"Cherry" follows the wild journey of a disenfranchised young man from Ohio who meets the love of his life, only to risk losing her through a series of bad decisions and challenging life circumstances.
Inspired by the best-selling novel of the same name, "Cherry" features Tom Holland in the title role as an unhinged character who drifts from dropping out of college to serving in Iraq as an Army medic and is only anchored by his one true love, Emily (Ciara Bravo).
When Cherry returns home a war hero, he battles the demons of undiagnosed PTSD and spirals into drug addiction, surrounding himself with a menagerie of depraved misfits. Draining his finances, Cherry turns to bank robbing to fund his addiction, shattering his relationship with Emily along the way. Brought to the screen in bold, gritty fashion by visionary directors Anthony and Joe Russo, "Cherry" is a darkly humorous, unflinching coming-of-age story of a man on a universal quest for purpose and human connection.
"Cherry" will premiere in select theaters on February 26, 2021 and globally on Apple TV+ on Friday, March 12, 2021.
Warner Bros. Pictures announced that it will fast-track development on the third installment of the Wonder Woman franchise to be written by Patty Jenkins, who is attached to direct, and starring Gal Gadot. Wonder Woman 1984 easily conquered the holiday weekend, exceeding box office projections as the top post-pandemic domestic opening weekend for any feature film this year, with $16.7 million in box office. Wonder Woman 1984 took in an estimated $36.1 million globally from 42 markets in release this weekend (including U.S. and Canada). This takes the international running cume to $68.3 million, and the worldwide tally to $85 million. The film has been welcomed by fans, with an overall CinemaScore of B+. The announcement was made today by Toby Emmerich, Chairman, Warner Bros. Pictures Group.
"As fans around the world continue to embrace Diana Prince, driving the strong opening weekend performance of Wonder Woman 1984, we are excited to be able continue her story with our real life Wonder Women - Gal and Patty - who will return to conclude the long-planned theatrical trilogy,"said Emmerich.
On HBO Max, anticipation for Wonder Woman 1984 was apparent, with nearly half of the platform's retail subscribers viewing the film on the day of its arrival, along with millions of wholesale subscribers who have access to HBO Max via a cable, wireless, or other partner services. HBO Max also saw the total viewing hours on Friday more than triple in comparison to a typical day in the previous month.
"Wonder Woman 1984 broke records and exceeded our expectations across all of our key viewing and subscriber metrics in its first 24 hours on the service, and the interest and momentum we're seeing indicates this will likely continue well beyond the weekend,"said Andy Forssell, Executive Vice President and General Manager, WarnerMedia Direct-to-Consumer. "During these very difficult times, it was nice to give families the option of enjoying this uplifting film at home, where theater viewing wasn't an option."
Private watch parties and large format screens (IMAX(R), Dolby, PLF) drove ticket sales and were the most popular option among consumers. Over the weekend, over 10,000 private rentals were booked, an innovative and popular way for audiences to feel comfortable watching the film in their own social bubbles. In the U.S., only 39% of U.S. cinemas (representing 56% of the box office) are currently open at limited capacity, with closures in top markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco and Philadelphia, among others. WW1984 is playing in over 2,100 theaters nationwide with limited capacity. This represents about half of the locations and, in these theaters, half of the available seating compared to a pre-pandemic environment. The first Wonder Woman film was available at 4,165 theaters in 2017 at 100% seating. In Canada, only 5% of theatres (representing 3% of the total Canadian box-office) are open. The Canadian theatrical market was supplemented with a PVOD day and date release which yielded an additional estimated $4 million. 40 markets internationally opened Wonder Woman 1984 in the first two weeks representing 68% of total box office, compared to 2017 with 58 markets representing 77% of total box office for Wonder Woman.
Wonder Woman 1984 was released via a unique, consumer-focused distribution model in which Warner Bros. exhibited the film theatrically worldwide, while adding an exclusive one-month access period on the HBO Max streaming platform in the U.S. concurrent with the film's domestic release. This hybrid model was created as a strategic response to the impact of the ongoing global pandemic, particularly in the U.S. Following the one-month HBO Max access period domestically, Wonder Woman 1984 will leave the platform and continue theatrically in the U.S. and international territories, with all customary distribution windows applying to the title.
From director Patty Jenkins and starring Gal Gadot in the title role, Wonder Woman 1984 fast forwards to the 1980s as Wonder Woman's next big screen adventure finds her riding lightning across the sky, donning wings of gold, and chasing a dream while in pursuit of two new formidable foes: Max Lord and the Cheetah. In Wonder Woman 1984, the fate of the world is once more on the line, and only Wonder Woman can save it. This new chapter in the Wonder Woman story finds Diana Prince living quietly among mortals in the vibrant, sleek 1980s - an era of excess driven by the pursuit of having it all. Though she's come into her full powers, she maintains a low profile, curating ancient artifacts and only performing her superheroic acts incognito. But now, Diana will have to step directly into the spotlight and muster all her wisdom, strength and courage in order to save mankind from a world of its own making. The film also stars Chris Pine as Steve Trevor, Kristen Wiig as the Cheetah, Pedro Pascal as Max Lord, Robin Wright as Antiope and Connie Nielsen as Hippolyta.
I am a huge Jackie Chan fan, I have watched virtually every film he has ever made, and he is back in his latest film Vanguard.
Vanguard is the name of a international private security firm, and Jackie is the top dog.
