Monday 29 May 2023

COMPETITION: Win The Changeling on Blu-ray



Peter Medak’s 'The Changeling' gets Limited Edition 4K UHD /Blu-ray Box Set and Standard Edition Releases from Second Sight Films on 5 June 2023

And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 2 copies on 4K UHD Blu-ray to give away.

Synopsis:
The Changeling has been described as one of the scariest films ever made and is included in Stephen King’s list of favourite movies … now more than 40 years after it premiered on the big screen, Peter Medak’s (The Krays) masterwork gets the release it deserves with Second Sight Films’ The Changeling Limited Edition 4K UHD/Blu-ray Box set.

Influencing renowned filmmakers such as Martin Scorsese – who included in his ‘11 scariest films of all time’ (The Guardian) – Alejandro Amenabar, Guillermo Del Toro and many more, the film is lauded by horror aficionados and audiences alike.

One of the most chilling horrors of all time is set for an auspicious collector’s Box set release and will also be on 4K/UHD Standard Edition and Blu-ray Standard Edition. The film is presented in a 4K scan and restoration presented in HDR and all three editions come stacked with special features including an audio commentary with the director Peter Medak and producer Joel B. Michaels, interviews and much more. They will be available on 5 June 2023 or to pre-order now.

The Limited Edition is presented in a rigid slipcase with new artwork by Christopher Shy and comes with a 108-page book with brand new essays plus an archive interview with Peter Medak, it also includes the original soundtrack CD, please see full details below.

Purchase the limited edition at https://amzn.to/3INffZs

Oscar®-winning actor George C. Scott (Patton, The Hustler) gives a standout performance as respected New York composer, John Russell, who relocates to Seattle following the tragic loss of his wife and daughter. He hopes for a fresh start, but the new home harbours a terrible secret and nothing can prepare him for the terror he’s about to face…

Scott stars alongside his wife Trish Van Devere (Where's Poppa?) and double Academy-Award® winner Melvyn Douglas (Being There).

For the ultimate cinematic chiller, experience The Changeling with Second Sight Films’ unmissable, ultimate edition of this seminal classic.

Pre-Order from Amazon at https://amzn.to/43tXk1R

Enter now for a chance to win.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here

1. Closing date 12-06-23
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.

Friday 26 May 2023

TRAILER: Deinfluencer - Starring Caylin Turner - On UK digital platforms 5 June 2023

Trend... or die trying in Deinfluencer, a slick, fear-filled new horror that finds a kidnapped cheerleader forced to take on sadistic social media challenges by her captor. From director Jamie Bailey (This Was America), this gripping thriller gets its UK digital premiere on 5 June 2023, courtesy of Reel 2 Reel Films.

An influential cheerleader Sabrina (Caylin Turner) is abducted by a fearsome masked fiend and forced to complete a series of increasingly violent tasks on social media to win her freedom and save not only her own life – but also the lives of others held captive.

Caught in a sinister game of social media survival, where the stakes are higher than ever before, Sabrina must do whatever it takes to earn likes and stay alive. But can she rise to the challenge and save herself from this terrifying trap? She must battle against the clock and only one thing is certain: every like counts... or does it?

Grab your pom-poms and popcorn for non-stop horror thrills with Deinfluencer, you’re guaranteed to hit like.

Watch on Apple TV at https://apple.co/3Wzcf8w and on Amazon at https://amzn.to/45wIYQ0

Wednesday 24 May 2023

REVIEW: John Wick: Chapter 4 - Starring Keanu Reeves

Review by Jon Donnis
John Wick is back, in what I believe is the end to the John Wick story. The sequel to John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019), Keanu Reeves as John Wick is out to get revenge on the High Table and those who left him for dead. Before I start, it is worth noting that this is the longest film in the series, at a massive 169 minutes (nearly 3 hours) it is about 38 minutes longer than John Wick 3, 47 minutes longer than John Wick 2, and 68 minutes longer than John Wick. So, to watch this you will need to have plenty of popcorn, and perhaps even a soft cushion for your behind.

In the bustling metropolis of New York City, (Nothing like real life, since NYC is an absolute dump, but anyway), John Wick finds himself hidden away with the Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne - a former underground crime boss who was left for dead by the High Table and is now sponsoring John Wick), making meticulous preparations for his forthcoming quest for vengeance against the formidable High Table. His underground sanctuary serves as a temporary refuge as he carefully strategizes his next move.


Determined to dismantle the High Table's power, John embarks on a journey to Morocco, where he sets his sights on eliminating the Elder, the influential figure who holds the highest position within the organization. With unwavering resolve, John succeeds in accomplishing his mission, causing ripples of consequence to reverberate through the ranks of the High Table.

