Desperate times: Hamm preys on ‘Friends & Neighbors’ in
BY DANA SIMPSON
Whether diving into the sinister world of tech companies and the ideal 9-5 worker in “Severance,” or creeping behind Hollywood’s velvet curtain in “The Studio,” Apple TV+ has recently made a name for itself by presenting storylines centered around the destructive hopes and dreams of the rich. But what about the fallen rich — those who have built their lives on stately homes, beautiful partners and seemingly perfect families, only to watch it all crumble beneath the soles of their Italian leather loafers? Well, this new series on Apple TV+ has that covered.
“Your Friends & Neighbors,” premiering Friday, April 11, on the Apple-owned streaming service, stars “Mad Men” actor Jon Hamm as Andrew “Coop” Cooper, an affluent hedge fund manager who loses his well-paying, high-powered job shortly after divorcing his wife, Mel, played by “Fatal Attraction” actress Amanda Peet. After Coop meets with his financial adviser — who tells him he has enough money to “coast” in his current lifestyle for no more than six months — he begins looking for ways to sustain his wealth by other means. Unfortunately for those around him, Coop’s methods may not be in their best interest.
More specifically, “after being fired in disgrace, Andrew
‘Coop’ Cooper ... resorts to stealing from his neighbors’ homes in the exceedingly affluent Vestment Village,” the official Apple TV+ logline reads, “only to discover that the secrets and affairs hidden behind those wealthy facades might be more dangerous than he ever imagined.”
“Your Friends & Neighbors” comes from author, creator and executive producer Jonathan Tropper, who is also known for his writing work on the Jason Momoa-led sci-fi series “See” as well as films such as 2017’s retro road trip drama “Kodachrome” and 2022’s action film “The Adam Project,” starring Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds (“Deadpool & Wolverine,” 2024).
Tropper, excited about the debut of his first original television series creation since 2019, told Apple TV+ Press about his experience taking the first season off the page and onto the screen.
“I’ve had this show in my head for years, and making it has been a dream come true,” Tropper said. “It’s been an absolute thrill partnering with Jon Hamm, along with [fellow executive producers] Connie Tavel [‘Judging Amy’] and Craig Gillespie [‘I, Tonya,’ 2017], to bring it to life.
“The support from everyone at Apple has been phenome-
new Apple series
nal,” he continued, “and the fact that they’ve ordered a second season before we aired our first is an incredible validation and a tribute to the work of this stellar cast, as well as the crew, writers, directors and producers who worked so hard to make this show what it is. We can’t wait for everyone to see it.”
And Hamm isn’t the only recognizable face in the dramedy’s 10-episode debut season. Peet, who rose to fame following her role as Jill St. Claire in “The Whole Nine Yards” (2000), stars as Hamm’s ex-wife and mother of their children, Tori (Isabel Gravitt, “In Search of Fellini,” 2017) and Hunter (Donovan Colan, “Chapelwaite”).
Fans of the 2012-2014 HBO series “The Newsroom” may also be delighted to know that Olivia Munn, who played Sloan Sabbith in that series, will star in “Your Friends & Neighbors” as Samantha Levitt. Based on the trailer and series write-ups, it seems likely that Munn’s character will be a love interest for Hamm’s character, Coop. At the time of writing, however, very little information has been released regarding the relationships between characters.
Horoscopes
The luckiest signs this week:
LIBRA, SCORPIO AND SAGITTARIUS
ARIES
You’ll
TAURUS
You’ll
GEMINI
New Streaming Movies & Shows
CANCER
Be
LEO
VIRGO
You’ll have a flood of ingenious ideas that will inspire you to create a masterpiece. You’ll be extremely generous with someone close to you.
LIBRA
You’ll be under a lot of pressure at work this week. Take a moment to step back and recharge with friends. Fortunately, you’ll organize an event that will bring together the people you cherish most.
SCORPIO
A revelation will light your way and guide you toward a career that aligns with your aspirations. You’ll face a learning process that will help you navigate and define your goals more clearly.
SAGITTARIUS
Let your dreams guide and inspire you as you plan your summer vacation. Make sure you plan ahead to create memorable getaways with those you love.
CAPRICORN
You need to take a break and give yourself permission to relax, especially if you’re feeling vulnerable. Going on a vacation could help you work through difficult emotions. This will allow you to return to work with a calmer mindset to tackle new challenges.
