If you were to learn that Disney+, from the company that owns the work created by the late Jim Henson, was broadcasting a documentary about the visionary puppeteer and filmmaker and that doc was being directed by Ron Howard with substantial input from Henson’s family, you could probably guess what the movie would be like.
And you’d be right.
In this case, though, there’s nothing wrong with a little predictability. Henson and Howard are a fine match, and the sort of film you’d expect Ron Howard to make – straightforward, skillful, honest and sympathetic – is pretty much the kind of movie you’d want about Jim Henson.
There are surprises in “Jim Henson Idea Man,” which had its world premiere on Saturday night in the Cannes Classics section of the Cannes Film Festival. But there’s nothing shocking, nothing earthshaking about this portrait of the man who gave us Big Bird,...
And you’d be right.
In this case, though, there’s nothing wrong with a little predictability. Henson and Howard are a fine match, and the sort of film you’d expect Ron Howard to make – straightforward, skillful, honest and sympathetic – is pretty much the kind of movie you’d want about Jim Henson.
There are surprises in “Jim Henson Idea Man,” which had its world premiere on Saturday night in the Cannes Classics section of the Cannes Film Festival. But there’s nothing shocking, nothing earthshaking about this portrait of the man who gave us Big Bird,...
- 5/18/2024
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
It may not be too much of an exaggeration to say that Jim Henson came up with the concept for an immersive video dome long before Sphere bubbled up in Las Vegas.
In the mid-1960s he developed an idea for a nightclub he called Cyclia – “the entertainment experience of the future” – that would feature crystal panels throughout the ceiling, floor and walls onto which films would be projected.
“Once an hour, a woman in a white leotard would rise from a pedestal in the center of the floor to have film projected on her body as she danced,” writes author Brian Jay Jones in Jim Henson: A Biography.
For better or worse, the psychedelia-inspired concept never became a reality. But it’s an example of the restless imagination that propelled Henson throughout his life. The incredible range of Henson’s creative urges come into focus in Ron Howard’s documentary Jim Henson Idea Man,...
In the mid-1960s he developed an idea for a nightclub he called Cyclia – “the entertainment experience of the future” – that would feature crystal panels throughout the ceiling, floor and walls onto which films would be projected.
“Once an hour, a woman in a white leotard would rise from a pedestal in the center of the floor to have film projected on her body as she danced,” writes author Brian Jay Jones in Jim Henson: A Biography.
For better or worse, the psychedelia-inspired concept never became a reality. But it’s an example of the restless imagination that propelled Henson throughout his life. The incredible range of Henson’s creative urges come into focus in Ron Howard’s documentary Jim Henson Idea Man,...
- 5/18/2024
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s fitting that Ron Howard’s documentary “Jim Henson Idea Man” gets its name from the man himself. During an early bit of voiceover, we hear the “Sesame Street” and “Muppets” creator describe his take on just what it is he does: Idea man. Nothing more, nothing less.
As the film winds on, others are more lofty in their estimations. Henson was a “man with a purpose,” a superhuman, someone for whom terms like “incredibly productive” can’t do justice. He “wanted to do more than was humanly possible,” one of Henson’s adult children tells us. Howard’s film reminds us how true that was during Henson’s lifetime and into his continuing legacy.
Henson was a puppeteer and creator of everything from The Muppets to “Fraggle Rock,” an animator and actor, a TV genius (Henson’s fingerprints are still on every element of “Sesame Street”), and a filmmaker.
As the film winds on, others are more lofty in their estimations. Henson was a “man with a purpose,” a superhuman, someone for whom terms like “incredibly productive” can’t do justice. He “wanted to do more than was humanly possible,” one of Henson’s adult children tells us. Howard’s film reminds us how true that was during Henson’s lifetime and into his continuing legacy.
Henson was a puppeteer and creator of everything from The Muppets to “Fraggle Rock,” an animator and actor, a TV genius (Henson’s fingerprints are still on every element of “Sesame Street”), and a filmmaker.
- 5/18/2024
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
You remind me of the babe? What babe? The babe with the massive cult following! Nearly 40 years since its release, Labyrinth has endured as one of the most beloved fantasy movies ever. While it was a flop at the box office, the movie would go on to embody so much of what makes the genre what it is, not to mention it being a charming – and sometimes frightening – representation of the brilliance of cinematic puppetry.
Like so many of our favorite movies, when it comes down to it, the box office numbers never mattered. That’s definitely the case with Labyrinth, which took in just under $13 million domestically on a budget reportedly around double that. Jennifer Connelly remembered “hearing rumblings” of it being poorly attended at the multiplex but that it eventually found its fandom. “People’s affection has grown over the years. People talk to me about it in...
Like so many of our favorite movies, when it comes down to it, the box office numbers never mattered. That’s definitely the case with Labyrinth, which took in just under $13 million domestically on a budget reportedly around double that. Jennifer Connelly remembered “hearing rumblings” of it being poorly attended at the multiplex but that it eventually found its fandom. “People’s affection has grown over the years. People talk to me about it in...
- 5/13/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Jeff Bridges is turning to the world of practical puppeteering for an upcoming monster film from the Jim Henson Company called “Grendel.”
Bridges will executive produce and be the lead of the latest feature from The Jim Henson Company, the company announced Friday, May 10. “Grendel” will follow the legendary monster at the heart of the epic poem Beowulf, and it will allow the monster to tell his side of the story.
In addition to Bridges as Grendel, the ensemble cast includes Dave Bautista as Beowulf, Bryan Cranston as King Hrothgar, Sam Elliott as The Dragon, Thomasin McKenzie as Queen Wealhtheow, and Aidan Turner as Unferth.
Composer, producer, and songwriter T Bone Burnett will also star in a rare acting role as The Shaper, and he’ll also provide original songs for the film.
Robert D. Krzykowski is set to direct from a screenplay he adapted from John Gardner’s critically...
Bridges will executive produce and be the lead of the latest feature from The Jim Henson Company, the company announced Friday, May 10. “Grendel” will follow the legendary monster at the heart of the epic poem Beowulf, and it will allow the monster to tell his side of the story.
In addition to Bridges as Grendel, the ensemble cast includes Dave Bautista as Beowulf, Bryan Cranston as King Hrothgar, Sam Elliott as The Dragon, Thomasin McKenzie as Queen Wealhtheow, and Aidan Turner as Unferth.
Composer, producer, and songwriter T Bone Burnett will also star in a rare acting role as The Shaper, and he’ll also provide original songs for the film.
Robert D. Krzykowski is set to direct from a screenplay he adapted from John Gardner’s critically...
- 5/10/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
For years, Awesome Art We’ve Found Around The Net has been about two things only – awesome art and the artists that create it. With that in mind, we thought why not take the first week of the month to showcase these awesome artists even more? Welcome to “Awesome Artist We’ve Found Around The Net.” In this column, we are focusing on one artist and the awesome art that they create, whether they be amateur, up and coming, or well established. The goal is to uncover these artists so even more people become familiar with them. We ask these artists a few questions to see their origins, influences, and more. If you are an awesome artist or know someone that should be featured, feel free to contact me at any time at theodorebond@joblo.com.This month we are very pleased to bring you the awesome art of…
Mauricio...
Mauricio...
- 5/4/2024
- by Theodore Bond
- JoBlo.com
Rocket Science announced today that it will fully finance and launch international sales in Cannes on the sci-fi horror 11817 to be directed and produced by Louis Leterrier.
The French filmmaker’s Carrousel Studios, Rocket Science, Thank You Studios, Chernin Entertainment, and 3 Arts Entertainment are producing.
Matthew Robinson, whose credits include The Invention Of Lying, wrote the screenplay about a family of four trapped inside their house by inexplicable forces.
