Friday 17 June 2022

WIN A COPY OF THE UNTOUCHABLES 4K UHD™ + BLU-RAY™ SPECIAL COLLECTOR’S EDITION STEELBOOK®!


Directed by Brian De Palma and nominated* for four Academy Awards®, the acclaimed drama THE UNTOUCHABLES is available on 4K Ultra HD™ from Paramount Home Entertainment for the first time. To celebrate the release, we’re giving away a copy of The Untouchables 4K UHD™ + Blu-ray™ Special Collector’s Edition SteelBook® to two lucky winners!

Originally released on June 3, 1987, THE UNTOUCHABLES celebrates its 35th anniversary this year and remains a must-see masterpiece featuring visionary filmmaking and exceptional performances from an outstanding cast. Robert De Niro as mob warlord Al Capone and Kevin Costner as law enforcer Eliot Ness are unforgettable in a glorious, fierce, larger-than-life depiction of good versus evil on the streets of Prohibition-era Chicago.

Sean Connery won his only Oscar® for his portrayal of veteran officer Jimmy Malone in the blockbuster hit that was the fourth highest grossing film of 1987. Written by David Mamet, THE UNTOUCHABLES also boasts a Grammy Award-winning score by the legendary Ennio Morricone and an excellent supporting cast including Patricia Clarkson, Andy Garcia, and Charles Martin Smith.

THE UNTOUCHABLES is also available as a 4K Ultra HD™ 35th Anniversary SteelBook®. Both releases have a Dolby Atmos® soundtrack** and include over an hour of legacy bonus content in high definition as detailed below:

⦁ The Script, The Cast
⦁ Production Stories
⦁ Re-Inventing the Genre
⦁ The Classic
⦁ Original Featurette: “The Men”
⦁ Theatrical Trailer

The Untouchables 4K UHD™ + Blu-ray™ Special Collector’s Edition SteelBook® is available now

Order from Amazon at https://amzn.to/3xZ8xKL

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here
1. Closing date 04-07-22
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 16 June 2022

REVIEW: Interceptor (2022) - Starring Elsa Pataky and Luke Bracey

Review by Jon Donnis
I had heard a bit about Interceptor, and how it was the worst film ever released on Netflix, the critics all hated it, and it had been panned everywhere.

So of course, I had to watch it, and I am glad I did. I loved the film.

The basic premise of the film is that terrorists attack a remote offshore missile interceptor platform that could stop their missiles, an officer (Elsa Pataky) defends the facility and tries to stop the end of the world.


In an age where strong, female leads either don't exist, or are pushed in a super woke way that just puts off the audience, Interceptor succeeds with a simple kick ass lead in Elsa Pataky as Captain J.J. Collins.

The United States apparently has two "Interceptor" sites, that exist for the sole purpose of shooting down any nuclear missile attacks on the US. Fort Greely in Alaska and remote platform in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. 

Captain J.J. Collins has been assigned to the remote platform, after a high-profile case she was involved in, she reported sexual misconduct by a superior office, but she ended up suffering more due to bullying and hazing from other people in the military as revenge for her speaking out.


Not long after arriving, Fort Greely in Alaska is attacked by terrorists and the base is taken off line. Meaning that there is only one way to stop an attack, that being the Station that Collins is now on.

Before you know it the Station in the middle of the ocean is under attack, and it is up to Collins to not only defend the command area, she also has to contend with infiltrators all around her.

Alexander Kessel (Luke Bracey as) is leading the attack against the base, an ex-military intelligence soldier he is working in partnership with the terrorists and wants to destroy 16 American cities which would result in the deaths of over 300 million people, but before he can order his terrorist friends to fire the nukes, he needs to disable the Interceptor base. Throw in a live stream that is broadcasting to the world and Captain J.J. Collins has her work cut out for her.


This is a no-nonsense action thriller, and I think that is why critics hate it, there is no "woke agenda" despite the film having a female lead, as well as a female President, there is no political ideology being forced down your throat, the bad guys are a mix of traitorous Americans and Russian Terrorists, something we have seen a hundred times before. This is just a straight forward action film that does what it says it will, and that is to have a simple story, a lot of fight scenes, and the threat of nuclear disaster if the good guys don't come out on top.

I used to live for films like this in the 80s and 90s, and sadly these days such films just don't get released very often.


