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by Christopher James

The TCM Film Festival always brings out the stars, and this year was no exception as David Fincher (left) took to the stage for a Q&a before Se7en.

The theme of this year’s TCM Film Festival was “Most Wanted: Crime and Justice in Film.” You know what that means? Lots of cop and detective stories - be they young or old, eager or disillusioned, good or dirty.

The three films from this programming block I was lucky enough to attend span nearly sixty years, showing how much the crime genre has been pushed. From screwball comedy in the 30s, noir in the 50s and violent nihilism in the 90s, each new era brings with it a new interpretation of the same roles in society.

Throughout the week, I'll be publishing recaps of the films I've seen from the festival, grouped by similar themes or slotted under similar programming categories.

A fresh group of survivalists are about to take on one of the toughest challenges in reality TV. Naked and Afraid Xl returns in May with an all-new season, with 12 people – including some notable Naked and Afraid alums – attempting to survive 40 days in the wild. And this season, there’s a new twist that will make completing their challenge that much more difficult.

‘Naked and Afraid Xl’ premieres May 12

Naked and Afraid Xl premieres Sunday, May 12 at 8 p.m. Et/Pt on Discovery Channel.

This season, a dozen past Naked and Afraid participants will be challenged to complete 40 days in the Colombian badlands without food, water, or clothes. And they won’t just have to endure blood-sucking mosquitos, ants, ticks, disease-causing parasites, jaguars, and caimans. During this Naked and Afraid challenge, they’ll have to trek 40 miles across six unique terrains. Along the way, they’ll face triple-digit temperatures, violent electrical storms,...

by Christopher James

Andrew Scott takes on the titular role of Tom Ripley in Steve Zaillian's latest rendition, "Ripley," on Netflix.

There’s something sacred about a favorite movie. Anthony Minghella’s 1999 masterpiece The Talented Mr. Ripley is a seminal film, burned into my brain as canon. Thus, there’s a certain amount of bias that is hard to overcome when judging a remake. It runs the risk of being so close to the original that it is redundant, or swings far enough away that it pales from the original.

The new Netflix limited series Ripley wisely distances itself from other renditions of the Patricia Highsmith novel, primarily through its gorgeous black-and-white cinematography and new approaches to casting. Writer-director Steve Zaillian has a clear, distinct vision of the tale that feels distinct. However, it prioritizes style over substance. Though filled with haunting beauty, this Ripley lacks personality and tension - sexual or otherwise.

by Cláudio Alves

Mary & George, Starz's new miniseries, premieres today, with a new episode every Friday for the next few weeks. Christopher James recently reviewed the historical drama, detailing its intersection of smut and scheming, all centered around its titular characters during King James I's reign. Hot new thing Nicholas Galitzine plays George Villiers under the camera's lustful gaze, but it's Julianne Moore's Mary who commands the screen as his mother. To honor one of The Film Experience's favorite goddesses on this occasion, I decided to do one of my actress-y top tens, focusing on the Oscar-winner's best performances across a career rich in excellence…...

No bond is greater than that of a baby gay and Julianne Moore.By: Christopher James

It’s once again the age of the nefarious bisexual twink and his domineering mother.

Starz’s latest prestige limited series, Mary and George, is not your average historical period piece. It’s a sensational tale of sex and deception woven by the most nefarious queer mother-son pairing this side of the English Channel. Julianne Moore and Nicholas Galitzine sink their teeth into all complicated aspects of their titular characters. All seven episodes of creator D.C. Cooper’s drama fly by with gusto and ease. It’s hard not to get caught up in the intoxicating machinations of Mary and George’s rise to power. Still, underneath all the meme-ifying and actress-sexual worshiping, the show presents us with two fully dimensional characters we can empathize with as they claw forward against a harsh world.

by Christopher James

Poor Things won the hearts of The Film Experience team, but it wasn't the only film the team loved this year.

The Film Experience team has spoken. Our nomination leader - Poor Things - won Best Picture from the group. However, it was not a sweep for Yorgos Lanthimos' ambitious film. The only other category Poor Things won was Best Costume Design. Instead, the team decided to spread the wealth across all categories, rewarding a total of 16 films. The most wins racked up by any film this year was three, which both Anatomy of a Fall and Barbie achieved. 

See what won each of the categories after the jump...

By: Christopher James

For those who watched the Golden Globes, the TV landscape seemed to only have three shows. Succession took home all drama specific prizes. The Bear pulled off a similar hat trick on the comedy side. Finally, Beef swept the Limited Series categories. With the delayed Emmys finally happening, one may think they’ll see the same people and the same speeches repeat one week later.

