Matthew 25: 35-40 in the Bible says that giving to the unhoused is akin to giving to the lord directly: “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” For Angel Studios, the distributor hopes its unique style of generosity toward its top filmmaker will be a benefit unto themselves as well.
Angel Studios has a 10-year overall film deal in place with Alejandro Monteverde, the director of last year’s “Sound of Freedom” and this year’s “Cabrini,” to direct and produce at least five more theatrical films. In the interim, Monteverde certainly won’t be homeless: As part of the deal, Angel has agreed to purchase Monteverde a house valued between $4-5 million in a location of his choosing. And that’s just part of the arrangement.
Monteverde is also...
Angel Studios has a 10-year overall film deal in place with Alejandro Monteverde, the director of last year’s “Sound of Freedom” and this year’s “Cabrini,” to direct and produce at least five more theatrical films. In the interim, Monteverde certainly won’t be homeless: As part of the deal, Angel has agreed to purchase Monteverde a house valued between $4-5 million in a location of his choosing. And that’s just part of the arrangement.
Monteverde is also...
- 6/4/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Alejandro Monteverde delivered Angel Studios its top hit ever with Sound of Freedom, one of 2023’s biggest theatrical success stories with more than $250 million at the global box office. Now, the faith-based outfit has signed the director to a rich overall deal with some curious terms, including the purchase of a multimillion-dollar home for him.
According to Angel Studios SEC filings that lay out the terms of the deal, Monteverde, 46, has inked a 10-year agreement with the faith-based studio that will see him direct five to 10 theatrical films. It comes during a time of industry contraction that is seeing traditional Hollywood companies jettison expensive overall deals.
But this deal comes with some interesting stipulations. The potential films from Monteverde will have to be deemed “theatrical worthy” in a rating system from the Angel Guild, the studio’s paid membership service that gives members (now numbering more than 300,000, per the company...
According to Angel Studios SEC filings that lay out the terms of the deal, Monteverde, 46, has inked a 10-year agreement with the faith-based studio that will see him direct five to 10 theatrical films. It comes during a time of industry contraction that is seeing traditional Hollywood companies jettison expensive overall deals.
But this deal comes with some interesting stipulations. The potential films from Monteverde will have to be deemed “theatrical worthy” in a rating system from the Angel Guild, the studio’s paid membership service that gives members (now numbering more than 300,000, per the company...
- 6/4/2024
- by Alex Weprin and Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A new faith-based film fund has been set up by former Im Global executive Alexandros Potter and filmmaker Yelena Popovic, behind the hugely successful 2021 drama “Man of God,” about the Greek saint Nectarios of Aegina.
Simeon Faith, one of a number of new announcements in the faith-based film world in recent months, is a dedicated equity film fund focused on financing and producing what it describes as “talent-driven, high-end artistic and commercial fare with strong elements of faith for a global audience.”
The new fund aims to finance one to two films per year over the next four years. The first project on the slate is “Moses the Black,” a story of a gangster in modern day Chicago that is inspired by the fourth-century saint of the same name. The film is scheduled to go into production this year, with Popovic as writer and director.
Simeon Faith comes backed by...
Simeon Faith, one of a number of new announcements in the faith-based film world in recent months, is a dedicated equity film fund focused on financing and producing what it describes as “talent-driven, high-end artistic and commercial fare with strong elements of faith for a global audience.”
The new fund aims to finance one to two films per year over the next four years. The first project on the slate is “Moses the Black,” a story of a gangster in modern day Chicago that is inspired by the fourth-century saint of the same name. The film is scheduled to go into production this year, with Popovic as writer and director.
Simeon Faith comes backed by...
- 6/4/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Update: (Monday Pm) As noted yesterday, the margin between the 2nd and 3rd place finish for If and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga was slim, and in the end, after final figures were reported, their positions at the weekend box office flip-flopped. According to the latest numbers via Deadline, Furiosa made $10.785 million to If‘s $10.5. While that’s only a $285k difference, it gives Furiosa a bit of a better finish, allowing it to reclaim second place, although it trails far behind The Garfield Movie‘s first-place finish with $14 million.
Original Post:
The box office outlook for George Miller’s Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga looks pretty bleak. In my box office predictions, I anticipated the film being beaten by The Garfield Movie in its second weekend, but I didn’t think John Krasinski’s If, in week 3, would manage to overtake it at the box office. But,...
Original Post:
The box office outlook for George Miller’s Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga looks pretty bleak. In my box office predictions, I anticipated the film being beaten by The Garfield Movie in its second weekend, but I didn’t think John Krasinski’s If, in week 3, would manage to overtake it at the box office. But,...
- 6/3/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Angel Studios is planning to appeal an arbitrator’s ruling that ended its relationship with the producers of faith-based TV megahit “The Chosen.” The news comes as The Chosen LLC — the company behind the production of series — announced this week that the show’s Season 4 would exclusively stream on “The Chosen” app starting with the first two episodes on June 2.
In a statement, Angel Studios CEO Neal Harmon said it will “pursue the appeal provision that Angel and The Chosen agreed to as the process for resolving disagreements privately.”
In a unique distribution model, “The Chosen” Season 4 was first released in theaters this February, where it scored big box office returns. But after that, the show’s TV premiere remained in limbo as Angel Studios and The Chosen LLC tussled over the season premiere plans.
“The Chosen” started in 2017 as a partnership between Dallas Jenkins and Angel Studios, originally financed through crowdfunding.
In a statement, Angel Studios CEO Neal Harmon said it will “pursue the appeal provision that Angel and The Chosen agreed to as the process for resolving disagreements privately.”
In a unique distribution model, “The Chosen” Season 4 was first released in theaters this February, where it scored big box office returns. But after that, the show’s TV premiere remained in limbo as Angel Studios and The Chosen LLC tussled over the season premiere plans.
“The Chosen” started in 2017 as a partnership between Dallas Jenkins and Angel Studios, originally financed through crowdfunding.
- 5/30/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
To celebrate the physical release of Cabrini out now on Blu-Ray, DVD & Digital Download platforms, we have 2 Blu-ray copies to give away to some lucky winners!
From the studio (Angel Studios) and director (Alejandro Monteverde) behind last summer’s box office sensation Sound of Freedom, this stunning biographical epic stars Cristiana Dell’Anna, two-time Oscar nominee John Lithgow, two-time Emmy nominee David Morse and Oscar nominee Giancarlo Giannini. Cabrini was produced by Academy Award-winning Jonathan Sanger (The Elephant Man) and features an original song performed by the world renowned tenor, Andrea Bocelli.
In 1889, Italian immigrant Francesca Cabrini arrives in New York City, greeted only by disease, crime, and impoverished children. Witnessing the vast inequality of the city, Cabrini sets off on a daring mission to help society’s most vulnerable, but must first overcome the prejudices and indifference of those in power. However, despite these momentous setbacks, her broken English, and poor health,...
From the studio (Angel Studios) and director (Alejandro Monteverde) behind last summer’s box office sensation Sound of Freedom, this stunning biographical epic stars Cristiana Dell’Anna, two-time Oscar nominee John Lithgow, two-time Emmy nominee David Morse and Oscar nominee Giancarlo Giannini. Cabrini was produced by Academy Award-winning Jonathan Sanger (The Elephant Man) and features an original song performed by the world renowned tenor, Andrea Bocelli.
In 1889, Italian immigrant Francesca Cabrini arrives in New York City, greeted only by disease, crime, and impoverished children. Witnessing the vast inequality of the city, Cabrini sets off on a daring mission to help society’s most vulnerable, but must first overcome the prejudices and indifference of those in power. However, despite these momentous setbacks, her broken English, and poor health,...
- 5/30/2024
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Prime Video is a great video streaming service with Thursday Night Football, blockbuster movies, and compelling TV shows. Peacock provides lots of important live sports, great movies, and original series. But can you watch both services on the same platform? We’ll explain the differences in the services and how you can start watching both today.
Is There a Combination Option for Prime Video and Peacock?
What Is Peacock?
What is Prime Video?
Is There a Combination Option for Prime Video and Peacock?
No, there is not one subscription for both services. Prime Video and Peacock are entirely separate services. You can subscribe to one or the other or both, but there isn’t a single interface. While Prime Video does allow you to add a mind-boggling number of premium services, Peacock is not one of them.
