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New Zealand actor Sam Neill, best known for his roles in "Dead Calm," "The Piano," and "Jurassic Park," has died. He was 78 years old. News of his death was announced in a statement published on Neill's Instagram account.
Born in the Northern Irish town of Omagh in 1947, he immigrated to the South Island of New Zealand with his family at age 7 and settled in Christchurch. Neill appeared in several television movies and shorts for New Zealand television in the 1970s before gaining recognition for his lead role in the internationally acclaimed 1977 homegrown action thriller "Sleeping Dogs." He then relocated to Australia, securing another internationally acclaimed role in the 1979 film "My Brilliant Career," opposite Judy Davis. However, he did not arrive on the international cinema scene until 1981, when he played Damien Thorn in the satanic blockbuster "Omen III: The Final Conflict." During the 1980s, Neill appeared in countless Australian movies, including "Attack Force Z" with Mel Gibson, "Evil Angels" with Meryl Streep, and "Dead Calm" with Nicole Kidman.
In 1993, Neill propelled himself into the public eye with his two portrayals of New Zealand settler Alisdair Stewart in Jane Campion's Oscar-winning film "The Piano" and Dr Alan Grant in Steven Spielberg's blockbuster "Jurassic Park." He reprised the role of Alan Grant twice: in 2001's "Jurassic Park III" and 2022's "Jurassic World Dominion." Over the next three decades, Neill proved his immense versatility, excelling in both the sci-fi horror of 1997's "Event Horizon" and the dry humour of the 2000 comedy-drama "The Dish."
Among the other films that Neill starred in during his long career are "The Hunt for Red October," "The Jungle Book," "In the Mouth of Madness," "The Horse Whisperer," "Bicentennial Man," "Dirty Deeds," "Daybreakers," "The Hunter," "Hunt for the Wilderpeople," and "Peter Rabbit." Neill has also worked on various TV series and miniseries outside of cinema, including "Merlin," "Peaky Blinders," and "The Tudors." Neill has received numerous honours throughout his lengthy film career. In June 2022, he was knighted and appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
After being diagnosed with a type of blood cancer in 2023, Neill revealed that he had undergone chemotherapy in private for a year. In April 2026, he posted an update saying that he had recently undergone a new form of immunotherapy. He added that subsequent scans indicated that no trace of cancer could be found in his body. Neill's final film appearance is expected to be in "Godzilla x Kong: Supernova," which is currently in post-production and due for release in 2027.
Daveigh Chase, the actress most famous for her role in "The Ring" and for voicing Lilo in "Lilo & Stitch," has died. She was 35. Her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, set up a GoFundMe page, stating that Chase succumbed to meningitis and several serious blood infections while in the hospital for several weeks. It is tragic to lose a former child actress who could have had the potential to become a talented actress had she lived longer.
The young actress first appeared on TV as an 8-year-old in "Sabrina the Teenage Witch." She broke out into film, starring as Jake Gyllenhaal's dancing sister in "Donnie Darko." In 2002, Chase received widespread recognition by voicing Lilo Pelekai, the young Hawaiian protagonist in Disney's "Lilo & Stitch." She won an Annie Award for Outstanding Voice Acting for her role in the animated feature and went on to reprise her role in several spinoffs, including "Stitch! The Movie," "Leroy & Stitch," and the Disney Channel series, "Lilo & Stitch: The Series."
That same year, she played the murderous ghost Samara Morgan in "The Ring," for which her haunting performance earned her an MTV Movie Award for Best Villain. She also voiced the lead character, Chihiro Ogino, in the English-language version of Hayao Miyazaki's popular anime film "Spirited Away." In 2016, she made her final acting appearance in the video game "Let It Die."
Marcia Lucas, the Oscar-winning film editor of "Star Wars" and the former wife of George Lucas, passed away on May 27th, 2026. She was 80 years old. While George may have created the beloved movie franchise, Marcia, who played a key role in saving Star Wars, is regarded by many as the unsung hero. It is possible that without her editing contributions, the film would have been doomed from the outset, fading into obscurity. She is the true heart of the franchise.
