Movie – Zion Tech Group

Dylan O’Brien Movie ‘Twinless’ Pulled From Streaming Site Due to Piracy

UPDATED WITH STATEMENT FROM SUNDANCE: Twinless, a very hot title at Sundance, has been pulled from the festival’s streaming site due to piracy.

This is the second movie on the fest’s portal to be pulled after online leaking. Yesterday we told you first that the fest award winning documentary Selena y Los Dinos was dropped from the Sundance site after making its way on TikTok, etc.

The Mazerunner and High Road actor Dylan O’Brien plays twin brothers Rocky and Roman. Rocky dies tragically, and his lover Dennis (Sweeney who stars, directs and wrote the movie) feels responsible. He befriends Roman in a twin grieving therapy circle, pining for his late lover. There’s some spicy sex scenes in Twinless, however, there were also spoiler scenes leaked.

Twinless was part of Sundance’s opening day films and out of the gate counts 100% on Rotten Tomatoes among critics.

Sundance requires those movies in competition to be part of their online portal. Twinless won the Audience Award for U.S. Dramatic and a Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting for O’Brien.

Sundance began streaming its lineup during Covid, and continued the practice after the live-edition returned in 2023. The Sundance streaming portal is five years in the running. The streaming facet of this year’s edition began on Jan. 30 and shuts down before midnight tomorrow, Feb. 2. The whole idea of the portal has divided the industry that frequents Sundance. The fest reported in 2021 that half million people tuned into their streaming portal to watch movies.

Republic Pictures is the acquisition label for Paramount Pictures. They made the James Sweeney directed and written bromance dramedy for a cost in the single digits. One source close to the movie tells us that “buyers are circling the movie like planes at O’Hare airport”.

Below is Sundance’s statement on the situation:

The film Twinless was a victim of some copyright infringement on various social media platforms, therefore the Festival in partnership with the filmmakers have made the decision to remove the film from the Sundance Film Festival online platform. We regret that online ticket holders will no longer be able to access the film.

For any single ticket holder who has not yet viewed the film, your account will reflect a voucher so you may select another film to screen. We intend to keep the Sundance Film Festival platform fully available for all remaining films.

We acknowledge and regret the disappointment this may cause. However, part of our commitment to advocating for independent filmmakers is ensuring that they can protect the art that they have created — now and in the future.

We take copyright infringement extremely seriously and intend to fully cooperate with local, state, and federal law enforcement on all piracy-related issues.

Recently, the highly anticipated movie ‘Twinless’ starring Dylan O’Brien was pulled from a popular streaming site due to piracy concerns. The film, which follows the story of a man who discovers he has a twin brother he never knew about, has been generating buzz for its unique storyline and stellar performances.

Despite efforts to protect the film from piracy, unauthorized copies of ‘Twinless’ began circulating online shortly after its release. The streaming site was quick to take action and remove the movie in order to prevent further piracy.

Fans of Dylan O’Brien and the film have expressed disappointment over the situation, with many urging others to support the movie through legal channels. ‘Twinless’ has received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and powerful performances, and it is a shame that it has been impacted by piracy.

As the film industry continues to grapple with issues of piracy, it serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting artists and creators through legitimate means. ‘Twinless’ is a film that deserves to be seen and appreciated for its artistry, and fans are encouraged to watch it through official channels to support the filmmakers and cast.

Tags:

Dylan O’Brien, Twinless, movie, streaming site, piracy, copyright infringement, online piracy, DMCA takedown, film industry, digital theft, intellectual property protection, movie streaming, copyright violation

#Dylan #OBrien #Movie #Twinless #Pulled #Streaming #Site #Due #Piracy

February 2, 2025

Action Movie ‘White House Down’ With Channing Tatum Is Streaming Free From Next Month

Volcano and Dante’s Peak. Deep Impact and Armageddon. Hollywood sometimes offers up these pairs of similar cinematic experiences, and one such example, the action outing White House Down
, is all set to stream for free next month. As you can now ascertain from the title, White House Down’s cinematic partner is the Gerard Butler-led Olympus Has Fallen, both of which were released in 2013. However, while the latter follows Butler’s unstoppable Secret Service agent, White House Down gives audiences Channing Tatum
as an out-of-his-depth veteran who must dig deep to save the President of the United States.

