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Author

Lee Elliott
September 17, 2023

Granted, that’s the kind of title you would’ve read during Michael Cera’s rise to fame in 2007. However, with a career spanning two decades, Cera's understated brilliance still seems fresh to me.

Cera debuted in the science fiction film Frequency (2000), before taking the role of George Michael Bluth in the acclaimed television series Arrested Development. His impeccable timing and ability to deliver dry, deadpan quips is undeniably charming.

What truly sets Michael Cera apart is his nuanced performances. Whether it's awkward conversational pauses, timid glances, or weird body language, the 35-year-old Canadian has mastered the art of subtlety. He can make you laugh without speaking and break your heart with a simple look.

Not sold? Watch The Adults (2023).

We’ve also got the new Scott Pilgrim to look forward to!

Anyway, on with the news »»>

 🔥 Biz News

  • Steven Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw, donated $1.5 million to support writers, actors, and others affected by ongoing strikes in the entertainment industry. The funds have been divided between the Entertainment Community Fund and the SAG-AFTRA Foundation's Emergency Financial Assistance Program, providing industry workers with essential financial aid and mental health support during these challenging times.

  • At the Toronto Film Festival, Spike Lee criticized the press's reaction to his 1989 film Do the Right Thing, saying they wrongly predicted it would incite riots. Lee recalled David Denby and Joe Klein's New York Magazine articles expressing their concerns about racial tensions. On the other hand, Roger Ebert defended the film as an unfair target for such accusations. No riots occurred upon the film's release.

  • Florence Pugh received the British Icon Award at the Elle Style Awards in London. She thanked her supporters and stressed the importance of staying grounded

🦅 Legal Eagles

Drew Barrymore dropped as awards host and faces backlash for filming talk show despite strikes

Drew Barrymore said she "owned" the decision. However, she’s facing criticism - the show's recording was picketed earlier this week, and the National Book Awards have now dropped her.

📽️ Documentaries

▶ Ellen DeGeneres' Saving The Gorillas documentary premieres on September 23 on Discovery Channel. The film follows her journey to establish the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda, overcoming challenges like volcanoes and a pandemic.

💥 Blast from the past

Brando's Superman Inspired Jack Nicholson's Joker

After Superman II, superhero movies lost prestige. In 1989, Tim Burton's Batman was a risky endeavor with no guarantee of success. Jack Nicholson's involvement added prestige and attracted other major stars to the Batman franchise. Read more …*

George Lucas scolded Neeson for making lightsaber noises

Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor annoyed Star Wars director George Lucas by making lightsaber noises during a fight scene in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. Neeson shared the story on the Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend podcast, highlighting their excitement. He also discussed acting with CGI characters and his thoughts on the franchise's proliferation of spin-offs, feeling it has been diluted.

 📖 Lunchtime Reading

  • The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is back, and cinephiles worldwide are buzzing. It's not just about potential Oscar contenders; TIFF is also where horror aficionados find hidden gems to spook up their Halloween season. Several horror titles are making waves this year, from Finn Wolfhard's directorial debut to a mind-bending horror-comedy starring Nicolas Cage. Uncover the most thrilling horrors TIFF 2023 has

    to offer. Read More…

  • Cillian Murphy is an enigma with his distinct appearance and compelling performances. From his theater beginnings to notable roles in 28 Days Later and Inception, Murphy's talent shines, even in underrated gems like these…

 🔥 Anticipated Movies

▶ Dark Harvest 

📈 Worldwide Box Office Sept 2023

(Estimates) Weekend Ending September 10, 2023

♻️ Reboots and Sequels

‘Barbie’ Is a $1 Billion Movie, But Has No Sequel in Sight

Filmmaker Greta Gerwig and stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling are not obligated to return for a Barbie 2, with dual strikes complicating matters for Warner Bros.

BEVERLY HILLS COP 4??

🏆 Tweet of the Week:

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

🔫 Collector’s Corner

👇 You’ve Got It Made

How They Filmed The Last of Us

📖 Quick reads

In the 1990s, Tim Burton almost directed both Batman and Superman films. He reflects on the unrealized Superman project's lasting impact and voices concerns about studios' cultural appropriation of characters, as seen in The Flash. Burton's discontent raises questions about artistic ownership and control in the entertainment industry.

Kate Winslet collaborates with cinematographer Ellen Kuras in the film Lee, portraying a former fashion model turned WWII photographer. Winslet took on an active role as a producer in the film, contributing to its business and creative aspects. She helped secure financing for the film and personally paid the crew's salaries for two weeks during shooting. While the film received mixed reviews, Winslet's performance received praise.

Kate Winslet in Lee (2023)

Oh, just one more thing…

📅 Back soon…

Thanks for reading!

End of line.

– L