Friday 26 February 2021

Red Rage - Official Trailer - Starring Adam Deacon


Saints & Savages has revealed that Red Rage, the explosive British thriller will be released in the UK on 19th April on DVD & Digital Download platforms. Red Rage recently won Best Feature at the Europe Film Festival 2021.

The film stars a host of British talent including Adam Deacon (Anuvahood), Vas Blackwood (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels), Ian Reddinton (Highlander) and Steven Berkoff (Octopussy).

A murderous vigilante couple tear through the city, serving vengeance to dealers of a new designer drug called Red Devil in this nightmarish dystopia where everyone seems high on something.

Black Bear - Trailer - Starring Aubrey Plaza


BLACK BEAR is an intriguing and satirical comedic thriller directed by Lawrence Michael Levine and starring Aubrey Plaza (Ingrid Goes West, Happiest Season) Christopher Abbott (Possessor, Catch 22) and Sarah Gadon (True Detective, Alias Grace). The film launched at the Sundance Film Festival, where the film enthralled audiences and received widespread critical acclaim. BLACK BEAR will screen at the Glasgow Film Festival from 27th February. 

At a remote lake house, a filmmaker plays a calculated game of desire and jealousy in the pursuit of a work of art that blurs the boundaries between autobiography and invention.

BLACK BEAR will be released on UK and Irish digital platforms on 23rd April

Running time: 104 mins / Cert TBC 


Wednesday 24 February 2021

COMPETITION: Win The Ice Cream Truck on DVD



The Ice Cream Truck is released on DVD on 1st of March

And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 3 copies to give away.

Synopsis: 
Deanna Russo (Being Human) stars as a lonely housewife who moves back to her home town where she captures the attention of her neighbours teenage son. Her forbidden fantasies and neurotic anxieties manifest themselves in the form of an evil slasher that stalks the suburbs in an ice cream truck.

THE ICE CREAM TRUCK was written and directed by Megan Freels Johnston, grandaughter of the iconic American crime novelist Elmore Leonard. After festival screenings at Weekend of Fear in Germany, Grossmann Fantastic Film Festival in Slovenia and Dublin Horrorthon in Ireland, THE ICE CREAM TRUCK was picked up for distribution in North America by Uncork'd Entertainment and in the UK and Ireland by Danse Macabre.


Buy From Amazon at
https://amzn.to/37IJoGB

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 08-03-21
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.
5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.


Made in Italy - Official Trailer - Starring Liam Neeson


MADE IN ITALY is a heart-warming comedy, set in glorious Tuscany, about bohemian London artist Robert (Liam Neeson) who returns to Italy with his estranged son Jack (Micheál Richardson) to make a quick sale of the house they inherited from his late wife. Neither expects to find the once beautiful villa in such a state of disrepair...

Renovations go badly, and father and son find themselves at odds –not for the first time. Robert’s comical lack of DIY experience leads him to seek help from some colourful locals, but for Jack, the state of the house seems to mirror his search for memories of happier times with his mother. Then Jack falls for Natalia, a vivacious young Italian chef, who restores both body and soul with delights from her local trattoria -until the pair find their developing relationship in jeopardy from Natalia’s jealous and threatening ex-husband.

As Robert and Jack painstakingly restore the villa to its previous glory, father and son also start to mend their relationship. The future may now look quite different and surprise them both.

The film stars Liam Neeson (Honest Thief, Schindler’s List, Love Actually), Micheál Richardson (Cold Pursuit, Big Dogs), Valeria Bilello (Curon, Sense8) and Lindsay Duncan (Gifted, About Time).

MADE IN ITALY is the directorial and screenwriting debut for James D’Arcy (Cloud Atlas, Dunkirk), and is produced by Pippa Cross (100 Streets, Chalet Girl) and Sam Tipper-Hale (The Lost Girls, The Last Right).

MADE IN ITALY will launch exclusively on Amazon Prime Video from 26th March.

Tuesday 23 February 2021

Portal - UK Trailer - Starring Josh Peck and Wilson Bethel


ON DVD AND DIGITAL FROM APRIL 19

https://amzn.to/2OTM7Xd

Portal is a captivating and visually-arresting sci-fi thriller that pushes the boundaries of science fiction storytelling. From the team that brought you V/H/S, Sea Fever and Becky, the film stars Josh Peck (Drake & Josh, Mean Creak), Wilson Bethel (Daredevil, Hart of Dixie) and Lina Esco (Kingdom, S.W.A.T.).

When a number of mysterious, alien “doors” appear suddenly around the globe, individuals from all walks of life must come together to discover what these doors are, where they lead, and if we can–or should–attempt to cross to the other side.

Monday 22 February 2021

"Zack Snyder's Justice League" Will Be Made Available Worldwide in All Markets Day

ZACK SNYDER'S JUSTICE LEAGUE will be made available worldwide in all markets day and date with the US on THURSDAY, MARCH 18 (*with the exception of China, France and Japan, where the release dates are TBD). The feature film will be available in each market via one of the following distribution options - PVOD, PEST, EST, SVOD, TVOD, HBO linear and on HBO Go (in HBO Europe and HBO Asia territories), or via a local TV provider. Additional details for each specific market will be shared in the upcoming weeks.

ZACK SNYDER'S JUSTICE LEAGUE stars Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Gal Gadot, Ray Fisher, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, Willem Dafoe, Jesse Eisenberg, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, Connie Nielsen, J.K. Simmons. The screenplay is by Chris Terrio, story by Chris Terrio & Zack Snyder and Will Beall, based on characters from DC, Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The film's producers are Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, with executive producers Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas, Wesley Coller, Jim Rowe, Curtis Kanemoto, Chris Terrio and Ben Affleck.


