Sex, sugar and sabotage: 'Carême' introduces world's first celebrity chef in raunchy period drama
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Yahoo
4 minutes ago
- Yahoo
‘Chief of War' Review: Jason Momoa Turns Hawaiian Folklore Into an Ambitious TV Epic That Rivals ‘Game of Thrones'
Momoa and co-creator Thomas Pa'a Sibbett craft an Apple TV+ drama that's equal parts action-packed and illuminating Ten years in the making, Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa'a Sibbett bring their passion project to life with the visually stunning, action-packed and culturally significant series, 'Chief of War.' The Apple TV+ drama tells the story of the unification and colonization of Hawaii at the turn of the 18th century from an indigenous perspective. It's undoubtedly one of the most ambitious series in recent memory, as it takes a heavy and delicate subject matter but manages to make it action-packed and informative in equal measures, which can be a tough line to tow. I knew very little, if anything, about the history of Hawaii. However, after watching 'Chief of War,' I felt inspired to research the various real-life figures and what happened to them after the events of the 10-episode series. More from TheWrap 'Chief of War' Review: Jason Momoa Turns Hawaiian Folklore Into an Ambitious TV Epic That Rivals 'Game of Thrones' Richard Quest Burns Scott Jennings on CNN Over Trump Tariffs Spat, Says He's Not a Real Journalist | Video Warner Bros. Sets Post-Split Multiyear Contracts With JB Perrette and Bruce Campbell Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne Explain Why Hollywood Doesn't Delve Into 'Platonic' Relationships That Often The importance of 'Chief of War' stretches beyond entertainment as it gives native Hawaiians a platform to reclaim their history and tell the story of their people by bringing it to a mainstream audience. This is a big responsibility for Momoa and the cast and crew to ensure authenticity, which they achieve with cultural advisors in every production department. Also, even the inclusion of Hawaiian language dialogue was a culturally-significant moment as the language almost became extinct after it was banned from being taught in Hawaiian schools in 1896. Now, millions of people get to hear the language take center stage on one of the biggest shows of 2025. Beyond the cultural impact, 'Chief of War' is also a bloody entertaining TV show that boasts incredible performances from its cast. This could be a bold claim, but the show will be the making of Luciane Buchanan. The New Zealand actress has already made waves with Netflix's 'The Night Agent,' but her star-turning performance as Ka'ahumanu is a game-changer. In playing the queen consort and one of Kamehameha I's wives, Buchanan brings emotionality and pathos as her character must balance prophecy and tradition with the changing landscape of the modern world and the evil forces that threaten it. Another stellar performance was by the mohawk-sporting Cliff Curtis, who was impeccable as Keōua. The New Zealander's performance added a real gruesome edge to the show, portraying Keōua like a Marvel villain in the way that he seemed an indestructible threat to the protagonists and their way of life. Though the character could have benefited from more scenes exploring the reasons for his madness. Perhaps the greatest character of 'Chief of War' was the Polynesian islands with wide sweeping shots of filming locations in New Zealand and Hawaii, adding real drama and surreal beauty to the drama. Not even the bloody battles and violence could stop this from being a great advertisement to hop on a plane and take in the incredible sights that the islands have to offer. It could be the New Zealand backdrop and violent battles that are clouding my judgment, but it felt like 'Chief of War' took heavy inspiration from 'Lord of the Rings.' And just like the Tolkien stories, 'Chief of War' thrived when it leant into the mystical and fantastical. The old world superstitions and beliefs of the native Hawaiians were represented hauntingly by the Prophetess. While it's hard to strike the balance between being an authentic representation of history and an entertaining show, I would have loved to see more of the surrealist moments, as that created such a unique atmosphere within the show. And just like 'Lord of the Rings,' 'Chief of War' knows exactly how to produce an epic battle scene that had the audience on the edge of their seats with high-octane action. Without giving much away, the final battle sequence was the perfect climax to a dramatic and well-crafted series. It was fast-paced, exhilarating and ultra-violent — the image of Momoa ripping someone's tongue out of their throat and biting it comes to mind. 'Chief of War' writer and lead star Momoa made his big Hollywood breakthrough on 'Game of Thrones,' and comparisons have already been made between the two shows as the audience are taken on an epic adventure to different lands, minus the fire-breathing dragons. Whilst I can't see the upcoming Apple TV+ show having as big a cultural impact as 'Game of Thrones,' I am incredibly optimistic and excited about the future of 'Chief of War.' There are no confirmed plans for future seasons, but Momoa and Thomas Pa'a Sibbett have got something special on their hands. The promising first season has given them a perfect launching pad to further showcase the rich culture and powerful stories of native Hawaiians that have been waiting to be told. 'Chief of War' premieres Friday, Aug. 1, on Apple TV+. The post 'Chief of War' Review: Jason Momoa Turns Hawaiian Folklore Into an Ambitious TV Epic That Rivals 'Game of Thrones' appeared first on TheWrap.
