Latest news with #SlashFilm
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Nicholas Hoult delivers definitive Lex Luthor in James Gunn's Superman reboot
Nicholas Hoult's portrayal of Lex Luthor in James Gunn's Superman is earning widespread praise as the most faithful on-screen adaptation of the iconic villain to date. According to SlashFilm's Devin Meenan, Hoult captures the essence of the comic book Luthor—particularly the version shaped by writer/artist John Byrne in the 1986 mini-series The Man of Steel. Byrne reimagined Lex as a ruthless corporate mogul hiding behind a façade of legitimacy, a shift that has defined the character for modern audiences. Unlike previous portrayals, Hoult's Lex leaves behind the comic flair of Gene Hackman and Kevin Spacey, as well as the eccentric energy of Jesse Eisenberg's version in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Where Eisenberg's Lex veered into chaotic territory, Hoult returns the character to his comic and animated roots. Hoult's performance has been compared to Clancy Brown's iconic voice work in Superman: The Animated Series. His Luthor is cold, intelligent, and calculating—a true mastermind. Meenan praises Hoult for delivering a villain with real menace through calm intensity, never overplaying the role. Speaking to Rolling Stone, Gunn explained that Lex's hatred stems from envy: "[Lex] is the world's greatest man in so many ways... Then you got a guy who comes in who's done nothing to deserve the ability to fly... That sort of obsession with being passed over is what drives Lex." This internal conflict comes to a head in the film's third act. Lex finally confronts Superman, acknowledging his jealousy and framing it as humanity's only hope for progress. Hoult drew from Lex Luthor: Man of Steel by Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo, a comic that explores Luthor's psyche in detail. Fans and critics agree: Hoult's Lex Luthor strikes the perfect balance of intelligence, charisma, and menace. His performance lays a strong foundation for the newly rebooted DC Universe.
Business Insider
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
My daughter was struggling to read. A private tutor didn't help, but glasses did.
Our daughter had low reading marks despite having a strong work ethic. We hired a private tutor and doubled her teaching, but neither helped. We finally realized learning wasn't the issue. She couldn't physically see the words. My daughter Rylie loves to get lost in otherworlds. In print, she soars the skies with "Phoebe and Her Unicorn." On screen, she wades through the swaying hand-drawn grass of "Kiki's Delivery Service." And, together, we kick it into hyperspace to cruise the galaxy in " Star Wars." There are no limits to where she's excited to explore. It wasn't always like this, though. Rylie turned 8 this June. Just 14 months ago, she couldn't read. Plus, as we found out later, she had been missing key elements of the worlds that wowed her in books and movies. That all changed with a conversation that had my wife and me wondering how we missed the signs of her struggles for so long. Rylie's reading struggle surprised us Rylie is an intelligent child. She retains song lyrics and grasps complex game rules. She can quickly end a fight between my wife and me by replaying word-for-word the conversation we had the day before. Yet, at age 6, she could not read. Rylie's teacher raved about her work ethic and overall educational acumen. Rylie clearly had the drive and the tools, yet her reading marks were low. My wife and I could not understand why she struggled. We doubled down with more teaching and hired a private tutor for $60 an hour, once a week. Rylie's language skills improved, but she didn't make a breakthrough with her reading. That changed with one question. Rylie's issue came into focus The first "aha" moment came one spring day when my wife volunteered in Rylie's first-grade class. After school, I joined them. That's when my wife asked Rylie, "What is the word of the day written on the chalkboard?" "What do you mean, 'What word?'" my wife and I asked. "I can't see the words," Rylie said without emotion. Everything came into focus on our end. "Oh! You need glasses!" we said gleefully in unison. Rylie's eye-opening revelation We took Rylie to an optometrist who confirmed what we'd suspected: Rylie struggled to read because she struggled to see. The doctor diagnosed her with moderate myopia, aka nearsightedness. After she got glasses, Rylie's reading marks went up from below average to reading at the level of her classmates. Her math and writing marks have also gone up. I wish I'd taken a picture of Rylie putting on her