So the story is your usual, girl gets kidnapped, her father is an influential person, the bad guys want money, you can figure out the rest, or read the synopsis below this review for more details.
The thing that most people want to know is, is this film any good? and is Jackie Chan at his best?
One thing you have to realise as Jackie gets older is that he simply cant do the stunts he used to, he is 66 years old! As such since he turned 60 there has been a noticeable change in his films, often he takes more of a back seat role, and allows other younger stars to do the heavy lifting, this isn't necessarily a bad thing, after all, is it really believable that a 66 year old can take on hordes of 20 year old fighters and beat them all?
With that said, Jackie does play a decent role in the film, he is involved in some decent action scenes, and his classic comedy is still there within the fights. And as a big Jackie Chan fan, I am honestly telling you I enjoyed this film, of course I wish that there was more Jackie and that he was still in his prime, but while he can still go, I am sure as hell going to enjoy him.
A big shout out also needs to go to Miya Muqi who plays Mi Ya in the film, she is a truly rising star, and Yang Yang who plays Lei, is churning out a lot of films and making a name for himself too.
The Good
This is a truly global action film, some great scenes in Africa, India and the Middle East really give this film a big feel. The acting is perfectly fine for such a film, and the action scenes are plentiful.
The Bad
I hate seeing any fight scenes where wires are used, I understand that in 2020, with big insurance deals for the stars they are needed, but I do miss the old 80s Hong Kong films, where they really did what you were seeing. There is also some dodgy CGI in this film which took me out of the action a few times.
Overall
I am a Jackie Chan fan, and although this film is not his best, it is still good, and I enjoyed it, and I enjoyed watching Jackie perform.
I score Vanguard a solid 7/10
Synopsis:
Marking the latest collaboration between acclaimed Hong Kong director Stanley Tong (The Myth, Rumble in the Bronx, Supercop) and action legend Jackie Chan (The Foreigner, Police Story, Rush Hour), Vanguard is a wild globetrotting adventure and a throwback to the days of gloriously over-the-top action cinema.
When a client of the international “Vanguard” security agency is kidnapped during Chinatown’s famous Lunar celebrations in London, this elite team (led by Chan) is sent to the rescue, taking them on a wildly ambitious mission all over the world. The adventure takes them from the rivers of Africa, to a heavily guarded fort in India, and an exhilarating car chase in Dubai, all the while unravelling a global conspiracy.
Vanguard boasts stunning action choreography, amazing stunts and the brand of fast-paced action-comedy that made Jackie Chan a global star.
CineAsia presents Vanguard in Selected Cinemas and On Demand 8th January and Blu-ray & DVD 11th January 2021
Marking the latest collaboration between acclaimed Hong Kong director #StanleyTong and action legend #JackieChan (The Foreigner, Police Story, Rush Hour), #Vanguard is a wild globetrotting adventure and a throwback to the days of gloriously over-the-top action cinema. pic.twitter.com/0Zpy7mseaV
Geppetto (Roberto Benigni) puts the finishing touches on his “son” (Federico Ielapi).
Geppetto's puppet creation, Pinocchio, magically comes to life with dreams of becoming a real boy. Easily led astray, Pinocchio tumbles from one misadventure to another as he is tricked, kidnapped and chased by bandits through a wonderful world full of imaginative creatures - from the belly of a giant fish, to the Land of Toys and the Field of Miracles.
From 12 February, join Firedrake, a young silver dragon on his magical adventure of courage, self-confidence, hopefulness, and the forging of unusual friendships as Dragon Rider, a Sky Original flies into homes on Sky Cinema this February half term.
Dragon Rider comes from the original story of Cornelia Funke’s worldwide bestselling children’s novel of the same title, brought to screen from the filmmakers behind The NeverEnding Story and the Fantastic Four film franchise. Dragon Rider boasts a star-studded cast of voices from Felicity Jones (Rogue One, The Theory of Everything), Thomas Brodie-Sangster (The Queen’s Gambit, The Maze Runner), Patrick Stewart (X-Men, Star Trek), and Freddie Highmore (Finding Neverland, The Good Doctor).
Dragon Rider, a Sky Original, tells the story of Firedrake (Thomas Brodie-Sangster), who wants to show the older generation he is a real dragon, not the naïve fledgling they see him as. When he discovers that humans are about to destroy the forest where the dragons reside, he sets off on a daring crusade with his best friend Sorrel (Felicity Jones) in search for a mythical safe haven hidden in the Himalayas where dragons can live in peace.
On their quest, they encounter Ben (Freddie Highmore), an orphan, who they mistake for a dragon rider destined to help them on their voyage. The unlikely trio must learn to work together, despite their differences, as dragon-eating villain Nettlebrand (Patrick Stewart) is hot on their tails to fulfil his own quest: to track and destroy every dragon.
In his directorial debut, Tomer Eshed brings to life Jonny Smith’s (Sherlock Gnomes, Gnomeo & Juliet) screenplay, which was adapted from the internationally best-selling children’s novel by Cornelia Funke. Dragon Rider, a Sky Original will be released on Sky Cinema from 12 February and will be available on the streaming service NOW TV via the Sky Cinema Pass.
Set in the lush and royal country of Zamunda, newly-crowned King Akeem (Eddie Murphy) and his trusted confidante Semmi (Arsenio Hall) embark on an all-new hilarious adventure that has them traversing the globe from their great African nation to the borough of Queens, New York – where it all began.
