Lights, Camera, Panic!

Hold on to your over-priced pick ‘n mix, folks, because I’ve got some scandalous news for you: “there are no more movie stars!” Can you believe it?

Yeah, right. This theory is as shaky as a Jenga tower sitting on Shakira’s spin drier. But why are we still hearing this bluff?

Let’s face it, the times they are a-changin’. The web has given us the power to curate our own entertainment, and social media has turned up the volume on the marketing machine. The days of worshiping unapproachable gods of the silver screen are over. Now, it’s all about following the creators, the writers, the makers - the ones who make the magic happen.

Sure, the Golden Age of Hollywood had its fair share of omnipotent stars, but that’s so last century. Today’s players still rake in the dough, but they’re not the untouchable divas and heartthrobs of old. Instead, they’re just like us.

Or at least they want us to think so. Luvvies might put on a good show for the gala, but it’s tough to channel Lauren Bacall if you’re papped at Dunkin’ Donuts while wearing your sweats. So, icons still exist. They’re just a bit more caszh.

No, don’t feel bad for them. New new Hollywood wants to let their hair down and get right up in OUR faces. Because they’re self-aware, diverse, relatable, and, erm...multi-millionaires. Fresh talent is consistently emerging, but their appeal won’t span every age gap because markets no longer work that way. Pre-web, it was easy for the media machines to push Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. Now we can make up our own minds, thanks.

So, rest easy, movie moochers. Hollywoodland still has plenty of Stars that are shining bright. They just twinkle differently.

Now let's put this topic to bed and look at the rest of the devilry from the last two weeks. >>>

🔥 5 HOT clips to get you going:

1. Spielberg Producing Stanley Kubrick’s ‘Napoleon'

2. Kick Ass Trailer for Korean Action Movie ’Kill Boksoon’

3. Eli Roth will make Thanksgiving a feature film

4. The Hollywood Crisis missed by #MeToo.

5. Hollywood Walk of Fame honors Ray Liotta

Plus... ⏬

Jon Favreau has written Mandalorian Season 4

 🦅 Legal Eagles

Check out this issues legal… issues.

⚖️ Filmmaker Roman Polanski’s statutory rape case could be nearing an end. Polanski’s attorneys have drafted a motion to reschedule his sentencing in absentia. Furthermore, official interest in the case is dwindling, and the child victim, now a grandmother, has also called for an end to the “procedural nightmare.”

⚖️ Alec Baldwin faced involuntary manslaughter charges for the firearm discharge on the Rust set. However, lawyers argued that because the district attorney incorrectly charged Mr. Baldwin under a version of a New Mexico firearm law, the actor may now face only a maximum of 18 months in prison.

⚖️ An alleged ‘Bomber’ threatened to blow up the iconic Hollywood Sign with pipe bombs unless they were paid $10,000. However, they called the wrong police department - Hollywood, FL, instead of LA. LAPD investigated and found no credible threat.

📽️ Industry News

Prices for Paramount+ Increase

Paramount+ subscribers will need to pay a bit more for the service starting in the third quarter of this year when its Showtime streaming platform merges with Paramount+. The ad-free version of the combined service will cost $11.99 per month, up from the current price of $9.99, while the “essential” plan with ads will go from $4.99 a month to $5.99.

Actors' Equity Association is Rebranding

Actors’ Equity Association, a union representing actors, stage managers, and other live performers, is considering a name change to create an inclusive identity. However, it still faces criticism after liberating requirements for joining the union.

Writer’s Guild of America Heads into Contract Negotiations

The WGA is preparing for contract negotiations to improve writer pay and working conditions. There is talk of increasing TV writers’ weekly pay, paying comedy and variety writers more, and protecting all TV writers’ time spans. Contract captains have already begun contacting members in preparation for negotiations.

Tom Sizemore suffers a brain aneurysm

Tom Sizemore, known for his roles in Saving Private Ryan and Black Hawk Down, has been hospitalized in Los Angeles after suffering a brain aneurysm. His acting career spans decades, and he has been nominated for multiple awards, including Golden Globe. The 61-year-old Detroit native remains in critical condition and is under observation.g

📽️ Documentaries

▶️ A new documentary about former Wimbledon champion Boris Becker is being shown at the Berlinale Film Festival. The film follows the tennis legend’s career over several decades, from triumphant victories to current difficulties.

▶️ The CW's 100 Days To Indy docuseries will debut on Thursday, April 27. Co-produced by VICE Media and Penske Entertainment, the series captures the stories of competing drivers as they race to be the best of the best.

▶️  Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence examines the profound effects of a convicted felon’s manipulation of college students. A look at how cults control their members and how they eventually break free.

Blasts from the past:

Return Of The Ewok

Warwick Davis, who played Willow Ufgood in the original Willow, reprises his role in a new Disney+ series. Davis is now attempting to obtain legal clearance for a long-forgotten passion project, Return Of The Ewok, which has never been officially released. Check it out:

Cesar Romeo as Joker (Clip) (1966)

Cesar Romeo, the legendary Joker, discusses his iconic green hair in this 1966 clip. It’s a short, intimate look into one of comic book history’s most beloved characters.

Sylvester Stallone Reveals Plan for Unmade Seventh Rocky Movie

Lunchtime Reading 📖

1. Why Liam Neeson Rejected James Bond

2. Top VOD Movie Charts

3. 5 Public Domain Books That Would Make Good Horror Films 

Anticipated Movies 🔥

• Jesus Revolution

• John Wick: Chapter 4

• The Little Mermaid

• The Super Mario Bros. Movie

• Creed III

• 65

• The Flash

Worldwide Box Office Feb 2023 📈

Weekend Ending February 19, 2023

♻️ Reboots and Sequels

• Images from the Walking Dead Rick & Michonne spin-off set confirm the start of production.

• Keanu Reeves is back in action as the legendary hitman in John Wick, and Lionsgate has just dropped a heart-pumping featurette that previews the film's jaw-dropping stunts. After months of intense training, Reeves is set to take audiences on a thrill ride like never before.

• Fans of Patricia Highsmith's novels rejoice. According to Deadline, the Showtime limited series Ripley is nearing completion of its move to Netflix. Steven Zaillian will write and direct, and the cast will include Andrew Scott, Dakota Fanning, and Johnny Flynn.

Tweet of the Week(s):

📺 Did you see this…?

You're so cool... You're so cool... You're so cool... 🥰

Game on! 👇

And don't miss:

📖 Quick reads

• Oscars: 10 Most Awkward Moments

• 12 Binge-Worthy Indian Web Series

• The 10 most-watched movies on Netflix at this moment

Oh, just one more thing…

📅 Back soon…

That’s all for numero deux.

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End of line.

– Lee