Britt Hayes is a writer, movie lover, and sensible sweater enthusiast living in Austin, Texas. She watches too much TV and never eats her vegetables.
Britt Hayes
‘Paddington 2’ Trailer: That Charming Little Bear Is Back and He’s Going to…Prison?!
Paddington is back in the new trailer for his incredibly charming and very British sequel — well, mostly charming. Everyone’s favorite Marmalade-loving bear is pleasantly minding his own pleasant business when an evil actor (Hugh Grant; no, really) frames him for a crime he did not commit and it is decidedly very UNPLEASANT. Dastardly deeds aside, the trailer for Paddington 2 promises a sequel every bit as charming as its predecessor.
‘The Babysitter’ Trailer: McG Brings Hot People and Human Sacrifice to Netflix
What happens when you take the classic “boy has a crush on his hot babysitter” trope, add some ritual human sacrifice, a bunch of blood and gore, and a dose of humor? You get The Babysitter. The first trailer for the new film from McG (who hasn’t directed a feature since 2014’s forgettable 3 Days to Kill) looks like his most entertaining project in ages, and it’s coming to Netflix next week.
‘Revenge’ Review: A Beautiful, Brutal Revelation in French Horror
The rape-revenge sub-genre has grown tedious and tiresome. There is nothing particularly novel or clever about these films, which almost always present the male perspective of a woman’s sexual trauma and envision her enacting some grotesque revenge fantasy. That’s a huge narrative (and social) liberty to take with something as serious as sexual violence, and the prospect of sitting through yet another rape-revenge movie directed by some white dude is an exhausting one. So it was intriguing, and somewhat exciting, to learn that Revenge was written and directed by a woman.
‘Gerald’s Game’ Review: Stephen King’s Most Challenging Book Gets a Surprisingly Great Adaptation
IT may be the surprise box office hit of 2017, but it’s not the most surprising Stephen King adaptation of the year. That honor goes to Gerald’s Game, Mike Flanagan’s adaptation of what is perhaps the most un-adaptable novel in King’s bibliography — not necessarily in terms of the story’s graphic content, but by virtue of its narrative conceit. Approximately 98 percent of Gerald’s Game centers on one woman and her inner monologue as she desperately attempts to free herself from a dire situation.
‘Wheelman’ Review: Frank Grillo’s Heist Film Takes a Wrong Turn
As a visual exercise, Wheelman is interesting: The camera never leaves the getaway car(s) being driven by Frank Grillo’s titular professional accomplice, either filming the action from the backseat or from the side of the car’s exterior. That offers a unique, rarely-seen perspective, but it’s ultimately wasted on a film that fails to deliver any actual excitement — exceptionally disappointing when it’s a film produced by Joe Carnahan, a director who knows a thing or two about crafting engaging action thrillers.
‘The Square’ Review: Humanity Is the Most Absurd Performance Art of All
“The Square is a sanctuary of trust and caring. Within it, we all share equal rights and obligations.” This is the description assigned to the provocative art installation at the center of the latest film from Force Majeure director Ruben Ostlund. For his follow-up, Ostlund takes his aim beyond the confines of marriage for a more expansive, but no less precise satire — this time of a more social nature. The mission statement of the titular artwork in The Square is also (obviously) referring to a figurative communal “safe space,” but Ostlund’s film is anything but.
‘Brawl in Cell Block 99’ Review: Vince Vaughn Is a Lean, Mean, All-American Skull-Bashing Machine
The current cinematic trend toward “explainer culture” — the need to dissect art to discern its true meaning and the demand for directors to explain their creative intentions — is counterintuitive to the enjoyment of art. As David Lynch once said, “The film is the thing.” The movie is the conversation; the only explanation that really matters is your own. And yet, walking out of Brawl in Cell Block 99, it’s almost impossible to not wonder about writer and director S. Craig Zahler’s intentions. Is this a genuine exploitation film, or is it merely exploitative? And if it’s the former, what place do those films have and what purpose do they serve in 2017?
That Obi-Wan Kenobi ‘Star Wars’ Spinoff Is Officially in Development
As it turns out, asking Ewan McGregor about reprising the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi in a Star Wars spinoff is basically like a publicity version of Bloody Mary — say it enough times and it’ll appear. Despite the actor’s numerous expressions of interest in revisiting one of the only good things to come of the Star Wars prequels (aside from Watto, of course), the decision ultimately rests with Lucasfilm. And it looks like Lucasfilm is most definitely down.
Don Rickles, Iconic Comedian and Actor, Dead at 90
Don Rickles’ talents were seemingly limitless: An outrageous insult comic, a gifted dramatic actor, a welcome sight on stages and screens (big and small), and a constant presence whose career endured for decades, often surpassing his contemporaries. And now he’s gone on to join them, as the legendary Rickles passed away today, April 6, at the age of 90.
New Movie Releases: July 2016
The summer movie season continues next month with new Ghostbusters, a big friendly giant, another Purge night and Star Trek Beyond, and that’s not even half of it. Those of you interested in something a little less blockbuster-y should definitely add Mike Birbiglia’s Don’t Think Twice to your must-see list, along with the James Wan-produced horror flick Lights Out. For details on all of these movies and more, read on for our complete guide to July’s new movie releases.