Tomorrow, the prizes for the 78th Cannes Film Festival will be given out. Today, I’m bringing you my annual predictions piece for the fest. Now, it’s different than usual, as in years past Robert Hamer has joined me and given a fairly substantial write-up, with yours truly tagging on at the end my picks. Usually, our logic does track, whether or not our picks work out. Unfortunately, Robert is out of the country and unavailable right now, so it’s just me this year. I won’t try to replace him, so below I’m just setting the stage for the Palme d’Or and other prizes, with my predictions at the end of the piece. Apologies, but it’s still a great opportunity to talk Cannes and the Palme, so there’s that at least, right?

Depending on who you ask or who you follow at the festival, this Cannes has been a disappointing one, given the early buzz on how it could be an all-timer of a lineup. At the very least, it’s a top-heavy fest. That’s not necessarily a hinderance for predictions, but it does present the possibility that some prizes could go to films that few are talking much about. So, depending on who you are, honors for movies like that are either a good surprise or a less than pleasant one. Your mileage just may vary there…

One thing to keep in mind when it comes to the Palme d’Or is the recent dominance by NEON. They have taken the last five and are looking to make it six in a row. That run is unparalleled and has even included a pair of Best Picture winners in Anora and Parasite. Throw in Anatomy of a Fall, Titane, and Triangle of Sadness, their other Palme winners, and it’s clear that they can take all sorts of Cannes titles to the finish line. So, look at the films under their banner and, until proven otherwise, given them a little extra leg up. It doesn’t mean one of those movies is assured of a win, to be clear, but it does feel like a noted advantage right now.

Some of the notable titles at Cannes this year have been met with differing receptions. Getting a mixed response (at best), was Alpha from Julia Ducornau, Eddington from Ari Aster, and (faring slightly better) The Phoenician Scheme from Wes Anderson. More positive but with some challenges or reservations would be Die My Love from Lynne Ramsay as well as The History of Sound from Oliver Hermanus. Frankly, it sounds like Pillion from Harry Lighton would have been the odds on favorite for the Palme had it been In Competition.

As for the films with what seems like the best chance at the Palme, I’m looking at Sentimental Value from Joachim Trier as the one to beat, in part due to the aforementioned NEON bent at Cannes. If not that one, then It Was Just an Accident from Jafar Panahi for similar reasons. Then, if NEON isn’t extending their streak, the two other contenders I’d look at are Nouvelle Vague from Richard Linklater and Sound of Falling from Mascha Schilinski.

Outside of the Palme d’Or, Jennifer Lawrence could be a decent bet to win the Best Actress prize for Die My Love, while Wagner Moura feels like a frontrunner here in Best Actor for The Secret Agent. The other prizes could come from the titles mentioned above that don’t take the Palme. That being said, Cannes always has some surprises, so just keep that in mind.

Now, we wait. The awards will be given out tomorrow. We’ll be sure to share the Palme winner, along with all of the other prizes, when the happen. In the meantime, Cannes is still showcasing their titles, so keep an ear to ground for any eleventh hour contenders…

Here now are my predictions for the awards to be given out at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. Behold:

Prix du scenario: Carla Simón – Romería (alternate: Mascha Schilinski and Louise Peter – Sound of Falling and Joachim Trier and Eskil Vogt – Sentimental Value)

Prix de la mise en scène: Richard Linklater – Nouvelle Vague (alternate: Julia Ducornau – Alpha and Jafar Panahi – It Was Just an Accident)

Prix d’interprétation masculine: Wagner Moura – The Secret Agent (alternate: Benicio del Toro – The Phoenician Scheme and Guillaume Marbeck – Nouvelle Vague)

Prix d’interprétation feminine: Jennifer Lawrence – Die My Love (alternates: The Four Main Girls – Sound of Falling and Renate Reinsve – Sentimental Value)

Prix du Jury: The History of Sound (alternates: Eddington and The Secret Agent)

Grand Prix: The Young Mother’s Home (alternates: Nouvelle Vague and Romería)

Palme d’Or: Sentimental Value (alternates: It Was Just an Accident and Sound of Falling)

Well now, what do you all think, Awards Radar Community? Which predictions, if any, do you think will ultimately prevail? Which of the Main Competition entries are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments below…

Stay tuned to see who and what take home prizes from the 78th Cannes Film Festival!

