Author: Alton Williams

  • Folklore Edition: Bits & Pieces

    Folklore Edition: Bits & Pieces

    Folklore Edition: Bits & Pieces – As a collection of history’s worst tyrants and criminal masterminds gather to plot a war to wipe out millions, one man must race against time to stop them. Discover the origins of the very first independent intelligence agency in “The King’s Man.

    Premiering in lounge rooms this August, an exhilarating new science-fiction thriller that’ll have you “begging for more”*, Invasion Earth. The story follows a group of addicts who attend therapy to avoid being sent to prison, while a TV journalist goes undercover and joins the group to try and expose this as a scam. However, all of their lives are thrown into chaos by the beginning of an alien invasion.

    After deciding they would be each other’s “first,” Liza (Mikey Madison) and Brett (Sean H. Scully), a young couple trying to figure out love and growing up in the summer of ‘66, take a motorcycle road trip up the California coast. With one last chance to live like there’s no tomorrow in a world filled with war, fear, and change, fate will offer them more than they ever expected to find on the warm and winding highway.

    Around The Sun is an indie romantic drama with a sci-fi twist.  It’s an intimate tale of love, reason and realising you’re not the centre of the universe. Bernard (Gethin Anthony), a film location scout, tours a repossessed and crumbling French château. Over the course of an afternoon, he falls for both the place and its owner’s flirtatious representative, Maggie (Cara Theobold), who recounts the story of an influential popular-science book written and set there. But is their present-tense connection for real, or just a projection of the book’s 17th-century characters?

    After testing his sobriety at a bachelor party on the Vegas strip, Gavin, a recovered drug addict and former TV star and his childhood friends return to their hotel room. Gavin finds that his unresolved past with his friends and his “savior” girlfriend present much more of threat to his sobriety than the strip did. As the night escalates, Gavin and his friends are forced to face their demons within the walls of the hotel room…with or without each other’s help.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-twMQ4SOuE&feature=youtu.be

    Creating waves on the US festival circuit and garnering best feature awards galore Echoes of Fear is set to scare the living daylights out of UK audiences as it arrives on digital and DVD this summer from Second Sight Films.

    Modern Films are pleased to release the UK trailer for the adrenaline-filled Italian Academy Award submission THE TRAITOR, which will be released in UK and Irish cinemas and via virtual theatrical screenings on 24 July 2020.

    COUP 53, the debut feature documentary thriller by Iranian director Taghi Amirani, will receive a unique digital release on 19thAugust 2020, the 67th anniversary of the CIA/MI6 coup in Iran. For one night only, the film will take the unprecedented step of being screened virtually in collaboration with 300+ venues in the US, Canada, the UK and Ireland. A ticket for the screening also includes an exclusive Q+A with the team behind the film including Amirani and editor Walter Murch (Apocalypse Now, The Conversation, The English Patient) which will be available on 20th August.

    The official trailer and artwork by Lorenzo Ceccotti for The Book of Visionfrom Carlo S. Hintermann, launches today. His debut feature film opens the 35th Venice International Film Critic’s Week in Italy on September 3rd 2020.

    Two couples on an oceanside getaway grow suspicious that the host of their seemingly perfect rental house may be spying on them. Before long, what should have been a celebratory weekend trip turns into something far more sinister, as well-kept secrets are exposed and the four old friends come to see each other in a whole new light. Alison Brie, Dan Stevens, Jeremy Allen White, and Sheila Vand star in this unnerving and sophisticated debut thriller from Dave Franco (NEIGHBORS, IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK, THE DISASTER ARTIST).

    After committing a violent robbery, brothers Mathias and Jamie are making a getaway with their loot when a simple stop at a gas station escalates into a shoot-out due to Jamie’s violent impulses. With Mathias mortally wounded, trigger-happy Jamie is forced to stalk a trauma doctor named Rich (Chad Michael Murray) from the hospital to his home. Holding Richʼs wife, daughter, and ex-sheriff father hostage, Jamie demands Rich operate on Mathias and either save his life or lose his family…

    Immediately gripping, ominously scored and truly frightening, SPUTNIK is the debut feature from Egor Abramenko, based on his short film of the same name. A gripping cross between Species and Chernobyl, or Arrival with fangs, this Cold War-era sci-fi chiller features a wonderful lead performance from Oksana Akinshina (Lilya 4-Ever, Bourne Supremacy) and is a smartly-scripted examination of a society unready, or unwilling, for change. This striking, unexpectedly moving debut from Abramenko delivers, and it comes as no surprise that SPUTNIK has proved the top-streaming title in Russia in the past two years.

