News

Mark Wahlberg is notorious for playing bad boys. From the early years of his career in films like The Basketball Diaries and Boogie Nights to more recent ventures including Daddy’s Home and Uncharted, the actor’s insane workout regimen has certainly allowed him to put that toned physique to good use in his career. But, he’s also shown his deeper drama range in other movies, such as The Lovely Bones and The Fighter. Both of those worlds collided in 2022 when Wahlberg took on the leading role in the biographical drama, Father Stu. The story essentially follows a bad boy turned priest, a performance that Wahlberg was more than capable of. Also featuring performances from Mel Gibson (Hacksaw Ridge), Jacki Weaver (Silver Linings Playbook), Teresa Ruiz (Narcos: Mexico), Cody Fern (The Assasination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story) and Aaron Moten (Fallout), the movie is preparing to bless audiences with its February 11 arrival on Max.

Mice scurry to cheese, birds flock to bread, and Mark Wahlberg seems to often find his way into a biographical drama. It all started in 1995 with Scott Kalvert’s gripping drug-fueled crime drama, The Basketball Diaries. Once he was bitten by the true story bug, Wahlberg couldn’t get enough, going on to appear in films like Boogie Nights, The Perfect Storm, Invincible, The Fighter, and Ted. Okay, so maybe the last one isn’t a biographical adaptation, but that’s quite an impressive list all the same. In 2013, Wahlberg would find a kindred spirit in filmmaker Peter Berg, when the pair set out on their first of many projects together with Lone Survivor - another film with a true story as its foundation. Three years later, the collaborators picked back up and got to work on Deepwater Horizon, a movie about corruption and disaster that audiences will have the...

The casting of Leonardo DiCaprio as Jack Dawson in Titanic has one of the most fascinating backstories in Hollywood. Initially, Matthew McConaughey was a serious contender for the role. McConaughey has often spoken about how he auditioned for the part, even reading scenes with Kate Winslet, who was already cast as Rose. He left the audition room feeling confident—he thought he had nailed it. But James Cameron, the director, had a different vision for his young, dreamy hero.

Here’s where it gets even more interesting. James Cameron initially leaned towards Leonardo DiCaprio, but the studio wasn’t convinced. At the time, DiCaprio was primarily known for smaller, intense roles in films like What’s Eating Gilbert Grape and The Basketball Diaries. The studio doubted whether he could carry a massive romantic blockbuster. Adding to the drama, DiCaprio himself initially refused to read for the part of Jack Dawson.

James...

Teenage dramas have existed for as long as teens have been drumming up drama in schools and colleges. In the ’60s, there were Because They’re Young and Where the Boys Are. The ‘70s had American Graffiti, Grease, and Saturday Night Fever. The genre exploded in the ‘80s with movies like Dead Poets Society, and Fast Times at Ridgemont High. And the ‘90s gave us The Basketball Diaries, Rushmore, 10 Things I Hate About You, and American Pie. But I think the movie that paved the way for stuff like Gossip Girl, Young Royals, 13 Reasons Why, Elite, Class, Euphoria, Maxton Hall, Hierarchy, and Untamed Royals was the cult classic, Cruel Intentions. It had adult actors playing high schoolers. It was filled to the brim with the risque stuff. And there was a lot of backstabbing and drugs involved. Since this particular subgenre of teen dramas is all the rage now,...

Leonardo DiCaprio Could Have Been a Superhero—Here’s Why He Turned Down Batman and Spider-Man (Photo Credit – Facebook)

Hollywood’s A-list actor Leonardo DiCaprio has played diversified roles in films ranging from intense dramas like The Revenant and Shutter Islands to his iconic works like Titanic and Inception. Despite his renowned reputation as one of the industry’s most talented actors, DiCaprio never appeared in any DC or Marvel universes, frequently featuring iconic stars like Gal Gadot, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Christian Bale. While he may have rejected several roles in his pursuit of delivering exceptional work, he also has turned down some iconic roles, including a superhero role.

At 19, DiCaprio earned his nomination for an Oscar for his performance in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. After this, he was offered several roles, including Richard Grayson/Robin in 1995 DC and Batman Forever. Unfortunately, the Titanic actor turned down the role.

American Horror Stories season 4 story "Backroom" includes a tight cast of television veterans. The horror anthology series, set within the greater universe of American Horror Story, has been largely focused on stand-alone stories that flesh out the frightening setting. This includes "Backroom," which focuses on a grieving father as he begins to disassociate with reality and find himself in a mysterious plane of existence. These "Backrooms" offer a clue to what really happened to his son Roman, a truth that Daniel doesn't realize he is actively avoiding.

This episode of American Horror Stories season 4 keeps the focus entirely on Daniel and his experiences, bringing audiences along with him into the unsettling realm of the "Backrooms." Initially mundane locations like a shopping market or an empty hallway, the true purpose of this space is steadily revealed to not be some random apparition. Here are the stars of "Backroom," and where audiences...

