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	<title>WWE Archives - Big Picture Film Club</title>
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	<title>WWE Archives - Big Picture Film Club</title>
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	<item>
		<title>Review: &#8216;Queen of the Ring&#8217; &#8211; Emily Bett Rickards is the New Leading Lady In The Ring</title>
		<link>https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/review-queen-of-the-ring/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Gabriel Leão]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Apr 2025 01:47:10 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[emily bett rickards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wrestling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WWE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WWF]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/?p=24148</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The crowd is enthusiastic, white and Black people, children, teenagers, and adults, all wearing their Sunday clothes, some holding elusive...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/review-queen-of-the-ring/">Review: &#8216;Queen of the Ring&#8217; &#8211; Emily Bett Rickards is the New Leading Lady In The Ring</a> appeared first on <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com">Big Picture Film Club</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The crowd is enthusiastic, white and Black people, children, teenagers, and adults, all wearing their Sunday clothes, some holding elusive banners, and cheering as if they could interact with the ongoing spectacle. The hand of Mildred Burke is held high while the title belt rests upon her left shoulder; the beaten former ladies’ wrestling champion leaves the squared circle with a face covered in anger, fear, and shame, to screams hailing the victorious penetrating her ears and being. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The biopic ‘Queen of the Ring’ (2024) tells the story of Mildred Burke (1915 – 1989), a three-time women’s world champion of pro-wrestling who had her heyday from the mid-1930s to the early 1950s. Burke started when this amalgam of sports and entertainment was illegal for women in the US, and she trailblazed her way to the top while being a single mother in a masculine environment to become the first million-dollar woman athlete in history. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">‘Queen of the Ring’ has the competent direction of Ash Avildsen, who has also secured his territory as a music and comic books impresario. The period piece is enhanced by the reliable work done by the research and art department that recreated a long-gone Americana to the point that helps to understand the central character development. The cinematography has a sense of immersion that makes the viewer detach from the world outside and sense how it was to live with the technology and values of those years, the well-curated soundtrack also plays its role in the experience; these resources cause nostalgia even in those who never lived there. The film is based on Jeff Leen’s book The <em>Queen of the Ring: Sex, Muscles, Diamonds, and the Making of an American Legend</em> (2009).</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The great asset of ‘Queen of the Ring’ is its protagonist, Emily Bett Rickards (Arrow). The Canadian actress underwent an arduous body transformation to build muscle while prioritizing muscular definition. In addition, the performer went through pro wrestling training. The scenes where Rickards is training or wrestling have her as a ferocious predator eager to take any comers. All the preparation she went through makes it believable which is more valued by Rickards’ Golden Age star appeal.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It is a strong showcase of acting as Rickards feels like a countryside girl with fears and doubts who grows into a mature woman who has to accept her leadership role in a male-dominated world that is always were men and even other women try to ensure she knows her role. Rickards displays a lengthy range while traversing from hope, eagerness, fear, love, anger, and self-respect, and all that with a believable accent. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">‘Queen of the Ring’ announces that Emily Bett Rickards is prepared for the upper echelons of leading ladies, be it in dramas, thrillers, action, or horror pictures. All the effort combined with her acting skills should set her up for bigger productions or at least get the attention of casting directors and producers. The supporting cast helps further this emotional story, which gains muscles with the professionalism of Walton Goggins (The White Lotus season 3), Cara Buono (Stranger Things), Francesca Eastwood (Juror #2), Tyler Posey (Teen Wolf), Martin Kove (Cobra Kai), Damaris Lewis (The BlacKkKlansman), Deborah Ann Woll (Daredevil), Gavin Casalegno (The Summer I Turned Pretty), and Adam Demos (Rescue Special Ops).<br>Demos gives life to the legendary and flamboyant pro-wrestler Gorgeous George, one of the first celebrities with the advent of television and significant influence in the public personas of Muhammad Ali, Bob Dylan, and Ric Flair. Although a supporting character, Demos’ George feels like an ever-shining diamond whenever he appears. Ann Woll’s Gladys Gillem starts as a naïve girl, then surrenders to resignation and ends as a stark reminder on how rough this scripted entertainment can be.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Alongside this respectable cast of supporting players is Josh Lucas (<a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/interview-guinevere-turner-memoir/">American Psycho</a>), who gives one of his best performances as the problematic women-wrestling manager Billy Wolfe, a man who deserves his credit for helping usher the acceptance of women in the ring, as they were forbidden to wrestle among themselves.<br>Still, Wolfe is a philanderer and abuser prone to beating up women and those he deems weaker than him but acts as if he didn’t mean to wreak havoc. Once the damage is done, and as happens with abusive people, Wolfe reverts to a cycle of being nice again, which leads to further aggression.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"> Lucas cleverly portrays Wolfe as a good person who shows genuine interest in investing in others. However, this genuine feeling mutates into neglect or taking advantage of those in his inner circle, and once they are broken, he dismisses them, as he does with George, or uses full strength to destroy them. <br>The picture is improved by having world-class pro-wrestlers. Toni Rossall (Toni Storm) and Kailey Farmer (Kamille) portray wrestlers Clara Mortensen and June Byers, respectively. Both bring a different type of antagonist to Burke, being good scene partners for Rickards and complementing her narrative. Rossall and Farmer are world champions in real life. Their acting revolves around their physicality, not just the way they move in the ring but how they portray the personalities and motifs of their characters through their body language, making Mortensen and Byers very different from each other and from Burke. <br>The movie has so many rich characters that it could also be a limited series, but still, it wouldn’t have the same impact as ‘Queen of the Ring’ does, so showcasing them opens the doors for them to have their stories told, much like Mildred did for others. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">‘Queen of the Ring’ comes after pro-wrestling biopics’ Iron Claw’ (2023) and ‘<a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/cassandro-unveiling-the-masked-emotions-of-lucha-libre/">Cassandro</a>’ (2023) and years after Darren Aronofsky ‘The Wrestler’ (2009), starred by Mickey Rourke, and the mainstream moment pro-wrestling is enjoying. ‘Queen of the Ring’ finds an identity of its own, which is straightforward, sometimes feeling like an endearing matinee piece from a bygone era, but it has moments of darkness as when it portrays husband-on-wife violence and how it was dealt with in those days, which packs a strong message and is another moment that Rickards’ chops flourish. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Avildsen’s movie gains by not being preachy, but it has messages of acceptance of women, Blacks, and queer people in society, and <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wwe-revenue-pro-wrestling-mainstream-pop-culture/">pro-wrestling</a> owns a lot to these groups. The film shows the battles that Burke and her peers had to go through to have their artistic and entertaining craft respected, laid the road open for talents like Toni Storm, Kamille, Chyna, Mercedes Moné, Charlotte Flair, and others to be on the marquee of wrestling events and even headline the coveted Wrestlemania events which saw in its 35th edition Becky Lynch grappling with Ronda Rousey. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">‘Queen of the Ring’ talks about the days we live in as women, queer people, and other minorities are having their rights threatened, if not terminated, in America and other parts of the globe. Nevertheless, it doesn’t forget that its focus is to tell Mildred’s story with skill, and it can entertain the whole family, but primarily girls at an age where they seek role models, much like those little girls on the ringside who projected themselves on Mildred Burke. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rating: <img onload="this.setAttribute('data-loaded', true)"  decoding="async" class="usr" src="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/plugins/universal-star-rating/includes/image.php?img=01.png&amp;px=12&amp;max=5&amp;rat=4" alt="4 out of 5 stars" style="height: 12px !important;" /> (4 / 5)</h3>
<p>The post <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/review-queen-of-the-ring/">Review: &#8216;Queen of the Ring&#8217; &#8211; Emily Bett Rickards is the New Leading Lady In The Ring</a> appeared first on <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com">Big Picture Film Club</a>.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">24148</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>As WWE Revenue Hits Record Levels, Pro-Wrestling is Relishing Its Moment Back Into Mainstream Pop Culture</title>
		<link>https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wwe-revenue-pro-wrestling-mainstream-pop-culture/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Gabriel Leão]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 20 Aug 2024 15:51:49 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Editorials]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wrestling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WWE]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/?p=22716</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>This April at WrestleMania 40, two pro-wrestling dynasties were in a collision route as Cody Rhodes challenged for the second...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wwe-revenue-pro-wrestling-mainstream-pop-culture/">As WWE Revenue Hits Record Levels, Pro-Wrestling is Relishing Its Moment Back Into Mainstream Pop Culture</a> appeared first on <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com">Big Picture Film Club</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This April at WrestleMania 40, two pro-wrestling dynasties were in a collision route as Cody Rhodes challenged for the second time champion Roman Reigns and finally beat him even after a returning Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson interfered and humiliated Rhoades while he tried to finish his story and capture the belt that eluded his father, Dusty Rhodes.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This form of entertainment had its highs and lows in popularity. Its best moments were during the 80s with the likes of Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair, then in the mid-90s brought the Attitude Era with Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock meanwhile the now-extinct promotion WCW blasted with Goldberg, Sting, and the nWo, and another good moment happened in the early aughts with the Ruthless Aggression Era that presented John Cena and Batista (Dave Bautista).</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Now, as seen in the Rhodes battle with the Samoan Anoa’i family, of which Johnson and Reigns are members, pro-wrestling is relishing another moment in mainstream pop culture ushered by the spike in audiences promoted by millennials and their nostalgia added by Gen Zers, who flock around more social media-inclined stars.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">According to an April <a href="https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/wwe-ratings-smackdown-raw-nxt-1235956750/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Variety piece, WWE saw improvements in the Q1 demo ratings</a> year over year, kept most of its viewership steady, and is experiencing growth among the adult group composed of 18 to 49-year-olds, which brings the last batch of Gen Xers, alongside Millennials, and Gen Zers. The previous two groups were around when The Rock, Stone Cold, Undertaker, and the nWo were mainstays in wrestling, during the &#8220;Monday Night Wars&#8221;. Younger fans may be more enticed by names like Logan Paul and Dominik Mysterio.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In an interview with Big Picture Film Club, American film and TV critic <a href="https://x.com/newbyrichard3">Richard Newby</a> says that nostalgia, as exemplified by the return of Johnson, has played a role in this spike. “<em>Definitely. I did have a lot of friends that followed (wrestling) in elementary and middle school. There was a huge drop-off in high school and college to the point where I didn’t hear anyone talk about it. But over the last few years, I’ve really seen it bounce back with a lot of enthusiasm.</em>”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Standout Brazilian martial artist and pro-wrestler who performed for WWE and AEW <a href="https://www.instagram.com/adrianjaoude/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adrian Jaoude</a> (a.k.a Tiger Ruas) believes that “<em>WWE and pro-wrestling as a whole has attracted the younger demographic considering the modernization and quick pace of its content as the storylines are shorter and following the young viewers’ trends and subjects and an example of this is the influencer Logan Paul who brought alongside him this public.</em>”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For Newby, there is also the intersectionality between pro-wrestling and nerd culture: “<em>All the tweets I see about wrestling are from folks who are also huge ‘Star Wars,’ comic book, and horror fans. It makes sense &#8211; these are folks in costumes playing the hero or the heel with big personalities and a lot of physicality. And it’s definitely not lost that the first superhero, Superman, was inspired by wrestlers and luchadores.</em>”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Dialoguing with a new batch of fans while keeping the tradition</strong></h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">WWE is the biggest pro wrestling company, but this form of entertainment is popular in America, Canada, Japan, Mexico, and the UK. One point in common between the different countries is the respect for those who paved the way, as seen in the biopic ‘<a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/cassandro-unveiling-the-masked-emotions-of-lucha-libre/?fbclid=IwAR1_zyKeHTPR5HCWtcvfpC1lqlTjIlGDmoFU05PWIgXmbuK5Bk8eE9iSWxo">Cassandro</a>’ (2023), telling the tale of the trailblazing <em>exótico luchador</em> played by Gael García Bernal, who would become a queer icon and cherished figure by Mexican families, and in the film ‘Iron Claw’ (2023), portraying the pioneering Von Erichs and the dramas that plague them.</p>



