Tag: Alicia Silverstone

Bugonia

4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY REVIEW:

Universal;
Thriller;
Box Office $17.69 million;
$26.99 DVD, $35.99 Blu-ray, $44.99 UHD BD, $58.99 UHD Steelbook;
Rated ‘R’ for bloody violent content including a suicide, grisly images and language.
Stars Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis, Alicia Silverstone, Stavros Halkias.

The latest twisted examination of the human condition from director Yorgos Lanthimos delivers a tense battle of wills at the nexus of conspiracy culture and corporate power.

Jesse Plemons stars as Teddy, a beekeeper who believes a local pharmaceutical company is killing off the bees. He convinces his autistic cousin (Aidan Delbis) to help him kidnap the company’s CEO, Michelle Fuller (Emma Stone), claiming she is actually an alien from Andromeda posing as a human as part of a plan to destroy humanity.

They shave her head as part of Teddy’s theory that it will prevent her from communicating with her mothership, and torture her in their basement in hopes of her revealing the truth and arranging for him to negotiate with the aliens during an upcoming lunar eclipse. She, of course, denies his claims, but is savvy enough to toy with him as she bides her time waiting for an opportunity to escape.

It turns out Teddy’s mother (Alicia Silverstone) is in a coma following a drug trial conducted by the company, and Michelle accuses Teddy of concocting a delusional conspiracy as part of an elaborate revenge scheme.

Stone and Plemmons are terrific in their verbal tête-à-tête, escalating the stakes as his frustration with her grows. However, when things turn dark and ugly and Teddy seems to be at his most unhinged, the film flips the narrative, leaving the audience in a state of bewilderment, unsure of what to believe until the end. A second viewing is almost essential, painting the film in a new light without dulling its effectiveness.

The screenplay by Will Tracy is based on a 2003 South Korean filmed called Save the Green Planet! For his English-language remake, Lanthimos changed the title to reference bugonia, a mythological belief that bees generated from the carcasses of dead cows, which serves a metaphorical concept explored in the film of life being sustained by decay.

Bugonia was shot on eight-perf 35 mm film with VistaVision cameras, giving it a gritty texture that enhances the audience’s anxiety over the situation. But Lanthimos subverts the drama of the psychological battle with some of his trademark visual flair, such as playing into the fringe conspiracy motif by depicting the Earth as flat. Stone’s transformation is particularly effective, her shaved head and grim lighting giving her an otherworldly sheen that only helps fuel Teddy’s speculations.

The disc and digital editions of the film include the 23-minute featurette “The Birth of the Bees: The Making of Bugonia,” a typical reflection on the production from the filmmakers and cast.

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A Merry Little Ex-Mas

STREAMING REVIEW:

Netflix;
Comedy;
Not rated;
Stars Alicia Silverstone, Oliver Hudson, Jameela Jamil, Melissa Joan Hart, Pierson Fode.

A good Christmas movie, whether it be the pure, childlike joy of Elf or the frantic, heartfelt family chaos of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, should feel like a warm, spontaneous embrace. A Merry Little Ex-Mas, however, is not a charmingly bad holiday film but “a field guide for content created by committee,” where every element, from the script to the set design, fumbles like a cynical function rather than genuine entertainment.

It is worth noting that, amid the film’s structural shortcomings, the producing team did manage one clever beat: the title itself. While still cliché, A Merry Little Ex-Mas is a neat, instantly recognizable twist on the standard holiday phrase, perfectly packaging the film’s core theme of post-divorce conflict with a touch of seasonal wit.

However, the film quickly succumbs to a level of calculated contrivance that is arguably worse than its annual peers. While a standard saccharine Hallmark Christmas film commits to its earnest, simple fantasy, A Merry Little Ex-Mas attempts to be a savvy critique of the rom-com genre, only to fall flat on both counts. It introduces a modern dynamic — the pain of a midlife divorce — but then immediately degrades its own premise, leaning on painfully dated jokes, such as the repeated, unfunny reference to the separation as a “conscious uncoupling.” The film is so laden with predictable elements that, were there more clichés, this could easily be a textbook on cinematic clichés.

The entire production lacks authenticity, justifying the feeling that the production design itself is contrived. Much of the running time is spent around meticulously set dinner tables or in scenes of picturesque activities in the snow. These moments exist purely to maximize the film’s holiday aesthetic. Even the attempts at low-stakes humor fall flat, such as a bizarre sequence involving a drone being run over, which fails utterly as a relatable laugh for anyone. The charming, absurdly named small town of “Winterlight” feels less like a real place and more like an elaborate, synthetic movie set, reinforcing the impression that we are watching a film built solely to fill a slot on a holiday streaming slate.

