Simon Bland
Verified- Freelance Entertainment Journalist, Freelance
- Contributor, /Film
- Contributor, Yahoo News New Zealand
Manchester
As seen in:
/Film,
Yahoo News New Zealand,
IMDb,
Medium,
MSN,
MSN Canada,
MSN Ireland,
MSN UK,
Yahoo Entertainment,
Scribd,
The Guardian,
The Independent (UK)
and
Covers:
Film, TV and pop-culture.
Doesn't Cover:
Sport.
Freelance entertainment journalist. Seen in @Guardian @Independent @TotalFilm @TheDailyBeast @LWLies @SlashFilm @SFXMagazine @YahooMoviesUK. Open to work ✏️
Articles by Simon Bland
‘ I never thought we’d get a series, let alone five’ – Kevin Gillis on The Raccoons at 40
‘I never thought we’d get a series, let alone five’ – Kevin Gillis on The Raccoons at 40 With the first ever digital release of The Raccoons’ iconic long lost soundtrack, a 'fauxstalgia' for the Canadian cult kids show has curiously made the UK the series' strongest fanbase. With the first ever digital release of The Raccoons’ iconic long lost soundtrack, a ‘fauxstalgia’ for the Canadian cult kids show has curiously made the UK the series’ strongest fanbase.
‘We didn’t want him to be punchable!’: Matthew Broderick and Alan Ruck on Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
I’d done WarGames and Ladyhawke and was getting sent a lot of “young guy” parts. I was a little concerned at first because Ferris talks to the audience – I’d done that in two plays and didn’t want to it to seem like that’s all I could do. Meanwhile, my agent said: “You’ve been asked to do a John Hughes movie. You’re doing it.” I didn’t know much about John at the time but I kept hearing him being referred to as the “Spielberg of teen films”.
‘My hair extensions caught fire in a shootout!’ Dolph Lundgren on playing He-Man in Masters of the Universe
Cannon Films had the rights to Masters of the Universe and thought: "Let's get this new guy. He's blond, has good pecs … He can wield the sword." I was convinced to do it but only very reluctantly – I didn't want to play a toy. There was lots of excitement but also lots of worry. I'd been Soviet bad guy Ivan Drago in Rocky IV and now I was going to be this American hero. I was nervous and afraid people weren't going to like it. It was a challenging role.
‘The Cable Guy’ Turns 30: How Jim Carrey’s Darkest Comedy Saw the Future Coming Original
“The Cable Guy” first knocked on our door 30 years ago this week — and with a TV reboot recently confirmed, it’s clear this screen-obsessed oddball simply refuses to leave popular culture. Directed by Ben Stiller (who also stars in a dual, Menendez-brothers-esque true crime role) and produced by comedy mega-fan Judd Apatow, “The Cable Guy” has enjoyed an unusual journey.
‘Popstar’ at 10: The Lonely Island Reveal How Their Biggest Flop Became a Cult Classic Original
A decade has passed since Conner4Real first exploded onto the scene in “Popstar: Never Stop, Never Stopping,” and a lot has changed. Created by “Saturday Night Live” stars and life-long pals Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, and Jorma Taccone (aka gag-rappers The Lonely Island), the project marked the trio’s most ambitious outing to date.
‘Popstar’ at 10: The Lonely Island Reveal How Their Biggest Flop Became a Cult Classic
6 days ago What's in a name? A lot, actually. One of the best fun facts to throw out at parties is that Nicolas Cage is actually a member of the esteemed Coppola family, which includes directors Sofia Coppola and Francis Ford Coppola, and actor Jason Schwartzman. However, Cage changed his stage moniker from …
Falling: Channel 4 drops first trailer for Adolescence writer and Keeley Hawes' new 'moving' drama
It also stars Paapa Essiedu Channel 4 Drama Keeley Hawes Adolescence writer Jack Thorne puts true faith to the test in his new Channel 4 drama Falling. It features big-name duo Paapa Essiedu and Keeley Hawes and will be his first-ever on-screen love story. The co-writer of one of the decade’s most talked-about and best Netflix series swaps knife crime for a religious romance in his latest project. Falling follows a devout man and woman who have devoted their lives to the church.
10 Moments In Steven Spielberg Movies That Blew Our Minds
When it comes to mainstream American cinema, is there a more prominent or influential name than Steven Spielberg? For over 50 years the filmmaker with the iconic beard has made hits of almost everything he's put his name to.
