Film and television writer-producer Joe Gayton, cocreator and executive producer of AMC’s “Hell on Wheels,” died May 14. He was 66 years old.
The news was confirmed to TheWrap by brother and longtime collaborator Tony Gayton, who said Joe’s death came following a four-year battle with prostate cancer.
“Joe was one of a kind. He was passionate, creative, loud, boisterous, argumentative, unfiltered, soft-hearted, hilarious and terrible at the politics of this cutthroat business,” he said in a statement. “He was a big brother, mentor, writing partner and best friend to me. Our hearts are shattered at his passing and we will miss him forever.”
Also Read:
Jessie Maple, Trailblazing Black Director and Cinematographer, Dies at 76
Tony also revealed that his brother was working on a new television show before his death.
“This sums up Joe’s passion for this work: He loved writing and creating so much that he wrote...
The news was confirmed to TheWrap by brother and longtime collaborator Tony Gayton, who said Joe’s death came following a four-year battle with prostate cancer.
“Joe was one of a kind. He was passionate, creative, loud, boisterous, argumentative, unfiltered, soft-hearted, hilarious and terrible at the politics of this cutthroat business,” he said in a statement. “He was a big brother, mentor, writing partner and best friend to me. Our hearts are shattered at his passing and we will miss him forever.”
Also Read:
Jessie Maple, Trailblazing Black Director and Cinematographer, Dies at 76
Tony also revealed that his brother was working on a new television show before his death.
“This sums up Joe’s passion for this work: He loved writing and creating so much that he wrote...
- 6/2/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Joe Gayton, a film and television writer-producer who co-created and executive produced the hit AMC series Hell on Wheels, died May 14 after a four-year battle with prostate cancer. He was 66.
Gayton got off to a fast start in Hollywood with Uncommon Valor, which he wrote when he was 23. The script was made into a movie starring Gene Hackman. Gayton also co-wrote with Lewis Colick the 1996 action comedy feature Bulletproof starring Damon Wayans and Adam Sandler.
For most of his career, Gayton collaborated with his brother, fellow writer-producer Tony Gayton. The duo created and executive produced the popular Western drama series Hell on Wheels, which ran on AMC for five seasons.
The Gaytons also developed together a number of TV projects, with several, including Southern Comfort for Fox and The Novice for USA, going to pilot. They also co-wrote the 2010 feature Faster, starring Dwayne Johnson.
“Joe was one of a kind.
Gayton got off to a fast start in Hollywood with Uncommon Valor, which he wrote when he was 23. The script was made into a movie starring Gene Hackman. Gayton also co-wrote with Lewis Colick the 1996 action comedy feature Bulletproof starring Damon Wayans and Adam Sandler.
For most of his career, Gayton collaborated with his brother, fellow writer-producer Tony Gayton. The duo created and executive produced the popular Western drama series Hell on Wheels, which ran on AMC for five seasons.
The Gaytons also developed together a number of TV projects, with several, including Southern Comfort for Fox and The Novice for USA, going to pilot. They also co-wrote the 2010 feature Faster, starring Dwayne Johnson.
“Joe was one of a kind.
- 6/2/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Hell on Wheels creators Joe Gayton and Tony Gayton have signed with APA.
The sibling writing-producing duo created the praised historical drama series Hell on Wheels, which aired for five seasons on AMC.
Together, the veteran scribes have written numerous pilots, including Southern Comfort for Fox and The Novice for USA, as well as the 2010 feature film Faster, starring Dwayne Johnson. Separately, Tony Gayton also wrote The Salton Sea, directed by D.J. Caruso and starring Val Kilmer, and Murder by Numbers, starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Gosling. Joe Gayton wrote Ernest R. Dickenson-directed Bulletproof, starring Adam Sandler and Damon Wayans.
Joe and Tony Gayton are also repped by attorney Karl Austen.
The sibling writing-producing duo created the praised historical drama series Hell on Wheels, which aired for five seasons on AMC.
Together, the veteran scribes have written numerous pilots, including Southern Comfort for Fox and The Novice for USA, as well as the 2010 feature film Faster, starring Dwayne Johnson. Separately, Tony Gayton also wrote The Salton Sea, directed by D.J. Caruso and starring Val Kilmer, and Murder by Numbers, starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Gosling. Joe Gayton wrote Ernest R. Dickenson-directed Bulletproof, starring Adam Sandler and Damon Wayans.
Joe and Tony Gayton are also repped by attorney Karl Austen.
- 8/14/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Matt Reeves, the director of the last two Planet of the Apes films and the upcoming Batman movie, has jumped on board to executive produce a new police drama for Fox called The Dime. He will be developing the project with the creators of the AMC series Hell on Wheels, Tony Gayton and Joe Gayton.
It seems like cop series are a dime a dozen these days, but with this team of talent behind this new series, there's a good chance it will rise above the rest. Variety says the series is based on the upcoming book of the same name by New York Times bestselling author Kathleen Kent. Here's a description of the story that the series will tell:
Dallas, Texas is not for the faint of heart. Good thing for Betty Rhyzyk she's from a family of take-no-prisoners Brooklyn police detectives. But her Big Apple wisdom will only...
It seems like cop series are a dime a dozen these days, but with this team of talent behind this new series, there's a good chance it will rise above the rest. Variety says the series is based on the upcoming book of the same name by New York Times bestselling author Kathleen Kent. Here's a description of the story that the series will tell:
Dallas, Texas is not for the faint of heart. Good thing for Betty Rhyzyk she's from a family of take-no-prisoners Brooklyn police detectives. But her Big Apple wisdom will only...
- 10/4/2017
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Fox is developing cop drama “The Dime” from “The Batman” director Matt Reeves and “Hell on Wheels” creators Tony and Joe Gayton. The show is a co-production between 6th & Idaho and 20th Century Fox Television and based on the new novel from Kathleen Kent. It centers on tough Brooklyn cop Betty Rhyzyck who moves to Dallas with her girlfriend and adjusts to life leading detectives who have a different set of sensibilities from her own. The Gaytons are writing and executive producing the project that has a script order with penalty from Fox. Also executive producing are Reeves, Adam Kassan and.
- 10/3/2017
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Wrap
Fox has given a script commitment plus penalty to The Dime — a crime drama with a lesbian cop at the center — based on bestselling author Kathleen Kent’s new novel, from Hell on Wheels creators Tony Gayton and Joe Gayton, feature director Matt Reeves (War for the Planet of the Apes) and 20th Century Fox TV. Written and executive produced by the Gayton brothers, The Dime follows Brooklyn cop Betty Rhyzyck, a tough as nails firebrand, who moves with her girlfriend to Dallas…...
- 10/3/2017
- Deadline TV
Hell on Wheels, Season 5, Episode 1, “Chinatown”
Written by Joe Gayton and Tony Gayton
Directed by David Staiton
Airs Saturdays at 9pm (Et) on AMC
“Now you think I’m the devil. That’s funny because it’ll probably take the devil to finish this road.”
Hell on Wheels started as one man’s single-minded journey to avenge the death of his family. As the series enters its final season, though, it has been transformed into a deeply meditative look at a changing world, an intricate retelling of a brutal time in American history and powerful examination of the characters that helped create it. The writers now have the daunting task of honoring these characters, closing out an epic story, and giving fans a satisfying ending.
Season four ended with Cullen Bohannon (the always reliable and brooding Anson Mount) leaving the Union Pacific railroad to search for his missing wife, Naomi...
Written by Joe Gayton and Tony Gayton
Directed by David Staiton
Airs Saturdays at 9pm (Et) on AMC
“Now you think I’m the devil. That’s funny because it’ll probably take the devil to finish this road.”
