Monday 31 July 2017

Competition: Win The Ottoman Lieutenant on DVD

The Ottoman Lieutenant is out on DVD on August 7th and to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 3 copies of the DVD to give away.

Synopsis:
Josh Hartnett, Michiel Huisman and Hera Hilmar star in this historical drama from director Joseph Ruben. Frustrated with her life at home, nurse Lillie Rowe (Hilmar) leaves the United States and heads to a remote mission in the Ottoman Empire to link up with American doctor Jude (Hartnett).

Desperate to utilise her talents in an environment where she can make a difference, Lillie ignores the dangers and journeys across the volatile countryside to reach Jude's remote hospital. However, when she falls in love with Ismail (Huisman), a lieutenant in the Ottoman Imperial Army, Lillie is soon forced to make some difficult decisions as war breaks out and she finds herself torn between her loyalty to Jude and her new love. The cast also includes Ben Kingsley, Haluk Bilginer and Affif Ben Badra.

Starring Michiel Huisman & Hera Hilmar

Check out the release on Amazon by clicking the link below: (Opens in a new window)
The Ottoman Lieutenant [DVD]


COMPETITION CLOSED



Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 14-08-17
2. No alternative prize is available
3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.
4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

Competition: Win Come And Find Me on DVD


Come And Find Me is out on DVD on August 21st and to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 3 copies of the DVD to give away.

Synopsis:
Two-time Emmy Award Winner Aaron Paul stars in the most gripping thriller of the year, about a man desperately trying to find his missing girlfriend. Come And Find Me follows the twisting lives of David (Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad) and Claire (Annabelle Wallis, The Mummy), whose idyllic relationship comes to an abrupt and inexplicable end after Claire disappears without a trace.

Shocked at discovering that Claire was living a double life entwined in the criminal underworld, David begins to follow her trail down a frantic and extremely dangerous path. Devastated but incapable of letting go, he’s forced to risk everything if he ever wants to see her again. BONUS - Making Of Featurette

Starring Aaron Paul & Annabelle Walli

Check out the release on Amazon by clicking the link below: (Opens in a new window)
Come And Find Me [DVD] [2017]

COMPETITION CLOSED


Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 21-08-17
2. No alternative prize is available
3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.
4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

Pawn Sacrifice - New Trailer


Pawn Sacrifice follows American chess phenomenon Bobby Fischer (Tobey Maguire), who squares off against his Russian rival Boris Spassky (Liev Schreiber) in the 1972 "Match of the Century" in Reykjavik, in this gripping drama from director Edward Zwick (Glory) and screenwriter Steven Knight (Eastern Promises).

Saturday 29 July 2017

REVIEW: House on Rodeo Gulch


Synopsis
Uprooted from her childhood home in Texas by her father's new job, sixteen-year-old Shani Peterson (Megan Jay Simrell) moves to California with her new step-mom, Denise (Chanel Ryan). Their new home, located deep in the redwoods of Central California is a dream come true... until it's not. With an over friendly Reverend and his alcoholic assistant as their only neighbors, Shani and Denise must unearth the haunting mysteries of the house and its history, before they lose their home, or lives.

Review By Jon Donnis
House on Rodeo Gulch is a psychological thriller set in the redwoods of the Santa Cruz, California. And the first thing that you will notice when watching this is how beautifully this is shot. I know I really appreciated some of the angles, and scenery, really beautiful area.

The film follows a mother and daughter after they move into this beautiful house, nothing could possibly go wrong could it, well just when you think everything is perfect life has this annoying way of turning everything upside down. As things start to happen in the house, we are at first led to believe it is the paranormal, but as the story unfolds, the truth turns out to be just as if not more terrifying. So is there anyone out there who can help? Perhaps the next door neighbour, a respectable Reverend, with a big old cross dangling from his next. Surely he cant be involved right?

There is even a scene that I personally would consider the perfect embodiment of one of my own biggest fears, I wont spoil it, but lets just say after I finished watching the film, I will be checking things even closer than usual. And that is the point about this film, it does well when it comes to making you think.

That's not to say the film is without humour, it has some good moments which made me laugh, not to mention some perfectly acceptable and enjoyable gratuitous moments with the stunningly gorgeous Megan Jay Simrell running about in her underwear.

I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable old fashioned psychological thriller, with some stand out moments, and some creepiness that will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

I watched this on a Saturday night all alone in the dark, my advice to you is perhaps leave one light on. Just in case. Oh and never mess with a cute girl in her underwear, you never know where she might be concealing her gun.

I give this film a decent 8/10


About the Cast
Chanel Ryan - International Actress and Model, Chanel has appeared in over twenty feature movies having worked along side such great stars as James Caan, Sean Astin, Christopher Lloyd, Gary Sinise and Bill Murray to name of few. She is also internationally recognized as one of the world's hottest models having graced the covers and inside magazines such as Esquire, GQ, Playboy, Maxim, People and FHN among others. A few years back she was voted the hottest model in three different continents.

Barry Radcliffe - has over twenty feature credits to his name (Ted 2, Masterminds, The Witches of Oz, among others). In addition, his has one of the most recognizable faces in Television having starred and co-starred in over twenty TV shows including (Nashville, Army Wives).

Megan Jay Simrell - In here first starring role, Megan reminded the Director of a young and raw Jennifer Lawrence. Funny, scary, relentless and beautiful, this young woman is going places very soon. As she primarily focuses on acting, she is quickly climbing up the ladder in the world of modelling. House on Rodeo Gulch will be forever remembered as Megan's first starring role.