The post Predictions for the 78th Cannes Film Festival Awards appeared first on Awards Radar.

Movie stars don’t come any bigger than Tom Cruise. Whether it’s early days in Risky Business or Top Gun, or later on with work like in Born on the Fourth of July, Jerry Maguire, or Rain Man, Cruise has underrated range. He’s an all-timer of an action hero, sure, but the charm he can put forth in a comedy or a drama is nearly unparalleled. He’s a movie star, plain and simple, with the films on his resume to back that up. As Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is about to open, it felt like a perfect time to finally dive in and rank the best performances from an actor who literally is one of the biggest in the business.

Back when Top Gun: Maverick came out, my review here said the following about him:

Tom Cruise slips easily back into this iconic role, while never shying away from the toll that time has taken on Maverick. Older, maybe a little bit wiser, but still very much who he was, we’re seeing a potential relic rage against the dying of the light. In terms of Cruise action roles, this flick gives him more drama to engage with than usual.

As for with Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (reviewed here), I had this to say:

Tom Cruise is nothing less than totally committed here, once again. Intense yet suave in the dialogue scenes, the action sequences have him at as high a level as ever. The hook here has been his stunt work, and it does continue to make a difference. Seeing him here lends a tactile element that so many other action films don’t have. 

Finally, just last week with Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (reviewed here), I spoke of Cruise like so:

Tom Cruise is front and center, as always, and this sequel asks him to be as intense as ever. There’s less humor to his role than we’ve seen previously, but he does wear the weight of the fate of the world with aplomb. Cruise knows how to play Ethan Hunt in his sleep, so it’s not surprising that he’s up to the task. As always, he’s at his best while doing insane stunts, letting the camera capture him in death defying situations. It’s a series staple and also just a strong use of Cruise throughout.

Below, you can see my ranking for Cruise. What you’ll notice is that I’ve focused more on his non-action roles, even though those are what have placed him in the stratosphere. For my money, Cruise is at his best when he’s the charming lead of a drama or a comedy. I’ve spoken about it for years, but I do hope that he gets back more to his auteur driven roles in the years to come, which we could see starting next year with his collaboration with Alejandro González Iñárritu. Cruise’s best performance so far is in Magnolia for Paul Thomas Anderson (while his most underrated is in All the Right Moves, which too few of you have seen), but this was a hard list to whittle down. I truly began with twenty and had to work for a while to even get to where I ended up. Your mileage may vary, but that’s how it goes for me, as you’re about to see…

Here now is my list of the best performances from Tom Cruise to date. Behold:

Honorable Mention: American Made, Edge of Tomorrow, Lions for Lambs, Top Gun: Maverick, Tropic Thunder, and Vanilla Sky

10. Minority Report

9. Eyes Wide Shut

8. Collateral

7. Risky Business

6. A Few Good Men

5. All the Right Moves

4. Jerry Maguire

3. Rain Man

2. Born on the Fourth of July

1. Magnolia

What are your favorite Tom Cruise performances? Let us know!

The post Ranking the Best Performances From Tom Cruise So Far appeared first on Awards Radar.

Every actor looks for that breakthrough role, the one that will get their work noticed and have a lasting impact. Lar Park Lincoln had mastered such a challenge, and she went on to teach other performers how to do the same. But sadly, on April 22, 2025, she passed away. She was my acting coach, mentor, and friend.

Lar’s contributions to the entertainment industry spanned over 40 years. As an actress, she was well-known for her roles in Knots Landing, Friday the 13th Part VII, and The Princess Academy. Her fierce blue eyes and intense passion captivated audiences and the hearts of fans across the globe. 

Lar adored her fans and kept every fan letter that she ever received!  She loved meeting and interacting with fans at conventions. I had the pleasure of attending The Preserve Halloween Festival with Lar in November 2023. Watching her share stories and sign memorabilia will be a lasting memory. Sadly, this was the last convention Lar ever attended.  

