Film: Civil WarCast: Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Cailee Spaeny, Jesse Plemons, Nick Offerman.Director: Alex GarlandRating: 3.5/5Runtime: 99 min America had it’s civil war during Abraham Lincoln’s time. This one is entirely fictional and its future dystopia being envisaged by writer- director Alex Garland. The narrative basically takes a journey across America, following a team of military-embedded journalists as they race against time to reach DC before rebel factions descend upon the White House and go ballistic. This film may have been intended as a cautionary tale and is possibly an alternative future of a divided United States. The narrative comes at you with turbulence. We don’t get to know why the problems have arisen. Just that it exists. The takes are a technically proficient, hard hitting compendium of images depicting a genocidal, lynch-mob bent. The violence is a spectacle for sure and is there as a gratuitous accompaniment of turbulent,troubled times. In this movie the journalists are covering strife in their own country. So Alex Garland’s effort seems geared to bring out issues that deal with journalistic ethics during war torn times. This film echoes several other features about journalists covering strife in regions far away from the USA. Garland has basically turned his camera inward looking at what happens if the US becomes a war-torn region. This is neither allegory or satire. It just channels into a certain divisive mood ( applicable to all nations battling dissentious politics) and presents a horrifying picture of what could be if we aren’t careful. “Civil War” focuses on reporters/ photo-journalists who risk their lives in order to get the scoop before the competition. The scoop takes precedence over everything else. They in fact have to compartmentalize their existence in order to stay focused. Their job itself gives them the perks of a never ending series of adrenaline rushes and they probably have forsaken home, family and country for that very purpose.It may seem strange that soldiers, out for blood, tolerate and facilitate the presence of these unarmored observers. That’s the code of war I guess. The film introduces four journalists, two of them photo-journalists (a rookie and a senior) and the other two experienced reporters covering a clash in New York City between what appear to be police forces from the official government and violent members of the opposition. Lee (Kirsten Dunst) is a legendary white female photojournalist modeled on her namesake Lee Miller. She’s partnered with a South American-born reporter named Joel (Wagner Moura). Both work for Reuters news agency. Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson), is the seniormost, an older African-American journalist who writes for “what’s left of the New York Times,” and the fourth player in this quartet is fourth member, Jessie (Cailee Spaeny), a junior version of Lee. They are basically driving to Washington, D.C. in the hopes of capturing some Pullitzer worthy pics before interviewing the president (Nick Offerman) whio it seems is on the verge of being forced to surrender to the military forces of the Western Alliance. The shocker comes when Jesse Plemons, who plays a soldier who interrogates the terrified group of journalists, turns on them, terrorizing them and shooting down two of them. “Civil War” can be called speculative fiction because of its futuristic dystopian bent. The world-building may not have back-stories but it manages to hold you in its spell given the brutality it concerns itself with. We see journalists determined to catch the story even if it kills them - while everything around them is coming apart. Their turning a blind eye to the killing that is going on in the interests of the story, might be off-putting though. The reporters' primary objective might be to tell the story and not to pick sides. The manner in which this film plays out, it does seem more likely that the intention is to question the ethics of the journalistic profession. The problem though is that the politics of it is never clear. The movie is narrated through a series of set pieces that test the characters physically, morally and ethically as they move from one place to another and the finale section basically turns it all around with matter-of-fact horror and outright peril. It’s a unique experience. The movie is a summation of insane ideas, has good solid performances, is pacy, edgy and thrilling. The film is harrowing while it lasts but the minute you exit the theatre it’s just gonna leave your mind ’cos the context is never clear.
