Latest news with #TheShawshankRedemption
Winnipeg Free Press
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
It's the end of the world but it's cosy
The Life of Chuck is an adaptation of a novella by Stephen King by writer-director Mike Flanagan, so one might expect a chiller-thriller of the order of their previous collaborations, such as Doctor Sleep or Gerald's Game. But despite an opening segment depicting a global apocalypse — and a supernatural component in the third act — this isn't a film built around horror beats. It marches to the thrum of a different drummer altogether. The Life of Chuck shoots for life-affirming inspiration, which is not unfamiliar territory for King, whose non-horror works include stories that have spawned the films Stand By Me and The Shawshank Redemption. One startling distinction is that this film is adventurously constructed around three seemingly disparate stories. In the first, the citizens of a community are rocked by events that signal the end of the world is at hand. The events, which include California breaking off into the Pacific, are of growing concern to small-town teacher Marty Anderson (Chewitel Ejiofor), who decides to help his community cope with the breakdown of society in a series of meetings that function as a combination of parent-teacher sessions crossed with psychotherapy. The circumstances present an opportunity for Marty to come to an understanding with his ex-wife, Felicia (Karen Gillan), even as both seek to understand the mysterious preponderance of billboards and TV ads sporting an image of a benign-looking accountant type, bearing the legend: 'Charles Krantz. 39 Great Years. Thanks Chuck.' Who is Charles Krantz? The inspired second segment tentatively answers that question with Tom Hiddleston's titular Chuck, indeed an accountant, visiting a town for a business conference. Neon Tom Hiddleston (right) plays the title character opposite Annalise Basso in the second of three separate tales that make up The Life of Chuck. Wandering the quaint streets, he happens upon busker Taylor (Taylor Gordon) literally trying to drum up some cash. Inspired, Charles approaches the freshly dumped Janice (Annalise Basso) and the two proceed to dance up a storm. Questions remain: Who is this guy? What does the film's first part have to do with its second? Weekly A weekly look at what's happening in Winnipeg's arts and entertainment scene. All questions are answered in the third segment, in which we learn the life history of Chuck, starting with a tragedy that sees young Chuck (Jacob Tremblay) being raised by loving grandparents (Mark Hamill and Mia Sara) while navigating his way to adulthood, encompassing a love of dance and his granddad's sober admonition: 'People like dancers, but they need accountants.' This segment offers the key to the film's puzzle, in which a teacher explains a Walt Whitman poem to young Chuck, also quoted in the first act. In his other horror projects, such as the vampire series Midnight Mass, Flanagan demonstrated he is a filmmaker who should never be accused of sentimentality. He has a gift for portraying human frailty in a way that makes it all the more devastating when his characters meet terrible genre fates. Even without the supernatural hoohah, Flanagan's gift holds firm here. Stressing the humanistic, his film is ultimately a celebration of creativity, whether that takes the form of brazenly dancing in the street, or engaging in a secret creative process for an audience of one. Dan Anderson / Neon Marty Anderson (Chiwetel Ejiofor, left) and his wife Felicia (Karen Gillan) are facing the end of the world. Randall KingReporter In a way, Randall King was born into the entertainment beat. Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Newsweek
13-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Luigi Mangione Says He's Thankful for Conservatives
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Luigi Mangione, accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4, 2024, in Manhattan, said in an electronic communication sent from jail that he was thankful for conservatives. In the June 3 message sent from MDC Brooklyn and obtained by TMZ, Mangione lists 27 things he is grateful for, in recognition of his 27th birthday last month. The 23rd item on the list is "the conservatives, who fiercely conserve the aspects of our society that make us great." He also thanks "the liberals, who liberate us from the outdated aspects of our society that prevent us from being greater." Luigi Mangione, accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City and leading authorities on a five-day search, appears in court for a hearing on February 21, 2025, in New York. Luigi Mangione, accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City and leading authorities on a five-day search, appears in court for a hearing on February 21, 2025, in New York. Steven Hirsch/New York Post via AP, Pool, File Why It Matters Mangione faces federal charges and state charges in New York and Pennsylvania in the killing of Thompson. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. What To Know Mangione opened the list by thanking his family, friends and "the many talented and generous individuals who—if not for my current predicament—I never would've crossed paths with." He also thanked people for sending letters, where they share fears, triumphs, advice and other aspects of their lives. "The monotony of my physical environment is offset by the variety and richness of the lives I experience through letters: multi-page life stories, retellings of workplace conversations, stream of consciousness journal entries," Mangione wrote. Mangione said he is grateful for the MDC Mail Room, which has processed thousands of letters from more than 40 countries. He also gave a nod to memes, the books that have been sent to him, and independent media and creators. The letter reveals information about Mangione's cellmate, who is identified only as "J." "Despite spending half of every day inside a shared birdcage and being sentenced to a decade away from his six kids who he loves—[he] tolerates the clutter of all my papers, shares his unique wisdom, and doesn't hesitate to humble me when I need it," Mangione said. The MDC staff and correctional officers are "nothing like 'The Shawshank Redemption' or 'The Stanford Prison Experiment,'" Mangione said. He said there is the "minor occasional dissent," but they are "largely there to help." Mangione said he is grateful for "Chicken Thursdays" and keyboard shortcuts. He thanked the people who have contributed more than $1 million to his legal defense fund. He said he is grateful for Friedman Agnifilo and the rest of his legal team. Mangione also lists "Latinas for Mangione," people who donated to his commissary account, the Federal Bureau of Prisons music catalogue, the trials he has endured, his "lucky long sleeve," hearts, creatives, being born in America and free speech as things he is grateful for. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty in Mangione's federal case. What People Are Saying Luigi Mangione, in his message: "I spend each day between the same four walls of my unit, where I receive both holiday cards sent in December and birthday cards sent between March and May, creating a bizarre and disorienting Groundhog Day scenario where every day is both Christmas and my May 6th birthday. Nonetheless, I'm incredibly grateful." U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, in an April 1 statement: "Luigi Mangione's murder of Brian Thompson—an innocent man and father of two young children—was a premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America." Defense Attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo, in an April 1 statement: "While claiming to protect against murder, the federal government moves to commit the pre-meditated, state-sponsored murder of Luigi." What Happens Next Mangione's next appearance in state court is scheduled for September 16. He is scheduled to appear in federal court on December 5. Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@
Hindustan Times
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
‘My friend, family, and...': Luigi Mangione lists 27 things he's grateful for— Read the full letter
Luigi Mangione, the accused assassin of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, marked his 27th birthday from behind bars with an openletter. Sent from the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, where he's awaiting trial, the letter listed 27 things he's grateful for — one for each year of his life. He opened his list with a heartfelt tribute, 'My friends, for being there when I needed it most.' '(Number two), my family, for [REDACTED - my personal life is none of your business!]' ALSO READ| Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO, pleads not guilty to federal charges Despite facing state and federal charges and possibly the death penalty, Mangione's tone throughout the list veers from emotional to wry, even humorous. He gave a special shout-out to MDC's mail room workers, saying. 'Photocopied and processed thousands of letters sent to me from over 40 countries — your efforts are appreciated by so many.' 'The MDC staff and CO's, who are nothing like what 'The Shawshank Redemption' and 'The Stanford Prison Experiment' had me believe.' He also thanked those who've donated over a million dollars to his legal defense and even gave a nod to a fan group he called 'Latinas for Mangione.' 'Laughter is louder than logic and makes a lot more sense,' while appreciating memes which a correspondent apparently told him, Books have also played a big role during his incarceration. He praised Ayn Rand's Anthem, Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, and Patrick Bet-David's Your Next Five Moves. Though he can't read everything he's sent, Mangione shares books with others inside — especially his cellmate 'J.' Of 'J,' Mangione wrote: 'Despite spending half of every day inside a shared birdcage and being sentenced to a decade away from his six kids who he loves – (he) tolerates the clutter of all my papers, shares his unique wisdom, and doesn't hesitate to humble me when I need it.' Other curious mentions included his 'lucky long sleeve,' 'hearts,' and a final line, 'Light.' ALSO READ| As Luigi Mangione entered plea, expert reveals CEO-killer could face '18-minute' death 'Thanks for the birthday message. Never lose the plot. Luigi,' he concluded the letter. He returns to court on June 26, with his murder trial not expected to begin until 2026.