As an acting coach, she was able to share her extensive knowledge of the entertainment industry. She also developed a unique audition and on-camera training method, moving beyond traditional acting classes. With less focus on classical techniques and more emphasis on character-driven performances, Lar’s method and style resonated with me deeply. She taught me how to spice up an audition by finding the magic within a script in order to create a standout performance. Her method lives on with her Start Acting Today! program available on her website, actorsauditionstudios.com.

Lar also taught her protégés the three pillars of success in this industry:

1) Training  2) Talent and 3) Marketing. Yes, she taught us what to do in front of the camera, but more importantly, in many ways, she encouraged us to listen to those individuals behind the camera. Lar would often say that “listening” fosters creativity and camaraderie, which more often than not, results in a great finished product. 

Lar found so much joy in the success of her students. We were her superstars, and she would often tell us how proud we made her. I told her that I would continue to make her proud. 

I’m forever grateful for Lar’s wisdom and friendship. I’ll remember laughing with her the past few summers, as we hung out poolside, drinking margaritas, pretending to be in St. Tropez, France, even though we were in St. Tro-Plano, Texas. 

Throughout it all, she always emphasized the importance of having goals and dreams. So I leave you with this, as Lar would always say, “Don’t follow your dreams, chase them!” Many thanks, Lar Park Lincoln. RIP, lovely lady. 

Marie Wetherell
You can follow Marie  Wetherell on Facebook or on Instagram, or at her website, mariewetherell.com.

The post Thank You, Lar Park Lincoln, for Your Guidance and Friendship appeared first on Awards Radar.

Well, we’re on to the newest list of the lot! Continuing a tradition I’ve been keen on for years, I’m ranking the new crop of Academy Award winners. For nearly all of the Oscar categories, you’ll see me list the top 25 recipients of that prize. Sometimes, our newest winner will appear. Other times, they’ll be relegated to the Honorable Mention category. Who knows, maybe one or two won’t even make the cut? It’s a list series that I’ll do each and every single year, in the weeks after the ceremony concludes. So, while this is a fun way to think about the Oscars in the aftermath of the latest telecast, it’s also a beginning for another column here on the site. Of course, definitely show us your own lists as well, in the comments section below. We’re definitely keen to know what you think!

Today, Best Original Song is the category that’s in our sights. For my money, the winners here are some of the best, pound for pound, of any category. Now, the nominees themselves these days don’t stack up to where we once were at, but still…the victors are beyond reproach. Just look at one of our most recent winners in No Time to Die‘s song of the same name by Billie Eilish. It’s certainly good, but as it as good as the best Bond titles? No. And where does it even rank on this updated list?. You’ll see where it fell below this time in a moment. This is the category, after all, where people Lady Gaga and Bruce Springsteen can take home Oscars, so you do get some classics. My selections for the best of the Academy Award bunch below, in my humble opinion, are out and out classics. It’s no secret I loved Barbie, so how highly does What Was I Made For? place here a year later? Where does Naatu Naatu from RRR stack up from the year prior? Plus what of our newest winner in El Mal from Emilia Pérez? Find out now…

Here now are what I consider to be the 25 best winners of the Best Original Song Oscar, to date:

25. Moon River (Breakfast at Tiffany’s)
24. Up Where We Belong (An Officer and a Gentleman)
23. You’ll Be in My Heart (Tarzan)
22. City of Stars (La La Land)
21. Colors of the Wind (Pocahontas)
20. Take My Breath Away (Top Gun)
19. The Way We Were (The Way We Were)
18. Remember Me (Coco)
17. (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life (Dirty Dancing)
16. When You Wish Upon a Star (Pinocchio)
15. Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid)
14. Theme from Shaft (Shaft)
13. My Heart Will Go On (Titanic)
12. Let it Go (Frozen)
11. Skyfall (Skyfall)
10. The Weary Kind (Crazy Heart)
9. Under the Sea (The Little Mermaid)
8. What Was I Made For? (Barbie)
7. A Whole New World (Aladdin)
6. Over the Rainbow (The Wizard of Oz)
5. Can You Feel the Love Tonight (The Lion King)
4. Streets of Philadelphia (Philadelphia)
3. Beauty and the Beast (Beauty and the Beast)
2. Falling Slowly (Once)
1. Shallow (A Star Is Born)

Honorable Mention: I’m Gonna Love Me Again (Rocketman), Jai Ho (Slumdog Millionaire), Man or Muppet (The Muppets), Naatu Naatu (RRR), No Time to Die (No Time to Die), and Talk to the Animals (Dr. Doolittle)

Stay tuned for another list early next week!