Juliette Lewis is without a doubt one of Hollywood's most underrated yet phenomenal performers, with the talented actress starring in a slew of eclectic films over her more than 30-year career. From acclaimed pictures like Cape Fear, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, and The Basketball Diaries to edgy classics like Natural Born Killers and From Dusk till Dawn, Lewis has proven that she can brilliantly transform herself for any character or genre and do so spectacularly.

She once again showcased her dazzling skills in front of the camera when she appeared alongside Game of Thrones alum Peter Dinklage in the riveting Western thriller The Thicket, an adaptation of the Joe R. Lansdale novel of the same name. In the captivating film, Lewis embraces her dark and depraved side and stars as the sadistic killer Cutthroat Bill, a role that was gender-swapped for the big screen extravaganza. Let's take a closer look...

Science fiction is a genre that thrives on mankind's ability to imagine the future. Sci-fi films take us to galaxies far, far away, or they guide us down the rabbit hole into a computer program. We can visit forbidden planets or envision technologies that transform our own world, exploring space, or learning all too late that in space, no one can hear us scream. Ray Bradbury, author of "The Martian Chronicles," put it this way: "Science fiction is the most important literature in the history of the world, because it's the history of ideas, the history of our civilization birthing itself."

By revisiting the films on this list, however, we can imagine a different sort of future: someone's future acting career. The sci-fi genre has provided a jumping-off point for countless stars who went on to make their mark elsewhere, including future Oscar winners, future comedians, future talk show hosts,...

Twin sisters Brittany Daniel and Cynthia Daniel Hauser have shared a lot throughout their lives, including their careers — the pair had a run as the Doublemint Twins in the ’90s, appeared in the 1995 Leonardo DiCaprio film The Basketball Diaries together and, most famously, starred as identical twins Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield for four seasons on Sweet Valley High. But, as the two recalled during the “Fabulous Ladies of the ’90s” panel at 90s Con in Daytona Beach, Florida, they also shared something far more intimate: Cynthia donated eggs to Brittany during her IVF journey. “I went through cancer in my mid 30s, and then I tried to do IVF to retrieve eggs and I wasn’t able to,” said Brittany. “And I told my doctor I have an identical twin sister, and she is extremely fertile. And he was like, ‘What are you doing? Let’s bring her in.'” Cynthia,...

Paul Thomas Anderson ranks among the most revered auteur filmmakers of the past 30 years. Whether telling contemporary stories in Magnolia and Punch Drunk Love or period-set dramas like The Master, There Will Be Blood, Phantom Thread, and more, few filmmakers can transport viewers to a specific time and place, like Anderson. The rich writing, intricate costumes and art direction, fluid camerawork, and outstanding performances under PTA's direction often evoke a historical epoch more vividly than others.

PTA has written and directed three features set in the 1970s thus far, each encapsulating a decade marked by great change and upheaval. While all three are highly recommended, Boogie Nights and Inherent Vice are available on Max and deserve extra praise for how PTA elicits the aesthetic of the 1970s. Perhaps most impressive, whether adapting a novel or writing an original screenplay, Anderson appears most comfortable telling cinematic stories set in the past.

While Fear and The Basketball Diaries did much to shed his white-boy rapper persona, it was ultimately Boogie Nights that made people realize Mark Wahlberg had much more potential than his Marky Mark moniker suggested. For his fifth movie, he played Dirk Diggler in Paul Thomas Anderson's epic drama about the adult film industry. Boogie Nights was probably the most important movie for his career, and also arguably his most controversial, to the extent that Wahlberg doesn't think it could even be made today. Wahlberg told Variety:

"I was terrified because it was like, the pitch was tough. It's like Ted a guy and a teddy bear smoking weed. That doesn't sound very appealing, right? Or a porn star. I was like, 'Ah, I don't want to do that.' I had just come from Calvin Klein and all that stuff. I was trying to get away from all that.

Critics might not be responding very favorably to Halle Berry (Monsters Ball) and Mark Wahlbergs (The Basketball Diaries) action comedy flick, The Union, but Netflix subscribers have boosted the title to the platforms number one spot. Arriving over the weekend, the action comedy currently holds a 42% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but that isnt stopping audiences from seeing what kind of shenanigans Berry and Wahlbergs characters are getting themselves into. Sitting in the coveted top spot on the streamers Top 10, the Julian Farino-helmed feature currently reigns supreme over two installments from the Kingsman franchise, the animated feature, Ferdinand, and more.

Starting his career as a musician under the hip-hop group Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, Mark Wahlberg has since transformed into a successful and acclaimed Hollywood actor. And he attributes his successful career to Penny Marshall’s 1994 comedy-drama, Renaissance Man, which marked his silver-screen debut.

