The Inside Reel

Actor Rodrigo Santoro talks to The Inside Reel about influences, approach, environment and improvisation in regards to his new film, the action-oriented "Beast Race" from Prime Video.

Actor Ben Foster talks to The Inside Reel about approach, cadence, vibe and the coolness of his new film “Motor City” from IFC Films.

Actor Tim Robbins talks to The Inside Reel about intent, physicality, approach and the power of ideas in regards to the third season of his science fiction thriller series from Apple TV: “Silo”.

From the trailers, the bedlam of “Onslaught” seemed much more broad but director Adam Wingard, coming back to basics after playing in the big budget sandbox, makes something crisp, lean but also brutal with his new film starring Adria Arjona from A24. The film takes place in a compacted setting for a specific reason and the scope could have been much bigger but that would be much more expensive.\ Arjona is good but it is Dan Stevens hidden behind make up and prosthetics as a would-be Nazi scientist called Hans that really steps it up.

Doing a thriller/civil rights drama is always a tricky sell in terms of audiences but also an important story to tell while also making it tense and edgy and adding entertainment value....not a small order. “By Any Means” pairs Yahya Abdul-Mateen II of "Aquaman" fame as an FBI agent named Strider who returns to Mississippi after a stint in Chicago trying to some good in the Deep South in 1966. When a local black businessman named Dahmeris murdered, the Feds brings in an external consultant in tough man Greg Scarpa Jr. Mark Wahlberg takes on this character with gusto never judging him but playing him straight, warts and all with a suave streak and a nasty follow through.

Making a buddy comedy in the depths of the Cold War can be a tricky sell even with someone like Ryan Reynolds headlining. Reynolds is known for his quick style but it doesn’t work in all scenarios. There has be a balance. "Mayday" is a big budget movie but is going directly to the streaming service. It is too bad some of the big set pieces won't be seen on the big screen. The best part of the film though is the inspired casting of Kenneth Branagh who doesn’t get to do this type of role often.

Special Creature Effects Supervisor Neal Scanlan talks to The Inside Reel about humanity, old school inspiration, the balance curve and cinematic scale in regards to the digital/in-home release of "Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker.”