Review: Prime Video's "ROLE PLAY" Offers an Odd Couple

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 4 of 2024 (No. 1948) by Leroy Douresseaux

Role Play (2024)

Running time:  101 minutes (1 hour, 41 minutes)

MPA – R for violence and language

DIRECTOR: Thomas Vincent

WRITER:  Seth Owen

PRODUCERS:  Kaley Cuoco, Alex Heinenman, and Andrew Rona

CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Maxime Alexandre (ASC)

EDITOR:  Gareth C. Scales

COMPOSER:  Rael Jones

ACTION/THRILLER/COMEDY

Starring:  Kaley Cuoco, David Oyelowo, Connie Nielsen, Rudi Dharmalingam, Lucia Aliu, Regan Bryan-Gudgeon, Jade-Eleena Dregorius, Stephanie Levi-John, and Bill Nighy

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SUMMARY OF THE REVIEW:

--Role Play is somewhat similar to the Brad Pitt-Angelina Jolie film, Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), which was a big-budget action-comedy.  Role Play is a smaller scale action-thriller with darker, edgier humor.

--Kaley Cuoco and David Oyelowo are an odd pairing, and for at least half of this film, they seem miscast in their roles.

--Role Play is an average, entertaining film that is better suited for Prime Video than it is for the big screens of a local movie theater.  Still, the last half hour of the film really intensifies.

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Role Play is a 2024 action-thriller and black comedy film from director Thomas Vincent.  The film is an Amazon “Prime Original” that began streaming on “Prime Video” January 12, 2024.  Role Play focuses on an assassin whose secret life intrudes on her life as a suburban wife and mother.

Role Play introduces Emma Brackett (Kaley Cuoco).  She is married to Dave Brackett (David Oyelowo) and is now the mother to his son from his first marriage, Wyatt (Regan Bryan-Gudgeon), and is mother to the daughter, Caroline (Lucia Aliu), she had with Dave.  Emma and Dave have been married seven years and are living in New Jersey.  But Emma has forgotten their anniversary because she was busy overseas killing someone and not in Nebraska, as she told her husband.

To make up for forgetting their anniversary, Emma suggests that they spice things up by engaging in some romantic role play at “the Royal Grand” hotel in New York City.  The fun, however, is interrupted by Robert “Bob” Kitterman (Bill Nighy), who is actually a rival assassin out to claim a bounty placed on Emma by her former agency, Sovereign.  Emma is forced to reveal her real self – Anna Peller, professional killer.  Now, her past has returned to reclaim her.

Dear readers, as soon as you read Role Play's synopsis, you will likely think of the hit 2005 film, Mr. & Mrs. Smith.  Directed by Doug Liman, the action-comedy film stars Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.  They play a bored upper middle class couple, but both are actually assassins working for competing agencies.  One day, they are assigned to kill each other.

Role Play is described as an action-comedy, but it is truthfully an action-thriller and dark comedy.  The film does have a comic undertone; there are some genuinely funny moments; and the film's musical score by Rael Jones is action-comedy pitch perfect.  Role Play, however, features several violent fight scenes and brutal killings, in addition to its offbeat sensibility.

One reason is the casting.  Kaley Cuoco is best known for playing the role of “Penny” on CBS's long-running, former sitcom, “The Big Bang Theory” (2007-19).  I found it a little difficult to picture her as an assassin or professional killer.  David Oyelowo is known for his serious dramatic roles in such films as Red Tails (2012) and Selma (2014), as well as for his role in the recent Paramount+ Western television miniseries, Lawmen: Bass Reeves (2023).  For about the first hour of the film, I did not find him convincing as the clueless suburban husband.

However, once Anna Peller's cover as Emma is blown, Cuoco is forced to give it her all trying to convince the audience that she is a killer, and suddenly sitcom Penny seems quite dark, indeed.  Also, it is then that Oyelowo can drop the hubby routine and become the spousal partner-in-crime.  In the last half hour to 40 minutes of the film, Emma and Dave actually become funnier characters.  Then, Role Play takes on its action-thriller aspects with gusto.

Director Thomas Vincent makes the most of the film's more intense moments, giving Seth Owen's screenplay, which probably had more juice on the printed page, a jolt.  Role Play is the kind of easy-going film that could not make it as a theatrical release, but it makes for an entertaining streaming film, especially once the leads really start to... play their roles.

B-

5 of 10

★★½ out of 4 stars

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved.  Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from Jan. 21st to 31st, 2024 - Update #35

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE NEWS:

CELEBRITY - From Deadline:  Oscar-nominated filmmaker, Ava DuVernay; the Grammy Award-winning rock band, Los Lobos, and the Grammy Award-nominated rock band, "The Go Go's," are among the 2024 California Hall of Fame inductees.  The induction ceremony will be held, Tues., Feb. 6th.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Nia Long will play Jackson family matriarch, Katherine Jackson, in Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International's Michael Jackson biopic, "Michael."

