Category: Movies

American Dreamer: Chasing the American Dream with a Twist of Dark Humor

American Dreamer will be available for download in the UK beginning March 17. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Dark comedies blend humor with darker, often taboo subjects, offering an unpredictable and thought-provoking viewing experience. They appeal to moviegoers who enjoy humor that challenges societal norms, pushing boundaries with themes like death, tragedy, or the absurdity of life. The contrast between the heavy subject matter and comedic delivery creates a unique emotional dynamic, allowing viewers to laugh at uncomfortable situations while contemplating deeper issues. This genre often attracts audiences who appreciate satire, irony, and the discomfort of confronting life’s harsh realities with humor, providing a cathartic release and a more nuanced reflection of the human condition.

London, UK – Plaion Pictures is thrilled to announce the UK release date for American Dreamer, which will be available on digital download from 17th March. (Strike Media, 2025)

Based on a true story, American Dreamer is the story of Dr. Phil Loder (Peter Dinklage), a low-level, adjunct professor of economics, whose grand dream of owning a home is tragically out of reach…until an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity comes his way when a lonely, childless, near-death widow (Shirley MacLaine) offers Phil her sprawling estate for pennies. But Phil quickly learns the deal is too good to be true and the American dream is not quite what it used to be.

From the writers behind St. Vincent and Hidden Figures, you’re invited to the open house for American Dreamer. Featuring hilarious supporting performances from Matt Dillon (The House That Jack Built), Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon), Danny Pudi (Community), Rebecca Olson (Kung Fu) and Kimberly Quinn (The Starling), is this American dream too good to be true?

Release Date: 17th March
Formats: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Virgin Movies, Sky Store, and Rakuten.
Directed By: Paul Dektor
Produced By: Theodore Melfi, Kim Quinn, Paul Dektor, Peter Dinklage, David Ginsberg, Toyo Shimano, Kevin Root
Cast: Peter Dinklage, Shirley MacLaine, Matt Dillon
Run Time: 98 mins

I Heart Willie: A Dark Twist on the Classic Steamboat Willie

I Heart Willie, a sinister ‘Steamboat Willie’ reimagining sails into theaters for one night only. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Slasher movies, defined by graphic violence and iconic killers, have a unique appeal to audiences through their intense mix of fear and thrill. These films often focus on a masked antagonist who stalks and murders victims, creating an atmosphere of suspense. The anticipation of the next attack, combined with the catharsis of witnessing characters’ survival or demise, taps into primal emotions. Slasher films also play with the audience’s expectations, blending horror with dark humor and occasionally offering social commentary. For many, the genre provides a controlled escape, where viewers face fear in a safe, fictional environment, making the experience both exciting and entertaining.

Exciting news for slasher film fans:

Hewes Pictures is excited to announce the special One Night Only®, release of I Heart Willie, a Steamboat Willie-inspired horror/slasher, coming exclusively to theaters across North America for One Night Only®, February 26th, 2025. Directed by Alejandro G. Alegre, this chilling origin story presents genre fans with a sinister reimagining of one of the most iconic cartoon characters in history, along with one of the most horrifying love stories of the year. (Gold Dust PR, 2025)

The One Night Only® cinema event will be distributed in the United States and Canada by Rubey Entertainment, LLC. Tickets and showtimes are available online.

Synopsis: Popular YouTubers Daniel and Nico are invited to investigate a haunted property drawn by rumors of a malevolent force. The legend centers around a boy born with deformities, resembling a human-mouse hybrid, who inspired Walt Disney’s Steamboat Willie. Abused and isolated, the boy, now known as Willie, crafts a bodysuit from the skins of trespassers. Over the years, his gruesome legacy fades into folklore—until a series of disappearances sparks renewed interest. As Daniel and Nico set up for a night of thrills, they unknowingly step into a deadly game of survival.

Produced by longtime collaborators Princeton Holt (2050) and David Vaughn (American Rust),the filmwas written by Vaughn, who also stars as Willie. I Heart Willie also features performances by Maya Luna, Micho Camacho, Sergio Rogalto, and Daniela Porras.