Sign Up $5.99+ / month peacocktv.com
Get a Year of Peacock Premium for Just $19.99 with Code: Streamthedeal.
Is There a Combination Option for Prime Video and Peacock?
What Is Peacock?
What is Prime Video?
Is There a Combination Option for Prime Video and Peacock?
No, there is not one subscription for both services. Prime Video and Peacock are entirely separate services. You can subscribe to one or the other or both, but there isn’t a single interface. While Prime Video does allow you to add a mind-boggling number of premium services, Peacock is not one of them.
Sign Up $5.99+ / month peacocktv.com
Get a Year of Peacock Premium for Just $19.99 with Code: Streamthedeal.
- 5/28/2024
- by Ben Bowman
- The Streamable
Update: Comscore has just released the official box office results for the 4-day Memorial Day holiday weekend, and despite some box office pundits predicting that The Garfield Movie would top Furiosa, in the end the George Miller epic was able to hold on to a narrow lead. Comscore has Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga earning $32 million compared to Garfield‘s $31.1 million. However, it should be noted that The Garfield Movie only cost about a third of what Furiosa did, so it’s unlikely distributor Sony Pictures will chalk up a loss on this one.
Furiosa will depend heavily on foreign receipts if it’s going to break even, with the movie grossing $33 million internationally. Mad Max: Fury Road made a total of $379 million worldwide, a number that the prequel will likely have a hard time equalling unless word of mouth and repeat business are strong. The silver lining for...
Furiosa will depend heavily on foreign receipts if it’s going to break even, with the movie grossing $33 million internationally. Mad Max: Fury Road made a total of $379 million worldwide, a number that the prequel will likely have a hard time equalling unless word of mouth and repeat business are strong. The silver lining for...
- 5/27/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Imperator Furiosa has battled ruthless kidnappers, raider attacks and maniacal warlords as she traverses a lawless Wasteland. And yet her fiercest adversary, at least today, seems to be a lazy cat who loves lasagna.
The Warner Bros. high-octane prequel “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” is facing off against Sony’s animated “The Garfield Movie” for first place on box office charts over Memorial Day weekend. Each movie has generated roughly $25 million over the weekend and an estimated $31 million through Monday. Both studios are reporting that its own movie has ranked No. 1. Whichever pulls ahead, it’ll be the worst Memorial Day opening weekend in nearly three decades.
For movie theaters, it’s yet another sparkless weekend at the summer box office — with recent would-be blockbusters ranging from just fine (“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” with a $58 million debut) to disappointing (“The Fall Guy” with a $27 million debut; “If...
The Warner Bros. high-octane prequel “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” is facing off against Sony’s animated “The Garfield Movie” for first place on box office charts over Memorial Day weekend. Each movie has generated roughly $25 million over the weekend and an estimated $31 million through Monday. Both studios are reporting that its own movie has ranked No. 1. Whichever pulls ahead, it’ll be the worst Memorial Day opening weekend in nearly three decades.
For movie theaters, it’s yet another sparkless weekend at the summer box office — with recent would-be blockbusters ranging from just fine (“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” with a $58 million debut) to disappointing (“The Fall Guy” with a $27 million debut; “If...
- 5/26/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
The Memorial Day box office is no picnic this year
Based on Friday numbers, George Miller’s Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga or The Garfield Movie may only open to $31 million to $33 million from 4,035 theaters over the four-day holiday, the worst Memorial Day opener in 40 years, give or take.
The two films are in a closer-than-expected race, but most rival studios expect Warner Bros. to take the top spot with Furiosa ahead of Sony and Alcon’s Garfield movie. Neither film aced it with audiences, with each receiving a B+ CinemaScore. Furiosa grossed $10.2 million on Friday, versus $8.4 million for Garfield. That’s not a big gap considering the latter is a family film.
With no holdovers to contribute in a massive way to the Memorial Day picnic, overall revenue may only clock in at only $125 million, the lowest showing in more than two decades. That excludes 2020 and 2021, when the pandemic was still raging,...
Based on Friday numbers, George Miller’s Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga or The Garfield Movie may only open to $31 million to $33 million from 4,035 theaters over the four-day holiday, the worst Memorial Day opener in 40 years, give or take.
The two films are in a closer-than-expected race, but most rival studios expect Warner Bros. to take the top spot with Furiosa ahead of Sony and Alcon’s Garfield movie. Neither film aced it with audiences, with each receiving a B+ CinemaScore. Furiosa grossed $10.2 million on Friday, versus $8.4 million for Garfield. That’s not a big gap considering the latter is a family film.
With no holdovers to contribute in a massive way to the Memorial Day picnic, overall revenue may only clock in at only $125 million, the lowest showing in more than two decades. That excludes 2020 and 2021, when the pandemic was still raging,...
- 5/25/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
As absurd as it is to say about a film that ends with an onscreen Qr code imploring viewers to “Pay It Forward,” “Sight” probably would be better if it was preachier. At the very least, it would be more memorable.
The latest project from Angel Studios, “Sight” certainly looks and feels like the type of cheap contemporary Christian cinema that both its production company and its director specialize in. But whenever the movie looks like it might go full Christian medical drama a la the inexplicably Oscar-nominated “Breakthrough,” it always pulls back from launching into a sermon. Sure, there’s a kindly nun and an unbearable syrupy sweet church scene, but by the end of “Sight,” it’s not particularly clear how devout main character Ming Wang is to Christianity, or if he’s even a believer in the first place.
The lack of aggressive shilling for the world...
The latest project from Angel Studios, “Sight” certainly looks and feels like the type of cheap contemporary Christian cinema that both its production company and its director specialize in. But whenever the movie looks like it might go full Christian medical drama a la the inexplicably Oscar-nominated “Breakthrough,” it always pulls back from launching into a sermon. Sure, there’s a kindly nun and an unbearable syrupy sweet church scene, but by the end of “Sight,” it’s not particularly clear how devout main character Ming Wang is to Christianity, or if he’s even a believer in the first place.
The lack of aggressive shilling for the world...
- 5/24/2024
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Call “Sight” a stealth faith-based movie and you won’t be far off the mark. For the most part, it’s a respectful but unremarkable biopic about Dr. Ming Wang, a Chinese-born, Nashville-based eye surgeon whose innovative use of amniotic membrane contact lenses has helped restore the eyesight of millions of patients, many of them children. But the end, which contains a Qr code much like distributor Angel Studios’ summer blockbuster “Sound of Freedom” did last year, features the real Dr. Wang — one of the film’s executive producers — in a sequence where he credits his success as having been possible “only with God’s grace,” after he was able to “open myself to God.”
Judging from the time-tripping scenario cobbled together by writers John Duigan, Buzz McLaughlin and director Andrew Hyatt, Wang’s road to Damascus was a rugged one. The decades-spanning story covers his traumatic childhood in Hangzhou,...
Judging from the time-tripping scenario cobbled together by writers John Duigan, Buzz McLaughlin and director Andrew Hyatt, Wang’s road to Damascus was a rugged one. The decades-spanning story covers his traumatic childhood in Hangzhou,...
- 5/24/2024
- by Joe Leydon
- Variety Film + TV
Rupert Evans and Ewan Horrocks will lead the cast of a new four-part limited series, “Truth & Conviction,” to be distributed by “Sound of Freedom” producer Angel Studios. Based on a true story, the series follows Helmuth Hübener, a teenager who led a resistance group with his two friends during World War II in Hamburg, Germany.
Evans will play Erwin Mussener, the SS Agent. He is intent on hunting down Helmuth, a young resistance fighter, who will be played by Horrocks. Ferdinand McKay and Daf Thomas also join the cast as Helmuth’s friends and fellow resisters Karl Schnibbe and Rudi Wobbe.
Horrocks has appeared in Netflix’s British drama series “The Last Kingdom,” which ran from 2015 until 2022. Evans has portrayed Malcom in horror film “The Boy,” and appeared in Amazon Prime Video’s “The Man in the High Castle,” which explores what the world might look like had the...
