PREVIEW: Elevation (2024 Film) Streaming on Prime Video 28 January

Preview by Jon Donnis

Elevation, George Nolfi's latest sci-fi thriller, arrives on Prime Video on 28 January, offering a tense and thought-provoking exploration of survival in a post-apocalyptic world. With a run time of 90 minutes, the film stars Anthony Mackie, Morena Baccarin, Maddie Hasson, and Danny Boyd Jr. in a gripping tale of resilience, sacrifice, and the unyielding spirit of humanity.

Anthony Mackie in Elevation 

Set in a world transformed by catastrophe, Elevation imagines a future where only the high mountain peaks remain habitable. Humanity has been pushed to the brink, with the safety of serene, mountaintop sanctuaries starkly contrasted by the horrors that lurk below 8000 feet. These idyllic refuges seem to offer everything needed for survival, yet beneath the surface lies an ever-present question: what is the cost of this isolation, and what will it take to confront the dangers below?

At the heart of the story is a desperate father, played by Anthony Mackie, who must risk everything to save his son. Forced to descend into the treacherous world of monstrous creatures, he is joined by Morena Baccarin's scientist, whose knowledge may hold the key to survival, and Maddie Hasson's fiercely determined young woman. Together, they must navigate not only the physical perils of their journey but also the emotional complexities of their relationships, as tensions run high and trust becomes a precious commodity.

Morena Baccarin in Elevation

George Nolfi's direction brings the film's unique setting to life with authenticity and intensity. Shot in the rugged Colorado Rockies and within the eerie confines of an active mine, the locations amplify the film's suspense and create an immersive atmosphere. These are not mere backdrops; they are vital to the story's sense of urgency and danger, reflecting the fragile line between safety and chaos.

Elevation promises to deliver more than just edge-of-your-seat thrills. Nolfi's vision challenges audiences to ponder the role of humanity's own ingenuity in shaping its fate. Can the same intelligence that has brought civilisation to its peak also spell its undoing? Through its characters' perilous descent, the film delves into themes of survival, redemption, and the enduring question of what it means to be human in the face of unimaginable odds.

Maddie Hasson and Anthony Mackie in Elevation 

With a stellar cast, breathtaking visuals, and a narrative that balances action with emotional depth, Elevation is poised to be a standout addition to the sci-fi genre. Whether you're drawn by its thrilling premise or its exploration of human resilience, this is a film that will leave you questioning the future long after the credits roll. Don't miss it when it begins streaming exclusively on Prime Video this January.

Coming to Prime Video on 28^th January - https://amzn.to/42e4kCE

PREVIEW: Elite Force – B.R.I. (2025 Film) - Starring Danny Darren

Preview by Jon Donnis

Prepare for a pulse-pounding sci-fi adventure with Elite Force – B.R.I., a film that promises action, suspense, and plenty of thrills.

This electrifying feature is co-written by and stars Danny Darren (Out of Vengeance, Badnaam, 16/03) alongside the talented Jadey Duffield (Guardians of the Galaxy, 16/03, Choose Your Weapon), whose work as an actress and stunt performer has earned widespread acclaim. Directed and co-written by Roman Elpidio (Legol), the film has already made waves, clinching awards such as Best UK Feature at the 2023 MiraBan UK Film Awards. Now, audiences can gear up for its digital release on 20 January 2025, courtesy of Reel 2 Reel Films.

The story centres on the twisted genius of Dr Marco, portrayed by Crispian Belfrage (6 Bullets to Hell, Morgan, Obi-Wan Kenobi). Determined to combat global corruption in his own deranged way, Dr Marco abducts ex-soldiers from across the globe. He subjects them to his sinister B.R.I. (Body Recovery Immunisation) serum, a powerful formula that alters their DNA and transforms them into unstoppable, regenerating warriors.

With their bodies alight with regenerative energy and their DNA reprogrammed for destruction, these soldiers form an elite force tasked with taking down a shadowy organisation bent on chaos and control. But as their mission unfolds, the team must navigate not only external threats but also the internal battle against the forces reshaping their very humanity.

Mark your calendars for 20 January 2025 and get ready to experience Elite Force – B.R.I., a gripping sci-fi spectacle that's as thought-provoking as it is action-packed. Available on digital from Reel 2 Reel Films, this is one cinematic journey you won't want to miss.

