Apocalypse, but its dwindling popularity turns him into its only reader. When he posts a criticism of the final chapter, the author replies, challenging him to write his own ending. On his way home from work, the novel's monster-filled dystopian setting comes to life. He meets the novel's hero, Yu Jung-hyeok (Lee Min-ho). Helped by his knowledge of what is to come, Dok-ja and his allies have to fight their way to safety. This is a movie with plenty of ideas, but little coheres into a story. It does not help that the screenplay portrays contradictory themes. Dok-ja is jolted out of his mundane reality by a message instructing him to 'write his own story' – a call for him to use his free will. But instead of breaking out of a narrative written for him – in the manner of The Truman Show (1998) – Dok-ja exercises his new-found autonomy by fighting monsters with tricks he has picked up from the novel, but modified to suit the situation. In Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy, this counts as freedom of thought. The world has been plunged into a dystopian science-fiction fantasy in which gods are spectators at sadistic human-versus-monster matches. This is Squid Game (2021 to 2025) on a planetary scale, but with the mechanics of live streaming laid over it. As humans fight for coins and loot, cosmic deities bestow treasure or special weapons on their favourite players – the way fans might drop gifts on a live streamer. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore MHA to support HSA's crackdown on Kpod abusers and help in treatment of offenders: Shanmugam Business S'pore's Q2 total employment rises, but infocomm and professional services sectors see more job cuts Singapore Fewer than 1 in 5 people noticed suspicious items during MHA's social experiments Asia Powerful 8.8-magnitude quake in Russia's far east causes tsunami; Japan, Hawaii order evacuations Singapore Migrant workers who gave kickbacks to renew work passes were conservancy workers at AMK Town Council Business Seatrium to pay $168m to Brazilian authorities, $73m to Singapore authorities to settle corruption case Singapore Man charged with having 320 vape pods and over 70 vapes meant for sale in car at Bugis mall Singapore Escape, discover, connect: Where new memories are made Plenty of world-building is needed to fully explain the goings-on, with much of it delivered through unwieldy blocks of dialogue. At one point, the story perks up when it subverts the Chosen One trope. It begins to say that classic sci-fi heroes like Jung-hyeo k are narcissists, but the thread is not satisfyingly pursued. This is a complicated landscape that blends the virtual, low-stakes language of video gaming with high-stakes survival action-horror. The herald of doom who explains the rules of the brutal new world is a cute Dokkaebi, or Korean goblin, an adorable sprite whose design might have been plucked from a Pixar movie. The sardonic comedy which sees survivors ripped apart for want of game coins, when juxtaposed against the grim battles waged by Dok-ja and his allies, is jarring. The goofiness of one undermines the life-or-death stakes of the other. The use of arcade-style game graphics – neon colours, floating buttons – makes everything feel weightless, a feeling reinforced by the digitally crafted monsters which never feel like they belong in the same world as Dok-ja and his allies. Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy stars (from left) Shin Seung-ho, Kwon Eun-seon, Ahn Hyo-seop, Chae Soo-bin and Nana. PHOTO: GOLDEN VILLAGE This band of fighters is each blessed with a game-changing talent. The enigmatic warrior Jeong Hee-won is played by Nana from the K-pop girl group After School, while Blackpink's Jisoo portrays sniper Lee Ji-hye. They are each given neatly packaged backstories that explain their skills and motivations. But like the movie itself, the teammates never quite come together in a believable way. Hot take: Flashy visuals and game mechanics cannot save Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy from muddled storytelling and hollow character dynamics.