Producer/Director/Writer - William Scherer
Director of Photography - Chen Dubrin
Original Score - Austin Lawrence
International Distribution - D3Telefilm, Los Angeles, CA
Website - HouseonRodeoGulch.com

Jonathan Lipnicki in CIRCUS KANE - Poster and Trailer


From Uncork'd Entertainment and DeInstitutionalized comes the it horror movie of fall, Circus Kane premiering on VOD 9/8.

The notorious and disgraced circus master, Balthazar Kane, invites an unsuspecting group of social media stars to the revival of his CIRCUS KANE by promising $250,000 to any of them who can make it through the night. Kane’s true plan quickly proves to be far more sinister as the contestants realize more than money is on the line. The group must fight for their lives to escape Kane’s demented house of horrors.

Jonathan Lipnicki (Jerry Maguire) and Mark Christopher Lawrence (Cooties) head up the cast of Christopher Douglas-Olen Ray’s fantastic frighthouse Circus Kane, on VOD this September.

James Cullen Bressack and Zack Ward scripted, based on a story by Sean Sellars. Gerald Webb, Christopher Ray and James Cullen Bressack produce.

Studio: Uncork'd Entertainment
Director: Christopher Douglas-Olen Ray
Cast : Jonathan Lipnicki, Mark Christopher Lawrence, Nicole Fox, Jonathan Nation, Mike Jerome Putnam, Scott Thomas Reynolds, Bill Voorhees

Friday 28 July 2017

Land of Mine - Official UK Trailer [HD] - in cinemas August 4


As World War II comes to an end, a group of German POWs - boys rather than men - are captured by the Danish army and forced to engage in a deadly task: to defuse and clear land mines from the Danish coastline. With little or no training, the boys soon discover that the war is far from over.

Inspired by real events, LAND OF MINE exposes the untold story of one tragic moment in Denmark's history, written and directed by Martin Zandvliet.

RELEASE DATE: August 4th 2017
DIRECTOR: Martin Zandvliet


Thursday 27 July 2017

The Domicile - New Poster and Trailer


Director Jared Cohn (Devil's Domain) and Producer Gabriel Campisi (The Horde) invite you to The Domicile this August.

Russel Brody, a one-time successful playwright, works diligently on a follow-up play that could land him back in the spotlight he so early craves. With a baby on the way, however, and a strained marriage, stress and frustration take center stage. When his wife accidentally stumbles down the stairs and dies from her injuries, Brody's mental state goes from bad to one of utter despair.

In a bid to help his friend regain his sanity, Brody's co-writer David Stanley suggests he revisits Lucy, his former mistress. The ghost of Brody's dead wife awakens to the sordid details of his unfaithfulness, enraging her supernatural spirit to haunt him in every horrifying way imaginable. At first, Brody thinks he's hallucinating and hearing things in his head, the result of his state of mind and alcohol. But as things intensify, his grip on sanity quickly slips away, and he starts to go mad. Appearing in every shadow, and provoking him relentlessly, the ghost cranks up her onslaught, making his life a living hell. Brody reaches his breaking point when the ghost possesses his former mistress, and he's forced to confront the scorned entity -- resulting in a climax of both psychological and physical terror.

Starring Steve Richard Harris (Evil Nanny), Demetrius Stear (Death Pool), Katherine Flannery (Zombie Pizza) and Sara Malakul Lane (King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table), The Domicile from MTI Home Video, hitting DVD and VOD August 22.

6 Below - In cinemas and on demand from October 13th, 2017


A recreational trip to the mountains becomes a test of human endurance and a fight for survival in the incredible 6 BELOW, arriving in cinemas and on demand on October 13th courtesy of Signature Entertanment.

Eric LeMarque (Josh Hartnett; TV’s Penny Dreadful, Lucky Number Slevin) is a thrill-seeking snowboarder with a weight of personal demons on his back. When he gets lost in a massive winter storm in the back country of the High Sierra Mountains, LeMarque is pushed to the limit and forced to battle those demons head-on as he fights against the worst the elements can throw at him.

Featuring a mesmerising tour de force from Hartnett as real-life hero LeMarque, 6 BELOW also features Sarah Dumont (Don Jon, TV’s The Royals) and Oscar-winner Mira Sorvino (Summer Of Sam, Mighty Aphrodite) as LeMarque’s equally determined mother. With the wilds of Utah providing the film’s backdrop and giving Hartnett a taste of what LeMarque went through in real life, director Scott Waugh (Need For Speed, Act Of Valor), 6 BELOW deliver an assault on the senses that thrills – and chills – to the bone.


Action epic WOLF WARRIOR 2 hits UK Cinemas 4th August


Synopsis:
China's deadliest Special Forces operative, known as the Wolf Warrior (Wu Jing – Call of Heroes, Kill Zone), hopes to settle into a quiet life by the sea. But after he crosses paths with a ruthless band of mercenaries, overseen by a volatile and sadistic leader (Frank Grillo - Warrior, Captain America: Civil War), he must reaffirm his duty as a soldier to put an end to the terrorizing of innocent civilians. Fists, bullets, tanks and missiles will fly in this tour-de-force of bravura action filmmaking, all culminating in a climactic battle between the highly skilled Wolf Warrior, and the brutal mercenary leader.

The Rise of Charlie Hunnam


Having received universal acclaim for his outstanding lead performances as Jackson 'Jax' Teller in FX’s outlawed motorcycle club crime drama Sons of Anarchy, Charlie Hunnam - the unlikely lad from the north east of England - has gone from strength to strength. Since Sons of Anarchy launched him into the mainstream, Hunnam has landed a number of scorching lead roles in Hollywood blockbusters such as Guy Ritchie’s King Arthur: Legend of the Sword and James Gray’s remarkable true-life epic about early 20th century British explorer Percy Fawcett The Lost City of Z which comes to Blu-ray, DVD and digital on 24th July courtesy of StudioCanal.

