AGONY -- DVD Review by Porfle

We know from the opening foreword that a murder will be committed--a young Viennese man will kill and dismember a girl and distribute the parts in various places.  But the film immediately begins to follow the lives of not one, but two disaffected young Viennese men, Christian and Alex, and it's up to us to figure out not just who the murderer will be, but his motive as well.

Which makes the 2016 German/Austrian production AGONY (aka "Agonie"), by talented director and co-writer David Clay Diaz in his feature debut, not just a whodunnit but a whydunnit.

We first meet Alex (Alexander Srtschin), an angry young man just sprung from either the military or juvenile prison (I wasn't sure which) and dumped back into lower-class society to return to a troubled family and few prospects.

He's hostile and endlessly aggressive, always working out and practicing his boxing skills, always wishing there were someone there for his flashing fists to connect with.

Then there's Christian (Samuel Schneider), a law student living unhappily with his single mother. Unlike Alex, Christian is quiet, reserved, restrained, and painfully repressed.  A concession stand worker in a theater, he studiously attends legal classes with high hopes of becoming a judge.  We're not so sure how realistic these hopes are.

Christian meets a girl from his class named Sandra (Alexandra Schmidt) and they form a relationship which features rough, mutually abusive sex.  Also unlike Alex, this seems to be Christian's only avenue for releasing the pent-up aggression that comes from desperation and a growing sense that he will never succeed in any of his goals.

The film shows us chunks of each man's life in turn, each unrelated to the other save for their potential to reach that breaking point which will lead to irrational violence.  Alex strikes out against romantic rivals, the police, his gruff father (who tries clumsily to help him but already has one foot out the door), girls who taunt and reject him, and even his best friend, Julian, the only person in his life with whom he feels comfortable.

Christian, meanwhile, is the quiet one who gives us pause when we fear what roiling emotions may lurk behind his passive demeanor.  He's belittled by inferiors at work (a pimply nerd orders him around in front of Sandra and her friends while he's on the job) and treated as a child by his mother. Sex with Sandra seems urgent, joyless, and physically threatening.

In other words, AGONY keeps us in suspense the whole time as it makes us suffer through the dreary lives of these two unrelated dead-end characters (the monotony of which is broken only by unfortunate events) as each heads for what appears to be a sad end.  Which, for one of them, will include an unimaginably heinous crime.

AGONY makes us gaze into the abyss of their lives to try and discern which of these apparent sociopaths will turn psychopath and what will provoke it. It's a fascinating, finely-wrought film, yet joyless, and we never really become invested enough in Christian or Alex to care deeply what happens to them beyond a sour feeling of lingering sadness.  That, and a curdled, disheartening pessimism. 


TECH SPECS:
Format: 2:1, Stereo, Color, NTSC
Language: German
Subtitles: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 1
Not Rated
Studio: Indiepix Films
DVD Release Date: November 27, 2018
Run Time: 93 minutes
Extras: Trailer

AGONY -- DVD Review by Porfle

All The Cucumber Creature Scenes From "It Conquered The World" (1956) (video)

Roger Corman's low-budget classic about a Venusian invader was shot in ten days.
It stars Peter Graves, Beverly Garland, and Lee Van Cleef.

The creature and its batlike minions were designed by Paul Blaisdell.

When Beverly first saw the creature, she said "THAT conquered the world?" and kicked it over.
It has been compared to a cucumber, a squash, and other vegetables.

Beverly's robust performance in this film is a fan favorite.

Corman regular Dick Miller plays an Army sergeant.
Critic Leonard Maltin deemed the film "... well acted and interesting but awkwardly plotted."

It was remade by Larry Buchanan in 1966  as "Zontar, The Thing From Venus."


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

All The Cucumber Creature Scenes From "It Conquered The World" (1956) (video)

ZILLA AND ZOE -- Movie Review by Porfle

If you were (and perhaps still are) a Monster Kid, you can identify with 10-year-old Zoe (Aida Valentine), who loves and lives for horror movies.  You might also identify with the fact that parents don't always understand this and might even regard such an avid interest with a fair amount of disdain bordering on hostility.

In writer-director Jessica Scalise's ZILLA AND ZOE (2017), Zoe's morbid preoccupations get her into trouble when her attempts to shoot a horror home movie for a local contest results in chaos during the hectic preparations for the wedding of her older sister Zilla (Sam Kamerman).

Thus, Zoe's dad Sal (Greg James), who has raised his two daughters alone after the family was abandoned by their mother, forbids further horror pursuits and orders her to record the wedding activities instead.  Then Zoe hits upon a bright idea--she'll turn the wedding itself into a horror movie and kill two birds with one stone.

It sounds like a springboard for raucous, unrestrained hilarity, which the film struggles to achieve with a plethora of odd characters and borderline farcical situations (such as the entire wedding party getting arrested during bridal gown shopping after Zoe's friend Francis attacks them dressed as a werewolf).

