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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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

Decade of the Dead: A Blood-Soaked Retrospective on the Ultimate Zombie Horror

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.

 It is available on YouTube, Google Play, Fandango, and Apple TV. (Gold Dust PR, 2024)

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 Dead offers 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. 

Trailer for New Crime Drama Rock starring Omar Gooding

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).

Hayride to Hell: A Thrilling Journey into the Darkness of Horror

Hayride to Hell is now available for streaming. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Halloween is the perfect time to indulge in spine-chilling films that elevate the spooky spirit. Classic horror movies like “Halloween” and “The Shining” set the mood with suspense and iconic moments. For a more contemporary twist, “Hereditary” and “Get Out” examine psychological terror, leaving audiences breathless. If you prefer something a bit lighter, “Hocus Pocus” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” offer fun with a dash of fright. Don’t forget to revisit cult favorites like “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” for pure horror. Gather your friends, dim the lights, and prepare for a thrilling movie marathon this Halloween.

There’s a new one out this month on digital release: Hayride to Hell. It’s available to stream on Apple TV, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Fandango at Home. Since it’s also on Tubi, it’s on my ‘to watch’ list this weekend.

Breaking Glass Pictures is proud to announce the digital release of Hayride to Hell starring Kane Hodder and Bill Moseley. (Breaking Glass Pictures, 2024)

Hayride to Hell – Set on the Coxe Family Farm in rural Willis County, Farmer Sam (Bill Moseley) exacts his bloody revenge on unscrupulous local town-folk, including Sheriff Jubel (Kane Hodder) , who menace him and attempt to steal the farm that has been in his family for 200 years.

Cast: Bill Moseley, Kane Hodder, Graham Wolfe, Mario Mosley, Allyson Malandra, Denise Parella McDonald, Jared Michael Delaney, Shelby Hightower, Melanie Martyn, Brooke Stacy Mills, Aaron Dalla Villa and Cedric “Budge” Casimiro.

Director:  Dan Lantz
Writer:  Kristina Chadwick, Robert Lange

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.

Bleeding Love: Ewan McGregor’s Must-Watch Movie of the Year

Ewan and Clara McGregor shine in this family road trip drama. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment is thrilled to announce that Bleeding Love, the compelling indie drama starring real-life father-daughter duo, Golden Globe Winner, Ewan McGregor, and Clara McGregor, will be available on all major digital platforms on July 22, 2024. (Strike Media, Ltd, 2024)

Following its World Premiere at SXSW, the debut feature from Emma Westenberg was selected as the Opening Gala at the 20th Glasgow Film Festival, playing to sell out audiences. Bleeding Love went on to have a successful theatrical run earlier this year where Collider praised the film for its “mesmerising authenticity”. The road-trip drama now heads home for the digital release.

Bleeding Love – In hopes of reconnecting with his estranged child, a father (Golden Globe®-Winner Ewan McGregor) embarks on an impromptu road trip with his now-adult daughter (Clara McGregor) after she has a near-fatal drug overdose. He is planning to take her to rehab – though she doesn’t know that. En route to their destination of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and encountering an eccentric array of characters along the way, the two are forced to confront the issues of their past. The trip proving to be less about the road that they’re on and more about the troubled one from their past.

Bleeding Love plays things close to home with fan favourite, Ewan McGregor starring alongside his real-life daughter Clara, who co-wrote the script with Vera Bulder and Ruby Caster. She has said that though it is fiction, aspects of it draw on her sometimes tricky relationship with her dad in the past.

Where to watch:
Digital Platforms: iTunes / Amazon / Sky / Virgin / Google Play/Youtube Movies / Xbox/Microsoft / Rakuten

Director: Emma Westenberg

Cast: Ewan McGregor, Clara McGregor, Kim Zimmer, Devyn McDowell, Sasha Alexander, Jake Weary & Vera Bulder

Producers: Christine Vachon, Mark Amin, Clara McGregor, Vera Bulder, Greg Lauritano, Mason Plotts & Cami Winikoff

Executive Producers: Ewan McGregor, Emma Westenberg, Tyler Boehm & Brent Morris

Run Time: 96 mins

“Ewan and Clara are electrifying, their close relationship off-screen seeping into their hugely convincing performances” Radio Times

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.

Book to series adaptation: ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’ by Heather Morris

‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’ has been adapted into a Peacock original series. Photo: Amazon

Historical fiction transports readers to bygone eras, blending fact with imaginative narrative. They resurrect ancient civilizations and wartime landscapes with meticulous research and vivid storytelling. Through the eyes of fictional characters, readers explore crucial events, from epic battles to intimate moments of daily life, offering insights into the human condition across time. These stories often combine real historical figures with invented protagonists, creating a rich tapestry of emotion, intrigue, and adventure. These books not only entertain but also educate, inviting readers to ponder the echoes of the past in our present and future. One such historical novel is The New York Times and International bestseller “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” by Heather Morris.

Heather Morris is a native of New Zealand, now living in Australia. For several years, while working in a large public hospital in Melbourne, she studied and wrote screenplays, one of which was optioned by an Academy Award-winning screenwriter in the US. In 2003, Heather was introduced to an elderly gentleman who ‘might just have a story worth telling.’ The day she met Lale Sokolov changed both their lives. Their friendship grew and Lale embarked on a journey of self-scrutiny, entrusting the innermost details of his life during the Holocaust to her. Heather originally wrote Lale’s story as a screenplay – which ranked high in international competitions – before reshaping it into her debut novel, “The Tattooist of Auschwitz.” It is a tale of hope and courage based on interviews that were conducted with Holocaust survivor and Auschwitz-Birkenau tattooist Ludwig (Lale) Sokolov—an unforgettable love story in the midst of atrocity. It has now been adapted into a Peacock original series (6 episodes) and will be available for streaming starting May 2, 2024. (Amazon, 2024)

“The Tattooist of Auschwitz” – In April 1942, Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, is forcibly transported to the concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau. When his captors discover that he speaks several languages, he is put to work as a Tätowierer (the German word for tattooist), tasked with permanently marking his fellow prisoners.

Imprisoned for over two and a half years, Lale witnesses horrific atrocities and barbarism—but also incredible acts of bravery and compassion. Risking his own life, he uses his privileged position to exchange jewels and money from murdered Jews for food to keep his fellow prisoners alive.

One day in July 1942, Lale, prisoner 32407, comforts a trembling young woman waiting in line to have the number 34902 tattooed onto her arm. Her name is Gita, and in that first encounter, Lale vows to somehow survive the camp and marry her.

A vivid, harrowing, and ultimately hopeful re-creation of Lale Sokolov’s experiences as the man who tattooed the arms of thousands of prisoners with what would become one of the most potent symbols of the Holocaust, “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” is also a testament to the endurance of love and humanity under the darkest possible conditions.