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Think Your Family Is Crazy? Check Out Dan Morgan, the Man with the Secret, Family Plan

by Brittany Skyler
written by Brittany Skyler

Warning: Spoilers Ahead

“Nothing brings the family together like a road trip,” says Dan Morgan (Mark Wahlberg) in Apple TV+’s new film The Family Plan; little does his family know, this isn’t your average matching t-shirt family trip. 

At the top of the film, Dan and his wife Jessica (Michelle Monaghan) celebrate their anniversary in the same way since they started dating over a decade ago, going to the amusement park and riding a specific rollercoaster. Jessica foreshadows the rest of the movie when she hints about wanting to switch it up and have some excitement in her life; again, little does she know what’s about to come to her.

Apple TV+

While leaving the park, Dan catches someone recording him, and when he tries to intervene, the antagonizer graces him with a slushie shower. On the way home, Jessica teases him for diverting the situation because she believes he isn’t a “fighter.”

A few days later, while Dan is shopping for groceries with his newborn, he is again matched with a former enemy who will stop at nothing to harm Dan, leading to an all-out brawl ending with smashed glass and, in good film fashion, no consequences. On the other hand, Jessica meets a new friend, Gwen, (Maggie Q) who doubles as a travel agent at her boxing class. 

It’s important to note that if you’re watching this with friends/family, you should watch the trailer beforehand because up until this point, there is no mention of Dan’s former life, making it a bit confusing to anyone who may not have context.

 It isn’t until after this altercation that we learn Dan was a former assassin and a good one at that. 

Dan soon realizes he’s not safe in Buffalo, so he embarks on a family vacation, a.k .a. a mission to get his family out of Buffalo for good. After tossing everyone’s cell phones off the highway in the name of safety, we learn about Dan’s older children. 

Nina (Zoe Margaret Colletti) is a high school senior, soon heading into college on what should be a journalism major. She is in a situationship with someone who persuades her to be the opposite. Kyle (Van Crosby) is the idea of a “nobody” in the real world, but when he logs onto his gaming system, he is the ultimate celebrity. The overall family dynamic is exceptionally developed, allowing viewers to see themselves in one of the members. 

During their road trip, the family stops along shady motels and visits Nina’s desired university choice, only to discover her “boyfriend” has found someone else to toy with. A few keg stands and yet another battle later, the Morgans are back on the road to Las Vegas, where the family will get the tickets to their new lives.

In Vegas, the parents go to dinner, and the kids go against their parent’s wishes as they head to the hotel ballroom for one of the year’s biggest gaming conventions. Throughout the dinner, Dan tries breaking the news to Jessica, even telling her in French; the problem is that she doesn’t speak French.

Nonetheless, the couple heads back to the room where one of his enemies hides. After threatening Jessica’s life, Dan has to put his hitman skills to use and take him out, much to the dismay and confusion of his wife. The following 10 minutes are the epitome of action-packed and comedy-driven as Dan has to take out more rivals in front of his family. 

Once things slightly settle, Dan finally comes clean to his family, who are less than thrilled with their father’s former job. Jessica is so distraught she calls up her travel agent friend, Gwen, to help get her back home. Of course, her friend comes to the rescue, only to reveal that she is working on the side of the assassins and captures the Morgans. 

As it turns out, they’ve been trying to get Dan and his family to get him back because an email wouldn’t have worked, right? Therefore, they give him the ultimatum to walk away from his family and back to the assassins, or his family goes. Another Hunger Games-esque violent battle ensues, and the whole family is in on it this time.

Jessica gets beaten time and time again before putting her track and field skills to use and taking down her friend with the help of her daughter. On the other side, Dan and Kyle team up to take down the rest of the squad until it’s only Dan and the head of assassins, also Dan’s father. 

In one last fight, Dan takes down his father, and his family is freed for good. They go on to live subtle suburban lives where Dan is now a squad trainer; Jessica coaches the local high school’s track and field team; Nina is studying journalism at Standford, and Kyle is making a killing as the virtual celebrity, Killboy. 

