Category: Movies

Lessons in Friendship and Bravery: The Magic of Gracie & Pedro: Pets to the Rescue

Gracie & Pedro: Pets to the Rescue is available in theaters starting October 18, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Animated movies have captivated audiences of all ages, blending art, storytelling, and technology to create immersive experiences. From the colorful worlds of Disney classics to the innovative styles of Studio Ghibli and Pixar, animation allows for boundless creativity. These films often explore universal themes such as friendship, bravery, and love, resonating on a deep level with viewers. Advances in CGI and animation techniques have pushed the boundaries of visual storytelling, bringing fantastical characters and landscapes to life. Whether through heartwarming tales or thrilling adventures, animated movies continue to inspire imagination and foster emotional connections, making them a cherished part of cinematic history.

Second Chance Productions is unleashing the animated adventure Gracie & Pedro: Pets to the Rescue in theaters nationwide October 18, 2024. (Gold Dust PR, 2024)

Featuring the stellar voice cast of Academy Award® winner Susan Sarandon (Thelma & Louise), Academy Award® nominee Bill Nighy (Love Actually), Brooke Shields (The Blue Lagoon), Danny Trejo (Machete), Alicia Silverstone (Clueless), and Al Franken (“Saturday Night Live”), GRACIE & PEDRO: PETS TO THE RESCUE takes audiences on a journey packed with mischief, humor, and heart, reminding us that friendship isn’t just life’s greatest reward—it’s the ultimate adventure.

Gracie & Pedro: Pets to the Rescue – Gracie and Pedro, two beloved pets who don’t get along, are thrown into an unexpected adventure after being separated from their family during a cross-country move. Stranded in an unfamiliar land, pampered show dog Gracie and street-smart alley cat Pedro must put aside their differences and rely on each other to find their way home. Along their journey, they meet colorful characters and face daunting obstacles, ultimately discovering their shared determination and love for their family. 

Gracie & Pedro: Pets to the Rescue is produced by Amy Taylor of Second Chance Productions and co-directed by Kevin Donovan (The Tuxedo) and Gottfriend Roodt. Jeff Geoffray of StoryWarrior Media Capital and Peter Wetherell of Magus Entertainment serve as executive producers. Additional voices in the film include Claire Alan, Cory Doran, Bianca Alongi, Mike Nadajewski, James Kee, Ron Pardo and John Stocker.

Popular gaming platform Roblox will be a key marketing platform ahead of the film’s wide release, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the world of Gracie & Pedro. In the Roblox game, players will be able to enter through a grand multiplex lobby where they can select VIP outfits, hair, and makeup before striking a pose on the red carpet. Each theater will offer a unique experience or game, from exploring the majesty of Las Vegas to the thrills of an abandoned amusement park, with opportunities to grab virtual snacks and challenge friends to mini-games within the Gracie & Pedro universe.

The film also emphasizes the belief that pets are an integral part of the family, and to support this message, Second Chance Productions is partnering with non-profit organizations and animal shelters nationwide to raise awareness about pet welfare and rescue efforts. 

The Art of Isolation: The Emotional Journey of Me, Myself & The Void

The out of body indie dramedy Me, Myself & The Void is now available for streaming on major Video On Demand platforms worldwide. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Black comedies blend humor with darker themes, exploring taboo subjects like death, morality, and societal dysfunction. This genre often highlights the absurdity of life’s challenges, using satire to provoke thought while entertaining. By comparing comedic elements with grim scenarios, black comedies encourage audiences to confront uncomfortable truths and reflect on the human condition. Films like Dr. Strangelove and Fargo exemplify this style, revealing the complexities of human nature and the often absurd realities of existence. The humor can be unsettling, but it ultimately invites viewers to find laughter amid despair, creating a unique and memorable cinematic experience.

In today’s movie news, there’s a new comedy/black comedy out on digital: Me, Myself & The Void.

