News

By Michelle McCue and Melissa Thompson

“I want to meet more sharks and explore this beautiful planet. While I’d like to be able to continue that, you never know when you’re gonna go. But if it happens from a shark, I’m putting myself in these extreme situations. So definitely don’t blame the shark.” – Ocean Ramsey

As filmgoers everywhere are celebrating the 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s Jaws, there’s another film about these magnificent creatures that’s airing on Netflix.

From the Academy Award®-winning director of My Octopus Teacher comes Shark Whisperer, a provocative and visually arresting documentary that dives into the murky waters of modern conservation, where science, activism, and spectacle collide.

At its center is marine conservationist and social media lightning rod Ocean Ramsey, whose viral videos of swimming freely with sharks have sparked global fascination—and fierce debate. Driven by a...

A group of women who say they are fellow survivors of abuse by Harvey Weinstein issued a statement Thursday in support of the three accusers who have taken the stand as part of his criminal retrial and weighed in on what they see as a changed environment.

“I am torn between awe and despair for the women who are re-testifying in today’s trial. Awe at their grace and strength to put themselves through this once again, on behalf of all of us survivors. Despair that the legal system is still so biased towards perpetrators, and flawed towards survivors,” said Rowena Chiu, one of the members of the group and a former assistant to Weinstein.

Weinstein is currently on trial on two charges of criminal sexual act in the first degree and one count of third-degree rape. The charges are related to respective claims from a former production assistant on Project Runway,...

Wamg’s St. Louis and Los Angeles teams attended the screening of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning on Monday evening. Starring Tom Cruise and directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the last film ended on a literal cliffhanger, having just survived a vast locomotive plunging off a bridge, Ethan Hunt and his fellow Imf team members – Ving Rhames’ Luther, Simon Pegg’s Benji, and converts to the cause, Grace, played by Hayley Atwell – face an uncertain future.

St. Louis writer Jim Batts first reaction out of the early preview was “Tom Cruise and his cast, directed by Christopher McQuarrie, along with a talented behind-the-camera crew, once again take movie audiences on a spectacular around-the-globe “thrill-ride”, combining a “ripped-from-the-headlines” plot with some of the most amazing action stunt sequences ever committed to film. From a sunken submarine search to a breathtaking bi-plane battle, this fantastic film is a superior entry in the nearly thirty-year-old franchise.

On the red carpet of the 97th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

Contributed by Melissa Thompson and Michelle McCue

Oscar fever, which was at its highest in years, has died down, the red carpet and tents from Hollywood and Highland have been rolled up, tourists are back strolling in front of the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and the ratings are in.

According to ABC, “Sunday’s 97th Academy Awards ceremony drew an estimated 19.69 million viewers, delivering a five-year high in total viewers and rating among adults ages 18-49. The number of viewers marks a 1% increase over last year’s show, according to Nielsen’s ratings data. Younger people watching on mobile devices and personal computers helped drive viewership. Also, more people 18-34 tuned in this year over last year.”

For those of you who did watch from your couches at home, the 2025 Oscars...

Contributed by Melissa Thompson, Michelle McCue

Hollywood’s high holiday and biggest night is almost here.

The pinnacle of the awards season, the 97th Oscars, is at hand and 2024 was certainly an exciting time for film enthusiasts! The conclave have made their choices, the votes have been tallied and we’re all just waiting for the big reveal Sunday night. Will there be any wicked surprises? Which actors and actresses will take home the gold? And what movie will be named Best Picture of the Year?

With previous precursor award wins all over the map, even five top Oscar experts – Gold Derby’s Debra Birnbaum, Variety’s Clayton Davis, The Hollywood Reporter’s Scott Feinberg, Deadline’s Pete Hammond, and Indiewire’s Anne Thompson – weren’t quite sure of their ultimate picks. This unpredictable season is one of the most difficult conundrums for the experts and a nail-biter to the very end.

All photographs of Marvel Studios’ Infinity Saga Concert Experience at the Hollywood Bowl – Farah Sosa on behalf of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association.

Wamg was among a crowd of thousands Saturday night at the Hollywood Bowl for the Global premiere of Marvel Studios’ Infinity Saga Concert Experience.

Over the Labor Day weekend, new and old fans assembled to relive iconic moments from the MCU, all accompanied by a live orchestra, stunning projection mapping on the Bowl shell, fireworks, surprises… And there were surprises!

Disney Concerts, Marvel Studios and the Los Angeles Philharmonic captivated the audience with the Marvel Studios’ Infinity Saga Concert experience. Conducted by LA Phil Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel, this momentous concert was an epic on-screen cinematic journey, covering 23 films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in a single unforgettable experience, exclusively at the Hollywood Bowl.