Marcia Lou Griffin was born in Modesto, California, on October 4th, 1945. Before becoming a film editor, she worked as a film librarian apprentice. She met George Lucas, a University of Southern California film student who had been hired as an assistant film editor, while working for Verna Fields, a renowned film editor. The couple tied the knot in 1969. Before serving as assistant editor on her then-husband's first directorial feature film, "THX 1138," Lucas assisted in the same role on Francis Ford Coppola's "The Rain People" and Haskell Wexler's "Medium Cool." Subsequently, she became the film editor on George Lucas's follow-up feature, "American Graffiti." This movie was a box-office success, earning Lucas her Oscar nomination for Best Film Editing. She then collaborated with director Martin Scorsese on three consecutive movies, "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore," "Taxi Driver," and "New York, New York," after which George enlisted her to assist with the editing of his 1977 space opera "Star Wars."
Marcia, along with Richard Chew and Paul Hirsch, was brought in by George to rework the film after he expressed dissatisfaction with John Jympson's rough cut. It was her editing that turned the Battle of Yavin/Death Star attack into the iconic scene that Star Wars fans have enjoyed for generations. In a 2021 article, SFGate described Marcia Lucas as the "secret weapon" of "Star Wars." For their work, Lucas, Hirsch, and Chew won an Oscar for Best Film Editing in 1978.
Marcia would later edit the last Star Wars movie, "Return of the Jedi," alongside Sean Barton and Dwayne Dunham. However, her marriage to George was already over behind the scenes. She then left the film industry to spend more time with her family. Nevertheless, she remained involved in the Star Wars universe, particularly her criticism of the prequel and sequel trilogies.
As you know, Michael Jackson is one of the world's greatest entertainers ever. Known as the "King of Pop," he is a groundbreaking artist who undeniably dominated the music scene in the 1980s and early 90s. Everyone admires him, not just his music, including his best-selling album Thriller, music videos, and concert tours, but also because of his voice and dance moves. Even after his death, his popularity and influence remain undiminished among fans, as his legacy lives on.
For as long as I can remember, I've heard a lot about Michael and how the public viewed him during his fall from grace, but that was before I started watching his music videos and listening to his songs in either 2007 or 2008. However, I learned much more about the singer after his untimely passing in 2009 and came to appreciate him much more.
As a diehard Michael Jackson fan, I have waited for this biopic for a long time, ever since the success of Bohemian Rhapsodyled Hollywood to flood the market with musical biopics. It's not entirely unexpected when both Bohemian Rhapsody and Michael have the same producer, Graham King. Many critics were unkind to the film, labelling it "sanitised" and for "playing it safe," given that Michael Jackson's family and estate endorsed this
biopic and didn't entirely deconstruct his mythos. Fans, however, didn't care; they enjoyed it more than non-fans and critics did.
MICHAEL is a faithful yet honest portrayal of the late pop singer in his early
years, celebrating his creative musical genius, bravado, artistry, and
showmanship. Unfortunately, it lacked substance and didn't explore the negative aspects of his personal life. It doesn't portray him as a deeply troubled human being, though it does present him as almost entirely perfect, with hints of his eccentricities. Another problem with this movie is its pacing; it should have been longer. The film has some historical inaccuracies, but I won't discuss them in detail. After all, that's a common issue with musical biopics. It glossed over some significant parts of Michael's life, including his relationship with Diana Ross.
Additionally, Janet Jackson is noticeably absent, as she declined to participate in this film, but that's her decision. Also missing are Michael's other siblings, Rebbie and Randy. Aside from Rebbie, Randy, and Janet's absence, the other Jacksons barely register and receive any attention, except for Joe and Katherine. Even the ending is abrupt, further exacerbated by legal complications that led to reshoots. It did, however, cover a few details, such as his complicated relationship with his tyrannical and abusive father and the infamous Pepsi commercial accident. Hopefully, the next part will delve deeper into more of Michael's backstory and
address the legal side.
Antoine Fuqua's direction for the film was spectacular. He incorporated
some jaw-dropping scenes that pulsate with energy and atmosphere. In a bold casting move, Michael's real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, was cast as the King of Pop. Given that he had never acted in a film before, this was his acting debut. He delivers an often uncanny but spectacular performance, mirroring his late uncle by nailing the voice, mannerisms, and signature dance moves, including the moonwalk, which is electric. He embodies the spirit of his famous relative.