Los Angeles, CA--Echobend Pictures is excited to kick off their slate of exciting and original features with the worldwide video on demand release of Me Myself & The Void, a black comedy set in the human mind, where a man must confront…himself. Me Myself & The Void is available on digital platforms including Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video. (Justin Cook PR, 2024)

Me Myself & The Void is an Echobend Pictures feature directed by Timothy Hautekiet from a script he co-wrote with Nik Oldershaw. Jack De Sena (Avatar: The Last Airbender, All That) stars as a struggling comedian caught at a crossroads in his life, while trapped outside the bounds of space and time. He is forced to question who, where and what he is, reflecting on his life and those in it, including Chris W. Smith (De Sena’s comedy partner in their popular sketch comedy channel Chris and Jack) and Kelly Marie Tran (Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Raya and the Last Dragon).

The supporting cast is rounded out by Akilah Hughes, James Babson, Sophia Esperanza, Kristen Carey, Darren Dupree Washington, Danielle Dallas Roosa.

Me Myself & The Void world premiered at Dances with Films and went on to screen at fests around the world. At FilmQuest, Me Myself & The Void won the award for Best Ensemble Cast and scored nominations for Best Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Editing and Best Score.

Ahead of the worldwide release, director/co-writer Hautekiet shared: “Above all else, I hope the film offers an engaging mystery with many laughs. I wanted to frame a whodunnit around a relationship and have our hero searching through his own memories for clues to uncover what happened. The film has an emphasis on mental health and seeks to start a conversation about modern relationships, ambition and isolation. This is the film I needed five years ago before I began to take my mental health seriously.”

A down on his luck stand-up finds himself in a void world, hovering precariously between life and death. It is in this void that our hero, Jack, must discern how he ended up face down on his bathroom floor and find a way out before it’s too late.

Me, Myself & The Void
Producers: Ryan Blewett, Zubin Asaria, and Ryan Turner for Echobend,
Executive Producer: Zubin Asaria
Run Time: 85 minutes

Still from Me, Myself & The Void. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Beyond the Screen: The Themes and Fears Explored in The Deserving

A mute serial killer is haunted by his victims in the new horror movie The Deserving. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

This is by far my favorite time of the year because Halloween is just around the corner and that means it’s spooky season, the perfect time to watch horror movies. Horror movies are a typical part of the Halloween experience, capturing the thrill of fear and the excitement of the unknown. As the leaves change and nights grow longer, these films offer a perfect blend of adrenaline and atmosphere.

Whether it’s the classic suspense of “Psycho” or the chilling visuals of “Hereditary,” horror movies invite viewers into eerie worlds where anything can happen. Gathering with friends, dimming the lights, and sharing screams adds to the fun. The spooky themes and haunting soundtracks heighten the holiday spirit, making every jumpscare an unforgettable part of the Halloween celebration. Embrace the thrill!

Available now on worldwide on digital download is The Deserving, a chilling new horror movie. It is available on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. (Strike Media Ltd, 2024)

Directed by S. S. Arora, who makes his feature debut, The Deserving stars Venkat Sai Gunda, Simone Stadler, and Kelsey Stalter. The film has already received high praise, having won over fifteen awards including Best Feature at Athens IFF, Best Horror at Hallucinea FF, and awards at Humro Cinema, Portugal Indie Film Festival, and Rome Indie Film Fest.

Exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the cyclical nature of abuse, The Deserving follows a tormented, mute serial killer who is haunted by the ghosts of his victims and plans to end his life. His resolve is disrupted when a desperate walk-in client arrives, needing an urgent photo shoot.

Talking about the film’s release, Producer Venkat Sai Gunda said, “As a filmmaker, I am thrilled to bring The Deserving to audiences worldwide. This film is a labor of love, exploring themes of suspense and psychological intrigue that I hope will captivate viewers. With its upcoming release, I’m excited to share this cinematic journey with everyone who enjoys a thought-provoking thriller.”

Shaked Berenson, CEO of Entertainment Squad, commented on the film’s unique protagonist: “Having a mute character in The Deserving adds a compelling layer of depth and intrigue to the story, showcasing the innovative storytelling we champion. This film perfectly aligns with The Horror Collective’s mission of giving a stage to new and underrepresented voices that push the boundaries of the genre. The Deserving is a testament to that vision.”

