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.
Thanksgiving may not have the sheer volume of movies as Christmas, but it’s no less special when it comes to heartwarming, funny, and even chaotic films that capture the holiday spirit. Here’s a ranked list of the top Thanksgiving movies you should add to your holiday viewing tradition.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
Why Watch: The definitive Thanksgiving movie, John Hughes’ comedy about an unlikely duo (Steve Martin and John Candy) trying to make it home for Thanksgiving is equal parts hilarious and heartwarming.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10/10)
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)
Why Watch: This animated classic reminds us of the simple joys of friendship and togetherness, all with Snoopy’s iconic charm. Perfect for family viewing.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9/10)
The Blind Side (2009)
Why Watch: A feel-good drama about family, generosity, and second chances, this Sandra Bullock-led film captures the spirit of Thanksgiving through its heartwarming true story.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10)
Pieces of April (2003)
Why Watch: A raw and quirky indie film starring Katie Holmes as a black sheep daughter trying to host Thanksgiving for her estranged family. It’s funny, awkward, and touching in equal measure.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10)
Home for the Holidays (1995)
Why Watch: Directed by Jodie Foster, this chaotic comedy-drama starring Holly Hunter captures the ups and downs of a family Thanksgiving in all its messy glory.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (7/10)
Addams Family Values (1993)
Why Watch: The hilarious Thanksgiving play sequence alone earns this gothic comedy a spot on the list. The Addams family’s twisted charm is perfect for holiday laughs.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (7/10)
Dutch (1991)
Why Watch: This underrated road-trip comedy follows Ed O’Neill as a man escorting his girlfriend’s bratty son home for Thanksgiving, delivering laughs and heartfelt moments.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (6/10)
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Why Watch: Though more closely associated with Christmas, this classic opens during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and celebrates holiday magic and kindness.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (6/10)
Scent of a Woman (1992)
Why Watch: Al Pacino’s Oscar-winning performance anchors this drama about loyalty and redemption, set against a backdrop of Thanksgiving break.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/10)
Tower Heist (2011)
- Why Watch: A lighthearted heist comedy featuring Eddie Murphy and Ben Stiller, set during the Thanksgiving season. It’s not deep, but it’s a fun, entertaining watch.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/10)
Honorable Mentions
The Ice Storm (1997): A dark Thanksgiving drama for those who prefer serious fare.
Hannah and Her Sisters (1986): Thanksgiving frames this Woody Allen classic about family dynamics.
With this lineup, you’ll have plenty of options to keep your Thanksgiving movie marathon as memorable as the feast itself!
directed by Prashanth Neel, brings a bold and gritty spectacle to the big screen, marking a triumphant return for Prabhas in an action-heavy role. Known for his high-energy, raw style (seen in KGF), Neel continues his signature approach here, blending intense action scenes with grandiose settings reminiscent of epic sagas like Game of Thrones. The film revolves around Deva (Prabhas), a powerful yet calm figure with a complex past, and his involvement in a politically charged power struggle with Prithviraj Sukumaran’s character Varadha. This layered storyline introduces us to the fictitious city of Khansar, where betrayals and power dynamics keep viewers on edge.
Critics generally appreciate Prabhas’s magnetic performance, noting that he captures the larger-than-life heroism he’s celebrated for since Baahubali. His portrayal, paired with intense fight choreography, keeps the audience engaged, particularly during standout sequences that elevate the film’s dramatic intensity. Prithviraj’s character as Deva’s friend adds an intriguing dynamic, though Shruti Haasan’s role feels underused. While fans of action-packed cinema and Prabhas’s iconic style will enjoy the exhilarating visuals and powerful cinematography, some critics feel the plot loses momentum in the second half, with multiple subplots that dilute its emotional depth. The story is intentionally left open-ended, setting the stage for Salaar: Part 2.
Overall, Salaar is an ambitious action film that will satisfy fans of Prabhas and high-octane spectacles. However, those seeking a tight narrative or deep emotional connections might find it lacking. I’d rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars—a solid experience for action enthusiasts, with room for a more focused storyline in its sequel.
Review of Kalki 2898 AD on Netflix
Rating: (4/5)
Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin, is a visually ambitious sci-fi film featuring an ensemble of Indian cinema legends, including Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Deepika Padukone. The film is set in a dystopian future with a storyline that weaves mythology and science fiction, creating a unique cinematic experience for viewers.
The film’s narrative unfolds in a futuristic society where technology and ancient themes intersect. It begins with an immersive setup that introduces us to Prabhas’ character, Bhairava, who grapples with complex moral and existential questions in a world marked by political and ethical turmoil. Although the pacing can feel slow in parts, especially as it establishes the mythological underpinnings, the intensity and scope build significantly as the story progresses.
One of the most captivating aspects is the stunning visual effects. The production team, with a budget reportedly over 400 crore INR, utilized advanced CGI to craft expansive landscapes, dramatic space battles, and futuristic cityscapes that resemble scenes from Hollywood sci-fi giants. The action sequences, particularly those featuring Bachchan, stand out with their thrilling choreography and careful dramatic build-up. These sequences balance between traditional Indian cinema stylings and Hollywood’s polished sci-fi tropes.
While Kalki 2898 AD relies heavily on genre conventions, it manages to bring a fresh twist by blending mythological symbolism with modern sci-fi elements. However, some may find the film’s narrative occasionally predictable, and the focus on visual spectacle occasionally overshadows character development. Yet, the powerhouse performances from the lead cast, particularly Bachchan and Padukone, provide the emotional depth needed to keep audiences engaged.
In summary, Kalki 2898 AD is an impressive venture into the sci-fi genre for Indian cinema, successfully balancing myth with high-tech fantasy. While not without flaws, it’s an enjoyable and bold cinematic experience that’s worth a watch for fans of both Indian mythology and science fiction.
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