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  Brothers Joel and Ethan Coen are set to reunite for the first time since the 2018 film, "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs."  The Oscar-winners announced that they have already written the script for a "pure horror" film, and they could begin production on it this year.

MOVIES - Deadline:  Director Ethan Hawke's film, "Wildcat," a biopic of author Flannery O'Connor, will begin a limited theatrical on May 3rd from Oscilloscope Laboratories. From there, it will have a national rollout.  The films stars Hawke's daughter, Maya Hawke.

MOVIES/TRAILERS - From THR:  Sony has released a new trailer for "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire," the sequel to 2021's Ghostbusters: Afterlife. The new film is due March 22nd, 2024.

From Deadline:  The cast of Universal/Illumination's "Despicable Me 4" has been revealed, and the first trailer has arrived.  The arrives in theaters, July 3rd, 2024.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 1/26 to 1/28/2024 weekend box office is Amazon/MGM's "The Beekeeper" with an estimated take of 7.4 million dollars.

DOCUMENTARIES - From Deadline:  Warner Bros. has the inside track on obtaining the hot Sundance documentary, "Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story." The film concerns the late actor, Christopher Reeve, who is best known for portraying Clark Kent/Superman in several films for Warner Bros., beginning with the landmark 1978 film, Superman: The Movie.

MOVIES/TRAILERS - From Deadline:  Universal Pictures has a release date (April 5th) and trailer for Dev Patel's "Monkey Man," in which he stars and directs. The film was saved from Netflix purgatory, by one of its producers, Oscar-winner Jordan Peele.

FILM FESTIVALS - From AwardsWatch:  The 2024 Sundance Film Festival has announced it awards in several competition categories:  "U.S. Dramatic Competition," U.S. Documentary Competition," "World Dramatic Competition Awards," World Documentary Competition Awards," "Next Awards," and "Audience Award."

SCANDAL - From THR:  The estate of the legendary late comedian, George Carlin, is suing over the release of a comedy special that uses generative artificial intelligence to mimic the deceased comedian’s voice and style of humor. The hour-long special is entitled "George Carlin: I'm Glad I'm Dead" debuted Jan. 9th on the YouTube channel, "Dudesy," a podcast hosted by Will Sasso and Chad Kultgen.

AMAZON - From Deadline:  In an article written for "Deadline," director Doug Liman says that he will skip the SXSW premiere of his new film, "Roadhouse," a remake of the 1989 film of the same name that starred the late Patrick Swayze.  The reason for his boycott is because he says that the Amazon MGM Studios has gone back on its promise to release the film to theaters and is instead releasing into to Amazon's "Prime Video."  The new film stars Jake Gyllenhaal.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Recent Oscar-nominee, Coleman Domingo ("Rustin"), will play Jackson family patriarch, Joe Jackson, in Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International's Michael Jackson biopic, "Michael."  Michael's real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, will portray MJ.  The film is due April 18, 2025.

TELEVISION - From THR:  Jon Stewart is returning to Comedy Central's "The Daily Show," where he held court for 16 years, from 1999-2015.  Recent host, Trevor Noah, hosted from 2015 to 2022, abruptly announcing that he was leaving in September 2022.  Now, Stewart will return through the 2024 election season, but he will only host on Mondays.  He will executive produce the rest of the week, which will be hosted by a variety of "Daily Show" correspondents. The new format is set to begin Feb. 12th.

NETFLIX - From Variety:  The original run of HBO's "Sex in the City" (1998-2004) is headed to Netflix in early April 2024.  All 94 episodes will be available.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Sony Pictures, Universal Pictures, and Warner Bros. are the last studios standing in the bid to obtain an untitled genre thriller from writer-director Ryan Coogler and star Michael B. Jordan. Coogler wants to start production this summer.

OSCARS - From Variety: The nominations for the 2024 / 96th Academy Awards have been announced.  "Oppenheimer" leads with 13 nominations, and "Poor Things" follows with 11.  The winners will be announced Sun., March 10th, 2024.

From THR:  Scott Feinberg of "The Hollywood Reporter" says that that "Barbie" director, Greta Gerwig, not getting a "Best Director" nomination for the 96th Academy Awards and Barbie's lead, Margot Robbie, not getting a "Best Actress" nomination are not good optics.

From Variety: Clayton Davis of "Variety" makes his final Oscar nominations predictions ahead of the official announced Tues., Jan. 23rd.

From Echolive:  Here is a delightful interview with Breandan O' Murchu, the father of actor Cillian Murphy, about his son's "Best Actor" nomination for "Oppenheimer."

MOVIES - From THR:  Screenwriter David Koepp is apparently deep into writing the next "Jurassic World" movie.  Koepp co-wrote Jurassic Park (1993) and wrote its sequel, The Lost World: Jurassic Park.  The new film will apparently involve a new story line that is different from the one began in Jurassic World (2015), and it may arrive in theaters as early as 2025.

NETFLIX - From Variety:  Netflix's film chief, Scott Stuber, has left the streamer to form his own media company.  What does his exit mean for Netflix's future.

