Moviefone speaks exclusively with director Josh Greenbaum about his work on ‘Strays,’ making a hard R-rated comedy, his first reaction to the screenplay, the challenges of directing an all dog cast, working with Will Ferrell and Jamie Foxx, and their characters onscreen chemistry.

Moviefone speaks exclusively with director Josh Greenbaum about his work on ‘Strays,’ making a hard R-rated comedy, his first reaction to the screenplay, the challenges of directing an all dog cast, working with Will Ferrell and Jamie Foxx, and their characters onscreen chemistry.

Moviefone speaks exclusively with director Josh Greenbaum about his work on ‘Strays,’ making a hard R-rated comedy, his first reaction to the screenplay, the challenges of directing an all dog cast, working with Will Ferrell and Jamie Foxx, and their characters onscreen chemistry.

A group of friends head for a cabin in the woods only to face off with a killer in this fresh horror spoof, from the writer of Girls Trip.

The post The Blackening review – a novel take on the horror parody appeared first on Little White Lies.

A group of friends head for a cabin in the woods only to face off with a killer in this fresh horror spoof, from the writer of Girls Trip.

The post The Blackening review – a novel take on the horror parody appeared first on Little White Lies.

Partially inspired by the turbulent home life of one of its stars, this hard-hitting coming-of-age drama still packs a punch – even for director and co-writer Catherine Hardwicke.

The post “The emotional part overwhelmed me” – Catherine Hardwicke on Thirteen at 20 appeared first on Little White Lies.

Partially inspired by the turbulent home life of one of its stars, this hard-hitting coming-of-age drama still packs a punch – even for director and co-writer Catherine Hardwicke.

The post “The emotional part overwhelmed me” – Catherine Hardwicke on Thirteen at 20 appeared first on Little White Lies.

John David Washington may be the son of acclaimed actor, Denzel Washington, but the Amsterdam actor is a movie star in his own right. He led the Christopher Nolan-directed film Tenet and received praise for his roles in BlacKkKlansman and Malcolm and Marie. Like his father, he always seeks out great directors and interesting projects. And just like many of us, he's also a massive fan of his dad’s movies, and recently revealed which performance is his favorite. 

Great actors take inspiration from other actors, and this is the same for the Beckett star, who revealed his favorite movie performances of all time. Washington named Robert De Niro's work in Raging Bull and Heath Ledger's turn as the Joker in The Dark Knight and more. He also didn’t hesitate to shout out one of his father’s most iconic roles, that of Malcolm X in Spike Lee’s 1992 biopic. On why he holds that role in such high regard, he told the Academy's A.frame magazine:

It’s a great choice and certainly of the most memorable performances ever given by Denzel Washington. He truly captured the essence of the fierce civil rights leader and effortlessly portrayed the noted figure  on screen. The Training Day star was ultimately nominated for an Oscar for his work, though he infamously lost to Scent of a Women's Al Pacino. Many believe Malcolm X deserved an Oscar, as Washington's performance (and the film as a whole) is still highly regarded to this day.

While John David Washington went with Malcom X as a highlight from his father’s filmography, the actor could’ve truly gone with any of a number of iconic performances from Denzel. His Oscar-winning role in Training Day remains legendary, and the flick is still one of the most re-watchable movies ever. His performances in Glory and Fences also deserve to be in the conversation, as they've cemented him as one of the best actors of all time. It’s honestly hard to choose just one but, I'd say he landed on a nice choice with the epic biopic

It's fitting that the younger Washington would single out the Spike Lee-helmed drama. Lee is one of the most significant collaborators Denzel has ever had as, together, they've made four films. That partnership seeped into the next generation, as John David starred in the Lee-directed film, BlacKkKlansman. His performance is incredible, and it's hard not to see the parallels between him and his father as thespians. While Denzel's legacy may stay with him throughout his career, John David is certainly carving out a lane for himself. And if he keeps developing at this pace, he could churn out some performances that surpass those of his dad.

You can catch the star in his latest film, The Creator, which is set to hit theaters on September 29th as part of the schedule of 2023 new movie releases. You can also check out his father's influential performance in Malcolm X, which is available for anyone with a Prime Video subscription to rent.

I'm a huge anime fan. From the best anime of 2022 to some of the newer releases in 2023 to the fantastic Studio Ghibli movies, I've only continued to enjoy the art form more as time has passed. As I've gotten older, I've remembered that my introduction to anime was Pokémon, as was the case for many people my age. 