Scottish Sun
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Lindsay Lohan stuns as she shows off four different looks while promoting new movie Freakier Friday
Lindsay also reveals why her life feels like The Truman Show FROCKIER FRIDAY Lindsay Lohan stuns as she shows off four different looks while promoting new movie Freakier Friday Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LINDSAY Lohan shows off her changeable side with four different outfits in a day promoting her new film Freakier Friday. The actress, 39, wore a bird-themed dress with a tiny bag at a New York TV studio. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Lindsay Lohan wore a bird-themed dress as she arrived at Good Morning America Credit: Getty 5 Later Lindsay was seen in a yellow plaid tweed number and shades Credit: Getty 5 The actress changed into a white dress for the film's New York premiere Credit: Getty She was also seen in a yellow plaid tweed number and shades at the same venue on Monday. She later changed into a figure-hugging white dress in the Big Apple for a screening of the film, a sequel to her 2003 hit Freaky Friday. Finally she went rocky with a new pair of shades, blue T-shirt and a black leather miniskirt. Lindsay found love with financier Bader Shammas, who she met in Dubai, with the couple marrying in 2022. In July 2023 the couple welcomed son Luai. Speaking to The Sun last year, Lindsay said of her new life: "Sometimes, I call it The Truman Show, because it's the same thing every day. 'But I love it. I really love structure because I don't think I had that when I was young. "Everything was coming so fast and I had so many things happening. 'My only structure was filming and being on set.' Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis delight fans as they finally reunite for epic Freakier Friday trailer 5 The star was later seen in a blue T-shirt and a black leather miniskirt Credit: Getty
The Sun
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Lindsay Lohan stuns as she shows off four different looks while promoting new movie Freakier Friday
LINDSAY Lohan shows off her changeable side with four different outfits in a day promoting her new film Freakier Friday. The actress, 39, wore a bird-themed dress with a tiny bag at a New York TV studio. 5 She was also seen in a yellow plaid tweed number and shades at the same venue on Monday. She later changed into a figure-hugging white dress in the Big Apple for a screening of the film, a sequel to her 2003 hit Freaky Friday. Finally she went rocky with a new pair of shades, blue T-shirt and a black leather miniskirt. Lindsay found love with financier Bader Shammas, who she met in Dubai, with the couple marrying in 2022. In July 2023 the couple welcomed son Luai. Speaking to The Sun last year, Lindsay said of her new life: "Sometimes, I call it The Truman Show, because it's the same thing every day. 'But I love it. I really love structure because I don't think I had that when I was young. "Everything was coming so fast and I had so many things happening. 'My only structure was filming and being on set.' Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis delight fans as they finally reunite for epic Freakier Friday trailer 5 5
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
The top 10 best films of the 90s from an entertainment expert and where to watch
The 1990s was a golden era for cinema with a plethora of unforgettable films from the decade that have stood the test of time - here are my top 10 favourite films from the 90s The 1990s was a truly magical time for movie lovers, producing a plethora of unforgettable films. As an entertainment journalist, I've had the challenging task of narrowing down my personal top 10 from this decade. It's no easy feat to compile a list of the top 10 films from such a rich period in cinematic history, but as a dedicated film fanatic and entertainment reporter, I've given it my best shot. So, which films have made the grade? Here are my top 10 favourite films from the 1990s, chosen with the discerning eye of an entertainment journalist. Top 10 90s films ranked 10 - Misery First on the list is the 1990 classic 'Misery', based on Stephen King's chilling crime novel of the same name. The plot revolves around novelist Paul Sheldon (James Caan), who after a severe car accident, is rescued by former nurse Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), his self-proclaimed 'biggest fan'. Annie takes him to her secluded cabin to recuperate, but things take a sinister turn when she discovers that Sheldon plans to kill off her favourite character from his novels. Misery can be streamed on Prime Video. 9 - The Truman Show Next up is the 1998 comedy sci-fi 'The Truman Show', featuring Jim Carrey, known for his roles in 'The Mask' and 'Ace Ventura'. This film sees Carrey venture into slightly darker territory, offering a thought-provoking narrative. The official synopsis reveals: "Unbeknownst to him, Truman Burbank's (Jim Carrey) entire life is part of a vast TV set. "Executive producer Christof (Ed Harris) masterminds The Truman Show, a live broadcast of Truman's every move, captured by hidden cameras. "As Truman slowly uncovers the truth, he is faced with the decision of how to respond." The Truman Show is available to watch on Prime Video. 8 - Beauty and the Beast Before Emma Watson took on the character of Belle in the 2017 remake, there was the animated 1991 Disney film Beauty and the Beast. A heartless prince is turned into a beast as punishment for his callous ways and must win someone's love to lift the curse. This is where he encounters Belle who gradually discovers that there is much more to the Beast than initially appears. Beauty and the Beast is available to watch on Disney+. 