When it comes to crime thrillers, there aren’t many directors who are in the same league as Michael Mann. He’s created some incredible additions to the genre, including the absolutely iconic Heat, a movie that is finally getting the sequel that many fans have hoped to see for years. That said, not every Michael Mann movie has been a winner, though one of his lesser-regarded films is apparently finding new life on streaming.

Blackhat Is A Top Streaming Movie On HBO Max

Even if you’re a serious movie fan, you’d be forgiven if you’ve largely forgotten Blackhat. The 2015 film starred Chris Hemsworth as a hacker who is released from prison and enlisted by the FBI to track down a group of criminals who hacked a Hong Kong nuclear plant. The film didn’t do particularly well with critics., It sits at a 33% on Rotten Tomatoes, but it did even worse at the box office. Grossing less than $20 million against a reported budget of $70 million.

Blackhat is one of the lowest-grossing wide-release movies ever made, but maybe that’s why Flixpatrol reports that the film has been the number three movie on HBO Max recently. Clearly a lot of people didn't go to see it when it came out, so anyone already paying for an HBO Max subscription might as well check it out.

None of this is to say the movie is actually bad. Some critics who reviewed the film back in 2015 not only thought it was good, but thought it was one of the best movies of the year. It’s possible those critics were on to something, as Blackhat has been receiving something of a reappraisal in recent years. While it’s not necessarily considered a forgotten masterpiece, many do feel the film is better than it was given credit for upon release.’

Blackhat's Streaming Success Comes Ahead Of Michael Mann's Heat 2

Blackhat would hardly be the first “bad” movie to be discovered on streaming. Many movies that get overlooked in theaters end up getting a lot of views on streaming platforms, whether or not doing so changes people’s perception of the movie’s quality. Sometimes people watch Madame Web on Netflix just because they want to see how bad it is.

While Blackhat is a top streaming movie globally on HBO Max, that doesn't mean it's a top choice everywhere in the world. Blackhat isn't a top streaming choice in the U.S. Domestically, you'll need a Prime Video subscription to watch the film rather than one for HBO Max.

Blackhat's success seems to be focused on various countries in South America. They must be watching in pretty remarkable numbers to make the movie a top hit globally despite only regional success. It's likely worth noting that the top streaming movie globally on HBO Max, Sinners, isn't a top 10 performer in most of the places where Blackhat is doing well. Maybe they just prefer Michael Mann to Ryan Coogler down there.

It’s possible that people seeing the news about the upcoming Heat 2 got it in their head to watch some of Michael Mann’s other films, and Blackhat has been one of the beneficiaries of that. If you want to rewatch the original Heat, however, you’ll need a Hulu subscription.

After The Rookie was absent from the fall TV schedule, the seventh season of the ABC procedural will finally be premiering on January 7 as part of the 2025 TV schedule. With the series resolving some Season 6 finale cliffhangers (hopefully), The Rookie is going back to old habits by bringing in some serialized elements while being a standalone show. On top of that, there is another big change and fans have Michael Mann’s Heat to thank.

The long-awaited Season 7 premiere will be split into two parts, meaning that there will be a lot to look forward to. Filming kicked off over the summer and BTS from production shows off a big reason to get excited for the new season as much of the cast was seen working together and gearing up for what looked to be a big take down. Creator and showrunner Alexi Hawley told TVLine that the run-and-gun scenes in the first two episodes were filmed a little bit differently to get more of the action:

Of course, The Rookie has had some big action scenes already and has kept fans on the edges of their seats on more than one occasion. But knowing that it will be turned up even higher for Season 7 makes it all more exciting, especially after the Season 6 finale saw two of the biggest criminals on the show escape prison. Moreover, it also seems like the shootouts will be getting even bigger as the show pays tribute to the 1995 Michael Mann-directed film Heat starring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro:

The film, which was a box office success as it brought in $187.4 million on a $60 million budget, followed the conflict between a LAPD detective and a career thief, with plenty of professional and personal relationships included, and quite a lot of action. It sounds like the action will be turned up a notch for Season 7, and it will be interesting to see how it goes. Those with a Hulu subscription will want to watch Heat so they really know what to look out for and see how big of a difference it makes, and there's still time before Nathan Fillion's series returns.

Since the wait for The Rookie has been longer than most shows airing during the 2024-25 season, it sounds like the show's team has really been wanting to turn the “heat” up to make the wait totally worth it. Between the escaped prisoners, the fallout from the corruption scandal, and even some personal issues coming into play, Season 7 will be one to watch.

Fans will want to prepare themselves because there is no telling what will happen in The Rookie Season 7, which will be one cast member short as Tru Valentino has exited as Aaron Thorsen. The new season premieres this Tuesday, January 7 at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.

As the 2024 movie schedule played out, we heard plenty of whispers involving Michael Mann’s sequel to the 1995 classic Heat (even though it hasn't progressed too far in development). Now, the legendary director has opened up about working on that film and with Val Kilmer specifically. Considering the legendary director has worked with a staggering roster of talent, hearing him consider a performance like Kilmer's impressive is high praise.

In recalling the production of one of the best ‘90s movies starring Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, it was none other than Val Kilmer who earned such acclaim from Mann. Speaking with Variety about, among other things, the progress of Heat 2, Mann couldn’t help but highlight the Tombstone icon’s portrayal of the character Chris Shiherlis.

Looking at his efforts from his lens as a seasoned director, Mann offered this anecdote that recalled the work he saw on that very set:

Heat’s legacy has secured its place on many lists of the best in a variety of fields. Unsurprisingly, it’s also one of the best Val Kilmer movies, and that fact makes Jon Bon Jovi’s botched Heat audition story all the more important to know. I mean no disrespect to the legendary rocker, but Chris Shiherlis wouldn’t have been as memorable if it wasn’t for the Top Gun actor's skills that Michael Mann singled out above.

Kilmer has always been known to commit to the bit, and his acting chops sell both the insane L.A. robbery action sequence as well as the ultimately tragic arc of his character. That dialogue-less scene that sees Ashley Judd warn him that it’s not safe to come home wouldn’t play the same without either participant bringing their A-game.

Knowing Michael Mann’s track record as a director, he’s obviously a fan of working with such energy on set. That’s something to keep in mind as we continue to hear rumors like Austin Butler’s supposed Heat 2 casting as a younger incarnation of Val Kilmer’s character. Although if I’m being completely honest, with Kilmer’s visage and skills from his ‘90s era fresh in mind, I’m totally on board with that decision - should it come to pass.

Don’t take my word for it though. You can revisit Heat with a Paramount+ subscription. And while Heat 2 isn’t in a theater near you, it is a book that you can purchase through whatever major provider you procure your reading materials from.

Two years ago, filmmaker Michael Mann revisited the world of his 1995 movie Heat through the novel Heat 2, a simultaneous prequel and sequel that he wrote with Meg Gardiner. But even before the book’s release, Mann expressed interested in adapting it into a movie, and in April 2023, it was officially confirmed that a Heat 2 film adaptation was in the works. While there’s not much specifically we know about Heat 2 currently, Mann recently provided an update on the project and shared how the action TV show Starsky & Hutch is connected to it.

While attending a 25th anniversary screening of his movie The Insider, Mann informed Collider’s Steve Weintraub that he’s close to finishing the Heat 2 screenplay. At the time the conversation took place, the writer/director had woken up in the middle of the night before because he was thinking about the script. He ended up driving through Los Angeles at 3:00 in the morning and arrived at Canter's Delicatessen, the popular restaurant that he’s previously sat in while writing other projects of his, including episodes of Starsky & Hutch. In Mann’s words:

Michael Mann wrote four episodes of Starsky & Hutch between 1975 and 1977, just a few years before he made the aforementioned TV movie The Jericho Mile and then started delivering feature films like Thief and Manhunter. So it’s interesting to hear not only how far back Mann’s history with this restaurant goes, but that he ended up sitting in the same booth to put the finishing touches on Heat 2’s fourth act that he did writing those episodes for the TV show starring David Soul and Paul Michael Glaser. It’s funny how life works out sometimes.

When the Heat 2 was confirmed to be in development, it was reported that Adam Driver was being eyed to play Neil McCauley, who was played by Robert De Niro in Heat. Since then, the only other casting possibility that’s popped up is Austin Butler, who’s rumored to be succeeding Val Kilmer in playing Chris Shiherlis. Since Michael Mann is finishing the Heat 2 script, hopefully that means that filming can get underway in 2025. From there, it’s easy to envision the movie being released sometime in theaters in 2026.

While we wait for more updates on how Heat 2 is coming along, feel free to use your Paramount+ subscription to stream its predecessor. Michael Mann’s most recent movie, Ferrari, can be accessed with a Hulu subscription.

Jon Bon Jovi, a name synonymous with rock anthems and sold-out stadiums, has a lesser-known chapter in his storied career—his ventures into acting. While his music career soared with unforgettable hits, his Hollywood aspirations didn't follow the same trajectory. One particularly intriguing near-miss was his almost-casting in one of the best heist movies of all time, Michael Mann’s iconic action movie, Heat. According to the “Living On A Prayer” performer, he botched the audition and just “wasn’t good enough.”

In 1995, Bon Jovi made a notable entry into acting with his role in Moonlight and Valentino, starring alongside Gwyneth Paltrow. By 2002, he secured a 10-episode arc on the beloved TV series Ally McBeal. Despite these appearances, a sustained career in Hollywood remained elusive. But it was his near-miss with Heat that sticks in his mind. He recounted to Variety:

This revelation underscores the challenges the "Shot Through The Heart" singer faced in transitioning from the world of rock to the rigorous demands of Hollywood. Michael Mann, a director who made a great movie on his first try, known for his exacting standards, required a level of adaptability and spontaneity that Bon Jovi, accustomed to the structured realm of music and new to performing on screen, found difficult to meet. As a result, the role of Chris Shiherlis went to Val Kilmer, who, let's be fair, delivered a standout performance that added significant depth to the film.

