Keep scrolling for more recent entertainment news and reviews. Plus, give our Streamed & Screened podcast a listen:
***
'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' coming to Disney+
Producers Jonathan Steinberg and Dan Shotz discovered early on “Percy Jackson” wasn’t just any franchise.
In addition to a series of books, it spawned several films and a Broadway musical.
To adapt it for television, they needed a higher sense of awareness.
“We spoke to some people who had done this before and I think there was a part of me that hoped there was a secret answer,” Steinberg says. “But it became clear quickly that there was not. You really don’t know what you’re going to get until you’re in front of a camera shooting scenes.”
Read more here:
Sioux City Journal entertainment reporter Bruce Miller speaks with Dan Shotz and Jonathan Steinberg, producers of Disney's "Percy Jackson and the Olympians."
***
Movie review: Timothee Chalamet adds to Gene Wilder's legacy in 'Wonka'
There’s an awful lot of magic that goes into a Willy Wonka delicacy. And even though others are eager to take him down, he has a way of staying afloat.
That’s what we learn in “Wonka,” a lavish look at the early years of the candy man.
Played by Timothee Chalamet (a great choice), he’s determined to become one of the big chocolatiers. Others, though, are eager to take him down. They have a corner on the market and don’t want this man who can make people fly cutting in on their business.
They conspire and, soon, it’s a battle between good and evil.
Read the full review from critic Bruce Miller:
***
Movie review: Jeffrey Wright a torn writer in 'American Fiction'
Unemployed actors turn to YouTube to get screen time. But writers? Where do they go if the book deals aren’t coming in?
That’s the dilemma Thelonious “Monk” Ellison faces in “American Fiction,” when his novels tank and his teaching career is at a standstill. At a book fair, he notices who draws the crowd: a street-heavy story called “We’s Lives in Da Ghetto.”
The author is someone with a prestigious background, not a tough life in the inner city. Does he sell out and follow her lead? Or does he rail against stereotypes and plot a different course?
Read the full review from critic Bruce Miller:
***
DVD review: Daniel Radcliffe stars in biopic parody 'Weird: The Al Yankovic Story'
If you don’t have access to Roku, you probably missed the offbeat screen biography of Weird Al Yankovic.
A parody of biopics, “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” gives Daniel Radcliffe a role no one must have thought he could play.
But, darn, if he doesn’t make it work. Approaching the parodist’s career with great gusto, he gets buy-in and helps sell “Weird” like a salesman peddling accordions door-to-door.
Read the full review from critic Bruce Miller:
***
Watch Bruce Miller's interview with 'Fargo,' 'Oppenheimer' star David Rysdahl
David Rysdahl talks about his role as Wayne Lyon in the FX series "Fargo" and tells Sioux City Journal entertainment editor Bruce Miller how he tapped into his father and uncles as inspiration for the role.
***
Movies in a minute with film critic Bruce Miller
Movies in a Minute: "Lisa Frankenstein”
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “Lisa Frankenstein” is a light romp in a dark, dark world. But it could have been a wild wallow in an era that was packed with possibilities.
Movies in a Minute: “The Greatest Night in Pop”
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says “The Greatest Night in Pop” is a wonderful slice of history that shows what happens when stars check their egos at the door and produce something iconic.
Movies in a Minute: "Poor Things"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Poor Things" may be one of the most bizarre films of the year, but it's also a springboard for some of the best acting work of the year.
Movies in a Minute: Best Actress nominee Sandra Huller
UpdatedSandra Huller, who stars in two Best Picture nominees, "Anatomy of a Fall," and "The Zone of Interest," is also nominated for Best Actress for her role in the former. Movie critic Bruce Miller calls Huller's performances incredible and says her Best Actress nomination is one of the most deserving honors of the year.
Movies in a Minute: "Mean Girls"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Mean Girls" has a problem with the translation to the big screen. Here, it’s darker and, somehow, more serious.
Movies in a Minute: "Anyone But You"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Anyone But You" isn’t as fun or as snarky as you want it to be. It’s just a chance for it stars to try something new without making a huge mistake.
Movies in a Minute: "The Color Purple"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Color Purple" is an all-singing all-dancing extravaganza that sometimes overshadows the story of Celie, but it's a powerful film that packs a punch.
Movies in a Minute: "The Iron Claw"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Iron Claw" is a fascinating slice of life that suggests all the fame in the world may look great but it can’t replace a little parental love.
Movies in a Minute: "Wonka"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Wonka,” the prequel to “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” is just as delightful as the original.
Movies in a Minute: "May December"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "May December" goes deeper than any investigative story and hurts more than a well-timed social media post.
Movies in a Minute: "Wish"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says Disney's "Wish" has so many mediocre references to past animated films it can’t help but pale in comparison.
Movies in a Minute: "Next Goal Wins"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Next Goal Wins" is largely a matter of how you define “winning.” Unfortunately, the story is so scattered it’s hard to find the momentum.
Movies in a Minute: "The Marvels"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Marvels" is not very interesting. The three crime fighters take on a baddie looking for a second bracelet but universal domination shouldn’t be the goal of everyone in a superhero movie.
Movies in a Minute: "The Holdovers"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Holdovers" is a holiday movie with some rougher edges. Despite being bathed in the glow of nostalgia, “The Holdovers” is brutally real about human relationships.
Movies in a Minute: "Five Nights at Freddy's"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Five Nights at Freddy's" is like something you’d find on Nickelodeon over Halloween weekend. It isn't a chilling gore fest. It tests the nerves but it doesn’t fry the brain.
Movies in a Minute "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" is spectacular and easy to watch, though it may be a long sit for some viewers. Swift's lyrics hit the target right in the heart.
Movies in a Minute: "Killers of the Flower Moon"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Killers of the Flower Moon” is true cinema. It’s art in its highest form that never fails to entertain.
Movies in a Minute: "The Exorcist: Believer"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller calls the "The Exorcist: Believer" a respectful reboot but definitely not a head turner.
Movies in a Minute: "Fair Play"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Fair Play" is easily one of the most compelling films of the year.
