“Midas Man” (2024) is a British biographical film about the life of music entrepreneur Brian Epstein, who managed the Beatles. Directed by Joe Stephenson and based on a screenplay by Brigit Grant and Jonathan Wakeham, the film stars Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as Epstein, alongside Emily Watson, Eddie Marsan, and Jay Leno. The story tracks Epstein’s rise to prominence as he manages popular artists like the Beatles, Cilla Black, and Gerry and the Pacemakers, before his sudden death in 1967 at the age of 32. The film explores Epstein’s significant influence on the 1960s music scene and his complex personal life, including his struggles with his identity and the pressures of fame. With its captivating performances and detailed portrayal of a music legend, “Midas Man” offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of the man behind the Beatles’ success. The narrative delves into Epstein’s early efforts to secure recording contracts for the Beatles, his innovative marketing strategies that revolutionized the music industry, and the intense personal and professional challenges he faced. The film highlights the pivotal moments that defined Epstein’s career and his enduring legacy in the world of music. Through a blend of archival footage, dramatized scenes, and interviews with key figures from the era, “Midas Man” paints a vivid picture of Epstein’s impact and the turbulent times he navigated. (more…)
“Joker: Folie à Deux” (2024) continues the story of the iconic character, Joker, diving deeper into his complex psyche and chaotic world. Directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck, the film explores the next chapter of Joker’s life. After the events of the first film, Arthur is confined in Arkham Asylum, where he meets a new and equally troubled inmate, Harleen Quinzel, played by Lady Gaga. The two form a twisted and intense relationship, drawing each other further into madness. The film delves into themes of psychological manipulation, the power dynamics in their relationship, and the fine line between reality and delusion. Harleen, who initially enters Arkham as a psychologist, becomes fascinated by Arthur, and their bond transforms her into the infamous Harley Quinn. As they plan their escape from the asylum, chaos ensues both inside and outside the walls of Arkham, creating a ripple effect throughout Gotham City. The film promises to be a dark, intense ride, filled with gripping performances and a haunting atmosphere. The narrative explores the depths of Arthur’s insanity, his influence on Harleen, and their impact on the world around them. With its unique blend of psychological drama and intense character study, “Joker: Folie à Deux” aims to captivate audiences and offer a deeper understanding of these iconic characters. The film’s intricate storytelling and powerful performances by Phoenix and Gaga are expected to leave a lasting impression, making it a must-watch for fans of the Joker saga. (more…)
“In a Violent Nature” (2024) is a Canadian slasher film directed by Chris Nash. The story follows a mute killer named Johnny, whose vengeful spirit is accidentally resurrected by a group of teenagers in the Ontario wilderness. Johnny, who was wrongfully killed 70 years ago, becomes hellbent on retrieving a locket that was taken from his corpse. The film is unique in that it largely observes the events from Johnny’s perspective, creating an immersive and eerie experience for viewers. As Johnny stalks and murders the teenagers, the film explores themes of retribution and the consequences of past sins. The teenagers, unaware of the horror they have unleashed, must now try to survive Johnny’s wrath while uncovering the mystery of his past and the reasons behind his relentless pursuit. The movie blends suspense, horror, and a touch of psychological drama, delivering a fresh take on the slasher genre. The setting of the dense and isolated Ontario wilderness adds to the film’s chilling atmosphere, making every encounter between Johnny and the teens fraught with tension and fear. With its compelling storyline and unique perspective, “In a Violent Nature” promises to captivate audiences and provide a terrifying cinematic experience. (more…)
“Moment of Contact” (2022) is a documentary film directed by James Fox that investigates the UFO incident in Varginha, Brazil, in 1996. The film explores the events surrounding the alleged UFO crash and the sightings of strange creatures by local residents, including a group of teenage girls. The documentary features interviews with eyewitnesses, former military officials, and researchers, as well as footage from the crash site and other relevant locations. The film claims to reveal new evidence and testimony about the incident, suggesting a possible cover-up by the Brazilian military. Narrated by Peter Coyote, the documentary delves into the implications and consequences of extraterrestrial contact for humanity. With its in-depth investigation and compelling interviews, “Moment of Contact” offers a fascinating look into one of the most intriguing UFO cases in history. The documentary also highlights the cultural and social impact of the Varginha incident on the local community, shedding light on how such extraordinary events can shape public perception and belief in extraterrestrial life. The film raises thought-provoking questions about government secrecy, the nature of extraterrestrial encounters, and the potential for human-alien interaction. “Moment of Contact” is not only a captivating exploration of a specific UFO case but also a broader reflection on humanity’s place in the universe and our ongoing quest to understand the unknown. (more…)
“Scream” (2022) is a slasher film directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, and written by James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick. It is the fifth installment in the “Scream” film series. The plot takes place twenty-five years after the original Woodsboro murders from the first “Scream” film (1996). A new killer, donning the Ghostface mask, begins targeting a group of teenagers who are each somehow linked to the original killings. The film explores the impact of the past on the present, as the new generation of characters must confront the legacy of the original murders while trying to survive the new wave of killings. As the bodies pile up, the survivors are forced to uncover the new killer’s identity, with tensions and paranoia running high. The movie combines elements of suspense, mystery, and horror, with a meta-commentary on the horror genre itself. It pays homage to the original film while introducing new twists and turns. The tension-filled atmosphere, clever writing, and nostalgic references make it a compelling continuation of the “Scream” franchise. By blending modern horror tropes with the series’ iconic self-awareness, the film appeals to both longtime fans and new viewers, delivering thrills, chills, and a fresh take on the classic slasher formula. (more…)
