You might not have known it, but The Holdovers is actually the feature screenwriter debut of David Hemingson after a lengthy career in television. But now it seems like the bug has bitten — and that bug is named Alexander Payne. Hemingson recently revealed that he and The Holdovers director Payne are teaming up, this time for a western.
Speaking at a recent post-The Holdovers Q&A (via Deadline), Hemingson revealed some details about the project, saying, “Alexander and I are writing a Western together, so we’re going to co-write something, and it’s set in Nebraska in 1886, and it’s like no Western you have ever seen before, because it’s an Alexander Payne Western. So, all those interpersonal dynamics, all the stuff that he does, so brilliantly. He’s such a brilliant humanist. He’s going to suffuse this thing.”
Hemingson also teased other aspects that would make this The Holdovers reunion unique within the classic American genre. “It’ll be recognizable as within the genre, and it’ll have certain other tropes. But we intend to turn them on their head and really talk about the humanist perspective of 1886 Nebraska, which I’m thrilled about.”
As for who could lead this Hemingson/Payne endeavor, they’re looking at exactly who you would think: The Holdovers star Paul Giamatti, who the duo has written a part specifically for.
Giamatti and Hemingson are nominated in their respective categories at the Academy Awards. While the likely winner for Best Original Screenplay will probably be Anatomy of a Fall, it’s quite possible that Giamatti takes Lead Actor (I’m rooting for him just to see how much In-n-Out he scarfs down), at this point only competing against Oppenheimer’s Cillian Murphy. Payne did however receive a nomination from the Directors Guild of America (his third after The Descendents and Sideways).
This western project does sound promising, especially since it would reunite key players from one of the best movies of last year. The genre is circling a full-blown resurgence, with twists on them like The Power of the Dog and Killers of the Flower Moon earning widespread acclaim and shows like Yellowstone proving to be massive hits on the small screen. No doubt Payne and Hemingson could also bring something interesting to the western.
What do you think of this western pitch that could reunite The Holdovers’ star, director and writer? Let us know below!
Available exclusively on PlayStation 5 and PC, Helldivers 2 from Arrowhead Game Studios feels like a 2000s-era throwback in the best possible way. Whether you’ve been playing since day one or are curious what all the fuss is about, here’s a comprehensive rundown of all our coverage of the hit shooter.
Available exclusively on PlayStation 5 and PC, Helldivers 2 from Arrowhead Game Studios feels like a 2000s-era throwback in the best possible way. Whether you’ve been playing since day one or are curious what all the fuss is about, here’s a comprehensive rundown of all our coverage of the hit shooter.
Spider-Man.. Spider-Man.. does whatever a spider can – and everybody knows it. Unless you’ve been living under a literal rock since the 1960s, chances are you’ve at least heard of the web-slinger Peter Parker a.k.a Spider-Man. The Marvel comic-book character has become an immortal symbol of hope for his never-ending fan base and transcending time by still being (arguably) the most popular Marvel comic-book character to date.
Fans know Spider-Man is a deeply complex character with sacrifice allegedly built into his backstory/canon. Yet, he still manages to always look out for the little guy by staying true to his humble title of a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man – and that’s why audiences the world over love and relate to him. These qualities and obstacles make Spider-Man the perfect character for on-screen interpretations, and Hollywood has milked that cow for as much as they possibly could over the last two decades – and some of those interpretations were better received than others.