TELEVISION - From Deadline:  Alcon Entertainment is shopping a television series prequel to Denzel Washington's hit film, The Book of Eli (2010), to "premium buyers."  John Boyega is set to headline and executive the project, which hails from the movie’s writer, Gary Whitta, creator/writer/executive producer of the potential series, and its directors, the Hughes Brothers (Albert and Allen), who executive produce.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 1/19 to 1/21/2024 weekend box office is Paramount Pictures' "Mean Girls" with an estimated take of 11.7 million dollars.

LGBTQ - From GLAAD:  GLAAD has announced the nominees for the the 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards.  The winners will be announced Sat. May 11th, 2024.

STREAMING - From Deadline:  The "Harry Potter" television series is entering the "premise stage." Martha Hillier, Kathleen Jordan, Tom Moran, and Michael Lesslie are among those who are presenting their visions of a "Harry Potter" television series to HBO Max and Warner Bros Television, according to sources. 

MOVIES - From THR:  Marlon Wayans has scored a leading role in "GOAT," a psychological horror film about the scary side of perfection from Jordan Peele's Monkeypaw Productions.  Peele will be one of the film's producers while Justin Tippings directs.

OBITS:

From THR:  Film and television actor, Gary Graham, has died at the age of 73, Monday, January 22, 2024.  Graham may have been best known for his role on the former Fox science fiction drama, "Alien Nations" (1989-90), which a spin off of the 1988 sci-fi film of the same name.  He also starred in the five "Alien Nation" TV films that spun-off from the series.  In addition, Graham played a sleazy porn film dealer in Paul Schrader's film, "Hardcore" (1979), and as Tom Cruise's older brother in "All the Right Moves" (1983).  Graham appeared in an episode of "Star Trek: Voyager" and was a recurring character in "Star Trek: Enterprise" (2001-05).

From Deadline:  Canadian film and television writer, director, and producer, Norman Jewison, has died at the age of 97, Saturday, January 20, 2024.  Jewison directed Best Picture Oscar winner, In the Heat of the Night (1967).  He directed and produced the Best Picture Oscar nominees:  "Fiddler on the Roof," (1971), A Soldier’s Story (1984), "Moonstruck" (1987), and "The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming" (1966).  He was nominated for seven Academy Awards, and in 1999 at the 71st Academy Awards, Jewison received the "Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award."

From Deadline:  American film and stage actor, David Emge, has died at the age of 77, Saturday, January 2024.  Emge's acting career was brief, but he had a major role in an iconic horror movies, George A. Romero's "Dawn of the Dead" (1978). Emge played "Stephen 'Flyboy' Andrews," the doomed pilot and father-to-be who would become a zombie.

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AWARDS:

From THR:  Key award season dates leading up to the 2024 / 96th Academy Awards, which are Sunday, March 10th, 2024.

From AwardsWatch:  The NAACP has announced the nominees for the 2024 / 55th NAACP Image Awards.  By visiting www.naacpimageawards.net, the public can vote to determine the winners of the 55th NAACP Image Awards’ in select categories. Voting closes February 24th at 9:00 p.m. NAACP will also recognize winners in non–televised Image Awards categories March 11–14th, which will stream via naacpimageawards.net.  The winners will be revealed during the two–hour LIVE TV special, airing Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 8:00 PM ET/ PT on BET and CBS.

From Variety:  The nominations for the 2024 / 77th EE BAFTA Film Awards have been announced.  "Oppenheimer" leads with 13 nominations, and "Poor Things" follows with 11 nominations.  The winners will be announced Feb. 18th.

From Variety:  The Producers Guild of America has announced the nominees for the 2024 / 35th annual Producers Guild Awards.  For the first time in the history of the awards, two international films, "Anatomy of a Fall" and "The Zone of Interest," have made been nominated in the PGA's top category, "Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures." The winners will be announced Feb. 25th.

From Variety:   The nominees for the 2024 / 51st Annie Awards have been announced.  Netflix's "Nimona" leads the features categories with nine nominations.  The winners will be announced Sat., Feb. 17th.

From Deadline:  The Screen Actors Guild nominations for the 2024 / 30th annual SAG Awards have announced. "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" leads the film side of things with four nominations apiece.  The winners will be announced Saturday, Feb. 24th.

From Variety:  The Directors Guild of America has announced the nominations for the 2024 / 76th DGA Awards.  In the top category, "Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film of 2023," the nominees are Greta Gerwig for "Barbie," Christopher Nolan for “Oppenheimer,” Martin Scorsese for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” Yorgos Lanthimos for “Poor Things,” and Alexander Payne for “The Holdovers.”  The winners will be announced Feb. 10th.

From AwardsWatch:  The Kansas City Film Critics Circle (KCFCC) has won the 2023 film awards.  "Oppenheimer" won six awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Christopher Nolan), and "Best Actor" (Cillian Murphy tied with Paul Giamatti for "The Holdovers").