As modern luxuries and essential supplies start to run out, the family must adapt to survive and outsmart whoever or whatever is imprisoning them.
Casting is currently underway. CAA Media Finance represents North American rights.
The French filmmaker’s Carrousel Studios, Rocket Science, Thank You Studios, Chernin Entertainment, and 3 Arts Entertainment are producing.
Matthew Robinson, whose credits include The Invention Of Lying, wrote the screenplay about a family of four trapped inside their house by inexplicable forces.
As modern luxuries and essential supplies start to run out, the family must adapt to survive and outsmart whoever or whatever is imprisoning them.
Casting is currently underway. CAA Media Finance represents North American rights.
- 5/2/2024
- ScreenDaily
Even in this age of instant YouTube gratification, movie trailers are a big deal. They get us hyped for an upcoming project by making promises that the eventual film will (hopefully) pay off. The best sizzle reels are even able to do this by giving a taste of things to come without ruining any surprises or plot twists. Think about the teaser for Alien with its cracking egg and unnerving siren sound, or the deft use of a choral version of Radiohead’s “Creep” in the classic promo for The Social Network. Both of those examples speak to the haunting nature of their movies while allowing space for the film to stand on its own down the road.
But some trailers do their job too well. Some trailers outdo the movies they advertise, sometimes because the film has a concept too shallow to sustain more than three minutes, and sometimes...
But some trailers do their job too well. Some trailers outdo the movies they advertise, sometimes because the film has a concept too shallow to sustain more than three minutes, and sometimes...
- 4/27/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Paramount+ Announces New Thriller Starring Julia Garner
Paramount+ is showing up six months early to the Halloween party. The streamer announced on Friday the all-new original film “Apartment 7A,” a prequel to horror classic “Rosemary's Baby” starring Golden Globe winner and “Ozark” star Julia Garner.
Directed by Natalie Erika James (“Relic”), the psychological thriller will follow a struggling young dancer (Garner) who suffers a devastating injury and herself drawn in by dark forces when a peculiar, well-connected, older couple promises her a shot at fame. The film will be set in 1965 New York City and explore the story of what happened in the apartment before Rosemary moved in in the 1968 classic.
The film also stars two-time Oscar winner Dianne Wiest, Jim Sturgess, and Kevin McNally with Marli Siu, Andrew Buchan, Rosy McEwen, and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith.
“Apartment 7A” will premiere exclusively on Paramount+ this fall.
7-Day Free Trial $5.99+ / month amazon.com...
Paramount+ is showing up six months early to the Halloween party. The streamer announced on Friday the all-new original film “Apartment 7A,” a prequel to horror classic “Rosemary's Baby” starring Golden Globe winner and “Ozark” star Julia Garner.
Directed by Natalie Erika James (“Relic”), the psychological thriller will follow a struggling young dancer (Garner) who suffers a devastating injury and herself drawn in by dark forces when a peculiar, well-connected, older couple promises her a shot at fame. The film will be set in 1965 New York City and explore the story of what happened in the apartment before Rosemary moved in in the 1968 classic.
The film also stars two-time Oscar winner Dianne Wiest, Jim Sturgess, and Kevin McNally with Marli Siu, Andrew Buchan, Rosy McEwen, and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith.
“Apartment 7A” will premiere exclusively on Paramount+ this fall.
7-Day Free Trial $5.99+ / month amazon.com...
- 4/26/2024
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
It is always nice whenever past creatives are highlighted for how they helped shape not only their careers but also the lives of others around them. One of those creatives was Jim Henson, a pioneer in children’s entertainment and puppetry. His life and career are the subject matter of an upcoming documentary, Jim Henson Idea Man, which just released its first trailer.
The upcoming Disney+ documentary will explore Henson’s early days crafting puppets by hand to having his name become one of the biggest in family entertainment. Interviews with his fellow creatives, actors, and family all shed light on his life and career.
Jim Henson started working on things such as the infamous Wilken’s Coffee commercials. He would eventually craft several characters who eventually became the cast of the world-renowned Muppets. Many of the characters would appear on various talk shows and sketch comedy shows before eventually becoming their own brand.
The upcoming Disney+ documentary will explore Henson’s early days crafting puppets by hand to having his name become one of the biggest in family entertainment. Interviews with his fellow creatives, actors, and family all shed light on his life and career.
Jim Henson started working on things such as the infamous Wilken’s Coffee commercials. He would eventually craft several characters who eventually became the cast of the world-renowned Muppets. Many of the characters would appear on various talk shows and sketch comedy shows before eventually becoming their own brand.
- 4/25/2024
- by Mr. Milo
- Pirates & Princesses
"Star Wars" has always been a fairy tale at its core. The phrase "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away" conjures visions of mythic adventures and imaginative settings as much as "Once upon a time" does. Yet, no entries in the franchise have held truer to this ethos than, arguably, the infamous live-action Ewok movies (and if you're surprised to hear me say that, then you clearly haven't looked at my author page before).
Now relegated to the non-canon sectors of the "Star Wars" universe, 1984's "Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure" (originally released as "The Ewok Adventure") was a made-for-tv movie following the cuddly murder teddy bears of the forest moon of Endor as they set out to reunite two young humans with their parents. Despite its limited budget, "An Ewok Adventure" is often just as visually accomplished as other theatrical '80s fantasy features thanks...
Now relegated to the non-canon sectors of the "Star Wars" universe, 1984's "Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure" (originally released as "The Ewok Adventure") was a made-for-tv movie following the cuddly murder teddy bears of the forest moon of Endor as they set out to reunite two young humans with their parents. Despite its limited budget, "An Ewok Adventure" is often just as visually accomplished as other theatrical '80s fantasy features thanks...
- 4/25/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
The new documentary”Jim Henson Idea Man”, streams May 31, 2024 on Disney+:
“…’Jim Henson Idea Man’ chronicles the story of artist and visionary Jim Henson. In his 36-year career, Henson created some of the world's most cherished characters, including classic ‘Muppets’ like ‘Kermit the Frog’ and ‘Miss Piggy’…
…and all of the ‘Sesame Street' residents, including ‘Big Bird’, ‘Grover’, ‘Cookie Monster’, and ‘Bert’ and ‘Ernie’. Henson also directed fantasy films like ‘The Dark Crystal’ and ‘Labyrinth’…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
“…’Jim Henson Idea Man’ chronicles the story of artist and visionary Jim Henson. In his 36-year career, Henson created some of the world's most cherished characters, including classic ‘Muppets’ like ‘Kermit the Frog’ and ‘Miss Piggy’…
…and all of the ‘Sesame Street' residents, including ‘Big Bird’, ‘Grover’, ‘Cookie Monster’, and ‘Bert’ and ‘Ernie’. Henson also directed fantasy films like ‘The Dark Crystal’ and ‘Labyrinth’…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
- 4/25/2024
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
"Never stop creating." Disney+ has revealed the wonderful official trailer for the documentary called Jim Henson Idea Man, a biopic look back at the life of this creative genius. It will be streaming worldwide on Disney+ at the end of May for everyone to enjoy. Directed by Ron Howard, Jim Henson Idea Man takes us into the mind of this singular creative visionary, from his early years puppeteering on local television to the worldwide success of Sesame Street, The Muppet Show & beyond. With unprecedented access to Jim's personal archives, Ron Howard brings us a fascinating and insightful examination of a complex man whose boundless imagination inspired the world. Henson also directed the beloved fantasy films The Dark Crystal & Labyrinth. Featuring interviews of fans of Henson's work, interspersed with footage from Jim Henson's works, including Wilkins and Wontkins Commercials that were previously lost. Wow. Well, this looks utterly magical and delightful!
