Madonna and Guy Ritchie reunited in London to support their son, Rocco Ritchie, showing up for the opening of his gallery art show, Talk Is Cheap. It was the first time the former spouses have appeared together publicly since 2008.
Their 25-year-old son, who trained at the Central Saint Martins School and then the Royal Drawing School, presented his new works in a warehouse-studio in central London’s Soho district. The exhibition wasn’t lacking in celebrity guests, with Jason Statham, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Jake Gyllenhaal in attendance, but it was the presence of the artist’s parents that turned the most heads. In the caption to his Instagram post, in which he appears arm in arm with both his parents, Rocco Ritchie thanked them for coming to his event.
“It’s obvious why some people might hold judgment against me, I don’t blame them,” he wrote. “However, I am proud to be who I am, but I’m even prouder to have both my parents together in one room supporting me.”
Jason Statham and Guy Ritchie are getting back together again, with the legendary pair reuniting for a brand new action movie.
What movie are Jason Statham and Guy Ritchie making?
According to a new report from Variety, Statham and Ritchie are pairing up for the upcoming action-thriller Viva La Madness. The film, which is being kept mostly mysterious as of now, is said to be based on J.J. Connolly’s 2011 novel of the same name, which is a sequel to his 2004 novel, Layer Cake, which was also adapted into a film directed by Matthew Vaughn.
Viva La Madness follows the story of a London drug dealer known as X, and chronicles his adventures throughout his life that include “sex, scams, narcotics and dirty money,” according to a description of the novel.
Variety’s report notes that the film is being billed as a standalone project, and will not feature any spin-offs or other adaptations of Connolly’s work. Other cast members for the film remain unknown as of now, with Ritchie set to write and direct the project. Statham will produce the film alongside Thomas Benski, with production reported to be starting in January.
For Statham and Ritchie, it’ll be the duo’s sixth movie together. Previously, Statham has starred in a number of Ritchie’s most successful films, including Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, Wrath of Man, Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre, and Revolver.
Alex Garland’s dystopian political action film Civil War about an America torn apart appears to be fending off new vampire pic Abigail at the box office.
If estimates hold, Civil War will stay No. 1 in its second weekend with $11 million for a healthy domestic total of more than $44 million for indie studio A24.
Heading into the weekend, Universal’s Abigail was expected to take a bigger bite out of Civil War but is now looking to open in the $10 million range (numbers could shift, of course, depending upon Saturday traffic). That’s still a respectable number for a studio film that cost a modest $28 million to make before marketing.
Abigail is from Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the directing duo known as Radio Silence who were behind the reboot of the Scream franchise and the horror hit Ready or Not. Their new movie, written by Stephen Shields, follows the horrors that happen when a group of criminals kidnap the 12-year-old, who is the daughter of an underworld figure. The only problem: the young ballerina is a vampire.
Warner Bros. and Legendary’s Godzilla x Kong: The New Empireremains a force to be reckoned with in its fourth weekend and is expected to come in No. 3 with more than $9 million as it clears the $170 million mark domestically.
Guy Ritchie‘s new movie The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare shouldn’t be far behind with an opening in the $8.8 million range. The ensemble film, whose cast includes Henry Cavill, chronicles a covert World War II mission manned by a band of renegades who are tasked with destroying Nazi U-boats (it’s loosely based on real events). The Lionsgate film boasts an A- CinemaScore.
Universal and DreamWorks Animation’s hit family film Kung Fu Panda 4, now in its seventh outing, and Crunchyroll’s new anime offering Spy × Family Code: White are in a close race for No. 4 with an estimated weekend haul in the $4.5 million range.
Some box office pundits believe Spy x Family will prevail and come in higher. The animated Japanese spy-action comedy is based on the shōnen manga series Spy × Family by Tatsuya Endo.
Kung Fu Panda 4‘s domestic total should hover around $180 million domestically through Sunday.
Overall, weekend revenue is sluggish as year-to-date revenue tumbles more than 20 percent behind last year. Summer can’t come soon enough for Hollywood studios.
Kate Winslet stars in The Regime. Photograph by Miya Mizuno/HBO
From Oscar-nominated dramas to delightfully funny new series, streaming is overflowing with quality content this week. Whether you want to see Adam Sandler play introspective, Kate Winslet do her most absurd work or Joaquin Phoenix star in a historical epic, your A-list options are covered.
What to watch on Netflix
Spaceman
Adam Sandler stars in this sci-fi drama from the award-winning director of HBO’s Chernobyl. Spaceman sees Sandler play Jakub, an astronaut off on a solo mission that sees him exploring the furthest regions of our solar system. While he’s there, he realizes that he may never be able to return to the life he left back on Earth. How does he reconcile with this difficult emotional realization? Well, he talks to a strange spidery creature from the beginning of time (voiced by Paul Dano) that has taken up residence on his ship. Spaceman premieres Friday, March 1st.
