Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums list today named its top 10 albums of all-time, with The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill crowned No. 1.
“This is my award,” Hill said to Apple Music, “but it’s a rich, deep narrative, and involves so many people, and so much sacrifice, and so much time, and so much collective love.”
Last year was the album’s 25th anniversary, and its success was overwhelming upon release. It won five Grammys, three American Music Awards, and a Billboard, Soul Train and MTV Video Music Award while selling 30 million copies since its bow.
But instead of capitalizing on it, Hill became one of music’s biggest enigmas. Her output diminished after an MTV Unplugged follow-up acoustic album, reverting to sporadic singles and rare appearances.
Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums was created by a group of artists, songwriters, producers, and industry professionals, along with Apple Music staff. The list...
“This is my award,” Hill said to Apple Music, “but it’s a rich, deep narrative, and involves so many people, and so much sacrifice, and so much time, and so much collective love.”
Last year was the album’s 25th anniversary, and its success was overwhelming upon release. It won five Grammys, three American Music Awards, and a Billboard, Soul Train and MTV Video Music Award while selling 30 million copies since its bow.
But instead of capitalizing on it, Hill became one of music’s biggest enigmas. Her output diminished after an MTV Unplugged follow-up acoustic album, reverting to sporadic singles and rare appearances.
Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums was created by a group of artists, songwriters, producers, and industry professionals, along with Apple Music staff. The list...
- 5/22/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Apple Music named its top 10 albums of all time and it focused entirely on popular music. While some older records showed up on the list, the top spot was taken by Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Hill herself reacted to this ranking.
Lauryn Hill wouldn’t have made Apple Music’s top 10 albums without ‘sacrifice’
In 2024, Apple Music named The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill the greatest album ever. It beat out several other classics. The rest of the top 10 were, in ascending order, Beyoncé’s Lemonade, Nirvana’s Nevermind, Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black, Kendrick Lamar’s Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life, Frank Ocean’s Blonde, Prince and the Revolution’s Purple Rain, The Beatles’ Abbey Road, and Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Though some critics may take issue with the fact that the list is dominated by recent albums,...
Lauryn Hill wouldn’t have made Apple Music’s top 10 albums without ‘sacrifice’
In 2024, Apple Music named The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill the greatest album ever. It beat out several other classics. The rest of the top 10 were, in ascending order, Beyoncé’s Lemonade, Nirvana’s Nevermind, Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black, Kendrick Lamar’s Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life, Frank Ocean’s Blonde, Prince and the Revolution’s Purple Rain, The Beatles’ Abbey Road, and Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Though some critics may take issue with the fact that the list is dominated by recent albums,...
- 5/22/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
From Whitney Houston to Elvis, there is no shortage of iconic singers who inspire sweeping films that dramatize their life stories. No matter the genre, cinematic features have captured the careers of the King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley to country singer Jonny Cash. Most recently, Back to Black (2024) launched in theaters to capture the life and musical career of Amy Winehouse.
Still other films in the works will add to the canon of singer biography movies, like Timothée Chalamet’s upcoming portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown and nephew to Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal of his uncle the late Michael Jackson in Michael.
We’ve compiled a list of music-centric biopics available to stream should the urge overcome viewers.
Photo: Sony Pictures Entertainment /Courtesy Everett Collection
Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody (2022)
Naomi Ackie embodied singer Whitney Houston in Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody.
Still other films in the works will add to the canon of singer biography movies, like Timothée Chalamet’s upcoming portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown and nephew to Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal of his uncle the late Michael Jackson in Michael.
We’ve compiled a list of music-centric biopics available to stream should the urge overcome viewers.
Photo: Sony Pictures Entertainment /Courtesy Everett Collection
Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody (2022)
Naomi Ackie embodied singer Whitney Houston in Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody.
- 5/22/2024
- by Dessi Gomez
- Deadline Film + TV
Over the past week or so, Apple Music has slowly unveiled the titles included in its list of the “100 best albums.” Today, the top 10 albums were revealed, with Miss Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill claiming the No. 1 spot. Rounding out the top five are Michael Jackson’s Thriller; The Beatles’ Abbey Road; Prince’s Purple Rain; and Frank Ocean’s Blonde.
The top 10 also includes Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life; Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city (Deluxe Version); Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black; Nirvana’s Nevermind; and Beyoncé’s Lemonade.
In all honestly, it’s a pretty safe top 10, especially considering the drama that unfolded when Apple unveiled picks 11-20 and slotted Adele’s 21 at No. 15 and Taylor Swift’s 1989 (Taylor’s Version) at No. 18 — ahead of albums like Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds,...
The top 10 also includes Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life; Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city (Deluxe Version); Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black; Nirvana’s Nevermind; and Beyoncé’s Lemonade.
In all honestly, it’s a pretty safe top 10, especially considering the drama that unfolded when Apple unveiled picks 11-20 and slotted Adele’s 21 at No. 15 and Taylor Swift’s 1989 (Taylor’s Version) at No. 18 — ahead of albums like Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds,...
- 5/22/2024
- by Alex Young
- Consequence - Music
Prime Video is making a UK feature version of Mercedes Ron’s novel Culpa Mía, a year after it was adapted in Spain.
Based on the first book in Argentinian author Ron’s Culpables trilogy and produced by 42, My Fault: London will star up-and-comers Asha Banks (The Magic Flute) and Matthew Broome (The Buccaneers) as Noah and Nick. Production recently wrapped in the UK.
The pic begins with Noah’s mother, Ella, falling in love with the very wealthy William, and the two move from America to London to live with William and his son Nick. Upon arrival, the 18-year-old Noah meets bad boy Nick, and there is an immediate attraction between the two. Noah spends the summer adjusting to her new life, making new friends from Nick’s various circles, and navigating a complicated relationship with him while they fight to keep the attraction at bay. But unbeknownst to Noah,...
Based on the first book in Argentinian author Ron’s Culpables trilogy and produced by 42, My Fault: London will star up-and-comers Asha Banks (The Magic Flute) and Matthew Broome (The Buccaneers) as Noah and Nick. Production recently wrapped in the UK.
The pic begins with Noah’s mother, Ella, falling in love with the very wealthy William, and the two move from America to London to live with William and his son Nick. Upon arrival, the 18-year-old Noah meets bad boy Nick, and there is an immediate attraction between the two. Noah spends the summer adjusting to her new life, making new friends from Nick’s various circles, and navigating a complicated relationship with him while they fight to keep the attraction at bay. But unbeknownst to Noah,...
- 5/22/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon Prime Video has announced a new U.K. original film titled My Fault: London.
Following the success of Spanish movie Culpa Mia (My Fault), the London version remakes the story of Nick and Noah, starring English talent Asha Banks (A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder) and Matthew Broome (The Buccaneers). Production has recently wrapped in the U.K.
My Fault: London will offer fans worldwide the British remake of this film based on the first book of Mercedes Ron’s bestselling Culpables trilogy (Culpa Mía, Culpa Tuya, Culpa Nuestra).
In My Fault: London, Noah’s mother, Ella, falls in love with a wealthy man and the two move from America to London to live with William and his son Nick. Upon arrival, the 18-year-old Noah meets “bad boy” Nick, and there is an immediate attraction between the two. She spends the summer adjusting to her new life, but unbeknownst to Noah,...
Following the success of Spanish movie Culpa Mia (My Fault), the London version remakes the story of Nick and Noah, starring English talent Asha Banks (A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder) and Matthew Broome (The Buccaneers). Production has recently wrapped in the U.K.
My Fault: London will offer fans worldwide the British remake of this film based on the first book of Mercedes Ron’s bestselling Culpables trilogy (Culpa Mía, Culpa Tuya, Culpa Nuestra).
In My Fault: London, Noah’s mother, Ella, falls in love with a wealthy man and the two move from America to London to live with William and his son Nick. Upon arrival, the 18-year-old Noah meets “bad boy” Nick, and there is an immediate attraction between the two. She spends the summer adjusting to her new life, but unbeknownst to Noah,...