Heat has since become a classic, lauded for its intense action sequences and deep character explorations. Kilmer’s portrayal, alongside legends like Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, cemented the film’s status in cinematic history. The legacy even went on to spawn an instant New York Times bestselling sequel novel, which is now being adapted into a film. What we know about the upcoming Heat 2 isn’t much, but there are a ton of rumors that have been swirling about Adam Driver possibly playing a young Neil McCauley, the character famously portrayed by Robert De Niro. Given Driver's collaboration with Michael Mann on Ferrari, this casting would make a lot of sense. Speculation also surrounds Dune: Part Two star Austin Butler, who might step into the role that got away from Bon Jovi, a young Chris Shiherlis.

Fans can only imagine how different Heat might have been with Bon Jovi in the Shiherlis role, but the right choice was made, considering it's one of the best Val Kilmer movies. However, with a sequel on the horizon and a more seasoned Jon Bon Jovi, there's a role he could nail in the follow-up. It would be a poetic twist for the singer to finally get a part he could “Never Say Goodbye” to. See what I did there? Huh? Huh? Okay, I’m done now.

To learn more about the “It’s My Life” rocker, you can stream the four-part docu-series Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story with a Hulu subscription.

In the nearly 30 years since its theatrical release, Michael Mann’s Heat has earned a reputation of not only being one of the best ‘90s movies but also one of the greatest heist films of all time. Starring Academy Award winners Robert De Niro and Al Pacino on opposite sides of a cat-and-mouse chase in and around the greater Los Angeles area, this 1995 classic raised the bar for bank robbery scenes, intricate stories with morally ambiguous characters, and cinematic depictions of the “City of Angels.” And we’re about to get more… more of all of it…

At some point soon, we'll get Heat 2, the long-awaited follow-up to Mann’s sprawling crime epic. But before the upcoming book-to-screen adaptation of the legendary filmmaker’s 500-page novel comes to a theater near you, there are some things you’ll probably want to know about it. That being said, here’s everything we know about Heat 2…

What Is The Heat 2 Release Date?

As much as we would love to dive into the Heat 2 release date, that piece of information has not yet been announced by Michael Mann or anyone else involved. Considering the highly-anticipated sequel has yet to enter production (more on that in a bit), we probably won’t see the movie anywhere on the 2024 release schedule. 

The first Heat came out on December 15, 1995 (the same day as Jumanji), so it would be cool if the sequel came out around the same time 30 years later in December 2025. But, no one would be upset if it came out earlier than that.

The Heat 2 Cast Hasn’t Been Announced But There Is Speculation About Two Of Its Stars

No one has been confirmed for the Heat 2 cast at the time of this writing in March 2024, but there has been a great deal of speculation about the actors who will appear in Michael Mann’s upcoming crime film. 

For the longest time, there have been rumors that Adam Driver, who previously worked with Mann on Ferrari, is being eyed to play the younger version of Robert De Niro’s Neil McCauley (much of Heat 2 takes place in the past), which would admittedly be a great pick. However, when speaking with JoBlo in December 2023, Driver was tight-lipped about joining the Heat 2 cast.

There has also been speculation that Dune: Part Two's Austin Butler could be playing a younger version of Chris Shiherlis, the iconic ‘90s character famously played by Val Kilmer in the original. These rumors, which have been covered by everyone from World of Reel to GQ, intensified in March 2024 with the release of footage of Butler taking part in the gun training, as shared by Total Film (via GamesRadar). However, there has been no confirmation of his involvement in the upcoming project.

The Movie Is Both A Prequel And Sequel To Heat

Heat 2 is both a prequel and sequel to Michael Mann’s Heat. While the movie will show what happens to the McCauley crew in the days after the big job went wrong and Vincent Hanna’s (played by Al Pacino in the original film) quest to take down the surviving bank robbers, it will also focus on the early days of the gang and the various heists they pulled off in the years before going for the “big one” in Los Angeles.

Heat 2 Is Based On Michael Mann And Meg Gardiner’s Novel Of The Same Name

In addition to being a sequel and prequel to Heat, Michael Mann’s Heat 2 is also a big-screen adaptation of the filmmaker-turned-author’s debut novel. Mann has been trying to adapt Heat 2 to the silver screen for a few years now. In fact, he was talking about making it into a movie long before its August 2022 publication. In May 2020, the legendary director told Deadline that he had hopes for making a feature film at some point out of the stack of papers about “10 inches high” (referring to the Heat 2 manuscript) on his desk.

The book, which was co-written with Meg Gardiner, ended up being a nearly 500-page epic that became an immediate New York Times bestseller. The buzz surrounding the project has only gotten more intense since then. 

Production Could Kick Off In 2024

Though an exact date has not yet been determined for when production will kick off for Heat 2, it could all get underway at some point in 2024. During the Contenders London event in October 2023, Deadline spoke with Michael Mann about the movie and if he was planning on making it his first project after Ferrari, and here’s what he had to say:

In January 2024, Mann spoke with Variety about Heat 2  where he further reiterated that he had plans to start shooting at some point this year. However, at the time, he revealed he was putting the final touches on the script. If there are only some slight changes to make to the screenplay, the movie could very well start shooting at some point this summer.

Michael Mann Has Described Heat 2 As One Large Movie

There are movies and then there are Michael Mann movies, massive blockbusters with intense action, intricate sequences, and large scope and scale. And, based on comments the filmmaker has made in the past regarding Heat 2, his upcoming sequel will fit right in with his filmography. When speaking with Empire Magazine in 2022, he explained that the crime epic will be “one large movie,” stating:

The first Heat, which sounds modest in comparison to Mann’s next project, had a runtime of nearly three hours (170 minutes to be precise), which means Heat 2 could be a very long movie before everything is said and done. 

Expect to hear much more about Heat 2 in the coming weeks and months. But in the meantime, you could always revisit Heat and other great ‘90s action movies that are streaming for anyone with a Hulu subscription.

Don’t let the name fool you: Michael Mann’s Heat is cold as ice in its delivery. Filled with almost three hours of violence, thrills, and looks into the unfortunates of the human condition (infidelity and poor mental health just to name a few), Heat is 100% unapologetic in its directness. It’s the quintessential 90’s crime movie that is just as grand as it was almost three decades ago. Now, Michael Mann, who is fresh off Ferrari starring Adam Driver and has since given an update on the status of Heat 2, isn’t sugar coating why he’s excited for the prequel sequel.

It’s obvious that Michael Mann is a total connoisseur of thrill and how time makes things sweeter. In an interview with NME, it’s mentioned he not only fell in love with Ferraris (the actual car), but he even participated in amateur races himself, which of course helped inspire him for the Ferrari project that he’s been a part of since the 1990s. So, with how epic Ferrari turned out, it’s not shocking that he is spending just as much time to make the follow-up to Heat come to life in the best way. But, his motivation for Heat 2 isn’t just through his own love for the story – it’s also through how viewers’ tastes have (and haven’t) changed, and yes commentary on superhero movies is involved with this. 

Here’s what the legendary director had to say:

If the news about Heat 2 itself wasn’t exciting enough, in the interview, Adam Driver shared that he has already talked to Michael Mann, and would be willing to team up again so he could play a young version of Robert De Niro’s Neil McCauley. That means if he is willing to jump right into such a role, there are endless possibilities of who else could be included to take on what many consider one of the best films of 1995. It’s all speculation for now on who would play the iconic role, but this just adds to the hype of Heat 2 going back to basics with the coolness, toughness, and humanness that has kept the original so popular and viewers seem to want more of.

It’s no secret how influential Heat is, and that it’s coming to fruition during a time when superhero movies haven’t been revered as much as they once were. In fact, some of the most recent poor performers like The Marvels and The Flash seemingly show that audiences have superhero fatigue and are looking for different types of movies and new storylines. This, despite there being plenty of upcoming Marvel movies still in the pipeline. If Michael Mann’s predictions are correct, Heat 2 can be the thing that reinvigorates audiences and sets off a new era for crime and action thrillers.

As viewers make their way into the still fresh 2024 TV schedule, a lot of different titles are going to be competing for their attention. Apple TV+ subscribers certainly know this, as the recent premiere of the crime drama Criminal Record has only highlighted this fact further. With executive producers Paul Rutman and Elaine Collins celebrating this launch, they recently revealed that the movies of legendary director Michael Mann offered a specific influence to the Cush Jumbo and Peter Capaldi-starring series.

Namely, as Ms. Collins would put it, the “machismo” of Mann’s filmography was the factor they wanted to twist within the familiar formula seen in the director’s movies. As Mr. Rutman would name the three movies in particular he saw as inspirations for Criminal Record, the remarks you’re about to read are all the more fitting. 

The Michael Mann Films That Inspired Criminal Record

As I was able to sit down with actors and executive producers from Criminal Record during its recent press days, digging into differences was a subject firmly on my mind. In the case of Peter Capaldi, the actor highlighted how DCI Daniel Hegarty differs from Malcolm Tucker, his classic character from The Thick of It. 

In a similar vein, I was curious how Rutman and Collins saw this project as a change of pace from their previous collaboration on the hit series Vera. Part of the answer that was given saw Elaine Collins discussing how Vera was more akin to an Inspector Morse-style mystery, whereas Criminal Record was partially inspired by series like Netflix’s A+ drama Unbelievable. 

And as Paul Rutman told CinemaBlend, the works of Michael Mann came into play for some specific reasons, with the following answer citing three specific films as references: 

Judging by how Criminal Record started off with its two-episode premiere, the Mann energy is absolutely present. Right from the beginning, the story of DS June Lenker (Cush Jumbo) and her quest to dig into the truth of a potentially wrongful murder conviction puts her head to head against Peter Capaldi’s seasoned detective. 

Honestly, it’s the stuff that helps make some of the best Apple TV+ shows such resounding successes. That medium in particular makes the Michael Mann connection feels even more fitting considering he was executive producer on one of the most iconic detective TV series ever, Miami Vice.

However, drawing those specific movies into the mix makes perfect sense, as components of each picture can be seen in the battle of wits between Lenker and Hegarty. So retaining the ever increasing tension of those movies was a big part of making Criminal Record a compelling drama.