On Digital at

Apple TV - https://apple.co/3PwhUJK

REVIEW: Gladiator II (2024 Film) Starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal & Joseph Quinn

Review by Jon Donnis

"Gladiator II" (2024), directed by Ridley Scott, offers a visually stunning continuation of the saga that captivated audiences more than two decades ago. The film transports us back to the brutal, blood-soaked arenas of ancient Rome, this time centering on Lucius Verus (Paul Mescal), the son of Maximus, who now seeks vengeance against the very empire that destroyed his family. Mescal delivers a gripping performance, expertly portraying Lucius's inner turmoil as he navigates a world of violence and betrayal, all while wrestling with his inherited legacy.

Denzel Washington's portrayal of Macrinus, a former slave turned gladiator master, adds a distinct layer of intrigue. His calculated ambition to control Rome contrasts sharply with the brute force and raw emotion embodied by Lucius. Washington commands the screen with his usual charisma, elevating scenes where he pushes the boundaries of power and manipulation. The tension between the characters is palpable, particularly in their final confrontation, which is both thrilling and emotionally charged.

The film shines in its action sequences, with Scott's direction bringing a visceral intensity to each gladiatorial combat. The brutal duels and elaborate battles in the Colosseum are a feast for the eyes, complemented by a haunting score that underlines the tragic fate of those caught in the empire's machinations. From wild beast fights to naval spectacles, the action never fails to engage, showcasing the scale and grandeur for which Scott is known.

However, Gladiator II struggles with its storytelling. While the film does an excellent job of capturing the spectacle of the Roman Empire, the narrative occasionally feels predictable and overly familiar. At times, the film seems to tread the same ground as its predecessor without introducing enough fresh ideas. The emotional depth that made the original such a standout is lacking, with the character arcs, particularly Lucius's journey, feeling somewhat underdeveloped.

Despite these flaws, the film remains entertaining, largely due to its strong performances and breathtaking visuals. While it may not have the same impact as the first film, "Gladiator II" is still a worthy addition to the saga, delivering a solid mix of action, drama, and spectacle for fans of the genre. It serves as an engaging reminder of Rome's power and brutality, but it leaves one longing for a bit more complexity in its story.

I score Gladiator II a solid 8 out of 10. An epic film with an epic feel.

Watch on Apple TV

COMPETITION: Win Transformers One on 4K Ultra HD

To celebrate the home entertainment release on Transformers One, we have a copy to give away, so enter now for a chance to win a copy on 4K Ultra HD!

Synopsis:

Discover the untold story of how legendary leaders OPTIMUS PRIME and MEGATRON went from brothers-in-arms to sworn enemies in the action-packed and visually stunning TRANSFORMERS ONE, which is available to own on 4K Ultra HD™ + Blu-ray™ SteelBook®, 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD now.

“The perfect movie for the whole family” (Joe Deckelmeier, Screen Rant), TRANSFORMERS ONE is “chock-full of thrilling action scenes, great humor, and a thoughtful script with powerful themes” (Julian Roman, Movieweb).  The wildly entertaining adventure reveals the fateful events that led to the epic conflict between the AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS.  Certified Fresh™ and Verified Hot on Rotten Tomatoes®– with a sensational 98% audience rating* and an A CinemaScore®— TRANSFORMERS ONE is sure to delight both longtime and brand-new fans.

Directed by Academy Award®-winner** Josh Cooley, TRANSFORMERS ONE is the first fully CG-animated TRANSFORMERS film and boasts character designs and action sequences created by the renowned artists of ILM that are “truly astonishing” (Rafael Motamayor, SlashFilm). The film also features an exceptional all-star voice cast, including Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, with Laurence Fishburne, and Jon Hamm.

The 4K ULTRA HD™ disc includes English – United States and French - Parisian Dolby Atmos, French – Canadian, Spanish - Castilian, and Spanish - Latin American Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround audio. It also includes an Audio Descriptive Track in English – United States Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround. It offers the following subtitles English – United States, English – United States SDH†, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French - Canadian, French - Parisian, Norwegian, Spanish - Castilian, Spanish - Latin American and Swedish. 