Although there is no doubt that Hunnam is now an international movie star, it wasn’t always that way as he began his career on television, appearing first in three episodes of Byker Grove in 1998, before the big time beckoned with his first major role as the love-smitten Nathan Maloney in Queer as Folk (1999), a critical success that ranked at number 13 in The Guardian’s 2010 list of "The Top 50 TV Dramas of All Time". Subsequently, Hunnam gained his first lead cinematic role as Nicholas Nickleby in the 2002 film adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel. Further film roles came through in the mid-noughties, most notably a pivotal character in the critically acclaimed drama Cold Mountain (2003) and a less memorable stab at a cockney accent in British football hooligan flick Green Street (2005). As noted, though, it wasn’t until Sons of Anarchy that Hunnam thrust himself to the forefront of Hollywood’s long list of leading men.
Let’s take a look at what he’s been up to since then...

Sons of Anarchy (2008-2014)
Here it is, then: Hunnam’s breakthrough role. As Jax, the grizzly, hardened and morally flawed biker from the Californian coast, Hunnam led from the front across seven seasons of the TV drama. Centring on both the personal and family life of Jackson "Jax" Teller and his biker crew-cum-organised crime syndicate SAMCRO (Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club, Redwood Original; based on the real life Oakland motorcycle crew Hell’s Angels), Sons of Anarchy explores the themes of vigilantism, government corruption and racism in fictional Californian town, Charming. Jax lives for the club, but as the seasons pass he questions the violent extremes his peers will go to in the name of "business”. A stunning turn from Hunnam that grabbed the attention of casting directors across the globe.

Pacific Rim (2013)
Treasured visionary filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro has long been known for his incredibly imaginative and detailed monster creations, which he provides in spades with this colossal monster knockout. However what was most notable about the director’s first real stab at a mainstream Hollywood blockbuster was his human characters, and how relatable and believable they were in amongst the incredible Robot vs Monster action set pieces, unlike many other films of this nature. This was true none more so than for Hunnam’s protagonist Raleigh, who is tasked with leading the fight against giant beasts who have come to destroy earth from another dimension, by piloting robot behemoths to take them down. Hunnam, as expected, brings much needed life to his lead character that could so easily have been lost under all the incredible crashy, smashy CGI.


The Lost City of Z
Based on author David Grann’s non-fiction bestseller, The Lost City Of Z is the incredible true story of pioneering British explorer Percy Fawcett, who journeys into the Amazon at the dawn of the 20th century. In the film, Hunnam stars as the ill-fated explorer who, despite being ridiculed by the scientific establishment that regarded indigenous populations as savages, returns time and again to his beloved jungle; discovering evidence of a previously unknown, advanced civilization that may have once inhabited the region in an attempt to prove his case. A big role and one that caught the attention of critics, Hunnam’s performance in the film further cements his credentials as a leading man, and a big screen force to be reckoned with.

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)
This summer, British director Guy Ritchie cast Hunnam as the eponymous Arthur in his action-packed fantasy epic, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, in which he starred alongside a heavily eye-lined Jude Law. As expected, Ritchie brought his signature dynamic style to the Excalibur myth, tracing Arthur's journey from the streets to the throne, via a sword in the stone. However the film struggled at the box office; not even a cameo from Ritchie’s bezzie Golden Balls could entice the audiences that were expected. Nevertheless, Hunnam’s performance was by and large considered a good one, and yet another high profile leading role to add to his impressive 2017.


Papillon (2017)
Up next, Hunnam will star opposite Rami Malek in the titular role of Papillon, an upcoming biographical film directed by Michael Noer. Based on the best-selling autobiography by the French convict Henri “Papillon” Charrière, Papillon charts Charrière's escape attempts from the brutal penal colony on French Guiana. The film, which is now in post-production, is a remake of the 1973 American crime drama prison film of the same name starring Steve McQueen (as Papillon) and Dustin Hoffman (as Louis Dega, as played by Malek in this version). Big shoes to fill, but something tells me Hunnam is up to the task...

***
The Lost City of Z is out on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download from 24th July.

Wednesday 26 July 2017

Patti Cake$ - New Poster & Trailer


Newcomer Danielle Macdonald stars as aspiring rapper Patricia Dombrowski, a.k.a. Killa P a.k.a. Patti Cake$ in the first feature film from acclaimed commercial and music video director Geremy Jasper. Set in gritty strip-mall suburbia, PATTI CAKE$ chronicles an underdog’s quest for fame and glory with humour, raw energy and unforgettable beats.

PATTI CAKE$ also stars Bridget Everett, Siddharth Dhananjay and Mamoudou Athie.

PATTI CAKE$ arrives in UK cinemas in on 1st September 2017 following its UK premiere at the closing night of Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House on August 23rd.


The Odyssey - New UK Poster & Trailer


THE ODYSSEY, directed by Jérôme Salle (Zulu, Anthony Zimmer) and starring Audrey Tautou (Amelie The Da Vinci Code), Lambert Wilson (Ernest & Celestine, Of Gods and Men) and César Award winning actor Pierre Niney (Frantz, Yves Saint Laurent) is set to open in the UK and Ireland on 18 August 2017, by distributor Altitude (Moonlight, Lady Macbeth).

The film examines the life of ocean-explorer and adventurer Jacques Cousteau, one of the iconic figures of the 1960s.

1948. Jacques Cousteau, his wife and his two sons are living in paradise, in a beautiful house overlooking the Mediterranean. But all Cousteau can think of is adventure. Thanks to his invention, an independent aqualung allowing divers to breathe under water, he has discovered a whole new world. Now all he wants to do is explore this world. And he is willing to sacrifice everything to achieve this.