<figure data-wp-context="{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9a449594ac9&quot;}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a9a449594ac9" class="wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container"><img onload="this.setAttribute('data-loaded', true)"  loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="960" height="540" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-23058" srcset="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image.jpeg 960w, https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-768x432.jpeg 768w, https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-958x540.jpeg 958w" sizes="auto, (min-width: 958px) 958px, 100vw" /><button
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		</button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Adrian Jaoude in WWE NXT // Credit: WWE</figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Jaoude recalls how his Olympic wrestler brother <a href="https://www.instagram.com/antoinejaoudewrestler/?hl=pt">Antoine Jaoude</a> and himself, an international award-winning talent, opened the roads for Brazilians in wrestling and MMA fighters who wanted to improve their grappling game and how seeing the sacrifices of the Von Erichs in ‘Iron Claw’ remembered him of the trials he faced with his family. <br>“<em>It is a story that shows what is behind pro-wrestling, which isn’t an easy activity, let alone an easy career. It is a mixture of being an actor, a fighter, and an athlete. However, you are not only an actor because you must always go to the gym, but you are also always practicing inside the ring because you can hurt yourself just like an athlete; in the end, you have to perform realistically</em>”.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">These hardships mould these performers and some of the most <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/bbc-skies-are-watching-audio-drama-sci-fi/">notorious</a> are jumping over the top rope into mainstream culture as reflected by the emergence of pro-wrestlers turned actors Dwayne Johnson, John Cena, and Dave Bautista, who are big draws and known even by casual moviegoers and some even know their catchphrases. It is not uncommon to see pro wrestlers “cutting promos” telling why they are good or how they will beat their next opponent, and while some can improvise these lines, many have to rehearse with coaches, and their eloquence combined with their physiques result in personas which bring traits of themselves if not whole different beasts that capture the audiences.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Jaoude recalls how his tutelage under WWE led him to relevant acting jobs like the ‘<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OX0z8g6qHQI" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arcanjo Renegado</a>’ (2020 – 2022, Dissent Archangel) series in Brazil’s streaming service GloboPlay, part of South-America’s main media group, The Globo Conglomerate. <br>“<em>The acting programs I’ve been part of in WWE opened doors that led me to ‘Arcanjo Renegado,’ and the classes I had made me feel comfortable while shooting the series</em>.”<br>Newby sees that the pro-wrestling acting classes can develop talents that can be as good or better than some clueless people trying to break into the industry as pro-wrestling “is a performance art.” The critic also believes that the names mentioned before not only bring the physicality seen in TV but also have the appeal of decades-ago action stars like Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dolph Lundgren, and <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/the-charisma-and-excellence-of-carl-weathers/">Carl Weathers.</a> </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Nevertheless, Johnson, Cena, and Bautista aren’t just palette swaps of each other as Johnson is a blockbuster king, and with his MMA fighter Mark Kerr biography directed by Benny Safdie and produced by A24 will let the viewers see his drama range, Cena is the more inclined to comedy of the trio and made the anti-hero Peacemaker his own with the homonymous DC hit series; meanwhile, Bautista has picked a more art inclined path which he carries simultaneously with blockbuster material, Bautista can be seen in pictures like ‘Blade Runner 2049’ (2017) and M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘Knock at the Cabin’ (2023), and has expressed lack of interest in franchises like ‘Fast &amp; Furious.’</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I think whether it be in hiring these big, standout personalities to act or in telling the incredible, sometimes <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/ted-boy-marino-brazil-pro-wrestling-legend-and-tv-hero/">unbelievable stories of their lives</a>, the TV and Film industry is all in on wrestling and wrestlers,” says Newby.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The film industry, in particular Hollywood, is a gruelling business, and wrestling is a rough career as Adrian Jaoude explains:</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“The life of a pro-wrestler isn’t an easy one; it is based upon dedication, effort, lots of travelling, much abnegation, and sacrifices, but it is worth it; when the show closes, and the fans are still excited, it is always fun” &#8211; Adrian Jaoude</p>
</blockquote>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/netflix-wwe-documentary-vince-mcmahon/">How will Netflix’s $5 Billion deal with the WWE affect its documentary on Vince McMahon in light of recent allegations?</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wwe-revenue-pro-wrestling-mainstream-pop-culture/">As WWE Revenue Hits Record Levels, Pro-Wrestling is Relishing Its Moment Back Into Mainstream Pop Culture</a> appeared first on <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com">Big Picture Film Club</a>.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">22716</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>BBC’s The Skies Are Watching: Reviving Radio Drama with a Modern Twist</title>
		<link>https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/bbc-skies-are-watching-audio-drama-sci-fi/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Gabriel Leão]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 30 Jun 2024 20:42:47 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Editorials]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Guinevere Turner]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jake Roberts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Podcast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Skies Are Watching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WWE]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/?p=22770</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>From UK-based Goldhawk Productions and transmitted through BBC’s Radio 4, the sci-fi thriller podcast The Skies Are Watching presents the...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/bbc-skies-are-watching-audio-drama-sci-fi/">BBC’s The Skies Are Watching: Reviving Radio Drama with a Modern Twist</a> appeared first on <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com">Big Picture Film Club</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">From UK-based Goldhawk Productions and transmitted through BBC’s Radio 4, the sci-fi thriller podcast <em><a href="https://www.goldhawkproductions.com/the-skies-are-watching" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Skies Are Watching</a></em> presents the story of Heather Haskins, who went missing a couple of years ago and reemerged aboard a flight without a ticket or identification. Haskins’s being onboard is just one in a series of mysteries as she starts to believe she is a woman named Coral Goran who disappeared in 1938. The spiralling narrative becomes more profound as Goran’s son, David Vance, an author and ufologist, claims to have witnessed his mother’s abduction by aliens. Now, Vance affirms that 85 years later, she has returned and reincarnated as Haskins. Meanwhile, Heather’s relatives question if her abduction has more down-to-earth and dreadful tones.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Created by podcast veterans Todd Luoto and Jon Frechette, <em>The Skies Are Watching</em> pays homage to the golden era of the radio dramas of the past century with a cutting-edge story that won the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival for “Best Narrative Award” and an eclectic cast with veterans and upcomers from the entertainment industry.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">WWE Legend <a href="https://www.wwe.com/superstars/jakeroberts">Jake “The Snake” Roberts</a> voices David Vance, actress Caitlin Stasey (Smile) plays Heather Haskins, actress and screenwriter <a href="https://guinevereturner.squarespace.com/">Guinevere Turner</a> (American Psycho) is Constance, musician David Yow (The Jesus Lizard, Under the Silver Lake) is Rodney, and voice-actress Caroline Morahan, a past collaborator of Luoto and Frechette, is Jana, among others that round up the performers. </p>



