Release: The Associate

The Associate
Genre: Drama/Thriller
Director: James Ponsoldt
Based on the novel by John Grisham
Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Matthew Goode, Glen Powell, Melissa Benoist, Evan Peters, Aaron Stanford, Bill Pullman



Budget: $49,000,000   
Domestic Box Office: $52,190,002
Foreign Box Office: $51,704,270
Total Profit: -$38,462,497

Reaction: We obviously spent too much on the marketing for this movie. Based on its production budget and decent box office performance it really should have at least broken even financially. Profits have been drying up here at the end of the season after a handful of huge hits. We have four more movies to release this season, so hopefully things will turn around.

"This Shia LaBeouf-led thriller ranks just below The Firm and The Client on the list of John Grisham-inspired thrillers." - Olive Carroll, Houston Chronicle

"Good performances, especially from LaBeouf and Goode, a quicksilver pace, and some modest surprises result in a satisfying popcorn picture." - George Ryan, Philadelphia Inquirer

"The Associate has the makings of a great thriller but just isn't well-rounded enough to leave a mark. Ultimately, the let-down falls on the shoulders of director James Ponsoldt, who after starting out in well-regarded, well-crafted indies, has struggled to carry over that success over. His studio films have come across as clumsy and distant." - Geoff Bray, Slant Magazine

Now Showing: The Associate

The Associate
Genre: Drama/Thriller
Director: James Ponsoldt
Based on the novel by John Grisham
Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Matthew Goode, Glen Powell, Melissa Benoist, Evan Peters, Scoot McNairy, Aaron Stanford, Bill Pullman

Plot: Kyle McAvoy (Shia LaBeouf) , an idealistic recent graduate of Yale Law School, intends to devote three years to public service before applying for employment with a prestigious firm. His plans are derailed when he is approached by two FBI agents who interrogate him and then pass him on to a mysterious man known only as Bennie Wright (Matthew Goode). Bennie has a videotape of a party that took place in Kyle's apartment five years earlier, when he was an undergraduate student at Duquesne University. In it, two of Kyle's fraternity brothers, Joey Bernardo (Glen Powell) and Baxter Tate (Evan Peters), are seen having sexual relations with Elaine Keenan (Melissa Benoist) , a co-ed who later claimed she was raped while unconscious, a charge seemingly supported by Joey's asking Baxter, "Is she awake?" on the tape.

At the time, the incident was investigated by local police, who determined there had been no assault and declined to take further action. With the tape now in his possession, Bennie threatens to expose Kyle's secret unless he cooperates with Bennie and his associates.

Bennie's plan is to have Kyle accept a position at New York City-based Scully & Pershing, the world's largest law firm, which is representing Trylon Aeronautics in its case against Bartin Dynamics. The two defense contractors had joined forces to design the B-10 HyperSonic Bomber for The Pentagon, and when they won the contract over Lockheed, the competitor sought support from senators and lobbyists. Legal battles ensued, and Trylon and Bartin, each laying claim to ownership of the design and technologies developed for the project, are now ready to wage battle against each other in court. Kyle will be required to infiltrate Scully & Pershing's files and deliver to Bennie crucial information desired by the people he represents.

His first instinct is to ignore Bennie's blackmail threats and deal with whatever consequences might arise, but the thought of the shame and embarrassment his family would suffer if he is indicted for the incident in his past, not to mention the negative impact on his own future, leads him to agree to Bennie's demands.

Constantly under surveillance while outdoors and living in an apartment in which he knows bugs and cameras have been hidden, Kyle slowly learns how to trick those who are trailing him into believing he is unaware of their presence. He seeks help from Joey, who has more to lose than Kyle does if the videotape is made public, and with his old friend as a somewhat unwilling accomplice, plots to outwit his blackmailer. He creates an interest in different spy novels, and buys them at a used book store. He learns about all the different technical components and devices used for spying and learns about a shop nearby, whose owners claimed to be "Ex-CIA," specializing in gadgets and devices specially used for surveillance.

What he doesn't anticipate is the re-emergence of Elaine, who still maintains she was raped, and Baxter, who has completed a lengthy stint in rehab and, as part of his twelve-step program, wants to make amends to the girl he raped. His admission of guilt will give Elaine the proof she needs to file charges, and with Kyle drawn into the spotlight, his position at Scully & Pershing will be jeopardized, a risk Bennie must eliminate by any means. Baxter is found shot dead, with no evidence of the murderer's identity, although Kyle is certain that Bennie ordered it.

After working at the law firm's 'boot camp' for some months, as do all new associates, Kyle eventually gets drawn into the Trylon case and is granted access to the highly secure computer room where the confidential information is stored. Bennie and Nigel (Aaron Stanford), a computer expert, force him to use a thumb drive to download the files, which he does. But by this time, realizing that Bennie is nearly always one step ahead of him, Kyle has spoken to Roy Benedict (Scoot McNairy) , a criminal lawyer and former FBI operative. He tells Roy the whole story.

