We Can't Wait: 2026 Cinema. (Part Three: Q-Z)

by Nathaniel R

the great animation studio Laika is back with "WILDWOOD"

ICYMI In Part One: A-F we began our look forward to 2026 movies with legacy sequels, a new Almodovar, and multiple films from a few actresses of note. We continued the anticipation with  Part Two: G-P in which we got excited about French legends, queer cinema, possible all-quadrant blockbusters, and more traditional Oscar fare like a period epic from an favored auteur and a movie chronicling the literal making of a Best Picture winner. 

Let's wrap things up with another twenty films we're hoping give us exactly what we crave in a dark theater. This grouping includes a friendly neighborhood webslinger, campy drag queens, 13th century werewolves, and one last Anne Hathaway (four films this year) who is aiming for "Entertainer of the Year" dominance...

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Streaming Roulette, Nov: Paranorman, Thunderball, Time and "Psychiatry On-Screen"

After the jump you'll find a listing of everything that's new to streaming this month (November 2020). But first we pick two handfuls of titles and randomly freeze them with the scroll bar. Whatever comes up is what we share. Do these images make you want to see (or rewatch) the movie? 

[on the radio]  It's christmas time in the city. Ring a ling. Hear them ring ♫ ♬

Carol (2015) on Netflix
Always forget this is a Christmas movie! But, really, 'tis always the season for the best movie of the decade. 

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That Link You Do!

• Jackie Beat "Golden Girls in Quarantine" = good lolz. Jackie Beat continues to do an incredible Dorothy
• Deadline the cast of Tom Hanks 1996's That Thing You Do! is going to reunite this Friday to raise money for COVID-19 Relief
• The Atlantic interesting profile of Sarah Barnett, the TV Executive who keeps taking giant risks that pay off (hi, Killing Eve) 

After the jump Laika's generosity, Schitt's Creek's LGBTQ power, Madonna's 'Blonde Ambition' anniversary, Disney live stream, the new Dune and more...

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New Oscar Trivia courtesy of the fresh Oscar nominations

Here are some fresh statistics to ponder given the new round of Oscar nominations. If you can think of more records broken or equalled let us know in the comments so we can add them. Refresh your screens for updates!

ALL TIME RECORDS...

• Thelma Schoonmaker, received her 8th nomination for editing The Irishman. That's an all time record but she has to share it since Michael Kahn (who, like Thelma, is three time winner in the category: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan) has also received 8 nominations in his career, most recently with Lincoln (2012) when he broke their previous tie for "most nominated".
• Little Women (2019) is now the most nominated adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's book ever filmed...

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Interview: Chris Butler on creative freedom, animation's future, and "Missing Link"

by Nathaniel R

Chris Butler (Paranorman, Missing Link)

When I met the talented Chris Butler earlier this year for the release of his second film Missing Link (2019), I was buzzing while he was crashing. I was thrilled that he’d just proved his Oscar nominated horror-tinged comedy ParaNorman (2012) was no fluke with his sophomore effort, a hilarious adventure comedy which wore its Victorian literature and adventure film influences all over its fussy colorful sleeves. He was suffering from a cold and ready for a much needed vacation after wrapping his second feature and hitting the publicity grind immediately thereafter. 

As writer and director, he plays two very different roles on each film, one a solitary pleasure, but in the other surrounded by hundreds of people daily. He jokingly feared that he’d become misanthropic. “I need some space! ‘Chrisanthropic’ -- that’s what they call me!”

I flashed back to that interview recently given that year end awards and “best of” lists are upon us. If there’s any justice, Missing Link is being rediscovered right now on FYC screeners and Butler will be surrounded by hundreds of people again on red carpets. Here’s hoping that well-earned vacation was rejuvenating!

[The following interview has been condensed for clarity]

NATHANIEL: Audiences rarely think of animated films in terms of directors but studios… but your films originate with you. 

CHRIS: Our process is probably different from the biggest studios. You know, I originally went to Laika to work for six months and that was 13 years ago!  So yeah, clearly there was an opportunity there that was worth pursuing. What it was was absolute creative freedom...

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