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Jodie Foster is known for being picky, in the best way. She’s one of Hollywood’s sharpest talents, she doesn’t just say yes to any script that lands on her desk. That’s why it raised more than a few eyebrows when she kept turning down Wes Anderson, the king of quirky cinema, while saying yes to Siesta, a totally bonkers 1987 film that’s still confusing people to this day.

Anderson recently opened up about how many times he tried (and failed) to cast her. Meanwhile, Siesta remains one of those head-scratching moments in Foster’s otherwise quite impressive resume.

Jodie Foster keeps saying no to Wes Anderson’s quirky world

Jodie Foster’s name may never have graced the end credits of a Wes Anderson film, but not for lack of trying. Anderson has apparently made several attempts, three or four, depending on who’s counting, to...

We come to the horror genre to be shocked. Fans flock to scary movies for a variety of reasons, but one is to be jolted out of our everyday stresses with disarming events that play out on screen. Though we may crave this safe scare, we generally expect horror creators to abide by a set of unspoken rules. The dog will survive, the monster will be destroyed, and we will eventually see light at the end of the tunnel. Chief among these implicit guidelines is an understanding that cinematic children should not be killed. While the young often serve as hostages to danger or find themselves threatened by malevolent forces, they’re usually saved by the story’s adults or find a way to survive on their own.

Danny and Michael Philippou challenged this tacit tradition with their feature film debut Talk to Me. The 2022 Australian horror not only puts...

On Saturday May 3 2025, TLC broadcasts Say Yes to the Dress!

I Didn’t Mean to Make Randy Cry Season 23 Episode 5 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Say Yes to the Dress,” titled “I Didn’t Mean to Make Randy Cry,” promises to be an emotional rollercoaster for everyone involved. This episode features new consultant Cat, who faces a challenging task as she helps singer-songwriter Mary Lambert find her dream wedding dress. With Mary’s unique style and personal preferences, Cat will have to dig deep to ensure that the dress reflects Mary’s personality and vision for her big day.

In addition to Mary’s search, viewers will also witness the moment bride Emerald has been waiting for. After much anticipation, Emerald finally receives her wedding dress delivery. This moment is sure to be filled with excitement and joy as Emerald sees her gown for the first time. The emotions...

This Saturday at 8:00 Pm, TLC will air Season 23, Episode 5 of “Say Yes to the Dress,” titled “I Didn’t Mean to Make Randy Cry.” The episode promises to deliver plenty of emotion and excitement as new consultant Cat steps into the spotlight, ready to help brides find their dream dresses.

In this episode, Cat faces a unique challenge as she assists singer-songwriter Mary Lambert in her search for the perfect wedding gown. Mary’s strong personality and artistic flair will surely make for an interesting dress shopping experience. Viewers can expect to see Cat navigate the pressures of finding a dress that fits Mary’s style and captures her essence.

Meanwhile, bride Emerald will finally have her dress delivered, and the anticipation surrounding this moment will add to the excitement. Emerald’s journey to finding the right gown has been filled with ups and downs, and now the moment...

Another blast from the past for horror movie fans is making a comeback. Urban Legend, a slasher movie franchise that began with the original film released in 1998, is now set to get the reboot treatment.

Per The Hollywood Reporter, an Urban Legend reboot is now in early development. The film will be produced by Coin Operated's Gary Dauberman, a producer and writer on the new horror film Until Dawn, which hits theaters this weekend. Shanrah Wakefield will write the screenplay for the Urban Legend reboot with original Urban Legend producer Neal Moritz in talks to serve as a producer on the new film. A director hasn't yet been named, and no cast members are attached.

As it stands, no plot details have been divulged about the new take on Urban Legend. Reportedly, the story will be an "examination of what an urban legend looks like in a post-digital world,...

We are now well into 2025, and our latest column features several books that will likely rank among the year’s finest and most important releases. Plus, this column features a lengthy rundown of new and recent novels that should be on your radar, as well as lots of 4K and Blu-ray gems. Let’s start with an entertaining and insightful look at female filmmakers.

Cinema Her Way: Visionary Female Directors in Their Own Words by Marya E. Gates (Rizzoli)

Anyone who has read critic and writer Marya E. Gates’ “Female Filmmakers in Focus” column for RogerEbert.com will agree that there is no one better suited to write Cinema Her Way. This lovingly crafted, visually sublime text is packed with info and interviews. Gates acknowledges the titans of cinema whose contributions paved the way for today’s filmmakers. And while there are passing references to biggies like Coppola and Gerwig,...

When it comes to modern horror, few creators compare to Stephen King. As one of the most frequently-adapted authors in history, his popular stories have been transformed into some of the most successful genre films out there. However, they can't all be masterpieces, and many of them don't live up to their strong starts. This list contains ten of the best Stephen King films that just couldn't stick the landing.

Each of these famous adaptations, sequels, prequels, and remakes has something to offer, but their conclusions hold them back from greatness. Sometimes it's the filmmaker's mistake, some endings have just aged poorly, and sometimes fans must accept that even Stephen King is fallible. This list of flawed but fascinating films helps illuminate what makes a great story, and how easy it is to fall short of perfection — even for the master.