Director: Craig Brewer
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Jermaine Fowler
CLEMENTINE is the critically acclaimed feature film debut from one-to-watch writer/director Lara Jean Gallagher, who has drawn comparisons to Jane Campion (Slant Magazine). Making waves upon its premiere at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival, this taut, atmospheric drama is now set for its premiere in the UK from Bohemia Media.
Equal parts tense psychological drama and sexual coming-of-age story, CLEMENTINE sees a heartbroken woman become entangled with a younger girl after breaking into her ex's remote lake house in the Pacific Northwest.
Struggling to come to terms with her devastating break-up from girlfriend D, Karen (Otmara Marrero – Start-up, Vandal, Miss Arizona), drives to a remote cabin in the woods where they spent much of their relationship and, craving the closeness she once had with the love of her life, she breaks in and decides to stay.
When the fresh-faced, care-free Lana (Sydney Sweeney – Euphoria, Sharp Objects, The Handmaid's Tale), turns up searching for her lost dog, Karen feels like her solitude has been interrupted, but with Lana's persistence the pair begin to form a closeness.
As the women start to share their innermost secrets and their bond grows stronger, the film builds with a creeping sense of dread…who really is this mystery woman?
Clementine was developed with the support of the Venice Biennale College-Cinema, the Sundance Institute, Film Independent, IFP, and the Tribeca Film Institute.
In cinemas January 29, 2021. On Digital Platforms February 12.
From breakout genre filmmakers #JustinBenson and #AaronMoorhead (The Endless) #SYNCHRONIC is a mind-bending, haunting sci-fi starring two of Hollywood’s biggest actors #JamieDornan (The Fall, Fifty Shades of Grey franchise) and #AnthonyMackie (The Avengers franchise, Detroit) as two New Orleans paramedics who encounter a series of horrific deaths linked to a designer drug.
Blending mind-bending thrills with relatable emotional turmoil, SYNCHRONIC has been described as “an eccentric and imaginative piece of genre cinema”.
Seized - Is out on DVD and Digital on 31st December.
And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 2 copies to give away on DVD
Synopsis:
Get ready for an exhilarating dose of action in Seized! Action star Scott Adkins (Avengement, Doctor Strange) is Nero, a former special forces agent who has moved to a quiet beach town to raise his son. He is awakened by a phone call and message from a mysterious voice telling him his son has been kidnapped. In order to save him, Nero must wipe out three dangerous crime syndicates, leaving no survivors.
But he must work alone and faces growing obstacles as he fights to complete his mission, while uncovering the identity of the man behind the macabre plot. The clock is ticking and Nero can't waste any time or make mistakes, or he’ll lose his son forever.
Co-starring Mario Van Peebles (Ali, New Jack City) and directed by action fan-favourite Isaac Florentine (Acts of Vengeance, Undisputed franchise), Seized is an action-packed thriller not to be missed.
Dazzler Media presents Seized on DVD & Digital from 28th December 2020
For your chance to win just answer the question below.
COMPETITION CLOSED
Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 11-01-21
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.
An ex-military man with a mysterious past leads a group of Egyptian refugees through the desert and must protect them from a group of evil mercenaries.
The film is about Eddie Palmer (Timberlake), a former college football star, who saw his professional career shattered after he was imprisoned. He returns to his hometown after spending time in prison only to find trouble hounding him from his past. He then forms an unlikely friendship with a boy who was abandoned by his mother. While caring for him, Eddie also meets and starts a relationship with Maggie (Wainwright), a teacher.
Danish psychological thriller, The Exception, in cinemas January 22nd and digital download from January 25th 2021.
Based on the best seller by Christian Jungersen, The Exception stars Raised By Wolves actor Amanda Collin, Sidse Babett Knudsen (Borgen & Westworld), Lene Maria Christensen (Terribly Happy & The Legacy) and Danica Curcic (The Mist & Silent Heart). The book sold more than 200,000 copies before being adapted into a film by Christian Torpe.
Iben, Malene, Anne-Lise and Camilla are four women working together in a daily routine marked by power struggles, whispers and alliances. When Iben and Malene each receive death threats, they start to suspect a Serbian war criminal, whom they have been writing articles about. However, when a case of bullying in the office escalates, they slowly begin to wonder if the evil comes from themselves.
Behind our world, there is another: a world of dangerous and powerful monsters that rule their domain with deadly ferocity. When an unexpected sandstorm transports Captain Artemis (Milla Jovovich) and her unit (TI Harris, Meagan Good, Diego Boneta) to a new world, the soldiers are shocked to discover that this hostile and unknown environment is home to enormous and terrifying monsters immune to their firepower. In their desperate battle for survival, the unit encounters the mysterious Hunter (Tony Jaa), whose unique skills allow him to stay one step ahead of the powerful creatures. As Artemis and Hunter slowly build trust, she discovers that he is part of a team led by the Admiral (Ron Perlman). Facing a danger so great it could threaten to destroy their world, the brave warriors combine their unique abilities to band together for the ultimate showdown.
December 18, 2020 – STX Films today released a new trailer for THE MAURITANIAN which will be released in the UK and Ireland on February 26 2021.
The film stars Tahar Rahim, Jodie Foster, Benedict Cumberbatch and Shailene Woodley.
