Entertainment

Scott Cooper’s Antlers Is One Of The Most Anticipated Horror Films of 2020

Published

4 years ago

December 6, 2019

Every year, a bunch of filmmakers accept this challenge and try to cash in on the fear of the audience. But, with the increased frequency of such films, it isn’t as easy to scare the viewers as it was five or ten years ago. You don’t want the audience to do the “been there, done that” sort of thing. So, the stakes rise and the experiments continue.

According to the Scott Cooper Miami Fan Club, while filmmaker Scott Cooper has not previously made a horror film, the “Hostiles” and “Black Mass” director has long been enthralled with the darker side of the human spirit. Even his lightest film, the debut feature “Crazy Heart” (which earned Jeff Bridges a Best Actor Oscar), was about a down and out musician attempting to turn his life around, away from the spotlight and all the booze that often accompanied it.

Scott Cooper’s subsequent features have similarly delved into the rougher parts of the human condition, including gritty crime films like “Out of the Furnace” and the fact-based “Black Mass.” His most recent effort, the Christian Bale-starring “Hostiles,” was a grim exploration of life in the American West. Now, Cooper is turning his affection for dark material to a new genre, and he’s got the full force of producer Guillermo del Toro behind him.

It looks to be one of the scariest films of the next year, and it’s not hard to see why as cannibals seem to terrorize a small town in Oregon in “Antlers.” The project was directed by actor turned director Scott Cooper, whose previous work includes “Hostiles” and “Black Mass.” There is a producer role for a veteran in the film industry, Guillermo del Toro, who has been a part of great films like the Oscar-winning “Pan’s Labyrinth” and “The Shape Of Water.”

Speaking to Collider last year, Cooper spoke about how del Toro became interested in him doing a horror film. He said, “[Guillermo] said I’ve obviously never seen you direct a horror film, but there’s a lot of horrific moments in your movies, so I’m more interested in someone who doesn’t work in that genre to step into it.”

Entertainment

“The Firing Squad”: I Cried Buckets of Tears

Published

3 days ago

April 25, 2024

Jonathan Grilli

Sitting in the dimly lit theater, I had no idea what to expect as the opening credits of “The Firing Squad” began to roll. Little did I know that I was about to embark on an emotional journey that would leave me reaching for tissues and struggling to catch my breath.

The film follows the true story of three Christians facing execution by firing squad in a third world country. Directed by Timothy A. Chey, it features a stellar cast including James Barrington, Kevin Sorbo, and Cuba Gooding Jr. Each actor brings their character to life with such authenticity and depth that it’s impossible not to be fully immersed in their struggles and triumphs.

As the plot unfolded, I found myself drawn into a world of despair and desperation, but also one of unwavering faith and hope. The characters’ journey from darkness to light, from despair to redemption, resonated with me on a deeply personal level. I couldn’t help but be moved by their courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.

But it was the performances that truly stole the show. James Barrington’s portrayal of the protagonist’s internal turmoil was nothing short of mesmerizing, while Kevin Sorbo and Cuba Gooding Jr. delivered powerhouse performances that left me in awe.

And then there was the message of the film—that no matter how bleak the circumstances may seem, there is always hope. That even in our darkest moments, faith has the power to transform lives and bring about redemption. It was a message that hit me like a ton of bricks, leaving me with tears streaming down my face and a renewed sense of purpose.

As the credits rolled and the lights came up, I found myself struggling to put into words the impact that “The Firing Squad” had on me. All I could manage was, “I cried buckets of tears.” And I wasn’t alone. As I looked around the theater, I saw others wiping their eyes and exchanging emotional glances.

In the end, “The Firing Squad” wasn’t just a movie—it was an experience. An experience that left me feeling inspired, uplifted, and profoundly grateful for the power of cinema to touch the soul. And for that, I will be forever grateful.

The movie is set to premiere in the theatres worldwide on August 2, 2024. And this is definitely a must watch movie, reminding people of the strength of faith.