AQUARIUS
Negotiating with someone you have no emotional connection with is easier. Sometimes, you may be unwilling to be flexible when dealing with
PISCES
You may land an influential position at work. Trust your instincts and organizational skills. They’ll help you score a top role within the company.
Amate Yuzuriha (Tomoyo Kurosawa), a high school girl who lives in a space colony, meets Nyaan (Yui Ishikawa), a war refugee girl, and gets caught up in the illegal mobile suit dueling competition ‘Clan Battle.’ At the same time, an unidentified Mobile Suit ‘Gundam,’ pursued by both the space army and the police, and its pilot, a boy named Shuji (Shimba Tsuchiya), appears before her.
Word Search
This historical drama film takes place over Christmas in 1985, when devoted father and coal merchant Bill Furlong (Cillian Murphy) discovers startling secrets kept by the convent in his town, along with some shocking truths of his own. The film reveals truths about Ireland’s Magdalene laundries — horrific asylums run by Roman Catholic institutions from the 1820s until 1996, ostensibly to reform “fallen young women.” Adapted from acclaimed novel by Claire Keegan.
More than 70,000 will attend the 83rd Iris Festival at Sumter’s Swan Lake, an event that has been ranked as one of the top 20 festivals in the Southeast. Be a part of The Sumter Item’s special publication and week-long coverage of the three day-event.
The publication will be distributed at the Iris Festival and will be featured on The Sumter Item’s website, social media pages and daily email throughout the festival week as well as within the newspaper in the Weekend Edition before the festival kicks off.
“Small Things Like These” (April 8)
“Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX” - Season 1 (April 8)
Where all the top choices can be found in one place!
“The Clubhouse: A Year with the Red Sox” (April 8)
This immersive series grants unprecedented access to one of sports’ most historic teams: the Boston Red Sox. Follow the 2024 Sox on and off the field for a never-before-seen glimpse into the personal and professional lives of MLB ballplayers as they grapple with the mental pressure and physical demands of a grueling 162-game season.
BY JAY BOBBIN
“Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends” (April 9)
Team Spidey returns to swing in and save the day with their incredible new Web-Spinner suits that allow them to explore exciting new places beyond their friendly neighborhood. Whether it’s underwater, the ice cold arctic, an erupting volcano, or even outer space, Spidey and his Amazing Friends continue to provide positive examples of what it means to be a Super Hero.
Q: It was nice to see Zoe Saldaña win an Oscar. Will her series “Lioness” be back?
A: After earning her Academy Award for best supporting actress in “Emilia Pérez,” Paramount+ has not yet given an official renewal for a third season of the military-espionage drama series. However, things look promising on that count for a number of reasons.
Saldaña said in an interview last fall that she was committed to three seasons of “Lioness.” Both existing seasons of the show have fared quite well in terms of ratings — the series was among the top 10 of all scripted streaming series in the United States.
Also, if the series returned, “Lioness” would be able to boast no less than three Oscar winners as major cast members, provided that Nicole Kidman and Morgan Freeman also returned to the series. That’s big prestige for any network or streaming service and not easily dismissed, even in these times when production costs are being scrutinized more closely than ever.
Still Marveling at ‘Black Panther’
BY JAY BOBBIN
While the Marvel movies have settled into a certain formula of expectations by now, “Black Panther” proved that filmmakers can still surprise viewers with entries from that cinematic universe.
FX presents the 2018 release on Sunday, April 6, and Monday, April 7 — and it continues to showcase the unique world crafted for the screen by director and co-writer Ryan Coogler (“Creed”). Certain corollaries to contemporary situations seem destined to keep the film timeless, with its Oscar wins for best costume design, production design and original score contributing greatly to the overall effect.
The late Chadwick Boseman earned enormous acclaim as the saga’s central character, as the prince who leads the threatened kingdom of Wakanda. Chief among the oppressors is one with a very appropriate name: Killmonger, played by Michael B. Jordan in his ongoing collaboration with Coogler, which also includes the “Creed” franchise and “Fruitvale Station.”
The requisite Marvel action is certainly an aspect of the picture, but one of the strongest messages of “Black Panther” is the importance of family — not just for the immediate relatives, but for an entire culture. Letitia Wright is a standout as Black Panther’s sister, who essentially is to him what Q is to James Bond, supplying him with an arsenal to help him accomplish
the mission at hand.