However, keep in mind the Emmys voting period was from August 17 to 28, meaning the winners were technically chosen five months ago. Like a time capsule, all will be revealed on Monday, Jan 15th. We got our first clue as to how the Television Academy voted this past week at the Creative Arts Ceremony.

See how these categories could clue us into the Emmy winners, who we are predicting for the Primetime Emmy Awards and a full list of Creative Arts Winners after the jump.

By: Christopher James

Can the entire trio of Killers of the Flower Moon get nominated after Leo's SAG snub?

Now that the SAG Awards have announced their nomination, we have a very clear picture of where the Oscar acting races are heading into Oscar voting. Every year features its snubs and surprises. The one thing you can rely on the Oscars for are some curveballs. However, there are ways we can systematically predict the lineup using the numbers of the past to inform the future.

Let’s apply some statistics to figure out the most likely nominees...

by Christopher James

Oppenheimer and Killers of the Flower Moon are obvious frontrunners, but who is the leader among The Film Experience writers as of now?

With the Gotham Awards and New York Film Critics Awards having announced their winners, the Oscars race is officially afoot! We have surveyed The Film Experience writers and asked them to make predictions in the main eight categories - Picture, Directing, Actress, Actor, Supporting Actress, Supporting Actor, Adapted Screenplay and Original Screenplay. Every other week, we will check in with the team to see who has risen or fallen in the rankings.

Martin Scorsese’s epic drama, Killers of the Flower Moon, had the strongest showing of the week, awards-wise. It took home Best Picture at the New York Film Critics Awards and stars Lily Gladstone and Robert De Niro had the most high profile moments of the Gotham Awards. Does that mean it is out in front,...

By Christopher James

How does one follow up a first feature after it breaks out and earns an Oscar?

After her vivid breakthrough Promising Young Woman, Emerald Fennell smartly refuses to play it safe. At first glance, the tale of class warfare and homoeroticism feels familiar. But her singular eye adds an indelible slant to the material, which feels like a spiritual sister to The Talented Mr. Ripley. Like that film, Saltburn expertly dramatizes the intoxication of lust and the limits we all blow past while under its influence. Fennell’s live-wire pacing is perfectly complemented by the committed cast, particularly Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi and Rosamund Pike...

By Christopher James

Jeremy Strong has won Lead Actor in a Drama Series once before, for the second season of Succession in 2020.

Another day, another category that Succession has dominated. Of the six slots in the category for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, Succession takes up half the category. However, this isn’t necessarily a huge bonus for the show. The other Drama Series acting categories seem relatively locked up. Yet, the Lead Actor in a Drama Series race feels much more open. Multiple Succession cast members have narratives for a win, while the non-Succession men are putting up a great fight.

Who will prevail in this tight race? Let’s take a look at the episode submissions...

By Christopher James

You can’t capture lightning in a bottle twice. Paramount+’s new trip through its catalog is the TV series adaptation of Fatal Attraction, the 1987 blockbuster. In trying to modernize this erotic thriller, this new show impressively falls short in all regards. All of its new additions involve introducing grating new characters or dulling the iconic affair duo with the clunkiest of backstories. Rather than be a new story entirely, Fatal Attraction tries to shoe-in callbacks to the original with all the tact and subtlety of a woman boiling a bunny… oops. Making matters worse, the talented cast is left completely adrift - caught in the uncanny valley of putting their own stamp on iconic characters but unable to shake off imitating Michael Douglas and Glenn Close. In both cases, they are very pale imitations.

In short, Fatal Attraction is an epic misfire across all fields...

By Christopher James

Have you ever watched a movie and realized it was instantly going to be part of your personality? Last weekend at a midnight screening of Xanadu, I thought I was merely filling a critical hole in my gay camp movie repertoire. The Olivia Newton John 1980 roller skating musical was a bomb when it first opened. Yet, through hit songs like “Magic” and “Xanadu,” the film hung around long enough to become a cult classic. Obviously the term “roller skating musical” doesn’t inspire much confidence in a film’s storytelling prowess. Xanadu isn’t a “so bad it’s good” curio piece. Instead, it’s an ambitious, messy, misunderstood masterpiece about the ebbs and flow of art and taste...

By Christopher James

It’s been 18 years since Antonio Banderas’ Puss in Boots first flashed his huge eyes onscreen in box office smash and Cannes in-competition film Shrek 2. Though the Shrek franchise faded with each half-baked sequel, Puss in Boots got the origin story treatment in a 2011 installment. A decade later you'd assume that this Puss in Boots: The Last Wish would feel stale and dated. Instead it's a charming winner filled with imagination and fun! The story is a familiar one, centering around wish fulfillment and a grand race. Yet, there is plenty of juice left in this fairy tale world. The film blends childlike mania with poignant themes of belonging to make this perfect programming for families looking for a movie this holiday season.

