FOLLOWING FILMS

Get ready for a powerful and intimate exploration of identity and family with the upcoming film, Close to You, hitting theaters nationwide on August 16th. Directed by Dominic Savage (who also co-wrote the screenplay with Elliot Page), the film delves into the emotional complexities of returning home after a transformative experience.  Page, who also shares a "Story by" credit, portrays Sam, a transgender man who hasn't set foot in his hometown for four years, not since his transition.  Now, faced with his father's birthday, he must confront the past and navigate the terrain of changed relationships. Close to You promises a layered and poignant journey.  Sam's homecoming stirs up unresolved wounds, forcing him to grapple with his evolving self-image and the expectations of his family.  The film also hints at a reconnection with an old friend, adding another dimension to the emotional landscape. This collaboration between Savage and Page seems particularly noteworth...

Today I'm joined by Antonia Bogdanovich to discuss her film SLEEP NO MORE. SLEEP NO MORE is a Los Angeles-set neo noir crime thriller, combining grit and atmospheric style, occasional comic desperation and an inspired literary bent. As the 2014 film, director Antonia Bogdanovich’s debut feature, neared its 10th anniversary, she wanted to revisit the film, a New York Times Critic’s Pick (originally distributed as Phantom Halo), with a goal of releasing the version that she originally envisioned. So, as a tribute to her late father, multi-hyphenate Peter (who also executive produced), she set to work to produce SLEEP NO MORE: THE DIRECTOR’S CUT.  SLEEP NO MORE will be in theatres and on VOD this Friday July 26th.

"The Way We Speak" is more than a film; it is a poignant reflection of our contemporary world, a cinematic exploration of the chasm between words and meaning. The film masterfully intertwines personal and professional conflict to create a powerful indictment of our communication-obsessed culture. At its core, the movie is a high-stakes intellectual duel between Simon Harrington (Patrick Fabian) and Sarah Clawson (Kailey Rhodes), their verbal sparring a microcosm of the societal battles raging beyond the debate stage. Fabian delivers a tour-de-force performance as Simon, a man consumed by ambition yet haunted by personal demons. His character is an honest representation of the modern individual, grappling with the tension between personal fulfillment and professional success. Diana Coconubo's portrayal of Claire Harrington, Simon's unwavering support system, provides a poignant counterpoint to Simon's self-absorption, highlighting the importance of empathy and resi...

Horror fans rejoice! The recently revived Anchor Bay Entertainment has secured the worldwide rights to "Cursed in Baja," a chilling new film from Jeff Daniel Phillips.  This intense genre-bender is slated for its world premiere at this year's FrightFest on August 23rd, 2024. Phillips, best known for his frequent collaborations with horror maestro Rob Zombie (including the recent "Munsters" reboot), steps into the director's chair for "Cursed in Baja."  He also takes on the lead role and co-produced the screenplay.  Joining Phillips on screen are genre veterans Barbara Crampton ("You're Next") and Jose Conejo Martin ("The Tax Collector"). The film follows Pirelli, a jaded ex-lawman venturing into the wilds of Baja, Mexico.  His mission: to locate the missing heir to a vast Los Angeles fortune.  However, this seemingly straightforward task takes a terrifying turn as Pirelli is forced to confront not only the dangers of the env...

"Icons Unearthed: The Simpsons" isn't your typical documentary series. This six-part Blu-ray collection, hitting shelves June 2nd, 2024, is a deep dive into the real story of America's favorite dysfunctional family. Forget the surface-level gags – this exploration by Brian Volk-Weiss fully examines the surprising events and untold stories that shaped a pop culture phenomenon. From Sketchy Beginnings to Springfield's Golden Age The series throws away the rose-tinted glasses and delves into the show's shaky beginnings, exploring the early days of "The Tracey Ullman Show" shorts, the animation struggles, and the initial network resistance. Through exclusive interviews with key players like writers Bill Oakley and Jon Vitti, fans witness the birth pangs of a cultural icon. Beyond the Yellow Couch: The Creative Spark But "Icons Unearthed" goes beyond just production woes. The series focuses on the creative spark, the birth of now-iconic characte...

Looking for a movie that will remind you of the good old days of Hollywood? Look no further than "The Fall Guy." This action-comedy delivers pure, unadulterated fun, with a charismatic Ryan Gosling leading the charge. Forget the dense lore and self-seriousness of modern blockbusters. "The Fall Guy" throws it all back to the 80s, blending humor, romance, and thrilling stunts into a wildly entertaining package. Director David Leitch, a former stuntman himself, clearly understands the magic of practical effects and delivers some incredible action sequences. Gosling shines as Colt Seavers, a washed-up stuntman lured back into the industry by his ex-girlfriend (Emily Blunt) and a chance to double for a hotshot action star (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). Their crackling chemistry fuels the first half, with hilarious banter and a touch of unresolved romance. The film cleverly pays homage to the classic stunt people who make Hollywood magic happen. It's a refreshing change from...

  After the death of his wife, Ben Grady (Grant Rosenmeyer) stumbles upon a self-help book by an enigmatic guru named “Mealworm” (Paul Raci), who claims to have harnessed the power to fly. The book arrives...and so does Mealworm, forcing Ben to navigate his family life, accusations of foul play, and the bizarre rituals laid before him in the hopes of healing and, just maybe, achieving flight.  AVAILABLE ON DEMAND 8.23.24