Vince Vaughn's Reunion For 22-Year-Old Cult Classic In Hulu's New Sci-Fi Was A Complete "Accident" Vince Vaughn's latest sci-fi action comedy on Hulu is set to reunite him with a former co-star in an unexpected twist. Filmmaker BenDavid Grabinski, who directed and wrote the film, revealed that the reunion with Stephen Root was entirely unintentional. The movie, titled Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice, premiered at SXSW and follows Vaughn's character, Nick, and James Marsden's Mike, two gangsters navigating a time machine and their shared love interest, Eiza González's Alice. During an interview with ScreenRant's Ash Crossan at SXSW, Grabinski discussed the accidental nature of the reunion. When asked if the film intentionally included a Dodgeball reunion between Vaughn and Root, Grabinski explained that the only part of the movie written specifically for an actor was Root's role. Root, a frequent collaborator, had appeared in nearly every film Grabinski had directed, including the 2021 comedy thriller Happily and a voice role in Scott Pilgrim Takes Off (2023). Grabinski emphasized that Root's involvement was non-negotiable, even though it caused some friction with casting decisions. The 2004 cult classic Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, in which Vaughn and Root starred, remains a beloved sports comedy. It holds a 72% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes and is widely regarded as a near-acclaimed film. While the new movie's plot doesn't hinge on the reunion, Grabinski noted that the accidental connection adds a nostalgic element. The film's premise, however, centers on the characters' survival in a time-travel scenario, with Vaughn and Root's roles as secondary characters. Critics have praised Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice for its humor and energy, though some have pointed out flaws in its jokes and presentation.#sxsw #ben_david_grabinski #vince_vaughn #eiza_gonzalez #stephen_root
Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice Is Time-Travel Action At Its Zaniest The film follows a chaotic night as three friends—Jimmy Boy, his enforcer Nick, and his wife Alice—find themselves entangled in a time-travel mishap. At a raucous celebration marking Jimmy Boy’s release from prison, Nick, played by Vince Vaughn, confronts his rival Mike, portrayed by James Marsden, with icy intensity. Meanwhile, Alice, played by Eiza González, tries to engage Nick in a conversation about their plans for the evening, but he’s too preoccupied with his schemes. The tension escalates when Nick, who has traveled back in time, reveals he’s trying to prevent Mike’s murder by Sosa’s assassin. The story spirals into a wild mix of action, comedy, and absurd twists as the trio navigates their fractured relationships and the consequences of time travel. Directed by BenDavid Grabinski, the film blends sci-fi and comedy in a way that feels both chaotic and deliberate. Grabinski, known for his work on Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, infuses the movie with a frenetic energy that mirrors its time-travel premise. The plot centers on two Vince Vaughns—Nick and his future self—clashing over their conflicting goals, while Mike and Alice’s dynamic adds layers of humor and tension. The film’s structure is fragmented, with scenes jumping between the present, past, and future, creating a sense of disorientation that mirrors the characters’ confusion. Despite its convoluted setup, the movie maintains a straightforward tone, leaning into its absurdity rather than overcomplicating the narrative. The cast delivers energetic performances that anchor the film’s wild premise. Vaughn and Marsden balance dry wit with physical comedy, while González brings a sharp edge to her role as Alice.#sxsw #james_marsden #ben_david_grabinski #vince_vaughn #eiza_gonzalez
Julia Fox Makes Bold Fashion Statement at SXSW Premiere of Lesbian Romance 'Perfect' Julia Fox made a striking fashion choice at the SXSW world premiere of her new lesbian romance film, Perfect, opting for a more romantic and ethereal aesthetic compared to her usual bold looks. The actress walked the red carpet alongside her co-star, Ashley Moore, in a layered-lace and tulle skirt paired with a minimalist knit top. Completing the outfit were nude pointed-toe pumps and a bow-stamped handbag, while Fox’s bouffant hairstyle added to the dreamlike vibe. The film’s premiere featured a memorable moment as Fox and Moore shared a passionate kiss on the carpet. Moore, who played the character Salvation, wore a