Newport Beach is about to get a serious dose of star power. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) is pulling out all the stops by opening with the World Premiere of Old Guy, directed by action maestro Simon West (The Expendables 2, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider). The festival’s kicking off October 17 with the film’s star, two-time Oscar winner Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds, Django Unchained), receiving the prestigious Icon Award. Expect Waltz, West, and a red carpet buzzing with A-listers and festival supporters at Fashion Island as NBFF rolls into its milestone year.
The film follows Waltz as Danny Dolinski, an aging assassin who’s ready to prove he’s still top dog in a world that wants him out. His character’s got some serious competition in the form of Cooper Hoffman’s cocky Gen Z hitman. Throw in Lucy Liu as a fiery love interest, and you’ve got a perfect mix of action, humor, and that classic “old dog, new tricks” storyline. Oh, and if you’re expecting a slow-burn drama about aging gracefully, think again—there’s a crime syndicate, double-crossing employers, and plenty of gunfire to keep things fresh.
“…Old Guy promises to bring West’s signature big-budget action to the indie stage.”
Produced by a powerhouse team including Jib Polhemus and Hal Sadoff, Old Guy promises to bring West’s signature big-budget action to the indie stage. It’s the kind of explosive fun that could remind you why you love going to the movies in the first place without all that corporate studio nonsense getting in the way.
The NBFF is setting the bar high this year, with more films and events to be announced in the coming weeks. The Opening Night Gala will be held at Fashion Island with live entertainment and tastings from some of Newport Beach’s top restaurants. Gala tickets go for $225, and trust me, they’ll be worth every penny.
For the full festival lineup dropping on September 17, check out NewportBeachFilmFest.com. Get your passes now—this year’s event is shaping up to be unforgettable.