And then there's the classic formula of two opposing parties, butting heads until one eventually comes out on top. While that spirit was definitely preserved, as executive producer Elaine Collins would clarify, the machismo factor of the Mann formula was something they were both keen on turning on its head.

Why Criminal Record Made A Specific Twist On The Michael Mann Formula

By now, you’re probably seeing images of Al Pacino and Robert De Niro’s iconic diner scene from Heat, or maybe Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx traveling through Collateral’s L.A. That's all well and good, as Criminal Record takes that sort of storytelling and sets is on the streets of London.

However, as Elaine Collins explained the need to cut the machismo, the differences became even more apparent. Through her remarks to CinemaBlend, Collins still showed love for the Mann formula, but shared the following as the reason why it had to change: 

No matter where you land on Michael Mann's filmography, the machismo is definitely inescapable. Heat especially feels like one of the biggest testosterone trips to have ever been filmed, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. However, as Collins discussed why that factor was twisted in Criminal Record, it only made me admire the show even more. 

Working with the obvious power imbalance between their ranks, as well as institutionalized biases like race and gender, Criminal Record takes a grounded story and amps it up with Michael Mann’s energy. That mix separates the series from Vera, or even other contemporaries like Luther, as it feels like a bit of an in-between the former’s more traditional airs and the latter’s sensational nature.

The cat and mouse game between Cush Jumbo and Peter Capaldi’s leads is a dance that ramps up in scope and consequences the longer it persists. That’s probably another reason why Criminal Record’s eight-episode run is being staggered on a weekly release strategy, after its initial two-episode debut. While that’s the typical strategy for Apple TV+ series, it’s also a smart move when you have programs as compelling as this.

Whether you’re a fan of Michael Mann movies or just a good grounded detective thriller, Criminal Record is definitely a series to keep an eye on. And the ride’s only just beginning, as Apple TV+ is currently streaming the two-episode premiere, with episodes dropping weekly on Wednesdays until February 23rd. So it’s not too late to join in if you want to indulge in the typical serialized experience. 

Some filmmakers require time to find their voice. They have to make a few simply "ok" features before having the skills required to make their masterpiece. But that's not the case with the directors featured on this list. These folks quickly figured out what they could do with a camera, and they produced magic with their first feature.

It's a terribly hard thing to do, but here are 32 directors who made great films on their very first try.

Orson Welles – Citizen Kane

A lot of incredible films are highlighted on this list, but Citizen Kane is special given that in addition to being Orson Welles’ first feature, it’s considered by many to be the greatest movie all time. The hunt for the meaning behind a publishing titan’s last word is endlessly compelling and a fascinating examination of the soul corruption that comes with a rise to power.

Quentin Tarantino – Reservoir Dogs

Before making modern and instant classics like Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, Inglourious Basterds and Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, the legend of Quentin Tarantino began with the phenomenal Reservoir Dogs. The sharp dialogue, the non-linear storytelling, the tense violence and the needle-drop centric soundtrack all instantly confirmed that Tarantino was a talent to watch.

Jordan Peele – Get Out

It came as a shock when comedian Jordan Peele announced that he was shifting to a new phase of his career, as he wanted to pursue his true passion: directing horror movies. It was hard to know what to make of the decision at the time, but Peele has since established himself as one of the industry’s greatest genre filmmakers, and it all started with the stunning Get Out. It’s scary, layered, and the big third act twist never loses its impact.

Spike Jonze – Being John Malkovich

Spike Jonze wasn’t exactly inexperienced when he took the helm of Being John Malkovich as his first feature, as he had established himself as a genius talent in the world of music videos, but that doesn’t take anything away from his accomplishments. It’s a wild, strange, and perfect execution of screenwriter Charlie Kaufman’s genius and cerebral script, and both the design and cinematography make it unforgettable.

Sidney Lumet – 12 Angry Men

It requires incredible skill to direct a film that almost entirely takes place in a single room and juggles 12 different characters with different perspectives… but there’s a reason why Sidney Lumet is considered one of history’s greatest filmmakers. The basic description of 12 Angry Men doesn’t sound particularly cinematic, but it grips you from the start, and keeps you fascinated throughout – particularly thanks to one of Henry Fonda’s greatest performances.

Joel & Ethan Coen – Blood Simple

Joel and Ethan Coen are masters of crime fiction, and they proved that instantly in the start of their careers as feature filmmakers. Blood Simple is a tense neo-noir that comes with all of the trimmings of the genre – from the chiaroscuro lighting to a brilliant femme fatale turn from Frances McDormand – and M. Emmett Walsh is a force as the relentless Loren Visser.

Rob Reiner – This Is Spinal Tap

Few filmmakers have had runs like what Rob Reiner accomplished in the 1980s/1990s, sequentially making Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery and A Few Good Men, but his genius as a director was first established with 1984’s This Is Spinal Tap: a hilarious rock n’ roll mockumentary widely considered to be one of the greatest comedies of all time.

Sam Raimi – The Evil Dead

In the late 1970s/early 1980s, Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert and Bruce Campbell were college students determined to make their first ever feature, and traveled from Michigan to a dilapidated cabin in Tennessee to make The Evil Dead. The production of the film was an absolute nightmare, but the juice was very much worth the squeeze, as the movie exists as a testament to brilliant imagination, and it is an important classic in the history of the horror genre.

Frank Darabont – The Shawshank Redemption

After writing a brilliant adaptation of Stephen King’s novella “Rita Hayworth And Shawshank Redemption,” Frank Darabont actually took a major pay cut so that Castle Rock Entertainment would allow him to make The Shawshank Redemption his directorial debut. This turned out to be a legendary move that has cemented Darabont in cinematic history, as the movie is one of the most beloved of all time and an antidote to cynicism.

John Singleton - Boyz n The Hood

With his directorial debut, John Singleton captured the perspective of an underrepresented audience on the big screen – crafting a Stand By Me-esque coming-of-age story about life in south central Los Angeles. In one of his earliest roles, Cuba Gooding Jr. demonstrates incredible talent alongside Ice Cube and Morris Chestnut, but it’s Laurence Fishburne’s Furious Styles for which the film will always be remembered.

Emerald Fennell – Promising Young Woman

Emerald Fennell made quite an impression in 2020 with the debut of Promising Young Woman – a primal scream of a movie that captures the horrors that women experience in our modern world and comes together as a darkly comedic revenge thriller. Carey Mulligan’s performance is wicked, and it sports a finale that leaves the audience breathless and mind-blown.

Dan Gilroy – Nightcrawler

Jake Gyllenhaal is unquestionably one of the greatest actors of his generation, and Nightcrawler sees him let off the leash to showcase his phenomenal cinematic presence. Dan Gilroy was an experienced screenwriter prior to making his directorial debut, and one can understand why he wanted to make this movie himself: it’s a vicious, Taxi Driver-esque look at crime scene videography and a stunning and cutting commentary on “if it bleeds, it leads” culture in local journalism.

George A. Romero – Night Of The Living Dead

There aren’t exactly a lot of filmmakers who successfully launched an entire new subgenre with their first feature, but that’s exactly what George A. Romero did with Night Of The Living Dead. The zombie film was a shocking standout upon its original release – featuring a Black actor as its lead and a series of nightmarish scenes of horror – and its genius is no less apparent today.

Rian Johnson – Brick

Long before wowing us with his ensemble-driven Benoit Blanc mysteries Knives Out and Glass Onion, Rian Johnson stunned cinephiles as a first-time director with Brick. It’s a stylized neo-noir that stands out with its high school backdrop and young characters, and it dazzles with unyielding tension, unique dialogue, and a terrific third act reveal.

Tom Hanks – That Thing You Do!

Admit it: even just seeing the title of That Thing You Do! has immediately gotten the eponymous song stuck in your head. But on top of that track being two minutes and 50 seconds of peppy greatness, the film is a fantastic tale about a one hit wonder that pops thanks to Tom Hanks’ excellent direction and a delightful ensemble cast.

David Lynch – Eraserhead

It didn’t take long for David Lynch to tell cinephiles what he is all about. The auteur filmmaker established his nightmarish, cerebral sensibilities from the get-go with Eraserhead – which is a confident work from the first time director and paved the road for further masterpieces like Mulholland Drive and Twin Peaks.

Amy Heckerling – Fast Times at Ridgemont High

Amy Heckerling would easily be in the Coming-Of-Age Movie Hall Of Fame if Clueless were the only film on her filmography, but it was 13 years earlier that she made one of the genre’s all-time greatest titles as her directorial debut: Fast Times At Ridgemont High. There is so much to love about this film, from the radical Jeff Spicoli, to the drama of the relationship between Stacy and Mark, to the sounds of The Cars’ “Living In Stereo.”

Destin Daniel Cretton – Short Term 12

It’s a remarkable thing when a film, a series of images mixed with sound rapidly displayed to show movement, can touch your soul, but that’s something that Destin Daniel Cretton’s powerful directorial debut does – centering on the staff of a residential treatment facility. In retrospect, the ensemble cast in this one is beyond outstanding (including Brie Larson, Kaitlyn Dever, Rami Malek, LaKeith Stanfield, and Stephanie Beatriz), and their talents are on full display.

Patty Jenkins – Monster

Patty Jenkins’ directorial debut, Monster, is far from a fun cinematic experience, and one actually feels compelled to take a shower after watching it, but it’s a riveting work. Charlize Theron delivers what is arguably the best performance of her career and earned her Academy Award.

Josh & Benny Safdie - Good Time

Cinephiles were thrilled to discover the cinematic heart attack that is Josh and Benny Safdie’s Uncut Gems in 2019, but anyone who watched the brothers’ directorial debut was at the very least mentally prepared for the experience. Starring Robert Pattinson, Good Time is a deeply stressful crime film that comes packed with touches of Of Mice And Men, and it leaves a deep impression on whoever watches it.

Darren Aronofsky – Pi

Darren Aronofsky has a gift for making movies that makes you want to curl up in a ball and cry (see: Requiem For A Dream, Black Swan, mother!), and it’s a mode he hasn’t diverted from since making his feature debut with Pi. It’s a stylistic story of obsession and has one of the most upsetting endings of all time.