This Epic Novel Has a Famously Unfilmable Ending Image...

Celebrating women directors and their incredible contributions to filmmaking, the new book “Cinema Her Way: Visionary Female Directors in Their Own Words” includes a brief history about groundbreaking trailblazers, in-depth interviews with singular female directors, and a comprehensive list of noteworthy talents and their films from author, critic, and IndieWire contributor Marya E. Gates.

The filmmakers interviewed for the upcoming book are: Allison Anders, Gillian Armstrong, Lizzie Borden, Jane Campion, Martha Coolidge, Julie Dash, Josephine Decker, Cheryl Dunne, Bette Gordon, Marielle Heller, Miranda July, Karyn Kusama, Mary Lambert, Mira Nair, Sally Potter, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Isabel Sandoval, Susan Seidelman, and Katt Shea.

IndieWire shares an exclusive excerpt from Gates’ introduction below.

I first became aware that women could direct films when I was eight years old and my mother took me to see Gillian Armstrong’s “Little Women.” That movie affected me deeply and has remained my favorite film ever since.

Charles Shyer, who was Oscar-nominated for co-writing “Private Benjamin” with Nancy Meyers and went on to direct a string of hit comedies including “Father of the Bride” and “Baby Boom,” died Friday. He was 83.

His family said in a statement to Deadline, “It’s with an indescribably heavy heart that we share the news of our beloved father, Charles Shyer’s passing. His loss leaves an unfillable hole in our lives, but his legacy lives on through his children and the five decades of wonderful work he’s left behind. We honor the extraordinary life he led and know there will never be another quite like him.”

After Shyer’s collaboration with Meyers, whom he married the same year as “Private Benjamin” was released, the pair were Oscar-nominated for original screenplay along with Harvey Miller, kicking off a fruitful professional and personal relationship that produced some of the 1980s and ’90s most successful comedies.

The cult-favorite horror sequel Pet Sematary Two starring Terminator 2: Judgment Day's Edward Furlong is heading to streaming this January.

Starting Jan. 1, 2025, fans of Stephen King-inspired horror can revisit this chilling tale on Paramount+. Known for its eerie atmosphere and shocking twists, the 1992 sequel delves further into the dark consequences of tampering with death, delivering plenty of scares and unsettling moments. Directed by Mary Lambert, who also helmed the 1989 original, Pet Sematary Two stars Furlong as Jeff Matthews, a teenager who moves to a small town with his father following the tragic death of his mother. While struggling to cope with grief, Jeff and his friend Drew (Jason McGuire) discover the town’s sinister burial ground with the power to resurrect the dead. However, what starts as an attempt to undo loss quickly spirals into chaos as the resurrected are not what they seem. With Clancy Brown delivering...

It's hard to imagine "Deadpool & Wolverine" star Ryan Reynolds at a loss for words, but the actor was apparently pretty starstruck when he met the Queen of Pop, Madonna. In an interview with Radio Andy on SiriusXM, Reynolds and "Deadpool" franchise director Shawn Levy shared their experience consulting with the music legend, and apparently she had a bit of really sound advice for the duo. 

Madonna is extremely picky about licensing her music, and she's especially particular about the song "Like a Prayer," which was used in the big climax of "Deadpool & Wolverine" and its final trailer, to great effect. In order to convince the woman behind such hits as "Vogue," "Lucky Star," and "Frozen" to let them use one of her greatest (and most controversial) songs, Levy and Reynolds had to meet with her in person. They were pretty nervous when they showed her the scene "Like a Prayer" would play during,...

Stephen King fans have many adaptations to choose from, as the horror author's novels have been adapted many times. One of the early ones will be available to watch on a new streaming home, alongside its sequel.

Starting Nov. 1, 1989's Pet Sematary and its sequel, 1992's Pet Sematary Two, will be heading to Paramount+. Directed by Mary Lambert, the 1989 adaptation of the 1983 novel of the same name, and one of the first adaptations of his novels. The film was successful at the box office, grossing $57.5 million on a budget of $11.5 million, leading to a sequel three years later.

Related Acclaimed Time Travel Thriller Series Based on Stephen King Story Gets Free Streaming Home

Praised by critics and audiences upon its original release on Hulu, the acclaimed series is now set to start streaming for free.

Pet Sematary follows the Creed family, who move from Chicago to the rural town of Ludlow,...

Needle-drop music cues have been a hallmark of the "Deadpool" franchise stretching back to the opening credits of the first film, which kicks off with an amusingly chaotic freeze-frame action sequence set to Juice Newton's cover of "Angel of the Morning." This was a strong statement of irreverent purpose, and a signal to the audience that the artists behind this big-screen take on Marvel Comics' had a mile-wide sentimental streak.

The one constant through all three films has been the trio of star Ryan Reynolds and screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. After the travestying of the Merc with a Mouth in 20th Century Fox's botched "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," these gentlemen have worked overtime to deliver a version of Rob Liefeld and Fabian Nicieza's character that respects the fans who keep this superhero movie train chugging. And while you may love these films for their gleefully profane humor or,...

