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).
The immersive theatrical horror experience based on Insidious film franchise to visit the Majestic Theatre on March 20, 2025. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
With haunting visuals and a memorable score, Insidious has become a modern classic in the horror genre, known for its unsettling atmosphere and jump scares. It reinvigorated the genre with its unique blend of supernatural elements and psychological tension. The film’s success helped to revive interest in low-budget horror, proving that compelling narratives could resonate with audiences without heavy reliance on gore. Viewers praised its ability to create suspense through atmosphere rather than just jump scares, influencing subsequent horror films. Insidious also introduced a new wave of supernatural themes, inspiring a generation of filmmakers and establishing itself as a modern classic in horror cinema.
For fans of the movie, who also enjoy live entertainment, there’s an exciting event coming to the Majestic Theatre in March – Insidious: The Further You Fear. The tour launches in January and tickets are on sale now.
SAN ANTONIO, TX – Brace yourself for the scare of a lifetime, as the world of Insidious jumps off the screen and directly into your theater seat with Insidious: The Further You Fear – a live immersive horror experience that will bring your darkest fears to life right before your eyes, based on the box office hit horror film franchise from Blumhouse, director James Wan, and writer Leigh Whannell. (Majestic Theatre, 2024)
GEA Live, Blumhouse, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and RoadCo Entertainment have joined forces to unveil a spine-tingling, live immersive show that will haunt 80+ seated theaters across North America in 2025 including The Majestic Theatre on March 20, 2025.
For tickets, tour dates, and more information, visit Insidious: The Further You Fear online.
Insidious: The Further You Fear is an exciting new story conceived within the Insidious universe. Hosted as a live event by the “real” Specs and Tucker, the actual paranormal investigators who inspired the first movie, the “Spectral Sightings Road Show” soon takes a turn for the terrifying. As the infamous duo desperately try to prove they are legitimate ghost-hunters, things start to become very Insidious when a paranormal demonstration goes wrong and dark forces are inadvertently unleashed. Trapped in a genuinely haunted theatre, with something truly sinister lurking back-stage, the audience will find themselves under attack from such iconic characters as the Bride in Black, the Wheezing Man and, of course, the terrifying Lipstick Faced Demon. But what’s real? What’s the show? And who are you really sitting next to?
The house is full. The stage is set. And the Red Door is about to open.
Insidious: The Further You Fear is a heart-pounding live theatrical experience where the lines between reality and fiction blur, constantly challenging what’s real and what’s imagined, what’s safe and what’s dangerous. This groundbreaking immersive experience is meticulously crafted to always keep the audience on edge, with no fourth wall to separate them -or protect them- from the unfolding terror. Each attendee will go face-to-face with the protagonists, making the audience an integral character in the chilling story as it unravels.
“We have brought some of the most respected names in the horror and entertainment industries together to make this groundbreaking show possible and ensure a hauntingly unforgettable experience for audiences everywhere,” says Floris Douwes from GEA Live. “We’re excited to bring the eerie and otherworldly thrills of ‘Insidious’ to cities around the country,” says Co-Director Toby Park. Park, who is also composing the original music for the show, and Co-Director Aitor Basauri are artistic directors for Spymonkey, and serve as creative directors for Insidious: The Further You Fear.
“Bringing audiences deeper into The Further with this live experience has been an exciting challenge, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how they respond,” said Jason Blum, Founder/CEO, Blumhouse. “Insidious is one of our most popular franchises, with a sixth installment premiering next year, and this is a fresh and frightening new way for fans to experience it.”
The iconic “Insidious” franchise, consistently gaining momentum over the years, is a box office sensation generating more than $742 million in revenue across five highly successful films. The growing legion of fans includes an active community of five million social media followers. However, while the show is a must for Insidious fans, it’s also created for those who don’t know the films, particularly those who love a fun, thrill-filled night out at the theatre.
Blumhouse is the driving force in horror, producing over 200 movies and television series with theatrical grosses of almost $6 billion in global box office. Blumhouse is home to the highest number of ongoing franchises of any studio, including Halloween, The Purge, The Black Phone, Paranormal Activity, The Exorcist, Insidious, M3GAN, and Five Nights at Freddy’s, along with iconic films from cinematic visionaries including Jordan Peele’s Get Out, Damien Chazelle’s Whiplash and Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman. In January 2024, Blumhouse merged with James Wan’s Atomic Monster, which has produced its own successful film franchises including The Conjuring, Aquaman, Annabelle, The Nun and Saw.
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 ofHayride 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
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.
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