Pink Villa
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
8 Movies Like The Shawshank Redemption to Add to Your Watch List: The Irishman to A Beautiful Mind
The Shawshank Redemption is the one movie that worked as a progressive arc for the industry. Not only were the fans hooked to the screens till the end, but they were also left craving for more. The Morgan Freeman starrer was up for the Academy Awards, but the cast and the crew of the film were left with no prize. The film is based on the central theme of Hope, and below are some movies like The Shawshank Redemption. The Irishman Director: Martin Scorsese Release Year: 2019 Genre: Crime/Drama IMDB Rating: 7.8 Where to Watch: Netflix The Irishman is a perfect watch for fans of the crime and thriller genres. The Martin Scorsese directorial is set in the town of Pennsylvania, where a truck driver, portrayed by the legendary Robert de Niro, goes on to become the top hitman. He also gets involved with the powerful Teamster, who has ties to the criminals. The film also stars Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. The movie resonates well with The Shawshank Redemption as it is well settled on the theme of prison survival. 12 Years a Slave Director: Steve McQueen Release Year: 2014 Genre: Drama/History IMDB Rating: 8.1/10 Where to Watch: Apple TV Based on the true and tragic story of Solomon Northup, 12 Years a Slave is a heart-wrenching film. The fans of The Shawshank Redemption would love the movie, considering it features elements of slavery, prison, and the hope and human spirit winning in the end. The film stars Chiwetel, playing the lead role. The plot of the movie revolves around a freeman being offered a job as a musician in the US. However, upon reaching, Northup is drugged and sent into the slave prison. Brad Pitt also makes an appearance in this cinematic piece that won three Oscars. The Pursuit of Happyness Director: Gabriele Muccino Release Year: 2007 Genre: Family/Drama IMDB Rating: 8/10 Where to Watch: Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Will Smith proves his potential in The Pursuit of Happyness. The movie is based on the theme of motivation and hope, similar to that of The Shawshank Redemption. The story of the cinematic piece revolves around Chris Gardner, who is attempting to improve his life for himself and his son, whose custody is with Chris after his wife left him. The Oscar-winning film is most likely to leave the audience weeping. The Green Mile Director: Frank Darabont Release Year: 2000 Genre: Fantasy/Drama IMDB Rating: 8.6/10 Where to Watch: Amazon Prime The Green Mile is quite similar to The Shawshank Redemption on many levels. The 2000 film stars Tom Hanks and Michael Clark Duncan as the lead characters. They play the roles of the prison guard and the prisoner, respectively. The movie is hailed by the same director as the former one and tells the tale of a black man who is convicted of the murder of two girls. When Paul Edgecomb, played by Hanks, meets the prisoner, his life changes, knowing that the latter possesses special skills. The movie received four Oscar nominations that year. Scent of a Woman The screens light up with Al Pacino's presence in Scent of a Woman. The movie is a perfect choice for fans of the thriller genre. The film revolves around a preschool student who is in desperate need of money. To earn a living, he agrees to help a visually impaired Colonel as his caregiver. Lesser known to the student, portrayed by Chris O'Donnell, the latter has motives of his own. The movie was up for Oscars, and Al Pacino went on to win it in the category of Best Actor. The Pelican Brief Director: Alan J. Pakula Release Year: 1993 Genre: Thriller/Crime IMDB Rating: 6.6 Where to Watch: Apple TV Denzel Washington and Julia Roberts starrer The Pelican Brief is set against the backdrop of a whodunnit. The plot of the film states that when two Supreme Court judges are killed, a college student, Sam, is given the intel on who the murderer is. Shortly after, Sam is assassinated, and it is all on his girlfriend, Darcy, to find out the truth. Fans of The Shawshank Redemption are sure to love it, as, just like Frank Darabont directorial, The Pelican Brief also talks about hope and following one's instincts. A Beautiful Mind Director: Ron Howard Release Year: 2000 Genre: Thriller/Romance IMDB Rating: 8.3 Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Apple TV Ron Howard struck gold with A Beautiful Mind. When a genius mathematician, Josh Nash, believes himself to be in a lot of pain, he discovers he is suffering from a disorder. The movie stars Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly. Moreover, fans of The Shawshank Redemption are in for a treat, as the film tells the tale of a triumph for the human spirit and freedom. The movie also won four Oscars in 2001. Shutter Island Director: Martin Scorsese Release Year: 2010 Genre: Thriller/Mystery IMDB Rating: 8.2/10 Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Shutter Island proves to be one of Leonardo DiCaprio 's best works. The movie revolves around two US marshals who have been sent out to an asylum on a remote island to investigate the case of the missing prisoner. The movie is quite similar to The Shawshank Redemption, as it explores the theme of freedom, features an elaborate prison story, and is known for keeping the audience on the edge of their seats until the end.
