Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Nicole

  • REVIEW: ‘The Infernal Machine’

    REVIEW: ‘The Infernal Machine’

    A good psychological thriller can have audience members on the edge of their seat from the very beginning until the very end. The problem is, developing a good psychological thriller isn’t easy, especially when the story takes a bit to get going. The Infernal Machine isn’t a bad movie by any means, but it struggles to get going until well-beyond the midway point of the film.

    The Infernal Machine stars the always great Guy Pearce as author Bruce Cogburn. Following the success of his one and only novel, Cogburn becomes a recluse after a controversial event involving his novel, The Infernal Machine. He’s no longer interested in being known as the famous author, and despite pleas for a follow-up, Cogburn seems to have nothing left in his to write another title. In the beginning, it’s a bit unclear what the controversy is that surrounds his book, but that seems to take a backseat to what appears to be an obsessive fan. Day after day, packages and letters show up at Cogburn’s residence, even though only a handful of people close to him know where to find him. The obsessive fan isn’t shown, but their presence is felt throughout the film. On one hand, the decision to forgo showing the fan is a smart one. On the other hand, however, it makes the ending all the more frustrating as it becomes rushed.

    The movie is a slow burn. It’s in no rush to unravel truths and lies for audience members. Which wouldn’t be so bad, except it often feels like it is repeating itself. There are only so many times the film can focus on Cogburn in a telephone booth trying to reach the obsessive fan. It becomes tiresome after a while. It isn’t until Saul is introduced that the film seems to regain its footing. It’s frustrating because Pearce does deliver a hell of a performance. He captures the anxiety, fear and anger necessary to portray the role of Cogburn perfectly. But there’s only so much Pearce can do to carry an uneven story.

    Like most indie films, the cast of The Infernal Machine is a small one. Pearce is, per usual, a highlight. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Alice Eve or Alex Pettyfer. Eve isn’t necessarily bad, but her character often feels underdeveloped. While Pettyfer simply feels miscast. His scenes with Pearce are startling because Pearce manages to act circles around the young actor. He simply did not have the skills needed to play the role of Dwight Tufford. The role isn’t a large one, but the moments Pettyfer pops up on screen seem to drag the film down a notch. He’s just not captivating enough to play such a morally corrupt character.

    The ending is where The Infernal Machine shines. It’s a corrupt story that doesn’t shy away from ugly truths. Every moment of the third act is full of pulse-pounding moments. Is it perfect? No. Is it well-crafted? Yes. It’s only a shame the rest of the film couldn’t maintain this level of quality throughout.

    For those looking for an action-packed thriller, The Infernal Machine is probably not the right type of film. However, those looking for a slow-burn with a surprising twist ending? Well, The Infernal Machine is worth a watch.

  • ‘The Old Guard 2’ Wraps Production

    ‘The Old Guard 2’ Wraps Production

    Production on The Old Guard 2 has officially wrapped.

    Director Victoria Mahoney shared the news on Instagram on Friday morning. Production was underway in Rome, Italy and wrapped principal photography at 5:40 AM. To celebrate the news, Mahoney shared a film slate that looks to be signed by the cast and crew.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci1ehRtqI8Q/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Production on the sequel to The Old Guard kicked off back in June, with leading lady Charlie Theron sharing a photo from set. Joining the cast for the sequel are Uma Thurman and Henry Golding, who will star alongside returning cast members Theron, KiKi Layne, Matthias Schoenaerts, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, Veronica Ngo and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

    Mahoney took over directing duties from Gina Prince-Bythewood who left the project to direct The Woman King, which is currently dominating the box office. She’s directing from a script by Greg Rucka.

    The Old Guard first hit Netflix on July 10th, 2020. Since its initial release, the film has remained one of the most-watched original films on the streaming service with 186 million hours watched within its first 28 days of release. The Old Guard and its sequel are based on the comic book series of the same name by Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernandez.

    Source: Instagram.

  • Storm Reid to Topline ‘The Nun 2’ for New Line

    Storm Reid to Topline ‘The Nun 2’ for New Line

    Storm Reid has landed the leading role in New Line’s sequel to The Nun.

