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It’s not difficult to guess at some of the influences absorbed into Harris Dickinson’s raw character study, Urchin — the bleak nihilism of Mike Leigh’s Naked; the unvarnished realism of Ken Loach; the immersive textures as well as the loose-limbed vitality of Josh and Benny Safdie’s Heaven Knows What; the subjective realism, grubby poetry and surreal interludes of Gus Van Sant’s early films, Mala Noche, Drugstore Cowboy and My Own Private Idaho.

That’s not to say the English actor’s feature directing debut is derivative or doesn’t reveal his own voice. Any first-time filmmaker capable of distilling his inspirations into a highly personal portrait of the kind of life on the edges of society he has clearly observed firsthand is a talent.

Dickinson’s protagonist, Mike, is an addict trying — with fluctuating degrees of commitment — to break the pattern of self-destruction that seems baked into his DNA.

Failure is the stepping stone to success, but we haven’t thought that even Hollywood’s juggernauts like Brad Pitt, Robert Downey Jr., and Keanu Reeves would occasionally stumble while climbing the ladder of stardom? Back in the early ‘90s, a $152 million action-packed ride called Backdraft beckoned these iconic actors with the lure of an adrenaline-fueled lead role.

Didn’t we all assume that the path to their success was a bed of roses? Alas, the auditions were a doozy, and the trio found themselves in the unusual position of watching William Baldwin snag the role instead. Makes us wonder if failure, in Tinseltown, is just another rite of passage, like bad haircuts in high school.

When Ron Howard held the matches, legends missed the flame William Baldwin, Donald Sutherland in Backdraft. Credit: Universal Pictures

Back in the early ’90s, Backdraft wasn’t just another studio action flick—it was Ron Howard’s baby.

Keanu Reeves is a national treasure. An indelible performer, he's actively improving with age, putting his stoic gravitas to spectacular effect as cinema's greatest action hero. Fans fell in love with him in The Matrix, heralding Neo as a modern pop culture icon. However, when critics took issue with Reeves' limited range, he reinvented himself with The John Wick franchise. As the Baba Yaga, Keanu Reeves is a harbinger of death, carrying himself like an icy specter of relentless bloodshed. Suffice it to say, the role cemented his status as a warrior without equal. That being said, Keanu wasn't always the action-savant his reputation suggests.

Released in 1994, Speed is a first-rate thrill ride rarely seen on the big screen nowadays. The premise is simple yet brilliant: There's a bomb on a bus, and if it goes below 50 Mph, it will blow. The result is an immaculate piece of cinematic craft...

Keanu Reeves is one of the most extraordinary movie stars of the past several decades, as he has managed to earn both legitimate praise and ironic appreciation. Although he began appearing in heartthrob roles just as the “Brat Pack” era began its decline, Reeves would become one of the definitive action stars of his generation alongside Tom Cruise and Wesley Snipes. In between his major sequels, Reeves still found a way to take on ambitious projects from acclaimed filmmakers, such as Taylor Hackford’s unusual legal thriller “The Devil’s Advocate” and Nancy Meyers’ charming romantic-comedy “Something’s Gotta Give.”

Despite facing a brief recess in his career after a series of critical disappointments in the first half of the 21st century, Reeves launched a major comeback when the “John Wick” franchise gave him another opportunity to show his merits as an action star. Reeves is clearly passionate about both the character...

Keanu Reeves. Probably one of the most popular actors in the industry today, who is loved by millions. He’s an unlikely icon in every sense and has helped define eras in Hollywood, from his teen days to his action-star period. The internet can’t seem to get enough of him, and his very image started the Sad Keanu posts, the wholesome Keanu memes, and the never-ending irresistible fandom.

For a person who’s famous for staying off-grid and low-key, nobody would’ve thought Keanu would turn from a cult hero to a guy who’s literally everywhere right now! The internet shouldn’t let us deviate from how talented an actor he is, and his versatility, especially; roles in comedies, romantic dramas, art-house films, and thriller/action flicks, has truly given new definitions to the range of his fan base.

In this article, we’ll be charting his growth...

"What's in a name?" William Shakespeare's Juliet once asked. "That which we call a rose, by any other word would smell as sweet." That may be true, as far as it goes, but would an A-List actor by any other name sell as many box office tickets?

An actor's name is their brand, so choosing the right name to attach your career to is of the utmost importance. An actor's name can signal all sorts of things to an audience -- familiarity or friendliness, sexiness or masculinity. Some names signal cultural identity, while others are designed to be as bland as possible so as to avoid drawing the wrong sort of attention from a prejudiced crowd. Actors may even adopt different names for simplicity's sake, or to craft an identity wholly separate from their private lives. With all that in mind, read on to learn about fifteen actors who changed their names for Hollywood.

