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Hell and High Water

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Release date: November 22, 2016

Studio:CBS Films, Lionsgate

Director:David Mackenzie

MPAA Rating:N/A

Screenwriter:Taylor Sheridan

Starring:Jeff Bridges, Chris Pine, Ben Foster, Gil Birmingham

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“To Hell and High Water” what an amazing exercise in desolate beauty! This is an amazingly understated crime Thriller with a focus on on Hollywood exaggeration. “Hell and high water” is wonderfully stripped down, no frills, and bare bones… and I loved it!

You start out by jumping right into the action, but even that is presented in a wonderfully toned down fashion. There’s a certain greatness to the overall tone, or palate of the film, which I really appreciated. The film accomplished an amazing feat in keeping us on the edge of our seats while, the same time, presenting deep and complex characters which you really become involved with emotionally. The latter statement is true of just about every character in this film, from the smallest part to the main stars.

The main actors Jeff Bridges, Ben Foster, and Chris Pine did a phenomenal job representing and flushing out their individual characters, however it is clear that the director make sure that everyone had a richness about their characters. There is one particular scene that involved a waitress and even though the part was fairly small the actress presented an amazing assortment of emotional levels.

The story revolves around two brothers (Chris Pine and Ben Foster) who have come up with a plan to get themselves out of the horribly impoverished situation that they are in. That plan being, unfortunately, to relieve certain banks of their drawer money.

One of the many interesting facets of this film was how it opens up. It’s a kind of 360 shot that shows the town, assorted buildings, a woman going towards the bank, a few cars and then the two main characters getting out of one of those cars. The reason I mention this is because most Hollywood films jump right into explosions and gunfire and things of that nature. What I liked about this film is that it did not do that. The movie focused on the characters and their backstory. Now don’t get me wrong, there was plenty of action in this film! Ben Foster’s character “Tanner Howard” made sure of that! Tanner is a just out of jail fireball. He is the bull in the China shop in contrast to Toby Howard’s (Chris Pine) calm planner type.

The plan is strike several banks for a specific purpose. The interesting thing is that this is not a Robin Hood story. This has a very interesting underlying message of frustration over banks abusing their power and taking advantage of the common citizenry.

One of the other things I appreciate it is that Jeff Bridges character it’s simply not politically correct. He and his partner share a certain repartee with each other. And what I would imagine we’ll be typical fashion they insult each other quite regularly throughout the film. I found this rather refreshing seeing as how we live in a very, very sensitive environment. I appreciate it that they were both thick skinned enough handle a playful banter. Story follows through very smoothly and the characters information previously very rich and texture. I couldn’t more highly recommend watching this movie as it is a refreshing rather fresh air combining dismal Beauty, believable action and twists in the characters to keep you very entertained.

 

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The Life and Times of Kota Srinivasa Rao: A Pillar of Indian Cinema Bids Farewell

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On July 13, 2025, Indian cinema lost one of its most enduring lights—Kota Srinivasa Rao, a name that has been woven into the very fabric of Telugu cinema and Indian film history for nearly five decades. He was 77.

To speak of Kota garu is to speak of a man who embodied the soul of acting, not merely performance, but lived truth on screen. As a journalist who has spent years documenting the landscape of Indian entertainment, and more importantly, as a lifelong admirer of its emotional and artistic depth, I find it nearly impossible to separate the arc of my love for Telugu cinema from the face, voice, and commanding presence of Kota Srinivasa Rao.

Born on July 10, 1948, in Kankipadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kota Srinivasa Rao was the son of freedom fighter and dramatist Kota Seetha Rama Anjaneyulu. The stage called to him early, long before the silver screen embraced him. His transition from theater to cinema in the late 1970s was seamless, natural, and even. His debut in K. Viswanath’s Pranam Khareedu (1978) may have seemed modest at the time, but in hindsight, it was the quiet ignition of a force that would later dominate the craft of acting across genres and generations.

Kota Garu was never a man of one shade. He could play a corrupt politician one moment and a hapless, loving father the next—with equal gravitas and complete immersion. Who could forget his roles in Gaayam, Shiva, Aha Naa Pellanta, Pratighatana, Money, Anaganaga Oka Roju, Leader, and Tagore? These weren’t just performances; they were living case studies in human contradiction and nuance.

In Aa Naluguru, his portrayal of a morally grey newspaper editor offered a sobering mirror to society. In comedies like Hello Brother, his deadpan wit was so precise that it could make audiences erupt with laughter on a single line delivery. Every filmmaker—from K. Viswanath to Ram Gopal Varma, Krishna Vamsi to Sekhar Kammula—sought him out, not just for his craft, but for his wisdom. Watching him act was never passive; it was an education.

Kota Srinivasa Rao did not rely on grand gestures. He mastered silence, pauses, and subtle shifts of the eye or lip. His voice—a deep, gravelly cadence seasoned with satire and command—could either be a thunderclap or a whisper that echoed.

To those of us in the audience, especially those who grew up in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, his voice became part of our lives. We knew it like we knew the changing winds before the monsoon. Even when he wasn’t on screen, you could feel his influence in the rhythm of dialogue and the texture of storytelling.

Despite his towering fame, Kota garu remained rooted. His brief but meaningful stint in politics—elected as MLA from Vijayawada East in 1999—reflected his desire to contribute beyond the screen. But he soon returned to his first love: the cinema.

His accolades are many, including the Padma Shri (2015) and multiple Nandi Awards, but what truly set him apart was how loved and respected he was by peers and audiences alike. For young actors and directors, working with Kota garu was a rite of passage.

