Another week has come and gone, the weekend is looming, and summer is here: it’s only natural to have Netflix on the mind. Okay, maybe it’s not the traditional way to spend the season, but if you’re anything like me, who writes about film and television for a living, you’re probably ready to start the next big series on the platform.
Plenty has happened on the Netflix front since you last checked in (you do check in on us every now and then, don’t you?). A Razzie nominee has made it to the top of the streaming charts, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos was pressured into commenting on Netflix’s support of local artists, and more. Let’s dive right on in.
What Happens in Vegas tops the charts (because it’s about time people get nostalgic for 2008)
If you told me back in 2008 that What Happens in Vegas — a fluffy rom-com starring Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz — would be at the top of Netflix’s streaming charts in not just one, but 56 countries worldwide, well, I’d… I’d probably ask what Netflix was. But if I did know what Netflix was, I’d say it’s pretty impressive that a Razzie nominee, with a whopping 25% on Rotten Tomatoes, has managed to enthrall audiences after all this time.
Listen, I’m not saying What Happens in Vegas is a masterpiece or anything, but I get it. It’s no secret that I love bad movies, and this movie’s part of what I like to call “FXCore” movies. They’re those films that you stumble across in the middle of an afternoon while you’re scrolling through random channels. It’s Sunday and you have nothing to do, so you can’t help but watch, slack-jawed and barely conscious. If you have a spare hour and a half, there are worse ways to spend your free time.
Sarandos pledges to support the Korean film industry
Netflix’s reputation for supporting local productions isn’t exactly sterling, nor is its legacy of not paying its creatives. At a summit in Seoul, lawmakers and South Korean industry figures pressed Netflix CEO Sarandos to comment on how the streamer will support Korean media, particularly since the service has been making a ton of money off of Korean creatives.
The South Korean government has previously had to spend $390 million on subsidies to support smaller networks and streaming services that cannot compete with the foreign conglomerate. The debate over Netflix’s poor division of profits is central to several current events, including the Writers’ Strike. Sarandos’ comments were a good start — now let’s just hope that the company puts its money where its mouth is.
Mark Millar’s The Chosen One gets a first look
The Chosen One, an adaptation of Mark Millar’s American Jesus, is currently set to premiere on August 16. Ahead of its release, Netflix has opted to release a first look at the project, but many are questioning the success of the project following the failure of Millar’s Jupiter’s Legacy. That project is one of the biggest bombs Netflix has ever produced, so it’s fair to be a little skeptical.
I mean, it’s Mark Millar. How controversial can he be? Don’t answer that. Still, the production is its own project. I’m sure it won’t necessarily follow the same path as Jupiter’s Legacy. I mean, IT doesn’t have the same reputation as The Langoliers.
Tenoch Huerta drops out of Fiesta en la Madriguera
Fiesta en la Madriguera was announced just last month. The film is set to be an adaptation of Juan Pablo Villalobos’ first novel and will be directed by Manolo Caro. Huerta was set to star in the film but has now dropped out of the project following sexual allegations made against him by noted femicide activist María Elena Ríos.
Extraction 2 reveals some hair-raising behind-the-scenes footage
To end things on a lighter note, we have some new behind-the-scenes footage of Extraction 2, which is currently streaming on Netflix. Following the success of the first Extraction, the second film hits audiences with even bigger and better action sequences (and more Chris Hemsworth than you can handle). The stunt work and special effects work are extensive, and behind-the-scenes footage of the movie reveals just how much labor went into the creation of the film.
Pretty cool, huh? Hope you’re all ready for Extraction 3 and Extraction 3 Part II.