Hell on Wheels started as one man’s single-minded journey to avenge the death of his family. As the series enters its final season, though, it has been transformed into a deeply meditative look at a changing world, an intricate retelling of a brutal time in American history and powerful examination of the characters that helped create it. The writers now have the daunting task of honoring these characters, closing out an epic story, and giving fans a satisfying ending.
Season four ended with Cullen Bohannon (the always reliable and brooding Anson Mount) leaving the Union Pacific railroad to search for his missing wife, Naomi...
- 7/19/2015
- by Tressa
- SoundOnSight
"Blood will be spilled. Lives will be lost. Men will be ruined " - Yet Again. AMC will give Hell on Wheels a fourth season, renewing the western TV series starring Anson Mount and adding 14 more episodes, reports Variety. The show from Endemol and Entertainment One is created by Joe Gayton and Tony Gayton, and also includes Colm Meaney, Common, Phil Burke, Ben Esler, Robin McLeavy and Christopher Heyerdahl, among others. John Wirth, known for Falling Skies and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, serves as executive producer and showrunner. AMC president Charlie Collier said “John Wirth and his team on both sides of the camera delivered a remarkable third season and ‘Hell on Wheels’ fans responded. AMC has served passionate Western fans for three decades, so it is particularly gratifying to see...
- 11/14/2013
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Us cable channel Cinemax is teaming with Working Title and Universal TV for a remake of the Australian blackly comic drama series "The Straits".
The original starred Brian Cox as the head of a crime family smuggling drugs & guns into and exotic wildlife out of Queensland's Cape York Peninsula.
Said patriarch is planning his succession, leading to a battle between his three sons as to who will take over.
"Hell on Wheels" writer/producers Tony and Joe Gayton will produce the American version, which will shift the action to the Florida Keys.
Source: Smh...
The original starred Brian Cox as the head of a crime family smuggling drugs & guns into and exotic wildlife out of Queensland's Cape York Peninsula.
Said patriarch is planning his succession, leading to a battle between his three sons as to who will take over.
"Hell on Wheels" writer/producers Tony and Joe Gayton will produce the American version, which will shift the action to the Florida Keys.
Source: Smh...
- 4/2/2013
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Exclusive: Cinemax has put in development The Straits, a drama series adaptation of the 2012 Australian series starring Brian Cox. Hell On Wheels creators Tony Gayton and Joe Gayton will write, executive produce and run the project, a gritty modern-day drama that tells the story of a powerful and dangerous crime family who run their business out of the Florida Keys and into Jamaica, trafficking drugs, guns and exotic animals. When the kingpin tells his three sons that he has not yet chosen a successor, he sets in motion a series of catastrophic events that could destroy the very business he’s fought to build. The original series, based on an idea by and co-starring actor Aaron Fa’aoso, was produced by Australian production company Matchbox Pictures, in which NBCUniversal has a majority stake. The Cinemax version will be co-produced by two other NBCU divisions, Working Title and Universal TV. The...
- 4/1/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
By Rachel Bennett
Television Editor & Columnist
***
When AMC announced it renewed The Walking Dead for a fourth season Friday, it didn’t come as much of a surprise. What was a shock, however, is that showrunner Glen Mazzara will not return to oversee that season.
“For future seasons, the two parties have mutually decided to part ways,” says a joint statement from AMC and Mazzara. “Both parties acknowledge that there is a difference of opinion about where the show should go moving forward, and conclude that it is best to part ways. This decision is amicable and Glen will remain on for post-production on Season 3B.”
The statement adds, “Glen guided the series creatively for Seasons 2 and 3. AMC is grateful for his hard work.”
Mazzara released his own statement and expressed a similar sentiment. “My time as show runner on The Walking Dead has been an amazing experience, but after...
Television Editor & Columnist
***
When AMC announced it renewed The Walking Dead for a fourth season Friday, it didn’t come as much of a surprise. What was a shock, however, is that showrunner Glen Mazzara will not return to oversee that season.
“For future seasons, the two parties have mutually decided to part ways,” says a joint statement from AMC and Mazzara. “Both parties acknowledge that there is a difference of opinion about where the show should go moving forward, and conclude that it is best to part ways. This decision is amicable and Glen will remain on for post-production on Season 3B.”
The statement adds, “Glen guided the series creatively for Seasons 2 and 3. AMC is grateful for his hard work.”
Mazzara released his own statement and expressed a similar sentiment. “My time as show runner on The Walking Dead has been an amazing experience, but after...
- 12/23/2012
- by Rachel Bennett
- Scott Feinberg
Exclusive: Steve Dildarian, creator/executive producer of The Life & Times Of Tim, has sold a new comedy project to Fox, where HBO’s cult animated comedy originated as a pilot presentation almost five years ago. Dildarian’s new comedy for Fox, The Commuters, is live-action and produced by 20th Century Fox TV and Shawn Levy and Marty Adelstein’s studio-based 21 Laps/Adelstein Prods. The Commuters, which has received a script order, is a single-camera office comedy about a diverse group of co-workers who are bonded by their daily drive from New Jersey to New York. Dildarian is writing and will executive produce with Adelstein, Levy and Becky Clements. Coincidentally, Clements’ husband, Werner Entertainment’s Mike Clements, developed and executive produced The Life & Times Of Tim with Dildarian. The Life & Times Of Tim, on which Dildarian also voiced the title character, ended its three-year run on HBO this year. Dildarian started off in advertising,...
- 10/23/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Exclusive: While AMC is pondering the future of Hell On Wheels, the Western drama series’ creators/executive producers Tony and Joe Gayton have sold another drama project to NBC. The project, produced by 20th Century Fox TV and Marty Edelstein and Shawn Levy’s studio-based 21 Laps/Adelstein Prod., follows the escapades of Kyle Jones, a recent college grad who can’t find a job and who finds himself forced to courier cash for criminals. After outsmarting the criminals and delivering the cash to their boss, Kyle is offered a job in the organization and the adventure ensues. The Gaytons will write the script and executive produce with Edelstein, Levy and Becky Clements as well as New Wave’s Brian Volk-Weiss, Matt Ochacher, and Michael Pelmont. This is not Tony and Joe Gayton’s first foray into broadcast TV. The feature writers (Faster) wrote a drama script for Fox during the 2005-06 development season,...
- 10/18/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Hell on Wheels, Season 2 Episode 6: “Purged Away with Blood”
Written by Tony Gayton and Tom Brady
Directed by Joe Gayton
Airs Sundays at 9 pm (Et) on AMC
“What I got Doc, is a whole lotta heartache”, Eva (Robin McLeavy) tells Doc early in this week’s episode of Hell on Wheels, “Purged Away with Blood”. Each character steps into a world of pain.
We begin the episode with Durant’s (Colm Meaney) bizarre fever dream and Lily (Dominique McElligott) sending him on a train to Chicago, where he’s going to meet his wife and have surgery to remove the bullet still lodged near his spine. Eva’s joining him. As she boards the train she tells Elam (Common) that she might just stay in Chicago and Cullen (Anson Mount) tries to convince Doc not to get on because he knows that Doc will be captured and killed for his crimes.
Written by Tony Gayton and Tom Brady
Directed by Joe Gayton
Airs Sundays at 9 pm (Et) on AMC
“What I got Doc, is a whole lotta heartache”, Eva (Robin McLeavy) tells Doc early in this week’s episode of Hell on Wheels, “Purged Away with Blood”. Each character steps into a world of pain.
We begin the episode with Durant’s (Colm Meaney) bizarre fever dream and Lily (Dominique McElligott) sending him on a train to Chicago, where he’s going to meet his wife and have surgery to remove the bullet still lodged near his spine. Eva’s joining him. As she boards the train she tells Elam (Common) that she might just stay in Chicago and Cullen (Anson Mount) tries to convince Doc not to get on because he knows that Doc will be captured and killed for his crimes.