John Huston - The Maltese Falcon

There are some films that are held up as the true classics of classic film noir, and right alongside Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo, Bill Wilder’s Double Indemnity and Carol Reed’s The Third Man is John Huston’s phenomenal The Maltese Falcon. Humphrey Bogart’s Sam Spade is an icon of detective fiction, and the twists and turns of the mystery feel as fresh today as ever.

Ari Aster - Hereditary

Ari Aster has quickly become one of the most exciting modern filmmakers making original horror, and that’s in part because audiences are still experiencing nightmares from his directorial debut. A look at both generational trauma and grief, Hereditary is a movie so scary that it would make you feel cold if you were in the middle of the desert, and has more than a few images that end up tattooed on the back of your eyelids as you try to go to sleep at night.

Michael Mann - Thief

Nobody makes crime movies like Michael Mann, and it all started with Thief. It’s a thrilling and captivating look at a talented Chicago criminal who is looking for his way into legitimacy and finds himself fighting forces that try and drag him back into his shady business. The movie features one of James Caan’s best performances, and the talented ensemble includes Jim Belishi, Dennis Farina and Willie Nelson.

Francois Truffaut - The 400 Blows

Valued as an important part of cinema history and the French New Wave, Francois Truffaut’s The 400 Blows is a powerful coming-of-age story starring Jean-Pierre Léaud as Antoine Doinel, a troubled youth who ends up quitting school and turning to thievery, only to be apprehended and thrown in a juvenile detention center. Truffaut is recognized for having created some of the most beautiful films to ever be produced in France, and it all started here.

Jean Luc Goddard - Breathless

Another evocative title that emerged from the French New Wave, Jean Luc Goddard’s Breathless is a visually stunning work of crime and love, with tremendous cinematic innovation, attitude that bleeds off the screen, and an outstanding performance from star Jean-Paul Belmondo in his breakout role.

Barry Jenkins – Medicine For Melancholy

Barry Jenkins first earned widespread acclaim in 2016 for his film Moonlight (which deservingly won Best Picture at the Academy Awards), but not to be slept on is the debut feature he made eight years earlier: Medicine For Melancholy. Starring Wyatt Cenac and Tracey Heggins and set over the course of a single day, it’s a beautiful and emotional romantic drama.

Steven Soderbergh - Sex, Lies, And Videotape

Steven Soderbergh is now recognized as one of the most talented, eclectic filmmakers in cinema, but it all started with Sex, Lies And Videotape – a fascinating romantic drama with brilliant meta levels examining intimacy via camera.

George Miller – Mad Max

Many genre classics have been covered in this list, and now it’s time to dive into one of the greatest action/adventure films of all time. With Mad Max, George Miller takes us to an unnerving not-to-distant future full of violence and chaos, and his unique skills as a filmmaker capturing all that wildness all in camera is what makes this a forever-thrilling experience.

Damien Chazelle – Whiplash

One can read and learn that there is intense competition in performance arts schools, but it’s another thing to live it – and that’s what audiences get to do in Damien Chazelle’s Whiplash. Miles Teller is brilliant as the determined and talented Andrew Neiman, but it’s the Oscar-winning work of J.K. Simmons that makes this outstanding directorial debut exceptional.

Mel Brooks – The Producers

Every legendary cinematic run has to start somewhere, and for Mel Brooks, it was with the brilliance of The Producers. Long before he was shocking with the world with Blazing Saddles and History Of The World Part I, the brilliant comedian unleashed his tale of a Broadway scheme and the insanity of “Springtime For Hitler.”

Jim Abrahams, David Zucker And Jerry Zucker – Airplane!

In the 1980s/1990s, nobody made spoof movies like Jim Abrahams, David Zucker And Jerry Zucker, and they quickly established their special comedic voice with their directorial debut: Airplane! The insane pacing of the jokes and the sheer ridiculousness of everything make this a movie that threatens to choke you with laughter, and there are so, so many quotable lines – many thanks to the deadpan brilliance of Leslie Nielsen.

This list obviously has the potential to grow forever, and it'll be exciting to see who the next big breakout movie directors are. 

Ferrari has been a long time coming for Michael Mann. The director reportedly started looking into adapting Brock Yates’ 1991 book Enzo Ferrari — The Man, the Cars, the Races, the Machine back at the turn of the 21st century, and not only did he lose Christian Bale as the lead in 2016, but his replacement Hugh Jackman dropped out in 2022. At long last Ferrari, starring Adam Driver, premiered on August 31 at Venice Film Festival, and those who were able to screen the movie are weighing in on Mann’s longtime passion project. 

As can be expected from Michael Mann, Ferrari features an A-list cast, and along with Adam Driver as Enzo Ferrari, we will see Penélope Cruz as his wife, Shailene Woodley as his longtime mistress, a white-haired Patrick Dempsey, Sarah Gadon, and Jack O'Connell. The critics seem split following the film’s Venice premiere, so let’s take a look at what they have to say. 

Critics Praise Michael Mann’s Ferrari As ‘High-Intensity’ And ‘Impactful’ 

David Rooney of THR says Adam Driver brings gravitas and intellect to his character, and Penélope Cruz provides passion in this “turbo-charged portrait.” The critic writes: 

Stephanie Zacharek of Time says Michael Mann’s first flick since 2015’s Black Hat zooms along with sleek energy, and it’s exactly what you’d expect from the “vigorous” filmmaker. Zacharek also notes the movie’s masculinity, writing: 

Siddhant Adlakha of Mashable calls the biopic “scattered but impactful,” creating a deft balance between the comedic and tragic. Adlakha commends Adam Driver’s performance, noting the subtlety he brings to character. In the critic’s words: 

Not all of the critics had such a positive experience with Michael Mann's Ferrari, however.

Others Call Ferrari ‘Unessential’ And Point Out Unauthentic Italian Accents 

Jane Crowther of GamesRadar rates the movie 3 stars out of 5, saying the film feels “unessential and uncharacteristic.” While still classically rendered, Crowther writes that Ferrari lacks a certain something under the hood to make it fly. In the critic’s words: 

Nicholas Barber of BBC says Ferrari is “stuck in the slow lane,” also noting that the Italian accents delivered by non-Italian actors is something that “probably should have been confined to a Super Mario Bros movie.” Barber continues: 

The critics can’t come to a consensus on this one, but it’s worth noting that the positive-leaning assessments admitted to Ferrari having faults, and the negative-leaning critics all found some good in the movie. If this Adam Driver-led biopic from Michael Mann is one you’re looking forward to, you’ve unfortunately still got a while before its December 25 release to theaters. In the meantime, take a look at our 2023 movie release schedule to see what else is coming to the big screen.

Al Pacino’s Vincent Hanna is certainly animated during the events of Heat, some of that could be attributed to the stress of trying to apprehend Robert De Niro’s Neil McCauley and his crew, as well as his… unique personality. However, years back, it was revealed that the reason Pacino’s acting is so over the top in Michael Mann’s 1995 movie is because he played Hanna as a cokehead. Now Mann has shared that Heat nearly included a wild scene of Pacino’s character snorting cocaine off an unusual surface.

Despite it never being explicitly stated in Heat that Vincent Hanna indulges in this vice, while being interviewed by Variety, Mann mentioned that a scene was shot where the LAPD detective was snorting coke off the back of a dagger he carried in the small of his back. The filmmaker decided to cut this scene because he thought it was “too strong a message.” Still, at least now Heat fans have an even better idea of how intense Hanna is with his blow addiction.

Michael Mann divulged this information while talking about the day that he shot Al Pacino’s “She’s got a great ass!” scene, which sees Vincent Hanna interrogating Alan Marciano about his affair with Ashley Judd’s Charlene Shiherlis, the wife of Val Kilmer’s Chris Shiherlis. According to Mann, Pacino’s “best takes are always five, six or seven,” but even after getting a good one, he’d often ask the writer/director if he could do a “wild one,” which often resulted in hilarious results. 

That’s how the amazingly ridiculous line delivery Pacino directed at Azaria came to be, with The Simpsons actor having a look of “shock and amazement” on his face as his costar was “going completely off the script into something totally wild.” You can see the results for yourself below.

Heat ended up being a critical and commercial success, boasting an 88% Rotten Tomatoes and pulling in over $187 million worldwide, and is considered one of the best '90s movies. Al Pacino’s performance choices certainly play a big role in why it’s still fondly remembered nearly three decades after its release, and it also ranks as one of Robert De Niro’s best movies. Along with the aforementioned actors, Heat’s cast included Jon Voight, Tom Sizemore, Diane Venora, Amy Brenneman, Natalie Portman, Mykelti Williamson, Wes Studi, Ted Levine, Dennis Haysbert and William Fichtner, among others.

In 2022, Michael Mann revisited this corner of his filmography with Heat 2, which he co-wrote with Mag Gardiner and serves as both a prequel and sequel to the original movie. In April, it was reported that a film adaptation of Heat 2 is in the works, with Adam Driver being eyed to play a younger Neil McCauley. While we wait for more updates on that project, learn what movies are on the horizon with our 2023 release schedule and 2024 release schedule.

Last year, fans of Michael Mann’s Heat were treated to something special: Heat 2, a novel the director co-wrote with author Meg Gardiner that served as both a prequel and a sequel to the 1995 crime drama. But even long before the book’s release, Mann expressed interest in adapting it for film. Now it’s been revealed that Warner Bros. looking to move forward with the Heat 2 movie, and a Star Wars favorite is being eyed to play Robert De Niro’s role from the original.

According to Deadline, Adam Driver, who played Kylo Ren in the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy, is in discussions with Michael Mann to play a younger version of Neil McCauley in Heat 2. While both his involvement and Warner Bros.’ isn’t set in stone just yet, given that Heat was a WB release, that gives the studio a pretty good chance of releasing the sequel too. Should that happen, the outlet mentioned that New Regency “would be given opportunity to co-finance production,” just like with the first movie.

