FilmFreaks

Tag: Jake Johnson

  • Stunning ‘Where the Woods Awaken’ Featurette for ‘Wildwood’ Movie

    There is a palpable sense of wonder woven into the fabric of stop-motion filmmaking. It’s a world where imagination takes tangible form, and Laika continues to prove that there is nothing quite as magical as the craft of animated fantasy. They have just released another behind-the-scenes featurette for their upcoming stop-motion masterpiece, Wildwood, promising an even deeper look into the enchanting world they are building.

    This cinematic journey is set to land in theaters this fall, offering audiences a chance to step into a hidden, mystical realm. After years of development, the team is now unveiling more glimpses of the process, and what they are revealing is nothing short of astonishing. It’s clear that every frame of Wildwood is an exercise in meticulous artistry.

    At the heart of this wilderness lies a singular landmark: the Council Tree. This ancient, living centerpiece serves as the anchor for the entire landscape, emphasizing the deep connection between the characters and their mysterious environment. The featurette walks viewers through the incredible process of transforming raw materials—wood, wire, fabric, paint, and sheer imagination—into these iconic, breathtaking surroundings.

    The magic doesn’t end with the scenery; it lives in the characters who inhabit it. A recent first look introduced Prue McKeel, played by Peyton Elizabeth Lee, alongside her friend Curtis. Together, they are drawn into a hidden forest near Portland after their baby brother, Mac, vanishes, lured away by crows and an enigmatic woman.

    The emotional depth of the story is amplified by the exceptional voice cast assembled for the film. The ensemble brings incredible depth to the narrative, featuring talents such as Jacob Tremblay, Carey Mulligan, Awkwafina, Mahershala Ali, Jemaine Clement, Charlie Day, Jake Johnson, Amandla Stenberg, Tom Waits, and Richard E. Grant.

    This collection of incredible voices promises to bring vibrant life to the magical forest, enhancing the already stunning visual world created by Laika. As we await the full release of Wildwood in October, the focus remains firmly on the artistry that breathes life into every leaf, mushroom, and branch.

    Credit: FirstShowing.net

  • Jake Johnson enters the pickleball world in the trailer for Apple TV’s upcoming comedy The Dink

    The Dink: When Tennis Prodigies Get Lost in the Pickleball Fever

    Get ready to dink, dink, and laugh, because a hilarious new sports comedy is hitting streaming platforms. Red Hour Films and Rivulet Films are joining forces to bring you The Dink, a comedic venture set against the backdrop of the burgeoning pickleball craze.

    The project brings together an all-star cast, including Jake Johnson, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris, Ben Stiller, Patton Oswalt, Chloe Fineman, Chris Parnell, Aaron Chen, and Andy Roddick. Directing this comedic gem is Josh Greenbaum, known for his work on films like Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, while the screenplay is penned by Sean Clements, the creator of the hit series Workaholics.

    At the heart of the story is Dusty Boyd, a washed-up former tennis prodigy played by Jake Johnson. Desperate for his father’s approval, Dusty finds himself reluctantly coaching unruly children at his father Chuck’s suburban country club. But when pickleball sweeps through the club and demands attention, Dusty must confront not only the new craze but also the ghosts of his own athletic past.

    When an old injury forces Dusty to rethink his priorities, he dives into the world of pickleball. Thanks to an enchanting new partner, Candace (Mary Steenburgen), Dusty finds himself genuinely enjoying the game. This journey becomes a desperate battle for self-identity, fatherly affection, and navigating the failures of his youth, including confronting his childhood nemesis, Andy Roddick.

    The Dink is positioned as a laugh-out-loud underdog story, drawing on the comedic sensibilities of producers like Ben Stiller (known for Dodgeball) and director Josh Greenbaum. The film promises high energy and relatable humor wrapped around a very specific, very competitive sport.

    The production is anchored by a team with significant pedigree. John Lesher and Ben Stiller are producing through their Red Hour Films banner alongside Rob Paris and Mike Witherill. Jake Johnson also jumps in as a producer, lending depth to the narrative.

    This collaborative energy is familiar; Stiller and Rivulet Films previously worked together on Nutcrackers, which achieved significant success at film festivals before landing distribution deals. The team behind The Dink ensures that the story of a former tennis star embracing a new obsession has all the dramatic weight and comedic timing required.

    The Dink will be available for streaming on Apple TV starting July 24.

    Credit: JoBlo

  • Pickleball Comedy ‘The Dink’ Trailer with Johnson, Steenburgen, Stiller

    The court is calling, and the drama is brewing. Apple TV has just dropped a trailer for a new sports comedy that promises to redefine the concept of elite competition, introducing us to The Dink>. Forget the high-stakes drama of professional tennis; this is where the story shifts to the surprisingly competitive, yet delightfully clumsy, world of pickleball.

    The film positions a washed-up tennis pro on an unexpected quest: to learn how to accept, appreciate, and master the art of the rapidly expanding sport of pickleball. It’s a high-concept underdog story wrapped in a hilarious package, showing how even the most seasoned athletes can find themselves hopelessly outmatched by a new, seemingly simpler game.

    Directed by Josh Greenbaum and produced by Ben Stiller, The Dink> is an exercise in comedic irony. It suggests that the true struggle isn’t just about winning points, but about adapting to a new reality—a situation perfectly ripe for laugh-out-loud moments as the celebrity struggles with dinks and volleys.

    The ensemble cast brings a stellar collection of recognizable faces to the court, mixing established comedic talent with some serious sports pedigree. The movie features a stellar lineup including Jake Johnson, Ben Stiller, Chloe Fineman, and Christine Taylor, alongside veteran comedic voices like Patton Oswalt>, Martin Kove>, and Mary Steenburgen>.

    Adding an extra layer of intrigue are the cameos from Hollywood heavyweights, including Ed Harris>, and two legendary figures from the tennis world, former champions Andy Roddick> and John McEnroe>. Their presence promises a unique blend of star power and genuine, competitive absurdity.

    While the trailer suggests an amusing spectacle, the core appeal lies in watching these high-profile personalities stumble through the rules of a sport that demands a completely different skillset. It’s less about professional prowess and more about relatable comedic frustration when faced with the unexpected challenge of the dink.

    Set to hit Apple TV in July, The Dink> offers viewers a fresh perspective on sports drama—a reminder that sometimes, the most hilarious stories emerge when the established elite have to learn how to play by a new set of rules. Get ready for some serious, dink-tastic entertainment this summer.

    Credit: FirstShowing.net