- 9/17/2012
- by Tressa
- SoundOnSight
With Tony Gayton and Tom Brady (no, not the football superstar) writing "Purged Away With Blood" and Joe Gayton directing, this Hell on Wheels episode was clearly meant to be a pivotal turning point on Season 2.
With the show's creators at the helm, everything had to be great, right? Sort of. In plenty of respects, the sixth episode did do a lot well.
Tom Noonan gave an outstanding performance as the Reverend. Noonan has always done a solid job portraying the man through his drunk tirades, his crazy beheadings and general outlandish actions, despite the character teetering around in the background.
The episode put him front and center, eliminating his alcohol abuse, cranking up the crazy and revealing a menacingly determined character that was supremely underestimated. Whether he's glaring at Bohannon or breaking down in front of his daughter, Noonan is top notch.
Sadly, his death (was it the only way to stop him?...
With the show's creators at the helm, everything had to be great, right? Sort of. In plenty of respects, the sixth episode did do a lot well.
Tom Noonan gave an outstanding performance as the Reverend. Noonan has always done a solid job portraying the man through his drunk tirades, his crazy beheadings and general outlandish actions, despite the character teetering around in the background.
The episode put him front and center, eliminating his alcohol abuse, cranking up the crazy and revealing a menacingly determined character that was supremely underestimated. Whether he's glaring at Bohannon or breaking down in front of his daughter, Noonan is top notch.
Sadly, his death (was it the only way to stop him?...
- 9/17/2012
- by smckenna412@gmail.com (Sean McKenna)
- TVfanatic
Chicago – AMC’s watchable western series “Hell on Wheels” is just good enough to sustain audience interest despite its meandering plot. As soon as Gustavo Santaolalla’s catchy theme music kicks in over the brooding title sequence, it’s effortless to become absorbed within Joe and Tony Gayton’s handsomely photographed dramatization of the first transcontinental railroad’s epic construction in 1865.
The most intriguing aspect about the series is how it parallels the expansion of the railroad with the colonization of America itself, and how necessary progress was forged by men with little more on their minds than self-serving greed. Financier Thomas Durant (Colm Meaney) has figured out an excellent way to make a fortune off the railroad with the help of government subsidies. Since he’s being paid $16,000 per mile, he intends to add as many arcs and curves to his railroad as possible, rather than have it chug straight to its destination.
The most intriguing aspect about the series is how it parallels the expansion of the railroad with the colonization of America itself, and how necessary progress was forged by men with little more on their minds than self-serving greed. Financier Thomas Durant (Colm Meaney) has figured out an excellent way to make a fortune off the railroad with the help of government subsidies. Since he’s being paid $16,000 per mile, he intends to add as many arcs and curves to his railroad as possible, rather than have it chug straight to its destination.
- 5/22/2012
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Hell on Wheels Season 1 Contest Giveaway Sweepstakes. This Hell on Wheels Blu-ray contest, giveaway, sweepstakes illustrates Hell on Wheels‘s release on DVD and Blu-ray on May 15, 2012. Joe Gayton, Tony Gayton‘s Hell on Wheels stars Anson Mount, Dominique McElligott, Common, Colm Meaney, Ben Esler, Dru Mouser, Phil Burke, Barb Mitchell, Chris Ippolito, James D. Hopkin, and Jesse Lipscombe. Hell on Wheels‘ plot synopsis: “Hell on Wheels is [...]
Continue reading: Contest: Hell On Wheels: Season 1 Blu-ray: Anson Mount, Common...
Continue reading: Contest: Hell On Wheels: Season 1 Blu-ray: Anson Mount, Common...
- 5/22/2012
- by Rollo Tomasi
- Film-Book
Q- You are the current Director of WGA's Showrunner Training Program at Writers Guild of America West. How many applicants did you have for this year?
A- We had over eighty applicants for about twenty five slots. The application process is a two step process. First applicants have to be recommended by current show runners or creative executives. Once they've been recommended, they fill out an application. I review the applications and we end up interviewing about fifty candidates. Out of those fifty candidates we invite approximately twenty five people to participate in the Program. This year's first session was on Saturday, January 14th and it (the program) ran for six consecutive Saturdays.
Q- How long has the Showrunner Training Program been in existence, and can you give the readers a background of its origins?
A- The Showrunner Training Program is the brainchild of writer producer, Jeff Melvoin, who's currently...
A- We had over eighty applicants for about twenty five slots. The application process is a two step process. First applicants have to be recommended by current show runners or creative executives. Once they've been recommended, they fill out an application. I review the applications and we end up interviewing about fifty candidates. Out of those fifty candidates we invite approximately twenty five people to participate in the Program. This year's first session was on Saturday, January 14th and it (the program) ran for six consecutive Saturdays.
Q- How long has the Showrunner Training Program been in existence, and can you give the readers a background of its origins?
A- The Showrunner Training Program is the brainchild of writer producer, Jeff Melvoin, who's currently...
- 3/8/2012
- by Robert Gagnier
- Aol TV.
Hell on Wheels, Ep.1.10: “God of Chaos”
Written by Tony Gayton, Joe Gayton and Bruce Marshall Romans
Directed by David Von Ancken
Airs Sunsays at 10 Pm Et on AMC
Hell on Wheels has been picked up for a second season, and one hopes the writers give the show a badly needed reevaluation. Lucky for them, I took the liberty of listing a few ways the show can be improved for next season.
Let’s start with a character who early on gave the show an intriguing amount of perspective, but ended up being one of the more frustrating aspects of the show, Reverend Cole. This could be difficult considering his arc seemed to go past the point of no return, but he was hastily and sloppily transformed into a hate filled monster, so there is reason to believe a deft touch, and attention to detail could make him a more well rounded character.
Written by Tony Gayton, Joe Gayton and Bruce Marshall Romans
Directed by David Von Ancken
Airs Sunsays at 10 Pm Et on AMC
Hell on Wheels has been picked up for a second season, and one hopes the writers give the show a badly needed reevaluation. Lucky for them, I took the liberty of listing a few ways the show can be improved for next season.
Let’s start with a character who early on gave the show an intriguing amount of perspective, but ended up being one of the more frustrating aspects of the show, Reverend Cole. This could be difficult considering his arc seemed to go past the point of no return, but he was hastily and sloppily transformed into a hate filled monster, so there is reason to believe a deft touch, and attention to detail could make him a more well rounded character.
- 1/16/2012
- by James Merolla
- SoundOnSight
Hell on Wheels, Ep. 1.09: “Timeshel”
Written by: Tony and Joe Gayton, and John Shiban
Directed by: John Shiban
Airs sundays at 10Pm Et on AMC
If one was to forgo the storyline and simply pick tonight’s episode out at random they would be hard pressed to have a complaint. The acting was fine, the music was very good, and other than a few cliche cringes, particularly the opening slow motion montage, the direction was good. In fact, there were some shots in this episode to rival any show on television visually. Unfortunately for Hell on Wheels the main reason we watch shows of its kind is for the characters. When the characters are rich and full everything else the show positively does (visuals, acting, music) enhances the experience that much more. Ultimately we get a long, uninterrupted, cinematic breath.
If I am sounding like a broken record it is because this show,...
Written by: Tony and Joe Gayton, and John Shiban
Directed by: John Shiban
Airs sundays at 10Pm Et on AMC
If one was to forgo the storyline and simply pick tonight’s episode out at random they would be hard pressed to have a complaint. The acting was fine, the music was very good, and other than a few cliche cringes, particularly the opening slow motion montage, the direction was good. In fact, there were some shots in this episode to rival any show on television visually. Unfortunately for Hell on Wheels the main reason we watch shows of its kind is for the characters. When the characters are rich and full everything else the show positively does (visuals, acting, music) enhances the experience that much more. Ultimately we get a long, uninterrupted, cinematic breath.