Keanu Reeves has been acting since the 1980s, and has given the world great performances in the realm of action, adventure, drama, and even comedy. It's rare for someone whose most prolific catchphrase is "Whoah" to be able to show so much emotional depth in a wide range of roles. Reeves is known not to take himself too seriously while still being able to take on very serious roles.

The 1990s were a very rich decade for Keanu Reeves' best films, which saw him star in action-packed blockbusters like Speed, emotional indie films like My Own Private Idaho, and ensemble pieces like Bram Stoker's Dracula. His star was on the rise throughout that tumultuous time of growth, and he's been an unwavering part of pop culture ever since. While Reeves has a very stoic approach to acting, with some criticizing his limited range, it's that brooding calmness that makes...

This one goes out to all those who were children in the early aughts convinced that Spy Kids was the pinnacle of cinema. Your loyalty has been rewarded! Robert Rodriguez's beloved action comedy has been added to the National Film Registry. On Monday, the Library of Congress announced the...

We are just past the 40th anniversary of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. It's been now 42 years since the film came out and captivated audiences everywhere. It brought back an iconic Star Trek villain in Khan Noonien Singh and showcased one of the most impressive hero/villain dynamics in franchise history with Khan and James T. Kirk.

The performances of Ricardo Montalban and William Shatner captivated a generation and so much of the modern Star Trek trend follows the model that Wrath of Khan created. Even after 42 years the fans still flock to the film. In many ways, it's the touchtone of Star Trek's creativity.

This is why it was picked, alongside 24 other films, to be added to the National Film Registry for Preservation. The selections for the class of 2024 range from 1895's "Annabelle Serpentine Dance all the way to 2010's The Social Network. And no, the '1895' wasn't a typo.

25 films join the National Film Registry in 2024 (Photo courtesy of Library of Congress)

The 25 new additions to the Library of Congress National Film Registry include Texas Chainsaw Massacre (the original), Dirty Dancing, Beverly Hills Cop, The Social Network, and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. The 2024 honorees represent nearly every genre and were selected for their “cultural, historic, or aesthetic importance to preserve the nation’s film heritage.”

“Films reflect our nation’s history and culture and must be preserved in our national library for generations to come. We’re honored by the responsibility to add 25 diverse new films to the National Film Registry each year as we work to preserve our cultural heritage,” stated Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. “This is a collective effort in the film community to preserve our cinematic heritage, and we are grateful to our partners, including the National Film Preservation Board.”

The 2024 selection...

The Library of Congress is back to share one of the most-anticipated lists of the year: its selection of movies that will be placed in the National Film Registry for preservation.

This year’s collection of movies that the United States National Film Preservation Board has deemed as “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” span from 1895 to 2010, with the public nominating more than 6,700 titles for consideration. Among the highlights are Beverly Hills Cop (1984), Dirty Dancing (1987), Spy Kids (2001), No Country for Old Men (2007), and the newest film added to the registry, David Fincher’s social media drama The Social Network (2010).

“Films reflect our nation’s history and culture and must be preserved in our national library for generations to come. We’re honored by the responsibility to add 25 diverse new films to the National Film Registry each year as we work to preserve our cultural heritage,” Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden said in a statement.

The Library of Congress has added another selection of 25 movies to The National Film Registry. This year’s lineup includes gangster classics, horror essentials, landmark documentaries, and even Spy Kids.

Check out the full list of this year’s inductees into the National Film Registry:

Annabelle Serpentine Dance (1895)

KoKo’s Earth Control (1928)

Angels with Dirty Faces (1938)

Pride of the Yankees (1942)

Invaders from Mars (1953)

The Miracle Worker (1962)

The Chelsea Girls (1966)

Ganja and Hess (1973)

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

Uptown Saturday Night (1974)

Zora Lathan Student Films (1975-76)

Up in Smoke (1978)

Will (1981)

Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan (1982)

Beverly Hills Cop (1984)

Dirty Dancing (1987)

Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt (1989)

Powwow Highway (1989)

My Own Private Idaho (1991)

American Me (1992)

Mi Familia (1995)

Compensation (1999)

Spy Kids (2001)

No Country for Old Men (2007)

The Social Network (2010)

Notably, Wrath of Khan is the first Star Trek movie to be added, while The Social Network ranks as one of the most recent entries on the National Film Registry.

Nobody puts Baby in a corner, but the National Film Registry did just put “Dirty Dancing” on its 2024 list. The 1987 Patrick Swayze/Jennifer Grey classic was among the 25 films Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden announced this morning as being added to the Registry, which honors classic films worthy of preservation.

Trekkies’ hearts are rejoicing this morning, as well, because “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” is a new add to the list — making it the first “Trek” movie ever to join the Registry. And the theme of ’80s blockbusters continued with “Beverly Hills Cop” also making the cut. In a bit of shock that it wasn’t already on there before, Tobe Hooper’s “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre,” one of the most acclaimed horror movies of all time, finally received recognition also.

