Paolo Sorrentino, the rightfully celebrated writer/director is the man behind the brand new HBO/Sky series The Young Pope.
Starring Jude Law, Diane Keaton and Silvio Orlando, Law is Lenny Belardo, aka Pius XIII and history’s very first American Pope.
First trailer
Full trailer
My levels of excitement about this show were first high because the trailer looks fantastic, with great music and editing. But, unexpectedly, my joy reached even greater heights when I learned of Sorrentino’s involvement. After all, he did write and direct Youth (2015), one of the most visually stunning movies I’ve seen in a while. There’s also The Great Beauty (2013), 2014’s Best Foreign Language Film Oscar winner, which he co-wrote/directed.
I say bring on the stunning cinematography and storytelling. I can’t wait to find out what really drives Pius XIII – because based on this beautiful trailer, it’s not just love and holy duty.
Set at a futuristic theme park populated by artificial beings,HBO’s new sci-fi series, Westworld is inspired by Michael Crichton’s 1973 movie of the same name.
I’m not exactly the biggest sci-fi fan but I’ve identified a number of reasons to get excited about Westworld. One of them is a cast list that includes well-respected names like Anthony Hopkins, Jeffrey Wright, Thandie Newton, Ed Harris and Evan Rachel Wood.
Another big reason is the writers who are husband and wife team, Lisa Joy Nolan and Jonathan Nolan. That’s Jonathan Nolan, brother to Christopher Nolan and co-screenwriter of some of the best action/sci-fi movies of recent years; – The Dark Knight (2008), Inception (2010) and Interstellar (2014), to name just three.
Teaser trailer
Trailer 1
I’m already in love with Westworld because of the reasons above – including the trailer.
I’m just hoping that when the time comes, the show will end in a reasonably timely manner. You know, before it becomes annoyingly tedious and not very good, for example. I mean, as much as I don’t completely dislike Game Of Thrones, I feel it needs to be wrapped up already.
Game Of Thrones (2011-), Michiel Huisman (Daario Naharis)
Based on the short stories by George R.R. Martin, my original plan to start watching Game of Thrones – only when the entire show is over has failed. I’m nearly up to date and I get why it’s a hit. The stories, characters, execution and eye candy are all part of the magic.
Soon after starting, I had strong doubts as to whether I could commit to watching the evil of the Lannisters and worse. Believe me, worse evil definitely follows. I eventually persevered but only after I was reassured that the Lannisters get whats coming to them in the following seasons.
To put it very simply, Game of Thrones is a fantasy TV show about the fight between several noble families for ultimate power; the power to sit upon the iron throne and rule over the land.
Game Of Thrones (2011-), Jack Gleeson (Joffrey Baratheon)
What became clear to me quite quickly as I watched is that there really is only one true royal that the iron throne appears to belong to. The real question is whether the rightful owner will win it. Having not read the books on which Game of Thrones is based, I have no idea – and with the shows reputation for killing characters the audience gets attached to, absolutely anything is possible. Even with all that, I think the belief that evil is not going to win in the end is important. It’s part of the reason why I’m sticking with it; to see how evil is ended and everything concluded.
At this current point in season 6, I have to admit that I’m ready for things to be permanently wrapped up. Don’t get me wrong. Though I wouldn’t call myself as completely obsessed, I like the show and some characters. Especially Peter dinklage’s Tyrion Lannister (because of his dialogue), Tom Wlaschiha’s Jaqen H’ghar (because of the general mystery plus the rhythm of his speech). Then there’s Kit Harrington’s John Snow and his impeccable hair, of course.
Game Of Thrones (2011-) Tom Wlaschiha (Jagen H’gher) & Maisie Williams (Arya Stark)
As for a few things about the show that I wish weren’t so, I think there are too many different stories and they’re not always the ones you wish you were watching in a given hour long episode.
At one or two moments, I did find myself thinking ‘but does that ring true?’ For example, imagine that you’re likely to be killed very shortly unless someone in the most deep of ‘sleeps’ wakes up and helps, would you not slap them in the face at least once when simply shouting and shaking them isn’t working? I’m not saying the slap would definitely work, but surely you would slap someone? Particularly if a bucket of iced water isn’t an option. It may be that everyone is just not as smart/violent as I am. Perhaps. Wink, wink.
Game Of Thrones (2011-), Kit Harrington (Jon Snow) & Ciarán Hinds (Mance Rayder)
There’s no doubt that Game of Thrones is good, it’s just a question of whether it’s your kind of good. What has impressed me most about the show isn’t a single character or story line, but rather, the 10-15 minute action sequence when the white walkers attack the wildlings. Epic is most definitely the word. I was gripped for every single second of that, thanks to a great musical score, well choreographed action, good editing and everything else.
If you haven’t already, watch it if you’re curious. I suspect that you are
Today’s movie comes in the shape of a TV mini-series. I don’t ordinarily feature mini-series on here but this trailer!
Malachi Kirby, Matthew Goode, Forrest Whitaker and Anna Paquin are the stars of Roots. Based on the book by Alex Haley, Roots presents a portrait of American slavery, following the journey of one family, their will to survive and transcend their circumstances.
As many will be aware, this is not the first dramatisation of Alex Haley’s best selling book. The previous version starred LeVar Burton and was released in 1977 to great critical acclaim. I plan to watch because this looks great and Roots is based on Haley’s own family history.
Other cast members include Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Anika Noni Rose and Tip “T.I.” Harris.
Roots (2016), Anna Paquin
Roots (2016) Release Date(s): May 30th, 2016 (US), Simulcast on A&E Studios and Lifetime, in addition to the HISTORY channel.
7 Days In Hell is HBO’s new sports comedy/TV movie starring Andy Samberg, Kit Harrington, Mary Steenburgen, Fred Armisen and many more including Serena Williams and John McEnroe who play versions of themselves.
Shot in the style of a documentary expose, the TV movie focuses on the rivalry between two fictional tennis players, known to be the greatest of all time and their 2004 match that lasted 7 days. All very nuts, yes, but in the very best way.
All I know of Kit Harrington is that he is/was in that massively successful TV Show, Game Of Thrones, a series I’m still yet to watch, but something tells me that his Seven Days In Hell character, Charles Poole is very different to Jon Snow in an exciting way.
7 Days In Hell (2015), Fred Armisen
I’m expecting great performances from the entire cast, but besides Harrington’s character, I really hope there’s plenty of Fred Armisen as the Tennis Historian because my, that accent is really rather good and brilliantly entertaining.
The Movie My Life 