If I am sounding like a broken record it is because this show,...
- 1/9/2012
- by James Merolla
- SoundOnSight
Hell on Wheels, Season 1, Ep. 8 ‘Derailed’
Written by: Tony and Joe Gayton, Mark Richard, Bruce Marshall Romans
Directed by: David Von Ancken
Airs Sunday 10 Pm Est. on AMC
Well, Hell on Wheels, I surrender. I surrender to the idea that there may not be anything salvageable about this season, and possibly this series. The storytelling, and the character development that was beginning to build in past episodes, burned into a pile of ash and soot. The spark(s) that started the blaze? Characters make sudden odd decisions and turns, of which went against what we were lead to believe in the little character development we were given to this point, and others wander aimlessly.
What immediately jumped out about this episode was the Reverend. After discovering the tragedy of the train derailment the Reverend is distraught, and has suddenly given up all hope of there being peace among the pioneers and the natives.
Written by: Tony and Joe Gayton, Mark Richard, Bruce Marshall Romans
Directed by: David Von Ancken
Airs Sunday 10 Pm Est. on AMC
Well, Hell on Wheels, I surrender. I surrender to the idea that there may not be anything salvageable about this season, and possibly this series. The storytelling, and the character development that was beginning to build in past episodes, burned into a pile of ash and soot. The spark(s) that started the blaze? Characters make sudden odd decisions and turns, of which went against what we were lead to believe in the little character development we were given to this point, and others wander aimlessly.
What immediately jumped out about this episode was the Reverend. After discovering the tragedy of the train derailment the Reverend is distraught, and has suddenly given up all hope of there being peace among the pioneers and the natives.
- 1/3/2012
- by James Merolla
- SoundOnSight
AMC has been working on the railroad, all the live-long fall. Now, AMC is ready to continue working on the railroad for at least another season. The cable network officially announced on Tuesday (December 27) that "Hell on Wheels" has been renewed for a second season. "Hell on Wheels" was created by Tony Gayton and Joe Gayton and features an ensemble cast led by Anson Mount, Common, Colm Meaney and Dominique McElligott, focusing on the development and construction of the first transcontinental railroad in the aftermath of the Civil War. Since premiering in November, "Hell on Wheels" has...
- 12/27/2011
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
Hell on Wheels Season 1, Ep. 7 ‘Revelations’
Written by: Tony and Joe Gayton, and Bruce Marshall Romans
Directed by: Michelle Maclaren
Airs Sunday 10 pm Est. on AMC
Was I the only one that watched this week’s episode, and immediately wished the show centered around the outlaws Elam and Bohannan? At any rate, that is an unfair indictment on a show that has shown some promise in it’s first season. And that promise is found in both action, and tightly wound character interactions. The interactions can use a great deal of polish, but it would seem each character is finding his or her footing. With each episode we are gaining a better understanding of each character, something that wasn’t evidently true early in the season.
However, despite the praise I’ve been giving Hell on Wheels lately, tonight’s episode suffered from a few drawbacks that earlier episodes struggled with,...
Written by: Tony and Joe Gayton, and Bruce Marshall Romans
Directed by: Michelle Maclaren
Airs Sunday 10 pm Est. on AMC
Was I the only one that watched this week’s episode, and immediately wished the show centered around the outlaws Elam and Bohannan? At any rate, that is an unfair indictment on a show that has shown some promise in it’s first season. And that promise is found in both action, and tightly wound character interactions. The interactions can use a great deal of polish, but it would seem each character is finding his or her footing. With each episode we are gaining a better understanding of each character, something that wasn’t evidently true early in the season.
However, despite the praise I’ve been giving Hell on Wheels lately, tonight’s episode suffered from a few drawbacks that earlier episodes struggled with,...
- 12/19/2011
- by James Merolla
- SoundOnSight
Hell on Wheels, Season 1, Ep. 6 “Pride, Pomp, and Circumstance”
Written by: Tony Gayton, Joe Gayton, and Bruce Romans
Directed by: Michael Slovis
Airs Sunday 10:00 Pm Est. on AMC
Small increments, Hell on Wheels is getting better by small increments. The last two episodes feel like the calming breath that followed the fevered blur that was the previous episodes. It is because of this I am choosing to hold my breath and keep my review for this week short and sweet, just like the rest of them.
I am falling more and more in love with Lily Bell every episode. There is a beautiful strength to her in the games she plays with Doc Durant. It felt a bit disappointing that she relinquished the maps to him already, but one gets the feeling there are still many sparks and guile to be enjoyed in their budding relationship. I have said...
Written by: Tony Gayton, Joe Gayton, and Bruce Romans
Directed by: Michael Slovis
Airs Sunday 10:00 Pm Est. on AMC
Small increments, Hell on Wheels is getting better by small increments. The last two episodes feel like the calming breath that followed the fevered blur that was the previous episodes. It is because of this I am choosing to hold my breath and keep my review for this week short and sweet, just like the rest of them.
I am falling more and more in love with Lily Bell every episode. There is a beautiful strength to her in the games she plays with Doc Durant. It felt a bit disappointing that she relinquished the maps to him already, but one gets the feeling there are still many sparks and guile to be enjoyed in their budding relationship. I have said...
- 12/12/2011
- by James Merolla
- SoundOnSight
Hell on Wheels, Season 1, Episode 5: “Bread and Circuses”
Written by Tony Gayton, Joe Gayton, and Mark Richard
Directed by Adam Davidson
Airs Sunday 10 pm Est. on AMC
I come to you this night feeling, for the first time, a strange stirring in my gut resembling satisfaction. Obviously this is in regards to the most recent episode of Hell on Wheels, and yes, it was good. I am not about to shed all my criticisms of the previous episodes, nor am I going to say this latest episode was flawless. But it did show, at times, a fantastic depth of character and emotion that it seemed systematically opposed to in earlier episodes.
For the first time the show seemed to slow down a bit and rather than drive home plot points with every scene or interaction between characters, it chose a route of delivering plot from within characters rather than without.
Written by Tony Gayton, Joe Gayton, and Mark Richard
Directed by Adam Davidson
Airs Sunday 10 pm Est. on AMC
I come to you this night feeling, for the first time, a strange stirring in my gut resembling satisfaction. Obviously this is in regards to the most recent episode of Hell on Wheels, and yes, it was good. I am not about to shed all my criticisms of the previous episodes, nor am I going to say this latest episode was flawless. But it did show, at times, a fantastic depth of character and emotion that it seemed systematically opposed to in earlier episodes.
For the first time the show seemed to slow down a bit and rather than drive home plot points with every scene or interaction between characters, it chose a route of delivering plot from within characters rather than without.
- 12/5/2011
- by James Merolla
- SoundOnSight
Hell on Wheels, Season 1, Episode 3, “A New Birth of Freedom”
Written by Tony and Joe Gayton
Directed by Phil Abraham
Airs Sunday 10 Pm Est. on AMC
Episode 3 of Hell on Wheels and we are still waiting for this show’s signature. In other words, it is bereft of a true identity. Nearly every character is ‘one note’ and hold onto strikingly predictable arcs.
Hell on Wheels is committing the sin that many middle-of-the-road shows commit, and that is that the writers don’t seem to have enough faith in the actors and directors to tell the story. Instead, we are treated to several scenes that seem to go to painstaking lengths to make the characters’ motivations known. This is never more evident than in the opening scene of “A New Birth of Freedom,” wherein Bohannan broods over a photo he finds in Johnson’s (the former foreman) belongings. There is...