Despite a relatively small budget, the special effects are all believable, the fight scenes are fun, and there is also one HUGE recurring cameo in the film from a certain Chris Hemsworth, as the laid-back salesman at an electronics store. In case you didn't know, Chris Hemsworth is married to Elsa Pataky, and also acts as Executive Producer on the film. He is totally uncredited in the film, and at first, I didn't even recognise him.

Time to be totally honest though, the film is very cliche, the story is not particularly original, and is totally predictable. However, saying that, I enjoyed all of it. I didn't check my phone, or get distracted. I just watched, and enjoyed a good old fashioned action thriller, and that is what I wanted, an escape from reality for 90 odd minutes, with a likeable lead character and a dislikeable bad guy. It is filmmaking 101.


The Good
Elsa Pataky is great, such a convincing kick ass lead for an action film, she looked great, I love her accent, and I hope to see her get more leads moving forward in her career.

The Bad
As I said, the story is unoriginal, and there are a few eye rolling moments when the Captain Collins character overcomes ridiculous odds.

Overall
I don't care what the mainstream critics say, I enjoyed the hell out of this film. It was fun, it was silly, it was action packed, and it had a satisfying ending and even a mid credits scene!

I score Interceptor a genuine 8/10

Out now on Netflix.

Tuesday 14 June 2022

REVIEW: Seize the Night (2022) - Starring Nina Bergman, Pasha Gerard and Jonathan Erickson Eisley

Review By Jon Donnis
Originally known as Carpe Noctem, Seize the Night is the latest film to star Nina Bergman, who in recent years has been making quite the impact. 

Directed by Gene Blalock, Seize the Night tells the story of a whirlwind, one night romance between a drug dealer GB (Played by Pasha Gerard) and an underground singer in Los Angeles, GG (Played by Nina Bergman)


The start of the film has GG standing on the top of a building, her arms out, seemingly about to jump, but she is quickly stopped by her manager John (Jonathan Erickson Eisley), who wants to know what she is doing, he explains it is not part of the plan, and if they don't see it, they will think something else, the papers are signed.

Straight away you can tell this is going to be a trippy film, the visuals are all incredible.


Drug dealer GB is driving through the night with drugs to sell at a party, he is listening to a "darkwave" band called Sin5, a group that performs under masks to keep their identity a secret, he has been invited to an event that will feature an announcement by his favourite band Sin5. 

The organiser of the party, Windham (Played by Trevor Torseth) tells GB that he has heard about a new mind-altering drug called "suggestives". Windham informs GB that he will double his pay if he can get hold of the drug.


On his way out of the party GB bumps into GG, a young woman who is the lead singer of Sin5, but because she wears a mask when singing, GB has no idea. She joins GB to go score the drugs that Windham has asked for.

What follows is something of a tragic love story, all told within one night.


The fact that the who main characters in the film are only given initials is a really interesting choice by the film makers. It really pushes a very visual feel to the film. The chemistry between the more introverted GB and the more extroverted GG is fascinating to watch, and by the end of the film, you find yourself totally invested in their story, and their love. Despite the story only being told over one night, there are some really highs in their relationship, as well as lows, and despite the relatively small budget of the film, it really surprised me how much I was pulled in, not only by the characters, but by the surroundings of where the story takes place, the Los Angeles nightlife, the underground scene and so on.


It is also rare that I find myself wanting to rewatch a film as soon as it finished, but this is one of those times. I think that most of us can recall nights where we feel like we fell in love with a stranger that we only just met, or a short holiday romance that left an indelible mark on our souls, and because of that, it is easy to understand the story that is being told, how two strangers meet and have this incredible night together, experience so much and mean so much.


I have really tried not to spoil the film, and mention certain events, as I think they are really important to be experienced for the first time when viewing.

The Good
Nina Bergman further cements herself as a top-quality actor, who can play a kick ass role like in Hell Hath No Fury, and a more deep and troubled soul like in Seize the Night, an excellent performance which will only lead to bigger things for her, I am positive. As for Pasha Gerard, this was the first time I had seen him as far as I can recall, and I also thought he played his part really well, and was convincing as the slightly nervous drug dealer. A good story, one that makes you think, and leaves an impression on you the viewer.