- 5/22/2024
- by Lily Ford
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Prime Video have set a U.K. remake of Spanish original movie “Culpa Mia.”
“My Fault: London” will retell the story of Nick and Noah, who are played by Asha Banks (“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder”) and Matthew Broome (“The Buccaneers”).
The film, which recently wrapped in the U.K., is directed by Dani Girdwood and Charlotte Fassler based on a script by Melissa Osborne (“Change”).
“When Noah’s mother, Ella, falls in love with the very wealthy William, the two move from America to London to live with William and his son Nick,” reads the logline. “Upon arrival, the 18-year-old Noah meets bad boy Nick, and there is an immediate attraction between the two. Noah spends the summer adjusting to her new life, making new friends from Nick’s various circles and navigating a complicated relationship with him while they fight to keep the attraction at bay. But unbeknownst to Noah,...
“My Fault: London” will retell the story of Nick and Noah, who are played by Asha Banks (“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder”) and Matthew Broome (“The Buccaneers”).
The film, which recently wrapped in the U.K., is directed by Dani Girdwood and Charlotte Fassler based on a script by Melissa Osborne (“Change”).
“When Noah’s mother, Ella, falls in love with the very wealthy William, the two move from America to London to live with William and his son Nick,” reads the logline. “Upon arrival, the 18-year-old Noah meets bad boy Nick, and there is an immediate attraction between the two. Noah spends the summer adjusting to her new life, making new friends from Nick’s various circles and navigating a complicated relationship with him while they fight to keep the attraction at bay. But unbeknownst to Noah,...
- 5/22/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
“Industry” is turning up the heat when it comes to the high-pressure world of finance.
The eight-episode third season of the original HBO drama series revolves around the young bankers of international bank Pierpoint & Co’s London office. Season 3 has Pierpoint looking to the future and taking a big bet on ethical investing. Yasmin (Marisa Abela), Robert (Harry Lawtey), and Eric (Ken Leung) find themselves front and center in the splashy IPO of Lumi, a green-tech energy company led by Henry Muck (Kit Harington), in a story that runs all the way to the very top of finance, media, and government. Since leaving Pierpoint, Harper (Myha’la) is eager to get back into the addictive thrill of finance and finds an unlikely partner in FutureDawn portfolio manager Petra Koenig (Sarah Goldberg).
“Industry” is keeping it all in the HBO family, with former “Game of Thrones” star Harington and “Barry” breakout Goldberg both joining the cast,...
The eight-episode third season of the original HBO drama series revolves around the young bankers of international bank Pierpoint & Co’s London office. Season 3 has Pierpoint looking to the future and taking a big bet on ethical investing. Yasmin (Marisa Abela), Robert (Harry Lawtey), and Eric (Ken Leung) find themselves front and center in the splashy IPO of Lumi, a green-tech energy company led by Henry Muck (Kit Harington), in a story that runs all the way to the very top of finance, media, and government. Since leaving Pierpoint, Harper (Myha’la) is eager to get back into the addictive thrill of finance and finds an unlikely partner in FutureDawn portfolio manager Petra Koenig (Sarah Goldberg).
“Industry” is keeping it all in the HBO family, with former “Game of Thrones” star Harington and “Barry” breakout Goldberg both joining the cast,...
- 5/21/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
The critics have crawled all over Focus Features/StudioCanal’s Amy Winehouse biopic Back to Black like red ants, however, the CinemaScore of B+ (which isn’t far from the Elton John biopic Rocketman at A-) is telling that the fans who showed up weren’t entirely wrought with the film.
For filmmaker Sam Taylor-Johnson, whose directing career blasted to a whole other state of euphoria with the feature take of bestselling novel Fifty Shades of Grey (near $570M worldwide), her intent was to see Winehouse’s life through the singer’s eyes.
You can listen to our conversation below:
Singers’ estates can be notorious: If Hollywood tries to make a warts-all movie, well then they’ll just hold the song clearances hostage and bar the film from being made. Back to Black producer Alison Owen already had the songs cleared for the pic from Sony and Columbia, giving Taylor-Johnson...
For filmmaker Sam Taylor-Johnson, whose directing career blasted to a whole other state of euphoria with the feature take of bestselling novel Fifty Shades of Grey (near $570M worldwide), her intent was to see Winehouse’s life through the singer’s eyes.
You can listen to our conversation below:
Singers’ estates can be notorious: If Hollywood tries to make a warts-all movie, well then they’ll just hold the song clearances hostage and bar the film from being made. Back to Black producer Alison Owen already had the songs cleared for the pic from Sony and Columbia, giving Taylor-Johnson...
- 5/20/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
RankFilm (distributor)Three-day gross (May 3-5)Total gross to dateWeek 1. Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes (Disney) £2.2n £7.7m 2 2. If (Imaginary Friends) £1.8m £2.4m 1 3. The Fall Guy (Universal) £874,247 £8.2m 3 4. The Strangers: Chapter 1 (Lionsgate) £452,507 £452,507 1 5. Challengers (Warner Bros) £291,416 £5.3m 4
Disney’s Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes held on to the top spot at the UK and Ireland box office this weekend as Paramount’s If debuted in second place.
John Krasinski’s family film opened to £1.8m from 650 locations and a further £642,727 from previews.
This total is down on Krasinski’s A Quiet Place films which debuted on...
Disney’s Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes held on to the top spot at the UK and Ireland box office this weekend as Paramount’s If debuted in second place.
John Krasinski’s family film opened to £1.8m from 650 locations and a further £642,727 from previews.
This total is down on Krasinski’s A Quiet Place films which debuted on...
- 5/20/2024
- ScreenDaily
Amy Winehouse Biopic Actress Marisa Abela Speaks Out After Backlash. (Photo Credit – Instagram)
The Amy Winehouse’ Back to Black’ Biopic has faced controversy and backlash over concerns that the movie would exploit the late singer’s legacy. According to BBC, last year, fans had a visceral reaction after images of actress Marisa Abela donning the late singer’s Iconic 1960s-inspired beehive hairdo and heavy winged eyeliner on set in London emerged online. The movie was also criticized for using Abela’s vocals over those of the late singer.
Marisa Abela recently addressed the controversy surrounding the biopic, telling Entertainment Weekly she understands why fans feel protective about the late singer’s legacy.
Named after Amy Winehouse’s hit 2006 song,” Back to Black”, the biopic follows the late singer’s journey from her humble roots as a North London jazz singer to becoming an international sensation who was often picked apart by the media.
The Amy Winehouse’ Back to Black’ Biopic has faced controversy and backlash over concerns that the movie would exploit the late singer’s legacy. According to BBC, last year, fans had a visceral reaction after images of actress Marisa Abela donning the late singer’s Iconic 1960s-inspired beehive hairdo and heavy winged eyeliner on set in London emerged online. The movie was also criticized for using Abela’s vocals over those of the late singer.
Marisa Abela recently addressed the controversy surrounding the biopic, telling Entertainment Weekly she understands why fans feel protective about the late singer’s legacy.
Named after Amy Winehouse’s hit 2006 song,” Back to Black”, the biopic follows the late singer’s journey from her humble roots as a North London jazz singer to becoming an international sensation who was often picked apart by the media.
- 5/20/2024
- by Anushree Madappa
- KoiMoi
The short, tragic life of Amy Winehouse has been chronicled in a documentary (Asif Kapadia’s Amy), numerous unofficial biographies, memoirs by her father (Amy, My Daughter), her mother (Loving Amy: A Mother’s Story), close friend Tyler James (My Amy: The Life We Shared), podcasts, and even graphic novels. And in the wake of shockingly successful biopics about Queen, Elton John, Mötley Crüe, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, and Bob Marley, the only surprising thing about Sam Taylor-Johnson’s Back to Black, which stars Marisa Abela as Winehouse, is that...
- 5/20/2024
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
Amy Winehouse in AmyImage: A24
Amy Winehouse fans weren’t exactly delighted by the news that there would be a biopic of her life. Following the singer’s tragic death in 2011 at the age of 27, her devotees have grown used to witnessing all manner of tacky and exploitative cash grabs executed in her name,...