- 4/24/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Disney+ has released the official trailer and poster for the upcoming documentary Jim Henson Idea Man. Directed by Academy Award winner Ron Howard, Jim Henson Idea Man chronicles the story of extraordinary artist and visionary Jim Henson.
In his 36-year career, Henson created some of the world’s most cherished characters, including classic Muppets like Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy and all of Sesame Street’s iconic residents, including Big Bird, Grover, Cookie Monster, and Bert and Ernie. Henson also directed beloved fantasy films like The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth.
Produced with the full participation and cooperation of the Henson family, Jim Henson Idea Man is an unprecedented, intimate look at Henson’s illustrious, revolutionary career and complex personal life.
Using never-before-seen personal archival home movies, photographs, sketches, and Henson’s personal diaries, as well as interviews with those who knew him best, the film is the definitive portrait...
In his 36-year career, Henson created some of the world’s most cherished characters, including classic Muppets like Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy and all of Sesame Street’s iconic residents, including Big Bird, Grover, Cookie Monster, and Bert and Ernie. Henson also directed beloved fantasy films like The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth.
Produced with the full participation and cooperation of the Henson family, Jim Henson Idea Man is an unprecedented, intimate look at Henson’s illustrious, revolutionary career and complex personal life.
Using never-before-seen personal archival home movies, photographs, sketches, and Henson’s personal diaries, as well as interviews with those who knew him best, the film is the definitive portrait...
- 4/24/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
If you’re looking for something new to watch on Amazon Prime Video this month, you’ve come to the right place. While Amazon can make it tricky to find what you’re looking for, we’ve thumbed through the entire list of what’s new on Prime Video in March to pick the best of the best. That includes a newly minted Oscar winner, a star-fronted action remake and two Michelle Pfeiffer movies that truly show off the actress’ range.
Check out our picks for the best new movies on Amazon Prime Video in March 2024 below.
“American Fiction” “American Fiction” (Credit: MGM)
The Oscar-winner for Best Adapted Screenplay, “American Fiction” is a sharp, funny story about an acclaimed Black novelist whose latest manuscript gets rejected for not being “Black enough.” Thelonious “Monk” Ellison (Jeffrey Wright) then decides to get back at them by writing what he thinks is a...
Check out our picks for the best new movies on Amazon Prime Video in March 2024 below.
“American Fiction” “American Fiction” (Credit: MGM)
The Oscar-winner for Best Adapted Screenplay, “American Fiction” is a sharp, funny story about an acclaimed Black novelist whose latest manuscript gets rejected for not being “Black enough.” Thelonious “Monk” Ellison (Jeffrey Wright) then decides to get back at them by writing what he thinks is a...
- 3/31/2024
- by Adam Chitwood, Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
The name Henson is one that the world recognizes when it comes to creating magic. Brian Henson carries on what his father started by doing just that. Over the years, The Creature Shop (which we recently visited) has designed and brought to life some of the most beautiful and ingenious creations that audiences have ever seen.
Brian Henson grew up making worlds like those in Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, and more, and he would be one of the keys in creating the boundary-breaking now iconic series Farscape 25 years ago. Since then, The Creature Shop has gone on to return to the world of The Dark Crystal with The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, bringing to life a slightly more sinister batch of creatures with The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell and some Very sinister ones with Five Nights at Freddy’s.
But Farscape took things to another level for Henson and...
Brian Henson grew up making worlds like those in Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, and more, and he would be one of the keys in creating the boundary-breaking now iconic series Farscape 25 years ago. Since then, The Creature Shop has gone on to return to the world of The Dark Crystal with The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, bringing to life a slightly more sinister batch of creatures with The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell and some Very sinister ones with Five Nights at Freddy’s.
But Farscape took things to another level for Henson and...
- 3/26/2024
- by Jessica Dwyer
- JoBlo.com
You remind me of the babe. What babe? The babe with the – woah! If there’s one thing we can’t shake from 1986’s Labyrinth, it’s not the remarkably inventive set design, the memorable characters from Jim Henson’s Creature Shop or the fantastic early performance from Jennifer Connelly. It’s the real scene-stealer and childhood-destroyer from Labyrinth – David Bowie’s junk. And if you thought you couldn’t rid your mind of it, imagine having to keep tabs on its size during filming.
Brian Henson – son of director Jim Henson – recently told ComicBook.com that Bowie’s “codpiece” actually changes sizes throughout the movie, which surely only the most devoted Labyrinth fans would have noticed. “The scene where it’s most prevalent I think, is the scene where David pretends he’s a beggar, and then pulls off the costume and stands up, and it’s the Goblin King.
Brian Henson – son of director Jim Henson – recently told ComicBook.com that Bowie’s “codpiece” actually changes sizes throughout the movie, which surely only the most devoted Labyrinth fans would have noticed. “The scene where it’s most prevalent I think, is the scene where David pretends he’s a beggar, and then pulls off the costume and stands up, and it’s the Goblin King.
- 2/20/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
It’s beautiful how movies can take us back to an innocent time. A perfect example is the absolute adoration of Jim Henson’s classic features, The Dark Crystal (1982) and Labyrinth (1986). For many, growing up on The Muppets and Sesame Street brought a level of excitement for both of these features. Even still, while Crystal made a decent showing at the box office, audiences weren’t ready for Labyrinth upon its release. Now, however, both films have found themselves well-loved and admired. So much so that both are getting the 4K treatment, and you can stream them immediately.
We at JoBlo had a childhood dream come to life. We joined other journalists and influencers to celebrate the release. And the after noon gave us the open invitation for a Henson Studio Tour. Included in the event was a contact juggler named Rewi HoopHooligan. Used in Labyrinth, Rewi put on quite...
We at JoBlo had a childhood dream come to life. We joined other journalists and influencers to celebrate the release. And the after noon gave us the open invitation for a Henson Studio Tour. Included in the event was a contact juggler named Rewi HoopHooligan. Used in Labyrinth, Rewi put on quite...
- 2/18/2024
- by JimmyO
- JoBlo.com
While Best Buy is busy committing a cardinal sin by removing Blu-rays and DVDs from its brick-and-mortar stores, Shout! Studios are securing exclusive rights to Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, and other Jim Henson Company library titles. What does this mean for Henson’s fantasy classics? Let’s dig into the details of the deal before we start dancing like the Goblin King, shall we?
According to Deadline‘s exclusive report, The pact between Shout! Studios and the Jim Henson Company grants Shout! exclusive rights to the titles in streaming, video-on-demand, broadcast, digital download, and all packaged media, as well as limited non-theatrical rights. The deal also covers exclusivity for behind-the-scenes specials, including Inside the Labyrinth and The World of the Dark Crystal.
To celebrate this exciting acquisition, Shout! Studios will release Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal digitally across all platforms on February 6, 2024.
“Jim Henson was a prolific and deeply creative artist,...
According to Deadline‘s exclusive report, The pact between Shout! Studios and the Jim Henson Company grants Shout! exclusive rights to the titles in streaming, video-on-demand, broadcast, digital download, and all packaged media, as well as limited non-theatrical rights. The deal also covers exclusivity for behind-the-scenes specials, including Inside the Labyrinth and The World of the Dark Crystal.
To celebrate this exciting acquisition, Shout! Studios will release Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal digitally across all platforms on February 6, 2024.
“Jim Henson was a prolific and deeply creative artist,...
- 1/4/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Shout! Studios has taken exclusive worldwide rights to Jim Henson’s beloved fantasy adventure movies Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal, as part of a new multi-year distribution alliance with The Jim Henson Company, Deadline has learned.
Under the pact, which went into effect on January 1st, Shout! holds rights to the titles in the arenas of streaming, video-on-demand, broadcast, digital download, and all packaged media, as well as limited non-theatrical rights. In addition to Henson’s aforementioned cult hits, the partnership provides Shout! Studios with the same global rights to behind-the-scenes specials Inside the Labyrinth and The World of the Dark Crystal.
