AMC announced that Brent Jennings, Sonya Cassidy, Linda Emond, David Pasquesi, and Eric Allan Kramer have been cast as series regulars in the upcoming AMC original comedic drama “Lodge 49.” They join Wyatt Russell, who was previously announced as playing the lead role of Sean “Dud” Dudley.
Brent Jennings plays Ernie Fontaine, a Navy vet, plumbing supplies salesman, longtime bachelor, working class Renaissance Man, and longtime member of the Order of the Lynx, Lodge 49. Jennings has most recently appeared on “Modern Family,” “Shameless” and “Murder in The First.” Other projects include the off Broadway play “Our Lady of Kibeho,” and “Moneyball” among others. He is represented by Vanguard Management Group.
Sonya Cassidy plays Liz Dudley, Dud’s twin sister – smart, fiercely independent, deeply cynical, and searching for a way to escape her life. Cassidy most recently starred as the lead in the second season of Channel 4 and AMC’s BAFTA award-nominated series “Humans,” and will next be seen in BBC One’s adaptation of Wilkie Collins’ classic gothic novel “The Woman In White” alongside Jessie Buckley and Dougray Scott. She is represented by Independent Talent Group.
Linda Emond plays Connie Mills, an old-school journalist, a lover of words and smoke filled taverns. She married her third husband (and Lynx member), Scott Mills, who brought her along to Lodge 49. Emond recently appeared in the film “The Big Sick” and on television in “Georgia O’Keeffe” (with Joan Allen and Jeremy Irons). Her most recent run on Broadway was as “Fräulein Schneider” in “Cabaret,” directed by Sam Mendes and Rob Marshall. She is represented by CAA.
David Pasquesi plays Blaise St. John, the resident philosopher of the Lynx. He tends bar at Lodge 49 and runs his own pot dispensary. Pasquesi is a Second City alumnus who currently recurs on “Veep” as Julia Louis Dreyfus’ ex-husband ‘Andrew Meyer.’ Pasquesi will next be seen in Deniz Ergüven’s indie feature, “Kings,” which is premiering at the Toronto Film Festival 2017. He is represented by Innovative and Stacy Abrams.
Eric Allan Kramer plays Scott Mills, Long Beach Port Harbor Patrol officer and straight shooter, who enjoys his personal watercraft and playing drums in a surf rock cover band. Kramer had a recurring role on “Mike and Molly,” was a series regular on “Good Luck Charlie” and hasalso recently appeared on “The Librarians,” “Shooter” and the film “Pitching Tents.” He is represented by Stone Manners Salners and McGowan-Rodriguez Management.
“Lodge 49” is slated to air in 2018, and is produced by Peter Ocko (“Pushing Daisies,” “The Office”), Jim Gavin (Author, “Middle Men”), Paul Giamatti (“Billions,” “Sideways,” “Outsiders,” “Hoke”), and Dan Carey (“Outsiders,” “Hoke” “John Dies At The End,” All Is Bright”) for AMC Studios. Ocko also serves as showrunner.
Written and created by Gavin, “Lodge 49” is a modern fable set in Long Beach and centered on Dud (Russell), a likable ex-surfer who attempts to maintain his positive outlook on life while still reeling from the death of his father, the collapse of the family business, and any semblance of the idyllic middle-class life he knew. Dud finds himself deposited by fate at the doorstep of Lodge 49, home to the Ancient and Benevolent Order of the Lynx, a dusty dying fraternal order. Dud finds solace in this dark, mysterious retreat, which offers cheap beer and strange alchemical philosophies. There he meets his mentor, Ernie Fontaine (Jennings), a “Luminous Knight” of the Order, who sells plumbing supplies by day. Despite the constant pushback from his more skeptical, pragmatic twin sister, Liz (Cassidy), Dud and Ernie find themselves drawn by the Lodge into some long-buried secrets and modern day conspiracies. Through his newfound connection with the Lodge, its mysteries and its people, Dud comes to find the missing sense of purpose in his life and confront his deepest fears and greatest hopes.
Indian cinema has long been known for its ability to weave myth, culture, and grandeur into powerful storytelling. The latest addition to this tradition, Hanuman, directed by Prasanth Varma, is an ambitious retelling of one of India’s most beloved mythological characters. A cinematic marvel, Hanuman is a bold attempt to blend ancient epic with modern storytelling techniques, creating an experience that resonates with audiences of all ages.
At its core, Hanuman reimagines the tale of Lord Hanuman, the divine devotee of Lord Rama, known for his strength, loyalty, and courage. The movie isn’t just a retelling of traditional episodes from the Ramayana; it infuses these timeless stories with fresh perspectives, exploring themes of duty, faith, and the triumph of good over evil. While the script takes creative liberties, it stays rooted in the cultural and spiritual essence of Hanuman, making it both an engaging narrative and a respectful homage.
One of the standout features of Hanuman is its visual grandeur. The VFX team has outdone themselves, creating breathtaking battle sequences, celestial landscapes, and larger-than-life depictions of Hanuman’s legendary feats. The use of cutting-edge technology elevates the storytelling, offering audiences a visual feast that rivals global fantasy epics. The cinematography, led by seasoned artist Dasaradhi Sivendra, captures the mythological tone beautifully, blending vibrant palettes with the dark hues of conflict and sacrifice.