The Gentlemen
Guy Ritchie has made a career out of snappy British crime movies, and now he’s bringing that talent to television. The Gentlemen stands as a spin-off of his film of the same name, with warring drug lords and mob bosses holding all of the power. Theo James stars as Eddie, a man who stands to inherit a massive estate from his father. However, that land belongs to one of the country’s biggest weed-growing operations, and it turns out it’s much sought-after by other members of the criminal underground. Kaya Scodelario, Daniel Ings, Joely Richardson, and Giancarlo Esposito also star. The Gentlemen premieres Thursday, March 7th.
What to watch on Hulu
The Favourite
While Poor Things is on the road to racking up a few Academy Awards, it isn’t the first time that the likes of Yorgos Lanthimos, Emma Stone, and Tony McNamara have worked together to create cinematic greatness. That would be The Favourite, a deliciously dark period dramedy that revolves around the strange reign of Queen Anne. Olivia Colman stars as the monarch, a troubled and insecure woman who relies on the attention of her woman in waiting, Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz). But when Sarah’s troubled cousin Abigail (Stone) enters the fray, it becomes a twisted love triangle for the ages. The Favourite streams starting Friday, March 1st.
What to watch on Amazon Prime
Ricky Stanicky
The newest movie from comedy whiz Peter Farrelly, Ricky Stanicky revolves around a trio of best friends (Zac Efron, Jermaine Fowler, and Andrew Santino) who have come to rely on their imaginary friend Ricky well into their adulthood. Whenever something goes wrong and they need to explain it, well, it’s Ricky’s fault. But when these guys’ partners and families ask if they can actually meet the fabled friend, the men decide to hire a middling actor (John Cena) to take on the role. Naturally, the guy decides to go a bit method, meaning that Efron and co. get much more than they paid for. Ricky Stanicky premieres Thursday, March 7th.
What to watch on Max
The Regime
A cutting political satire featuring an all-time great performance from Kate Winslet, The Regime is a devious and delightful new miniseries. Winslet stars as Chancellor Elena Vernham, the autocratic leader of an unnamed, vaguely Central European nation. She rules her country according to her own fleeting whims, until a strapping (and slightly unstable) former soldier comes into her life. Herbert (a hulking Matthias Schoenaerts) wins Elena and her policies over with his, er, rural charm, kicking off a political comedy of errors. Winslet is far and away the highlight of the show, serving up a fascinatingly funny performance. The Regime premieres Sunday, March 3rd. Read Observer’s review.
What to watch on Apple TV+
Napoleon
A historical drama of epic proportions, Napoleon goes big on everything. Ridley Scott boldly directs this dubiously accurate chronicle of the French ruler’s life, and it’s overflowing with action, horses and period details (it’s nominated for costume and production design at this year’s Oscars, after all). Joaquin Phoenix stars as Napoleon Bonaparte, imbuing the little corporal with his unique brand of moodiness. Vanessa Kirby plays Josephine, Napoleon’s all-but-doomed first wife who was there for his ascent to power. It’s a big, bombastic film with more than a few surprises up its sleeve. Napoleon premieres Friday, March 1st. Read Observer’s review.
The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin
British comedian Noel Fielding may be better known for his Bake Off hosting these days, but he returns to his oddball roots with The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin. The historical comedy series presents a fictional take on the life and times of infamous highway robber Dick Turpin. It’s sure to have the same wit and silliness as genre predecessors Blackadder and Monty Python, with good ol’ Dickie becoming the leader of a gang of outlaws despite being the least-skilled rogue of the bunch. The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin premieres Friday, March 1st.
What to Watch is a regular endorsement of movies and TV worth your streaming time.
Movie distribution is a complete mess. With studios holding out for theatrical releases while streaming services poach viewers from cinema seats, industry giants seem to be at war. And We, The People — who only want to watch exceptional movies — are the victims.
Top Gun: Maverick and Elvis were hailed as the saviors of cinema screens, while Netflix’s Glass Onion gladly passed on box boffo office numbers in order to usher their hit film to their site. Who can say who will win this war. But when it messes with release dates for my most-anticipated films, that’s when I say, please! When will the madness end!?!
The last movie I saw in an actual theatre — this was pre-Covid-2020 — was Guy Ritchie’s The Gentleman. Everything looked so beautiful up there, on the big screen: the slick production values, the dramatic action sequences, Charlie Hunnam.