Directed by the master of the disaster movie, Roland Emmerich (Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow) and written by James Vanderbilt, White House Down stars Channing Tatum alongside Jamie Foxx as James Sawyer, President of the United States, with the pair finding themselves under attack during a White House tour. The rest of the cast includes Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jason Clarke, Richard Jenkins, Joey King, and James Woods. The action movie is coming to free streaming on Tubi
from February 1, and you can check out the official synopsis below.

“Capitol police officer John Cale has just been denied his dream job of protecting President James Sawyer as a member of the Secret Service. Not wanting to disappoint his young daughter with the bad news, Cale takes her on a tour of the White House. While he and his daughter are there, a heavily armed paramilitary group attacks and seizes control. As the nation’s government dissolves in chaos, only Cale can save his daughter, the president and the country.”

Why Did ‘White House Down’ Never Get a Sequel?

Unlike Gerard Butler’s Has Fallen franchise, White House Down never received a sequel. There’s little difference between the critical and audience response, with Channing Tatum’s action movie faring better with the former (52% to Olympus Has Fallen’s 50%) and only slightly worse with audiences (62% to 66%). So, like most things Hollywood, the lack of a follow-up no doubt comes down to box office, with White House Down grossing $205 million worldwide against a budget of $150 million, while Olympus Has Fallen earned $170 million against its $70 million budget. It seems there’s only room for one B-movie action series with beginnings in the White House.

Related

Why the Has Fallen Franchise Is the B-Movie Action Series You Should Watch

Olympus Has Fallen was a surprise success, and has become a B-movie action series that’s worth paying attention to.

The lack of a White House Down 2 (Houses of Parliament Down? Eiffel Tower Down?) also likely comes down to the leads of the two movies. While Tatum has since shifted to comedy with the likes of the Jump Street franchise, comedy-drama with the Magic Mike series, the world of Marvel with Deadpool & Wolverine, and dark thrillers like Blink Twice, Gerard Butler continues to dominate the action genre, with his latest offering, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, being met with solid reviews from both critics and audiences alike. Channing Tatum has several projects currently in the pipeline, including the satirical war movie Atropia and the crime drama Roofman.

Get ready for some high-octane action with “White House Down” starring Channing Tatum! Starting next month, you can stream this thrilling movie for free and be on the edge of your seat as Tatum takes on terrorists who have taken over the White House.

With intense fight scenes, explosive action sequences, and Tatum’s charismatic performance, “White House Down” is a must-watch for any action movie fan. Don’t miss your chance to see this adrenaline-pumping film from the comfort of your own home.

Get ready to experience the ultimate showdown at the White House with Channing Tatum in “White House Down” streaming free next month. Get your popcorn ready and prepare for a wild ride!

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Action Movie, White House Down, Channing Tatum, streaming, free, next month, watch online, action film, thriller, new release

#Action #Movie #White #House #Channing #Tatum #Streaming #Free #Month

February 2, 2025

How to watch Hallmark’s ‘An Unexpected Valentine’ movie online for free today

“An Unexpected Valentine,” Hallmark’s latest film of 2025, premieres today, Saturday, Feb. 1, at 8 p.m. Eastern on Hallmark Channel. It stars Lacey Chabert and Robert Buckley.

You can watch the movie live for free online on Philo, FuboTV, DirecTV Stream and Frndly. Each service offers a free trial to new subscribers.

Chabert and Buckley play Hannah and Finn, who find themselves together after a chance encounter on Valentine’s Day. Follow along as they race through New York City trying to return a lost engagement ring and save one couple’s special day.

What streaming services carry the Hallmark Channel?

You can watch Hallmark Channel for free on Philo, FuboTV, Frndly and DirecTV Stream. Each service offers a free trial to new subscribers which can be cancelled before the end of the trial period to avoid being charged.

Philo offers over 70 channels for $28/month after the free trial ends. You’ll gain access to more than 70 channels of live and on-demand content. In addition to Hallmark Channel, you’ll also have access to popular networks like AMC, BET, Discovery and The History Channel.

FuboTV offers access to over 100 entertainment, news and sports channels for $79.99/month. It also offers DVR services.

