“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 …
“Things Will Be Different” (2024) is an intense science fiction thriller directed by Michael Felker. The plot follows siblings Joseph and Sidney, who are estranged but find themselves teaming up to rob a bank. After the heist, they use a time-travel device to escape the pursuing authorities, taking refuge in an abandoned farmhouse. This farmhouse, however, is a portal to various time periods, trapping them in a temporal purgatory. As they struggle to find a way back to their time, they encounter bizarre phenomena and a sinister force that tests the limits of their frayed relationship. Their journey is fraught with unexpected dangers and revelations, as they must confront not only the mysteries of the time loop but also their own personal demons. The film deftly weaves together action, drama, and mind-bending science fiction, with a nonlinear narrative that keeps the audience guessing. More …
“The Radleys,” by Matt Haig, is about an ordinary family with an extraordinary secret. Peter and Helen Radley live in a quiet English village and have chosen to abstain from their vampire cravings. Their teenage kids, Clara and Rowan, are blissfully unaware of their true nature until an accident at a party triggers Clara’s transformation into a vampire. This discovery unravels the family’s carefully constructed facade of normalcy, forcing them to confront their hidden identities and the primal urge for blood. As secrets spill, tensions rise, and the Radleys must navigate the complexities of living among humans while grappling with their own nature. More …
“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 …
“The Absence of Eden” is a thriller film directed by Marco Perego. The plot centers on an American Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent named Shipp, played by Garrett Hedlund, who is struggling with the ethical dilemmas of his job. His path crosses with Yadira, an undocumented woman portrayed by Adria Arjona, who is fleeing from a violent cartel. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to save the life of an innocent girl caught in the dangerous world of human trafficking. Zoe Saldaña stars as Esmee, adding depth to the narrative with her powerful performance. The film also features Tom Waits as Hunley, a character who adds a layer of complexity to the story. The movie delves into themes of morality, survival, and the human cost of immigration enforcement. 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 …
“Little Bites” is a 2024 horror film directed by Spider One. The plot centers on Mindy Vogel, a young widow, who is determined to protect her ten-year-old daughter, Alice, from a terrifying monster named Agyar. This creature, reminiscent of Nosferatu, haunts their home, especially a sinister basement room. In a desperate bid to keep Alice safe, Mindy sends her to live with her grandmother. However, the malevolent presence of Agyar continues to loom, suggesting that the horror is far from over. The film delves into the psychological and supernatural, exploring the extreme measures a mother will take to shield her child from danger. 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 …
Kyle Kinane: Shocks & Struts (2023) is a stand-up comedy special featuring comedian Kyle Kinane. Directed by Jonah Ray, this special showcases Kinane’s unique comedic style as he delves into a variety of topics with his signature wit and humor. In this hour-long performance, Kinane covers a wide range of subjects, including his experiences with COVID-19 protocols, the absurdity of discolored pillows, and the quirks of airplane dashboards. He also shares personal anecdotes, such as his laparoscopic appendectomy and the life-altering experience of getting stuck at Joshua Tree National Park. Known for his keen commentary and adventurous storytelling, Kinane keeps the audience engaged with his relatable and often self-deprecating humor. More …
6 episodes
Joan (Season 1) is a British crime drama series set in the 1980s, starring Sophie Turner as Joan Hannington. Joan is a struggling housewife and mother facing severe financial difficulties. Desperate to provide for her daughter, Kelly, she makes a bold decision to steal diamonds from the jewelry shop where she works. This impulsive act thrusts her into the criminal underworld, where her cunning and daring nature quickly help her rise through the ranks. As Joan becomes more deeply involved in crime, she must navigate the dangerous world of jewel thieves and criminals, all while maintaining her double life and trying to keep her daughter safe. The series delves into Joan’s complex character, exploring her transformation from a desperate mother to a notorious jewel thief. Themes of survival, identity, and maternal love are central to the story, highlighting the lengths Joan will go to protect her child. With suspenseful heists, intricate character development, and emotional depth, Joan offers a thrilling and poignant look at a woman’s journey through the criminal underworld. More …