“We’re thrilled to bring I Heart Willie to audiences everywhere,” says executive producer Princeton Holt. “This film was made with the fans in mind, and we can’t wait for it to be an unforgettable experience—packed with scares, thrills, and a great time for everyone. We are confident I Heart Willie will become a cult classic, leaving fans talking long after the credits roll. By the way, speaking of end credits, don’t leave to early, or you might miss something.”

I Heart Willie was filmed 100% on location in Michoacán, Mexico, with local producers Liz Sanchez and Arturo Renteria bringing their unique perspectives to the project. The cast and crew, consisting largely of Mexico City residents, worked tirelessly to bring this dark tale to life. The film premiered to a sold-out audience at the Morbido Film Fest in Mexico City, receiving an encore screening due to overwhelming demand. I Heart Willie went on to win Best Actress, Best Actor, and Best Director at various film festivals.

Discover the Dark Secrets of The Baby in the Basket: A New Gothic Horror Movie

The Baby in the Basket is the chilling new gothic horror movie starring Amber Doig-Thorne. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Gothic horror movies captivate audiences with their eerie atmosphere, dark settings, and psychological tension. Set in crumbling mansions, foggy landscapes, or ancient castles, these films evoke a sense of dread and mystery. Themes of isolation, madness, and the supernatural are often explored, blending the fear of the unknown with the human psyche’s darkest corners. The use of vivid imagery, such as shadowy figures and mysterious creatures, intensifies the feeling of vulnerability. Audiences are drawn to gothic horror for its ability to transport them into a world where fear lingers in every corner, offering a thrilling escape into the macabre.

Shepka Productions, in partnership with Flickering Myth, are delighted to announce the release of new chilling, gothic horror The Baby in the Basket. The feature will be available on Digital in the UK and USA, and on DVD (UK only) from February 17th. (Strike Media, 2025)

The Baby in the Basket features a stellar cast of horror favorites including Amber Doig-Thorne (Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey), Michaela Longden (How to Kill Monsters), Elle O’Hara (Cara), Lisa Riesner (No Dogs Allowed) and Nathan Shepka (Dead Before They Wake). Also starring veteran British talent Annabelle Lanyon (Legend), with Maryam d’Abo (The Living Daylights) and Paul Barber (The Full Monty).

It’s 1944 and World War Two rages on. The sisters of St. Augustine’s, a convent on a remote Scottish island, are preparing for an incoming storm. One night a cloaked figure leaves a baby in a basket and disappears, never to be seen again.

The nuns take in the boy, and agree to look after him until the storm passes when they will take the child to the mainland for permanent care. However, after a night under their watch, unsettling things begin to happen with the newest addition to the convent. Sister Agnes (Amber Doig-Thorne) suspects the child is the spawn of Satan, causing her to be locked away for fear that she’s been driven mad by the isolation.

But increasingly strange occurrences lead the sisters to question their faith and everything they believe, they wonder has Sister Agnes fallen victim to the desolation of the remote island setting or was there really weight in her suspicions?

The Baby in the Basket is directed by Nathan Shepka and Andy Crane from a script written by Tom Jolliffe (Cinderella’s Revenge, Renegades). The film is produced by Shepka Productions, Flickering Myth, and Hidden Ridge Productions, in association with Jolliffe Productions and Nerdly UK.

The Baby in the Basket will be available to own or rent on digital download in the UK and US and to own on DVD (for the UK only) from 17th February.

Pre-order your UK copy of the DVD on Amazon or HMV.

The Baby in the Basket still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
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Thrills, Chills, and Heart-Stopping Moments: Experience Never Have I Ever

The thriller Never Have I Ever is now available for streaming. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

When it comes to movies, thrillers captivate moviegoers by blending suspense, mystery, and intense emotional conflict. These films often explore the complexities of the human mind, where perception and reality blur, leaving audiences on edge. The tension stems from characters’ internal struggles, psychological manipulation, and unexpected twists, which keep viewers guessing and engaged. Rather than relying on gore or action, these thrillers build fear through atmosphere, ambiguity, and mind games, tapping into universal anxieties. The appeal lies in the challenge they present, including trying to outwit the story, questioning what’s real, and experiencing a sense of unease long after the credits roll.