Frndly offers more than 50 family-friendly channels with both live and on-demand service for $7.99 per month. In addition to 3 Hallmark channels, you’ll get A&E, History, Lifetime and more.

DirecTV Stream offers packages starting with 75+ channels for $101.98 per month. You can currently get a discount on your first two months of service that brings the cost down to $86.98. The service also offers live and on-demand service as well as multiple options to add-on additional channels. It also includes local channels and unlimited DVR.

Are you looking for a way to watch Hallmark’s newest movie, “An Unexpected Valentine,” for free online today? Look no further! In this post, we will guide you on how to watch this heartwarming film without spending a dime.

1. Visit streaming websites: Some websites offer free streaming of movies and TV shows, including Hallmark movies. Look for websites like 123movies, Putlocker, or Fmovies, and search for “An Unexpected Valentine” to see if it is available for free streaming.

2. Use free trials: Some streaming services offer free trials for new users. Sign up for a trial with services like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or Hallmark Movies Now to watch “An Unexpected Valentine” for free. Just remember to cancel before the trial period ends to avoid being charged.

3. Check for promotions: Hallmark Channel occasionally offers promotions that allow viewers to watch movies for free. Keep an eye out for any promotions related to “An Unexpected Valentine” and take advantage of them to watch the movie at no cost.

4. Utilize social media: Join online communities and forums dedicated to Hallmark movies, as members often share links to watch movies for free. Follow Hallmark’s official social media accounts for any announcements regarding free streaming of “An Unexpected Valentine.”

By following these tips, you can enjoy watching Hallmark’s “An Unexpected Valentine” online for free today. Grab some popcorn, get cozy, and prepare to be swept away by this delightful romantic film!

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#watch #Hallmarks #Unexpected #Valentine #movie #online #free #today

February 2, 2025

Post Malone’s ‘Big Rig’ Graphic Novel Combines ‘Evil Dead’ and ‘Mad Max’ in a Medieval Horror Adventure, Movie in the Works

Post Malone, the Grammy-nominated singer, has teamed up with Vault Comics for an exciting new project—a horror graphic novel called ‘Big Rig,’ described as a thrilling mix of ‘Evil Dead’ and ‘Mad Max: Fury Road,’ set in medieval Europe.

‘Big Rig’ is based on an idea by Post Malone himself, with the singer co-writing the story alongside Vault Comics’ editor-in-chief Adrian Wassel. Vault co-founder Nathan Gooden, known for his work on’ Barbaric,’ is illustrating the novel.

The story is set during the Dark Ages and follows an epic battle against demon hordes invading Europe. The story’s central characters are a secret sect of the Knights Templar called the Six Petals, who are struggling to defend against the demons.

In their desperate attempt to fight back, the Six Petals discover a strange, powerful weapon: a fully loaded tractor trailer, called ‘The Rig,’ which crashes to Earth. The twist? The…

Post Malone is known for his unique style and creativity, and his latest project is no exception. The rapper-turned-artist has announced the release of a graphic novel titled ‘Big Rig’, which combines elements of ‘Evil Dead’ and ‘Mad Max’ in a medieval horror adventure.

The story follows a group of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world where they must navigate a dangerous landscape filled with monsters, mutants, and other dangers. The protagonist, Big Rig, is a badass warrior who drives a massive, armored truck that serves as both his home and his weapon.

The graphic novel is filled with stunning artwork and intense action sequences, making it a thrilling and immersive read for fans of the horror and post-apocalyptic genres. And to make things even more exciting, a movie adaptation of ‘Big Rig’ is already in the works, with Post Malone himself set to star in the lead role.

Fans of Post Malone and fans of graphic novels alike are sure to be excited about this new project, which promises to be a wild and unforgettable ride. Keep an eye out for ‘Big Rig’ hitting shelves soon, and get ready for a new kind of horror adventure unlike anything you’ve seen before.

Tags:

Post Malone, Big Rig, graphic novel, Evil Dead, Mad Max, medieval horror adventure, movie adaptation, horror genre, dark fantasy, apocalyptic world, action-packed, supernatural elements, post-apocalyptic setting, cult classic, graphic novel adaptation, horror film, fantasy adventure, movie adaptation, thrilling journey, pop culture references, iconic imagery, unique storytelling, graphic novel series, visual storytelling, horror fantasy blend.