Opening with the recognizable Marvel Studios fanfare, the evening began when...

Contributed by Melissa Thompson and Michelle McCue

The Planet Of The Apes franchise has seen five feature films from the original movies, one from Tim Burton in 2001, a successful prequel series starring the amazing Andy Serkis, a live-action television series, an animated Saturday morning series, comic books, trading cards, action figures, you name it.

50 years ago in 1974 20th Century Fox came up with the clever idea to offer all five movies at once to select movie theaters, and program them together as a “Go Ape!” movie marathon.

Inventive marketing at the time, the films starred the incomparable Roddy McDowall, who played Cornelius and Caesar, in 4 out of the 5 movies. All the movies can now be found on streaming services.

In 2024, Pota fans were offered the chance to see the film on May 8th at the special Fan Event and “Go Ape” again!

Wamg hit 20th Century Studios’ Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes...

Tom Cruise and Steven Spielberg at the Oscar Nominee Luncheon held in the International Ballroom at the Beverly Hilton By Michelle Hannett and Melissa Thompson

Nominees for the 95th Oscars were celebrated at a luncheon held at the Beverly Hilton, Monday, February 13, 2023.

Academy Governor DeVon Franklin made the roll call to all the 182 nominees to go on stage for the annual Class Photo.

Producers Tom Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie, David Ellison and Jerry Bruckheimer attended to celebrate their Best Picture nominee for Top Gun: Maverick. The film received a total of six nominations at the 95th Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Song, Best Sound, Best Film Editing, and Best Visual Effects.

But it was megastar Cruise, the last of the true Hollywood movie stars, who commanded the day.

As Variety’s Oscars expert Clayton Davis previously reported, Cruise was the big hit of the nominees Luncheon.

Harvey Weinstein was sentenced to 23 years in jail on Wednesday after being convicted on third-degree rape and a first-degree criminal sexual act.

Jessica Mann, one of Weinstein’s victims, raised her arm in triumph upon leaving the courtroom. Some in the hallway applauded. Watch her emotional reaction below:

Cheers break out after Harvey Weinstein was sentenced to 23 years in prison for rape and sexual assault pic.twitter.com/PZMYe8wtdk

— Reuters (@Reuters) March 11, 2020

Following Weinstein’s sentencing, 24 Silence Breakers — women who have spoken out against sexual misconduct by the movie mogul and other men in power — released the following statement:

“Harvey Weinstein’s legacy will always be that he’s a convicted rapist. He is going to jail – but no amount of jail time will repair the lives he ruined, the careers he destroyed, or the damage he has caused.

“The Silence Breaker community was founded on solidarity, support, and compassion.

Parasite – Bong Joon Ho

Neon’s film Parasite made Oscar history by becoming the first foreign language film to win Best Picture during the 92nd Academy Awards. Nominated for six Oscars, the film walked away on Sunday night with four Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best International Feature and Best Original Screenplay.

Directed by Bong Joon Ho, Parasite previously won the Palme d’Or at the 72nd Cannes Film Festival as well as top honors at the Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Cast.

Only 11 international feature films have ever been nominated in the Best Picture category. Bong Joon Ho became the first South Korean to ever win the best director Oscar.

During his acceptance speech he said, “When I was young and studying cinema, there was a saying that I carved deep into my heart, which is “the most personal is the most creative.

Regina King arrives on the red carpet of The 92nd Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 9, 2020.

Elegance was the word on the red carpet during the 2020 Academy Awards. From sparkling diamond jewelry to classic designer gowns, it was Hollywood glamour at its Oscar finest.

Here’s our picks for the Best Dressed from the 2020 Oscar red carpet.

Regina King arrives on the red carpet of The 92nd Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 9, 2020.

Regina King – Versace. Last year’s Oscar winner for Best Supporting Actress was truly the queen of this year’s red carpet.

Janelle Monáe arrives on the red carpet of The 92nd Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 9, 2020. Janelle Monáe arrives on the red carpet of The 92nd Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 9, 2020.

Janelle Monae – Wow!

Dolby Theatre® in Hollywood, CA

Contributed by Melissa Thompson and Michelle Hannett

The 92nd Oscars is a few hours away. As Hollywood gets ready for its big night, preparations have been going on all week at the Dolby Theatre at the Hollywood and Highland Center.

On Saturday the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences launched Global Movie Day, a day for film fans around the world to celebrate their favorite movies and engage with Academy members and filmmakers across social media. The inaugural holiday was held on February 8, 2020 (the day before the 92nd Oscars) to draw additional awareness and tune-in for the show.

