Max's Movie Lounge

11/06/2024

Back to Black, a 2024 biographical drama that delves into the life of the incredibly talented yet deeply troubled Amy Winehouse. This film, directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson and penned by Matt Greenhalgh, stars Marisa Abela as Amy, with a stellar supporting cast including Jack O'Connell, Eddie Marsan, and Lesley Manville.

**Plot Summary:**
Amy Winehouse, raised in a musical Jewish family, rises to fame with her debut album *Frank* (2003). Her relationship with Blake Fielder-Civil introduces her to addiction, which deeply affects her life and career. Despite this, she creates the iconic album *Back to Black* (2006). After a brief recovery and winning five Grammys, Amy struggles with alcoholism and tragically dies at 27 from alcohol poisoning on July 23, 2011.

The film poignantly captures Amy's spirit, her incredible musical gifts, and the tragic downfall that ended her life far too soon. It's a reminder of the preciousness of life and the destructive power of addiction.

I give 3.5 Maxes out of 5. It's a heartfelt tribute that highlights the highs and lows of Amy's life, though it leaves one lamenting the waste of such extraordinary talent.

02/06/2024

Just watched "The First Omen" tonight and really enjoyed it! It's a great first episode to dive into the full series. Not too scary, just the right amount of suspense. Overall, I give 3 Maxes out of 5. Give it a go!! Catch it on Disney Plus in the UK.

01/06/2024

Max's Movie Lounge -Season Finale: Episode 13 - A Grand Conclusion - OUT NOW!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6h1vuniA7Uxwy9CjstNSNM

In the thrilling 13th and final episode of our first season, we wrap up with a bang!
Join us as we revisit the most captivating moments, insightful discussions, and memorable highlights from this incredible journey.
We'll also provide sneak peeks and teasers for what's to come in Season 2.
Thank you for being part of our podcast family.
We're taking a short break but will return with even more exciting content in September.
Don't miss this epic season finale—tune in now and stay tuned for more in the fall!

31/05/2024

Just watched "Tarot" tonight!
Friends unwittingly unleash an unspeakable evil trapped within a cursed deck of tarot cards. One by one, they come face to face with fate, racing against death to escape the future foretold in their readings.

It was a thrilling ride, but some parts could have been better. Very 'Final destination'. I give 3 Maxes out of 5.
Worth a watch if you're into supernatural suspense!

27/05/2024

Last night, I watched an incredibly gripping movie set in a dystopian future America.
It was unreal yet eerily realistic, making me think about how some of these events could actually happen in real life.
The film was disturbing in its portrayal of a world that felt like it could be just around the corner, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I give 4 maxes out of five.
If you’re into thought-provoking thrillers, give it a go!

26/05/2024

🎬 **Cannes Awards Highlight** 🎬

Big wins for female-centered stories at Cannes! 🌟 Sean Baker’s “Anora” clinches the Palme d’Or, marking a major milestone for American filmmakers. This whirlwind romance stars Mikey Madison and Mark Eydelshteyn. 🏆

Other major awards:
- **Grand Prix**: “All We Imagine as Light” by Payal Kapadia
- **Best Director**: Miguel Gomes for “Grand Tour”
- **Best Actor**: Jesse Plemons in “Kinds of Kindness”
- **Best Screenplay**: Coralie Fargeat for “The Substance”
- **Special Award**: Mohammad Rasoulof for “The Seed of the Sacred Fig”

Celebrate cinema's return to theaters with us! 🍿✨

26/05/2024

Last night, I went to see "NYE" in Cardiff and reunited with Sharon Small after 24 years!
We acted together in the BBC series "Glasgow Kiss" with Iain Glen .
It was wonderful to see her again... we haven't changed a bit 😉!

If you haven't seen this play yet, PLEASE GO! I give it 5 Maxes out of 5!

Michael Sheen stars as Nye Bevan in a surreal portrayal of the man who revolutionized Britain's welfare state and established the NHS. As Bevan faces death, he reflects on his life from childhood and mining to his political battles with Churchill. Written by Tim Price and directed by Rufus Norris, this new Welsh fantasia will be broadcast live from the National Theatre.

Catch them at the Wales Millennium Centre until 1st June.

25/05/2024

NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maxiboy/episodes/Maxs-Movie-Lounge---Season-1---Episode-12---Top-10-Movies-in-the-USA--UK-and-Cannes-Prediction-e2k1odr

Welcome to Max's Movie Lounge, where we bring you the latest buzz from the world of film! 🌟 In this episode, we dive into the highlights and mixed reviews from Cannes Film Festival 2024, featuring Sean Baker's vibrant "Anora," Ali Abbasi's controversial "The Apprentice," and David Cronenberg's introspective "The Shrouds."

We'll also count down the top 10 movies in the USA and UK and preview this week's must-see new releases. Plus, I’ll predict the winner of the prestigious Palme d'Or and review the highly anticipated films "Challengers" and "The Fall Guy."

Whether you're a film fanatic or just looking for your next movie night pick, Max's Movie Lounge has something for everyone. 🎥🍿

Tune in now and join the cinematic journey! 🎧

23/05/2024

UPDATE FROM CANNES 2024

🏆 **Critics' Week Grand Prize** 🏆

The Argentinian film "Simon Of The Mountain" took home the top honor. This coming-of-age story follows a boy with a disability navigating life's challenges.