    The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that Reid is set to headline The Nun 2, the sequel to The Nun that also serves as a prequel of sorts to the Conjuring films. Michael Chaves, who directed The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, has signed on to direct The Nun 2. Details surrounding the film are currently unknown, but Akela Cooper wrote the screenplay with Ian Goldberg and Richard Naing having tackled revisions.

    The Nun was a prequel spinoff from The Conjuring 2 that focused on Bonnie Aarons as a demonic nun. The film took place in a monastery in 1952 and focused on a priest (Demain Bchir) and a young nun (Taissa Farmiga) as they sought to fight the nun’s evil possessions. While The Conjuring films are incredibly popular, The Nun has actually become the highest grossing Conjuring film.

    Reid currently stars in Euphoria. Her other credits include Disney’s live-action adaptation of A Wrinkle in Time, James Gunn‘s The Suicide Squad and Sleight. She can next be seen in HBO’s highly anticipated live-action series adaptation of The Last of Us.

    Filming on The Nun 2 will kick off this October for a Sept. 8, 2023 release date.

    Source: THR.

  • ‘Final Destination 6’ in the Works with ‘Freaks’ Directors

    ‘Final Destination 6’ in the Works with ‘Freaks’ Directors

    The Final Destination franchise is alive and kicking. The Hollywood Reporter has announced that Final Destination 6 is officially in the works at New Line with the directors of 2018’s Freaks, Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, on board to direct.

    The search for a director – or in this case, directors – has been ongoing for months now, with the outlet reporting over two hundred candidates were submitted for the gig. And while Lipovsky and Stein had been in the official running for the gig, it wasn’t until their last Zoom call with New Line executives and producers that they nabbed the highly sought-after gig. It’s said that the duo used a mixture of pre-recorded footage and visual effects to create a death-scene reminiscent of the Final Destination films in which it appeared one of the filmmakers had been decapitated. It was the gag that sold all parties involved having shown their enthusiasm for the project.

    Jon Watts, who directed the most recent Spider-Man trilogy, is on board as a producer for the reboot. He is also said to have penned the script. Specific plot points are unknown, however, like with Final Destination titles before it, the film will center on a character that has a premonition of a horrific and deadly event, causing them to cheat their own death and save others in the process. However, Death soon becomes an unstoppable force, coming for the survivors one-by-one until they’re all dead.

    As of now, the sixth Final Destination film does not have a release date.

    Source: THR.

  • REVIEW: ‘Lou’ Turns Allison Janney into an Action Star

    REVIEW: ‘Lou’ Turns Allison Janney into an Action Star

    Allison Janney might’ve kicked off her career back in 1989, but her star has only continued to rise in recent years thanks to roles like Bonnie in Mom and Margaret Scully in Masters of Sex. And now, Netflix’s Lou looks to let Janney shine in brand new ways, turning the usually comedic actress into an action hero in her own right.

    Lou tells the story of Janney’s Lou, a mysterious woman who spends her days with her dog, Jax, hunting in the nearby woods and renting out a nearby property to a single mom named Hannah (Jurnee Smollett). Very little is known about Lou at first. In fact, it isn’t about until the half-hour mark that the mysterious layers of Lou begin to be unraveled. She’s a tough as nails woman who doesn’t mince her words. Outside of Jax, she seems incapable of caring about anything or anyone, but when Hannah’s daughter mysteriously disappears during a major storm, Lou steps in to help without little to no questions asked. What soon unfolds is a story of troubled pasts and how far people are willing to go to right their wrongs.

    Lou is a character that, had she been written poorly, could’ve easily been one-note, but Janney excels in tackling this multi-layered character. She’s flawed and doesn’t shy away from her mistakes, but she’s also driven by guilt and love. Her actions might be unorthodox, but she always succeeds in doing what is right, no matter the cost. Janney is perfect casting and her on-screen chemistry with Smollett is fascinating. The two characters could not be more difficult from one another, and yet, the moments they share on screen are some of the best in the film. More impressive is how well the ladies work off of Logan Marshall-Green, who delivers yet another terrifying performance as the mysterious Peter. It’s such a small cast for such a massive story, and the three actors help to sell this action flick with such ease. From the emotional moments to the big action moments, Janney, Smollett and Marshall-Green are a top-notch cast that deliver a hell of a film.

    It’s honestly a bit frustrating that Lou is going straight to Netflix because this is the type of film that deserves to be seen on a large screen. It’s fast-paced and action-packed, and will surely keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Yet, despite the film being a blast, the cinematography in Lou is hit or miss. More often than not, it leaves something to be desired. While the island is meant to be dreary and dull, the imagery doesn’t always match the tone of what is occurring onscreen. Thankfully, this is a very minor problem and during the action sequences, the fights are shot with a skilled eye which makes them more enjoyable.

    Honestly, the only bad thing about Lou is the film’s name. It’s not really memorable, nor does it really offer much intrigue for those unsure whether to give the film a chance. It’s all the more frustrating because this is clearly meant to be the start of a potential franchise. Lou isn’t a catchy name compared to the likes of John Wick or even Atomic Blonde.

    All in all, Lou is a thrilling action movie that is worthy of a watch.

  • ‘Reservation Dogs’ Renewed for Season 3

    ‘Reservation Dogs’ Renewed for Season 3

    The Reservation Dogs are set to return for another season.

    The critically acclaimed FX series has been renewed for a third season. The series hails from Sterlin Harjo, who co-created the series alongside Taika Waititi. It focuses on four Indigenous teenagers – Elora Danan played by Devery Jacobs, Bear Smallhill played by D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Willie Jack played by Paulina Alexis, and Cheese played by Lane Factor – and their lives within rural Oklahoma.

    FX’s President of Original Programming, Nick Grad, expressed excitement over getting the chance to bring Reservation Dogs for yet another season. He went on to call it one of the most “original, engaging, and funny shows” currently airing on television.

    “Reservation Dogs continues its remarkable run with critics, fans, and awards all recognizing the singular brilliance of the series created by Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi. FX is proud to join with our partners at Hulu to order a third season featuring the amazing cast and all of the artists who deliver one of the most original, engaging, and funny shows on television.”

    Nick Grad, President, Original Programming, FX.

    While Harjo, who serves as the showrunner, showcased his disbelief over an idea talked about with Waititi becoming such a highly loved series.

    “I couldn’t be more proud of this show that I created with my friend Taika Waititi. It was born out of a conversation in Taika’s kitchen and has now made its way into the lives of people across the world. The love for season 2 has been outstanding. Thank you to FX for ordering season 3, excited to bring you more laughter and love from the Rez. Ahoooo!”

    Sterlin Harjo

    Reservation Dogs first debuted on Aug. 9th, 2021 and quickly garnered acclaim from both critics and fans. The series won TV Program of the Year at the AFI Awards, Best New Scripted Series at the Film Independent Spirit Awards, and Breakthrough Series – Shortform at the Gotham Awards. The show has also been nominated by the Golden Globes, the Television Critics Association Awards, Writers Guild of America and the Hollywood Critics Association Television Awards.

    The second season of Reservation Dogs is currently airing on Hulu, with the season finale slated to air on Sept. 29th. Season 3, which is not yet in production, is expected to hit Hulu sometime in 2023.

    Source: Deadline.

  • ‘Rogues’ Gallery’ Optioned by Don Cheadle’s This Radicle Act

    ‘Rogues’ Gallery’ Optioned by Don Cheadle’s This Radicle Act

    War Machine actor Don Cheadle has found his next project. The always-busy actor is looking to adapt a new comic via his This Radicle Act banner. Deadline reports that Cheadle’s This Radicle Act has optioned the rights to the Image Comics title Rogues’ Gallery from Hannah Rose May, Justin Mason, and Declan Shalvey.

    Rogues’ Gallery focuses on Maisie Wade, who has just quit her role as the Red Rogue, a massively popular comic book character. Unfortunately, following her abrupt exit from Red Rogue’s hit TV series, it is unceremoniously canceled which leaves Masie trapped inside of her own home due to unhinged superfans. Dressed up in the cosplay of the Red Rogue’s arch-villains, the diehard fans seek to teach Maisie a lesson. If Maisie can manage to survive the night, she must become the hero she has grown to despise.

    The comic series, which launched in July, was created by May who will also serve as an executive producer on the project. She will produce via her Weird Neighbour Productions banner alongside Cheadle, Karyn Smith-Forge and This Radicle Act.