The post The Top 25 Best Original Song Winners So Far (Updated for 2025) appeared first on Awards Radar.

Wilmington’s thriving production scene—often called “Hollywood East”—paired with generous state film incentives, gives producers and directors a strong reason to keep returning. From blockbusters like The Hunger Games to nostalgic favorites like Dirty Dancing, and even indie masterpieces, North Carolina isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a storyteller. 

Blue Ridge Mountains and Cinematic Elevation

The Blue Ridge Mountains carry an unmistakable mystique. Filmmakers are drawn to this setting for its rolling mists, winding roads, and unfiltered sense of wilderness. The area has served as the backdrop for both intense dramas and reflective character pieces. 

The Hunger Games shot extensive footage in the Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest, harnessing the dense woodlands and cascading waterfalls to mirror the dystopian world of Panem. These settings helped define the visual identity of the franchise. The terrain wasn’t just decoration—it underscored Katniss Everdeen’s survival instincts and rooted the rebellion in the natural world.

Outer Banks—Wind, Water, and Cinematic Wonder

The Outer Banks offer a windswept isolation that few U.S. coastal regions can match. It was here that Nights in Rodanthe, based on the Nicholas Sparks novel, was brought to life. With crashing waves, stilted beach houses, and vast skies, the scenery evoked emotion as much as the script. 

The beach house used in the film became a cultural icon and tourism magnet. Beyond this romance, indie productions have tapped into the OBX’s melancholic atmosphere, emphasizing quiet tension or nostalgia in films that require a touch of the poetic unknown.

Wilmington—Hollywood East

Wilmington is the operational heart of North Carolina’s film industry. It boasts EUE/Screen Gems Studios, a 50-acre production facility housing the largest film and television studio outside of California. Its twelve sound stages, totaling over 150,000 square feet, support major productions with soundproofing, post-production capabilities, and set construction departments. 

Series like Dawson’s Creek and One Tree Hill were long-term residents. Feature films such as Iron Man 3 also called Wilmington home. The infrastructure here lets North Carolina punch above its weight, offering all the benefits of Los Angeles without the logistical overload.

Dirty Dancing and Lake Lure

Dirty Dancing cemented North Carolina’s place in cinematic history. While some scenes were shot in Virginia, much of the film was brought to life at Lake Lure. The lodge where Baby and Johnny danced into our hearts sits nestled among Appalachian peaks. 

Fans still gather every year for the Dirty Dancing Festival, reliving the film’s pivotal scenes. The lake, boathouse, and ballroom helped forge an enduring romantic mythology—and they haven’t aged a day. Few locations evoke such nostalgia, further proving how essential North Carolina’s geography is to the magic of film.

Bull Durham and the Heart of Minor League Baseball

Few films have captured the spirit of North Carolina like Bull Durham, the beloved 1988 baseball classic set in the heart of Durham. With its mix of romance, wit, and a deep appreciation for America’s pastime, the film turned the Durham Bulls into a cultural icon. It showcased the charm of North Carolina’s minor league scene.

Today, that same competitive energy resonates beyond the ballpark, especially as fans turn to the best sportsbook promos in North Carolina to follow and wager on their favorite sports. Bull Durham reminds us that in the Tar Heel State, the love of the game runs deep, on the field and off.

Indie Films and Hidden Masterpieces

While major titles draw headlines, North Carolina has quietly nurtured dozens of independent films that use its environment to stunning effect. 

Movies like Junebug (2005), filmed in Winston-Salem and Pfafftown, explored rural Southern culture through a sharp emotional lens. These films don’t just use the state’s towns—they absorb their identity. The texture of front porches, family-owned shops, and Carolina sunlight becomes part of the story’s DNA. Local crews and talent often add authenticity, further embedding these films in the soil of the state itself.