Roy still has good connections within the FBI, and they set up an operation to catch Bennie while Roy transfers information that is not sensitive. But it misfires; Bennie and his associates vanish and remain unidentified and unapprehended, although Kyle thinks he's working for some other branch of the government.

Kyle admits his actions to the firm's partners, and agrees to leave their employ immediately and not practice law in New York. He also voices his belief that one of the firm's partners has acted as a 'mole,' passing information to Bennie.

Refusing the FBI's offer of witness protection, Kyle goes home to his father (Bill Pullman), also a lawyer, who has already signed a deal with Elaine and her lawyer. Kyle plans to become a partner in his father's law firm, namely McAvoy & McAvoy.

Breaking News

Last Resort Films has just acquired a screenplay from Jack Ryder, but have already hit some hiccups working through the casting process with the writer. Ryder had some pretty high in the sky ideas for the cast that ultimately they could never make happen - like casting Angelina Jolie in a supporting role for a film starring to two little-known TV actors. Phil Dolan has been able to work a little magic to get two less expensive stars to appear in supporting roles. Ralph Fiennes and Penelope Cruz have agreed to separate deals with the studio that will involve appearing in the film.

Ralph Fiennes previously met with the studio about a directorial project, but ultimately he and the studio couldn't come to an agreement on the budget. Now, Last Resort Films has now agreed to finance Fiennes' project in return for him appearing in a film for them.

Penelope Cruz will agree to appear with Fiennes in the film, but she will also get to look through the studio's pre-production development list and pick a project to appear in (with a nice, healthy payday involved).

In Development

Salem's Lot: A duo of young actors from the adaptation of Stephen King's It have joined this King film as well. Owen Teague ("Bloodline", It) and Finn Wolfhard ("Stranger Things", It) have joined the cast. Teague will play a teenager who is one of the first people in town to become a vampire. Wolfhard will play Mark Petrie, a kid who joins forces with Chris Pine's character to fight the vampire menace.

Peter and the Starcatchers: Jack Davenport ("White Famous", Kingsman: The Secret Service) and Andy Serkis (Creature from the Black Lagoon, Rise of the Planet of the Apes) have been cast in Jon M. Chu's Peter Pan prequel. Davenport will play Rowan Blanchard's father and Serkis will play Smee, famed first mate of Captain Hook in Peter Pan. Here, Smee will be the first mate of the villainous Black Stache.

Blood Meridian: Rounding out the all-star cast of the Cormac McCarthy adaptation will be Adam Driver and Sam Worthington in a cameo role. Driver will play David Brown, a member of Glanton's gang who wears a necklace of human ears. Worthington will have a small cameo role as the adult version of Nick Robinson's character.

Splinter Cell: Timothy Dalton (Hot Fuzz, "Penny Dreadful") and Oleg Taktarov (Officer Down, Predators) have joined Splinter Cell as a couple of the villains. Dalton will play the primary antagonist, a billionaire who seizes power of the Republic of Georgia. Taktarov will play a mercenary in Dalton's employ.

Akira: Leading the cast of the big-budget adaptation of Akira will be Dylan O'Brien (The Maze Runner, American Assassin) and Ezra Miller (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Justice League). O'Brien will play the lead, Kaneda, while Miller will play his best friend turned antagonist Tetsuo.

Release: The Job

The Job
Genre: Caper/Heist/Action
Director: Guy Ritchie
Writer: Ann Morrow
Cast: Scott Eastwood, Margot Robbie, Ron Perlman, Jon Bernthal, Stephan James, Jack O'Connell, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau


Budget: $46,000,000
Domestic Box Office: $39,946,010
Foreign Box Office: $27,427,828
Total Profit: -$57,964,586

Reaction: Ouch! This one hurts a lot. We gave Ritchie everything he needed and even put an extensive advertising campaign behind the movie, but it just didn't work. The audience never turned out, and the film grossed less than half of the total costs the studio spent to develop, produce, market and distribute it. We're probably going to be a bit more selective when it comes to the casting process, because the lack of recognizable names in the cast definitely didn't help this one at the box office.

"Guns, criminals, and Ritchie's unique style and tone make his latest picture just plain fun." - Michael Van Patten, Slant Magazine

"As in other Ritchie films, The Job attempts to depict a world of ever-expanding chaos. But the chaos is only in the way the story is told. The actual vision Ritchie offers is pedestrian and tame." - Allen Poole, AV Club

"Scott Eastwood certainly is not ready to take center stage. He simply lacks charisma. Usually Guy Ritchie's movies are full of swagger and charisma, but this time around he assembled a bunch of stiffs. Even the usually dependable Margot Robbie appears to have just been woken up from a nap while shooting a different movie." - Mark Rawls, Seattle Times

Now Showing: The Job

The Job
Genre: Caper/Heist/Action
Director: Guy Ritchie
Writer: Ann Morrow

Cast: Scott Eastwood, Margot Robbie, Ron Perlman, Jon Bernthal, Jack O'Connell, Sean Bean, Stephan James, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau


Plot: Scotty (Scott Eastwood) grew up in a nice and rich New York neighborhood, but he never stayed out of trouble. His frequent troubles with the law played a decisive factor in his father's hatred of him, never becoming the son he wanted him to become he said. One day, he decided to run away from home with his on/off girlfriend Angie (Margot Robbie). A couple of years later, ashamed of of what he did and willing to make peace with his father, he returned home to see his parents, only to learn their death. Scotty's parents didn't even mention their son in their testament, leaving their considerable fortune sleeping in a bank somewhere. Unable to overcome the loss of his parents he never saw for the past 10 years, he remained in New York for five years, working various jobs to survive, until a plan emerged in his head.

This is where it all starts, Scotty's evil plan to take back his parents' fortune from the bank. Legal stuff was never really his strong suit, but he thinks that it is worth it to ask for it. This is where he meets Albert Richardson (Ron Perlman), director of the bank. He refuses his claim at his parent's money, laughing at him in the process.  Scotty worked extensively on his plan and Richardson only added fuel to the fire. Scotty wants to rob the bank, but he doesn't know anyone who can help him. Over the years, he kept contact with Angie, even if they mutually agreed it was in their best interest to not go out together. He knew she was still a criminal and was reluctant to fall into this world after leaving it behind several years go.

However, Scotty's desire to see his parents' fortune again got the better of him and he decided to call her and she told they will meet soon, without giving him any further details of how they'll meet each other. He let it go and he went on with his life for a couple days, until he was kidnapped by a mysterious man and thrown into a van for a unknown location. He woke up moments later, only to see himself tied up to a chair, with the same man watching him. He didn't speak a word and had Freddy Krueger mask on his face. Angie finally decided to show up and ordered the man, she called him Daddy (Sean Bean), to untie Scotty and to stop with this non-sense. He followed her in a room and she presented him to her crew. There was The Wolf (Jon Bernthal), who looks like everyone cops nightmare, an unstoppable heartless machine ready to do whatever it takes to achieve his goal. There was Chip (Jack O'Connell), a young but highly efficient getaway driver who also excels with explosives. Finally, there was Daddy, who Scotty had the pleasure to meet earlier, who is the best there is in crowd control and at shooting at the cops. Angie said her gang was up for anything and he then told them his big plan to take back with he thinks is rightfully his.

Angie told him that he needed practice before the big day and sent him with The Wolf to rob a small store in the suburbs. Chip was the driver. They went in the shop and the Wolf did everything himself, like Scotty wasn't there, but he didn't mind, because he never wanted to steal from innocent people anyway. The Wolf, however wasn't happy about it. He shouted at him all the way back to the warehouse, even if they weren't caught and the police didn't even chase them. Once again, Angie came to Scotty's rescue.

It was the big day, Scotty couldn't believe, but he will probably a very rich by the end of the day. Their van stopped in an alley, behind the van. They told each other the plan, as t was conceived. Daddy will control the crowd, Chip will stay in the van to try to know when the police will arrive. The Wolf will go straight for the safe, carefully placing the explosives Chip got him. Angie will control the employees and empty the registers, while Scotty will go straight in Richardson's office, to show him who was the boss. They got out of the van and put on their mask. Scotty chose a Darth Vader mask, he always thought he was cool.

They entered the building and they shot rounds in the air. It was total chaos inside the bank. Wolf ran straight to the safe. Angie didn't have any trouble with the employees up front and was already filling a bag of cash. Daddy struggled at first to contain the crowd, but he was finally able to have complete authority on them. Scotty went straight into Richardson's office, threatening him with his assault rifle. He never felt more alive.

One thing they never thought about was the bathroom. They should have thought about it, because that's where Will May (Stephan James) was when he heard the gun shots. Will may look like an ordinary guy, but he's a former marine, kicked out for being too intense. He really thought about not calling the police and handling them himself, but he decided to call them anyway. He slowly got out of the bathroom, crawling. He hid behind a desk and took out his cell phone and looked at the whole room. He saw Daddy, who was unaware of Will's presence. Daddy wasn't looking at May's direction, a bad idea. May was on the verge of jumping on Daddy, but something distracted the armed man. It was Chip, telling them to get back to the van, because the police was coming. Daddy decided that it wasn't time for them to go yet and that he wanted to find whoever called the police to kill him first, then they will go. Daddy was carefully walking towards May. Will hid behind the desk and when the time was right, he knocked down Daddy, taking him by surprise, took his gun and killed him, from a single shot between his two eyeballs.