I'm sure none of us realized it, considering Pokémon was broadcast on Cartoon Network in America, and devout anime fans will remind whoever they are speaking to that anime is not a cartoon, which I agree with. Even so, I genuinely loved this series and every region Ash decided to explore. 

For some reason, on one lonely Saturday afternoon, I decided to revisit my childhood – and that meant watching the very first Pokémon movie – otherwise known as Pokémon: The First Movie. What a fitting title.

I still remember when I was younger and had the movie on VHS tape, but obviously, now, it's available to rent on Amazon Prime. So I dived in and enjoyed the Pokémon ride of nostalgia. And wow…what a journey it was traveling back in time to when I was a child. 

It Was So Sweet To See Ash, Misty, And Brock Again – Especially Since Ash Isn't Even The Main Character Anymore 

I'm sure all of us remember Ash's companions across the Pokémon series, but none of them were as memorable as Misty and Brock. Of course, those are the two characters we see the most in Pokémon: The First Movie, besides Ash himself. 

This series has genuinely seen its ups and downs with its characters, but there's no denying that every single one offered some valuable entertainment and fun moments. I've come to care for other characters just as much as the original, but there's always something about Brock and Misty that makes me smile and transport me instantly back to when I was a kid. 

It's also the fact that it's Ash. The character is arguably one of the mascots of Pokémon. While they decided to stop his story after twenty-five years in early 2023 and continue the anime with new characters, this was when he was still just getting to know the world, when he was beginning on his journey, before he became a champion. It's nice to see him like that. 

I may have a place in my heart for new people, but no one will ever replace Ash and his first two companions. 

Remember When There Were Only 151 Pokémon? Those Were The Days

I still play Pokémon on my Nintendo Switch because the games bring me joy, even if they have yet to advance much in terms of style and gameplay. 

Watching The First Movie made me reminisce about the days when there weren't 1000+ Pokémon, because there were just 151. 

I wasn't even aware of Pokémon when there were only 151, but those were the ones I became very familiar with because my brother had all the trading cards. It's almost funny now to think of how many strange and weird designs there are, how many pocket monsters have appeared – and how many more are most likely set to come. 

And yet we still haven't gotten another Eevee evolution since Generation 6? Pokémon, get your ish together. 

Mewtwo Is Still Just As Terrifying Even Now 

Mewtwo was always a Pokémon I genuinely felt scared of as a kid, but now, as an adult, I realize it's from the voice-acting. Sure, it's terrifying, swollen up, super large and could easily crush you, but the voice makes him that much more intimidating.

While we don't see Mewtwo physically move his lips, we hear him speak through his mind, showing his power. His battle with Mew always draws in the eyes of anyone watching. Respectfully, I would stay out of his way. 

Also, Can We Talk About How Traumatizing Ash Turning To Literal Stone is? 

I swear to God; this traumatized me as a child. 

Ash turning to stone was something that I'm pretty sure defined my generation, because that was Ash dying. I’m not sugarcoating it. He was petrified. There was no coming back from it. It was the terrified look on his face that sits etched into my mind – followed by Pikachu crying and trying to shock him back to life, a callback to how he shocked Ash in the first episode of Pokémon. 

That's freaking heartbreaking. While Ash does get out of it in the end, thanks to the tears of the Pokémon around him, it’s a horrifying thought – getting petrified by Mewtwo, all because he wanted to intervene between the battle of the legendaries. 

Watching The Pokémon Clones Fight Each Other Genuinely Breaks My Heart 

I can't tell you how many times I have seen the gif of the two Pikachu's slapping each other from this movie, but jokes aside, this scene is quite sad. I feel about as depressed watching it now as I did when I was younger. 

The cloned Pokémon and the real Pokémon fight each other, all because Mewtwo demands it, but as the battle rages on, they grow more tired, to the point where they can barely stand. They don't want to be doing this, but they feel like they have to, and it slowly cascades into something even more heartbreaking. 

They're all Pokémon, and aren’t meant to fight each other like this, and the tears in their eyes make it even worse. 

Seriously, How Many Legendary Pokémon Has Ash Seen Now?

This is extremely random, but how many legendary Pokémon has Ash seen at this point? I swear, watching Ash witness Mew, Mewtwo, and now the one outside of his home Pallet Town – it's almost like the legendary Pokémon are looking for him, and it's driving me up the wall. 