The Bad
Due to the nature of the film with regards to drugs and some other events, I think this will be off putting to some, which is a shame as it is worth watching.

Overall
I was pleasantly surprised at how invested I felt in the characters by the end of the film, often when watching films I will mess on my phone, but for this one I really was stuck to the screen throughout.
Gene Blalock who directs, has done an excellent job here, and only makes me want to seek out more films by him.

I really enjoyed Seize the Night, and the ending really "got" me, which is rare for this old cynic.

I score Seize the Night a solid 9/10

Check out http://carpenoctem.film for more details on the film.
You can also watch at the following links.



Monday 13 June 2022

REVIEW: Torn Hearts (2022) - Stars Katey Sagal, Abby Quinn and Alexxis Lemire

Review by Jon Donnis
One complaint I often get is that I don't review enough Country and Western Horror films! Well today I will do just that with Torn Hearts made and released by Blumhouse Television and EPIX

Torn Hearts is something of a cautionary tale, about why you should perhaps not meet your heroes. Set in the world-famous Nashville Country Music scene, two young women are trying to make it big. Jordan (Abby Quinn) and Leigh (Alexxis Lemire), perform as a duo under the name Torn Hearts. After performing on stage, they catch the eye of a "bigwig" in the industry and they are introduced by their manager.


Growing up the women were big fans of a Country act known as The Dutchess Sisters, so when they have the chance to record with the remaining living member of that duo, Harper Dutch (Katey Sagal), they jump at the chance.

Dutch lives alone, and hasn't released any new music in many years. When the women arrive at her house, things immediately seem a bit off, Harper Dutch does seem keen to record with them though, but not before she makes them jump through some hoops.



How far will you go for fame and fortune? What are the secrets of success, and what will you do to keep your fame, all questions the women will have to ask and answer.

Can Torn Hearts become Nashville's next big country music act.


When you consider the nature of so many Country songs, it surprises me that it hasn't been a rich vein for horror films for decades, but strangely it hasn't. And Torn Hearts really tries to bring a different background to a genre that needs something original.

Abby Quinn and Alexxis Lemire both play their roles to a decent level, but Katey Sagal is the star here. I just wish they would have let her go full crazy, evil here. The film takes a little too long to get to the "good bits", and even then, I expected more. This plays much more as a drama/thriller than a horror, which is a shame, as I do think there was much more that could have been done.


The Good
Katey Sagal is great in everything she does, and I feel like the script held her back here.

The Bad
There are some pacing issues, and not enough of the good stuff, when it does come.

Overall
Don't come to this film thinking it is a horror, it doesn't reach the right kind of levels, but it does try.

One for Katey Sagal fans, it is a bit different and that is always a good thing.

I score Torn Hearts a fair 7/10

Out now on Digital. https://apple.co/39pp2GB

COMPETITION: Win The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie on Blu-ray



The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie  - Released from 20th June

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

Synopsis: 
This virtually plotless tale of six middle-class guests and their interrupted attempts to have a meal together stars Fernando Rey (TRISTANA, THE FRENCH CONNECTION), Paul Frankeur (THE PHANTOM OF LIBERTY), Delphine Seyrig (LAST YEAR AT MARIENBAD, THE DAY OF THE JACKAL), Bulle Ogier (L’AMOUR FOU), Stéphane Audran (COUP DE TORCHON, BABETTE’S FEAST) and Jean-Pierre Cassel (MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS) and was the recipient of the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar as well as two BAFTA awards on its release in 1972. 
 
Following a pristine 4K restoration, THE DISCREET CHARM OF THE BOURGEOISIE will be available to own on 4K UHD for the very first time, as well as on Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital from June 20. Coming complete with brand-new bonus material, this is a welcome addition to the ever-expanding VINTAGE WORLD CINEMA collection.
 
Buñuel’s humorous satire depicts a group of friends – the Thévenots, the Sénéchals, Madame Thévenot’s younger sister Florence and Latin American ambassador Don Rafael Acosta – make repeated attempts to dine together, but are constantly frustrated by bizarre interruptions, including a series of dreams. 
 
The new 4k restoration of THE DISCREET CHARM OF THE BOURGEOISIE will screen in selected cinemas from June, please check cinema listings for details.

Order from Amazon at https://amzn.to/3xKNTOA

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here
1. Closing date 27-06-22
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.