The 15 Best Jim Carrey Movies, Ranked
For kids who grew up in the '90s, there was no bigger star in the world than Jim Carrey. Bursting onto our radar as the larger-than-life pet detective Ace Ventura in 1994, Carrey launched full pelt into a string of movies that not only pushed his early career into overdrive but forever cemented his status as a bona fide comedy megastar.
‘Heath Ledger knocked my tooth out jousting with a broom’: how we made A Knight’s Tale
‘I fell in love with him when he got his didgeridoo out at LAX airport’ … Heath Ledger in the 2001 film about a squire who masquerades as a knight so he can joust. Photograph: Egon Endrenyi/AP Brian Helgeland, writer, director I wrote and directed the Mel Gibson film Payback but got fired during post-production. It was my first film as director and I thought my career was over. It was during this downtime that I wrote A Knight’s Tale.
How Predator: Badlands brings back a key piece of the Alien universe
For some aliens, it's all work, work, work – and that's certainly the case for the Predator, whose big-game hunts continue in Predator: Badlands. The new sci-fi blockbuster, which blasts onto Disney+ today, stars Elle Fanning as an android who teams up with a young outcast Predator on a distant planet. Horror filmmaker Dan Trachtenberg returns to the director's chair after helming 2022's standalone Predator prequel, Prey, and last summer's Predator: Killer of Killers.
‘We put a stink bomb in Stephen Fry’s shoe’: Vic and Bob on the inspired idiocy of Shooting Stars
‘We weren’t allowed a horse in case it bolted’ … from left, Mark, Vic, Ulrika and Bob in 1996. Photograph: Maximum Film/Alamy Bob Mortimer, writer, host The first time I saw what was to become Shooting Stars was Vic Reeves – AKA Jim Moir – doing The Big Quiz during Vic Reeves Big Night Out live. I’d never seen anything like it. It was full of meaningless questions and had an attitude. I remember thinking: “There must be something we could do with that.” We got lucky.
10 Bittersweet Anti-Valentine's Day Movies That Somehow Restore Your Faith In Romance
Movies are a medium that plays with your emotions — for better and for worse. When they're not scaring you out of your skin, most films try to 'woo' you with romance. Human connections form the central basis for most big screen outings, and more often than not, filmmakers want to leave viewers with some form of a happily ever after — but not always. Like in real life, some relationships are more complex, nuanced, fractured, and frayed than any third-act resolution can adequately resolve.
The 10 Best Steve Carell Roles That Aren't Michael Scott
In the far-reaching pantheon of comedy stars, few possess the same sometimes-subtle, sometimes-explosive style as Steve Carell.
What happened to Prince Naseem Hamed? True story behind boxing biopic Giant
Amir El-Masry and Pierce Brosnan star in boxing biopic Giant. (True Brit Entertainment) British boxing icon Prince Naseem "Naz" Hamed is the latest sports star to receive the big-screen treatment. New biopic Giant, which is due to be released on 9 January, tells the rags-to-riches story of how Hamed went from an underdog fighter to a world champion. The Crown star Amir El-Masry steps into the ring to play the Sheffield boxer, with James Bond's Pierce Brosnan starring as his longtime trainer.
What happened to Prince Naseem Hamed? True story behind boxing biopic Giant
British boxing icon Prince Naseem "Naz" Hamed is the latest sports star to receive the big-screen treatment. New biopic Giant, which is due to be released on 9 January, tells the rags-to-riches story of how Hamed went from an underdog fighter to a world champion. The Crown star Amir El-Masry steps into the ring to play the Sheffield boxer, with James Bond's Pierce Brosnan starring as his longtime trainer. Rocky himself, Sylvester Stallone, is involved behind the scenes as a producer.
What happened to Prince Naseem Hamed? True story behind boxing biopic Giant
John Torode breaks silence on Masterchef replacement in 'right thing' admission John Torode has broken his silence over his Masterchef replacement as he made an admission about what he thinks is the 'right thing'. According to a …
What we know about the Peaky Blinders movie as first trailer is released
After becoming one of the most popular and talked about British dramas of recent years, Peaky Blinders is finally returning to screens — in the form of a new Netflix film titled The Immortal Man. Oscar winner Cillian Murphy may have graduated to Hollywood leading man in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, but it’s his turn as Brummy crime lord Tommy Shelby that fans want to see more of.