Angie, who heard the shot, called for Daddy, but he didn't answer. It's at this moment that she became really nervous and everything went south. She held her gun harder than ever and ordered everyone to come in lobby. Scotty left Richardson, the Wolf left the safe and Chip left the van, only Chip never came in the lobby. Chief officer James Connors (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) who was leading the charge for the police shot a bullet in his head after he got out of the van, but Angie and the Wolf didn't know about that. The police task force threw flash bangs inside the bank and entered the building. The small gang were able to get away, but the exit being way too crowded, they decided to retreat back in the office of Albert Richardson who had remained in it the whole time. They took him as an hostage and he showed them the secret passage to the underground parking. They took his car and their two bags full of money and tried to escape. They got out of the parking, the Wolf was driving. Scotty was in charge of guarding Richardson, while the Angie was out of the window, shooting at the policemen.

Will May, who remained inside the whole time, was arrested by the cops after they found him with a gun in his hands. Quickly realizing his mistake, Connors released him and May got out of the bank, determined to find the rest of the gang. All he had to do was to follow the police cars chasing a black Lincoln in the streets of New York, pretty easy stuff. The gang was driving around a couple of blocks, but always with the same pattern, taking out police barrages at the same time. He decided to get out of the circuit they were doing and to go in the suburbs. After a while, they reached an abandoned warehouse and they were forced to stop there, after he the Lincoln was all broken.

By the time they were at the warehouse, the lone wolf, Will May, was behind them and so was Connors. The gang entered the building and stayed inside, ready for one final assault, after which they planned to escape again. They decided to cover an entrance each, with Richardson staying in the car. Will May decided to enter the first, before Angie reached her spot. When she arrived, it was her who was taken hostage by the former marine. He then called the other members of the crew. Scotty got their first and froze when he saw Angie as an hostage. The Wolf got there afterwards and was ready to shoot, until Angie told her to wait. Before he was able to move, the cops came in, with Connors leading the charge. The Wolf panicked and started to unload in May's direction, killing him and Angie in the process. The Wolf and Scotty then ran into a room and closed the door. That's when Scotty realised the Wolf killed Angie. Scotty started to see red and angry he unloaded his gun on the Wolf, the guy who just killed the love of his life. Hearing this from the other side of the wall, Connors told Scotty to come out and no harm will be done to him. Desperate and crying, Scotty inserted the canon of his rifle in his mouth and pulled the trigger, blowing his head up in the process.

In Development

Salem's Lot: David Harbour ("Stranger Things", the upcoming White Jazz) and Alan Tudyk (Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) have signed on to Samuel Bayer's Stephen King-adapted vampire film. Harbour will play a small town high school teacher who befriends Chris Pine's main character, while Tudyk will play the town doctor.

Peter and the Starcatchers: Comedian Russell Brand (Army of One, Arthur) has signed on to play the right-hand man to the main villain, Black Stache, played by Luke Evans, in this big-budget family fantasy film.

Blood Meridian: The cast of Jeremy Saulnier's film adaptation of the famed Cormac McCarthy has added another couple of highly-talented actors in the form of Bryan Cranston ("Breaking Bad", The Infiltrator) and Walton Goggins ("Justified", The Hateful Eight). Cranston will play Ben Tobin, an ex-priest who has turned to a life of crime. Goggins will play a former soldier who leads a group of militants into Mexico.

Splinter Cell: Domhnall Gleeson (American Made, Star Wars: The Force Awakens), fresh off working with Tom Cruise and director Doug Liman on American Made, has signed on to reteam with them as a member of Tom Cruise's support team in Splinter Cell.

Akira: Last Resort Films has reached a deal to bring the acclaimed manga to the big screen. They have signed former Wachowski protege James McTeigue (The Raven, V for Vendetta) to direct the adaptation which will shift the events from Japan to a futuristic New York City.

Premiere Magazine #8

Release: A View from the Bridge

A View from the Bridge
Genre: Drama
Based on the play by Arthur Miller
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Cast: Andy Garcia, Marisa Tomei, Selena Gomez, Bobby Cannavale, Steven Strait, Al Pacino


Budget: $34,000,000
Domestic Box Office: $39,238,020
Foreign Box Office: $45,701,402
Total Profit: $25,667,096

Reaction: We're very pleased that people turned out to watch a movie we are incredibly proud of the quality of. This wasn't a movie we made for the money. We would've been perfectly happy had it simply broken even,  so we're immensely happy that it found an audience and made a healthy profit.

 "Francis Ford Coppola manages to make an American classic come across as deeply personal - not a small feat. He keeps every scene tense and dramatic, like only someone with a deep connection to the material can." - Olive Carroll, Houston Chronicle

"It's a deeply personal picture that's overflowing with exuberance and passion and is the director's best work in over twenty years." - Charles Yost, The Oregonian

"The cast really surprised me in this one. We all know that Garcia, Tomei, Cannavale and even Pacino (when he wants to) can deliver the acting goods, but who knew that pretty faces like Selena Gomez and Steven Strait could keep up with them?" - Mark Gilbert, Boston Globe

Now Showing: A View from the Bridge

A View from the Bridge
Genre: Drama
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Based on the play by Arthur Miller
Cast: Andy Garcia, Marisa Tomei, Selena Gomez, Steven Strait, Bobby Cannavale, Al Pacino

Plot: Eddie Carbone (Andy Garcia), an Italian American longshoreman lives with his wife Beatrice (Marisa Tomei) her orphaned niece Catherine (Selena Gomez). Eddie is a good man who, although ostensibly protective and fatherly towards Catherine, harbors a growing passion for her as she approaches her 18th birthday. We learn that he has not had sex with his wife for nearly three months. Catherine is studying to become a stenographer and Eddie objects to her taking a job she has been offered until she finishes her coursework, expressing a dislike for the way she dresses and the interest she is beginning to show in men. Beatrice is more supportive of Catherine's ventures and persuades Eddie to let her take the job.

