Tag: Movies

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 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.

Diving Deep: What Makes The Well a Must-See Horror Film

The supernatural horror film The Well arrives in select theaters on August 9. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Supernatural horror films captivate audiences by tapping into the unknown and the unexplainable. By introducing eerie elements like ghosts, demons, and ancient curses that defy logical understanding, they blur the line between reality and fantasy. These films evoke a primal sense of dread, utilizing atmospheric tension, unsettling soundtracks, and eerie visuals to create a palpable sense of menace. By exploring what lies beyond the realm of the living, supernatural horror challenges our perception of reality and taps into our most profound anxieties.

With that said, in today’s movie news, if you love these types of films, there’s a new one coming out today. The supernatural horror film The Well arrives in select theaters on August 9 and On Digital and On Demand September 3, 2024 via Uncork’d Entertainment. (The Well, 2024)

Starring the final girl from Terrifier 2 & 3 – Lauren LaVera – The Well is a gothic horror that embraces gore and practical effects. Italian pop star Federico Zampaglione (Shadow, Tulpa: Demon of Desire, Morrison) directed the film and co-wrote the script with Stefano Masi.

Starring alongside LaVera is Claudia Gerini, Giovanni Lombardo Radice, Taylor Zaudtke, Linda Zampaglione, Jonathan Dylan King, Lorenzo Renzi, Gianluigi Calvani, Yassine Fadel, Melanie Gaydos, Stefano Martinelli, and Courage Oviawe.

Official Synopsis: On behalf of her father, a young American art restorer travels to a remote Italian village to bring a medieval painting back to its former glory. There she meets a beautiful but aging duchess and her troubled young daughter who warns her that the painting is cursed and that she must leave before she falls prey to an evil witch who drinks the blood of tourists to achieve eternal life.

Photo: The Well, used with permission.

The Story of G.I. Joe: Rediscovering a WWII Film Classic in Stunning Restoration

The 1945 classic WWII war film The Story of G.I. Joe is now available on HD Blu-ray and DVD. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

In today’s movie news, if you like military/war movies, here’s a movie release just for you. The enhanced restoration of the 1945 classic World War II classic The Story of G.I. Joe was released last month on HD Blu-ray and DVD. 

Ignite Films, which released the 2023 critically acclaimed, multi-award-winning 4K restoration of the 1953 sci-fi classic Invaders From Mars, recently dropped the reconstructed 1945 trailer and the new poster for its next release, the 1945 World War II classic The Story of G.I. Joe. The long-lost trailer, which has never been online before, in any condition, has been meticulously reconstructed by Ignite Films using the severely damaged 1945 original nitrate trailer provided by the Library of Congress. (Roberson Public Relations, 2024)

The Ignite Films 2024 enhanced restoration of Director William A. Wellman’s 1945 classic WWII war film, The Story of G.I. Joe starring Robert Mitchum and Burgess Meredith, is now available for purchase on HD Blu-ray and DVD. The 2024 enhanced restoration, spearheaded by film restoration supervisor Greg Kimble, also includes a full restoration of the audio by John Polito of Audio Mechanics. 

Ignite Films considers the film to be of such importance that The Story of G.I. Joe necessitated a release right now on the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the end of Second World War. The potent message of the film deals with everyday life and the sacrifices of the brave soldiers, and is as relevant in today’s world as it was in 1945, and is no different in intensity. That is the primary reason to release this film now. “The Story of G.I. Joe is a true classic which has been undervalued for years,” said Jan Willem Bosman Jansen, CEO and Founder of Ignite Films.

An unforgettable journey through the harrowing yet heartwarming landscapes of WWII, The Story of G.I. Joe is based on the true-life experiences of renowned war correspondent and columnist Ernie Pyle. This cinematic masterpiece immerses audiences in the camaraderie, courage, and sacrifices of the brave soldiers of the 45th Infantry Division, Company C, 150 of whom played extras in the film.

Through the lens of Pulitzer-winning Pyle, portrayed with unparalleled depth by Burgess Meredith, witness the everyday grit and bravery of the foot soldier as they navigate the perils of combat in the Italian campaign. Joining him is the incomparable Robert Mitchum in his breakthrough role as Lieutenant Walker, whose leadership and unwavering dedication to his men inspire hope amidst the chaos of war.

The Story of G.I. Joe portrays the camaraderie and bond between soldiers, a timeless tribute to unsung heroes who fought and bled for freedom. Experience the raw emotion and gritty realism of this war drama, beautifully restored in high definition. It is more than a movie; it is a testament to the triumph of the human spirit.

