Unsinkable: Redefining Storytelling with Audio Cinema

The series Unsinkable launches on July 10, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

In today’s movie news, there’s a new audio movie series coming to Wondery+. Audio movies, also known as audio dramas or audio plays, transport listeners into vivid worlds using only sound. These productions rely on voice acting, sound effects, and music to tell compelling stories without visual elements. They stimulate the imagination, painting scenes and emotions through dialogue and soundscapes while creating a theater of the mind where every listener interprets and visualizes the story in their own way. If you’re looking for a new series to binge and like military movies about heroic battles during World War 2, this is one worth checking out.

The star-studded character-driven binge worthy series “UNSINKABLE” launches on July 10 with the first two episodes on Wondery+. This compelling, wholly immersive original audio movie series is from creators Misha Crosby and John Mawon. (Cinematic Red PR, 2024)

“UNSINKABLE” is an immersive new 11-part audio movie series presented in Dolby Atmos  from creators, directors, and showrunners, who also voice key characters, Misha Crosby, and John Mawson, and stars a multi-award-winning cast led by Thomas Brodie-SangsterBrian CoxNathalie Emmanuel,  John Malkovich, and Harry Hamlinas well as  Blair RedwoodPaul TelferJuliet AubreyRupert VansittartJohn Altman, and Hugh Fraser.

The series launches on July 10 with the first two episodes with an additional episode dropping weekly. 

“UNSINKABLE”  tells the true story of the British tanker, the San Demetrio – one of the most extraordinary tales of heroism, fortitude, and seamanship of World War 2. When the ship is attacked thousands of miles from home in enemy infested seas, a raw young officer and a handful of desperate seamen fight to survive both against the elements and themselves.

 * This epic story experience is told over 3 hours 30 mins broken into an 11-episode series, each roughly 20 mins in length.

* The story transitions from deadly action at sea to heartbreaking events in Blitz-torn London and the extraordinary High Court case that resulted.

* This is not an audiobook, podcast or radio-play, there is no narrator. This is a movie for the ears.

* Led by extraordinary A-List Talent, a cast of over 37 actors created more than 100 distinct roles. The series is flooded with moments of blockbuster action, high drama, romance, comedy, deep jeopardy, and gripping tension all presented through the lens of our characters in an immersive Dolby Atmos mix.

What is an Audio Movie: This is a movie for the ears; presented through the lens of the characters in an immersive Dolby Atmos  mix. The 11-part series is flooded with action, drama, romance, comedy, and gripping tension that brings this epic event to life. It is NOT a radio play, audiobook, docudrama, or an ordinary podcast. There is no narration. This wholly immersive original audio movie series embraces the production style and values of cinematic feature films by creating an immersive narrative blockbuster experience through sound design and original orchestral score. The sound design has been led by Jimmy Boyle and his team and delivered in Dolby Atmos, mixed by Academy Award® Winner Ben Wilkins.

Experience Clear Cut: Thrills, Chills, and Unexpected Twists

Lochlyn Munro in Clear Cut. Photo: Lionsgate, used with permission.

Thrillers are some of my favorite types of movies. They captivate audiences with suspenseful plots, heart-pounding tension, and unexpected twists and skillfully blend mystery, danger, and psychological intrigue. Complex characters face dangerous situations, often involving crime, espionage, or the supernatural. With atmospheric cinematography and gripping soundtracks, thrillers create an immersive world of uncertainty, where every moment counts towards an electrifying climax. In today’s movie news, if you’re looking forward to the next thriller, there’s a new one coming out next month from Lionsgate: Clear Cut.

Clear Cut – Every moment is filled with danger for a man cutting timber in the Pacific Northwest, but Jack becomes the target of a brutal assault from more than the elements in this action-packed thriller. As Jack ventures deeper into the woods, he crosses paths with a criminal band of madmen from his past intent on killing him before he can fight his way back to civilization. Academy Award Nominee Alec Baldwin, Stephen Dorff, and Tom Welling star in an electrifying drama about one man’s treacherous journey on the road to redemption. (EG-PR, 2024)

Genre: Thriller
Rating: R
Running Time: 88 mins
Release Date in theater, digital, and on demand: 7/19/2024 (US and Canada)

Cast: Clive Standen, Lucy Martin, Jesse Metcalfe, Tom Welling, Lochlyn Munro, Chelsey Reist, Tom Stevens, Mike Dopud, Stephen Dorff, Alec Baldwin

Director: Brian Skiba
Writer: Joe Perruccio

Executive Producers: Eric Bromberg, Ram Getz, Greg Meyer, Nick Mao, Michael Mortensen, Jordan Wayne Nott, Matthew Helderman, Luke Taylor, Tyler Gould, Kirk Shaw, Stephanie Rennie

Clear Cut will be released July 19. 2024. Photo: Lionsgate, used with permission.