18 April,2024 01:35 PM IST | Mumbai | Johnson ThomasThe makers of the horror-comedy series Wednesday have cast actor Steve Buscemi for its second season. However, the exact character details are currently being kept under wraps, but sources say Buscemi will play the new principal of Nevermore Academy. A few details are available about the new season of Wednesday, aside from the fact that Jenna Ortega will return as the titular Addams Family daughter going through her teenage years. The first season ended with Wednesday successfully solving a series of grisly murders while also thwarting an attempt to destroy Nevermore and its students. Jenna Ortega set to return in and as Wednesday Buscemi is a highly-celebrated actor, known for his ability to take on drama and comedy roles in equal measure. He has starred in films like Reservoir Dogs (1992), Fargo (2014), The Death of Stalin (2017) and numerous Adam Sandler productions. He has also starred in shows like Boardwalk Empire (2010), Miracle Workers (2019), season five of The Sopranos (2004). He is an eight-time Emmy nominee, including multiple nods for Boardwalk Empire and for starring in and directing The Sopranos. He won the Emmy for best short-form variety series in 2016 for Park Bench with Steve Buscemi. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 April,2024 07:09 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesLooks like nobody is sure about when Euphoria will return with its third season. Forget ardent fans, even Hollywood star Zendaya claims that she, too, is unaware of when the third edition will begin production. Although the Euphoria star is an executive producer of the hit HBO series, she said she’s “not in charge” of whether or not the third season will happen. But of course, Zendaya wants to play Rue again. “If it’s right for the characters and everything turns out the way it should, of course,” Zendaya told in an interview. Storm Reid and Zendaya in Euphoria As per reports, HBO announced the postponement of Euphoria season 3 on March 25, saying that the network and creator Sam Levinson “remain committed to making an exceptional third season.” “In the interim, we are allowing our in-demand cast to pursue other opportunities,” an HBO spokesperson said. Three days later, Storm Reid, who plays Rue’s younger sister Gia, was the first cast member to speak publicly about the postponement. She expressed optimism that season three would eventually happen. “I would hope the viewers will be able to finish the show. I think we should handle the show with care. We’ve put our hearts and soul into it,” Reid said. The delay was due, in part, to creative differences. Levinson first proposed a five-year time jump, which would feature Rue becoming a private detective. Zendaya proposed that Rue, now sober, becomes a pregnancy surrogate. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 April,2024 07:03 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesHannah Gutierrez-Reed, the Rust armourer who loaded the live round into the gun that Alec Baldwin held when it discharged and killed the film’s cinematographer, will serve 18 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter. The decision was delivered on Monday after a jury found Gutierrez-Reed guilty. She is now the first crew member to be convicted for her role in the accidental shooting, and death of Halyna Hutchins. Involuntary manslaughter charges in New Mexico carry a sentence of 18 months, and a fine of up to $5,000, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Gutierrez-Reed has been at the Santa Fe Adult Detention Facility since March, when she was determined to be liable of involuntary manslaughter. During the hearing, a discussion on the lack of remorse Gutierrez-Reed expressed from phone calls that were monitored while she was awaiting sentencing, was underway. Prior to the delivery of her sentence, Gutierrez-Reed, 26, asked to be issued probation rather than serve time in prison. She said she was “young and naive” when she accepted the armourer position, “but took my job as seriously as I knew how to”. The armourer concluded, “The jury has found me in part at fault for this God-awful tragedy but that doesn’t make me a monster; that makes me human.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 April,2024 07:11 AM IST | Los Angeles | Agencies'John Wick' star Keanu Reeves will be voicing 'Shadow' in the upcoming action-adventure comedy film 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3', according to Variety. He joins a cast that includes Ben Schwartz as Sonic, as well as Jim Carrey as the villainous Dr Robotnik, the sources have confirmed. 'Shadow' first appeared in 2001's 'Sonic Adventure 2', and he has since become one of the franchise's most famous characters as an edgy antihero. He's also often an antagonist to Sonic. Reeves' filmography includes 'Speed', 'Bram Stoker's Dracula', 'My Own Private Idaho', and the 'Matrix' trilogy. He will next star in the 'John Wick' spinoff, 'Ballerina', opposite Ana de Armas (his character's unveiling in a new teaser released last week at CinemaCon drew enormous acclaim from the gathering of movie theatre executives, demonstrating the actor's box office success). Reeves will also co-star in 'Good Fortune' with Aziz Ansari, Seth Rogen, Keke Palmer, and Sandra Oh. Jeff Fowler, who oversaw the first two 'Sonic' movies, is returning as the director of the latest sequel. Neal H Moritz, Toby Ascher, Toru Nakahara and Hitoshi Okuno will produce 'Sonic 3', which will open in theatres on Dec. 20, 2024. The franchise is one of Paramount's most successful, with the combined global box office for "Sonic the Hedgehog" and "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" standing at 725.2 million dollars. The studio is also making a spin-off series, "Knuckles,'" that will premiere on Paramount+, reported Variety. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 April,2024 06:52 AM IST | Washington | ANIActor Johnny Depp shared his experience of being part of 'Jeanne du Barry' and said he felt "strangely, oddly, perversely lucky" to have been offered the role of French King Louis XV at the U.K. premiere of his film, reported Variety. 