At The Movies for Wednesday 21 August 2024

AT THE MOVIES #980    STARS, ACTORS AND CELEBRITIES

 

Simon Morris investigates the dark art of casting – which gives you the best value for money, a star, a real actor or a trendy celebrity?    He checks three contrasting films – Alien: Romulus, a little indie comedy-drama Ghostlight, and a celebrity-dotted action comedy on Prime Video, Jackpot!

 

 

 

Alien: Romulus is the latest entry in the space-horror franchise that goes back to basics, and is all the better for it.   Directed by Fede Álvarez (Don’t breathe) and starring Cailee Spaeny (Priscilla) and a digital version of Ian Holm (the original Alien).

 

 

 

 

Ghostlight is a critically acclaimed indie film about a construction worker and his family who heal when he is bullied into joining a community theatre.   Featuring a scene-stealing performance by Dolly De Leon (Triangle of sadness). 

 

 

 

And action-comedy Jackpot! stars Awkwafina (Crazy Rich Asians) as a woman who wins a billion dollar lottery, only to find she has to stay alive until sundown if she wants to keep it.  Co-starring John Cena (The Suicide Squad)and rapper Machine Gun Kelly.  Streaming on Prime Video.