Danger is the key word for writer/director Rian Johnson’s latest Knives Out instalment, Wake Up Dead Man – A Knives Out Mystery.
Daniel Craig returns as detective Benoit Blanc to solve the latest case, and new cast members include Glenn Close, Kerry Washington, Josh O’Connor, Mila Kunis and Josh Brolin.
What a wonderful mix of talented actors. I’m hoping to be surprised by who the guilty party is. Though this trailer does seem to suggest that O’Connor’s character is not so innocent.
Are you also looking forward to Craig’s Benoit Blanc working it all out?
Daryl McCormack, Jeremy Renner, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Thomas Haden Church, Kerry Frances and Annie Hamilton also star.
I watched Challengers; Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist’s latest drama/sport/romance film at a special London screening several days ago. The host for the evening mentioned knowing at least two people who have watched Challengers five or more times. Initially, I found this hard to believe. But, now that my thoughts about director Luca Guadagnino’s film have settled, I can admit that I see how one might be so moved to engage in multiple viewings, maybe even in relatively quick succession. And that’s without the viewer having to be a super fan of the lead actors.
Before I explain the above, the Challengers story follows Tashi Duncan (Zendaya), a former tennis prodigy turned coach and her relationship with two best friends over several years; the kind that culminates in an all-important tennis match.
Challengers (2024), Johs O’Connor, MGM
Challengers is a well-acted and undeniably sexy sports film, but not necessarily for the reasons you might think. The way Guadagnino shoots his actors is very engaging and the exciting camera angles plus complementary music help to this end. I must also add that all fans of the human body – the way it moves, especially the male physique will not be mad while watching Challengers. Granted, I could only be speaking for myself here, but I doubt it.
It will also be hard not to notice how Tashi moves on the Tennis court, especially at the height of her pro tennis career. Absolute confidence if I’ve ever seen it.
Challengers (2024), Mike Faist, MGM
Challengers is edited well, even with the switching back and forth from a week ago to 13 years ago, to the present day, to 12 years ago and back again. You will certainly need to pay attention to keep up. But it will likely all be worth it because of the tension and suspense in that final tennis match. Masterful is the word, and I barely even understand the game.
Thank goodness that my initial thoughts of ‘Where is this going?’ at the start of the film ended up meaning little because I became more and more engaged as the movie played.
For tennis fans, watch Challengers to see your favourite sport at its arguably sexiest yet. For everyone else, do it for all the other reasons mentioned earlier, including seeing the creative ways that one can capture a seemingly straightforward scene.
Hope Gap (2019), Annette Bening, Roadside Attractions
Written and directed by William Nicholson, starring Annette Bening, Bill Nighy and Josh O’Connor, Hope Gap is a new drama/romance about a husband who tells his wife that he’s leaving her during a visit with their son.
Additional key cast includes Aiysha Hart, Ryan McKen, Nicholas Burns, Rose Keegan and Steven Pacey.
Can I really take another divorce movie so soon after Marriage Story (2019)? My heart is unsure, but my head is saying ‘Yes, please! You love Bening and Nighy!’ And just like that, I’m in. I mean, it’s not released for another one and a half months afterall.
Also, does anyone else think that Bening’s English accent kind of sounds a lot like the ever delightful Emma Thompson?
Derren Litten, Nicholas Blane, Ninette Finch, Sally Rogers, Jason Lines and Steven Pacey also star.
The Movie My Life 