Before this morning and its 25 additions, there were 900 films on the National Film Registry, which was...

David Fincher’s “The Social Network,” sci-fi classic “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” groundbreaking horror film “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” and Eddie Murphy’s “Beverly Hills Cop” are among the 25 films selected by the Library of Congress National Film Registry for 2024. These films will be added due to their cultural, historic or aesthetic importance to preserve the nation’s film heritage, and range from silent films to family features.

“The National Film Registry now includes 900 titles, and what’s remarkable to me is that every year when the board talks about films and their significance, we find new titles to consider,” TCM host and film historian Jacqueline Stewart said in a statement. “The wealth of American film history is sometimes rather overwhelming, and people often wonder: how do you recommend this film or that film? It’s through a lot of research, conversation and discussion, and it...

A new batch of classic films have made their way into the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry this week, including Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and Bill Gunn’s Ganja & Hess!

The National Film Registry recognizes films that are of “cultural, historic or aesthetic importance which preserves the nation’s film heritage.”

Deadline reports that the new selections bring the number of feature titles in the registry to 900. The public submitted nominations of more than 6,700 titles for consideration this year for context.

The National Film Registry says of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, “Graphic, lurid and completely unapologetic in its brutality, ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ has since its debut in drive-ins and grindhouse theaters, become a cultural, generational and filmmaking touchstone. Filmed for a pittance and supposedly as difficult of a production as a film can be (beset with record heat and filthy locations), ‘Texas...

Since 1989, the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress has been accomplishing the important task of preserving films that “represent important cultural, artistic and historic achievements in filmmaking.” From films way back in 1897 all the way up to 2013, they’ve now reached 900 films that celebrate our heritage and encapsulate our film history.

Today they’ve unveiled their 2024 list, which includes David Fincher’s The Social Network, Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Coens’ No Country For Old Men, Andy Warhol and Paul Morrissey’s Chelsea Girls, Bill Gunn’s Ganja & Hess, Gus Van Sant’s My Own Private Idaho, and more.

“The National Film Registry is an essential American enterprise that officially recognizes the rich depth and variety, the eloquence and the real greatness of American cinema and the filmmakers who have created it, film by film,” said Scorsese.

Check out the list of this year’s additions below,...

Marijuana is legal in 38 states, and now Cheech & Chong are in the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry. The country is going to pot!

Up in Smoke (1978), the first feature from Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong, is one of the 25 “culturally, historically or aesthetically” motion pictures selected for preservation this year, it was announced Tuesday.

Among those also making the cut are Angels With Dirty Faces (1938), The Pride of the Yankees (1942), Invaders From Mars (1953), The Miracle Worker (1962), The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), Beverly Hills Cop (1984), Dirty Dancing (1987), Common Threads: Stories From the Quilt (1989), My Own Private Idaho (1991), No Country for Old Men (2007) and The Social Network (2010).

Five picks include prominent Hispanic artists or themes: American Me (1992), Mi Familia (1995) — both featuring the work of Edward James Olmos — Up in Smoke, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) and Spy Kids (2001).

It’s a great day for Marin, who also starred in Spy Kids,...

David Fincher’s 2010 Facebook drama “The Social Network,” 1974’s indie horror classic “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey’s Catskills-set love affair “Dirty Dancing” have been selected for preservation by the National Film Registry.

The Librarian of Congress annually recognizes 25 motion pictures that are at least 10 years old and register as “culturally, historically or aesthetically” significant. This year, more than 6,700 titles were submitted by the public for consideration.

Other titles added to the National Film Registry in 2024 include 1982’s sci-fi sequel “Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan,” Gus Van Sant’s 1991 drama “My Own Private Idaho” with River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves, 2001’s family adventure “Spy Kids” and the Coen brothers’ 2007 Western “No Country for Old Men,” as well as Eddie Murphy’s first feature film on the registry, 1984 action comedy “Beverly Hills Cop.”

This year’s selection brings the number of films in the registry...

This upcoming weekend, acting legend Keanu Reeves will wow audiences in his latest big screen role: as Shadow the Hedgehog, the moody yin to Sonic's manic yang, in Song the Hedgehog 3. The role probably won't earn him an Oscar nomination, but at this point in his career, Keanu Reeves can do pretty much anything he wants without objection from anyone. Barring spectacularly unforeseen and horrifying circumstances, he's bought himself a lifetime of goodwill.

And I'm not the only one who's dazzled by him. Just lately, House of the Dragon star Emma D'Arcy — who plays the multi-faceted Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen on the Game of Thrones prequel show — appeared on the Happy Sad Confused podcast and was asked who, if anybody, they'd like to appear in a buddy cop movie with. Obviously, D'Arcy didn't have to think long about it: "Without overthinking this, the person I just want to say is Keanu Reeves.