Mark Wahlberg | Eva Rinaldi/Cca-by-sa-2.0/Wikimedia Commons

As the film celebrates its 30 years, Wahlberg reflected on starring in the movie, noting how the comedy-drama became the turning point that altered the course of his life and career.

Mark Wahlberg Credits His Film Career to Penny Marshall’s Renaissance Man

Mark Wahlberg has starred in numerous successful and acclaimed films throughout his career, even landing roles that Leonardo DiCaprio regrets passing on, such as the lead in the Oscar-nominated film Boogie Nights.

Mark Wahlberg in Renaissance Man | Credit: IMDb

However, the film he attributes his successful career as an actor is the 1994 comedy-drama Renaissance Man.

The BET series "The Family Business" is based on Carl Weber's crime drama book series and focuses on the Duncan family, who owns an exotic car dealership in New York. The show has aired four seasons and 34 episodes, now available to stream on Netflix. The Duncan family remains at the show's center, with Ernie Hudson playing the patriarch L.C. Duncan and Valerie Pettiford portraying his wife, Charlotte. The cast also includes Darrin Dewitt Henson, Javicia Leslie, Sean Ringgold, Tami Roman, and more.

The Family Business tells the story of the Duncans, a notorious family that owns and runs Duncan Motors, an exotic car dealership in New York, and the Family Business BET cast carried the series to great heights. The show is based on Carl Weber's crime drama book series of the same name. Weber created and developed the show, which premiered as an eight-episode limited series in November 2018. However,...

Some people think Leonardo DiCaprio became a star when he acted in James Cameron’s Titanic. Others believe his stardom predated that movie when he starred opposite Claire Danes in Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet. However, the movie that made him an up-and-comer is a film that seems to have been all but erased from his filmography: the 1995 drama The Basketball Diaries, a movie that teamed him with a young Mark Wahlberg, earned good reviews and became a VHS cult hit among teens of the nineties. Yet, it’s a tough film to find unless you’re willing to shell out big bucks for the long, out-of-print Blu-ray (never released in the U.S) or an old-school DVD. You won’t find it on streaming, and it remains an oddly obscure film considering how popular it was in the nineties. What gives?

The Basketball Diaries is based on the life of Jim Carroll,...

One of the finest actors of a generation, Leonardo DiCaprio has starred in four movie Westerns in his decorated acting career. While most associate such Westerns with Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon, Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained, and Alejandro G. Inarritu's The Revenant, the latter for which DiCaprio won an Academy Award, Sam Raimi's The Quick and the Dead deserves serious consideration for the best in class.

Released in 1995, The Quick and the Dead is a progressive, non-traditional Western that revolves around a quick-draw shooting competition in 1881 Arizona. The film boasts a stellar cast led by Sharon Stone and a charismatic performance by DiCaprio and also has a much lighter tone and more amusing tenor than the westerns above. Now that The Quick and the Dead is available on Netflix, fans should revisit DiCaprio's most entertaining Western movie and see how far he's come as an A-list Hollywood actor.

Leonardo DiCaprio was the heartthrob of every young girl in the 90s. His charismatic and handsome looks made everyone fall in love with him. His subsequent roles in The Basketball Diaries, Romeo+Juliet and Titanic made him arguably the most popular young movie star of his generation.

Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio in Romeo + Juliet

It seems Mission Impossible star Rebecca Ferguson was and still is an ardent admirer of the actor. The actress recently recalled a Tarot card tradition in her home country Sweden where she would try to find out the possibility of a romance with the Titanic star.

Rebecca Ferguson Tested The Chances of A Romance With Leonardo DiCaprio Rebecca Ferguson’s Elsa Faust in Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation

Rebecca Ferguson is now one of the high-profile actresses starring in some big franchises and much talked about films. Her roles in Dune and Mission Impossible franchise have elevated her star power significantly.

Get ready for an insightful and captivating episode of “In Depth With Graham Bensinger” as Season 14 Episode 22, titled “Basketball Diaries,” airs at 11:00 Pm on Sunday, May 19, 2024, on Fox. In this installment, viewers will be treated to exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in the world of sports, courtesy of host Graham Bensinger.

As one of the most respected sports interviewers in the industry, Graham Bensinger brings his unique blend of curiosity, insight, and empathy to every conversation. In “Basketball Diaries,” viewers can expect to gain fascinating insights into the lives and careers of basketball’s most iconic figures.

From legendary players to influential coaches and executives, Graham’s interviews offer a rare glimpse into the personal and professional journeys of the sports world’s elite. Whether discussing triumphs on the court, challenges off the court, or the enduring impact of their careers, the guests on “In Depth With Graham Bensinger...

This Saturday, sports enthusiasts are in for a treat with the latest episode of “In Depth With Graham Bensinger.” In this episode titled “Basketball Diaries,” viewers can expect an engaging interview session with some of the most prominent figures in the world of basketball. Graham Bensinger, known for his insightful conversations, sits down with these basketball icons to delve deep into their careers, experiences, and personal lives.