From Variety:  The American Cinema Editors has announced the nominees for the 2024 / 74th Annual ACE Eddie Awards.  The winners will be announced March 3rd, 2024.

From AwardsWatch:  The Online Film Critics Society (OFCS) has named its 2023 film awards. "Oppenheimer" won eight awards, including "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (Christopher Nolan).

From AwardsWatch:  The Houston Film Critics Society (HFCS) has announced its 2023 films awards.  "Poor Things" won three awards, including "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The Chicago Indie Critics (CIC) has announced its 2023 films awards.  "Oppenheimer" won seven awards, including "Best Studio Film." Celine Song's "Past Lives" won three, including "Best Independent Film."

From Variety:  The Motion Picture Sound Editors has revealed the nominations for the 71st annual MPSE Golden Reel Awards in categories spanning feature film, television, animation, computer entertainment and student productions.  The winners will be announced March 3rd.

From AwardsWatch: The Iowa Film Critics Association (IFCA) has announced its 2023 film awards.  Alexander Payne's "The Holdovers" won four awards, including "Best Picture."

From Variety:  The Visual Effects Society has announced the nominations for the 2024 / 22nd Annual VES Awards have been announced.  The winners will be announced Feb. 21st.

From AwardsWatch:  The North Dakota Film Society (NDFS) has announced its 2023 films awards.  "Oppenheimer" won nine awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Christopher Nolan), and "Best Actor" (Cillian Murphy).

From AwardsWatch:  The Music City Film Critics Association has announces it MCFCA 2023 Film Awards.  Oppenheimer won seven awards, including "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (Christopher Nolan).

From AwardsWatch:  The Portland Critics Association (PCA) has announced its 2023 films awards.  "Oppenheimer" won nine awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Christopher Nolan), and "Best Actor" (Cillian Murphy).

From Deadline:  The African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) announced the 15th annual African-Ameri an Film Critics Awards. "American Fiction" was voted the #1 film and won four awards, including "Best Comedy." Ava DuVernay's "Origin" was voted the #2 film and won three awards, including "Best Drama." 

From Deadline:  The winners of the 2024 / 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards have been announced.  "Oppenheimer" won eight awards, including "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (Christopher Nolan).

From AwardsWatch:  The Hawaii Film Critics Society (HFCS) has announced its 2023 films awards.  "Barbie" wins four awards, including "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The Denver Film Critics Society (DFCS) has announced the winners of its 2023 films awards.  "Oppenheimer" won four awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Christopher Nolan), and "Best Actor" (Cillian Murphy).

From AwardsWatch:  The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) revealed the nominees for the "2024 / 38th Annual ASC Awards" with categories in feature film, documentary, television and music video categories.  The winners will be announced March 3rd, 2024.

From AwardsWatch:  The Austin Film Critics Association (AFCA) has announced its 2023 film awards.  "Killers of the Flower Moon" won "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The Seattle Film Critics Society (SFCS) announced the winners in 21 categories for the 2023 Seattle Film Critics Society Awards.  Director Celine Song’s "Past Lives" was named the "Best Picture of 2023."

From AwardsWatch:  The Cinema Audio Society (CAS) has announced the nominations for the 60th CAS Awards.  The winners will be announced March 2nd.

From AwardsWatch:  The Art Directors Guild (IATSE Local 800) has announced the nominations for the 28th Art Directors Guild Awards. The winners will be announced Feb. 10th.

From AwardsWatch:  The Hollywood Creative Alliance (HCA) has announced it 2024 ASTRA Film Awards.  "Barbie" won eight awards, including "Best Picture.

From AwardsWatch:  The Greater Western New York Film Critics Association (GWNYFCA) has announced its 2023 film awards.  "Past Lives" was named "Best Picture."

From NSFC:  The National Society of Film Critics announce its 58th annual NSFC Awards.  "Past Lives" was named "Best Picture of 2023."

From Deadline:  The 2024 / 81st Golden Globes Awards ceremony was held Sun. night, Jan. 7th, 2024.  "Oppenheimer" won five awards, including "Best Motion Picture-Drama," "Best Director" (Christopher Nolan), "Best Actor-Drama" (Cillian Murphy), and "Best Supporting Actor-Motion Pictures" (Robert Downey, Jr.). "Poor Things" won "Best Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy."

From Deadline:  NIGHT 2 of the 75th Creative Arts Emmys took place Sun., Jan. 7th, 2024.  (Former) President Barack Obama and Keke Palmer were among the winners.

From Deadline:  NIGHT 1 of the 75th Creative Arts Emmys took place Sat., Jan. 6th, 2024.  HBO's "The Last of Us" lead the night with 8 wins, including wins in both "Guest Actor in a Drama Series" categories: Nick Offerman (Guest Actor) and Storm Reid (Guest Actress).

From AwardsWatch:  The 5th annual DiscussingFilm Critics Awards were announced.  "Oppenheimer" won eight awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Christopher Nolan), and "Best Actor" (Cillian Murphy).