Bill Skarsgård will star in the crime thriller Dead Man’s Wire, which leapfrogs director Gus Van Sant’s planned collaboration with Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.

Gus Van Sant hasn’t directed a film in several years now, with the American filmmaker most recently having made several episodes of Feud: Capote Vs The Swans for the small screens.

A few months ago, we heard that the director of My Own Private Idaho and Good Will Hunting would be reuniting with the stars of the latter film, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, to make Killing Gawker, an adaptation of Ryan Holiday’s book, Conspiracy: Peter Thiel, Hulk Hogan, Gawker, And The Anatomy of Intrigue.

That project will chart the real-life tale of how billionaire libertarian Peter Thiel used Hulk Hogan as his proxy to sue gossip website Gawker out of existence after it released a sex tape of the legendary wrestler.

Nosferatu star Bill Skarsgård is set to star alongside Stranger Things actor Dacre Montogomery in a new film from director Gus Van Sant.

Per Deadline, Skarsgård and Montgomery will star in Dead Man's Wire, a hostage thriller directed by Van Sant. The film is reportedly based on a true story and is centered around "a former real estate developer who takes the mortgage banker who did him wrong hostage, demanding $5 million and a personal apology." Van Sant, known for films such as Good Will Hunting and My Own Private Idaho, hasn't directed a feature since 2018's Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot, an adaptation of cartoonist John's Callahan's memoir of the same name.

Related Stranger Things Season 5 Time Jump Length Revealed, Biggest Yet for the Netflix Series

Netflix has revealed how long the time jump between Seasons 4 and 5 of Stranger Things will be.

Montgomery is best known for...

From Keanu Reeves to Laurence Fishburne, the cast of The Matrix trilogy is full of great movie stars who made unforgettable icons out of their characters. The Wachowskis assembled one of the best movie casts of the 90s when they were putting together their groundbreaking sci-fi actioner, and brought in even more screen legends when they came back to direct the sequels. They recruited actors who were already big names in Hollywood, like Reeves and Fishburne, and they also gave some new actors their big break. Carrie-Anne Moss first gained international attention with her role in The Matrix.

The Matrix almost had a very different cast. Will Smith was approached to play Neo and Sean Connery was approached to play Morpheus. Janet Jackson came close to clinching the role of Trinity, but she had to turn it down due to scheduling conflicts. With these original choices in the roles, The Matrix...

Gifted children (or prodigy) movies are driven by an intriguing paradox: what if they don’t realize their full potential if not adequately challenged? But what if the pursuit of intense challenges inculcates within them a fear of failure which can adversely impact their childhood and beyond? In a world where individuals can be casually stigmatized for being ‘different’, extraordinary intellect can’t always be a gift. Movies like A Beautiful Mind (2001), Shine (1996), Good Will Hunting (1997), The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), The End of the Tour (2015), The Man Who Knew Infinity (2016) dealt with super-smart people burdened with mental or emotional problems. The films mentioned below grapple with such problems or quandary (of kids & teens), some with unflinching profundity and some hide its relevant messages beneath saccharine narrative layers.

Honorable Mention: Vitus (2006)

Fredi M. Murer’s light-hearted and leisurely paced Swiss drama tells the eponymous tale of a 12-year-old piano prodigy (Teo Gheorghiu...

A new episode of our What Happened to This Celebrity series just dropped on the JoBlo Originals YouTube channel, and with this one we’re taking a look at the life and career of one of the most beloved actors of his generation: Keanu Reeves. Here’s a guy who has been in the acting world since the 1980s, and just keeps getting more and more popular as the years go by. How is this possible? Well, it helps when you can play a dog-avenging badass like John Wick… and it also helps to have a reputation as being one of the most kind, warmhearted people in Hollywood. To hear all about Keanu Reeves, and to celebrate a very cool dude, check out the video embedded above.

As mentioned in the video, Reeves’ acting skills have been criticized, but he has made some great movies and brought to life some iconic characters.

Ranker is a well-known platform where users can create rankings on a wide variety of topics, based on personal preferences. This fan-driven ranking system operates independently from the creators of the projects being ranked.

Recently, Ranker conducted a large survey aimed at identifying the most popular actors of the moment. While the survey included over 100 names, we’ve chosen to focus on the top ten actors in our report, offering our own insights and commentary to enrich the discussion.

Given the significance of this list, we’re excited to share the results, presenting the top 10 actors ranked from 10th to 1st place. We hope you enjoy it!

10. Tom Holland

It’s easy to see why Tom Holland is featured on this list. As the current Spider-Man in the MCU, his role alone secures him a spot among the top 10 most popular actors right now. His well-known relationship with Zendaya also...

Ranker is a popular place on the Internet where people can rank whatever they want, however, they want, and whenever they want. This is always a fan-focused ranking system, and it is never officially tied to the people behind the projects in question.