Everything you need to know about Avatar 3
Are you ready for your next trip to James Cameron’s vibrant alien world of Pandora? Avatar 3 — officially titled Avatar: Fire and Ash — is on the horizon, and it's going to explore a whole new part of Pandora, and introduce new Na'vi tribes previously unseen in the sci-fi series. Cameron has actually pencilled in three more trips to Pandora in total, making his blue-hued franchise a quintuple adventure that’ll take us all the way up to 2031.
The New Batch is my feelgood movie
; ; ; Continue reading More for You ; ; ; Continue reading More for You
‘Ingrained in my psyche’: why Gremlins 2: The New Batch is my feelgood movie
A still from Gremlins 2: The New Batch.Photograph: AJ Pics/Alamy “Well, it’s rather brutal here. We’re advising all of our clients to put everything they’ve got into canned food and shotguns.” Some sage advice from the Brain Gremlin – a genetically modified, talking, glasses-wearing member of the slimy Gremlin horde that overruns Manhattan’s super-smart Clamp Tower skyscraper in director Joe Dante’s madcap sequel Gremlins 2: The New Batch.
10 Non-Christmas Movies That Everyone Watches Around The Holidays
The holidays are a special time of year. If you're not opening presents or stuffing your face with leftovers, you're glued to the TV, soaking up some cozy seasonal viewing. As Christmas fast approaches, sites like ours are usually flooded with listicles highlighting the best ways to spend your Christmas downtime and wring out every last drop of precious festivity. After all, there are some movies that it just wouldn't be Christmas without.
10 Underrated Animated Christmas Movies And Specials
Forget presents and festive cheer — for many, the real gift of Christmas is that it allows us some precious downtime to revisit a few familiar festive faves. There's just something oddly soothing about knowing that, during the period between Christmas and New Year's when time slows to a crawl and we all collectively lose track of what day it is, the only thing we're actually expected to do is chill out, get comfy, and rewatch seasonal classics that we've all seen countless times before.
How Predator: Badlands fits into the franchise timeline
For some aliens, it’s all work, work, work — and that’s certainly the case for the Predator, whose human-based big game hunts are set to continue in the new Prey follow-up Predator: Badlands. Directed by 10 Cloverfield Lane’s Dan Trachtenberg, Prey gave 20th Century Fox’s hugely popular yet up-and-down alien franchise a much-needed kick up the alien weaponry arsenal.
10 Easter Eggs In Gremlins That Are Easy To Miss
We all know the rules: don't get them wet, keep them out of sunlight, and whatever you do never, ever, feed them after midnight. That's the easy part, although you wouldn't be able to tell by watching Joe Dante's two excellent and much-loved monster movies "Gremlins" and its arguably better meta-sequel, "Gremlins 2: The New Batch." Despite the deceptively simple nature of these three all-important laws, owning a Mogwai is apparently much harder than it looks.
12 Shows Like Community That You Really Need To Watch
Lovers of Dan Harmon's heartfelt and beautifully meta series "Community" are a patient bunch. They didn't just endure all kinds of upheaval while the show was being made — actors leaving, networks changing, the infamous "gas leak" season — they've been waiting on a "Community" movie for years.
The 10 Best Dennis Reynolds Moments On It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, Ranked
As the longest running live-action comedy series in American television history, "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" has been pushing the boundaries of taste, depravity, and hilarity for 15 seasons. If you're somehow still unfamiliar with its debauched genius, it follows a group of friends — Charlie (Charlie Day), Mac (Rob McElhenney), twins Dee (Kaitlin Olson) and Dennis (Glenn Howerton), and the Reynolds' father, Frank (Danny DeVito) — who own a Philly pub.
10 Actors That Enjoyed Career Reigniting Roles Like Ke Huy Quan
Has there been anything more satisfying to watch than the long-overdue career resurgence of Ke Huy Quan? If there is, we don't want to know about it.
What happened to Prince Naseem Hamed? True story behind boxing biopic Giant
British boxing icon Prince Naseem "Naz" Hamed is the latest sports star to receive the big-screen treatment. New biopic Giant, which is due to be released in January, tells the rags-to-riches story of how Hamed went from an underdog fighter to a world champion. The Crown star Amir El-Masry steps into the ring to play the Sheffield boxer, with James Bond's Pierce Brosnan starring as his longtime trainer. Rocky himself, Sylvester Stallone, is involved behind the scenes as a producer.