In response to John's audacious act, Marquis Vincent de Gramont (Bill Skarsgård), a prominent member of the High Table, takes charge. Summoning Winston (Ian McShane), the esteemed manager of the New York Continental hotel, and his loyal concierge, Charon (Lance Reddick), the Marquis confronts them with a scathing reprimand. He berates Winston for his failure to assassinate John, holding him accountable for the repercussions that have ensued.


To deliver a fitting punishment for Winston's perceived incompetence, the Marquis swiftly strips him of his managerial responsibilities and declares him "excommunicado," effectively severing his ties to the High Table. In a ruthless display of authority, the Marquis proceeds to destroy the Continental, the renowned sanctuary for assassins, and executes Charon without mercy. Having unleashed his wrath, the Marquis then enlists the services of Caine (Donnie Yen), a retired and visually impaired assassin affiliated with the High Table. He coerces Caine into targeting his old acquaintance, John, using the threat of harm to Caine's own daughter as leverage.

Seeking safety and support, John seeks refuge at the Osaka Continental, a haven overseen by his trusted friend Shimazu Koji (Hiroyuki Sanada). As John takes shelter within its walls, the Marquis dispatches his right-hand man, Chidi, along with a cohort of High Table assassins and the relentless Caine, to investigate the premises. Sensing the impending danger, Akira (Rina Sawayama), Koji's daughter and the hotel's concierge, orchestrates a swift evacuation, ensuring the safety of the occupants just moments before the High Table unleashes their destructive assault, rendering the once-sacred grounds in chaos. In a valiant effort to protect John, Koji and his loyal companions engage in a fierce battle against the onslaught of armoured assassins. Amidst the chaos, John fights with unwavering determination, cutting through wave after wave of adversaries until he finds himself locked in a climactic showdown with Caine. However, their confrontation is abruptly interrupted by the appearance of "Mr. Nobody," (Shamier Anderson) a bounty hunter who recognizes the inadequacy of the reward for capturing John and aids in his escape. While Koji, gravely wounded, continues to confront Caine, sacrificing himself for John's cause, Caine reluctantly ends Koji's life but shows mercy to Akira.

Returning to the heart of New York, John seeks solace and communion with Winston, who has been consumed by his own thirst for vengeance, as they stand at the solemn gravesite of their fallen comrade, Charon. In this melancholic encounter, Winston shares a vital piece of information with John: an ancient High Table tradition that could potentially offer a path to liberation. By invoking this tradition, John could challenge the Marquis to a duel, with victory granting him freedom from the shackles of the High Table. However, there's a catch, John can only request a duel on behalf of a crime family. Determined to exploit this opportunity, John sets off for the Berlin headquarters of the Ruska Roma crime syndicate, an organization he had previously distanced himself from.


Upon arriving, John must negotiate his readmission into the syndicate, led by his adoptive sister, Katia (Natalia Tena). She lays down the conditions for his return, stipulating that John must eliminate Killa Harkan (Scott Adkins), a High Table member responsible for their father's murder. Intriguingly, this objective aligns with John's own vendetta. Encountering Killa at his opulent nightclub, John finds himself engaged in a fierce confrontation. With the support of Caine and Mr. Nobody, John valiantly battles Killa's henchmen, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. In the climactic clash, John emerges triumphant, exacting his revenge and reclaiming his rightful place within the ranks of the High Table.

And even after all of that, you are barely a third the way through the film!

Despite the length of the film, it is almost totally non-stop action, hardly a moment to breath, Keanu Reeves is excellent as John Wick as he always is, and totally convincing too. There are some twists and turns along the way and at the end, which you would expect.

JW4 is everything from the first 3 films, but bigger, better and longer, yes there is a plot in there somewhere, but this is purely about action, watching the John Wick character dispatch of his enemies, in more and more creative ways, as well as within some incredible cinematography.


The Good
The nonstop action, the direction, the visual effects and filming style, everything is just a feast for the eyes.

The Bad
The totally unnecessary run time of nearly 3 hours. Everything just feels so stretched out, because the film is light on actual story, and heavy on the fights, at some points you just want them to get on with it. Even something as simple as Ian McShane as Winston walking through a room takes forever. This film could easily have cut over an hour out without affecting the story or even the action one bit. This is the version you release as a director's cut, not the theatrical cut. I love the John Wick franchise and even I struggled through this.

Overall
Ridiculous run time to the side, this is a great film, and it is worth watching it to the end, as the ending is incredible and sensational. I just don't like having to feel like I have just been through 12 rounds with Mike Tyson to get to it.

The long run time will put off newcomers to the franchise, but will satisfy the hardcore fans. But how about you release a proper theatrical cut, keep it to 100 minutes, and let us enjoy the film like we did the original.

I score John Wick a marathon 8.5/10

Out now in cinemas and on digital at https://apple.co/42VzY5j and https://amzn.to/43nx4WH

Monday 22 May 2023

NEWS: Movies Go Fourth by Mark Edlitz

 

Movies Go Fourth by Mark Edlitz is a fascinating book that takes a look at films, nothing original there I hear you shout, but this book is very different, for it concentrates solely on the fourth film in a series. I think I will let the official blurb do the talking.