From AwardsWatch:   The Utah Film Critics Association (UFCA) has announced its 2023 film awards. "Past Lives" won three awards, including "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (Celine Song).

From AwardsWatch:  The Georgia Film Critics Association (GFCA) has announced its 2023 film awards.  "Oppenheimer" won seven honors, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Christopher Nolan), and "Best Actor" (Cillian Murphy).

From AwardsWatch:  The San Francisco Bay Area Film Critics Circle (SFBAFCC) has announced its 2023 film awards.  "Oppenheimer" was named "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The Columbus Film Critics Association (COFCA) has announced its 2023 film awards.  "Killers of the Flower Moon" won six awards including "Best Film" and "Best Director" (Martin Scorsese).

From AwardsWatch:  The Costume Designers Guild (Local 892) announced the official nominees list for the 26th CDGA (Costume Designers Guild Awards). The annual CDGA ceremony will take place Wed., Feb. 21st, 2024.

From Variety:   The British Academy has unveiled the results of the first round of voting across all 24 categories for the 2024 / 77th BAFTA Film Awards.  These results are known as "the longlists."  "Barbie," "Killers of the Flower Moon," and "Oppenheimer" all appeared on the longlist of 15 categories.  The nominations will be announced Jan. 18th, and the winners will be announced Feb. 18th.

From AwardsWatch:  The Oklahoma Film Critics Circle (OFCC) has announced its 2023 film awards.  "Killers of the Flower Moon" won five awards, including "Best Film," "Best Director" (Martin Scorsese), and "Best Actress" (Lily Gladstone).

From AwardsWatch:  The Critics Association of Central Florida (CACF) has announced the winners of its 2023 films awards.  "Oppenheimer" won 10 awards, including "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (Christopher Nolan). 

From AwardsWatch:  U.K. Film Critics Association (UKFCA) has announced the winners of its 2023 films awards.  "Oppenheimer" won three awards: "Best Film," "Best Director" (Christopher Nolan), and "Best Actor" (Cillian Murphy).

From Variety: The Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild (MUAHS, IATSE Local 706) has announced nominations for the 11th MUAHS Guild Awards. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 led with five mentions in the film categories and ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" led with four in the television categories. The winners will be announced Sunday, February 18, 2024.

From AwardsWatch:  The Nevada Film Critics Society has announced its 2023 film awards.  "Oppenheimer" won five awards, including "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (Christopher Nolan).

From AwardsWatch:  Florida Film Critics Circle (FFCC) has announced its 2023 film awards.  Hayao's Miyazaki's anime film, "The Boy and the Heron" was named "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The Black Film Critics Circle (BFCC) has announced its 2023 films awards.  "American Fiction" won six awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Cord Jefferson), and Best Actor (Jeffrey Wright).

From AwardsWatch:  The San Diego Film Critics Society (SDFCS) has announced its 2023 film awards.  Always trying to be difficult, it named "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" the "Best Picture."  It named Martin Scorsese "Best Director" for "Killers of the Flower Moon."

From AwardsWatch:  The Dublin Film Critics Circle has announced its 2023 film awards.  "Past Lives" wins "Best Film" and "Best Director" (Celine Song)"

From AwardsWatch:  The North Texas Film Critics Association (NTFCA) has announced its 2023 films awards.  "Oppenheimer" wins five awards, including "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (Christopher Nolan).

From AwardsWatch:  The Southeaster Film Critics Association (SEFCA) has announces its 2023 films awards.  "Oppenheimer" won eight awards including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Christopher Nolan), and "Best Actor" (Cillian Murphy).

From AwardsWatch:  The Indiana Film Journalists Association (IFJA) has announced its 2023 films awards.  "Poor Things" won six awards, including "Best Pictuere," "Best Director" (Yorgos Lanthmos), "Best Actress" (Emma Stone"), and "Best Supporting Actor" (Mark Ruffalo).

From AwardsWatch:  The Philadelphia Film Critics Circle (PFCC) has announced it 2023 film awards.  "Poor Things" won four awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Yorgos Lanthimos), and "Best Actress" (Emma Stone).

From AwardsWatch:  The St. Louis Film Critics Association (StLFCA) has announced its 2023 awards.  "Oppenheimer" won seven awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Christopher Nolan), and "Best Actor" (Cillian Murphy)

From AwardsWatch:  The Phoenix Film Critics Society (PFCS) has named its 2023 film awards.  "Killers of the Flower Moon" wins "Best Picture."  Oppenheimer wins six, including "Best Director" for Christopher Nolan.

From AwardsWatch:  The Dallas-Ft. Worth Film Critics Association (DFWFCA) has named its 2023 films awards.  "The Holdovers" wins "Best Picture."  "Oppenheimer" wins four, including "Best Director" for Christopher Nolan.

From AwardsWatch:  The Toronto Film Critics Association (TFCA) have announced their 2023 film awards.  "The Zone of Interest" wins "Best Picture" and "Best Director" (for Jonathan Glazer).