Eddie returns home one afternoon with the news that Beatrice's two cousins, brothers Marco (Bobby Cannavale) and Rodolpho (Steven Strait), have safely arrived in New York as illegal immigrants. He has agreed to house them saying that he is honored to be able to help family. Marco is quiet and thoughtful, possessing a remarkable strength, whereas Rodolpho is more unconventional, with plans to make a career singing in America. Marco has a family starving in Italy and plans to return after working illegally for several years, whereas Rodolpho intends to stay. Although Eddie, Beatrice, and Catherine are at first excellent hosts, cracks appear when Rodolpho and Catherine begin dating.

Eddie convinces himself that Rodolpho is homosexual and is only expressing interest in Catherine so he can marry her and gain status as a legal citizen. He confronts Catherine with his beliefs and she turns to Beatrice for advice. Beatrice, starting to realize Eddie's true feelings, tells her that she should marry Rodolpho and move out. In the meantime, Eddie turns to Alfieri (Al Pacino), a neighborhood lawyer for help from the law. However, Alfieri tells him that the only recourse he has is to report Rodolpho and Marco as undocumented. Seeing no solution to his problem, Eddie becomes increasingly desperate and takes his anger out on Rodolpho and, in teaching him to box, 'accidentally' injures him. Marco reacts by quietly threatening Eddie, showing his strength by holding a heavy chair above Eddie's head with one hand.

A few months have passed and Eddie reaches a breaking point when he discovers that Catherine and Rodolpho have slept together and are intent on marrying. Drunk, he kisses Catherine and then attempts to prove that Rodolpho is gay by suddenly and passionately kissing him also. After a violent confrontation, Eddie orders Rodolpho to leave the apartment.

Eddie visits Alfieri and insists that the kiss has proved Rodolpho is gay and that he is only marrying Catherine for citizenship, but once again Alfieri says the law cannot help. Out of desperation, Eddie phones immigration services but in the meantime Beatrice has arranged for Marco and Rodolpho to move in with two other undocumented immigrants in the flat above. When immigration officials arrive and arrest Marco, Rodolpho, and the two other immigrants, Eddie pretends that the arrest comes as a complete surprise to him, but Beatrice and Marco see through this. Marco spits in Eddie's face in front of everyone and accuses Eddie of killing his starving children. Eddie tries to convince the neighborhood of his innocence but they turn away from him.

Alfieri visits Marco and Rodolpho in custody, obtaining their release on bail until their hearing comes up. Alfieri explains that Rodolpho will be able to stay once he has married Catherine but warns Marco that he will have to return to Italy. Vengeful, Marco confronts Eddie publicly on his release, and Eddie turns on him with a knife, demanding that he take back his accusations and restore his honor. In the ensuing scuffle, Eddie is stabbed with his own knife and dies, as his stunned family and neighbors stand around.

In Development

Skin Tight: Rounding out the principal cast of the film will be David Koechner ("Superior Donuts", Cheap Thrills) and Amber Valletta (Girl Walks into a Bar, "Blood & Oil"). Koechner will play Billy Bob Thornton's brother and Valletta will play Thornton's actress girlfriend.

Salem's Lot: William Hurt (Captain America: Civil War, Robin Hood), Stephen Lang (Don't Breathe, Avatar) and Maika Monroe (The Guest, It Follows) have joined Chris Pine and Mark Rylance in the cast of the Samuel Bayer-directed Stephen King adaptation.

Peter and the Starcatchers: Young actors Max Charles (American Sniper, "The Strain") and Jeremy Ray Taylor (It, Geostorm) have signed on to play two of Peter Pan's friends in the Jon M. Chu-directed family adventure.

Blood Meridian: Roles in the long-awaited Cormac McCarthy adaptation are highly in-demand throughout Hollywood. Taking a couple of those roles are Matthew McConaughey and Michael Shannon (The Raven in the Night, Man of Steel). McConaughey will play John Joel Glanton, leader of a band of scalphunters. Shannon will play Louis Toadvine, a seasoned outlaw with no ears and a branded forehead.

Splinter Cell: Joey King (Wish Upon, White House Down) has been cast in a small supporting role in the much anticipated video game adaptation starring Tom Cruise and directed by Doug Liman. King will play Cruise's daughter. Her contract includes potential sequels.