#Post #Malones #Big #Rig #Graphic #Combines #Evil #Dead #Mad #Max #Medieval #Horror #Adventure #Movie #Works

February 1, 2025

‘Evil Dead’ Meets ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ in Post Malone’s ‘Big Rig’ Graphic Novel; Movie in Development

Post Malone has teamed up with Vault Comics for Big Rig, a horror graphic novel described as Evil Dead meets Mad Max: Fury Road in medieval Europe.

Variety reports that Platinum Dunes, the production banner run by Michael Bay and Brad Fuller, is working with Malone and Vault on to develop a feature adaptation.

Based on an idea by Malone, Big Rig is co-written by the Grammy-nominated singer and Vault editor-in-chief Adrian Wassel. Vault co-founder Nathan Gooden (Barbaric) illustrates.

Set during the Dark Ages, the story sees demon hordes invading Europe. The Six Petals, a secret sect of the Knights Templar, are in desperate need of a means to drive back the scourge. What crashes to earth is The Rig, a fully loaded tractor trailer.

In the aftermath of its arrival, the only man left standing is an enigmatic former priest excommunicated from the Six Petals. He will become Trucker and lead the fight against Hell behind the wheel of a demon-slaying machine.

The first chapter will be available exclusively at comic shops participating in Free Comic Book Day 2025 on May 3.

“This is going to kick ass,” Malone said in a statement. “It’s amazing working with Vault and Michael Bay. Turning this idea into what we have has been unbelievable. The team has been crushing it, and I can’t believe we get to be a part of Free Comic Book Day.”

Vault has previously worked on comics with such musical acts as Metallica, Def Leppard, and Fall Out Boy‘s Pete Wentz.

Platinum Dunes gained attention for their remakes of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Friday the 13th, and A Nightmare on Elm Street. They’ve since produced the likes of A Quiet Place, The Purge, and the upcoming Drop.

Get ready for the ultimate crossover event of a lifetime as the worlds of Evil Dead and Mad Max: Fury Road collide in Post Malone’s upcoming graphic novel and movie, ‘Big Rig.’

In this thrilling new project, Post Malone plays the role of a lone survivor in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, armed with his trusty chainsaw and shotgun as he battles against hordes of evil forces. Along the way, he encounters a group of fierce warrior women led by the iconic character, Furiosa, from the Mad Max universe.

The graphic novel, written by Post Malone himself, will feature stunning artwork that brings the action-packed story to life. Fans can expect a gripping narrative filled with intense battles, heart-pounding chase scenes, and unexpected twists and turns.

And that’s not all – a movie adaptation of ‘Big Rig’ is currently in development, with Post Malone set to reprise his role as the fearless protagonist. The film promises to be a visual spectacle, with high-octane action sequences and jaw-dropping special effects that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

So buckle up and get ready for a wild ride with ‘Big Rig,’ where the worlds of Evil Dead and Mad Max collide in an epic crossover experience like never before. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project!

Tags:

Evil Dead

Mad Max: Fury Road

Post Malone

Big Rig

Graphic Novel

Movie in Development

Crossover

Horror

Action

Post-apocalyptic landscape

#Evil #Dead #Meets #Mad #Max #Fury #Road #Post #Malones #Big #Rig #Graphic #Movie #Development

February 1, 2025

‘I’ve Earned It At This Point’: Scream And Heart Eyes’ Mason Gooding Shares How He Wants To Die In A Horror Movie, And It’s So Funny

Ahead of Scream’s Mason Gooding coming back for Ghostface’s next appearance, the actor is the leading man in a Valentine’s Day treat among upcoming horror movies, Heart Eyes. Halloween has Michael Myers, Christmas has Krampus and Thanksgiving has John Carver, and from now on, V-Day will have the Heart Eyes Killer. When CinemaBlend spoke to Gooding and his co-lead Olivia Holt, the Scream actor had a hilarious reaction to being a frequent horror movie survivor… thus far anyway.