From AwardsWatch:  The 2023 Boston Online Film Critics Association (BOFCA) awards have been announced.  "Killers of the Flower Moon" wins "Best Picture," one of two awards its won.  "Oppenheimer" wins five, including a "Best Director" for Christopher Nolan.

From AwardsWatch:  The nominations for the 2024 / 24th annual Black Reel Awards have been announced.  "The Color Purple" leads with 19 nominations.  The winners will be announced Jan. 16th, 2024.

From AwardsWatch:  The Phoenix Critics Circle (PCC) has announced its 2023 film awards.  "Past Lives" wins "Best Picture."

From AwardsWatch:  The New York Film Critics Online (NYFCO) have named "Killers of the Flower Moon" the "Best Film" of 2023.  Christopher Nolan wins "Best Director" for "Oppenheimer."

From AwardsWatch:  The Las Vegas Film Critics Society have named "Oppenheimer" the "Best Picture" of 2023, with the film's director, Christopher Nolan, winning "Best Director."

From AwardsWatch:  The winners at the 2023 Chicago Film Critics Association Awards have been announced.  "Killers of the Flower Moon" wins "Best Picture," and Christopher Nolan wins "Best Director" for "Oppenheimer."

From THR:   The winners at the 2023 / 49th annual Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards have been announced.  The Holocaust historical drama, "The Zone of Interest," wins four awards, including "Best Picture," "Best Director" (Jonathan Glazer), and "Best Actress" (Sandra Huller).

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2024 / 29th annual Critics Choice Awards have been announced. "Barbie" leads with 18 nominations.

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2024 / 81st annual Golden Globe Awards have been announced.  The winners will be announced Jan. 7th, 2024 on CBS and Paramount Plus.

From AwardsWatch:  The Las Vegas Film Critics have announced their 2023 LVFC Awards nominations.  "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" are the leading vote getters.  The winners will be announced Wed., Dec. 13th.

From THR:  The winners at the 2023 European Film Awards have been announced.  "Anatomy of a Fall" won five awards including for "Best Film," "Best Director" (Justine Triet), and "Best Actress" (Sandra Huller).

From AwardsWatch:  The 2023 National Board of Review film honors have been announced.  "Killers of the Flower Moon" won "Best Film," "Best Director" (Martin Scorsese), and "Best Actress" (Lily Gladstone).

From AwardsWatch:  The American Film Institute (AFI) names its top ten films: American Fiction, Barbie, The Holdovers, Killers of the Flower Moon, Maestro, May December, Oppenheimer, Past Lives, Poor Things, and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.  It also names its top ten television series: Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Beef, Jury Duty, The Last of Us, The Morning Show, Only Murders in the Building, Poker Face, Reservation Dogs, and Succession.

From AwardsWatch:  "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" lead the nominations for "Astra Film & Creative Arts Awards," which are put on by the "Hollywood Creative Alliance" (formerly known as the Hollywood Critics Association).  The winners will be announced Jan. 6th, 2024 in Los Angeles.

From Deadline:  At the 2023 / 26th British Independent Film Awards, director Andrew Haigh's "All of Us Strangers" won seven awards, including "Best British Independent Film."

From Variety:  The winners at the 2023 / 89th New York Film Critics Circle Awards have been announced.  "Killers of the Flower Moon" (directed by Martin Scorsese) was named "Best Film of 2023."  Christopher Nolan won "Best Director" for his film, "Oppenheimer."

From Variety:  The winners at the 2023 / 33rd Annual Gotham Awards were announced Mon., Nov. 27th.  Writer-director Celine Song's South Korean romantic drama, "Past Lives" won the "Best Feature" award.

BEST PICTURE COUNT:

All of Us Strangers: 1

American Fiction: 2

Anatomy of a Fall: 1

Barbie: 2

The Boy and the Heron: 1

The Holdovers: 2

Killers of the Flower Moon: 9

Oppenheimer: 19

Past Lives: 8

Poor Things: 4

The Zone of Interest: 2

-------------------

Comics Review: "LILO & STITCH Volume 1 #1" Brings Back a Girl and Her Alien Dog

LILO & STITCH VOL. 1 #1

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Greg Pak

ART: Giulia Giacomino

COLORS: Giulia Giacomino

LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry

EDITOR: Nate Cosby

COVER: Joshua Middleton

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: David Nakayama; Jennifer Meyer; Craig Rousseau; Joshua Middleton

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2024)

Rated “All Ages”

Lilo & Stitch is a 2002 animated science fiction and action-comedy film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation.  The film's story revolves around an orphaned Hawaiian girl named Lilo Pelekai, and an extraterrestrial creature, “Experiment 626.”  Lilo adopts the alien as her “dog” and renames him “Stitch.”  After some trials and tribulations, the two bond, and Stitch uses his powers to keep his “ohana” or extended family (which includes Lilo's older sister, Nani), together.