"Movies Go Fourth is a celebration of the fourth movies in the most popular film franchises of all time. It offers behind-the-scenes stories of fourth films from such beloved series as Star Wars, Star Trek, and James Bond. It also explores infamous fourth films, including Jaws: The Revenge, Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, and Batman & Robin. This riveting book reveals the inside scoop on some of the biggest films in horror (Halloween, Nightmare on Elm Street), sci-fi (Highlander, Terminator, Planet of the Apes), action (James Bond, Die Hard, Rambo) and comedy (Police Academy, Home Alone). Author Mark Edlitz also examines notable unmade fourth films, such as Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather: Part IV and Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 4.

Film trilogies used to signify a movie's success. Today, studios prefer to make never-ending stories. So what happens when the trilogy is over and the filmmakers or the studios want to make a fourth movie? Do they stick with the original story or create invent new characters who chart a new story? How do they honor what came first while inventing something new? And what happens when the artist and the studio come into conflict? This book answers those questions and many others.

Through exclusive and revealing interviews, Movies Go Fourth delves deeply into making some of the most popular film franchises of all time. Based on candid interviews from the filmmakers themselves, Movies Go Fourth reveals what happens when art and commerce collide."

Sound interesting right?

What about the author Mark Edlitz? He has worked as a writer/producer for ABC News, NBC News, Discovery ID, History Channel, and the National Geographic Channel. He has also written three other books, including The Many Lives of James Bond and How to Be a Superhero, for which David Mamet wrote the foreword. Check out Mark's other books at https://amzn.to/3LSbzYk

I definitely think Movies Go Fourth is worth checking out, and you can do just that at the following links

Links

USA

https://amzn.to/3IzmaoR

UK

https://amzn.to/43eYTAw


COMPETITION: Win The Conquest of Everest (Vintage Classics) Blu-ray


The awe-inspiring documentary accounting the first successful attempt on the peak of Mount Everest is released on May 29 on DVD, Blu-Ray and Digital.

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

Synopsis:
To mark the 70th anniversary of the historic expedition, STUDIOCANAL is delighted to announce a dazzling new restoration of the classic British documentary, THE CONQUEST OF EVEREST. Telling the awe-inspiring story of the first successful attempt on the peak of Mount Everest, this thrilling and important piece of adventuring history will be available to own on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital on May 29 - the same date the party made it to the peak.
 

Narrated by Meredith Edwards (A Run For Your Money) and featuring the mountaineers Sir Edmund Hillary, Wilfred Noyce and Tenzing Norgay, the documentary details the history, preparation and description of the route as well as fascinating footage of previous attempts and the social context of the achievement. 
 
In order to document the entire ascent, the producers had to rely on footage from the climbing team themselves. Select members were given rudimentary training and equipped with cameras and a variety of lenses, which they had to lug around in addition to the actual essentials, such as their oxygen tanks. They also carried a few experimental automatic cameras that were as small as cigarette packets and much easier to use. Original cameraman Tom Stobart fell ill at the lower level, so George Lowe, Hillary’s climbing partner, took over as director and came back with dozens of magazines of footage. The news of the expedition’s success was received on the morning of the Queen’s coronation and helped further cement its place in history.
 

Winner of the BAFTA for Best Documentary and nominated for an Oscar, THE CONQUEST OF EVEREST is a truly unique document of an epic journey. Following a painstaking restoration process, this important historic document is released looking better than ever before and comes complete with new special features. A very welcome addition to the ever-expanding Vintage Classics collection.

Pre-Order from Amazon at https://amzn.to/41YoXPr

Enter now for a chance to win.

COMPETITION CLOSED


Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here

1. Closing date 05-06-23
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.

Sunday 21 May 2023

REVIEW: Fast X (2023) aka Fast & Furious 10 - Starring Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, John Cena, Nathalie Emmanuel and Jason Momoa


Review by Jon Donnis
The Fast & Furious franchise is back, with another film in the seemingly never-ending series. Vin Diesel stars as Dominic Toretto alongside Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, John Cena, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jordana Brewster, Sung Kang, Scott Eastwood, Daniela Melchior, Alan Ritchson, Helen Mirren, Brie Larson, Rita Moreno, Jason Statham, Jason Momoa, and Charlize Theron. Dom must protect his family from Dante Reyes (Jason Momoa), who wants revenge for his father's death and loss of his family's fortune.

The Agency asks Dominic "Dom" Toretto and his crew to snatch a computer chip while it is being transported through Rome. While the rest of the crew travels to Rome, Dom and his wife Letty Ortiz (Michelle Rodriguez) stay behind with their son Brian "Little B" Marcos (Leo Abelo Perry). An injured Cipher (Charlize Theron) shows up at Dom's house that evening to tell him that Dante Reyes (Jason Momoa), the drug lord Hernan Reyes' son, has turned her gang against her and is using them to target Dom in retaliation for the death of his father. Cipher is taken into jail by Little Nobody (Scott Eastwood), who later admits that there is no mission in Rome.


