Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock and Al Pacino lead an all-star Beyond Fest lineup

Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock and Al Pacino lead an all-star Beyond Fest lineup

As a seasoned movie connoisseur with over three decades of cinematic adventures under my belt, I can confidently say that this year’s Beyond Fest lineup is nothing short of a dream come true! From timeless classics to fresh genre-bending masterpieces, the diverse program promises an unforgettable journey through the world of film.


Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock are set for a reunion from the movie “Speed” this year at Beyond Fest, while Al Pacino will pay homage to “Scarface”. The event is coming back to Los Angeles later in the month and has an impressive lineup of 82 films in its program.

From September 25 to October 9 marks the 12th edition of Beyond Fest, showcasing its broadest and most varied selection yet. This extensive array includes movies that delve into various genres such as horror, science fiction, fantasy, and action.

2021’s festival kick-starts by debuting “Salem’s Lot,” a long-awaited screen adaptation of Stephen King’s 1975 vampire novel, under the guidance of director Gary Dauberman. As for the finale, it will pay tribute to the legendary Japanese filmmaker Kiyoshi Kurosawa, who will unveil his newest production “Cloud” globally and engage in a showcase of his career achievements. His films like “Cure,” “Pulse,” and “Tokyo Sonata” have been notable for their blend of psychological horror and existential motifs.

Between those two nights, I’m really looking forward to some standout films. For instance, “Nightbitch,” directed by Marielle Heller and starring Amy Adams as a stay-at-home mom who suspects she might be transforming into a dog, will have its West Coast premiere. Additionally, there’s Steven Soderbergh’s “Presence,” which The Times described as a “sleek and sublimely nimble ghost story” when it debuted at Sundance earlier this year. Another film to watch out for is Ali Abbasi’s controversial Trump biopic, “The Apprentice,” which caused quite a stir at the Telluride Film Festival this month. This thought-provoking piece will screen before its nationwide release on October 11th.

Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock and Al Pacino lead an all-star Beyond Fest lineup

Among the autumn festivals, many lean towards supporting films vying for Oscars. However, Beyond Fest stands out as it has become a significant attraction for talent, serving as a platform for introducing fresh genre films to enthusiastic spectators. In 2022, the festival took a significant risk by backing Indian filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli, boosting an Oscar campaign for his action masterpiece “RRR.” Notable figures like James Cameron, Guillermo del Toro, and Michael Mann graced the previous edition of the event.

In addition to the much-awaited reunion for “Speed,” featuring Reeves, Bullock, and director Jan de Bont, commemorating the 30th anniversary of their explosive bus action masterpiece, Al Pacino will grace the event with a career tribute focusing on his unforgettable portrayal of Tony Montana in the 1983 film “Scarface.” This visit coincides with the upcoming release of Pacino’s memoir “Sonny Boy” next month. Additionally, renowned genre director Sam Raimi, famous for “Evil Dead” and “Spider-Man,” will personally appear for a triple feature of “Darkman,” “The Quick and the Dead,” and “Drag Me to Hell.

Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock and Al Pacino lead an all-star Beyond Fest lineup

The festival will also feature a special showing of the 1974 horror movie “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre,” marking its 50th anniversary. Twelve cast and crew members from the original production will be present. Other nostalgic events include a matinee screening of Tim Burton’s “Ed Wood” to celebrate its 30th anniversary, with screenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski presenting the film. Additionally, there will be a tribute to Kyle MacLachlan, star of “Twin Peaks,” who will introduce screenings of some of his most well-known films such as “Blue Velvet,” “Dune” and “The Hidden.

Fan favorite Ron Perlman will be on hand for a 20th anniversary screening of Del Toro’s “Hellboy,” while “Nightmare on Elm Street” franchise stars Heather Langenkamp, Amanda Wyss, Lin Shaye and Ronee Blakley will host a screening of Wes Craven’s original horror hit, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Australian director Jennifer Kent will make a rare U.S. appearance to celebrate the 10th anniversary of her horror film “The Babadook,” while Don Johnson will take the stage for a career retrospective featuring double bill of his 1975 post-apocalyptic cult film “A Boy and His Dog” and the 1990 noir thriller “The Hot Spot.”

Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock and Al Pacino lead an all-star Beyond Fest lineup

screenings are scheduled at various well-known locations around Los Angeles such as the Egyptian Theatre, Aero Theatre, Los Feliz 3, and Vista Theatre. The funds raised from these events will support the American Cinematheque, a charitable organization committed to conserving and showcasing the craft of cinema.

Tickets go on sale Sept. 13 via americancinematheque.com. For more details, visit beyondfest.com.

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2024-09-12 20:31

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