    High schooler Julie (Madison Reyes) lost her passion for music after her mom died last year. But when the ghosts of three dreamy musicians (Charlie Gillespie, Jeremy Shada, Owen Patrick Joyner) from 1995 suddenly appear in her mom’s old music studio, Julie feels her own inner spirit beginning to reawaken, and she’s inspired to start singing and writing songs again. As their friendship with Julie grows, the boys convince her to create a new band together: Julie and the Phantoms. From Emmy Award-winning director Kenny Ortega (High School Musical, Descendants), executive producers Dan Cross and Dave Hoge (The Thundermans, Pair of Kings), and choreographer Paul Becker (Descendants, Mirror Mirror) comes a fresh and exciting new musical series about embracing life’s ups and downs, following your dreams, and discovering the power of your own voice.

    Fifteen years ago, two teenage girls were murdered at Merrymaker Campgrounds. The case was filed as an animal attack, the camp was condemned, and the killer never found. But something horrific still waits in those woods, ready to kill again.

    ILY Films are thrilled to announce the upcoming digital download release of action royalty Bruce Willis’ (Die Hard) latest high octane thriller ‘Hard Kill on September 14th across all major platforms. 

    https://vimeo.com/314091492

  • Trolls World Tour Debuts At Number 1

    Trolls World Tour Debuts At Number 1

    Trolls World Tour makes a huge Number 1 debut, outselling the rest of the Top 5 combined. Following an early rental period, the film zooms straight in at the top on digital downloads.

    The sequel to Trolls (2016) stars the voices of Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake and Rachel Bloom alongside a huge list of music and television stars including Ozzy Osbourne, James Corden, Mary J. Blige and Kelly Clarkson.  In this follow-up to the hugely popular musical film, Queen Barb of the Hard Rock Trolls (Bloom) tries to take over the six Troll Kingdoms – Funk, Country, Techno, Classical, Pop and Rock – and it’s up to Queen Poppy (Kendrick) and her friends to unify all Trolls and save their kingdoms.

    Frozen 2 climbs one place higher this week to Number 2, as Sonic the Hedgehog speeds into Number 3. Last week’s chart topper Military Wives drops to Number 4, and Birds of Prey and Joker sit in tandem at Number 5 and 6 respectively. Robert Downey, Jr.’sDolittle drops from 5 to 7, and 1917 lands at Number 8.

    Returning to the Top 10 for the first time in 2020, Marvel’s record-breaking Avengers: Endgame skyrockets to Number 9 this week following the release of a collector’s edition Steelbook. Finally, Le Mans ’66 climbs two to Number 10.

    This week’s Official Film Chart features a sneak peek at killer shark sequel Deep Blue Sea 3, available to Download & Keep from July 28.

    The Official Film Chart Top 10 – 22nd July 2020

    LWPosTitleLabel
    NEW1TROLLS WORLD TOURDREAMWORKS ANIMATION
    32FROZEN 2WALT DISNEY
    23SONIC THE HEDGEHOGPARAMOUNT
    14MILITARY WIVESLIONSGATE
    45BIRDS OF PREY AND THE FANTABULOUSWARNER HOME VIDEO
    86JOKERWARNER HOME VIDEO
    57DOLITTLEUNIVERSAL PICTURES
    781917ENTERTAINMENT ONE
    RE9AVENGERS: ENDGAMEMARVEL FILMS
    1210LE MANS ’6620TH CENTURY FOX HE

    © Official Charts Company 2020

    VIEW THE FULL TOP 40 – https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/film-chart/

  • Clubbing Edition: Bits & Pieces

    Clubbing Edition: Bits & Pieces

    BLACK WATER: ABYSS sees adventure-seeking couple Eric (Luke Mitchell AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D.) and Jennifer (Jessica McNamee THE MEG) convincing their friends Yolanda (Amali Golden THE INVISIBLE MAN) and Viktor (Benjamin Hoetjes 10×10) to explore an uncharted cave system, in remote North Australia, with the help of the unpredictable Cash (Anthony J. Sharpe ROBERT THE BRUCE) as their guide.

    Eureka Entertainment to release THIS GUN FOR HIRE, a highly influential film-noir starring Veronica Lake and Alan Ladd, presented on Blu-ray from a 4K scan of the original film elements. Available for the first time in the UK as part of the Eureka Classics range from 14 September 2020.