Jr NTR once said in an interview, “You don’t act with Kota garu. You surrender. And in doing so, you become better without even realizing it.”

As the film industry and fans across India mourn his passing, one thing becomes clear: Kota Srinivasa Rao was not just part of Indian cinema—he was one of its pillars. He leaves behind a legacy that transcends language and time. He proved, over and over again, that you don’t need to be the lead to lead a scene. That character is not just something you play—it’s something you embody.

For those of us who grew up seeing him on VHS tapes, in dusty cinema halls, on cable TV reruns, and later streaming platforms, Kota garu’s presence was a constant. He was a reminder of what cinema was, and what it could be—pure, affecting, transformative.

As I write this not just as a journalist, but as someone whose very identity has been shaped by Indian films, I say: thank you, Kota garu. For the laughter. For the fear. For the wisdom. For the truth. Your performances were never just “roles.” They were lessons in being human.

In Gaayam, you once delivered the haunting line:
“Nijam cheppadam easy kaadu… adhi cheppataniki guts kavali.”
(“Telling the truth is not easy… It takes courage to speak it.”)

You spoke the truth through every role, and we heard you—loud and clear.

Your absence leaves a void, but your art remains. And in that, you are eternal.

Rest in peace, Kota Srinivasa Rao garu. Your voice may have fallen silent, but your cinema will echo forever.

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FX’s Alien: Earth Makes Impact at San Diego Comic-Con 2025 With World Premiere, Epic Hall H Panel, and Immersive Activation

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Get ready to scream, San Diego.

FX is going full-throttle at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, transporting fans into the spine-chilling world of Alien: Earth — the brand-new television series from visionary creator Noah Hawley (Fargo, Legion), inspired by the legendary sci-fi horror film franchise. Between a can’t-miss world premiere in Hall H and an atmospheric, interactive activation titled “The Wreckage,” this year’s FX slate will leave fans trembling in anticipation ahead of the show’s official premiere on Tuesday, August 12 on FX and Hulu.

👽 Enter the Wreckage: FX’s Alien: Earth Immersive Experience
Located on the Hilton Bayfront Lawn, “The Wreckage” lets fans step foot inside the ominous remains of the USCSS Maginot, a ship torn from deep space and crash-landed on Earth. This thrilling, two-part activation features daytime exploration and an after-dark survival horror mission dubbed Code Red — a terrifying twist perfect for the brave.

🔥 Highlights Include:
Alien: Earth: Code Red – A nighttime horror maze experience you won’t forget

Interactive Prodigy Corp Drop Site – Sign up as an FX Insider and unlock VR exclusives and giveaways

Exclusive Merch & Collabs – Enjoy in-world beverages from Chain, the cult-favorite pop-cuisine creators

Podcast Studio – Live interviews with talent, influencers, and creatives all weekend long

🗓️ Activation Dates & Times:

Date Daytime Hours Code Red Hours
Thu, July 24 11am–4pm 4:30pm–8pm
Fri, July 25 10am–4pm 4:30pm–10pm
Sat, July 26 10am–4pm 4:30pm–10pm
Sun, July 27 11am–3pm —

📍 Location: Hilton Bayfront Lawn, 1 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
🎟️ Admission is free. Ages 18+. Press can skip the line by RSVPing to madison.welsh@civic-us.com

🎬 Hall H World Premiere: Alien Lands at Comic-Con
The hype doesn’t end on the lawn. On Friday, July 25 from 1:25pm–2:50pm, FX takes over Hall H for the world premiere of Alien: Earth, screening the pilot episode before its global release.

Fans in Hall H will be the first on Earth to witness the terrifying new story, starring Sydney Chandler as a young woman who must lead a squad of soldiers through a world where extraterrestrial nightmares have arrived — and they’re not alone.

Following the screening, creator Noah Hawley, executive producer David W. Zucker, and the cast will participate in a Q&A, diving deep into the making of this bold, horrifying new chapter in the Alien universe.

🧬 About Alien: Earth
When a derelict alien spacecraft crash-lands on Earth, a dark and deadly mystery begins to unravel. As humanity faces the planet’s greatest threat yet, survival may rest in the hands of those least expected. Packed with dread, awe, and action, Alien: Earth builds on decades of cinematic legacy while exploring timely themes and fresh characters.

The series premieres August 12 on FX, and will stream on Hulu (and Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers). Internationally, it will stream on Disney+.

🌌 Stay Connected:
🌐 Visit FXSDCC.com for updates and schedules

📱 Sign up to become an FX Insider: fx.tv/alien-earth-insider

📸 Follow @FXNetworks on socials for behind-the-scenes exclusives

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Hank Hill’s Backyard Takes Over SDCC 2025 – Propane and All

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Hulu, the go-to streaming destination for adult animation, is back at San Diego Comic-Con 2025! This year, they are bringing Arlen, Texas, from the iconic King of the Hill franchise to life right outside the Convention Center. Guests will step inside Hank Hill’s Backyard for a big ole cookout, complete with BBQ bites served up throughout the day, classic lawn games, themed photo ops, and a cold can of Alamo (water) to beat the heat.

Located next to the Convention Center on the Bayfront’s Parking Lot (Fifth Ave Landing – Lot A1) – 600 Convention Way, San Diego, CA 92101 – Hank Hill’s Backyard will allow fans to experience what life is like in Arlen, Texas. Starting July 24 at 11:30 am – 7 pm, July 25-26 from 9:30 am-7 pm daily, and July 27 from 9:30 am–5 pm, Hank Hill’s Backyard will transport fans into the world of Arlen, where they can interact with legendary moments from the show.

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