The British arthouse cinema chain Curzon has been acquired by the US investment firm Fortress Investment Group, known for owning Poundstretcher and Majestic Wine. This acquisition, whose financial details haven't been disclosed, covers the chain consisting of 16 cinemas across the UK, as well as its distribution arm and streaming service.
Curzon, one of the oldest cinema chains, found itself put up for auction after the Cohen Media Group, its parent company, was forced to sell some of its assets by order of the New York state supreme court. The court took this action after billionaire Charles Cohen, who purchased Curzon back in 2019 and leveraged it alongside other properties to secure substantial loans, defaulted on repayments. Fortress sought to recoup at least part of the value of these loans through this auction.
Founded by Harold Wingate in 1934, Curzon's flagship cinema is still running strong after overcoming challenges, including legal disputes over noise controls from developers. This cinema chain has built its reputation as a pioneer of independent cinema, often showcasing critically acclaimed international films to British audiences. Recently, Curzon has expanded its reach by opening new venues not just limited to London, but also including Kingston upon Thames and Canterbury.
While Curzon was somewhat of a trailblazer by launching its own streaming service back in 2010 and initially embracing partnerships with platforms like Netflix, it has faced difficulties. Recent court documents highlight the challenge of turning profits, as the company is currently operating at a loss.
Allison Swayze, managing director at Fortress Investment Group, expressed optimism about the acquisition, saying, "Curzon is an iconic film company, with global recognition for its long legacy of releasing and connecting independent and critically acclaimed films to UK audiences. We're pleased to acquire Curzon and bring our support to the company's dedicated team." Swayze also emphasized the deal's importance for job security among its 350 employees, underscoring Fortress's commitment to maintain the cinema's diverse offerings for film fans.
On another note, Dwayne Johnson, famously known as The Rock, recently stirred up discussions on social media by acknowledging his habit of urinating in water bottles during movie shoots. Although many fans were surprised by this admission, he also faced claims of chronic tardiness on set, particularly during the filming of his latest Christmas comedy, Red One.
Johnson addressed these allegations during a recent interview with GQ, stating, "I've said a thousand times: 'Hey, I'm here. Come and ask me. And I'll tell you the truth.'" He acknowledged, albeit with some disbelief, the claims of being as much as eight hours late, noting it was "bananas" and quite exaggerated. Johnson admitted he sometimes uses water bottles to save time on set, pointing out this practice hadn’t had much consequence—after all, Hollywood is no stranger to actors running on tight schedules.
Backing Johnson's claims, director Jake Kasdan remarked, "He never missed a day of work ever. He can be late sometimes, but such is Hollywood. Honestly, I’ve made three big movies with him. I’ve never seen him be anything but great to every single person on the set." Co-star Chris Evans chimed in, highlighting Johnson’s predictable work ethic, stating he manages his time around his workouts and tends to show up when he's scheduled.
This Hollywood tale contrasts sharply with the buzz surrounding new releases. For example, Hyper: The Stevie Hyper D Story recently piqued interest among music lovers and film enthusiasts alike. This documentary explores the life of the late drum’n’bass pioneer Stevie Hyper D, using extensive footage taken from various formats to bring his story to life. It promises to show viewers the birth and growth of the vibrant scene, effectively capturing Hyper D's energy and impact on the music world.
Critics have praised this film for its inclusive storytelling, making it accessible even to those unfamiliar with the genre. Director Jamie Ross-Hulme expertly navigates Hyper D's life through interviews with friends and family, painting not just the picture of an extraordinary performer but also of the culture and community surrounding him.
On the lighter side of cinema, we see Elizabeth Hurley stepping back onto the screen with her role as Liz Haines, a history teacher facing strange happenings in the latest horror flick,Piper. This comedic folk horror story twists the original myth of the Pied Piper, presenting Hurley’s character grappling with rat-related mischief as she tries to navigate her new job and home life. Despite the seemingly spooky premise, early critiques suggest the film veers more toward cheesy humor than cultural horror.
Piper seems to rely heavily on kooky antics, with children experiencing sleepwalking nightmares and whimsical song numbers, ensuring it remains playful rather than terrifying. Critics have suggested the film may provide cheaper thrills than substantive horror, so it’s likely to appeal more to those after light entertainment rather than traditional scares.
So, whether it's independent cinema's resurgence under new stewardship at Curzon, revelations about Hollywood stars, or comedic spins on classic tales, the film industry continues to churn out stories, each with its own flair and approach.
Finally, the first trailer for the much-anticipated film Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy has hit the internet! This fourth installment of the hit romantic comedy series sees Renée Zellweger reclaiming her iconic role, this time as the recently widowed Bridget Jones raising two small children. The film, set to release on 14 February, promises to bring back the laughter and charm fans have come to adore, featuring returning cast members Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson, alongside new face Leo Woodall as Bridget's new love interest.
All these stories meld together to capture the vibrant pulse of the current film and television scene—highlighting revolutions within the industry over legacy cinema chains, the intriguing dynamics of on-set dealings, exciting documentaries, nostalgic comedies, and screaming rats! It appears there’s something for everyone as we venture toward the new year—will you be catching the next big release?