Apple TV+

Overall, The Family Plan utilizes comedy to balance out the hard-hitting fight scenes, contributing to portraying the story in an effective way and leaving no holes in the plot at the end. 

So, when you need a break from the holiday rom-com, be sure to check out The Family Plan on December 15, only on Apple TV+. 

 

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The Color Purple Premiere: Hollywood Royalty Dazzles on the Lavish Purple Carpet

by Ashley Lopez
written by Ashley Lopez

Los Angeles, CA – On Wednesday, December 6th, the illustrious David Geffen Theater at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures played host to an enchanting spectacle as the red carpet transformed into a regal “purple” carpet for the premiere of “The Color Purple.” The adaptation of Alice Walker’s timeless novel and Broadway musical promises to be a cinematic masterpiece, set to hit theaters on December 25th, 2023.

The ambiance outside the David Geffen Theater was nothing short of magical, as Hollywood’s elite descended upon the venue to celebrate the highly anticipated film directed by Blitz Bazawule. The “purple” carpet, a thematic nod to the movie’s title, set the stage for an evening of glamour and grandeur.

The star-studded cast of “The Color Purple” graced the event, with luminaries such as Oprah Winfrey, Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, and H.E.R. stepping onto the vibrant carpet, creating an electrifying atmosphere that mirrored the film’s emotional intensity.

Oprah Winfrey, a powerhouse both on and off the screen, brought her signature grace and charm to the carpet, captivating photographers and fans alike. Fantasia Barrino, known for her dynamic stage presence, lit up the night with her radiant smile, while Taraji P. Henson exuded elegance in a dazzling ensemble, reflecting the sophistication of the occasion.

The event drew the attendance of Hollywood A-listers, adding to the allure of the evening. As cameras flashed and fans cheered, the air buzzed with excitement, underscoring the anticipation surrounding the film’s release later this month.

“The Color Purple,” with its alluring adaptation directed by Blitz Bazawule, promises to be a cinematic triumph that transcends the boundaries of its source material. The “purple carpet” premiere served as a fitting prelude to what is expected to be one of the most talked-about films of the holiday season.

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, located at 6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, provided a fitting backdrop for the occasion. The museum, dedicated to celebrating the art and history of cinema, became a temporary haven for the stars and creatives who have brought “The Color Purple” to life on the big screen.

As the countdown to December 25th begins, the enchantment of the “purple” carpet premiere lingers in the air, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the arrival of this cinematic gem.

“The Color Purple” is poised to not only captivate hearts but also carve its place as an unforgettable contribution to the rich tapestry of film history.

“The Color Purple” premiere became an even more exclusive affair as we had the privilege of securing coveted interviews with the stars on the resplendent purple carpet. From Oprah Winfrey’s reflections on the film’s enduring impact to Colman Domingo’s insights into her transformative role, and Phylicia Pearl Mpasi musings within sisterhood in the film – “The Knockturnal” provided an intimate glimpse into the minds of the luminaries who brought this cinematic masterpiece to life.

These exclusive interviews offered a behind-the-scenes perspective, revealing the dedication and passion that fueled the creation of “The Color Purple.”

You can check out our on-carpet interviews linked down below. 

Click the link to watch the night of the purple carpet unfold!

Make sure to check out our Instagram!

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EventsFilmThe Latest

A Cinematic Celebration: Luncheon with Director Carl Joseph E. Papa at Crustacean

by Ashley Lopez
written by Ashley Lopez

Beverly Hills, CA – An intimate luncheon was held at the renowned Crustacean restaurant, acclaimed director Carl Joseph E. Papa toasted to his entry into the 96th Academy Awards for his astonishing film, “The Missing.” The exclusive event, which unfolded on December 2, became a celebration of Papa’s cinematic achievements and a prelude to the upcoming recognition at the Oscars.

Crustacean, known for its fusion of Vietnamese flavors and upscale ambiance, set the stage for an afternoon filled with gastronomic delights and the exchange of creative insights. The restaurant, nestled in the heart of Beverly Hills, provided the perfect backdrop for industry insiders and supporters to come together and honor Papa’s accomplishments.