Written by Tony and Joe Gayton
Directed by Phil Abraham
Airs Sunday 10 Pm Est. on AMC
Episode 3 of Hell on Wheels and we are still waiting for this show’s signature. In other words, it is bereft of a true identity. Nearly every character is ‘one note’ and hold onto strikingly predictable arcs.
Hell on Wheels is committing the sin that many middle-of-the-road shows commit, and that is that the writers don’t seem to have enough faith in the actors and directors to tell the story. Instead, we are treated to several scenes that seem to go to painstaking lengths to make the characters’ motivations known. This is never more evident than in the opening scene of “A New Birth of Freedom,” wherein Bohannan broods over a photo he finds in Johnson’s (the former foreman) belongings. There is...
- 11/21/2011
- by James Merolla
- SoundOnSight
Management and production company New Wave has signed several upper-level TV writer-producers. The list includes The Daily Show executive producer/showrunner Rory Albanese; Hell On Wheels‘ co-creator/executive producer Joe Gayton; Homeland co-executive producer Alex Cary, who is writing NBC’s Wiseguy reboot; Tosh.0 head writer Brian Rubinstein, House Of Lies co-executive producer Devon Shepard; Futurama co-executive producer Mike Rowe; and Supernatural co-executive producer Jim Michaels. Also joining New Wave as clients are Ian Goldberg Daily, co-producer on Once Upon A Time, and Daily Show staff writer Hallie Haglund. The signings follow the September hire of Apa partner Matt Ochacher as co-head of New Wave’s scripted television department. Several of the new clients — Rubinstein, Shepard, Rowe, Michaels and Haglund – worked with Ochacher at Apa.
- 11/14/2011
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Hell on Wheels, Season 1, Episode 2: “Immoral Mathematics”
Written by Tony and Joe Gayton
Directed by David Von Ancken
Airs Sundays at 10pm Et on AMC
After a lackluster pilot episode which, like many pilots, was used mainly as a broad set up for the entirety of the season, episode two of Hell on Wheels, “Immoral Mathematics,” starts to dig a little beneath the surface.
The show still has various flaws one would hope it can overcome. For instance, many of the characters are rather cliché and even stereotypical at times, but, the show has admirable energy and enthusiasm that keeps it (pardon my pun) chugging along.
“Immoral Mathematics” picks up on the following day when the pilot ended. The Foreman has been found murdered, and our star, Cullen Bohannan (Anson Mount) is the prime suspect. The chief of security for the camp, known as The Swede (Christopher Heyerdahl) plans...
Written by Tony and Joe Gayton
Directed by David Von Ancken
Airs Sundays at 10pm Et on AMC
After a lackluster pilot episode which, like many pilots, was used mainly as a broad set up for the entirety of the season, episode two of Hell on Wheels, “Immoral Mathematics,” starts to dig a little beneath the surface.
The show still has various flaws one would hope it can overcome. For instance, many of the characters are rather cliché and even stereotypical at times, but, the show has admirable energy and enthusiasm that keeps it (pardon my pun) chugging along.
“Immoral Mathematics” picks up on the following day when the pilot ended. The Foreman has been found murdered, and our star, Cullen Bohannan (Anson Mount) is the prime suspect. The chief of security for the camp, known as The Swede (Christopher Heyerdahl) plans...
- 11/14/2011
- by James Merolla
- SoundOnSight
AMC Rolls Out Hell On Wheels
AMC has begun its big promotional push for it’s new period drama, Hell on Wheels, as it unveils this promotional poster for the series. “Blood will be spilled. Lives will be lost. Men will be ruined.” Those are the words used to stir up interest in an old timey western. But this isn’t cowboys and Indians; this is AMC. We expect a little more than “just a western.”
Hell on Wheels takes place in the wake of the Civil War, following the life of Confederate veteran Cullen Bohannon (Anson Mount). Seeking vengeance for his wife’s death at the hands on Union soldiers, Cullen finds himself working on the transcontinental railroad. If that doesn’t intrigue you enough, the show will also feature rap artist Common as an emancipated slave as he works the railroad. Colm Meaney starts as a businessman looking...
AMC has begun its big promotional push for it’s new period drama, Hell on Wheels, as it unveils this promotional poster for the series. “Blood will be spilled. Lives will be lost. Men will be ruined.” Those are the words used to stir up interest in an old timey western. But this isn’t cowboys and Indians; this is AMC. We expect a little more than “just a western.”
Hell on Wheels takes place in the wake of the Civil War, following the life of Confederate veteran Cullen Bohannon (Anson Mount). Seeking vengeance for his wife’s death at the hands on Union soldiers, Cullen finds himself working on the transcontinental railroad. If that doesn’t intrigue you enough, the show will also feature rap artist Common as an emancipated slave as he works the railroad. Colm Meaney starts as a businessman looking...
- 9/29/2011
- by Brody Gibson
- Boomtron
To coincide with our Blu-ray competition, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment have given us this new clip from the DVD and Blu-ray which focuses around setting up a stunt from the movie. We get to see how they prepare for the stunt and then watch it get carried out.
Faster is released on Monday, 1st August, is directed by George Tillman Jr. and stars Carla Gugino, Dwayne Johnson, Maggie Grace, Jennifer Carpenter, Tom Berenger, Billy Bob Thornton and Courtney Gains.
After 10 years in prison, Driver (Dwayne Johnson) has a singular focus – to avenge the murder of his brother during the botched bank robbery that led to his imprisonment. Now a free man with a deadly to-do list in hand, he’s finally on his mission … but with two men on his trail – a veteran cop (Billy Bob Thornton) just days from retirement, and a young egocentric hitman (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) with a...
Faster is released on Monday, 1st August, is directed by George Tillman Jr. and stars Carla Gugino, Dwayne Johnson, Maggie Grace, Jennifer Carpenter, Tom Berenger, Billy Bob Thornton and Courtney Gains.
After 10 years in prison, Driver (Dwayne Johnson) has a singular focus – to avenge the murder of his brother during the botched bank robbery that led to his imprisonment. Now a free man with a deadly to-do list in hand, he’s finally on his mission … but with two men on his trail – a veteran cop (Billy Bob Thornton) just days from retirement, and a young egocentric hitman (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) with a...
- 7/31/2011
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
To mark the release of Faster on Faster is out on Blu-ray and DVD on August 1st, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment have given us three copies of the movie to give away on Blu-ray.
After 10 years in prison, Driver (Dwayne Johnson) has a singular focus – to avenge the murder of his brother during the botched bank robbery that led to his imprisonment. Now a free man with a deadly to-do list in hand, he’s finally on his mission … but with two men on his trail – a veteran cop (Billy Bob Thornton) just days from retirement, and a young egocentric hitman (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) with a flair for the art of killing and a newfound worthy opponent. The hunter is also the hunted. It’s a do or die race to the list’s finish as the mystery surrounding his brother’s murder deepens, and new details emerge along the way...
After 10 years in prison, Driver (Dwayne Johnson) has a singular focus – to avenge the murder of his brother during the botched bank robbery that led to his imprisonment. Now a free man with a deadly to-do list in hand, he’s finally on his mission … but with two men on his trail – a veteran cop (Billy Bob Thornton) just days from retirement, and a young egocentric hitman (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) with a flair for the art of killing and a newfound worthy opponent. The hunter is also the hunted. It’s a do or die race to the list’s finish as the mystery surrounding his brother’s murder deepens, and new details emerge along the way...
- 7/29/2011
- by Competitons
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Faster
Stars: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Billy Bob Thornton, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Carla Guigno, Maggie Grace, Moon Bloodgood | Written by Tony Gayton & Joe Gayton | Directed by George Tillman Jr.
