“The Bad Guys: Haunted Heist” is a 2024 CG animated Halloween heist comedy special directed by Kevin Peaty. Based on the 2022 film “The Bad Guys” and the popular graphic novel series, the story follows the infamous Bad Guys crew as they plan an elaborate heist to steal a priceless amulet from a spooky, old mansion on Halloween night. The team consists of Mr. Wolf, the charming and cunning leader voiced by Michael Godere; Mr. Shark, the lovable and slightly clumsy muscle voiced by Ezekiel Ajeigbe; Mr. Piranha, the energetic and unpredictable wild card voiced by Raul Ceballos; Mr. Snake, the sly and skeptical safecracker voiced by Chris Diamantopoulos; and Ms. Tarantula, the tech-savvy hacker voiced by Mallory Low. As they infiltrate the mansion, they encounter a series of eerie and supernatural occurrences that complicate their heist. Ghostly apparitions, moving shadows, and mysterious sounds create an atmosphere of suspense and comedy. The crew must use their unique skills and teamwork to navigate the haunted mansion’s traps and puzzles while trying to avoid the supernatural forces that seem determined to thwart their plans. (more…)
“V/H/S/Beyond” (2024) is a chilling found footage horror anthology directed by a collective of filmmakers, including Jordan Downey, Christian Long, Justin Long, Justin Martinez, Virat Pal, Kate Siegel, and Jay Cheel. The film maintains the classic VHS aesthetic, presenting six distinct and spine-tingling stories, each purported to be discovered footage recorded by characters within the segments. The overarching theme that links these tales is the eerie presence of otherworldly beings and unsettling extraterrestrial encounters. Each segment delves into different aspects of horror, from mysterious abductions and paranormal investigations to otherworldly invasions and inexplicable phenomena. The anthology skillfully blends the unsettling nature of found footage with the terror of the unknown, ensuring a series of frightful and suspenseful experiences that keep viewers on edge. (more…)
“Blitz” (2024) is a historical war drama directed by Steve McQueen, starring Saoirse Ronan as Rita, a working-class woman in London during World War II. The film follows Rita and her young son George, who is mixed-race and the son of Rita and Marcus, a deported black man. As the Nazi bombing campaign intensifies, Rita’s father, Gerald, urges her to evacuate George to the countryside for his safety. However, George defiantly jumps off the train to return to his mother. The story unfolds as George navigates the dangerous streets of London, encountering various characters and facing numerous challenges. He meets three brothers on a goods train, and together they attempt to escape. George also crosses paths with Jess, a member of a gang of thieves, who initially pretends to help him but ultimately forces him into criminal activities. Throughout the film, flashbacks reveal George’s struggles with bullying and his father’s experiences with racism. Rita, meanwhile, continues to work at a factory and volunteers at a shelter, all while dealing with the emotional turmoil of her son’s disappearance. The film explores themes of resilience, family bonds, and the harsh realities of war, offering a poignant and immersive portrayal of life during the Blitz. With a talented cast and powerful performances, “Blitz” (2024) provides a moving and thought-provoking look at the impact of war on individuals and families, capturing the strength and determination of those who lived through such challenging times. (more…)
“Better Man” (2024) is a biographical musical film. The film tells the life story of British pop superstar Robbie Williams, portrayed as an anthropomorphic chimpanzee using CGI, performed by Jonno Davies with motion capture, and voiced by both Williams and Davies. The story begins in 1980s Stoke-on-Trent, where an eight-year-old Robbie is humiliated during a football game and finds solace in his grandmother Betty’s support and his father Peter’s encouragement to sing. As Robbie grows up, he faces various challenges and setbacks but ultimately achieves a meteoric rise to fame, followed by a dramatic fall and a remarkable resurgence. The film explores themes of resilience, self-acceptance, and the pressures of fame, offering a unique and heartfelt portrayal of Robbie Williams’ journey. “Better Man” promises to be an entertaining and inspiring film for fans of Robbie Williams and musical biopics. The film highlights Robbie’s battles with addiction, personal demons, and the struggle to find his true self amidst the chaos of stardom. Through its captivating narrative and innovative visual style, “Better Man” captures the essence of Robbie Williams’ life and career, providing a powerful and emotional experience for viewers. The combination of music, drama, and biographical elements makes it a standout film that celebrates the highs and lows of one of the most iconic figures in modern music. (more…)
“The Last Rifleman” (2023) is a heartfelt drama that follows Artie Crawford, a World War II veteran living in a care home in Northern Ireland. After losing his wife, Artie decides to secretly escape his care home on the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy. He embarks on an arduous but inspirational journey to France to pay his final respects to his best friend and find the courage to face the ghosts of his past. Along the way, Artie is aided by strangers, makes new friends, and becomes an international sensation. The film stars Pierce Brosnan as Artie Crawford and is inspired by the true story of British D-Day veteran Bernard Jordan. The movie captures the emotional depth of Artie’s journey, highlighting his determination and the impact of his wartime experiences on his later life. As Artie travels through France, he encounters various characters who help him and share their own stories, creating a tapestry of human connection and resilience. The film beautifully portrays the landscapes and historical sites of Normandy, providing a poignant backdrop for Artie’s reflections on his past and his tribute to fallen comrades. The narrative delves into themes of memory, loss, and the enduring bonds of friendship, offering a touching and inspirational story that resonates with audiences. “The Last Rifleman” (2023) is not just a war movie but a story of personal redemption, courage, and the enduring human spirit. (more…)