Amy Winehouse fans weren’t exactly delighted by the news that there would be a biopic of her life. Following the singer’s tragic death in 2011 at the age of 27, her devotees have grown used to witnessing all manner of tacky and exploitative cash grabs executed in her name,...
- 5/20/2024
- by Kayleigh Donaldson
- avclub.com
Back To Black starts its home rollout next week, with DVD, Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray options to follow in the summer.
Currently the highest-grossing 15 certificate film in the UK in 2024, the story of Amy Winehouse was brought to the screen earlier this year in Sam Taylor-Johnson’s really rather divisive feature, Back To Black.
While Marisa Abela as Winehouse earned plenty of acclaim, questions were asked of the film, and more are likely to follow as it makes its way to home release. Not got long to wait there, either. The film will be debuting on premium video on demand services from 27th May.
Studiocanal has also confirmed that it’s fully supporting the movie via physical media too. The film will be heading to DVD, Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray from 1st July 2024.
There’s also going to be a HMV-exclusive ‘First Edition’ too, which is nice.
Currently the highest-grossing 15 certificate film in the UK in 2024, the story of Amy Winehouse was brought to the screen earlier this year in Sam Taylor-Johnson’s really rather divisive feature, Back To Black.
While Marisa Abela as Winehouse earned plenty of acclaim, questions were asked of the film, and more are likely to follow as it makes its way to home release. Not got long to wait there, either. The film will be debuting on premium video on demand services from 27th May.
Studiocanal has also confirmed that it’s fully supporting the movie via physical media too. The film will be heading to DVD, Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray from 1st July 2024.
There’s also going to be a HMV-exclusive ‘First Edition’ too, which is nice.
- 5/20/2024
- by Simon Brew
- Film Stories
Newcomer If managed to unseat Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes by just $9.0 million to claim the top spot of the box-office weekend.
In its first weekend of release, Paramount Pictures’ If took in $35.0 million, which was enough to wrestle the number one slot away from Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, which brought in $26.0 million over the weekend. Despite the slide to second place, the film has still taken in $101.2 million for 20th Century Studios over the last two weeks. Debuting in third place with $12.0 million was the Lionsgate Films offering The Strangers: Chapter 1. All of this pushed last weekend’s number two film, The Fall Guy, to fourth place where it added $8.5 million over the last three days to bring its three-week total to $63.0 million for Universal Pictures. Also falling two spots was Challengers, which landed in fifth place where it added $2.9 million to raise its...
In its first weekend of release, Paramount Pictures’ If took in $35.0 million, which was enough to wrestle the number one slot away from Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, which brought in $26.0 million over the weekend. Despite the slide to second place, the film has still taken in $101.2 million for 20th Century Studios over the last two weeks. Debuting in third place with $12.0 million was the Lionsgate Films offering The Strangers: Chapter 1. All of this pushed last weekend’s number two film, The Fall Guy, to fourth place where it added $8.5 million over the last three days to bring its three-week total to $63.0 million for Universal Pictures. Also falling two spots was Challengers, which landed in fifth place where it added $2.9 million to raise its...
- 5/20/2024
- by Mike Tyrkus
- CinemaNerdz
Worldwide box office May 17-19 RankFilm (distributor)3-day (world)Cume (world)3-day (int’l)Cume (int’l)Territories 1. Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes (Disney) $66.6m $237.5m $40.6m $136.3m 53 2. If (Paramount) $55m $59m $20m $24m 59 3. The Fall Guy (Universal) $15.6m $127.6m $7.2m $64.6m 82 4. The Strangers: Chapter 1 (Lionsgate) $13.7m $13.7m $1.7m $1.7m 14 5. The Garfield Movie (Sony) $10.3m $49m $10.3m $49m 27 6. Twilight Of The Warriors: Walled In (various) $8m $77m $8m $77m 5 7. Tarot (Sony) $7m $29.9m $5m $14.5m 53 8. Un P’tit Truc En Plus (Pandis) $6.8m $25.9m $6.8m $25.9m 1 9. The Last Frenzy (various) $6.6m $78.4m $6.6m $78.4m 3 10. Hovering Blade (various) $5.6m $5.7m $5.6m $5.7m 2
Credit: Comscore.
Credit: Comscore.
- 5/19/2024
- ScreenDaily
Worldwide box office May 17-19 RankFilm (distributor)3-day (world)Cume (world)3-day (int’l)Cume (int’l)Territories 1. Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes (Disney) $66.6m $237.5m $40.6m $136.3m 53 2. If (Paramount) $55m $59m $20m $24m 59 3. The Fall Guy (Universal) $15.6m $127.6m $7.2m $64.6m 82 4. The Strangers: Chapter 1 (Lionsgate) $13.7m $13.7m $1.7m $1.7m 14 5. The Garfield Movie (Sony) $10.3m $49m $10.3m $49m 27 6. Twilight Of The Warriors: Walled In (various) $8m $77m $8m $77m 5 7. Tarot (Sony) $7m $29.9m $5m $14.5m 53 8. Un P’tit Truc En Plus (Pandis) $6.8m $25.9m $6.8m $25.9m 1 9. The Last Frenzy (various) $6.6m $78.4m $6.6m $78.4m 3 10. Hovering Blade (various) $5.6m $5.7m $5.6m $5.7m 2
Credit: Comscore.
Credit: Comscore.
- 5/19/2024
- ScreenDaily
“If” (Paramount) may have fallen short of its anticipated $40 million opening, but the glass is at least half-full. Preview and initial numbers suggested it could end up around $28 million; instead, its initial estimate is $35 million.
That improvement, along with its A Cinemascore, suggests a film that could stick around. It would be a real boost for the cause of original non-franchise production. Domestic on “If” is better than foreign, which stands at $24 million, $20 million from this weekend. That puts it at $59 million worldwide.
The full weekend is projected to hit $99 million. If that becomes $100 million, it would mark the first time since Easter. By comparison, 2023 saw every weekend from April 7 through mid-August hit that level. In 2019, with significantly lower ticket prices, that was the case from post-Super Bowl through Labor Day.
‘The Fall Guy’©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection
Any positive news is welcome. We are three weeks into summer playtime...
That improvement, along with its A Cinemascore, suggests a film that could stick around. It would be a real boost for the cause of original non-franchise production. Domestic on “If” is better than foreign, which stands at $24 million, $20 million from this weekend. That puts it at $59 million worldwide.
The full weekend is projected to hit $99 million. If that becomes $100 million, it would mark the first time since Easter. By comparison, 2023 saw every weekend from April 7 through mid-August hit that level. In 2019, with significantly lower ticket prices, that was the case from post-Super Bowl through Labor Day.
‘The Fall Guy’©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection
Any positive news is welcome. We are three weeks into summer playtime...
- 5/19/2024
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
The summer box office is supposed to be the time of year when popular movies can flourish, but this May has not been an ideal start to the season, with another highly anticipated film falling below expectations. Read on for the weekend box office report.
With the general lack of family films in theaters — allowing movies like “Kung Fu Panda 4” and even “Godzilla x Kong” to do very well — Paramount Pictures had very high hopes for John Krasinski‘s “If,” opening it in 4,041 theaters nationwide. Starring Ryan Reynolds and Cailey Fleming (with Krasinski in a small role as the latter’s father), the movie received poor to mixed reviews with just 49% on Rotten Tomatoes, critics not having been swayed by the film’s sweet family-friendly sentimentality.
SEEKevin Costner’s ‘Horizon’ gets epic new trailer [Watch]
“If” only made $1.8 million in previews, which were pulled into its opening Friday number of $10.3 million.
With the general lack of family films in theaters — allowing movies like “Kung Fu Panda 4” and even “Godzilla x Kong” to do very well — Paramount Pictures had very high hopes for John Krasinski‘s “If,” opening it in 4,041 theaters nationwide. Starring Ryan Reynolds and Cailey Fleming (with Krasinski in a small role as the latter’s father), the movie received poor to mixed reviews with just 49% on Rotten Tomatoes, critics not having been swayed by the film’s sweet family-friendly sentimentality.