'Jeanne du Barry' is a historical drama film written, directed, and produced by Maiwenn and starring herself and Johnny Depp in the leading roles. It also stars Pierre Richard, Benjamin Lavernhe, Noemie Lvovsky, Pascal Greggory, Melvil Poupaud, and India Hair. Depp along with the film's co-star and director Maiwenn on stage at the Curzon theatre in Mayfair, briefly introduced the film. "I feel very lucky to have been [offered the role] - strangely, oddly, perversely lucky," he said on stage in London during a rare public appearance. "Because when Maiwenn and I first actually met and talked about the notion of me doing the film and playing Louis XV, the King of France -- see that's when instantly what happens in your brain is you instantly go back to Kentucky, where, like, everything is fried. So you realise that you've come from the bellybutton of nowhere and suddenly you end up playing the King of France." "It made no sense to me, I tried to talk her out of it," he continued. "But she wasn't hearing it and she had great courage to take me into her cast. Whatever we did, whatever we experienced I think and I hope you'll find it was well worth the agony of this kid trying to make a film for that length of time." Maiwenn also made a brief speech in which she explained she had wanted to make "Jeanne du Barry" since 2016, explaining she was "obsessed by Jeanne for many years because she was a feminist before everybody else." The film, one of Depp's first after his protracted legal fight with ex-wife Amber Heard, premiered at last year's Cannes Film Festival, when the actor and director received a seven-minute standing ovation, reported Variety. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 April,2024 06:49 AM IST | London | ANIAhead of the May 17 release of his album, Room Under The Stairs, singer-songwriter Zayn has teased fans with his second single, Alienated, which he says “set the tone for the entire album”. “It shaped the way I approached my [renditions], the styling of the guitars, and the sonic direction. This album comes from a place of vulnerability. I wanted each song to feel like it was being sung by me while I was sitting beside the listener, and telling them how I felt. It is raw.” The musician, who shot to fame as a member of the band, One Direction, joined hands with Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb to present this album. “His ability to elevate music is second to none. This album [was created] at a time when I was staying away from things, and living with my own thoughts. It inspired me to write something from that space,” he says of the 15-track album.
15 April,2024 07:16 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamFor several ’90s kids who’ve grown up with an appetite for R&B music, controversial figure Chris Brown was often a staple on several playlists. Brown has, after all, delivered some hip-hop classics, like Forever, International love, and Sweet Caroline. And while his previous album, 11:11 was a successful release that even earned Brown a Grammy nomination this year, Go girlfriend from the album’s recently released deluxe edition is an offering that lacks the nuances of his hit offerings. It’s a perfectly peppy number that’s worth grooving to, but its lacklustre lyrics do little to contribute to the listening experience as a whole. Brown arguably delivers one of the weakest songs from the collection with this offering, however, the 13-track collection has many notable numbers that make the album worth paying attention to. Today in music April 15,2015: Digital music revenues matched physical sales for the first time, thanks to growth in the streaming market. Pharrell Williams’s Happy was the most downloaded song in 2014
15 April,2024 07:09 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamAt Coachella in 2024, Evan Peters was spotted kissing a mystery blonde, getting cozy in the midst of all the festival excitement. Their lip-locking happened while Lana Del Ray's music filled the air, making the scene even more adorable. Evan Peters locks lips with a mystery blonde during Coachella 2024 Peters, famous for his roles in popular TV shows and movies like 'Dahmer,' 'American Horror Story,' and 'X-Men,' became a hot topic at the famous music and arts festival for more than just his acting skills. Onlookers caught him in an intimate moment, sparking rumours about who his new romantic partner might be. The mystery blonde sparked curiosity among observers as they tried to figure out who this could be. Was she another famous figure, a close friend, or maybe a new romantic interest? But, the news certainly broke all of the fans' hearts. 'X' could not stop speculating about this mystery woman and soon Evan Peters started trending. Evan Peters locks lips with a mystery blonde, take a look: EVAN PETERS AT COACHELLA !?!#/!;/$ pic.twitter.com/XsCQIKLth6 — ً (@jaredboodaddy) April 13, 2024 Evan Peters making out to Lana Del Rey is such a vibe pic.twitter.com/UnLvMY76YM — ً (@jaredboodaddy) April 13, 2024 oh to make out with evan peters in the middle of lana’s performance pic.twitter.com/70rTEIohpn — leon (@skyferrori) April 13, 2024 evan peters you will pay for my therapy pic.twitter.com/N5uSCFYiBB — ade (@evanswalkerrr) April 14, 2024 #EVANPETERS: coachella was crazy pic.twitter.com/AlAlHbMeMb — lauren ४ (@AUST1NS0MMERS) April 14, 2024 About Coachella 2024 The 2024 edition of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, which began on April 12, caused major excitement. From Lana Del Rey's first performance at the festival in Indio, California, since her debut in 2014 to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's appearance, the event promises content for years to come. In a recent update, there are visuals of Nelly Furtado falling during her performance. On April 14, footage of Nelly Furtado falling during her performance started circulating widely. The pop star was seen enjoying herself and dancing while singing when suddenly she lost her balance and stumbled. However, she quickly regained her composure and continued like a champ!