Throughout the episode, viewers will gain unique insights into the lives of these sports legends. From their humble beginnings to their rise to fame, Graham explores the pivotal moments that shaped their careers. With candid discussions and revealing anecdotes, “Basketball Diaries” promises to offer a behind-the-scenes look at the world of professional basketball like never before.

Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan or simply enjoy compelling storytelling, this episode of “In Depth With Graham Bensinger” is sure to captivate audiences of all backgrounds.

The tradition of the Ghostbusters tends to consist of four individuals, and this is the formula that every version follows. In the original crew, most people tend to think of Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis since, in the film, they are the three founders and were also a major part of the comedy scene in the 1980s. Yet, actor Ernie Hudson and his character Winston Zeddemore are likely among the most vital components of what made the franchise such a success. Winston Zeddemore was the everyman and one the audience could relate to. He wasn't a scientist; he was just a guy simply coming in and answering a help wanted ad for a job.

Winston is the promise to the audience that anyone can be a Ghostbuster. In a part that might have gotten overshadowed by the other team members, Ernie Hudson holds his own with some of the biggest comedic stars.

Fans of The Basketball Diaries will struggle to find it online due to convoluted distribution rights. The film, while dark, showcases DiCaprio's talent despite its controversial scenes. Those looking to watch the movie will have to purchase a physical copy.

Fans of The Basketball Diaries may be wondering where to watch the 1995 crime drama. The Basketball Diaries is one of Leonardo DiCaprio's first feature films and is based on Jim Carroll's autobiographical novel of the same name. Released in 1995, the harrowing movie follows Jim (DiCaprio), a high school basketball player who has substance abuse issues with heroin. As the school year progresses, Jim spirals downward into drug addiction alongside his friends Pedro (James Madio) and Mickey (Mark Wahlberg), loses his home, is forced into sex work and theft, and is eventually jailed before getting sober.

Jim is one of Leonardo DiCaprio's more underrated characters, an indicator of his...

Ernie Hudson is an American actor known for portraying some iconic characters in movies like Ghostbusters, The Crow, and, Leviathan. Alongside these notable movies, the actor also starred with Leonardo DiCaprio before he became famous.

Starring in the 1995 film titled The Basketball Diaries, DiCaprio and Ernie Hudson had to have a Basketball match in the film. Well, in a recent interview, Hudson revealed that DiCaprio kicked his b-tt even before he was a famous movie star!

Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Wahlberg in The Basketball Diaries When Leonardo DiCaprio Kicked Ernie Hudson’s B-tt!

It was an interesting time when DiCaprio hadn’t quite yet reached the same level of fame that he got from Titanic. Well, the actor starred in an iconic film back in 1995 alongside Mark Wahlberg aka Marky Mark, titled The Basketball Diaries.

Ernie Hudson as Winston Zeddermore in Ghostbusters: Afterlife

As the name suggests, the film was based on Basketball.

Ernie Hudson is one of the most well-known stars in Hollywood. One of the first Hollywood movies in which he notably appeared was 1982’s Penitentiary II. Only two years later, he gained prominence as Winston Zeddemore in the supernatural comedy-drama- Ghostbusters. He has reprised his role as Winston throughout the blockbuster film series.

Ernie Hudson as Winston Zeddermore in Ghostbusters: Afterlife

Hudson has a huge fanbase, thanks to his popularity among moviegoers of different age groups. It is not uncommon for actors to have strange stories of interactions with fans. The Basketball Diaries star is no exception as he recounted a story during his appearance in an interview alongside Bill Murray.

Ernie Hudson Recounted a Strange Fan Interaction Story Ernie Hudson and Bill Murray on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (The Tonight Starring Jimmy Fallon | YouTube)

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is the latest installment of the supernatural film franchise, which kickstarted in 1984. Bill Murray,...

Bill Murray and Ernie Hudson hit up The Tonight Show Friday ahead of next week’s release of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, and the Og ghost-busting duo brought along Ray Parker Jr. to perform the original film’s classic theme on classroom instruments alongside Jimmy Fallon and the Roots.

Parker Jr. handled lead vocals and triangle while Murray spent the entire song playing the kazoo, only ditching the instrument when the entire assortment of musicians gleefully sang in unison the infamous “Ghostbusters” lyric, “Bustin’ makes me feel good.”

The classroom instrument...

Prior to his Academy Award-nominated performance in Martin Scorsese’s The Departed, Mark Wahlberg, 52, was better known for his music career as ‘Marky Mark’. It turns out, though, that his past nearly kept him from being cast in the psychological thriller Fear (1996).

