Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile follows infamous serial killer Ted Bundy (Zac Efron), his relationship with Liz (Lily Collins), and the trials in which he was charged across multiple states for numerous savage murders.
This Film is a captivating watch from beginning to end thanks to Michael Werwie’s writing and steady direction by Joe Berlinger, who also directed Netflix‘s The Bundy Tapes. Enough time is spent on each important moment in Bundy’s trials, escapes and romantic relationships, which give a balanced look into the life of this complex serial killer. The Film is also an amazing showcase for Efron and Collins. Efron is stunning as Bundy and gives his best performance to date. He not only is convincing physically, but embodies his charm and wit, often making it hard to fall for him. Then there is Collins who gives a powerful performance as the tormented Liz. She evokes both the love Liz had for Bundy along with the doubt and regret which followed that love.
Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile screens at Sundance on Sat., Jan 26 at 9:45PM at Eccles PC, Sun., Jan 27 at 8:30AM at The MARC PC, Tues., Jan 29 at 6:30PM at Rose Wagner SLC, Wed., Jan 30 at 6PM at Resort Sundance, and Sat., Feb 2 at 12:15PM at Eccles PC.
If there’s one Film coming out of the 2019 Sundance Film Festival with a lot of buzz, that would be THE LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO. The Drama directed by Joe Talbot centers on a man searching for home in a city that seems to have left him behind. It stars Co-Writer Jimmie Fails, Jonathan Majors, Rob Morgan, Thora Birch, Danny Glover and Finn Wittrock. Our Amanda Gilmore spotted Fails, Majors and Morgan causing a commotion with autograph seekers after the Film receive a warm reception last night at the Festival. A24 distributes the Film, while Brad Pitt‘s Plan B Entertainment produces. We hear there were 100+ people on-standby to screen the Film tonight!
Biographical Sports Dramedy FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY which is based on the true story of WWE star Paige is a surprise addition to the Festival, set to premiere tomorrow. Paige who is played in the February release by Florench Pugh, was spotted about and about with Pugh. Many are wondering if Dwayne Johnson might be making an appearance at Sundance now too!
While we know Wendi McLendon-Covey mostly for her comedic work, she comes to Sundance with IMAGINARY ORDER. The Drama sees an obsessive-compulsive suburban mom’s sexual and moral unravelling and fans went wild for the star who was seen out doing press.
Oscar-nominated Chiwetel Ejiofor makes his directorial debut with THE MAN WHO HARNESSED THE WIND, based on the Novel by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer. Ejiofor also writes the Adaptation and stars in the the Drama. Amanda spotted him out being very giving to fans!
She speaks highly of THE FAREWELL which sees breakout star of Ocean’s 8 and Crazy Rich Asians, Awkwafina, stretch her dramatic wings. Check-out her review here. The Film sold for $7 million to A24.
And of course, she was lucky enough to get into a screening of hotly-buzzed EXTREMELY WICKED, SHOCKINGLY EVIL AND VILE starring Zac Efron! He really is that good in it we’re hearing. More here.
Some Snaps from Amanda:
Jonathan Majors, The Last Black Man in San Francisco
The 2019 Sundance Film Festival officially is at its peak point and the starpower has lit-up Park City. Stars continue to pour-in to present their Films at the Festival and drawing the most fandemonium today was Zac Efron who stars as serial killer Ted Bundy in EXTREMELY WICKED, SHOCKINGLY EVIL AND VILE. Debuting new bleach-blonde hair, Efron had security flanking him tight as fans tried getting close to him. Amanda Gilmore, who is at Sundance on assignment for us, tells us the commotion was so great that his Co-Star Lily Collins almost couldn’t get into her vehicle. Their Film premieres tonight.
Daniel Radcliffe is at Sundance to present TV Series MIRACLE WORKERS, which will air on TBS in the U.S.and has him starring as an angel alongside Steve Buscemi who most stop the world from destruction and make two people fall in love. Amanda reports Radcliffe was gracious with fans, stopping for selfies and autographs amidst the crowding.
We are hearing Writer/Director Jennifer Kent (The Babadook) is coming back strong with Midnight Programme selection THE NIGHTINGALE about a young Irish woman (Aisling Franciosi) who chases after a British officer (Sam Claflin) after to exact revenge on a violent act he committed on her family. Review here.
See some of the talent Amanda spotted today:
Zac Efron, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile
Stay tuned. We’ve got lots more to report and more reviews to come.
(Photo credit: Amanda Gilmore)
It’s Zac Efron like you’ve never imagined! EXTREMELY WICKED, SHOCKINGLY EVIL AND VILE premieres at Sundance and here’s the brand-new Trailer!
Synopsis:
A chronicle of the crimes of Ted Bundy from the perspective of Liz, his longtime girlfriend, who refused to believe the truth about him for years.
Starring: Zac Efron, Lily Collins, Kaya Scodelario, Jeffrey Donovan, Angela Sarafyan, Dylan Baker, Brian Geraghty, Haley Joel Osment, James Hetfield, with Jim Parsons and John Malkovich
See the Trailer:
VVS Films release EXTREMELY WICKED, SHOCKINGLY EVIL AND VILE 2019.
(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)
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