Release: The Osterman Weekend

The Osterman Weekend
Genre: Thriller
Director: George Nolfi
Based on the novel by Robert Ludlum
Cast: Matt Damon, Jason Clarke, Corey Stoll, Richard Jenkins, Michael C. Hall, Sienna Miller, Adam Scott, Andrea Riseborough, Rose Leslie




Budget: $93,000,000
Domestic Box Office: $83,449,053
Foreign Box Office: $84, 082,070
Total Profit: -$7,820,840

Reaction: So close to a profit! The budget was pretty high for a thriller, but we figured the popular combination of Robert Ludlum and Matt Damon (The Bourne series) would be enough to overcome to high production and talent costs. We figured wrong. It happens. Hopefully not too often though.

"It's fun watching Matt Damon in a thriller that doesn't involve him playing a seemingly super-human spy. Here, he is just a regular guy in a very irregular circumstance that makes for a riveting viewing." - Brian Edelstein - Time Out

"I don't demand that all movies make sense. I sometimes enjoy movies that make no sense whatsoever, if that's their intention. But a thriller is supposed to hold together in some sort of logical way, isn't it?" - Chris Mears, Slashfilm

"A very talented cast is ultimately held down by an incoherent plot, resulting in a very muddled thriller, uninvolving thriller." - Geoff Bray, Slant Magazine

Breaking News

In news that can only be described as "interesting," Last Resort Films has reached a deal with the estate of Ayn Rand to produce and distribute films based on several of her works. The scope of the deal contains several novels, plays, novellas and short stories written by the author. The studio is reportedly already actively developing a couple of the projects, so rapidly that one or two of them could possibly see the light of day next season.

Now Showing: The Osterman Weekend

The Osterman Weekend
Genre: Thriller
Director: George Nolfi
Based on the novel by Robert Ludlum
Cast: Matt Damon, Jason Clarke, Corey Stoll, Richard Jenkins, Michael C. Hall, Sienna Miller, Adam Scott, Andrea Riseborough, Rose Leslie

Plot: CIA director Maxwell Danforth (Richard Jenkins) watches a recording of agent Laurence Fassett (Jason Clarke) and his wife having sex. When Fassett goes into the bathroom to take a shower, two assassins enter the bedroom and kill his wife. Fassett, unaware of his employer's involvement, is consumed by grief and rage. He hunts the assassins, eventually uncovering a spy network known as Omega.

Fassett tells the director that he wants to turn some of Omega's agents to the side of the West. He sees an opportunity in John Tanner (Matt Damon), a controversial television journalist who is highly critical of government abuses of power. Fassett explains that Tanner's closest friends are Omega agents. He offers videotaped evidence of Tanner's friends discussing financial matters with a man, whom Fassett identifies as an Omega agent. Tanner met his friends in college, and they have all gone on to successful careers. The spies are Bernard Osterman (Corey Stoll), a television producer who knows martial arts; Richard Tremayne (Michael C. Hall), a plastic surgeon; and stock trader Joseph Cardone (Adam Scott). Tanner agrees, but only on the condition that someone from the CIA appear as a guest on his show. Danforth agrees to this condition.

Tanner's troubled marriage is not improved when he asks his wife, Ali (Sienna Miller), to take their son out of town for the weekend without him. He does not want them involved but cannot tell her why he wants her to stay away. While Tanner is driving his wife and son to the airport, their car is ambushed, and Ali and the child are kidnapped. With Fassett's intervention they are rescued unhurt and the kidnapper is shot dead. In the meantime, Tanner's home has been wired with closed circuit video so Fassett can gather more evidence. Now fully aware that Tanner is involved with the CIA, Ali and their son are allowed to stay.

Osterman, Tremayne and Cardone arrive for the weekend, each having recently encountered difficulties engineered by the CIA in order to unsettle them. The mood is tense. On the second night, Fassett sends a video feed to Tanner's living room television, replaying the evidence of the three men meeting with the Omega agent. Ali has a heated argument with Tremayne's wife, Virginia (Andrea Riseborough) and Cardone's wife, Betty (Rose Leslie), and everyone retires to their rooms. Tanner's son discovers the severed head of the family dog in the refrigerator, but it turns out to be fake. Tanner has had enough and demands that his guests leave. Tanner confronts Fassett and insists he arrest the suspects. Fassett orders a guard to kill the broadcaster.

Cardone and Tremayne and their wives escape in Tanner's RV. Tanner confronts Osterman and assaults him. Osterman easily overpowers him, and demands an explanation. Tanner says that he knows that Osterman and his friends are Omega agents. Osterman dismisses the accusation and explains that they have been illegally sheltering money in Swiss bank accounts to avoid taxation, but insists they are not working with any spy agency.

Fassett appears on the television and admits that he knows Osterman and his friends are only tax evaders. Fassett kills the Tremaynes and Cardones by remotely detonating an explosive device on the RV. He sends his soldiers into the house to kill Osterman and Tanner. Fassett taunts Tanner during the attack on the house, revealing that Danforth authorized his wife's murder. Fassett offers to release Tanner's family if Tanner will expose Danforth on television.