SEEKevin Costner’s ‘Horizon’ gets epic new trailer [Watch]
“If” only made $1.8 million in previews, which were pulled into its opening Friday number of $10.3 million.
- 5/19/2024
- by Edward Douglas
- Gold Derby
Yesterday, it looked like John Krasinski’s If would fall wildly short of industry exceptions, with the film initially tracking for a $40 million opening. While the final $35 million start marks a significant shortfall, the weekend matinees have been stronger than expected for this poorly reviewed family film. It did about $5 million more this weekend than I predicted. Many will undoubtedly view this as a poor start for a pretty expensive ($110 million) studio film, but there’s reason to be optimistic that the movie will have legs. The film has scored a superb A CinemaScore rating, which means that even if critics (such as myself) hated it, paying audiences like it. The star-studded flick includes Ryan Reynolds and Krasinski himself in front of the camera, while Steve Carell, Phoebe Waller Bride, Emily Blunt and more play the voices of the titular IFs (imaginary friends).
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes...
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes...
- 5/19/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Not exactly the opening weekend that dreams are made of.
Director John Krasinski’s “If,” a fantasy-comedy that promises your imaginary friends from childhood are real, fell slightly short of box office expectations with $35 million. Heading into the weekend, “If” was expected to bring in at least $40 million in its first weekend of release. Based on Friday’s turnout, it looked like “If” would open to $30 million but projections were revised up after Saturday’s strong showing. Ticket sales were enough for first place, but it’s a wobbly start for a PG family film that cost $110 million to make and many millions more to market. It collected an additional $20 million overseas for a global total of $55 million.
The good news for Paramount Pictures, which distributed “If,” is that audiences dug the film, giving it an “A” CinemaScore. Ideally, it’ll have staying power like recent original kid-friendly movies, including “Migration” and “Elemental,...
Director John Krasinski’s “If,” a fantasy-comedy that promises your imaginary friends from childhood are real, fell slightly short of box office expectations with $35 million. Heading into the weekend, “If” was expected to bring in at least $40 million in its first weekend of release. Based on Friday’s turnout, it looked like “If” would open to $30 million but projections were revised up after Saturday’s strong showing. Ticket sales were enough for first place, but it’s a wobbly start for a PG family film that cost $110 million to make and many millions more to market. It collected an additional $20 million overseas for a global total of $55 million.
The good news for Paramount Pictures, which distributed “If,” is that audiences dug the film, giving it an “A” CinemaScore. Ideally, it’ll have staying power like recent original kid-friendly movies, including “Migration” and “Elemental,...
- 5/19/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Paramount and writer-director John Krasinski are breathing a sigh of relief after If‘s domestic opening improved to an estimated $35 million thanks to a strong family turnout on Saturday.
Still, the live-action/CGI hybrid film — starring Ryan Reynolds and featuring an A-list voice cast — came in behind tracking’s projected $40 million domestic opening amid an overall tough early summer at the box office. But it could have been worse. Based on Friday’s traffic, the forecast was a bleak $30 million to $31 million.
Paramount insiders say If‘s performance is a victory for original fare, noting it is one of the top openings ever for an original live-action PG title. Critics dissed the film, but audiences awarded it with an A CinemaScore and strong exits, which are key ingredients needed for word-of-mouth and a long run as kids begin their summer break. If is also drawing an ethnically diverse audience, which is another plus.
Still, the live-action/CGI hybrid film — starring Ryan Reynolds and featuring an A-list voice cast — came in behind tracking’s projected $40 million domestic opening amid an overall tough early summer at the box office. But it could have been worse. Based on Friday’s traffic, the forecast was a bleak $30 million to $31 million.
Paramount insiders say If‘s performance is a victory for original fare, noting it is one of the top openings ever for an original live-action PG title. Critics dissed the film, but audiences awarded it with an A CinemaScore and strong exits, which are key ingredients needed for word-of-mouth and a long run as kids begin their summer break. If is also drawing an ethnically diverse audience, which is another plus.
- 5/19/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sunday Am, 5:36 Am: Saturdays were good to If lifting the pic to a now $34M opening after a $13.6M Saturday, up 32% against $10.3M Friday and previews. That means that A CinemaScore word of mouth is working. I’m hearing tracking was over its skis predicting it at $40M, and presales all along indicated it was in the $30M range. The John Krasinski directed/written/produced movie drew 50% general and 50% family, and the reason why If is a little lighter is because those 50% Rotten Tomatoes scores kept the main audience away. Pic will easily keep families coming to theaters even with Garfield next weekend. Two family movies can share the marketplace.
Comscore/Screen Engine PostTrak audiences gave the pics 84% positive and a 64% definite reommend. Kids under 12 gave it 88% and 49% must see right away. Mom skewing at 56% female with 49% of the audience between 18-34. Diversity demos were 41% Caucasian, 26% Hispanic and Latino,...
Comscore/Screen Engine PostTrak audiences gave the pics 84% positive and a 64% definite reommend. Kids under 12 gave it 88% and 49% must see right away. Mom skewing at 56% female with 49% of the audience between 18-34. Diversity demos were 41% Caucasian, 26% Hispanic and Latino,...
- 5/19/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount’s family comedy “If” is leading domestic charts in its opening after earning $10.3 million from 4,041 locations across Friday and preview screenings. But the John Krasinski-directed fantasy feature has decidedly fallen behind its projections heading into the weekend, which had originally forecast a debut around $40 million. The film is now looking to finish closer to $31.5 million.
It’s a marked underperformance for the PG-rated family film, which sports a substantial $110 million production budget. Reviews have been mediocre, but the public’s sentiment is much more positive with audience survey firm Cinema Score turning in a glowing “A” grade from the first group of ticket buyers. That seal of approval could mark some salvation for “If,” which will have to keep drawing in families as schools let out for summer to justify its price tag. Paramount will face competition for younger viewers when Sony’s animated “The Garfield Movie” hits theaters next weekend though.
It’s a marked underperformance for the PG-rated family film, which sports a substantial $110 million production budget. Reviews have been mediocre, but the public’s sentiment is much more positive with audience survey firm Cinema Score turning in a glowing “A” grade from the first group of ticket buyers. That seal of approval could mark some salvation for “If,” which will have to keep drawing in families as schools let out for summer to justify its price tag. Paramount will face competition for younger viewers when Sony’s animated “The Garfield Movie” hits theaters next weekend though.
- 5/18/2024
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
In director Sam Taylor-Johnson’s new biopic Back to Black, British costume designer PC Williams took on the monumental task of dressing Marisa Abela as Amy Winehouse, as well as the rest of the cast. Named for Winehouse’s second and final studio album released in 2006, the film spans eight years in the life of the iconic singer, who passed away in 2011 at just 27 years old.
Winehouse left a tall fashion legacy with her unique mix of retro va-va-voom styles and sportswear. Caricature-like proportions were another signature — from a giant beehive, bold gold jewelry and teetering peep-toe pumps to diminutive halter dresses and ultra-skinny jeans. In 2010, the singer even collaborated with one of her favorite British labels, Fred Perry, on a 17-piece capsule line. The brand, featured heavily in the film, continues an ongoing collection to benefit the Amy Winehouse Foundation. A 2021 Julien’s Auctions sale of some of the...
Winehouse left a tall fashion legacy with her unique mix of retro va-va-voom styles and sportswear. Caricature-like proportions were another signature — from a giant beehive, bold gold jewelry and teetering peep-toe pumps to diminutive halter dresses and ultra-skinny jeans. In 2010, the singer even collaborated with one of her favorite British labels, Fred Perry, on a 17-piece capsule line. The brand, featured heavily in the film, continues an ongoing collection to benefit the Amy Winehouse Foundation. A 2021 Julien’s Auctions sale of some of the...