New York Post
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Inside Joyce Mitchell's bleak, reclusive life in upstate New York, where her name remains in the gutter 10 years after infamous escape from Dannemora
There's been no redemption for the Shawskank. New photos show Joyce Mitchell living a bleak, reclusive life in upstate New York nearly 10 years to the day after she helped her alleged lovers — convicted killers Richard Matt and David Sweat — escape from Clinton maximum-security prison in Dannemora, NY. Neighbors in sleepy Dickinson told The Post they rarely see the disgraced 61-year-old or her head-scratchingly devoted husband, Lyle — whose names remain tainted across the North Country a decade after the jailbreak and 23-day manhunt captivated the nation and spawned a Hollywood miniseries. Advertisement 8 A new photo shows Joyce Mitchell nearly 10 years to the day after she helped Richard Matt and David Sweat escape from Clinton Correctional Facility. LP Media 'She is not regarded well around here,' said Connie Paquin, the owner of Mo's Bar and Grill in Malone, 18 miles north of the Mitchell's rural, two-story home. 'Nobody can really believe what she did,' said Paquin. 'Everybody around here thinks she really should have got more time than she got.' Advertisement Joyce Mitchell was a supervisor in the prison tailor shop when she began 'flirtatious' relationships with both Matt and Sweat, who were meticulously hatching an escape not unlike the fictitious one in 1994's 'The Shawshank Redemption.' As the flings progressed, the dowdy seamstress gave Matt oral sex and passed along nude selfies for Sweat, she later confessed to authorities. Eventually she began helping the cons with their planned breakout, even smuggling in a hacksaw blade and drill bit concealed in hamburger meat. 8 The dowdy seamstress also gave Matt oral sex and passed along nude selfies for Sweat, she admitted in her confession. vmodica All the while, her husband worked as an industrial training supervisor in the same lockup. Advertisement After six months of planning and using the tools to cut through their steel cell walls and an 18-inch steam pipe in the facility's underbelly, the duo made their escape on June 6, 2015. They emerged from a manhole cover about 500 feet outside the prison walls around 11:50 p.m. Joyce Mitchell was supposed to be waiting for her daring boytoys in a car at a nearby intersection at midnight, ready to ride off into the sunset toward Mexico. But she never showed up. 8 Sweat (left) and Matt (right) used tools provided by Mitchell to break out of the prison on June 6, 2015. AP Advertisement Instead, she went to the hospital in the throes of a panic attack. The two inmates skulked around the neighborhood until about 12:20 a.m. Realizing she had backed out, they took off. The escape, and Joyce's romantic role in it, made national headlines, and Joyce was dubbed 'Shawskank.' Then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo rushed to the prison, where he was photographed peering into the manhole. The subsequent, 23-day manhunt riveted the nation, with 1,500 law enforcement officers, at a cost of $1 million-per-day, scouring the deep woods of the North Country for the desperate fugitives. But they were elusive, trudging through dense forests and swamps, and setting up makeshift campsites when they weren't squatting in empty hunting cabins. In one, they picked up a 20-gauge shotgun, rum, boots, binoculars, maps and other supplies. 