Sometime later, Danforth prepares for his remote interview with Tanner. Danforth is at his office and will speak into a camera and microphone crewed by the TV station. Tanner introduces Fassett on the air and Danforth becomes enraged when he realizes he has been tricked. Fassett, who is also being filmed remotely, exposes Danforth as a murderer. Fassett's remote location is a secret, but it is clear someone is coming for him. It is revealed that Tanner himself has pre-recorded his questions for both men and has used the video feed to locate Fassett, whom he shoots and kills. He then rescues his wife, his son, and his dog.

In Development

White Jazz: Rounding out the cast of the Andrew Dominik-directed Brad Pitt-starring James Ellroy adaptation will be David Harbour ("Stranger Things", The Equalizer), Andy Garcia (A View from the Bridge, Dracula Origins) and Ben Barnes ("Sons of Liberty", "The Punisher").

Skin Tight: Will Arnett ("Arrested Development", Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and Benjamin Bratt (Doctor Strange, The Infiltrator) have signed on to David Dobkin's adaptation of Carl Hiaasen's crime comedy. Arnett will play an egotistical investigative reporter and Bratt will play a detective that investigates the events of the film.

Salem's Lot: The studio has settled on Samuel Bayer (A Nightmare on Elm Street) to direct Chris Pine in this new adaptation of Stephen King's vampire novel. Mark Rylance (Bridge of Spies, The BFG) has also been cast as the villain, a vampire who moves to the titular town.

Peter and the Starcatchers: Wyatt Oleff (It, Guardians of the Galaxy) has scored the role of Peter Pan in Jon M. Chu's family-friendly film, while Rowan Blanchard ("Girl Meets World", Spy Kids: All the Time in the World) has landed the female lead role, Molly Aster.

Blood Meridian: Nick Robinson (The Kings of Summer, Jurassic World) has scored the coveted lead role of The Kid in the long in-development adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's dark, violent western.

Splinter Cell: Star/producer Tom Cruise and director Doug Liman have cast two primary supporting roles in Splinter Cell, roles that would continue if the film proves to be successful enough to warrant the series Cruise and the studio desire to make. Laurence Fishburne (Man of Steel, "Hannibal") has been cast as the head of Third Echelon, Irving Lambert, while Karen Gillan (Guardians of the Galaxy, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle) has been cast as Anna Grimsdottir, the organization's lead technical expert.

Release: Lancelot

Lancelot
Genre: Action-Adventure/Romance
Director: Alan Taylor
Cast: Kit Harington, Russell Crowe, Holliday Grainger, Richard Armitage, Matthew Nable, Kevin McKidd, Ed Skrein


Budget: $123,000,000
Domestic Box Office: $119,831,085
Foreign Box Office: $197,992,897
Total Profit: $11,419,498

Reaction: We can't help but think we might've spent too much money on this one. With over $300 million at the worldwide box office, you would think the film would be more profitable than it was. While the film is left open for sequels at the end, the minuscule profit on this one may have us rethinking those plans.

"Lancelot marches out as an agreeably intelligent, mature and well-mounted telling of the legendary King Arthur story." - Stephen Ridley, Boston Globe

"The film was sorely missing some of the more magical elements, like Merlin and Morgan le Fay that keep the Arthurian legends interesting." - Gillian Donaldson, Variety

"Spectacular entertainment with a king-sized serving of romance and battle scenes." - Sean Williamson, Toronto Star

Breaking News

Last Resort Films has just purchased the film rights to the Splinter Cell video game series. It is another instance of the studio rescuing projects from development hell. They have hired Doug Liman to direct, who was attached to a previous incarnation of the project. But the big news here is who is going to play the hero of the series, highly-trained black ops agent Sam Fisher.............. Tom Cruise. The star has been hired to star and produce the project, which all the parties involved hope will be a huge franchise.

In Development

White Jazz: Three more actors have joined the Brad Pitt-led James Ellroy adaptation. John Cusack (Love & Mercy, Hot Tub Time Machine), Logan Marshall-Green (Prometheus, Spider-Man: Homecoming) and Kelsey Grammer ("Boss", The Expendables 3) have all signed on to the film. Cusack will play famed industrialist Howard Hughes, Marshall-Green will play a burglar and Grammer will play corrupt former police captain Dudley Smith.

Hiroshima: Steven Spielberg has rounded out the cast for his World War II drama with Michael Gambon (Harry Potter series, Kingsman: The Golden Circle) and Sonny Chiba's son, Mackenyu (Pacific Rim: Uprising), joining the film. Gambon will play British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Mackenyu will play Japanese Emperor Hirohito.