Recently, a large survey was organized on Ranker, whose goal was to determine the most popular actors right now. The list includes more than 100 names, but in our report, we have decided to list the top ten actors from the site to provide you with better insight, combined with our original comments and opinions, which will add flavor to the whole report.

Of course, since this is indeed an important list, we have decided to report on it, so we are going to bring you the results by listing the top 10 actors on this list, from 10th to first place. We hope you’ll enjoy it!

10. Tom Holland...

Keanu Reeves has been an absolute favorite of many film critics and audiences. His career has been very interesting since this actor has been open to starring in almost any genre. However, he has been mostly known for his action-driven films. For example, a lot of action movie lovers recognize him for the Matrix films and John Wick series. What they don’t know is how he has struggled in his personal life as well as experimented with other genres.

Reeves was born on September 2nd, 1964, in Beirut, Lebanon. He was raised in Toronto, Canada. He is of Chinese-Hawaiian descent from his father’s side. His father was a geologist. Reeves had a mother that worked in the industry as a performer and later designed costumes. His parents divorced nonetheless. He ended up residing with his mother and sister. As he got older, he developed a keen interest in acting.

They say a friend in need is a friend indeed, and this couldn’t be truer for Sandra Bullock and Samantha Mathis. Have you ever wondered how deep the roots of friendship can grow in the world of Hollywood, where authenticity is a rare gem?

River Phoenix in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) | Credit: Paramount Pictures

What these actresses have isn’t just any friendship; it’s an extended family dynamic. When River Phoenix, Mathis’ boyfriend and a beloved star, tragically passed away in 1993, it was undeniably one of the “scariest experiences” in Bullock’s life. Yet during those dark days, the latter’s sympathy and unflagging support provided a silver lining, mirroring her extraordinary empathy and deep bond with Mathis.

The Heartwarming Act by Sandra Bullock for River Phoenix’s Girlfriend

In the early ‘90s, River Phoenix was the darling of Hollywood, a young actor who seemed destined for greatness.

Ana de Armas is leading the From the World of John Wick: Ballerina cast alongside a few familiar faces from the previous John Wick movies and other classics of cinema. Set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4, Ballerina revolves around an assassin named Eve Macarro who, in true Wick fashion, embarks on a quest for revenge when her father is murdered. Ballerina is helmed by Live Free or Die Hard director Len Wiseman from a script by Army of the Deads Shay Hatten, with uncredited contributions by Promising Young Womans Emerald Fennell.

Ballerina is scheduled to be released on June 6, 2025, as the first movie in the John Wick universe not to star Wick himself. The Ballerina cast adds some exciting new actors to the ensemble of the John Wick franchise, as well as bringing back iconic cast members from the previous films. From...

Actor Jim Caviezel has been in the business since the early ‘90s. While he gained notoriety as an able supporting actor, he hit it big with The Thin Red Line and went on to perform in his most famous role to date The Passion of the Christ. The actor’s struggles while filming Mel Gibson’s Biblical epic is nothing short of a pop culture legend.

Caviezel has worked with a host of acclaimed filmmakers over the years. While he had early roles in Lawrence Kasdan’s Wyatt Earp and Gus Van Sant’s My Own Private Idaho, he gained prominence when he worked with the likes of Terrence Mallick, Ang Lee, and Tony Scott. Here are ten of his best roles in film and TV.

1. Person of Interest

Jonathan Nolan’s post-9/11 surveillance drama is one of the best-rated shows in TV history. It follows the story of ex-...

River Phoenix‘s sister Rain Phoenix paid a touching tribute to the late actor on what would have been his 54th birthday.

In an Instagram post made Friday, the singer and actress shared a series of images of and quotes by the Stand By Me star. She captioned the post — set to her song “Immolate,” which features lyrics like “I’m gonna hold onto love / ’cause it’s the only way out” — “Happy Birthday River...

Johnny Depp has had his fair share of success as well as controversies. While his very public battle with his ex-wife Amber Heard got itself a Netflix space, on the other hand, his involvement in another high-profile controversy still casts a dark shadow over his life.

River Phoenix received critical acclaim for his role in My Own Private Idaho

In 1993, the world woke up to the shocking news of actor River Phoenix passing away with an apparent drug overdose. Further, he died just outside Viper Room nightclub, which was partly owned by Johnny Depp at the time.

So, as soon as this news was out in the open, fans came after Depp and linked him with the young actor’s death.

The Dark Link Between Johnny Depp and River Phoenix’s Tragic End

River Phoenix had everything going well for him in the industry. From well-acclaimed movies to his handsome looks,...