Shout! Studios is planning an extensive rollout of the films and associated content, beginning with the digital release of Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal across all major digital entertainment platforms on February 6th.
The news comes around a year and a half after an earlier worldwide distribution agreement between Shout!
Under the pact, which went into effect on January 1st, Shout! holds rights to the titles in the arenas of streaming, video-on-demand, broadcast, digital download, and all packaged media, as well as limited non-theatrical rights. In addition to Henson’s aforementioned cult hits, the partnership provides Shout! Studios with the same global rights to behind-the-scenes specials Inside the Labyrinth and The World of the Dark Crystal.
Shout! Studios is planning an extensive rollout of the films and associated content, beginning with the digital release of Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal across all major digital entertainment platforms on February 6th.
The news comes around a year and a half after an earlier worldwide distribution agreement between Shout!
- 1/4/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon MGM Studios and The Jim Henson Company are teaming to develop a series based on the work of Brian and Wendy Froud.
Brian and Wendy will executive produce the project along with their son, Toby. The Jim Henson Company will also executive produce.
Currently titled “Faerie,” the series is described as a “modern Henson family adventure set in the magical world of Brian & Wendy Froud’s Faeries.”
The official series description states: “When the Faeries kidnap an unsuspecting father, his family must venture into the Faerie realm to rescue him. Through their journey, they will discover their inner strength and unique potential, challenging the expectations that the human world has put upon them. At its core, Faerie is a story of perseverance and the strength of a family’s love, filled with magic, adventure, and self-discovery at every age.”
The Jim Henson Company is repped by UTA.
The Frouds...
Brian and Wendy will executive produce the project along with their son, Toby. The Jim Henson Company will also executive produce.
Currently titled “Faerie,” the series is described as a “modern Henson family adventure set in the magical world of Brian & Wendy Froud’s Faeries.”
The official series description states: “When the Faeries kidnap an unsuspecting father, his family must venture into the Faerie realm to rescue him. Through their journey, they will discover their inner strength and unique potential, challenging the expectations that the human world has put upon them. At its core, Faerie is a story of perseverance and the strength of a family’s love, filled with magic, adventure, and self-discovery at every age.”
The Jim Henson Company is repped by UTA.
The Frouds...
- 11/29/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Cyber Monday is here with even more deals on horror 4K UHDs, Blu-rays, collectibles, and more. Some Black Friday sales are still active, other prices have come down even more, and a bunch of new items have been discounted. Here are this year’s Cyber Monday highlights.
Amazon 4K Uhd Deals:
Assassin’s Creed – $5.99 Maleficent – $7.43 Terminator 2 – $7.99 Suicide Squad – $7.99 Reservoir Dogs – $9.33 John Wick: Chapter 2 – $9.33 Evil Dead Rise – $9.49 The Lost Boys – $9.49 Poltergeist – $9.49 The Blackening – $9.49 Jurassic Park – $9.49 Nope – $9.49 Get Out – $9.99 The Batman – $9.99 Zack Snyder’s Justice League – $9.99 The Suicide Squad – $9.99 Dune – $9.99 The Shawshank Redemption – $9.99 Jaws 2 – $9.99 Everything Everywhere All At Once – $9.99 Edge of Tomorrow – $9.99 Highlander – $9.99 Battlestar Galactica – $9.99 Warcraft – $9.99 Godzilla vs. Kong – $9.99 King Kong (2005) – $10.44 Serenity – $10.49 E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial – $10.99 Ip Man – $10.99 Train to Busan – $11.21 The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent – $11.49 Parasite – $11.49 The Goonies – $11.49 Full Metal Jacket – $11.49 The Shining – $11.99 Dr. Strangelove – $11.99 Us – $11.99 Bram Stoker’s Dracula – $11.99 Nobody – $11.99 The Fifth Element – $11.99 The Dark Crystal – $11.99 Halloween Kills – $11.99 Halloween Ends...
Amazon 4K Uhd Deals:
Assassin’s Creed – $5.99 Maleficent – $7.43 Terminator 2 – $7.99 Suicide Squad – $7.99 Reservoir Dogs – $9.33 John Wick: Chapter 2 – $9.33 Evil Dead Rise – $9.49 The Lost Boys – $9.49 Poltergeist – $9.49 The Blackening – $9.49 Jurassic Park – $9.49 Nope – $9.49 Get Out – $9.99 The Batman – $9.99 Zack Snyder’s Justice League – $9.99 The Suicide Squad – $9.99 Dune – $9.99 The Shawshank Redemption – $9.99 Jaws 2 – $9.99 Everything Everywhere All At Once – $9.99 Edge of Tomorrow – $9.99 Highlander – $9.99 Battlestar Galactica – $9.99 Warcraft – $9.99 Godzilla vs. Kong – $9.99 King Kong (2005) – $10.44 Serenity – $10.49 E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial – $10.99 Ip Man – $10.99 Train to Busan – $11.21 The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent – $11.49 Parasite – $11.49 The Goonies – $11.49 Full Metal Jacket – $11.49 The Shining – $11.99 Dr. Strangelove – $11.99 Us – $11.99 Bram Stoker’s Dracula – $11.99 Nobody – $11.99 The Fifth Element – $11.99 The Dark Crystal – $11.99 Halloween Kills – $11.99 Halloween Ends...
- 11/27/2023
- by Alex DiVincenzo
- bloody-disgusting.com
Looking back, it's no wonder "Labyrinth" bombed at the box office. The last feature film directed by the late, great Jim Henson is just too inspiredly bizarre to have ever stood a chance of catching on with a mainstream audience right away, much less at the height of the Reagan era when it originally came out in 1986. It took many years of young people singing along to "Magic Dance" during slumber parties and coming to recognize their own sexual awakening right along with the then-teenaged Jennifer Connelly as Sarah for the film to become the cult classic it is today.
Indeed, dark, twisted, and occasionally sensual fantasy films that struggle to catch on with the masses before finding a niche audience were very much Henson's bag in the '80s. His and Frank Oz's 1982 feature film "The Dark Crystal" was also a financial dud that enjoyed a long...
Indeed, dark, twisted, and occasionally sensual fantasy films that struggle to catch on with the masses before finding a niche audience were very much Henson's bag in the '80s. His and Frank Oz's 1982 feature film "The Dark Crystal" was also a financial dud that enjoyed a long...
- 11/19/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
One of the best decisions the creatives behind Blumhouse's "Five Nights at Freddy's" film adaptation (read /Film's review) made was hiring Jim Henson's Creature Shop to manufacture its merrily murderous mascot animatronics as real-life puppets and not CGI creations. Both the movie and the original video games take place at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza, a Chuck E. Cheese-style family entertainment center populated by giant animatronics who like to sneak around and murder people under the cover of night. It would be one thing if Mr. Fazbear and his friends were obviously computer-animated in the film. But the fact they're as tactile as the flesh-and-blood humans they're stalking makes the horror of the situation that much more immediate and perceptible.
Puppet horror, in general, thrives on practical effects for similar reasons. Part of what makes the ventriloquist dummies work in films like "Magic" and "Dead Silence" -- besides their creepily uncanny...
Puppet horror, in general, thrives on practical effects for similar reasons. Part of what makes the ventriloquist dummies work in films like "Magic" and "Dead Silence" -- besides their creepily uncanny...
- 10/27/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
If you attended a UK primary school in the last 50 years, then the sight of two white, animated eyes on a black screen turning into the heart of the word ‘Look’ is likely to trigger all sorts of pink custard and plimsoll memories. Those moving eyes, shown on the big TV wheeled by teachers into classrooms every so often, signalled the start of an adventure.