When we catch up with Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas), he’s leading a sing-a-long about his prowess while getting in a fight...

Dining with Chef Slowick (Ralph Fiennes) is a dangerous experience in "The Menu."By Christopher James

The subgenre of class warfare comedy is alive and well in 2022. Most recently, movies like Bodies Bodies Bodies and Triangle of Sadness have smeared the 1 with blood and excrement, respectively. Director Mark Mylod (of Succession fame), opts for the former with his all-star comic thriller, The Menu. The film effectively entertains, even if it doesn’t ultimately add much to the conversation.

We meet Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Tyler (Nicholas Hoult) at a dock about to be picked up for an elite dining experience. Right from the beginning, we see a disconnect between the two, as if they were newly dating. Tyler is beyond excited for the dining experience, documenting every moment. On the flip side, Margot couldn’t care less. Tyler and Margot travel alongside nine other illustrious guests to an island restaurant...

by Christopher James

Sarah Polley assembles a terrific ensemble for her fourth feature, "Women Talking."

Though Saturday was Day Four of the AFI festival, it was merely my second day spent wandering around the halls of the Tcl Chinese Theater subsisting on popcorn and soda alone. What a doozy of a day it was. The films all spoke in different ways to parenthood, family, community, and gender dynamics. Between Sarah Polley's Women Talking, Florian Zeller's The Son and Carla Simón's Alcarràs which film soared to be the best of the bunch and which missed the mark entirely? My takes on all three are after the jump...

by Christopher James

Anna Diop gives a powerful performance in the horror drama "Nanny," coming soon to Prime Video.

The AFI Film Festival kicked off in earnest Wednesday with the premiere of Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me. The documentary of the pop sensation was directed by Alex Keshishian (“Madonna: Truth or Dare''). My first day at the festival was a double feature of female-directed genre pictures. Nanny, directed by Nikyata Jusu, and Piaffe, directed by Ann Oren. Both played with horror conventions in interesting ways to tell two very different stories. One deals with a complicated, bifractured tale of motherhood and sacrifice. The other dramatizes pleasure in odd, yet titilating ways. While both tell different stories and have different tones, one film was more successful than the other in marrying tone and storytelling into a satisfying package.

So which one was more successful? Find out after the jump...

By Christopher James

Paul Bäumer (Felix Kammerer) heads into World War I in "All Quiet on the Western Front," the German submission this year for Best International Feature.

It’s daunting to remake a Best Picture winner. Steven Spielberg was able to breathe new life and vitality into West Side Story, making it a companion to the timeless original. But, more often than not, filmmakers buckle under the weight of expectations and self importance.

The Lewis Milestone adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque's anti-war novel All Quiet on the Western Front in 1930 struck new ground for realism, brutality and anti-war sentiments. It earned Oscar wins for Best Picture and Best Director. It's been regarded as a classic ever since, later receiving citations on AFI’s list of best films and best epics and inclusion in the National Film Registry. How could a new film pack a similar punch? Director Edward Berger...

By: Christopher James

Eight comedy series compete for the prize of Outstanding Comedy Series.

There’s something for everyone in this season’s Comedy Series race. We once again have a major network TV sitcom fighting against a gaggle of streamers and premium cable offerings. A network sitcom hasn’t won this prize since Modern Family won it for five consecutive years from 2010-2014. Could Abbott Elementary break the drought? Meanwhile, a couple of former winners are looking to defend or reclaim their titles...

By: Christopher James

The most wins from the ceremonies were “Adele: One Night Only,” “The Beatles: Get Back,” “The White Lotus,” “Stranger Things” and “Euphoria,” all with five wins.

This weekend, the Creative Arts Emmys handed out 93 awards over two nights. Many exciting categories produced great winners, ranging from former President Barack Obama to a posthumous award for Chadwick Boseman. There is so much talent in the TV industry and it’s always fascinating to scroll through all the winners in each category (even if the classifications aren’t always as uniform as us awards show fans would like).

On top of that, one can also use these races to help predict what will happen during the Primetime Emmy Awards. It’s not a one-for-one match that whoever wins the most Creative Arts Emmys will win Drama or Comedy Series. However, it does provide a good barometer of how the...

By Christopher James

Lee Jung-Jae won this category at the SAG Awards. Could he pull off a similar feat at the Emmys?