The Power of Film Incentives

North Carolina’s film industry wouldn’t have flourished without state-supported financial incentives. The current rebate program offers productions up to 25% back on qualifying expenses, including crew wages, set design, and post-production. This initiative has brought in millions in revenue and supported thousands of jobs.

Films like The Conjuring and Scream have taken advantage of these incentives, which help offset costs that might otherwise draw producers west. Local film commissions in counties like Buncombe, New Hanover, and Dare report an increase in inquiries each year—clear evidence that the state’s strategic investment is paying cultural and economic dividends.

How Small Towns Become Characters

North Carolina’s small towns don’t just serve as passive scenery—they often shape narrative tone and structure. The haunting quiet of Edenton, the Southern charm of Beaufort, and the mill-town ambiance of Gastonia have supported dramas, thrillers, and comedies alike. 

When filmmakers choose towns like Hendersonville or New Bern, they’re embracing texture—weathered facades, porch swings, and tobacco barns that evoke emotion without words. These details provide depth. Directors like David Gordon Green have frequently tapped into these communities to capture a realism that polished sets could never replicate.

Iconic TV Shows Shot in North Carolina

Television has also played a critical role in building North Carolina’s filming reputation. Dawson’s Creek ran from 1998 to 2003, using Wilmington to depict fictional Capeside, Massachusetts. One Tree Hill followed, filming for nine seasons and generating significant economic activity. These long-term productions didn’t just bring revenue—they built community. 

Locals were cast as extras, hired for crew, and provided location services. Even crime dramas like Matlock leaned on North Carolina settings for visual authenticity. These shows proved that the state wasn’t a one-hit wonder but a sustainable creative hub.

Future Projects on the Horizon

As of 2025, North Carolina is set to host several new productions. A limited HBO series on civil rights activists is shooting in Raleigh. An upcoming A24 horror project will film in the eerie marshlands near Shallotte. 

Wilmington continues to attract international co-productions, including a British-American romantic thriller slated for a 2026 release. Netflix has plans to expand shooting in Asheville and Boone, betting on the visual depth of the western mountain corridor. These projects speak to a growing momentum. North Carolina isn’t just a past success—it’s becoming a cornerstone of the next wave in American film.

Local Film Commissions and Grassroots Growth

Local film commissions play a vital role in making North Carolina accessible and attractive to filmmakers. The North Carolina Film Office, along with commissions in Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and Wilmington, assists with permitting, location scouting, and local outreach. Their knowledge of terrain, weather, and infrastructure often becomes the key difference between a successful shoot and a logistical nightmare. 

They also advocate for sustainable filming—pushing for eco-conscious practices, diversity in hiring, and investment in local talent. These efforts don’t just benefit producers; they ensure the communities themselves benefit long after the cameras stop rolling.

The post From Mountains to Coast: North Carolina’s Secret Role in Iconic Films appeared first on Awards Radar.

Antiheroes don’t provide simple atonement or formulaic plot lines, in contrast to conventional heroes who represent honor, justice, and integrity. They control, cheat, lie, and even murder. But since they seem genuine, they capture our interest. Even while we may not agree with their actions, we may understand their motivations. And it’s precisely that moral ambiguity combined with emotional relatability that keeps us interested.

Antiheroes appeal in part because they present a more grounded understanding of human nature. Both individuals and life are not black and white. Everybody struggles with both their best and worst selves. We see the duality in people when a character like Tony Soprano shows vulnerability in therapy one moment, then calls for a hit the next. The antihero lets us explore dark sides of human nature. We can do this safely from behind a screen, without judgment.

The change in narrative itself is a significant contributing cause to the advent of the antihero. Simple narratives and flat characters have been less common in television and movies during the last 20 years. These days, authors strive for character development that is sustained, nuanced, and deep. They make the ideal canvas for antiheroes. Their internal conflicts, dubious choices, and erratic actions offer a wealth of material for complex, slow-burning stories.