Evans will play Erwin Mussener, the SS Agent. He is intent on hunting down Helmuth, a young resistance fighter, who will be played by Horrocks. Ferdinand McKay and Daf Thomas also join the cast as Helmuth’s friends and fellow resisters Karl Schnibbe and Rudi Wobbe.
Horrocks has appeared in Netflix’s British drama series “The Last Kingdom,” which ran from 2015 until 2022. Evans has portrayed Malcom in horror film “The Boy,” and appeared in Amazon Prime Video’s “The Man in the High Castle,” which explores what the world might look like had the...
- 5/20/2024
- by Selena Kuznikov
- Variety Film + TV
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is a more typical summer movie season-starter than last week’s disappointing “The Fall Guy” (Universal). It’s a franchise film and it’s from Disney (which usually starts things off with a Marvel film).
It’s expected to open to over $50 million this weekend and become the first to gross over $100 million domestic. Industry sources suggest that over the summer, at least eight other releases (extending to early September) will reach this mark. A week ago, that guess would gave been 10.
The same sources pegged “The Fall Guy” as likely to gross over $125 million in the U.S./Canada. This weekend will clarify its fate, but the current trajectory suggests around $80 million. That’s a disappointment for theaters as well as Universal, which spent around $140 million to make the film before marketing.
“Apes” is one of several titles now projected in the $125-$150 million range.
It’s expected to open to over $50 million this weekend and become the first to gross over $100 million domestic. Industry sources suggest that over the summer, at least eight other releases (extending to early September) will reach this mark. A week ago, that guess would gave been 10.
The same sources pegged “The Fall Guy” as likely to gross over $125 million in the U.S./Canada. This weekend will clarify its fate, but the current trajectory suggests around $80 million. That’s a disappointment for theaters as well as Universal, which spent around $140 million to make the film before marketing.
“Apes” is one of several titles now projected in the $125-$150 million range.
- 5/10/2024
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
The domestic box office at $2 billion currently this year is dragging 21% behind the same January-April spread last year, and when Universal’s Fall Guy commences the hot moviegoing season this Friday with a hopeful $35M, expect summer to drag some more.
That’s because the lack of product due to the actors’ strike has made a backloaded May through Labor Day frame in what will be lucky —lucky— to hit $3 billion. That’s a $1 billion less than last summer’s $4.09 billion per Comscore and -27% off. More bad news about summer: It’s not going to catch up the year any more against 2023.
Essentially, expect less and hope for more. Remember, no one saw Barbenheimer and Sound of Freedom coming last summer and that trio collectively minted $1.15 billion. If anything, summer 2024 is more about getting moviegoers back into the habit of moviegoing than breaking any records.
The biggest opening of...
That’s because the lack of product due to the actors’ strike has made a backloaded May through Labor Day frame in what will be lucky —lucky— to hit $3 billion. That’s a $1 billion less than last summer’s $4.09 billion per Comscore and -27% off. More bad news about summer: It’s not going to catch up the year any more against 2023.
Essentially, expect less and hope for more. Remember, no one saw Barbenheimer and Sound of Freedom coming last summer and that trio collectively minted $1.15 billion. If anything, summer 2024 is more about getting moviegoers back into the habit of moviegoing than breaking any records.
The biggest opening of...
- 4/30/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Zendaya has, in just a small handful of years, asserted herself as a true A-list star in Hollywood. So much focus is paid to actors in their 40s (or much older) such as Tom Cruise, one of the many famous people named Chris, or Anne Hathaway. But Zendaya has emerged as one of our new movie stars, thanks to her work in wildly successful franchises such as "Dune" and "Spider-Man." But can her star power help turn "Challengers," an original sports drama centered around tennis, into a hit? That's the big question MGM is asking right now as the movie gets ready to make its way to theaters next weekend.
Hailing from "Call Me By Your Name" director Luca Guadagnino, "Challengers" is eyeing an opening between $7 and $12 million, per Box Office Pro. The only other big release on April 26 is Lionsgate's Christian drama "Unsung Hero." Yes, faith-based movies have...
Hailing from "Call Me By Your Name" director Luca Guadagnino, "Challengers" is eyeing an opening between $7 and $12 million, per Box Office Pro. The only other big release on April 26 is Lionsgate's Christian drama "Unsung Hero." Yes, faith-based movies have...
- 4/19/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Angel Studios, whose $250m global box office smash Sound Of Freedom was the breakout hit of 2023, claimed at its CinemaCon presentation on Wednesday that its upcoming film David will become the most successful animated film of all time.
The bold prediction from chief marketing officer Alex Nielsen of the Utah-based company was predicated on fans supporting the biblical David vs Goliath story through its Pay It Forward initiative.
The process whereby people donate ticket costs on the studio’s website for other people to enjoy was a factor in the success of Sound Of Freedom and according to the studio...
The bold prediction from chief marketing officer Alex Nielsen of the Utah-based company was predicated on fans supporting the biblical David vs Goliath story through its Pay It Forward initiative.
The process whereby people donate ticket costs on the studio’s website for other people to enjoy was a factor in the success of Sound Of Freedom and according to the studio...
- 4/10/2024
- ScreenDaily
Angel Studios, whose $250m global box office smash Sound Of Freedom was the breakout hit of 2023, claimed at its CinemaCon presentation on Wednesday that its upcoming film David will become the most successful animated film of all time.
The bold prediction from chief marketing officer Alex Nielsen of the Utah-based company was predicated on fans supporting the biblical David vs Goliath story through its Pay It Forward initiative.
The process whereby people donate ticket costs on the studio’s website for other people to enjoy was a factor in the success of Sound Of Freedom and according to the studio...
The bold prediction from chief marketing officer Alex Nielsen of the Utah-based company was predicated on fans supporting the biblical David vs Goliath story through its Pay It Forward initiative.
The process whereby people donate ticket costs on the studio’s website for other people to enjoy was a factor in the success of Sound Of Freedom and according to the studio...
- 4/10/2024
- ScreenDaily
Last year, Angel Studios opened a booth at CinemaCon in Last Vegas to launch its distribution arm. That paid off handsomely after “Sound of Freedom” exploded to a $250 million worldwide gross. This year, they took to a much bigger stage for a Caesar’s Palace breakfast presentation and announced its intention to stun the industry again.
The Angel headliner was “David,” an animated musical based on the Biblical story of David vs. Goliath. Or, as the studio’s chief marketing officer Alex Nielsen told the audience: “We intend to release the most successful animated film of all time.”
Angel dated “David” for Thanksgiving weekend 2025, but it presented a full trailer and a full song to a packed, standing-room only house inside the Palace Ballroom. The trailer also touted that former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow is an executive producer on the project.
“David” is a spinoff of Angel’s animated mini-series “Young David,...
The Angel headliner was “David,” an animated musical based on the Biblical story of David vs. Goliath. Or, as the studio’s chief marketing officer Alex Nielsen told the audience: “We intend to release the most successful animated film of all time.”
Angel dated “David” for Thanksgiving weekend 2025, but it presented a full trailer and a full song to a packed, standing-room only house inside the Palace Ballroom. The trailer also touted that former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow is an executive producer on the project.
“David” is a spinoff of Angel’s animated mini-series “Young David,...
- 4/10/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Talk about a prediction of biblical proportions.
Angel Studios — home of the 2023 sleeper hit Sound of Freedom — told theater owners gathered at CinemaCon on Wednesday that it intends for its upcoming film David to be the top-grossing animated film of all time.
The Utah-based company, which eschews the Hollywood system and prides itself on catering to faith-based and conservative consumers, used the breakfast session to go through its upcoming slate of films and to thank exhibitors for their support. It’s the first time the outfit has presented at the show.
David is set to hit theaters Nov. 21, 2025. According to a logline from Angel, the movie is a “joyful animated musical about the life of the ancient prophet, poet and king. After one young shepherd boy is chosen to battle a giant, this chosen one goes on to inspire an entire nation of believers. Coming to the big screen, this...
Angel Studios — home of the 2023 sleeper hit Sound of Freedom — told theater owners gathered at CinemaCon on Wednesday that it intends for its upcoming film David to be the top-grossing animated film of all time.
The Utah-based company, which eschews the Hollywood system and prides itself on catering to faith-based and conservative consumers, used the breakfast session to go through its upcoming slate of films and to thank exhibitors for their support. It’s the first time the outfit has presented at the show.
