Week 14. – Movie News – A Simple Favor 2: Wedding Teasers, Critique: Kingdom of the Apes CGI
A Simple Favor 2: Wedding Teasers
The latest set photos from “A Simple Favor 2” offer a glimpse into Blake Lively’s character, Emily’s upcoming wedding. Directed by Paul Feig, the film continues Stephanie Smothers’ (Anna Kendrick) investigation into Emily’s disappearance. Alongside Kendrick and Lively, the cast includes Michele Morrone as Emily’s fiancé, along with familiar faces from the first movie and newcomer Allison Janney.
The images, set in Italy, show Emily in a stunning wedding gown, with Stephanie present, hinting at their continued connection. With a murder teased in the sequel, it seems their paths will intertwine once again. These tantalizing glimpses only increase anticipation for the film, leaving audiences eager to discover more about Emily’s wedding and the twists and turns that lie ahead.
Ahead of Release: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Director Defends CGI
Just a month prior to its debut, Wes Ball, the director of “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” took to social media to address concerns about the film’s heavy use of CGI. This installment, the fourth in the live-action reboot series, is set in a distant future following Caesar’s era, centering around Noa, a young chimp resisting the tyrannical rule of the antagonist, Proximus Caesar. Starring Owen Teague as Noa, Kevin Durand as Proximus Caesar, and Freya Allen as Mae, the movie is set to hit theaters on May 10.
Initially, Ball’s post suggested a minimal reliance on CGI, favoring real locations. However, his subsequent humorous response hinted at the significant role CGI actually played in the production. Defending the decision, Ball emphasized his appreciation for the VFX artists and their contributions to the film.
While some may associate heavy CGI use with diminished quality, the reboot franchise has consistently proven otherwise. With flawless visual effects showcased in previous installments, including Andy Serkis’ emotive performance as Caesar, the franchise has established the VFX team’s prowess in bringing the ape world to life.
New Life: Apocalyptic Thriller
Brainstorm Media has released the trailer for the upcoming apocalyptic survival thriller, “New Life,” helmed by the producers of “The Mortuary Collection” and “Something in the Dirt.” Directed by John Rosman, the film is set to hit theaters and On Demand platforms on May 3.
“New Life” intertwines the stories of two different women. Jess, seeking to escape her past, is on the run attempting to cross the Canadian border, while Elsa, a resourceful agent, is tasked with bringing her in. As they embark on a quest for redemption, their paths converge amidst a terrifying disaster.
The logline describes it as “A mysterious woman on the run, and the resourceful fixer assigned to bring her in. Their two unique stories inextricably link, as the stakes of the pursuit rise to apocalyptic proportions.” The cast includes Sonya Walger, Hayley Erin, and Tony Amendola, with David Lawson Jr. serving as the film’s executive producer. Michelle Shwarzstein, CEO of Brainstorm Media, expressed excitement for the genre-bending apocalyptic thriller, stating, “New Life is an impressive debut from John Rosman that will captivate audiences in unexpected ways.” “New Life” is set to premiere on May 3 in theaters.
Moana Live-Action Delay
Disney has officially postponed the theatrical release date of its upcoming Moana live-action adaptation. Initially slated for June 27, 2025, the film’s release has been pushed back a whole year, now set to hit theaters on July 10, 2026. Dwayne Johnson, set to portray Maui, confirmed that production will commence sometime this year.
Directed by Tony winner Thomas Kail, the Moana live-action movie is produced by Dwayne Johnson, Dany and Hiram Garcia through Seven Bucks Productions, and Beau Flynn for Flynn Picture Co. Auli‘i Cravalho and Scott Sheldon serve as executive producers. Jared Bush, the screenwriter of the original Moana, will also be involved in the remake, alongside Dana Ledoux Miller.
In addition to the live-action adaptation, Disney will also release the highly-anticipated animated sequel to the 2016 Moana on November 27, coinciding with Thanksgiving. Directed and written by David G. Derrick Jr., the sequel will see Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson reprising their roles as Moana and Maui, respectively.
The original Moana, directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, was not only a commercial hit, grossing over $600 million worldwide, but also received critical acclaim and earned two Oscar nominations, including Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.