Prior to Heart Eyes, Gooding has become somewhat of a Scream King having played Chad Meeks-Martin in both 2022’s Scream and as part of the Scream 6 cast a year later, which had him surviving Ghostface on two occasions and officially coming back for the seventh movie, which will include Neve Campbell’s return. The actor was also in last year’s nostalgic horror comedy Y2K, which saw him surviving, too. When I mentioned his impressive track record for a frequent horror star, Gooding shared his thoughts on finally dying in a horror movie (someday). In his words:

Oh, I’m just praying someone has the gall to kill me [in a horror movie]. I feel like I’ve earned it at this point, but for some reason my characters have a level of immortality that just eludes my desire to be killed, on screen, of course. I would love to die naked for some reason. That just sounds about right. I don’t know how it’ll happen.

Well… that’s one way to go. It sounds like Mason Gooding has been thinking about how he’d like to go, and had a really funny and fully fleshed out answer. I especially loved seeing his co-star, Olivia Holt, react with one-word:

Unreal.

Don’t you worry, Mason Gooding had more to his personal pitch on how he’d like to die in a horror movie. As I said, his answer was quite well thought out.

You don’t think that that would make a lot of sense? Like, we’re naked for so much of our lives. It only makes sense that we would die the same way we were brought into this world: naked and afraid.

Look, it’s a fantastic idea, and of course, if it did happen, he wouldn’t be the first actor to die in a horror movie in his birthday suit. Perhaps one of the most famous kills in horror movies was in 1960’s Psycho, when Janet Leigh’s Marion Crane is murdered while in the shower, a moment which was set to an unforgettable score and some Hershey’s chocolate syrup and has lived on immortally ever since. (Check out the classic scene on YouTube).

Will Mason Gooding survive the Heart Eyes Killer? You’ll have to see for yourself when the movie comes out next weekend, just one week ahead of Valentine’s Day. Heart Eyes comes from writers Christopher Landon of the Happy Death Day movies and Freaky alongside It’s A Wonderful Knife’s Michael Kennedy and Philip Murphy. The movie was directed by Werewolves Within’s Josh Ruben.

When it comes to Heart Eyes, the mysterious killer haunts couples on V-Day, however, in the case of Gooding’s Jay and Holt’s Ally, they become perplexed when they are stalked by him when they are not lovers, but coworkers, who briefly pretended to be. It’s great to see Mason Gooding lead his own horror film this time around in Heart Eyes, and despite his desire to die on screen, I hope he keeps the streak alive for years to come.

Your Daily Blend of Entertainment News

Mason Gooding, the breakout star of the hit horror film ‘Scream’, has been making waves with his hilarious and charismatic personality. In a recent interview, the actor shared his thoughts on how he would like to meet his demise in a horror movie, and it’s both hilarious and endearing.

“I’ve earned it at this point,” Gooding quipped with a playful smile. “I want to go out in a blaze of glory, screaming my head off and giving my best ‘heart eyes’ to the camera. It would be the perfect combination of terror and comedy, don’t you think?”

The actor went on to explain that he has always been a fan of horror movies and loves the adrenaline rush that comes with watching them. “I think it would be a fitting end for me to go out in a horror movie, surrounded by all the classic tropes and cliches. Plus, it would give me a chance to show off my scream queen skills,” he added with a wink.

Fans of Gooding can’t help but imagine the actor in a horror movie, giving his all in a dramatic and over-the-top death scene. Whether he meets his end at the hands of a masked killer or a supernatural entity, one thing is for sure – it would be a memorable and entertaining moment for audiences.

As for now, fans can catch Mason Gooding in the highly anticipated ‘Scream’ sequel, where he is sure to bring his trademark charm and wit to the screen. And who knows, maybe his dream of dying in a horror movie will come true sooner than he thinks.

Tags:

Mason Gooding, horror movie, comedy, death scene, scream, heart eyes, actor, interview, funny, entertainment, film industry

#Ive #Earned #Point #Scream #Heart #Eyes #Mason #Gooding #Shares #Die #Horror #Movie #Funny

February 1, 2025

Christopher Nolan to reunite with Oppenheimer actor for new movie

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Director Christopher Nolan is set to reunite with one of the stars from his multi-award-winning film Oppenheimer for his next movie.

The Inception director will follow up his Oscar win with an adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey, which is set to be released in July 2026.

One of the most significant works of early literature, it is attributed to the poet Homer and is believed to have been written in the eighth century BC. It is a mythical tale following the Greek hero Odysseus, king of Ithaca, as he journeys home after the Trojan War.