Colman Domingo stands out in a detestable role as Joseph. He envisions his portrayal of Joe Jackson as genuinely monstrous and despicable, seeing his children as a ticket to fame and fortune and a way to escape his job at the steel mill. Special mention must go to the makeup department for making Domingo look almost identical to the real man, which is impressive given his imposing presence. Nia Long brings maternal warmth in her role as Michael's supportive mother, Katherine, who is Joe's complete opposite. Juliano Krue Valdi is sensational as young Michael, and he really shines in the scenes. There is a special appearance of Mike Myers, who plays a CBS Records executive similar to his role in Bohemian Rhapsody.
From a technical standpoint, many aspects are worthy of admiration. The production design, costumes, and sound mixing are clear examples of great care and attention to detail. The
musical sequences flourish as they recreate the iconic moments from
Michael's career, from his music videos to his live performances, including "Thriller" and the Motown 25 anniversary special, capturing the
larger-than-life energy that made Michael Jackson who he is. The music consists of
original recordings by the legendary singer, integrated into
this film.
In retrospect, MICHAEL
is a fitting tribute to the King of Pop, albeit with a somewhat
predictable yet incomplete narrative. While it has its issues, particularly in its limited exploration of Michael
Jackson, it is still a worthy addition to the King of Pop's
legacy. Overall, I give it a 7 out of 10 because the film stays true to
its core theme. However, if you're a Michael Jackson fan, then you'll enjoy this
movie on the biggest screen possible. If you're someone who doesn't care about the late King of Pop and haven't gotten over the controversy surrounding his personal life, just beat it!
Co-Producer/First Assistant Director - K.C. Hodenfield
Casting Directors - Mary Vernieu and
Michelle Wade Byrd
Production Designer - Clay A. Griffith
Supervising Art Director - Cathy Maxey
Set Decorator - Frank Galline
Property Master - Curtis Akin
Costume Designer - Kelli Jones
Director of Photography/"A" Camera Operator -
Dana Gonzales
Second Unit Director (Uncredited)/Stunt
Coordinator - Brad Martin
Special Effects Coordinator - Joe Pancake
Visual Effects Supervisor - Marc Massicotte
Editor - Gabriel Fleming
Additional Editor - Rowan Maher
Supervising Sound Designer - Victor Ray Ennis
Re-Recording Mixers - Beau Borders
and Scott Millan
Music - David Buckley
Music Supervisor - Laura Katz
Review
It's been years since I last saw a good disaster movie, but GREENLAND is a welcome return to form. Originally scheduled for a mid-2020 theatrical release, the film missed its release date due to the global pandemic. Instead, it found a new home on Amazon Prime. Truth be told, I've never reviewed a movie on that streaming service, as I normally watch them on Netflix or Disney+. Before the release of GREENLAND, disaster films were nothing to
write home about, as they tended to prioritise spectacle over substance,
featuring implausible scenarios, stilted dialogue, and one-dimensional
characters. Thankfully, it avoided the stereotypical cliches that plagued other disaster films, such as 2012 and Geostorm, reinventing the genre with its personal storytelling and human drama.
The movie is more grounded than other asteroid-themed disaster flicks, such as Armageddonand Deep Impact. It tells the story of a family's harrowing journey to survive the coming extinction, as circumstances tear them apart amid chaos and destruction. It serves as an apology to the lead actor, Gerard Butler, whopreviously appeared in the disaster movie Geostorm, which did him no favours. With director Ric Roman Waugh, who has previously collaborated with the Scottish actor on Angel Has Fallen, they brought a movie that's both intriguing and impressive. Whereas other disaster films focus solely on spectacle, Waugh relies heavily on emotional intensity and authenticity to create GREENLAND, shunning the typical traditional approach. It was a bold choice to reveal humanity's darker side, including panic, desperation, and moral dilemmas, but it adds depth and makes the film more compelling.
The cast did a wonderful job, particularly Butler and Morena Baccarin. The former is a crucial component of the film's success, as he delivers a spectacular performance as a desperate father grappling with tough decisions to keep his family safe. Baccarin excels as Allison, the mother, infusing the role with genuine emotion and inner strength. Their chemistry is nothing short of spectacular. Roger Dale Floyd's performance as the deeply traumatised young Nathan Gerrity is captivating, especially during tense family moments. Scott Glenn's brief but impactful appearance late in the film is a highlight. At 81, Glenn's performance proves he still has what it takes.