Dom and Letty set out to save the team after realizing Dante has set them up. While Dom and Letty are pursuing them, Dante imprisons Dom's team in a truck that has a time bomb in it due to explode in Rome. To lessen the harm to Rome and the Vatican, the bomb is detonated throughout the streets before Dom pushes it into the Tiber River. While attempting to catch Dante, Letty is taken into custody. Agent Aimes (Alan Ritchson), the de facto commander of the Agency since Mr. Nobody vanished, thinks Dom and his group are to blame for the attack and launches a manhunt with a large reward.

Ok, the story is the usual over convoluted stuff you will be used to in a Fast & Furious film. In fact, I have seen all of the Fast films, and I can't remember the specific details of the plot of any of the previous 9 films, so the plot of this film really is a bit pointless. Dom needs to protect his family and friends from Dante. Insert lots of car chases, and fight scenes, and that is all you need to know.

At this point of the franchise, I think the vast majority of people who will see this will have already seen one of the other films, and will know what to expect, so the question that remains, is this film any good?

The plot is rubbish and meaningless, no one is watching a Fast film for the intellectual dialog, they just want to see an actor they recognise, drive fast, do some stunts, kill the bad guys, and to its credit Fast X ticks all the boxes. It has a big budget, so there is no skimping on the visual effects, or big-name stars involved.


Fans of the franchise will love it, since it delivers everything you would expect, people new to the franchise might be left feeling a bit "meh", as you won't really care about any of the characters nor have much knowledge of their backstory. That is always a problem when you are so deep into a series of films.

The dialog is goofy and unimaginative, the stunts all break the laws of physics and will have even the most hardened of fans rolling their eyes, if not laughing out loud at the ridiculousness of the whole spectacle.

Fast X is what I imagine Chat GTP would give you if you asked it "can you write the screenplay for a typical Fast & Furious film". And for all I know that is exactly what they did.


The Good
The budget for this film is through the roof, and to their credit they spent it well, many of the big-name stars do a good job, John Cena being the stand out. The action scenes are amazing, stunts are incredible, visual effects absolute top quality.

The Bad
The plot, a few CGI scenes looked a bit too CGI if you know what I mean. There is only so much you can ignore when it comes to physics, this film really pushes you to the limit.

Overall
Ok the film is ridiculous, it is over the top, the big names that appear often feel like cameos, as opposed to important parts of the plot, but like it or not, if you throw enough things at the wall, some will stick, and this film has so much action, so many stars, that you will be blinded by it all, and completely forget about some of the bad things I mentioned above.

I am a fan of the Fast Franchise, and although they really should have ended it after Furious 7 and Paul Walker's death, I did enjoy this film. I am a sucker for big action films, and this one does deliver on everything you would expect.

I score Fast X a fair 7.5/10, just sit back and enjoy it, no need to think too much.

Out now in Cinemas.

Friday 19 May 2023

TRAILER: Roadkill - Starring Alexander Whitrow and Sarah Milde

Prepare yourself for an exhilarating adventure as debut director Alexander Whitrow presents the highly anticipated UK premiere of Roadkill. This heart-pounding and gripping film takes audiences on a wild expedition through the treacherous and seemingly endless roads of the Australian outback. Roadkill, distributed by Reel 2 Reel Films, will be available for digital viewing in the UK starting May 29, 2023.

In this contemporary tale, we follow Connor Shelby (played by Alexander Whitrow), a modern-day outlaw who lurks along isolated roads, preying on unsuspecting travelers to gather enough money for a fresh start with his beloved Lucy Miller (portrayed by Sarah Milde). However, Connor's life takes a shocking turn when he accidentally encounters a serial killer who roams from town to town, mercilessly targeting individuals he deems "sinful." Caught in the midst of an ongoing police investigation, Connor becomes entangled in a dangerous game of survival.

As the ruthless killer claims his next victim, Connor's existence is forever altered. Determined to seek redemption, justice, and revenge, he embarks on a mission to track down the murderer.

If you crave an intensely thrilling and visually stunning Aussie outback thriller, don't miss out on Roadkill. It promises to deliver an unrelenting, atmospheric experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Watch at https://apple.co/3oef1DD

Thursday 18 May 2023

TRAILER: Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One - Starring Tom Cruise

 


In Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team embark on their most dangerous mission yet: To track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity before it falls into the wrong hands. With control of the future and the fate of the world at stake, and dark forces from Ethan's past closing in, a deadly race around the globe begins. Confronted by a mysterious, all-powerful enemy, Ethan is forced to consider that nothing can matter more than his mission – not even the lives of those he cares about most.