glasses for the first time. She had a permagrin as the world around her shifted into focus. That weekend, we rewatched one of her favorite movies, "Star Wars: A New Hope." During the attack on the Death Star near the end, she hollered out, "Wow, there's so much going on in the background!" My wife and I locked eyes as we realized Rylie's vision kept her from seeing beyond the central characters in movies. It was another aha moment for me. I write about family films for Rotten Tomatoes, SlashFilm, and Not Another Kid Movie. While Rylie has seen many more films than the average child, she's missed a lot of the details. Because of this, we're rewatching a lot of films. Her eyes move from corner to corner in amazement. I watch her dazzled eyes with equal dazzled amazement. What parents should look for Looking back, there's one more clue I didn't notice that other parents should keep an eye out for. Rylie used to get sick on car rides. Sometimes, a mere 20 minutes would make her stomach lurch. The discomfort was caused by a sensory mismatch. Her brain sensed motion, but her eyes struggled to focus on anything outside the car. The more she looked inside than out, the dizzier she got. Now, with her glasses keeping her eyes focused and not blurry, she rarely gets sick, even on Oregon's winding coastal roads. If I could go back, I'd ask my pediatrician for more specialized testing to earn Rylie back several years missed exploring the world around her, both in reality and in her stories. She's making up for it, though. Rylie reads before and after school—graphic novels and chapter books. She asks for movies with powerful cinematography and expansive effects like twisted alien landscapes and bustling animated metropolises, details she couldn't see before. I happily oblige, sharing the fictional worlds I roamed as a kid and getting a tour of the new worlds she's discovered thanks to her new glasses.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ryan Reynolds had an R-rated Star Wars story he pitched to Disney that might've gotten emotional
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. If Disney were in a daring mood, we might've heard a different F-word other than "Force" filling the Star Wars universe if Ryan Reynolds had gotten his way. The Deadpool star recently revealed on The Box Office Podcast (via Slash Film) with Scott Mendelson that he'd approached the studio with an idea for a Star Wars movie that wouldn't have been family-friendly. While no specific details were shared, he did explain that it would've been an R-rated movie, which ultimately got turned down. For Reynolds, it comes as no surprise, but it does still confuse the star as to why, even now, some studios are still scared to take a break from playing it safe. "I pitched to Disney, I said, 'Why don't we do an R-rated Star Wars property? It doesn't have to be overt, A+ characters, there's a wide range of characters you could use,'" Reynolds recalled. If there's anyone who knows what makes an R-rated movie a hit, it's Reynolds, whose Deadpool franchise has now ventured into the billions with the last instalment, Deadpool & Wolverine, being the fifth biggest MCU movie ever and the most successful R-rated movie of all time. "And I don't mean R-rated to be vulgar, R-rated as a Trojan Horse for emotion. I always wonder why studios don't want to just gamble on something like that." While big screen efforts within the Star Wars universe have kept things pretty safe (ignoring the lightsaber decapitations and tortured characters burning to a crisp, of course), one chapter within the galaxy far, far away that has indeed embarked into more mature territory lately was season 2 of Andor. Some of its characters have endured experiences that have never been highlighted in the franchise until now, suggesting that there might be space for more similar elements in the future. In the case of Reynolds' idea, though, the actor made it clear he wasn't even concerned about being in front of the camera to tell whatever story he had in mind. "I'm not saying I'd want to be in it. That would be a bad fit. I'd want to produce and write or be a part behind the scenes. Those kinds of IP exist very well on scarcity and surprise. We don't get scarcity really with Star Wars because of Disney+, but you can certainly still surprise people." While Reynolds' tale might not see screens, plenty of other Star Wars stories are waiting to be told on Disney's schedule. Check out every upcoming venture into the galaxy far, far away that's set to arrive in film and television here.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Why final battle in Anime Is almost never about the fight