- 5/17/2024
- by Ingrid Schmidt
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Biopics about musicians are now seemingly hit or miss, as during the last few years we both had well-received Rami Malek’s Bohemian Rhapsody and Austin Butler’s Elvis, and panned Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody and Bob Marley: One Love.
Many filmmakers were trying to get the rights to depict the life of another singer, whose life is really reminiscent of a dark movie without even turning it into a script, Amy Winehouse. Before she died in 2011 from alcohol poisoning, the soul queen led a really challenging career that became a source of not only gossip, but also much inspiration.
In 2018 it was finally announced the first biographical movie about Winehouse’s path would be made. Later it was handed over to Sam Taylor-Johnson, who is no stranger to biopics, as she directed the acclaimed John Lennon movie, Nowhere Boy (2009).
However, after the movie’s recent release...
Many filmmakers were trying to get the rights to depict the life of another singer, whose life is really reminiscent of a dark movie without even turning it into a script, Amy Winehouse. Before she died in 2011 from alcohol poisoning, the soul queen led a really challenging career that became a source of not only gossip, but also much inspiration.
In 2018 it was finally announced the first biographical movie about Winehouse’s path would be made. Later it was handed over to Sam Taylor-Johnson, who is no stranger to biopics, as she directed the acclaimed John Lennon movie, Nowhere Boy (2009).
However, after the movie’s recent release...
- 5/17/2024
- by info@startefacts.com (Ava Raxa)
- STartefacts.com
Writer-director John Krasinski‘s original family film IF has started off its box office run with $1.8 million in Thursday previews.
The fantasy pic, headlining Ryan Reynolds and Cailey Fleming alongside an A-list voice cast, explores the world of discarded imaginary friends and what happens when a young girl and her neighbor try to reunite them with their previous human pals.
The live-action/CGI animated Paramount pic is tracking for a domestic debut in the $40 million range from more than 4,000 theaters, but the family marketplace continues to struggle in the post-pandemic era. Nor is original fare an easy proposition. It’s hard to read too much into Thursday previews since families don’t start turning out in earnest until Friday and Saturday, generally speaking, although some exhibitors are worried the movie could have a hard time getting to $40 million based on presales, according to sources.
Reviews aren’t so great — If...
The fantasy pic, headlining Ryan Reynolds and Cailey Fleming alongside an A-list voice cast, explores the world of discarded imaginary friends and what happens when a young girl and her neighbor try to reunite them with their previous human pals.
The live-action/CGI animated Paramount pic is tracking for a domestic debut in the $40 million range from more than 4,000 theaters, but the family marketplace continues to struggle in the post-pandemic era. Nor is original fare an easy proposition. It’s hard to read too much into Thursday previews since families don’t start turning out in earnest until Friday and Saturday, generally speaking, although some exhibitors are worried the movie could have a hard time getting to $40 million based on presales, according to sources.
Reviews aren’t so great — If...
- 5/17/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
John Krasinski and Ryan Reynolds are imagining box office success this weekend.
Their new movie “If,” which stands for and follows “imaginary friends,” has made $1.75 million in previews so far at the box office. The family-friendly Paramount film is on track to dethrone last week’s box office champ, Disney’s “The Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.”
“If” is projected to make around $40 million in its opening weekend, with some estimates lower at $35 million and others as high as $45 million. It’s a promising launch for a PG-rated, original movie, but it comes with a $110 million price tag, so it’ll need solid receipts at the global box office to turn a profit. The film is already tracking well with parents and kids, according to PostTrak, and it could use the absence of family movies in recent weeks to its advantage.
Krasinski wrote and directed the movie, which...
Their new movie “If,” which stands for and follows “imaginary friends,” has made $1.75 million in previews so far at the box office. The family-friendly Paramount film is on track to dethrone last week’s box office champ, Disney’s “The Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.”
“If” is projected to make around $40 million in its opening weekend, with some estimates lower at $35 million and others as high as $45 million. It’s a promising launch for a PG-rated, original movie, but it comes with a $110 million price tag, so it’ll need solid receipts at the global box office to turn a profit. The film is already tracking well with parents and kids, according to PostTrak, and it could use the absence of family movies in recent weeks to its advantage.
Krasinski wrote and directed the movie, which...
- 5/17/2024
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
Sam Taylor-Johnson has pushed back against criticism of how “Back to Black,” her Amy Winehouse biopic starring Marisa Abela as the late iconic singer, depicts some of its main characters.
The Focus Features film finally lands in the U.S. today, more than a month after it released in the U.K. with StudioCanal.
For all the noise and controversy leading up to its release on home soil, “Back to Black” was met with mostly positive reviews, with Abela’s lead performance — in her big screen debut — singled out for praise. But that’s not to say there hasn’t been some disapproval, mostly over how it depicts Winehouse’s father, Mitch Winehouse, and former husband, Blake Fielder-Civil.
Mitch has been the subject of scrutiny since Winehouse died of alcohol poisoning in 2011, portrayed in the British media as a fame-seeker who exploited his daughter’s success to aid his own...
The Focus Features film finally lands in the U.S. today, more than a month after it released in the U.K. with StudioCanal.
For all the noise and controversy leading up to its release on home soil, “Back to Black” was met with mostly positive reviews, with Abela’s lead performance — in her big screen debut — singled out for praise. But that’s not to say there hasn’t been some disapproval, mostly over how it depicts Winehouse’s father, Mitch Winehouse, and former husband, Blake Fielder-Civil.
Mitch has been the subject of scrutiny since Winehouse died of alcohol poisoning in 2011, portrayed in the British media as a fame-seeker who exploited his daughter’s success to aid his own...
- 5/17/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Marisa Abela stars as Amy Winehouse in director Sam Taylor-Johnson’s Back To Black, a Focus Features release. Credit: Olli Upton/Focus Features
Talented singer/songwriter Amy Winehouse’s tragic life was already the subject of an Oscar-winning documentary, Amy in 2015, made a few years after her death in 2011at age 27 from alcohol poisoning. So my first reaction on hearing of the biopic drama Back To Black was to wonder if we needed another Amy Winehouse movie. The excellent 2015 documentary seems to have have told her story well and thoroughly, but reportedly the Winehouse family was unhappy with it. However, the family granted permission to the filmmakers of this new biopic drama, Back To Black, with access to materials and song use.
Director Sam Taylor-Johnson and writer Matt Greenhalgh previously collaborated on another music biopic, Nowhere Boy, a fine drama about the childhood of John Lennon. The filmmakers assert that...
Talented singer/songwriter Amy Winehouse’s tragic life was already the subject of an Oscar-winning documentary, Amy in 2015, made a few years after her death in 2011at age 27 from alcohol poisoning. So my first reaction on hearing of the biopic drama Back To Black was to wonder if we needed another Amy Winehouse movie. The excellent 2015 documentary seems to have have told her story well and thoroughly, but reportedly the Winehouse family was unhappy with it. However, the family granted permission to the filmmakers of this new biopic drama, Back To Black, with access to materials and song use.
Director Sam Taylor-Johnson and writer Matt Greenhalgh previously collaborated on another music biopic, Nowhere Boy, a fine drama about the childhood of John Lennon. The filmmakers assert that...
- 5/17/2024
- by Cate Marquis
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
While some may approach the new film Back to Black expecting a lurid tale of a talented performer’s descent into addiction and eventual death, they would be wise to learn that the film is more of a celebration of the talent that it’s subject – Amy Winehouse – had and a lovingly crafted ode to remembering that talent.
Telling the story of Winehouse’s somewhat meteoric rise to fame and the making of her album Back to Black, the film draws from the personal lyrics from her phenomenal album to tell Winehouse’s tale from her own perspective.
Working from a script by Matt Greenhalgh – with whom she last collaborated in 2009 on Nowhere Boy – director Sam Taylor-Johnson, weaves a pseudo-whimsical tale of incredible creativity and talent stopped dead in its tracks. The approach taken here though, tells Winehouse’s story as though the tragedy is being perpetrated upon her and...
