Welcome to The Weekender. A compilation of stories we didn’t get a chance to touch on earlier and a collection of some of our favorite piece from the week.
This week we’re discussing the passing of a legend, a new festival trailer and a controversy from the set of ‘The Predator’.
Burt Reynolds Passes Away at the Age of 82
There was some incredibly sad news this week for any of us who love film. Burt Reynolds died on Thursday in Florida. Reynolds was one of the big screen’s largest stars in the 70’s. He will be long remembered for his starring roles in ‘Deliverance’, ‘The Longest Yard’, ‘The Cannonball Run’ and, most famous of all, ‘Smokey & The Bandit’. Reynolds was also a legendary ‘Tonight Show’ guest. Frequently filling in for Johnny Carson as guest host. All the things I mentioned are wonderful and you should certainly seek them out.
However, to me he will always best be known as Jack Horner. ‘Boogie Nights’ brought Reynolds a much deserved career resurgence and I would encourage everyone who hasn’t to go watch him play a loving patriarchal pornographer to a family of misfits. He really is the best thing about that incredible film. Burt Reynolds was a giant and will be missed dearly.
New ‘Wildlife’ Trailer Debuts Ahead of TIFF Debut
IFC released a new ‘Wildlife’ trailer this week. The film is the directorial debut from Paul Dano and stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Carey Mulligan. The film premiered at Sundance back in January and received considerable praise. Most the praise has been focused on Mulligan’s performance which looks magnificent based on the trailer. Gyllenhaal is one of my favorite working actors so I would anticipate he will be outstanding as well. The trailer for the period piece drama also shows off Dano’s visual sense which seems to be very sure handed from a first time director. ‘Wildlife’ opens theatrically on October 19, 2018.
‘The Predator’ Removes Sex Offender From Film
The Predator also had a screening at TIFF this last week. Unfortunately, That’s not the only reason this film is the news this week. It’s been reported that Fox made the decision to remove a scene featuring star Olivia Munn and Steven Wilder Striegel after Munn told the studio about Striegel’s past. In 2009, Streigel was convicted of trying to entice a minor into a sexual relationship. Director Shane Black initially had an uninformed, and tone-deaf, response to the situation where he said, “I personally chose to help a friend, I can understand others might disapprove, as his conviction was on a sensitive charge and not to be taken lightly.” Black has since revised his statement and apologized for everyone involved.
This story has been made even more complicated by Munn stating that it took multiple calls to to Fox for them to remove the actor. Olivia Munn has been an outspoken representative for #metoo and this is a bad look for Fox. She is also stating that she is only doing press for the film because she has to. I’m still heavily anticipating ‘The Predator’. However, this story is a reminder that Hollywood (and the world in general) still has a long way to go.
Henry Cavill is ‘The Witcher’
Netflix is bringing Henry Cavill back to TV. Everyone’s favorite mustache will be portraying Geralt of Rivia in the new series. This show is based on the popular video game and book series ‘The Witcher’. It certainly seems like this is Netflix’s play for a ‘Game of Thrones’ style show. If that is the case, Cavill is a great choice to the lead the production.
Aniara To Premiere at TIFF
By this time this has come out, We will have some idea of what the world thinks of ‘Aniara’. The Swedish sci-fi movie certainly looks promising. As a fan of the genre, i’m hoping TIFF gives us a solid visionary intelligent entry.
“Most Popular” Oscar Not Happening in 2019
Unfortunately we may never hear the words, “And the oscar for best, most popular film with a domestic box office of at least $150 Million and a Budget of at least $50 Million and a Cinemascore higher than ‘A-‘ goes to…” The Academy will put a pause of the new category while they go back to the drawing board to come up with other way to improve their viewership. My idea? Four words; Millennials Love Billy Crystal.
What do you think was the biggest story this past week? Was there something we missed? Let us know in the comments and remember to get your quick news every Saturday & Sunday with The Weekender. Remember to check back with Boom Howdy for more up-to-date news, reviews & podcasts and be sure to follow us on Facebook & Twitter.