The screenplay is co-written by director Jérôme Salle and Laurent Turner. Produced by Nathalie Gastaldo Godeau, Philippe Godeau, Olivier Delbosc, Marc Missonnier and the executive producer is Christine De Jekel.

The film was edited by Stan Collet (Zulu, Paris je t’aime) with a score from Oscar-winning composer Alexandre Desplat (The Grand Budapest Hotel, The King’s Speech). The creative team also includes production designer Laurent Ott (Elle) costume designer Carine Sarfati (Tell No One) and hair and make-up designer Rick Findlater.

THE ODYSSEY will be released in UK and Ireland by Altitude Film Distribution on 18 August 2017.

Tuesday 25 July 2017

Interview with Producer of WTF! - Steve Parker

From prolific producers Steve Parker and Jody Parker and director Peter Herro comes WTF!, a love letter to classic horror films arriving via Midnight Releasing on August 1.

Three years ago, twenty-two year old girl-next-door Rachel (Ott) barely survived a brutal massacre that left her friends in pieces. Time has passed, Rachel has moved on, but unfortunately history has a way of repeating itself. 

Her close friends are spending spring break in a secluded house in the woods, and they have cordially invited her to join. Little does she realize that another bloodbath will be showing up as plus one. Once Rachel and her friends arrive at the cabin, the partying, sex, and terror begins.

We caught up with Steve Parker to get the 411 on WTF!

How long of a journey has this been for the WTF! Producing team? How did it come about?

Over three years ago Peter brought us the script, and we sent him back to writing with a lot of notes. When he came back a year later, the script worked. Six months later we wrapped production, and then we spent two years in post. We were busy on major projects (Beverly Hills Lizard People, and the best-selling Belgian book series The Dark Numbers) and this was simple enough and Peter was going to do the line producing.


What was the appeal for you?

It was a cute little script, and had great potential.

Was it shot in your neck of the woods?

I’m the weirdo—I’m San Francisco-based. The production was in L.A., and even my business partner Jody Wheeler is based there.


Do you imagine a much different series had a major studio got hold of it?

I think they’d have re-written the details to fit marketing wisdom.


How would you describe the tone?

It’s a very Cabin in the Woods kind of setting where you gradually become aware how creepy and isolated a place you are.


Tell us about the cast….

We found a great cast of newcomers. Callie Ott (Rachel) has a previous feature credit, but for everyone else it was a first feature opportunity. They’re talented, attractive and you’ll be seeing more from the all. Andrea Hunt has a role in the up-coming Awaken the Shadowman, for example.


How has advances in technology opened up doors for filmmakers?

Shot on a RED Scarlet, there are really great cameras and the ability to do VFX and other post magic at low cost helps us make movies that look like a million dollars for a small fraction of that budget.


Can you tell us about your next film?

We’re planning to shoot Beverly Hills Lizard People in spring of next year in Vancouver. An extension of the L.A. subway into Beverly Hills disturbs the underground lair of the lizard people who live beneath it. It should be fun! Look for parodies of the current administration’s cabinet! Kelly-Ann lizard?


WTF! Is available August 1st on Cable VOD and Digital HD


The Jungle Bunch - New Poster and Trailer


The Jungle Bunch follows a gang of misfit animals on a mission to protect their jungle home. In their first big screen adventure, the Jungle Bunch’s tiger striped Kung Fu penguin leader Maurice and his comrades – a goldfish, tarsier and gorilla – fight to protect the jungle from a gang of silly baboons lead by Igor the evil Koala.

IN CINEMAS SEPTEMBER 15

Logan Lucky - New Poster and Trailer


Synopsis
Jimmy Logan (Channing Tatum) is from a blue-collar family from the hills of West Virginia, whose clan has been famous for its bad luck for nearly 90 years. After being fired from his job, and with his ex-wife (Katie Holmes) threatening to move out of State taking their daughter with her, Jimmy decides he has to do something to get his family’s life back on track. With a little help from his brother Clyde Logan (Adam Driver), his sister Mellie (Riley Keough) and an incarcerated explosive expert, the aptly named Joe Bang (Daniel Craig), he plans to steal $14 million from the Charlotte Motor Speedway on the busiest race day of the year.

Directed by Academy Award-winner Steven Soderbergh (Ocean’s Eleven, Magic Mike, Traffic), Logan Lucky also stars Hilary Swank, Seth MacFarlane, Katherine Waterston, Sebastian Stan, and Brian Gleeson.

Monday 24 July 2017

Competition: Win Neither Heaven Nor Earth on DVD

Neither Heaven Nor Earth is out on DVD on July 31st and to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 3 copies of the DVD to give away.

Synopsis:
Afghanistan 2014. Approaching the withdrawal of troops, Captain Antarès Bonassieu and his squad are assigned to monitor a remote valley of Wakhan, Afghanistan, on the border of Pakistan.

Despite their determination, control of this so-called calm sector will gradually crumble as soldiers start to mysteriously disappear one by one…

Starring Jérémie Renier and Swann Arlaud

Check out the release on Amazon by clicking the link below: (Opens in a new window)
Neither Heaven Nor Earth [DVD] [2017]

COMPETITION CLOSED

 

Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 07-08-17
2. No alternative prize is available
3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.
4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

Competition: Win Wakefield on DVD

Wakefield  is out on DVD on July 31st and to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 3 copies of the DVD to give away.

Synopsis:
Drama directed by Robin Swicord and starring Bryan Cranston and Jennifer Garner. A responsible husband and father, Howard Wakefield (Cranston) works as a lawyer in order to earn the money that gives him and his family a comfortable life. But after a particularly exhausting day at work Howard returns home to find a raccoon infestation in his garage.

As he wearily clears them out, he discovers that an isolated corner of the garage allows him to observe much of his home undisturbed.