So, it seems poetic that the first blockbuster film I’ve seen in the movie house this year is Guy Ritchie’s Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been to the cinema since. But as a lover of indies and small theatres, I hadn’t watched anything of this scale on anything but my laptop in years.
And I was not disappointed. The silver screen did the film justice. Explosions! Car chases! Panoramic views of exotic locations! And no Charlie Hunam, but so-so much Aubrey Plaza — who could complain?
Critics, apparently. While I concede that OperationFortune is a cookie-cutter Hollywood action-adventure film, I still had a fantastic time watching it. And that’s more than I can say for Best Picture Nominee, Top Gun: Maverick. Yet, the critics have disparaged my dear Guy Ritchie, advising viewers to pass on the film.
The film only scored a 51% on Rotten Tomatoes. Plus, after being delayed for months, its release was even further stalled due to political controversy. The film’s main antagonist is flanked by Ukranian gangsters … which studios decided was maybe not the right message to send while that country is at war.
Given the unfortunate casting and the krappy reviews, this is not Ritchie’s big cinema success. But it’s the kind of low-stakes, movie-fun, feel-good that makes going to the movies such a light-hearted affair.
You win some, you lose some. And in Guy Ritchie’s case, he hasn’t lost me yet.
If you’re new to his chaotic cinematic universe, here is my definitive list of the most notable Guy Ritchie’s films, ranked from worst to best.
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Swept Away (2002)
Did you know: Ritchie used to be married to pop icon Madonna? For close to 8 years! This film is one of the most lasting artifacts from their marriage — unfortunately for them both. The film is a remake of the 1974 Italian classic. If it sounds like a departure from his usual work, it was. And it didn’t turn out well.
Another flop … sorry to that, man. Although this Disney live-action feature was a highly anticipated, big-budget film, its critical reception was a bust. I mean, it’s a Disney movie, so I wasn’t expecting art. But Guillermo del Toro pulled it off with Pinocchio so … just saying. In any case, Ritchie and Aladdin were not a match made in heaven.
Revolver (2005)
Revolver seemed like a quintessential Ritchie movie: a con man, a city full of criminals, Jason Statham. But somehow, the film fell flat. It’s a Vegas casino thriller, so fans were expecting a Ritchie take on the Oceans films. Its all-star cast also includes Ray Liotta, Vincent Pastore, Mark Strong, and André 3000. It’s often overlooked in Ritchie’s canon due to a tepid critical reception, but there’s one thing fans will never forget: Jason Statham’s wig.
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)
Ritchie’s rendering of the Sherlock Holmes films is actually quite iconic. He takes the tired old, oft-told stories of Holmes and Watson and adds his signature style: dark and seedy London, camera-twisting violence, cheeky humor, and a charismatic cast. Ritchie and Rob Downey Jr. prove to be a dynamic duo. Unfortunately, the sequel was less thrilling than Ritchie’s first Sherlock take, so Game of Shadows was the final installment in the series.
King Arthur: The Legend of the Sword You (2017)
This film in the Ritchie canon is also overlooked. And it’s partly because it’s another one that doesn’t feel like Ritchie. It feels like a studio’s cookie-cutter attempt at something edgy. Essentially, Ritchie was tasked with creating a Universe — literally. King Arthur was supposed to be the first in a franchise that would expand into an entire world like Marvel or DC, with films focusing on different characters. The first installment, however, was not compelling enough to pave the way for any further films. But one silver lining: it added Charlie Hunnam to Ritchie’s list of frequent collaborators. More on him later.
Wrath of Man (2021)
Released during Covid, this quiet film is a sleeper in Ritchie’s canon. In terms of both subject matter and reputation. Instead of the loud, brash style that Ritchie is known for, it simmers with a mysterious intensity. Statham returns as the protagonist, but instead of the witty, funny side of him that Ritchie usually unlocks, he’s a silent, brooding hero with hidden motives. Overall, it’s a fine movie. Just notably different from Ritchie’s style. But after atrocities like Aladdin, a welcome return to his core themes.
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
Ritchie’s inaugural Sherlock Holmes film was critically acclaimed. RDJ and Ritchie forged a cult-classic take on the Holmes character — a Holmes as troubled and chaotic as he is brilliant and charismatic. Jude Law’s Watson plays the perfect foil to RDJ, and with Ritchie at the helm of this mayhem, we’ve got a pair of instantly iconic characters.
Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre (2023)
Controversial as it may be, I would put Operation Fortune right here at number 8. Despite its slick, Hollywood veneer and admittedly convoluted plot, the Guy we know and love is out in full force. He pulls actors from his usual Rolodex — Statham, Hugh Grant, Bugzy Malone — but it’s the addition of lovable Aubrey Plaza that brings fresh energy to this film, combining her brand of comedy with Ritchie’s distinctive — and distinctly British — humor.
