The holiday comedy Home-less for the Holidays stars WWE star Al Snow. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Holiday movies have a unique charm that resonates with audiences, offering a sense of nostalgia, warmth, and joy. These films often center around themes of family, love, and togetherness, evoking feelings of comfort and happiness. Many holiday movies, whether set during Christmas, New Year’s, or other celebrations, feature heartwarming stories with uplifting messages. The familiar traditions, festive settings, and iconic characters create a magical atmosphere that draws people in. Whether romantic comedies, animated classics, or timeless dramas, holiday movies provide a perfect escape, making them a beloved tradition that brings people closer during the holiday season.
Just in time for the holiday season is the digital release of Home-less for the Holidays from Breaking Glass Pictures. If you’re looking for a movie to watch this weekend, it’s available to rent/buy on Amazon Prime Video and streaming on The Roku Channel.
Home-less for the Holidays – On Christmas Eve, a group of resourceful vagabonds plot their way into a magnificent mansion, outwitting the staff into believing that they are the owner’s long-lost relatives. Will they pull off their elaborate scheme, or find themselves back on the streets just in time for Christmas? Home-less for the Holidays is a heartwarming and hilarious tale of deception, discovery, and the true meaning of family during the holiday season. (Silk Road Entertainment, 2024)
Director: Whit Whitman
Cast: Al Snow (Kentucky Joe) John Wells (Edmond Griffiths) Douglas Vermeeren (Geoffrey Winterfeild) Darren Lee Cupp (Winston Winterfeild)
Decade of the Dead is available now on Digital and On Demand. Courtesy photo,used with permission.
Zombie horror movies captivate audiences with their unique blend of fear, survival, and societal commentary. The mindless, relentless nature of zombies taps into primal fears of death and the loss of individuality. These films often explore themes of isolation, survival instincts, and human nature under extreme pressure. As characters face an apocalyptic world, viewers are drawn to the tension between personal survival and moral choices. The unpredictable chaos of a zombie outbreak mirrors our anxieties about societal collapse, making these films both thrilling and thought-provoking. Ultimately, they offer an adrenaline rush while exploring the darker sides of humanity.
Dark Star Pictures is thrilled to announce the release of Decade of the Dead, a gripping and action-packed zombie horror film, now on Digital and On Demand. This chilling new chapter in the zombie apocalypse genre is a standalone follow-up to the 2012 cult hit Dead Season,which will be re-released in conjunction with Decade of the Dead.
Set against the eerie backdrop of a tropical island overrun by the undead, a group of survivors, ten years after a zombie outbreak, seeks refuge with an isolated community—only to uncover a sinister zombie-worshiping cult determined to dominate the post-apocalyptic wasteland.
Decade of the Dead stars Sean Patrick Thomas (Cruel Intentions, Save The Last Dance), Jenna Leigh Green (“Sabrina the Teenage Witch”), Shane Johnson (“Power”), Branscombe Richmond (The Scorpion King, Mortal Kombat), Dean Geyer (Zoey 102, “Glee”).
Decade of the Dead – Ten years into the zombie apocalypse, Rachel, Tweeter, and Ben, live in a world without hope. While scavenging the Caribbean, they happen upon The Sworn, a zombie-worshiping cult of the worst remnants of humanity. The Sworn not only worship the dead but consume the living and enslave those they fail to convert. Rachel is captured and reunited with her long-lost sister, the high priestess of The Sworn, who leads the cult with Grinner, a blood-thirsty, fanatical brute, but the reunion is short-lived as they battle to make it off the island alive.
Filmed entirely on the island of O‘ahu with a talented local production crew, Decade of the Dead was co-directed by Adam Deyoe (Psycho Sleepover, Dead Season) and O‘ahu-based filmmaker Fairai Richmond. Flynn Forest Productions’ producer Loren Semmens, partnered with Bryan Spicer (Magnum P.I., Hawaii Five-0) and Sight & Sound Productions to execute the ambitious production.