As it happens, Leonardo DiCaprio was considered for the role of David McCall, but the casting director felt he was not a choice for the part. Rather, he made a favorable impression on director James Foley on behalf of Wahlberg, with whom he co-starred on The Basketball Diaries. Later on, the two collaborated on The Departed.

Reese Witherspoon and Mark Wahlberg in Fear

Well, as one of Tinseltown’s most versatile actors, the father of four can now transition between comedic and action roles with ease. However, his breakout performance came in 1996, when he played the eerie antagonist in the big-screen psychological thriller Fear.

Leonardo Dicaprio, Mark Wahlberg’s Erstwhile Rival,...

Mark Wahlberg has not played a proper movie villain in 28 years since David McCall in 1996's Fear. Despite his success in various genres, Wahlberg's recent movies have not been critically or commercially successful. Returning to a villain role may be the solution to Wahlberg's unfortunate movie streak and could revitalize his film career.

Mark Wahlberg has yet to pay off his chilling villain role from 28 years ago, despite starring in 51 movies since the $20 million thriller. As he started to transition from Marky Mark the rapper to big-time movie star, Wahlberg made his acting debut in the 1993 TV movie The Substitute. The following year, he made his official screen debut in Renaissance Man opposite Danny Devito in 1994, kicking off a 30-year film career.

Over the past three decades, Wahlberg has played all kinds of roles in more than 50 movies. He most often plays action heroes, but he's also ventured into other genres,...

With Leonardo DiCaprio approaching 50 and Monica Bellucci approaching 60, it’ll be almost three decades since dating rumors between the two ignited, thanks to one photo. It remains unconfirmed if they were ever romantically inclined towards each other as nothing apart from that pic suggested that being the case, which has once again gone viral since finding its way to the internet.

1995 was a major year for DiCaprio, as it was only four years since the actor made his debut, which witnessed him garnering major exposure with The Basketball Diaries and The Quick and the Dead. ’95 was also the same year when he would cross paths with the Italian sensation Monica Bellucci.

Leonardo DiCaprio | Titanic

The Viral Photo of Leonardo DiCaprio and Monica Bellucci Together Before Their Ascend to Stardom

Like Leonardo DiCaprio, Bellucci, while 10 years older than him, was also in the early stages of her career and was still...

Let me give you my thoughts about love. I tend to side with famous Irish poet Oscar Wilde, when he says, “Never love anyone who treats you like you’re ordinary.” This is the basis for any successful relationship between lovers, most importantly during the honeymoon phase. Love sure makes us do crazy things for the people we care for most. But what is that limitation of crazy? And how far can it get before the significant others realizes this and wants to cut the cord for good? Sadly, cutting the cord may mean dire consequences for those that wish to end it. Let’s put that to the test and revisit two star-crossed lovers which is something out of any teenage girl’s dreams. But what if that dream soon warps into a twisted tale of horrific obsession, stalking, and manipulation? We’re talking about 1996’s Fear which is...

Mark Wahlberg's career took a different path from being in the boyband New Kids on the Block to becoming a successful actor. The band didn't have the name New Kids on the Block during Mark's time, and they only took on the name after he left. Mark Wahlberg's life before his movie career involved a troubled past, music success as Marky Mark, and eventually transitioning into becoming a versatile actor, earning an Oscar nomination.

Mark Wahlberg's career almost took a very different path as he was an early member of a boyband — but while Mark Wahlberg was in New Kids On The Block, their history is complicated. In the early 1990s, Mark Wahlberg was best known as musician/Calvin Klein model Marky Mark, but his career took a sharp left turn once he focused on becoming an actor instead. Following roles in The Basketball Diaries and Fear, he landed...

DiCaprio's first-ever movie, "Critters 3," received a 0% score on Rotten Tomatoes with an average rating of 3.4/10. Critics panned the low-budget horror film, but it served as DiCaprio's film debut. DiCaprio's performance is rarely the issue in his "rotten" movies. DiCaprio's most recent "rotten" film, "Don't Look Up," received a 55% score on Rotten Tomatoes and an average rating of 6.3/10. While some critics appreciated the clever premise, many felt that the execution fell flat.

In Leonardo DiCaprio's vast film catalog, eleven of the movies he starred in have "rotten" critical scores on Rotten Tomatoes. DiCaprio is among the best actors in film history, and certainly one of the finest still working today. He’s starred in countless phenomenal movies and worked with powerhouse movie directors like Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, Christopher Nolan, Steven Spielberg, and so many others. DiCaprio received his first Oscar nomination at just 19 years old for his role...

Something inevitable has started to happen. Hardcore movie fans have stopped buying Blu-rays (although they’re in the midst of a slight comeback). Maybe it was the pandemic, when we were all stuck at home, or perhaps it was the closure of all of our favorite mom-and-pop physical media stores, but fans started to build digital libraries rather than physical ones. I get it. One of the reasons I got into buying movies on iTunes was that whenever a fancy new 4K restoration came out, they would upgrade the version you already bought. But, as Christopher Nolan warned recently, you should buy the movies you love on physical media because when you own something digitally, you don’t really own it.