Global Movie Day will be held on the second Saturday of February every year in the heart of Oscar season, to celebrate the power of movies to reach, connect and inspire people around the world. Celebrate Global Movie Day by sharing movies that have inspired you.

Cathy Yan, Director, Chris Messina, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ella Jay Basco, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Ewan McGregor, Margot Robbie, Christina Hodson, Writer,

On Thursday evening Warner Bros. Pictures took over Hollywood & Highland with A Night of Music and Mayhem in “Harleywood,” hosted by the cast of Birds Of Prey (And The Fantabulous Emancipation Of One Harley Quinn) with after party at The Dream Hotel.

The ‘Harleywood and Highland’ promotion will be an interactive space with, ‘stunning visuals, courtyard activations, photo and video opportunities for all’ on Friday, January 24 and Saturday, January 25 from 10 Am to 10 Pm each day.

The movie is set to hit theaters and IMAX on February 7.

Margot Robbie

Robbie looked gorgeous in a little back dress with hot pink pumps and a sparkling diamond choker.

Robbie, who reprises the role as well as produces the film, says, “The most exciting thing for an actor is to have choices with your character,...

Exclusive: As opening arguments in Harvey Weinstein’s rape trial continue today, dozens of the much-accused producer’s alleged victims are speaking out to show support for those who will testify in the courtroom, as well as share their stories with the world.

“We stand in solidarity with Annabella Sciorra, Mimi Haleyi, Dawn Dunning and all of the women who will courageously testify against Harvey Weinstein in court,” the 27 Silence Breakers claimed Wednesday as they launched an Instagram handle to coincide with the much-anticipated trial really getting down to brass tacks.

“For decades, Weinstein wielded his power to mentally, physically and professionally abuse and silence women with impunity,” the Silence Breakers plan to say on @_NoLongerSilent.

“Starting today, he will finally be forced to face his accusers and reckon with the consequences of his monstrous crimes. Whether we are in the court room or supporting our fellow Silence Breakers from around the world,...

Check out Tom Cruise in this first teaser for Top Gun: Maverick!

Cruise surprised Hall H in San Diego as the Top Gun: Maverick official trailer soars at Comic-Con 50.

This teaser will give you chills! Wow!

Even the first poster is crazy good… all we can say is, damn!

The original film was released on May 13, 1986 in over 1,000 cinemas by Paramount Pictures and was the highest-grossing film of 1986. It would be six months before its theater count dropped below that of its opening week. It was number one on its first weekend with an Us $8,193,052 gross, and went on to a total domestic figure of Us $176,786,701.

Nominated for 4 Oscars, the film won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Take My Breath Away” performed by Berlin.

Paramount Pictures, Skydance and Jerry Bruckheimer Films Present Top Gun: Maverick. Starring Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Glen Powell, and Lewis Pullman.

To say we’re big fans of these women is an understatement. We grew up watching Coal Miners Daughter (Academy Award for Best Actress Sissy Spacek – who did her own singing) in 1980, followed by Sweet Dreams in 1985 starring Jessica Lange as Patsy Cline.

Spacek’s co-star Beverly D’Angelo, who played Patsy Cline, also did her own singing rather than lip-synching; she was nominated for a Golden Globe as was Tommy Lee Jones.

Now comes Lifetime’s Patsy & Loretta.

The official Loretta Lynn Facebook page debuted this first poster from the upcoming film.

The movie will star Megan Hilty as music legend Patsy Cline and Grammy winner Jessie Mueller as country icon Loretta Lynn.

The movie, produced by Sony Pictures Television, is executive produced by Neil Meron, in his first solo project since the passing of longtime producing partner Craig Zadan.

Debuting later this year, the movie was filmed on location in Nashville,...

Taraji P. Henson in What Men Want from Paramount Pictures and Paramount Players. © 2018 Paramount Players, A Division of Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Women throughout the years have always been a force to be reckoned in business, big and small. Hollywood has portrayed women past, present and future as an integral part of the workforce. Audiences have witnessed up on the big screen the struggles and triumphs of characters such as Sally Field in Norma Rae, Goldie Hawn in Swing Shift and Lt. Ellen in Ripley in the Alien series.

Now comes the latest movie from director Adam Shankman (Hairspray) – What Men Want.

Ali Davis (Taraji P. Henson) is a successful sports agent who’s constantly boxed out by her male colleagues. When Ali is passed up for a well-deserved promotion, she questions what else she needs to do to succeed in a man’s world… until she gains the...

Isaac Smith as Buff Space Cadet in ‘The Knockoffs.’