Bermondsey Tales: Fall of the Roman Empire – A British Cinematic Triumph

The British crime-thriller comedy is now available for home entertainment. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Just in time for the weekend, there’s another British crime-thriller comedy that is now available for home viewing. If you enjoy this genre of films, here’s some more information on Bermondsey Tales: Fall of the Roman Empire – a gritty dark comedy based on real events that tells the story of South London crime family, The Romans, as infighting, cozzers, and rival firms put everything they have worked for at risk. (Strike Media Ltd, 2024)

Kaleidoscope Entertainment and Seraphim Film Productions are delighted to announce the release of Bermondsey Tales: Fall of the Roman Empire. The British comedy crime-thriller, directed and written by Michael Head, is available now on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital Download.

Bermondsey Tales: Fall of the Roman Empire: London crime boss Mick Roman is deathly ill, and time is running out to find a successor. His only options are an aging consigliere or an impulsive enforcer, and neither are suitable to take the throne. Meanwhile, chaos reigns over the family who are coping with a paranoid ex-soldier, the return of a rebellious niece, and a drug-fueled business meeting in Amsterdam. With deceit, ambition and infighting on the rise, this Roman empire may be about to fall.

Gritty and unhinged in equal measure, Bermondsey Tales boasts a line-up of British stars including BAFTA-Nominee John Hannah, Frank Harper, Alan Ford, Adam Deacon, Vas Blackwood, Linda Robson, and Charlotte Kirk.

Run Time: 99 Minutes
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama

‘The Watchers’: Adapting A.M. Shine’s Epic Tale for Film

The movie adaptation of ‘The Watchers’ is in theaters now. Photo: Amazon

Book to movie adaptations bring beloved characters and intricate plots to life, yet often spark debates among fans about the faithfulness to the source material. Directors face the challenge of condensing rich narratives into a cinematic format, risking either losing nuance or gaining new perspectives. Successful adaptations capture the essence of the book while leveraging the unique power of film to enhance emotion and spectacle. These adaptations continue to captivate audiences worldwide. The most current one is “The Watchers” by A.M. Shine; the movie adaptation, produced by M. Night Shyamalan and starring Dakota Fanning, is currently out in movie theaters nationwide. 

A.M. Shine writes in the Gothic horror tradition. Born in Galway, Ireland, he received his Master’s Degree in History there before sharpening his quill and pursuing all things literary and macabre. His stories have won the Word Hut and Bookers Corner prizes and he is a member of the Irish Writers Centre. His debut novel, “The Watchers,” has received critical acclaim. It is a horror adventure set in the remote and sinister forests of Ireland. (Amazon, 2024)

“The Watchers” – You can’t see them. But they can see you.

This forest isn’t charted on any map. Every car breaks down at its treeline. Mina’s is no different. Left stranded, she is forced into the dark woodland only to find a woman shouting, urging Mina to run to a concrete bunker. As the door slams behind her, the building is besieged by screams.

Mina finds herself in a room with a wall of glass, and an electric light that activates at nightfall, when the Watchers come above ground. These creatures emerge to observe their captive humans and terrible things happen to anyone who doesn’t reach the bunker in time.

Afraid and trapped among strangers, Mina is desperate for answers. Who are the Watchers, and why are they keeping the humans imprisoned, keen to watch their every move?

A Gangster’s Kiss: the Seductive Charms of Crime Cinema

The British crime thriller/comedy will be available for digital download. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Crime thrillers captivate audiences with their intricate plots, suspense, and morally ambiguous characters. These movies explore the darkest corners of human nature, exploring themes of justice, revenge, and redemption. Sometimes the line between hero and villain is razor-thin, making every twist a gripping journey into the depths of the human psyche. Mix in some comedy for tension relief, and you have a winning combination.

In today’s movie news, there’s a new crime thriller/comedy coming out soon that will be available in the UK for digital download.

Fugitive Films and Pink Flamingo Media Group have confirmed that the upcoming movie A Gangster’s Kiss will be released in the UK this summer. Directed by Ray Burdis, the British Crime/Comedy will be available for digital download starting June 24, 2024. (Strike Media Ltd, 2024)

A Gangster’s Kiss – For as long as Jack can remember, he and Danny have been friends, and Danny has always gotten Jack into trouble. He’s had a few brushes with the law and blows up half a high street before deciding to turn to acting. Everything is going well until Jack lands his first feature film role and Danny agrees to shadow ‘the family.’ Jack soon realizes he is way over his head with deadly and hilarious consequences.