<figure data-wp-context="{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9a449597267&quot;}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a9a449597267" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img onload="this.setAttribute('data-loaded', true)"  loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-2.jpeg" alt="Jake &quot;The Snake&quot; Roberts" class="wp-image-22810" srcset="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-2.jpeg 1024w, https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-2-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-2-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="auto, (min-width: 958px) 958px, 100vw" /><button
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				<path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z" />
			</svg>
		</button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jake &#8220;The Snake&#8221; Roberts // Credit: WWE</figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The renowned Roberts is known for entering the <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/cassandro-unveiling-the-masked-emotions-of-lucha-libre/?fbclid=IwAR1_zyKeHTPR5HCWtcvfpC1lqlTjIlGDmoFU05PWIgXmbuK5Bk8eE9iSWxo">pro-wrestling</a> <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/ted-boy-marino-brazil-pro-wrestling-legend-and-tv-hero/">rings</a> embraced by a piton snake to face the likes of Hulk Hogan and Stone Cold Steve Austin; however, in <em>The Skies Are Watching</em>, Roberts gives life to an elusive ufologist holding a secret in a performance showing his successful transition from the squared circle to audio drama.<br>“I’ve had many unique experiences as a performer, but this project was something different,” said Roberts in the press release. “It was exciting to bring new life to the timeless medium of audio drama and explore something different at this stage in my career. Working with such a talented cast and crew was a great experience. And, for once, no one expected me to bring the damn snake!” </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>The Skies Are Watching</em> made history at Tribeca, where the jury explained that the accolade was given due to “drawing from the historic past of radio drama and presenting a story that feels breathlessly of the moment, this genre-bending series brims with intrigue. Its shifting, stylish approach to the medium always kept us guessing as top-notch sound design introduced us to its cast of bewildering yet relatable characters. Classic and timeless meets cutting edge.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/orson-welles-war-fiction-podcasting/">The influence of Orson Welles and the Mercury Theatre’s 1938 radio production of <em>War of the Worlds</em> is notable</a>. In an interview with <em>Big Picture Film Club</em>, producer Jon Frechette affirms that his duo with Todd Luoto drew ideas with “<em>a fantastic hook that we then approach with a degree of skepticism, regardless of how bizarre the situation might first appear.</em>”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Frechette also explains that the impact of the media on the real world led to the question: “What if someone believed what they’d heard on the radio had been a real event?”<br>In an interview with <em>BPFC</em>, Luoto attests that the appeal of the show comes from the idea that “<em>stories about the unknown are timeless, and one could argue interest in extraterrestrials, or UFOs/UAPs, has somewhat piqued over the last few years with real world research and revelations. Of course, these stories have never been out of vogue, but it feels like a particularly rich time to circle around them given what’s been in the zeitgeist.</em>” Turner points out to me the factors that make this story work: </p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Though the show is about UFOs and conspiracies on one level, it’s really about family and the universal anxiety we all have of growing apart from someone we love, of not connecting with someone who used to be central to our life. It’s also exciting because Jon and Todd did such a great job of making it sound like a nonfiction podcast that a huge part of the enjoyment of listening is being in awe of all the subtle ways they crafted the story to make it feel that way.”</p>
<cite>&#8211; Guinevere Turner</cite></blockquote>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Not only <em>War of the Worlds</em> but other narratives across different media attest to the power of extraterrestrial stories with human connections and their place in the collective imaginary, as the comic book character Superman was created in the same year that Welles performed his transmission. Cinema and TV have classics such as ‘<a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/retro-review-alien/">Alien</a>’ (1979), ‘<a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/5-great-movies-about-alien-encounters/">E.T</a>’ (1982), ‘The X-Files’ (1993 &#8211; 2018), and The Skies Are Watching is joining this group.</p>