Curiously, the book alluded to in the headline is not "Christine," the novel Stephen King published in 1983. "Christine" follows a young man named Arnie who buys a disused 1958 Plymouth Fury and decides to fix it up. The car, however, begins asserting an eerie influence over Artie, turning him into a defiant 1950s greaser. He names the car Christine, and it soon begins acting with a mind of its own, chasing down anyone who would do Artie harm. Christine is a jealous girlfriend that feeds on Arnie's affection. 

Celebrated director John Carpenter famously adapted "Christine" to the big screen the same year as its publication, and many of Carpenter's eerie visuals are still scary to this day. The scene where Christine "grows back" after being smashed up by bullies is a sequence on par with the werewolf transformation scene in George Waggner's 1941 classic "The Wolf Man." The 1980s was a conservative time,...

Few directors reach the sort of stardom where their names are thrown on billboards. A Nolan or a Tarantino or a Peele become brands in and of themselves, while the other 99% bubble quietly under the surface; reliable journeymen, gallantly plugging away at the nuts and bolts of what used to be the mid-budget feature scene. These are the filmmakers who not only set the pace, but who change the very language of a genre too, consistently firing out exciting, crowd-pleasing, attention-grabbing stuff, year after year, decade after decade. Creative puppet masters living behind the scenes; their movies aren’t as stylistically loud, but their generation-spanning oeuvres are just as (if not more) legendary.

Don Siegel, J. Lee Thompson, Mary Lambert, Renny Harlin, Jonathan Demme, Doug Liman, John Frankenheimer – even just picking a handful of names at random gives you a who’s-who of filmmakers responsible for some of the most...

Pet Sematary contains a subtle reference to the It miniseries a year before its release. Jonathan Brandis did a voiceover in Pet Sematary and portrayed Young Bill Denbrough in It. A Derry, Maine road sign in the 2019 Pet Sematary remake references It, connecting Stephen King's universe.

It’s not uncommon for Stephen King adaptations to include references to other stories by him, but the 1989 adaptation of Pet Sematary had a reference to It’s miniseries a year before it was released. Stephen King’s novels and short stories have been adapted to different media for decades, and one of the most memorable ones is 1989’s Pet Sematary. Based on the 1983 novel of the same name, Pet Sematary was directed by Mary Lambert, and though it wasn’t a hit with critics during its release, with time it has received praise for its tone and performances.

Pet Sematary follows the Creed family,...

These ten horror films, helmed by talented women directors, offer a diverse range of storytelling and filmmaking styles, proving that the horror genre is enriched by their unique perspectives and creative vision.

The Babadook (2014) – Directed by Jennifer Kent: This Australian psychological horror film follows a single mother and her son who are haunted by a sinister presence that emerges from a mysterious children’s book. Jennifer Kent’s masterful direction creates a chilling atmosphere and explores themes of grief and motherhood. American Psycho (2000) – Directed by Mary Harron: Based on the controversial novel by Bret Easton Ellis, “American Psycho” is a satirical horror film that delves into the mind of a wealthy investment banker with psychopathic tendencies. Mary Harron’s direction infuses the film with dark humour and unsettling tension. Near Dark (1987) – Directed by Kathryn Bigelow: Kathryn Bigelow’s stylish and unconventional take on the vampire genre is a cult classic.

Stephen King is at his best when he's writing about his fears as a father. With "The Shining," he took his alcoholism and made the lead Jack Torrance into a worst-case scenario, someone who destroys his family (and potential writing career) because he lets his addiction consume him.

Then there's "Pet Sematary," which is all about the primal fear any parent has of their child dying. The Creed family moves to rural Maine, in a house right next to a lethal road frequented by trailer trucks. After the family cat Church becomes roadkill, Dr. Louis Creed and neighbor Jud Crandall bury the cat in an ancient Mi'kmaq burial ground. Church returns, alive but worse for wear. When Louis' toddler son Gage is killed by another oncoming truck, he can't resist the temptation to bring his son back. If there's anything that could inspire a normal person to play Dr. Frankenstein,...

One of the scariest movie characters of all time is no doubt Zelda from Pet Sematary, the deathly ill sister of Rachel Creed who was actually played by male actor Andrew Hubatsek in the ’89 big screen adaptation. Zelda, who suffers from spinal meningitis, makes a brief but unforgettable appearance in the film, and she continues inducing nightmares to this day.

Our friend Gabe Lapeer over at Homemade Horror has captured that original version of Zelda in a brand new hand-sculpted figure, and he’s launching pre-sales in one week.

Pre-sales will run from March 13-15 on the Zelda figure, which recreates the most terrifying moment from Mary Lambert’s movie. Gabe even included Church in the sculpture.

Through Homemade Horror, Gabe Lapeer whips up all kinds of custom figures and collectibles that are usually offered up on a limited basis. Other iconic horror characters he’s given the treatment to...

For this month’s installment of “TV Terrors” we revisit Showtime’s “Masters of Horror,” which was created by Mick Garris and aired for two seasons between 2005 and 2007.

It seemed like a horror fan’s wet dream: a horror anthology series with some of the greatest horror filmmakers of all time lensing short format horror films for premium cable. Although horror icons had teamed in the past to bring us series like “Tales from the Darkside” and “Tales from the Crypt,” there wasn’t a modern series that brought them all together to have a chance to tell their stories in the anthology format. “Masters of Horror” seemed like a prime opportunity to re-invent the waning anthology horror format, and while it didn’t quite re-invent the wheel as planned, it brought with it a lot of great content from some bonafide horror icons.