The Horror Collective is the genre label of Entertainment Squad — a production and distribution company founded by veteran producer Shaked Berenson (TURBO KID, TALES OF HALLOWEEN). The label’s latest releases include the Daytime Emmy nominated Limited Series DOOMSDAY, the killer-pants Shudder Original SLAXX, and the critically acclaimed horror-comedy Summoning Sylvia.

The Deserving
Horror/Thriller
Run Time: 76 minutes

Still from the new horror movie The Deserving. Photo: The Horror Collective, used with permission.

Things Will Be Different: Twisted Sci-Fi Thriller Hits UK Cinemas

Things Will Be Different will be available in UK & Irish cinemas on October 4, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

London, UK: Lightbulb Film Distribution is thrilled to share the news that their dark and twisted sci-fi horror, Things Will Be Different, will be in UK & Irish cinemas starting October 4, 2024. (Strike Media Ltd, 2024)

From the minds that brought you Loki and the distributor who released Hundreds of Beavers into the UK, comes a bold, new, time-travel thriller, starring Adam David Thompson, Riley Dandy, Justin Benson, and Sarah Bolger.

Things Will Be Different – After evading police following a robbery, two estranged siblings lay low at an abandoned farmhouse. But when a mysterious force emerges, it makes the pair question everything about themselves – and each other.

Synopsis:
When estranged siblings Joseph (Adam David Thompson) and Sidney (Riley Dandy) rendezvous at a local diner after a close-call robbery, they hightail it to an abandoned farmhouse that transports them to a different time in order to escape the law. Their getaway is derailed when an unknown and cryptic metaphysical force emerges and blocks them from returning home. Trapped on the puzzling plot of land, their captor makes it clear that no one can leave until their deadly demands are met. What results from their entrapment not only bends the forces of spacetime–forcing the two to question everything they know about their own reality–but pushes their familial bonds to the breaking point. (Rotten Tomatoes, 2024)

Michael Felker’s debut feature Things Will Be Different is a twisty science-fiction thriller. The film was produced by Rustic Films, the team behind Something In The Dirt (2022) and The Endless (2017).

Following its World Premiere at SXSW in March and the UK Premiere at FrightFest, Things Will Be Different will be in UK & Irish Cinemas starting October 4, and on Blu-ray & Digital starting November 18.

Cast: Adam David Thompson, Riley Dandy, Chloe Skoczen, Justin Benson and Sarah Bolger.
Run Time: 102 Mins
Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Things Will Be Different still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The Wait (La Espera): A New Benchmark in Horror Thrillers

F. Javier Gutierrez’s rural thriller The Wait (La Espera) opens in theaters ahead of North American Video On Demand release. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Horror movies tap into our primal fears, exploring the unknown and the supernatural. They often feature suspenseful plots, chilling soundtracks, and eerie visuals that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. From classic slasher films to psychological thrillers, horror explores the themes of isolation, madness, and the monstrous. Iconic characters, like vampires and ghosts, symbolize deeper anxieties, while jump scares and tension build a visceral experience. Whether through the lens of societal fears or personal nightmares, horror movies not only entertain but also provoke thought, allowing us to confront our fears in a safe space. They remind us of our humanity in darkness.

There’s a new horror movie coming out today, Friday September 20 from F. Javier Gutierrez. If you enjoy horror movies set in desolate places, consider checking out The Wait (La Espera). It’s in Spanish with English subtitles. 

Los Angeles, CA – Following a North American premiere at Fantastic Fest and an award winning festival tour that included screenings at Sitges, Shanghai, Vancouver, and Oldenburg, Film Movement has announced the official release of The Wait (La Espera). The rural thriller is the latest film from Spanish cult filmmaker F. Javier Gutierrez (Before the Fall, Rings). (Justin Cook, PR, 2024)

The Wait will open theatrically in select markets this Friday, September 20, including Los Angeles, Miami, San Antonio, Houston and Fresno. On October 4, audiences across North America will be able to rent or own The Wait on Cable VOD and Digital HD, including Apple TV, Prime Video. and Fandango at Home.