<figure data-wp-context="{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9a449597e71&quot;}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a9a449597e71" class="wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container"><img onload="this.setAttribute('data-loaded', true)"  loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="894" height="670" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-1.jpeg" alt="Guinevere Turner" class="wp-image-22805" srcset="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-1.jpeg 894w, https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-1-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 894px) 100vw, 894px" /><button
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				<path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z" />
			</svg>
		</button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Guinevere Turner // Credit: Julie Caggiano</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Promoting a grounded and natural environment for creativity</strong></h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>The Skies Are Watching</em> is engaging because although it deals with extraterrestrial phenomena, it is still believable in the line of Denis Villeneuve’s ‘<a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/passengers-v-arrival-a-comparative-review/">Arrival’ (2016)</a>. To add naturality, the actors interacted in the same environment and could give their input and improvise in the story.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“We feel this results in performances and characters that feel authentic and sheds artifice that can become evident, if not very off-putting, in the medium of audio,” says Luoto.<br>One of the performers who benefitted from this dynamic is <a href="https://www.instagram.com/guinevereturner/">Guinevere Turner</a>, the Renaissance woman who is a screenwriter, actress, director, producer, <a href="https://vpa.syr.edu/people/guinevere-turner/">cinema professor</a>, scholar, activist, and author. Turner is known for ‘American Psycho’ (2000) and ‘Go Fish’ (1994). Nevertheless, in <em>The Skies Are Watching</em>, <a href="https://www.uol.com.br/universa/noticias/redacao/2025/01/18/criada-em-culto-roteirista-de-psicopata-americano-escreve-para-se-curar.htm">Turner</a> jumps into the new challenge of playing Constance, a mother and a new persona in her thirty-year acting career.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“<em>So interesting and unexpected! Acting in a narrative podcast was a first for me, and I expected that I would be in a recording booth listening to other actors in headphones &#8211; but no! Jon and Todd had us all together to record, running through the woods, hugging &#8211; everything we would do if a camera was rolling,</em>” says Turner on the methods employed at the podcast.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Turner is enjoying a good professional moment as by March 2023, she released the book <em><a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/651933/when-the-world-didnt-end-by-guinevere-turner/">When the World Didn’t End: A Memoir</a></em> (Crown Publishing, Penguin Random House), <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/651933/when-the-world-didnt-end-by-guinevere-turner/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">about growing up in a cult</a>. <em><a href="https://www.newyorker.com/best-books-2023">The New Yorker</a></em> nominated it as one of the best books of that year. With the award-winning <em>The Skies Are Watching</em>, <a href="https://twitter.com/turnerguinevere">Turner</a> shows a nuanced range in her skill set and finds a new venue to showcase her talents. <br>Turner is used to cinema and TV, so working with only audio was “very fun and freeing” as it allowed her to be more playful, do more takes, and try different approaches. “I absolutely love the process and hope that the success of The Skies Are Watching leads to more chances for me to work in this medium.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><em>The Skies Are Watching</em> premieres on July 5th, 2024, on BBC Radio 4 and Limelight from BBC Sounds. Produced by Jon Frechette and Todd Luoto &amp; Executive producers Jon Scott Dryden and Emma Hearn via Goldhawk Productions.</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/interview-guinevere-turner-memoir/">‘American Psycho’ to ‘The L Word’: Guinevere Turner Details Her Transformative Storytelling</a></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/orson-welles-war-fiction-podcasting/">The Influence of Orson Welles’ War of the Worlds on Fiction Podcasting</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/bbc-skies-are-watching-audio-drama-sci-fi/">BBC’s The Skies Are Watching: Reviving Radio Drama with a Modern Twist</a> appeared first on <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com">Big Picture Film Club</a>.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">22770</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>How will Netflix&#8217;s $5 Billion deal with the WWE affect its documentary on Vince McMahon in light of recent allegations?</title>
		<link>https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/netflix-wwe-documentary-vince-mcmahon/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Josh Greally]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Mar 2024 12:08:59 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Editorials]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[documentary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Netflix]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vince McMahon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wrestling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WWE]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/?p=22070</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Today we are going to look at the story behind the making of Netflix’s documentary on Vince McMahon. We will...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/netflix-wwe-documentary-vince-mcmahon/">How will Netflix&#8217;s $5 Billion deal with the WWE affect its documentary on Vince McMahon in light of recent allegations?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com">Big Picture Film Club</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Today we are going to look at the story behind the making of Netflix’s documentary on Vince McMahon. We will also look at the serious allegations regarding McMahon and the WWE. As well as what the project and Netflix should do to address concerns. Content warning for mentions of sexual assault and trafficking.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Project and McMahon&#8217;s History</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The McMahon documentary series, centred around the life of the titular wrestling CEO/performer, was originally announced in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPWGPDnNvP8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2020</a>. According to WWE President <a href="https://www.tomsguide.com/news/netflix-reportedly-just-canceled-big-vince-mcmahon-documentary" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nick Khan</a>, the project was going to be one of the highest-budget docuseries Netflix had produced. Then in 2022 <a href="https://www.tomsguide.com/news/netflix-reportedly-just-canceled-big-vince-mcmahon-documentary" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a> began saying that the series release was possibly cancelled. Netflix supposedly pulling the title from their programming spreadsheet.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Around this time, McMahon had serious allegations made against him. McMahon already had ire surrounding him due to continuing to work WWE performers through the <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/blakeoestriecher/2020/06/30/wwes-vince-mcmahon-reportedly-believes-covid-19-isnt-all-that-bad-as-his-net-worth-soars/?sh=5bf787794512" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pandemic</a>. Despite several wrestlers having tested positive for COVID-19. Then it was revealed he was being <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/alfredkonuwa/2022/07/23/vince-mcmahon-retires-a-timeline-of-events-amid-2022-probe-of-sexual-misconduct/?sh=6d382f78115c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">internally investigated</a> regarding allegedly paying hush money to former employees and contractors. He temporarily stepped away from the WWE while the internal investigation was ongoing. He returned to the company in early 2023. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Later that year the documentary was revealed to still be in <a href="https://awfulannouncing.com/ringer/bill-simmons-vince-mcmahon-documnetary-wwe.