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Hostiles Uses the Past to Look at the Present

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7 years ago

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Hostiles, Scott Cooper’s new western, wants to be taken seriously. It wants to say important things, address essential themes, and say it all with unflinching intensity and beauty. To do that, especially in today’s market, takes not only talent, but courage and restraint. His success is mixed.

The film begins with a quote from D. H. Lawrence: “The essential American soul is hard, isolate, stoic, and a killer. It has never yet melted”. The film itself sets a course to both illustrate this observation and to melt both the heart of the protagonist, Capt. Joe Blocker(Christian Bale) and the hearts of the audience.

Like other Post-Modern westerns (specifically, Unforgiven and Dances With Wolves) Hostiles uses the genre conventions to self consciously address the larger themes of violence and racism. The title itself carries this load, indicating both hostility and the notion of the Other. A timely film, it would seem, in this current age. But when done well, as in the case of the two older films, westerns have always been timely.

It’s an old saw that America defined itself through western expansion …. and westerns are soundtracked to the hum of old saws …. that in the West, America found its identity story.

But does America want westerns? And is Hostiles the kind of Western they want? Director Scott Cooper earnestly believes it’s the movie they need.

So, like so many contemporary filmmakers, he goes to the source western, the post Viet Nam thinking man’s western, John Ford’s The Searchers, for imagery and inspiration. Beginning with the Comanche attack on the settlers, through the framing of Christian Bales’ prejudiced and hateful Captain Blocker in the cabin’s doorway, through his path to healing and redemption, the fingerprint of Ford’s iconic film is everywhere.

The difference though is both dramatic and telling. Ford suggests and Cooper shows, if not tells.

Despite using the landscape, always a western’s greatest assess, effectively, letting its beauty and scope dwarf and counterpoint the characters, and despite strong internally driven performances by everyone, the film only sometimes hits its emotional mark.

Too often the characters say what they should show. These are truths that should be felt, not articulated. At times he trusts in the power of his silences to speak…and he wisely and admirably avoids comic relief….but as the film draws to its end, there are confessions and self reflections that deflate the emotional power of the scene. And power is exactly what Cooper is striving for, and he should be duly respected in these cynical franchise days for the attempt. Pushing Max Richter’s soundtrack to the front of the mix, assigning its rich synthesized and orchestrated chords to lead, Cooper is declaring his intent to address America’s burden of violence and heal its self-inflicted wounds.

For all the violence, this is not an exploitation film, it is not a shoot’em up. Cooper is aiming for a deadly seriousness and gravity that the themes demand. Christian Bale’s performance certainly is all in. He is like a still and broiling focus of Cooper’s ambition to say something profound, both timely and timeless. His character takes the mythic arc from lost to found, from damned to redeemed, but in order to make it fit the narrative it feels like stages are missing.

It’s as if in this PTSD parable, Cooper wants his hero to heal so badly that he’ll take a shortcut here and there to help him along. He begins the film as a hardened and hateful government sanctioned killer, an Army officer who has done awful things in the line of duty. But when he encounters, the vulnerability of the traumatized settler woman (Rosamund Pike), he becomes a compassionate and thoughtful man. Add the vulnerability (to say nothing of the nobility) of the Cheyenne chief (Wes Studi), then the Captain truly begins to change, and change rapidly, too rapidly.

The last shot of The Searchers is John Wayne, framed by a cabin door, having saved his niece and overcome his prejudice, returning alone to the wilderness. The door closes.

The last shot of Hostiles nods to this iconic ending, but vicariously invites the audience, for America, to enter and be healed. It is such a noble gesture, I wish it had been more earned. As it is, I wish Captain Blocker well, but I wish the film hadn’t got there so fast and, despite the many wounds and corpses, so easily.

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1 day ago

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July 11, 2025

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Welcome to Arlen, Texas: Hulu Brings King of the Hill to Life at San Diego Comic-Con 2025

San Diego Comic-Con 2025 is heating up — and not just from the SoCal sun. Hulu is pulling out all the propane-powered stops with a massive King of the Hill activation that drops fans right into the heart of Arlen, Texas. That’s right: Hank Hill’s Backyard is open for business, and you’re invited to the cookout.

Located just outside the Convention Center on the Bayfront’s Parking Lot (Fifth Ave Landing – Lot A1, 600 Convention Way), the immersive King of the Hill experience will run Thursday, July 24 through Sunday, July 27, serving up the kind of low-key backyard hijinks only the Hill family could deliver.