Keeping that in mind, let’s look at all of the movies the Spider-Verse has created over the years and see how they stack up against each other. That’s right – it’s time for Spider-Verse Movies
Madame Web
The writing was on the wall long before Madame Web came out that it would be pretty bad. Yet, I don’t think any of us anticipated just how awful this would be, with it on track to be one of the biggest superhero flops of all time. So what went wrong? Plenty. There’s the listless performances, the horrible overdubbing (Tahar Rahim’s performance suffers most of all), and the obnoxious references to Spider-Man (how many times is Adam Scott’s Ben referred to awkwardly by his full name). It’s pretty atrocious. – Chris Bumbray
Morbius
Do we really have to include this movie? We do? Fine, let’s get this over with. Yes, Morbius is technically considered a Spider-Verse movie, but it shouldn’t be. Arguably the biggest flop of 2022, Morbius was Sony’s attempt to add on to the success they achieved with their Venom movies (more on them shortly), and the overall hope was that the combination of movies focused on anti-heroes could eventually result in a Sinister Six project coming to fruition. Instead, Sony completely botched the overall plot and story of the movie in exchange for throwing in a million inconsequential Easter eggs from other Spider-verse films to help tie the movie into the bigger universe they were hoping to create. Regardless of intent, please do not consider this a Spider-Man movie – Peter Parker deserves better.
Editor’s note: For a whole lot more Morbius, check back on Monday for Awfully Good’s take on this.
Venom: Let There Be Carnage
As previously stated, Sony’s botched Morbius movie came from the ultimate success of the original Venom movie that they released in 2018. Unfortunately, the sequel made the same mistakes Sony made with Morbius. Riding high from the possibility of a Sinister Six project, the creators/writers of Venom: Let there be Carnage were more concerned with incorporating the character into a large, anti-hero universe rather than focusing on making a good movie. As a result, any positives of the movie were overshadowed by the fact that Eddie Brock/Venom was ‘transported’ to the MCU at the end, with Sony again trying to ride Marvel’s success train and failing to grasp on.
Spider-Man 3
I’m gonna put some dirt in your eye. Sam Raimi is unquestionably one of the directors who jump-started the comic-book movie wave that has consumed audiences for the past two and a half decades. It’s also unquestionable that Spider-Man 3 is the worst of his three Spider-Man movies. Tobey Maguire did his best with what he was given. The combination of three significant Spider-Man villains in one feature sets the stage for bigger and worse villains. Still, the movie’s overall tone didn’t fit the vibe of the first two outings, leading to a lackluster plot that left fans unsatisfied. The cancellation of a fourth Sam Raimi Spider-Man movie is all you really need to know about how poor this film did.
Venom
Sony came so close… and yet, so far. The Venom movie was one of the most highly-anticipated films of 2018, and it gave Sony the chance to embrace the first true anti-hero movie from their long list of fictional comic-book characters. While the film itself is by no means ‘bad’, the film ran into the same issue as Spider-Man 3 as the tone of Eddie Brock/Venom just didn’t seem to fit the bill of what fans had already set in their minds. After all, Venom is one of Spider-Man’s most notorious villains, and the character is (by nature) a darker one. Instead of honing in on that, the movie felt more like an Odd Couple buddy-cop comedy with hints of darkness sprinkled in. A good movie – yes. A good interpretation of Venom – questionable.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
Despite the flack that Andrew Garfield got for his attempt at playing Peter Parker/Spider-Man, it’s refreshing to see that the Internet has realized that his only sin was not being Tobey Maguire, whom audiences had simply gotten used to seeing in the red-spandex suit. The Amazing Spider-Man 2, oddly enough, also fits into this same kind of category – it wasn’t necessarily a bad film. It just got some things very wrong. In this case, it was the villains. The blue CGI version of Electro, mixed with a watered-down Green Goblin and undeniably the worst live-action Spider-Man villain thanks to Paul Giamatti’s mechanical Rhino, sadly made this film more of a joke than it could have been. Despite these pitfalls, fans can’t forget that the death of Gwen Stacey is still one of the hardest-hitting moments in the entirety of the Spider-Verse films.
Spider-Man: Far From Home
What was Marvel’s solution to helping fans get over the death of Tony Stark in Endgame? Oh yeah – they brought him up during every scene of Spider-Man: Far From Home. To be fair, this wasn’t necessarily the fault of the writing or directing team – in all honesty, it was the MCU’s fault for trying to replace Iron Man so quickly by shoving Spider-Man into his role. Not only that but the first live-action rendition of Mysterio could have been masterfully done with the casting choice of Jake Gyllenhaal. Instead, they turned him into a whiney cry-baby who had a prior grudge against (you guessed it) Iron Man. The first project after Endgame would always have unrealistic expectations to meet, but the MCU didn’t have to lower the bar quite as low as they did with this movie.