David is set to hit theaters Nov. 21, 2025. According to a logline from Angel, the movie is a “joyful animated musical about the life of the ancient prophet, poet and king. After one young shepherd boy is chosen to battle a giant, this chosen one goes on to inspire an entire nation of believers. Coming to the big screen, this...
- 4/10/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Until recently, filmmaker Jon Erwin was the reigning box-office champ for faith-based films with “I Can Only Imagine” and “Jesus Revolution.” Shortly after “Sound of Freedom” opened to $14.2 million, he offered advice to Angel Studios on how it might capitalize that success.
By November, when the child-trafficking drama grossed $250 million worldwide, Erwin lost his bragging rights. He remembers joking with the producers, “It wasn’t supposed to work this much!”
Ego aside, he welcomed the success. As “Sound of Freedom” inspired box-office think pieces and conspiracy-theory controversy, Erwin and partner Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten were in talks with Amazon Studios. Today, their company The Wonder Project is producing a slate of faith-based series and films; Erwin said he’d “be lying” if he believed “Sound of Freedom” didn’t help him get a better deal.
“I had not felt that hunger from the studios in a long time to reach the audience,...
By November, when the child-trafficking drama grossed $250 million worldwide, Erwin lost his bragging rights. He remembers joking with the producers, “It wasn’t supposed to work this much!”
Ego aside, he welcomed the success. As “Sound of Freedom” inspired box-office think pieces and conspiracy-theory controversy, Erwin and partner Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten were in talks with Amazon Studios. Today, their company The Wonder Project is producing a slate of faith-based series and films; Erwin said he’d “be lying” if he believed “Sound of Freedom” didn’t help him get a better deal.
“I had not felt that hunger from the studios in a long time to reach the audience,...
- 4/9/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
What happens in Vegas… fuels a year’s worth of hope for theatrical exhibitors.
From April 8-11, Warner Bros., Lionsgate, Universal, Paramount, and Disney — not to mention the faith-friendly Angel Studios and anime distributor Crunchyroll — have four days at CinemaCon to wow theater owners (and the press) with their plans for the summer blockbuster season and beyond. However, there are only so many times that NATO, the MPA, and the studios can say “movie theaters are back!” without sounding like Chicken Little.
The reality is 2024 will be lucky to match the levels of last year, and 2025 has its own challenges if the industry faces another round of strikes. Even so, Adam Aron’s hundreds of soldier-owners from his AMC army will be looking to him for reassurance at the world’s biggest exhibition pep rally.
Beyond the potential shock and awe of movie previews, messaging that could carry firepower as...
From April 8-11, Warner Bros., Lionsgate, Universal, Paramount, and Disney — not to mention the faith-friendly Angel Studios and anime distributor Crunchyroll — have four days at CinemaCon to wow theater owners (and the press) with their plans for the summer blockbuster season and beyond. However, there are only so many times that NATO, the MPA, and the studios can say “movie theaters are back!” without sounding like Chicken Little.
The reality is 2024 will be lucky to match the levels of last year, and 2025 has its own challenges if the industry faces another round of strikes. Even so, Adam Aron’s hundreds of soldier-owners from his AMC army will be looking to him for reassurance at the world’s biggest exhibition pep rally.
Beyond the potential shock and awe of movie previews, messaging that could carry firepower as...
- 4/8/2024
- by Tony Maglio and Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment are excited to announce that The Shift is out now to rent/buy on Amazon Prime Video in the UK and will be available to buy on Blu-ray and DVD from 1st April 2024.
A gripping sci-fi thriller from the studio behind breakout hit Sound of Freedom, starring Kristoffer Polaha (Wonder Woman 1984, Mad Men), Neal McDonough (Minority Report, Yellowstone), Elizabeth Tabish (The Chosen) and Sean Astin (Stranger Things, The Lord of the Rings).
The Shift is a modern-day retelling of the book of Job. Kevin Garner (Polaha) gets separated from Molly (Tabish), the love of his life, when a mysterious adversary known as The Benefactor (McDonough) sends him to an alternate dystopian reality. Will hope and faith be enough to find his way back?
First released in the US in December 2023 by Angel Studios, The Shift struck a bold chord with viewers, grossing $12 million domestically, as well as...
A gripping sci-fi thriller from the studio behind breakout hit Sound of Freedom, starring Kristoffer Polaha (Wonder Woman 1984, Mad Men), Neal McDonough (Minority Report, Yellowstone), Elizabeth Tabish (The Chosen) and Sean Astin (Stranger Things, The Lord of the Rings).
The Shift is a modern-day retelling of the book of Job. Kevin Garner (Polaha) gets separated from Molly (Tabish), the love of his life, when a mysterious adversary known as The Benefactor (McDonough) sends him to an alternate dystopian reality. Will hope and faith be enough to find his way back?
First released in the US in December 2023 by Angel Studios, The Shift struck a bold chord with viewers, grossing $12 million domestically, as well as...
- 4/3/2024
- by Peter 'Witchfinder' Hopkins
- Horror Asylum
All due respect to Godzilla, but the first quarter of this year was a bust for Hollywood. There’s no getting around it. The news read like an April Fool’s joke without a punchline.
Disney gave up its fight with Florida, better to face its battle with investor Nelson Peltz.
Paramount Global’s debt is down to junk, and Paramount+ is weirdly removing some of its hotter kids titles from the streaming mix.
AMC is scratching for cash and peddling stock. The Alamo Drafthouse chain is for sale.
At the box office, Q1’s big hit was Part Two of a re-imagining of a science fiction novel that ran hot when I was in the eighth grade — in other words,...
Disney gave up its fight with Florida, better to face its battle with investor Nelson Peltz.
Paramount Global’s debt is down to junk, and Paramount+ is weirdly removing some of its hotter kids titles from the streaming mix.
AMC is scratching for cash and peddling stock. The Alamo Drafthouse chain is for sale.
At the box office, Q1’s big hit was Part Two of a re-imagining of a science fiction novel that ran hot when I was in the eighth grade — in other words,...
- 4/1/2024
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
“Civil War,” the A24 action-thriller about a violently divided United States, isn’t offering up much in the way of escapism. Though it takes place in the dystopian future, it not-so-subtly feeds into the blue-state/red-state rift that’s sure to widen as the race for the White House heats up.
That strategy is prominent in the movie’s patriotic-tinged marketing materials, which include a blood-soaked trailer featuring a missile that blows up the Lincoln Memorial, a poster of soldiers sandbagging the Statue of Liberty’s flame and references to successionist forces of California and Texas.
Yet elsewhere in Hollywood, movie studios are trying desperately to steer clear of promotional efforts that seem even remotely political — lest they find themselves unwittingly embroiled in a cultural firestorm. It’s a fair concern. Long before the country started preparing for one of the most polarizing presidential elections in its history, several movies...
That strategy is prominent in the movie’s patriotic-tinged marketing materials, which include a blood-soaked trailer featuring a missile that blows up the Lincoln Memorial, a poster of soldiers sandbagging the Statue of Liberty’s flame and references to successionist forces of California and Texas.
Yet elsewhere in Hollywood, movie studios are trying desperately to steer clear of promotional efforts that seem even remotely political — lest they find themselves unwittingly embroiled in a cultural firestorm. It’s a fair concern. Long before the country started preparing for one of the most polarizing presidential elections in its history, several movies...
- 3/28/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Cabrini,” the origin story of the first American canonized saint, Mother Cabrini, directed by Alejandro Monteverde of “Sound of Freedom.” Currently in theaters see local listings.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Christina Dell’Anna is Mother Cabrini, an Italian nun whose life mission is to build orphanages around the world. When she goes to Pope Leo (Giancarlo Giannini) to plead to do this in Asia, the Pope instead sends her to New York City America, where the notorious Five Points neighborhood is crowded by the influx of Italian immigrants in need. She goes to work building an orphanage and hospital, much to the chagrin of Archbishop Corrigan (David Morse) and New York’s Mayor Gould (John Lithgow). Some of their dread is bureaucratic and most has to do with the headstrong female in a man’s world. Can Mother Cabrini make a difference?