“After 10 years in prison, Driver (Johnson) has focused on one thing – hunting down the people responsible for brutally murdering his brother. Now a free man with a terrifying purpose, he sets out to find and kill all those on his list. But on his heals are two men who will do anything to stop him – a veteran cop (Thornton) and a hitman (Jackson-Cohen) who finds his match in this worthy opponent. Now, the hunter is also the hunted.”
I sat down to watch Faster with the expectation that I was in for another of The Rock’s Ott action-fest extravangaza’s – one that’s all action and no story. What I didn’t expect was a tres-cool throwback to 70s exploitation movies,...
Stars: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Billy Bob Thornton, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Carla Guigno, Maggie Grace, Moon Bloodgood | Written by Tony Gayton & Joe Gayton | Directed by George Tillman Jr.
“After 10 years in prison, Driver (Johnson) has focused on one thing – hunting down the people responsible for brutally murdering his brother. Now a free man with a terrifying purpose, he sets out to find and kill all those on his list. But on his heals are two men who will do anything to stop him – a veteran cop (Thornton) and a hitman (Jackson-Cohen) who finds his match in this worthy opponent. Now, the hunter is also the hunted.”
I sat down to watch Faster with the expectation that I was in for another of The Rock’s Ott action-fest extravangaza’s – one that’s all action and no story. What I didn’t expect was a tres-cool throwback to 70s exploitation movies,...
- 6/21/2011
- by Phil
- Nerdly
Faster is a new action-thriller from Notorious director George Tillman Jr.
The film centers on an ex-con, Driver (Dwayne Johnson), who sets out to avenge his brother’s death after they were double-crossed during a heist years ago. During his campaign, however, he’s tracked by a veteran cop (Billy Bob Thornton) and an egocentric hit man (Oliver Jackson-Cohen).
While the premise has several notable elements of intrigue, the treatment, by writing duo Tony and Joe Gayton, is every bit as bleak and lackluster as expected; weighed down by exposition, formulaic direction and clichéd plot points. It’s not at all helped by the screenwriters’ tendency to shift emphasis onto pointless, misleading subplots, for example Killer’s backstory: a character that simply lacks the urgency needed to occupy such a large part that bears little importance to the main plot’s overall direction.
Tillman Jr’s unwillingness to take advantage...
The film centers on an ex-con, Driver (Dwayne Johnson), who sets out to avenge his brother’s death after they were double-crossed during a heist years ago. During his campaign, however, he’s tracked by a veteran cop (Billy Bob Thornton) and an egocentric hit man (Oliver Jackson-Cohen).
While the premise has several notable elements of intrigue, the treatment, by writing duo Tony and Joe Gayton, is every bit as bleak and lackluster as expected; weighed down by exposition, formulaic direction and clichéd plot points. It’s not at all helped by the screenwriters’ tendency to shift emphasis onto pointless, misleading subplots, for example Killer’s backstory: a character that simply lacks the urgency needed to occupy such a large part that bears little importance to the main plot’s overall direction.
Tillman Jr’s unwillingness to take advantage...
- 3/28/2011
- by Jamie Neish
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Chicago – After his underrated breakthrough from wrestling into acting, “The Rundown,” we all expected Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to be the next macho action stars like the icons we grew up with — Sly, Ahnuld, Bruce Willis, and more. But the action market shifted to more average-looking heroes (like Nic Cage & Shia Labeouf) and The Rock took a left turn into family fare like “The Tooth Fairy” and “Race to Witch Mountain.” “Faster” looked like a return to the genre in which he would have been a mega-star in 1988. Sadly, the result is a dull, boring affair that’s nowhere near as much fun as its title or premise might suggest.
DVD Rating: 2.0/5.0
Johnson stars as an unnamed character known solely as “Driver,” a man who was double-crossed years earlier and watched his brother killed in front of his eyes. It’s time for vengeance. As Driver tracks down the men responsible for ruining his life,...
DVD Rating: 2.0/5.0
Johnson stars as an unnamed character known solely as “Driver,” a man who was double-crossed years earlier and watched his brother killed in front of his eyes. It’s time for vengeance. As Driver tracks down the men responsible for ruining his life,...
- 3/16/2011
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
<p><p><img src="http://www.fangirltastic.com/images/articles/2010/Dec/faster_1.jpg" hspace="5" align="left" vspace="5" alt="">Directed by: George Tillman, Jr.<br /> Written by: Tony Gayton, Joe Gayton<br /> Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Billy Bob Thornton, Carla Gugino, Moon Bloodgood, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Maggie Grace</p> <p>James Cullen is finally out of prison, and he is <i>pissed</i>.</p> <!--break--><!--break--><p>Ten years ago, he was the get-away driver of a successful and rather lucrative bank heist, along with his brother and other assorted criminal crew. Another crime ring heard word of their riches and staged their own robbery. There is no honor among thieves. Cullen, his brother, and their crew were tied up, robbed, and then executed; all except Cullen, who managed to survive the bullet to the head.</p> <p>Cullen has spent the last ten years doing inside jobs and working information in order to accrue a list of the killers who murdered his brother and had tried to kill him. Now free of the pen, he puts his plan into action, having arranged...
- 12/2/2010
- by Tristan Sinns
- Planet Fury
Finally: Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock, learns how to make a proper action movie again. Ron checks out Faster...
It's the moment fans of Dwayne Johnson have been waiting for since he burst onto the movie scene in The Mummy Returns. He followed that brief cameo up with a full-length Scorpion King movie, Doom, and a few other action flicks, but like a lot of movie stars, he wanted to branch out.
Trading on his good will and renown with kids, he eased into a lucrative career as a Disney movie star. However, he didn't abandon his action movie roots, and now The Rock is back and starring in Faster, which sells itself as a classic 70s-style revenge flick that wouldn't look out of place in the canon of Clint Eastwood or Charles Bronson.
Dwayne Johnson plays Driver. None of the characters in Faster have names, they're simply archetypes. Johnson's...
It's the moment fans of Dwayne Johnson have been waiting for since he burst onto the movie scene in The Mummy Returns. He followed that brief cameo up with a full-length Scorpion King movie, Doom, and a few other action flicks, but like a lot of movie stars, he wanted to branch out.
Trading on his good will and renown with kids, he eased into a lucrative career as a Disney movie star. However, he didn't abandon his action movie roots, and now The Rock is back and starring in Faster, which sells itself as a classic 70s-style revenge flick that wouldn't look out of place in the canon of Clint Eastwood or Charles Bronson.
Dwayne Johnson plays Driver. None of the characters in Faster have names, they're simply archetypes. Johnson's...
- 11/28/2010
- Den of Geek
This week, we got long haired heroines, burlesque dancers, prescription medication (hint: It's love), and some pretty fast cars. So which one's worth your time and (more importantly) money this weekend? That's right, everyone: It's time for another Cinema Showdown!
First up...
Contestant #1: Tangled
Synopsis: After the bandit Flynn Rider breaks into her tower, the prisoner Rapunzel bargains with him to help her escape. After the breakout, Flynn agrees to journey with Rapunzel to the place where "the floating lights came from," all the while being chased by Mother Gothal and her thugs.
In Five Words: Shrek, but less obnoxious.
Trailer:
Cast:
Zachary Levi as Flynn Rider
Mandy Moore as Rapunzel
Donna Murphy as Mother Gothal
Ron Perlman as Stabbington Brother
Crew:
Directors--Nathan Greno, Byron Howard
Writer--Dan Fogelman
Theater Count: 3, 603 theaters
Critics Say:
"Tangled, Disney's 50th animated feature, is a splendid tribute to the best moments from...
First up...