Here’s why:

Digital Copies are basically long-term rentals:

While you can be reasonably sure that the digital copy you buy will stay in your library for a long time,...

Leonardo DiCaprio revealed to E! News that he has thanked Sharon Stone “many times” for paying his acting salary in 1995 when the studio refused to cast him in Sam Raimi’s revisionist Western drama “The Quick and the Dead.” DiCaprio was coming off his Oscar-nominated breakthrough role in “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” at the time, and Stone was quite eager to work with the young star. She was adamant about casting DiCaprio and Russel Crowe in the film, and she was willing to pay for it.

“She said, ‘These are the two actors I want to work with,'” DiCaprio recalled. “It’s incredible. She’s been a huge champion of cinema and giving other actors opportunities, so I’m very thankful.”

“I’ve thanked her many times,” he added. “I don’t know if I sent her an actual, physical thank-you gift, but I cannot thank her enough.”

In “The Quick and the Dead,...

Mark Wahlberg had a funky bunch of acting roles on his resume beginning in the mid-’90s but found that he had to put more focus on producing if he was going to try to compete directly with the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise.

Speaking with Cigar Aficionado, Mark Wahlberg said, “I started becoming a producer out of necessity…I didn’t want to sit around waiting for Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise or whoever was already established before me and were the guys at the time, and Leo [DiCaprio], to go and pass on a movie until I could get my hands on it. I was always proactive in trying to find material and things that I could produce, that I knew was right for me, create my own destiny.”

That destiny began on the big screen with Mark Wahlberg’s first major producing credit, 2007’s We Own the Night,...

Director Kenny Ortega had the chance to meet with Leonardo DiCaprio for a role in Hocus Pocus but couldn't cast him due to his commitment to other films. DiCaprio impressed Ortega during their meeting, with Ortega describing him as "extraordinary and unique." Ortega ultimately cast Omri Katz, feeling that Katz delivered everything he had hoped for in the role.

The director of Hocus Pocus reflects on meeting with Leonardo DiCaprio for a role he knew he couldn't take. The 1993 Disney fantasy-comedy starred Omri Katz and Thora Birch as Max and Dani Dennison, who move to Salem, Massachusetts, where, on Halloween, Max accidentally unleashes the Sanderson sisters, a trio of witches played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. Although the movie had a lukewarm box office reception at the time, it has since become a major cult classic that is frequently rewatched around Halloween.

Entertainment Weekly recently chatted...

A few years ago, it seemed like Leonardo DiCaprio would never receive the Academy Award victory that he so richly deserved. Despite giving a lifetime of great performances, DiCaprio always seemed to fall short in the Oscars’ estimation; some of his best performances in films like The Basketball Diaries and Django Unchained didn’t even receive nominations. Although DiCaprio finally earned an Oscar in 2015, it felt like the ceremony needed to give him a “career trophy” representative of his entire body of work.

Juliette Lewis has a distinguished career in Hollywood, known for her captivating performances and genuine talent in both movies and TV shows. Her ability to seamlessly transition between different characters showcases her versatility and authenticity. Lewis's portrayals in movies like Strange Days, The Basketball Diaries, and Whip It stand out for their depth and impact. She brings authenticity and conviction to her roles, making them convincing and noteworthy for audiences. From From Dusk Till Dawn to Cape Fear, Lewis's performances in cult classics and acclaimed films demonstrate her exceptional talent. Her ability to convey emotions and immerse herself in complex characters has earned her critical acclaim and recognition in the industry.

From Yellowjackets to Cape Fear, Juliette Lewis has forged a distinguished career, marked by her distinctive talents and captivating performances in many memorable TV shows and movies. With her compelling presence and ability to immerse herself fully in a wide range of roles,...

Mark Wahlberg initially resisted his role in Boogie Nights because he was unsure if it would exploit him further after his Marky Mark image. Despite his initial concerns, Wahlberg's role in Boogie Nights launched his acting career and opened doors for more prominent roles. Boogie Nights helped Wahlberg shed his Marky Mark image and establish himself as a serious actor, leading to subsequent successful films and even Oscar nominations.

Mark Wahlberg reveals why he initially resisted his Boogie Nights casting. Wahlberg played Eddie Adams turned porn star Dirk Diggler in Paul Thomas Anderson’s acclaimed 1997 film Boogie Nights. Boogie Nights went on to become one of the quintessential films of the 1990s, being nominated for three Oscars including Best Original Screenplay for Anderson, and Best Actor and Actress in a Supporting Role for Burt Reynolds and Julianne Moore, respectively. Wahlberg admits that he almost turned down his role in Boogie Nights.