Thinking only to rest for a short while, Howard wakes the next morning with the realisation that he doesn't want to go back to the tiresome routine of his life and work, electing to stay in the garage and watch from the outside looking in as his family respond to his apparent disappearance.


Check out the release on Amazon by clicking the link below: (Opens in a new window)
Wakefield [DVD]

COMPETITION CLOSED




Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 07-08-17
2. No alternative prize is available
3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.
4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk Triumphs at the UK Box Office


London –  July 24, 2017 – Dunkirk, the much-anticipated new cinematic event from director Christopher Nolan, soared to the top of the UK box office on its opening weekend debut, earning an estimated £9,500,000 across 637 cinemas, including £1,330,000 in IMAX venues, and still going strong.  The announcement was made today by Josh Berger, President and Managing Director of Warner Bros. Entertainment UK, Eire and Spain.

Written and directed by Nolan, the epic action thriller Dunkirk brings the story of Operation Dynamo to the big screen as it unfolds on land, sea and air utilizing a mixture of IMAX® and 65mm film.  The film opens as hundreds of thousands of Allied troops are trapped on the beach.  Their backs to the sea, they face an impossible situation as the enemy closes in.

Debuting in cinemas on July 21, the epic action thriller gives Warner Bros. Entertainment UK it’s biggest opening weekend of 2017.


In making the announcement, Josh Berger stated: “Christopher Nolan has created a film that brings this extraordinary event to the screen in a thrilling and uniquely real cinematic experience.  Critics and audiences alike agree that Dunkirk must be seen on the biggest possible screen, and we anticipate that the incredible response among audiences across the UK will drive continued success well into the summer.”

Directed by Christopher Nolan (Interstellar, Inception, The Dark Knight Trilogy) from his own screenplay, Dunkirk features a multigenerational cast, including Fionn Whitehead, Tom Glynn-Carney, Jack Lowden, Harry Styles, Aneurin Barnard, James D’Arcy and Barry Keoghan, with Kenneth Branagh, Cillian Murphy, Mark Rylance and Tom Hardy.  The film was produced by Emma Thomas and Nolan, with Jake Myers serving as executive producer.

The behind-the-scenes creative team on Dunkirk included director of photography Hoyte van Hoytema, production designer Nathan Crowley, editor Lee Smith, costume designer Jeffrey Kurland, visual effects supervisor Andrew Jackson and special effects supervisor Scott Fisher.  The music was composed by Hans Zimmer.    Dunkirk was filmed on location in France, Holland, the UK and Los Angeles utilizing a combination of IMAX® and 65mm film.

New trailer for The LEGO® Ninjago Movie HD


Discover a tale of good and dad in the new trailer for The LEGO Ninjago Movie featuring an all-star cast including the legendary Jackie Chan as Master Wu, Dave Franco as Lloyd and Justin Theroux as the evil Garmadon. From the team that assembled The LEGO Movie and The LEGO Batman Movie, The LEGO Ninjago Movie is in cinemas October 13 2017.

In this big-screen Ninjago adventure, the battle for Ninjago City calls to action young Lloyd (Dave Franco), aka the Green Ninja, along with his friends, who are all secret warriors and LEGO Master Builders.  Led by kung fu master Wu as wise-cracking as he is wise, they must defeat evil warlord Garmadon (Justin Theroux), the Worst Guy Ever, who also happens to be Lloyd’s dad. Pitting mech against mech and father against son, the epic showdown will test this fierce but undisciplined team of modern-day ninjas who must learn to check their egos and pull together to unleash their true power.


Ready Player One - SDCC Teaser - Warner Bros. UK


Synopsis
The film is set in 2045, with the world on the brink of chaos and collapse.  But the people have found salvation in the OASIS, an expansive virtual reality universe created by the brilliant and eccentric James Halliday (Mark Rylance).  When Halliday dies, he leaves his immense fortune to the first person to find a digital Easter egg he has hidden somewhere in the OASIS, sparking a contest that grips the entire world.  When an unlikely young hero named Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan) decides to join the contest, he is hurled into a breakneck, reality-bending treasure hunt through a fantastical universe of mystery, discovery and danger.

Joining Tye Sheridan (X-Men: Apocalypse, Mud), Olivia Cooke (Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, Bates Motel), Ben Mendelsohn (Rogue One – A Star Wars Story, Bloodline) and T.J. Miller (Deadpool, Silicon Valley), with Simon Pegg (the Star Trek movies, the Mission: Impossible movies) and Oscar winner Mark Rylance (Bridge of Spies, Dunkirk) round out the cast. Directed by Spielberg from a screenplay by Zak Penn and Ernest Cline, Ready Player One was produced by Spielberg, Donald De Line, Kristie Macosko Krieger and Dan Farah; with Adam Somner, Daniel Lupi, Chris DeFaria and Bruce Berman as executive producers. The film is slated for release worldwide beginning 30th March, 2018, and will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.

Annabelle: Creation | Two Brand New Clips


From the director of Lights Out, David F. Sandberg and master of horror, James Wan, audiences will see how Annabelle was first brought to life.

In “Annabelle: Creation,” several years after the tragic death of their little girl, a dollmaker and his wife welcome a nun and several girls from a shuttered orphanage into their home, soon becoming the target of the dollmaker’s possessed creation, Annabelle.


Sunday 23 July 2017

Scarlett Johansson’s Sci-Fi Successes


Hollywood quickly gained a starlet in Scarlett Johansson after she received critical accolade from her breakthrough performance in 2003’s Lost in Translation. Johansson has since gone on to become one of the most successful actresses this generation, and in recent years, has graced our screens in a string of science-fiction blockbusters. As her latest futuristic endeavour - Ghost in the Shell - becomes available for digital download on July 24th, let’s look back at the films which have crowned Scarlett Johansson a sci-fi screen-queen!

