‘JUICE’ director remembers Tupac-starring urban tragedy on 30th anniversary
Is Paramount’s new 4K release of JUICE worth a squeeze? Director Ernest R. Dickerson speaks with us about his directorial debut on the 30th anniversary.
A monster mishmash: ‘HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA: TRANSFORMANIA’ is unnecessary but has fun with its fourth entry
It’s easily the weakest entry in the series, but it’s also harmless.
Netflix’s ‘CHEER’ returns stronger than ever with a raw, emotionally engrossing second season
Netflix’s mega-hit docuseries doesn’t play it safe in Season 2. It’s beautiful, tragic and intoxicating.
‘In this film, I discovered God’: ‘DON’T LOOK UP’ editor cuts to the core of humanity’s folly, struggle
Film editor Hank Corwin (THE BIG SHORT, THE TREE OF LIFE) on the challenge of navigating the tone of Adam McKay’s latest satire and how it helped him find his own interpretation of God.
‘SEE FOR ME’ director breaks into the details of IFC Midnight’s twisty home-invasion thriller
A solid midnighter that subverts expectations with its cat-and-mouse high jinks. Director Randall Okita shares his experience shaping it.
Season’s streaming: ‘8-BIT CHRISTMAS,’ ‘RON’S GONE WRONG’ and other family films
With the pandemic coming back like Willis Reed, many of us will be staying at home, which means family entertainment will be paramount to family sanity. As a result, a lot of movie titles come through the pipeline in any given week. With the many streaming options now available, it’s good to know about what’s out there to enjoy. Whether Disney+, Netflix, HBOMax, or any other service, here are some titles that can be enjoyed while the kids are home for the holidays.
![[‘AMERICAN UNDERDOG’ Review] This faith-based football movie plays everything safe, resulting in a narrative fumble](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/american-underdog-AMUD_Unit_16426RC_rgb-scaled.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[‘AMERICAN UNDERDOG’ Review] This faith-based football movie plays everything safe, resulting in a narrative fumble
Old-fashioned underdog story is constructed to appease most denominations, including those who attend church on Sundays and those who stay home and watch football.
![[Fresh on Blu-ray] ‘MITCHELLS VS. THE MACHINES’ shines, ‘CARD COUNTER’ and ‘FRENCH DISPATCH’ subvert expectations](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/CON_aty011.1033_lm_v1-scaled.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Fresh on Blu-ray] ‘MITCHELLS VS. THE MACHINES’ shines, ‘CARD COUNTER’ and ‘FRENCH DISPATCH’ subvert expectations
Two of the most beautiful films of 2021 come home
Rewinding the magic: ‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’ actors celebrate 75th anniversary with new special edition disc
Karolyn “Zuzu” Grimes, left, and Jimmy “Tommy” Hawkins are two of about ten surviving cast members of the ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’ The Frank Capra holiday classic turned 75 this week, and Paramount Home Entertainment has a special anniversary Blu-ray release to celebrate. Stars recall their experience.
‘THE MATRIX RESURRECTIONS’ Review: Lana Wachowski Delivers A Deliciously Trippy Vision
It’s THE MATRIX’s superior sequel.
‘BEANIE MANIA’ Review: HBOMax Documentary Captures The Chaos Behind A Collective Craze
Did you collect Beanie Babies? This doc is for you – and everyone else who lived through the fad.
‘SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME’ Review: A Masterly, Messy Multi-Verse
Some stuff works brilliantly. Other stuff doesn’t. And we don’t spoil any of it in our review!
FRESH ON BLU RAY: RICK AND MORTY SEASON FIVE plays with the multiverse and your heartstrings
James Clay//Film Critic RICK AND MORTY have become synonymous with edgy internet fandom that is toxic in some spaces. Some circles of the show’s fanbase seemed to absorb the ego of the titular Rick Sanchez, becoming galaxy-brained bros with a nonexistent ax to grind against softies and soy boys. The...
![[Interview] Steven Spielberg and Tony Kushner Redefine ‘WEST SIDE STORY’](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/DF-30640_R3.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Interview] Steven Spielberg and Tony Kushner Redefine ‘WEST SIDE STORY’
Director Steven Spielberg and screenwriter Tony Kushner breathe new life into an old musical.