Alicia Silverstone’s performance as Kate deserves a better vehicle. Kate’s story, sacrificing a career as an architect in Boston to become a “trad wife” in a small town for her workaholic doctor-husband, is the core of the film’s sentiment. This potentially interesting conflict, however, is undermined by reducing her character to a checklist of modern trends: She is into everything cliché about living healthily and being environmentally PC. The script and casting commit a cynical disservice by structuring the romance around her performing a “cutesy” repertoire of mannerisms. This dynamic, exacerbated by a jarringly younger love interest, feels utterly unearned and highlights the industry’s ongoing struggle to write authentic romantic tension for middle-aged women. Watching a star of Silverstone’s nostalgic status lend her talent to such aggressively disposable content borders on embarrassment, suggesting her handlers should have known better.

The ensemble cast only compounds the problem. The children exist to necessitate the family reunion, and the daughter’s complexity is reduced to her attending Oxford and having a “Harry Potter”-obsessed British boyfriend. Even more egregious are the ex-husband’s parents, the gay fathers, who are so contrived that they are challenging to watch, with one being Black solely to tick a diversity box. The appearance of Melissa Joan Hart as Kate’s best friend, April, adds further weight to this cynicism; given her role as a producer, her limited, undeveloped screen time feels like a blatant casting checkbox for a recognizable name rather than a necessary narrative addition. The core dramatic conflict with the ex-husband, Everett, and his younger, successful, model-like, multicultural girlfriend is agonizingly predictable, resolved with the emotional depth of a flowchart.

The entire endeavor attempts to satisfy everyone — the ’90s nostalgia crowd, the comfort viewers, and those seeking a slightly subversive relationship story — by ticking every item on a market research checklist. It is “a calculated piece of content” that never risks genuine emotion or a real laugh. Though Netflix does not release its numbers, my professional estimate is that the final working budget falls between $5 million and $7 million USD before Canadian tax credits. One can only wish that Netflix had discounted monthly subscriptions by lottery, or sent random subscribers some holiday funny money, rather than greenlighting this utterly humorless, instantly forgettable Christmas movie.

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Alicia Silverstone Thriller ‘Pretty Thing’ Hitting Theaters and VOD July 4 From Shout! Studios

Shout! Studios will release the sexually charged thriller Pretty Thing in select theaters and via VOD July 4.

Directed by Justin Kelly, the film from Yale Productions in association with Great Escape stars Alicia Silverstone as a successful executive who takes a younger lover (Karl Glusman) and must fight back when he pushes his obsession too far.

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Masters of the Universe: Revelation + Revolution

BLU-RAY REVIEW:

Mill Creek;
Animated;
$49.98 Blu-ray Steelbook;
Not rated.
Voices of Chris Wood, Mark Hamill, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Melissa Benoist, Liam Cunningham, Lena Headey, Diedrich Bader, Alicia Silverstone, Gates McFadden, Stephen Root, Griffin Newman, Tiffany Smith, Ted Biaselli, Susan Eisenberg, Meg Foster, Kevin Michael Richardson, Kevin Conroy, Alan Oppenheimer, Tony Todd, Keith David, John De Lancie, Jeffrey Combs, William Shatner.

Bookended by a pair of battles that take full advantage of the franchise’s mythology, Masters of the Universe: Revelation + Revolution is a blast of “He-Man” awesomeness that fans have been awaiting for nearly 40 years.

Produced by Kevin Smith, “Masters of the Universe: Revelation” debuted on Netflix in 2021 as a continuation of sorts to the storylines from Filmation’s 1980s “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe” cartoon, updated with modern animation and geared toward the now-adult audience who would have been kids when the original aired.

The references to the original “He-Man” toy line and the Filmation cartoon based upon them fly fast and furious. But the creative team also weaves in elements from other “MOTU” storylines, such as the 1987 live-action film. There are a few disconnects from the 1980s canon, however, as rights issues limited any overt references to He-Man’s sister, She-Ra.

“Revelation” offers a nostalgia-driven storyline that updates many of the characters and plays with many of the implications involving the history of the power sword that transforms Eternia’s Prince Adam (Chris Wood) into He-Man.

The opening battle finds the heroes of Eternia defending Castle Grayskull from an all-out attack by the forces of Skeletor (Mark Hamill). To prevent Skeletor from seizing control of the castle’s powers, He-Man seemingly sacrifices himself, in the process revealing the secret of his dual identity.