In Heat, Robert De Niro’s Neil McCauley led the crew that was pulling off the bold heists around Los Angeles, with his allies including Val Kilmer’s Chris Shiherlis and the late Tom Sizemore’s Michael Cheritto. McCauley’s illegal activities soon drew the attention of Al Pacino’s Lieutenant Vincent Hanna, and while they built a begrudging respect for one another, the movie ended with (SPOILER alert) the latter shooting the former as he attempted to escape from the police. Heat was met with largely positive reviews and made over $187 million worldwide off a reported $60 million budget.

In addition to following along with what happened to Chris Shiherlis in the years after the events of Heat, Heat 2 follows Neil McCauley and his crew pulling off heists in Chicago in 1988, while Vincent Hanna is investigating a gang of home invaders in the same series. Again, Driver playing Neil isn’t set in stone yet, but considering he’s already worked with Michael Mann on the upcoming Ferrari, that certainly bodes well for him coming aboard. As of this writing, there’s no word on who’s being looked at to play Vincent Hanna and Chris Shiherlis.

This Heat 2 news comes a few weeks after Adam Driver led the sci-fi movie 65, and his other notable credits from recent years include Black KkKlansman, Marriage Story, The Last Duel and House of Gucci. In addition to Ferrari and potentially Heat 2 coming up for him, Driver is also part of the star-studded ensemble cast for Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis. Ferrari will be Michael Mann’s first movie since 2015’s Blackhat, though he did direct an episode of Tokyo Vice, which can be streamed with an HBO Max subscription.

Stay tuned to CinemaBlend for more updates on Heat 2’s progress, including if/when it’s confirmed Adam Driver will take over as Neil McCauley. Make sure you’re also up to speed on the movies slated for this year by looking through our 2023 release schedule.

There are few names in the world of racing (and high-performance sports cars) that carry as much weight as that of Enzo Ferrari, the driver-turned-entrepreneur who launched one of the most well-known brands of the 20th century. In the very near future, Michael Mann, the director of classics like Heat, The Last of the Mohicans, and Collateral, will bring to the screen one chapter in the iconic figure’s life to the big screen with his long-awaited biographical drama, Ferrari.  

If this is the first you’re hearing about the biopic, which will see Adam Driver take on the role of racing and sports car legend, don’t worry because we’re about to break down everything we know about this highly-anticipated film. From its release date to trailer and so much more, here’s everything we know about Ferrari.

What Is The Ferrari Release Date?

The final months of the 2023 movie schedule are going to be busy and hectic, with some of the most eagerly awaited films slated to open between now and the end of the year, including Ferrari, which Neon will release on December 25th. The theatrical release of Michael Mann’s 12th movie comes a few months after it held its world premiere at the 2023 Venice Film Festival, where critics were split about the Adam Driver-led biographical drama.

Adam Driver, Penelope Cruz, And Shailene Woodley Lead The Ferrari Cast

When Ferrari rolls into theaters, it will see a truly remarkable cast bring its story to life. In February 2022, Variety announced that Adam Driver had been cast as Enzo Ferrari, the famed race car driver and founder of the Ferrari sports car brand. Appearing alongside Driver in the anticipated upcoming biographical drama is Penélope Cruz, who will be taking on the role of his wife, Laura. Joining those two at the top of the cast is Shailene Woodley, who will be playing Lina Lardi, his longtime mistress.

Several months later, in July 2022, Deadline announced that Patrick Dempsey had been added to the cast as Italian race car driver Piero Taruffi, Jack O’Connell had signed on to portray British racing legend Peter Collins, and Sarah Gadon was cast to portray Mexican actress Linda Christian in the upcoming picture.

The Ferrari Trailer Has Racing Sequences, Intense Stares, And An Aged Adam Driver

In late August 2023, Neon finally gave the world a proper look at Ferrari in the form of a 90-second teaser showcasing the drama and action that will soon unfold on the big screen. With a chorus of classic high-performance European sports cars and a droning buzz that gets louder and heavier as the preview plays out, the video features multiple shots of daring racing action and personal drama involving Enzo Ferrari and those in his immediate circle.

Though only Adam Driver has a speaking part in the teaser trailer, his fiery gaze, as well as those from  Penélope Cruz, and Shailene Woodley help give you an understanding of the tone and intensity of Micahel Mann’s first film in nearly a decade.

The Movie Will Center On Enzo Ferrari As He Counters Personal Struggles With A 1,000-Mile Race

Instead of telling the full story of Enzo Ferrari’s career (both as a driver and entrepreneur), the drama will instead center on a singular moment in his life, specifically one of his biggest struggles. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the movie will turn its focus to 1957, a year in which the car manufacturer was facing not only bankruptcy but the dissolution of his tumultuous marriage. In a last-ditch effort to right the ship, he leads a team of drivers to take part in what would be the final Mille Miglia, an epic 1,000-mile endurance race between Brescia and Rome that used Italy’s public roads as its track.

The Movie Is Based On Brock Yates’ 1991 Book, Enzo Ferrari — The Man, The Cars, The Races, The Machine

Though Mann and Troy Kennedy Martin have screenwriting credits for Ferrari, it's based on the 1991 book, Enzo Ferrari — The Man, the Cars, the Races, the Machine by the late journalist and author Brock Yates, that covered the rise of the racing legend, according to Deadline. Yates had a prolific career of his own in the racing industry, having worked as a pit reporter for CBS’ coverage of NASCAR and host of the TNN racing show, American Sports Cavalcade, among other accomplishments.

In addition to writing his book on the rise of Enzo Ferrari as a driver and car manufacturer and other subjects in the racing world, Yates also created the notorious Cannonball Run, an unofficial and unsanctioned race from New York to Los Angeles that would go on to inspire the movie of the same name, which he also wrote. 

Michael Mann Co-Wrote Ferrari With Troy Kennedy Martin, Who Penned The Original The Italian Job

Michael Mann has written the majority of his films (Collateral and Blackhat being the only two without his name listed as a screenwriter), and that will once again be the case with Ferrari. But Mann wasn’t alone in adapting the screenplay that would become his 12th feature film, as he co-wrote the script alongside the late Troy Kennedy Martin, who wrote the original version of The Italian Job among other film and TV projects, per Deadline. The Scottish-born writer passed away in 2009, according to his obituary published in The Guardian newspaper.

Production On Ferrari Kicked Off In Italy In August 2022

After years of planning and various cycles of starting and stopping (Michael Mann once told Variety he has been dreaming of the project since 1967), Deadline revealed in April 2022 that the acclaimed director was finally preparing to start production on Ferrari in Italy later in the summer. And, filming finally kicked off that August, as revealed by Michael Mann on his official Twitter account, where he shared a picture of himself on a film set with the caption “Pronti, via!” which loosely translates to “Ready, go!” in English.

Throughout pre-production, and when cameras started rolling, Mann and his team went to great lengths to recreate the 1957 Mille Miglia accurately and emphatically. In the Variety profile mentioned above, Mann revealed that prior to shooting, he visited the scene of the infamous crash that claimed the lives of five children, and even met the brother of one of the young victims. That incident was later used in the movie, told from the family’s point of view.

To recreate the thunderous sound of the high-performance engines used in the race cars featured in the movie, Mann and his team recorded various vehicles from the era, including one belonging to a famous rock musician: Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason. At the Ferrari premiere (via IndieWire), Mann explained that he and his team hooked up “seven or eight microphones” to Mason’s Maserati single seater to capture the sound.

There isn’t much time to wait before we get to see (and hear) Ferrari for ourselves, as Michael Mann’s latest feature film will open Christmas Day.  

Earlier today, the world was saddened by the announcement that iconic actor James Caan had died at the age of 82. Fans almost immediately started posting tributes on social media to the man known for, among many projects, The Godfather and Misery. Adam Sandler and more reacted to the news, there are stories attesting to Caan’s generosity as a performer and as a human being.

Having worked with the actor on both 1998’s Bulletproof and 2012’s That’s My Boy, Adam Sandler shared his memories on Twitter. Paying tribute to his co-star, Sandler posted a sweet message along with a vintage photo of James Caan: 

James Caan’s legacy wasn’t only limited to his performances, as he was apparently quite the raconteur. Chucky star Jennifer Tilly shared a story she’d heard from her Jericho Mansions co-star about a bit of prank he’d pulled on The Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola. Tilly’s Tweet says:

Even in a voice role like Tim Lockwood in the animated comedy/streaming favorite Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, there was room for James Caan to give his collaborators a story they’d remember forever. Co-writer/director Chris Miller Tweeted about that experience by way of sharing this memory of Caan as an acting talent:

Another one of James Caan’s most memorable roles comes from the legendary film adaptation of Misery, the Stephen King novel. Collaborating with co-star Kathy Bates and director Rob Reiner on that thriller masterpiece, both took to Twitter to remember their friend with the following messages:

Kathy Bates: I’m heartbroken to hear of Jimmy’s passing. Shocked. No words. Thank you, Jimmy. Love you, your ‘Kat’

Rob Reiner: So sorry to hear the news. I loved working with him. And the only Jew I knew who could calf rope with the best of them. Love to the family.

A legend in his own right, action superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger Tweeted his own remembrance as well. Working with James Caan in Eraser, a project that could be counted among Schwarzenegger’s best movies, Arnold even highlighted Caan’s prowess at the gym in his tribute:

In director Michael Mann’s feature debut Thief, James Caan’s role as safe cracker Frank helped cement the Miami Vice creator as a film legend. It would further inform his experience making Heat, which is still regarded as the best movie about bank robbing. That experience was a valuable one for Mann, and in a statement he issued personally, he reflected on the results:

Wrapping the tributes to James Caan are the remarks of the friends and co-stars he made during his work on The Godfather. As Francis Ford Coppola issued a statement through Deadline, co-stars Al Pacino and Robert De Niro did so as well through that same publication. Their remarks are combined below, in a fitting nod to Caan's work on this American classic: 

Francis Ford Coppola: Jimmy was someone who stretched through my life longer and closer than any motion picture figure I’ve ever known. From those earlier times working together on The Rain People, and throughout all the milestones of my life, his films and the many great roles he played will never be forgotten. He will always be my old friend from Sunnyside, my collaborator and one of the funniest people I’ve ever known.