Captured by the U.S. Government, Mohamedou Ould Slahi (Tahar Rahim) languishes in prison for years without charge or trial. Losing all hope, Slahi finds allies in defense attorney Nancy Hollander (Jodie Foster) and her associate Teri Duncan (Shailene Woodley). Together they face countless obstacles in a desperate pursuit for justice. Their controversial advocacy, along with evidence uncovered by formidable military prosecutor, Lt. Colonel Stuart Couch (Benedict Cumberbatch), eventually reveals a shocking and far reaching conspiracy. Based on Mohamedou’s New York Times best-selling memoir, this is the explosive true story of a fight for survival against all odds.
Starring Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Jermaine Fowler, Leslie Jones, Tracy Morgan, KiKi Layne, Shari Headley, with Wesley Snipes and James Earl Jones. Also starring John Amos, Teyana Taylor, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Paul Bates, Nomzamo Mbatha, Bella Murphy
Set in the lush and royal country of Zamunda, newly-crowned King Akeem (Eddie Murphy) and his trusted confidante Semmi(Arsenio Hall) embark on an all-new hilarious adventure that has them traversing the globe from their great African nation to the borough of Queens, New York – where it all began.
See the rest on our Twitter page!
Set in the lush & royal country of Zamunda, newly-crowned King Akeem (#EddieMurphy) & his trusted confidante Semmi (#ArsenioHall) embark on an all-new hilarious adventure that has them traversing the globe from their great African nation to the borough of Queens, New York. pic.twitter.com/hUw3sxqHzH
In theaters and exclusively on HBO Max* December 25.
Fast forward to the 1980s as Wonder Woman’s next big screen adventure finds her facing two all-new foes: Max Lord and The Cheetah.
With director Patty Jenkins back at the helm and Gal Gadot returning in the title role, “Wonder Woman 1984” is Warner Bros. Pictures’ follow up to the DC Super Hero’s first outing, 2017’s record-breaking “Wonder Woman,” which took in $822 million at the worldwide box office. The film also stars Chris Pine as Steve Trevor, Kristen Wiig as The Cheetah, Pedro Pascal as Max Lord, Robin Wright as Antiope, and Connie Nielsen as Hippolyta.
Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder, Patty Jenkins, Gal Gadot and Stephen Jones are producing the film. Rebecca Steel Roven Oakley, Richard Suckle, Marianne Jenkins, Geoff Johns, Walter Hamada, Chantal Nong Vo and Wesley Coller are the executive producers.
A retired contract killer goes on a bloody rampage in this high octane thriller which sees all out martial arts action alongside high speed chases.
When a young girl finds herself at the mercy of gangland human traffickers only one man can come to her rescue. With an arsenal of weapons and years of experience in the art of killing, this is one revenge and redemption story not to be missed.
DELIVER US FROM EVIL is THE DEPARTED meets THE RAID in an unstoppable juggernaut of entertainment.
Sometimes the man you don’t notice is the most dangerous of all.
Emmy winner Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul, The Post, Nebraska) stars as Hutch Mansell, an underestimated and overlooked dad and husband, taking life’s indignities on the chin and never pushing back. A nobody.
When two thieves break into his suburban home one night, Hutch declines to defend himself or his family, hoping to prevent serious violence. His teenage son, Blake (Gage Munroe, The Shack), is disappointed in him and his wife, Becca (Connie Nielsen, Wonder Woman), seems to pull only further away.
The aftermath of the incident strikes a match to Hutch’s long-simmering rage, triggering dormant instincts and propelling him on a brutal path that will surface dark secrets and lethal skills. In a barrage of fists, gunfire and squealing tires, Hutch must save his family from a dangerous adversary (famed Russian actor Aleksey Serebryakov, Amazon’s McMafia)—and ensure that he will never be underestimated as a nobody again.
Nobody is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ilya Naishuller (Hardcore Henry), from a script by Derek Kolstad, the narrative architect of the John Wick franchise, and co-stars legendary Emmy winner Christopher Lloyd as Hutch’s father and multi-hyphenate musician-actor RZA as Hutch’s brother, whose own hidden talents aid Hutch in his quest for vengeance.
The film is produced by Kelly McCormick, p.g.a, and David Leitch, p.g.a., the filmmakers of Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, Deadpool 2 and Atomic Blonde, for their company 87North, by Braden Aftergood, p.g.a. (Hell or High Water, Wind River), for his Eighty Two Films, and by Bob Odenkirk and Marc Provissiero (Hulu’s PEN15) for Odenkirk Provissiero Entertainment. The film is executive produced by Derek Kolstad, Marc S. Fischer, Annie Marter and Tobey Maguire.
Prick up your ears and get ready to rock with The New Music, a foot-stomping, Irish musical-drama with a big heart and a punk ethos, that has been making waves at festivals and recently won the Spirit of Indie Cork Award. This heartwarming feature is now set for its UK premiere on digital 18 January 2021 courtesy of 101 Films.
The Cellmates are everything but uptight…will Adrian struggle to adjust, or could he find freedom in their chaos?
Directed by Chiara Viale (Clown, Be Frank), in her feature debut, she was inspired to write the story after her father died having suffered from Multiple System Atrophy, a rare degenerative neurological disorder with symptoms similar to Parkinson's. The film is supported by Young Parkinson's Ireland and aims to dispel the stigma and shine a light on this rare condition. The eclectic soundtrack includes two original songs composed by Zac Stephenson of Irish band Munky, and dispersed throughout the film's rock and punk vibes are the classical compositions of Mancunian David Sangster, musician and World Parkinson's Congress Ambassador.
This Christmas, we'll all share in the Wonder. See #WonderWoman1984 in cinemas December 16.