It was previously confirmed that the film will feature an all-star cast, including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Anne Hathaway and Charlize Theron.

Joining the cast, as per The Hollywood Reporter, is Benny Safdie, who played physicist Edward Teller in Oppenheimer.

Safdie, 38, has also appeared in the Nathan Fielder TV show The Curse and Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. He is due to star in the forthcoming sequel to Happy Gilmore and is in post-production on his solo directorial debut The Smashing Machine. Safdie previously co-directed the critically lauded Uncut Gems and Good Time with his brother, Josh Safdie.

Josh and Benny Safide in 2014 (Getty Images)

It is not the first time The Odyssey has been adapted for the screen. Kirk Douglas played Ulysses (the Latin name for Odysseus) in Mario Camerini’s 1954 film Ulysses. The 1905 short silent film The Mysterious Island by Georges Méliès is based on scenes from The Odyssey.

The epic poem has also provided the inspiration for several films that transposed the heroic tale to different times and settings, including Cold Mountain, O Brother, Where Art Thou? and The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie.

Earlier this year, Nolan’s longtime producer and wife Emma Thomas teased the forthcoming feature in an interview with Empire.

“I would say it’s very exciting,” she said. “This is the moment where the possibilities are sort of limitless, we haven’t started thinking practicalities, or anything.

“Oppenheimer was so absurdly successful and we feel like we have an opportunity.”

Exciting news for fans of Christopher Nolan and actor Cillian Murphy! The acclaimed director is set to reunite with Murphy, who portrayed J. Robert Oppenheimer in Nolan’s latest film, for a new project.

Details about the upcoming movie are being kept under wraps, but with Nolan at the helm and Murphy on board, it’s sure to be another thrilling and visually stunning cinematic experience.

The duo has previously collaborated on several successful films, including “Inception,” “The Dark Knight Trilogy,” and most recently, “Oppenheimer.” Their partnership has consistently delivered critically acclaimed performances and captivating storytelling.

Stay tuned for more updates on Christopher Nolan and Cillian Murphy’s new movie, as we eagerly anticipate another masterpiece from this dynamic duo.

Tags:

Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer actor, new movie, film news, director, Hollywood, upcoming project, collaboration, casting announcement, film industry, blockbuster, cinema, entertainment, movie news, Christopher Nolan film, Oppenheimer movie.

#Christopher #Nolan #reunite #Oppenheimer #actor #movie

February 1, 2025

Roger Ebert Called Patrick Swayze’s Only Western Movie a “Warm-Blooded” Adventure

With as large a body of work as Patrick Swayze had to his name, it’s sort of surprising that he wasn’t in many Westerns. In fact, he wasn’t in any Westerns at all, save for one: a long-forgotten Disney movie called Tall Tale. Though some may consider Road House a modern Western of sorts, as far as traditional horse operas go, only this Disney fantasy flick fits the bill — Pecos Bill, that is. In this 1995 adventure, Swayze plays none other than Pecos Bill, a legendary cowboy who comes to the aid of a young boy named Daniel Hackett (played by a young Nick Stahl). Is Pecos Bill real or imagined? Well, Tall Tale (sometimes called Tall Tale: The Unbelievable Adventures of Pecos Bill) offers few clear answers, but they don’t matter much anyway. Patrick Swayze played a cowboy here, and the truth is that we wished he’d played a few more…

‘Tall Tale’ Brought the Myths of the American West to Life

Image via Disney

In American history and culture, there have always been folk heroes. Swayze’s Tall Tale character Pecos Bill has been in the American pop culture zeitgeist for over a century, and some of the other notable figures in this film — namely Paul Bunyan (played by Oliver Platt) and John Henry (Roger Aaron Brown) — have been around for even longer. But part of the charm of Tall Tale is that these folk heroes, whether real or not, represent the sheer ingenuity, tenacity, and larger-than-life nature of the American spirit, with Swayze perfectly embodying them all. As Daniel finds himself far away from home with little faith in the “tall tales” his father often told him, he encounters these very myths for himself in the Wild West. It’s only when he chooses to embody the very traits these mythical figures represent that Daniel effectively grows up, and can stand against the villainous land developer J.P. Stiles (Scott Glenn).