Jailbreak - UK Trailer - 2021 Prison Escape Movie


Based on unbelievable historical events and one of the world’s most renowned prison escapes that led to the fall of Chile’s, then, brutal dictator Augusto Pinochet.

Jailbreak follows the incredible and heroic story of a group of prisoners at a Santiago jail who dug a 80meter long tunnel, over 18 months, using spoons and one screwdriver. The freedom fighters moved more than 55 tons of dirt, right under the nose of the prison guards without being caught in a bid for freedom not only for the prisoners, but for their country - resulting in the most daring prison escape in history.

Signature Entertainment presents Jailbreak on Digital Platforms 1st March 

Interview with Alexis Bruchon - Director of The Woman with Leopard Shoes


Ahead of FrightFest’s UK special screening of THE WOMAN WITH LEOPARD SHOES at the Glasgow Film Festival, director Alexis Bruchon talks about his love of Noir, casting his brother and directing in his underwear…

Your background is in illustration and graphic design. Was making a movie the next logical step as an artist?

From a very young age, I wanted to make a movie (as a teenager I did make a slasher called Ice Crime a true masterpiece!) - but drawing is direct, cost nothing and allows you to produce any images you want. So, I started with two unpublished graphic novels. The good thing with comics is that I realised you can tell a story with very few elements… and no money!

So, when I started on THE WOMAN WITH THE LEOPARD SHOES, drawing was highly important in the making of the film because I storyboarded everything with a lot of indications like light, moments, actions etc.


What was the inspiration for THE WOMAN IN THE LEOPARD SHOES?

Noir films are a huge inspiration for the movie, especially Robert Siodmak’s movies. The Killers (and Don Siegel’s remake!) is one of my favourites. I love very different noir films, like Murder My Sweet, Laura, Kiss Me Deadly, Road House (a very rare film from Negulesco),

I was also inspired by gothic cinema, especially the films from the Hammer and Amicus with Freddie Francis’ films, a true master! Mario Bava and Jacques Tourneur are the two other big influences, because they are masters of the off-screen. Giallo were a huge inspiration for the script because it is made of twists and manipulations.


It’s a perplexing story, twisting and turning all the time, was it difficult to write and navigate the complex revelations?

It was the hardest part because you have a very minimalist starting point: a mute character, one room and a specific situation. There were two traps, in my opinion: making a telephone thriller with a lot of dialogues and no visual elements, or making another survival film with action and action alone. The idea on the contrary, was to develop a complex story, close to the 70’s paranoiac thrillers, told with images only, and where the solution is outside the room, invisible from the audience.  In fact, I developed the script through the set: a writing desk, a little bed, a closet, a window and a door, that’s it! With these limitations you have to play with space because it becomes information: if my character goes here, it tells something and it brings something to the story. Basically it’s the story of a man walking around a desk.


Your leading man Paul Bruchon is obviously a relation. Which, and why choose him?

Paul is my brother and he has never acted before! At the beginning, I planned to hire a real actor and I have to confess that the role was written for a woman at the beginning. One day, my brother just asked ‘’well it could be fun, just to see’’… I took my camera and started to shoot. He was exactly what I was looking for! He has a real presence and most of all a real elegance. It’s difficult to explain, because he’s my brother, but on the screen, when he moves you can feel his presence in the room.

All my family contributed to the film: Both my parents play a character, in fact each person of the crew plays a character! For example, I play Boyer but one day, for a scene, I was alone with Pauline Morel, my best friend and first assistant and I had to be behind the camera… so I dressed her in my suit and tie and here I am, in my underwear, yelling action to poor Pauline, who had to act like a forty years old upper class man!.


The story is told visually through silhouettes and shadows in super black-and-white,. You never show other people but their presence is always felt. All creative and budgetary choices?

All these choices were made for the script but, yes, also because of budgetary reasons. The film had a small budget but with a big set that we had to build entirely so it was impossible to us to show anything else and I think (I hope) it’s for the best.

Black and white was logical for me because colour can distract the eye. Benjamin Cognet, our gaffer was helpful to achieve it and we built the entire room in order to control light.


Where did you film?

All the shooting takes place in my parent’s home. I measured the living room and built, with Leopol Maurice, a big box. The shooting was a very happy time; the crew was composed of my friends and my parents made food!

You edited the movie too and also composed the evocative soundtrack. Had you done anything like this before and how big a learning curve was it?

It was my first experience from writing to editing and it was a personal challenge. It will sound pretentious but I’m not a good pupil, I always hated school and I prefer to learn by myself. Of course it would be more efficient to employ an editor, a cinematographer, a sound designer, but I deeply wanted to learn how to make a movie from start to end. Obviously, the first day I was in front of my computer to edit the first scene I was a bit panicky because I didn’t know any techniques. 

From the beginning I knew sound would be very important. Sound is a character in itself and I decided to work it as a visual element. Music was a big source of stress… I had never composed a single note and I planned to hire a friend of mine to make the soundtrack but, once again, he was not available so I started to listen to some soundtracks that I love and decided to write the music on the editing timeline, directly with the images. I recorded very different sounds with a microphone and stole some rhythmic, very brief moments from various soundtracks (there is a sample from Alien for example) and I edited it like rushes.


How did the COVID-19 outbreak affect the film?