Contestant #1: Tangled
Synopsis: After the bandit Flynn Rider breaks into her tower, the prisoner Rapunzel bargains with him to help her escape. After the breakout, Flynn agrees to journey with Rapunzel to the place where "the floating lights came from," all the while being chased by Mother Gothal and her thugs.
In Five Words: Shrek, but less obnoxious.
Trailer:
Cast:
Zachary Levi as Flynn Rider
Mandy Moore as Rapunzel
Donna Murphy as Mother Gothal
Ron Perlman as Stabbington Brother
Crew:
Directors--Nathan Greno, Byron Howard
Writer--Dan Fogelman
Theater Count: 3, 603 theaters
Critics Say:
"Tangled, Disney's 50th animated feature, is a splendid tribute to the best moments from...
- 11/27/2010
- Cinelinx
In the new action film Faster, an ex-con has to evade an obsessed cop and a bloodthirsty hit man before exacting vengeance for the death of his brother, killed during a botched robbery. Directed by George Tillman Jr. (Men Of Honor) from a script by Tony and Joe Gayton, the film stars Dwayne Jonhson (formerly known as The Rock), Billy [...]...
- 11/26/2010
- by Bob Healy
- ReelRave
Faster has a hell of an opening. Dwayne Johnson -- imposing, singularly determined and looking like The Rock for the first time in quite a while -- is released from prison. On foot, he trucks over to an auto scrap yard containing a shrouded Chevelle. As the car is revealed, the song 'Goodbye My Friend [1]' by the De Angelis Brothers kicks in. The man, the car and this theme from a '74 Italian police thriller called Street Law make as good a statement of purpose as any. The suggestion is that Faster will be a movie that plays like The Rock looks: muscular, mean and single-minded. If only that were true. While the Rock cuts an impressive figure as a violent anti-hero, the movie around him is as misconceived as they come. There aren't enough auto wreck metaphors to get across how thoroughly Faster demolishes a simple revenge movie premise.
- 11/25/2010
- by Russ Fischer
- Slash Film
Chicago – The Action Film is getting a bit creaky, relying more on computer generated eye candy than character or plot. It is refreshing to experience a film like “Faster,” featuring Dwayne Johnson and Billy Bob Thornton, because it is an action film that means something, and puts its inhabitants on a path to their own salvation.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
Dwayne Johnson is Driver, a mysterious hulk of a man who is introduced on his last day of a prison sentence. He has served 10 years for a crime he did commit, and throughout that sentence remained an independent operator, shunned by all in the lock-up hellhole. He is bent on revenge upon the persons who have put him there, and killed his brother. Someone has left a Detroit muscle car for him to use (naturally) with plenty of weaponry firepower therein.
The Driver has had a Bakersfield, California, private investigator (Mike Epps) track...
Rating: 4.0/5.0
Dwayne Johnson is Driver, a mysterious hulk of a man who is introduced on his last day of a prison sentence. He has served 10 years for a crime he did commit, and throughout that sentence remained an independent operator, shunned by all in the lock-up hellhole. He is bent on revenge upon the persons who have put him there, and killed his brother. Someone has left a Detroit muscle car for him to use (naturally) with plenty of weaponry firepower therein.
The Driver has had a Bakersfield, California, private investigator (Mike Epps) track...
- 11/24/2010
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Filed under: Reviews, Cinematical
Driver. Cop. Killer. Those are the actual character names given to Dwayne Johnson, Billy Bob Thorton and Oliver Jackson-Cohen's respective roles in 'Faster,' a revenge film from 'Soul Food' director George Tillman Jr. that is rotten with placeholders. A cynic could say it's because Tony and Joe Gayton's script is a little half-baked, but the more likely explanation is that the two Gaytons thought themselves particularly clever for cutting to the chase of what people expect from an action flick about a recently liberated man (Johnson) who intends to be the judge, jury and executioner of the men who killed his bank-robbing brother.
They are not particularly clever, though they are however reliable when it does come to delivering what people expect. If you've seen even a few revenge films in your time, you'll know every beat of 'Faster...
Driver. Cop. Killer. Those are the actual character names given to Dwayne Johnson, Billy Bob Thorton and Oliver Jackson-Cohen's respective roles in 'Faster,' a revenge film from 'Soul Food' director George Tillman Jr. that is rotten with placeholders. A cynic could say it's because Tony and Joe Gayton's script is a little half-baked, but the more likely explanation is that the two Gaytons thought themselves particularly clever for cutting to the chase of what people expect from an action flick about a recently liberated man (Johnson) who intends to be the judge, jury and executioner of the men who killed his bank-robbing brother.
They are not particularly clever, though they are however reliable when it does come to delivering what people expect. If you've seen even a few revenge films in your time, you'll know every beat of 'Faster...
- 11/24/2010
- by Peter Hall
- Moviefone
Filed under: Reviews, Cinematical
Driver. Cop. Killer. Those are the actual character names given to Dwayne Johnson, Billy Bob Thorton and Oliver Jackson-Cohen's respective roles in 'Faster,' a revenge film from 'Soul Food' director George Tillman Jr. that is rotten with placeholders. A cynic could say it's because Tony and Joe Gayton's script is a little half-baked, but the more likely explanation is that the two Gaytons thought themselves particularly clever for cutting to the chase of what people expect from an action flick about a recently liberated man (Johnson) who intends to be the judge, jury and executioner of the men who killed his bank-robbing brother.
They are not particularly clever, though they are however reliable when it does come to delivering what people expect. If you've seen even a few revenge films in your time, you'll know every beat of 'Faster...
Driver. Cop. Killer. Those are the actual character names given to Dwayne Johnson, Billy Bob Thorton and Oliver Jackson-Cohen's respective roles in 'Faster,' a revenge film from 'Soul Food' director George Tillman Jr. that is rotten with placeholders. A cynic could say it's because Tony and Joe Gayton's script is a little half-baked, but the more likely explanation is that the two Gaytons thought themselves particularly clever for cutting to the chase of what people expect from an action flick about a recently liberated man (Johnson) who intends to be the judge, jury and executioner of the men who killed his bank-robbing brother.
They are not particularly clever, though they are however reliable when it does come to delivering what people expect. If you've seen even a few revenge films in your time, you'll know every beat of 'Faster...
- 11/24/2010
- by Peter Hall
- Cinematical
Dwayne Johnson in Faster
Photo: CBS Films Wow! Oh wow! Faster is one terrible, pointless and worthless movie. It is a wonder CBS Films would want to distribute this junk, and why Dwayne Johnson, Billy Bob Thornton and Carla Gugino would agree to star in it. Okay, Johnson did it because he didn't want to entirely abandon those action roots he was supposed to fill when everyone thought he would be the next Arnold Schwarzenegger, but still, there is nothing this movie has to offer an audience outside of senseless violence and a redemption story that doesn't add up.
Nothing is worse in movies than a gotcha moment where the audience looks on and is like, "Yeah, way ahead of yah Mr. Director." Such is the case with Faster, George Tillman Jr.'s directorial follow-up to Notorious, a film I was among the minority in liking. Here Tillman tries to...
Photo: CBS Films Wow! Oh wow! Faster is one terrible, pointless and worthless movie. It is a wonder CBS Films would want to distribute this junk, and why Dwayne Johnson, Billy Bob Thornton and Carla Gugino would agree to star in it. Okay, Johnson did it because he didn't want to entirely abandon those action roots he was supposed to fill when everyone thought he would be the next Arnold Schwarzenegger, but still, there is nothing this movie has to offer an audience outside of senseless violence and a redemption story that doesn't add up.
Nothing is worse in movies than a gotcha moment where the audience looks on and is like, "Yeah, way ahead of yah Mr. Director." Such is the case with Faster, George Tillman Jr.'s directorial follow-up to Notorious, a film I was among the minority in liking. Here Tillman tries to...