Marvel Cinematic Universe 
For nearly the last ten years, Scarlett has been suiting up as Natasha Romanova, AKA Black Widow. Making her first on-screen appearance in 2010’s Iron Man 2, Johansson’s Black Widow has since gone on to become a much-loved member of The Avengers team and a major character in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe. Her incredible fighting abilities and exceptional intelligence certainly verifies the fierce and formidable Black Widow a celebrated hero. As Marvel continue to expand their team of cool and kick-ass characters in preparation for the highly-anticipated Infinity War, this hugely successful franchise has enabled Scarlett to stand strong at the helm.

Her
In Spike Jonze’s 2010 sci-fi/romance hybrid, Johansson ascertains that her acting abilities can transcend beyond on-screen performances. Scarlett dazzles lending her silky, husky-toned voice to a high-tech computer operating system, which leading man Joaquin Phoenix falls for. The movie went on to be nominated for string of major awards, including Best Picture and Best Song at the 2014 Academy Awards, but scooped the win within the screen-writing category.

Lucy
In this sci-fi thriller, Johansson plays the title character Lucy, who gains psychokinetic abilities after a nootropic drug is absorbed into her bloodstream. Released in the summer of 2014, the film was a box-office success, grossing over $463 million, however, critics were left disappointed by a nonsensical plot that focused on being able to gain conscious control over the entire brain. Despite this, the film was praised for Scarlett’s charm and empowering performance.

The Island
Partnering up with Ewan McGregor for this futuristic adventure, Scarlett stars in her first of many science-fiction blockbusters. Set midway through the 21st century, Michael Bay presents an alternate world where human clones are harvested to provide needed organs for their original counterpart. The clones, however, are not aware of the reality they are destined to fulfil. When the movie flopped at the box-office, producers blamed the minor status of Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson for its commercial failure.  The pair both went on to become household names and Scarlett continues to shine as a leading sci-fi action star.

Under the Skin
April 2013 saw the release of two Scarlett Johansson sci-fi movies: Marvel’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which starred Johansson’s Black Widow, and the alien flick Under the Skin. The Captain America sequel may have been far more successful at the box-office, but Scarlett still brought a haunting and highly praised performance to Under the Skin, portraying a man-hunting, other-worldly woman.

Ghost in the Shell
Based on the Japanese manga of the same name, Scarlett Johansson is the titular Major, a cyborg tasked with taking down a diabolical hacker with her squad of investigators. In probably her biggest and most elaborate sci-fi role, Scarlett was initially met with Hollywood ‘white-washing’ criticism, but the movie overall was praised for a faithful visual style, exciting action sequences and stirring musical score.

Ghost in the Shell - See It First on Digital on July 24

THOR 3: RAGNAROK Comic-Con Trailer #2 (2017) Chris Hemsworth Marvel Movie HD


Imprisoned on the other side of the universe, the mighty Thor (Chris Hemsworth) finds himself in a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), his former ally and fellow Avenger. Thor's quest for survival leads him in a race against time to prevent the all-powerful Hela (Cate Blanchett) from destroying his home world and the Asgardian civilization.

Saturday 22 July 2017

Manga and Anime on the Big Screen


Live adaptations of anime and manga are often a very contentious subject amongst fans, however with many Western comics making it to the ‘live-action’ big screen, why not Japan’s graphic novels? With the release of Ghost in the Shell on digital download platforms from 24th July, we’re taking a look at some of the best Manga and Anime journeys to the cinema in recent years – There's been a longer history of big-screen adaptations of Japan's graphic novels than you might think…


Ghost in the Shell
Based on the internationally acclaimed Japanese Manga, “The Ghost in the Shell,” written and illustrated by Shirow Masamune back in 1989, Ghost in the Shell has inspired a devoted worldwide following, including influential filmmakers like Steven Spielberg, James Cameron and the Wachowskis. The epic media franchise, set in a world where people are enhanced with technology, already includes two landmark anime feature-films and two television series, as well as novels, video and mobile games. Fast forward to 2017 and the live-action version of Ghost in the Shell was released, starring Scarlett Johansson as Major, a human mind inside an artificial body designed to fight a war against cyber-crime. This stylish, cyberpunk action flick takes inspiration from both the manga and the anime versions, but also throws in quite many new ideas as well, successfully broadening its appeal. And it’s absolutely stunning too!

Oldboy
2003’s Oldboy, directed by Park-Can Wook, is perhaps one of the best and most critically-acclaimed manga to be adapted into a live-action film. Successful enough that it was remade not once, but twice; first in 2006 into a Bollywood remake titled Zinda, and then in 2013 by director Spike Lee.Violent, and definitely not for the squeamish, Oldboy is a strange, powerful tale of punishment and vengeance. Based on the Japanese manga of the same name, the film follows the story of protagonist Oh Dae-Su who, after being kidnapped and imprisoned for fifteen years without knowing his captor, is finally released, but finds himself still trapped within a web of conspiracy and violence. It’s a masterpiece of modern filmmaking, so make sure this one gets added to your watch list!

Speed Racer
Based on the 1960s ground-breaking Japanese anime and manga series of the same name, 2008 saw the release of the live-action film adaptation of Speed Racer. The American action-comedy didn’t open with great reviews, but anime fans have long debated the film and it is now considered an “underrated” film. Written and directed by The Wachowski Brothers, famed for the Matrix series and V for Vendetta, it scored a great cast. Starring Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, Matthew Fox, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon and Roger Allam, the plot revolves around an 18-year-old race-car chasing his (allegedly) deceased brother's career. Despite its problems, Speed Racer has plenty to admire, most notably the fantastic shots and editing – an IGN praised the film’s “exciting, brilliantly-conceived races, primary-colour characterizations” and “irresistible sense of fun". It appears the filmmakers played up to its origins’ manga-animated style, crafting it into a brilliantly visual live-action cartoon.