The music was written during the first month of lockdown in France so the beginning of COVID was (sorry to say) but pretty fun for me… A perfect film for our socially distanced times: set almost entirely in one room, with one single silent character on screen and most communication via text message.,

More generally, COVID shows the growing importance of digital tech in our lives. Sometime it’s for the best and your digital edition of FrightFest is a good example, sometimes it’s for the worst…


Where did you get the pair of leopard shoes? We want some!

Gorgeous, aren’t they? Well, it was difficult to find the right ones. Me and Pauline Morel (who chose most of the costumes of the film) are real shoes fashionista now! Ask us everything you want about leopard shoes! The pair you see were found on the internet so… you just have to click and find them!


Finally, what’s next?

I’m about to shoot my second feature in March! A horror film made with the same circumstances as the first. The Woman with Leopard Shoes is the first film of a trilogy with the same concept: one character, one situation and almost no dialogues. The idea is to cover three genres, the film Noir with the first one, the horror film with this second and the paranoiac thriller with the third. The script and the storyboard are finished, we have the actors and the set is ready to be built! Me and my father have built a crane which permits the camera to go absolutely everywhere because tiny spaces will be very important for the story.

All I can say is that it’s a movie which began like a possession story then goes to a ghost story and finally to a fantastic thriller. I’m very excited to start shooting! I have also my first script, a story of kidnapping but I need more money to do it. It’s not an expensive film at all but impossible to make just on my own… but I will do it, one way or another!

THE WOMAN WITH LEOPARD SHOES is showing on demand for 72 hours from 4.00 pm 5th March, as part of the Arrow Video FrightFest Glasgow 2021 Digital event.

The film is geo-locked to the UK and limited to 500 tickets, Tickets are priced £9.99. For more information: www.glasgowfilm.org/festival



Friday 19 February 2021

ITV commissions new film on the trial of Louise Woodward

ITV has commissioned a new film on the trial of Louise Woodward, the 19-year-old British au pair accused of the murder, by shaking, of nine month old baby, Matthew Eappen, in her care while she was working in the US.

The Trial of Louise Woodward [WT], produced by Voltage TV, will mark 25 years since the 1997 trial, the highest profile court case in the US featuring a British defendant, which was played out on television screens across both sides of the Atlantic.

With access to many of the key figures closest to the case – and including contributions from those who have never spoken since it ended -  this film aims to illuminate each key step of the trial and its aftermath.

Examining whether advances in medical science since the 1997 trial might have changed the verdict in this case, the film will also bring revealing insights from the experts for the prosecution and defence who ferociously disagreed about key facts at the time.  Some claimed Louise had violently shaken Matthew in a "frustrated, unhappy and resentful rage", while others asserted his injuries were several months old.  Including contributions from the judge and jury who failed to reach agreement on her sentence – the latter's 'guilty' verdict, which condemned her to 15 years for murder was downgraded to manslaughter in a shock last-minute move by the presiding judge  – the film will shed new light on the case.

The film, The Trial of Louise Woodward, is commissioned for ITV by Tom Giles, ITV Controller of Current Affairs.

Tom said: "The trial of Louise Woodward made a unique impact and is still vividly remembered now, decades later. This film, with its close access to the key figures involved in the case, promises to deliver an eye-opening insight into the pressures bearing down on proceedings to tell us how and why it played out as it did and how its conclusion is a continuing source of division."

Sanjay Singhal is Executive Producer for Voltage TV: "Like millions of others, I remember being gripped by the daily twists and turns of the extraordinary court case as it was headline news every night. I'd like to try to show what it must have been like to go through that for both sides: a young British woman at the centre of a legal storm – and the bereaved parents who felt that justice was not done because of a scientific argument that continues to this day."

Thursday 18 February 2021

Mortal Kombat (2021) - Official Red Band Trailer


Mortal Kombat is an upcoming American martial arts fantasy action film directed by Simon McQuoid (in his feature directorial debut) from a screenplay by Greg Russo and Dave Callaham and a story by Oren Uziel and Russo. It is based on the video game franchise of the same name created by Ed Boon and John Tobias, serving as a reboot to the Mortal Kombat film series. 

The film will star Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Tadanobu Asano, Mehcad Brooks, Ludi Lin, Chin Han, Joe Taslim, and Hiroyuki Sanada.

Mortal Kombat is scheduled to be released in theaters and on the HBO Max streaming service by Warner Bros. Pictures on April 16, 2021.


Wednesday 17 February 2021

Cruella - Official Trailer- Starring Emma Stone

 

Emma Stone stars in Disney's Cruella, an all-new live-action feature film about the rebellious early days of one of cinemas most notorious villains, Cruella de Vil.

From producer Andrew Gunn and screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna. Glenn Close, who played de Vil in the 1996 live action 101 Dalmations and its sequel 102 Dalmations, serves as executive producer.


Tuesday 16 February 2021

Red Latex Trailer - Gerard Marco De Mas' erotic black comedy


Jinga Films has announced the UK and Irish release of Gerard Marco De Mas' erotic black comedy RED LATEX which will be available to stream and download from February 22nd 2021. - https://apple.co/37mASgx

Get it on Apple TV

In RED LATEX a young hen-pecked husband escapes his pregnant wife and her smothering family to find refuge with a dominatrix.

The Columnist - Exclusive UK Trailer - On Digital 12th March


Starring Westworld's Katja Herbers, THE COLUMNIST, a stand-out at last year’s FrightFest, is a savagely satirical, gory and wholly thrilling look at what happens when the victim of online abuse says “enough is enough”.  Smartly scripted and slicky directed, with some wonderfully pitch-black set pieces, it sits nicely alongside women-turn-the-tables hits Prevenge, Revenge, Promising Young Woman, and the recent Danish release The Exception.