I mean, even Mew was considered a legendary Pokemon back when this film first came out. Why can't the legendary Pokémon come to me in my games this easily, huh?

This Movie Brings A Certain Comfort To Me I Can't Even Describe 

I can't describe how much this movie means to me. 

Pokémon was one of those shows I would turn to on a chilly fall day and settle under a blanket while drinking hot apple cider. The theme songs would bring me joy, the games were entertaining, and my brother and I would trade cards for hours. When I began to watch the movies, I felt that similar feeling. 

Watching Pokémon: The First Movie was like being transported back to my childhood. I was cuddled up on my couch with that same smile, this time with an Eevee blanket around my body instead of my baby blanket as a kid. It was this calmness that I rarely experience, and that's because I didn't understand just how much I did love this movie. 

It's a perfect film from my childhood, and while there are plenty of other films in the Pokémon franchise, this one will always stand out. 

This was a fun rewatch, but now I want to go out and play Pokémon GO again to somehow catch more Pokémon. I did not expect this plot twist – I guess I have to go on a walk now. Or wait for a possible Pokémon: Detective Pikachu 2 to bide my time. I feel the need to catch them all now. 

It’s been over a decade since Mark Sloan was killed off Grey’s Anatomy. Eric Dane’s character, commonly known as “McSteamy” to longtime fans, succumbed to the injuries he suffered in the Season 8 finale plane crash, even after he was rescued, providing hope at the time that he’d pull through. While the Grey’s loyal will always remember McSteamy’s contribution to the beloved drama, Dane has rightfully moved on with his career, so when one Euphoria fan referred to the actor as “Nate Jacobs’ dad,” the Cal Jacobs portrayer found himself smack-dab in the middle of a generation war.

After his shocking Grey’s Anatomy death in 2012, Eric Dane starred in other series like The Last Ship and movies including Redeeming Love, but it wasn’t until he joined the cast of HBO’s Euphoria seven years later that he was able to connect with a passionate fanbase like he’d seen on the medical drama. Grey’s fans’ dedication to McSteamy showed through after an apparent Euphoria watcher posted this: 

The reference to Eric Dane as “Nate Jacobs’ dad” hit Grey’s Anatomy fans like a punch in the gut. Was it possible there was a whole demographic of TV watchers who weren’t privy to the man who was possibly the greatest plastic surgeon to ever grace the Seattle hospital’s operating room? Team McSteamy hit the comments with a fury, writing: 

• Eric Dane being known now as Nate Jacob’s dad and not McSteamy makes me feel like a grandma – popstarjnk
• I think u mean Dr. Mark Sloan but ok – povyourcool
• ‘Nate Jacobs’ dad’ exCUSE ME that is double board certified surgeon doctor Mark Sloan – belsgallagher
• WHY CAL JACOBS WHEN THERE’S MARK SLOOOOAN – NaatJ1

The hysteria continued in the retweets with one fan declaring: 

I completely understand that it’s hard for Grey’s Anatomy fans to stomach that Eric Dane’s 139 episodes exist in a world unbeknownst to a younger generation of Euphoria fans (13 episodes of which have featured Dane’s Cal Jacobs). The Seattle hospital — Grey Sloan Memorial — is named for the guy, after all! Euphoria did, however, give us a big Cal monologue with his “penis hanging out,” which is something Grey’s definitely never did. 

Eric Dane may have officially left the ABC drama 11 years ago, but he’s been back for a couple of posthumous appearances. Mark Sloan was among the spirits who visited Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) in Season 15’s “Flowers Grow Out of My Grave,” and the plastic surgeon made a surprising return alongside Chyler Leigh’s Lexie in Season 17’s “Breathe,” on Meredith’s COVID-coma beach.

It’s clear that McSteamy lives on in the hearts of his fans, and any Euphoria viewers who want to get to know Eric Dane before he was simply someone’s dad can rewatch any or all of Grey’s Anatomy's 19 seasons so far with a Netflix subscription (Mark Sloan makes his debut in the Season 2 episode “Yesterday”). As for what we know about Euphoria Season 3 and Grey’s Anatomy Season 20, we may be waiting longer than we’d like, given the ongoing writer’s and actor’s strikes, so keep an eye on the 2023 TV schedule for what shows are premiering in the meantime.