Convention - Cinemacon 2023: Our review of the Paramount Pictures presentation

By Mulder, Las Vegas, Caesars Palace, 27 april 2023

"We finally made a movie that, if you show it to your kids, you're not a bad parent".- Seth Rogan

This year our media covered for the first time since its inception the Cinemacon convention in Las Vegas at Cinemacon. Since its inception in 2011, this global convention that brings together exhibitors, professionals in the film industry but also the international press allows Hollywood studios such as Son Pictures, Warner Bros, The Walt Disney Company, Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures and Lionsgate to present their upcoming line-up. After the memorable presentation of the Sony Pictures studio, we wondered if the other presentations were going to be as memorable and the one of Paramount Pictures was of the same level with also many world stars having made the displacement for the biggest pleasure of the spectators present at the coliseum. Here is a summary of the presentation. 

The head of domestic distribution, Chris Aronson, opened the presentation by congratulating Tom Cruise and his team for his colossal success at the worldwide box office with Top Gun: Maverick, which not only brought the audience back to the cinema in droves, but also showed the importance of discovering a film in the cinema. The main objective of Paramount Pictures is the Cinema and especially to propose to the exhibitors a wide range of films as this excellent presentation confirmed it. We will notice that the entrance on stage of Chris Aronson was of a total originality. Indeed after several stuntmen on stage masked in honor of the release of the much awaited Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, he came out of an underground stage door carrying a large pizza and wearing a Teenage Mutant Turtles mask. 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 

Seth Rogen arrived on stage as a producer and said that this was the first time he had seen an executive come out of a sewer here at CinemaCon and that there is something very appropriate about seeing studio executives come out of the sewer. This new movie of Teenage Mutant Turtles was very expected and was highlighted during this presentation with a long sequence and the teaser that we could discover a few days ago. The clip shows that Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael want to be accepted by the society and not have to wear the label of monster anymore. Their quest for justice and their masterful use of various combat sports led them to fight against the criminals that plague their city. The villains of the film will be Superfly and his two bodyguards Bebop and Rocksteady as well as his other mutant companions.  The animated film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is directed by Jeff Rowe and co-directed by Kyler Spears, from a script written by Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Rowe, Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit. Produced by Nickelodeon Movies and Point Grey Pictures, and distributed by Paramount Pictures, the film is based on the Teenage Mutant Turtles characters by Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman and is a reboot of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film series. [a] The film features an ensemble cast that includes Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr, Hannibal Buress, Rose Byrne, Nicolas Cantu, John Cena, Jackie Chan, Ice Cube, Natasia Demetriou, Ayo Edebiri, Giancarlo Esposito, Post Malone, Brady Noon, Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd and Maya Rudolph. In the film, the Teenage Mutant Turtles try to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic deeds, which leads them to take on a mysterious crime syndicate with the help of their new friend April O'Neil, but problems arise when they are confronted by an army of mutants. The actors recorded their dialogue as a group rather than independently of each other, allowing them to use a lot of improvisation in their vocal performances. Animation was provided by Mikros Animation in Montreal and Paris, and by Cinesite in Vancouver. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem will premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on June 12, 2023 and will be released in theaters in the United States on August 4.

Smurfs

Rihanna took to the stage to announce that she hoped her upcoming Smurfs movie would one day bring her some fresh air with her children. Certainly we can only be delighted to know that a new animated film around the Smurfs will soon arrive in theaters to satisfy all the fans of the universe of Peyo. The Smurfs is a Belgian comic book franchise created by cartoonist Peyo (Pierre Culliford) in 1958. It features a fictional species of little blue creatures called Smurfs, who live in a peaceful village hidden in a forest. The franchise has gained immense popularity through comic books, animated television series, movies and various merchandise. The Smurfs are known for their distinctive blue skin, white hats and communal lifestyle. Each Smurf has a unique personality trait that defines their character. They often come together to solve problems, defend their village against enemies, and promote friendship and cooperation. The original comic book, The Smurfs, was later adapted into an animated television series, which aired from 1981 to 1989 and was a huge international success. It brought the Smurfs to a worldwide audience and became a cultural phenomenon. Since then, the Smurfs have appeared in numerous animated television shows, movies, video games and even theme park attractions. The appeal of Smurfs lies in their endearing characters, their humorous adventures and camaraderie, and the valuable life lessons they impart, often emphasizing the importance of friendship, teamwork and love. The franchise has endured over the years and continues to be enjoyed by fans of all ages around the world. We'll have more on this film as information is released in upcoming press releases.

