Mr. Crocket (2024), written by Carl Reid and Brandon Espy and directed by Espy, is a horror film that plunges audiences into a nightmarish world where childhood innocence is corrupted by a malevolent force. The story centers on Rhonda, a mother whose life is shattered when her young son mysteriously vanishes. She quickly discovers that her son has fallen victim to a sinister force in the form of Mr. Crocket, the once-beloved host of a popular children’s show. As Rhonda delves deeper into the world of this eerie television personality, she uncovers a demonic influence behind his smiley, charming facade. Determined to get her son back, Rhonda embarks on a perilous quest to track down the demonic entertainer and rescue her boy. The film explores the horrific underbelly of children’s entertainment while keeping a mother’s determination at its core. With its visually striking yet narratively uneven approach, Mr. Crocket offers moments of genuine dread but struggles with pacing and character development. With a blend of psychological horror and supernatural elements, the film delves into themes of loss, desperation, and the darkness lurking behind seemingly innocent facades. Mr. Crocket challenges viewers to confront their fears and question the safety of what is often considered harmless entertainment, making it a chilling and thought-provoking addition to the genre. (more…)
“Suncoast” (2024) is a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age film directed by Laura Chinn. The plot follows Doris, a teenager whose world is turned upside down by the death of her father. As her family grapples with this loss, she takes on the responsibility of caring for her brother Max, who is tragically suffering from terminal brain cancer. Amidst this backdrop of sorrow and upheaval, Doris is supported by her headstrong mother, Kristine, who is trying to hold the family together while dealing with her own grief. Their life becomes further complicated when they cross paths with an eccentric activist, who is staging a protest related to a landmark medical case. This new relationship adds a unique and profound dynamic to their already complicated lives. The film deftly explores the emotional and moral complexities of dealing with grief, the burdens of caregiving, and the struggle to find a semblance of normalcy in the face of overwhelming adversity. It portrays Doris’s journey with sensitivity and authenticity, highlighting her internal battles and the bond she shares with her family. Throughout “Suncoast,” themes of resilience, love, and the importance of finding hope in the darkest times are poignantly illustrated, offering a heart-wrenching yet inspiring look at one family’s fight to stay together against the odds. (more…)
“Bagman” (2024) is a horror film directed by Colm McCarthy and written by John Hulme. The story follows Patrick McKee, played by Sam Claflin, who narrowly escaped a terrifying encounter with a mythical creature known as the Bagman as a child. Now an adult, Patrick’s peaceful life is shattered when the Bagman returns, threatening the safety of his wife Karina (Antonia Thomas) and their son Jake (Caréll Rhoden). The family must confront their deepest fears and the scars of the past as they fight to protect each other from the malevolent creature. As the Bagman begins to terrorize their lives, Patrick is forced to delve into his past traumas and uncover the truth behind the Bagman’s origins. The film explores themes of trauma, familial love, and resilience, showcasing the lengths one will go to protect their loved ones. The tension mounts as Patrick struggles to keep his family safe while battling his own inner demons and the supernatural threat that lurks in the shadows. The film’s chilling atmosphere and intense storyline create a gripping horror experience. With its strong performances and psychological depth, “Bagman” promises to be a standout entry in the horror genre, delivering both scares and an emotionally resonant narrative. (more…)
“A Halloween Feast” (2024) is a dark comedy horror film directed by Guile Branco. The story revolves around Angela, a former ballerina who descends into madness, causing chaos within her family. The film begins with an infamous dinner that leads to unexpected and spiraling events. As the family tries to cope with Angela’s erratic behavior, all skeletons come out of the closet during a Halloween party. The movie combines elements of humor, horror, and family drama, creating a unique and entertaining viewing experience. With a talented cast including Lynn Lowry, Julia Coulter, and Guile Branco, the film promises to be a wild ride filled with twists and dark comedy. The narrative is packed with unexpected turns as Angela’s madness drives the plot into increasingly strange and unsettling territories. Her family’s attempts to deal with her behavior bring both darkly humorous and genuinely terrifying moments, blending horror with a satirical take on family dynamics. The Halloween setting amplifies the eerie and unpredictable atmosphere, making every revelation and twist even more impactful. The film explores themes of mental illness, familial dysfunction, and the thin line between sanity and insanity. Angela’s transformation from a graceful ballerina to a figure of chaos highlights the fragility of the mind and the devastating effects of untreated mental health issues. (more…)
“Wonder” (2017) is a heartwarming and inspirational film that follows the journey of August “Auggie” Pullman, a young boy with Treacher Collins syndrome, a rare facial deformity. The story begins as Auggie, who has been homeschooled due to his medical condition, prepares to attend a mainstream school for the first time. As he enters fifth grade at Beecher Prep, Auggie faces the challenges of fitting in and being accepted by his peers. Throughout the school year, Auggie’s journey is marked by moments of bullying, kindness, and friendship. The film delves into the perspectives of those around Auggie, including his supportive family, friends, and classmates. His sister, Via, grapples with her own feelings of being overshadowed by Auggie’s needs, while his parents, Isabel and Nate, navigate the complexities of raising a child with special needs. Auggie’s experiences at school are shaped by the actions of his classmates, including his friend Jack Will, who struggles with peer pressure, and Julian, a bully who ostracizes Auggie. “Wonder” beautifully captures themes of resilience, compassion, and the power of human connection. With its heartfelt narrative and powerful performances, the film inspires viewers to look beyond appearances and celebrate the uniqueness of every individual. The story’s message of kindness and acceptance resonates deeply, making “Wonder” a poignant and uplifting cinematic experience for audiences of all ages. (more…)