“Oddity” (2024) is an Irish horror film directed by Damian McCarthy. The story follows Darcy Odello, a blind medium and curio shopkeeper, who is still grieving the death of her twin sister, Dani, a year prior. When a wooden mannequin from Darcy’s collection becomes crucial to her quest, she sets out to uncover the truth about her sister’s murder. The film opens with Dani being brutally murdered while renovating her and her husband Ted Timmis’s newly acquired country house. Olin Boole, one of Ted’s former patients, warns Dani about a stranger infiltrating the home, but she is found dead shortly after. Olin is later found murdered, and Ted is suspected of arranging both killings. A year later, Darcy, who has psychometric powers, receives a mysterious crate containing a life-sized wooden mannequin. As she investigates, strange occurrences unfold, leading her to discover unsettling objects inside the mannequin, including photographs of Dani and Darcy, locks of hair, a tooth, and a vial of blood. The film builds tension as Darcy and Ted confront each other, revealing hidden truths and dark secrets. The movie delves into themes of grief, revenge, and the supernatural, creating a suspenseful and eerie atmosphere. With its intriguing plot and chilling twists, “Oddity” promises to be a captivating and terrifying experience for horror fans. (more…)
“1 Million Followers” (2024) is a thriller directed by Harvey Lowry. The story follows Karissa, a small-town girl from Idaho, who is invited by a popular influencer to a luxurious mansion in Thailand. There, she joins a group of social media influencers as they work to build her following to one million. However, things take a dark turn when they discover the true identity of the event’s sponsor. The influencers’ seemingly glamorous life quickly unravels as they are thrust into a deadly game of manipulation and deceit. As the tension escalates, Karissa must navigate the dangerous world of social media fame, uncovering hidden truths and facing moral dilemmas about the price of popularity. The film explores themes of fame, deception, and the dark side of social media, offering a suspenseful and thrilling narrative. The stunning visuals of the Thai mansion contrast with the sinister undertones of the influencer culture, creating a gripping atmosphere. With its intriguing plot and intense atmosphere, “1 Million Followers” promises to keep viewers engaged, questioning the lengths one would go for fame and the dark consequences that may follow. The characters’ journey through fear, ambition, and survival adds depth to the narrative, making it a thought-provoking and entertaining watch. (more…)
“Am I Racist?” (2024) is a satirical documentary comedy film directed by Justin Folk and starring conservative political commentator Matt Walsh. The film lampoons the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) movement by following Walsh as he poses as a “bumbling DEI trainee” and uses subterfuge to interview experts and attend anti-racism workshops. Walsh’s undercover antics include convincing passersby to sign a petition to rename the Washington Monument the “George Floyd Monument” and raising it by 30% and repainting it black. The film culminates in a workshop where Walsh condemns his uncle for a racist joke made twenty years ago and encourages self-flagellation as a solution to white guilt. The film has been described as a mockumentary in the style of Borat and explores themes of race, identity, and the DEI industry. The movie combines humor, satire, and social commentary, creating a provocative and controversial narrative that challenges the audience’s views on race and societal norms. With its bold approach and comedic elements, “Am I Racist?” aims to spark conversations and reflections on the complexities of racial issues and the effectiveness of DEI initiatives. This film promises to deliver a mix of humor and thought-provoking content that will engage and entertain viewers. (more…)
“Slingshot” (2024) is a psychological thriller. The story follows astronaut John, who awakens from a hibernation cycle on the spacecraft Odyssey 1, en route to Saturn’s moon, Titan. The mission’s goal is to collect natural resources, such as methane, and return to Earth. However, John begins experiencing disturbing hallucinations and memory loss due to the potent drugs used for hibernation. As the crew prepares for a critical “slingshot” maneuver around Jupiter to reach Titan, John’s mental state deteriorates, and he struggles to maintain his grip on reality. Tensions rise among the crew, especially with Nash, an aeronautics expert who becomes increasingly paranoid about the ship’s structural integrity and the mission’s safety. Nash tries to convince John to mutiny against Captain Franks, but John ultimately sides with the captain. The film explores themes of isolation, trust, and the psychological effects of long-term space travel. The crew faces both external and internal threats. The plot of “Slingshot” delves into the deeper psychological strains of space exploration, highlighting the fragile human psyche under extreme conditions. The suspenseful narrative is augmented by the confined, claustrophobic setting of the spacecraft and the vast emptiness of space, creating a gripping and immersive experience. (more…)
“The Jack in the Box Rises” (2024) is a horror film directed by Lawrence Fowler. The story revolves around a creepy Jack-in-the-Box discovered and opened on the grounds of an exclusive girls’ school. When the box is opened, it unleashes a demon that terrorizes the students. Six brave students must band together to fight the demon in a thrilling battle for survival. As the demon’s power grows, the students face increasingly terrifying challenges and must confront their deepest fears. The film combines elements of supernatural horror and suspense, keeping viewers hooked as the students confront the unleashed entity. The school’s eerie atmosphere and the relentless pursuit by the demon create a sense of dread and urgency throughout the film. Each student brings unique skills and strengths to the fight, and their camaraderie and determination are tested as they work together to defeat the evil force. The narrative explores themes of courage, friendship, and the struggle between good and evil, offering a blend of intense action and psychological horror. The visuals and sound design enhance the chilling experience, making “The Jack in the Box Rises” a spine-chilling experience for fans of the horror genre. (more…)