David Richards is proving you don’t need formal training or to have made a short film or web series to write, produce and direct a feature film.

A former basketball coach and banker, Richards is shooting The Knockoffs, a family comedy/parody, in the Newcastle/Port Stephens region of Nsw.

The plot follows the World Toy Federation whose profits and dwindling, prompting its leaders to hatch an evil plan to restore fiscal viability to large toy companies.

After discovering a portal to a parallel dimension, the federation’s Supreme Toy leader (Paul J. Mailath) draws all the poorly made, non-commercial knockoff action figures into this toy world and sends in his highly trained toy agents to destroy them.

First he must eliminate a vintage figure, the first knockoff ever made. However he underestimates the knockoffs’ fierce desire to survive and...

New footage shows disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein hugging, touching and making sexually suggestive comments to one of his accusers.

Melissa Thompson, who previously claimed she had video evidence of Weinstein harassing her during a business meeting, released a tape to Sky News on Wednesday in which the mogul can be seen making the shocking comments.

The incident took place as Thompson was pitching her tech company’s video platform to Weinstein during a meeting in September 2011. As part of her pitch, she told Sky News she recorded the meeting — just hours before Weinstein allegedly raped her in his hotel room.

Former Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick will not be charged in three separate sexual assault cases. According to legal docs obtained by Radar Online, three alleged victims accused the actor of misconduct in 2014 but only two provided witnesses. Prosecutors also said these witnesses could not provide sufficient evidence. Back in March, a fourth accuser had stepped forward. Haley Freedman filed a police report against the actor, who continued to deny the rape allegations against him. "I can confirm Haley filed a police report on Wednesday, regarding allegations that Ed Westwick raped her,” her rep told Us Weekly at the time. Haley was the latest to accuse Ed, 31, of sexual assault, joining Kristina Cohen, Aurélie Wynn, and Rachel Eck. Rachel told BuzzFeed on Nov. 14 that the incident took place the night before the Academy Awards in 2014. Rachel claims she met up with Ed and her ex-boyfriend, film producer Kaine Harling, at...

Get ready for Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom! Wamg has your passes to the advance screening in St. Louis.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Opens In Theaters June 22.

In her 5-star review, Melissa Thompson said the film is “a thrilling adventure. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom drives home exactly why this is one of the highest grossing franchises of all time. It’s edge-of-your-seat from start to finish, breathtaking at times, and feels every bit like the huge summer blockbuster we all know and love, and wait for all year long.”

It’s been four years since theme park and luxury resort Jurassic World was destroyed by dinosaurs out of containment. Isla Nublar now sits abandoned by humans while the surviving dinosaurs fend for themselves in the jungles.

When the island’s dormant volcano begins roaring to life, Owen (Chris Pratt) and Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) mount a campaign to rescue the remaining dinosaurs from this extinction-level event.

This past weekend, Universal Studios Hollywood celebrated the 25th Anniversary of Jurassic Park. Yes, it’s hard to believe, but the iconic Steven Spielberg-directed classic came out 25 years ago!

To celebrate the momentous occasion, Universal Studios Hollywood opened its doors to only the most hard-core fans of the dino-flick, and WeAreMovieGeeks.com was there to soak in all the action.

For three nights, fans were invited to come in costume and celebrate all things Jurassic Park. There were props from the movie on display, including costumes and vehicles, photo ops and other interactive displays, including a virtual reality experience where fans could don Vr goggles and headphones and be transported directly into the “park”, complete with Raptors, a Triceratops and a Pteranodon, as well as an erupting volcano.

One of the most interesting parts of the evening was the panel discussion, hosted by Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow.

Other...

Gina Rodriguez, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Natalie Portman, Tessa Thompson and Tuva Novotnyin Annihilation from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.

Contributed by Cate Marquis, Melissa Thompson and Michelle Hannett

Opening in cinemas on Friday, February 23rd, is Skydance Media’s and Paramount Pictures’ Annihilation.

Lena (Natalie Portman), a biologist and former soldier, joins a mission to uncover what happened to her husband (Oscar Isaac) inside “Area X” — a sinister and mysterious phenomenon that is expanding across the American coastline. Once inside, the all-female expedition discovers a world of mutated landscapes and creatures, as dangerous as it is beautiful, that threatens both their lives and their sanity. From visionary writer and director Alex Garland (Ex Machina, 28 Days Later) and based on the acclaimed bestselling Southern Reach Trilogy by Jeff VanderMeer, Annihilation also stars Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tessa Thompson, Gina Rodriguez and Tuva Novotny.

Women characters in sci-fi have gone from the films of...