Featuring a fantastic performance from Herbers, and a scene-stealing Bram van der Kelen as the author of shock horror novels, THE COLUMNIST is sure to provoke debate around the prescient topic of social media’s impact on basic civility. It’s Death Wish for the online generation, and you’ll be cheering as Herbers gets the next foul-mouthed victim in her sights.

Synopsis: 

Newspaper columnist and author Femke Boot is suffering from writers’ block, and her mood isn’t improved by the torrent of abuse and death threats she receives daily on social media. When she discovers that her obnoxious, loud neighbour is one of the anonymous people posting vile comments, she snaps and takes matters into her own hands. As she finds herself able to write again, she sets out on a mission - track down the trolls and deliver some swift, polite and deadly vengeance.

Monday 15 February 2021

COMPETITION: Win The Curse of Dracula on DVD



The Curse of Dracula is released on DVD on 22 February

And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 3 copies to give away.

Synopsis: 
Two small time crooks looking to scam wealthy tourists organize a guided tour of an abandoned Slovenian manor house rumored to be haunted by the cousin of Count Dracula. Their first group of visitors consist of a Swedish Satanist looking for a relic, French goths on a vampire hunt and a Russian porn director looking for a location. The tour descends into bloody chaos as the tourists are slaughtered one-by-one by a mysterious phantom wielding a saw. When the survivors seek refuge in the basement, they are confronted by a family of hungry cannibals looking for their next meal.


Buy From Amazon at
https://amzn.to/2LY9w92

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 29-02-21
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.
5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.


Come True - Trailer - Starring Julia Sarah Stone & Landon Liboiron


Plagued by nightmares, a troubled teenager signs up to a sleep disorder study. Hoping that will finally stop her sinister dreams, she unknowingly becomes the channel to a horrifying new discovery.

Directed by Anthony Scott Burns (Our House), the film stars Julia Sarah Stone (Honey Bee, Weirdos) and Landon Liboiron (Truth or Dare).

Plagued by nightmares, a troubled teenager signs up to a sleep disorder study. Hoping that will finally stop her sinister dreams, she unknowingly becomes the channel to a horrifying new discovery.

Come True will be released in Cinemas from 12th March, on Digital Download from 15th March, and on Limited Edition Blu-ray from 5th April

https://amzn.to/3piwcOF - Pre Order from Amazon


Josie & Jack - Trailer - The powerful directorial debut from Sarah Lancaster


The Society’s breakout star Olivia DeJonge is a sibling battling to escape her tyrannical father and forge her own place in the big city in Josie & Jack, the directorial debut from Hollywood actor Sarah Lancaster.

This raw and powerful drama from Lancaster (Chuck, Everwood) is based on Kelly Braffet’s acclaimed book of the same name. The tense plot follows brother and sister duo Josie (Olivia DeJonge – Stray Dolls, The Society) and Jack (Alex Neustaedter - Colony, American Woman) Raeburn, who are raised by their tough father (William Fichtner – 12 Strong, Prison Break), a physics professor at a local university.

The two teens are isolated in a decrepit mansion in rural Pennsylvania, with only each other to depend on, but, following an argument with their father the two flee and try to make a life for themselves in New York. However, with Jack’s behaviour becoming increasingly temperamental, Josie must decide between her loyalty to her brother and breaking free.

Following a successful release at Downtown LA film festival and winning awards for Best Director and Best Actress at the Beverly Hills Film Festival, Josie & Jack arrives on digital Monday 22 March 2021 courtesy of 101 Films.

Released on digital Monday 22nd March

The Banishing - Official Trailer - Starring Jessica Brown


The Shining meets Downton Abbey in the chilling new ghost story 

THE BANISHING, starring Jessica Brown Findlay (Brave New World, Harlots) and directed by genre master Christopher Smith (Black Death, Severance, Triangle). THE BANISHING will be released in cinemas and on digital platforms March 26th 2021, courtesy of AMC Networks’ Shudder, in partnership with Vertigo Releasing. 

THE BANISHING has a terrific cast, including Downton Abbey’s Brown Findlay as a young woman uncovering dark secrets in her new home; Sean Harris (Red Riding, Mission: Impossible) as ghost hunter Harry Price; and John Lynch (Isolation) as a sinister ‘man of God’. Smith expertly delivers a handsomely mounted period mystery, based around the spooky real life Borley Rectory tale, that steadily builds to a satisfying climax, twanging the nerves along the way, with creepy dolls, shadowy figures, religious mania and the terror of madness. A story of isolation and a family strained to breaking point, THE BANISHING is the perfect lockdown-era chiller for fans of spine-tinglers like The Others and Rebecca.

Synopsis: 1930s, England. Linus, his wife Marianne and their daughter Adelaide move into town, where Linus has been posted as the new reverend. He’s been tasked by the Church to renew the villagers’ faith, which has been lost after the disappearance of the previous reverend’s family, who lived in the very same mysterious manor where Linus and his family have settled into. Soon after their arrival, strange events start to occur: ghostly voices, dark figures dressed as monks, mysterious totems, and Adelaide’s behavior becoming stranger by the day. It soon becomes clear that a malicious entity seeks to possess Adelaide and that the Church is hiding a terrible secret…

THE BANISHING will be released in cinemas and on digital platforms March 26th 2021


Sunday 14 February 2021

Godzilla vs. Kong – Official Trailer - And New Portrait Trailer


In theaters and streaming on HBO Max March 26.

From Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures comes the long-awaited face-off between two icons, “Godzilla vs Kong,” the next epic adventure in Legendary’s cinematic Monsterverse, directed by Adam Wingard.

Legends collide in “Godzilla vs. Kong” as these mythic adversaries meet in a spectacular battle for the ages, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. Kong and his protectors undertake a perilous journey to find his true home, and with them is Jia, a young orphaned girl with whom he has formed a unique and powerful bond. But they unexpectedly find themselves in the path of an enraged Godzilla, cutting a swath of destruction across the globe. The epic clash between the two titans—instigated by unseen forces—is only the beginning of the mystery that lies deep within the core of the Earth.

The film stars Alexander Skarsgård (“Big Little Lies,” “The Little Drummer Girl”), Millie Bobby Brown (“Stranger Things”), Rebecca Hall (“Christine,” “Professor Marston and the Wonder Women”), Brian Tyree Henry (“Joker,” “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”), Shun Oguri (“Weathering with You”), Eiza González (“Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw”), Julian Dennison (“Deadpool 2”), with Kyle Chandler (“Godzilla: King of the Monsters”) and Demián Bichir (“The Nun,” “The Hateful Eight”).



Zack Snyder’s Justice League - Official Trailer

 

Watch the trailer for Zack Snyder’s Justice League. Coming soon. #SnyderCut​

In Zack Snyder's Justice League, determined to ensure Superman’s (Henry Cavill) ultimate sacrifice was not in vain, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) aligns forces with Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) with plans to recruit a team of metahumans to protect the world from an approaching threat of catastrophic proportions. The task proves more difficult than Bruce imagined, as each of the recruits must face the demons of their own pasts to transcend that which has held them back, allowing them to come together, finally forming an unprecedented league of heroes. Now united, Batman (Affleck), Wonder Woman (Gadot), Aquaman (Jason Momoa), Cyborg (Ray Fisher), and The Flash (Ezra Miller) may be too late to save the planet from Steppenwolf, DeSaad, and Darkseid and their dreadful intentions.

Friday 12 February 2021

TOP 5 FUN MARTIAL ARTS MOVIES

The new DC original animation, Batman: Soul of the Dragon is a martial arts action adventure that is sure to knock you off your feet! To celebrate the new release, we have a kick-ass collection of martial arts movies for you to get stuck into.

Batman: Soul of the Dragon is available on Digital now, and arriving February 15th on Blu-Ray™, Blu-Ray™ Mini Figure and DVD.


Batman: Soul of the Dragon (2021) - https://amzn.to/2Zpp8pf

An original story set in the 1970s', this adventure follows Bruce Wayne as he trains under a master sensei. Bruce, along with other elite students, is forged in the fire of the martial arts discipline, but the lifelong bonds they form will be put to the test when a deadly menace arises from their past. Bruce is joined by three of the best martial artists in the DC multiverse: Lady Shiva (Kelly Hu), Ben Turner a.k.a. Bronze Tiger (Michael Jai White), and Richard Dragon (Mark Dacascos), making a team of superheroes not to be messed with.

This animation is the ultimate throw-back to the martial arts mania that took place in the 70s'. With hints of Bruce Lee's Enter the Dragon throughout, and a collection of some of DCs' best Kung-Fu fighters, this latest Batman movie is pure martial arts magic.


The Karate Kid (1984) - https://amzn.to/2ZegWI1

This coming-of-age martial arts drama follows Daniel (Ralph Macchio) as he moves to Southern California with his mother Lucille (Randee Heller). Finding himself faced with a group of school bullies, the Cobra Kai gang, he turns to an unlikely ally, repair man Mr. Miyagi. Daniel soon discovers his newfound friend is in fact a martial arts master. Miyagi teaches his new pupil the secrets of self-defence to settle the feud once and for all in a knock-out karate tournament.

The referee of the tournament is renowned martial artist, Pat E. Johnson, who acted not only as fictional referee, but real-life choreographer for the film, making him the man behind Daniel's signature Crane Kick.


Kung Fu Panda (2008) - https://amzn.to/3jK0NDG

This film takes a new slant on the martial arts classics, with an animated Panda at the centre of its story. Despite being the clumsiest panda in the valley, Po dreams of becoming a Kung Fu legend. So, when he is selected as the Dragon Warrior, he snatches up the opportunity, but Po gets a little bit more than he bargained for. With help from his idols the Furious Five, and training under master Shifu, Po embarks on an epic adventure to take down a villainous snow leopard, Tai Lung.

So, it looks like Panda's can Kung Fu too! This animation is a fun and family friendly introduction into the world of martial arts. With an unlikely hero at its heart, this tale isn't just about a killer kick, but a quest for inner strength and friendship.


Mulan (2020) - https://amzn.to/3791pxG

This live action remake of the 1998 Disney classic features a team of well-known martial arts actors, including Connie Yen and Cheng Pei-pei, with Jet Li as it's hard-core heroine. Based on the original story, the film follows a young Chinese maiden who disguises herself as a male warrior to save her frail Father from serving in the Imperial Army. As a battle against Northern invaders looms, Mulan is determined to take her Father's place, training to become the ultimate warrior.

If you're a martial arts movie fan, then you'll recognise the legendary figures in this film. Donnie Yen, who plays Commander Tung, is a household name when it comes to the Hong Kong martial arts films of the 80s and 90s, while Jet Li was no less than a Wushu champion! Making for one killer cast that we wouldn't want to cross!