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&amp;utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">production</a>. With some news outlets speculating on whether the project would become a <a href="https://www.thesportster.com/wwe-vince-mcmahon-netflix-documentary/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">film</a> rather an a series. The project was expected to be released <a href="https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/is-the-vince-mcmahon-documentary-still-happening-at-netflix/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in 2024</a>. But earlier this year Janel Grant came forward with a <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68104198?xtor=AL-72-%5Bpartner%5D-%5Bbbc.news.twitter%5D-%5Bheadline%5D-%5Bnews%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D-%5Bisapi%5D&amp;at_campaign=Social_Flow&amp;at_campaign_type=owned&amp;at_link_id=E659A1AE-BC59-11EE-8452-9B59D0B4AF07&amp;at_format=link&amp;at_medium=social&amp;at_ptr_name=twitter&amp;at_link_origin=BBCWorld&amp;at_link_type=web_link&amp;at_bbc_team=editorial" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lawsuit</a> against McMahon which accused him of sexual assault and trafficking. She is part of a group of <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/vince-mcmahon-federal-investigation-sexual-assault-lawsuit-1234960235/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">five women</a> cooperating with a federal investigation into McMahon. McMahon has now <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/vince-mcmahon-federal-investigation-sexual-assault-lawsuit-1234960235/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stepped down</a> from his post. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Netflix Controversy</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Producer Bill Simmons has stated that McMahon has <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1353&amp;v=c-rIS7ZX3uk&amp;embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesportster.com%2F&amp;source_ve_path=Mjg2NjMsMjM4NTE&amp;feature=emb_title" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">no say</a> over the final piece. So he will at least not be able to dictate how his image is used in the documentary. But as contributor <a href="https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1520885/backstage-update-vince-mcmahon-netflix-documentary-following-lawsuit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dave Meltzer</a> said, &#8220;This changes the whole doc 100%…I don&#8217;t know how it can possibly be out very, very soon now&#8221;. As the documentary was said to be out soon will Netflix (who has <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1353&amp;v=c-rIS7ZX3uk&amp;embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesportster.com%2F&amp;source_ve_path=Mjg2NjMsMjM4NTE&amp;feature=emb_title" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">final cut</a>) be able to give time to these serious claims in a respectful manner? </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In addition to the important choices facing Netflix over the documentary, Netflix has now <a href="https://about.netflix.com/en/news/netflix-to-become-new-home-of-wwe-raw-beginning-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">signed a deal</a> to become the new home of the WWE’s weekly RAW programme in 2025. And given that the brand is firmly associated with McMahon and that the WWE is implicated in the<a href="https://www.ringsidenews.com/2024/02/23/female-wwe-talent-contacted-by-multiple-news-reporters-after-vince-mcmahon-scandal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> abuse</a> it seems like a terrible idea to provide a platform to the company. Especially during a serious ongoing investigation. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Should Happen?</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">So what is Netflix going to do? If they release the McMahon documentary without giving time to incorporate what has happened recently then they may look like they are trying to avoid a serious topic relating to their subject. If Netflix doesn’t release it but still hosts WWE programming, they may appear to be protecting a profitable brand. One that potentially hurt many workers.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That said if the documentary is given enough time to update itself will Netflix allow a revealing documentary to be hosted alongside their WWE shows? As the documentary will continually remind audiences of the reported abuse perpetrated by the company&#8217;s former CEO and which is reportedly widespread at the company itself. Netflix is a company first and foremost, it&#8217;s hard to believe they would be willing to host both. As it would understandably result in audiences questioning Netflix&#8217;s decision to partner with WWE and potentially a loss in viewers.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If there is a way out of this it would be for the documentary to give time to cover recent events delicately. To ensure the people seeking justice have their chance to be heard. Or the documentary should pause until the case is resolved. Also, Netflix should cut ties with the WWE until all investigations are concluded. Only resuming if the company demonstrates itself to be a safe place. If they can’t do that then it shows that Netflix is not worthy of industry and audience trust and that the entertainment industry truly learned nothing from the #MeToo movement.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Also Read: <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/ted-boy-marino-brazil-pro-wrestling-legend-and-tv-hero/">The Struggle of Two Sons To Bring Back The Memory of Ted Boy Marino, Brazil Pro-wrestling Legend and TV Hero</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/netflix-wwe-documentary-vince-mcmahon/">How will Netflix&#8217;s $5 Billion deal with the WWE affect its documentary on Vince McMahon in light of recent allegations?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com">Big Picture Film Club</a>.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">22070</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>WWE On The Big Screen</title>
		<link>https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wwe-on-the-big-screen/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Big Picture Film Club]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 07 Apr 2019 19:28:42 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Editorials]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dwayne Johnson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fighting With My Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ronda Rousey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shane McMahon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Rock]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vince McMahon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WCW]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Women's Championship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Women's Evolution]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wrestlemania]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wrestling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WWE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WWE Championship]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/?p=3909</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>This year marks the 35th edition of the biggest event of the year for wrestling fans, WWE’s Wrestlemania will be...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wwe-on-the-big-screen/">WWE On The Big Screen</a> appeared first on <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com">Big Picture Film Club</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>This year marks the 35th edition of the biggest event of the year for wrestling fans, WWE’s Wrestlemania will be taking over the city of New Jersey and for the first time ever we will see women headline the main event.</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As a lifelong wrestling fan, I can honestly say this is the best time to be a wrestling fan. The storylines have matured, the women’s division has come a LONG way and the brand itself has evolved. No more are we made to believe that it’s “real”, instead it has immersed seamlessly into our everyday lives emphasizing more on entertainment than wrestling alone. Extending the brand by developing up and coming stars through NXT programming, creating their own SVOD with original content, developing gaming, merchandise and films.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">With the recent success of <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/review-fighting-with-my-family/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">Fighting With My Family</a> &#8211; the story of former Diva and Women’s champion Paige’s rise to success at the WWE, and 2008’s critically acclaimed <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61-GFxjTyV0">The Wrestler</a>, starring Mickey Rourke and follows the life and struggles of a once successful wrestler, there is definitely an audience for wrestling themed films to be made for the wider mainstream audience.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">With that in mind, the following are stories based on wrestlers and storylines that I think would make for great feature length films.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"> The Rock Says </h3>