The Prime Video romantic comedy “Red, White & Royal Blue” is nominated for Best TV Movie at the Emmys, which is a “very lovely bow on the top of what has already been a very wonderful gift” for co-writer, director and executive producer Matthew López. “It’s just so nice that people thought enough of this movie to nominate it, and it feels a little like ‘the little engine that could’ in some ways. So I’m very happy.” We talked to López for our “Making of ‘Red, White & Royal Blue'” panel along with producer Sarah Schechter and actor Taylor Zakhar Perez. Watch our exclusive video interview above.

“Red, White & Royal Blue” is the story of Alex Claremont-Diaz (Perez), the son of the President of the United States, and Prince Henry (Nicholas Galitzine) of the United Kingdom. They start as rivals, but an embarrassing international incident forces them to do damage control together,...

The Matrix Reloaded has thrilling action sequences and a masterful freeway chase that make it an awesome rewatch. My Own Private Idaho showcases Reeves' strong dramatic performance, proving he's more than just an action hero. Bram Stoker's Dracula, despite Reeves' shaky accent, offers gorgeous visuals and holds up well for countless rewatches.

From John Wick to The Matrix to Bill & Teds Excellent Adventure, the best movies of Keanu Reeves career hold up to countless rewatches. Reeves first burst onto the scene with his turn as Matt in the crime drama Rivers Edge, which was considered by critics to be a breakout performance, and he quickly became a sought-after leading man with his roles in Dangerous Liaisons and Parenthood. Over the years, Reeves has appeared in movies ranging from zany comedies to harrowing dramas, from action-packed thrillers to Satanic horror films.

Hes played iconic roles, like Klaatu and John Constantine,...

The iconic Criterion Collection has expanded into viral Closet trips, its streaming channel, and of course its staple 4k restorations on Blu-ray. Now, the Criterion Collection celebrates 40 years since its founding with a monumental 40-film box set including works from auteurs Agnès Varda, Spike Lee, Jean-Luc Godard, and Federico Fellini.

The box set, titled CC40, spans an eclectic selection of curated classic films that includes special features and essays. The collection encompasses the works “frequently chosen by the hundreds of filmmakers, actors, writers, and other movie-loving luminaries who have visited Criterion over the years, as documented in our popular Closet Picks video series,” per the official press release. “Neither a historical survey nor a top-40 compilation, this exciting, personal, unpredictable anthology reflects the cinematic joys and inspirations of the creative community that makes the Criterion Collection possible.”

The 40th anniversary Blu-ray box set includes films like “8½” (1963), “All That Jazz...

With nearly 1,700 titles in their catalog, it’s hard to discern where exactly to start when exploring the Criterion Collection. To celebrate their 40th anniversary, the company has now made it a bit easier as they’ve unveiled CC40, a 40-film, 49-disc collection retailing for around $640 that is now the new go-to gift for that budding cinephile in your life.

“This monumental forty-film box set celebrates forty years of the Criterion Collection by gathering an electrifying mix of classic and contemporary films, and presenting them with all their special features and essays in a deluxe clothbound, slipcased edition,” they note. “CC40’s eclectic selection includes the releases most frequently chosen by the hundreds of filmmakers, actors, writers, and other movie-loving luminaries who have visited Criterion over the years, as documented in our popular Closet Picks video series. Neither a historical survey nor a top-forty compilation, this exciting, personal, unpredictable anthology...

The stars of the Bill & Ted movies, Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter, are going to star together again. This time, they will be starring in a Broadway production of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot directed by Jamie Lloyd, as part of the 2025-26 season of Atg Theatre in the fall of 2025.

Reeves will play Estragon, while Winter will play Vladimir. They announced the roles in a joint statement: “We’re incredibly excited to be on stage together and work with the great Jamie Lloyd in one of our favorite plays.”

The Jamie Lloyd Company, Atg Productions, Bad Robot Live, and Gavin Kalin Productions collaborated on the production of “Waiting for Godot,” with 101 Productions acting as general manager.

Keanu Reeves & Alex Winter On-Screen Chemistry and History

Reeves and Winter’s on-screen collaboration dates back to 1989 with “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure,” followed by “Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey...

Gus Van Sant adds to an increasingly interesting ensemble for Killing Gawker, that already features Matt Damon, plus Ben Affleck as Hulk Hogan.

Just yesterday we covered the story that Artists Equity, the production company run by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, would be adapting the non-fiction book titled Conspiracy: Peter Thiel, Hulk Hogan, Gawker, and the Anatomy of Intrigue. Ryan Holiday penned the 2018 book which covers the legal drama that ensued when Hulk Hogan, the iconic former wrestler, sued the gossip website Gawker for publishing a sex tape of him that had come into Gawker’s possession.

The unfolding drama put Gawker out of business but also revealed some conspiratorial plotting behind the scenes. During his wrestling days, Hogan was alleged to be something of an arch-manipulator, using any means to keep himself top of the pile and Holiday’s book suggests that in the Gawker case, there...