Now available for streaming on Fandango at Home is Never Have I Ever.

Directed by Damon Rickard, it stars Andrew Lee Potts, Beatrice Fletcher, and Amber Doig-Thorne. (One Tree Entertainment, 2025)

Never Have I Ever – Sam is already having a bad day but an incident from Sam’s youth resurfaces in ways he couldn’t imagine and starts a series of events that send his life spiraling out of control and embroiling him in an escalating game of cat and mouse.

He is having a terrible day. He is late delivering a screenplay and the threat of being forced to repay his advance looms ominously over him as he simply doesn’t have the money left. But his day goes from bad to worse when a variety of strange things start happening. From simply losing his wallet to seemingly having multiple break-ins to his home. Then a chance encounter whilst drowning his sorrows sends his day in directions he couldn’t possibly have anticipated.

Still from Never Have I Ever. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

‘Dead Before They Wake’: A Thrilling Ride into the Dark Unknown

Dead Before They Wake will be available to rent or own in the UK from 27th January. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Topical thrillers take current events, real-world issues, or contemporary themes to create fast-paced, suspenseful narratives. Their appeal lies in their relevance, making them feel immediate and relatable. By incorporating elements such as political intrigue, technological threats, or social tensions, these stories tap into the anxieties and curiosities of today’s world. Viewers are often drawn to the sense of urgency and the high stakes, feeling a personal connection to the situations depicted. Topical thrillers offer not just entertainment, but also an opportunity to reflect on the challenges and risks facing society, heightening emotional engagement and anticipation.

London – Shepka Productions have announced the UK release of the brutal, topical thriller, Dead Before They Wake. The feature will be available to rent or own on Digital Platforms in the UK from January 27th and is available to download in the US now. (Strike Media, 2025)

Based on true events, the film follows nightclub bouncer Alex who is hired by a retired lawyer to track down a missing teenage girl, suspected of being snared by a trafficking ring, and to bring her home no matter what it takes.

Dead Before They Wake stars Nathan Shepka (Lock & Load, The Baby in the Basket), Grace Cordell (Cara), Manjot Sumal (The Last Bus, hit BBC sitcom Scot Squad), Kareem Nasif (The Job). Also starring Dr Who legend Sylvester McCoy (The Hobbit trilogy, The Munsters), and Patrick Bergin (Sleeping With the Enemy, Patriot Games).

“We wanted to base the film on real events and researched how UK sex trafficking gangs operate to give the film a grounded sense of reality. It is important to highlight what goes on every day and can often by ignored by the mainstream. We don’t feel any studio would have taken on the story in this way, it is likely to be a divisive and controversial portrayal. Ultimately there still has to be a pay-off for the audience; the film culminates in a brutal revenge-driven showdown.” – Producer Nathan Shepka

Dead Before They Wake is directed by Andy Crane and Nathan Shepka. The film features an original score by Academy Award winning composer Joseph Renzetti and is produced by Nathan Shepka.

Dead Before They Wake had its US release on 7th January: Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Google Play, Amazon Prime Video.

It will be available to own or rent on digital download in the UK from 27th January.

Dead Before They Wake. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Twists, Turns, and Terrors: ‘The Damned’ is the Newest Nordic Thriller Masterpiece

The Damned, the new chilling Nordic thriller, will be released in UK and Irish cinemas on January 10, 2025. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Psychological thrillers explore complex human emotions, fears, and motivations, often blurring the lines between reality and illusion. These films go into the minds of characters, creating an atmosphere of tension, suspense, and unpredictability. The appeal lies in the psychological manipulation, where viewers become immersed in a web of deception, unreliable narrators, and mind games. The genre stimulates intellectual engagement, as it challenges perceptions and provokes deep thought about human nature. Audiences are drawn to the psychological complexity and emotional intensity, seeking both excitement and the thrill of solving mysteries within the narrative.