7 - You've Got Mail The touching 1998 romantic comedy You've Got Mail chronicles the feud between the proprietors of a bookstore chain and a charming independent bookshop. They remain unaware that they have been developing deep feelings for one another through email correspondence. This beloved romantic film features Hollywood legend Tom Hanks and When Harry Met Sally star Meg Ryan. You've Got Mail is available to watch on Sky Go and NOW TV Cinema. 6 - Muriel's Wedding Featuring Hereditary actress Toni Collette, Muriel's Wedding will delight ABBA enthusiasts as it features the legendary group's songs throughout. The synopsis for the 1994 romantic comedy states: "Stuck in a small town with her dominant father, depressed mother and cruel friends, a socially awkward woman takes destiny into her own hands and sets off in search of happiness and her ideal groom." Muriel's Wedding is available to watch on Prime Video. 5 - What's Love Got To Do With It This Tina Turner biographical film recounts the genuine story of the iconic pop rock performer from departing her existence in St Louis to her ascent to fame and her violent marriage. The acclaimed 1993 film features Black Panther star Angela Bassett portraying Turner and The Matrix legend Laurence Fishburne as Ike Turner. What's Love Got to do With It can be streamed on Prime Video. 4 - Jurassic Park Kicking off the blockbuster franchise in 1993 was the original Jurassic Park movie, featuring a cast headed by Sam Neill, Jeff Goldblum and Laura Dern. Helmed by Steven Spielberg himself, the plot summary explains: "An industrialist invites some experts to visit his theme park of cloned dinosaurs. "After a power failure, the creatures run loose, putting everyone's lives, including his grandchildren's, in danger." Jurassic Park can be viewed on ITVX and Prime Video. 3 - The Silence of the Lambs Celebrated as one of cinema's most legendary horror pictures is the chilling 1991 thriller The Silence of the Lambs. The plot outline reveals: "Clarice Starling, an FBI trainee, seeks help from Hannibal Lecter, a psychopathic serial killer and former psychiatrist, in order to apprehend another murderer who has been claiming female victims." The Silence of The Lambs, which memorably stars Sir Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster, can be watched on Prime Video. 2 - The Commitments This Dublin-set 1991 musical comedy-drama centres on jobless lad Jimmy Rabbitte who reckons he'll strike it rich by assembling a working-class soul group. The Commitments showcases tracks including Mustang Sally, In The Midnight Hour, Take Me To The Little River and Try A Little Tenderness. The Commitments can be viewed on BBC iPlayer and Prime Video. 1 - The Muppets Christmas Carol Adding a charming and adorable twist to the timeless story of A Christmas Carol, this family-friendly festive film is indeed a classic. Featuring The Dark Knight actor Michael Cane in the role of Scrooge, he shares the screen with beloved and iconic characters such as Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and Fozzy Bear.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Joe Minjares dead: The Truman Show actor dies after battle with pneumonia
The Truman Show actor Joe Minjares has died aged 79 after reportedly battling with pneumonia. According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, the stand-up comic and restauranteur died after being hospitalised for pneumonia and lung-related issues. The actor was best known for playing a bartender opposite Jim Carrey in 1998's The Truman Show as well as roles in sitcom Roseanne and medical drama ER. The Daily Show co-creator Lizz Winstead, who did multiple stand-up comedy tours with Joe, paid tribute to the actor on Facebook. "We lost the wonderful Joe Minjares, another great from the Twin Cities Comedy community," she said. "[He was] a hilarious human, a kind and generous man who took the Parkway Theater and created a comedy home for me in Minneapolis that is still where I hang my hat when I perform in town. "I owe a lot to Joe for his commitment to taking a chance on bringing edgy and innovative shows to that stage that spoke truth to power. Thanks Joe for your friendship and for creating such a warm space to perform." Joe is survived by five of his children, 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Joe began acting on screen in 1988, taking on a role in film Patti Rocks. He later landed small roles in Roseanne, NYPD Blue and the Woody Harrelson film Wilson. Outside of acting, Joe opened up Tex-Mex restaurant Pepitos in Minnesota with his wife Sue. He also owned a number of restaurants in the Twin Cities, including the Parkway Theatre. Jack Reuler, a community theatre owner, told the Minnesota Star Tribune: "For all his success in show business and in restaurants, Joe was all about his love for family." His publicist and family friend Martin Keller added: "Joe had a natural writing gift and he really leveraged it in his plays. He had a look that Hollywood liked." Born in Minnesota, Joe graduated from Central High School in Minneapolis before serving in the US Army's intelligence division. He served during the Vietnam War from 1964 until 1968. After leaving the army, he began a career in a stand-up on the local scene. Over the years, he opened for legendary comics like Jerry Seinfeld, Jeff Foxworthy and Andrew Dice Clay among other stars.