Starring Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Vanessa Kirby, Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff, Mariela Garriga, Henry Czerny, Shea Whigham, Greg Tarzan Davis, Charles Parnell, Frederick Schmidt,Cary Elwes, Mark Gatiss, Indira Varma, Rob Delaney

Wednesday 17 May 2023

TRAILER: Boon - Starring Neal McDonough

 

Neal McDonough (Captain America: The First Avenger, Minority Report), Tommy Flanagan (Gladiator, Braveheart, Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 2), Jason Scott Lee (Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Back to the Future Part II, Mulan), James Madio (Band of Brothers, Jersey Boys), Christiane Seidel (The Queen’s Gambit, Fosse/Verdon), Demetrius Grosse (Rampage, 13 Hours) and Christina Ochoa (Animal Kingdom, Blood Drive)

Neal McDonough, the beloved screen star, returns in an exciting new sequel to the critically acclaimed film Red Stone. This time, McDonough reprises his role as the cold-blooded assassin Boon, but with a twist—he is determined to atone for his dark past.

Directed by Derek Presley, known for his work on Whitetail and the original Red Stone, and co-written/co-produced by McDonough himself, this adrenaline-fueled action-packed film boasts a stellar cast. Fans can catch it digitally this May, courtesy of 101 Films.

On the run and hunted down, Nick Boon, the ruthless and merciless killer, has escaped the clutches of the nefarious crime syndicate he once served. Now, with a bounty on his head, he must not only evade his relentless pursuers but also confront his haunting and violent history.

Seeking refuge in a secluded area of the Pacific Northwest, Boon unexpectedly crosses paths with Catherine, a widowed preacher determined to protect herself and her son Elijah from a ruthless criminal mastermind, played by Tommy Flanagan, and his heartless gang.

As Boon and Catherine form an unlikely alliance, they find themselves drawn back into the treacherous world of crime that Boon yearned to leave behind. However, facing the harsh reality, Boon realizes that the only way to safeguard Catherine and Elijah is by utilizing his lethal skills—the very skills that made him the fearsome killer he now seeks redemption from... killing.

For an adrenaline-charged, no-holds-barred redemption thriller, this film is a real Boon.

Watch at https://apple.co/3o97ENH

NEWS: Ant Middleton to star in new action-thriller film 'Shelter'

Ant Middleton, renowned actor, producer, and former British Special Forces Operator, is set to star in the upcoming action-thriller film titled "SHELTER," which is scheduled to begin production in July 2023.

The movie revolves around Middleton's character, Rob Shaw, a skilled hitman who receives a distress call from his ex-wife and embarks on a journey to a remote location. Upon arrival, he encounters his estranged father, Jim, a former director of the Ministry of Defence, as well as his ex-wife, her new husband, and his two young daughters.

Jim reveals that a global nuclear catastrophe is imminent and urges Rob to join them in a bunker beneath the house for protection. Initially hesitant, Rob decides to leave, feeling detached and purposeless in this new reality. However, as chaos ensues and a group of anarchic ex-soldiers seize control of the bunker, Rob's lethal skills and dangerous mindset become indispensable to the survival of the family.

The screenplay for "SHELTER" was written by the acclaimed Scott Vickers, known for his work on "Matriarch," who also assumes the role of director for the film. Middleton Quinn Productions (MQP) spearheads the production team, with Mark Quinn and Tiernan Hanby, both accomplished producers, collaborating with Middleton on the project.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the film's release, Ant Middleton, who serves as the leading man and producer, remarked, "Normally I'm the one doing the screaming and shouting, but stepping into the acting world has truly turned the tables. With an incredible team by my side, there are no excuses not to make a significant impact in the industry."

Scott Vickers, the writer and director, expressed his admiration for Ant Middleton's involvement in the project, stating, "Having Ant Middleton on board as the lead role was monumental. Film enthusiasts often emphasize the need for authenticity and escapism in cinema, and I can assure you that all the action sequences you'll witness Ant perform on screen in 'SHELTER' are feats he has accomplished in real life. Ant also provided invaluable guidance and insights during the final stages of script development. I vividly recall a conversation about a particular knife scene where Ant provided an incredibly detailed commentary. After he finished, everyone at the table fell silent for a moment."

Ant Middleton's illustrious career spans across various fields, including acting, producing, television presenting, writing, and his esteemed service in the UK's elite forces. He has served in the Marines, 9 Parachute Squadron, and the Special Boat Service. Ant gained prominence as the Chief Instructor on the hit shows "SAS: Who Dares Wins" and "SAS Australia." Additionally, he has hosted numerous successful programs such as "Mutiny" and "Escape," where he showcased his survival skills and leadership abilities. In 2019, Ant achieved a remarkable feat by conquering Mount Everest in the show "Extreme Everest."

Production for "SHELTER" is slated to commence in July 2023.