Mark Wahlberg, a Hollywood A-lister, is considering retiring from his acting career. Wahlberg started acting at a young age and has since become one of the most popular actors in Hollywood. While he has been busy with numerous projects, Wahlberg acknowledges that he cannot maintain his current pace for much longer.

Academy Award nominee Mark Wahlberg may be nearing the end of his acting career. While he has seen himself become a major Hollywood A-lister and sought-after star in recent years, the actor is already thinking about retirement. Born in 1971 in Boston, Wahlberg is the youngest of nine children, and began acting with only 22 years old. In 1993, he had his first three roles, one in the television movie The Substitute, the sitcom Out All Night and in The Ben Stiller Show. In 1994, he made the leap to the big screen with Renaissance Man, and would not return to television until 2004 with Entourage,...

When River Phoenix died on October 31, 1993, after Phoenix collapsed outside of the now notorious Viper Room nightclub in West Hollywood, Phoenix’s death embodied the tragedy of early death and unfulfilled potential, as while Phoenix’s colleagues and followers have aged considerably since Phoenix’s untimely death, Phoenix will always be frozen in time.

Indeed, as Phoenix’s perpetual youthfulness is, along with Phoenix’s undeniable talent, the centerpiece of Phoenix’s enduring legacy, this also represents a morbid fascination, as while Phoenix would now be fifty-three years old, had he lived, Phoenix died as a twenty-three-year-old actor who seemed poised to become one of the most important adult actors of his generation but is best remembered for his teenage roles in the films Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Running on Empty, and Stand by Me.

Moreover, the passage of time has seemingly made people forget how truly messed...

Michael Imperioli is taking a stand against “bigots and homophobes” and doesn’t want him to watch his work. The actor’s comments come after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a web designer could refuse to provide services for same-sex weddings.

“I’ve decided to forbid bigots and homophobes from watching The Sopranos, The White Lotus, Goodfellas or any movie or tv show I’ve been in,” he posted on Instagram. “Thank you Supreme Court for allowing me to discriminate and exclude those who I don’t agree with and am opposed to. USA! USA!”

Imperioli would add replies to his post furthering his stance saying “hate and ignorance is not a legitimate point of view” and adding that the ruling is dehumanizing.

“America is becoming dumber by the minute,” he also replied.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @realmichaelimperioli

Imperioli played Christopher Moltisanti in...

Actor Michael Imperioli isn't happy with recent decisions made by the Supreme Court of the United States, and he's making his opinions known. On Instagram, the White Lotus and Sopranos actor shared a screenshot of a news article that states, "Supreme Court protects web designer who won't do gay wedding websites." In response to this news, Imperioli has announced that all "bigots and homophobes" are now banned from watching any film or TV series that he's ever had a role in.

"I’ve decided to forbid bigots and homophobes from watching The Sopranos, The White Lotus, Goodfellas or any movie or TV show I’ve been in," Imperioli says. "Thank you Supreme Court for allowing me to discriminate and exclude those who I don’t agree with and am opposed to. USA ! USA!"

In one follow-up comment, the actor added, "Hate and ignorance is not a legitimate point of view.

Exclusive: Daniel Zolghadri (Y2K), Shane Paul McGhie (Poker Face), Jessica Barden (The End of the F***ing World) and Michael Imperioli (The White Lotus) are attached to star in Last Days of Basic Cable, a new film from renowned, rising director Max Winkler (Flower).

Written by Adam Wilson and Justin Taylor, the indie set toward the end of the 1990s watches as four twenty-somethings navigate romance and life in a small New England college town. Zolghadri will play aspiring writer Aaron, with McGhie as his roommate Jason, Barden as Jason’s girlfriend Jessica, and Imperioli as Bob, a drugged out taxi driver who befriends Aaron.

Ron Yerxa and Albert Berger will produce the film via their Bona Fide Productions banner. No word yet on when production might kick off.

Best known for his starring role in the A24 coming-of-age film Funny Pages, produced by Josh and Benny Safdie,...

As one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, the back catalog of Mark Wahlberg's movies shows the amazing success the actor has had on the big screen. It's easy to forget that this impressive movie career started back when Wahlberg was known as hip-hop star Marky Mark, but he made a transition to the big screen more successfully than just about any other musician-turned-actor. Mark Wahlberg's movies show how far he has come, and rooting out the best Mark Wahlberg movie is no easy task.

Mark Wahlberg's movie career is filled with notable roles, from Oscar-nominated performances working for legendary directors to huge action blockbusters to smaller critical darlings. The variety within his career allows him to remain one of the most in-demand actors in Hollywood even if some of his movies aren't as well-received. Though Wahlberg suggests he might retire soon, his best movies show that he will...

Clockwise from top left: Hoosiers (Orion Pictures), The Basketball Diaries (New Line Cinema), The Way Back (Warner Bros. Pictures), White Men Can’t Jump (20th Century Fox) Graphic: The A.V. Club We love basketball because it has all the ingredients you need for a thrilling sports movie: the ticking clock, the last-minute reversals,...