Al Pacino: Jimmy was my fictional brother and my lifelong friend. It’s hard to believe that he won’t be in the world anymore because he was so alive and daring. A great actor, a brilliant director and my dear friend. I’m gonna miss him.

Robert De Niro: I’m very very sad to hear about Jimmy’s passing.

This is only a sampling of how James Caan's legacy is being remembered today, through the words of his peers and his fans. As time goes on, only more will be available to peruse, further highlighting his contribution to cinema. Our sincerest condolences go out to Caan's friends and family, in this emotional time.

Michael Mann has given moviegoers a number of notable films over the years, including The Last of the Mohicans, The Insider and Ali. But the film that has arguably become his most influential work is Heat, the 1995 crime thriller starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro and Val Kilmer. While film told a relatively finite story, Mann expressed interest in expanding upon it with a prequel novel under his Michael Mann Books banner. Not much has been said about the project in the past few years but, now, the veteran director has provided an update.

Like many others in Hollywood, Michael Mann has been forced to put his projects on hold due to our current circumstances. He still seems to be using the time wisely, however, as he recently revealed that the manuscript for the Heat prequel is on his desk and is being worked on. He also confirmed that he has cinematic hopes for the project:

The prequel to Heat has been a long-gestating project for Michael Mann, who reportedly finished writing the novel back in 2016. Though it sounds like there’s still work to be done before it can hit bookstore shelves, Mann’s comments to Deadline are encouraging.

But what’s even more exciting to here is that Mann eventually wants to bring the story to the silver screen as well. It’s been nearly 30 years since Heat hit theaters, but fans are undoubtedly ready to re-enter that universe.

The original Heat centered on Lt. Vincent Hanna, a veteran robbery-homicide detective with the LAPD, played enthusiastically by Al Pacino. In the movie, Hanna pursues Robert De Niro’s professional bank robber Neil McCauley, who gets on the cop’s radar after a failed robbery attempt. The prequel novel will reportedly focus on the early years of the characters.

This would, of course, mean that younger actors would be needed to portray the actors for a theatrical adaptation, a course of action that's being taken by other projects. It goes without saying that Pacino and De Niro are two of the greatest actors to ever grace the screen, and having to play characters they’ve established could be a daunting task for any actor. Still, fans will surely have fun speculating who could embody the iconic roles in a potential film.

All in all, it appears Michael Mann still has more to say about his famous characters, but it could still be a while before the project actually comes to fruition. One also has to wonder if Mann himself would actually return to helm the potential movie. Regardless, with him working behind the scenes in some capacity, the next installment in the Heat story could be a compelling tale.

But what do you think of a Heat prequel? Should it still be made? Let us know in the comments section below.

There is nobody in the world who could question Tom Cruise's dedication to his craft. His work doing his own stunts in the Mission Impossible movies alone show how far he is willing to go for an authentic performance, and you can see just how much he throws himself into each of his roles. It clearly demands a lot of preparation work from the actor, but apparently he went a very strange route with it in the making of the 2004 film Collateral.

Specifically, Tom Cruise got ready for his part as a hitman by assassinating co-workers with Post-It notes.

This strange bit of film trivia comes from a special screening of Collateral earlier this month that was put on by Array 360 - director Ava DuVernay's theater in Los Angeles. Prior to the showing of the movie, a special Q&A was hosted by DuVernay with director Michael Mann, and it was during this conversation that Mann revealed the special way that Tom Cruise got into the mind of the silver-haired killer Vincent.

Per film critic Russ Fischer, who was in attendance, Michael Mann apparently put out mock hits on people who work in his office, and assigned Tom Cruise to take them out. Cruise would then follow his targets for days and figure out their patterns before making his move — which meant slapping them on the back with a Post-It that said "You're Dead."

This is definitely an awesome story from behind-the-scenes of an awesome movie, but what evidently wasn't made clear from Michael Mann's story is exactly how well Tom Cruise performed when it came to these fake assassinations. As seen in many, many, many movies, the best in the field are those who can effortlessly blend into a crowd and not stick out, and that is not exactly something that one of the most famous actors in the world can really do.

Thinking about this, it's easy to imagine Tom Cruise sneaking around, or sitting at a cafe with a newspaper in front of his face, and then having his cover blown by a fan who wants an autograph or a photo. It's also probably hard not to notice a three-time Oscar nominated star constantly showing up in the same places as you.

All that being said, if Tom Cruise actually was an effective fake assassin that's all the more impressive.

Regardless, one can assume that the work was effective in giving the actor the perspective he needed for the part, as he delivers one of his best performances as Vincent in Collateral — one of the few times that he's played an antagonist in a film. He not only has a vicious energy that perfectly helps you understand why Jamie Foxx's taxi driver Max is so terrified of him, but he also takes care of his jobs very effectively and realistically (albeit with a few issues driving the plot along the way).

For more about Array 360 screenings in Los Angeles, you can head to the theater's website, and, of course, you'll always be able to find the best behind-the-scenes stories here on CinemaBlend.

After a long enough career, certain performers become icons, and these icons tend to develop trademark acting styles. One such actor that has developed an incredibly unique (borderline insane) method of acting is none other than Al Pacino. One of his most boisterous performances (to put it mildly) came in the 1995 classic heist film, Heat. As it turns out, there's a very good reason for Pacino's eccentric performance, and it all has to do with his character's less than savory habits.

THR reports that Christopher Nolan recently hosted a Q&A session after a screening of Heat, during which Michael Mann, Robert De Niro and Al Pacino himself joined him on stage. Nolan delved into the duality of the film's lead characters, and questioned both De Niro and Pacino regarding how they reconciled the differences between Lt. Vincent Hanna (Pacino) and Neil McCauley (De Niro). Anyone who has seen Heat will tell you that Pacino's character is the more animated of the two, and that's because of one very specific thing: Lt. Vincent Hanna is a coke head. That's right, the hero of Heat has an affinity for that illegal white powder. However, Pacino didn't reveal whether or not he went full method for the role, so we'll have to keep wondering.

Having never actually revealed this fact about this character, it seems that that such a secret has weighed on Al Pacino's mind for quite some time. The actor told the crowd at the Q&A session that he has actually waited years to admit to Hanna's particularly nasty habit. He said:

So there you have it. Al Pacino played Hanna as a cokehead in Heat, which allowed him to be the more "exuberant" of the two lead characters. That definitely explains how Michael Mann was able to get such an utterly insane performance out of him. Just take a look at that classic Heat moment below:

Looking back, it's almost embarrassing that we didn't figure out this whole cocaine thing sooner.

However, while that explains Al Pacino's behavior in Heat, but it doesn't necessarily explain the reason why his other characters from that era share similar traits. Pacino started his mainstream acting career as the very levelheaded Michael Corleone in 1972's The Godfather, but over time his characters became more and more boisterous with each passing film. By the time he reached 1992's Scent of a Woman, he had reached the point where his characters had developed instantly iconic catchphrases. "Hooah" comes to mind. We now know what made Vincent Hanna tick, but we've still got a long way to go towards figuring out Pacino himself.

What do you think of this new revelation? Do you like the idea of Pacino's character from Heat using cocaine, or do you think that's the wrong direction for the film? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

We were hoping that Blackhat would be the exception to the January rule that says the month is a dumping ground for Hollywood’s…how should we put it…crap shoots. As it turns out, not even Thor himself could save it from destruction. The weekend box-office results are in, and it looks like we have our first major bomb of 2015.

Blackhat already seemed like this year’s version of Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, but we were hoping because it was Michael Mann and Chris Hemsworth everyone would at least want to check it out. Unfortunately, the film only earned an estimated $4.03 million. To put that in perspective for you, the film cost more than roughly $70 million to make!

The problem seemed to be its main competition: American Sniper. Following all of its surprise Oscar nominations — it earned a total of six, including ones for Best Picture and Best Actor — the Clint Eastwood film starring Bradley Cooper broke a number of box-office records during its wide release. Not only was it the director’s biggest debut for a movie, with $90.2 million in sales, but it’s also the largest January opening weekend of all time.

While cyberterrorism is a timely topic, given the Sony email hacking scandal that rocked the industry and various celebrity photo hacks prior, audiences gravitated more towards the patriotic film. Cooper beefed up with 40 extra pounds of muscle to portray Chris Kyle, dubbed the deadliest sniper in American history with the most recorded number of kills. His story, based on Kyle’s book of the same name, was made even more poignant in light of the man’s death; he was tragically gunned down at a Texas shooting ranch back in 2013.

Aside from American Sniper, though, Blackhat also went up against another action-heavy film, Taken 3. Though it had already opened a week prior, it still beat Mann’s film by a large margin. Kevin Hart’s comedy The Wedding Ringer, Paddington and Selma filled out the remainder of the top 5 spots. The Blackhat reviews were accurate reflections of its box-office placement. Our own Eric Eisenberg called it "largely underwhelming," while The Atlantic bashed its pandering to international audiences and Deadspin described it more as a "parody of a Michael Mann movie" instead of an actual Michael Mann movie.

It’s possible that the film could still gain more traction in the weeks to come, especially as more international audiences see it, but these numbers are overwhelmingly depressing. Thankfully for Hemsworth, he’s got a lot going on already that this isn’t a major blow to his celebrity stock. Aside from being the reigning Sexiest Man Alive, he’s also got Avengers: Age of Ultron coming out this year, as well as his Moby Dick drama In the Heart of the Sea, which he did with his Rush buddy Ron Howard.

There’s plenty to be excited about when it comes to the upcoming hacking-action-thriller, Blackhat. Not only does it give Thor himself, Chris Hemsworth, another opportunity to prove that he is more than just a man in a cape carrying a hammer. It also sees the long-awaited return of Michael Mann to the director’s chair after a six-year absence. If that hasn’t got you all heated up for their adventure, then its trailer should do the job. You can feast your eyes upon it above.