    The story follows a group of addicts who attend therapy to avoid being sent to prison, while a TV journalist goes undercover and joins the group to try and expose this as a scam. However, all of their lives are thrown into chaos by the beginning of an alien invasion.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-twMQ4SOuE&feature=youtu.be

    SUMMERLAND follows the story of fiercely independent folklore investigator, Alice (Gemma Arterton) who secludes herself in her clifftop study, debunking myths using science to disprove the existence of other-worldly forces and magic. Consumed by her work, but also profoundly lonely, she is haunted by a love affair from her past.

    Apple released the official trailer for Ted Lasso,” a new original comedy series from Jason Sudeikis and Bill Lawrence, that will premiere globally with the first three episodes on Apple TV+ on Friday, August 14. Following the premiere, new episodes will debut weekly on Fridays thereafter on the streaming service.

    Born into poverty in rural Jamaica, Bob Marley became a prophet for the world’s oppressed, preaching peace, love, and understanding with a universal language – song. Now in 2020, the Marley family has rolled out a yearlong MARLEY75 commemorative series of events across all forms of media in celebration of the legendary cultural icon, on what would have been Marley’s seventy-fifth birthday. As part of this series of special events, audiences can see in virtual and traditional theaters a special re-release of MARLEY, in which Oscar-winning filmmaker Kevin Macdonald combines unheard tracks, unseen footage, and intimate interviews to paint a definitive portrait of the legendary artist.

    On the morning of Nov. 8, 2018, a devastating firestorm engulfed the picturesque city of Paradise, California. By the time the Camp Fire was extinguished, it had killed 85 people, displaced 50,000 residents and destroyed 95% of local structures. It was the deadliest U.S. fire in 100 years — and the worst ever in California’s history. REBUILDING PARADISE, from Academy Award-winning director RON HOWARD, is a moving story of resilience in the face of tragedy, as a community ravaged by disaster comes together to recover what was lost and begin the important task of rebuilding.

    Directed by Hong Khaou (Lilting), MONSOON is a visual and emotional tour de force with a tender performance from Henry Golding (Crazy Rich Asians, The Gentlemen). The film is a rich and poignant exploration of the struggle for identity in a place where the past weighs heavily on the present.  

    Winner of multiple awards, and featuring an applauded turn from actor Tim Kaiser, the end-of-days thriller fixes on an apocalyptic event that leaves a man isolated and alone on the edge of the wilderness. Soon enough, another survivor emerges who disrupts the fragile balance of power.

  • Gen Zs & Millennials Choose Streams Over TV

    Gen Zs & Millennials Choose Streams Over TV

    Gen Zs & Millennials Choose Streams Over TV – New research has revealed the UK’s viewing preferences during lockdown – and highlighted that consumers are keen to get back into cinemas as we adjust to the ‘new normal’.

    The findings come via a wide-ranging survey of over 3,000 pop culture fans in the UK undertaken by pop culture agency Experience12. Data was collected between June 25th and July 2nd through MCM Comic Con online channels.

    80% of the respondents were aged between 18 and 34 (48% were in the 25-34 year old category; 32% in the 18-24 category). Meanwhile, 58% were male, 38% female, 2% non-conforming and 1% transgender.

    The survey revealed that 61% of respondents prefer watching films to TV – which is backed up by the fact that two-thirds (66%) say they will be heading to their nearest cinema within two months of venues re-opening. A further 11% said that they would go to watch a movie within three months.

    The most anticipated theatrical releases have also been revealed via the research:

    Top 10 Most Anticipated Films

    1. Wonder Woman 1984
    2. Bill & Ted Face the Music
    3. A Quiet Place Part II
    4. Tenet
    5. Mulan
    6. The King’s Man
    7. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It
    8. Monster Hunter
    9. Candyman
    10. The Spongebob Movie: Sponge on the Run

    TV has, however, been incredibly important to consumers during lockdown – and remains so, with most people still spending more time at home.

    Streaming services in general are consumers’ favourite way to view content, with 90% opting for this format, compared to 4% preferring on-demand TV and just 3% choosing live TV.

    Unsurprisingly, veteran streaming service Netflix leads the way in terms of subscriptions, with 92% of respondents accessing this service, followed by Amazon Prime Video at 72%.