It’s a battle between old and new. The men of Succession face off against each other, while promising newcomers hope to sneak in and take the win. In particular, Lee Jung-jae (Squid Game), who won this prize at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Adam Scott is a wild card for Severance, which earned fourteen nominations for its first season. Add in a couple of men contending for their show’s final season (or at least first half of a final season) and you have yourself a real race. Jeremy Strong is the only previous winner in this particular category, though Jason Bateman has an Emmy as well. Will Strong prevail again, or will one of his challengers overthrow him?...

By: Christopher James

Hannah Waddingham hopes to win a second consecutive Emmy for her work in "Ted Lasso."What happens when winners collide? The Comedy Supporting Actress race is loaded with three past winners this year. Ted Lasso’s Hannah Waddingham looks to repeat last year’s win for season two of the hit Apple TV+ program. Meanwhile, both Alex Borstein (Marvelous Mrs Maisel) and Kate McKinnon (SNL) could add a third Emmy trophy to their mantle. McKinnon took home the prize in both 2016 and 2017, with Borstein following in 2018 and 2019.

As powerful as these three are, it would be unwise to count out the newcomers. Janelle James and Sheryl Lee Ralph contend for the first season of Abbott Elementary, while Sarah Niles enters the race for her first appearance on Ted Lasso. Both Hannah Einbender and Juno Temple also earned their second consecutive nomination for their roles in Hacks and Ted Lasso,...

By Christopher James

Branding is important. Craft a persona early enough, it can sustain you for a full career. Stallone and Schwarzenegger will remain action stars until they need rockers. DeNiro will be a gangster in every third rate mob movie known to man. Finally, Diane Keaton instantly conjures the vision of a kooky Grandma who loves Chardonnay.

Between Book Club and Poms, septuagenarian Keaton has once again found a way to lead movies packaged around her infectious star persona. Mack & Rita is the latest in this series. While it’s easily the shabbiest of the three, it’s not without its charms thanks to its Oscar-winning lead. Who wouldn’t want to jump to the point in their life where they could be Diane Keaton?...

Who wouldn't want to travel with Lesley Manville to Paris this summer?By: Christopher James

Make Lesley Manville the star of every movie. I’m serious, Hollywood. Do it. As the titular character in Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, the Oscar nominated character actress brings heart, humor and gumption to her Cinderella-esque heroine. Even from the trailer alone, you can understand the type of frothy entertainment that awaits. The movie attempts to go a bit deeper at times, but it more or less lives up to what the trailer advertised. This is a light, fun time at the ovies with beautiful gowns and great performances. What takes it from a watch-on-a-plane movie to a must-see matinee is a galvanizing and endearing performance by Manville.

We find our titular character, Ada Harris (Lesley Manville), in the midst of bad news...

by Nathaniel R and Christopher James

Jb Smoove and Melissa Fumero (who will soon be costarring in a Netflix show called Blockbuster) announced the Emmy nominations this morning. They started with a brief "bit" where they held Jb's Emmy like it was a crying fragile infant before getting down to swift business with the headline categories.

One of the most interesting things about the nominations was that recency bias paid off in the series categories but did Not pay off in Limited Series where almost all of the nominees came from the fall/winter... as if the voters just couldn't sift through the spring/summer glut of programming. We'll review several categories at length over the next two months (the Emmys are on September 12th) but after the jump the  nomination list with a few comments and how well we did on our predictions...

Wherever the Minions go, mayhem follows.By: Christopher James

Everyone knows what their mileage is on Minions mischief. Since exploding onto the screen in 2010’s surprise animated hit Despicable Me, these goofy yellow helpers have become part of popular culture. Like demented, individualistic oompa loompas, the Minions do not need speech in order to win over their audiences. In fact, they hew closest to the Three Stooges in terms of their appeal. It’s pure physical comedy amped up by the frenetic dexterity that animation allows.

The newest entry, Minions: The Rise of Gru, doesn’t reinvent the wheel, to say the least. It’s broad, loud and frantic, barely stopping for a minute to craft a story. At 107 minutes, the energy sputters out, particularly in a rushed third act. Yet, the movie gives exactly what it promises, a fun ride full of antics galore...

By: Christopher James

Our favorite podcasting trio return in the second season of Hulu's hit show, "Only Murders in the Building."We should’ve expected Season 2 of Only Murders in the Building to be a huge hit. The Hulu streamer became a four quadrant hit last fall, likely because it smashed together elements from all four quadrants. Older audiences tuned in for the classic pairing of Father of the Bride stars Steve Martin and Martin Short. Selena Gomez helped bring in a younger crowd as the third member of the mystery solving crew. A genuinely compelling mystery ties them together. On paper, it might read like it was made by a committee to appeal to the broadest possible audience. Yet, the series brings it all together through the shared fad for true crime stories and the culture of podcast listeners devoted to the genre.

Season Two of Only Murders in the Building...