Excited? Thought so. Chris Hemsworth looks to have been perfectly cast as the mysterious, brooding Nicholas Hathaway, who is a convicted hacker/genius coder serving fifteen years in prison after he was caught infiltrating protected data. But deep-down inside, you just know that he has a heart of gold. Hathaway’s expertise is called upon after a highly sophisticated computer hacker bewilders both American and Chinese military forces and brings down four of the world’s largest financial markets. With the world at threat, and struggling to even get close to the cyber-villain, government officials make a deal with Hathaway that grants him full immunity if he brings the man down.

We still haven’t really got a clean look at the man Hathaway is after, though. In fact, all we can really tell is that he can only grow a really patchy beard. However, his menace is eerily reminiscent of Heath Ledger’s Joker in Christopher Nolan’s seminal 2008 masterpiece, The Dark Knight. Of course, the actor portraying him doesn’t seem to possess the raw terror and intoxicating threat of the Australian’s portrayal, but several lines in the trailer allude to the fact that he isn’t interested in money, isn’t political and is basically just out to prove to the world that he can cause an immense amount of damage, which appears to involve blowing up a nuclear power-station.

Blackhat looks set to possess a James Bond-style zip and pace that will see the cast darting from Chicago to China to Honk Kong to Malaysia in order to land their foe. Its impressive ensemble cast, which includes Viola Davis, Manny Montana, Archie Kao and William Mapother, will surely allow the film to maintain its composure as it moves to these locations. Especially as they are being directed by Mann, who has always been able to eek out the very best performances from any cast he has ever worked with.

But the real reasons to be excited about Blackhat come in the shapes of Chris Hemsworth and Michael Mann. Hemsworth’s turn in Rush, as Formula One daredevil James Hunt, proved that there are more strings to his bow than simply playing Thor, while Mann’s insanely impressive back catalogue of films -- which includes Public Enemies, Collateral, Ali, Heat, The Last Of The Mohicans, Manhunter and Thief -- is all the evidence you need of his talent. The two of them working together will benefit both parties, as Mann will surely bring the best out of Hemsworth, and Hemsworth will hopefully entice Mann to a new, younger audience.

Let’s just hope the end product is as good as the trailer. We’ll find out when Blackhat is released on January 16, 2015.

While Spike Lee didn’t change anybody’s worlds with last year’s Red Hook Summer, he has had a lot of people talking about his upcoming Oldboy remake, based on the Korean original. No one really seems to want it, but it is definitely set for an October 11 release. What’s he going to follow that with, a Gone With the Wind remake?

No, thank goodness. According to The Wrap, he’s attached to direct Gold for Black Bear Pictures, with Paul Haggis (Crash) on board as a producer. Based on a true story, it centers on the 1993 scandal involving the false claims by the Bre-X Mineral Corporation that they have discovered a large deposit of gold in the jungles of Indonesia. The screenplay was written by Patrick Massett and Jon Zinman the screenwriting duo responsible for Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and several episodes of Friday Night Lights and most recently Last Resort. The last we heard about Gold, Michael Mann was circling it, but he has since moved on to be attached to a bunch of other movies.

The last really solid work Lee has done involved Hurricane Katrina and its effects on New Orleans, though nobody is denying the power of the Michael Jackson doc Bad 25. But anyway, I’ll be a lot more excited about this flick if Oldboy defies all expectations, even though the films couldn’t be any more different.

Production is set to start before the year is over with, but the casting choices may ripple the scheduling waters. Let’s hope Lee’s presence is more real gold than not.

Michael Mann is hard at work preparing to direct his next film, an untitled thriller about cyber crime, but while he prepares to roll cameras on that project he is still thinking about the future. One of his long in-development projects, the 15th century war story Agincourt, is getting some of the dust blown off of it.

According to Deadline, screenwriter Stuart Hazeldine has been hired to do a rewrite of the script for the upcoming film, which is based on the book by Bernard Cornwell. Set in the 15th century, the story follows an man who grows up under the rule of King Henry V, gets recognized as an incredibly skilled archer and goes to the Battle of Agincourt to fight for his country against the French. Hazeldine's only feature credit is the 2009 thriller Exam, which he also directed. This won't be the first time that Mann has made a period piece, having previously helmed The Last of the Mohicans, Ali and Public Enemies.

While Agincourt continues to get worked on, Mann will move forward with the aforementioned cyber-crime thriller, which is set to star Chris Hemsworth and Viola Davis. Details about the plot are largely unavailable, but it's been reported that the movie, like Iron Man 3, will be filming some sequences in China and feature two Chinese stars in leading roles. Cameras will start to roll in June of this year, and while the film doesn't currently have a release date presumably it will be out some time in 2014.

Michael Mann fans have had to wait an inordinate amount of time for the director’s next effort. While he worked on the pilot episode for the TV show Luck, Mann hasn’t had a movie in theaters since 2009’s Public Enemies with Christian Bale and Johnny Depp. But his next picture is ramping up casting, which means the ball should start rolling soon on a cyber-thriller he has been planning for some time now.

According to Deadline, Viola Davis is in talks to play “a starring role” in Mann’s as-yet-untitled thriller, which the trade says is about to start filming next month in China. Davis would play an FBI agent in the movie, and she’d act alongside Chris Hemsworth, who landed a part in the developing thriller earlier. Details beyond that are nonexistent, however, with Deadline simply describing it as “a thriller about a cyber crime.” Mann doesn’t make simple movies, however, so we can expect the narrative to deepen in heft and scope as details emerge.

Any time a film in pre-production is able to add a two-time Oscar nominee like Davis to the roster, it has to be a good move. The actress has been very busy lately, recently wrapping production on Denis Villeneuve’s Prisoners alongside Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal while also prepping the much-anticipated Ender’s Game, which will be out later this fall. Davis co-starred in Beautiful Creatures earlier this year. This would mark her first collaboration with Mann. Do you think that the director is making a fine choice in circling Davis? I tend to like her in virtually everything she attempts, and am interested to see what she can bring out of Mann. Share your own thoughts below.

It's been a long four years since Michael Mann last released a film in theaters, and for his fans it might feel even longer, since neither Public Enemies or Miami Vice before that seemed up to his usual standard. Is it finally time for him to come back into everyone's good graces?

It sure can't hurt that he'll be teaming up with golden boy Chris Hemsworth, who will reportedly star for Mann in an untitled thriller. According to Variety Mann has been developing the project for more than a year with Morgan Davis Foehl, the guy who's also been working on the Mass Effect video game adaptation for Legendary Pictures since last fall. The Mann film will probably be a serious change of piece-- Variety says the "plot details are unknown," but that the film centers around "cyber threats and attacks."

That sounds perfectly up Mann's alley, and fans of Heat may be hoping for something like a modern, Internet-tinged version of that story of cops and robbers. But it's worth noting that this project is not one of the many he's been mulling over the years, including a Chicago Mafia story and The Big Stone Grid, a story about an underground extortion ring. This upcoming film sounds no less intense, but maybe a change of pace away from his usual milieu of gangsters and no-goodniks. For the Mann faithful, the fact that he's returning at all is good news enough.

Michael Mann has stayed busy lately producing episodes of the TV series Luck (which he also directs, from time to time), though he appears ready to get back behind the camera for the first time since 2009’s Public Enemies and helm a feature-length drama.

Deadline says Mann is in talks to direct The Big Stone Grid, a crime thriller based on a spec script by S. Craig Zahler that was acquired by Sony Pictures Classics and will be produced by Moneyball producer Michael De Luca. The site compares the Grid storyline to David Fincher’s Seven or John Schlesinger’s classic Marathon Man, involving two veteran police officers who uncover a vast extortion ring that operates in the catacombs beneath New York City.

Attaching Mann to a project of that magnitude sounds wonderful, but dial back that enthusiasm for a moment. Deadline says that the Heat helmer likely will take a pass over the screenplay with Zahler to fine-tune some elements and improve on them. The site also suggests that Mann very likely could move the action from New York to Los Angeles, where he set such crime thrillers as Heat and Collateral. Would that drastically change the story? I’m way more intrigued by a crime ring that exists beneath Manhattan than I am in exploring a Southern California syndicate. Also, didn’t Drive kind of corner that market, for the time being?

Also, Mann is considering Go Like Hell for his next project, so Big Stone Grid seems more in the “development” stage than pre-production. Hell follows the intense rivalry waged between sports car manufacturers Ford and Ferrari in the 1960s. And Luck also will keep Mann detained. We’ll see in Grid actually happens – and where it happens – over time.

Those looking to fill the inevitable void after the second season finale of everyone's favorite gangster series, well, you don't even have to change the channel. HBO's brand new show called Luck should definitely appeal to the Boardwalk Empire crowd, and it's no coincidence that the pay-cable network scheduled a sneak peek of the pilot to follow the season ender of the Prohibition drama. Here is another brief look at the rapidly approaching new show.

It's rather odd that the pre-premiere of HBO's big new series Luck takes place in under two weeks, and they've yet to really make an effort in the advertising department. There are no publicity stills on the HBO website and only a few promotional videos thus far, including the snappy new teaser below. Called the "Quiet" trailer, it comes across as anything but, showcasing all the major players and some of the stunning camera work, all set to a snappy tune that can't help but rouse memories of The Sopranos (at least for me). Take a look at the 30-second spot and see if it doesn't get you ready for the races.

The new spot also announces a firm date for the beginning of the series' actual run on HBO. Luck debuts on Sunday, January 29th but, as mentioned above, the pay cabler will air a special screening of the pilot after the Boardwalk Empire season two finale on Sunday, December 11th, at 10 p.m. ET. Now, a closing note on the lack of advertising for the series -- I'm starting to suspect that HBO knows they have quality on their hands and that after this preview screening of the pilot, the buzz from critics, fans, everyone will begin the real promotional push for the new series. I'm excited, giddy up.

Luck stars Dustin Hoffman, Nick Nolte, Dennis Farina, John Ortiz, Kevin Dunn, Richard Kind, and Kerry Condon. It is from executive producers David Milch, Michael Mann and Carolyn Strauss.