Spider-Man
It is where it all began, and credit needs to be given where credit is due. Tobey Maguire was the definitive Spider-Man for an entire generation of movie-goers, making the role his own and immortalizing Peter Parker on the big screen. Willem Dafoe as the Green Goblin is still one of the best casting choices for a villain in cinematic history. Sam Raimi’s interpretation of the comic-book world was masterfully transferred to the big screen (especially considering it was released in 2002). Perhaps nostalgia keeps this movie from being ranked any lower, but it’s more than enough to emphasize that this movie still stands the test of time, which is why it falls smack dab in the middle of our Spider-Verse Movies Ranked list.
Spider-Man: Homecoming
Welcome home, Spidey. Audiences remember the legal issue that prevented Spider-Man from joining his comic-book counterparts in the MCU, and they also remember what a sigh of relief it was when he finally made the crossover. Tom Holland taking up the mantle of the web-slinger was a phenomenal casting choice, and he has held the love of Spider-Man fans ever since his first appearance in Civil War. Despite this film centered around another villain with a petty grudge against Tony Stark, the father/son bond between Peter and Tony and the overall arc of Peter having to become ‘more than just a suit’ perfectly introduced the character into the larger cinematic universe.
The Amazing Spider-Man
Gasp in shock because the truth is a hard pill to swallow – The Amazing Spider-Man is far better than critics or audiences give it credit. Andrew Garfield may not have personified Peter Parker in the ways that audiences had become accustomed to (thanks to Tobey Maguire). Still, any comic-book fan knows that he played the character of Spider-Man to perfection. Also, making Gwen Stacey the main love interest and incorporating more villains into the story that had nothing to do with Green Goblin or any of the staples from the prior Spider-Man movies allowed it to stand on its own amongst them. Is this movie perfect – absolutely not. Is the only reason people hate it because they were still bitter about Tobey Maguire and Sam Raimi getting the boot – absolutely, yes.
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Timing is everything. Just like The Amazing Spider-Man was given more criticism than it deserved, No Way Home was given more praise. Don’t misinterpret that statement – fourth on a list of thirteen films is nothing to be embarrassed about – but No Way Home is far from the masterpiece that fans gushed over back in 2021. The movie itself is a love letter to the cinematic character of Spider-Man and did a masterful job at bringing back Willem Dafoe and the other villains, not to mention Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield as their respected Spidermen. That said, the film is entirely dependent on audiences knowledge and love of all prior Spider-Man movies – i.e. if you’ve never seen any other Spider-Man movies, then (like it or not) this movie was nothing but confusion. If you’re a Spider-Man fanatic, then we could see how this could be your favorite Spider-Man movie. Still, the sad truth that no one wants to accept is that it doesn’t work independently.
Spider-Man 2
Again, fans gushed over Willem Dafoe’s performance as Green Goblin in No Way Home, but it still fell short of the greatest villain in all of the Spider-Man movies – enter Doc Ock. Alfred Molina’s rendition of the villain has not been matched in the two decades since it premiered and arguably never will. The story arc of Peter Parker having to come to terms with the fact that (as Spider-Man) he can’t save everyone, but that won’t stop him from trying made for one of the most relatable heroes in all of cinematic history. Incorporate the incredible fight scenes and special effects (especially for 2004); you get the best live-action Spider-Man movie ever.
Across the Spider-Verse
Spoilers for those who have yet to see it (you’re missing out), but this movie was an easy 10/10, A+, 5 stars, or any other symbolic way of saying ‘perfect’. The sequel to Into the Spider-Verse has blown audiences away despite the nearly 5-year wait and has reminded audiences why we all love Spider-Man in the first place. The animation is just as brilliant as in the first movie, the character development is just as deep, and the story arc is just as enticing. This movie is the longest-running animated movie of all time. It doesn’t waste a second, continuing the narrative that the Into the Spider-Verse movies will go down as one of the greatest cinematic trilogies of all time. This movie’s only pitfall – the original still tops it – for now anyway. If the sequel is great it may retroactively bump this up higher in out Spider-Verse Movies Ranked list.