“Cabrini” is currently in theaters.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Christina Dell’Anna is Mother Cabrini, an Italian nun whose life mission is to build orphanages around the world. When she goes to Pope Leo (Giancarlo Giannini) to plead to do this in Asia, the Pope instead sends her to New York City America, where the notorious Five Points neighborhood is crowded by the influx of Italian immigrants in need. She goes to work building an orphanage and hospital, much to the chagrin of Archbishop Corrigan (David Morse) and New York’s Mayor Gould (John Lithgow). Some of their dread is bureaucratic and most has to do with the headstrong female in a man’s world. Can Mother Cabrini make a difference?
“Cabrini” is currently in theaters.
- 3/27/2024
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Not feeling conflicted enough today? Martin Scorsese is making and hosting a show on Fox News Channel’s streaming service Fox Nation.
The series is an eight-part docudrama slated for November 2024. May we present: “Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints.”
Each hour-long episode will explore “the remarkable stories of eight men and women who risked everything to embody humanity’s most noble and complex trait — faith,” in Fox Nation’s words. Them’s the saints.
“Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints” was developed by Scorsese for Lionsgate Alternative Television. It was created by Matti Leshem. The docuseries is written by the frequent Scorsese collaborator Kent Jones; it will be directed by Elizabeth Chomko.
Scorsese and Leshem executive produce, as do Julie Yorn, Rick Yorn, Christopher Donnelly, Yoshi Stone, Craig Piligian, David Ellender, and Matt Loze. In addition to Lionsgate, the series was produced by Sikelia Productions, Weimaraner Republic Pictures, Lbi Entertainment, and Halcyon Studios.
The series is an eight-part docudrama slated for November 2024. May we present: “Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints.”
Each hour-long episode will explore “the remarkable stories of eight men and women who risked everything to embody humanity’s most noble and complex trait — faith,” in Fox Nation’s words. Them’s the saints.
“Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints” was developed by Scorsese for Lionsgate Alternative Television. It was created by Matti Leshem. The docuseries is written by the frequent Scorsese collaborator Kent Jones; it will be directed by Elizabeth Chomko.
Scorsese and Leshem executive produce, as do Julie Yorn, Rick Yorn, Christopher Donnelly, Yoshi Stone, Craig Piligian, David Ellender, and Matt Loze. In addition to Lionsgate, the series was produced by Sikelia Productions, Weimaraner Republic Pictures, Lbi Entertainment, and Halcyon Studios.
- 3/27/2024
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
“Kung Fu Panda 4” (Universal) and “Dune: Part Two” (Warner Bros.) came in a close #1-#2 this weekend, with the DreamWorks Animation title edging out Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi adaptation by just under $1 million ($30 million to $29.1 million). The two films, in their second and third weekends respectively, are positioned to exceed their most optimistic pre-release projections.
Going against last year’s trend of disappointing franchise results, the two sequels made up about two thirds of the weekend’s $90 million total. With little help from other new releases, this fell just short of last year’s $92 million. It reduced the year’s deficit to nine percent.
“Dune” joined WB’s “Wonka” as the second film to pass the domestic $200 million total since last July. By next weekend, it will surpass that film’s $218 million gross.
How high could it go? Pre-release, the most optimistic hopes were perhaps $250 million — $150 million more than the first “Dune,...
Going against last year’s trend of disappointing franchise results, the two sequels made up about two thirds of the weekend’s $90 million total. With little help from other new releases, this fell just short of last year’s $92 million. It reduced the year’s deficit to nine percent.
“Dune” joined WB’s “Wonka” as the second film to pass the domestic $200 million total since last July. By next weekend, it will surpass that film’s $218 million gross.
How high could it go? Pre-release, the most optimistic hopes were perhaps $250 million — $150 million more than the first “Dune,...
- 3/17/2024
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
The early weekend box office numbers are in, and it looks like Dune: Part Two wasn’t quite able to take the number one spot from Kung Fu Panda 4 after all. It was very close, with the animated sequel grossing $30 million to Dune’s $29.1 million. It’s so close that I’m not quite willing to admit my prediction that Dune 2 would top Panda was wrong, as Denis Villeneuve’s sequel has been overperforming at Sunday matinees the last few weeks. That said, even if it doesn’t top Panda, it still had a great weekend, with it only dropping a modest 37% in its third week. It also passed the double-century mark, with its final gross at $205 million. Will it cross $300 million? It’s possible, although it will face heavy competition over the next two weeks with Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire and Godzilla x Kong.
Meanwhile, Kung Fu Panda 4...
Meanwhile, Kung Fu Panda 4...
- 3/17/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Kung Fu Panda 4 and Dune: Part Two are still going strong at the box office, with both movies celebrating milestones this weekend.
From DreamWorks Animation and Universal, the Jack Black-voiced Kung Fu Panda 4 dethroned Dune 2 in its sophomore weekend with an estimated $30 million from 4,067 theaters as it leaped past the $100 million mark to finish Sunday with a 10-day domestic total of $107.7 million. Overseas, it grossed another $39.6 million for a foreign tally of $68.6 million and $176.4 million globally. The pic fell a respectable 48 percent domestically.
Not far behind was Denis Villeneuve’s Dune 2, now in its third weekend. The Legendary-Warner Bros. tentpole is the first release of 2024 to clear $200 million domestically. The pic earned an estimated $29.1 million from 3,847 cinemas, putting its North American total at $205.3 million.
Overseas, the sequel — starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya — earned another $51.2 million this weekend from 73 markets for a dazzling foreign tally...
From DreamWorks Animation and Universal, the Jack Black-voiced Kung Fu Panda 4 dethroned Dune 2 in its sophomore weekend with an estimated $30 million from 4,067 theaters as it leaped past the $100 million mark to finish Sunday with a 10-day domestic total of $107.7 million. Overseas, it grossed another $39.6 million for a foreign tally of $68.6 million and $176.4 million globally. The pic fell a respectable 48 percent domestically.
Not far behind was Denis Villeneuve’s Dune 2, now in its third weekend. The Legendary-Warner Bros. tentpole is the first release of 2024 to clear $200 million domestically. The pic earned an estimated $29.1 million from 3,847 cinemas, putting its North American total at $205.3 million.
Overseas, the sequel — starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya — earned another $51.2 million this weekend from 73 markets for a dazzling foreign tally...
- 3/17/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Kung Fu Panda 4” and “Dune: Part Two” are both putting up strong holds in North American theaters, staying ahead of Lionsgate’s new based-on-a-real-dog drama “Arthur the King,” which earned $3 million from 3,003 locations on its opening day.
The Mark Wahlberg vehicle is expected to earn south of $8 million heading into the weekend, which would be good for bronze on domestic charts. It’s a solid place to start for the drama, which carries close to a $20 million production budget and boasts a stellar “A” grade from audience survey firm Cinema Score. (Reviews have been mixed.) As a canine comparison, the Channing Tatum-starring “Dog” from United Artists opened to $14 million back in February 2022 before more than quadrupling that with a $61 million total. Lionsgate will hope that “Arthur” can strike a similar chord with audiences.
Based on the nonfiction book “Arthur – The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home,...
The Mark Wahlberg vehicle is expected to earn south of $8 million heading into the weekend, which would be good for bronze on domestic charts. It’s a solid place to start for the drama, which carries close to a $20 million production budget and boasts a stellar “A” grade from audience survey firm Cinema Score. (Reviews have been mixed.) As a canine comparison, the Channing Tatum-starring “Dog” from United Artists opened to $14 million back in February 2022 before more than quadrupling that with a $61 million total. Lionsgate will hope that “Arthur” can strike a similar chord with audiences.
Based on the nonfiction book “Arthur – The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home,...
- 3/16/2024
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
“City of Dreams,” an upcoming drama about a young Mexican boy who gets smuggled across the border, is lining up some heavy-hitting producers as Roadside Attractions looks to debut the film over Labor Day.
Sean Wolfington, the executive producer of “Sound of Freedom” and most recently “Cabrini”; Luis Fonsi, a five-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, musician and producer; and songwriter Linda Perry have joined the producing team for the film. It’s a group that also includes Oscar-nominated “Roma” star Yalitza Aparicio. In addition, Fonsi will record an original song for the film, which will be written by Perry. “City of Dreams,” which marks Mohit Ramchandani’s feature directorial debut, will open in theaters nationwide on Aug. 30.
