FOLLOWING FILMS

THE AMATEUR , the latest addition to 20th Century Studios’ slate of thrillers, is an unflinching, globe-trotting ride of vengeance, loss, and redemption—anchored by a riveting performance from Rami Malek. Directed with clinical precision by James Hawes and adapted from Robert Littell’s novel by screenwriters Ken Nolan and Gary Spinelli, this espionage thriller smartly straddles the line between cerebral spy drama and pulse-pounding action. Malek plays Charlie Heller, a brilliant but socially withdrawn CIA decoder working in the shadowy corners of Langley—quite literally, as his office is buried in the agency’s basement. Living a life of quiet purpose, Charlie is no field agent—he’s the kind of man whose superpower is linguistic logic and algorithmic fluency. But everything changes when his wife is killed in a terrorist bombing in London, a gut-wrenching sequence that hits like a sucker punch in the film’s opening act. The tragedy pushes Charlie out of his intellectual shell and into a ...

It wasn’t made for me. Let’s get that out of the way right from the start. A Minecraft Movie is unapologetically, unmistakably a film for the fans — for the generation that grew up mining diamonds, avoiding creepers, and building infinite worlds one block at a time. But despite it not being aimed at me, this movie did something extraordinary. It reminded me why I fell in love with the magic of cinema in the first place. Let me paint the picture: I wasn’t expecting much more than an overly branded, mildly chaotic, attention-span-challenged adventure. I thought I’d check my watch every 20 minutes, mentally calculating how much popcorn we had left and wondering if the sugar crash from my 9-year-old afterward would be survivable. But when the lights dimmed, something happened. Not just on the screen — but in the seat next to me. My son’s eyes lit up with a kind of wonder that can’t be faked. He leaned forward, completely entranced. He laughed out loud. He clutched my arm during the scary p...

Sphere Entertainment Co. has announced two ambitious additions to its immersive content lineup: The Wizard of Oz at Sphere and From The Edge . Both projects are currently in production at Sphere Studios and will be featured as part of The Sphere Experience—the company’s signature series of original, large-scale immersive experiences designed specifically for the groundbreaking Sphere venue in Las Vegas. Executive Chairman and CEO Jim Dolan emphasized the company's commitment to redefining storytelling through immersive media:  “Our goal for The Sphere Experience is a diverse slate that leverages Sphere’s power as an experiential medium. The Wizard of Oz at Sphere and From The Edge will push that vision forward in different ways.” The Wizard of Oz at Sphere – A Technological Reimagining of a Timeless Classic Set to open on August 28, 2025, The Wizard of Oz at Sphere will bring the beloved 1939 film to life like never before. In collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery, Google,...

  Today, we’re diving into the sonic world of Invincible—Amazon’s hit adult animated superhero series that’s equal parts heartfelt and harrowing. If you’ve been following the journey of 17-year-old Mark Grayson as he discovers his powers and unravels the dark truth about his father, Omni-Man, then you already know this show pulls no punches—visually or sonically. Joining me is Brad Meyer, MPSE, a Golden Reel-winning and Emmy-nominated Supervising Sound Editor whose work has helped define the visceral, emotional landscape of Invincible. Brad brings over a decade of experience in post-production audio and has lent his talents to projects across Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Nickelodeon, and more. From creepy horror flicks to energetic animated adventures, Brad’s sound design isn’t just about effects—it’s about storytelling. In this episode, we’ll talk about how sound shapes the world of Invincible, what it takes to balance superhero spectacle with grounded emotional beats, and why audio is one...

The announcement that David Fincher will direct a sequel to Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood has sent waves of excitement through the film industry. The project, set to be developed under Fincher’s first-look deal with Netflix, brings together two of the most distinctive filmmakers of our time. With Tarantino writing the screenplay and Brad Pitt reprising his role as Cliff Booth, this sequel is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases in recent memory. Fincher stepping into the world created by Tarantino is an intriguing development. The original Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was a homage to 1960s Hollywood, blending historical events with Tarantino’s signature storytelling style. The film earned multiple awards, including an Oscar for Pitt’s portrayal of Booth. With Fincher now leading the sequel, the film is likely to take on a fresh aesthetic and thematic approach, possibly embracing a darker, more psychological angle that aligns with Fincher’s body o...

Val Kilmer was a true artist and performer whose dedication to his craft was evident in every role he took on. His presence was magnetic, his voice instantly recognizable, and his ability to transform into vastly different characters set him apart. Beyond his on-screen work, Kilmer was a deeply introspective and creative soul with a passion for poetry, art, and storytelling. His memoir offered a raw and honest glimpse into his life, showing his resilience in the face of personal and professional challenges. Kilmer’s impact extended beyond Hollywood—his generosity, humor, and unwavering spirit endeared him to fans and colleagues alike. Even as he faced health struggles in later years, he remained a source of inspiration, embracing his journey with courage and grace. His commitment to the arts never wavered, and his legacy is one of passion, transformation, and perseverance. More than just an actor, Kilmer was a storyteller who lived with intensity, humor, and heart. Though his time was ...

On today’s episode of The Following Films Podcast, I’m joined by legendary VFX artist Alec Gillis to talk about his involvement with Shout! TV’s Double Take series, where celebrity guests curate and host themed double features. On April 5, Alec is hosting a special marathon in celebration of Roger Corman’s birthday—a fitting tribute, considering his early work on Battle Beyond the Stars under the legendary producer. But that’s just the beginning. Alec’s career has spanned some of the most iconic sci-fi and horror films of all time, working alongside visionaries like James Cameron and Stan Winston on Aliens, The Abyss, and Terminator 2. He’s also brought creatures to life in fan favorites like Tremors, Monster Squad, and Starship Troopers. Today, we’ll discuss his journey in the industry, his passion for practical effects, and what fans can expect from this upcoming Double Take event. You can also check out his independently produced film Wellwood on VOD today. So, sit back and enjoy my...