The comet impacts feel genuinely terrifying thanks to a restrained yet effective use of CGI that does not overshadow the human story. However, those expecting Emmerich-style action will be disappointed that this film doesn't feature much large-scale destruction.
While it conforms purely to all the cliches of a disaster film on first viewing, it is absolutely worth watching. However, GREENLAND has much more to offer viewers once it reveals itself.
James Tolkan, a character actor renowned for playing stern authority figures, most notably in "Back to the Future" and "Top Gun,"passed away. He was 94.
The actor was born on June 20, 1931, in Calumet, Michigan. He joined the United States Navy and fought in the brutal Korean War. Because of a heart condition, Tolkan received a medical discharge from the Navy. He then trained to become an actor and graduated with a BA in Drama from the University of Iowa. According to an obituary on the "Back to the Future" website, Tolkan took a bus to New York with just $75. He found work on the docks and enrolled in classes with Stella Adler and Lee Strasberg to study acting. Tolkan launched his acting career in 1960 with an episode of the television series "The Naked City." In 1966, while working as an understudy for Robert Duvall, he replaced Duvall as the villain Harry Roat in the original Broadway production of "Wait Until Dark," opposite Lee Remick.
Tolkan took on a dual role as Napoleon and his doppelgänger in Woody Allen's movie "Love and Death" and also appeared in the original Broadway cast of "Glengarry Glen Ross." In 1983, he left New York to pursue a career in California and Canada, accepting a small role as an FBI agent in "WarGames."
In 1985, Tolkan shot to fame for playing the slacker-hating vice principal Strickland in "Back to the Future" and its 1989 sequel. In addition to playing the character in the first two, Tolkan also played Strickland's grandfather in "Back to the Future Part III." The following year, he played Tom Cruise's commanding officer, Stinger, in the iconic film "Top Gun." Tolkan maintained an active presence in films and on television until 2011.
Martial artist and actor Chuck Norris has died. He was 86. Norris was a legend in action movies and best known for his roles in "Way of the Dragon," "Missing in Action,"and "The Delta Force."
Chuck Norris was born in Oklahoma on March 19, 1940. He joined the Air Force in 1958 and then moved to a US air base in South Korea.During his time there, he studied the Korean martial art of Tang Soo Do. In 1968, Norris left the military and began competing, achieving considerable success. He won several titles, including the World Professional Middleweight Karate Championship in 1968.
In 1964, while attending a demonstration event in California, Norris met future action star and fellow martial artist Bruce Lee. The two men became friends and acquired a celebrity clientele of Hollywood stars eager to learn from them. For his directing debut, "The Way of the Dragon," Lee cast Norris as his on-screen rival, and the film concludes with their 10-minute final fight. Released in 1972, the film was a tremendous success. Following Lee's death in 1973, Norris remained active in the film industry, securing a leading role in the 1977 trucker action comedy, "Trucker! Trucker!" Its financial success paved the way for Norris's subsequent career in low- to moderate-budget action movies. While these films did not receive significant critical acclaim, they consistently met expectations and helped to establish a loyal fan base for Norris.
Norris's box-office appeal caught Hollywood's attention after early movies such as the martial-arts-heavy thrillers "A Force of One," "The Octagon," and "An Eye for an Eye." Notably, his 1983 thriller "Lone Wolf McQuade," in which Norris plays a Texas Ranger who takes on an arms dealer, proved pivotal in helping him to reach a broader audience. He also appeared in "Missing in Action" (which spawned a trilogy)and "Invasion USA." In 1985, Norris achieved another milestone with "Code of Silence," winning mostly positive reviews for the first time. A year later, he starred in perhaps his most famous action film: "The Delta Force," opposite Lee Marvin, in which Norris played a special forces operative.
In the 1990s, Norris regularly appeared in action movies, many of which were directed by his brother, Aaron. However, he undoubtedly enjoyed his greatest success with the TV series, "Walker, Texas Ranger," inspired by the film "Lone Wolf McQuade." It premiered in 1993 and ran for 8 years, ending in 2001. It featured Norris as the titular law-enforcement officer, who relied on martial arts more often than not. The popular internet meme "Chuck Norris facts" was inspired by it.
In the 2000s, Norris's film appearances became increasingly sporadic. However, he did share the screen with other action-movie legends, including Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren, Bruce Willis, and Arnold Schwarzenegger in Stallone's "The Expendables 2."