Into the Spider-Verse
Beyond the Spider-Verse may ultimately prove us wrong, but right now, Into the Spider-Verse is still undeniably the best Spider-Man movie (and believe it or not, there are multiple reasons). Again, Across the Spider-Verse is still a perfect film (heavy praise for a sequel), but its predecessor is more perfect. The animation was revolutionary and ground-breaking; the character arcs and development were pristine; the soundtrack is still one of the best ever created for a movie – and those still aren’t the biggest reasons why this is the best Spider-Man movie ever. The reason why it’s the best (and where a film like No Way Home falls short) because an audience member could have known absolutely nothing about the character of Spider-Man (either Miles Morales or Peter Parker) and walked away from the movie knowing absolutely everything about them. While Across the Spider-Verse didn’t waste a single second, Into the Spider-Verse utilized every second and is arguably the best animated (not just Spider-Man) movie ever.
Tyler Perry is one of the most successful names in Hollywood, creating an empire that is now worth an estimated $1 billion. Pretty good for a guy who made his name dressing up as a sassy elderly woman. But even he, whose production company employs hundreds, isn’t invincible from the constant threat of artificial intelligence…even if it’s by his own doing.
As Tyler Perry recently told The Hollywood Reporter, there are “shocking” developments in the world of AI, citing Open AI’s Sora, which aims to teach “AI to understand and simulate the physical world in motion.” Based on examples, Sora is undeniably yet another game-changer in the world of consumed media. “I have been watching AI very closely and watching the advancements very closely. I was in the middle of, and have been planning for the last four years, about an $800 million expansion at the studio, which would’ve increased the backlot a tremendous size, we were adding 12 more soundstages. All of that is currently and indefinitely on hold because of Sora and what I’m seeing.”
So why would Tyler Perry put such an endeavor on hold? Well, taking a look at the numbers and developments, why spend hundreds of millions of dollars on a massive complex when you can achieve all of your creative fantasies with a few keystrokes? This no doubt would cost jobs, possibly around 200,000 over the next three years. As for how Perry plans to maintain jobs within his own company, it’s all up in the air. “Just like every other studio in town, we’re all trying to figure it all out. I think we’re all trying to find the answers as we go, and it’s changing every day…” Still, Perry has used AI on some upcoming projects “to avoid ever having to sit through hours of aging makeup.” At the same time, he said, “I just hope…that there’ll be some sort of thought and some sort of compassion for humanity and the people that have worked in this industry and built careers and lives.” But how much compassion will there be when convenience and cost-cutting is at play? After all, wouldn’t Perry using AI instead of actual makeup artists put a few livelihoods at risk?
This isn’t a diss on Tyler Perry, who clearly has a grip on the state of the movie business. But it does suggest that we could be at a point of no return for artificial intelligence in Hollywood. While some still insist that it won’t replace as many people as others think, there is constant proof that this is in fact the case.
Do you think Hollywood needs to enforce regulations over artificial intelligence? Or is it too late? Give us your thoughts below.
Some cliche somewhere said that ‘a picture is worth a thousand words.’ This has proven to be the case for me and especially when it comes to fan art. I have always sought out great fan art and have wanted to share it with as many people as possible. “Awesome Art We’ve Found Around The Net” is the outlet for that passion. In this column, I will showcase the kick-ass artwork of some great artists, with the hopes that these artists get the attention they deserve. That’s the aim. If you have any questions or comments, or even suggestions of art or other great artists, feel free to contact me at any time at theodorebond@joblo.com.