Fast forward to the 1980s as Wonder Woman’s next big screen adventure finds her facing two all-new foes: Max Lord and The Cheetah.
With director Patty Jenkins back at the helm and Gal Gadot returning in the title role, “Wonder Woman 1984” is Warner Bros. Pictures’ follow up to the DC Super Hero’s first outing, 2017’s record-breaking “Wonder Woman,” which took in $822 million at the worldwide box office. The film also stars Chris Pine as Steve Trevor, Kristen Wiig as The Cheetah, Pedro Pascal as Max Lord, Robin Wright as Antiope, and Connie Nielsen as Hippolyta.
Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder, Patty Jenkins, Gal Gadot and Stephen Jones are producing the film. Rebecca Steel Roven Oakley, Richard Suckle, Marianne Jenkins, Geoff Johns, Walter Hamada, Chantal Nong Vo and Wesley Coller are the executive producers.
A robotics company teams up with a corrupt CIA agent undergoing an illegal, unsanctioned military operation. Dropping four prototype robots into a suspected drug manufacturing camp in the Golden triangle that no one will miss. The mission is to prove the robotics company is worthy of winning a lucrative military contract. Six doctors on a good cause witness the brutal slaughter of an innocent village and are forced into a deadly game of cat and mouse as they become the new targets.
And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 3 copies to give away on DVD
Synopsis:
An extinction event has begun and the human race just hit the endangered species list.
With air so polluted that the only way to breathe is through manufactured air canisters, the human race is on its knees until a message from the future gives one of the biggest corporations on Earth hope. A reclusive young man named Ethan is to be the saviour of the human race but what he discovers in his journey through time is an unthinkable conspiracy that could lead him to change the course of his timeline forever. Would you save humanity if you knew humanity may not be worth saving after all? Starring Ryan Kwanten (True Blood) and Kodi Smit-McPhee (Let Me In). Directed by Seth Larney.
Signature Entertainment presents Chronical: 2067 on DVD and Digital HD 7th December
For your chance to win just answer the question below.
COMPETITION CLOSED
Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 28-12-20
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.
Hardened Arizona rancher Jim Hanson (Liam Neeson) simply wants to be left alone as he fends off eviction notices and tries to make a living on an isolated stretch of borderland. But everything changes when Hanson, an ex-Marine sharpshooter, witnesses 11-year-old migrant Miguel (Jacob Perez) fleeing with his mother Rosa (Teresa Ruiz) from drug cartel assassins led by the ruthless Mauricio (Juan Pablo Raba).
After being caught in a shoot-out, a dying Rosa begs Jim to take her son to safety to her family in Chicago. Defying his cop daughter Sarah (Katheryn Winnick), Jim sneaks Miguel out of the local U.S. Customs and Border Patrol station and together, they hit the road with the group of killers in pursuit. Jim and Miguel slowly begin to overcome their differences and begin to forge an unlikely friendship, while Mauricio and his fellow assassins blaze a cold-blooded trail, hot on their heels. When they finally meet on a Midwestern farm, a fight to the death ensues as Jim uses his military skills and code of honor to defend the boy he's come to love.
Don’t miss the uplifting true story of the Bloom Family. #PenguinBloomMovie, starring Naomi Watts, In Cinemas January 21.
Penguin Bloom tells the true story of Sam Bloom (Academy Award® nominated Naomi Watts) a young mother whose world is turned upside down after a near-fatal accident leaves her paralyzed. Sam's husband, (Andrew Lincoln), her three young boys and her mother (Academy Award® nominated Jacki Weaver), are struggling to adjust to their new situation when an unlikely ally enters their world in the form of an injured baby magpie they name Penguin. The bird’s arrival is a welcome distraction for the Bloom family, eventually making a profound difference in the family's life.
A darkly gripping drama shedding light on the grim realities of street life, My Day, the feature debut from one-to-watch South London director Ibrahim Miiro premiered at Raindance Film Festival 2019 to critical acclaim and is set for its UK digital release on 7 December 2020 courtesy of Patriot Films.
Life isn't easy for Ally (Hannah Laresa Smith), a deprived young woman living between an East London Estate and the streets of London, but she tries her best to makes ends meet by delivering drugs, keeping her head down and staying out of trouble…That is until what starts out as a normal day quickly turns sour when a customer takes advantage of her, leaving her hurt, humiliated, and in deep trouble.
Now she owes money to unforgiving dealer Carol (Sallyann Fellowes) and dangerous mob boss Ilyas (Gediminas Adomaitis). With the sharks circling, Ally searches for help from those close to her - can she rely on her street-savvy friend Josie (Lisa Sheerin), Carol's son Kevin (Karl Jackson), who she has recently bonded with, or could there be someone else looking out for her in the most unlikely of places?
Filming has commenced on Brian & Charles, the Film4 and BFI-backed feature film starring David Earl (Derek, After Life) in the lead role, written by Earl and Chris Hayward (Cardinal Burns, Trollied). Lynn Hunter (The Personal History of David Copperfield, End of The Fucking World), Louise Brealey (Sherlock, Back), Jamie Michie (Back to Life, Game of Thrones) and Nina Sosanya (Killing Eve, W1A) join Earl in the cast of the comedy, with Jim Archer (The Young Offenders, Down from London) directing his debut film.
Brian & Charles is based on David Earl's acclaimed comedic alter-ego Brian Gittins, and his unlikely friendship with Charles, a robot. After a particularly harsh winter, Brian (David Earl) goes into a deep depression; completely alone and with no one to talk to, he does what any sane person would do when faced with such a melancholic situation and builds a robot - Charles (Chris Hayward) - for company. While things start off well, tensions begin to rise, particularly as Charles keeps eating Brian's cabbages.
The wider cast includes Lynn Hunter as 'Winnie', Louise Brealey as 'Hazel', Jamie Michie as 'Eddie Tomington', Lowri Izzard as 'Katrina', Mari Izzard as 'Suki', Sunil Patel as 'Phil Rep', Nina Sosanya as 'Pam', Nicholas Asbury as 'Stu' and Cara Chase as 'June'.
Brian & Charles began its life as an award-winning short film in 2017, scooping several accolades upon its release including a Young Director Award, being shortlisted for SXSW's Narrative Shorts award and picked as Vimeo Staff's Best of the Month.
The film was developed with and is co-funded by Film4 and the BFI (awarding funds from the National Lottery) and is directed and edited by Jim Archer (who also directed the original short film). Producer is Rupert Majendie for mr box. The executive producers are Damian Jones (The Iron Lady, Lady in the Van), Mary Burke for the BFI, and Lauren Dark and Ollie Madden for Film4.
Co-writer and star David Earl said: "We're delighted to get the show on the road and I'm looking forward to bringing Brian & Charles to the big screen. During the Covid lockdown we wondered if we'd ever be able to make it but here I am stood in North Wales staring at a 7 foot robot."
Producer Rupert Majendie said: "Having been ready to start cameras rolling in March, it's great to be underway, and we're thankful to the local authorities and community. Filmmaking during a global pandemic is a different experience and we're taking every necessary precaution to ensure we do so safely, but we can't wait to bring this strange and incredibly heart-warming story to life."
Brian & Charles is filming in North Wales with strict Covid-19 protocols in place, with the production team receiving permission from the local authority ahead of filming commencing and a Covid-19 marshal on set throughout.
And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 3 copies to give away on DVD
Synopsis
Written and directed by Will Thorne, the independent British feature, set at Christmas, stars Bradley Taylor, Cary Crankson, Nathaniel Martello-White, Joel Fry and Frank Harper.
The film will be released theatrically from 11th December, before arriving across digital download platforms from 14th December, and on DVD from 28th December.
Recently released from prison, Mark (Bradley Taylor) attempts to reconnect with his daughter and hopes to give her a Christmas to remember. Struggling to find work, he meets Alan (Cary Crankson), his former cell-mate, who encourages him to return to a life of crime. A decision made easier when Caddy (Frank Harper), a ruthless crime boss, blackmails him into doing one last job.
For your chance to win just answer the question below.
COMPETITION CLOSED
Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 28-12-20
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.
The film encapsulates 8 terrifying short films directed by talented creatives from across the globe. These include Sergio Morcilo (Drops), Joshua Long (Post Mortem Mary), Jason Bognacki (Into The Dark Woods), Adam O'Brien (A Little Off The Top), Matt Richards (The Disappearance of Willie Bingham), A.J. Briones (The Smiling Man), Pablo S. Pastor (Into The Mud) and Oliver Park (Vicious).
On a stormy night Rod leads a radio show dedicated to horror. Listeners call the radio telling their own paranormal stories. Suddenly, the announcer begins to receive strange calls from a child who desperately asks for help. At first Rod thinks that it is a bad joke until he discovers that this is not the case. Not only that, but these calls hide a dark secret in which the announcer himself will be involved...
Described as 'Anthology of the year' by Terror Weekend and 'creepy as hell' by HappyWax TV this film is sure to get your hair standing on end - check out the trailer below!
A Night Of Horror Nightmare Radio will be available on Amazon and Google from 21st December and iTunes from 30th December
And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 3 copies to give away on DVD
Synopsis
Based on a true story, Trial By Fire shows the unlikely bond between an imprisoned death row inmate and a mother of two from Houston, Texas, who fights for his freedom while facing staggering odds and a seemingly corrupt system.
Cameron Todd Willingham, a poor, uneducated heavy metal fan with a violent streak and a criminal record, is convicted of arson-related triple homicide in 1992. During his 12 years on death row, Elizabeth Gilbert, an improbable ally, uncovers questionable methods and illogical conclusions in his case, and battles with the state to expose buried evidence that could save his life.
With incredible performances from BAFTA winner Jack O’Connell (’71, Starred Up), Oscar winner Laura Dern (Marriage Story, Big Little Lies) and directed by Edward Zwick (Blood Diamond, Courage Under Fire), Trial By Fire is a powerful, uncompromising look at the criminal justice system.
Dazzler Media presents Trial By Fire on DVD & Digital from 7th December
For your chance to win just answer the question below.
COMPETITION CLOSED
Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 14-12-20
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.
Republic Film Distribution will release FATIMA on 29 January 2021 in cinemas across the UK and on digital platforms.
An uplifting story about the power of faith, based on real-life events, FATIMA is directed by Marco Pontecorvo. The film stars Joaquim de Almeida ("The Hitman's Bodyguard"), Goran Višnjić (Beginners), Stephanie Gil (Terminator: Dark Fate) and Lúcia Moniz (Love, Actually), with Sônia Braga (Aquarius) and Harvey Keitel (The Piano, The Irishman).