Skin Tight: Adding some sex appeal to David Dobkin's comedic crime tale will be Jessica Alba (Mechanic: Resurrection, Sin City: A Dame to Kill For) , Christina Hendricks (Lost River, "Mad Men") and Heather Graham (The Hangover Part III, "Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Brothers"). Alba will play a former nurse of Billy Bob Thornton's who tries to become a whistle-blower against her former boss, Hendricks will play a television producer and Vince Vaughn's love interest, and Graham will play Vaughn's vindictive ex-wife.

Salem's Lot: One of the first films of season two will be an adaptation of Stephen King's vampire novel Salem's Lot. Chris Pine (Hell or High Water, Wonder Woman) has been cast in the lead role. They are still trying to lock down a director, but are reportedly looking at directors more known for music videos and/or commercials.

Peter and the Starcatchers: Last Resort Films will debut their first family-oriented film early in season two. They have hired Jon M. Chu (Jem and the Holograms, G.I. Joe: Retaliation) to direct an adaptation of Peter Pan prequel Peter and the Starcatchers. They are currently auditioning actors for several of the young characters. Luke Evans (Dracula Untold, Beauty and the Beast) has been cast as the villain, feared pirate Black Stache.

Blood Meridian: The studio has rescued Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian from development hell and set an early-season two release date for the film. Directors such as Ridley Scott, Todd Field and James Franco have all attempted to bring the novel to the big screen and failed (or gave up). Last Resort Films has hired Jeremy Saulnier (Blue Ruin, Green Room) to direct the project and casting has already begun with many young actors auditioning for the lead role of The Kid. Russell Crowe (Lancelot, Robin Hood) has signed on for the enigmatic, terrifying role of Judge Holden.

Now Showing: Lancelot

Lancelot
Genre: Action-Adventure/Romance
Director: Alan Taylor
Cast: Kit Harington, Russell Crowe, Holliday Grainger, Richard Armitage, Matthew Nable, Kevin McKidd, Ed Skrein

Plot: Lancelot (Kit Harington), a vagabond and skilled swordsman, is dueling in small villages for money. Lancelot attributes his skill to his lack of concern whether he lives or dies. Guinevere (Holliday Grainger) the ruler of Lyonesse, decides to marry King Arthur (Russell Crowe) partly out of admiration and partly for security against Malagant (Richard Armitage), a former Knight of the Roundtable gone rogue, who is shown raiding a village. While traveling, Lancelot chances by Guinevere's carriage on the way to Camelot, and helps spoil Malagant's ambush meant to kidnap her. He falls in love with Guinevere, who refuses his advances. Though Lancelot urges her to follow her heart, Guinevere remains bound by her duty.

Later, Lancelot arrives in Camelot and successfully navigates an obstacle course on the prospect of a kiss from Guinevere, though he instead kisses her hand. He also wins an audience with Arthur. Impressed by Lancelot's courage and struck by his recklessness and freewheeling, Arthur shows him the Round Table which symbolizes a life of service and brotherhood and introduces him to the Knights: Agravain (Matthew Nable), Kay (Kevin McKidd) and Gaheris (Ed Skrein).

That night, Malagant's henchmen arrive at Camelot and kidnap Guinevere. She is tied up and carried off to Malagant's hideout, where she is held hostage. Lancelot poses as a messenger to Malagant only to escape with Guinevere and return her to Camelot. Once again, Lancelot tries to win her heart, but is unsuccessful. On the return journey, it is revealed that Lancelot was orphaned and rendered homeless after bandits attacked his village, and has been wandering ever since.

In gratitude, Arthur offers Lancelot a higher calling in life as a Knight of the Round Table. Amidst the protests of the other Knights and of Guinevere, Lancelot accepts and takes Malagant's former place at the Table. Arthur and Guinevere are subsequently wedded. However, a messenger from Lyonesse arrives, with news that Malagant has invaded. Arthur leads his troops to Lyonesse and successfully defeats Malagant's forces. Lancelot wins the respect of the other Knights with his prowess in battle.

Lancelot feels guilty about his feelings for the queen and loyalty to Arthur and in private announces his departure to her. She cannot bear the thought of him leaving and asks him for a kiss, which turns into a passionate embrace, just in time for the Arthur to interrupt. Though Guinevere claims to love both Arthur and Lancelot – albeit in different ways – the two are charged with treason. The open trial in the great square of Camelot is interrupted by a surprise invasion by Malagant, ready to burn Camelot and kill Arthur if he does not give him the throne. Instead Arthur commands his subjects to fight, and Malagant's men shoot him with crossbows. A battle between Malagant's men and Camelot's soldiers and citizens ensues, and Lancelot and Malagant face off after Malagant wounds Arthur. Disarmed, Lancelot seizes Arthur's fallen sword, Excalibur, and kills Malagant, who falls dead on that same throne he so desired. The remaining Knights: Agravain, Kay and Gaheris are all killed in battle. Lancelot manages to lead wht remains of Arthur's army and win the battle, but Arthur dies of his wounds. On his deathbed, he asks Lancelot to take care of both Camelot and Guinevere. A funeral raft carrying Arthur's body is sent out to sea and set aflame.

Premiere Magazine #7