Jason Bancroft

1 day ago | ranker.com | Jason Bancroft

Keanu Reeves and cyberpunk cinema have become practically synonymous over the past three decades. Since his breakthrough as a data courier in 1995's Johnny Mnemonic, Reeves has consistently returned to dystopian futures where technology both empowers and enslaves humanity. His uniquely detached yet soulful acting style makes him the perfect vessel for characters navigating the blurred lines between human and machine, reality and simulation.

2 days ago | ranker.com | Jason Bancroft

How the film sets up the character: Darth Maul encapsulates Star Wars' most egregious character waste, a villain so visually striking and physically menacing that his premature exit from the saga feels almost criminal. With his red-and-black facial tattooing, crown of horns, and double-bladed lightsaber, Maul represented everything that could make the prequel trilogy's villains distinctive.

3 days ago | ranker.com | Jason Bancroft

Hollywood legend Sean Connery was offered the role of the Architect, the program that created the Matrix, which appears in the sequels. Connery allegedly turned down the role because he didn't understand the script, stating in an interview about turning down roles for both The Matrix and Lord of The Rings,I couldn't understand either of them when I read them. The role eventually went to Helmut Bakaitis, who delivered the Architect's complex monologues with cold, calculated precision.

6 days ago | ranker.com | Jason Bancroft

The Matrix stands as one of cinema's most influential sci-fi thrillers, forever changing action filmmaking with its groundbreaking special effects and complex philosophical themes. Before Keanu Reeves donned the iconic black coat as Neo, the Wachowskis first approached Will Smith for the role. Smith famously turned it down to star in Wild Wild West instead, a decision he later called one of his biggest career regrets.

1 week ago | ranker.com | Jason Bancroft

Plot: Roger Kumble's adaptation of the 18th century French novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses into a modern prep school setting starred Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe as manipulative step-siblings engaging in sexual power games with their classmates.