The eyes were part of the Look and Read logo, a schools TV series designed to teach literacy, apostrophe usage and the joys of magic, magic E. The first Look And Read programme was 1967’s Bob And Carol Look For Treasure, a 10-part story about two kids’ clue-filled search for swag and eventual capture of a thief. The most recent, Shadow Play – about a young boy who discovers the diary of a Victorian girl – aired in 2004. In between were the likes of Geordie Racer, the...
The eyes were part of the Look and Read logo, a schools TV series designed to teach literacy, apostrophe usage and the joys of magic, magic E. The first Look And Read programme was 1967’s Bob And Carol Look For Treasure, a 10-part story about two kids’ clue-filled search for swag and eventual capture of a thief. The most recent, Shadow Play – about a young boy who discovers the diary of a Victorian girl – aired in 2004. In between were the likes of Geordie Racer, the...
- 10/6/2023
- by Jbindeck2015
- Den of Geek
There’s never been a creative artist quite like Jim Henson. The Mississippi-born Henson was arguably the world’s most famous puppeteer, but he was much more than that. A cartoonist, actor, inventor, animator, writer and filmmaker, Henson was in a class by himself, whether his work appeared in films or on television. In addition, Henson founded the enormously successful Jim Henson Company, an entertainment mainstay that has lived on to produce family entertainment long after Henson’s untimely death in 1990.
After Henson got his start at age 18 creating puppets for a local station in Washington, D.C., he was approached by the Children’s Television Workshop to help develop a new series for PBS, “Sesame Street.” Soon kids around the world were marveling at the antics of Big Bird and his friends, and the show’s success led Henson to expand his Muppet empire with such further successful series...
After Henson got his start at age 18 creating puppets for a local station in Washington, D.C., he was approached by the Children’s Television Workshop to help develop a new series for PBS, “Sesame Street.” Soon kids around the world were marveling at the antics of Big Bird and his friends, and the show’s success led Henson to expand his Muppet empire with such further successful series...
- 9/20/2023
- by Tom O'Brien, Chris Beachum and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
Look at us! Here we are! Right where we belong ... in 4K Ultra HD, that is!
It's true: "The Muppets Take Manhattan" is getting a fresh coat of paint for its new release on home media courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. The third "Muppets" feature film and, sadly, the last one that creator Jim Henson and puppeteer Richard Hunt worked on prior to their untimely deaths, "Manhattan" sees Kermit and the gang graduating from college and headed to New York City in the hopes of turning their humble little stage musical, "Manhattan Melodies," into a Broadway sensation. But as you might expect, the suits that run the theatrical industry aren't quite as enthused about the prospect of a show all about frogs and dogs and bears and chickens and ... stuff.
I've already gotten on my soapbox about how I feel "The Muppets Take Manhattan" doesn't get the credit it...
It's true: "The Muppets Take Manhattan" is getting a fresh coat of paint for its new release on home media courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. The third "Muppets" feature film and, sadly, the last one that creator Jim Henson and puppeteer Richard Hunt worked on prior to their untimely deaths, "Manhattan" sees Kermit and the gang graduating from college and headed to New York City in the hopes of turning their humble little stage musical, "Manhattan Melodies," into a Broadway sensation. But as you might expect, the suits that run the theatrical industry aren't quite as enthused about the prospect of a show all about frogs and dogs and bears and chickens and ... stuff.
I've already gotten on my soapbox about how I feel "The Muppets Take Manhattan" doesn't get the credit it...
- 8/24/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
There were always two sides to the Jim Henson Company during Henson's lifetime. On one of them, you have the puppets they created for "Sesame Street" and "Fraggle Rock," shows that are as wholesome and earnest as their googly-eyed stars. On the other one, you have the often frightening and twisted puppets that Henson and his crew invented for "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth," as well as those for even creepier fantasy movies like director Nicolas Roeg's "The Witches." The Muppets, in case you were wondering, straddled the line between the two sides.
More than 30 years after its founder's death, however, Henson's legendary Creature Shop is now working on the "Five Nights at Freddy's" movie. As anyone even remotely familiar with the premise for the original "Fnaf" video games could tell you, Blumhouse's film adaptation is a far cry from even the darkest projects Henson's company developed under his watch.
More than 30 years after its founder's death, however, Henson's legendary Creature Shop is now working on the "Five Nights at Freddy's" movie. As anyone even remotely familiar with the premise for the original "Fnaf" video games could tell you, Blumhouse's film adaptation is a far cry from even the darkest projects Henson's company developed under his watch.
- 8/7/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
The lineup for the 2023 San Diego Comic-Con has been unveiled, giving attendees – and those refreshing their browsers the entire weekend – a little less to look forward to but still plenty of panels, reveals and anniversary spotlights. The 2023 Comic-Con is a far more limited affair this year due to major players like Marvel, Sony, Universal, Disney, and more dropping out at least partly due to the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike. And with deadlines on the potential Screen Actors Guild strike quickly approaching, could only harm the event even more.
Here are some of the highlights of the 2023 San Diego Comic-Con:
Thursday, July 20th:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem – “Paramount Pictures brings a panel discussion and footage presentation with filmmakers.”
Project K – “From the heartland of India emerges a unique tale that intertwines ancient mythology with cutting-edge science fiction, all within the captivating Spice Punk aesthetic. Welcome to Project K,...
Here are some of the highlights of the 2023 San Diego Comic-Con:
Thursday, July 20th:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem – “Paramount Pictures brings a panel discussion and footage presentation with filmmakers.”
Project K – “From the heartland of India emerges a unique tale that intertwines ancient mythology with cutting-edge science fiction, all within the captivating Spice Punk aesthetic. Welcome to Project K,...
- 7/9/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Network: The CW
Episodes: Ongoing (hour)
Seasons: Ongoing
TV show dates: July 8, 2023 -- present
Series status: Has not been cancelled
Performers include: (none)
TV show description:
A pop culture docuseries, the Greatest Geek Year Ever TV show is produced by Roger Lay, Jr., Mark A. Altman, Thomas P. Vitale, and Scott “Movie” Mantz. The episodes look at iconic movies that helped define a specific year for a generation.
The first season spotlights the movies of 1982. Stars, directors, writers, producers, and pop culture historians share their insights about such legendary movies as E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial, Blade Runner, John Carpenter’s The Thing, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Poltergeist, Creepshow, Night Shift, The Dark Crystal, 48 Hours, First Blood, Tron, Conan The Barbarian, Cat People, Fast Times At Ridgemont High,...
Episodes: Ongoing (hour)
Seasons: Ongoing
TV show dates: July 8, 2023 -- present
Series status: Has not been cancelled
Performers include: (none)
TV show description:
A pop culture docuseries, the Greatest Geek Year Ever TV show is produced by Roger Lay, Jr., Mark A. Altman, Thomas P. Vitale, and Scott “Movie” Mantz. The episodes look at iconic movies that helped define a specific year for a generation.
The first season spotlights the movies of 1982. Stars, directors, writers, producers, and pop culture historians share their insights about such legendary movies as E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial, Blade Runner, John Carpenter’s The Thing, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Poltergeist, Creepshow, Night Shift, The Dark Crystal, 48 Hours, First Blood, Tron, Conan The Barbarian, Cat People, Fast Times At Ridgemont High,...
- 7/9/2023
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Tubi opens June with an intense WWII drama “Inglourious Basterds.” Allied officer Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) assembles a team of five tough Jewish soldiers to spread fear throughout the Third Reich. They have one assignment: assassinate Nazi leaders. Quentin Tarantino wrote and directed the unconventional war drama. Eli Roth, Melanie Laurent, and Christopher Walz co-star.