A Gangster’s Kiss stars Charlie Clapham, John Hannah, Patsy Kensit, Sadie Frost, Michelle Collins, Martin Kemp, Vas Blackwood, Perry Benson, Sophie Rankin, Michael Head, Ray Burdis, Daniel O’Reilly, David Schaal, and Lady Colin Campbell.

A Gangster’s Kiss. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

New Thriller Film: The Girl In The Trunk Available for Digital Release

The Girl In The Trunk stars Katharina Sporrer and Caspar Phillipson. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Thriller movies captivate audiences with heart-pounding suspense, intricate plots, and unexpected twists. They explore the darkest corners of human psyche with themes of danger, deception, and moral ambiguity. From psychological thrillers that dig into the depths of the mind to action-packed thrillers with adrenaline-fueled sequences, the genre offers a diverse array of experiences. They are some of the most popular movies because they immerse audiences in a world where nothing is as it seems, leaving them exhilarated and enthralled.

With that said, if you’re in the mood for a claustrophobic thriller, there’s a new movie available now for digital release in the UK, Ireland, USA, and Canada. (Strike Media Ltd, 2024)

You can watch The Girl In The Trunk on:

Google Play Movies & TV
Amazon Prime Video
Apple TV
YouTube

The Girl In The Trunk
Strap in, and let this enigmatic new thriller take you for a ride. Starring Caspar Phillipson (Jackie, Blonde) and Katharina Sporrer (Genius), and written and directed by Jonas Kvist Jensen, this tight tense thriller will leave you on the edge of your seat. 

A woman finds herself kidnapped and entrapped in the enclosed space of a speeding car’s trunk, wearing her wedding dress, and with her phone as the only available tool. The situation deteriorates gradually as a failed escape attempt costs the life of an innocent bystander.

With the clock ticking towards a slow death from heat exhaustion in the Texas desert, a psychotic kidnapper at the wheel, Amanda is forced to make her own luck in the end. A dangerous game of questions and deadly consequences – to be played over the phone with the mysterious kidnapper – seems the only way to maybe discover his true identity, getting help or simply fighting her painful way towards a fleeting chance of escape.

Distributor: Vertigo Releasing / Sunrise Films

Director / Writer: Jonas Kvist Jensen

Run Time: 90 Minutes

Forthcoming British horror movie release: The Moor

Chilling British horror movie is set for release this summer in the UK. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

In today’s movie news: after debuting in film festivals, The Moor will be released in the UK this summer. It has received critical acclaim and hopefully it will have a wider release coming soon. Check out the trailer below, it looks haunting and dark. My kind of movie. 

Bulldog Film Distribution is delighted to confirm that the acclaimed British horror, The Moor will be heading to UK Cinemas from June 14 and on UK Digital HD from July 1, 2024. (Strike Media, Ltd, 2024)

The Moor stars Sophia La Porta, David Edward-Robertson, Elizabeth Dormer-Phillips as well as the late British acting legend, Bernard Hill.

Synopsis
Claire was just a child when her best friend was abducted and murdered. Twenty-five years later, the killer has served his time and is due to be released. Claire is approached by Bill, the dead boy’s father, who has a plan to keep the killer behind bars. With the help of psychic Eleanor, he takes them deep into the haunted moor which he believes is his son’s final resting place. They find more than just the ghosts of dead children out there – something else, something dark and evil, stirs beneath their feet.

Run Time: 119 Mins

Chris Cronin’s feature-length directorial debut was widely praised following its World Premiere at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest, screening in the prestigious ‘First Blood’ strand. In Total Film’s FrightFest Awards 2023, the film was nominated for Best Director, Best Film and Won Best Scare.

“My aim with this story was to create an original horror film set in my home county of Yorkshire. Instead of delving into the fictional murders themselves, I focused on the aftermath and how something so terrible affects lives and relationships. What happens when so much grief and guilt are left unresolved? As a genre filmmaker I wanted to explore those important questions through tension and suspense. Genre lets us take a look at very human and painful situations and make them larger than life, forcing us to re-examine them. Thankfully, most of us don’t know what it’s like to experience a tragedy as great as Bill and Claire’s, but through the medium of horror we can elevate how awful it would be, making the audience really feel it.” – Director Chris Cronin

Forthcoming new thriller release: Boneyard

Curtis Jackson , Brian Van Holt, and Nora Zehetner in Boneyard. Photo: Lionsgate, used with permission.