Who's playing The Beatles in Sam Mendes' biopic?
Filmmaker Sam Mendes is embarking on a unique cinematic adventure that promises to chronicle the formation and stratospheric rise of the world’s most iconic rock band, The Beatles. Told across four separate stories, Mendes plans to chronicle the lives of each individual Beatles band member with a different movie for Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon and George Harrison.
Who's playing The Beatles in Sam Mendes' biopic?
Filmmaker Sam Mendes is embarking on a unique cinematic adventure that promises to chronicle the formation and stratospheric rise of the world’s most iconic rock band, The Beatles. Told across four separate stories, Mendes plans to chronicle the lives of each individual Beatles band member with a different movie for Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon and George Harrison.
John Candy’s Troubled Film ‘Wagon’s East’ Was Also Unexpectedly His Last: The Comedian’s Co-Stars on His Bittersweet Finale
“John was elemental in that movie,” John C. McGinley said of his “Wagon’s East” co-star John Candy, now the subject of Colin Hanks’ new documentary “John Candy: I Like Me.” Released in 1994, director Peter Markle’s fish-out-of-water comedy follows a group of settlers so fed up with the Old West that they decide to head back east. Candy plays James Harlow, the grizzled, booze-soaked wagon master with a shady past tasked with guiding them home. Little did anyone know that the role would be his last.
how we made 1990 kids movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy Microsoft and our third-party vendors use cookies to store and access information such as unique IDs to deliver, maintain and improve our services and ads. If you agree, MSN and Microsoft Bing will personalise the content and ads that you see. You can select ‘I Accept’ to consent to these uses or click on ‘Manage preferences’ to review your options and exercise your right to object to Legitimate Interest where used.
‘It was the Nasa of puppetry’: how we made 1990 kids movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
‘We were dying. There was water running under our feet. We were all having vision problems’ … Josh Pais as Raphael. Photograph: Steve Barron Steve Barron (director): [Hong Kong production company] Golden Harvest didn’t know whether to use creature suits or hand-drawn animation like Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
Will Alien: Earth get a season 2?
Seemingly not content with scaring us in the darkness of a cinema, one of the most chilling science fiction franchises has crash-landed on Disney+ in the new Alien TV series Alien: Earth. That’s not to say that the Xenomorph — that gooey horror icon which was first introduced in Ridley Scott’s 1979 sci-fi masterpiece Alien — isn’t still going to be hiding in your local multiplex.
‘Pee-wee’s Big Adventure’ at 40: Tim Burton and More on Paul Reubens, Ditched Sequels, and Creating a Pop Culture Classic Original
It’s been 40 years since Pee-wee Herman lost his bike, and to be honest, we’re still not over it. Released in August 1985, “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” not only introduced audiences at large to Paul Reubens’ wild comic creation, it also welcomed us into the heightened world of Tim Burton. Then just an animator with a couple of credits under his belt, Burton was personally picked by Reubens to bring Pee-wee’s living-cartoon aesthetic to life on screen. Turns out, it was a match made in heaven.
How is Freakier Friday linked to the previous film?
Freakier Friday — a sequel to Disney’s body swap classic Freaky Friday — is heading to cinemas this month, with stars Lindsay Lohan and Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis returning. Originally based on author Mary Rodgers’ 1972 book of the same name, Freaky Friday has made its way to screens on a number of occasions, from made-for-TV specials to fully-fledged feature films.
When Star Wars made its Comic-Con debut, nobody cared
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy Microsoft and our third-party vendors use cookies to store and access information such as unique IDs to deliver, maintain and improve our services and ads. If you agree, MSN and Microsoft Bing will personalise the content and ads that you see. You can select ‘I Accept’ to consent to these uses or click on ‘Manage preferences’ to review your options and exercise your right to object to Legitimate Interest where used.
When Star Wars made its Comic-Con debut, nobody cared
Feel that ripple in the force? It’s Star Wars creator George Lucas preparing to make his long-awaited debut at San Diego Comic-Con as 2025’s biggest geek gathering gets underway. At long last, the maker himself will pop by Comic-Con 2025 as part of a special Sunday panel that somehow marks his first and only appearance at this massive pop-culture celebration.