Edge of Tomorrow
Arguably the first Hollywood manga adaptation to cast big leads, Edge of Tomorrow saw Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt battle alien enemies at the helm of the 2014 action movie.  Its origins started back in 2004, with Hiroshi Sakurazaka’s novel of a future Earth-based war against an alien race called Mimics; the story follows a soldier who becomes trapped in a time-loop, dying and regenerating the following day, and so on-and-on. A manga adaptation was then written by Ryōsuke Takeuchi and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, in between January and May 2014, and a graphic novel adaptation was released in North America in May 2014. Edge of Tomorrow, which was also marketed under its original title ‘All You Need Is Kill’, and its tagline "Live, Die, Repeat", was definitely not a straight adaptation, but it takes the concept and characters from the book and added other elements and details to create its own similar story. Compelling, gripping and funny at times, Edge of Tomorrow was praised by critics during its release. The film is a great standalone production, regardless of its history!

Ghost in the Shell - See It First on Digital on July 24

Friday 21 July 2017

Five Cinematic Worlds that’ll make you wish Time-Space Travel existed


To celebrate the release of Ghost in the Shell on digital download from July 24th, we’ve been searching for some of the most stunning science-fiction landscapes created for cinema. So feast your eyes on these beautiful, other-worldly and brilliantly constructed futuristic locations!

1. AVATAR (Pandora)
The planet of Pandora seen in 2009’s Avatar is probably one of the most visually stunning and creatively daring cinematic worlds, envisioned by director James Cameron when he was just 19, claiming “I had a dream - a literal dream - of bioluminescent forests and glowing trees.” The jungle alien landscape is just that – a lush, wild world filled with plants of varying shades of blue, purple and green; giant floating mountains, and cascading waterfalls.

2. Ghost in the Shell (Post-Cyberpunk Japan)
Ghost in the Shell takes place in a near-future Japan, a post-World War III environment which, having destroyed the power and wealth of Earth’s reigning countries, has proliferated the development and use of cyber technology. Consequently, the vast majority of humans in this retro-futurist Japan are augmented with cybernetics, and the environment also reflects this. The cityscape is amplified with lights and visuals that stream through the streets and buildings like veins, bringing this futuristic world to life.

3. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (Ego the Living Planet)
When the Guardians enter the world formed by Ego, they enter into a stunning mountainous landscape rich in hues of pink, orange and blue. The visionaries behind Guardians of the Galaxy take full advantage of the intergalactic setting, layering the psychedelic imagery and intense colour of classic 70’s space graphic novels. Director James Gunn proudly claims that creating the visual representation of Ego the Living Planet was the “biggest visual effect of all time.” And with over a trillion polygons constructed for the visionary scenes, making the planet feel alive, this cosmic landscape is well and truly a stunning feat.

4. Tomorrowland
Inspired by the original futuristic themed land found at the Disney parks, this 2015 sci-fi adventure film starring George Clooney presents a stunningly imagined city. Tomorowland, as the name suggests, is a construction of an idyllic ‘city of tomorrow,’ but instead incorporates the vintage touches of 60’s sci-fi iconography (jet-packs, glistening glass skyscrapers, and aerial walkways). As homage to the 1950’s Disney Park’s original Tomorrowland, the film's production designers incorporated the designs of rides Space Mountain and Spaceship Earth as architectural features of the cinematic cityscape.

5. Thor (Asgard)
Asgard is the mythic planetary home to Norse gods Thor, Odin and the Asgardians. The city exists in another dimensional plane, with a glowing rainbow bridge - Bifrost - allowing for travel between realms. The grandeur cityscape presented in the Marvel Cinematic Universe shows Asgard as rich, golden and metallic, with towering buildings and beautiful, infinitely flowing waterways. Emmy-nominated production designer Charles Wood incorporated a range of ethnic and architectural reference points into the visual construction of Asgard: “The basis of it was Norse runic shapes, though Islamic, Chinese and Gothic Romanesque influences also came into play.”

Ghost in the Shell - See It First on Digital on July 24 

UNA - New UK Trailer


Based on the Laurence Olivier Award winning stage play Blackbird by David Harrower, UNA is directed by Benedict Andrews, stars Rooney Mara, Ben Mendelsohn and Riz Ahmed.

UNA follows a young woman’s journey to reclaim her past. Fifteen years earlier, Una ran away with an older man, Ray, a crime for which he was arrested and imprisoned. When she comes across a photo of him in a trade magazine, Una tracks him down and turns up at his workplace. Her abrupt arrival threatens to destroy Ray’s new life and derail her stability. Unspoken secrets and buried memories surface as Una and Ray sift through the wreckage of the past. Their confrontation raises unanswered questions and unresolved longings. It will shake them both to the core. UNA gazes into the heart of a devastating form of love and asks if redemption is possible.

UNA is released in UK & Ireland on 1 September by Thunderbird Releasing and is a project backed by Film4.

Stronger - starring Jake Gyllenhaal - New official poster & International trailer


Synopsis
Stronger is the inspiring true story of Jeff Bauman, an ordinary man who captured the hearts of his city and the world to become the symbol of hope following the infamous 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.

Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Jeff, a 27-year-old, working-class Boston man who was at the marathon to try and win back his ex-girlfriend Erin (Tatiana Maslany). Waiting for her at the finish line when the blast occurs, he loses both his legs in the attack. After regaining consciousness in the hospital, Jeff is able to help law enforcement identify one of the bombers, but his own battle has just begun. He tackles months of physical and emotional rehabilitation with the unwavering support of Erin and his family. It is Jeff’s deeply personal account of the heroic journey that tests a family’s bond, defines a community’s pride and inspires his inner courage to overcome devastating adversity.