Telling the story of Winehouse’s somewhat meteoric rise to fame and the making of her album Back to Black, the film draws from the personal lyrics from her phenomenal album to tell Winehouse’s tale from her own perspective.
Working from a script by Matt Greenhalgh – with whom she last collaborated in 2009 on Nowhere Boy – director Sam Taylor-Johnson, weaves a pseudo-whimsical tale of incredible creativity and talent stopped dead in its tracks. The approach taken here though, tells Winehouse’s story as though the tragedy is being perpetrated upon her and...
- 5/17/2024
- by Mike Tyrkus
- CinemaNerdz
“Back to Black” is a new dramatic feature, directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, based on the life of British singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse, starring Marisa Abela, Jack O'Connell and Eddie Marsan, releasing May 17, 2024 in theaters:
“…’Back to Black’nis a never-before-seen glimpse into Amy Winehouse’s early rise to fame…
“…and the release of her groundbreaking studio album, ‘Back to Black’.
“Told from Amy’s perspective, the film is an unapologetic look…
“… at the woman behind the phenomenon and the relationship…
“…that inspired one of the most legendary albums of all time.”
Click the images to enlarge…
..
“…’Back to Black’nis a never-before-seen glimpse into Amy Winehouse’s early rise to fame…
“…and the release of her groundbreaking studio album, ‘Back to Black’.
“Told from Amy’s perspective, the film is an unapologetic look…
“… at the woman behind the phenomenon and the relationship…
“…that inspired one of the most legendary albums of all time.”
Click the images to enlarge…
..
- 5/17/2024
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Exclusive: Focus Features has acquired U.S. rights and select international territories on upcoming thriller Last Breath, starring Woody Harrelson, Finn Cole and Simu Liu. Focus will distribute the Alex Parkinson-directed title in the U.S. with Universal Pictures International handling select territories including France, Scandinavia, Australia and New Zealand, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea and Vietnam.
The project is an exhilarating true story, based on the 2019 documentary of the same name, which Parkinson co-directed with Richard da Costa. It follows a seasoned deep sea diver as he battles against the raging elements to execute his final rescue mission. It’s described as a “heart-pounding” and “gripping tale of teamwork” that takes audiences on a race against time. Mitchell Lafortune, Parkinson and David Brooks have written the script for the fact-based narrative.
Last Breath was developed by father and son Paul and David Brooks of Longshot Films and Dark Castle Entertainment,...
The project is an exhilarating true story, based on the 2019 documentary of the same name, which Parkinson co-directed with Richard da Costa. It follows a seasoned deep sea diver as he battles against the raging elements to execute his final rescue mission. It’s described as a “heart-pounding” and “gripping tale of teamwork” that takes audiences on a race against time. Mitchell Lafortune, Parkinson and David Brooks have written the script for the fact-based narrative.
Last Breath was developed by father and son Paul and David Brooks of Longshot Films and Dark Castle Entertainment,...
- 5/16/2024
- by Diana Lodderhose and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
[Editor’s note: The following interview contains light spoilers for “Back to Black.”]
How do you capture a life — a famous one, a big one, an incredibly well-documented one — on the silver screen? Take it moment by moment. For her Amy Winehouse biopic “Back to Black,” director Sam Taylor-Johnson traces the rise and fall of the beloved British singer and songwriter (played by Marisa Abela), telling a well-known tragic tale through a series of iconic images.
We still remember so much about the Grammy winner: the swoop of her eyeliner, the tease of her hair, what she looked like performing on stage, what she looked like relaxing in a park with her husband, the fear in her eyes when the paparazzi tailed her. And the relentless documentation of her life that made all of those images possible is also what makes telling a “new” story so hard. And while many early reactions to the film’s casting and very existence...
How do you capture a life — a famous one, a big one, an incredibly well-documented one — on the silver screen? Take it moment by moment. For her Amy Winehouse biopic “Back to Black,” director Sam Taylor-Johnson traces the rise and fall of the beloved British singer and songwriter (played by Marisa Abela), telling a well-known tragic tale through a series of iconic images.
We still remember so much about the Grammy winner: the swoop of her eyeliner, the tease of her hair, what she looked like performing on stage, what she looked like relaxing in a park with her husband, the fear in her eyes when the paparazzi tailed her. And the relentless documentation of her life that made all of those images possible is also what makes telling a “new” story so hard. And while many early reactions to the film’s casting and very existence...
- 5/16/2024
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
The first major studio family film of summer 2024 opens at the box office this weekend, and it couldn’t boast more star power.
Writer-director John Krasinski’s If — headlining Ryan Reynolds and Cailey Fleming alongside an A-list voice cast — explores the world of discarded imaginary friends and what happens when a young girl and her neighbor try to reunite them with their previous human pals.
The live-action/CGI animated Paramount pic is tracking for a domestic debut in the $40 million range. Reviews so far are mixed, but good audience scores will arguably matter more in this case. Plus, there’s a pent-up demand for family product that all ages can go see.
Unless there is a total upset, If should top the box office and wrest the crown from Disney and 20th Century Studio’s male-fueled Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, which overperformed in North America with a $58.6 million opening last weekend,...
Writer-director John Krasinski’s If — headlining Ryan Reynolds and Cailey Fleming alongside an A-list voice cast — explores the world of discarded imaginary friends and what happens when a young girl and her neighbor try to reunite them with their previous human pals.
The live-action/CGI animated Paramount pic is tracking for a domestic debut in the $40 million range. Reviews so far are mixed, but good audience scores will arguably matter more in this case. Plus, there’s a pent-up demand for family product that all ages can go see.
Unless there is a total upset, If should top the box office and wrest the crown from Disney and 20th Century Studio’s male-fueled Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, which overperformed in North America with a $58.6 million opening last weekend,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
People often criticize Hollywood for their reliance on IP, and this weekend, director John Krasinski, who successfully launched his own franchise with A Quiet Place, hopes to buck the trend by releasing his latest, If, a big-budget family film starring Ryan Reynolds. The movie, whose title stands for “Imaginary Friend” was also written by Krasinski and boasts a who’s who of actors voicing the titular characters, including his former The Office co-star Steve Carell, wife Emily Blunt, and ultra-famous colleagues like George Clooney, Bradley Cooper, Jon Stewart, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Matt Damon, and many more.
Given all that star power, the film seems likely to come in first at the box office this weekend, but the reviews (so far) have been largely unkind. The film wasn’t screened in many major markets (such as my own), so some of us will be hitting early screenings tomorrow night to file our reviews.
Given all that star power, the film seems likely to come in first at the box office this weekend, but the reviews (so far) have been largely unkind. The film wasn’t screened in many major markets (such as my own), so some of us will be hitting early screenings tomorrow night to file our reviews.
- 5/15/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Plot: The life of singer Amy Winehouse (Marisa Abela), including her troubled relationship with her ex-husband Blake Fielder-Civil (Jack O’Connell) and father (Eddie Marsan) and her struggles with addiction.
Review: When making a biopic about a famously troubled yet brilliant artist, there’s a fine line to walk when it comes to juggling the story of their art with the depiction of their addictions. Movies like Rocket Man or Walk the Line did it well, but they told ultimately triumphant stories about people overcoming those addictions. When the person succumbs, it can be dicier. I remember the Whitney Houston biopic, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, tried to do both but spent way too much time with its star miming along to Houston songs. Bohemian Rhapsody turned Freddie Mercury’s life into a PG-13 cartoon.
Back to Black, Sam Taylor-Johnson’s Amy Winehouse movie struggles to find a solid middle ground,...
Review: When making a biopic about a famously troubled yet brilliant artist, there’s a fine line to walk when it comes to juggling the story of their art with the depiction of their addictions. Movies like Rocket Man or Walk the Line did it well, but they told ultimately triumphant stories about people overcoming those addictions. When the person succumbs, it can be dicier. I remember the Whitney Houston biopic, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, tried to do both but spent way too much time with its star miming along to Houston songs. Bohemian Rhapsody turned Freddie Mercury’s life into a PG-13 cartoon.