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<figure data-wp-context="{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9a44959b96a&quot;}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a9a44959b96a" class="wp-block-image wp-lightbox-container"><img onload="this.setAttribute('data-loaded', true)"  loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="703" height="394" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/rockscsa.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3917" srcset="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/rockscsa.jpg 703w, https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/rockscsa-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 703px) 100vw, 703px" /><button
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			</svg>
		</button><figcaption>The Rock &amp; Stone Cold Steve Austin (WWE.com)</figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><br></strong>Mirroring The Great One’s autobiography in parallel to his onscreen success and rise to fame, the story of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is one that is inspirational as much as it is entertaining. With memorable feuds and storylines from The Nation of Domination, to Vince McMahon and later Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock ‘s undeniable charisma led him to <g class="gr_ gr_5 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="5" data-gr-id="5">becoming</g> one of the first superstars to successfully transition into Hollywood.</p>



<div style="height:20px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Invasion </h3>



<div style="height:20px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<figure data-wp-context="{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9a44959c4c0&quot;}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a9a44959c4c0" class="wp-block-image wp-lightbox-container"><img onload="this.setAttribute('data-loaded', true)"  loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="787" height="394" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/alliance.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3918" srcset="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/alliance.jpg 787w, https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/alliance-300x150.jpg 300w, https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/alliance-768x384.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 787px) 100vw, 787px" /><button
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			</svg>
		</button><figcaption>WCW &amp; ECW wresters in the ring (WWE.com)</figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">After years of battling for ratings in what is now known as the Monday Night Wars, WWE came out on top when they acquired WCW and ECW. In a shocking twist of events, it was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwI-tAe9Y94">revealed</a> that yes a McMahon was now the owner of WCW but it was Shane <g class="gr_ gr_10 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="10" data-gr-id="10">not</g> Vince who had signed on the dotted line. Together with Paul Heyman and new owner of ECW Stephanie McMahon, they <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0mgpK6Kc9c">formed the Alliance</a> in a bid to dominate the WWE once and for all.</p>



<div style="height:20px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Pipebomb </h3>



<div style="height:20px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<figure data-wp-context="{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9a44959cfc1&quot;}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a9a44959cfc1" class="wp-block-image wp-lightbox-container"><img onload="this.setAttribute('data-loaded', true)"  loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="829" height="551" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cm-punk-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3923" srcset="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cm-punk-1.jpg 829w, https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cm-punk-1-300x199.jpg 300w, https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cm-punk-1-768x510.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 829px) 100vw, 829px" /><button
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				<path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z" />
			</svg>
		</button><figcaption>CM Punk escapes through the crowd (bleacherreport.com)</figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><br></strong>The best storylines blur entertainment with reality, which in this day and age isn’t the easiest to do. It was a long lead but the infamous <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ms0DFxpptk">promo</a> built the hype for one of the biggest matches in Money in The Bank history when CM Punk faced off with John Cena in what would be his ‘last match’ in the WWE.</p>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Yes, Yes, Yes </h3>



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<figure data-wp-context="{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9a44959da96&quot;}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a9a44959da96" class="wp-block-image wp-lightbox-container"><img onload="this.setAttribute('data-loaded', true)"  loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="559" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/db-1024x559.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3920" srcset="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/db-1024x559.png 1024w, https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/db-300x164.png 300w, https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/db-768x419.png 768w, https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/db.png 1154w" sizes="auto, (min-width: 958px) 958px, 100vw" /><button
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			<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 12 12">
				<path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z" />
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		</button><figcaption>Daniel Bryan and fans occupy RAW (WWE.com)</figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><br></strong>The story of the underdog is one that we can all resonate with and one that doesn’t get old. The rise of Daniel Bryan’s superstardom took us on an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qr88aVkDGxc">emotional rollercoaster</a> and finally culminated after a two year long battle against The Authority, where he overcame every obstacle that was put in his way to finally win the WWE Championship at the biggest stage of them all Wrestlemania 30. In a bittersweet moment, it was shortly after this monumental win when he announced his early retirement due to a neck injury and multiple concussions.</p>



<div style="height:20px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Man</h3>



<div style="height:20px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<figure data-wp-context="{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9a44959e648&quot;}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a9a44959e648" class="wp-block-image wp-lightbox-container"><img onload="this.setAttribute('data-loaded', true)"  loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="701" height="394" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/becky-lynch.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3916" srcset="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/becky-lynch.jpg 701w, https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/becky-lynch-300x169.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 701px) 100vw, 701px" /><button
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				<path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z" />
			</svg>
		</button><figcaption>Becky Lynch heads to the ring (WWE.com)</figcaption></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><br></strong>After a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEe243gJLcg">surprising heel turn</a> at Summerslam, Becky Lynch breathed new life into the women’s evolution when she turned on her best friend Charlotte Flair. Never before had we seen such hype and support for a heel turn and overnight she became one of the biggest stars in the company. In just under a year she has built immense momentum for herself and her quest for the top, ultimately culminating in a winner takes all match when she faces Raw Women’s champion Ronda Rousey and Smackdown Women’s champion Charlotte Flair in the first ever headline <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up5--kuap2E"><g class="gr_ gr_7 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="7" data-gr-id="7">main</g> event</a> at Wrestlemania 35.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wwe-on-the-big-screen/">WWE On The Big Screen</a> appeared first on <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com">Big Picture Film Club</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3909</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>60 Seconds of Film &#8211; Episode 14</title>
		<link>https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/60-seconds-of-film-episode-14/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Presh Williams]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 08 Mar 2019 14:13:45 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[60 Seconds of Film]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Netflix]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stephen Spielberg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Rock]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WWE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[X-men]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/?p=3551</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Watch this week&#8217;s 60 Seconds of Film &#8211; your bite-sized weekly round-up of film news, presented by Jules Brook.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/60-seconds-of-film-episode-14/">60 Seconds of Film &#8211; Episode 14</a> appeared first on <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com">Big Picture Film Club</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"> Watch this week&#8217;s 60 Seconds of Film &#8211; your bite-sized weekly round-up of film news, presented by Jules Brook. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed-facebook wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-facebook"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.facebook.com/BigPictureFilmClub/videos/626420527771059/
</div><figcaption>60 Seconds of Film &#8211; Episode 14</figcaption></figure>
<p>The post <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/60-seconds-of-film-episode-14/">60 Seconds of Film &#8211; Episode 14</a> appeared first on <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com">Big Picture Film Club</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3551</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Review: Fighting With My Family</title>
		<link>https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/review-fighting-with-my-family/</link>
					<comments>https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/review-fighting-with-my-family/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Presh Williams]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2019 21:04:48 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florence Pugh]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Rock]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wrestling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WWE]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/?p=3427</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>A light-hearted feel-good comedy about one of the most accomplished female wrestlers, with Dwayne &#8220;The Rock&#8221; Johnson making a guest...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/review-fighting-with-my-family/">Review: Fighting With My Family</a> appeared first on <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com">Big Picture Film Club</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>A light-hearted feel-good comedy about one of the most accomplished female wrestlers, with Dwayne &#8220;The Rock&#8221; Johnson <g class="gr_ gr_173 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="173" data-gr-id="173">making</g> a guest appearance, what&#8217;s not to like?</strong></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The story</h3>