✨ **Jury Prize** ✨
Constance Tsang's "Blue Sun Palace," about Chinese immigrants in Queens, won the Jury Prize.

🌟 **Rising Star Award** 🌟
Ricardo Teodoro shone in "Baby," a q***r romantic drama set in São Paolo.

🎬 **Gan Foundation Award for Distribution** 🎬
"Julie Keeps Quiet" by Leonardo Van Dijl received this prestigious award, with its powerful story of a young tennis player speaking out against her coach.

The 63rd Critics' Week, running from May 15-23, concluded with Emma Benestan's "Animale."

20/05/2024

"Challengers"... okay. The camera shots were quite original and the soundtrack was really interesting with a very 70s disco vibe, very particular indeed. The story was a bit confusing, but overall, I'd give it 3 maxes out of 5.

18/05/2024

Vince Riotta Ana Villafañe did you hear the news? FANTASTIC!

Sinatra: The Musical is aiming for a Broadway run in 2025, according to Frank Sinatra's daughter Tina Sinatra, who discussed the production in an interview with Harvey Brownstone.

18/05/2024

Ciao beautiful people!!!

I'm thrilled to announce that the 11th episode of Max's Movie Lounge is now available for your listening pleasure! In this episode, we're diving deep into some of the most exciting developments in the world of cinema.

🔍 Episode Highlights:

Cannes Film Festival Recap: We take a closer look at the glitz and glamour of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, discussing the standout films, award winners, and memorable moments.

Francis Ford Coppola's New Movie: A deep dive into the legendary director's latest masterpiece. We'll explore its themes, performances, and why it’s generating so much buzz.

Top 10 Box Office Hits: We break down the top 10 movies currently dominating the box office in the USA and UK. Find out what's hot and what might be worth a watch.

New Releases: Get the lowdown on the latest movie releases hitting cinemas this week.

Whether you're a casual movie-goer or a hardcore cinephile, this episode has something for everyone. Don't forget to grab your favorite snack, settle into your comfy chair, and join me for another fantastic movie discussion.

🎧 Listen Now:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maxiboy/episodes/Maxs-Movie-Lounge---Season-1---Episode-11---Top-10-Movies-in-the-USA--UK-e2jpl12

👉 Subscribe and Share: If you enjoy the episode, make sure to subscribe and leave a review. And don't forget to share it with your fellow movie lovers!

Stay tuned for more episodes where we continue to explore the magic of movies, one reel at a time. Thanks for listening and happy watching!

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17/05/2024

'Where the Crawdads Sing' I really enjoyed it!
Daisy Edgar-Jones delivers a stunning performance as the resilient Kya, who grows up alone in the North Carolina marshes. The murder mystery keeps you guessing till the end, with Taylor John Smith and Harris Dickinson adding depth to the story. While there were moments that tugged at my heartstrings, I couldn't help but be captivated by the beauty of the marshlands and the resilience of the human spirit.
Overall, I give 'Where the Crawdads Sing' 3.5 Maxes out of 5. A must-watch for anyone who loves a compelling mystery with a touch of wilderness! In the UK is on Netflix.

17/05/2024

Just binge-watched 'Red Eye' and I must say, I was hooked from the start!
With a gripping plot and stellar performances, this series kept me on the edge of my seat.
Starring Jing Lusi as Hana Li and Richard Armitage as Dr. Matthew Nolan, the tension is palpable as they navigate a deadly conspiracy at 30,000 feet.
Add in the brilliant performances by Jemma Moore and Lesley Sharp, and you've got a recipe for success.
While there were a few moments that left me wanting more, overall, 'Red Eye' earns a solid 3.5 Maxes out of 5. If you're a fan of thrilling mysteries, this one's definitely worth a watch! In the UK is on ITV X.

16/05/2024

'The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare' directed by Guy Ritchie and boasting a stellar cast including Henry Cavill, Eiza González and the guy from the series 'Reacher' 😉, this spy action comedy promises much. However, while it's an enjoyable watch, it falls short of greatness.
Based on the book 'Churchill's Secret Warriors' by Damien Lewis, the film offers a fictionalized take on Operation Postmaster. Despite its potential, the ex*****on feels lacking, earning it a respectable 3 Maxes out of 5.
Worth a watch for fans of the genre, but don't expect to be blown away.

12/05/2024

"Do we really need this? Hell yeah!"
Tarf Media has secured global sales rights (except for North America) for the indie comedy-horror film Co***ne Werewolf, following the success of Co***ne Bear and Co***ne Shark. The film, written by Ford Austin and Tyger Torrez and directed by Mark Polonia, is set in the eerie woods of northern Pennsylvania, where co***ne, cash, and a film crew collide with a bloodthirsty werewolf, resulting in deadly chaos.

Positioned as a thrilling yet humorous addition to the Co***ne-branded comedy-horror trend, Co***ne Werewolf is set to embark on a festival circuit this summer, with screenings planned at Shock Stock and Fear Con. The film will have its U.S. theatrical premiere on July 5 at the Arcadia Theater in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, the same location where it was filmed.

Tarf Media, based in Dublin, recently partnered with indie film studio Good Deed Entertainment for Cannes 2024, underscoring their commitment to promoting unique and compelling cinema.

***newarewolf