- 11/24/2010
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Rating: 3/5
Writers: Tony Gayton, Joe Gayton
Director: George Tillman, Jr.
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Billy Bob Thornton, Carla Gugino
Studio: CBS Films
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has certainly proven in his career that he can (almost) do it all. He’s funny, charming, and capable of beating the crap out of anyone in his path. Ladies love him, guys love him, and kids love him. We’ve seem him in many roles, but one role we’ve never really seen from him is a character in an over-the-top violent hard-r revenge/action film. It’s a very welcome change of pace from what we’ve seen of Johnson over the years, and in Faster, his performance of a hyper-focused killer is extremely high on action, and thankfully (considering some of the dialogue) short on words. The film definitely has its flaws, but you will see Johnson kick ass in ways that have never seen.
Writers: Tony Gayton, Joe Gayton
Director: George Tillman, Jr.
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Billy Bob Thornton, Carla Gugino
Studio: CBS Films
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has certainly proven in his career that he can (almost) do it all. He’s funny, charming, and capable of beating the crap out of anyone in his path. Ladies love him, guys love him, and kids love him. We’ve seem him in many roles, but one role we’ve never really seen from him is a character in an over-the-top violent hard-r revenge/action film. It’s a very welcome change of pace from what we’ve seen of Johnson over the years, and in Faster, his performance of a hyper-focused killer is extremely high on action, and thankfully (considering some of the dialogue) short on words. The film definitely has its flaws, but you will see Johnson kick ass in ways that have never seen.
- 11/24/2010
- by J.C. De Leon
- GordonandtheWhale
HollywoodNews.com: Dwayne Johnson’s latest movie “Faster” had it’s big debut in Hollywood last night as the stars walked the black carpet to celebrate the premiere of the film. The film that also stars Billy Bob Thorton, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Moon Bloodgood, Maggie Grace, and Carla Gugino hits theaters tomorrow. Check out the stars on the carpet below:
Carla Gugino and Dwayne Johnson ◄ Back Next ►Picture 1 of 11
Carla Gugino and Dwayne Johnson - "Faster" Los Angeles Premiere - Arrivals - Grauman's Chinese Theater - Hollywood, CA, USA
◄ Back Next ►Picture 1 of 11
Carla Gugino and Dwayne Johnson - "Faster" Los Angeles Premiere - Arrivals - Grauman's Chinese Theater - Hollywood, CA, USA
A stint in prison usually has one of two effects on a man – it either breaks him down or makes him stronger. For Driver (Dwayne Johnson), a 15-year sentence proved the latter. His strength was not just fueled by time,...
Carla Gugino and Dwayne Johnson ◄ Back Next ►Picture 1 of 11
Carla Gugino and Dwayne Johnson - "Faster" Los Angeles Premiere - Arrivals - Grauman's Chinese Theater - Hollywood, CA, USA
◄ Back Next ►Picture 1 of 11
Carla Gugino and Dwayne Johnson - "Faster" Los Angeles Premiere - Arrivals - Grauman's Chinese Theater - Hollywood, CA, USA
A stint in prison usually has one of two effects on a man – it either breaks him down or makes him stronger. For Driver (Dwayne Johnson), a 15-year sentence proved the latter. His strength was not just fueled by time,...
- 11/23/2010
- by Linny Lum
- Hollywoodnews.com
CBS Films' "Faster" looks ready to notch up a solid fan base. We have some great clips in standard and high definition as well as interviews and behind-the-scenes looks at the George Tillman Jr. ("Notorious," "Men of Honor") film which opens November 26th. Starring in the action thriller are Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, Billy Bob Thornton, Jennifer Carpenter, Maggie Grace, Tom Berenger, Moon Bloodgood and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje. Joe Gayton and Tony Gayton wrote the screenplay for the film produced by Martin Shafer and Liz Glotzer, Mark Ciardi and Gordon Gray...
- 11/19/2010
- Upcoming-Movies.com
CBS Films' "Faster" looks ready to notch up a solid fan base. We have some great clips in standard and high definition as well as interviews and behind-the-scenes looks at the George Tillman Jr. ("Notorious," "Men of Honor") film which opens November 26th. Starring in the action thriller are Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, Billy Bob Thornton, Jennifer Carpenter, Maggie Grace, Tom Berenger, Moon Bloodgood and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje. Joe Gayton and Tony Gayton wrote the screenplay for the film produced by Martin Shafer and Liz Glotzer, Mark Ciardi and Gordon Gray...
- 11/19/2010
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Chicago – In our latest action/thriller edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 25 admit-two passes up for grabs to the advance Chicago screening of the new film “Faster” with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Billy Bob Thornton!
“Faster” also stars Mike Epps, Tom Berenger, Maggie Grace, Jan Hoag, Courtney Gains, Michael Irby, Josh Clark, Carla Gugino, Oliver Jackson-Cohen and Sidney S. Liufau from director George Tillman Jr. and writers Tony Gayton and Joe Gayton. The film opens on Nov. 24, 2010.
To win your free pass to the advance Chicago screening of “Faster” courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, just answer our question below. That’s it! This screening is on Monday, Nov. 22, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in downtown Chicago. Directions to enter this Hookup and immediately win can be found beneath the graphic below.
The movie poster for “Faster” with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Billy Bob Thornton.
Image credit: CBS Films...
“Faster” also stars Mike Epps, Tom Berenger, Maggie Grace, Jan Hoag, Courtney Gains, Michael Irby, Josh Clark, Carla Gugino, Oliver Jackson-Cohen and Sidney S. Liufau from director George Tillman Jr. and writers Tony Gayton and Joe Gayton. The film opens on Nov. 24, 2010.
To win your free pass to the advance Chicago screening of “Faster” courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, just answer our question below. That’s it! This screening is on Monday, Nov. 22, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in downtown Chicago. Directions to enter this Hookup and immediately win can be found beneath the graphic below.
The movie poster for “Faster” with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Billy Bob Thornton.
Image credit: CBS Films...
- 11/16/2010
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
CBS Films has released a revenge featurette from their Dwayne Johnson starrer "Faster." The high octaine actioner opens on November 24th and also stars Carla Gugino, Billy Bob Thornton, Jennifer Carpenter, Maggie Grace, Tom Berenger, Moon Bloodgood and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje. George Tillman Jr., known for his work at the helm of "Men of Honor," "Notorious" and "Soul Food," directs from the writing by Tony and Joe Gayton. Pic is produced by Martin Shafer, Loz Glotzer, Mark Ciardi and Gordon Gray. After 10 years in prison, Driver (Dwayne Johnson) has a singular focus - to avenge the murder of his brother during the botched bank robbery that led to his imprisonment. Now a free man with a deadly to-do list in hand, he’s finally on his mission…but with two men on his trail – a veteran cop...
- 10/21/2010
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Check out the second trailer for CBS Films' Faster, starring Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, Billy Bob Thornton, Jennifer Carpenter, Maggie Grace, Tom Berenger, Moon Bloodgood and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje. CBS Films releases the George Tillman Jr. (Notorious, Men of Honor) actioner on November 24th. Tony and Joe Gayton wrote the screenplay for the film produced by Martin Shafer and Liz Glotzer, Mark Ciardi and Gordon Gray. Need a solid actioner? This looks like it's the business. After 10 years in prison, Driver (Dwayne Johnson) has a singular focus - to avenge the murder of his brother during the botched bank robbery that led to his imprisonment. Now a free man with a deadly to-do list in hand, he’s finally on his mission…but with two men on his trail – a veteran cop (Billy Bob Thornton) just days from retirement, and a young egocentric hitman,,,...
- 10/13/2010
- Upcoming-Movies.com
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