Watch the trailer of “Inglourious Basterds”:
The network is also streaming the original documentary “Mystery Unsolved: The Adnan Syed Story” on June 7. The murder of teenager Hae Min Lee was the focal point of a “Serial” podcast, which questioned if boyfriend Syed was her killer. After serving 22 years in prison, Syed was released, still proclaiming his innocence. Now, he may return.
Another streamer original, “Magic Carpet Rides,” arrives June 14. It centers on a social influencer torn between sharing her budding romance or honoring her boyfriend’s request to keep their life private.
Check...
Watch the trailer of “Inglourious Basterds”:
The network is also streaming the original documentary “Mystery Unsolved: The Adnan Syed Story” on June 7. The murder of teenager Hae Min Lee was the focal point of a “Serial” podcast, which questioned if boyfriend Syed was her killer. After serving 22 years in prison, Syed was released, still proclaiming his innocence. Now, he may return.
Another streamer original, “Magic Carpet Rides,” arrives June 14. It centers on a social influencer torn between sharing her budding romance or honoring her boyfriend’s request to keep their life private.
Check...
- 5/31/2023
- by Fern Siegel
- The Streamable
When Justin Lin stepped away from "Fast X" citing that age-old excuse of "creative differences," Universal was forced to hire a replacement immediately. At the time, shooting on the 10th "Fast and Furious" movie had just got underway, with Lin leaving days after the cameras started rolling on a film that would form part of one of the biggest franchises in Hollywood history.
Lin had overseen multiple films in the "Fast" saga, from "Tokyo Drift" to "Fast & Furious," "Fast Five," "Fast and Furious 6," and "F9." He was the man in charge as the franchise shifted away from street racing and towards the all-out action blockbuster series it's known as today. So to put it mildly, when Universal drafted in "Clash of the Titans" director Louis Leterrier, he had a hell of a task ahead of him.
But how did Leterrier — a man whose last project was the swiftly-canceled...
Lin had overseen multiple films in the "Fast" saga, from "Tokyo Drift" to "Fast & Furious," "Fast Five," "Fast and Furious 6," and "F9." He was the man in charge as the franchise shifted away from street racing and towards the all-out action blockbuster series it's known as today. So to put it mildly, when Universal drafted in "Clash of the Titans" director Louis Leterrier, he had a hell of a task ahead of him.
But how did Leterrier — a man whose last project was the swiftly-canceled...
- 5/27/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
Les looks in the rear view mirror
There are any number of animated films released each year, often critically acclaimed and welcomed by the public, yet there are still very few works out there which really make use of puppets. Assorted Muppet ventures, Labyrinth and The Happytime Murders rely on supplementing them with live action performances. The Dark Crystal and its Netflix series prequel are widely celebrated for what they manage to achieve, yet have inspired few imitations – perhaps not surprising given the scale of work required. In 2021, Frank & Zed made an impact on the horror scene, but didn’t really have the writing to back up its craft. 2023’s Abruptio is something else, and suggests that the puppet film has finally come of age.
Following a man who, when he wakes yup one day with a bomb implanted in his neck and starts receiving disturbing orders, wonders if he picked.
There are any number of animated films released each year, often critically acclaimed and welcomed by the public, yet there are still very few works out there which really make use of puppets. Assorted Muppet ventures, Labyrinth and The Happytime Murders rely on supplementing them with live action performances. The Dark Crystal and its Netflix series prequel are widely celebrated for what they manage to achieve, yet have inspired few imitations – perhaps not surprising given the scale of work required. In 2021, Frank & Zed made an impact on the horror scene, but didn’t really have the writing to back up its craft. 2023’s Abruptio is something else, and suggests that the puppet film has finally come of age.
Following a man who, when he wakes yup one day with a bomb implanted in his neck and starts receiving disturbing orders, wonders if he picked.
- 5/11/2023
- by Jennie Kermode
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Mark Hamill, Gary Kurtz, and Billy D. Williams in 1980.Photo: Fairfax Media Archives (Getty Images)
Imagine Star Wars without merch. Or Ewoks. Or another Death Star, just two movies after the first. Imagine if Leia and Luke weren’t related, and might have become lovers. Imagine Han Solo dying in...
Imagine Star Wars without merch. Or Ewoks. Or another Death Star, just two movies after the first. Imagine if Leia and Luke weren’t related, and might have become lovers. Imagine Han Solo dying in...
- 5/4/2023
- by Ray Greene
- avclub.com
This week's big streaming releases include the return of "Sweet Tooth," a rare post-apocalyptic tale that's all about optimism (and cute critters), and the premiere of "Citadel," the second-most-expensive TV show ever made and the hopeful start of a global franchise. Elsewhere, if you want more apocalyptic fun with big smiles and dark undertones, there's "Ranking of Kings" and "Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts." Or perhaps you want something before the apocalypse but with dark forces starting to gather, like the criminally underseen "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance." For something completely different, "Person of Interest" is a spy thriller with some rather prescient thoughts about AI, "Source Code" is a fun sci-fi time loop thriller, "Spies in Disguise," is a hilarious take on the "James Bond" formula, and "Everything Everywhere All at Once" stares at the end of the world and chooses kindness.
Sweet Tooth Is Back For...
Sweet Tooth Is Back For...
- 4/24/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Jabba the Hutt defines "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi." A massive alien creature puppet made by staff who cut their teeth on "The Dark Crystal," he took "four tons of clay" to produce (per J.W. Rinzler's "The Making of Star Wars: The Return of the Jedi") and was barely finished in time for the film. Puppeteer Toby Philpott called him "probably the most expensive puppet that's ever been made" in the Jabba-centric documentary "Slimy Piece of Worm-Ridden Filth." His Tatooine palace set saw the "Star Wars" production staff aiming to outdo the famous Cantina scene in "A New Hope." So garish was his environs that the production staff paid to obtain rare frogs for the set, so that Jabba could pretend to eat plastic versions of them.
To some, Jabba was an inconvenience. To others, he was an inspiration. But perhaps nobody else on set had a relationship...
To some, Jabba was an inconvenience. To others, he was an inspiration. But perhaps nobody else on set had a relationship...
- 4/22/2023
- by Adam Wescott
- Slash Film
After the huge success of "Stranger Things," it's no surprise Netflix would want to stay in business with the Duffer Brothers. And as that show heads toward its highly anticipated conclusion, the duo is revving up future projects for the streamer.
When Netflix signed Matt and Ross Duffer to a nine-figure deal last year, one of the projects they were attached to was a mysterious science fiction series from creators Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, the guys behind Netflix's beloved, canceled-too-soon fantasy epic "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance." Today, we finally have more information about that project.
The eight-episode series is called "The Boroughs," and it sounds like it could be tonally similar to "Stranger Things" despite having a completely different setting and group of characters. Here's the official logline:
In a seemingly picturesque retirement community in the New Mexico desert, a group of unlikely heroes must band together...
When Netflix signed Matt and Ross Duffer to a nine-figure deal last year, one of the projects they were attached to was a mysterious science fiction series from creators Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, the guys behind Netflix's beloved, canceled-too-soon fantasy epic "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance." Today, we finally have more information about that project.
The eight-episode series is called "The Boroughs," and it sounds like it could be tonally similar to "Stranger Things" despite having a completely different setting and group of characters. Here's the official logline:
In a seemingly picturesque retirement community in the New Mexico desert, a group of unlikely heroes must band together...
- 4/20/2023
- by Ben Pearson
- Slash Film
Ross Duffer and Matt Duffer from ‘Stranger Thing’ (Photo Cr. Brad Torchia / Netflix © 2023)
The creative minds behind Stranger Things and The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance are collaborating on The Boroughs. Netflix has just given the green light to the supernatural mystery series, ordering an eight-episode season.