![[Book Review] TCM’s ‘THE ESSENTIAL DIRECTORS’ is debatable, but personal favorites and new discoveries will delight movie buffs](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/francis-ford-coppola.jpeg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Book Review] TCM’s ‘THE ESSENTIAL DIRECTORS’ is debatable, but personal favorites and new discoveries will delight movie buffs
From silent films to “New Hollywood,” Sloan De Forest’s book looks at more than fifty directors minted by Tinseltown.
![[‘THE POWER OF THE DOG’ Review] Campion’s methodically-paced Western lassos repressed homosexuality, calculating revenge](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/TPOTD_KS_0179-scaled.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[‘THE POWER OF THE DOG’ Review] Campion’s methodically-paced Western lassos repressed homosexuality, calculating revenge
Benedict Cumberbatch’s turn as a cruel and lonesome cowboy is one of the best performances of the year.
![[‘DON’T LOOK UP’ Review] Adam McKay’s disasterpiece is anything but a disaster](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/DLU_20201203_02259_R-1.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[‘DON’T LOOK UP’ Review] Adam McKay’s disasterpiece is anything but a disaster
Adam McKay’s new flick rips.
![[Fresh on Blu-ray] ‘BEAVIS AND BUTTHEAD DO AMERICA’ brings on a wave of 90s nostalgia, ‘MALIGNANT’ shocks](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/10malignant-art-videoSixteenByNineJumbo1600.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Fresh on Blu-ray] ‘BEAVIS AND BUTTHEAD DO AMERICA’ brings on a wave of 90s nostalgia, ‘MALIGNANT’ shocks
Turns out Warner Brothers has a couple of fascinating films up their sleeve.
![[Fresh on 4K] Kino Lorber Studio Classics own the 4K game with 1978’s ‘INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS’, John Woo’s ‘HARD TARGET’](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/hard-target-klsc-2021-bluray-review-6.png?resize=389%2C371&ssl=1)
[Fresh on 4K] Kino Lorber Studio Classics own the 4K game with 1978’s ‘INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS’, John Woo’s ‘HARD TARGET’
Come for the pod people, stay for JCVD punching a snake.
![[‘GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE’ Review] A new generation giving some TLC to the franchise](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/McKenna-Grace-Logan-Kim-and-Finn-Wolfhard-Ghostbusters-Afterlife.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[‘GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE’ Review] A new generation giving some TLC to the franchise
ABG: Always Be Ghostbustin’
![[Fresh on Blu-ray]: Criterion’s ‘HIGH SIERRA’ makes Bogart a star, Kino Lorber supplies hard-to-find Robert Siodmak film ‘DEPORTED’ and 3 noirs](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/high-sierra.jpeg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Fresh on Blu-ray]: Criterion’s ‘HIGH SIERRA’ makes Bogart a star, Kino Lorber supplies hard-to-find Robert Siodmak film ‘DEPORTED’ and 3 noirs
If it’s November, it must be Noirvember.
![[Fresh on Blu-ray] ‘VANILLA SKY’ takes a walk on the weird side, ‘RAGTIME’ links history to music in epic fashion](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vanillaskystillks4497c18588c7355f81b96fea8f0cbe57d53faf7cc131-s.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Fresh on Blu-ray] ‘VANILLA SKY’ takes a walk on the weird side, ‘RAGTIME’ links history to music in epic fashion
Paramount Presents keeps pushing the bar for what studio blu ray releases can accomplish.
![[Book Review] TCM’s ‘SUMMER MOVIES’ looks at the time of year, not box office, in sampling some of the best summer has to offer](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/MV5BMjA2ODEyNDk4NV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNjEyNTQ3MQ@@._V1_.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Book Review] TCM’s ‘SUMMER MOVIES’ looks at the time of year, not box office, in sampling some of the best summer has to offer
The magic of summer can be felt in everything from Gidget to Ingmar Bergman.
![[Interview] Lin-Manuel Miranda Makes Musical Magic In ‘ENCANTO’](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/ENCANTO-ONLINE-USE-mono_fullcomp.0050.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Interview] Lin-Manuel Miranda Makes Musical Magic In ‘ENCANTO’
We got the details on how the film’s most moving moment was crafted.
![[Interview] How ‘Rogers: The Musical’ Came To Be In ‘HAWKEYE’](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_2369.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Interview] How ‘Rogers: The Musical’ Came To Be In ‘HAWKEYE’
This sequence steals the show… at least in episode one of Hawkeye.