Dynamite Entertainment has been producing licensed comic books based on Disney characters and IP for over a year.  The latest is Lilo & Stitch Volume 1.  It is written by Greg Pak; drawn and colored by Giulia Giacomino; and lettered Jeff Eckleberry.  The series continues the adventures of the title characters as they face new alien threats.

Lilo & Stitch Volume 1 #1 opens on Planet Turo at the Galaxy Defense Industries Sub-Facility 12B, which is in the midst of a break-in.  It seems that someone is searching for the records of Dr. Jumba Jookiba and his “Experiment 626,” which was designed to break everything it touches.

Meanwhile, on Earth, specifically the island of Kaua'i, Hawaii, Lilo, Stitch, Dr. Jumba, and alien Agent Pleakley are enjoying some fun as only they can.  Their activities lead to words of wisdom from Nani and her boyfriend, David Kawena.  It's all about “ohana” (family) and “kuleana” (responsibilities).  The family time, however, is interrupted by the arrival of robots in service of the “Cluster Sovereign.”  They want Stitch, but can they find him after he finds the perfect place in which to blend?

THE LOWDOWN:  Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  Lilo & Stitch Volume 1, Issue #1 is the latest, and is also the first Lilo & Stitch comic book that I have read.

It's been almost two decades since I last saw the film, Lilo & Stitch.  I don't remember much about it, other than a few characters and that I really liked it.  I'm curious about the upcoming live-action version of Lilo & Stitch being produced by Walt Disney Pictures.

This Lilo & Stitch comic book is nice, but it isn't directed at my demographic.  This is a children's comic book, and that's a good thing.  Writer Greg Pak has fashioned a gentle adventure that promises to pick up the pace in the second issue.  I have to admit to being curious about what comes next.  Artist Giulia Giacomino captures the Disney animated aesthetic with her illustrations and colors, and it is also kids' comics friendly.

So, if Lilo & Stitch is your thing, Lilo & Stitch Volume 1 #1 is worth a buy, especially if you want to give it to a young reader.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Disney comic book series will want to read Lilo & Stitch Volume 1.

B

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics

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https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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BOOM! Studios Shipping from Diamond Distributors for January 31, 2024

BOOM! STUDIOS

NOV237588 ANIMAL POUND #1 (OF 4) 2ND PTG (MR) $4.99

NOV230073 CODA #5 (OF 5) CVR A BERGARA $4.99

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------------------------

Dynamite Entertainment Shipping from Diamond Distributors for January 31, 2024

DYNAMITE

JUN230728 BRANDON SANDERSON WHITE SAND OMNIBUS HC $70.00

NOV230110 LILO & STITCH #1 CVR A MIDDLETON $3.99

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------------------

Marvel Comics Shipping from Diamond Distributors for January 31, 2024

MARVEL COMICS

OCT230972 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #252 FACSIMILE ED 25 COPY INCV VESS GEM $4.99

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Comic Books, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for January 31, 2024

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

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MAGAZINES

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BOOKS

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DC Comics Shipping from Lunar Distributors for January 30, 2024

DC COMICS:

Alan Scott The Green Lantern #4 (Of 6)(Cover A David Talaski), $3.99

Alan Scott The Green Lantern #4 (Of 6)(Cover B Nick Robles Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Alan Scott The Green Lantern #4 (Of 6)(Cover C Skylar Patridge Card Stock Variant), AR

Batman #428 Robin Lives (One Shot)(2nd Printing Cover A Mike Mignola), $4.99

Batman #428 Robin Lives (One Shot)(2nd Printing Cover B Jim Aparo Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Batman And Robin 2024 Annual #1 (One Shot)(Cover A Howard Porter), $5.99

Batman And Robin 2024 Annual #1 (One Shot)(Cover B David Nakayama Card Stock Variant), $6.99

Batman And Robin 2024 Annual #1 (One Shot)(Cover C Dustin Nguyen Card Stock Variant), $6.99

Batman And Robin 2024 Annual #1 (One Shot)(Cover D Gleb Melnikov Card Stock Variant), AR

Batman Off-World #3 (Of 6)(Cover A Doug Mahnke), $3.99

Batman Off-World #3 (Of 6)(Cover B Christian Ward Card Stock Variant), $4.99

Batman Off-World #3 (Of 6)(Cover C Alan Quah Card Stock Variant), AR

Batman Off-World #3 (Of 6)(Cover D Doug Mahnke Black & White Card Stock Variant), AR

Batman Superman World’s Finest 2024 Annual #1 (One Shot)(Cover A Dan Mora), $4.99

Batman Superman World’s Finest 2024 Annual #1 (One Shot)(Cover B John Giang Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Batman Superman World’s Finest 2024 Annual #1 (One Shot)(Cover C Jamal Campbell Card Stock Variant), $5.99

Batman Superman World’s Finest 2024 Annual #1 (One Shot)(Cover D Gerald Parel Card Stock Variant), AR

Batman Superman World’s Finest 2024 Annual #1 (One Shot)(Cover E Mark Spears Card Stock Variant), AR

