Hollywood actor Woody Harrelson continues to charm audiences with his versatile performances across various film genres. Among his numerous iconic roles, he has starred as Haymitch Abernathy in The Hunger Games series and as Tallahassee in the Zombieland films. Recently, his filmography has expanded to include notable performances alongside other star-studded casts, contributing to intriguing narratives and engaging stories.
One film worth mentioning is Triple 9, released in 2016 and directed by John Hillcoat. This action-thriller boasts a remarkable ensemble cast, featuring not only Harrelson but also Casey Affleck, Anthony Mackie, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kate Winslet, Norman Reedus, and Aaron Paul, best known for his role as Jesse Pinkman on the acclaimed show Breaking Bad. Triple 9 delves deep as it follows a group of criminals, utilizing their expertise to plan heists, which sets the stage for high stakes.
The film kicks off with a bank robbery where the crew retrieves sensitive information linked to the Jewish-Russian Mafia. Chaos ensues when they plan a heist using a “Triple 9” scenario—a police code meaning “officer down”—to divert law enforcement from their mission. Harrelson plays Sergeant Jeffrey Allen, who is hot on their trail, creating palpable tension throughout the film.
Audiences and critics have offered mixed reviews of Triple 9, yielding a Rotten Tomatoes critic score of 54% and audience score of 41%. Critics noted the performances were commendable, but the film itself struggled with narrative complexity, partly due to attempting to manage a large ensemble cast. While it might tread familiar ground typical of action thrillers, it remains worthy of the audience's attention for Harrelson's engaging portrayal and the gripping action sequences. The film is available for streaming on Max.
Looking forward, fans of Harrelson and adventurous cinema can expect another thrilling ride with The Electric State, directed by the Russo Brothers and set to premiere on Netflix on March 14. The film stars Millie Bobby Brown as Michelle, an orphaned teenager on the search for her lost brother. Accompanying her are Chris Pratt as the smuggler Keats and Anthony Mackie as his witty robot companion, Herman. Adapted from Simon Stålenhag’s graphic novel, The Electric State promises to offer viewers both action and emotional depth.
The story takes place across a dystopian future where sentient robots, once integral to society, are now outcasts after failing to rise against their creators. Michelle's quest is not just about locating her brother; it’s also about unraveling the truth and seeking justice. With its blend of adventure and science fiction, this film aims to captivate audiences with breathtaking visuals and compelling performances. Voice actors for the film include Brian Cox, Giancarlo Esposito, and Stanley Tucci, among others, lending impressive talent to the animated characters.
Finally, city residents and film enthusiasts can anticipate more scenes from Ella McCay, which stars Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson, and Emma Mackey. The film, produced by Twentieth Century Studios, will return to Providence, Rhode Island, for additional shooting to capture key scenes. While the specifics of the filming schedule were not revealed, this sequel promises to explore various locales featured during its initial shoot last year.
The film wrapped principal photography last May after utilizing approximately two dozen locations around Providence, including iconic sites like the Rhode Island State House and state-owned buildings. The return visit from the crew indicates strong ambitions for Ella McCay, which fans eagerly await.
Between suspenseful thrill rides and heartfelt narratives, the film industry continues to buzz with excitement. From the gritty storytelling of Triple 9 to the anticipated release of The Electric State and the excitement surrounding Ella McCay, viewers have much to look forward to this year. Stay tuned as these films hit screens and offer dynamic experiences for all film lovers.