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Movie Name: Evil Dead Rise

Genre: Supernatural Horror

The Cast:

1. Alyssa Sutherland as Ellie
2. Lily Sullivan as Beth
3. Morgan Davies as Danny
4. Gabrielle Echols as Bridget
5. Nell Fisher as Kassie

Reasons for Casting: Alyssa Sutherland and Lily Sullivan were chosen for their ability to portray nuanced characters in emotionally intense situations. Their chemistry as estranged sisters lent depth to the film. Morgan Davies, Gabrielle Echols, and Nell Fisher brought a mix of youthful energy and vulnerability that heightened the tension. Each actor’s previous work demonstrated their ability to handle complex, fear-driven narratives, making them ideal for a supernatural horror film.

Estimated Budget: $15 million

Box Office Collection: $140 million

Net Revenue: $125 million

Profit or Loss: Profit of $110 million (after deducting marketing and distribution costs)

OST or Song Duration: The haunting original score by Stephen McKeon runs for approximately 45 minutes, amplifying the movie’s eerie atmosphere.

Popular Scene: The infamous “elevator scene,” where Ellie’s transformation into a Deadite reaches a horrifying crescendo, stands out as the most chilling moment. Suspended in midair by unseen forces as the elevator fills with blood, the scene combines practical effects and sound design to create an unforgettable visual.

Review of Movie: Evil: Dead Rise breathes new life into the cult Evil Dead franchise, delivering a harrowing tale of familial bonds tested by supernatural malevolence. Directed by Lee Cronin, the film shifts the classic cabin-in-the-woods setting to an urban high-rise apartment, creating a claustrophobic environment that intensifies the horror.

The story follows Beth, a roadie grappling with her demons, who visits her estranged sister Ellie and her three children in their dilapidated Los Angeles apartment. An earthquake reveals an ancient vault containing the cursed Necronomicon, unleashing a torrent of terror. The narrative masterfully intertwines the themes of motherhood, sacrifice, and survival, elevating it beyond a standard horror flick.

The performances are stellar across the board. Alyssa Sutherland’s portrayal of Ellie as a loving mother turned malevolent Deadite is both heartbreaking and terrifying. Lily Sullivan’s Beth evolves from a self-centered drifter to a determined protector, anchoring the film’s emotional core. The child actors deliver performances that range from endearing to chilling, particularly Nell Fisher’s innocent yet resourceful Kassie.

Cronin’s direction keeps the tension palpable, with every creak, shadow, and blood splatter meticulously crafted. The practical effects harken back to the franchise’s roots, while modern CGI enhances the grotesque imagery without overshadowing it. The sound design deserves special mention; the unsettling whispers and eerie silence punctuated by jarring crescendos ensure that viewers remain on edge.

While the film retains the dark humor synonymous with the franchise, it leans heavily into visceral horror. The gore is unapologetically graphic, with moments that will leave even seasoned horror fans squirming. Yet, these elements never feel gratuitous; they serve to underscore the story’s grim stakes.

The film’s only weakness lies in its pacing. The relentless terror can feel overwhelming, leaving little room for respite. However, this relentless approach aligns with the franchise’s ethos, ensuring an adrenaline-fueled experience.

Thoughts of Director-Producer or Main Cast: Director Lee Cronin expressed his vision of Evil: Dead Rise as a “love letter to fans of the franchise,” aiming to honor its legacy while introducing fresh perspectives. Alyssa Sutherland described the role of Ellie as “exhilarating yet emotionally draining,” emphasizing the challenge of balancing maternal warmth with demonic ferocity. Lily Sullivan highlighted the importance of portraying Beth’s growth, stating, “It’s a story of redemption through unimaginable circumstances.”

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March 25, 2025 – Los Angeles, USA

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, has launched an online shop promoting fashion and lifestyle products she endorses. Announced via a video and social media post on Monday, the new store, hosted on Shopify, marks Meghan’s latest business venture since stepping away from royal duties.

In her announcement, Meghan wrote: “Many of you have asked, so here you go! A little shopping to start the week.” The store offers a curated collection of clothing, accessories, and lifestyle products, including a £1,000 sleeveless ‘Windsor’ gown, £600 Saint Laurent sandals, and £200 earrings. Featured brands include J Crew, Reformation, and Heidi Merrick.

The launch comes amid growing anticipation for Meghan’s new lifestyle brand, As Ever a rebrand of her previous venture, American Riviera Orchard. Reports suggest that Meghan Markle will earn commissions on sales made through ShopMy, a platform that enables influencers to monetize affiliate links with commission rates reaching up to 30%.