Is Happy Gilmore 2 worth watching? Critics deliver verdict on Adam Sandler sequel
Adam Sandler dusts off his clubs for Happy Gilmore 2 after a nearly 30-year break. The film officially hits Netflix today but with so much content vying for your attention, is this highly anticipated comedy sequel worth spending your precious free telly time on? Picking up in real-time after the events of 1996’s first film, Happy Gilmore 2 finds its titular hero in need of money once more — and a bit of a pick-me-up.
“This is exactly what we need” Jasmin John explains how Screen LaunchPad solidified Nuevox Post
After spending years developing her craft as a post production specialist, Jasmin John noticed a problem with her sector - and like any good creative founder, she set out to try and fix it. “In my early days, I was really conscious that I was often the only black woman in cutting rooms,” she tells us, speaking about her career journey. “As I was rising up the ranks, it was still the case.
“I definitely feel much more confident” Tinkr founder Omari McCarthy unpacks his Screen LaunchPad insights
Having carved out a career in kids animation production, screenwriting and directing, creative founder Omari McCarthy set his sights on something bigger. The idea? What if you could create wholesome, bespoke animated content for children that was personalised in every way. The concept? A new app that delivers on that exact promise.
“It gave us chance to ask difficult questions” Common Story’s Beth Newell on how Reframe provided a key moment of re-evaluation
Common Story found success creating content that links empowering creativity with local talent. Started in 2020 by producer/directors Beth Newell and Dom Sant, it endured pandemic turbulence to secure its first TV credit with the documentary Filthy Business. This 30-minute feature followed two local lads from their West Midlands stomping ground and found a home on BBC Three. Not long afterwards, their colourful kids show I Can Do It, You Can Too encouraged kids to get active, this time on Cbeebies.
Marvel boss Kevin Feige teases fewer shows, a soft reset, and return of X-Men
The all-seeing master has spoken - and when Kevin Feige opens his mouth, the internet listens. Over the weekend, Marvel’s baseball cap-loving president sat down for an all-encompassing chat about the studio’s hits, misses and mysterious future plans. Hosted at the company’s Burbank-based headquarters, the conversation covered various areas of the company’s recent output and upcoming slate. Topics like over-achievement and superhero fatigue were each broached.
‘I went vegan on the second day of filming’: James Cromwell on making Babe, the talking pig classic
James Cromwell, played farmer Hoggett Chris Noonan, the director, had been in a battle with producer George Miller, who wanted an all-Australian cast for Babe. Thankfully, a wonderful casting director believed I was right for farmer Hoggett and pushed for me to get a meeting. George had found the book that the film is based on – The Sheep-Pig by British author Dick King-Smith – while on a trip to Europe with his daughter.
We need Happy Gilmore now more than ever
Hide your hockey sticks because Happy Gilmore 2 finally hits Netflix this week, and the return of Adam Sandler’s anger-prone golfer can’t come quick enough. Released back in 1996, the first Happy Gilmore arrived amid a much different - and arguably much more varied - pop-culture landscape. That year packed a lot in.
Huge stars who were cut from big movies
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy Microsoft and our third-party vendors use cookies to store and access information such as unique IDs to deliver, maintain and improve our services and ads. If you agree, MSN and Microsoft Bing will personalise the content and ads that you see. You can select ‘I Accept’ to consent to these uses or click on ‘Manage preferences’ to review your options and exercise your right to object to Legitimate Interest where used.
Huge stars who were cut from big movies
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy Microsoft and our third-party vendors use cookies to store and access information such as unique IDs to deliver, maintain and improve our services and ads. If you agree, MSN and Microsoft Bing will personalise the content and ads that you see. You can select ‘I Accept’ to consent to these uses or click on ‘Manage preferences’ to review your options and exercise your right to object to Legitimate Interest where used.
The iconic movie props that sold for millions
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy Microsoft and our third-party vendors use cookies to store and access information such as unique IDs to deliver, maintain and improve our services and ads. If you agree, MSN and Microsoft Bing will personalise the content and ads that you see. You can select ‘I Accept’ to consent to these uses or click on ‘Manage preferences’ to review your options and exercise your right to object to Legitimate Interest where used.
The iconic movie props that sold for millions
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy Microsoft and our third-party vendors use cookies to store and access information such as unique IDs to deliver, maintain and improve our services and ads. If you agree, MSN and Microsoft Bing will personalise the content and ads that you see. You can select ‘I Accept’ to consent to these uses or click on ‘Manage preferences’ to review your options and exercise your right to object to Legitimate Interest where used.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Simon
Contact Simon, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack