Key Takeaways
- A24 acquired Olivia Wilde’s film 'The Invite' for over $10 million after a Sundance bidding war.
- Leaked photographs emerged from upcoming biopics about The Beatles, revealing casting details.
- BAFTA nominations highlighted 'The Power of the Dog' with 14 nods, surpassing 'Belfast'.
- Chris Pratt's film 'Mercy' was critically assessed by hosts as an 'evil and disastrous misfire'.
- Sam Raimi’s 'Send Help' successfully used his signature style to explore complex moral themes.
- The hosts discussed the careers of 'misused' Hollywood stars, citing Rachel McAdams and Kirsten Dunst.
Deep Dive
- A24 acquired Olivia Wilde's 'The Invite' for over $10 million following its Sundance premiere.
- The film, starring Seth Rogan, Edward Norton, and Penelope Cruz, is described as a film about a couple invited to a swinger party.
- Olivia Wilde stated her desire for the film to be seen in theaters.
- Amanda Dobbins expressed reservations about Wilde's previous directorial effort, 'Don't Worry Darling'.
- Hosts described 'Mercy,' starring Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson, as an 'evil and disastrous misfire.'
- The film's premise involves a detective on trial for his wife's murder, with 90 minutes to prove innocence to an AI judge.
- Criticism included the film's structure, aesthetics, and potential manipulative agenda to promote AI acceptance.
- The execution, particularly the portrayal of a Black female cop and a floating jet ski motorcycle, was deemed problematic.
- The hosts critiqued a plot point in 'Mercy' regarding a character's affair and a burner phone, questioning its practicality.
- The film's use of surveillance footage to prove innocence and its message about AI's dual nature were found contradictory.
- Specific criticisms included the poorly conceived mystery element and visual choices like a floating jet ski motorcycle.
- The hosts discussed Chris Pratt's current career trajectory, contrasting his action-heavy roles with earlier comedic potential in 'Parks and Recreation'.
- His voice roles in 'Garfield' and 'Super Mario' and live-action 'The Terminal List' were cited as examples of less interesting career choices.
- The conversation also touched on Rebecca Ferguson's career, questioning choices that led to 'Mercy' and reflecting on actor pay.
- Hosts praised Sam Raimi's 'Send Help,' noting his signature style and the return of long-time collaborators.
- The film, starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien, explores morally complex themes with characters stranded after a plane crash.
- McAdams's performance was highlighted for her portrayal of a character undergoing significant transformation.
- The narrative structure effectively built suspense by repeatedly turning the tables.
- The hosts used Rachel McAdams's performance in 'Send Help' as a segue to discuss Hollywood's most misused stars.
- McAdams was praised for her charm, intelligence, and versatility in films like 'Game Night' and 'About Time'.
- Her roles in 'Doctor Strange' films were noted as an underutilization of her talent.
- The discussion introduced the concept of stars whose careers, despite good performances, don't meet their full potential.
- Hosts debated if Angelina Jolie, despite her past major movie star status with hits like 'Wanted' and 'Salt', fits the 'misused star' category.
- They acknowledged her ability to secure projects like her recent film 'Maria' and upcoming 'Anxious People', suggesting significant agency.
- Jolie's filmography, including her Oscar win for 'Girl, Interrupted', was discussed regarding overall quality and box office success.
- The discussion turned to Amy Adams, debating whether her recent film choices like 'Disenchanted' and 'Dear Evan Hansen' were artistically driven or misusing her talent.
- Hosts also mentioned Jake Gyllenhaal, noting his last significant movie star role was in 'The Mule' in 2018.
- Regina Hall was introduced as another potentially misused star, praised for performances beyond comedic roles, including 'One Battle After Another'.
- Hosts discussed Chris Pine's diverse recent film choices, including his performance in 'Carousel' and franchise roles like Captain Kirk.
- The discussion humorously recapped 'Princess Diaries 2', featuring Pine, and its romantic comedy tropes.
- Kirsten Dunst was named the 'number one misused star', praised for recent work in 'The Power of the Dog' and 'Hidden Figures'.
- Dunst's 'shade posting' about Timothy Chalamet regarding 'Wonka' and a rumored collaboration with Sofia Coppola were mentioned.