Shortly after the store went live, some third-party retailers, including Neiman Marcus, experienced website outages as fans rushed to purchase Meghan’s featured products, particularly a pair of tan Saint Laurent mules. The collection consists of neutral-toned wardrobe staples, including linen shirts, sweaters, handbags, and sunglasses.

The launch follows criticism of Meghan’s Netflix series With Love, Meghan, which was recently renewed for a second season despite mixed reviews. However, this has not deterred her growing entrepreneurial efforts alongside her husband, Prince Harry. The couple, who stepped down as senior royals in January 2020, has since pursued various business ventures, including book deals, public speaking engagements, and brand collaborations.

To coincide with the store’s launch, Meghan Markle shared a personal Instagram post featuring a heartwarming moment with her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The photo, taken in a garden, shows Meghan holding Lilibet while Archie clings to her leg, their vibrant red hair visible. The caption read, “Every day is a love story,” accompanied by a peace dove emoji.

Meghan’s influence on fashion remains strong. Past items she has worn have sold out in record time, including the white coat from her 2017 engagement announcement and a Strathberry tote bag that sold out in 11 minutes. With her latest online store, she continues to build a brand focused on style, empowerment, and ethical consumerism.

Movie Name: La La Land

Genre: Musical, Romantic, Comedy-Drama

Cast:

• Ryan Gosling as Sebastian “Seb” Wilder
• Emma Stone as Mia Dolan
• John Legend as Keith
• Rosemarie DeWitt as Laura Wilder (Sebastian’s sister)
• J.K. Simmons as Bill (Jazz Club Owner)
• Finn Wittrock as Greg (Mia’s boyfriend)
• Callie Hernandez as Tracy (Mia’s roommate)
• Sonoya Mizuno as Caitlin (Mia’s roommate)
• Jessica Rothe as Alexis (Mia’s roommate)
• Tom Everett Scott as David (Mia’s future husband)

Reasons for Casting:

• Ryan Gosling: Ryan Gosling with his charming persona and method acting, was a perfect choice for capturing the dreamy and passionate character of Sebastian. He learned to play the piano for the role and had prior experience with music (his band, Dead Man’s Bones). This experience made him an apt actor for the movie for which he was honored with The Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in 2017. Gosling and Stone had already worked together in Crazy, Stupid, Love, and Gangster Squad, proving their strong on-screen chemistry.
• Emma Stone: The reasons for casting Emma Stone proved tremendously beneficial as she got an Oscar for Best Actress for the movie. Emma Stone had already showcased her singing and stage presence in Cabaret on Broadway, proving she could handle the film’s musical demands. Her ability to convey vulnerability, ambition, and heartbreak made her perfect for Mia, a struggling actress chasing her dreams. Stone’s quirky, down-to-earth appeal helped make Mia more relatable and connect with the audience. Her mix of humor and emotional depth aligned with the dreamy tone of LaLa Land, allowing her to balance lighthearted moments with deeply moving scenes of love, self-realization, and heartbreak.

Estimated Budget: The estimated budget of La La Land (2016) was $30 million.

Box Office Collection:

• Worldwide Gross: The film went on to gross over $471 million
• Domestic (U.S.): $151 million

Net Revenue:
The Net Revenue of the movie is $145 million net profit before additional revenue streams.

Profit or Loss:

Profit – La La Land was a huge financial success, earning a substantial profit beyond just box office earnings

Official Sound Track (OST) or Song Duration:

The La La Land Original Motion Picture Soundtrack was formatted and produced by Justin Hurwitz, who composed the score and collaborated with lyricists Benj Pasek & Justin Paul for the songs.

The soundtrack was released under Interscope Records and was carefully structured to follow the film’s emotional and narrative arc. Hurwitz also worked on the orchestration and arrangement to ensure a seamless blend of jazz, pop, and classical influences.