Vertical has announced that Thordur Palsson’s ominous and chilling thriller The Damned will be released in UK and Irish cinemas from 10th January 2025. (Strike Media, 2024)

Starring Odessa Young (The Staircase, Mothering Sunday) and Joe Cole (Peaky Blinders, Gangs of London), The Damned is a tense psychological horror film that follows 19th-century widow, Eva. She is tasked with making an impossible choice when a ship sinks off the coast of her isolated fishing outpost during the middle of an especially cruel winter.

With provisions running low, Eva and her close-knit community must choose between rescuing the shipwrecked crew and prioritizing their own survival. Facing the consequences of their decision and tormented by guilt, the inhabitants wrestle with a mounting sense of dread and begin to believe they are all being punished for their choices.

Following its premiere in November, the Cork International Film Festival 2024 awarded an Honourable Mention to The Damned commenting ‘The Damned is a juggernaut of a film, breathing fresh life into a well-trodden genre. Its powerful use of the landscape and compelling performances make it truly deserving of this Special Mention.’

Inspired by the Westfjords of Iceland in the 1800s, The Damned takes place in an unforgiving, almost unlivable setting, yet one that is steeped in immense beauty and turbulent folklore.

For director Thordur Palsson (The Valhalla Murders), himself a native Icelander, it was this folklore and mythology that led him to develop the idea that would later become The Damned. Growing up in Iceland, family members would often share gruesome tales of ghosts, demons and evil spirits.

‘Every Icelander has heard all kinds of different variations of the truth – all elements of our history that have been passed down. One of these stories was about a ship that sank off the shores of Iceland, with all survivors being killed by the natives. Having known of this, I started to write a story relating to it and kept fleshing it out, adding darker elements.’ – Thordur Palsson

Rooted in the depths of Norse Mythology, The Damned features haunting performances from Rory McCann (Game of Thrones), Siobhan Finneran (Happy Valley), Turlough Convery (Belfast), Lewis Gribben (Somewhere Boy), Francis Magee (The Tourist), and Mícheál Óg Lane (Calvary).

Sunray: Fallen Soldier – A War Veteran’s Quest for Justice and Redemption

The action thriller Sunray: Fallen Soldier is coming to digital platforms and select cinemas next month. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Military themed action thrillers captivate audiences with their thrilling storylines, high-stakes conflicts, and intense combat sequences. These films often explore themes of heroism, sacrifice, and camaraderie, resonating with viewers who admire resilience and bravery in the face of adversity. They include gripping narratives where soldiers confront dangerous missions, engage in epic battles, and navigate moral dilemmas. Audiences are drawn to the raw emotional intensity of these stories, as well as the adrenaline-pumping action that showcases tactical precision, creating a powerful connection to the characters and their struggles.

Sunray: Fallen Soldier is an action thriller that will be available on digital platforms and select cinemas across the UK and North America on January 24, 2025. It is now available for pre-order on digital download in the UK and US. (Strike Media, 2024)

Sunray: Fallen Soldier – A war veteran calls on friends from his past to hunt down those responsible for the death of his daughter. Along the way, he learns more about himself than he anticipated as a violent crime syndicate unravels in his wake.

After dedicating his entire life to service in the armed forces, Andrew Coleman now struggles to slot back into a world he no longer recognizes. Forced to confront the death of his daughter following a fatal encounter with drugs, he becomes hell-bent on finding those responsible.

With nothing to lose, a violent criminal underworld unravels in his wake. Set against a backdrop of realistic, fast-paced action, guided by high-quality military drills; and created by UK Armed Forces veterans, Sunray challenges the perceptions of mental health and the struggles that soldiers face when re-integrating back into civilian life.

A film by James Clarke and Daniel Shepherd and starring Tip Cullen, Tom Leigh, Steven Blades, and Daniel Davids, Sunray is created by and stars a collective of former British Royal Marines Commandos – the UK’s elite amphibious special operations capable commando force.

Written, directed, produced, edited, and acted by UK Armed Forces veterans, the Sunray team has lived and experienced the direct effects of conflict including the loss of friends.