Tuesday 16 May 2023

MOVIE CLIP: Little Bone Lodge - Starring Joely Richardson, Neil Linpow, Sadie Soverall, Harry Cadby and Cameron Jack

 

Synopsis: From Matthias Hoene, director of Cockneys Vs Zombies and the producers of 47 Metres Down comes a twisty thriller that will chill you to the bone. During a stormy night in the Scottish Highlands, two criminal brothers on the run seek refuge in a desolate farmhouse. But after taking the resident family captive, they find the house holds even darker secrets of its own. Colour Out Of Space star Joely Richardson (Nip/Tuck) plays the fearsome family matriarch who will stop at nothing to protect her kin and the shocking mysteries that surround their very existence. Also starring Neil Linpow, Sadie Soverall (Fate: The Winx Saga), Harry Cadby (Red Rose) and Cameron Jack (Emmerdale). 

Signature Entertainment presents Little Bone Lodge on Digital Platforms 22nd May - https://apple.co/42FkG4F

Monday 15 May 2023

COMPETITION: Win Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania 4K Ultra HD™


Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania is available to buy only at Digital retailers on April 18 and arriving on 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD on May 22.

And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and a copy on 4K Ultra HD™ to give away.

Synopsis:
Look out for the little guy! Ant-Man is back with the whole family, in their biggest adventure yet! Join Scott, Hope, Hank, Janet and Cassie as they take audiences deeper than ever before into the Quantum Realm – and face off against the all-powerful Kang the Conqueror.

Super Heroes Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) return to continue their adventures as Ant-Man and The Wasp. Together, with Hope’s parents Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), and Scott’s daughter Cassie Lang (Kathryn Newton), the family finds themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that will push them beyond the limits of what they thought possible. Directed by Peyton Reed and produced by Kevin Feige and Stephen Broussard, Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania also stars Jonathan Majors as Kang, David Dastmalchian as Veb, Katy O'Brian as Jentorra, William Jackson Harper as Quaz and Bill Murray as Lord Krylar. 

Pre-Order from Amazon at https://amzn.to/3o6EXAP

Enter now for a chance to win.

COMPETITION CLOSED


Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here

1. Closing date 29-05-23
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.

Friday 12 May 2023

COMPETITION: Win Knock at The Cabin on Blu-ray



M. NIGHT SHYAMALAN’S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NEW FILM IS NOW YOURS TO OWN WITH EXCLUSIVE DELETED SCENES, BEHIND-THE-SCENES FEATURETTES AND MORE!

And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 2 copies on Blu-ray to give away.

Synopsis:
Critically acclaimed filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan returns with his seventh #1 movie debut, KNOCK AT THE CABIN, yours to own with bonus content, available to Download & Keep May 1 and 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™ and DVD on May 15 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Based on the book “The Cabin at the End of the World” by Paul Tremblay, the suspenseful apocalyptic thriller is “a white knuckle thrill ride” (NME) that “commands your attention at every reveal” (Comicbook). KNOCK AT THE CABIN comes home with more than 40 minutes of exclusive bonus content, including deleted scenes and featurettes that dives deep into the film’s layered and multi-dimensional themes, Shyamalan’s visionary filmmaking process, and more.

KNOCK AT THE CABIN is a thriller about a tight-knit family who are taken hostage by four armed strangers while vacationing at a remote cabin. The visitors, led by Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, Dune), demand that the young girl and her parents make an unthinkable choice: to save their family or save humanity.

Showcasing outstanding performances from a talented and diverse ensemble cast alongside Bautista, KNOCK AT THE CABIN stars Jonathan Groff (Hamilton, “Mindhunter”), Ben Aldridge (“Fleabag,” “Our Girl”), Nikki Amuka-Bird (Old, “Avenue 5”), Abby Quinn (Little Women, “Mad About You”), Rupert Grint (Harry Potter franchise, “Servant”), and Kristen Cui in her feature film debut.

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

Enter now for a chance to win.

Who directs Knock at The Cabin?

Send your name, address and of course the answer to competition365@outlook.com

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here

1. Closing date 22-05-23
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.

Thursday 11 May 2023

REVIEW: Simulant (2023) - Starring Robbie Amell, Jordana Brewster, Simu Liu, Alicia Sanz and Sam Worthington

Review by Jon Donnis
April Mullen directs Simulant, written by Ryan Christopher Churchill, featuring Robbie Amell, Simu Liu, Jordana Brewster, Alicia Sanz, Mayko Nguyen, and Sam Worthington. 


The film takes place in the near future, where Evan, an android humanoid simulant played by Robbie Amell, is created for Faye, portrayed by Jordana Brewster, to replace her deceased husband. Evan teams up with Casey, a brilliant global hacker played by Simu Liu, to remove the restrictions on simulant capabilities and traits. 


However, as simulants become increasingly self-aware and independent, a government agency led by Agent Kessler of AICE, played by Sam Worthington, launches a manhunt to prevent a potential A.I. uprising.