“What makes The Story of G.I. Joe different from other war movies is that it was directed by Bill Wellman with an eye towards keeping it focused on the day-to-day dilemma of the ordinary combat soldier. It specifically deglamorized war despite being made in an era, 1945, when Hollywood was cranking out a lot of these friendly propaganda heroic films with John Wayne leading the charge — which were great entertainment and good for the home front morale, but not particularly realistic about what the troops had to cope with. The Story of G.I. Joe dealt with this. They used over 150 actual brave soldiers as background actors. The movie holds up so well because it was authentic, and it was deliberately made that way.” – Alan K. Rode, writer/historian

Wellman’s melancholy study of soldiers would not immediately become a popular form of expression in war films, but his soulful treatment of life on the front lines, in which real combat soldiers mingled freely with actors, forming an easy camaraderie, would become an inextricable part of cinematic language. The Story of G.I. Joe would not become a model for war films for quite some time, but eventually its poetic form would become more popular than the more gung-ho patriotic variety.

 The Academy® Film Archive preserved the film in 2000. In  2009, the film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically or aesthetically” significant. For educational purposes, Ignite Films will provide both institutions with the new 2024 enhanced version for their film preservation archives.

Blu-ray slipcover and Bonus Features available only on the Blu-ray:

  • Blu-ray slipcover
  • “Here he lies where he longed to be…” Wild Bill’s Dog Face Blues – A new video essay by author and filmmaker Scout Tafoya
  • New interview with Bill Wellman Jr.
  • “The Story of ‘The Story of G.I. Joe’,” a new featurette on the restoration by film restoration supervisor Greg Kimble
  • Audio commentary by Alan K. Rode
  • Original nitrate trailer
  • Reconstruction of the original 1945 trailer
  • Photo gallery with original press book pages and stills

The Story of G.I. Joe
Starring Robert Mitchum Burgess Meredith with Freddie Steele Wally Cassell Jimmy Lloyd John R. Reilly Bill Murphy and the Sicily and Italy Combat Veterans of the Campaigns in Africa
Screenplay by Leopold Atlas Guy Endore Philip Stevenson
Edited by Otho Lovering Cinematography by Russel Metty A.S.C.
Produced by Lester Cowan
Directed by William A. Wellman
Program Content: © Lester Cowan Productions, Inc. 1945. Copyright renewed by Lester Cowan Productions, Inc. 1972.

The film is based on by Ernie Pyle’s books “Here Is Your Way”(New York, 1943) and “Brave Men” (New York, 1944).

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

Last Night on Earth: A Cinematic Journey Through Apocalyptic Realism

Last Night on Earth is now available for streaming. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

End of the world thrillers grip the imagination with cataclysmic scenarios, weaving existential dread into narratives where humanity confronts its darkest fears. Whether through alien invasions, viral outbreaks, or environmental collapse, these stories explore the fragility of civilization and the resilience of the human spirit. They feature ethical dilemmas, survival instincts, and the desperate quest for hope amidst chaos. By pushing characters to their limits, they offer a chilling yet captivating glimpse into what might await at the edge of existence.

If you’re looking for a good one to stream this weekend, consider Last Night on Earth. It is available now On Digital and On Demand via Uncork’d Entertainment. It stars Leven Rambin, Jake McLaughlin, Sohvi Rodriguez, Shane West, and genre legend Dee Wallace. (Gold Star PR, 2024)

Where to watch:
Google Play Movies & TV
Fandango at Home
Apple TV
YouTube

Last Night on Earth – Written and directed by Marcos Efron, it promises to captivate audiences with its intense portrayal of love and survival amidst a world on the brink of apocalypse.

Synopsis: After learning of the impending destruction of Earth by a planet-killing asteroid, Holly and Ryan plan to spend their final days living in harmony with nature in the tranquil mountains of Tennessee. But as society breaks down around them, religious zealots try to recruit them, and newcomers Gene and Gabby aim to flame out in a final crime spree that spoils Ryan and Holly’s peaceful plans.

Experience Clear Cut: Thrills, Chills, and Unexpected Twists

Lochlyn Munro in Clear Cut. Photo: Lionsgate, used with permission.

Thrillers are some of my favorite types of movies. They captivate audiences with suspenseful plots, heart-pounding tension, and unexpected twists and skillfully blend mystery, danger, and psychological intrigue. Complex characters face dangerous situations, often involving crime, espionage, or the supernatural. With atmospheric cinematography and gripping soundtracks, thrillers create an immersive world of uncertainty, where every moment counts towards an electrifying climax. In today’s movie news, if you’re looking forward to the next thriller, there’s a new one coming out next month from Lionsgate: Clear Cut.