“The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie” (2024) is an animated sci-fi comedy film directed by Pete Browngardt. The movie features classic Looney Tunes characters, including Porky Pig and Daffy Duck, who must team up to save Earth from an alien invasion. The story begins when Porky and Daffy, working at a bubble gum factory, accidentally uncover a plot by sinister aliens to destroy the planet. As the duo embarks on a wild and chaotic adventure to thwart the alien plan, they encounter various other Looney Tunes characters, including Bugs Bunny, Tweety, and Sylvester, each adding their unique brand of humor to the mission. The film combines slapstick comedy, clever dialogue, and exciting action sequences, staying true to the spirit of the original Looney Tunes cartoons. With vibrant animation and a fun, fast-paced storyline, “The Day the Earth Blew Up” promises to entertain audiences of all ages, delivering a nostalgic yet fresh take on beloved characters. (more…)
“Wicked: Part I” (2024) is a highly anticipated musical fantasy film directed by Jon M. Chu and based on the hit Broadway musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, which itself is inspired by Gregory Maguire’s novel. The story reimagines the world of Oz, focusing on the untold stories of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. The film stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp and Ariana Grande as Galinda Upland. Elphaba, born with green skin, is shunned by society and struggles to find her place in the world. At Shiz University, she meets Galinda, a popular and carefree student. Despite their differences, the two form an unlikely friendship. As they navigate the challenges of university life and encounter the manipulative Wizard of Oz, their friendship is tested. Elphaba’s journey is marked by her fight against injustice and her quest to undo the mistakes of the past, while Galinda grapples with her own transformation into Glinda the Good. With its stunning visuals, captivating performances, and a mix of drama and musical numbers, “Wicked: Part I” promises to be a magical experience for audiences. (more…)
“Homestead” (2024) is a post-apocalyptic drama. The film is based on the book “Black Autumn” by Jeff Kirkham and Jason Ross. The story is set in a world where a nuclear bomb detonates in Los Angeles, causing unprecedented chaos and anarchy. Ex-Green Beret Jeff Eriksson and his family escape to The Homestead, an eccentric prepper’s fortress nestled in the Rocky Mountains. As violent threats and apocalyptic conditions creep toward their borders, the residents of The Homestead are left to wonder: how long can a group of people resist both the dangers of human nature and the bloodshed at their doorstep? The film explores themes of survival, community, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of extreme adversity. It combines elements of action, drama, and family dynamics, offering a gripping and emotional narrative. As the story unfolds, the characters are forced to confront their own fears and weaknesses, while also finding strength in their unity and determination to protect their loved ones. The film’s intense and realistic portrayal of a post-apocalyptic world, along with its strong character development and suspenseful plot, makes “Homestead” a must-watch for fans of the genre. It raises important questions about morality, leadership, and the lengths people will go to survive in the face of overwhelming odds. (more…)
“Sonic the Hedgehog 3″ (2024) is an action-adventure comedy film directed by Jeff Fowler and based on the popular video game series by Sega. The story follows Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails as they reunite to face a powerful new adversary, Shadow the Hedgehog, voiced by Keanu Reeves. Shadow allies with the mad scientists Ivo and Gerald Robotnik, played by Jim Carrey in dual roles, seeking revenge against humanity. With their abilities outmatched, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance to stop Shadow and protect the planet. The film blends elements from the Sonic Adventure 2 and Shadow the Hedgehog video games, creating an engaging storyline filled with thrilling action, humor, and emotional depth. Themes of loss, redemption, and teamwork underpin the adventure, making it a satisfying continuation of the franchise. As the stakes rise, Sonic and his friends face numerous challenges and confront their own vulnerabilities while striving to save the world from destruction. The film’s stunning visuals and high-energy sequences provide an immersive experience for viewers, capturing the essence of the beloved video game series. The dynamic between the characters, coupled with the film’s fast-paced plot, ensures an entertaining and emotionally resonant journey. “Sonic the Hedgehog 3″ promises to deliver an exhilarating and heartwarming adventure that will appeal to fans of all ages, solidifying its place as a must-watch in the Sonic franchise. (more…)
“Here” (2024) is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film directed by Robert Zemeckis, based on the graphic novel by Richard McGuire. The movie stars Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, and it explores the passage of time through a single location: a living room. The story unfolds over several centuries, capturing moments in the lives of various occupants and the events that shape their experiences. The narrative weaves together different time periods, from the distant past to the far future, highlighting the interconnectedness of human lives and the enduring significance of place. The film’s innovative use of visual effects and seamless transitions between time periods create a captivating and immersive experience. “Here” delves into themes of memory, history, and the fleeting nature of existence, offering a poignant reflection on the human condition. The performances by Hanks and Wright add depth and nuance to the characters, making “Here” (2024) a thought-provoking and beautifully crafted cinematic journey. The intricate storytelling and evocative imagery leave a lasting impact, encouraging audiences to reflect on their own lives and the moments that define them. As the film progresses, the living room becomes a silent witness to the passage of time and the myriad emotions and experiences of its inhabitants. Through its innovative narrative and powerful performances, “Here” (2024) creates a profound and moving cinematic experience that resonates with viewers on multiple levels, celebrating the beauty and complexity of human existence across generations. (more…)
