Netflix announced today that it has extended its deal with Adam Sandler and will commit to finance the development and production of four more feature length films starring the successful comedian. Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions will produce each film, which will premiere exclusively to the leading Internet entertainment network’s 93 million members worldwide.
Sandler, whose films have grossed over $3 billion, dominated box offices around the world with such films as Grown Ups, You Don’t Mess with the Zohan, Billy Madison, Big Daddy and The Waterboy. In 2014, the multi-hyphenate actor, writer, producer and occasional singer-songwriter set his sights on conquering the streaming world and his films have found enormous success on Netflix. Sandler’s first two Netflix films, The Ridiculous 6 and The Do-Over, are the biggest film releases for the service.
This announcement comes as the prolific comedian’s latest feature film Sandy Wexler is set to launch on the streaming platform on April 14 and as he embarks on a multi-city US comedy tour. With Sandy Wexler, Sandler returns to the genre that gave us The Wedding Singer and 50 First Dates. The film is a fun, feel-good romantic comedy set in Los Angeles in the 90s starring Academy Award® and Grammy® winner Jennifer Hudson, Kevin James, Terry Crews, Lamorne Morris, Nick Swardson, Rob Schneider, Jane Seymour, Grammy® winner Aaron Neville and many more.
“Adam Sandler is one of the leading comedians in the film world, and his movies have proven to be extremely successful with our subscribers around the world,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix Chief Content Officer. “We are thrilled at the opportunity to extend our partnership with Adam and his entire team at Happy Madison and keep the world laughing.”
“Love working with Netflix and collaborating with them. I love how passionate they are about making movies and getting them out there for the whole world to see. They’ve made me feel like family and I can’t thank them enough for their support,” said Adam Sandler.
Sandler began his career as a stand-up comedian and joined Saturday Night Live as a writer and featured player before founding Happy Madison Productions. He went on to star, produce and write numerous films which went on to become box office hits. Sandler has received critical accolades for his work in Punch-Drunk Love, Reign Over Me, and Funny People. He will soon be seen in Noah Baumbach’s upcoming comedy Meyerowitzalongside Dustin Hoffman, Ben Stiller and Emma Thompson.
Upcoming 2017 Netflix Original film releases include: Charlie McDowell’s The Discovery starring Jason Segel, Rooney Mara and Robert Redford; David Michôd’s War Machine starring Brad Pitt, Meg Tilly, Tilda Swinton, Topher Grace, Lakeith Stanfield and Sir Ben Kingsley; Bong Joon-Ho’s Okja starring Tilda Swinton, Jake Gyllenhaal, Paul Dano, Lily Collins, Steven Yeun; Jim Strouse’s The Incredible Jessica James starring Jessica Williams and Chris O’Dowd; Marti Noxon’s To The Bone starring Lily Collins; Adam Wingard’s Death Note starring Nat Wolff, Lakeith Stanfield and Margaret Qualley; Duncan Jones’ Mute starring Alex Skarsgård, Paul Rudd and Justin Theroux; Dee Rees’ Mudbound starring Carey Mulligan, Mary J. Blige, Jason Mitchell, and Garrett Hedlund; Ritesh Batra’s Our Souls At Night starring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda; Angelina Jolie’s First They Killed My Father, based on Cambodian author and activist Loung Ung’s gripping memoir; and David Ayer’s Bright starring Will Smith, Joel Edgerton, Noomi Rapace, Lucy Fry and Edgar Ramirez.
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Martial Arts, Historical
Runtime: Each episode runs approximately 20-30 minutes
Director: Lin Hun (also the Creator)
Studio: Samsara Animation Studio
Main Voice Actors (Chinese Cast):Liu Zhi Shi as Wen Ren Yu Xuan Zhou Qi as Shen Nong Fang Yuan as Xuan
Overview
Fog Hill of the Five Elements is a breathtaking Chinese anime (donghua) that merges traditional Chinese ink-painting aesthetics with high-intensity martial arts action. Created and directed by Lin Hun, this series delivers a spellbinding visual experience that rivals, and in many ways surpasses, mainstream Japanese anime. Produced by Samsara Animation Studio, the anime is a labor of love, known for its hand-drawn animation and meticulous detail.
Set in a mythological world where elemental beasts roam free, the series follows the Five Elemental Envoys tasked with protecting humanity. The story focuses on Wen Ren Yu Xuan, the Fire Envoy, whose actions set off a chain of events threatening the delicate balance between humans and beasts. The tale is steeped in Chinese folklore and myth, weaving a complex narrative of duty, power, and sacrifice.
Without question, Fog Hill of the Five Elements is one of the most visually stunning animated series in recent memory. The blend of traditional Chinese ink wash painting with modern dynamic action scenes is masterful. Every frame looks like a moving scroll painting, with fluid character movements and kinetic fight choreography that puts many mainstream series to shame.
The characters are deeply tied to traditional archetypes found in Chinese legends but are fleshed out with emotional depth and conflict. Voice acting by Liu Zhi Shi, Zhou Qi, and Fang Yuan brings authenticity and gravitas to their respective roles. The dialogue is steeped in poetic language, enhancing the mythic feel of the story.
The soundtrack complements the epic visuals with traditional Chinese instrumentation mixed with modern elements. The sound design heightens the impact of every battle and emotional moment.
Rating: 9/10
Fog Hill of the Five Elements earns a 9 out of 10 for its groundbreaking animation style, deep mythological storytelling, and heart-pounding action. The only downside is its limited number of episodes and slow release schedule, which leaves fans craving more.