However, the overall “Black Panther” cast is pretty much a marvel. The major players also include Angela Bassett, Martin Freeman, Andy Serkis, Daniel Kaluuya and Oscar winners Lupita Nyong’o and Forest Whitaker. All of them get chances to make their marks, though never so much that the main spotlight is off Boseman — which is entirely fitting.
The history of the Black Panther character dates back to the 1960s, when Stan Lee and Jack Kirby — two legends of the Marvel Comics empire — came up with the idea, inspired in part by the social environment of that time. The character’s name is no coincidence when one considers the history of the period, and in a very real sense, the events of the ‘60s remain relevant when viewed through the “Black Panther” prism.
Coogler’s other screen work affirms what a solid match he was for the material, and it’s no surprise the film’s massive success led to the 2022 sequel, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” Sadly, Boseman had passed away by then, leaving a larger share of the story to returning co-star Wright. However, the original “Black Panther” remains a testament to Boseman’s immense talent and an enduring jewel in the Marvel crown.
Best NORMAN JEWISON MOVIES
BY JAY BOBBIN
“The Thrill of It All” (1963): Jewison directed one of his first hits with this often hilarious comedy, casting Doris Day as a doctor’s (James Garner) wife who becomes an overnight television sensation as a pitchwoman for a brand of soap.
“The Cincinnati Kid” (1965): Jewison began proving his dramatic chops by taking over from Sam Peckinpah on this poker saga, pitting Steve McQueen against Edward G. Robinson in a high-stakes game.
“In the Heat of the Night” (1967): Jewison’s status rose substantially with this sizzling combination of murder mystery and racial drama, teaming Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger as a big-city detective and a bigoted small-town sheriff.
“The Thomas Crown Affair” (1968): Though Jewison said he frequently fought with McQueen, he succeeded in casting the star as a sophisticated tycoon who engineers bank heists for kicks — and prompts insurance investigator Faye Dunaway to get on his case. Dunaway also appeared in the 1999 remake.
“Fiddler on the Roof” (1971): Anyone who cherishes the stage musical should be happy with Jewison’s faithful screen rendering, using actual locations to enhance the story of milkman Tevye’s (Topol) efforts to marry off his daughters.
Turner Classic Movies shows the film Wednesday, April 9, as part of a “Pictures of Judaism” evening.
“Rollerball” (1975): A real change of pace for Jewison, this futuristic sports drama boasts exciting competition sequences and a solid loner-against-thesystem performance by James Caan. The movie was remade in 2002.
“...And Justice for All” (1979): For the most part, Jewison reins in Al Pacino effectively as he plays a lawyer whose idealism suffers courtroom bruising. The picture is just as notable for its top-notch supporting cast, including Jack Warden, Christine Lahti and (as a wonderfully slimy judge) John Forsythe.
“A Soldier’s Story” (1984): Denzel
Washington — who would work with Jewison again on “The Hurricane” — got his big-screen coronation in this gripping drama about a military base murder, also boasting superb work by Howard E. Rollins Jr. (who would later star in the series version of “In the Heat of the Night”) and Adolph Caesar.
“Moonstruck” (1987): Cher and Olympia Dukakis were directed to Oscars by Jewison for this simply terrific romantic comedy about a woman (Cher) adored by her fiancé’s brother (Nicolas Cage). John Patrick Shanley’s script, which also provided substantial roles for Danny Aiello and John Mahoney, earned its own Academy Award.
“The Hurricane” (1999): Denzel
Washington gives an excellent performance under Jewison’s direction as Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, a wrongly convicted boxer who maintained his innocence while others worked to free him from a sentence for a triple homicide.
Goodbye to Gilead: ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ concludes with Season 6
BY DANA SIMPSON
Blessed be the fruit, and heroic be the handmaids. After a three-year hiatus, the citizens of Gilead, Little America and New Bethlehem alike return for the sixth and final season of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” coming to Hulu with a three-episode premiere Tuesday, April 8. Episodes set to release weekly thereafter.
Created for television by Bruce Miller (“Eureka”) and inspired by Margaret Atwood’s 1985 novel of the same name, this dystopian tale takes place in a totalitarian society, Gilead, built in what was once the United States. Low fertility rates led to the rise of theocracy, and the creation of a system in which fertile women (called “handmaids”) are assigned to powerful men and their wives, forcing them to bear children they must immediately surrender.