As Eternia slips into a dystopian state in He-Man’s absence, Teela (Sarah Michelle Gellar) leaves the palace guard due to her feelings of betrayal of Adam lying to her about his secret identity for so many years. Now working as a mercenary and treasure hunter, Teela is tasked by the Sorceress to restore the magic of Eternia by recovering the power sword from the underworld, a process that could bring He-Man back to life while helping Teela embrace her unique destiny in Eternian lore.

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In its original run, “Revelation” was presented in two batches of 10 episodes each. The follow-up, “Revolution,” consisted of another five episodes that arrived on Netflix in early 2024. Each of the three blocks is presented on its own disc in the Steelbook.

“Revelation” drew some criticism from fans for pushing He-Man to the sidelines to focus more on Teela, though in retrospect it laid a lot of groundwork for “Revolution,” which puts He-Man back in the center of the action and, when binged, plays like an epic two-hour “MOTU” movie.

When tragedy befalls the royal house of Eternia, Prince Adam (Chris Wood) must decide whether the best path forward would for him to assume the mantle of king, or to remain Eternia’s champion in his alternate identity of He-Man. Teela (now voiced by Melissa Benoist), meanwhile, adjusts to a new role working alongside He-Men for the betterment of Eternia. But their plans are once again threatened by Skeletor, whose new scheme promises to pave the way for the evil Hordak (Keith David) to invade the planet.

Aside from one extremely boneheaded decision by Prince Adam, there’s a lot here for the franchise’s fans to love, starting with an outstanding guest turn by William Shatner as a key figure in the secret history of Eternia’s royal house.

It culminates in one of the most satisfying final sequences that a 1980s toy property could possibly yield.

In all, the 15 episodes make for a fun return to the world of afterschool cartoon adventure. Though the series couldn’t use the original themes from the classic show, Bear McCreary offers a fine substitute with themes that seem to draw inspiration from Basil Poledouris’ Conan the Barbarian score infused with heavy metal.

While the show looks and sounds great on Blu-ray, unfortunately there aren’t any bonus materials included on the discs. However, the Steelbook does include a nifty episode guide booklet reminiscent of the mini-comics included with the “MOTU” action figures.

 

Paramount to Celebrate 30th Anniversary of ‘Clueless’

Paramount Pictures is celebrating the 30th anniversary of Clueless with the release of collectibles and a street festival in Beverly Hills, among other events.

Inspired by Jane Austen’s Emma and first released on July 19, 1995, writer-director Amy Heckerling’s film stars Alicia Silverstone as Cher Horowitz, a rich, popular and exceedingly stylish high school student who loves helping others with her wisdom on dating, fashion and looking good. But when it comes to matters of the heart, she’s clueless. The film also boasts an ensemble cast including Paul Rudd, Brittany Murphy, Donald Faison, Stacey Dash, Jeremy Sisto, Breckin Meyer, Elisa Donovan and Wallace Shawn.

The celebration includes:

  • Academy Museum screening — The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will host a special anniversary screening on June 7 as part of its Teen Movie Madness! limited series spotlighting iconic and era-defining films programmed in collaboration with the Academy Museum Teen Council.  The screening will include a conversation with writer/director Amy Heckerling; actors Alicia Silverstone, Elisa Donovan and Breckin Meyer; costume designer Mona May; and casting director Marcia Ross. Visit this link for more information and to purchase tickets.
  • U.S. and U.K. theatrical re-release — Clueless returns to theaters nationwide on June 29 and 30 from Fathom Entertainment and Paramount Pictures.
  • Clueless, The Musical “Clueless Week” — The recent new musical make-over of the classic Paramount Pictures film — and reimagining of Jane Austen’s Emma — is now playing in London’s West End at the Trafalgar Theatre and has been recently extended through March 2026. Written by the movie’s original writer-director Amy Heckerling and featuring new music by multi-platinum singer-songwriter KT Tunstall (“Suddenly I See”, “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree”) with lyrics by Grammy Award-winner Glenn Slater (Sister Act the Musical, Tangled) and choreography by Lizzi Gee (Groundhog Day), Clueless, The Musical is directed by the acclaimed Rachel Kavanaugh (Chichester Festival Theatre, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre). From June 21-28 Clueless, The Musical will celebrate “Clueless Week” in London and host a packed program of events. On June 21, Clueless, The Musical performs at West End Live in Trafalgar Square. On June 23, KT Tunstall appears live in concert at the Royal Albert Hall.  Other events in the week include panels at the Trafalgar Theatre and the boutique Chiswick Cinema. Audiences attending performances in “Clueless Week” can win awards for Best Dressed. For more information, visit CluelessOnStage.com/clueless-week.
  • Beverly Hills community celebration — Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona R. Nazarian will officially declare “Clueless Day” on July 19 as part of an expansive celebration honoring the film’s cultural imprint on the city. “Clueless Day” will include a street festival featuring themed photo opportunities, a costume contest, food trucks, local vendors, an outdoor screening of the film hosted by Street Food Cinema, music, giveaways, and more. Visit this link for tickets and information. In addition, local Beverly Hills hotels and businesses will launch themed offerings and experiences throughout July as part of the summer-long celebration.  “While many iconic films have been set in our city, Clueless stands out, not just as a defining film of the 1990s, but as a cultural touchstone that continues to resonate with new generations,” Mayor Nazarian said in a statement. “Its legacy endures because it’s both stylish and sincere, and because it’s rooted right here in Beverly Hills.  Every year, fans from around the world visit our city to experience the places they’ve seen on screen and we look forward to welcoming everyone for this milestone celebration.”
  • Soundtrack reissue — UMe has re-released the movie’s soundtrack on both standard weight vinyl and a limited-edition standard weight pink colored vinyl. The platinum-selling soundtrack features The Muffs’ cover of Kim Wilde’s “Kids in America,” along with Radiohead’s acoustic version of “Fake Plastic Trees” as well as tracks from a who’s-who of the decade’s alternative music stars, such as Cracker (with a cover of Flaming Groovies’ “Shake Some Action”), Counting Crows (cover of Psychedelic Furs’ “The Ghost in You”), Luscious Jackson, World Party (with a cover of Mott the Hoople/David Bowie’s “All the Young Dudes”), Lightning Seeds, Smoking Popes, Beastie Boys, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones (who appeared in the film), Coolio, Supergrass, Velocity Girl and Jill Sobule. Order the 30th Anniversary edition of the Clueless soundtrack here.
  • Clueless collectibles — Consumer products inspired by the 30th anniversary of Clueless will be available in a variety of categories, from toys, apparel and accessories to beauty and publishing. Partners that will be offering new themed merchandise include Mattel, Revolution Beauty, Funko, Bioworld, DIFF Eyewear, The Jewelry Group, Insight Editions, Running Press and Hallmark, with more to be announced.

 

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Thriller ‘The Requin’ Due on Blu-ray and DVD March 29

The horror thriller The Requin arrives March 29 on Blu-ray (plus digital) and DVD from Lionsgate.

The film follows a couple’s romantic getaway that goes awry after finding themselves at sea faced with killer sharks.

Jaelyn (Alicia Silverstone) and Kyle (James Tupper) arrive at a remote seaside villa in Vietnam for a romantic getaway. A torrential storm descends, reducing the villa to little more than a raft and sweeping the young couple out to sea. Suddenly, another danger appears: a school of great white sharks. With her injured husband watching helplessly, Jaelyn must battle the deadly predators alone.

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Special features include audio commentary with writer-director Le-Van Kiet and a making-of featurette.

‘Excess Baggage,’ ‘Jury Duty’ Among Titles Joining Mill Creek’s Retro Line June 4

Four new Blu-ray releases with retro VHS style artwork recalling the video store era are coming from Mill Creek Entertainment June 4.

New to the Retro VHS line, launched last year, are Opportunity Knocks, Jury Duty, Excess Baggage and Double Team at $14.98 each.

Dana Carvey and Robert Loggia star in Opportunity Knocks, about two con men who hide out in a house while the owner is away and concoct a house-sitting ruse when the owner’s family shows up. Jury Duty features 90s video store mainstay Pauly Shore and Tia Carrere in a comedy about a jobless man who joins a murder trial jury for the free room and board. Excess Baggage stars Alicia Silverstone as a teenager who fakes her kidnapping but ends up actually kidnapped. And Double Team features action icon Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dennis Rodman and Mickey Rourke in story of an escape from a penal colony.

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“Stars like Alicia Silverstone, Pauly Shore, Dana Carvey and Jean-Claude Van Damme are the epitome of the 90s and their movies are so iconic of the era,” said Barrett Evans, VP of marketing for Mill Creek Entertainment, in a statement. “There has been such a tremendous response from our previous VHS-style releases that we wanted to continue this line-look but give it a bit of an upgrade for these films from the 90s.”

Each release features an o-sleeve resembling a VHS cover with a partial view of a tape along the side.  The artwork in the Blu-ray wrap features alternate key art.  In addition to the genre stickers and varying “remember to rewind” messages, the 90s-era sleeves also depict colored VHS tapes, indicative of the 90s.

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