The film looks at how the young man’s dreams of becoming a soccer star are shattered when he’s smuggled into the U.S. and sold to a sweatshop in downtown Los Angeles.
Sean Wolfington, the executive producer of “Sound of Freedom” and most recently “Cabrini”; Luis Fonsi, a five-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, musician and producer; and songwriter Linda Perry have joined the producing team for the film. It’s a group that also includes Oscar-nominated “Roma” star Yalitza Aparicio. In addition, Fonsi will record an original song for the film, which will be written by Perry. “City of Dreams,” which marks Mohit Ramchandani’s feature directorial debut, will open in theaters nationwide on Aug. 30.
The film looks at how the young man’s dreams of becoming a soccer star are shattered when he’s smuggled into the U.S. and sold to a sweatshop in downtown Los Angeles.
- 3/15/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
So! How’d you do on your 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards ballot? Not good? Well, don’t worry, because a brand new film year begins right now with a fresh crop of Don’t-Miss Indies ready for consumption. Only time will tell which of these titles will still be standing by the time we head back to the beach in 2025. But hey, it’s never too early to start prognosticating!
Love Lies Bleeding
When You Can Watch: Now
Where You Can Watch: Theaters (Limited)
Director: Rose Glass
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Katy O’Brian, Jena Malone, Dave Franco, Ed Harris
Why We’re Excited: Billed variously as a lesbian revenge story and a psychological thriller set in the 1980s Las Vegas, filmmaker Rose Glass’s second feature (after 2019’s Saint Maud) premiered at Sundance in January. Desperate to find a way out of her desolate existence, frantic gym manager Lou (Film Independent...
Love Lies Bleeding
When You Can Watch: Now
Where You Can Watch: Theaters (Limited)
Director: Rose Glass
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Katy O’Brian, Jena Malone, Dave Franco, Ed Harris
Why We’re Excited: Billed variously as a lesbian revenge story and a psychological thriller set in the 1980s Las Vegas, filmmaker Rose Glass’s second feature (after 2019’s Saint Maud) premiered at Sundance in January. Desperate to find a way out of her desolate existence, frantic gym manager Lou (Film Independent...
- 3/14/2024
- by Su Fang Tham
- Film Independent News & More
When “Barbie,” “Oppenheimer,” and even “Sound of Freedom” were cleaning up at the box office last summer, we were not alone in declaring that when it comes to the types of movies young audiences will go out to a theater to see, Hollywood needs to chase originality to find the next hit. The latest Marvel, Indiana Jones, Transformers, Jurassic World, and more all underwhelmed, while “Super Mario Bros.,” “Five Nights at Freddy’s” — even when a fresh start on previous IP — and now even “Poor Things” outperformed expectations.
It turns out young people want the same qualities in their streaming services too.
A new streaming insights survey conducted by free-streaming platform Tubi found that 74 percent of millennials and Gen Zers prefer to watch original content rather than franchises or remakes.
“Viewers are increasingly seeking fresh and innovative ideas that push the boundaries of what’s possible instead of rehashed versions of existing stories,...
It turns out young people want the same qualities in their streaming services too.
A new streaming insights survey conducted by free-streaming platform Tubi found that 74 percent of millennials and Gen Zers prefer to watch original content rather than franchises or remakes.
“Viewers are increasingly seeking fresh and innovative ideas that push the boundaries of what’s possible instead of rehashed versions of existing stories,...
- 3/12/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
When Oscar-winning producer Jonathan Sanger was first pitched “Cabrini,” the story of the first American saint, he wasn’t quite sure he was right for the project.
“I said, ‘I think it’s a great idea. I think you should make the movie. I don’t really think I’m the right guy to produce this,’” Sanger recalls of his early conversation with executive producer J. Eustace Wolfington. “I tend to like to make stories about real people, that most people who watch these stories can relate to. And I don’t know how to relate to a saint.”
Wolfington wouldn’t take no for an answer, telling Sanger he was missing the point: Francesca Cabrini may have become a saint, but her powerful story of overcoming adversity as both a woman and an Italian immigrant takes place far before her posthumous canonization in 1946.
“The more I learned about her,...
“I said, ‘I think it’s a great idea. I think you should make the movie. I don’t really think I’m the right guy to produce this,’” Sanger recalls of his early conversation with executive producer J. Eustace Wolfington. “I tend to like to make stories about real people, that most people who watch these stories can relate to. And I don’t know how to relate to a saint.”
Wolfington wouldn’t take no for an answer, telling Sanger he was missing the point: Francesca Cabrini may have become a saint, but her powerful story of overcoming adversity as both a woman and an Italian immigrant takes place far before her posthumous canonization in 1946.
“The more I learned about her,...
- 3/11/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
Hollywood has two reasons to celebrate today, with one of them being the fact that it’s Oscar Sunday. However, the more important reason is no doubt the fact that after a sluggish start to the year, the box office is finally picking up, with the top two movies this weekend overperforming significantly. Even the most optimistic box office forecasters didn’t see Kung Fu Panda 4 opening north of $50 million (we had it pegged at $48 million), but the movie ended up rallying to a massive $58 million weekend. While that’s not much compared to the last Jack Black animated film (The Super Mario Bros. Movie), it’s worth noting that the Kung Fu Panda franchise was widely thought to have run out of gas some time ago. The last two Kung Fu Panda movies only made $47 and $41 million on their opening weekends, thus giving the franchise its biggest start...
- 3/10/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Universal and DreamWork’s animated adventure “Kung Fu Panda 4” topped the domestic box office, earning a solid $58.3 million from 4,035 theaters in its opening weekend.
It marks the biggest debut of the franchise since the original, 2008’s “Kung Fu Panda” ($60 million), overtaking the start of the two prior entries, 2016’s “Kung Fu Panda 3” ($41 million) and 2011’s “Kung Fu Panda 2” ($47.6 million), not adjusted for inflation.
“Family audiences were primed to come out and have fun with a much-beloved franchise,” says Jim Orr, Universal’s president of domestic distribution. “Animated movies tend to leg out. We anticipate a tremendous corridor.”
Internationally, the fourth film in the martial arts-inspired animated comedy collected $22 million from 41 markets for a global tally of $80 million. This installment cost $85 million to produce, a lower price tag than the first three movies, each of which cost about $150 million. Jack Black returned to voice the main character in “Kung Fu Panda 4,...
It marks the biggest debut of the franchise since the original, 2008’s “Kung Fu Panda” ($60 million), overtaking the start of the two prior entries, 2016’s “Kung Fu Panda 3” ($41 million) and 2011’s “Kung Fu Panda 2” ($47.6 million), not adjusted for inflation.
“Family audiences were primed to come out and have fun with a much-beloved franchise,” says Jim Orr, Universal’s president of domestic distribution. “Animated movies tend to leg out. We anticipate a tremendous corridor.”
Internationally, the fourth film in the martial arts-inspired animated comedy collected $22 million from 41 markets for a global tally of $80 million. This installment cost $85 million to produce, a lower price tag than the first three movies, each of which cost about $150 million. Jack Black returned to voice the main character in “Kung Fu Panda 4,...
- 3/10/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Jack Black’s Po is back after nearly a decade, and he’s already receiving a hero’s welcome from audiences.
Kung Fu Panda 4 opened to a stellar $58.3 million domestically, well ahead of expectations and a near-series best in a win for the family marketplace, as well as for DreamWorks Animation and parent company Universal (the studio behind Sunday’s Academy Awards frontrunner Oppenheimer). The only other Kung Fu Panda installment to open higher was the first one in 2008 with $62 million, not adjusted for inflation.
Along with Black, returning members of the Kung Fu Panda 4 voice cast include Dustin Hoffman as Kung Fu master Shifu, James Hong as Po’s adoptive father, Bryan Cranston as Po’s birth father Li and Ian McShane as Shifu’s former student and arch-nemesis.
Series newcomers include Viola Davis as a tiny lizard and shapeshifting sorceress and Awakawfina as a quick-witted thief...