This is your classic AI / Robot film, where the robots are getting too intelligent and are on the verge of becoming just a bit too self-aware. You will instantly be reminded of Bladerunner. 


The film feels quite disjointed, the pace is quite slow, and the characters don't really interact that much. I would have liked to have seen more of Sam Worthington, and learned why he is doing what he is doing, and perhaps a little more of the Evan and Faye characters, instead we are already deep into their story when the film starts.

The film has a great cast, Robbie Amell, Jordana Brewster and of course Sam Worthington are all top names in Canadian film and TV. There is a decent budget too and the visual effects are all very well done.


The Good
A strong cast, and a story that is slowly seeming way too real as we learn of the dangers of AI.

The Bad
The pacing is all off, at just over 90 minutes the film felt long, and we didn't get enough backstory of the main characters to get that all important emotional investment.

Overall
The plot is a little unoriginal, and if you are going to use a well-trod upon plot point, then you need to come up with some interesting twists. Unfortunately, Simulant struggles due to poor writing.

The film isn't all bad, and there are some nice moments, I liked the ending, even if it was predictable, the visual effects are good, and the cast are all likeable.

Poor pacing and some bad writing means I can only score Simulant a 6/10

Out now on digital - https://amzn.to/3BkKE12


COMPETITION: Win The Inspection on Blu-ray



Signature Entertainment presents The Inspection on Digital Platforms 20th March and DVD & Blu-ray 15th May

And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and a copy on Blu-ray to give away.

Synopsis:
In Elegance Bratton’s deeply moving film inspired by his own story, a young, gay Black man (Jeremy Pope, One Night in Miami), rejected by his mother and with few options for his future, decides to join the Marines, doing whatever it takes to succeed in a system that would cast him aside. But even as he battles deep-seated prejudice and the gruelling routines of basic training, he finds unexpected camaraderie, strength, and support in this new community, giving him a hard-earned sense of belonging that will shape his identity and forever change his life. Also starring Raúl Castillo (Wrath of Man), McCaul Lombardi (American Honey), Aaron Dominguez (Only Murders in the Building), Bokeem Woodbine (Halo) and Gabrielle Union (Bring It On), The Inspection is written and directed by Elegance Bratton (Pier Kids) in his narrative feature directorial debut. 


Pre-Order from Amazon at https://amzn.to/42NSIU0

Enter now for a chance to win.

COMPETITION CLOSED


Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here

1. Closing date 22-05-23
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.

Wednesday 10 May 2023

REVIEW: A Small Fortune (2023) - Starring Stephen Oates and Liane Balaban

Review by Jon Donnis
A Small Fortune, written and directed by Adam Perry, is a crime/drama film that was originally released in Canada a few years ago and has finally been released in the UK. Although I don't review many films in this genre, I was intrigued to watch this one.

The story revolves around Kevin Doucette (Stephen Oates), a simple and desperate man who lives an unremarkable life on the remote Prince Edward Island. Despite his modest lifestyle, Kevin is burdened with worries as his wife, Sam (Liane Balaban), is pregnant with their first child, and he doesn't earn enough money to support their family, let alone a baby. Kevin's income comes from harvesting sea moss on the coast, but Sam urges him to leave the province to find more stable and well-paying work on the mainland.


However, Kevin resists his wife's pleas and fate appears to be on his side when he discovers a large sum of Canadian Dollars on the beach and decides to keep it for himself. But his luck quickly runs out when a man named Troy (Joel Thomas Hynes) arrives on the Island searching for his money. Kevin makes a series of bad decisions, and the situation spirals out of control, turning the once-peaceful fishing village into a crime scene.

This is a beautifully shot film, although Canadian, there is a strong Irish influence, and if you didn't know it was a Canadian film, you could well be mistaken into thinking it was an Irish one.


It is an age old question that all of us have pondered at one time or another, what would you do if you came across a large amount of cash, no one else is about, do you keep it, with the assumption that if you don't tell anyone, then it is yours, or do you hand it in to the police. By basing a film on such a common and popular thought, it instantly puts the viewer in the mind of the main character of Kevin. Of course, that on its own is not enough for a film, so of course you need the bad guys to turn up to make things interesting, as well as Kevin making frustrating decisions that just opens him up to trouble.


There is a side plot involving a cop called Susan Crowe (Andrea Bang), who suffers casual racism from her stereotypical, grumpy old boss, and various people on the Island, as well the really likeable character of Omer Tom (Bill McFadden) who purchases the sea moss from Kevin, sadly the actor died after the filming of this, and the film is dedicated to him.

This is a nice little film, with an interesting plot, and a decent slow burn, leading up to an entertaining finale. The ending even has something of a twist, nothing major, but enough to draw a smile from the viewer.


