Big spoilers for Rings of Power Season 2, Episode 5 – “Halls of Stone” – are ahead. If you need to catch up, you can stream The Lord of the Rings prequel with an Amazon Prime subscription.
The 1980s, characterized by extravagance, pop culture reign, and a strong undercurrent of optimism, stood out as a distinctive period. This era’s moods and preoccupations were mirrored in Hollywood through some of the most impactful films ever made. Unlike other generations that had their signature movies embodying the spirit of the times, the 1980s witnessed a notable escalation in the production of gangster and mob movies. These films gained widespread appeal by showcasing an opulent lifestyle and the exhilaration of lawlessness, transforming them from mere entertainment into cultural phenomena.
2024 marks a significant milestone for “Saturday Night Live” as they prepare for their 50th season on television and delve into their origins in the upcoming movie, “Saturday Night,” set to release in theaters next month. Notably absent from the story of how SNL came into existence is Lorne Michaels, who conceived and continues to produce the comedy sketch series today. As he talks about his latest film, which recounts the evening the program’s first episode aired, director Jason Reitman shares insights on collaborating with the “genius” Michaels.
In his fifth film, director Jeremy Saulnier is adding another powerful entry to his collection with the 2024 Netflix exclusive, “Rebel Ridge.” Some are likening this movie to a more methodical and thoughtful version of Amazon’s hit series, Reacher. Critics particularly praise actor Aaron Pierre’s portrayal of Terry Richmond, a character who fights against corrupt local law enforcement without resorting to violence. While “Rebel Ridge” can be categorized as an action thriller, it offers much more in terms of visual and thematic depth. The cinematography, with its slow-tracking camera sequences and single-take shots, sets it apart from other genre films. Moreover, the surprising and thought-provoking premise swiftly propels the movie into a realm of contemporary injustice.
In the movie “The Two Towers,” the now-domesticated Gollum guides Frodo and Sam on their final approach to Mordor, a trek which includes traversing a vast, swampy region known as the Dead Marshes. The eerie title of this area is fitting, as it mirrors the trio’s harrowing experience. During their journey, they notice fires burning in the distance and Sam catches sight of a ghostly pale white face submerged beneath the water. At one point, Gollum ominously states, “Everything here is dead, decayed. Elves, Men, Orcs, all fought a great battle long ago. This is the Dead Marshes, indeed.