Veterans were employed across the production both on and off screen. The film is supported by a multi-national veteran and active armed forces community who want more awareness for the sacrifices made by soldiers and the effects of PTSD.

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Aladdin 3477: A Futuristic Twist on the Classic Tale of Magic and Adventure

Aladdin 3477: The Jinn of Wisdom is the debut feature of renowned pop culture artist Matt Busch. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Science fiction and adventure fantasy movies transport audiences to imaginative worlds filled with futuristic technology, epic battles, and extraordinary creatures. These genres allow viewers to escape the confines of reality and explore limitless possibilities, where anything from time travel to magical realms can exist. The sense of wonder and excitement in discovering new, uncharted worlds appeals to our natural curiosity. Themes of heroism, personal growth, and the triumph of good over evil resonate deeply, providing both thrilling entertainment and profound emotional connections. Through visually stunning effects and immersive storytelling, these films ignite our imagination and inspire awe.

There’s a new movie coming out on video on demand in January that combines adventure with futuristic elements: Aladdin 3477: The Jinn of Wisdom.

Los Angeles, CA – Following a long career as a pop culture artist, Matt Busch is stepping behind the camera for the debut of his first film in his own franchise: Aladdin 3477: The Jinn of Wisdom. Busch brings over three decades as an artist for Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Lord of the Rings, and more to the table as he takes the Arabian Nights tale into the far future and across the world. On January 3, 2025, audiences across North America will be able to rent or own Aladdin 3477: The Jinn of Wisdom on Cable VOD and Digital HD, including Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home from Buffalo 8. (Justin Cook PR, 2024)

Aladdin 3477: The Jinn of Wisdom. The epic sci-fi adventure stars Erik Steele, Christi Perovski, Aaron Golematis, Lin Zy, Jon Rick, Tony Miello, Brian Dalling, Jerry Hayes, Irfan Sheikh, Robert Shannon, and Sydney Solomon.

“Having grown up a product of the Lucas/Spielberg golden era, I’ve always been obsessed with telling fantastical stories. The theater experience of epic adventure, sprinkled with magic on the big screen was a direct link to my creative childhood brain. I knew if my sci-fi trilogy of films were ever going to happen, I would have to step back and create them independently, my magnum opus as a true artist. Through the grueling amount of work, 12-year-old me was beaming the entire time, creating the kind of films I used to camp out in line for.” –  Matt Busch

Aladdin 3477: The Jinn of Wisdom – In a futuristic Hong Kong, Aladdin, a street-smart orphan with dreams of ascending to the elite class, fixates on Princess Kamala of India. His life takes an unexpected turn when he’s lured into a treacherous quest to Cambodia in search of a fabled lamp. Along for the unpredictable ride is Oomi, a homeless girl whose presence inadvertently thwarts Aladdin’s every scheme.

Their journey introduces them to a captivating sage who claims to be the Jinn of Wisdom. Together, they venture into the vibrant landscapes of Thailand, where Aladdin confronts his haunting past. As they navigate narrow escapes and magical encounters, Aladdin is faced with a pivotal choice: pursue his selfish desires or embrace the unwavering loyalty of Oomi, whose devotion transcends all bounds.

Aladdin 3477- I: The Jinn of Wisdom: 118 minutes
Sci-Fi / Fantasy/ Adventure
English, Hindi, Cantonese & Thai w/ English subtitles
Producer: Kaleidoscope Koi Entertainment

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The Silent Fight for Survival: Homelessness and Family in ‘SCRAP’

Vivian Kerr, Anthony Rapp, Lana Parrilla and Beth Dover star in the heartfelt drama SCRAP. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Dramatic movies explore complex emotions, relationships, and life’s toughest challenges. They often present characters facing personal or external conflicts, allowing viewers to connect deeply with their struggles. The emotional depth and character-driven storytelling create a sense of empathy, as audiences see parts of themselves reflected in the characters’ journeys. These films often provoke introspection, offering insight into human nature and societal issues. Whether highlighting personal growth, loss, or triumph, dramatic movies resonate because they evoke raw emotions, making them relatable and powerful. Their ability to stir emotions keeps audiences engaged long after the credits roll.

