Focus News: October '21
The five biggest movie news headlines of the month.
As has been the case for the last few years, it's superhero films that dominate the box office in 2021. Shang-Chi & The Legend of the Ten Rings respectfully sits at the top of that list, making $223,232,907 since its release at the start of September. Marvel have gone on record stating how important it was to give Shang-Chi (an Asian American superhero with a rich backstory) the respect that he deserves, and boy did they! Now it must be fulfilling to see that not only did it perform critically, but commercially too, telling millions of people the story that the team behind the MCU epic wanted to tell. Films like Venom: Let There Be Carnage, No Time to Die and F9 also sit high up on that list, but what a feat it is for a virtually unknown superhero to top it...this could be a sign of things to come in the genre, not just for Marvel, but for superhero films in general.
- Ellis Barthorpe (Editor at Focus Film)
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Didn't it Dune well
Many people predicted that Dune would be an incredible cinematic feat, but wouldn't perform commercially. They couldn't be more wrong! When referencing the box office list at the top of this article Dune continues to climb, and now the second part has been given the go-ahead. Not only that, but director Denis Villeneuve has stated he intends on making a third instalment. The first film felt like we were watching history unfold, and now we can only look forward to the future.
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Brendan Fraser is 'Back in Action'
After being announced as a member of the cast for Martin Scorsese's upcoming film Killers of the Flower Moon, Brendan Fraser is also attached to the Batgirl movie set for release in 2022.
With his recent appearance in No Sudden Move, it feels like we're entering a renaissance period for the actor who's career faded into not a lot after a series of straight-to-DVD appearances. Whatever you say about the films that Fraser has chosen to appear in, you cannot deny that he is always the best part!
Bring on the Fraser-renaissance!
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David Gordon Green is going to Disneyland
An upcoming Disney film about the iconic theme park is set to start shooting with director David Gordon Green (Halloween Kills, Prince Avalanche) at the helm.
The film will detail how Walt Disney was able to design and construct the iconic theme park, and will probably focus on concept to creation. We at Focus Film would love to see Tom Hanks reprise his role as Mr Disney after his performance in Saving Mr Banks. There is no reason why those films could not take place in the same universe, and someone as likeable as Hanks would surely carry such a film to its success (as if the Disney branding isn't enough to do that for them).
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Gosling is the Ken to Margot's Barbie
When it was revealed that Greta Gerwig would be directing a Barbie movie, film lovers around the world became a little confused. But once Margot Robbie was attached people started to believe in the project a little more; she is such an esteemed actress already working for huge directors Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino amongst so many others, that the project must be one with an innovative, relevant story. Then add Hollywood's youngest legend Ryan Gosling to the mix and we should be in for a fun, if not a little strange film.
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Will Poulter is Adam Warlock
There has been speculation for a while now on when we would see the infamous Adam Warlock in the MCU and who indeed would play him. Well the answers to both of those questions came this month as it was revealed that the character would be in Guardians of the Galaxy vol.3 and Will Poulter would be playing him. An unexpected casting on first glimpse but the actor has been welcomed by fans as an interesting choice. Especially considering the characters rich heritage, someone young and still in the early stages of his career is the perfect choice for Mr Adam Warlock.
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talkabout October
The four October podcast episodes to go and catch up on:
Episode 57. talkabout Breaking Bad
One of the most popular TV shows of all time is definitely one of our favourites at talkabout. In Episode 57 we discuss the best of the show: best characters, episodes, series' and all of our favourite moments.
Episode 58. List 'em up: Dreamworks w/ Charles
We were joined by Charles Witcombe, a Dreamworks megafan who's watched Shrek and Shrek 2 an unhealthy amount of times. In episode 58 the three of us talk through a top ten list compiled by listeners to the podcast and followers of Focus Film.
Episode 59. talkabout No Time to Die
The newest Bond film took the world by storm, we break down every detail possible in episode 59 and speculate what is to come in the future of the franchise.
Episode 60. On the Shelf: Monster House
In a returning concept episode we take a family favourite and rip it apart, highlighting all of the moments that we've thought way too much about. And this time round we're talking about Monster House. It's available on Netflix so give it a watch, and then give the episode a listen.
All of the above plus our monthly round up episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music or wherever you stream your podcasts. If you don't have any access to any podcast streamers then simply hit the link below and go and check the latest episodes out.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1330912
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Top 5 October films and where to view them
Dune | Cinemas | ★★★★★
Last Night in Soho | Cinemas | ★★★★★
The Harder They Fall | Netflix | ★★★★★
The Last Duel | Cinemas | ★★★★
The French Dispatch | Cinemas | ★★★