Credits: SlashFilm In many beloved anime, the ending is far more about heart and story than about who throws the hardest punch. In fact, anime endings often serve as 'the crescendo of emotion, the culmination of journeys, and the punctuation mark on storytelling'. Creators frequently design final battles as a collision of feelings and beliefs. Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto , deliberately made Naruto's last duel with Sasuke 'about emotion, not flashy ninja powers'. He rejected bigger explosions in favor of a raw fistfight where two friends finally settle their complicated feelings. The final result is an emotional climax, rather than any other eye-catching fight scene. Beyond the physical fight: Emotions and ideals Final confrontations often reflect characters' innermost struggles and values. For example, in Avatar: The Last Airbender the ultimate fight between Aang and Fire Lord Ozai isn't just about bending elements—it's a moral test. Aang must 'confront his own inner demons and find a path to victory that doesn't compromise his values'. He faces a choice: avenge or forgive? The tension comes from his beliefs, not just his bending skills. Similarly, My Hero Academia treats its final war as 'not just a battle — it's the emotional conclusion of everything My Hero Academia has built'. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Deku's final attack in that climax is described as 'as much an emotional release' as it is destructive force. It's the weight of all Deku's growth and sacrifices that makes the scene powerful. Even when heroes face villains toe-to-toe, the stakes are often symbolic. In Cowboy Bebop , Spike Spiegel's last duel with his nemesis Vicious isn't scored by punches landed but by the confrontation with his own past. One analysis notes Spike's 'final confrontation with his past brings closure to his enigmatic character'. The fight isn't just physical; it's Spike finally coming to terms with old losses and regrets. In Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood , the Elric brothers' final battle ties up years of sacrifice and truth. They confront horrible secrets and learn that 'the bonds of brotherhood can overcome even the greatest of trials'. The winning moment is as much about understanding and unity as it is about defeating the villain. Iconic Showdowns that Tell a Story Credits: Sportskeeda Across anime history, many finales are remembered for their heart. In Naruto Shippuden , after years of fighting and friendship, Naruto and Sasuke end with both losing an arm – a symbolic choice by Kishimoto to highlight emotion over spectacle. The visual shock of the injury underlines the personal cost of their reconciliation. In Attack on Titan 's final season, the epic battle against the Rumbling gives way to a private moment between Armin and Eren. Their last conversation – two old friends finally explaining themselves – is deeply moving. It's even noted that this 'was the last conversation that both friends were going to have,' providing a painful but necessary closure. This scene isn't about any giant Titan blows; it's about understanding and forgiveness. Even in worlds of superpowers and magic, the true victory often lies in what is resolved. These finales 'transcend mere storytelling, offering profound insights into love, loss, and the human condition'. Whether it's a hero choosing peace over vengeance, friends reconciling, or the defeat of hatred itself, the final encounter amplifies the series' themes. Fans may remember the visual flashes of a battle, but they keep long in their hearts the tears, smiles, and revelations that come at the end. Ultimately, anime's last fights resonate because they conclude characters' journeys – not just by settling scores, but by settling souls. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Accountant 2 Premiered At SXSW, And First Reactions Say Jon Bernthal Bolsters Ben Affleck's ‘Brother Buddy Comedy'
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Movie lovers at the South by Southwest are getting a first look at plenty of highly anticipated projects coming to the 2025 movie calendar, and that includes the next project from Ben Affleck — The Accountant 2. The upcoming action movie is a sequel to the 2016 flick that again centers around Affleck's autistic accountant Christian. Matt Damon showed up to support his BFF at the SXSW premiere in Texas, but what are audiences saying? In addition to Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal co-stars as Christian's estranged brother Braxton. Cynthia Addai-Robinson and J. K. Simmons reprise their roles from the first film as well, though the trailer confirms a big character death. Ranking