Transformers: One
Chris Aronson also announced that the Transformers: One animated film will have an impressive voice cast with no less than Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Jon Hamm and Laurence Fishburne. This animated film will follow the Autobots and Decepticons in their first days on Cybertron. We learned that actor Chris Hemsworth will play the young Optimus Prime and that Brian Tyree Henry will be the voice of the young Megatron.  A concept image was presented showing Optimus and his Autobots watching Cybertron. We can't wait to learn more about this animated film and it looks impressive.

Avatar: The Last Airbender (Animated)
Paramount gave during this presentation a first glimpse of the animated film Avatar: The Last Airbender through an image showing Aang, Katara, Sokka, Zuko and Toph, all present as adults in fighting poses in front of a snowy mountain.

Paw patrol: the mighty movie
The first images of Paw Patrol: the Mighty Movie were revealed during this presentation and we learned that this cinematographic saga is in the era of superheroes with each of the characters gaining a particular power following the crash of a meteorite on earth releasing stones each having a particular power. Intended for a very young audience, this film will undoubtedly satisfy their expectations.

Transformers : rise of the beasts

The director Steven Caple Jr. went on stage with the two main actors Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback to present new images including a new trailer very spectacular. With many posters on display at the Cinemacon, an experience right in front of Caesars place with life size Optimus rage Optimus prime and Mirage.  Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is a science fiction film based on Hasbro's Transformers toy line and primarily influenced by the Beast Wars storyline. The film is the seventh installment in the Transformers film series and the standalone sequel to Bumblebee (2018)[3] The film is directed by Steven Caple Jr. from a screenplay by Joby Harold, Darnell Metayer, Josh Peters, Erich Hoeber and Jon Hoeber. The cast includes Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback alongside Luna Lauren Vélez, Dean Scott Vazquez and Tobe Nwigwe, as well as the voices of Ron Perlman, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, Liza Koshy, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Pete Davidson, Colman Domingo, Cristo Fernández, Tongayi Chirisa, Peter Cullen, John DiMaggio and David Sobolov. Michael Bay, who directed the first five live-action Transformers films and produced Bumblebee, is again producing. Principal photography took place from June to October 2021, including locations in Los Angeles, Peru, Montreal and New York. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will be released in the United States on June 9, 2023.

SpongeBob SquarePants: Search for Squarepants !
It was quickly learned that a new animated film based on the SpongeBob SquarePants universe is in development. SpongeBob is an animated television series created by Stephen Hillenburg. It first aired in 1999 and has since become one of the most popular and enduring animated series of all time. The series follows the adventures of SpongeBob, a lovable and enthusiastic sea sponge who lives in the underwater city of Bikini Bottom. SpongeBob is known for its unique humor, colorful animation and memorable characters. The main cast includes SpongeBob's best friend, Patrick Star, his grumpy neighbor, Squidward Tentacles, his boss, Mr. Krabs, and his squirrel friend, Sandy Cheeks, among many others. The series often explores SpongeBob's optimistic and childlike nature as he embarks on various escapades, works at the Krusty Krab restaurant, and interacts with the various residents of Bikini Bottom. The series has received critical acclaim for its clever writing, witty humor and ability to appeal to audiences of all ages. It has also gained a significant following for its memorable one-liners, iconic moments, and ability to address diverse themes such as friendship, imagination, and the importance of staying true to oneself. The SpongeBob franchise has expanded beyond television to include movies, video games, merchandise and even a Broadway musical. It has become a cultural phenomenon and has had a lasting impact on popular culture, with its characters and references recognized worldwide. Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of SpongeBob, tragically passed away in 2018. However, his creation continues to bring joy to fans around the world, and the legacy of SpongeBob lives on through the continued success of the series.

Killers of the Flower Moon

Director Martin Scorsese took the stage to introduce the first trailer for his new film Killers of the Flower Moon. Killers of the Flower Moon is an American western crime film directed by Martin Scorsese, from a script he co-wrote with Eric Roth, based on the 2017 bestseller Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann. The plot centers on a series of murders committed in Oklahoma within the Osage Nation in the 1920s, after the discovery of oil on tribal lands Leonardo DiCaprio, who is also an executive producer, is cast alongside Jesse Plemons, Lily Gladstone, Brendan Fraser, John Lithgow and Robert De Niro. This is the seventh collaboration between Scorsese and DiCaprio and the eleventh collaboration between Scorsese and De Niro. Killers of the Flower Moon is produced by Scorsese's Sikelia Productions and DiCaprio's Appian Way Productions and distributed by Paramount Pictures. Its $200 million budget is said to be the largest ever spent on a film shot in Oklahoma. The film will have its world premiere at the 76th Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2023, and is scheduled for release in select theaters on Oct. 6, 2023, before wide distribution in the U.S. on Oct. 20, 2023 by Paramount Pictures. It is also scheduled for an unspecified streaming release on Apple TV+