In 1917, outside the parish of Fátima, Portugal, a 10-year-old girl and her two younger cousins witness multiple visitations of the Virgin Mary, who tells them that only prayer and suffering will bring an end to World War I. As secularist government officials and Church leaders try to force the children to recant their story, word of the sighting spreads across the country, inspiring religious pilgrims to flock to the site in hopes of witnessing a miracle. What they experience will transform their quiet lives and bring the attention of a world yearning for peace.
FATIMA is directed by Marco Pontecorvo (Pa-ra-da, "Game of Thrones") from a script by Pontecorvo, Valerio D'Annunzio and Barbara Nicolosi. Original music is by Paolo Buonvino (Fathers & Daughters, Quiet Chaos) with a new original song performed by Andrea Bocelli.
The soundtrack for the film is available to download digitally now and is released by Decca Records. - https://amzn.to/2JeaBaS
Principal photography has begun on BOXING DAY, the UK's first ever Christmas set romantic comedy starring an all-black cast. BOXING DAY is the directorial debut from British actor-writer Aml Ameen (The Maze Runner, Yardie) who has co-written the screenplay, with Bruce Purnell, and stars as Melvin. The shoot takes place on location across London during November and December.
BOXING DAY features an exciting ensemble including American actress Aja Naomi King (How to Get Away with Murder), Little Mix's Leigh-Anne Pinnock in her first film role and Academy Award nominee, Golden Globe and BAFTA winning actress Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Secrets & Lies).
Matthew G. Zamias produces with Damian Jones for DJ Films along with Dominique Telson and 2020 BAFTA breakthrough producer Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor. Aml Ameen acts as producer and Bruce Purnell as co-producer for their new label Studio113. Jones and Gharoro-Akpojotor previously collaborated on 2019's BLUE STORY.
"It is such an honour to be teaming up with Warner Bros. Pictures, Film4 and BFI to bring Black British Culture to the world in this universal holiday rom-com. It's long been a dream of mine to capture films that reflect the wonderfully multi-cultural city that raised me while sharing stories from the diary of my life," says Ameen.
From the mind of Bret Easton Ellis (American Psycho, The Final Wish) comes an all-new terrifying killer tale.
When a murderous cult arrives on campus, Jake (Ronan Rubenstein, Orange is the New Black and 9-1-1: Lone Star) finds himself plagued with mysterious messages that lead him and his friends down the rabbit hole towards murder and mayhem.
With pressures closing in from all sides, Jake must decide if the cryptic messages are a prank or if his life truly is at risk. As his friends begin to vanish, he realises that he may be the next one in the crosshairs and death is about to come knocking.
In the sequel to DreamWorks Animation’s Oscar®-nominated blockbuster comedy, the Templeton brothers—Tim (James Marsden, X-Men franchise) and his Boss Baby little bro Ted (Alec Baldwin)—have become adults and drifted away from each other. Tim is now a married stay-at-home dad. Ted is a hedge fund CEO. But a new boss baby with a cutting-edge approach and a can-do attitude is about to bring them together again … and inspire a new family business.
Tim and his wife, Carol (Eva Longoria), the breadwinner of the family, live in the suburbs with their super-smart 7-year-old daughter Tabitha (Ariana Greenblatt, Avengers: Infinity War), and adorable new infant Tina (Amy Sedaris, Netflix’s BoJack Horseman). Tabitha, who’s at the top her class at the prestigious Acorn Center for Advanced Childhood, idolizes her Uncle Ted and wants to become like him, but Tim, still in touch with his overactive youthful imagination, worries that she’s working too hard and is missing out on a normal childhood.
When baby Tina reveals that she’s—ta-da!—a top secret agent for BabyCorp on a mission to uncover the dark secrets behind Tabitha’s school and its mysterious founder, Dr. Edwin Armstrong (Jeff Goldblum), it will reunite the Templeton brothers in unexpected ways, lead them to re-evaluate the meaning of family and discover what truly matters.
Lisa Kudrow and Jimmy Kimmel also reprise their roles as Ted and Tim’s parents.
Sky today announces the acquisition of Blithe Spirit from STUDIOCANAL UK. The film will be released in cinemas and on Sky Cinema on 15 January across the UK and Ireland.
Blithe Spirit, based on the play by Noël Coward, stars Academy Award® and BAFTA winner Judi Dench (Skyfall, Victoria & Abdul) alongside Dan Stevens (Beauty & The Beast, Legion), Leslie Mann (Blockers, The Comedian), and Isla Fisher (Greed, Nocturnal Animals).
Sarah Wright, Director of Sky Cinema and Acquisitions at Sky UK & Ireland, commented: "2021 is going to be a big year for original film at Sky and what better way to kick it off than with Blithe Spirit? Based on the Noël Coward production, this sparkling comedy is full of fun, frolics and an all-star cast. A great way to banish the January blues!"
Directed by Edward Hall (Downton Abbey, Spooks) and adapted by Nick Moorcroft and Meg Leonard (Finding Your Feet, Fisherman's Friends) and Piers Ashworth (Fisherman's Friends).
Lost At Christmas is set in the remote Scottish town of Fort William, on Christmas Eve, when life is turned upside down for Jen (Natalie Clark) and Rob (Kenny Boyle). Suddenly finding themselves heartbroken, single and stranded, they team up to try and reach home 100 miles away to be with their families. "Borrowing" Jen's now ex-boyfriend's classic car, the pair hit the road, but it's not long before the weather turns for the worse forcing them to continue their journey on foot.