“Masters of Horror” was originally envisioned...

When "Pet Sematary" was published in 1983, it came with a killer marketing hook: it was billed as the book that was so scary it even frightened its author, Stephen King. Whether or not that was true was immaterial; it was too good to ignore — Stephen King, the master of horror, had penned something that scared even him! To hear King tell it, which he has numerous times over the years, he found the book so disturbing — particularly its ultra-dark subject matter — that he stuffed it in a drawer, only to later pull it out to fill a contractual obligation. I'm a big Stephen King fan, and "Pet Sematary" is my favorite King novel. My first encounter with the material wasn't the book, though — it was Mary Lambert's 1989 film adaptation.

I was six in 1989, which is probably way too young to watch "Pet Sematary." But watch it I did, and folks,...

Presented by Lisa Frankenstein, 1989 Week is dialing the clock back to the crossroads year for the genre with a full week of features that dig six feet under into the year. Today, it all comes to an end as Rachel Reeves searches for scares in the suburbs.

In the back half of the 1980s, the American suburbs experienced a resurgence in popularity. As global instabilities stabilized and economies began to boom, moving to the suburbs became a sign of financial and professional success. Primarily populated by young families, the suburbs also became associated with traditional family values, safety, and community. However, as any true crime enthusiast knows, some things (and some people) are not always as innocent as they appear.

With Hollywood quick to hop on this trend train, what resulted was a wealth of interesting Frankenstein-style film ideas that simultaneously displayed the absurd excess and nostalgic conservatism the...

In all of Stephen King’s massive catalog, few works are as bleak as his 2010 novella collection Full Dark, No Stars. Rather than supernatural entities, these four dark tales feature human monsters and deal with the horrors that live inside the human heart. Two novellas serve as mirror images of each other, exploring the female response to predatory men. “Big Driver” follows cozy mystery writer Tess Thorne on a mission of revenge against the stranger who raped her and left her for dead. “A Good Marriage” centers Darcy Anderson, a happily married woman faced with a horrifying choice when she discovers her husband’s secret life.

Both novellas were faithfully adapted into feature films in the year 2014 – for better or worse. Premiering on Lifetime, Big Driver tackles King’s rape-revenge story with Maria Bello staring as the vigilante writer and Olympia Dukakis as her literary detective. Ann Dowd and Joan Jett...

Cr. Colleen Hayes/Netflix © 2023.

The holiday season is upon us. That means the release of brand-new Christmas-themed movies, series, and specials. Below, we’ll track everything coming to Netflix over the next several weeks.

If you want help picking out a Christmas movie, series, or special, you can sift through all of Netflix’s Christmas titles here or use category codes to sort through them on Netflix itself.

Please note that this list was originally a coming soon post and has been updated to reflect other licensed new movies that have dropped on Netflix in the US and UK.

Table of Contents New Global Netflix Original and Licensed Christmas Movies in 2023 New Christmas Movies and Specials on Netflix US Motion Picture Corporation of America Collection Added to Netflix Internationally New Christmas Movies Coming Soon - 2024 & Beyond New Global Netflix Original and Licensed Christmas Movies in 2023 Love at First Sight...

Vroom, vroom! This month marks the 40th anniversary of John Carpenter‘s Christine! To celebrate, The Losers’ Club: A Stephen King Podcast and the Music Box of Horrors are hosting a special holiday screening of the King classic at Chicago’s historic Music Box Theatre. After all, what are the holidays without a little rock ‘n’ roll and a killer car?

The one-night only event takes place on Tuesday, December 19th at 8:00 p.m. at Chicago’s historic Music Box Theatre. In addition to the screening, the night will also include a live recording of the Losers’ Club featuring nearly all of the show’s cast members. Yes, this will be the largest gathering of the Losers to date with most of the ka-tet flying in!

That includes Randall Colburn, Jenn Adams, Justin Gerber, Dan Caffrey, Michael Roffman, Mel Kassel, Dan Pfleegor, McKenzie Gerber, Rachel Reeves, Julia Marchese, and Sammie Kuykendall.

Best. Christmas. Ever! Movie Review Rating:

Star Cast: Heather Graham, Brandy Norwood, Jason Biggs, Matt Cedeño, Wyatt Hunt

Director: Mary Lambert

Writers: Todd Calgi Gallicano, Charles Shyer

Best. Christmas. Ever! Movie Review Out! (Picture Credit: IMDb)

What’s Good: Clocking in at 80 minutes, the film resembles a festive TV special, embracing familiar Christmas themes. The primary setting, Jackie’s suburban McMansion, exudes comfort, adorned with holiday decorations. Brandy’s musical performance adds a lively touch, and the absurd final act nearly ventures into “so-bad-it’s-good” territory.

What’s Bad: Despite a more interesting pedigree with Charles Shyer co-writing, the film descends into mediocrity, lacking wit and cohesiveness. Unremarkable performances by Jason Biggs and Matt Cedeño, coupled with a lackluster script, contribute to the film’s mundane nature. The set decorations fail to camouflage its shortcomings, and under Mary Lambert’s direction, the potential for dark comedy transforms into a saccharine family movie.