Batman Urban Legends Volume 6 TP, $29.99

DC Connect #45, AR

DC Power 2024 #1 (One Shot)(Cover A Chase Conley), $9.99

DC Power 2024 #1 (One Shot)(Cover B Jamal Campbell), $9.99

DC Power 2024 #1 (One Shot)(Cover C Denys Cowan), $9.99

DC Power 2024 #1 (One Shot)(Cover D Jamal Campbell), AR

Justice League Vs. Godzilla Vs. Kong #3 (Of 7)(2nd Printing Cover A Jonboy Meyers), $4.99

Power Girl Uncovered #1 (One Shot)(Cover A Pablo Villalobos), $5.99

Power Girl Uncovered #1 (One Shot)(Cover B Dan Mora), $5.99

Power Girl Uncovered #1 (One Shot)(Cover C Stjepan Sejic), $5.99

Power Girl Uncovered #1 (One Shot)(Cover D Joshua Sway Swaby Foil Variant), $7.99

Power Girl Uncovered #1 (One Shot)(Cover E Pete Woods), AR

Power Girl Uncovered #1 (One Shot)(Cover F Daniel Bayliss), AR

Titans Beast World #6 (Of 6)(Cover A Ivan Reis), $5.99

Titans Beast World #6 (Of 6)(Cover B Bjorn Barends Card Stock Variant), $6.99

Titans Beast World #6 (Of 6)(Cover C Mike Deodato Jr. Card Stock Variant), $6.99

Titans Beast World #6 (Of 6)(Cover D Clayton Henry Lenticular Variant), $7.99

Trinity Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover A Daniel Sampere), $5.99

Trinity Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover B Jorge Jimenez Card Stock Variant), $6.99

Trinity Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover C Belen Ortega Card Stock Variant), $6.99

Trinity Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover D Mitch Gerads Card Stock Variant), AR

Trinity Special #1 (One Shot)(Cover E Evan Doc Shaner Card Stock Variant), AR

Waller Vs. Wildstorm HC, $24.99

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Comics Review: "KILLADELPHIA #32" - Don't Trust a White Devil While Signing Your Record Deal in the Hood

KILLADELPHIA #32

IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Rodney Barnes

ART: Jason Shawn Alexander and Germán Erramouspe

COLORS: Lee Loughridge

LETTERS: Marshall Dillon

EDITORS: Greg Tumbarello; Chris Robinson

COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander with Lee Loughridge

44pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (December 2023)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Killadelphia created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

“Death Be Not Proud” Part II: “Whatever Happened to Blake Edwards?”

Killadelphia is an apocalyptic vampire and dark fantasy comic book series from writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander.  Published by Image Comics, it centers on a conspiracy in which vampires attempt to rule Philadelphia.  The series is currently written by Barnes and drawn by Alexander and Germán Erramouspe.  Colorist Lee Loughridge and letterer Marshall Dillon complete Killadelphia's creative team.

Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr.; Anansi the Spider-God; Toussaint Louverture and his army of killers; and a menagerie of fighters and gods and monsters on one side or the other or both in the vampire invasion of Philadelphia.  Of note is a special young vampire (Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw”), and his activities have summoned the most infamous Hellspawn of all.

Killadelphia #32 (“Whatever Happened to Blake Edwards?”) opens in West Philadelphia, where two National Guardsmen are about to make a big mistake with Blake Edwards.  But isn't Blake supposed to be dead?  Well, his desire for revenge against Ron Davies, one of the world's biggest music producers, is very much alive.

Meanwhile, in North Philadelphia, See Saw, Spawn, and a pack of werewolves continue to battle the horde of demons that keep emerging from a... hellhole, while Anansi provides sass and color commentary.  With Corson and Lucifer behind this invasion, victory won't come easy.

Elsewhere, Toussaint Louverture is convinced to rejoin the fight, but this time, he has a new weapon.  And it's a dragon.

THE LOWDOWN:  It's a new day for Killadelphia.  The sixth story arc, “Death Be Not Proud,” has a starring role for the most famous creation from the comics universe of Todd McFarlane, Spawn.

To say that writer Rodney Barnes has shocked and surprised me would be to repeat myself for the umpteenth time in several years.  What can I say?  Here, the definition of insanity would be to keep doing the same thing (reading) and expecting a different result (not be surprised and thrilled).  I must say, however, the Blake Edward subplot and the surprise appearance on the final page are almost more than my imagination can take.

The art team of Jason Shawn Alexander and Germán Erramouspe continue to Ragnarok and roll under the fiery coloring of Lee Loughride.  Their terrifying storytelling with its stream of terrible fates is truly its own hellish Avengers: Endgame.

Where is “Death Be Not Proud” going?  Let's keep following, dear readers.

[Killadelphia #32 is also available in a “Noir Edition,” featuring black-and-white line art interiors.]

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of vampire comic books and of exceptional dark fantasy will want Killadelphia.

[This issue includes an 12-page installment of “Johnny Gatlin” by Rodney Barnes, Syzmon Kudranski, and Marshall Dillon.]

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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