At The Movies
Godzilla Minus One
Post war Japan is at its lowest point when a new crisis emerges in the form of a giant monster, baptized in the horrific power of the atomic bomb. Feeling as if he unfairly cheated death too many times, Shikishima, a surviving Kamikaze pilot is attacked on Odo Island along with many war plane engineers by a gargantuan monster. After the engineers die due to Shikishima failing to distract the monster, an overwhelming amount of guilt weighs on him, especially after a homeless woman and a baby move into his home when he returns. Shikishima, now on a personal mission, teams up with a large group of veterans to finally take down the monster known as Godzilla.
 

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Leo (Netflix)
The last year of elementary school as seen through the eyes of a class pet. A jaded 74 year old lizard named Leo (Adam Sandler) has been stuck in the same Florida classroom for decades with his turtle terrarium-mate. When he learns that he only has one year left to live, he plans to escape to experience life on the outside, but instead gets caught up in his anxious students' problems such as an impossibly mean substitute teacher. Adam Sandler's commitment to this film kept him from voicing Dracula in Hotel Transylvania 4: Transformania

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Lawmen: Bass Reeves (Prime Video)
About the legendary lawman Bass Reeves, one of the greatest frontier heroes and one of the first Black deputy U.S. marshals west of the Mississippi River. Bass Reeves offers a unique perspective on American history, focusing on the life of one of the first Black deputy U.S. marshals west of the Mississippi River, making it a compelling watch for those interested in historical dramas. The movie is set in the Western frontier, providing a rich and immersive setting that enhances the storytelling and adds depth to the characters. Lawmen: Bass Reeves featuring David Oyelowo and Lauren E. Banks is streaming with subscription on Prime Video.
 

The Buzz...

Law and Order SVU alum Kelli Giddish is set to make her return for Season 25 after leaving the series midway through last year. Mariska Hargitay, who’s played Captain Olivia Benson since the show’s debut in 1999, confirmed the news in an Instagram post in which the two were seen dressed similarly to their characters and dancing to Paul Russell’s song Lil Boo Thang.

Macaulay Culkin has received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The 43 year old actor shot to fame as a child in 1990s classics like Home Alone and My Girl and has become the 2,765th person to receive a spot on the L.A. tourist spot.

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The Crown star Meg Bellamy was “nervous” to film the scene where Kate Middleton met Prince William. The actress stars as Catherine, Princess of Wales in the hit Netflix series and admitted that it was daunting filming the scene during which a young Kate catches the eye of her future husband Prince William, now 40, as a student whilst appearing in a fashion show because it held a lot of “historical significance.”

Even though he has turned his attention with dramas, directing and starring in A Star Is Born and Netflix’s upcoming Maestro, Bradley Cooper says he’d jump at the chance to star in another Hangover comedy. “I would do probably Hangover 4 in an instant, yeah,” he said. “Just because I love (director) Todd (Phillips), I love Zach (Galifianakis), I love Ed (Helms) so much. I probably would, yeah.”

Season 2 of The Last of Us will commence on Feb. 12. Showrunner Craig Mazin disclosed the production start date during A Night in the Writers’ Room, a panel featuring writers from popular drama series moderated by Variety‘s senior TV features editor Emily Longeretta.

Halo season 2 release date apparently leaked: February 8, 2024. Fans can expect the return of iconic hero, the Master Chief. While season 1 had mixed reception, season 2 was confirmed, keeping the plot under wraps.

Apple TV+‘s Swagger, from series creator, showrunner, and Shots Fired director Reggie Rock Bythewood, has been canceled after two seasons.

ABC is taking up temporary residence at the Arconia. The network will air the first season of Hulu’s critically adored comedy Only Murders in the Building in January. The season will run in two-hour blocks on Tuesday nights over three weeks starting Jan. 2, with a one-hour slot for the season finale on Jan. 23.

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Tim Burton announced on Instagram that Beetlejuice 2 has concluded filming. Production on the long-awaited sequel shut down over the summer with around two days left of filming due to the SAG-AFTRA strike.

Actor and comedian Aidy Bryant will host the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards. Second City alum Bryant has credits that include Saturday Night Live and the Hulu series Shrill, which she co-created and showrun. The scripted comedy, which she filmed during her hiatus from SNL, earned Bryant an Emmy nomination for lead actress in a comedy series.