Back to Black, Sam Taylor-Johnson’s Amy Winehouse movie struggles to find a solid middle ground,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
To transform into the famed “Rehab” singer, Marisa Abela realized she had to rehabilitate Amy Winehouse’s memory herself with the help of modern therapy.
The “Back to Black” lead was faced with dismantling the assumptions of Winehouse’s legacy and the media judgments upon her love life, drug use, and death at age 27 after being cast in the buzzy yet assumedly controversial biopic. The Winehouse fan backlash began as soon as Abela was announced to be portraying her; paparazzi stalked the set, and tabloids dove into viral clips of Abela singing in character, only to debate whether or not she looked like Winehouse onscreen, let alone sound like her.
It’s proof that the lore surrounding Winehouse more than a decade after her passing is still too easily slotted into certain judgments in the zeitgeist: tortured artist, lovesick wife, impulsive addict, victim of men. And how can one person...
The “Back to Black” lead was faced with dismantling the assumptions of Winehouse’s legacy and the media judgments upon her love life, drug use, and death at age 27 after being cast in the buzzy yet assumedly controversial biopic. The Winehouse fan backlash began as soon as Abela was announced to be portraying her; paparazzi stalked the set, and tabloids dove into viral clips of Abela singing in character, only to debate whether or not she looked like Winehouse onscreen, let alone sound like her.
It’s proof that the lore surrounding Winehouse more than a decade after her passing is still too easily slotted into certain judgments in the zeitgeist: tortured artist, lovesick wife, impulsive addict, victim of men. And how can one person...
- 5/15/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
In the early 2000’s, Amy Winehouse was a powerhouse of a new voice in music. Her impressive vocals and songs about heartbreak brought her both critical and commercial success. Sadly, this gifted artist struggled with addiction and other issues. She passed away at the very young age of 27 leaving fans a powerful legacy. The 2015 documentary Amy opened up her world in wondrous ways. And now, filmmaker Sam Taylor-Johnson has brought her story to the big screen with a terrific performance from Marisa Abela as Winehouse. Back to Black tells the life story of this shining star that faded much too soon.
We recently had the pleasure of sitting down opposite the very talented Sam Taylor-Johnson and Back to Black star, Ms. Abela. I’ve spoken to Sam in the past regarding the terrific Nowhere Boy, and she was lovely back then as well. The director opened up about taking on Amy’s life,...
We recently had the pleasure of sitting down opposite the very talented Sam Taylor-Johnson and Back to Black star, Ms. Abela. I’ve spoken to Sam in the past regarding the terrific Nowhere Boy, and she was lovely back then as well. The director opened up about taking on Amy’s life,...
- 5/15/2024
- by JimmyO
- JoBlo.com
“If,” a fantasy-comedy from director John Krasinski and star Ryan Reynolds, looks to collect a promising $40 million in its box office debut.
Based on projections, “If” — short for imaginary friends — is tracking to land at least $35 million and as much as $45 million from 4,000 North American theaters. At the higher end of estimates, those ticket sales would mark a solid start for a live-action PG family film that’s not based on an existing property. But the movie cost $110 million, so it’ll need to resonate globally to justify its price tag. Ahead of its domestic release, “If” opened last weekend in two overseas markets, France and Belgium, where it’s earned $3.7 million to date. It lands this week in 56 additional international territories.
Krasinski wrote, directed and stars in “If,” which follows neighbors Cal and Bea (Reynolds and Cailey Fleming) with the ability to see other people’s imaginary friends. While...
Based on projections, “If” — short for imaginary friends — is tracking to land at least $35 million and as much as $45 million from 4,000 North American theaters. At the higher end of estimates, those ticket sales would mark a solid start for a live-action PG family film that’s not based on an existing property. But the movie cost $110 million, so it’ll need to resonate globally to justify its price tag. Ahead of its domestic release, “If” opened last weekend in two overseas markets, France and Belgium, where it’s earned $3.7 million to date. It lands this week in 56 additional international territories.
Krasinski wrote, directed and stars in “If,” which follows neighbors Cal and Bea (Reynolds and Cailey Fleming) with the ability to see other people’s imaginary friends. While...
- 5/15/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Things have begun to pick up at the summer box office, and three new wide releases will try to keep things rolling along. Read on for Gold Derby’s box office preview.
The big movie this weekend is the latest from director John Krasinski, once again teaming with Paramount Pictures for his family film “If,” starring Ryan Reynolds. “If” stands for “Imaginary Friends” – not to be confused with the recent horror movie “Imaginary” – although this is a family-friendly version of the same general concept, about a little girl named Bea (played by Cailey Fleming) who begins working with Reynold’s character to help pair IFs who have been abandoned by their childhood friends with new kids.
Following his run on “The Office” and directing a couple of indies, Krasinski directed “A Quiet Place” for Paramount in 2018, which opened with $50.2 million and went onto gross $188 million domestic and $334 million globally, based on a $17 million budget.
The big movie this weekend is the latest from director John Krasinski, once again teaming with Paramount Pictures for his family film “If,” starring Ryan Reynolds. “If” stands for “Imaginary Friends” – not to be confused with the recent horror movie “Imaginary” – although this is a family-friendly version of the same general concept, about a little girl named Bea (played by Cailey Fleming) who begins working with Reynold’s character to help pair IFs who have been abandoned by their childhood friends with new kids.
Following his run on “The Office” and directing a couple of indies, Krasinski directed “A Quiet Place” for Paramount in 2018, which opened with $50.2 million and went onto gross $188 million domestic and $334 million globally, based on a $17 million budget.
- 5/15/2024
- by Edward Douglas
- Gold Derby
Marisa Abela in Back To BlackImage: Focus Features
Since the blockbuster success of the Queen movie Bohemian Rhapsody in 2018, a music biopic gold rush has been underway in Hollywood. Some of the resulting films—made as they are with the participation of the artist, or more often their estate—have...
Since the blockbuster success of the Queen movie Bohemian Rhapsody in 2018, a music biopic gold rush has been underway in Hollywood. Some of the resulting films—made as they are with the participation of the artist, or more often their estate—have...
- 5/15/2024
- by Brogan Morris
- avclub.com
Writer Matt Greenhalgh and director Sam Taylor-Johnson, who previously collaborated on the John Lennon biopic Nowhere Boy, return to the genre with Back to Black, telling the story of iconic musician Amy Winehouse. Although the film’s heart is consistently in the right place, its attempts at a complicated execution all too often misfire, leaving a somewhat bitter aftertaste despite occasional success.
Back to Black focuses on Winehouse’s ascent from humble beginnings as a lounge singer in Britain to become one of the most acclaimed voices of her generation. With Winehouse’s tragic rise and fall happening not even a decade and a half ago, audiences likely already know much of this story, but Greenhalgh’s script doesn’t imagine that audiences are ignorant.
Where Back to Black succeeds the most is exploring Winehouse’s struggles with addiction, from alcohol to drugs and codependence with her partner. It narrowly avoids being didactic and exploitative,...
Back to Black focuses on Winehouse’s ascent from humble beginnings as a lounge singer in Britain to become one of the most acclaimed voices of her generation. With Winehouse’s tragic rise and fall happening not even a decade and a half ago, audiences likely already know much of this story, but Greenhalgh’s script doesn’t imagine that audiences are ignorant.
Where Back to Black succeeds the most is exploring Winehouse’s struggles with addiction, from alcohol to drugs and codependence with her partner. It narrowly avoids being didactic and exploitative,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Sean Boelman
- FandomWire
Paramount will keep its chin up high amid the whole Sony and Skydance takeover headlines and keep the summer box office churnin’ with the John Krasinski-directed/scripted/produced Ryan Reynolds-led family movie, If, which is hoping to hit $40M. This is after Disney’s overperformance with 20th Century Studios’ Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, which posted a $58.4M opening.
