FOLLOWING FILMS

San Diego Comic-Con once again transformed into Middle-earth as Prime Video unveiled a thrilling glimpse into the highly anticipated second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power . The massive Hall H was packed to the brim with eager fans, who were treated to an exclusive trailer, insightful panel discussions, and a closer look at the menacing forces gathering in the Second Age. The new trailer promises a darker, more ominous tone for the series. Sauron, the enigmatic villain, has returned with a vengeance, casting a long shadow over Middle-earth. The creation of the titular Rings of Power, forged under Sauron’s deceptive influence, sets the stage for a monumental clash between good and evil. Fans were also given a chilling introduction to a young Shelob, Barrow-wights, and the formidable Hill-troll Damrod, hinting at the escalating dangers facing our beloved characters. Showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, along with a star-studded cast, took the stage to share their...

  Thank you for listening to The Following Films Podcast. Today, I’m joined by Carlson Young to discuss her latest film UPGRADED. In the film, Ana Santos (Camila Mendes) is a smart and ambitious art enthusiast with dreams of running her own gallery. She is currently paying dues as an unpaid trainee at a premiere NYC auction house, run by the influential and demanding Claire Dupont (Marisa Tomei). When Ana is sent on her first work trip and gets unexpectedly upgraded to first class, she meets the handsome and well-connected Will (Archie Renaux), who mistakes Ana for her boss– a white lie that sets off a series of fortuitous events and VIP introductions that suddenly have Ana winning at work and caught up in a whirlwind romance she never expected. However, this little white lie begins to unravel, threatening to ruin Ana’s career and newfound romance. UPGRADED is streaming on Amazon Prime where it is currently the number one film. I had a great time chatting with Carlson about her fil...

Directed by Reginald Hudlin Written by Kelly Younger Starring Eddie Murphy, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jillian Bell, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Ken Marino, Nick Offerman, Robin Thede, Chris Redd, Genneya Walton, Madison Thomas, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Lombardo Boyar, D.C. Young Fly, Danielle Pinnock, Timothy Simons, Riki Lindhome, Stephen Tobolowsky Eddie Murphy stars in this holiday comedy adventure about a man on a mission to win his neighborhood’s annual Christmas home decoration contest. After Chris (Eddie Murphy) inadvertently makes a deal with a mischievous elf named Pepper (Jillian Bell) to better his chances of winning, she casts a magic spell that brings the 12 Days of Christmas to life, and wreaks havoc on the whole town. At the risk of ruining the holidays for his family, Chris, his wife Carol (Tracee Ellis Ross), and their three children must race against the clock to break Pepper’s spell, battle deviously magical characters, and save Christmas for everyone. Candy Cane Lane Premieres Gl...

THE BURIAL is a charming film that captures the essence of perseverance, legacy, and the power of justice, all set against the backdrop of a gripping legal battle. Director Maggie Betts, along with a stellar ensemble cast, delivers a compelling narrative that scratches an itch I've had for years. Tommy Lee Jones delivers a remarkable performance as Jeremiah O'Keefe, a man deeply rooted in his community and facing dire financial troubles that threaten his family's century-old funeral home business. Jones embodies the character of Jeremiah, a World War II veteran and former mayor, with authenticity and grace. His portrayal of a man determined to protect his legacy is both moving and inspiring. Jamie Foxx, as the charismatic and brilliant attorney Willie E. Gary, brings a magnetic energy to the screen. Foxx's portrayal of a real showman lawyer, initially reluctant to take on a contract law dispute, is nothing short of mesmerizing. His chemistry with Amanda Warren, who play...

  Directed by Michael Grandage Written by Ron Nyswaner Starring Harry Styles, Emma Corrin, Gina McKee, Linus Roache, David Dawson, and Rupert Everett A beautifully crafted story of forbidden love and changing social conventions, My Policeman follows three young people—policeman Tom (Harry Styles), teacher Marion (Emma Corrin), and museum curator Patrick (David Dawson)—as they embark on an emotional journey in 1950s Britain. Flashing forward to the 1990s, Tom (Linus Roache), Marion (Gina McKee), and Patrick (Rupert Everett) are still reeling with longing and regret, but now they have one last chance to repair the damage of the past. Based on the book by Bethan Roberts, director Michael Grandage carves a visually transporting, heart-stopping portrait of three people caught up in the shifting tides of history, liberty, and forgiveness.

Directed by : Julius Avery Screenplay by : Bragi F. Schut Producers : Sylvester Stallone, Braden Aftergood Executive Producers : Bragi F. Schut, David Kern, Adam Rosenberg, Guy Riedel Cast : Sylvester Stallone, Javon “Wanna” Walton, Pilou Asbæk, Dascha Polanco, Moises Arias    Thirteen-year-old Sam Cleary (Javon “Wanna” Walton) suspects that his mysterious and reclusive neighbor Mr. Smith (Sylvester Stallone) is actually a legend hiding in plain sight. Twenty-five years ago, Granite City’s super-powered vigilante, Samaritan, was reported dead after a fiery warehouse battle with his rival, Nemesis. Most believe Samaritan perished in the fire, but some in the city, like Sam, have hope that he is still alive. With crime on the rise and the city on the brink of chaos, Sam makes it his mission to coax his neighbor out of hiding to save the city from ruin.