Back in October, it was reported that director Michael Mann had two projects in front of him and that he was figuring out which project to do next. The first was Big Tuna, a period mafia drama about Tony Accardo and Sam Giancana. The other was Agincourt, an adaptation of the book by Bernard Cornwell that tells the story of the Battle of Agincourt between England and France. Now six months have passed and it appears he's made a decision: he's going with option C. Deadline reports that a project called Gold has caught Mann's eye and that he is now seriously considering making it his next movie. The site describes the project as being a modern Treasure of the Sierra Madre, centering on a group of people on the hunt for, you guessed it, gold.

Though Public Enemies and Miami Vice are not examples of Mann's finest work, he is a director that I will always and forever give another chance. Seriously people, we're talking about a director who, in one decade, made Last of the Mohicans, Heat and The Insider. The man has earned his free passes.

Though his last two projects didn't blow critics and audiences away to the degree of his previous films, it's nearly impossible to discount Michael Mann. After all, he is still the director of Heat, The Insider and The Last of the Mohicans. So when Mann talks about possible future projects, people's ears perk up and now is no different.

Speaking with the Financial Times about his new HBO series Luck, the director dropped two ideas that may become his next film. The first is called Big Tuna, a mafia story based in Chicago about Tony Accardo and Sam Giancana. Speaking about the potential film, Mann said "Here’s an older man who was the undisputed boss at a time when the Chicago outfit was the most powerful crime element in America. It becomes a classic tragedy of megalomania and hubris." The other possible story would be a project called Agincourt, a film set in 15th century Europe that builds up to the Battle of Agincourt between England and France. According to Mann, he was inspired by the project after seeing a gothic chapel called La Sainte-Chapelle while in Paris.

Considering that he just directed Public Enemies, I would personally love to see him tackle Agincourt before going after Big Tuna. While I'm sure that there's a story to be told, medieval Europe would be new territory for the filmmaker to explore and Mann has never been one to be shoved into a box. That said, seeing "Directed by Michael Mann" is pretty much all I need to buy a ticket.

I assume that this is exactly how my high school teachers felt about me all those years ago. Public Enemies was good, but it could’ve been so much better. It could’ve graduated with honors, gone to a really nice, private college like USC, walked away from there in four years rather than five. Instead, it settled for being what it was: a better-than-average biopic about a really interesting guy that most everyone already knows about.

As a viewer, I couldn’t have been more torn about the outcome of Michael Mann’s newest foray into the gangster underworld. It has an intriguing figure to paint a portrait of. It’s shot beautifully. The acting is mostly good. But you can’t help but walking out of the theatre feeling disappointed, feeling as though Michael Mann could have brought so much more to the table. Apparently he just didn’t feel like it. I know how that is. I walked away from Public Enemies conflicted, at war with myself over whether this thing was any good. Here's what's been fighting for control inside my head, 5 reasons for and against:

John Dillinger or Why Did My Generation Get All The Psycho Bomber Criminals?

John Dillinger is a different kind of villain in that he’s not one. It’s impossible not to see why a cult of Dillinger fans has emerged in recent decades; Public Enemies portrays him as less of a criminal and more of a guy just trying to have some fun and make some dough. How can you hate that? The dude’s got a quick wit, he’s good-looking, and he’s going up against those douchey, uptight FBI guys. Early on in the movie, Melvin Purvis has a meeting with Dillinger, very similar to the one we see between Batman and the Joker in The Dark Knight. Purvis asks Dillinger, “What keeps you up at night?” Dillinger replies, “coffee.” Now how can anyone root for Purvis after that?

The HD Digital Format or I Can Totally See Christian Bale’s Nose Hairs!

Simply stated, this flick looks gorgeous. A lot of people were against the idea of shooting a period movie in the crispness of digital format, but what’s the point in making advances in film technology if people think it’s “so lame” to use it just because of the movie’s time period? Everything is crystal clear here, in a way that we’ve never seen in a movie about this era. When Melvin Purvis takes a few shots at some criminals while hanging out of the window of his Ford, the flashes from the gun light up the screen in a way that’s hard to describe but thoroughly awesome. Michael Mann knew what he was doing with this format. We see these costumes, these settings, and these scenes through a whole new lens, and although we’ve seen them a million times before, they’ve never looked clearer.

The Escapes or What I Wouldn’t Give to See Dillinger Take on David Blaine

What John Dillinger did could never happen in this day and age. Technology would never allow it. Electric fences, cameras, GPS. Even if a prisoner gets away, he’s not getting far (unless of course, his name rhymes with Osama Bin Laden), so to watch Dillinger find new, better, faster, and more hilarious ways to get out of prison is like watching a real life Bugs Bunny outsmart Elmer Fudd over and over again. Each time Dillinger gets put behind bars, it’s hard to imagine how he’ll find his way out again, yet each time he surprises us. To give away these breakouts would be to spoil one of the best parts of the movie, so I’ll leave specifics out, but just make sure you don’t take any pee breaks when the Army guards come into the pictures. It’ll be worth the bladder damage.

The Scene Where Dillinger Goes To That Place That I Won’t Mention Here

[SPOILERS!] There hasn’t been a moment so quietly hysterical as the one where John Dillinger, after years of hiding, escaping, and avoid the FBI, walks right into the Chicago Police Department, finds the office dedicated solely to locating him, and walks around unnoticed. The subtlety of this scene’s implications is unmatchable. The office is either working too hard or playing too much to open their eyes and realize the obvious places to find Dillinger, even when he’s right in front of their faces. Dillinger stares at his former friends; all have passed due to the life they lived, the one that he lived with them. He’s an arrogant show-off, but right here, we see a lonely man who knows he’s reaching the end of his fun.[/SPOILERS]

Johnny Depp or Reasons to Hope That Maybe They’ll Bring The Joker Back

I lost track of how many people were rumored to be in talks to play the Joker in The Dark Knight, but Public Enemies proves that Johnny Depp could have or should have been one of them. While not nearly as psychotic as Ledger’s Joker, Depp plays Dillinger as a witty, quick thinking, and meticulous criminal who’s above the law and easy to love and hate. For Dillinger’s later years, Depp provides a portrait of the man that allows us to see just how lonely and tired he’s become. He doesn’t want to steal; he has to. It’s part of his DNA. We constantly want the bad guy to win even though we know he won’t, and we want this because of Johnny Depp.

Christian Bale or I Know An Igneous Rock That Would’ve Wanted This Part

Maybe it’s because he didn’t have much to work with. Maybe it’s because I still have that Terminator set taping ringing in my ears. Maybe it’s because we weren’t meant to like Melvin Purvis in the first place. I’m not sure, but Christian Bale may as well have been replaced by a mute sandstone boulder. The guy has no emotion, no depth, and no reason for me to care about him. Is there a reason why he’s in law enforcement? A reason why he’s so reserved? A reason why he comes off as more of a character from I, Robot than a 20s gangster flick? I don’t need everything handed to me, but give me something Bale! Flutter your eyes! Grit your teeth! Twitch! Anything!

The Gunfights or Lessons In Shooting Dudes Shooting Guns in a Forest

Michael Mann should’ve had this down. He’s getting graded on a different scale than most directors in this category because of his previous work. The guy knows gunfights, and these gunfights are boring, long, and seemingly pointless. A little more than halfway through the movie, we’re subjected to a 20-minute gunfight between Purvis and Dillinger’s respective crews. This turns out to be a depiction of The Battle of Barrington, the infamous shootout that ended in Babyface Nelson’s death. And while the shootout is relevant to the history of the character, it seems hardly relevant to the movie. Ten minutes could have been cut from it, and the flick would have been stronger for it. I don’t get it. Mann gave us a 2 hours gunfight in Heat and it was awesome. Why couldn’t he make a 20-minute fight interesting?

The B Characters or I Have Friends From High School That I Care More About Than These Characters

The real rising action, conflict, and climax here have everything to do with Dillinger and his relationship with Purvis and the young FBI. Anything else in this film is extra scraps, yet far too much screen time ends up getting taken by characters like Babyface Nelson and Dillinger’s coat rack girlfriend, Billie Frachette (more on her next). These characters are never fully developed, and in Babyface’s case, never even fully introduced, which makes the story more confusing than it has to be. In place of these throwaway characters, more depth could have been added to Dillinger and Purvis, thus making the movie the far more thoughtful piece that I, for one, expected from Mann.

The Love Story or Love Story? More Like Love SNOREy!

So maybe real life John Dillinger needed Billie Frachette. Maybe she was the only woman he ever truly loved. Maybe there was more to their relationship than this movie can tell us with the little screen time given to the couple. But the truth is, not even Michael Mann can build a solid relationship in a flick with maybes. Instead of seeing a love wrapped in layer upon layer, Public Enemies instead gives us about 30 minutes of the most typical love story possible, only to contrast it with a John Dillinger that hardly seems like the type to distract himself with a silly little thing called love. Either make this relationship worth it or throw it out! Just sayin’, Mann.

Johnny Depp or Wait, This Wasn’t Pirates of the Caribbean: Back to the Future Edition?

Sure, Depp brings his A game to Public Enemies, but I wouldn’t argue with anyone who says that Depp is just playing a toned down, 30s version of Captain Jack Sparrow. Just like Sparrow, Depp’s Dillinger is an irreverent and clever joker. Give the dude a parrot and some gold teeth and we’ve got ourselves a time traveling Pirates movie. So is Depp acting or just playing Depp? It’s impossible to say, I suppose, but when was the last time you saw him and that Somali pirate kid in the same room? Suspicious, ain’t it?

Johnny Depp’s Public Enemies is the first really big post-Transformers flick, and it hits theaters on July 1st. Celebrate Independence Day with criminals in cool hats.

We have dozens of great new images from the movie. Click on one of the sample pics below to visit our Public Enemies image gallery and see them all.

Public Enemies stars Johnny Depp in the story of legendary Depression-era outlaw John Dillinger (Depp)—the charismatic bank robber whose lightning raids made him the number one target of J. Edgar Hoover’s fledgling FBI and its top agent, Melvin Purvis (Bale), and a folk hero to much of the downtrodden public.