8 The escape, and Joyce's romantic role in it, made national headlines. REUTERS The duo finally split up on June 23. Three days later, Matt was cornered by border patrol agents near Lake Titus. When he ignored commands to surrender, he was shot dead. On June 28, Sweat was spotted by a State Trooper near Constable. When he tried to run, the sergeant fired two rounds, hitting Sweat in the left arm and right shoulder before he was recaptured. Advertisement Joyce was arrested June 12 – less than a week after the jailbreak. She pleaded guilty in September 2015 to promoting prison contraband and criminal facilitation, and was sentenced to two-and-a-half to seven years. She was released after less than five years spent at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility in Westchester County. 8 A family photo Joyce posted on Facebook in August 2023 show the couple posing alongside six other adults and a little girl, grinning in the woods. Joyce Mitchell/ Facebook In the years since, Joyce has put up a happy front on Facebook, where she uses her old nickname Tillie — just like her character played by Patricia Arquette in Ben Stiller's mini-series 'Escape at Dannemora.' Seemingly serene family photos of Joyce and Lyle posted in August 2023 show the couple posing alongside six other adults and a little girl in the woods. Advertisement Another Facebook snap shows the youngster, believed to be the couple's granddaughter, lovingly wrapping her arms around a grumpy-looking Lyle. But away from social media, neighbors say the couple rarely poke their heads out from their gray, worn-down, two-story home, which is decorated with butterfly windchimes, a ceramic dog sculpture and other tchotchkes. A black Boston Terrier could be seen lazing inside a windowsill when The Post visited recently. 8 Another Facebook snap shows the youngster, who is believed to be the couple's granddaughter, lovingly wrapping her arms around a grumpy-looking Lyle. Joyce Mitchell/ Facebook It's unclear how the couple gets by financially. Joyce was fired and Lyle quit amid disciplinary actions. They both collect small state pensions, which were reduced because they left jobs long before their expected retirement dates. Advertisement 'Obviously she's not working in corrections. I don't think anyone would hire [either of] them around here,' said Ed Work, who serves as a warden at nearby Franklin Correctional. Lyle made $20,292 in 2024, while Joyce made only $8,775, according to public state pension records. Until a few years ago, Work said he used to spot Joyce headed to her monthly parole-officer meetings. 'I've seen her a few times going to parole and I've seen her once at the store since she's been out, but I haven't seen Lyle once,' he said. Advertisement 8 Lyle made $20,292 in 2024, according to public state pension records. Matthew Symons for NYP 'It's a close community, but no, they're not really involved,' he continued. At the Franklin prison, Work said correction officer trainees are taught Joyce's relationship with Matt and Sweat as an example of what not to do. 'You know, some prisoners might try to manipulate you, saying, 'You look nice today' and other stuff to get better treatment. But you can't let 'em get to you,' Work explained. 'Joyce isn't the prettiest girl in town, so I'm not sure what those guys were doing, but I guess you get pretty desperate in jail,' he added with a chuckle. One neighbor described the Mitchells as 'friendly' and helpful. Lyle has helped the neighbor, who gave his name as Jeff, clear his land. 'It's a lot of work clearing the lot, and that's what we talk about. Nothing personal,' said Jeff. As for Joyce, 'she waves when I see her coming out, but it's not that often.' 8 'Leave us alone. Get the f–k away from us and leave us alone,' Lyle barked at a Post reporter before slamming the door shut. Matthew Symons for NYP Despite the allegations against Joyce – which included a plot to kill Lyle, according to Sweat and investigators – Lyle welcomed his wife back with open arms. He is decidedly less tolerant of nosy journalists. 'Leave us alone. Get the f–k away from us and leave us alone,' he barked at a Post reporter before slamming the door shut. 'Stay the f–k away from us.'