1. Another Day of Sun – 3:48
2. Someone in the Crowd – 4:19
3. Mia & Sebastian’s Theme – 1:38
4. A Lovely Night – 3:56
5. Herman’s Habit – 1:51
6. City of Stars (Ryan Gosling) – 1:51
7. Planetarium – 4:17
8. Summer Montage / Madeline – 2:04
9. City of Stars (Ryan Gosling & Emma Stone) – 2:29
10. Start a Fire (John Legend) – 3:12
11. Engagement Party – 1:27
12. Audition (The Fools Who Dream) – 3:48
13. Epilogue – 7:40
14. The End – 0:45
15. City of Stars (Humming) [Bonus Track] – 2:38

Popular Scene: The most popular scene from the movie La La Land is the song “A Lovely Night” where Mia and Sebastian dance in beautifully choreographed tap dance overlooking the Los Angeles Skyline. The cinematic beauty of the scene is what captured the audience’s eyes. The color scheme of yellow from Mia’s dress complimented the skyline in the soothing purple shade of night. The song’s scene is even the movie’s cover. The jazz beats of the song, smoothly choreographed tap dance, and their chemistry make the scene most loved. This moment is often seen as a pivotal point in Mia and Sebastian’s relationship, showcasing their deep connection and shared dreams. 

Another iconic scene is the ending scene, where Mia arrives at the restaurant Seb’s where she listens to him play the iconic tune of ‘City of Stars.’

Review:

The movie directed by Damien Chazelle, is a movie that makes a viewer feel every feeling depicted. The movie follows the story of Mia an aspiring actress and Sebastian a jazz player. Both are passionate about their careers and the story follows how they navigate through life making it in Los Angeles. The storyline depicts how in life to accomplish a dream some things are meant to fall into place. It is not a typical Romance story with a Happy Ending but a tale that shows how destiny works.

The main magic comes from the cinematography of the movie. The film’s strength lies in its breathtaking cinematography, choreographed long takes, and a mesmerizing score by Justin Hurwitz. Songs like City of Stars and Audition (The Fools Who Dream) add emotional depth, with Stone delivering a career-defining performance that earned her an Oscar. The song resonates with dreamers all over the world. Gosling, meanwhile, impresses not only with his acting but also with his piano-playing skills, making Sebastian’s love for jazz feel authentic. What sets La La Land apart, is the balance between dream and realism. With dreamy settings and colors, the movie explores real emotions exploring the depths of the character’s feelings.

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Movie Name: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Superhero

The Cast:

• Simu Liu as Shang-Chi
• Awkwafina as Katy
• Tony Leung as Wenwu
• Meng’er Zhang as Xialing
• Fala Chen as Jiang Li
• Michelle Yeoh as Ying Nan

Reasons for Casting:

• Simu Liu: A perfect choice for the titular role of Shang-Chi, Simu Liu brings a mix of charm, humor, and intense action skills to the character, establishing him as a fresh new hero in the MCU.
• Awkwafina: Cast as Katy, Shang-Chi’s best friend, Awkwafina’s comedic timing and natural chemistry with Liu made her character a memorable and vital part of the story.
• Tony Leung: As Wenwu, the villain with a complex backstory, Tony Leung delivers an unforgettable performance. His nuanced portrayal of a conflicted character adds depth to the film’s antagonist.
• Meng’er Zhang: Playing Xialing, Shang-Chi’s sister, Zhang brings strength and determination to her character, contributing to the film’s powerful family dynamic.
• Michelle Yeoh: As Ying Nan, Yeoh brings a sense of wisdom and grace, adding to the film’s rich mythology with her martial arts expertise and depth of character.

Estimated Budget: $150 million

Box Office Collection:

• Worldwide Gross: $432.2 million
• Domestic (U.S. & Canada): $224.5 million
• International: $207.7 million

Net Revenue:
Estimated around $282.2 million after deducting the budget.

Profit or Loss:

Profit – Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings made a strong profit, with over twice its budget earned in global box office revenue, solidifying its success in the MCU lineup.

OST or Song Duration:

The film’s Original Score was composed by Joel P. West and features a blend of traditional Chinese music with modern orchestral elements.

Main theme: “Shang-Chi” (5:00 minutes)

Other notable tracks include:

• “Fight For Your Legacy” (4:15 minutes)
• “The Battle at the Village” (3:50 minutes)
• “Family Reunion” (4:30 minutes)

Popular Scene:
One of the most exciting scenes is the epic bus fight, where Shang-Chi showcases his incredible martial arts skills for the first time. The combination of fast-paced action, impressive choreography, and humor makes it a standout moment. Another memorable scene is the climactic battle in the mystical city of Ta Lo, featuring the Ten Rings’ full power and the thrilling family confrontation. The breathtaking visual effects and intense combat highlight the film’s impressive action sequences.

Review:

The casting is one of the film’s strongest aspects. Simu Liu delivers a solid performance as the action character, balancing humor with the emotional weight of his journey. Awkwafina brings a lighthearted touch as Katy, Shang-Chi’s best friend, though her comedic role sometimes feels a bit out of place in the more serious moments of the story. Tony Leung shines as Wenwu, the villain with complex motives, providing depth to what could have been a typical antagonist role. Meng’er Zhang, playing Shang-Chi’s sister, Xialing, brings strength to the film, though her character’s arc could have been explored further.