Pros
- Unparalleled hand-drawn animation
- Unique art direction inspired by traditional Chinese painting
- Rich mythological lore
- Epic fight choreography
Cons
- Sparse episode release
- Story pacing can be uneven at times
Final Verdict 9/10
If you’re an anime enthusiast or a fan of animation artistry, Fog Hill of the Five Elements is a must-watch. Its fusion of stunning visuals, martial arts action, and mythological storytelling makes it one of the standout titles in modern animation. Whether you’re into Japanese anime or Chinese donghua, this series deserves a spot on your watchlist.
Genre: Action, Drama
Language: Telugu
Director: Boyapati Srinu
Writer: Boyapati Srinu
Producer: Alexander Vallabha
Studio: Creative Commercials
Runtime: 158 minutes
Main Cast:
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr. (NTR Jr.) as Rama Chandra / Chinna
Trisha Krishnan as Sathya
Karthika Nair as Neelaveni
Kota Srinivasa Rao, Nassar, and Venu Thottempudi in pivotal roles.
Where to Watch: Currently available for streaming on Sun NXT and Amazon Prime Video (check regional availability).
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Dammu, directed by Boyapati Srinu, is a high-octane Telugu action drama that delivers exactly what it promises: mass entertainment, powerful dialogues, and larger-than-life action sequences. This film stands tall in NTR Jr.’s filmography, showcasing his unmatched screen presence, powerful dialogue delivery, and action hero persona.
The story follows Rama Chandra (NTR Jr.), an orphan raised in a loving environment. His peaceful life takes a turn when he learns about his royal lineage and is chosen to bring back honor to a powerful but fallen royal family. The narrative pits him against a ruthless rival family, setting the stage for intense confrontations, emotional dilemmas, and a classic good-versus-evil showdown.
This is NTR Jr.’s film through and through. His charismatic screen presence, intense emotional range, and commanding action sequences are the highlights of Dammu. Whether it’s delivering punchy mass dialogues or executing gravity-defying stunts, NTR Jr. proves why he’s one of the top mass heroes of Tollywood. His transformation from a soft-spoken man to a ferocious warrior fighting for justice is executed with nuance and raw energy.
As a lover of NTR Jr. movies, Dammu is a treat. His power-packed performance holds the film together even when the narrative feels familiar. Fans of his previous films like Simhadri and Yamadonga will appreciate the high-voltage drama and emotional depth he brings to the role of Rama Chandra.
Trisha Krishnan and Karthika Nair add grace and charm, though their roles are secondary to the male-centric narrative. Veteran actors like Kota Srinivasa Rao and Nassar lend strong support. Director Boyapati Srinu, known for mass entertainers (Legend, Sarrainodu), stays true to his brand with larger-than-life storytelling, heavy on action and sentiment.
The film is loaded with action sequences, choreographed to satisfy die-hard mass film lovers. The fight scenes are over-the-top yet entertaining, with NTR Jr.’s agility and intensity making them believable. MM Keeravani’s music and background score elevate key emotional and action moments. “Ruler” and “Dammu Dammu” are foot-tapping numbers that resonate with the film’s tone.
C. Ramprasad’s cinematography captures the grandeur and the rustic locations beautifully. Editing by Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao keeps the film’s pace brisk, although the second half could have been tighter.
NTR Jr.’s electrifying performance, Mass appeal with high-voltage action sequences, Powerful dialogues that will thrill fans, Strong emotional undertone in the storyline, Well-composed background score and songs, Weaknesses Predictable plotline with familiar trope,s Over-the-top violence and melodrama may not appeal to all Secondary characters are underdeveloped
Dammu is a full-on mass action entertainer, tailor-made for NTR Jr. fans and lovers of Telugu commercial cinema. His performance is the soul of the film, making it a must-watch for anyone who enjoys powerful hero-centric storytelling. Despite its predictability, Dammu delivers what it promises: high-voltage action, emotional drama, and a powerful lead performance.
Rating: 7.5/10 (An action-packed entertainer elevated by NTR Jr.’s magnetic presence and energy.)
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Dante: Mary Arkham (Lady):
White Rabbit: Enzo Ferino:
Writers: Adi Shankar and Alex Larsen
Producers: Adi Shankar, Lee Seung-wook, Hideaki Itsuno
Genre: Animation, Fantasy, Action, Adventure
Episodes: 8
Runtime: Each episode ranges from 21 to 32 minutes
Story Overview: Set against a backdrop where demonic forces threaten to breach the human realm, the series follows Dante, a charismatic demon hunter-for-hire. Armed with his signature weapons and a mysterious amulet, Dante confronts the enigmatic White Rabbit, who orchestrates a series of supernatural events, including a bold attack on Vatican City. Alongside fellow hunter Mary Arkham, Dante delves into a hidden world where demons have evolved parallel to humanity, uncovering dark secrets that intertwine his fate with the world’s survival.
Review: Devil May Cry masterfully blends ’80s nostalgia with contemporary themes, creating a unique aesthetic that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers. The animation is notably expressive, capturing the fluidity and intensity of the game’s combat sequences. The voice cast delivers commendable performances, with Johnny Yong Bosch embodying Dante’s devil-may-care attitude and Kevin Conroy lending gravitas to Vice President Baines. The series’ self-awareness and cheeky humor add layers to its dark narrative, making it a standout addition to Netflix’s animation lineup.
Rating: 8.5/10
Devil May Cry is a thrilling ride that captures the essence of its source material while offering fresh perspectives. It’s a must-watch for animation enthusiasts and fans of supernatural action alike.
Anime Review: Fog Hill of the Five Elements (Wu Shan Wu Xing)
Dammu (2012) Movie Review: NTR Jr. Delivers a Thunderous Mass Action Performance
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