As fans gear up for Monica Bellucci’s mesmerizing portrayal as a villain in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” her upcoming film schedule has also prompted some reflection. Naturally, someone inquired about her involvement in the James Bond series, stemming from her role in “Spectre.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the highly acclaimed movie “Fight Club” (a standout film from the ’90s), much like many other films from 1999. It’s hard to believe that so much time has passed since its release, but I found myself revisiting David Fincher’s thought-provoking masterpiece and searching for movies that share similarities in style, era, or themes.
Actress Winona Ryder had a long-standing career in films, but she almost didn’t get the chance to star in one of her most memorable roles early on. Her part in “Heathers,” which followed her breakout performance in Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice,” might not have materialized if it hadn’t been for her agent’s advice against taking the role. In a joint interview with Jenna Ortega, Ryder shared with Harper’s BAZAAR that her agent strongly discouraged her from accepting the role. During their conversation, Ortega was puzzled when asked about a role Ryder’s agent dissuaded her from playing. After some hints from Ryder, Ortega eventually figured out that it was “Heathers.
Among all movie genres, science fiction provides filmmakers an expansive playground for themes and imagery to explore. Yet, not every science fiction production manages to strike a balance between unbridled creativity and delivering a remarkable cinematic experience. Fortunately, the 2020s have witnessed some exceptional sci-fi movies, such as Dune, Avatar: The Way of Water, and Spider-Man: No Way Home, which underscore the genre’s ongoing relevance and growth.
In 1999, when “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” premiered, fans had varying opinions about George Lucas’s approach to his acclaimed space opera series. However, there was one consensus among them regarding the prequel: Darth Maul. Portrayed by Ray Park in the movie, the villain’s intimidating design — featuring red skin, black tattoos, and horns atop his head — caught viewers’ attention instantly, making Darth Maul a fan favorite and arguably the most fearsome-looking character across the entire franchise.