The Wait is produced by Gutierrez’s Unfiled Productions, Nostromo Pictures (Buried, Penny Dreadful), and Spal Films (Before the Fall). The folk horror tragedy stars Victor Clavijo (Before the Fall), Ruth Diaz, Manuel Moron, and Luis Callejo (Below Zero).

The Wait, set in the remote, magical, and forgotten Andalusian countryside has been described as a “love letter to the horror/fantasy genre,” as well as Gutiérrez’s “most intimate and brutal film” to date.

Deep in the Andalusian countryside, Eladio (Clavijo) has been hired to watch over the hunting grounds of Don Francisco’s estate, somewhere in rural Spain. The estate is divided into ten hunting stands, spaced far enough apart to avoid incidents. After three years of service, Don Carlos — Don Francisco’s second in command — offers him a bribe to add an additional three stands to the property. Eladio initially hesitates, but his wife eventually convinces him to take the money. Eladio’s greed has unfortunate consequences that drag his entire family to perdition, and plunging him into the depths of guilt, hatred, and revenge.

The Wait (La Espera): 100 minutes / Spain
Spanish w/ English subtitles

Ahead of the release, Gutierrez enthused, “I’m truly excited to share with American audiences this unsettling story of guilt, loss, revenge, and class divides. Deeply human and rich with symbolism and biblical references, The Wait is my most personal and uncompromising film to date. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Film Movement for making this possible and for their unwavering support and dedication to filmmakers and film lovers around the world.”

The Wait (La Espera) Theatrical Screenings:
Los Angeles: Regal Edwards South Gate
Miami: Regal Southland Mall
Houston: Regal Benders Landing
San Antonio: Regal Cielo Vista
Fresno: Regal Manchester – Fresno

“Clavijo gives a gripping performance as a man driven to desperation in more ways than one….” — Joseph Perry, Horror Fuel

“A slow burn film done right …” — Emilie Black, Cinema Crazed

“…Best enjoyed for its haunting visuals and grime embedded aesthetic.
It is precise filmmaking on many levels.” — Nadine Whitney, AWFJ.org

“A brooding, potent tale of calamity, loss, revenge, and class divides.
It would do it a disservice to call it merely a horror film, as there is
so much more here and plenty of food for thought.”
— Martin Unsworth, Starburst

Still from The Wait. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Wineville: Brande Roderick’s 70s-Inspired Horror Debut

Wineville is available to view on Video on Demand/Digital. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Horror movies captivate audiences by tapping into our primal fears and anxieties, using suspense, surprise, and the macabre to elicit strong emotional responses. From classic monsters and haunted houses to psychological thrillers and supernatural entities, these films explore the darker side of human imagination. They often reflect societal fears and personal anxieties, offering both a mirror and an escape. With their eerie soundtracks, unsettling visuals, and intense narratives, horror movies create a unique blend of entertainment and terror. They not only provide a thrill but also a cathartic experience, allowing viewers to confront their deepest fears in a controlled environment.

If you like horror movies, there’s a new one out this month. Dark Star Pictures has released the 70s-inspired, wine-soaked horror/slasher Wineville. It is available on VOD/Digital and Physical Media including Fandango at Home, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies & TV. (Gold Dust PR, 2024)

Wineville is the directorial debut from producer/star Brande Roderick who is best known for her role as Leigh Dyer on the television series Baywatch. Roderick has also appeared in various films, TV and reality shows, including Starsky and Hutch, The Nanny Diaries, and Celebrity Apprentice. Roderick will appear in Hulu’s upcoming four part docu series After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun.

Set in the 70s, Wineville follows a woman who, after escaping her abusive father as a teen, is forced to return to the family vineyard to settle his affairs upon his death. She discovers that the dark secrets she left behind have only grown more sinister over the decades, fermenting into violence and death.

Additional cast includes Carolyn Hennesy (General Hospital, Cougar Town), Texas Battle (Hard Kill, Coach Carter), Casey King (Star Trek: Pickard) and Keaton Roderick Cadrez. Wineville was written by Richard Schenkman (The Man From Earth), who also produced alongside Roderick, Robin DeMartino, and Todd Slater.