Keanu Reeves smokes, starting due to movie roles, but has said regrets the habit he picked up. Reeves is known not only for his versatile acting, but for his respectful treatment of fans. Smoking played central roles in characters Reeves portrayed in movies like Feeling Minnesota and Constantine.

This article includes references to suicide.

Keanu Reeves is one of the most popular actors in Hollywood, and often smokes in roles, leading some to wonder if he is a smoker in real life. He is, and it is actually a habit he started because of a movie role. The A-list star is not only beloved because of his acting skill, but because of how he fits into the celebrity landscape. Reeves frequently goes viral for the way he treats strangers and fans with respect even though he is an A-list actor, as well as his discreet lifestyle and philanthropic efforts.

Reeves...

Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter are reuniting for a Broadway revival of Waiting for Godot in the fall of 2025. Reeves approached director Jamie Lloyd with the idea, which Lloyd thought would be a great showcase of the actors' chemistry and friendship. The comedic dynamic Reeves and Winter share in the Bill & Ted movies makes them the perfect choices for Didi and Gogo.

Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter are getting back together for a new project that will play on their classic comedic dynamic but its not a fourth Bill & Ted movie. Bill & Teds Excellent Adventure was the first movie that made Reeves a star. Long before he was renowned for his steadfast commitment to action roles, Reeves was known for playing lovable slacker Ted Theodore Logan opposite Winters Bill S. Preston, Esq. After Bill & Teds Excellent Adventure was released in 1989, it was quickly followed by a sequel, Bill & Teds Bogus Journey,...

Keanu Reeves — monastic, immortal, wild, and intellectual — is an entity unto himself, a creature that has willed a kind of goodness into this world that defies the condition he was born into. Now held to a pedestal, Reeves refuses to be defined by the fame he has accrued through 50 years of his career, but never shrugs away the love and adoration from his fans.

Keanu Reeves in The Matrix [Credit: Warner Bros./Roadshow Entertainment]

In a generation defined by box office hitmakers and an era where profitability equates to survival in the movie business, Keanu Reeves hits the ground running with one franchise blockbuster after another. And yet, the actor remains honest about his roots, leaning more toward the Sad Keanu lifestyle than an actor pandering to red-carpet fan attractions.

Keanu Reeves Defines Himself By His Work

Keanu Reeves’ temperament has been a mythical subject, although his fame has held a...

Keanu Reeves had to briefly pause an interview with Stephen Colbert during an appearance on “The Late Show” when the host brought up that “The Matrix” is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The realization hit Reeves, as he went silent for 20 seconds while trying to find the right words to remember the film by.

“’The Matrix’ changed my life, and then over these years, it’s changed so many other people’s lives in really positive and great ways,” Reeves said as he gathered himself. “As an artist, you hope for that when you get to do a film or tell a story.”

Reeves appeared to choke up while adding, “So when you say these years, the amount of people that I have met who have said to me and been touched by ‘The Matrix’ in such a positive way… It’s the best.”

While Reeves was already an...

Gus Van Sant is a fiercely individual voice with one foot in the independent world and another in the studio system, Van Sant’s filmography varies wildly from mainstream entertainments to peculiar experiments, from sublime highs to extreme lows. Let’s take a look at all 17 of his films, ranked worst to best.

Born in 1952 in Louisville, Kentucky, Van Sant kicked off his filmmaking career with the micro-budget, black-and-white “Mala Noche” (1985), a major preamble to the New Queer Cinema. His next feature, “Drugstore Cowboy” (1989), firmly established him as an indie maverick, a reputation he would fulfill with his followup, the River Phoenix/Keanu Reeves road movie “My Own Private Idaho” (1991). He dipped his toes into studio filmmaking with the gleefully dark satire “To Die For” (1995), which won Nicole Kidman a Golden Globe as Best Comedy/Musical Actress.

He hit the Oscar jackpot for the first time with the inspirational drama...

The 1997 movie awards season was shaping up to be surprisingly competitive in the early fall of that year. "L.A. Confidential," "Boogie Nights," and "The Sweet After" were making serious noise, while summer sleepers "The Full Monty" and "Ulee's Gold" appeared likely to stay in the picture as everyone awaited the arrival of presumed heavy hitters like Steven Spielberg's "Amistad," James L. Brooks' "As Good as It Gets," and Quentin Tarantino's "Jackie Brown." But when James Cameron's "Titanic," a wildly expensive coin flip from a director best known for popcorn flicks, began screening for critics and guilds in early November, everything clicked into place. The boat movie was an Oscar lock for Best Picture and Director, "As Good as It Gets" had Best Actor and Actress sewn up, and everyone else was playing for the honor to be nominated.

The one no one saw coming, at least...