Related

Patrick Swayze Gives a Must-See Performance in This Civil War Miniseries

The Civil War was never this dramatic.

There is almost a Wizard of Oz-like quality to this production, as Daniel awakens in a land far from his own, with three new companions who are truly otherworldly. It’s clear that Disney intended Tall Tale to be a children’s fable, one with an over-the-top cast who embody the iconic roles they’ve been given. If you were like this author and grew up with Tall Tale, then you may have some fond memories of Disney’s chief attempt to bring these mythic figures to the live-action screen. (Less than a decade later, the studio would revisit these American tall tales with Disney’s American Legends, a collection of animated short films that revisited characters like Bunyan, Henry, and Johnny Appleseed.) Despite being a box office bomb that garnered mixed reviews from critics, it’s easy to find the diamonds in the rough here, especially so far as Patrick Swayze’s performance (and mustache) is concerned. Indeed, Roger Ebert once called it “a warm-blooded, high-spirited family adventure film,” offering a three-out-of-four star rating.

Patrick Swayze Proved He Was True Western Material

Of course, what makes Tall Tale especially notable is Patrick Swayze himself. Sure, his Pecos Bill is a bit hot-headed and maybe a little full of himself, but the way Swayze tackles this legendary cowboy is flawless. Armed with an iconic appearance, a horse named Widowmaker, and enough gumption to carry the entire picture, Tall Tale is as fun an adventure as it is largely because of his mentorship of young Daniel. Through Swayze’s portrayal and Pecos Bill’s pure Western convictions, Daniel discovers the strength within himself to stand up for what’s right, even if it costs him everything. Frankly, it’s easy to watch this flick and wish that Patrick Swayze had tackled more Western roles. Though he was more well-known for his action pictures and coming-of-age dramas/romances, he settles into the Old West with ease, bringing a lighthearted charm to an otherwise desolate place.

While Swayze nearly overlapped with the Western genre on an occasion or two — he also starred in the Civil War series, North and South, and his 1989 thriller Next of Kin ventured dangerously close — Tall Tale is his only pure horse opera, even if it doubles as a fantasy. The actor, who was known off-camera for being something of a real-life cowboy himself (he owned ranches in California and New Mexico before his death in 2009), looked just as comfortable on the back of a horse as he did wielding a six-shooter with a wide grin and an even wider-brimmed hat. While the Western was far less popular in the 1980s and 1990s than it was in its heyday in the early-to-mid 20th century, it would’ve been grand to see Swayze appear in classics like Tombstone or Dances With Wolves, even if just in a smaller capacity. Nevertheless, Tall Tale: The Unbelievable Adventures of Pecos Bill mythologizes Patrick Swayze’s cowboy persona, solidifying the actor as a one-time Western star.

Tall Tale

Release Date

March 24, 1995

Runtime

98 minutes

Director

Jeremiah S. Chechik

Writers

Robert Rodat

Producers

Bill Badalato, Joe Roth

In the world of film criticism, Roger Ebert was known for his insightful and often colorful reviews. One of his lesser-known reviews was of Patrick Swayze’s only Western movie, “Tall Tale.” In his review, Ebert described the film as a “warm-blooded” adventure that captured the spirit of the Old West.

“Tall Tale” was released in 1995 and followed the story of three legendary American folk heroes – Pecos Bill, John Henry, and Paul Bunyan – as they come to life and help a young boy save his family’s farm from an evil land baron. Patrick Swayze starred as Pecos Bill, a larger-than-life cowboy with incredible strength and charisma.

Ebert praised the film for its imaginative storytelling, vibrant characters, and thrilling action sequences. He noted that Swayze’s performance as Pecos Bill was particularly memorable, capturing the essence of a larger-than-life cowboy with charm and authenticity.

Overall, Ebert’s review of “Tall Tale” painted it as a fun and entertaining Western adventure that would appeal to audiences of all ages. While the film may not have been a box office hit, it remains a beloved cult classic for fans of Patrick Swayze and Western movies alike.

Tags:

Roger Ebert, Patrick Swayze, Western movie, Warm-Blooded adventure, film review, movie critique, actor, film analysis, iconic performance, classic cinema.

#Roger #Ebert #Called #Patrick #Swayzes #Western #Movie #WarmBlooded #Adventure

February 1, 2025