patent-leather two-piece ensemble, while Fox’s bare midriff revealed the plaid lining of her skirt, hinting at the film’s explicit content. The movie, which runs for 94 minutes, is packed with intense sexual scenes, all set to the pulsating beats of FKA Twigs’ music. The film includes nudity, pregnant sex, and even moments of panty sniffing, creating a highly charged and unconventional narrative. Before the film’s screening, Variety reported that Moore had given specific instructions to the audience. “Leave horny, people! Leave horny,” she said, emphasizing the film’s provocative nature. Hailes, another cast member, added, “It’s just fun,” describing the film as “hot, c—, sexy, sweaty, fun.” Hailes, known for collaborations with artists like Lil Yachty and Young Thug, brought a playful energy to the project. The cast of Perfect also includes Lío Mehiel, Micaela Wittman, Ryder McLaughlin, Kate Moennig, and Creed Bratton, with the film currently competing at SXSW2026.#perfect #sxsw #julia_fox #ashley_moore #fkatwigs
Julia Fox’s Steamy Lesbian Romance ‘Perfect’ Heats Up SXSW With Pregnant Sex, Panty Sniffing and FKA Twigs Music Ashley Moore, the lead actor in Julia Fox’s new film Perfect, urged the audience at its SXSW world premiere to leave “horny” after the screening. The movie, directed by Millicent Hailes, follows Kai, a drifter stranded in a desert town during a global clean water crisis, as she becomes entangled in a complex romance with Mallory, a mysterious and pregnant woman played by Fox. Described by one character as a “total fucking MILF,” Mallory’s presence sparks a relationship filled with emotional and physical intensity, including scenes of nudity, panty sniffing, and intimate encounters. Hailes emphasized the film’s layered narrative, calling it “three films in one” due to the nuanced dynamics between her and Moore’s characters. Fox praised Moore’s performance, declaring, “A star is born,” as the actor took on her first lead role. The film’s soundtrack features FKA Twigs’ throbbing dance tracks, with the song “Eusexua” accompanying a pivotal scene set by a lake. Hailes explained her choice, noting how the track resonated with her emotionally. During the screening, Hailes invited the audience to provide real-time feedback, encouraging cheers for scenes they loved and “oohs” for those they disliked. The crowd erupted in applause when Kai and Mallory finally share a kiss, marking a turning point in their relationship. The film also stars Lío Mehiel, Micaela Wittman, Ryder McLaughlin, Kate Moennig, and Creed Bratton, with Hailes describing the project as a “sales title” at SXSW, hinting at its commercial potential through subtle cues like “cigarette smoke signals” to buyers.#sxsw #millicent_hailes #julia_fox #ashley_moore #fka_twigs
Nothing CEO Carl Pei Envisions AI Agents Replacing Smartphone Apps Carl Pei, co-founder and CEO of Nothing, has outlined a future where smartphone apps are replaced by AI agents capable of executing tasks autonomously. During a discussion at SXSW, Pei emphasized that the current app-based model is outdated and that AI-driven devices will redefine how users interact with technology. “Apps are going to disappear,” he said, warning that startups relying on traditional app models risk disruption as AI becomes more integrated into daily life. Pei’s vision centers on an AI-first device that anticipates user needs without requiring explicit commands. He described a system where the AI learns long-term intentions, such as helping users achieve health goals by offering personalized suggestions. “The system will come up with things we don’t even know we wanted,” he explained, drawing a parallel to ChatGPT’s memory features. This shift would eliminate the need for users to navigate multiple apps to accomplish simple tasks, such as ordering coffee, which currently involves switching between messaging, maps, ride-hailing, and calendar apps. The CEO criticized the current smartphone interface as “old-school,” comparing it to pre-iPhone devices like Palm Pilots and PDAs. He argued that the user experience has remained largely unchanged for two decades, despite advancements in technology. “It’s very hard to get things done on a phone,” Pei said, highlighting the inefficiency of manual app interactions. His ideal future involves a device that acts on behalf of the user, eliminating the need for repetitive steps. Pei acknowledged that apps are not disappearing immediately, noting that Nothing’s operating system allows users to create mini apps.#carl_pei #nothing #sxsw #ai_agents #smartphone_apps