“Wineville was influenced by 70s horror classics like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Last House on the Left. I wanted my first feature to be not only in the horror genre that I loved so much growing up, but to also pay homage to the flavor and style of that decade’s films that made such an impact on me.” – Brande Roderick 

Shot at the historic Galleano Winery, the film references the Wineville Chicken Coop Murders, one of California’s most infamous true crime cases. The heinous crimes garnered significant notoriety due to their brutal nature and the subsequent investigation, which ultimately led to the renaming of Wineville to Mira Loma.

Wineville
Rated R for graphic violence, graphic language, intense themes of incest, and sexual content.
Run Time: 1hr 40 min

Wineville. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Subservience: The Latest Sci-Fi Thriller Sensation

Megan Fox stars as a domestic AI in the new sci-fi thriller Subservience. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Science fiction thrillers featuring Artificial Intelligence explore the complex interplay between humanity and technology. These stories often explore the ethical dilemmas and existential threats posed by AI, portraying scenarios where advanced machines either aid or challenge human endeavors. Characters might confront conscious robots with their own agendas, struggle with the consequences of AI surpassing human control, or navigate dystopian futures shaped by intelligent systems. Through suspenseful plots and speculative technologies, these stories reflect our anxieties about the future, highlighting themes of autonomy, identity, and the potential consequences of our technological ambitions. They provoke thought about how AI might redefine our world.

So if you’re a fan of sci-fi movies about AI gone awry, check out this new one that will be available on digital this month. It stars Megan Fox as a domestic AI that gains awareness and turns deadly. 

London, UK: Vertigo Releasing has announced that their sci-fi thriller, Subservience, will be released on digital formats on September 13, 2024. (Strike Media, 2024)

Digital Release dates: EST September 13, TVOD September 20
Distributed By: Vertigo Releasing

Subservience: A struggling father, played by Michele Morrone (The Next 365 Days) buys a domestic AI (Megan Fox – Transformers) to help run the household. But the situation soon turns deadly when the lifelike robot develops an obsessive attachment to her new owner. Driven by a twisted sense of loyalty, she becomes determined to eliminate what she perceives as the true threat to his happiness: his family.

Director: S.K. Dale (Till Death) from a screenplay by Will Honley and April Maguire
Cast: Megan Fox, Michele Morrone, Madeline Zima
Run Time: 1h 35m
Rated R for sexual content/nudity, language, and some violence and brief drug material.

Megan Fox in Subservience. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The G: Exciting New Revenge Thriller Starring Dale Dickey and Romane Denis

Gritting revenge thriller The G is available now on digital download and Blu-ray. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Revenge thrillers have remained popular because they captivate audiences with their intense exploration of justice and retribution. They often follow a protagonist driven by a deep-seated need to avenge a wrong, leading to a gripping narrative of suspense and moral ambiguity. These films are marked by their high-stakes action, psychological tension, and complex characters. The quest for vengeance typically unravels through a series of dramatic confrontations and twists, keeping viewers on edge. With their potent mix of personal vendettas and explosive sequences, revenge thrillers offer a cathartic experience, prompting audiences to reflect on themes of justice, morality, and the cost of retribution.

In today’s movie news, The G is a new revenge thriller starring Dale Dickey, Romane Denis & Jonathan Koensgen. It’s the story of a mysterious older woman who seeks revenge on the corrupt legal guardian who destroyed her life. (Strike Media, 2024)

Written and directed by Karl R. Hearne, The G is available now to own or rent via Prime Video, Apple TV, Sky Store, Virgin Media Store and YouTube Movies, and own on Blu-ray from Amazon and HMV.

The G – Ann Hunter and her husband retired to an unnamed American suburb 10 years ago to be near his family. One day out of the blue they are snatched from their home by a corrupt legal guardian. Their home and assets are legally stripped from them and they are put in a prison-like “eldercare facility.” Trapped in a corrupt and terrifying system, “THE G” (Ann Hunter) begins to show her true mettle as she and her loyal granddaughter fight to get them out and get revenge on the people who did this.