We are challenged by shows like Barry, Succession, and Breaking Bad in addition to being entertained. They cause us to doubt our own moral compass. Under the same circumstances, would we make the same decisions? Is it possible for wicked people to do good? Or do decent people occasionally become evil? Long after the credits have rolled, audiences are still considering these questions.

Watching someone flout the rules has an indisputable allure as well. Antiheroes often ignore authority, break social rules, and follow their own way, even if it’s harmful. These characters chase their desires in a world where many feel trapped. They struggle against norms and structures beyond their control. We won’t say what they say. They behave without restraint. Additionally, they frequently reveal the hypocrisy of organizations we’ve been trained to believe in.

However, the vulnerability of antiheroes is what really gives them their strength. Despite their seeming cruelty or haughtiness, they typically harbor significant emotional scars. Their suffering, whether from addiction, trauma, grief, or insecurity, makes them more relatable. It forges a deep emotional connection between the audience and the character, one based on comprehension rather than awe.

The durability of antiheroes can also be attributed to their emotional complexity. Antiheroes grow over time. This contrasts with traditional heroes, who can seem one-dimensional. They change over movies and seasons. They take us by surprise, let us down, make us feel sorry for them, and occasionally even win our forgiveness. Their stories may not have happy endings, but they bring realism. This makes them much more captivating.

In the end, our preoccupation with antiheroes says a lot about the times we live in. More than ever, audiences are more self-aware, more cynical, and more sensitive to their emotions. We now want honesty in our characters, no matter how sloppy it may be, rather than perfection. Antiheroes will be popular on screen as long as life is complicated. They are nonetheless entertaining despite their flaws. 

The post The Rise of the Antihero: Why We Love Flawed Characters appeared first on Awards Radar.

Over the weekend, the Final Destination franchise returned to theaters with Final Destination: Bloodlines. Now, I didn’t have a chance to see it, given that the press screening conflicted with Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (reviewed here), but plenty of you did, as it’s making a killing (no pun intended) at the box office. Not only that, but it’s received the best reviews of the series to date, and it’s not even close. That surprising bit of success got me thinking about other franchises that could follow in its footsteps.

Now, there’s no obvious candidate. I initially thought about Urban Legend, which would make some sense, but three weeks ago a reboot was announced, so either I’m on to something or we can’t count it. I Know What You Did Last Summer has a sequel out this year, while 28 Years Later continues its own series. Scream is still in progress, while the monster slashers like Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger, and Jason Vorhees are always stuck in some form of production hell, if a new installment isn’t already being hatched.

Depending on what happens with Saw XI, it might actually be the Saw franchise that needs it most. Saw X did do a similar thing, scoring the best reviews of the series, deep into its run. Had it been sitting still a bit longer, I’d have pegged it as the obvious pick. Hell, it still is for us, considering how friendly a space for Saw that Awards Radar is. If nothing else, Saw X did sort of pave the way for Final Destination: Bloodlines to get such a friendly reception.

Do you have a franchise you’d like to see get the Final Destination treatment? If so, let us know. Otherwise, just sit back and wait to see which one can accomplish it. Horror isn’t going anywhere, so dormant series will always be taking another bite at the apple. We’ll just be here waiting to see if they’re worth sinking our teeth into again or not…

Stay tuned for another Sunday Scaries installment next week!

The post Sunday Scaries: Which Horror Franchise (Like ‘Final Destination’) Should Be the Next to Return? appeared first on Awards Radar.

This is not a review for The Life of Chuck. That’s coming next month. It’s going to be a rave, as you’ll more or less gather from this piece, but this is not a review of the film. No, this is more just a start of explaining why I think it’s such a profound and special work. It’ll undoubtedly be one of the best movies of the year for me, but beyond that, it’s the type of thing I know I’ll never forget. It’s the rare bit of cinema that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my days. It just has a magic about it. So, that’s what I wanted to prep you all for today…the magic that’s coming your way next month.