The film’s action sequences, especially the martial arts choreography, are visually impressive. The bus fight scene is a highlight, showcasing fast-paced choreography and exciting stunts. The final battle in Ta Lo, with its Heavy- CGI visuals and mystical elements, is both visually stunning and over-the-top, though it may not appeal to all viewers seeking a grounded story.

The film also integrates a cultural aspect, using traditional Chinese music alongside modern orchestral compositions by Joel P. West, which enhances the immersive atmosphere.

However, while the film offers plenty of action and spectacle, some might find the pacing uneven. The first half of the movie focuses heavily on character development and setting up the story, while the second half dives into fantasy elements that may feel disconnected from the earlier, more grounded narrative.

Overall, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is a solid addition to the MCU, with great action, strong performances, and a unique cultural touch. While it has its flaws, including pacing issues and some underdeveloped character arcs, it is still an entertaining experience for both Marvel fans and newcomers to the franchise.

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Movie Name: The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It

Genre: Horror/Mystery

The Cast:

• Patrick Wilson as Ed Warren
• Vera Farmiga as Lorraine Warren
• Ruairi O’Connor as Arne Cheyenne Johnson
• Sarah Catherine Hook as Debbie Glatzel
• Julian Hilliard as David Glatzel
• John Noble as Kastner

Reasons for Casting:

• Patrick Wilson & Vera Farmiga: Returning as Ed and Lorraine Warren, their strong on-screen chemistry and deep understanding of their roles make them essential for the film.
• Ruairi O’Connor: Chosen for his ability to portray both innocence and psychological turmoil as Arne Cheyenne Johnson, the man at the center of the trial.
• Sarah Catherine Hook: Cast as Debbie Glatzel, Arne’s supportive girlfriend, adding emotional depth to the story.
• Julian Hilliard: Played David Glatzel, whose possession sets off the chilling events. His past horror experience made him a perfect fit.
• John Noble: Brought a sense of mystery and authority as the occult expert Kastner.

Estimated Budget: $39 million

Box Office Collection:

• Worldwide Gross: $206.4 million
• Domestic (U.S. & Canada): $65.6 million
• International: $140.8 million

Net Revenue:
Estimated around $167.4 million after deducting the budget.

Profit or Loss:
Profit – The film made a strong return on investment, generating over 5 times its budget.

OST or Song Duration:
The film’s Original Score was composed by Joseph Bishara and featured chilling, atmospheric music.

• Main theme: “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” (3:12 minutes)
• Other notable tracks include:
  • “The Warrens Investigate” (2:45 minutes)
  • “Arne’s Possession” (4:05 minutes)
  • “The Occultist” (3:50 minutes)

Popular Scene:
One of the most iconic scenes is Arne’s possession and murder scene, where he experiences terrifying hallucinations and ultimately stabs his landlord under demonic influence. The blend of psychological horror and supernatural elements made this a standout moment.

Review of Movie:
The Conjuring universe has long been similar to horror and thrill, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It takes a bold detour into a supernatural crime thriller. Directed by Michael Chaves, this installment follows Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) as they investigate the real-life 1981 trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, who claimed demonic possession as a defense for murder.

Unlike its predecessors, which thrived on claustrophobic haunted houses, this film expands its scope, blending paranormal horror with legal drama. Chaves crafts a gripping mystery, intertwining occult rituals and investigative tension. The cinematography enhances the eerie atmosphere, with shadowy corridors and unsettling dream sequences amplifying the dread. However, the film occasionally sacrifices slow-burning terror for action-heavy set pieces, diminishing the tension that made The Conjuring so effective.

Wilson and Farmiga remain the franchise’s emotional core, delivering heartfelt performances that elevate the Warrens beyond mere ghost hunters. Their chemistry provides the film’s strongest moments, even as the screenplay struggles to balance supernatural horror with courtroom intrigue. While chilling in parts, the film lacks the raw, nerve-wracking suspense of James Wan’s earlier entries.

Thoughts of the Director:
Director Michael Chaves stated:
“That was the case. They’re horror movies, so they’re shamelessly marketed as the darkest case yet, but I think this is the first one where it’s a real murder. There’s a real victim. That becomes part of the story and part of the storytelling, the idea that the Warrens are so great in the previous movies.”