Teja Sajja, in the titular role, delivers a performance that is both commanding and heartfelt. His portrayal of Hanuman captures the character’s divine strength and endearing humility, making him an ideal hero. Supporting performances by Amritha Aiyer, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, and Vinay Rai add depth to the narrative, bringing a spectrum of emotions to the screen.
Director Prasanth Varma deserves applause for his vision and execution. Tackling a subject as revered as Hanuman could have easily resulted in a cautious or overindulgent approach. Instead, Varma strikes a balance, creating a story that is both reverent and relatable. The screenplay moves at a brisk pace, though some moments, particularly the expository sequences, could have benefited from tighter editing.
The film’s music, composed by Gowrahari, Anudeep Dev, and Krishna Saurabh, is an emotional anchor, blending traditional Indian sounds with a modern orchestral touch. The background score heightens the drama and spirituality, particularly during pivotal moments like the crossing of the ocean and the climactic battle sequences.
Hanuman is a cinematic achievement that successfully reimagines a beloved figure for modern audiences. While it occasionally stumbles in pacing and exposition, these are minor flaws in an otherwise spectacular production. For fans of mythology, fantasy, and visually stunning cinema, Hanuman is a must-watch. It is a testament to Indian cinema’s ability to merge tradition and innovation, reminding us why stories of gods and heroes continue to inspire across generations.
Rating: 4.5/5
This film not only celebrates the timeless tale of Hanuman but also sets a new benchmark for mythological storytelling in Indian cinema.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
Duration: 179 minutes
Director: Om Raut
Writer: Om Raut
Stars: Prabhas, Saif Ali Khan, Kriti Sanon, Sunny Singh
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
Netflix’s Adipurush aims to reimagine the Indian epic Ramayana in a modern cinematic style, delivering a tale of righteousness, devotion, and the eternal conflict between good and evil. Helmed by Om Raut, the film follows Raghava (Prabhas) as he embarks on a journey to rescue his wife Janaki (Kriti Sanon) from the clutches of the demon king Lankesh (Saif Ali Khan). With a narrative that spans vast landscapes and incorporates mythological grandeur, the film had immense potential but falters in its execution.
While the premise remains faithful to its legendary source, the execution feels lackluster. The screenplay struggles to balance a modern audience’s expectations with the gravitas of its traditional essence. The dialogues, often stilted, fail to evoke the emotional depth and poetic resonance required for a story of such magnitude.
Prabhas, portraying Raghava, delivers a restrained performance that lacks the heroic intensity one expects from the character. Kriti Sanon as Janaki does her best with limited material, bringing grace to her role, while Saif Ali Khan’s over-the-top portrayal of Lankesh is polarizing, leaning more into theatricality than menace. The supporting cast, including Sunny Singh, adds little to elevate the film.
One of the film’s most significant drawbacks is its visual effects. Despite the high budget, the CGI appears subpar, often detracting from the immersive experience. The underwhelming special effects undermine key battle sequences and fantastical elements, which should have been highlights of the film.
On the brighter side, the musical score by Ajay-Atul manages to shine, offering moments of grandeur and emotional heft. The film’s costume design and some set pieces are visually appealing, hinting at what could have been with more polished execution.
Adipurush is a well-intentioned attempt to bring the epic Ramayana to life for a global audience, but it stumbles in critical areas, including visual effects, pacing, and character depth. While it offers a few moments of spectacle and an engaging musical score, the overall experience feels hollow and unworthy of its mythological roots. Fans of the epic may find some moments of nostalgia, but casual viewers are likely to be left disappointed.
Adipurush is a missed opportunity to create a definitive modern retelling of an Indian classic.
Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
Runtime: 2h 11m
Director: Puri Jagannadh
Writer: Puri Jagannadh
Main Cast: Mahesh Babu, Kajal Aggarwal, Prakash Raj, Nassar, Sayaji Shinde
Studio: R. R. Movie Makers
Where to Watch: Available on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and YouTube (check availability in your region).
“Businessman” is a high-voltage action thriller starring Mahesh Babu in one of his most charismatic roles. Directed by Puri Jagannadh, the film follows Surya (Mahesh Babu), an ambitious and ruthless man who arrives in Mumbai with a dream of ruling the underworld. With his sharp mind and fearless attitude, he rises to power, challenging both the law and the mafia.
Mahesh Babu delivers a power-packed performance, exuding style, confidence, and intensity in every scene. His dialogues, especially the iconic “Pokka Business,” became instant fan favorites. Kajal Aggarwal plays a conventional love interest but adds charm to the narrative. Prakash Raj is impressive as the antagonist, adding depth to the conflict.
Puri Jagannadh’s screenplay is fast-paced, filled with gripping dialogues and intense confrontations. The film’s action sequences and Thaman’s electrifying background score elevate the cinematic experience. While the plot follows familiar gangster tropes, the film’s execution, Mahesh Babu’s screen presence, and the powerful dialogues keep it engaging.
Final Score: 8.5/10
A stylish and entertaining action film with a magnetic Mahesh Babu, “Businessman” is a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers and mass entertainers.