    The title is currently being developed for television but doesn’t appear to have a home as of yet. The first three issues are available now through Image Comics with the fourth issue set to hit stands next month.

    Source: Deadline.

  • ‘Scanners’ is Getting an HBO Series Adaptation

    ‘Scanners’ is Getting an HBO Series Adaptation

    HBO has given a series order to Scanners based on the cult classic horror movie of the same name from David Cronenberg. The news comes courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter with the outlet stating that William Bridges (Black Mirror) is set to act as writer and showrunner for the HBO series. Yann Demange, who directed the pilot for HBO’s Lovecraft Country, is on board to direct. Both Bridges and Demange will executive produce the series.

    The original film focused on a small group of people with powers ranging from psychic abilities, telepathy and telekinesis. These people were referred to as scanners. One faction of scanners, led by a power-mad man, aimed to take over the world while a private security firm recruited other scanners to try and stop him. It went on to become the first mainstream success for Cronenberg who has since gone on to build an impressive catalog throughout the years. Cronenberg will serve as an executive producer on the HBO series along with Michael Ellenberg and Lindsey Springer of Media Res Studio and Meredith Duff and Sarah Sullivan of Wayward Films.

    This take on Scanners is being described as a “visceral thriller set in the mind-bending world of Cronenberg’s film.” It’ll follow two women who find themselves living on the fringes of modern society as they are pursued by relentless agents with unimaginable powers and thus must learn to work together to topple a vast conspiracy determined to bring them to heel.

    Outside of Black Mirror, Bridges has worked on the reboot of The Twilight Zone, Netflix’s mega-hit Stranger Things and he helped co-create the AMC series, Soulmates. While Demange has directed titles such as White Boy Rick starring Matthew McConaughey and ’71.

    Source: THR.

  • Jonathan Bailey in Talks to Join ‘Wicked’

    Jonathan Bailey in Talks to Join ‘Wicked’

    Jonathan Bailey is set to join the cast of Wicked.

    Variety reports that Bailey will join the cast of the Wicked films as Fiyero. The two films will star Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and hail from director Jon M. Chu. Stephen Schwartz who was behind the lyrics and music for the Broadway show is penning the script with Winnie Holzman.

    News that Wicked would be split into two films came in April, with Chu noting two movies allowed for the story to be told properly. “With more space, we can tell the story of ‘Wicked’ as it was meant to be told while bringing even more depth and surprise to the journeys for these beloved characters.”

    Bailey is perhaps best known for his role as Lord Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s Bridgerton. He has also appeared in shows like Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Broardchurch and Crashing. On the film side, Bailey has appeared in Testament of Youth, The Mercy and Best Birthday Ever.

    The movies are being produced by Marc Platt via his Universal production banner, Marc Platt Productions, and David Stone. While Universal’s senior executive vice president of production Erik Baiers and vice president of production development Lexi Barta are on board to oversee the films.

    The Wicked movies are currently slated to hit theaters on Christmas in 2024 and 2025.

    Source: Variety.

  • Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer to Pen ‘Fantastic Four’ for Marvel Studios

    Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer to Pen ‘Fantastic Four’ for Marvel Studios

    Marvel Studios has found its writers for Fantastic Four. Deadline reports that Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer are set to pen the screenplay for Fantastic Four. The outlet notes that the duo have actually been involved with the project for a bit now, having signed on before director Matt Shakman (WandaVision) officially signed on for the project. Kaplan and Springer are said to be “outlining where this next series of films will fit into the Marvel Cinematic Universe” alongside Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige. The writers will now work with Shakman to ensure they’ve all aligned their visions for the film before Kaplan and Springer crack the screenplay.

    Like with many writers Marvel Studios brings on board, the duo is still relatively new to Hollywood. Prior to landing Fantastic Four, they sold Disaster Wedding to Warner Bros. which has Max Barbakow on to direct. They also penned K-Pop: Lost in America, which is set to star Rebel Wilson and Charles Melton.

    The Fantastic Four reboot was first announced in 2019 with Spider-Man: No Way Home director Jon Watts originally on board to direct. Watts has since exited the project and Shakman has since signed on, with news of his hiring being announced at this year’s D23.

    Fantastic Four is set to hit theaters on Nov. 8, 2024.

    Source: Deadline.