For those unaware, The Life of Chuck is an adaptation of the Stephen King novella of the same name, from frequent King adapter Mike Flanagan. It concerns three chapters in the life of an ordinary man named Charles Krantz, or Chuck as we’ll come to know him. Starting with the final chapter and going backwards, we grow to understand why this seemingly unremarkable person is anything but. Played at different points by Tom Hiddleston, Benjamin Pajak, and Jacob Tremblay, we find his world filled by folks like his grandparents (Mark Hamill and Mia Sara), as well as others, including Marty Anderson (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Felicia Gordon (Karen Gillan). The film takes its time explaining everyone’s relationships to each other, so I won’t get into that here, except to say that the longer the movie goes on, the more you’re consistently having your breath taken away by the simple and human beauty on display.

I absolutely loved this flick from start to finish, as it bounces around genres, occasionally scares you, makes you laugh, and brings you to tears. In less than two hours, I watched scenes that struck a timely chord about the state of the world, had a moment involving All That Jazz elicit my biggest laugh in a theater all year, and had multiple sequences that had me openly sobbing. It’s all done with such care and heart from Flanagan, who previously has shown he can do aces work with King’s horror outings. Here, he takes the mantle from Frank Darabont, as this is very much of the ilk of The Shawshank Redemption (my all-time favorite film), along with The Green Mile and Stand By Me (which Rob Reiner helmed). It’s unlike anything you’ve seen from Flanagan to date, easily stepping up as career best work.

Two lines in the film, presented out of context, I think help to illustrate the simple magic that this fantastical and yet deeply human story bring out in a willing audience member. They are, as follows:

“The universe is large, and it contains multitudes, but…it also contains me”

“In this moment, I am wonderful”

Once you see the movie, you’ll understand more, as well as what the whole “Charles Krantz, 39 great years! Thanks, Chuck!” of it all means. Once I understood it, the entire story came together in a way that took my breath away. Cinematic magic on display, plain and simple. The picture celebrates life, and not just that, it somehow manages to celebrate your life, which is the real magic trick of it all, in my humble opinion. It’s a miracle of a movie.

This is what I said about the film moments after getting out of my screening:

The next day, it was still on my mind, leading me to send this out into the world:

I can’t wait to have you all see it. Go in as blind as you can, as the teaser and trailer both preserve plenty of mystery, but in hindsight show more than I would have. At the same time, there’s no way to prepare yourself for this flick. Just know that I love it, people at the Toronto International Film Festival loved it (where it won the People’s Choice Award, while I’m kicking my former self for not seeing it back at TIFF), and the folks at NEON love it. If you’ve been on board with their tastes of late, this is just another feather in their cap, though unlike anything else they’ve ever released.

There will be much more to say about The Life of Chuck in the days and weeks to come, as well as throughout the entire year for me. I already have one interview in the can to share next week, with more coming next month. There will be my rave review, as well as more pieces once more of you have seen it. In the meantime, just know that this is a one of a kind work, magical and special, the sort of film that just doesn’t come along every day. So, prepare to celebrate The Life of Chuck…

Stay tuned for much more on The Life of Chuck!

The post ‘The Life of Chuck’ is Coming and is a Special Sort of Movie Magic appeared first on Awards Radar.

When I reviewed Black Bag here, I said the following about her work opposite Michael Fassbender:

Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender are movie stars and waltz through this picture in such a way. This is a pleasant experience, watching them just have fun with the witty dialogue and stylish settings. Neither is being asked to stretch too far, but they know the assignments and ace them with a fair amount of ease. They’re best in show

Below, you’ll be able to see my Blanchett list. There’s a lot of variables here, but for my money, Blue Jasmine remains her best work to date. Now, The Aviator, Carol, I’m Not There, and Tar are not far behind, which just speaks to how good she is. While I doubt anyone will have something like Borderlands cracking their list, a film like Black Bag sure can. Regardless, when Blanchett is in a movie, you sit up and take notice…

Here now is my updated ranking of the best Cate Blanchett performances so far. Behold:

Honorable Mention: Babel, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Hanna, The Missing, Truth, and Veronica Guerin

10. Black Bag

9. Pushing Tin

8. Elizabeth

7. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

6. Notes on a Scandal

5. The Aviator

4. Tar

3. I’m Not There

2. Carol

1. Blue Jasmine

What are your favorite Cate Blanchett performances? Let us know!