The streaming service released this brief description of the new series: “In a seemingly picturesque retirement community in the New Mexico desert, a group of unlikely heroes must band together to stop an otherworldly threat from stealing the one thing they don’t have… time.”
The Dark Crystal‘s Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews created The Boroughs and will serve as executive producers and showrunners. Stranger Things‘ The Duffer Brothers are on board as executive producers.
“We’ve been fans of Jeff and Will’s writing for a long time, and when they pitched us their idea for The Boroughs, we immediately knew...
The creative minds behind Stranger Things and The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance are collaborating on The Boroughs. Netflix has just given the green light to the supernatural mystery series, ordering an eight-episode season.
The streaming service released this brief description of the new series: “In a seemingly picturesque retirement community in the New Mexico desert, a group of unlikely heroes must band together to stop an otherworldly threat from stealing the one thing they don’t have… time.”
The Dark Crystal‘s Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews created The Boroughs and will serve as executive producers and showrunners. Stranger Things‘ The Duffer Brothers are on board as executive producers.
“We’ve been fans of Jeff and Will’s writing for a long time, and when they pitched us their idea for The Boroughs, we immediately knew...
- 4/20/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Netflix is staying in business with the creators of Stranger Things.
The streaming service on Thursday announced a series order for The Boroughs, a supernatural mystery from executive producers The Duffer Brothers and created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews (The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance).
Addiss and Matthews will also serve as showrunners.
"In a seemingly picturesque retirement community in the New Mexico desert, a group of unlikely heroes must band together to stop an otherworldly threat from stealing the one thing they don't have… time," the logline reads for the eight-episode series.
"We've been fans of Jeff and Will's writing for a long time, and when they pitched us their idea for The Boroughs, we immediately knew they had something very special on their hands," said the Duffer Brothers in a statement.
"While the heroes in The Boroughs have a few more years on them than the kids from Stranger Things,...
The streaming service on Thursday announced a series order for The Boroughs, a supernatural mystery from executive producers The Duffer Brothers and created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews (The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance).
Addiss and Matthews will also serve as showrunners.
"In a seemingly picturesque retirement community in the New Mexico desert, a group of unlikely heroes must band together to stop an otherworldly threat from stealing the one thing they don't have… time," the logline reads for the eight-episode series.
"We've been fans of Jeff and Will's writing for a long time, and when they pitched us their idea for The Boroughs, we immediately knew they had something very special on their hands," said the Duffer Brothers in a statement.
"While the heroes in The Boroughs have a few more years on them than the kids from Stranger Things,...
- 4/20/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer are ramping up their next acts at Netflix.
Ten days after announcing an animated series set within the Stranger Things universe, the Duffer brothers have scored a series order for The Boroughs, a sci-fi drama from The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance duo Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews.
The project, which was first announced last July as part of their nine-figure overall deal with the streamer, is based on an original idea from Addiss and Matthews. The Boroughs takes place in a seemingly picturesque retirement community in the New Mexico desert and, like Stranger Things, revolves around a group of unlikely heroes who must band together to stop an otherworldly threat from stealing the one thing they don’t have: time.
“We’ve been fans of Jeff and Will’s writing for a long time, and when they pitched us their idea for The Boroughs,...
Ten days after announcing an animated series set within the Stranger Things universe, the Duffer brothers have scored a series order for The Boroughs, a sci-fi drama from The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance duo Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews.
The project, which was first announced last July as part of their nine-figure overall deal with the streamer, is based on an original idea from Addiss and Matthews. The Boroughs takes place in a seemingly picturesque retirement community in the New Mexico desert and, like Stranger Things, revolves around a group of unlikely heroes who must band together to stop an otherworldly threat from stealing the one thing they don’t have: time.
“We’ve been fans of Jeff and Will’s writing for a long time, and when they pitched us their idea for The Boroughs,...
- 4/20/2023
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
With Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (check out our review here) coming out and over-performing, and because we here at Joblo are big fans of alliteration, we wanted to know what is your Favorite Fantasy Film? If you don’t see your favorite listed, please click “Other” and let its know in the comments
What is your Favorite Fantasy Film?The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings (2001)The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (2003)The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug (2013)The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)Beowulf (2007)Hercules (2014)Clash of the Titans (2010)Wrath of the Titans (2012)Conan The Barbarian (1982)Warcraft (2016)Your Highness (2011)The 13th Warrior (1999)Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)The NeverEnding Story (1984)The NeverEnding Story 2: The Next Chapter (1990)Labyrinth (1986)The Wizard of Oz (1939)The Dark Crystal (1982)The Shape of Water...
What is your Favorite Fantasy Film?The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings (2001)The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (2003)The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug (2013)The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)Beowulf (2007)Hercules (2014)Clash of the Titans (2010)Wrath of the Titans (2012)Conan The Barbarian (1982)Warcraft (2016)Your Highness (2011)The 13th Warrior (1999)Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)The NeverEnding Story (1984)The NeverEnding Story 2: The Next Chapter (1990)Labyrinth (1986)The Wizard of Oz (1939)The Dark Crystal (1982)The Shape of Water...
- 4/2/2023
- by Brad Hamerly
- JoBlo.com
"Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" is a triumph for fantasy movies. This is a film that embraces the absurdity, the playfulness, and the chaos of playing arguably the most popular tabletop fantasy RPG of all time, or at least the best-known one. It is a hilarious film that avoids snarky, meta and campy humor, but instead has humor that's fully about characters being earnest in funny and extraordinary situations.
The "Dungeons & Dragons" movies is also full of wonderful fantasy creatures, including plenty of great practical effects creatures that feel out of the "Dark Crystal" TV show. What's more, the movie even includes some of the more esoteric creatures we can only see in a "Dungeons & Dragons" movie, like the intellect devourers, the mimics, and the gelatinous cube.
Perhaps the area where the movie feels the nerdiest and most faithful to the lore and the particular style of...
The "Dungeons & Dragons" movies is also full of wonderful fantasy creatures, including plenty of great practical effects creatures that feel out of the "Dark Crystal" TV show. What's more, the movie even includes some of the more esoteric creatures we can only see in a "Dungeons & Dragons" movie, like the intellect devourers, the mimics, and the gelatinous cube.
Perhaps the area where the movie feels the nerdiest and most faithful to the lore and the particular style of...
- 3/30/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Director John Stevenson has had a fascinating working trajectory. From his early-career days in the 1980s working as a story artist on Jim Henson productions Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal and The Great Muppet Caper, through to his 2008 Oscar-nominated directorial debut Kung Fu Panda, Stevenson has had his hands in many major studio projects. This makes his latest BAFTA nominated film Middle Watch all the more interesting, as it sees Stevenson return to a more concise and small-scale form of storytelling. The short film, which was made in collaboration with Falmouth University, follows a sailor in the latter days of World War II who finds himself trying to protect his delicate state of mind when he’s thrust in the presence of something extraordinary. Ahead of this year’s BAFTA ceremony, Dn joined Stevenson for an in-depth conversation that covered everything from the lessons he’s learned over his extensive career...
- 2/13/2023
- by James Maitre
- Directors Notes
Thanks to the one-two release of visual effects legend Phil Tippett's nightmarish magnum opus "Mad God" and Lawrence Kasdan's Industrial Light & Magic docuseries "Light & Magic" in 2022, Tippett has come to enjoy some long overdue recognition as one of the unsung heroes of Hollywood's blockbuster era (which began roughly in 1975 with the runaway success of "Jaws"). But since cinema is an audiovisual medium, legendary sound designer Ben Burtt is equally noteworthy for shaping the blockbuster soundscape over the last five decades.