The clash between families yields lots of potential comedy as well, with the reserved Sal and his unkempt unemployed brother Oscar clashing with their upper-class future in-laws. These include Zilla's lesbian fiancee Lu (Mia Allen), Lu's pushy, wedding-crazy mother Cora (Julie Elizabeth Knell) and terminally cynical father, and their three eccentric sons, one of whom is a flamboyantly gay transvestite.

There's an amusing sequence in which the two families try to pick a church that will accomodate their unconventional nuptials, and some of the dinnertime conversation is fun to listen to.  Little of this is sharply funny, though, most of it coming off like an episode of a mild Netflix comedy or something.

The film also has its dramedy elements, with the whole messy shebang threatening to come between the betrothed women and Zoe's conflict with her father over all that "horror stuff"--including her dragging around a coffin that she's bought at a magic store and shaving the neighbor's dog to obtain hair for Francis' werewolf makeup--leading to hurt feelings that will have Zoe feeling unloved and Sal plagued with guilt and remorse.

Through it all, ZILLA AND ZOE keeps gamely plugging away at being both a breezy, frothy comedy and a sweetly emotional character play and sorta pulls it off even though neither effort scores an unqualified success. The best part is the ending, which is so brimming with good-natured positivity and fun that I ended up liking the film despite not really enjoying it all that much.

ZILLA AND ZOE -- Movie Review by Porfle

Saban Films Nabs Psychological Thriller "NOMIS" Starring Henry Cavill and Ben Kingsley

SABAN FILMS NABS PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER “NOMIS” STARRING HENRY CAVILL AND BEN KINGSLEY

LOS ANGELES (November 28, 2018) – Saban Films announced today that they have acquired U.S. distribution rights to David Raymond’s directorial debut Nomis starring Henry Cavill (Man of Steel) and Academy Award® Winner Ben Kingsley (Gandhi).  Alexandra Daddario (Baywatch), Academy Award® Nominee Stanley Tucci (The Lovely Bones), Minka Kelly (“Friday Night Lights”) and Nathan Fillion (“Castle”) also star in the psychological thriller.  Raymond penned the script, and also produced alongside Robert Ogden Barnum, Arise Pictures’ Chris Pettit and Buffalo Gals’ Jeff Beesley, and Rick Dugdale.

Nomis, which made its World Premiere as the Closing Night film at the Los Angeles Film Festival, follows Marshall (Cavill), a weathered Lieutenant, and his police force as they investigate a string of female abductions and murders linked to an online predator.  As new leads emerge and the case unravels, Marshall teams with local vigilante (Kingsley) in pursuit of vengeance.

Saban Films’ Bill Bromiley commented, “This is a beautifully crafted tension-filled thriller with a cast that, undeniably, our audiences will love.  Nomis is a fun and entertaining ride and we’re very excited to be onboard.” 

Bill Bromiley and Jonathan Saba negotiated the deal for Saban Films, along with CAA on behalf of filmmakers.  Fortitude International is handling international rights.

Most recently at the American Film Market, Saban Films acquired The Haunting of Sharon Tate starring Hilary Duff and Derrick Borte’s American Dreamer starring Jim Gaffigan.  The company continues to be active in the acquisition and distribution space, with upcoming titles including:  James Marsh’s King of Thieves starring Michael Caine, Jim Broadbent, Tom Courtenay and Michael Gambon; Richard Says Goodbye, the Wayne Roberts-directed drama starring Johnny Depp; and Sarah Daggar-Nickson’s A Vigilante starring Olivia Wilde.  

Saban Films’ recent titles also includes: Stephan Rick’s elevated genre film The Super starring Val Kilmer; Between Worlds starring Nicolas Cage; the anthology Berlin, I Love You with Helen Mirren, Keira Knightley and Jim Sturgess; the Gerard Butler starrer The Vanishing; David L.G. Hughes’ Viking Destiny; Alexandre Moors’ The Yellow Birds starring Tye Sheridan, Alden Ehrenreich, Toni Collette, Jason Patric, Jack Huston and Jennifer Aniston; Eshom and Ian Nelms’ lauded feature Small Town Crime starring John Hawkes and Octavia Spencer; and Ivan Kavanagh’s Never Grow Old starring John Cusack and Emile Hirsch.

Since the company’s launch in 2014, Saban Films has released over 40 films with successes that have run the gamut from critically acclaimed theatrical films such as The Homesman, to one of the biggest Fathom events in 2016 with Rob Zombie’s horror thriller 31.  Saban Films, in partnership with Roadside Attractions, most recently released Craig William Macneill’s racy drama Lizzie, starring Chloë Sevigny and Kristen Stewart. Other recent releases include: Brad Silberling’s war thriller An Ordinary Man starring Academy Award® Winner Ben Kingsley; and Alexandros Avranas’ Dark Crimes starring Jim Carrey and Charlotte Gainsbourg.