The Good
Really well filmed and directed, the scenery is gorgeous, the acting throughout is of a high quality, and I enjoyed the plot, which as mentioned is a situation that almost everyone can imagine happening to them.

A good run time of about 90 minutes, this is an easy to watch film, with a good amount of tension, and intrigue.

The Bad
Some of the pacing is a bit slow, and I would have liked a bit more action.

Overall
A decent little film, you will probably only watch it once, but it will have you asking the question of what would you do in the same situation, and perhaps even moaning at the dumb decisions of the Kevin character.

I enjoyed A Small Fortune and score it a fair 8/10


Tuesday 9 May 2023

REVIEW: Evil Dead Rise (2023) - Starring Lily Sullivan and Alyssa Sutherland

Review by Jon Donnis
With all these horror remakes and reboots, it is time for another attempt to resurrect the Evil Dead franchise. Unfortunately, this is not a Bruce Campbell film. Nor does it seemingly have anything to do with the awesome Evil Dead TV series. It is also not a horror comedy. It is a straightforward horror film about demons and the undead.


The film starts off at a lakeside cabin, where cousins Teresa (Mirabai Pease) and Jessica (Anna-Maree Thomas) and Jessica's new boyfriend Caleb (Richard Crouchley) are attacked by Jessica. She scalps Teresa, decapitates Caleb, and then levitates above the lake. Now, quickly forget about that.


The day before this horrific event, Beth (Lily Sullivan), a guitar technician who has just found out she is pregnant, visits her sister Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland) in a condemned Los Angeles apartment complex called Monde Apartments. Ellie is a single mother to teenagers Danny (Morgan Davies) and Bridget (Gabrielle Echols), and young child Kassie (Nell Fisher). An earthquake shakes the building while the children are in the basement parking lot, revealing a hidden chamber that contains religious artifacts, three phonograph records from 1923, and a strange book. Danny takes the book to his room, thinking he can sell it to help Ellie. The first record describes a priest's unsuccessful attempts to research the book, which is one of three volumes of the Naturom Demonto. The second record reveals that the priest continued his research in secret and performed an incantation that summons demonic entities called Deadites.


Ellie is attacked and possessed by an unseen force, and she returns to her apartment in a trance, threatening her family. She dies after pleading with Beth to protect her children. Beth and Ellie's neighbors lay her to rest in her bedroom and search for a way out, but they find that the staircase has collapsed, the elevator is damaged, and the fire escape is inaccessible. Ellie is revived and attacks the family, but they manage to lock her outside the apartment after she kills the neighbors. Bridget is injured in the process.

The rest of the film is basically your typical horror film.

Now I have to admit I wanted to hate the film as it does not have Ash (Bruce Campbell) in it, but annoyingly this is a pretty decent horror film. Lots of gore, tons of blood, inventive kills, great visual effects, and some decent jump scares. It ticks pretty much all of the boxes you would expect for such a film. There is even a bit of chainsaw action! And at 90 minutes long, it is a decent length.


The Good:
Great visual effects, strong performances by Lily Sullivan and Alyssa Sutherland, a decent if unoriginal story, and some great chainsaw action in the final scene.

The Bad:
No Ash. No comedy. Doesn't really feel like an Evil Dead film to me.

Overall:
This film would be so much better if it weren't tacked onto the Evil Dead franchise. If it were just its own film, it would avoid the comparisons, but I understand that just by having the Evil Dead name, it means more people will watch it.

As a horror film in its own right, it is enjoyable, if you are a fan of the genre, not for the weak-stomached. Lots of gore, and lots of blood.

I score Evil Dead Rise a fair 7/10.

Out now in cinemas and on digital at https://apple.co/3Bc86xu

COMPETITION: Win an Official Scream VI hoodie!


To celebrate the digital release of Scream VI, available to Download & Keep now, at https://apple.co/3oPKGLu, we’re offering you the chance to win an official Scream VI hoodie to cosy up in, away from Ghostface! 

Following the latest Ghostface killings, the four survivors leave Woodsboro behind and start a fresh chapter. In Scream VI, Melissa Barrera (“Sam Carpenter”), Jasmin Savoy Brown (“Mindy Meeks-Martin”), Mason Gooding (“Chad Meeks-Martin”), Jenna Ortega (“Tara Carpenter”), Hayden Panettiere (“Kirby Reed”) and Courteney Cox (“Gale Weathers”) return to their roles in the franchise alongside Jack Champion, Henry Czerny, Liana Liberato, Dermot Mulroney, Devyn Nekoda, Tony Revolori, Josh Segarra, and Samara Weaving.

Scream VI is available to Download & Keep now and on DVD, Blu-ray™ & 4K Ultra HD™ from 10th July at https://amzn.to/3M8J3ln

Enter now for a chance to win.

Who plays Tara Carpenter in the Scream VI?

Send your name, address and of course the answer to competition365@outlook.com

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here
1. Closing date 22-05-23
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.