![[Interview] How ‘KING RICHARD’ Became Your New Favorite Sports Film](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/rev-1-KR-TRLR-0069_High_Res_JPEG.jpeg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Interview] How ‘KING RICHARD’ Became Your New Favorite Sports Film
KING RICHARD is a massive crowd-pleaser. We’ve got the details on how it came to be.
![[Video Interview] Johannes Roberts’ ‘RESIDENT EVIL: WELCOME TO RACCOON CITY’ Reboots Brutal, Bloody, Brainy Fun](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Day40_ResidentEvil_9458_r_1000x563_thumbnail.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Video Interview] Johannes Roberts’ ‘RESIDENT EVIL: WELCOME TO RACCOON CITY’ Reboots Brutal, Bloody, Brainy Fun
We asked RESIDENT EVIL: WELCOME TO RACCOON CITY’s writer-director about his smart, sharp vision for the rebooted series.
![[‘SPENCER’ Review] Kristen Stewart’s Royal Nightmare](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/spencer-Photo-2_-Kristen-Stewart-as-Princess-Diana-in-SPENCER.-Photo-by-Pablo-Larrain_rgb.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[‘SPENCER’ Review] Kristen Stewart’s Royal Nightmare
A fabulous fable of a famous figure caught in family ties.
![[Fresh on Blu-ray] Damon’s ‘STILLWATER’, Aretha Franklin biopic ‘RESPECT’ are varying degrees of Oscar bait](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/thumbnail-2.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Fresh on Blu-ray] Damon’s ‘STILLWATER’, Aretha Franklin biopic ‘RESPECT’ are varying degrees of Oscar bait
One is a fictional drama inspired by a true story, the other is a docudrama that sings a false note.
![[‘RED NOTICE’ Review] Netflix’s biggest movie coasts solely on star appeal – and that’s OK](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/RN_20201001_26668cr3-scaled.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[‘RED NOTICE’ Review] Netflix’s biggest movie coasts solely on star appeal – and that’s OK
Dwayne Johnson leads A-list trio in a silly action-comedy that moves fast and doesn’t demand a whole lot from its audience.
![[Interview] Salma Hayek and Brian Tyree Henry Discuss ‘ETERNALS’ Personal Importance](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/BGN1380_comp_v003_066792.1039.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Interview] Salma Hayek and Brian Tyree Henry Discuss ‘ETERNALS’ Personal Importance
Two stars found personal resonance with their roles in Marvel’s latest superhero film.
![[Interview] ‘DUNE’ Costume Designer Robert Morgan Molds Form With Function](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/rev-1-DU-10745rv4_High_Res_JPEG.jpeg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Interview] ‘DUNE’ Costume Designer Robert Morgan Molds Form With Function
We spoke with the DUNE costume designer and got details on the Stillsuits’ manufacturing process, Sardaukar suits, and if they thought about Part 2’s wardrobe.
![[‘MASS’ Review] An emotionally taxing chamber piece about parents trying to move forward after a school shooting](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/MASS-3.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[‘MASS’ Review] An emotionally taxing chamber piece about parents trying to move forward after a school shooting
Fran Kranz’s directorial debut rouses grief, and great acting by its stars.
![[Interview] ‘DUNE’ Costume Designer Jacqueline West Creates Otherworldly “Modieval” Fashion](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/rev-1-DU-10412rv4_High_Res_JPEG.jpeg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Interview] ‘DUNE’ Costume Designer Jacqueline West Creates Otherworldly “Modieval” Fashion
We got the details on DUNE’s Stillsuits, helmets and, yes, pajamas from the prolific and talented costume designer.
Kid-friendly terrors: ‘CORALINE’, ‘PARANORMAN’ get the pulse up with new Shout Factory Blu-ray releases
Celebrate Halloween with deluxe editions of two spooky-and-great animated features on Blu-ray!
‘ETERNALS’ Review: Chloé Zhao’s Marvelous Superhero Film
ETERNALS will give you clear skin.
![[Interview] 7 Fun Facts About ‘RON’S GONE WRONG’](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/RGW-O_mktg_print_b2000_0250_lighting_comp_v001_dcip3.1137_R2.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Interview] 7 Fun Facts About ‘RON’S GONE WRONG’
Here a a handful of things you wouldn’t know without our help.
![[Interview] The Cast & Crew of ‘HALLOWEEN KILLS’ Slay All Day](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/5756_D013_00082_R_CROP.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Interview] The Cast & Crew of ‘HALLOWEEN KILLS’ Slay All Day
The horror sequel is a carnival of kills – and we’ve got the story on how its story came to be.