14 April,2024 08:53 PM IST | Los AngelesThe 2024 edition of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, which began on April 12, caused major excitement. From Lana Del Rey's first performance at the festival in Indio, California, since her debut in 2014 to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's appearance, the event promises content for years to come. In a recent update, there are visuals of Nelly Furtado falling during her performance. Nelly Furtado falls while performing her set during Coachella 2024 On April 14, footage of Nelly Furtado falling during her performance started circulating widely. The pop star was seen enjoying herself and dancing while singing when suddenly she lost her balance and stumbled. However, she quickly regained her composure and continued like a champ! Following her performance, Nelly uploaded a video showing her bleeding thumb, captioning it, "Literally left it all on the stage...including my blood." Nelly Furtado falls while performing her set, take a look: Nelly Furtado falling at Coachella but not missing a verse. A performer 👏 pic.twitter.com/zu1eyxipVf — T E O // europapi 🇮🇹 (@BejbaLasagna) April 14, 2024 What happened at Coachella 2024 Pop sensation Justin Bieber and actor-rapper Jaden Smith engaged in a fun banter at Coachella 2024 backstage. A video of the two has surfaced on social media where Jaden is seen holding Justin from behind, and the ‘Baby’ singer process to give a peck on his cheek. The two wore quirky casual outfits for the event, evidently keeping their fashion foot forward. Watch the clip below. For those unversed, Justin and Jaden collaborated on the song ‘Never Say Never’ which was the theme of the latter's 2010 film ‘The Karate Kid’ alongside Jackie Chan. Jaden Smith, the son of actors Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith earlier said in a statement that he is looking forward to the festival as he likes to surround himself with nature. "I just love the desert. I love Coachella. I love being out there and watching the sunset, swimming in the ocean, climbing a tree, climbing a mountain,” Smith told people.com. He shared, “These things really force me to not be on my phone or looking at certain things or caring about what's going on in the world all the time. Those little moments where I can just tap out really give me a refresh so that when I tap back in, I can tap in with a full reserve and be ready to handle certain things." Coachella returned with its new addition on the weekend. Lana Del Rey, Doja Cat, Tyler, The Creator, and No Doubt will headline the festival. Pluma, Blur, J Balvin, Ice Spice, Sublime, Lil Uzi Vert, Grimes, Victoria Monet, Jon Batiste, Bleachers, Justice, Deftones and Lil Yachty will also perform.
14 April,2024 04:31 PM IST | Los AngelesPop sensation Justin Bieber and actor-rapper Jaden Smith engaged in a fun banter at Coachella 2024 backstage. A video of the two has surfaced on social media where Jaden is seen holding Justin from behind, and the ‘Baby’ singer process to give a peck on his cheek. The two wore quirky casual outfits for the event, evidently keeping their fashion foot forward. Watch the clip below. Justin Bieber and Jaden Smith backstage at #Coachella. pic.twitter.com/om96FhZi3t — Pop Crave (@PopCrave) April 14, 2024 For those unversed, Justin and Jaden collaborated on the song ‘Never Say Never’ which was the theme of the latter's 2010 film ‘The Karate Kid’ alongside Jackie Chan. Jaden Smith, the son of actors Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith earlier said in a statement that he is looking forward to the festival as he likes to surround himself with nature. "I just love the desert. I love Coachella. I love being out there and watching the sunset, swimming in the ocean, climbing a tree, climbing a mountain,” Smith told people.com. He shared, “These things really force me to not be on my phone or looking at certain things or caring about what's going on in the world all the time. Those little moments where I can just tap out really give me a refresh so that when I tap back in, I can tap in with a full reserve and be ready to handle certain things." Coachella returned with its new addition on the weekend. Lana Del Rey, Doja Cat, Tyler, The Creator, and No Doubt will headline the festival. Pluma, Blur, J Balvin, Ice Spice, Sublime, Lil Uzi Vert, Grimes, Victoria Monet, Jon Batiste, Bleachers, Justice, Deftones and Lil Yachty will also perform. On Saturday, Lana Del Ray made headlines for her duet with Billie Eilish, while ATEEZ became the first K-pop boy band to perform at Coachella. Robert Pattinson’s ladylove Suki Waterhouse who also performed, revealed they welcomed a baby girl during her gig. The 23rd installment of the festival is held at the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, California, on the weekends of April 12-14 and April 19-21. Coachella is North America's largest music festival and has already sold all of its 125,000-per-day tickets. (With inputs from Agencies)
14 April,2024 09:52 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