As yet another week passes, we get more proof that 2024 is shaping up to be a very busy year in gaming—if not for game releases, then certainly for big stories around game exclusivity, adaptions, and, as always, streamers. This week we got our first look at the highly anticipated Borderlands movie (lol), learned about…
As yet another week passes, we get more proof that 2024 is shaping up to be a very busy year in gaming—if not for game releases, then certainly for big stories around game exclusivity, adaptions, and, as always, streamers. This week we got our first look at the highly anticipated Borderlands movie (lol), learned about…
Before Alan Ritchson was Jack Reacher, he was Kevin “Thad” Castle, the Blue Mountain State football team captain in the cult TV comedy series. I’m not at all familiar with the series, but according to Deadline, Blue Mountain State is eyeing a comeback as a sequel series is being shopped.
Alan Ritchson would reprise his role for the Blue Mountain State sequel series, with Darin Brooks and Chris Romano also expected to return as Alex Moran and Sammy Cacciatore, respectively. The original series premiered on Spike TV (remember that?) in 2010 and aired for three seasons before it was cancelled. It followed three incoming freshmen attending Midwestern college football powerhouse Blue Mountain State who must quickly adapt to college life and juggle football, girls, classes, and nonstop hazing. Over the years, the series has gathered a cult following, even spawning a Kickstarter-funded follow-up movie, Blue Mountain State: The Rise of Thadland.
It’s not clear where the Blue Mountain State sequel series will wind up if it moves forward, but Deadline guesses that it could either be Amazon, which streams the Jack Reacher series, or Netflix, where the show has picked up a new audience.
As for Reacher, the third season of the hugely popular series is currently shooting in Toronto and is based on Persuader, the seventh book in the Jack Reacher series written by Lee Child. “Jack Reacher lives for the moment. Without a home. Without commitment. And with a burning desire to right wrongs – and rewrite his own agonizing past,” reads the synopsis of Persuader. “DEA Susan Duffy is living for the future, knowing that she has made a terrible mistake by putting one of her own female agents into a death trap within a heavily guarded Maine mansion. Staging a brilliant ruse, Reacher hurtles into the dark heart of a vast criminal enterprise. Trying to rescue an agent whose time is running out, Reacher enters a crime lord’s waterfront fortress. There, he will find a world of secrecy and violence – and confront some unfinished business from his own past.” Anthony Michael Hall and Sonya Cassidy recently joined the cast as series regulars.
Ryan Murphy can’t be stopped. The prolific producer took to Instagram to drop a teaser for Grotesquerie, a new horror drama series starring Niecy Nash-Betts.
The Grotesquerie teaser offers no visuals, just the voice of Nash-Betts. “I don’t know when it started. I can’t put my finger on it. But it’s different now. There’s been a shift. It’s like something’s opening up in the world — a kind of hole to the center of nothingness,” Nash-Betts’ character says in the teaser. “What I saw today — they sent shrinks for everyone who worked this crime scene. You think, ‘Well hon, evil has always existed,’ and cite some statistic about how the world’s getting better, less murder, more help, less global horror, never been a better time to be alive, honey. Come back. It’s not getting better. And I keep needing to hear your answers, because something’s happening around us, and nobody sees but me.“
In addition to Nash-Betts, Grotesquerie is also set to star Courtney B. Vance (American Crime Story) and Lesley Manville (Miss Harris Goes to Paris). The series will premiere on FX in the fall. We don’t have any other details on the series, but I’m already excited, given the talent of those involved.
Niecy Nash-Betts has worked with Ryan Murphy several times before, most recently on Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story for Netflix. She played Glenda Cleveland, Jeffrey’s neighbour, and delivered a haunting performance which saw her take home the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie just last month.
Murphy has plenty of projects in the works for FX, including further seasons of American Horror Story, American Crime Story, American Horror Stories, Feud, and the upcoming American Sports Story, which will focus on Aaron Hernandez, the former New England Patriots player who was found guilty of murder and later killed himself. Jose Andrés Rivera (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes) has been tapped to star as Hernandez in American Sports Story, with Patrick Schwarzenegger (Gen V) onboard as Tim Tebow.