"Pet Sematary: Bloodlines" is now available to stream or purchase for those who don't have Paramount+. The film explores the dark secrets and ancient evil that haunts a small town, with a talented ensemble cast. Fans who purchase the film on home media formats will have access to behind-the-scenes bonus content, including interviews and insights into the making of the movie.

After its October release, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines is becoming available to ev everyone through digital today, Dec. 5th, before it debuts on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on Dec. 19 from Paramount Home Entertainment. More than three decades after the underrated film from director Mary Lambert, Bloodlines goes back to 1969 to explore the Crandall family and their small town. The blood-curdling thriller stars Jackson White as Jud and an outstanding ensemble cast including Forrest Goodluck, Jack Mulhern, Henry Thomas, Natalie Alyn Lind, Pam Grier, and David Duchovny. To celebrate its release,...

For the last six seasons, horror writer/director Mick Garris and his producer Joe Russo have given fans an insight into movie making, and some amazing interviews. Mick has interviewed the likes of Stephen King, Clive Barker, and Mary Lambert. During its seven-year run on Dread Central family “Post Mortem” has stacked up around 180 interviews. Those interviews and past episodes will live on the Dread Podcast Network and will be available to all to listen to whenever you want.

Mick Garris announced on his social media accounts that The final “Post Mortem on @DreadCentral will be recorded on December 9th at The Egyptian Theater with Tons of past guests and a screening of Sleepwalkers. Mick also thanked Thanks to @BeyondFest and the @am_cinematheque. Mick directed the classic Stephen King film, Sleepwalkers, so it should be a great time. Thank you Mick and Joe for all the years and the podcasts.

Best. Christmas. Ever! seemed to have a promising plot, exploring the divide between old friends, but falls short with clichés and stereotypical Christmas themes. Despite the harsh reviews, Best. Christmas. Ever! features a stellar cast that brings elements of drama, humor, and sentimentality to the movie. Critics are not fans of Best. Christmas. Ever!, with a dismal Rotten Tomatoes score of 39%, but the film still spreads holiday cheer with festive settings and family-friendly content.

Although Christmas is still a few weeks away, Netflix has hopped on the Christmas bandwagon early and released movies suited to the season since November. One of the streamer's originals, Best. Christmas. Ever!, made its debut on November 16, 2023. The film follows two friends, Jackie and Charlotte. Each Christmas, Jackie sends out a newsletter detailing her family's accomplishments throughout the year. However, Charlotte has always had her doubts regarding the truthfulness of what Jackie pens. Can someone...

Best. Christmas. Ever. receives widespread criticism and lacks holiday cheer. Many modern Christmas movies disappoint due to rehashed storylines. There are a few exceptions, such as Spirited and The Christmas Chronicles, that are well-received.

When it comes to Christmas movies, there are around 25 undeniable classics that will be welcomed home for the holidays every year. While many of these titles are from decades gone by, that hasn’t stopped each year delivering some new potential festive favorites, especially thanks to the increase in streaming services over the last few years. This year Netflix’s offering of the loftily titled Best. Christmas. Ever. has proven that you can’t judge a movie by its title, as the film has been roasted online like the turkey many viewers believe it to be.

Best. Christmas. Ever. is a romantic comedy from Mary Lambert, a veteran of the industry best known for directing the original version of Pet Sematary.

Best. Christmas. Ever! is a Netflix original Christmas comedy that has become a huge hit on the streaming service, despite receiving negative reviews from critics and audiences. In its first week on Netflix, Best. Christmas. Ever! was watched for 22.3 million hours and had a total of 16.3 million views, ranking second in the Global Top 10. However, the movie has been criticized for its poor quality, with a 33% score on Rotten Tomatoes and negative reviews highlighting its failure to meet the standards of even mediocre holiday movies.

Best. Christmas. Ever! is a huge hit on Netflix despite the bad reactions from critics (and audiences). Released on November 16, the new Netflix original Christmas comedy follows two longtime frenemies who are reunited over the holidays in a twist of fate. The Best Christmas Ever cast is led by Boogie Nights star Heather Graham and singer Brandy Norwood alongside Matt Cedeño and Jason Biggs. The...

Stars: Brandy Norwood, Heather Graham, Jason Biggs, Matt Cedeño, Wyatt Hunt, Abby Villasmil, Madison Skye Validum, Nadia Sine | Written by Todd Calgi Gallicano, Charles Shyer | Directed by Mary Lambert

I will start this review by declaring that that title annoys me much more than it should. Why the full stops and the exclamation mark? It just feels very unnecessary. Now that is out of the way, let’s talk about the movie.

When Jackie sends out her annual ragging Christmas newsletter (I don’t think that’s a thing here in the UK – not to my knowledge – but they always seem to be a thing in American movies), it includes an invite for any of the readers (and friends) to join her at Christmas. Her high school best friend then accidentally ends up at her house after a long drive and they are forced to spend Christmas together.

If you...