Kung Fu Panda 4 opened to a stellar $58.3 million domestically, well ahead of expectations and a near-series best in a win for the family marketplace, as well as for DreamWorks Animation and parent company Universal (the studio behind Sunday’s Academy Awards frontrunner Oppenheimer). The only other Kung Fu Panda installment to open higher was the first one in 2008 with $62 million, not adjusted for inflation.
Along with Black, returning members of the Kung Fu Panda 4 voice cast include Dustin Hoffman as Kung Fu master Shifu, James Hong as Po’s adoptive father, Bryan Cranston as Po’s birth father Li and Ian McShane as Shifu’s former student and arch-nemesis.
Series newcomers include Viola Davis as a tiny lizard and shapeshifting sorceress and Awakawfina as a quick-witted thief...
- 3/9/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It’s been nearly three months since an animated wide release hit theaters, the last being Illumination’s “Migration” over the holidays. That’s a little bit frightening, but with some expert timing “Kung Fu Panda 4” has arrived, benefitting from a lack of competition for family audiences to score some strong numbers in its debut.
Universal’s animated action comedy film kicked off to $19.4 million from 4,035 theaters across its opening day and preview screenings. That’s the strongest opening day for the series since the 2008 original nabbed $20 million on its first day, on its way to a $60.2 million total across the three-day frame. This new fourth entry won’t reach those heights, projecting an opening of $55 million, but it’ll come in ahead of the figures earned by the 2010 sequel ($47.6 million) and 2016 threequel ($41.2 million).
It’s a successful kick-off for the DreamWorks Animation feature, especially considering it only carries...
Universal’s animated action comedy film kicked off to $19.4 million from 4,035 theaters across its opening day and preview screenings. That’s the strongest opening day for the series since the 2008 original nabbed $20 million on its first day, on its way to a $60.2 million total across the three-day frame. This new fourth entry won’t reach those heights, projecting an opening of $55 million, but it’ll come in ahead of the figures earned by the 2010 sequel ($47.6 million) and 2016 threequel ($41.2 million).
It’s a successful kick-off for the DreamWorks Animation feature, especially considering it only carries...
- 3/9/2024
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
They say that conflict is the essence of drama, and in this handsome but impossibly somber biopic there is almost nothing but conflict. Following up last year’s surprise hit Sound of Freedom, director Alejandro Monteverde neatly sidesteps a repeat of that film’s controversy with a story that cannot remotely be interpreted as a QAnon allegory. Based on the true story of Frances Xavier Cabrini — literally the first American saint — this takes a most un-maga viewpoint on immigration, painting an unvarnished portrait of racism in a country that is supposed to embrace the tired and the poor.
Right from the start, Cabrini impresses with its set design, giving Martin Scorsese’s studio work a run for its money and taking place shortly after the latter’s atmospheric brace of 19th century movies The Age of Innocence and Gangs of New York. A title card informs us that between 1899 and...
Right from the start, Cabrini impresses with its set design, giving Martin Scorsese’s studio work a run for its money and taking place shortly after the latter’s atmospheric brace of 19th century movies The Age of Innocence and Gangs of New York. A title card informs us that between 1899 and...
- 3/8/2024
- by Damon Wise
- Deadline Film + TV
Alejandro Monteverde, whose Sound Of Freedom was the top grossing independent film of 2023, is back in theaters this weekend with Cabrini, also from Angel Studios, in wide release. The true story of an indomitable Italian nun on a mission to aid immigrants living in misery and poverty in late 19th century New York City, stars Cristiana Dell’Anna as waif-like Francesca Cabrini. She navigates a Pope, an Archbishop, the mayor of New York and the Italian Senate among others to build a charitable empire starting with one orphanage in the immigrant slum called Five Points (last seen in Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York). Giancarlo Giannini plays Pope Leo; David Morse is Archbishop Michael Augustine Corrigan; and John Lithgow a villainous Mayor Gould — men Cabrini lectured, sparred with, cajoled and threatened to realize her life’s work. Canonized in 1946, she is the Patron Saint of Immigrants.
In a Q&a with Deadline,...
In a Q&a with Deadline,...
- 3/8/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Homegrown hits led by A Moroccan Affair and Championext, an explosion of comedies and the solid performance of several European indies have helped the Spanish box office to withstand the lack of US releases following the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes last year.
Local productions were the highest grossing independent films at the Spanish box office in the year ending February 2024, with Álvaro Fernández Armero’s A Moroccan Affair at the top of the list.
The 2023 Spanish box office total was €504 million, with 77.8 million tickets sold, representing a 26% increase on 2022.
The two biggest Spanish films are both part of existing franchises.
Local productions were the highest grossing independent films at the Spanish box office in the year ending February 2024, with Álvaro Fernández Armero’s A Moroccan Affair at the top of the list.
The 2023 Spanish box office total was €504 million, with 77.8 million tickets sold, representing a 26% increase on 2022.
The two biggest Spanish films are both part of existing franchises.
- 3/8/2024
- ScreenDaily
Lori Loughlin won the Grace Prize for A Christmas Blessing and Super Mario Bros. Movie was named Best Family Film at the 31st annual Movieguide Faith & Values Awards Gala & Report. The broadcast aired this evening on Great American Family.
Movie and television winners of the night included:
Best Family Movie – Super Mario Bros Movie
Best Family TV– A Paris Christmas Waltz
Best Movie for Mature Audiences– Jesus Revolution
Best TV for Mature Audiences– Chicago P.D. “New Life”
Faith & Freedom Award for Movies – Sound of Freedom
Faith & Freedom Award for TV – A Million Miles Away
Grace Prize for Movie Performance – Dennis Quaid for “On a Wing and a Prayer”
Grace Prize for TV Performance – Lori Loughlin for “A Christmas Blessing”
Visionary Award- Brad Krevoy, Emmy Award-Winning Producer
Epiphany Prize for TV – Divine Influencer
Epiphany Prize for Movies – Journey to Bethlehem
The event was hosted by Great American Family’s Trevor Donovan and Danica McKellar,...
Movie and television winners of the night included:
Best Family Movie – Super Mario Bros Movie
Best Family TV– A Paris Christmas Waltz
Best Movie for Mature Audiences– Jesus Revolution
Best TV for Mature Audiences– Chicago P.D. “New Life”
Faith & Freedom Award for Movies – Sound of Freedom
Faith & Freedom Award for TV – A Million Miles Away
Grace Prize for Movie Performance – Dennis Quaid for “On a Wing and a Prayer”
Grace Prize for TV Performance – Lori Loughlin for “A Christmas Blessing”
Visionary Award- Brad Krevoy, Emmy Award-Winning Producer
Epiphany Prize for TV – Divine Influencer
Epiphany Prize for Movies – Journey to Bethlehem
The event was hosted by Great American Family’s Trevor Donovan and Danica McKellar,...
- 3/8/2024
- by The Deadline Team
- Deadline Film + TV
Embraced by Q-Anon conspiracy theorists, last year’s “Sound of Freedom” racked up over $250 million worldwide and brought Mexican-born director Alejandro Monteverde back in the spotlight almost two decades after his awfully saccharine 2006 debut “Bella” won the People’s Choice Award at TIFF. A filmmaker with an unabashedly Christian conservative agenda, Monteverde’s latest is a frustratingly sluggish biopic of Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini (Cristiana Dell’Anna), an Italian nun who defied the Catholic Church, as well as American institutions, to aide her countrymen in New York City during the late 1800s.
All of Cabrini’s past is reduced to an incident in her childhood where she nearly drowned. That she survived and continued to outlive her post-tuberculosis prognosis propels her to prove wrong anyone who suggests she doesn’t belong in any male-dominated space. After a meeting with Pope Leo Xiii (Giancarlo Giannini) to discuss her plans to build orphanages in China,...
All of Cabrini’s past is reduced to an incident in her childhood where she nearly drowned. That she survived and continued to outlive her post-tuberculosis prognosis propels her to prove wrong anyone who suggests she doesn’t belong in any male-dominated space. After a meeting with Pope Leo Xiii (Giancarlo Giannini) to discuss her plans to build orphanages in China,...
- 3/7/2024
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Variety Film + TV
First, there was “Sound of Freedom.” Now, it’s the sound of a cash register that has streamers wading into Christian programming.