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Amazon MGM Studio's James Bond film names ‘Peaky Blinders' writer
The upcoming James Bond movie now has a writer attached to the project. Steven Knight, who has penned projects like Eastern Promises, Apple TV+'s See, Locke and Netflix's wildly popular Peaky Blinders series, was announced as the script writer on Thursday afternoon. He will join director Denis Villeneuve on the highly-anticipated project. David Heyman and Amy Pascal have signed on to produce the project, the first Bond movie in its new home at Amazon MGM Studios. Amazon acquired MGM in 20212, taking control of the extensive collection of 007 movies. It wasn't until February of 2025, however, that the studio was able to negotiate a deal for the rights to the creative control of the character. There has not been a new James Bond announced yet, but the search is apparently on. That hasn't stopped fans from coming up with their own theories on who could take over the mantle from Daniel Craig. Names like Idris Elba, Damson Idris, Callum Turner, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, Tom Holland, Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson have all been in the online conversation. Craig became Bond in 2006's Casino Royale and went on to star in five total movies as 007. His final outing as the dapper spy was in 2021 with No Time To Die.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Platonic returns with an amusing and breezy season 2
Platonic's title suggests that the main theme it tackles is whether men and women can just be friends. Various characters on the show often broach the subject, too. However, at the heart of Apple TV+'s comedy lies a far more interesting dilemma: Is nostalgia enough to keep a companionship—this one happens to be between a man and a woman—thriving for people in their early forties who yearn for youth and dread growing old? Series co-creators (and husband-wife duo) Nicholas Stoller and Francesca Delbanco have an affinity for this topic, as seen in their previous midlife crisis show, Netflix's Friends From College. In comparison, Platonic is less prickly and more enjoyable and well-crafted, thanks to a tighter focus on two people (not a group) striving to evolve the unshakable bond they made during their younger days. The show centers on Will (Seth Rogen) and Sylvia (Rose Byrne), former besties who reconnected at the start of season one after being estranged for five years. (His ex-wife didn't gel with her, and as soon as she learned of his divorce via Instagram, she reached out.) This reunion unleashes upheaval in their personal lives and careers because Will and Sylvia indulge in their worst habits together, as if desperately clinging to younger, freer versions of themselves. But they're also endlessly understanding and honest in a way they can't be with anyone else. Free of romantic feelings, sexual tension, or family ties, they are goofy and real with each other by choice (one that they make over and over, arguments and ego clashes notwithstanding). Isn't that how all friendships stay intact, by choosing to spend time with someone simply because you want to and it brings you joy? Stoller and Delbanco rely almost exclusively on their Neighbors collaborators to anchor this tale. Without the commitment from Rogen and Byrne—who excel at physical-comedy hijinks, electric banter, and sincere conversations—Platonic wouldn't make as much of an impact. Their natural chemistry makes it easy to root for Will and Sylvia's messy dynamic even when they're being utterly insufferable. And the pair is quite toxic, to be clear. Sylvia, a stay-at-home mom of three who gave up being a lawyer to raise her children, seeks more than her mundane routine. In Will, she unexpectedly finds the opportunity to let loose again. Meanwhile, Will is a brewmaster who doesn't get along with any of his colleagues at the hip bar he co-owns. In Sylvia, he finds a camaraderie that's been missing from his life. But is their friendship rooted in 'for old time's sake.' Can it be mature to reflect their age and experiences? The ten new amusing but repetitive episodes make it clear the answer is still unknown. Will now lives in San Diego, works a corporate job, and is about to marry his chic boss, Jenna (Rachel Rosenbloom). But he still acts like a 20-year-old trapped in a 40-year-old's body. His laid-back outfits and attitude are solid proof, as is the way he reacts to getting cold feet during his engagement party in the season premiere. To help him through everything is his pal. Will and Sylvia's misadventures continue to throw a wrench in their respective romantic relationships. Jenna is as understandably unnerved by their closeness, just like Sylvia's sweet husband, Charlie (Luke Macfarlane), seemed to be in season one. They aren't afraid of potential infidelity but of the idea that their partner is more open with another person than with them. No amount of double dates can fix this. This all forces Will and Sylvia to try to establish boundaries, at least to whatever extent two annoying people can. But their back-and-forth feels familiar already: The two of them do ridiculous things (like a bachelor party and golfing trip gone wrong), yell about it, eventually make up, and do the whole act all over again. They're like Broad City's Ilana and Abbi, except they're not traipsing around Brooklyn without a care in the world. Sylvia often talks about the struggles of managing her work calendar and organizing her kids' schedules, leaving her with five free minutes to herself. Yet she'll jet off with Will for silly diversions like kayaking down the L.A. River or driving him two hours away for an errand. Platonic doesn't care to fully delve into Sylvia's life as a mother, which requires a certain suspension of logic to believe her shenanigans with Will. Putting a bit of space between the two leads to some intriguing developments (Will and Charlie bond more, and Sylvia's event planning gigs become successful) and some frustrating ones, like Will's half-baked new friendship with Katie (Carla Gallo). (New cast additions like Beck Bennett and Aidy Bryant don't add much to Platonic either.) As for Sylvia and Charlie, the script is flipped on them when she becomes the stable earner and he tries to figure out his place in the law firm. Their partnership is tested with lies and secrets, with Charlie well within his rights to question how much Sylvia prioritizes his needs. Byrne doesn't fit together as seamlessly with Macfarlane as she does with Rogen, but Platonic is richer whenever it devotes time to this marriage. The series ultimately moves at a breezy pace and is rooted in laughs, crafting a chill, low-stakes story along the way. It can be tough to watch Will and Sylvia act selfishly, but they're also charming, sincere, and relatable, making the pair worth sticking with. Platonic season two premieres August 6 on Apple TV+ More from A.V. Club 10 new albums to listen to in August The U.K. Office and more British faves cross the pond to HBO Max for a limited time Chance The Rapper takes it back to 2016 with new album announcement Solve the daily Crossword