It was nice while it lasted: David Fincher’s “The Killer” opened to #1 on the Netflix Top 10 last week and it’s now #3. Another high-profile Netflix Original took its place with Mary Lambert’s “Best. Christmas. Ever!” Trivia ensues: Much earlier in their careers, Fincher and Lambert each directed high-profile Madonna videos.

We’re still waiting on the PVOD releases of October titles “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour,” “Five Nights at Freddy’s” (already streaming on Peacock), and “Killers of the Flower Moon” (soon to be streaming on Apple TV+). That left a sweet spot for Disney to debut Gareth Edwards’ “The Creator” at $19.99 — a rare film that’s not part of a franchise, and budgeted under $100 million.

The sci-fi thriller was a modest box office performer (just over $100 million worldwide), so its post-theatrical earnings are critical for potential profit. It is #1 at Vudu, which ranks by revenue. It was #1 during the week at iTunes,...

For those craving their next holiday romantic comedy, or more aptly, a friend-com, Netflix has you covered with its latest festive flick, Best. Christmas. Ever! Differing from its traditional rom-com formula, but still delivering plenty of familiar holiday cheer, Best. Christmas. Ever! is a lighthearted family film for anyone looking to kick off the holiday season with something sweet. Elevated by its fantastic cast (led by Heather Graham and Brandy Norwood), the film celebrates female friendship and oozes with festive spirit. Which may be thanks to Best. Christmas. Ever! being director Mary Lambert's second Christmas film after Netflix's A Castle for Christmas.

Returning to Netflix with her second Christmas film, Mary Lambert is perhaps best known for directing the very different 1989 film, Pet Sematary, as well as the aforementioned Netflix Christmas movie. MovieWeb recently sat down with Mary Lambert to discuss her latest movie, and why she returned to...

Try as we might, we withered gothic souls can only hold the line and extend October's scary vibes into November for so long. But with so few viewing options specific to the month (although horror fans now have a bountiful feast to indulge in around Turkey Day thanks to Eli Roth's satisfyingly sleazy slasher "Thanksgiving"), many people tend to spend this time of year diving head-first into Christmas entertainment. The streaming services of the world have sat up and taken notice, too, as evidenced by the endless ads for "Dashing Through the Snow" on Disney+ that popped up on my Roku menu over the past week.

However, it's another quirky Yuletide comedy that's making waves on streaming at the moment. Titled "Best. Christmas. Ever!", the Netflix exclusive rolled out globally on November 16, 2023. According to Netflix viewership aggregator FlixPatrol, the film quickly shot to #1 on the streamer on its first...

Best. Christmas. Ever! is a holiday comedy on Netflix that follows two longtime frenemies reuniting during the holidays. Heather Graham and Brandy Norwood discuss their characters in an interview, with Graham relating to her Scrooge-like character. The film has a satisfying conclusion where Graham's character learns to embrace the good things in her life and let go of negativity.

The time for holiday movies is upon us and Netflix is looking to spread some holiday with their recently released Best. Christmas. Ever! The holiday comedy follows longtime frenemies, portrayed by Heather Graham and Brandy Norwood, who are reunited during the holidays in a twist of fate. Their characters are polar opposites; Norwood's Jackie is festive and optimistic, while Graham's Charlotte is a self-critical skeptic who is not Christmastime's biggest fan. As it turns out, both Graham and Norwood felt connected to their Best. Christmas. Ever! characters, something they discussed during an interview with MovieWeb.

Best. Christmas. Ever! is a heartwarming holiday movie on Netflix that showcases the delightful chemistry between Heather Graham and Brandy as old friends who reconnect during a Christmas vacation. The film also features a fun dynamic between Jason Biggs and Matt Cedeño as the husbands who go along for the ride, along with a talented cast of child actors who bring depth and entertainment to the movie. Director Mary Lambert brings her exceptional experience working with kid actors to Best. Christmas. Ever!, creating an ensemble effort where the kids shine alongside the adult actors, making for a cozy and enjoyable viewing experience.

The latest holiday movie from Netflix has arrived! Co-written by Charles Shyer and directed by Mary Lambert, Best. Christmas. Ever! stars Heather Graham and Jason Biggs as a couple who accidentally reunite with an old friend (Brandy) and her husband (Matt Cedeño). Old resentments and jealousies quickly bubble up to the surface,...

Best. Christmas. Ever! is a standout Christmas movie this year, with a star-studded cast and directed by Mary Lambert. It follows a couple who reconnect with old friends during a Christmas trip mishap. Unlike other Christmas films, Best. Christmas. Ever! has enough depth and pathos to stand out. The performances from the cast elevate it above typical holiday fare. Heather Graham, the lead actress in the movie, discusses her recent projects, including horror films and her dream project of directing a rock and roll biopic about a famous singer/songwriter. She also talks about her experience working with Mary Lambert.

With the holiday season upon us, it's time for the annual outpouring of Christmas movies flooding the theatrical, streaming, and television markets. A standout entry this year is Best. Christmas. Ever!, starring Heather Graham, Brandy, Jason Biggs, and Matt Cedeño. Directed by Mary Lambert (Pet Sematary), Best. Christmas. Ever! follows...

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Best. Christmas. Ever!