Brad Pitt Passed On Brokeback Mountain Script. (Photo Credit – Instagram)

“Brad Pitt in Brokeback Mountain?” The star reportedly passed on the role alongside several other A-listers due to the “controversial” storyline. Ang Lee’s “Brokeback Mountain” is one of the pivotal films in queer cinema. The 2005 romantic drama featuring Jake Gyllenhall and the late Heath Ledger as two closeted gay cowboys in the lead was a belle of the award season, snagging multiple coveted golden statues.

However, fans would be surprised to find that several Academy Award-winning directors also passed on the film after they had trouble getting the project off the ground, as multiple A-list actors, including Brad Pitt, turned down the lead role.

Before Ang Lee took on the script Oscar-winning auteur behind the New Queer Cinema classic “My Own Private Idaho”, Gus Van Sant was tapped to direct the film.

Trending Brad Pitt Is “Sorry For Everything...

“In the next 45 minutes, we’re about to hear Gus speak more than he has in the last 40 years,” Vito Schnabel, the art world scion who is increasingly turning his head toward Hollywood, told a crowd at New York’s Tribeca Film Festival last week.

He was there to moderate a conversation with American heavyweight filmmaker Gus Van Sant, who just directed Schnabel (and a pack of actors barreling toward Emmy nominations) in “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans.” That history, of a glittery New York whose underbelly was found in the bedrooms and hallways of the ruling class, took a back seat to Van Sant’s impactful career.

He has directed some of the stickiest and profound films of the past four decades, including “Drugstore Cowboy,” “My Own Private Idaho,” the Columbine shooting-inspired “Elephant,” Nicole Kidman’s “To Die For,” the Oscar winner “Milk,” and “Good Will Hunting,” which launched...

How now, what news: the Criterion Channel’s July lineup is here. Eight pop renditions of Shakespeare are on the docket: from movies you forgot were inspired by the Bard (Abel Ferrara’s China Girl) to ones you’d wish to forget altogether (Joss Whedon’s Much Ado About Nothing), with maybe my single favorite interpretation (Michael Almereyda’s Hamlet) alongside Paul Mazursky, Gus Van Sant, Baz Luhrmann, Derek Jarman, and (of course) Kenneth Branagh. A neonoir collection arrives four months ahead of Noirvember: two Ellroy adaptations, two from De Palma that are not his neonoir Ellroy adaptation, two from the Coen brothers (i.e. the chance to see a DVD-stranded The Man Who Wasn’t There in HD), and––finally––a Michael Winner picture given Criterion’s seal of approval.

Columbia screwballs run between classics to lesser-seens while Nicolas Roeg and Heisei-era Godzilla face off. A Times Square collection brings The Gods of Times Square,...

Brad Pitt, Robert Downey Jr., and Keanu Reeves are three of the most prominent stars in Hollywood. Pitt was at the beginning of his career giving fans acclaimed movies like Thelma & Louise in 1991 but the actor lost a movie role he wanted in the same year and it also happened to Downey Jr. and Reeves.

William Baldwin, Donald Sutherland in Backdraft. Credit: Universal Pictures

The impact of losing the role upon all three stars may seem insignificant considering their remarkable cinematic career but the loss of a movie may hit hard. After their horrible auditions for Ron Howard’s Backdraft, the trio lost the role to William Baldwin. The movie could have been in the resume of one of the actors.

Brad Pitt, Robert Downey Jr. And Keanu Reeves Lost A Role To William Baldwin Brad Pitt, Robert Downey Jr., and Keanu Reeves. Credit: MGM, Fine Line Features, and...

Keanu Reeves' iconic roles in action movies have solidified his status as a Hollywood star with box office pull. Reeves' range as an actor is showcased in his serious and dramatic roles, as well as his action-packed performances. Reeve's diverse filmography, from Bill & Ted to The Matrix to John Wick, demonstrates his longevity in the industry.

Keanu Reeves has been working in film and television for many years, but the movies that defined Reeves' career have all been standout projects that illustrate his talent. As one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, Reeves has a significant pull at the box office and made his name in some of the most popular action franchises of the past several decades. Moving forward, Reeves has many options for what his next role is going to be, but whatever it is, it will only contribute to the legacy he has cultivated since...

Keanu Reeves is one actor who is loved unanimously throughout the Hollywood industry. His range in films has forever been appreciated, but it is also his relationship with other co-stars that makes him even more liked. No matter who gets an opportunity to work with the actor, they are all left with an immense amount of praise for Reeves.

Keanu Reeves as John Wick | Credit: Lionsgate

There are times when some films are a risk worth taking, while others that aren’t. One such film that the actor came across convinced him to bring along his late best friend, River Phoenix. There are also times when certain scripts and roles are written with specific actors in mind. My Own Private Idaho was a film where both these cases coincided. However, the former’s manager wasn’t too keen on the idea.

Keanu Reeves Traveled Far and Wide to Bring River...