Crime thrillers are one of my favorites types of movies because they immerse viewers in a world of mystery, suspense, and intrigue. The twists and turns keep audiences on the edge of their seats and every character adds depth to the narrative. Settings range from gritty urban landscapes to serene countryside, each enhancing the story’s atmosphere. These movies offer a thrilling escape into the darker aspects of human nature, while the adrenaline rush is a major plus.

In today’s movie news: If you’re ready to experience the next big crime thriller, which involves a serial killer, check this one out.

Boneyard stars Brian Van Holt, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Nora Zehetner, Michael Sirow, and Mel Gibson. This chilling thriller based on a true crime story will be released on Video On Demand nationwide (US/ Canada) on July 2 and in US theaters July 5. (EG-PR, 2024)

Synopsis:
When the skeletal remains of eleven women and girls are discovered in the New Mexico desert, an extensive investigation is launched. Inspired by true crime stories, this chilling crime-thriller follows Police Chief Carter (Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson), Detective Ortega (Brian Van Holt), and Agent Petrovick (Mel Gibson) in a multi-agency effort to identify and apprehend the killer. As each of their agendas and methods clash, a tangled web of intrigue casts suspicion in all directions.

Genre: Action/Thriller
Rating: (Not Yet Rated) 
Running time: 96 mins
Release Date: EST/Video On Demand (7/2/24); Theatrical (7/5/24)
Written by: Vincent E. Mcdaniel, Asif Akbar, Hank Byrd, Koji Steven Sakai
Produced by: Colin Bates 

Forthcoming new horror thriller release: Blackwater Lane

Blackwater Lane will be released in theaters, digital, and On Demand on June 21, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

This week, the trailer for Lionsgate’s new horror/thriller “Blackwater Lane” was released. The movie is directed by Jeff Celentano, written by Elizabeth Fowler and stars Minka Kelly, Maggie Grace, Dermot Mulroney, Alan Calton, and Natalie Simpson. (Cinematic Red, PR, 2024)

Based on the successful The New York Times bestselling book “The Breakdown” by B.A. Paris, after witnessing a grisly tragedy, Cass is visited by a ghostly presence and starts to question her sanity. As these otherworldly experiences intensify, she is driven closer to the brink until she begins to assemble the pieces of a horrific plot against her.

Blackwater Lane will be released in theaters and digital/On Demand on June 21, 2024.

Rating: PG-13
Genre: Horror/Thriller
Runtime: 108 mins.

Book synopsis: “The Breakdown”

If you can’t trust yourself, who can you trust?

Cass is having a hard time since the night she saw the car in the woods. It was on the winding rural road, in the middle of a downpour, and a woman was sitting inside—the woman who was killed. She’s been trying to put the crime out of her mind; what could she have done, really? It’s a dangerous road to be on in the middle of a storm, and she probably would have been hurt herself if she’d stopped. Not only that, her husband would be furious if he knew she’d broken her promise not to take that shortcut home.

But since then, she’s been forgetting every little thing. Where she left the car; if she took her pills; even the alarm code. The only thing she can’t forget is that woman, the woman she might have saved, and the terrible nagging guilt; and the silent calls she’s receiving, or the feeling that someone’s watching her. (Amazon, 2024)

‘The Breakdown’ by B.A. Paris. Photo: Amazon

Forthcoming new movie release: sci-fi comedy Invaders from Proxima B

Invaders from Proxima B beams onto Video On Demand on May 31, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Looking for a new family friendly sci-fi movie to stream? In today’s movie news: coming up on Fandango at Home, is release of Invaders from Proxima B. 

Buffalo 8 is excited to slide into summer with the North American VOD release of Invaders from Proxima B, a family friendly science fiction comedy from writer/director/star Ward Roberts (Westworld, Agents of SHIELD) and Samantha Sloyan (The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass). Invaders from Proxima B debuts exclusively on Fandango at Home May 31, 2024. (Justin Cook PR, 2024)

Invaders from Proxima B – After a wise-cracking alien named Chuck (Roberts) crashes in the backyard, the Jankins family (Roberts, Sloyan) teams up with their new otherworldly friend to battle a dangerous array of weirdos that show up in hot pursuit. The stakes couldn’t be higher for Chuck, the Jenkins, and maybe even all of planet Earth. 

Ward Roberts produced the film under his DrexelBox Films outfit alongside Mike C. Nelson. The film had its world premiere at the Austin Film Festival. The cast is rounded out by Sloyan, Mike C. Nelson (Shrinking, Black-ish), Richard Riehle (Office Space, Casino), Jeremiah Birkett (Black Cake, Euphoria), and Sarah Lassez (Nowhere, Lo).

Invaders from Proxima B – 93 minutes/USA

Courtesy photo, used with permission.