In "Best. Christmas. Ever!", jealousy wreaks havoc on the bonds of friendship as Charlotte investigates Jackie's seemingly perfect life. The film teaches valuable lessons about forgiveness, gratitude, and not taking things for granted during the holiday season. Heather Graham, Brandy Norwood, Jason Briggs, and Matt Cedeño deliver memorable performances in this hilarious and poignant comedy.

Christmas trees aren't the only thing green in Netflix's Best. Christmas. Ever!, a festive comedy directed by Mary Lambert whose cast of colorful characters showcases the havoc jealousy can wreak on the bonds of friendship. It begins with Charlotte and her husband Rob receiving their friend Jackie's annual newsletter extolling the triumphs of her family's year, which inevitably makes Jackie feel unaccomplished by comparison. Through a navigation snafu on their way to her sister's, Charlotte's family winds up on Jackie's doorstep just days before Christmas,...

'Tis the season to indulge in as many Christmas comedies and rom-coms as you can muster. It's the time to sit by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa and take in numerous substantial but festive love stories. It just wouldn't be the holidays without them. Kicking off the festivities early is the Netflix rom-com, Best. Christmas. Ever! stars Heather Graham and Brandy Norwood, along with Jason Biggs and Matt Cedaño. Best. Christmas. Ever! is a straight-forward movie that announces the holidays on Netflix. It's full of great performances, an adorable Santa Claus subplot, and very merry Christmas sing-songs brought to you by the talented, Grammy Award-winning Brandy Norwood.

Best. Christmas. Ever! slightly shakes up the formula by offering a rom-com centered around friendship. It's a traditionally charming holiday rom-com that will fill audiences with warmth, elevating itself above many of Netflix's previous attempts at the Christmas genre. Movieweb...

Best. Christmas. Ever! is a serviceable Christmas movie on Netflix, with soft chuckles, tears, and sentimentality. Brandy's performance is a highlight, and there's even a musical number. The story emphasizes the risks of projecting insecurities onto others. Charlotte's self-critical nature blinds her to the importance of nurturing positivity and appreciating what she has. While the movie's directing is fun, the script drags and the conversations are flat. The film relies on Graham and Brandy to build a believable relationship, but falls short of doing so.

Fellow movie watchers, it’s the most wonderful time of year — the Netflix Christmas movies are here. The on-the-nose named Best. Christmas. Ever! brings us Brandy Norwood and Heather Graham in a sweet, sentimental Christmas adventure directed by Pet Sematary’s Mary Lambert. In this latest holiday offering, we have Brandy’s Jackie Jennings beaming with festive joy and Graham’s Charlotte Sanders as the skeptical,...

Best. Christmas. Ever! is a Christmas romantic comedy film directed by Mary Lambert, from a screenplay by Todd Calgi Gallicano and Charles Shyer. The Netflix film revolves around two friends Jackie and Charlotte, and their families. Jackie’s life seems too perfect to Charlotte and when fate brings both Jackie and Charlotte together on Christmas, Charlotte tries to prove that Jackie’s life is not perfect. Best. Christmas. Ever! stars Heather Graham, Brandy, Jason Biggs, and Matt Cedeño in the lead roles. So, if you loved the Netflix film here are some similar movies you could watch next.

Deck the Halls Credit – 20th Century Fox

Synopsis: Matthew Broderick and Danny DeVito are hilarious as two neighbors trying to put the “win” in “winter” in one of the year’s funniest comedies! Determined to unseat Steve Finch’s (Broderick) reign as the town’s holiday season king, Buddy Hall (DeVito) plasters...

“Best. Christmas. Ever!” is a movie directed by Mary lambert, written by Todd Calgi Gallicano and Charles Shyer, and starring Brandy Norwood, Heather Graham, Jason Biggs, and Matt Cedeño.

Do you fancy a really cheesy Christmas movie? Well, here it is! Fresh from the oven, we present “Best. Christmas. Ever!”, promising to delight those with the sweetest and most festive spirits.

In terms of cinematography, storyline, and acting prowess… it falls a bit short.

But you know these holiday productions all come out around Christmas and are barely distinguishable from one another.

Plot

Two childhood friends reunite, almost by chance. One’s life is picture-perfect while the other’s… far from it. They and their partners have to spend Christmas together due to a snowstorm, the perfect excuse to rekindle their undying friendship.

Best. Christmas. Ever! Review of “Best. Christmas. Ever!”

Heather Graham takes the lead role and looks just...

Director Mary Lambert delivers yuletide warmth and heartfelt cheer to Netflix subscribers with “Best. Christmas. Ever!” The story centered on two women rediscovering their strength and sparkle by mending their fractured friendship finds the correct balance of cynical and saccharine without upsetting the scale. The streamer’s practically patented brand of holiday hijinks is amped up to a ridiculous degree as the hyperbolic title would suggest. Even so, its absurdist lunacy acts as a Trojan Horse containing genuinely meaningful sentiments on forgiveness, happiness and bittersweet sorrows — universalities people tend to reflect on as their year comes to a close.

