A Sprinkle of Deceit: A Hannah Swensen Mystery is the 10th film in the Hallmark Mystery series based on Joanne Fluke’s novels. In this installment, Hannah Swensen (Alison Sweeney) opens a new bakery and caters a high school reunion for Lonnie (Daylin Willis). The event takes a dark turn when a guest is found dead the next day. Hannah teams up with Chad (Victor Webster) to investigate the murder. As they gather clues and peel back layers of deception, they work to uncover the truth and bring the killer to justice. Meanwhile, Hannah’s mother, Delores (Barbara Niven), unexpectedly gets involved in acting while also contributing to the investigation in her unique way. (more…)
Beautiful Wedding (2024) is a delightful romantic comedy directed by Roger Kumble, based on Jamie McGuire’s novel A Beautiful Wedding. The story follows Abby Abernathy and Travis Maddox, a couple who wake up in Las Vegas after a wild night, only to discover they’re unexpectedly married. With no memory of the previous night’s events, they decide to embrace the situation and head to Mexico for a spontaneous honeymoon with their best friends, Shepley Maddox and America Mason. The honeymoon is anything but typical. They stumble upon a large sum of cash in their hotel room, leading to a series of comedic and chaotic events involving misunderstandings, quirky locals, and unexpected adventures. Amidst the hilarity, Abby questions the validity and wisdom of their impulsive decision, while Travis is determined to prove that their marriage is the real deal. As they navigate their way through this unplanned marriage, they encounter a mix of heartfelt moments, romantic escapades, and laugh-out-loud scenarios that test their newfound relationship. The film beautifully explores themes of love, commitment, and the unpredictable nature of life, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Mexico. Starring Virginia Gardner as Abby and Dylan Sprouse as Travis, Beautiful Wedding combines charm and humor, making it a fun and uplifting story about two people discovering the depths of their feelings for each other in the most unexpected ways. The supporting cast adds depth and hilarity, ensuring that every moment is filled with joy and surprise. (more…)
“Paddington in Peru” (2024) follows the beloved bear as he returns to his home country to visit his Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. Joined by the Brown family, Paddington embarks on a thrilling adventure when Aunt Lucy mysteriously goes missing. Their journey takes them through the Amazon rainforest and up to the mountain peaks of Peru, filled with unexpected twists and turns. Along the way, they encounter treasure hunters, navigate treacherous waters, and uncover secrets about the lost city of El Dorado. Paddington’s determination to find his aunt leads them into various comical and heartwarming situations, showcasing the bear’s signature charm and optimism. The film is packed with action, humor, and touching moments, bringing to life the vibrant and diverse culture of Peru. With its charming characters and exciting escapades, “Paddington in Peru” promises to be a delightful family adventure, continuing the endearing story of Paddington Bear and his loving adoptive family. The film features stunning visuals, engaging performances, and a heartfelt storyline that highlights the importance of family, friendship, and the spirit of adventure. It is sure to captivate audiences of all ages, making it a must-watch for fans of the Paddington series and newcomers alike. (more…)
“Die Alone” (2024) is a horror thriller directed by Lowell Dean, set in a world reclaimed by nature and overrun by mysterious and deadly creatures. The story centers around Ethan, a young man suffering from amnesia, who embarks on a perilous journey to find his missing girlfriend, Emma. As he navigates this treacherous landscape, he teams up with Mae, an eccentric and resourceful survivalist played by Carrie-Anne Moss. Mae’s knowledge of the land and survival skills become crucial as they face off against the creatures lurking in the wilderness. Along their journey, Ethan and Mae uncover dark secrets about the world they inhabit, revealing a grim reality where humanity’s collapse is intertwined with the rise of these menacing beings. The film explores themes of survival, memory, and the primal instincts that drive humans in the face of insurmountable odds. The dynamic between Ethan and Mae adds depth to the narrative, showcasing their struggle to trust and rely on each other while facing constant threats. With its blend of suspense, action, and mystery, “Die Alone” (2024) promises to be a gripping and intense cinematic experience, capturing the raw fear and adrenaline of survival in a post-apocalyptic world. The film’s atmospheric setting and chilling visuals enhance the sense of dread, making it a must-watch for fans of horror and thrillers. (more…)
“American Star” (2024) is a gripping thriller directed by Gonzalo López-Gallego. The film centers around Wilson, an aged hitman on his final assignment, sent to the picturesque island of Fuerteventura to eliminate a man he has never met. Delays cause his target to arrive later than expected, giving Wilson time to appreciate the island’s serene beauty and its welcoming people. He becomes fascinated by a mysterious ghostly shipwreck, symbolizing his own life’s wreckage and the possibility of redemption. As he connects with the locals, like a kind-hearted innkeeper and a wise old fisherman, he starts to question his life as a hitman. The film delves deep into Wilson’s internal struggles, exploring themes of redemption, mortality, and the unexpected moments that can change a person’s life. As the day of the hit approaches, Wilson must decide whether to follow through with his mission or embrace his newfound perspective. The story’s climax hinges on this decision, blending tension with profound character development. “American Star” is not just a thriller but a thought-provoking tale of transformation, exploring how even in the darkest of professions, there can be moments of beauty and change. (more…)