Clear Cut – Every moment is filled with danger for a man cutting timber in the Pacific Northwest, but Jack becomes the target of a brutal assault from more than the elements in this action-packed thriller. As Jack ventures deeper into the woods, he crosses paths with a criminal band of madmen from his past intent on killing him before he can fight his way back to civilization. Academy Award Nominee Alec Baldwin, Stephen Dorff, and Tom Welling star in an electrifying drama about one man’s treacherous journey on the road to redemption. (EG-PR, 2024)

Genre: Thriller
Rating: R
Running Time: 88 mins
Release Date in theater, digital, and on demand: 7/19/2024 (US and Canada)

Cast: Clive Standen, Lucy Martin, Jesse Metcalfe, Tom Welling, Lochlyn Munro, Chelsey Reist, Tom Stevens, Mike Dopud, Stephen Dorff, Alec Baldwin

Director: Brian Skiba
Writer: Joe Perruccio

Executive Producers: Eric Bromberg, Ram Getz, Greg Meyer, Nick Mao, Michael Mortensen, Jordan Wayne Nott, Matthew Helderman, Luke Taylor, Tyler Gould, Kirk Shaw, Stephanie Rennie

Clear Cut will be released July 19. 2024. Photo: Lionsgate, used with permission.

A Gangster’s Kiss: the Seductive Charms of Crime Cinema

The British crime thriller/comedy will be available for digital download. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Crime thrillers captivate audiences with their intricate plots, suspense, and morally ambiguous characters. These movies explore the darkest corners of human nature, exploring themes of justice, revenge, and redemption. Sometimes the line between hero and villain is razor-thin, making every twist a gripping journey into the depths of the human psyche. Mix in some comedy for tension relief, and you have a winning combination.

In today’s movie news, there’s a new crime thriller/comedy coming out soon that will be available in the UK for digital download.

Fugitive Films and Pink Flamingo Media Group have confirmed that the upcoming movie A Gangster’s Kiss will be released in the UK this summer. Directed by Ray Burdis, the British Crime/Comedy will be available for digital download starting June 24, 2024. (Strike Media Ltd, 2024)

A Gangster’s Kiss – For as long as Jack can remember, he and Danny have been friends, and Danny has always gotten Jack into trouble. He’s had a few brushes with the law and blows up half a high street before deciding to turn to acting. Everything is going well until Jack lands his first feature film role and Danny agrees to shadow ‘the family.’ Jack soon realizes he is way over his head with deadly and hilarious consequences.

A Gangster’s Kiss stars Charlie Clapham, John Hannah, Patsy Kensit, Sadie Frost, Michelle Collins, Martin Kemp, Vas Blackwood, Perry Benson, Sophie Rankin, Michael Head, Ray Burdis, Daniel O’Reilly, David Schaal, and Lady Colin Campbell.

A Gangster’s Kiss. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

New Thriller Film: The Girl In The Trunk Available for Digital Release

The Girl In The Trunk stars Katharina Sporrer and Caspar Phillipson. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Thriller movies captivate audiences with heart-pounding suspense, intricate plots, and unexpected twists. They explore the darkest corners of human psyche with themes of danger, deception, and moral ambiguity. From psychological thrillers that dig into the depths of the mind to action-packed thrillers with adrenaline-fueled sequences, the genre offers a diverse array of experiences. They are some of the most popular movies because they immerse audiences in a world where nothing is as it seems, leaving them exhilarated and enthralled.

With that said, if you’re in the mood for a claustrophobic thriller, there’s a new movie available now for digital release in the UK, Ireland, USA, and Canada. (Strike Media Ltd, 2024)

You can watch The Girl In The Trunk on:

Google Play Movies & TV
Amazon Prime Video
Apple TV
YouTube

The Girl In The Trunk
Strap in, and let this enigmatic new thriller take you for a ride. Starring Caspar Phillipson (Jackie, Blonde) and Katharina Sporrer (Genius), and written and directed by Jonas Kvist Jensen, this tight tense thriller will leave you on the edge of your seat. 

A woman finds herself kidnapped and entrapped in the enclosed space of a speeding car’s trunk, wearing her wedding dress, and with her phone as the only available tool. The situation deteriorates gradually as a failed escape attempt costs the life of an innocent bystander.

With the clock ticking towards a slow death from heat exhaustion in the Texas desert, a psychotic kidnapper at the wheel, Amanda is forced to make her own luck in the end. A dangerous game of questions and deadly consequences – to be played over the phone with the mysterious kidnapper – seems the only way to maybe discover his true identity, getting help or simply fighting her painful way towards a fleeting chance of escape.

Distributor: Vertigo Releasing / Sunrise Films

Director / Writer: Jonas Kvist Jensen

Run Time: 90 Minutes