Chris Pine’s new movie “Outlaw King” is set in the 14th Century but the true tale of Scottish king Robert The Bruce’s defeat of the much larger English army has a timely message of resistance.
Beginning in 1303 with Bruce (Pine) and other Scottish noblemen begrudgingly pledging allegiance to Edward I of England (Stephen Dillane). As days and months Bruce and his countrymen become less and less tolerant of English rule, bristling at paying taxes to a king who does nothing for them. Taking his rightful crown as King of Scotland, Bruce puts his wife (Florence Pugh) and child (Josie O’Brien) into hiding and cobbles together a small rag tag army, including his two bravest warriors Angus Macdonald (Tony Curran) and James Douglas (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), to fight for Scottish Independence against the dictatorial King and his hot-blooded son, the Prince of Wales (Billy Howle).
“Outlaw King” is a historical epic that feels both modern and intimate. Director David Mackenzie doesn’t spare the spectacle—at one point early on Edward announces, “Friends, join us. We have a spectacle!”—but he makes sure to infuse the story with character building moments and personal details to give us a sense of who Bruce is beyond an expert in carnage. Pine humanizes the great warrior, placing him in the context of a family man who risks everything to forward his cause.
The humanity on display in “Outlaw King” is all well and good but it is the battle scenes you’ll remember. An orgy of blood and broken bones, they are up-close-and-personal, not-for-the-weak-of-stomach. Also, horse lovers beware. They are visceral, realistic and fulfill the early promise of spectacle.
Film critic Richard Crouse, social media star Stewart Reynolds, and parent blogger Samantha Kemp-Jackson get Behind the Headlines with host Beverly Thomson. Today we dive into sexting and excrement.
Richard sat in as host of “The Nightside” on NewsTalk 1010 on Friday November 2. In this highlight package we hear the “Who is the Greatest Rock Star of All Time” Debate and learn about foldable smartphones.
Mackenzie Foy, starring as Clara in the Disney fantasy “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms,” sits with Richard to discuss the film and her dream of directing a movie.
Watch the full episode of “Pop Life” from Saturday November 3, 2018. This week Richard speaks to best-selling author of the ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ and ‘Wizards of Once’ books Cressida Cowell about the world of magic and firing up the imagination of young readers. Then the Pop Life panel, Magicienne Julie Eng, cinema alchemist Roger Christian and Harry Potter fan Lauren McCormick, speak about the art of illusions in magic, on film sets and more.
Film critic and pop culture historian Richard Crouse shares a toast with celebrity guests and entertainment pundits every week on CTV News Channel’s talk show POP LIFE.
Featuring in-depth discussion and debate on pop culture and modern life, POP LIFE features sit-down interviews with celebrities from across the entertainment world, including musician Josh Groban, comedian Ken Jeong, writer Fran Lebowitz, superstar jazz musician Diana Krall, legendary rock star Meatloaf, stand-up comedian and CNN host W. Kamau Bell, actor Jay Baruchel, celebrity chefs Bobby Flay and Nigella Lawson, and many more.
The Pop Life panel, Magicienne Julie Eng, cinema alchemist Roger Christian and Harry Potter fan Lauren McCormick, speak about the art of illusions in magic, on film sets and more.
Film critic and pop culture historian Richard Crouse shares a toast with celebrity guests and entertainment pundits every week on CTV News Channel’s talk show POP LIFE.
Featuring in-depth discussion and debate on pop culture and modern life, POP LIFE features sit-down interviews with celebrities from across the entertainment world, including musician Josh Groban, comedian Ken Jeong, writer Fran Lebowitz, superstar jazz musician Diana Krall, legendary rock star Meatloaf, stand-up comedian and CNN host W. Kamau Bell, actor Jay Baruchel, celebrity chefs Bobby Flay and Nigella Lawson, and many more.
This week on “Pop Life” Richard chats with best-selling author Cressida Cowell about the world of magic and firing up the imagination of young readers.
Film critic and pop culture historian Richard Crouse shares a toast with celebrity guests and entertainment pundits every week on CTV News Channel’s talk show POP LIFE.
Featuring in-depth discussion and debate on pop culture and modern life, POP LIFE features sit-down interviews with celebrities from across the entertainment world, including musician Josh Groban, comedian Ken Jeong, writer Fran Lebowitz, superstar jazz musician Diana Krall, legendary rock star Meatloaf, stand-up comedian and CNN host W. Kamau Bell, actor Jay Baruchel, celebrity chefs Bobby Flay and Nigella Lawson, and many more.
My newest column in WestJet Magazine! It’s a look at Chris PIne and the making of his Scottish epic “Outlaw King.”
“His new movie may be set in the 14th century, but Chris Pine says the story of Robert the Bruce and his defeat of the English, has a message which is still relevant today. “This man, who comes from great wealth and power, decides—at a very difficult time—to give up all of that,” says Pine. “He is able to do something great for many, many people…” READ THE WHOLE THING HERE!
On this week’s Pop Life Podcast we meet two people who make people laugh for a living.
Fortune Feimster is a writer, comedian, and actress. Feimster made her television debut on NBC’s Last Comic Standing in 2010. Between 2015 and 2017 she starred as Colette on The Mindy Project. Here she talks about finding her comedic voice.
Best known as J. Peterman on Seinfeld, the #1 syndicated television show in the world, John O’Hurley’s television career began in daytime television on a number of soap operas. He starred on the inaugural edition of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, and was the show’s ultimate champion. O’Hurley went on to star on Broadway in Chicago, as the male lead, Billy Flynn, and hosted the syndicated game show, Family Feud. He has written three books, the New York Times bestseller, It’s Okay to Miss The Bed On the First Jump, Before The Dog Can Eat Your Homework First You Have To Do It: Life Lessons From A Wise Old Dog To A Young Boy and The Perfect Dog, published by Penguin Books.John O’Hurley is an American actor, voice actor, author and television personality. He is known for the role of J. Peterman on the NBC sitcom Seinfeld, and was the fifth host of the game show Family Feud from 2006 to 2010.