Fox Nation, the streaming sister of Fox News Channels, seems as good a place as any for that sort of thing. IndieWire can confirm that “The Passion of the Christ” and “The Chosen” are both headed to Fox Nation in the next few days — just in time for Easter! Hallelujah.
“Passion of the Christ” will be available on Fox Nation ($5.99 per month) tomorrow, March 8, 2024, and Seasons 1-3 of “The Chosen” will debut two days later. Deadline first reported the news of the acquisitions.
Scripture stuff is all the rage these days. On Tuesday, Netflix revealed the trailer for “Testament: The Story of Moses,” a three-part documentary series premiering on March 27, 2024. Easter 2024 is March 31. As the title states, that one is all about God’s voice on Earth. Not you,...
Fox Nation, the streaming sister of Fox News Channels, seems as good a place as any for that sort of thing. IndieWire can confirm that “The Passion of the Christ” and “The Chosen” are both headed to Fox Nation in the next few days — just in time for Easter! Hallelujah.
“Passion of the Christ” will be available on Fox Nation ($5.99 per month) tomorrow, March 8, 2024, and Seasons 1-3 of “The Chosen” will debut two days later. Deadline first reported the news of the acquisitions.
Scripture stuff is all the rage these days. On Tuesday, Netflix revealed the trailer for “Testament: The Story of Moses,” a three-part documentary series premiering on March 27, 2024. Easter 2024 is March 31. As the title states, that one is all about God’s voice on Earth. Not you,...
- 3/7/2024
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Angel Studios, a small production studio operating out of Utah, has swiftly ascended as a significant player in the entertainment industry with its unique approach to distribution. Offering a diverse range of, mostly faith-themed, content accessible worldwide; the small film and TV outfit has revolutionised the distribution landscape mostly through crowdfunding.
While their decidedly innovative approach has been making headlines ever since the extraordinary record-breaking success of Sound of Freedom in 2023 – the film grossed around $250 million on a modest $14.5 million budget – the studio has also scored some huge wins with shows like The Chosen, Dry Bar Comedy and more recently the faith-based sci-fi drama The Shift.
The latest release from this ever surprising outfit sees the return of Sound of Freedom co-director Alejandro Monteverde at the helm in this impressive biopic detailing the life of 19th century Catholic missionary Francesca Cabrini. Portrayed by esteemed Italian actress Cristiana Dell’Anna (Patrizia in...
While their decidedly innovative approach has been making headlines ever since the extraordinary record-breaking success of Sound of Freedom in 2023 – the film grossed around $250 million on a modest $14.5 million budget – the studio has also scored some huge wins with shows like The Chosen, Dry Bar Comedy and more recently the faith-based sci-fi drama The Shift.
The latest release from this ever surprising outfit sees the return of Sound of Freedom co-director Alejandro Monteverde at the helm in this impressive biopic detailing the life of 19th century Catholic missionary Francesca Cabrini. Portrayed by esteemed Italian actress Cristiana Dell’Anna (Patrizia in...
- 3/7/2024
- by Linda Marric
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The thawing of the winter box office continues this weekend with Universal/DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda 4 which is bound to see the franchise’s second highest domestic opening at $50M+ at 3,900 theaters after the original 2008 movie ($60.2M). But that’s not all, it’s also the second biggest start for a Dwa title after Universal acquired the label from its 20th Century Fox distribution deal; the biggest during Universal’s 2.0 with Dwa being How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World which debuted to $55M in March 2019. Kung Fu Panda 4 is skewing among males and females under 25. Previews start Thursday at 2Pm. No Rt review rating yet.
Legendary Entertainment/Warner Bros’ Dune: Part Two keeps humming with $8.1M yesterday off bargain Tuesdays, +12% over Monday, for a running total through five days of $98M. The Zendaya-Timothee Chalamet-Austin Butler-Josh Brolin-...
Legendary Entertainment/Warner Bros’ Dune: Part Two keeps humming with $8.1M yesterday off bargain Tuesdays, +12% over Monday, for a running total through five days of $98M. The Zendaya-Timothee Chalamet-Austin Butler-Josh Brolin-...
- 3/6/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
After one of the biggest opening weekends of 2024 (by far), things normally might settle down, but DreamWorks Animation is releasing one of the first family animated movies since December, and it’s one that can help the box office recover. Read on for Gold Derby’s box office preview.
Offering “Dune: Part Two” some hearty competition and counter-programming this weekend is the first family animated feature in months, as DreamWorks Animation’s “Kung Fu Panda 4” arrives in over 3,900 theaters nationwide. Once again starring Jack Black as Po, the martial arts savvy panda bear, he’s joined in this one by the ubiquitous Awkwafina – when was the last time there was an animated movie in which she didn’t provide a voice? –as a thieving fox. Viola Davis voices the primary villain, the evil sorceress chameleon, plus there are new characters voiced by Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan (“Everything Everywhere All at Once...
Offering “Dune: Part Two” some hearty competition and counter-programming this weekend is the first family animated feature in months, as DreamWorks Animation’s “Kung Fu Panda 4” arrives in over 3,900 theaters nationwide. Once again starring Jack Black as Po, the martial arts savvy panda bear, he’s joined in this one by the ubiquitous Awkwafina – when was the last time there was an animated movie in which she didn’t provide a voice? –as a thieving fox. Viola Davis voices the primary villain, the evil sorceress chameleon, plus there are new characters voiced by Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan (“Everything Everywhere All at Once...
- 3/6/2024
- by Edward Douglas
- Gold Derby
It’s a box office battle of the sequels as Universal and Dreamworks Animation’s “Kung Fu Panda 4” vies for first place with “Dune: Part Two” on domestic charts.
The fourth “Kung Fu Panda” movie looks to collect $45 million to $50 million in its opening weekend. Meanwhile, “Dune: Part Two” is projected to add $40 million to $45 million in its second outing.
Regardless of reviews, “Kung Fu Panda 4” should benefit from the dearth of family films at the box office. Based on estimates, initial ticket sales should improve upon its immediate predecessors, 2016’s “Kung Fu Panda 3” ($41 million debut) and 2011’s “Kung Fu Panda 2” ($47.6 million). The original, 2008’s “Kung Fu Panda,” kicked off the martial arts-inspired comedy series with $60 million and ultimately grossed $632 million globally. The two follow-ups were financial winners with the sequel earning $665 million and the threequel generating $521 million.
The fourquel cost $85 million to produce — a smaller...
The fourth “Kung Fu Panda” movie looks to collect $45 million to $50 million in its opening weekend. Meanwhile, “Dune: Part Two” is projected to add $40 million to $45 million in its second outing.
Regardless of reviews, “Kung Fu Panda 4” should benefit from the dearth of family films at the box office. Based on estimates, initial ticket sales should improve upon its immediate predecessors, 2016’s “Kung Fu Panda 3” ($41 million debut) and 2011’s “Kung Fu Panda 2” ($47.6 million). The original, 2008’s “Kung Fu Panda,” kicked off the martial arts-inspired comedy series with $60 million and ultimately grossed $632 million globally. The two follow-ups were financial winners with the sequel earning $665 million and the threequel generating $521 million.
The fourquel cost $85 million to produce — a smaller...
- 3/5/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Alejandro Monteverde’s last movie, the wildly profitable Christian thriller “Sound of Freedom,” was dogged by accusations that its anti-trafficking hero was himself guilty of fraud and grooming — a tough break for a piece of conspiracy-driven Maga theology that purported to shine a light on the secret cabal of sex criminals who are hiding in plain sight. Monteverde presumably had no way of knowing that Tim Ballard would become the target of a criminal investigation and get ousted from the very organization that “Sound of Freedom” exists to valorize, but his follow-up feature — shot in 2021 — seems designed to avoid any hint of a similar controversy.
Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini may not have been as pure and perfect a soul as Monteverde’s biopic imagines she was, but the director can rest easy in the knowledge that his newest subject is a literal saint. At this point, more than a century after Cabrini’s death,...
Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini may not have been as pure and perfect a soul as Monteverde’s biopic imagines she was, but the director can rest easy in the knowledge that his newest subject is a literal saint. At this point, more than a century after Cabrini’s death,...
- 3/5/2024
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
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