Charlotte Sanders (Heather Graham) dreads Christmastime because it means her former college bestie Jackie Jennings’ (Brandy Norwood) annual newsletter is on its way. It’s filled with obnoxious lingo and humblebrags about the Jennings family’s successes, and Charlotte can’t help but feel inferior, unfavorably comparing it to her own harried life as a wife,...

Horror films like The Exorcist and A Nightmare on Elm Street have left an indelible mark on cinema by revolutionizing the genre and introducing iconic characters. Films like Hellraiser and Saw tapped into society's fears and anxieties, exploring themes of pain and human depravity with their visceral and intense storytelling. The Conjuring and Halloween redefined the slasher genre, revitalizing it with their expert direction, psychological terror, and compelling performances. They remain touchstones in horror history.

In the realm of horror movies, the inaugural installment of a franchise often serves as its litmus test, setting the tone for subsequent entries and some horror franchises have first movies that stand above the rest. From the chills of Elm Street to the demonic atmosphere of The Exorcist, these pioneering films have carved their places in theatrical history. They birthed a phenomenon and influenced generations of filmmakers, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.

Horror fans, heads up! Tim Burton’s classic tale of the demon barber Sweeney Todd makes its 4K Ultra debut in the new Paramount Scares: Volume 1 box set, Bloody Disgusting reports. The box set also contains four other notable horror features, like a remastered 4K version of Rosemary’s Baby, Pet Sematary, written by Stephen King and directed by Mary Lambert, Sam Raimi’s Crawl, and last year’s surprise hit Smile. All the movies come with hours of bonus content and exclusive footage. Like with new Sweeney Todd versions fans also have access to behind-the-scenes looks, featurettes that explore the real history of the Demon Barber, Sweeney’s London, the making of Sweeney Todd, and the Razor’s Refrain, among others. The limited edition set also includes a Paramount Scares enamel pin, stickers, and access to a Digital copy of each film. The box set makes a perfect addition...

Heather Graham is an uninvited guest who wants to reveal imperfections in Brandy Norwood’s impressive life in the first trailer for Netflix’s Best. Christmas. Ever!

The holiday-themed feature from filmmaker Mary Lambert hits the streaming service Nov. 16. Best. Christmas. Ever! centers on Charlotte (Graham) dealing with jealousy over her college friend Jackie (Norwood) sending boastful holiday newsletters every year. After unexpectedly ending up on her former pal’s doorstep days before Christmas, Charlotte hopes to prove that Jackie’s life is more flawed than it appears.

The trailer shows Graham’s character dealing with her complicated feelings about her past with her erstwhile bestie. “Being here reminds me of everything I wanted to do with my life and didn’t,” Graham explains.

Later in the footage, Norwood’s Jackie tells her friend, “I knew you were sneaking around. What is your problem, girl?”

Jason Biggs and Matt Cedeño co-star,...

Originally announced back in September, the Paramount Scares: Volume 1 limited edition 4K Ultra HD set is available Now, and with the release comes the reveal of the mystery title.

Kept a secret until today’s release, Tim Burton’s Sweeney Todd makes its 4K Ultra HD debut in the Paramount Scares: Volume 1 box set, alongside four other Paramount horrors!

The full lineup includes…

Rosemary’s Baby (1968)—Newly remastered on 4K Ultra HD, this iconic classic celebrates its 55th anniversary this year. With groundbreaking camerawork and bone-chilling suspense, Rosemary’s Baby gave birth to the modern thriller. Featuring extraordinary performances—including Ruth Gordon in an Oscar®-winning role as an eccentric neighbor—the film received extensive critical praise. Widely considered to be one of the greatest horror films of all time, Rosemary’s Baby was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2014.

Bonus Content (on Blu-ray Disc...

"I can't imagine spending the holidays together after what happened." Yeah, no monsters at dinner next time grandma. Let's have some fun today with these new trailers this week – shall we? Netflix + Miracle Media have each debuted official trailers for holiday-themed movies coming out this fall – and they both look terrible. Which one is worse...? Which one seems like it has less originality to offer? One is a Hallmark Channel movie rip off, the other will rip off your face while you're watching some Hallmark Channel movies. Netflix is releasing a romantic comedy called Best. Christmas. Ever! this fall, the latest from filmmaker Mary Lambert (who also made 2021's A Castle for Christmas on Netflix). Starring Heather Graham, Brandy Norwood, Jason Biggs and Matt Cedeño. Miracle Media is releasing this goofy UK horror comedy called Werewolf Santa, which originally premiered at FrightFest 2023 in London a few months ago. Starring Katherine Rodden,...

It wouldn’t be that time of year without a new Lifetime-looking Xmas movie to warm your heart a little bit. Is it a movie, is it a film, or is it content? It’s hard to say, but Netflix’s “Best Christmas Ever” releases globally on Netflix on November 16, and it looks a bit standard-issue, tbh.

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Directed by Mary Lambert and written by Charles Shyer and Todd Gallicano, “Best Christmas Ever” stars Heather Graham and Brandy Norwood, with a supporting cast that includes Matt Cedeño, Jason Biggs, Wyatt Hunt, Abby Villasmil, and Madison Skye Validum.

Continue reading ‘Best Christmas Ever’ Trailer: Heather Graham & Brandy Norwood Star In Netflix’s New Xmas Comedy at The Playlist.