The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (2015)
Another slick, spy film from Ritchie, but this time set in the 40s. Although the movie performed well and received great reviews, for some reason it remains an underrated film. Perhaps the shadow of Armie Hammer as one of the leads is to blame. This film remake of the famed 1960s television series concludes with a cliff hanger, but we probably shouldn’t expect a sequel.
RocknRolla (2008)
Now we’re getting to the meat of it: the films that exemplify Guy Ritchie at his best. A quintessential Ritchie film, it’s sex, drugs, and Rock and Roll in this punchy, putrid comedy of errors. Don’t take your eye off any of the characters for one single second because in this film, every twist and turn is as unpredictable as the last.
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
His first feature film, this put Ritchie on the map — and millions still claim it’s his best. Lock, Stock . . . tracks a gang of criminals against criminals, all stacked on top of each other in quintessential Ritchie style, bumbling around London, all with their eyes on the prize. The film was his first foray with Statham, a partnership that continues to this day. And like many artist-muse relationships, it’s obvious from the very start as to why.
The Gentlemen (2019)
The Gentlemen has all the charm of Ritchie’s hottest films and all the glossy production values of pure Americana. This is the perfect marriage between sleek studios and Guy’s gritty vision. Down to the cast and the plot. The Gentlemen drops the American protagonist into Ritchie’s usual London setting and features Matthew McConaughey and Jeremy Strong alongside Colin Farrell, Henry Golding, and Ritchie frequenters Charlie Hunnam, Hugh Grant, and Bugzy Malone.
Snatch (2000)
Number one just has to be Snatch. This tale of boxers, Roma travelers, gangsters, thieves, and good old-fashioned bookies funs all of Ritchie’s familiar tropes. It’s impossible to describe and a wonder to watch — just like Brad Pitt’s outrageously indecipherable accent.
Stars at Saudi Arabia’s second annual Red Sea International Film Festival have had to do more than their standard promotional duties. Special guests Sharon Stone and Guy Ritchie have both defended their reasons for attending the event, which is happening in a country with a history ofhuman rights abuses.
“I’m an envelope breaker, my success is to break the envelope, just like coming here,” Stone said during her hour-plus talk at the fest, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “Everyone said to me, ‘Aren’t you afraid?’ And I said, ‘I’m afraid not to know. So why don’t I go, see how it really is and I’ll tell you?’ What I’ve learned is that what everybody tells you isn’t always the way it is.”
Elsewhere during her appearance, she addressed criticism of women’s rights in the country. “Women are not here just to serve men. Men are also here to serve women,” Stone continued. “And if we are not serving equally, then we are disrespecting our maker.” The actor also recalled controversy she faced decades ago as a spokesperson for AmFAR, stating that she had “no idea of the resistance, the cruelty, the hate, the oppression that we would face,” according to Variety. While in a nation where homosexuality is criminalized, Stone recounted how her work with the organization “really destroyed” her career for an eight-year period. “I was threatened…repeatedly,” she added. “My life was threatened, and the more it happened, the more I thought I needed to stick with it.”
Stone capped off her speech by reflecting on her visit to Saudi Arabia. “I’m just a kid from Pennsylvania. I grew up with Amish people who drove into my driveway in their horse and buggy,” she said, according to THR. “There was no possibility for me to come to Saudi Arabia to meet you.”
Meanwhile, Ritchie, recipient of one of the festival’s honorary awards, told THR about accepting an invite: “Whatever I can do to encourage creativity, particularly in my world of film, I’m all about that,” adding, “I’m all about encouragement and the collaboration of culture.” The director and first-time Saudi Arabia visitor also stated that “some degree of the future lies here.”
The Red Sea Film Festival’s second edition arrives five years to the week that Saudi Arabia announced it would lift its 35-year ban on cinemas. Michael Page, deputy director of the Middle East and North Africa division at Human Rights Watch, told The Guardian that Saudi Arabian officials use “festivals as a reputation laundering tool, in the same way that they have used previous celebrity and sporting events to try to whitewash their quite terrible image.”
Attendees at the festival, which runs through December 10, include Spike Lee, Priyanka Chopra, Luca Guadagnino, Jackie Chan, Henry Golding, Michelle Rodriguez, and Freida Pinto, among others. Oscar-winning filmmaker Oliver Stone, who serves as president of the jury for the international competition, said Saudi Arabia was often misunderstood, urging that “people who judge it too harshly should come to visit and see it for themselves.” Several sources told The Hollywood Reporter that “many stars had been handsomely paid to appear” at the event. (Vanity Fair has reached out to the festival for comment.)