London, UK: Rue Dangeau is delighted to announce that Vivian Kerr’s SCRAP will be available on Digital Download from 13th December. (Strike Media, 2024)

Initially created and released as a short in 2018, SCRAP is Vivian Kerr’s feature length directorial debut, a film which she also wrote, and stars in the lead role. SCRAP also includes Anthony Rapp (Star Trek: Discovery), Lana Parrilla (Once Upon a Time), and Beth Dover (Outpost).

SCRAP – Beth (Vivian Kerr) has recently been laid off and struggles to maintain the appearance of a successful middle-class lifestyle as she bounces around Los Angeles. Hoping to land a new job and change her situation before her estranged older brother Ben (Anthony Rapp) finds out, Beth must confront her own pride in order to reconnect with him and provide for her young daughter, Birdy. Meanwhile, Ben and Stacy (Lana Parrilla) consider a third round of IVF and Stacy, a successful attorney, must re-evaluate her own conflicted relationship with motherhood.

Digital Release Date: 13th December
Digital Platforms: iTunes, Google, Amazon, and Vudu
Director & Writer: Vivian Kerr
Producers: Vivian Kerr, Marion Kerr, Suresh Cedrick Pereira, Rachel Stander
Cast: Vivian Kerr, Anthony Rapp, Lana Parrilla, and Beth Dover
Genre: Drama
Run Time: 105 mins

Unraveling the Mind: What Makes Listen Carefully a Must-Watch Psychological Thriller

Listen Carefully debuts on streaming on December 16, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Psychological thrillers dig deep into the complexities of the human mind, often blurring the lines between reality and illusion. These stories play with emotions, creating suspense and tension by exploring themes like manipulation, obsession, and fear. The genre’s appeal lies in its ability to keep viewers on edge, offering unexpected twists and challenging their perceptions. By focusing on characters’ inner turmoil and psychological conflict, psychological thrillers engage the audience’s intellect and emotions. This blend of mystery and emotional intensity draws in those seeking both a thrilling experience and a deeper exploration of the human psyche.

In today’s movie news, if you’re looking for your next dose of psychological horror, check out this new one coming to digital streaming on December 16, 2024.

Los Angeles, CA– Haida Street Films and RBG Films are excited to announce the worldwide VOD debut of Listen Carefully, the latest feature from filmmaker Ryan Barton-Grimley. Barton-Grimley returns to the screen following the 2020 premiere of his previous feature Hawk and Rev: Vampire Slayers. Listen Carefully made its world premiere at Fantaspoa, the International Fantastic Film Festival of Porto Alegre and its North American premiere at Dances With Films. (Justin Cook PR, 2024)

The psychological thriller went on to screen at Macabro Mexico City, Fangofest Amposta and Scarefest Weekend, where Barton-Grimley was nominated for Best Actor.

Listen Carefully debuts worldwide on Digital VOD December 16, 2024, including Apple TV and Prime Video.

Ryan Barton-Grimley (Hawk and Rev: Vampire Slayers, The Truth) stars as Andy McNeary alongside co-star / producer Simone Barton-Grimley (Elijah’s Ashes) as Abby McNeary and co-star / producer, Ari Schneider (Hawk and Rev: Vampire Slayers, Elijah’s Ashes) who plays The Voice in Listen Carefully. Frequent collaborators Audrey Haworth (production designer), David Rickabaugh (art director), and Sean Ayers (cinematographer) join them.

When troubled assistant bank manager Andy McNeary’s baby daughter goes missing, he must follow the instructions of a mysterious voice on the other end of a baby monitor to save her before she disappears and his life is ruined forever. 

Listen Carefully
Run Time: 82 minutes/USA

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

“A darkly humorous, blood-soaked,

nightmare-fueled, brain-jarring blast!” — Horror Fuel

“Ryan Barton-Grimley’s aesthetic is not to be ignored.” — Film Threat

“A tense feature that highlights the anxieties new parents feel.”

— Horror Buzz