Eager to save her eldest daughter, Hannah (Jordana Blake, “Riot Girls,” 2019), one steadfast Handmaid, Offred (Elisabeth Moss, “The Invisible Man,” 2020) — later known by her real name, June — has fought tooth and nail to free herself from Gilead’s oppressive constraints, despite working for the likes of the ever-powerful Cmdr.
Waterford (Joseph Fiennes, “Shakespeare in Love,” 1998) and his wife, Serena Joy (Yvonne Strahovski, “Teacup”), as well as Gilead architect Joseph Lawrence (Bradley Whitford, “The West Wing”), a complicated man wrestling with the reverberations of his own creation.
June’s fight continued following the birth of her daughter Nichole, eventually leading both to find safety in Canada, with June’s husband Luke (O-T Fagbenle, “No Good Deed”) and her best friend, former Handmaid Moira (Samira Wiley, “Orange Is the New Black”).
Captured alongside her husband, Serena soon followed suit, confined in Toronto until she was eventually freed and sent to live with a couple more than obsessed with her newborn child. As tensions grew on both sides of the border, however, both Serena and June found themselves on the run in Season 5’s chilling finale, children in tow as they made way for the supposedly-safe Hawaii.
In her first interview following said finale, the Emmy-nominated Strahovski spoke candidly to Vanity Fair about Serena and June’s journey. “Personally, I don’t feel like they’re going to make it very far,” she says. “I can’t see them making it to their destination of choice.”
View from the Couch
“SOME LIKE IT HOT”
Now making its 4K Ultra HD debut as part of The Criterion Collection, this Billy Wilder-directed 1959 classic is widely considered one of the funniest films ever made. The Prohibition-era comedy details the plight of two musicians (played by Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon) who witness a Chicago underworld massacre, then escape from the killers by traveling to Miami disguised as female band members. Marilyn Monroe also stars in the film — an Oscar winner for its costume design — which inspired two stage versions: 1972’s “Sugar,” named for Monroe’s character, and the “Some Like it Hot” that opened in
Roasting the roasters: Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe offers killer feedback to co-workers
BY CAROLINE COLLACUTT
Headline-making comedian Tony Hinchcliffe (“The Burn with Jeff Ross”), perhaps best known for his podcast “Kill Tony,” his appearances on “The Roast of Bert Kreischer” (2023) and “The Roast of Tom Brady” (2024) — and for his poorly received jokes at President Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally in October 2024 — is set to release three exclusive specials with Netflix, with the first making its debut on the streamer Monday, April 7.
According to Hulu’s synopsis for the upcoming season, it seems Strahovski is correct. While welcoming series newcomers like Josh Charles (“Dead Poets Society,” 1989), D’Arcy Carden (“The Good Place”) and Timothy Simons (“Veep”), this sixth and final season promises more trouble for series favorites Serena Joy and June, as the former dives into a campaign to reform Gilead, while the latter fights to demolish the oppressive regime.
Later, speaking with W Magazine, Strahovski shared her thoughts on the upcoming season: “It got pretty raw in past seasons, but it gets even rawer this season. I don’t know how to explain it any other way. They just have some kind of a no-[nonsense] language between them, where they can really see and hear each other. They can’t lie to each other very well. And that relationship is also really, really complicated, and it’s been great to go even deeper into those complications.”
BY JAY BOBBIN
2022. Joe E. Brown has the film’s hugely memorable closing line, while George Raft, Pat O’Brien and Mike Mazurki also appear. **** (Not rated: AS, P) (Also on DVD and Blu-ray)
“DALGLIESH: SERIES 3”
A popular character in British-made dramas that adapted mystery novels by P.D. James and aired in America on PBS for many years, police sleuth Adam Dalgliesh returns in an Acorn TV series, now in its third season. Consisting of three stories in two parts each, the episodes are set in the late 1970s. Bertie Carvel plays Dalgliesh, who investigates a murder in a seminary in “Death in Holy Orders,” a killing within a prominent family in “Cover Her Face” (which Carvel also directed) and a string of homicides that may be linked to anti-nuclear activists in “Devices and Desires.”