After getting his start on the Roger Corman-produced "Death Race 2000" in 1975 (for which he was uncredited), Burtt served as a sound designer and artist on the original "Star Wars" trilogy. In between working on those films, Burtt lent his skills to "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (the 1978 remake), "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," and "The Dark Crystal." It's possible you may have heard...
After getting his start on the Roger Corman-produced "Death Race 2000" in 1975 (for which he was uncredited), Burtt served as a sound designer and artist on the original "Star Wars" trilogy. In between working on those films, Burtt lent his skills to "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (the 1978 remake), "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," and "The Dark Crystal." It's possible you may have heard...
- 1/3/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Ron Howard's 1988 fantasy adventure "Willow," starring Warwick Davis as the titular character and Val Kilmer as the medieval swashbuckler Madmartigan, won the hearts and minds of kids and young adults who wanted a little more magic in their movies. The story about a sorcerer's apprentice who embarks on a quest to find a home for a noble Daikini baby is instantly relatable, mainly due to Davis's genuine performance and the feeling of overcoming evil against all odds. "Willow" is a tale of triumph, but it's also a frightening tale filled with dark armies, evil queens, hungry bridge trolls, and two-headed fire-breathing dragons. The world of "Willow" is a dangerous one, and young Willow Ufgood must overcome his amateur mistakes (of which there are many) to become the competent, brave wizard he was always meant to be.
It's widely recognized today that kids movies used to be a whole lot scarier and,...
It's widely recognized today that kids movies used to be a whole lot scarier and,...
- 12/21/2022
- by Drew Tinnin
- Slash Film
In the spring of 1992, the legendary singer-songwriter Paul Williams was walking in a park in the Los Angeles sunshine, thinking about Christmas. Sixteen years after first working with the Muppets, he was about to return to their colourful world, but he was apprehensive. Years of rock ’n roll debauchery having finally caught up with him, The Muppet Christmas Carol would be the first project he’d worked on sober in forever. Three decades later, he tells Empire, he needn’t have worried. “I sat on a bench and Scrooge’s song suddenly started coming to me: ‘Bom-bom-bom-bom… When a cold wind blows it chills you…’ I think I got as far as ‘There goes Mr Humbug, there goes Mr Grim / If they gave a prize for being mean, the winner would be him’ before I paused at all. I was like, 'Hey, that’s pretty good!' I was so...
- 12/1/2022
- by Owen Williams
- Empire - Movies
You remind me of the babe. What babe? The babe with several socks stuffed down the front of his pants. The most compelling aspect of 1986’s Labyrinth isn’t the Jim Henson puppets or the fantastical world Jennifer Connelly wanders through, but rather the rather distracting, uh, package in David Bowie’s drawers.
While promoting his latest venture, the upcoming Disney+ series Willow–a continuation of the beloved 1988 film–Warwick Davis discussed the most crucial aspect of working on Labyrinth. And yes, it involves Jareth, the Goblin King. “Those tights were a bit too tight, weren’t they?…He was very, very down to earth on the set, by the way. Wanted to go by Dave, despite this huge wig and seven pairs of socks down his tights.” Yeah, seems pretty down to earth. Davis is credited as one of the Goblin Corps.
Warwick Davis also spoke of any potential sequel.
While promoting his latest venture, the upcoming Disney+ series Willow–a continuation of the beloved 1988 film–Warwick Davis discussed the most crucial aspect of working on Labyrinth. And yes, it involves Jareth, the Goblin King. “Those tights were a bit too tight, weren’t they?…He was very, very down to earth on the set, by the way. Wanted to go by Dave, despite this huge wig and seven pairs of socks down his tights.” Yeah, seems pretty down to earth. Davis is credited as one of the Goblin Corps.
Warwick Davis also spoke of any potential sequel.
- 11/29/2022
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
The 1986 musical "Little Shop of Horrors" started its life as a zero-budget monster comedy that Roger Corman legendarily shot over the course of two days and a single night. Rehearsals were only held for the three days prior, and it was filmed on sets that had been left standing for the production of "A Bucket of Blood," which had just wrapped filming. A young Jack Nicholson appears in the film as a masochistic dental patient. The 1960 film is a prime example of low-budget tenacity at work — all one needs is gumption, a portion of an idea, and a few actors willing to read lines.
The film is about a nebbish named Seymour (Jonathan Haze) who discovers a talking alien plant (Charles B. Griffith) that thirsts for human flesh. In order to appease his boss and impress his would-be girlfriend Audrey (Jackie Joseph), he feeds the plant his own blood and,...
The film is about a nebbish named Seymour (Jonathan Haze) who discovers a talking alien plant (Charles B. Griffith) that thirsts for human flesh. In order to appease his boss and impress his would-be girlfriend Audrey (Jackie Joseph), he feeds the plant his own blood and,...
- 11/28/2022
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Writer/Director Lucky McKee discusses a few of his favorite movies with Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Tár (2022)
Speed Racer (2008)
The Matrix (1999)
Gloria (1980) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
The Howling (1981) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
Old Man (2022)
Don’t Breathe (2016)
Avatar (2009)
Band of the Hand (1986)
May (2002)
The Piano (1993)
The Crying Game (1992)
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Star Wars: Episode VI – Return Of The Jedi (1983)
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack Of The Clones (2002)
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge Of The Sith (2005)
The Dark Crystal (1982) – Bernard Rose’s trailer commentary
Cockfighter (1974) – Jon Davison’s trailer commentary
Days of Heaven (1978)
Sweetie (1989)
The Power of the Dog (2021)
Do The Right Thing (1989) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary
A History Of Violence (2005)
Se7en (1995)
Straw Dogs (1971) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary,...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Tár (2022)
Speed Racer (2008)
The Matrix (1999)
Gloria (1980) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
The Howling (1981) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
Old Man (2022)
Don’t Breathe (2016)
Avatar (2009)
Band of the Hand (1986)
May (2002)
The Piano (1993)
The Crying Game (1992)
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Star Wars: Episode VI – Return Of The Jedi (1983)
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack Of The Clones (2002)
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge Of The Sith (2005)
The Dark Crystal (1982) – Bernard Rose’s trailer commentary
Cockfighter (1974) – Jon Davison’s trailer commentary
Days of Heaven (1978)
Sweetie (1989)
The Power of the Dog (2021)
Do The Right Thing (1989) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary
A History Of Violence (2005)
Se7en (1995)
Straw Dogs (1971) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary,...
- 11/1/2022
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
(Welcome to The Daily Stream, an ongoing series in which the /Film team shares what they've been watching, why it's worth checking out, and where you can stream it.)
The Movie: "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze" (1991)
Where You Can Stream It: Netflix
The Pitch: There was once a magical time when children's entertainment reached its pinnacle with a decidedly bizarre rushed sequel. It featured a heroic pizza boy, goofy mutated bad guys, Vanilla Ice playing himself, a theme song that '80s kids can still sing word-for-word to this very day, and the esteemed British actor David Warner, who spends the entirety of the movie running around in a lab coat trying to protect a glowing green vial of slime.
Why It's Essential Viewing
In the pantheon of all cinema, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze" isn't gonna be anywhere near the top,...
The Movie: "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze" (1991)
Where You Can Stream It: Netflix
The Pitch: There was once a magical time when children's entertainment reached its pinnacle with a decidedly bizarre rushed sequel. It featured a heroic pizza boy, goofy mutated bad guys, Vanilla Ice playing himself, a theme song that '80s kids can still sing word-for-word to this very day, and the esteemed British actor David Warner, who spends the entirety of the movie running around in a lab coat trying to protect a glowing green vial of slime.
Why It's Essential Viewing
In the pantheon of all cinema, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze" isn't gonna be anywhere near the top,...
- 10/20/2022
- by Eric Vespe
- Slash Film
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