Breaking into ‘WELCOME TO THE BLUMHOUSE’ with producer Jason Blum
A conversation with horror mega-producer Jason Blum about the latest crop of films under the ‘WELCOME TO THE BLUMHOUSE’ umbrella.
![[‘SOUTH OF HEAVEN’ Review] Aharon Keshales’s follow-up to ‘BIG BAD WOLVES’ huffs and puffs to middling results.](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/south_of_heaven_still.jpeg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[‘SOUTH OF HEAVEN’ Review] Aharon Keshales’s follow-up to ‘BIG BAD WOLVES’ huffs and puffs to middling results.
Doomed romance is a slow-burn affair as fresh starts break bad.
Another ‘RAD’ interview with Richardson’s Bill Allen ahead of 35th anniversary event
Let’s backflip into the ’80s with ‘RAD’ star Bill Allen before you journey to the theater to catch the 35th anniversary screening on Thursday, October 14!
DIFF reviews: ‘FRENCH DISPATCH’, ‘C’MON C’MON’ among year’s very best films
Wes Anderson and Mike Mills’ latest work comes with Texas-sized heart and thrills.
![[Fresh on 4K] ‘INGLORIOUS BASTERDS’, ‘THE GREEN KNIGHT’ bring big cinematic visions to your home](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/maxresdefault.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Fresh on 4K] ‘INGLORIOUS BASTERDS’, ‘THE GREEN KNIGHT’ bring big cinematic visions to your home
I think this must be a couple of masterpieces?
![[Fantastic Fest Review] Patrick Brice’s ‘THERE’S SOMEONE INSIDE YOUR HOUSE’ a new teen scream](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/TSIYH_20190830_02063r2-1-scaled.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Fantastic Fest Review] Patrick Brice’s ‘THERE’S SOMEONE INSIDE YOUR HOUSE’ a new teen scream
Twenty-five years after Wes Craven re-invented the teen slasher, a new Netflix original takes a stab.
Women in a war fantasyland: ‘MAYDAY’ cinematographer captures post-trauma in metaphysical thriller
A behind-the-scenes discussion about the fantasy action film ‘MAYDAY’ with cinematographer Sam Levy.
![[Fresh on Blu-ray] ‘FREE GUY’, ‘ESCAPE ROOM 2’ offer light popcorn thrills](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/25_freeguy_dtlr8_uhd_r709f_still.274417.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Fresh on Blu-ray] ‘FREE GUY’, ‘ESCAPE ROOM 2’ offer light popcorn thrills
Fresh popcorn thrills on Blu-ray.
![[Fantastic Fest] ‘THE FOUND FOOTAGE PHENOMENON’ documentary overviews a unique cinematic style](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/found_footage_phenomenon_01_4web__large.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Fantastic Fest] ‘THE FOUND FOOTAGE PHENOMENON’ documentary overviews a unique cinematic style
A decent exploration for a subject that will likely be lost unless it finds its intended audience.
![[Fantastic Fest Round-up] ‘LAMB’, ‘TITANE’ and ‘THE EXECUTION’](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Titane_Arrival_FF2021_LoRes_JP1_2784.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Fantastic Fest Round-up] ‘LAMB’, ‘TITANE’ and ‘THE EXECUTION’
A trio of weird but great films out of Austin’s Fantastic Fest.
‘LAMB’ Review: An Unforgettable, Disquieting Nordic Folklore
Unnerving and unsettling in its aims, this directorial debut is a haunting affair (and far from being baaaad).
![[Interview] ‘LAMB’ filmmaker Valdimar Jóhannsson Crafts Creeps, Cares and Character](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/https___cdn.sanity.io_images_xq1bjtf4_production_1d9ee89ba938666d52567384aa73779477142e83-8939x5028-1.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Interview] ‘LAMB’ filmmaker Valdimar Jóhannsson Crafts Creeps, Cares and Character
The director makes an assured debut feature that’s nothing short of spectacular – and we spoke with him about it.
What You Can Expect From Disney’s ‘ENCANTO’
Tiny details make up the whole of Disney’s very magical 60th animated feature, ENCANTO. And we have the details!
“SUMMERING” Review: “STAND BY ME” For A New Generation
This heartfelt feature has the makings of a gender-swapped classic.