The Assassin (2015) - https://amzn.to/3adUe9b

This period martial arts movie is adapted from a ninth-century Tang Dynasty tale about a legendary female martial artist. Set in China at a time of great unrest, the story centres around Nie Yinniang, who is kidnapped and raised by her aunt. She is trained to become a lethal assassin and martial arts master. As the story develops, Yinniang finds herself battling not only her targets, but her conscience.

Filled with exhilarating action scenes, this heroine can swerve several swordsmen singlehandedly, making it a martial arts master piece.



Batman: Soul of the Dragon is available on Digital now, and arriving February 15th on Blu-Ray™, Blu-Ray™ Mini Figure and DVD. - https://amzn.to/2Zpp8pf

The Adventures of Wolfboy - UK Trailer - Stars Chloë Sevigny and Eve Hewson


An inspiring and moving drama in vein of Little Miss Sunshine, with a modern day fairy-tale surrealism that fans of Tim Burton will love.

The Adventures of Wolfboy follows a young boy and his coming of age story as he navigates life with a rare condition that causes an abnormal amount of hair growth all over his face and body, known as “Wolfman Syndrome”. On his 13th birthday he goes in search of his mother who abandoned him at birth whilst being perused by a police officer enlisted by his father.

With an all-star cast including Chloë Sevigny and Eve Hewson, The Adventures of Wolfboy is as precious and charming as the films powerful message.

Yours to own on March 15.


Emperor (2021) Trailer starring James Cromwell, Kat Graham, Bruce Dern


From the producer of Django Unchained comes Emperor, an inspirational and timely portrait of courage and resilience set during a turbulent time in American history.

Pre-Order on Amazon - https://amzn.to/2Nm4fIs

This epic story is inspired by the legend of 19th century freedom fighter, Shields "Emperor" Green (Dayo Okeniyi, The Hunger Games, Shades of Blue), a descendant of African kings turned outlaw slave in the pre-Civil War South.

A man fighting to free his family and bring an end to tyranny, Emperor fights his way north, joining forces with abolitionist John Brown for a daring raid on Harper's Ferry, helping to alter the course of American history in the process.

An action-packed and powerful epic shining a light on one of history’s unsung heroes, Emperor also stars Ben Robson (Animal Kingdom, Vikings), Academy Award® nominee James Cromwell (The Young Pope, The Green Mile), Kat Graham (All Eyez on Me, The Vampire Diaries) and Academy Award® and Golden Globe® nominee Bruce Dern (The Hateful Eight, Nebraska).

Kaleidoscope Entertainment presents Emperor on Digital from 1st March and DVD from 5th April

Thursday 11 February 2021

Interview with Madeleine Galea (Actress, Writer, Producer)


Australian actress Madeleine Galea on how the pandemic has affected the arts industry , the zoom boom, and her upcoming film “The Train”.


How has your year been so far?

2021 has been interesting so far, the capitol riots, the continuation of the pandemic and a snow storm here in NYC, but it's also had its positives and I feel excited for what the rest of the year will bring.


I imagine it’s been quite tough on you as an actor, because of the pandemic?

The pandemic really took its toll on myself and many other actors I know. I don’t think any actor ever sought to join this industry for its stability and comfort, but 2020 truly revealed the volatility many artists can face. With industry closures and stay at home orders in place around the country many projects were closed down or indefinitely delayed, and even when new opportunities arose you didn’t want to stake too much on they in case they too didn’t make it. I’m very grateful for all the opportunities I had to create last year and if anything, the shut downs reaffirmed for me just how passionate I am about acting and how much I can’t wait to get back on sets and on stage.


The industry has changed a lot since January, 2020. What changes have you noticed?

The industry has indeed seen many changes come into place. In November I started work on a new project and was really blown away by the differences I saw. There are strict limits to how many people can be on set, strict enforcement of ppe, including masks, goggles and face shields. And of course the numerous tests. Before I even got on set for day one of this shoot I think had about 8 Covid tests and was tested daily from then on. I think the strangest change and thing that took me the longest to get used to was not seeing peoples faces. You walk onto a sound stage with 60 crew and you spend the next three weeks with them and no matter how much you talk to each other, you realise at the end that you have absolutely no clue what some people look like. Something I’ve always loved about this industry is being around people and collaboration and with Covid still wrecking havoc that looks very different now.


Have you noticed that there’s more work in commercials, than say film, television and stage, during this time?

It’s hard to tell whether there’s more work in one area or another. I’ve definitely had more commercial auditions since the pandemic began, many brands are happy with you shooting from home, but on the flip side I’ve had friends who’ve solely booked film work. If you’ve got good lighting and audio equipment you can be a real asset for commercials, but not everyone has access to that stuff.


I believe I read that you actually did a play over zoom during this time?

Yes, throughout 2020 I was involved in several staged readings and two full zoom productions. The first play was Punk Rock, after graduating from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts I was invited back to perform with them. It was an interesting creative challenge and I learnt a lot from the process. Most recently I took part in the inaugural Australian Theatre Festival. Originally slated to take place in downtown Manhattan, the festival was moved online and included original plays, a cabaret and an industry panel. I featured in ‘Stranded’, an original piece tackling Australians stranded overseas and their plight to get home. Written by Mark Barford and directed by Mark Barford and Connor Delves, the play was wonderful to be a part of and reinforced for me the importance of creating theatre even if it can’t take place the way we want it to. Mark, Connor and the cast were wonderful to work with and I was very proud of what we could create.