Depravity (2024) is a gripping crime mystery thriller directed by Paul Tamasy. The story revolves around three residents who become suspicious of their reclusive neighbor, believing him to be a serial killer. Driven by their suspicions and a desire for justice, they decide to break into his apartment to find evidence of his crimes. Instead of finding proof of his murderous activities, they stumble upon a hidden fortune of stolen art. This unexpected discovery sets off a chain of terrifying events as they realize that their neighbor is not only a cunning thief but also a sadistic killer. Their intrusion into his apartment triggers a deadly game of cat and mouse, as the residents are now trapped in a high-stakes survival scenario. The neighbor, aware of their presence, turns the tables on them, using his knowledge of the apartment’s layout and an array of traps to hunt them down. As they navigate the booby-trapped apartment, the tension escalates with every passing moment. The film explores themes of paranoia, survival, and the dark depths of human depravity, with each character facing their own psychological and physical battles. Grace, the lead character, must use her wits and courage to outsmart the killer and protect her friends. With its intense narrative, atmospheric setting, and compelling performances, Depravity (2024) promises to keep viewers in psychological suspense, delivering a thrilling cinematic experience that explores the terrifying consequences of uncovering dark secrets. (more…)
“Black Bag” (2025) is a taut espionage thriller directed by Steven Soderbergh, focusing on British intelligence officer George Woodhouse, played by Michael Fassbender, as he investigates a high-stakes security breach involving Severus, a top-secret software program capable of causing catastrophic damage if compromised. George’s mission takes an intensely personal turn when evidence points to his own wife, Kathryn St. Jean, portrayed by Cate Blanchett, as a potential suspect, creating a web of mistrust and emotional conflict. In his desperate bid to uncover the truth, George invites his colleagues, all suspects, to a tense and enigmatic dinner party where he employs unconventional and morally ambiguous methods, such as drugging their food, to extract information and expose the traitor. As the days unfold, the narrative dives into the murky waters of loyalty, deception, and the personal costs of life in the world of espionage, where professional and personal boundaries blur. The film cleverly intertwines sharp dialogue, intricate character dynamics, and a suspenseful atmosphere, building toward a shocking conclusion that keeps viewers guessing about the identity and motives of the real culprit until the very end. With its combination of psychological tension, dramatic twists, and thought-provoking exploration of trust and betrayal, “Black Bag” emerges as a gripping and emotionally charged thriller that examines the complexities of human relationships under the strain of espionage, offering a uniquely intense and captivating cinematic experience. (more…)
“Late Night with the Devil” (2023) is a horror thriller film directed by Daniel Stamm. The story centers around a radio talk show host named Eve, played by an intense and compelling actress, who invites a mysterious guest, Samael, onto her show for what seems like a standard interview. As the night progresses, the atmosphere becomes increasingly tense and unsettling. Samael, portrayed by a chilling and enigmatic actor, gradually reveals disturbing secrets and a connection to dark, supernatural forces. Eve begins to realize that her guest is not who he claims to be and that the live broadcast has turned into a deadly game. The studio environment becomes a claustrophobic nightmare as eerie and inexplicable events unfold, leaving Eve and her crew fighting to survive until dawn. The film delves into themes of trust, deception, and the thin veil between reality and the supernatural. The tension is heightened by the confined setting of the radio studio, with the stakes escalating as the night wears on. The narrative weaves psychological horror with supernatural elements, creating a gripping and terrifying experience for the audience. With strong performances and a plot keeps viewers hooked, “Late Night with the Devil” delivers a haunting exploration of fear and the unknown. (more…)
“Poor Things” (2023) is a fantastical film set in an alternate Victorian London and follows the captivating journey of Bella Baxter, a young woman who is resurrected by the peculiar and brilliant scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter. After having her brain replaced with that of her unborn child, Bella begins her second life with the mind of an infant, filled with endless curiosity and wonder. As she starts to grow, Bella becomes determined to discover the wider world, breaking free from Baxter’s protective care and embarking on a series of remarkable adventures. Her travels take her across continents where she encounters love, passion, and the complexities of human nature and relationships, challenging the conventions and societal norms of her time. Bella’s journey is not only one of self-discovery but also one of empowerment as she embraces her independence, fights for equality, and navigates the pursuit of knowledge, all while exploring what it truly means to be human. With themes of liberation, identity, and transformation, the film combines dark humor, surrealism, and poignant storytelling in its exploration of personal and societal growth. As Bella’s extraordinary tale unfolds, her unique experiences and defiance of limitations resonate as a celebration of individuality and freedom. “Poor Things” (2023) delivers a visually stunning narrative, rich in creativity and depth, making it a thought-provoking exploration of identity and humanity that leaves a lasting impression on its audience. (more…)
“Roadkill” (2024) is a tense and gritty action thriller directed by Warren Fast. Set against the backdrop of a remote rural county in 1983, the story follows a young woman named Sarah, who finds herself on a perilous journey. Traveling alone, she picks up a mysterious hitchhiker named Jack, who seems to be headed to the same remote town. What starts as a seemingly innocent encounter quickly turns into a nightmare. As they make their way through desolate highways and small, eerie towns, Sarah and Jack become the unwitting targets of a police manhunt. Unbeknownst to Sarah, the authorities are on the hunt for a dangerous fugitive killer who has been wreaking havoc in the area. The tension escalates as the duo realizes they are being pursued not just by the police, but also by the fugitive himself, who has a sinister agenda of his own. “Roadkill” masterfully builds suspense through its claustrophobic setting and relentless pace. The film delves into themes of trust, survival, and the primal instincts that emerge when people are pushed to their limits. The interaction between Sarah and Jack adds layers of complexity to the narrative, as their initial distrust gradually turns into an uneasy alliance. The movie features intense car chases, nail-biting confrontations, and unexpected twists that keep the audience guessing until the very end. It’s a thrilling ride that explores the darker aspects of human nature and the lengths to which people will go to survive. (more…)
