Toad

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Director Adam Rifkin is readying himself for another unique filmmaking venture with the production of Toad, an upcoming project boasting a star-studded ensemble that includes James Franco, among other well-known personalities. Toad, described as a psychedelic comedy centered around drug use, will take viewers on a mind-bending journey to Las Vegas and beyond.

In Rifkin’s book, Toad, we follow the misadventures of Alex and Sam, two struggling stoners who unwittingly find themselves working for a dangerous criminal named Charles (portrayed by Robinson). They are forced to transport a peculiar item from LA to Vegas. Upon opening the box, they uncover live, mind-altering “acid” toads that start heating up excessively, forcing Alex and Sam to administer mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. This unexpected action results in them consuming large amounts of the toads’ psychedelic secretions, turning their planned journey to Vegas into a truly psychedelic experience instead. Accompanied by a talking toad, Alex and Sam encounter an assortment of eccentric characters such as a motorcycle gang, a deranged French chef, and a cult centered around sexual activities – all of whom are after the psychedelic amphibians for their own selfish purposes.

In “Toad”, we have James Paxton, famously known for his role in “Twisters“, teaming up with voice actor Oliver Wyman to form an endearing pair of stoners. Alongside them, we’ve got Tiffany Haddish (“Girls Trip“) and Katt Williams (“Scary Movie V“) adding their comedic talents, as well as Christopher Meloni (“Law and Order“) and Craig Robinson (“The Office; Brooklyn Nine-Nine“). As Deadline reports, this offbeat comedy is shaping up to be a hilarious escape from the monotony of daily life.

In relation to the movie, producer Brad Wyman mentioned: “Adam Rifkin’s entire career has been a lead-up to directing Toad. It possesses that peculiar, almost dreamlike quality of comedy where the absurdity of the events and characters builds up to such an extent that it becomes impossible not to burst out laughing.

Rifkin commended the producers for their outstanding effort in assembling first-rate actors who would undoubtedly propel the narrative and leave audiences rolling with laughter.

Rifkin’s ‘Toad’ is the antidote motion picture audiences are seeking right now.

Can Toad Break the Curse of James Franco’s Past Controversies?

While the enthusiasm for the movie Toad appears justified, given its comedic appeal, the choice of casting James Franco in an undetermined role could potentially impact the film’s success. Once a prominent figure in Hollywood, Franco’s career suffered significantly following accusations of sexual misconduct by several individuals, including former students and a 17-year-old girl. Franco admitted to these allegations, settling a lawsuit in 2021, and has since maintained a low profile.

Recently, Franco has been involved in several films, but he hasn’t been able to steer clear of new controversies. Although no fresh allegations of sexual misconduct have surfaced, he faced strong criticism for collaborating with Vincent Gallo, who himself has been accused of wrongful behavior towards women, on the film “The Policeman“. Additionally, Franco drew criticism when he was cast as Fidel Castro in “Alina of Cuba”, as Franco is a white actor attempting to portray a Latino character.

It’s uncertain if these controversies will persist in tarnishing Franco’s reputation, given that he has continued to secure acting roles despite them. Although he may not become a chart-topper again, films such as “The Policeman” and “Alina of Cuba” can still be considered mainstream, indicating his enduring presence in the film industry. The fact that the team behind the movie “Toad” is prepared to overlook Franco’s past actions suggests they are willing to do so – but it remains to be seen if audiences will follow suit, potentially impacting “Toad’s” success despite its compelling concept and talented cast.

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2025-02-05 00:01