Bob Marley One Love

Bob Marley's Ziggy Marley took to the stage to present a special sneak peek of the upcoming Bob Marley One Love film, which will be released in the U.S. on January 12, 2024 .  The biographical film is about the life of singer and songwriter Bob Marley. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and written by Zach Baylin, Frank E. Flowers and Terence Winter. The cast includes Kingsley Ben-Adir (Bob Marley) and Lashana Lynch (Rita Marley). The first images unveiled relate the rise of this iconic singer. Bob Marley was a Jamaican singer, songwriter and musician considered one of the most influential figures in the history of reggae music. He was born on February 6, 1945 in Nine Mile, Jamaica, and died on May 11, 1981 in Miami, Florida. Bob Marley began his musical career in the late 1960s as a member of the group The Wailers, which included Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. In the 1970s, he emerged as a solo artist and achieved international fame with his band, Bob Marley & The Wailers. Marley's music is characterized by powerful messages of social justice, peace and love, often reflecting his Rastafarian beliefs. Among his most popular songs are "One Love," "No Woman, No Cry," "Redemption Song," "Stir It Up" and "Three Little Birds. Marley's music not only entertained, but also served as a voice for the marginalized and oppressed, advocating for equality and unity. Bob Marley's influence extended far beyond the realm of music. He became a symbol of resistance and cultural pride, using his platform to address political and social issues in Jamaica and around the world. Marley's commitment to spreading messages of love and peace earned him a devoted global audience. Despite his untimely death at the age of 36 from cancer, Bob Marley's music and legacy have endured. He is often credited with popularizing reggae music on a global scale and remains an iconic figure in popular culture. His songs continue to inspire generations and remind us that music has the power to bring about positive change.

A Quiet Place: Day One

Actor, director and writer John Krasinski took the stage to introduce two films. First of all, the new part of the film saga A Quiet Place was announced. Even if the shooting has just finished, the spectators of the coliseum were able to discover the first images of this movie and we were totally conquered and we shivered in front of these first images which deal with the arrival on earth of these bellicose aliens.  We discover the character interpreted by Lupita Nyong'o while she is in a bus in New York. While in the sky meteorites appear, the traffic on the road is at a standstill and people get out of their vehicles to look at the sky. We then realize that half the bus in which the character played by Lupita Nyong'o is in is destroyed. We will not say more but this trailer gives a damn desire to discover this film. A Quiet Place: Day One is directed by Michael Sarnoski, from an original story by John Krasinski. It is a prequel and the third installment in the A Quiet Place film series. The film is scheduled to be released on March 8, 2024 in the United States.

If
John Krasinski also presented his new film as director, which is still being filmed. It is a family fantasy comedy in which a young girl (Cailey Fleming) and her adult neighbor (Ryan Reynolds) are mysteriously given the ability to see people's old imaginary friends walking around. Like the movie Who framed Roger Rabbit?, this movie mixes live action and animation (CGI). In this film, a young girl discovers that she can see the imaginary friends of people who have been abandoned by the children they were helping.  The film has an impressive cast including Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Cailey Fleming, Fiona Shaw, Louis Gossett Jr, Alan Kim, Bobby Moynihan and for the voices of the creatures Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Steve Carell, Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Maya Rudolph, Vince Vaughn, Sam Rockwell, Sebastian Maniscalco, Christopher Meloni, Awkwafina, Jon Stewart and Richard Jenkins. If is scheduled for release in the United States on May 24, 2024 by Paramount Pictures.

Mission Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One 
While we could have expected Tom Cruise to appear on stage, our disappointment was compensated by the presentation of a spectacular new trailer but also of a long twenty minute excerpt from the event film. The sequence shown begins with an excerpt showing Hayley Atwell's character who is in trouble with the law in France and is brought to her lawyer who happens to be Ethan Hunt. He has come to get her because she has some important information to pass on in the form of a flash drive. Ethan Hunt succeeds in extracting her from the police station and an impressive chase scene follows in which the two characters have to flee and escape from a dedicated French assassin, played by Pom Klementieff (Guardians of the Galaxy).  Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One is written, produced and directed by Christopher McQuarrie. It is the sequel to Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018) and the seventh installment of the Mission: Impossible series. The cast includes Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Vanessa Kirby and Henry Czerny. Lorne Balfe, who composed the music for Fallout, has returned to compose the music for the film. Filming began in Italy in February 2020, but was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It resumed later that year and was completed in September 2021 with other locations including Norway, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates. Unlike the previous three films, Bad Robot Productions was not involved in the production. Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One will be released in the United States on July 12, 2023. The sequel, Dead Reckoning Part Two, is scheduled for release on June 28, 2024.

Photos: Getty images For Paramount Pictures