Planet of the Apes remains an often under-appreciated landmark of science fiction cinema. Across decades the franchise has repeatedly returned to large, provocative ideas—exploring power, prejudice, faith and the darker instincts of humankind—while delivering memorable performances and groundbreaking make-up and visual effects. From John Chambers’ pioneering prosthetics on the original films to Weta Digital’s astonishing … Read more

Before the infamous Oscars incident, Will Smith was one of Hollywood’s most reliable box office stars. Riding the success of The Fresh Prince, he became a sought-after leading man, headlining major hits such as Independence Day, Men in Black, and Enemy of the State. Rapidly climbing to A-list status, Smith’s charisma and commercial appeal helped … Read more

New German director Wim Wenders and contemporary Neue Wilde artist Anselm Kiefer — two West German creators who probe similar themes of anguished post-war recovery and collective denial — first met and forged a lasting friendship during Kiefer’s 1991 exhibition at the Neue Nationalgalerie. From early on, both sensed a creative partnership was likely: Wenders … Read more

Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)Director: Adil El Arbi, Bilall FallahScreenwriters: Chris Bremner, Will BeallStarring: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Núñez, Eric Dane, Ioan Gruffudd, Jacob Scipio, Melanie Liburd, Tasha Smith, Rhea Seehorn, Joe Pantoliano, Quinn Hemphill With the fourth installment of the Bad Boys franchise, one clear question drives the … Read more

Hit Man (2024)Director: Richard LinklaterScreenwriters: Richard Linklater, Glen PowellStarring: Glen Powell, Adria Arjona, Retta, Sanjay Rao, Austin Amelio Glen Powell, who has steadily built a profile over the past decade, has more recently been recognised for his charisma and leading-man appeal. Roles in high-profile films such as Top Gun: Maverick and the romantic comedy Anyone … Read more

The Watchers (2024)Director: Ishana Night ShyamalanScreenwriter: Ishana Night ShyamalanStarring: Dakota Fanning, Georgina Campbell, Olwen Fouéré, John Lynch, Oliver Finnegan Adapting A.M. Shine’s 2021 folk horror novel The Watchers for the screen is an ambitious task. The novel lives largely inside the minds of its characters, relying on psychological tension, internal dread, and an oppressive atmosphere … Read more

Maxwell Jenkins, Nicolas Cage, and Jaeden Martell in Benjamin Brewer’s ARCADIAN. Courtesy of RLJE Films and Shudder. An RLJE Films and Shudder Release. Arcadian (2024)Director: Benjamin BrewerScreenwriter: Mike NilonStarring: Nicolas Cage, Jaeden Martell, Maxwell Jenkins, Sadie Soverall, Samantha Coughlan, Jow Dizon, Joel Gillman, Daire McMahon Low-budget filmmakers often turn to horror because the genre can … Read more

Speed (1994)Director: Jan de BontScreenwriter: Graham YostStarring: Keanu Reeves, Dennis Hopper, Sandra Bullock, Joe Morton and Jeff Daniels When Speed opened in the summer of 1994 it took the number one spot at the box office, surprising audiences and critics alike and outpacing other high-profile releases. The film marked Jan de Bont’s directorial debut after … Read more

The Crow (1994)Director: Alex ProyasScreenwriters: David J. Schow, John ShirleyStarring: Brandon Lee, Rochelle Davis, Ernie Hudson, Michael Wincott, Bai Ling, Sofia Shinas, Michael Massee, David Patrick Kelly, Tony Todd, Jon Polito It is impossible to discuss The Crow without acknowledging the tragic death of its lead actor, Brandon Lee. At just 28, Lee was fatally … Read more

Proud Texan filmmaker Richard Linklater has built a varied and influential body of work over more than three decades since his debut feature Slacker (1990). He has contributed memorable, low-budget cult hits alongside crowd-pleasing studio fare, earning a distinct place in contemporary American cinema. Linklater is best known for his naturalistic approach to dialogue and … Read more