Bickering and bonding across the snowy Moors of Glencoe, they eventually arrive at a remote inn where they meet other guests dead set on avoiding the traditional Christmas joy. However, as Christmas Day draws closer, will happiness emerge and draw Jen and Rob together?
Lost at Christmas will bring you in from the cold, lighten your heart and provide the ultimate feel-good Christmas cinema experience.
Lost at Christmas will be released in UK cinemas from 4th December and on Digital from 7th December.
Canadian producer Jon Ornoy fills us in on his latest film All Joking Aside, now available On Demand, and his upcoming projects including a biopic on a Canadian snooker legend.
Such an interesting career you have, sir. Tell us, where did it all begin for you?
After moving to Vancouver to attend film school in 1999, I started working on set as a camera assistant after graduation, and continued doing that job for about ten years. That was a great experience for me in terms of the exposure it gave me to the production process from which I learned a lot, and the network of other professionals that I would start drawing on once I began my own filmmaking. I produced and directed my first short "Critical", while working full-time, 70hr weeks on a TV series, and while that was stressful, having almost the entire crew come out to help on their very short, and precious weekends took a lot of pressure off me.
Okay, "Scary Movie 3". Just being on set – what was that like?
That was definitely one of the bigger productions I've worked on, but it was pretty early in my career and I didn't have much responsibility there, so I don't have much in the way of stories unfortunately.
And did you get to meet the legendary Leslie Nielsen?
He was one of my favorite actors growing up so that would've been great, but sadly I never got to meet Leslie Nielsen.
Have you always gravitated towards comedies and comedy in general?
As a viewer, sure, but as a filmmaker not as much, and I think I'd even describe this film as more of a dramedy than an outright comedy. I loved movies like "Naked Gun", "Airplane", and "A Fish Called Wanda" growing up and couldn't get enough Monty Python, but I don't think I've ever made a concerted effort to make comedies myself.
Where did the idea for "All Joking Aside" come from?
I optioned the script from writer James Pickering back in 2016 and we then spent a couple of years working on it together. What really grabbed me the first time I read it was the way Charlie got over the initial embarrassment of being heckled off-stage, and found the courage to go after the guy who humiliated her and turn him into a fan.
I imagine it was quite different working a feature film to a short – what were some of the first, most noticeable differences?
Everything about making a feature is the same as making a short, there's just a lot more of it. I think that the primary difference when working at the micro-budget level that we were at, is that the favors you're asking just get bigger. When you're only shooting for a weekend, it's not that big a deal to get people to volunteer, but when you've got a three week shoot and you live in a place like Vancouver that has a lot of production going on, it gets much harder to get people to commit when they know they can go get paid properly somewhere else. I'd say that the other major difference is the extent to which you need to plan what's going to happen with your completed feature and how you're going to get it to market. There's very little money to be made with shorts, so usually you just make those to be a calling-card, but with a feature you shift to how you're going to pay your investors back, so that adds a whole new dimension to the marketing and sales.
Have you got the producing bug now? Working on anything else, sir?
I'm happy to keep producing, but my real objective is to direct, so I'm currently developing four projects for myself, including a biopic of unsung Canadian snooker legend "Big" Bill Werbeniuk and a documentary with world champion magician Shawn Farquhar.
For the first time ever, Wonder Woman 1984 will release in theaters and stream exclusively on HBO Max* on December 25.
Fast forward to the 1980s as Wonder Woman’s next big screen adventure finds her facing two all-new foes: Max Lord and The Cheetah.
With director Patty Jenkins back at the helm and Gal Gadot returning in the title role, “Wonder Woman 1984” is Warner Bros. Pictures’ follow up to the DC Super Hero’s first outing, 2017’s record-breaking “Wonder Woman,” which took in $822 million at the worldwide box office. The film also stars Chris Pine as Steve Trevor, Kristen Wiig as The Cheetah, Pedro Pascal as Max Lord, Robin Wright as Antiope, and Connie Nielsen as Hippolyta.
Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder, Patty Jenkins, Gal Gadot and Stephen Jones are producing the film. Rebecca Steel Roven Oakley, Richard Suckle, Marianne Jenkins, Geoff Johns, Walter Hamada, Chantal Nong Vo and Wesley Coller are the executive producers.
If you've had your fill of the usual festive fare, sit back, switch on the fairy lights and enjoy CUP OF CHEER, a cheeky Christmas cracker to titillate at tinsel time.
When a big city journalist returns to her small hometown for Christmas in search of a holiday scoop, she literally runs into a down-on-his-luck hot-chocolate shop owner. It's not long before they begin a picture-perfect, Christmas-movie romance, exactly like all the ones you've seen before...or is it? This laugh-out-loud romp from director Jake Horowitz lampoons every Christmas movie you've ever watched and arrives just in time for the festive season on 7 December 2020 from (Yet) Another Distribution Company.
Mary (Storm Steenson – The Olympus Project, Forbidden: Dying for Love) is a successful journalist who heads back to her charming hometown of Snowy Heights to write an article about the town's world-famous Christmas cheer. When she runs into the sullen but endearing Chris (Alexander Oliver – Freelancer, From the Thunder),the owner of Cup of Cheer, Mary learns that his charming business is going to be shut down on Christmas Eve…and it's her ex-boyfriend that's responsible. Using her big city smarts and her festive spirit, Mary unites the town in an effort to save Cup of Cheer and have the Christmas they've always wanted.
This X-mas rated comedy Cup of Cheer spills over with festive fun.