the movie 8 out of 10, Ryan Scott of SlashFilm says The Accountant 2 is funnier than the first movie but not devoid of heart, and it makes Affleck's character more three dimensional. In short, it improves on its predecessor in every way, Scott says, writing: Is it sometimes outlandish? Completely, but since when did movies have to be realistic? Escapism often works very well when we can leave reality behind. What I can say with confidence is that anyone who enjoyed The Accountant will undoubtedly enjoy this follow-up. It's rare that sequels outdo what came before, but [director Gavin O'Connor] manages to do so here. This is pure popcorn entertainment, executed effectively. Let me put it this way: If they make three more Accountant movies, I will watch three more Accountant movies. Honestly, I hope they do. Nate Richard of Collider also gives the movie an 8 out of 10, praising the chemistry between Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal and the action scenes that easily one-up anything from The Accountant. As for Affleck's portrayal of a man on the autism spectrum, Richard notes that the sequel makes a concerted effort to represent neurodiversity without slipping into stereotypes. The critic says: Affleck plays Christian with more nuance than he did before. He's incredibly smart, but the movie goes a long way to show that he struggles with socializing with others. The movie also never relies too much on negative stereotypes, and the expanded role of Christian's nonverbal partner, Justine (Allison Robertson) shows those on the spectrum not as superheroes, but just people. Justine is highly skilled, but she still feels like a human being. Not just a walking stereotype. Lovia Gyarkye of THR agrees that the stars' portrayal of the brothers is what makes The Accountant 2 so successful, and that especially fans of the first movie will be rooting for this fraternal pair. Gyarkye continues: The Accountant 2 delivers as far as sequels without any real purpose go. O'Connor reunites with screenwriter Bill Dubuque to expand on Christian's wild universe of money laundering and hired assassins. Whereas The Accountant made well-intentioned but clumsy attempts to explore the life of a high-functioning autistic man, The Accountant 2 focuses on the relationship between Christian and his brother Brax, two characters fans have come to love. This is a fraternal buddy comedy dressed up as an intricate (read: convoluted), nail-biting thriller. Brian Tallerico of however, was less impressed with the movie overall, giving it 2 out of 4 stars. Tallerico agrees that the exploration of Christian's relationship with brother Brax is when The Accountant 2 is at its best, but Gavin O'Connor doesn't put the same amount of effort into making us care about the rest of the plot. In the critic's words: The Accountant 2 just doesn't build enough momentum. I think one of the reasons for that is that O'Connor is far more interested in the brother buddy comedy than the human trafficking action film, and never quite figures out how to blend the two. The film about two very different brothers who try to bridge the chasm of personality between them? Almost completely works. Everything else? Total hokum. Merging the two becomes an assignment too difficult for even The Accountant to decipher. Christian Zilko of IndieWire grades the movie a C+, writing that there's no real reason for this sequel to exist nine years later, but it improves on the first by giving Jon Bernthal a bigger piece of the pie. The Accountant 2 offers more laughs and more heart, Zilko concludes, writing: If there's one thing The Accountant 2 deserves credit for, it's figuring out that an autistic Ben Affleck is simply not enough to carry an action movie on his own. Christian Wolff might actually be one of Affleck's better acting jobs in recent years, but he works far better as a foil than a leading man. Bernthal shows up with buckets of charm to share the heavy lifting, making Affleck's accountant seem more sympathetic and competent by comparison. And with the two men enjoying equal time in the spotlight, the film's moments of levity seem more like brotherly razzing than cruel jabs at a disabled man. We've still got a while to wait before The Accountant 2 hits theaters on Friday, April 25, so if you want to catch up on what you missed the first time around, The Accountant can be streamed with either a Max subscription or Amazon Prime Video subscription. And, if you did enjoy these characters in the first movie, critics' first reactions seem to indicate you'll be happy with the sequel. While we wait for its release date, be sure to check out Ben Affleck's other upcoming projects.