Decade of the Deadoffers an imaginative twist on beloved genre classics like The Walking Dead and Lost. The film creatively utilizes iconic O‘ahu locations, to craft a gripping and uniquely Hawaiian take on the zombie genre. The film made its world premiere at the 2023 Hawai‘i International Film Festival, where it was celebrated for its innovative approach to the zombie genre and its authentic representation of Hawai‘i’s filmmaking talent.
The Magic Reindeer: Saving Santa’s Sleigh is coming to UK cinemas this month. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Animated Christmas movies have become a holiday tradition, offering a magical blend of festive cheer and heartwarming storytelling. Classics like A Charlie Brown Christmas and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer bring to life timeless characters and themes of love, kindness, and acceptance. Modern favorites such as The Polar Express and Arthur Christmas continue to enchant audiences with their imaginative animation and holiday spirit. These films often feature vibrant visuals, catchy songs, and meaningful messages that resonate with viewers of all ages. Whether nostalgic or new, animated Christmas movies have a special place in celebrating the season’s joy and wonder.
Just in time for the holiday season, here’s a new animated Christmas movie coming to UK cinemas this month: The Magic Reindeer: Saving Santa’s Sleigh. More information below:
Kaleidoscope Entertainment is thrilled to announce the release of The Magic Reindeer: Saving Santa’s Sleigh, in UK cinemas from 22nd November. (Strike Media, 2024)
From the producers of The Amazing Maurice, The Magic Reindeer: Saving Santa’s Sleigh is the third film in the Niko series from co-directors Kari Juusonen and Jørgen Lerdam.
Join Niko on a brand new adventure across the frozen arctic, teaming up with friends old and new, as he races to find Santa’s missing sleigh in time for Christmas.
The Magic Reindeer: Saving Santa’s Sleigh – Christmas is on the horizon, and it looks like it’s going to be the best one yet for Niko the Reindeer as he sets off to fulfil his biggest dream – taking his place next to his father on Santa’s Flying Forces. However, he faces unexpected competition from Stella, a mysterious new challenger.
Then one night, things go from bad to worse when Santa’s sleigh is stolen. Now it’s up to Niko, joined by friends old and new, to venture to the frozen North on a daring mission to save the holidays. The whole family is invited to join Niko, Stella and the loveable Lemmings on an unforgettable mission and save Santa’s sleigh, just in time for Christmas.
Cast: Matthew Whelan, Emma Jenkins, Dermot Magennis, Paul Tylak, Roger Gregg, Aileen Mythen, Lucy Smith, Harry Weld Moore, Justin Anene, Luke Griffin, Brendan McDonald, Garry Mountaine.
The crime drama Rock will be available on digital platforms in November. Photo: Breaking Glass Pictures, used with permission.
Crime dramas often examine the complex lives of ex-cons trying to reintegrate into society after serving their time. These narratives explore themes of redemption, struggle, and the impact of past choices. Characters frequently face societal stigma, challenging their attempts to find employment and rebuild relationships. The tension between their desire for a fresh start and the lure of old habits creates a compelling dynamic. As they navigate this rocky path, audiences witness the emotional turmoil and resilience of individuals striving for a second chance, ultimately raising questions about justice, forgiveness, and the possibility of change in a flawed system.
In today’s movie news, there’s a new crime drama coming to digital platforms, including Tubi, on November 5, 2024.
Breaking Glass Pictures recently released the trailer for the forthcoming crime drama Rock starring Omar Gooding (Baby Boy, Barbershop) and Lee Coc (The Mule). (Breaking Glass Pictures, 2024)
Rock – Faced with his past, Rock must try to break free from the expectations the streets have for him in order to begin a new life with the woman he loves.
Director: Craig Thomas
Cast: Chris Savage (Rock), Darris Love (Q), Leli Hernandez (Sophia), Lee Coc (Lobo), Wilson Ramirez (Rey), Kevin Phillips (Tiny), Noel Gugliemi (Mario), Omar Gooding (Rio).
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 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.
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 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.
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 ofThe 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 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
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