Filled with raw emotion, humanity and humour, Stronger is the inspirational real-life story of the man who became the living embodiment of “Boston Strong.” The film also stars Academy Award® nominee Miranda Richardson and is directed by David Gordon Green.


Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Tatiana Maslany, Miranda Richardson, Clancy Brown
Directed by: David Gordon Green
Screenplay by: John Pollono
Based on the book by Jeff Bauman and Bret Witter
Produced by: Todd Lieberman, David Hoberman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michel Litvak, Scott Silver
Executive Produced by: Gary Michael Walters, Jeffrey Stott, Anthony Mattero, Nicolas Stern, Riva Marker, Alexander Young, Peter McGuigan


Thursday 20 July 2017

Jigsaw - Official Trailer - In Cinemas October 27


**WARNING: Parental Advisory - Explicit content!**

In Cinemas October 27
Starring: Matt Passmore, Callum Keith Rennie, Clé Bennett, Hannah Emily Anderson, Laura Vandervoort, Mandela Van Peebles, Paul Braunstein, Brittany Allen, Josiah Black
Directed by: The Spierig Brothers

Synopsis:
One of the highest grossing Horror franchises of all time is back, taking the Jigsaw killer’s signature brand of twisted scenarios to the next level.

A Lionsgate release, Twisted Pictures presents, a Burg/Koules/Hoffman production.


Tuesday 18 July 2017

Major new sci-fi movie "1" starring Dan Ewing commences principal photography down under

A new sci-fi thriller starring rising young star Dan Ewing begins filming in Australia this week.

“1” from Truant Productions, will tell of the last man on Earth as he undertakes a long, perilous journey in search of redemption while trying to stay one step ahead of a malevolent alien invasion.

The film, from writer-director Robert Braiden, will shoot in South East Queensland – which previously played host to fellow science-fiction films and series Terra Nova, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treaderand Thor : Ragnarok.

Reckless car hooner Darren (Dan Ewing, TVs “Home & Away”) lives for the thrill of high-speed highway racing and burnouts. His life is going nowhere fast while his adoring girlfriend Misha dreams of them settling down and for Darren to do something more meaningful with his life. When Darren causes a car crash that injures Misha she decides to leave.

Now alone and guilt-ridden, Darren is forced to confront his behaviour until the arrival of an alien invasion throws his life into chaos as humanity is quickly wiped out. His love for Misha compels him to begin a long and dangerous journey to find her, and along the way he must survive alone in the wild, battle his guilt, and stay one step ahead of the alien ships that relentlessly search for him.

Says writer-producer-EP Robert Braiden : “‘1’ is unique in that it truly shows the very last person on earth – literally no one else is left. Films such as ‘The Quiet Earth’, ‘I Am Legend’, ‘The World The Flesh and The Devil’ all hint that they are last-person-on-earth films, yet all end up introducing other characters. ‘1’ is different. From the action and dangerous excitement of high-speed racing to the quiet and solitude of the natural world, ‘1’ will be a profoundly moving and powerful look at life, love, destiny and being able to let go of the material world in order to find new truths.”

Adds producer Tristan Barr, “‘1’ is set to be the most original, exciting and even groundbreaking independent science-fiction feature film ever produced in Australia. A big-screen film that not only will showcase some of the most stunning scenery here, it will also move and inspire audiences with its universal story of love and forgiveness.”

Damien Lipp, director of photography, was the first producer down under to shoot a full-length feature film, Watch the Sunset, in one single take, across the span of 9 different location and a running time of 82 minutes. Watch the Sunset, which Lipp co-directed with Michael Gosden, is currently playing festivals in Australia and is due out in the US next year.

Production on “1” begins this week in South-East Queensland, with a release expected in 2018.



Monday 17 July 2017

BLADE RUNNER 2049 – Trailer 2


The past will always find you. Watch the NEW Blade Runner 2049, in theaters October 6.

Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K (Ryan Gosling), unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what’s left of society into chaos. K’s discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years.

From executive producer Ridley Scott and director Denis Villeneuve, #BladeRunner2049 stars Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana De Armas, MacKenzie Davis, Sylvia Hoeks, Lennie James, Carla Juri, Robin Wright, Dave Bautista and Jared Leto.

Competition: Win The Lost City Of Z on DVD

The Lost City Of Z  is out on DVD & Blu-ray on July 24th and to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 3 copies of the DVD to give away.

Synopsis:
Based on the international bestseller, The Lost City of Z tells the incredible true story of British explorer Percy Fawcett (Charlie Hunnam, Pacific Rim, Sons of Anarchy), who journeys into the Amazon at the dawn of the 20th century and discovers evidence of a previously unknown, advanced civilization that may have once inhabited the region.

Despite being ridiculed by the scientific establishment, the determined Fawcett - supported by his devoted wife (Sienna Miller, High-Rise, American Sniper), son (Tom Holland) and aide-de-camp (Robert Pattinson, The Twilight Saga) - returns to his beloved jungle in an attempt to prove his case, culminating in his mysterious disappearance in 1925.

An epic tale of courage and passion, The Lost City of Z is a stirring tribute to the exploratory spirit and a conflicted adventurer driven to the verge of obsession.

Check out the release on Amazon by clicking the link below: (Opens in a new window)
The Lost City Of Z [DVD]

To enter all you have to do is answer this easy question...

Who directs The Lost City Of Z?

Send you name, address and of course the answer to competition@beentothemovies.com




Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 31-07-17
2. No alternative prize is available
3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.
4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.