How did you keep busy during it all? I know a lot of actors stayed in and got creative, whether it was by getting a podcast off-the-ground, recording music or learning something new..

I did everything! I baked bread, I started sewing, I made the fancy coffee with the foam on top, I gave my friends haircuts and much more. I started a podcast with my fellow Aussie ex-pat, Therese Roberts. ‘Lying For A Living’ is focused on the experiences of artists working overseas, and how immigration impacts their experiences, you can find it on Apple podcasts and Spotify with season two coming out shortly. Additionally, I spent hours writing, churning out script after script. I’ve always loved writing and honestly having so much time on my hands was somewhat of a blessing.


You started a production company during the pandemic? Can you tell us about some of the projects you’re developing?

We started Quilt Arts back in April of 2020 as a way to give ourselves some autonomy. As five international artists we found that we all had stories we wanted to share and that the roles we were auditioning for weren’t always as artistically satisfying as we would like. The first project we worked on was a collaboration with the World Health Organisation , #WHOartthou, a monologue challenge launched on social media. Additionally our podcast ‘Lying For A Living’ also launched last year, with a second season dropping soon. Alongside new media projects we are also producing more traditional content, with several short films and a TV pilot in the works. ‘Ghosts of Roommates Past’ is a short form comedy TV series, it follows two teenage roommates that are thrown into turmoil on their first day in New York, when it comes to light they might be living with a ghost. They must now deal with the quarrels of co-habitation, both supernatural and otherwise. Some roommates are more alive than others.


You’ve also been in the states, working on films – one of which is The Train”. Can you give us the 411 on it?

The film, which is Stanley’s fourth feature-length, is set in the year 2041, with flashbacks to the present. It focuses on a priest who is trying to save people with supernatural abilities from a group trying to use them for evil purposes. I play Sister Anne, one of several nuns seeking to protect those with special abilities. Shot on 35mm film in black and white, there was a lengthy rehearsal process to make sure that every take counted. The film is slated to premier this year at festivals before a cinematic release starting in Massachusetts. It was great to get back on set after months of industry closure and I’m looking forward to seeing the final cut of the film.



Interview with Mari Molefe van Heerden - Star of The Hex

When did you discover your love of acting, Mari?

I think I was born that way.  I can remember entertaining my family as a toddler and as I grew up.  Modelling around the house like a super star from a very young age.


Any family in the business?

My oldest brother Kobus used to be a freelance set builder and scenic painter on different films like: 10000bc, Raising Stripes, The Young Black Stallion, In my country, Lord of War, The Blast and many more.


Is it hard to break into the industry in South Africa?

I think it's hard to break into our industry in any country.  But it definitely taught me about rejection, hard work and commitment.  It is also important to not only focus on acting, but invest in different skill sets and interest in the industry like directing or writing or even producing like I started doing.  


What was your big break, you think?

I was very fortunate to get a big prominent and permanent role in a very well-known South African soap opera just after I finished my studies. That role opened many doors for me.


A film like "The Hex" would be a real "door opener" for you, I imagine. Have you any plans to tackle Hollywood?

I think making a movie or being part of a Hollywood film is one of the biggest achievements an actor can accomplish. There is a project that we are working on that might be filmed in Hollywood but I will only confirm that later the year.    

How has the industry changed, especially where your work is concerned, because of the pandemic?

Work was and still is very scarce, but fortunately The NFVF (National Film and Video Foundation) has initiated a relief fund aimed to support and assist South African freelance practitioners, technical and production crew that COVID significantly impacted during the pandemic.

When there were projects being made, there were a lot of red tape and regulations about social distancing, constantly wearing masks and sanitising every few minutes which made the art of acting sometimes mechanical.



Have you had to do a lot of auditions, maybe even some work, using zoom?

I was lucky during lock down to do a few auditions and landing a role in series: Die vlieende Springbokkie, where I play the captain of a spaceship.


Can you talk about some of your responsibilities as a producer on "The Hex"?

My role as producer was basically to oversee the entire film. From being part of the script development, casting and being on set handling any jobs that needed help and coordination, to helping with the sourcing and managing the financing. A producer's job never really ends, as the admin continues way after the film has been made and released.


Did you enjoy producing? Developing more stories?

The Hex was my first big project that I produced and I learned so much and fortunately I had a fantastic team that was part of it.  There are a few projects in the pipeline, but more of that a bit later.

 


Twisted psychological thriller 'Gatecrash' coming to digital download 22nd February


GATECRASH, will be coming to all major Digital Download platforms from 22nd February.

Pre-Order on iTunes at - https://apple.co/2ZjPn0h

Adapted from Terry Hughes’ award-winning stage play 'Life’s A Gatecrash', GATECRASH drives the audience to a breaking point in this modern-day revenge tragedy, starring Game of Thrones' & The Crown's Anton Lesser. 

The film follows Steve (Ben Cura) and Nicola (Olivia Bonamy) arriving home in the middle of the night, shortly after being involved in a hit and run accident. However, as the night unfolds a series of disturbing events force the couple to battle against an unseen, menacing presence culminating in a sickening discovery. 

Wednesday 10 February 2021

MastersOfHorror - Win Butchers on DVD


Butchers will be available on digital download 22nd February and coinciding with National Butchers Week, available on DVD from 8th March

And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 2 copies to give away on DVD EXCLUSIVELY on our sister site MastersOfHorror.co.uk

Synopsis:
After their car breaks down, four youths find themselves stranded in the middle of nowhere. Little do they know they are being watched. They soon fall captive to a family of sadistic butchers who keep their ‘fresh meat’ tied up in a wooden outhouse.