🍔 What’s Cookin’ in Arlen?
From BBQ bites to ice-cold cans of “Alamo” (water) to beat the heat, this outdoor fan zone brings King of the Hill to life with the charm, wit, and authenticity fans have loved for decades. Expect a whole mess of classic lawn games, themed photo ops, and — of course — that sweet, sweet propane-powered grillin’.

📍 Experience Highlights Include:
Step into Hank Hill’s Backyard: Take in the sights of the most famous lawn in animation, complete with red Adirondack chairs and that iconic fence.

Alamo Pong: Toss back some fun at this King of the Hill-style twist on the classic party game.

Mega Lo Mart Custom Station: Personalize exclusive swag at the beloved (and infamous) Arlen megastore.

Photo Ops Galore: Pose in front of iconic Arlen landmarks and relive legendary moments from the show. Fans can snap pics with Hank’s lawnmower, Bobby’s infamous “That boy ain’t right” moment, and more.

🗓️ Event Hours:
Thursday, July 24: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Friday, July 25 – Saturday, July 26: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Sunday, July 27: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

🔥 Why It Matters:
As Hulu continues to establish itself as the premier streaming home for adult animation, its SDCC activations remain a fan-favorite tradition. With King of the Hill getting the revival treatment and a wave of nostalgic hype building, this backyard bash is the perfect way to kick off the show’s return — and make some propane-fueled memories along the way.

So grab your can of Alamo, slap on your best Dale Gribble shades, and get ready to say it loud: “Yup.”

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Ashley Eckstein and Michael James Scott Launch Sparkling New Podcast HypeFriend! and Reunite to Co-Host Her Universe Fashion Show at San Diego Comic-Con 2025

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1 day ago

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July 11, 2025

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Get ready to laugh, overshare, and embrace friendship with open arms and jazz hands! Disney icons Ashley Eckstein (beloved voice of Ahsoka Tano from Star Wars: The Clone Wars) and Michael James Scott (Broadway’s show-stopping Genie in Aladdin) are teaming up for their brand-new weekly podcast, HypeFriend! — and kicking things off in epic style with a three-episode premiere dropping July 11.

But that’s just the beginning.

The dynamic duo are reuniting live at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, returning as co-hosts of the highly anticipated Her Universe Fashion Show Presented by Universal, the official opening night celebration of SDCC, happening Thursday, July 24 at 6:00 PM PT in the Seaport Ballroom of the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel.

🎧 HypeFriend!: A Glittery Group Hug in Podcast Form

Launched with the mission of sparking a “friendship revolution, one HypeFriend at a time,” Eckstein and Scott describe the podcast as a comedic, joy-filled space packed with:

  • Hypes & Gripes
  • Good Gossip
  • Neighbor Drop-Ins
  • And candid, feel-good conversations

The first episodes feature special guests like Bret Iwan (official voice of Mickey Mouse) and Andrew Levitt (aka RuPaul’s Drag Race star Nina West). The podcast is available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

💬 “Just like someone might share a recipe for a cake, there is a recipe for friendship!” says Eckstein.
🎭 “I’m the friend who shows up in a FIERCE outfit to eat the cake… even if it’s burnt,” quips Scott.

🌟 Her Universe Fashion Show Returns in Style

Known as the fashion-forward kickoff to SDCC, the Her Universe Fashion Show is a dazzling celebration of fandom-meets-runway couture. Ashley Eckstein, founder of Her Universe, and Michael James Scott, now in his third year as co-host, promise another night of jaw-dropping designs, Broadway-level theatrics, and joyful celebration of geek fashion and community.

🧵 Expect bold fandom-inspired fashion, powerhouse vocals, and more sparkle than a Disney fireworks finale.

🎤 LIVE: HypeFriend! After Party Taping at SDCC

For the first time ever, fans are invited to be part of the podcast magic with a special live taping of the HypeFriend! After Show:

📍 Friday, July 25 | 10:00 – 11:00 AM
📌 Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library

Attendees will get behind-the-scenes insights from the fashion show, meet the newly crowned winners, and connect with the HypeFriend community IRL. It’s not just a podcast — it’s a movement of fun, fashion, and friendship.

🎬 About HypeFriend!