“Lisa Frankenstein” (2024) is a unique blend of comedy, horror, and romance, directed by Zelda Williams and written by Diablo Cody. The film revolves around Lisa, a misunderstood teenage goth girl, navigating her high school life. Her world turns upside down when she accidentally reanimates Cole, a Victorian-era corpse, during a freak lightning storm. As Lisa and Cole develop an unlikely romantic bond, the story delves into the peculiar challenges they face. Cole’s reanimation is far from perfect, leaving him with an incomplete body and a struggle to adapt to the modern world. Lisa, determined to keep her love a secret, must find creative ways to hide Cole from her friends and family, all while dealing with typical teenage issues. Set against the backdrop of a small, eerie town, the film explores themes of acceptance, identity, and the lengths one goes to for love. The quirky narrative includes dark humor and heartwarming moments, showcasing the characters’ growth as they navigate their unconventional relationship. “Lisa Frankenstein” is also set in the same fictional universe as Diablo Cody’s “Jennifer’s Body,” adding a layer of connection for fans. The film promises to be a spooky yet endearing tale that challenges traditional romantic tropes, making it a standout in the genre. (more…)
“Earworm” (2024) is a gripping horror film. The plot centers around Henry Adams, a socially awkward man battling severe social anxiety. Desperate for relief, he joins a self-help group that employs a bizarre and mysterious treatment involving live worms, which they claim can help rewire the brain. As Henry undergoes this unsettling treatment, he begins to suspect that the group is hiding dark and sinister secrets. The worms, instead of bringing solace, seem to unleash terrifying hallucinations and nightmarish experiences. Henry’s reality starts to blur, leading him to question his sanity and the true intentions of the group. Parallel to Henry’s story is a gripping subplot involving a tenacious detective who is investigating a series of gruesome murders linked to the self-help group. As the detective delves deeper into the case, the evidence points to the horrifying truth about the worms and the group’s malevolent leader. As the film progresses, Henry’s struggle to escape the clutches of the group intensifies, culminating in a heart-pounding climax where he must confront his deepest fears and the malevolent forces at play. The detective’s pursuit of justice intersects with Henry’s desperate fight for survival, leading to a chilling and suspenseful conclusion. “Earworm” combines psychological horror with intense suspense, creating a haunting atmosphere that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The film delves into themes of desperation, the quest for mental peace, and the terrifying consequences of tampering with the unknown. (more…)
“Lift” (2024) is a thrilling heist comedy directed by F. Gary Gray. Kevin Hart stars as Cyrus, a charismatic art thief who gets roped into working with Interpol. Gugu Mbatha-Raw plays Abby, a determined Interpol agent who needs Cyrus’s unique skills for a daring mission. Their goal: to intercept $500 million in gold bullion being transported on an A380 passenger flight. The heist requires a talented team, including Vincent D’Onofrio, Úrsula Corberó, Billy Magnussen, Jacob Batalon, Jean Reno, and Sam Worthington, each bringing essential skills to the table. The film skillfully blends action and humor, making for a gripping and entertaining ride. Cyrus must navigate trust issues and moral dilemmas while planning the heist. The movie delves into the characters’ relationships, offering depth beyond the thrilling action. Themes of trust, redemption, and the blurred lines between right and wrong are explored, making it more than just a standard heist film. “Lift” is a captivating mix of suspense, comedy, and heart, keeping audiences engaged from start to finish. (more…)
Lights Out (2024) is a gripping action thriller. The story centers around Michael “Duffy” Duffield (Grillo), a homeless veteran haunted by his combat experiences and the deaths of his comrades. Duffy’s trauma keeps him on the move, unable to settle in one place. One night, during a bar brawl, Duffy’s fighting skills catch the eye of Max Bomer (Phifer), a talkative ex-con with a keen sense of opportunity. Impressed, Max offers Duffy a job in the underground fight club scene, promising quick cash. Duffy reluctantly agrees, and the two form an unlikely partnership, heading to Los Angeles. Duffy sees this as a chance for redemption, while Max aims to pay off his debt to crime boss Sage Parker (Mulroney). As Duffy descends deeper into the underground fighting world, he becomes entangled in a dangerous web involving Sage, corrupt cops, and ruthless hired killers. The stakes rise as Duffy and Max navigate this treacherous world, facing life-threatening challenges and moral dilemmas at every turn. Amidst the brutal fight scenes and adrenaline-pumping action, the film explores themes of redemption, survival, and the impact of past traumas on the present. Duffy’s struggle with his inner demons adds depth to the narrative, making Lights Out more than just a high-octane thriller. The powerful performances by the ensemble cast enhance the film’s emotional resonance and intensity, providing a raw and immersive cinematic experience. (more…)
“The Underdoggs” (2024) is a sports comedy directed by Charles Stone III. The story follows Jaycen “Two Js” Jennings, a washed-up former professional football star who hits rock bottom and is sentenced to community service. To avoid prison time, Jaycen is given the option to coach an unruly pee-wee football team in his hometown. Initially seeing it as a burden, Jaycen soon realizes that this opportunity could be his chance to turn his life around and rediscover his love for the game. As Jaycen takes on the challenge, he faces the task of transforming a group of misfit kids into a cohesive and competitive team. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about teamwork, resilience, and personal growth. The film also explores Jaycen’s strained relationship with his ex-wife, Cherise, and his journey to rebuild that relationship. With a star-studded cast including Snoop Dogg, Tika Sumpter, Mike Epps, Kal Penn, Kandi Burruss, and George Lopez, “The Underdoggs” delivers a heartwarming and humorous story about second chances and the power of community. (more…)