“The Missing,” a poignant film that explores themes of loss and redemption, has garnered widespread acclaim for its storytelling and cinematic prowess. With its selection as the Philippines’ official entry to the 96th Academy Awards, the luncheon at Crustacean became a pivotal moment for Papa and his team to reflect on the journey leading up to this prestigious recognition.

The luncheon commenced with guests praising Papa as he made his way into the table, expressing their overwhelming support and praise for his film. Attendees were treated to a delectable menu curated by Crustacean’s culinary experts, featuring signature dishes that blended traditional Vietnamese flavors with a modern twist.

As plates were shared and conversations flowed, the atmosphere at Crustacean echoed with the excitement surrounding “The Missing” and its prospects at the upcoming Oscars. Guests had the opportunity to engage with Papa, gaining insights into the creative process behind the film and the challenges faced in bringing such a powerful narrative to the screen.

The luncheon served as a platform for networking, collaboration, and the forging of connections that could potentially shape the future of Filipino cinema.

As for the film itself, it screams phenomena written all over it. For 90 minutes you can delve into the world of ‘The Missing’ as the film emerges you into a cinematic marvel. It defies all constraints with a team of 90 animators who conjured its mesmerizing visuals for a year and seven months and the filming with actors which only took four days. With a tapestry of drama, sci-fi, and animation, the film casts a spell with its captivating narrative and expressive protagonist, Eric. Despite lacking a mouth, Eric’s silent expressions convey the depth of his emotions as he grapples with the trauma of his past. The story unfolds when a concerned call from his mother, Rosalinda, sets Eric and his co-worker Carlo on a journey to uncover the mystery of his missing Uncle Rogelio, only to discover a tragedy that shatters Eric’s already fragile world.

At its core, “The Missing” is an exploration of resilience and recovery in the face of unspeakable tragedy. Eric’s silence, a result of childhood trauma, becomes a powerful symbol of the struggles many endure in coping with mental and emotional distress. The film delicately portrays the darkest moments of human experience, revealing how love, support, and inner strength can guide one from the shadows of despair to a gradual rediscovery of self.

As the luncheon concluded, attendees left with a sense of anticipation for the 96th Academy Awards and a deeper appreciation for the artistry of Carl Joseph E. Papa. The event at Crustacean not only celebrated a talented filmmaker but also highlighted the importance of recognizing and supporting diverse voices in the world of cinema.

Click on this reel to watch a visual recap of the luncheon! 

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‘Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain’ Journeys to Peacock!

by Jaylin De Guzman
written by Jaylin De Guzman

The ‘SNL’ trifecta of Ben Marshall, John Higgins and Martin Herlihy try their hand at cinematography with their first movie, Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain, now streaming on Peacock.

Upon attending the movie premiere at New York’s SVA Theatre on November 13, 2023, I certainly expected to spend the next hour and a half laughing with an embarrassing chortle that only SNL gives to its most ardent fans. However, Please Don’t Destroy has gone above and beyond, inching towards a hilarity reminiscent of the Three Stooges.

From producing the all-too short comedic features, Please Don’t Destroy has given us a blissful movie doing justice to the kind of humor that only their New York University college student schtick could give. It is safe to say this trio has come a long way from their days in 2017, as they’ve become a sensation amongst the SNL community. In the trusted hands of Judd Apatow and Jimmy Miller, the group journeys alongside Conan O’Brien and Bowen Yang for the most farce treasure hunt to date.

Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain revives the silliness from childish humor—lightens up the daunting insecurities that come from adulting. As the roommates search for the priceless golden bust of Marie Antoinette, nothing short of bear attacks, cult joining, and accidental nudity heads their way. Step by step, the group proves to be the least qualified people to find the treasure. When our beleaguered trio struggles to jump off a cliff, Ben turns into a human kite in a flying squirrel suit. After that, it’s expected all faith to be lost.

John’s refusal of accepting their fate—that their friendship is falling apart—paired against the humor from Ben and Martin’s imposter syndrome, equates to a movie premiere with the theater unable to catch their breath. Taking a satirical perspective on classic adventure movies turns the film into a melting pot of extraordinary movie making!