**** (Not rated: AS, V)
“THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT”
Versatile Oscar winner Geena Davis delivers much of the mayhem in the 4K Ultra HD debut of this entertaining 1996 melodrama directed by her then-husband, Renny Harlin (“Cliffhanger”), and written by Shane Black (“Lethal Weapon”). Davis plays a seemingly tranquil teacher and family woman who’s
actually a former CIA operative — though she has no recollection of that past until a car accident triggers some of her old memories. On the run from enemies and former colleagues, she tries to stay alive with the help of a detective (Samuel L. Jackson) as she pieces more of her past back together. The solid cast also includes Patrick Malahide, Craig Bierko, Brian Cox (“Succession”), David Morse, G.D. Spradlin, Tom Amandes (“Everwood”) and Melina Kanakaredes (“CSI: NY”).
**** (R: AS, N, P, V) (Also on DVD and Blu-ray)
“WOMEN OF WORLD WAR II: THE UNTOLD STORIES”
Recently shown on PBS, this documentary from filmmakers Eli Brown and Michelle Bowen-Ziecheck encompasses exactly what its title indicates. Many women contributed in a variety of ways during World War II, from helping to build aircraft – and actually piloting them – to cracking codes that were vital in determining what enemy forces might be up to. Expectedly, archival footage is plentiful in the program, and the visuals are supplemented and enhanced by interviews (found not long ago) with relevant parties. Authors Emily Yellin and Gail Lumet Buckley (who recorded her contributions before her death in 2024)
These latest specials are said to feature a mixture of both established and aspiring comedians, all performing in front of Hinchcliffe and his esteemed panel of comedians who will provide brutally honest, unfiltered feedback. Part comedy special, part roast, “Kill Tony” offers constructive criticism, countless sets and cheeky laughs, all while poking fun at yet-to-be-announced celebrity guests who must perform at random.
The first of these three installments — airing this week — was filmed at the Comedy Mothership in Austin, Texas, kicking off a slate of releases for Hinchcliffe, who is also set to debut an hour-long special with the streamer.
are among the participants. **** (Not rated)
“SORORITY HOUSE MASSACRE”
From the stable of legendary producer Roger Corman, this 1986 horror entry gets new home-video treatment in a “Collector’s Edition” in the Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD formats. Trying to overcome a torment-filled past, a young woman (played by Angela O’Neill) joins a college sorority, only to discover the house has an alarming connection to her earlier years as long-suppressed memories resurface. The film is a spinoff of “The Slumber Party Massacre” (1982), which became a hit on a shoestring budget. This release includes an archival interview with Corman and a cut of the film made for England with extra footage. Wendy Martel, Pamela Ross and Nicole Rio also star. ****
(R: AS, N, P, V)
“LOVE ON THE RIGHT COURSE”
Part of a “Hallmark 6-Movie Collection” of made-for-cable films with sports themes, this 2024 film was written by Hallmark acting staple Brittany Bristow and her husband, Dustin Keating. Bristow also appears in the film, but the female lead is played by Ashley
“Myself and our entire crew of Austin comedians, peers and upcomers are excited for the opportunity to share our chaotic, insane show with a whole new chunk of the globe,” Hinchcliffe said in a statement. “It all started in a room at The Comedy Store with 12 audience members and barely anyone watching in 2013. After world tours and 700-plus Monday releases on YouTube, it seems the persistence has paid off. And now, to think that I can pull a name out of a bucket and that person will be performing stand-up and an improvised interview on the largest streaming service in the world, is both exciting and frightening.”
He added, “It’s the most spontaneous and improvised show that is out there, and the creative freedom given to us by Netflix to keep the show in its pure form is a comedian’s dream, and we can’t wait to ‘Netflix and Kill.’”
An utterly chaotic and comedic ride from start to finish, Tony Hinchcliffe’s first televised series, “Kill Tony,” airs its first installment Monday, April 7, on Netflix.
Newbrough as a golfer who reassesses her flagging career by making a visit to her native Budapest (where the story just happened to be filmed) and getting tips and romantic overtures from another golf pro (Marcus Rosner, who previously made 2023’s “Flipping for Christmas” with Newbrough for Hallmark Channel). The other titles in the set are “Fourth Down and Love” (2023, with Pascale Hutton), “Game Set Love” (2022, starring Davida Williams), “Hearts in the Game” (2023, featuring Erin Cahill), “Taking a Shot at Love” (2021, casting Alexa PenaVega) and “A Winning Team” (2023, with Nadia Hatta). **** (Not rated: AS)