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Casinos have long played a key role in films. These scenes often show more than cards and chips. They explore human behavior, tension, and risk. Filmmakers use casinos to show power, control, and luck. Some scenes focus on strategy. Others reveal personal flaws and pressure. Over time, these moments have shaped how people see casinos.

How Film Shapes Public Perception of Gambling

Films often show gambling as stylish and full of drama. They build a picture of high stakes, skill, and bold moves. Viewers may start to believe that luck and strategy always lead to success. This can raise false hopes and fuel interest in risky play. The idea of a smart player beating the system is common in movies. It makes people think that winning is just about skill.

But real-life gambling is different. Online casinos use systems to limit the chances of success. Many offer 300 free spins no deposit bonuses to attract users, but strict terms apply. In films, losses are dramatic and fast. In real life, losses are slow and often unnoticed.

The contrast between film and fact is clear. Films rarely show the long-term costs or the odds. Real gambling is mostly luck, not just skill. Still, movies continue to shape how people see the risks and rewards.

Iconic Casino Scenes and Their Influence

Casino scenes often reflect deeper human struggles. They show risk, control, and power. Some scenes changed how people think about gambling. Others revealed the hidden systems behind the tables. The following films offer key examples.

Casino (1995) – Directed by Martin Scorsese

Martin Scorsese’s Casino shows Las Vegas from behind the curtain. The story follows Ace Rothstein, a casino boss linked to the mob. Much of the film takes place on the floor and behind closed doors. Surveillance is constant. Every move is watched. Cheaters are punished quickly.

The casino is run like a business, not a game. Strategy and fear keep the staff and guests in line. Power shifts between Ace, the mob, and the local government. The film highlights how control, not chance, rules the tables.

It changed how people saw Las Vegas. Less as a playground, more as a system with rules, pressure, and control.

Rain Man (1988) – Directed by Barry Levinson

One of the most well-known scenes shows Raymond using card counting in blackjack. He and his brother Charlie win large sums at a Las Vegas casino. The scene introduced many viewers to mental maths and how patterns can affect games. It also brought attention to casino surveillance. Security begins watching the brothers closely, unsure if cheating is involved.

The film mixes real concepts with fiction. Card counting is legal, but hard to use in real life. Most casinos now use extra decks or shuffle them often to stop it. In the film, Raymond’s skill seems perfect, but this is part of the drama.

The scene made card counting popular in pop culture. It gave the false idea that anyone could do it. Still, it showed how maths, memory, and calm thinking can affect gambling. It also showed how casinos react to unusual play.

Ocean’s Eleven (2001) – Directed by Steven Soderbergh

Ocean’s Eleven follows a team planning to rob the Bellagio vault, which holds cash from three casinos. The heist uses hacking, disguises, and careful timing. The film shows how casinos use cameras, ID checks, and security staff.

Though fictional, it reflects real concerns about casino theft and fraud. Each team member has a role, showing how careful planning is key. The vault scene gave viewers a look at what happens behind the scenes.

It changed how people see casinos—not just as places to play, but as complex systems with strict control. The film also highlighted how strategy can stay hidden from the public.

Rounders (1998) – Directed by John Dahl

Rounders follows Mike, a skilled poker player in underground games. The film focuses on Texas Hold’em and shows bluffing, timing, and reading opponents. Mike watches habits and reactions to judge risk. His final match with Teddy KGB shows that control matters more than luck.

The film gained a strong following and helped spark the early 2000s poker boom. It pushed the idea that poker is more about skill than chance. While fictional, many tactics shown reflect real poker thinking. Rounders made the game look serious and thoughtful.

Comparison of Key Casino Scenes

Below is a table comparing five key films. Each shows a different side of gambling on screen.

Conclusion

Films often shape how people think about gambling. Before you play, it helps to know what’s real and what’s not. Always check the rules of any game first. Don’t rely on what you see in movies. Real gambling involves risk and clear limits. If you want to learn more, try reading about game odds and player behaviour. Watching films is a good start, but it should not be your only source. Use trusted sources for facts.

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