The criticism of film today being made without the overall intention of winning golden statues or becoming the next beautiful tragedy tends to dilute the initial joy of new films coming out. However, amid the cinematography Hunger Games, Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain serves as a delightful jewel of refreshing comedy.

It is simply a funny movie, poking fun at a tumultuous time. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll ask yourself, “Is that the kid from Stranger Things?”

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Film

Creator of “Kenan and Kel”, Kim Bass breaks down his career and newest film

by Richard Schertzer
written by Richard Schertzer

I was able to sit down with the creator of “Kenan and Kel” Kim Bass as he went over his fantastic career in the television sitcom world.

He got the bug to be in the television and film industry very young. He was seven years old when his grandfather took him to his first movie and he thought that he would find a way to figure it all out. Moreover, “Kenan and Kel” was based on Bass’ relationship with his best friend Tyrone and his other show “Sister, Sister” was based on his twin sisters. He was also involved with a sketch comedy show called “In Living Color”.

 

In 2022, Bass had a film called “Tyson’s Run” and it began streaming on Netflix outside of the U.S. and it will begin streaming in the U.S. on Netflix on February 28, 2024 and has performed well globally, becoming the top 8 film on Netflix. 

His other film “A Snowy Day in Oakland” began streaming recently on Starz, as well. 

Obviously, Bass has been very busy with his work and doesn’t seem to be showing signs of slowing down as he will be shooting his next film entitled  “A Lawyer, The Devil, Three Priests and a Nun” next spring. 

 

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Five Nights at Freddy’s Might Make You Die of Fright, If You’re Ready

by Ishan Wankavala
written by Ishan Wankavala

There is a precedent for bad video game movie adaptations. These are usually purely meant as cash grabs, enticing children that care little for plot, logic, and production quality to spend their parents’ money to see the same characters they know on a bigger screen. This is arguably a pretty devastating mindset to have when reviewing any movie, and even though I try to remain unbiased, my expectations were pretty low for Five Nights at Freddy’s. Boy, was I wrong.

To give context, I have played the games occasionally over the years. While the gameplay itself is enjoyable, what I loved even more was the deep lore that each game contributed to, and how I had to piece it all together and speculate how the next game would completely change it all. Watching YouTubers like The Game Theorist, also known as MatPat, explains several theories about the game’s story after each release became routine and was an integral component of the game experience for me.

This is why this movie was such a surprise: despite my low expectations, the film is endowed with a shockingly endearing story that actually gives the characters weight and realistic motivations. These are expanded from the backstories in the games, and add additional details and stakes to the plot. For one, Mike’s relentless pursuit to remember his younger brother’s kidnapper through his own dreams was surprisingly tear-jerking, and was an interesting concept that I had not experienced before. The movie stays faithful to the lore, and any fan will recognize dozens of references that show that a true fan of the games made this movie, put together with delicate love.

Along with the plot, the effects and scares were especially tantalizing. I remained on the edge of my seat the whole time, as the movie’s primary mode of communicating fear wasn’t the cheap jump scares I expected, but a slow, foreboding horror that refused to let up. The film actually contained very few jump scares, and rather used the much more potent incorporation of slow shots, creepy music, and general sense of tension. The CGI of the animatronics was also on point, and they looked tangible and grounded, while also maintaining a sense of freaky, warped dream-like reality. The production for this film was absolutely perfect in execution.

I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. Both Josh Hutcherson and Elizabeth Lail were amazing, as Mike and Vanessa, and Matthew Lillard (loved him from the Scooby-Doo films) brought a certain frantic energy that was indescribable. Piper Rubio surpassed the annoying-kid trope that I have become so accustomed to in recent movies, and she actually gave a solid, intelligent performance for someone her age. I also very much enjoyed the MatPat cameo, and I knew at that point that the film was a definitely a love-letter to fans of the FNAF franchise.

Five Nights at Freddy’s are in theaters now, and you definitely do not want to miss it this Halloween season.

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