HypeFriend! is produced by Dream Three, the multi-platform entertainment studio co-founded by Michael James Scott and award-winning writer-director Jeremy Merrifield. With roots in Broadway and a heart full of fandom, the podcast aims to inspire connection, celebrate individuality, and create a place where everyone is welcome — glitter optional, good vibes required.

📲 Don’t Miss a Beat

Follow @HerUniverse, @HypeFriendPod, and @AshleyEckstein for all the latest podcast drops, SDCC updates, and friendship-powered content.

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AMC Networks Brings the Heat to San Diego Comic-Con 2025 with a Packed Slate of Panels, Premieres, and a Frighteningly Fun Shudder Activation

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1 day ago

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July 11, 2025

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AMC Networks is back in full force at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2025, bringing with it a chillingly dynamic lineup of fan-favorite shows, bold new series, spine-tingling films, and immersive fan experiences — including a blood-curdling corn maze, fresh sneak peeks, and some of the biggest stars in horror and fantasy.

From The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon storming back into Hall H, to the unveiling of AMC’s next great supernatural epic Anne Rice’s Talamasca, and the scream-worthy Shudder debut of Clown in a Cornfield, AMC Networks is set to dominate the con with a mix of prestige drama, indie horror, and all-out fan celebration.

🧟 The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Returns to Hall H

📅 Friday, July 25 | 12:15–1:15PM | Hall H

Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride reunite as Daryl and Carol in the highly anticipated third season of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, set in post-apocalyptic Spain. Expect an exclusive first look at the official trailer, behind-the-scenes insight from the showrunners, and autograph signings earlier that day.

Autograph Session: July 25 | 11:30AM – 12:00PM

👥 Panelists Include: Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Greg Nicotero, David Zabel, Scott M. Gimple

🦇 Anne Rice’s Immortal Universe Expands

📅 Saturday, July 26 | 4:30–6:00PM | Ballroom 20

AMC is doubling down on Anne Rice’s gothic legacy with a dual-panel experience spotlighting:

  • 🔮 Anne Rice’s Talamasca – Dive into the shadowy world of supernatural trackers with cast and creators premiering the teaser and exclusive news.
  • 🎸 Interview with the Vampire – Season 2 goes full rock-n-roll as Lestat hits the road. Attendees get behind-the-scenes insight and an intimate chat with cast favorites.

👥 Panelists Include: Sam Reid, Jacob Anderson, Eric Bogosian, Mark Johnson, Rolin Jones, Daniel Hart

🤡 Shudder’s Clown in a Cornfield: The Experience

📍 Hilton Gaslamp Terrace | July 24–26 | 12PM–8PM

Brace yourself for an immersive scare zone inspired by the hit film Clown in a Cornfield, streaming on Shudder and AMC+ August 8. The experience plunges fans into the Founders Day parade before descending into a haunted corn maze… all while trying to survive a visit from Frendo the killer clown.

🎉 Finish your horror journey at the Shudder Survivors Party with games, photo ops, and giveaways.
🔗 Tickets drop July 21 via @Shudder

⚠️ Not recommended for children under 13. Ages 13–17 must be accompanied by an adult.

🎬 CLOWN IN A CORNFIELD Screening

📅 Friday, July 25 | 10:30PM | Marriott Film Room

💬 More Can’t-Miss Panels

  • 🎬 Leave Them in Suspense
    📅 July 24 | 11AM–12PM | Room 23ABC
    Explore the art of writing dread and suspense with Adam Cesare and acclaimed authors.
  • 🎤 Collider Ladies Night After Dark
    📅 July 24 | 6:45–7:45PM | Ballroom 20
    A genre celebration with leading female voices from Dangerous Animals, Whistle, and Forbidden Fruits.
  • 🔪 The Bold Voice of Contemporary Horror
    📅 July 25 | 4:30–5:30PM | Room 5AB
    A powerhouse panel of horror insiders reveals exclusive footage and what’s coming next in the world of indie horror.

✍️ Author Signings – Adam Cesare

📅 Friday, July 25 | 12:30–1:30PM
📅 Saturday, July 26 | 3:00–4:00PM
📍 Autograph Area AA02 | Register via Comic-Con’s Exclusives Portal

SDCC2025, #TWDUniverse, #DarylDixon, #AnneRiceImmortalUniverse, #Shudder, #ClownInACornfield ,#AMCNetworks, #IFCFilms, #HorrorAtSDCC, #ComicCon2025

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