If‘s m.o. is to be a five-quad movie appealing to everyone from 2 to 80. It’s been awhile since the marketplace has had a PG-rated live-action original movie, hence if the studio hits $40M on this $110M production, celebrate it.
Paramount has If booked in 4,000-plus theaters boosted by premium large format screens. Scripted by Krasinski, the pic is about a girl who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends — and what she does with that superpower — as she embarks on a magical adventure...
If‘s m.o. is to be a five-quad movie appealing to everyone from 2 to 80. It’s been awhile since the marketplace has had a PG-rated live-action original movie, hence if the studio hits $40M on this $110M production, celebrate it.
Paramount has If booked in 4,000-plus theaters boosted by premium large format screens. Scripted by Krasinski, the pic is about a girl who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends — and what she does with that superpower — as she embarks on a magical adventure...
- 5/14/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Marisa Abela knew that “Back to Black” needed women in key production roles. Why? Because Abela was aware that Amy Winehouse’s legacy needed to be a “genuine portrayal” without gendered judgment.
Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, “Back to Black” centers on Winehouse’s musical career, culminating in the Grammy-winning album that was her final release before her death at age 27 in 2011. Winehouse’s relationship with her ex-husband Blake Fielder-Civil is positioned as the direct inspiration for “Back to Black,” and Abela was determined not to have a “2024 view” of Winehouse and Fielder-Civil’s tumultuous courtship and subsequent divorce.
“It’s interesting because the thing about being an actor instead of being a writer or a musician is that Amy existed. She’s a real person, and if I decided to put my sort of 2024 view of how women should relate to their partners on top of it, I would not...
Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, “Back to Black” centers on Winehouse’s musical career, culminating in the Grammy-winning album that was her final release before her death at age 27 in 2011. Winehouse’s relationship with her ex-husband Blake Fielder-Civil is positioned as the direct inspiration for “Back to Black,” and Abela was determined not to have a “2024 view” of Winehouse and Fielder-Civil’s tumultuous courtship and subsequent divorce.
“It’s interesting because the thing about being an actor instead of being a writer or a musician is that Amy existed. She’s a real person, and if I decided to put my sort of 2024 view of how women should relate to their partners on top of it, I would not...
- 5/14/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Disney’s “Kingdom of The Planet of the Apes” debuted atop the U.K. and Ireland box office with £3.8 million ($4.7 million), according to numbers from Comscore.
Universal’s “The Fall Guy” dropped down to second place with £948,970 and now has a running total of £6.7 million. In third place, in its third weekend, Warner Bros.’ “Challengers” collected £333,281 for a total of £4.7 million.
In fourth position, in its fifth weekend, Studiocanal’s “Back to Black” earned £211,408 for a total of £11.2 million. Rounding off the top five was Sony’s “Tarot,” which read the cards to the tune of £140,983 in its second weekend and now has a total of £923,013.
The only other debut in the Top 10 was Trafalgar Releasing’s opera recording “Madama Butterfly,” which bowed in ninth place with £96,727.
The mid-week releases coming up include Trafalgar’s “Transformers: 40th Anniversary Event,” where episodes of the animated 1984 series will be screened alongside original voice-over talent,...
Universal’s “The Fall Guy” dropped down to second place with £948,970 and now has a running total of £6.7 million. In third place, in its third weekend, Warner Bros.’ “Challengers” collected £333,281 for a total of £4.7 million.
In fourth position, in its fifth weekend, Studiocanal’s “Back to Black” earned £211,408 for a total of £11.2 million. Rounding off the top five was Sony’s “Tarot,” which read the cards to the tune of £140,983 in its second weekend and now has a total of £923,013.
The only other debut in the Top 10 was Trafalgar Releasing’s opera recording “Madama Butterfly,” which bowed in ninth place with £96,727.
The mid-week releases coming up include Trafalgar’s “Transformers: 40th Anniversary Event,” where episodes of the animated 1984 series will be screened alongside original voice-over talent,...
- 5/14/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Eddie Marsan, who played the role of the abusive headmaster in Deadpool 2, is starring in the upcoming biopic of Amy Winehouse, Back to Black. There has been a lot of conversation around the film, and not all of it has been positive. Unfortunately, a lot has been done at the expense of Marisa Abela, who plays the role of Winehouse.
Marisa Abela plays Amy Winehouse in Back to Black
While many do not agree with her casting and have voiced it in a tame manner, sometimes the media can take it a step further and cross many lines. Recently, Marsan spoke about how the paparazzi took some extreme measures during the filming of the movie. The steps they took seemed to have had serious effects on Abela, and the Deadpool star is not happy about it.
Deadpool Star Was Protective Over Marisa Abela
Recently, Eddie Marsan gave an interview with IndieWire,...
Marisa Abela plays Amy Winehouse in Back to Black
While many do not agree with her casting and have voiced it in a tame manner, sometimes the media can take it a step further and cross many lines. Recently, Marsan spoke about how the paparazzi took some extreme measures during the filming of the movie. The steps they took seemed to have had serious effects on Abela, and the Deadpool star is not happy about it.
Deadpool Star Was Protective Over Marisa Abela
Recently, Eddie Marsan gave an interview with IndieWire,...
- 5/14/2024
- by Ananya Godboley
- FandomWire
Amy Jade Winehouse could have been any young woman growing up in 1990s London — palling around with her mates, sneaking lagers, shagging dudes, getting into trouble, getting her nose pierced, and getting expelled from drama school for it. (That, and a few other reasons.) Until she opened her mouth, at which point she seemingly became possessed by a 1940s jazz chanteuse channeling centuries-old lust and sorrow. Winehouse went from a kid with a bluesy, contralto wail that almost felt like a parlor trick, considering that it was coming from a tiny white teen from Southgate,...
- 5/14/2024
- by David Fear
- Rollingstone.com
Pretty much anyone who writes or talks about the box office (myself included) has not been quiet about the fact that the summer season is off to a rough start. It certainly didn't help that the first third of 2024 was lagging more than 20% behind 2023 in terms of overall domestic ticket sales, which put undue pressure on the summer movie season to deliver the goods. Universal Pictures kicked off summer with "The Fall Guy" and, unfortunately, the film didn't quite deliver the goods on opening weekend. However, there is reason to be tepidly optimistic as Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt's action-heavy rom-com didn't collapse in its second weekend.
While "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" conquered the box office with a $58.5 million opening, "The Fall Guy" managed to hold relatively strong in second place with $13.7 million in its second frame. That represents a 51% drop compared to its disappointing $27.7 million opening weekend.
While "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" conquered the box office with a $58.5 million opening, "The Fall Guy" managed to hold relatively strong in second place with $13.7 million in its second frame. That represents a 51% drop compared to its disappointing $27.7 million opening weekend.
- 5/14/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
“Back to Black” will mark a star-making breakout turn for lead actress Marisa Abela, but portraying late Grammy winner Amy Winehouse came with a symphony of vitriol during production — including critics calling out Abela’s casting.
Abela’s co-star Eddie Marsan, who portrays Winehouse’s father Mitch in the film, told IndieWire that Abela had to endure “terrible” hate from naysayers while filming in the U.K. The real-life Mitch Winehouse even had to defend Abela’s casting when the film was first announced, despite Abela being the first actor formally attached to the project.
“I could tell she was nervous. She’s only a young actor, and it was a massive part,” Marsan told IndieWire during a recent interview. “We had a bond straight away, and so it was terrible when we had to film scenes in London on location in Camden and Soho because even though we had...
Abela’s co-star Eddie Marsan, who portrays Winehouse’s father Mitch in the film, told IndieWire that Abela had to endure “terrible” hate from naysayers while filming in the U.K. The real-life Mitch Winehouse even had to defend Abela’s casting when the film was first announced, despite Abela being the first actor formally attached to the project.
“I could tell she was nervous. She’s only a young actor, and it was a massive part,” Marsan told IndieWire during a recent interview. “We had a bond straight away, and so it was terrible when we had to film scenes in London on location in Camden and Soho because even though we had...
- 5/13/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
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