Self Reliance (2023) is a darkly comedic thriller directed by Jake Johnson, making his feature directorial debut. The plot revolves around Tommy, a middle-aged man stuck in a rut, who is unexpectedly chosen to participate in a deadly reality game show on the dark web. The show’s premise is simple yet terrifying: survive for 30 days while being hunted by killers for a chance to win $1 million. The catch is that the hunters can only attack when Tommy is alone. Seeing a loophole, Tommy believes he can outsmart the game by never being on his own. As he navigates this dangerous game, Tommy enlists the help of friends, strangers, and even some unlikely allies to stay safe. Along the way, he encounters bizarre and humorous situations that test his wits and survival skills. The film delves into themes of isolation, the human need for connection, and the absurdity of modern life. Through his harrowing journey, Tommy begins to appreciate the value of companionship and realizes that life is worth fighting for. The film blends tension, dark humor, and poignant moments, making it a unique take on the survival genre. Self Reliance explores how we cope with adversity and the importance of self-discovery, all while delivering a thrilling and entertaining story. (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…)
“Harold and the Purple Crayon” is a delightful children’s book by Crockett Johnson. It tells the story of Harold, a curious and imaginative four-year-old boy who wields a magical purple crayon. One night, Harold decides to go for a walk in the moonlight. Realizing there is no moon, he draws one, along with a path to walk on. As Harold ventures out, he encounters various imaginative scenarios. He draws a dragon to guard an apple tree, which he then climbs to pick an apple. To escape the dragon, he draws an ocean and a boat to sail across it. His journey continues with him drawing a picnic scene featuring nine different kinds of pie. Throughout his adventure, Harold uses his crayon to creatively solve problems and explore new places. Eventually, he grows tired and decides to find his way back home. He draws a city, a police officer to help him, and finally his own bedroom window. Climbing inside, Harold goes to sleep, ending his imaginative journey. The story beautifully illustrates the boundless creativity and problem-solving abilities of a child’s imagination. (more…)
“The 4:30 Movie” is a 2024 coming-of-age comedy film directed by Kevin Smith. Set during the summer of 1986, it follows three sixteen-year-old friends, Brian David, Belly, and Burny, who spend their Saturdays sneaking into movies at the local cineplex. Brian, the main character, has a crush on Melody Barnegat and nervously calls her to ask her out to a 4:30 showing of an R-rated detective comedy. The trio plans to theater-hop all day, watching multiple movies on a single ticket. Their adventure is filled with humor and chaos, especially as they try to avoid the cineplex’s egotistical manager, Mike, who takes great pleasure in banning people from his theater. The film captures the essence of teenage life in the ’80s, with its mix of friendship, first crushes, and the thrill of bending the rules. (more…)
It’s What’s Inside is a horror-comedy film directed by Greg Jardin. The story follows Cyrus, who is persuaded by his girlfriend Shelby to attend a pre-wedding party for their old friend Reuben. What starts as a simple reunion quickly escalates when their estranged classmate Forbes shows up with a mysterious suitcase capable of swapping people’s bodies. As the party progresses, old tensions and rivalries resurface, and the group, driven by curiosity and the thrill of the unknown, decides to use the suitcase to play a Mafia-inspired game. This decision leads to a series of chaotic and hilarious body-swapping scenarios, as friends find themselves in each other’s bodies, dealing with the quirks and secrets they never knew. As the game spirals out of control, the film delves into the complexities of friendship, the resurfacing of past grievances, and the unexpected consequences of meddling with supernatural forces. With a blend of horror and humor, “It’s What’s Inside” offers a unique take on the themes of identity and the bonds that tie us together, all while delivering a wild, entertaining ride. (more…)
“Don’t Move” (2024) is a tense survival horror thriller directed by Adam Schindler and Brian Netto, and produced by Sam Raimi. The film stars Kelsey Asbille as Iris, a grieving woman who encounters a seemingly friendly stranger named Richard (played by Finn Wittrock) while contemplating suicide in the woods. Richard convinces her not to jump, but then injects her with a paralytic agent, giving her only 20 minutes before her body shuts down. Iris must now run, fight, and hide to survive before the toxin takes full effect. The film follows her desperate race against time, battling her physical limitations and the elements as she tries to signal for help and evade Richard. The movie keeps the pace up with constant twists and evolving stakes, making it a gripping and intense watch. The cat-and-mouse dynamic between Iris and Richard adds layers of tension, as Iris’s physical condition deteriorates, heightening the sense of urgency. The secluded forest setting amplifies the suspense, creating an atmosphere of isolation and dread. The narrative delves into themes of survival, trust, and the human will to live, making Iris’s journey both thrilling and emotionally resonant. With strong performances from Asbille and Wittrock, “Don’t Move” captures the relentless and terrifying ordeal of a woman fighting against time and a relentless predator. The film’s blend of psychological horror and physical endurance tests the limits of its characters, offering viewers a relentless and heart-pounding experience. (more…)
“Hot Frosty” (2024) is a heartwarming Christmas romantic comedy directed by Jerry Ciccoritti. The film stars Lacey Chabert as Kathy Barrett, a grieving widow who accidentally brings a snowman to life. The snowman, named Jack (played by Dustin Milligan), transforms into a charming, shirtless man. Kathy’s life takes an unexpected turn as she helps Jack navigate his new human form while dealing with the town’s reactions and her own emotional healing. As they spend more time together, Kathy and Jack develop a unique bond that blends humor, romance, and the magic of the holiday season. The film captures the essence of Christmas with its festive setting and heartwarming storyline, highlighting themes of love, loss, and second chances. Filmed in picturesque locations in Canada, including Ottawa, Brockville, and Pakenham, Ontario, “Hot Frosty” showcases beautiful winter landscapes that add to its charm. The movie’s blend of lighthearted comedy and touching moments makes it a perfect holiday watch, offering a feel-good experience for viewers of all ages. With its enchanting premise and strong performances, “Hot Frosty” promises to be a delightful addition to the lineup of beloved Christmas films, providing laughter, warmth, and the enduring message that love can come when least expected. (more…)
“Smile” (2022) is a psychological supernatural horror film directed by Parker Finn. The story follows Dr. Rose Cotter, a therapist played by Sosie Bacon, who witnesses a traumatic incident involving a patient at the hospital where she works. The patient, Laura, dies by suicide in a gruesome manner, and Rose is deeply affected by the experience. As Rose tries to cope with the trauma, she starts experiencing disturbing visions and hallucinations of Laura, who appears with a sinister smile. These visions begin to escalate, and Rose becomes increasingly convinced that Laura’s spirit is haunting her. The film explores themes of trauma, mental health, and the impact of witnessing a traumatic event. As Rose’s mental state deteriorates, she seeks help from her colleagues and friends, but the entity continues to torment her, leading to a climactic and terrifying confrontation. As the plot unfolds, Rose’s grip on reality weakens, and she becomes desperate to uncover the truth behind the haunting. Her investigation leads her to discover a pattern of similar cases, each connected by the chilling smile that haunts her. The tension builds as Rose races against time to find a way to end the curse before it consumes her completely. The movie offers a chilling look at the effects of trauma and the struggle to maintain one’s sanity. With its eerie atmosphere, compelling performances, and thought-provoking themes, “Smile” (2022) promises to be a memorable addition to the horror genre. (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…)
“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…)