“…an absorbing tale of regret, revenge, and Dickey at the top of her game.”
The Hollywood News

“Dickey is remarkable.”
Screen International

Dale Dickey as Ann Hunter in The G. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

A Fresh Take On Fear: The Latest British Horror Film To Watch

New horror movie Lore to premiere on Icon Film Channel. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

People are drawn to horror movies for the thrilling blend of fear and excitement. These films offer a safe way to confront our deepest anxieties and explore the unknown, allowing us to experience intense emotions without real-life consequences. The adrenaline rush, combined with the sense of suspense and surprise, creates a captivating experience. They often include complex narratives and intriguing villains, which can be intellectually stimulating. For some, the communal aspect of watching horror with friends adds to the enjoyment, as shared scares and reactions enhance the overall experience. The genre’s unique ability to provoke both terror and fascination keeps audiences coming back for more.

In today’s movie news, there’s a new British horror movie out. If you love them just as much as I do, here’s some more information:

Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment is thrilled to announce the release of horror film Lore, premiering exclusively on the Icon Film Channel starting August 26, 2024. (Strike Media Ltd, 2024)

Lore – A gripping and gruesome anthology horror, this highly acclaimed film, which premiered at FrightFest 2023, stars Richard Brake (Doom, Hannibal Rising), Andrew Lee Potts (The Witcher, Primeval), Bill Fellows (Ted Lasso, Lady Macbeth), and Rufus Hound (Hounded, Queens of Mystery).

Four young thrill-seeking friends book a horror-themed camping excursion led by Darwin, a strange and eccentric guide. One night around the campfire, Darwin encourages them to tell the scariest and most twisted story they know. As they recount tales of sinister spirits and malevolent demons, the group soon realizes that these stories will have very real consequences for them all.

A love letter to classic horror, Lore is premiering exclusively on the Icon Film Channel starting August 26; sign up for a 7-day free trial here or via the Icon Film Channel on Amazon Prime.

Icon Film Channel Release Date: August 26
Theatrical Release Date: September 27
TVOD Release Date: October 21
Directors: James Bushe, Patrick Ryder and Greig Johnson
Run Time: 87 Minutes

Still from the new horror movie Lore. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Crescent City: A Riveting New Crime Thriller

Terrence Howard and Esai Morales star in Crescent City. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

So just what is the appeal of movies centered around a serial killer? These types of movies captivate audiences through their intense psychological exploration and suspenseful storytelling. They explore the darkest corners of human nature, offering a fascination with the macabre and a glimpse into the minds of criminals whose motives and methods challenge our understanding. The blend of fear, mystery, and the hunt for justice keeps viewers on edge, while the intricate plotting and character development provide a compelling narrative. (Cinematic Red PR, 2024)

In today’s movie news, the newest one out there is Crescent City, starring Terrence Howard, Esai Morales, Alec Baldwin, and Nicky Whelan in a mesmerizing crime thriller about what it costs to catch a killer.

Crescent City opens in theaters on August 16, 2024 and is available on digital and On Demand.

When a relentless serial killer terrorizes a small southern town, everyone becomes a suspect, including local authorities. As the body count rises and the dark mystery deepens, the chief detective becomes haunted by the horrors of his past.

Director: RJ Collins
Writer: Rich Ronat
Executive Producers: Angie Sanfilippo, Cole Garson, Paul Swigart, Richie Hill, Barry Brooker, Stan Wertlieb, Josh Spector, Matthew Hechinger, Nat Mccormick, Brian O’Shea, Rick Dugdale, Sean Lydiard, Eric Brenner, Anjul Nigam, Jeff Rice, Michael Sirow, Mira Park Howard, Andrea Collins, Inna Tuler, Vladislav Lapidus
Producers: Denise Loren, Eduard Osipov, Vince Jolivette, David Lipper, Robert A. Daly Jr.
Rating: R for violence, grisly images, language throughout, and sexual content.
Genre: Crime, Thriller
Runtime: 103 Mins

Courtesy photo, used with permission.