With hints of WRONG TURN, the four friends have little time to escape before it’s their turn to meet the chopping block.

Starring Simon Phillips, Michael Swatton and Julie Mainville

Tuesday 9 February 2021

The World To Come - Official Trailer - At Cinemas Soon - starring Katherine Waterston, Vanessa Kirby, Christopher Abbott, and Casey Affleck


Watch the official trailer for The World To Come, starring Katherine Waterston, Vanessa Kirby, Christopher Abbott, and Casey Affleck. Coming Soon to Cinemas

In this powerful 19th century romance set in the American Northeast, Abigail, a farmer’s wife, and her new neighbor Tallie find themselves irrevocably drawn to each other. A grieving Abigail tends to her withdrawn husband Dyer as free spirit Tallie bristles at the jealous control of her husband Finney. Together, their intimacy begins to fill a void in each other's lives they never knew existed.

WIN BATMAN: SOUL OF THE DRAGON ON BLU-RAY™


OWN IT ON DIGITAL NOW AND BLU-RAY™ & DVD FEBRUARY 15TH 

Renowned animation producer Bruce Timm takes the Dark Knight back to the 1970s for a supernatural-laden martial arts extravaganza in Batman: Soul Of The Dragon, the next entry in the popular series of the DC Universe Movies, and you could win a copy on Blu-ray.

This latest quest stars David Giuntoli (Grimm, A Million Little Things) as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Mark Dacascos (John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum, Iron Chef America, Hawaii Five-0) as Richard Dragon, Kelly Hu (Arrow, X2: X-Men United) as Lady Shiva and Michael Jai White (Spawn, reprising his role from Arrow) as Ben Turner/Bronze Tiger.

Set in the midst of the swinging 1970s, this Elseworlds adventure finds Bruce Wayne training under a master sensei. It is here that Bruce, along with other elite students, is forged in the fire of the martial arts discipline. The lifelong bonds they form will be put to the test when a deadly menace arises from their past. It will take the combined efforts of Batman, world-renowned martial artists Richard Dragon, Ben Turner and Lady Shiva, and their mentor O-Sensei to battle the monsters of this world and beyond!   

For your chance to win a copy of Batman: Soul of the Dragon on Blu-Ray™, simply answer the following question:

COMPETITION CLOSED


Batman: Soul of the Dragon is available now on Digital 

And Blu-ray™ and DVD on February 15th - https://amzn.to/3rCBiXC


Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 22-02-21
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.
5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.

Monday 8 February 2021

The Devil Below - Official Trailer - Starring: Adan Canto, Wall Patton, Alicia Sanz


A group of four amateur adventurers who specialize in exploring remote and forsaken places pay a visit to Shookum Hills, a town in the remote Appalachian Mountains, which was abandoned decades ago due to a mysterious coal mine fire.

Starring: Adan Canto, Wall Patton, Alicia Sanz

Directed By: Bradley Parker

Release Date: 3/5/21


Hurt By Paradise - Trailer - Starring Greta Bellamacina, Tanya Burr and Jaime Winstone

 

Described as the British Francis Ha, Hurt By Paradise is a heartfelt loveletter to female friendship and London, from first time writer/director Greta Bellamacina, who also takes the lead. Premiering at Edinburgh Film Festival and screening at Cannes Film Festival in 2019 to critical acclaim, it now arrives on digital on 8 February 2021 courtesy of Patriot Films.


Watch on Amazon now at https://amzn.to/36VsrZd

With its strong indie credentials, this British arthouse film will capture audience’s hearts and minds. It shines a light on the trials and tribulations of being a young, single mother living in London, exploring the hardships, but always with a sense of humour.

Indie ode to female friendship & London life starring Greta Bellamacina, Tanya Burr and Jaime Winstone on digital 8 February 2021

Actor and poet Greta Bellamacina takes the lead as Celeste – a young poet and single mother, trying to make her way in London. We follow her comedically unsuccessful attempts to get her first book published and to find her estranged father. With her best friend, babysitter Stella (Sadie Brown) – a middle-aged failed actress captivated by an online love affair – by her side, will they succeed in their attempts at living life to the full?

Stand out performances from Internet sensation Tanya Burr in her feature film debut and Brit acting favourite Jaime Winstone (Kidulthood, Made in Dagenham) seal the films’ empowering female edge.


Beautifully shot with Greta’s poetry woven throughout, it is both a young, accessible indie, as well as a heartwarming ode to the joys of London life. Hurt By Paradise carries a strong emotional arc and an impactful tragicomic twist that make it a must see movie.

Released on digital Monday 8th February
Watch on Amazon now at https://amzn.to/36VsrZd


COMPETITION: Win Skin Collector on DVD


Skin Collector is released on DVD on 15 February

And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 3 copies to give away.

Synopsis: 
The Gryphon (John Jarratt) is a serial killer with a flair for the dramatic - and a grisly trophy case of victims. But when he sets out to add young secretary Wendy Alden (Danielle Harris) to his macabre collection, he gets more than he bargained for. Always one step ahead of the pursuing Detective Delgado (Casper Van Dien) the brilliant psychopath penetrates police lines at will, circling ever closer to the target of his deranged fantasies. Until finally, the only thing standing between Wendy and the Gryphon's unthinkable desires is her own indomitable will to survive.

Buy From Amazon at
https://amzn.to/3rtIAgr

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 22-02-21
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.
5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.