Transformers One is now available to own on 4K UHD™ + Blu-ray™ SteelBook®, 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD.

Order from Amazon - https://amzn.to/4adctZW

Enter now for a chance to win.

Who directs Transformers One?

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

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Exploring Unexpected Movie Themes and Their Most Iconic Depictions

 Source: Unsplash

There are a myriad of different movies one can explore, each of which follows various motifs that result in a unique experience. Alas, with all this variety, there are some themes that may not be as commonly used as others, but this doesn’t make them any less great.

Casino Games

Casino games have a certain je ne sais quois that has kept casinos alive for centuries. This did not go unnoticed by filmmakers, which has led to these games being featured in several major titles, helping bring in viewers with their natural allure. While poker is a particularly popular one - who hasn’t seen Casino Royale at this point - many other games have taken the center stage too.

The aforementioned rings especially true when it comes to table games like blackjack, which still maintains plenty of popularity even if its inception was all the way back in the 17th century. This can be attributed to the simplicity of blackjack, making it incredibly easy to follow without detracting from its charm. For the audiences, this makes it an excellent option; there’s no confusion over what’s happening on the screen.

After all, the main thing you really need to know is that the aim is to get closer to 21 than the dealer, without going bust. For those who haven’t played it before, going bust simply refers to going over 21.

However, the seemingly unending level of love toward blackjack can also be credited to the fact that this card game, amongst other casino games, can now also be enjoyed online. Whether a player wants to enjoy the game on their PC, tablet, or phone - they’ll have the same catalog of options available to them with ease.

And when we say catalog of options, we mean it, as there’s more variety than ever before thanks to this turn to the digital. Beyond Classic Blackjack, users of such sites can also try out innovative options such as Super 7 Blackjack and Pirate 21.

As such, it’s not surprising that you’ll find countless movies featuring this game. One such film is, of course, The Hangover.

This 2009 comedy movie stars some pretty big names, like Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis, whose charisma on screen is one of the driving factors of its cult following. Here, blackjack has brought forth one of the most memed scenes, where Alan manages to use his card skills to win a large sum of money to progress the plot.

Alternatively, if you’re seeking something a tad more dramatic, we’d suggest checking out the 2008 release called 21. Here, you’ll follow the MIT Blackjack Team as they strive to conquer various matches.

Food

There are many pleasures in life, and one of those is food. After all, food has been historically used as a way to forge connections, be it with loved ones or a set culture.

Food overall can be a great form of storytelling, which is one of the reasons why it appears so often on the big screen. Also, it certainly doesn’t hurt that it has a delightful appeal that leaves viewers hungry for more, quite literally.

Thus, food is incredibly prevalent in many films, where it’s either used as a backdrop to bring a scene together or as a focal point. When it comes to the latter, a great example of this can be found in The Menu, a relatively recent release that garnered plenty of positive reviews.

If you haven’t seen the trailer or heard of this movie, it’s a unique blend of horror and comedy that is certainly not for the faint of heart, or stomach. This relatively recent release is an ardent critique of luxury dining culture, exploring how far humans will go to experience food in a macabre sort of way.

If you want something that feels a bit less tense, we’d suggest checking out Spirited Away. This animated Ghibli movie is easily one of the best food movies available to date.

While you may think of this as a movie made for kids, it actually explores some pretty heavy topics under the guise of cozy meals. From gluttony to greed to even environmentalism, the genius of Hayao Miyazaki can be easily perceived by adults viewing this film.

As these movies revolve around food, we’d suggest pairing them with a delicious home-cooked meal. This will result in you being satisfied in every way as a viewer, gifting you a more well-rounded experience.

If you’re not a cooking expert, you can find several recipes with easy-to-follow instructions. One option is the viral lasagna soup recipe, which is perfect for those who want all the deliciousness of lasagna but in a more hassle-free format.

This comforting dish is also extremely versatile, as it allows for easy swaps. For instance, if you’re vegetarian, you can opt to swap out the meat for lentils but still retain the same vibes.

Conclusion

By exploring some lesser-expected themes in movies, you’ll be unveiling a richer tapestry of storytelling. After all, films tend to convey a much deeper message when you take a closer look at why these motifs were specifically used.