<div style="height:20px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em><strong>Fighting With My Family</strong></em> tells the real-life story of professional wrestler Paige (Florence Pugh) and her journey from wrestling locally in Norwich to wrestling in the biggest professional wrestling organisation in the world: World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). The film was written &amp; directed by Stephen Merchant (<em>The Office, Ricky Gervais Show</em>) &amp; was produced by everyone&#8217;s favourite pro-wrestler turned Hollywood superstar, Dwayne &#8220;The Rock&#8221; Johnson, who also plays a supporting role in the film.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Paige&#8217;s entrance into the WWE also marked the start of the &#8220;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zP0kgMZcOnk">Diva&#8217;s Revolution</a>&#8220;, a period in which women wrestling became more prominent within the company. This saw a move away from female wrestlers simply being seen as eye candy or only playing a supporting role, to being seen as true athletes, on par with their male counterparts. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Family first</h3>



<div style="height:20px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A clear strength from the outset is the bond between Paige and her family. Coming from a wrestling family, who run a small independent wrestling promotion, all the quirks of this close-knit family are on full display. And the inside jokes between family members and genuine moments of affection really serve as the anchor for the film. Another positive is the casting selection, particularly of the immediate family: mum, Julia (Lena Headey); dad, Ricky (Nick Forst); and brother, Zak (Jack Lowden) all fit perfectly into their respective roles.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Expectations</h3>



<div style="height:27px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Despite clocking in at nearly two hours, the film never feels sluggish. <g class="gr_ gr_7 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Style multiReplace" id="7" data-gr-id="7">Writer / director</g>, Stephen Merchant, does a great job of conveying the key parts of Paige&#8217;s journey and maintaining good pacing throughout the film. However, don&#8217;t expect much in the way of unexpected plot twists. What you see from the outset is very much what you get with this film. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Those who follow the WWE will also be treated to some cameos from active WWE wrestlers. While the 2008 Micky Rouke-led film <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1125849/?ref_=nv_sr_1"><em>The Wrestler</em></a> was darker and bitter-sweet in tone,<em> Fighting With My Family&#8217;</em>s style of <g class="gr_ gr_4 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="4" data-gr-id="4">comedy</g> feels right at home with this rags-to-riches story.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Final verdict</h3>



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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Great biopics about our favourite sporting superstars can often transcend simply attracting fans of the sporting discipline itself. <em>Fighting With My Family</em> does this and will find a home with anyone who loves a great coming of age story &#8211; whether you&#8217;re a wrestling fan or not. <em>Fighting With My Family</em> is a well-crafted film full of laughter. The British feel-good film of the year (so far). </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Verdict:</strong> <img onload="this.setAttribute('data-loaded', true)"  decoding="async" class="usr" src="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/wp-content/plugins/universal-star-rating/includes/image.php?img=01.png&amp;px=12&amp;max=5&amp;rat=4" alt="4 out of 5 stars" style="height: 12px !important;" /> (4 / 5)</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="wp-block-embed is-type-video wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY | Final Trailer | MGM" width="958" height="539" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G-gx3y4d4Rw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>
</div><figcaption>Fighting With My Family Trailer (MGM)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The post <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/review-fighting-with-my-family/">Review: Fighting With My Family</a> appeared first on <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com">Big Picture Film Club</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
					<wfw:commentRss>https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/review-fighting-with-my-family/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">3427</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>First Look: Fighting With My Family</title>
		<link>https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/first-look-fighting-with-my-family/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Big Picture Film Club]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Nov 2018 13:31:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[First Look]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florence Pugh]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stephen Merchant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Rock]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wrestling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WWE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WWF]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/?p=1748</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Wrestling hits the big screen with Fighting With My Family, a film based on the life of female wrestler Paige,...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/first-look-fighting-with-my-family/">First Look: Fighting With My Family</a> appeared first on <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com">Big Picture Film Club</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Wrestling hits the big screen with <strong><em>Fighting With My Family</em></strong>, a film based on the life of female wrestler Paige, who became the youngest Women’s Champion WWE history.</p>
<p>Written and directed by Stephen Merchant, Florence Pugh takes the lead role as wrestler Paige with Dwayne &#8220;Thr Rock&#8221; Johnson producing and playing a supporting role in the film.</p>
<p>The film is due to be released February 2019 in the U.S and March 2019 in the U.K</p>
<p><em>Watch the trailer below</em></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BigPictureFilmClub/videos/957463607774206/">https://www.facebook.com/BigPictureFilmClub/videos/957463607774206/</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com/first-look-fighting-with-my-family/">First Look: Fighting With My Family</a> appeared first on <a href="https://bigpicturefilmclub.com">Big Picture Film Club</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1748</post-id>	</item>
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