    Disney+ has enjoyed a fast uptake, with 62% of respondents subscribing to the service, no doubt thanks to it boasting some of the biggest IP in entertainment, but also due to its discount launch campaign during the early weeks of the pandemic. Indeed, 47% of the sample audience said that they had subscribed to Disney+ during lockdown.

    In terms of on-demand TV services, the BBC iPlayer is way ahead, with 47% of respondents claiming it as their favourite, compared to All 4 at 24%, Sky Go at 14% and ITV Hub at just 3%.

    Netflix remains top when it comes to content, with 54% of the TV, film and games fans claiming that the service makes the best TV shows. HBO came in at second place with 21% of votes, with both Amazon Prime Video and the BBC also applauded for their output.

    TV Series Most Excited About

    1. The Mandalorian S2
    2. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
    3. The Boys S2
    4. The Great British Bake Off
    5. RuPaul’s Drag Race
    6. Adventure Time: Distant Lands
    7. Doom Patrol S2
    8. Lovecraft Country
    9. Hanna S2
    10. Truthseekers

    “Home entertainment has provided a lifeline for people during the lockdown – and still now, with many still spending much more time at home,” said Experience12 Managing Director Chris Whittle.

    “Netflix, Amazon Prime and now Disney+ are keeping the nation entertained and, while our research shows that Netflix retains the crown (and, indeed, The Crown) when it comes to the best content, it’s interesting to see that it’s actually output from Amazon Prime and Disney+, such as The Mandalorian S2, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and The Boys S2 which are the most anticipated.

    “Meanwhile, it’s clear to see that pop culture fans are keen to get back to the cinema as soon as they can. Superhero movies are, as ever, what fans are looking forward to the most. But what’s interesting is that – while 79% of our respondents claim to prefer Marvel over 21% who prefer DC – the top two most anticipated movies come from the DC comic stable, namely Wonder Woman 1984 and Bill & Ted Face The Music.”

  • Military Wives Sing Their Way To Number 1

    Military Wives Sing Their Way To Number 1

    Military Wives flies to Number 1 on this week’s Official Film Chart following its release on DVD and Blu-ray.

    The heartwarming British comedy-drama starring Kristin Scott Thomas, Sharon Horgan and Jason Flemyng is up eight places on last week, joining its namesake as an Official Chart Number 1 – the original Military Wives Choir, led by Gareth Malone, earned the UK’s coveted Christmas Number 1 single with Wherever You Are in 2011, and a Number 1 album on Mother’s Day 2012 with In My Dreams.

    Military Wives tells the story of a group of women whose partners are away serving in Afghanistan, who form a choir and find themselves the centre of a media phenomenon; along the way their unique friendships helping to overcome their fears for their loved ones. 

    Elsewhere on the chart, Sonic The Hedgehog zooms back up to Number 2 just ahead of family favourite Frozen 2, as Birds of Prey (4), Dolittle (5) and last week’s Number 1, thriller The Invisible Man (6) all drop. 

    1917 is also down a place, while Academy Award-winning Joker starring Joaquin Phoenix takes a leap up eight places to return to the Top 10 at Number 8 – its highest placing since April.

    Finally, Dark Waters drifts down two to Number 9, and Onward hangs on for a tenth consecutive week in the countdown at Number 10.

    If you’re looking for ways to stay entertained at home this Summer, FindAnyFilm.com’s guide to the best brand-new movie releases, remasters and TV shows is here to help. Check out the trailer for the summer’s biggest home entertainment hits here: 

    To plan your movie night, head over to FindAnyFilm.com.

    This week’s Official Film Chart features a sneak peek at Julia Garner in critically acclaimed drama The Assistant, available to buy on DVD from July 20.

    The Official Film Chart Top 10 – 15th July 2020

    LWPosTitleLabel
    91MILITARY WIVESLIONSGATE
    52SONIC THE HEDGEHOGPARAMOUNT
    43FROZEN 2WALT DISNEY
    34BIRDS OF PREY AND THE FANTABULOUSWARNER HOME VIDEO
    25DOLITTLEUNIVERSAL PICTURES
    16THE INVISIBLE MANUNIVERSAL PICTURES
    671917ENTERTAINMENT ONE
    168JOKERWARNER HOME VIDEO
    79DARK WATERSENTERTAINMENT ONE
    810ONWARDWALT DISNEY

    © Official Charts Company 2020

    VIEW THE FULL TOP 40 – https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/film-chart/