For some of us, we can’t quite believe that one of the most iconic James Cameron offerings, the mighty ‘Titanic’, is approaching its 25th anniversary. This year, just in time for Valentine’s Day, audiences around the world can experience the emotionally captivating blockbuster once more. Newly remastered in 4K, at a higher frame rate and with High Dynamic Range, ‘Titanic’ returns to the big screen in both 2D and 3D for a limited time beginning Feb. 10, 2023.

James Cameron and Jon Landau met up with the press in London recently to discuss the making of this beloved love story discussing everything from inspiration to the almost non-casting of Kate Winslet as our leading lady Rose and Leonardo DiCaprio’s hesitation to take on the role.

On the inspiration behind the movie.

“I was fascinated by Titanic from the time I started working with the people at Woods Hole Oceanographic...

Leonardo DiCaprio has solidified his place as an iconic actor of his generation with a career that has spanned four decades.

He started his career as a child in the TV series Romper Room but honed his acting skills in the Growing Pains. His breakout film role came in the biographical coming-of-age drama This Boy’s Life (1993), based on the eponymous memoir by author Tobias Wolff, where he starred opposite Robert De Niro. DiCaprio continued to collaborate with De Niro on other projects, including Marvin’s Room (1996) and Martin Scorsese’s true-life murder mystery adaptation Killers of the Flower Moon (2023.)

DiCaprio would go on to star in Scorsese other feature films including Gangs of New York (2002), Shutter Island (2010) and The Wolf of Wall Street (2013.)

His critically acclaimed peformance in The Revenant (2015) earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. He received nominations for Best Supporting Actor in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1994) and...

Since not one critic or interviewer has seen “Avatar: The Way of Water” yet (though screening invites have finally gone out for early December) James Cameron’s highly pinpointed press tour thus far has featured a great deal of reflection on his hits of the past.

For example, his recent conversation with GQ revealed this little chestnut from a generation ago. While Leonardo DiCaprio was always high on Cameron’s list for the role of Jack Dawson, it very nearly didn’t come together.

The filmmaker explained that at the first meeting, the star of “The Basketball Diaries” and “Romeo + Juliet,” was met by a packed room of every female employee of Cameron’s company. “There’s a female executive producer, okay, fine, but our accountant? They all wanted to meet Leo. It was hysterical,” he said.

That first encounter went well, and the next step was to get the young star,...

It’s no secret that “Titanic” was a challenging production, after which filmmaker James Cameron and his cast and crew were vindicated by the film’s enormous critical and commercial success. But 25 years later, Cameron still has new stories to tell about the many ways in which “Titanic” could have gone differently, revealing in a new interview that Leonardo DiCaprio initially wanted his character Jack to be imbued with a more tragic backstory or physical affliction.

Cameron, who is readying the release of his first “Avatar” sequel, detailed in a new video interview with GQ how DiCaprio came to him with notes on the screenplay (which Cameron wrote).

“So then I finally get the studio to agree to it, then Leonardo comes back in and he says, ‘You know my dad and I have been talking about the script and we really think it needs this and this and this and this.

Timothée Chalamet, the 26-year-old costar of Luca Guadagnino’s “Bones and All” (United Artists), inspires slavish fans and critical praise — not unlike Leonardo DiCaprio 25 years ago when he made “Titanic.” The similarities in their trajectories are remarkable. Precociously talented; acclaimed portrayals of sensitive adolescents; risky roles; early, passionate followings by teenage girls; and acting Oscar nomination before the age of 27 (in Chalamet’s case lead).

Their significant difference is Chalamet stands at the threshold of a major career. By the same point in his own work, DiCaprio could have retired and be considered an iconic star. None of this diminishes Chalamet’s significant achievements, but it highlights differences in their eras.

“Bones and All” is no “Titanic” (not that anything is). The best-case scenario for this 16 million-budgeted drama is a breakout, not a blockbuster. Guadagnino has established a reputation for edgy, R-rated films with significant (and stylish) sex and violence.

The bell just rang, school is out for summer. Maybe it’s out forever—leaving school behind as our heroes and antiheroes spend long, hot days laying about in the city or countryside, anticipating college dreams or fearing a return to the classroom. Or, more likely, not thinking of studies at all, just anticipating the next summer day and how to score more thrills.As the season winds down, here is a mix that is an ode to the teenage summer—so wonderfully captured in many films—a choice selection that evokes endless possibilities: sweat, love, passion, booze, drugs, and questions of the great unknown just around the corner. The characters of these summertime stories are either breaking hearts, heartbroken, running from hell or somewhere lost in between.Some favorite moments include the confusion, chaos and otherworldly essence of Gheorghe Zamfir’s flute from the unforgettable score for Peter Weir...