About Saban Films
Saban Films, an affiliate of Saban Capital Group (“SCG”), is a film acquisition and distribution company which acquires high-quality, feature films to distribute in North America.  Focusing on commercial, talent driven films, the company looks at projects in all stages of production for release across multiple platforms, including a day and date theatrical/VOD release strategy. Based in Los Angeles, Saban Films was established by Haim Saban, SCG Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and is led by Bill Bromiley who serves as President, Shanan Becker, Chief Financial Officer and Ness Saban, Vice President of Business Development.

Saban Films Nabs Psychological Thriller "NOMIS" Starring Henry Cavill and Ben Kingsley

Yvette Vickers At Her Sexiest: "Attack Of The Giant Leeches" (1959) (video)

Yvette Vickers At Her Sexiest: "Attack Of The Giant Leeches" (1959)

In this late 50s horror/sci-fi thriller, Yvette is menaced by giant mutated bloodsuckers.

But not before she gets to play Bruno VeSota's flagrantly unfaithful wife...

...in this juicy slice of old-fashioned Southern Gothic.


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

Yvette Vickers At Her Sexiest: "Attack Of The Giant Leeches" (1959) (video)

VIRGINIA MINNESOTA -- Movie Review by Porfle

A single movie can be chick-flick heaven or hell, depending on your point of view, and VIRGINIA MINNESOTA (2017) is plenty of both.  I could easily imagine many viewers thoroughly enjoying, on a deep emotional and intellectual level, the very same sequences I found hard to endure.

That's just the way these things work sometimes, and if the movie's really well-made, as this one is, then both reactions tend to be even more extreme and conflicting.  I found myself going from gag response to wonderment within minutes, aghast at how sappy and indulgent it was one moment before melting with genuine sentiment the next.

Rachel Hendrix plays Lyle, a young woman journeying back to the boarding school where she grew up because the woman who ran it has died and put four of her former charges in her will.  All must be present for the reading, however, and sure enough, the most headstrong and troublesome of the bunch, Addison (Aurora Perrineau), fails to show.

It falls to Lyle to go and fetch her, and, as you might guess, their trip back to the home becomes one of mutual and self discovery during which they encounter lots of eccentric people and situations and have weighty discussions leading to the searching and baring of souls.

Old wounds are reopened, especially concerning the death of little Virginia, a former housemate who drowned mysteriously one night while out with Addison.  Guilt and recriminations fly, and we begin to understand why Lyle naturally assumes a more levelheaded and sensible demeanor while Addison is so insufferably obnoxious and anti-social most of the time.

Their trip lapses into an improbably odd sort of "Alice in Wonderland" experience that's steeped in finely-aged quirk.  (For a few minutes there, it even turns into a monster movie.)

After Addison breaks up with her fiance by setting fire to his boat, they flee in a stolen car and end up with a traveling theater troup traversing the forest in a horse-drawn wagon before ending up at a dance party at the foot of a lighthouse where Addison runs into an old lesbian lover.  Whew.

Helping to make all this more fun is the presence of "Mister", a GPS-tracking robot who's supposed to be passed from traveler to traveler across the USA but whom Rachel won't give up since he's become a surrogate companion for her.  This friendly little robot is like the film's R2D2 and is actually its most likable character.

Returning to that great, dark old mansion for the reading of the will brings on a series of touchy-feely scenes as the former housemates gush over each other until it's time for a dramatic resolve of old issues.  Here, writer-director Daniel Stine manages to draw everything together into some potent melodrama which is played to the hilt by the two leads.

Beautifully photographed and directed with understated flair, VIRGINIA MINNESOTA isn't anywhere near the kind of movie I would normally watch, but finding myself doing so gradually went from a chore to a surprisingly tolerable experience.  All that finely-aged quirk aside, it's an engaging story that's well acted and technically superb.

VIRGINIA MINNESOTA -- Movie Review by Porfle

John Wayne's Coolest Scenes #16: Steak, "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" (1962) (video)

Pacifist lawyer Ransom Stoddard (Jimmy Stewart) is helping wait tables for his keep.

Enter a dreaded adversary--local gunslinger and outlaw Liberty Valance (Lee Marvin).

Valance humiliates Stoddard. But Tom Donaphin (John Wayne) stands up to the bully.

The result is a tense, life-or-death stand-off over a dropped steak.


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

John Wayne's Coolest Scenes #16: Steak, "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" (1962) (video)

"Goldfinger": Bond's Atomic Bomb Countdown Blooper (video)

(spoilers)

In the exciting climax of "Goldfinger", the atomic bomb is deactivated...

...with only 007 seconds (get it?) to spare.

But apparently the bomb was originally intended to stop at three seconds.

Thus, this discrepancy in the dialogue which still remains...

"Three more ticks"


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

"Goldfinger": Bond's Atomic Bomb Countdown Blooper (video)

DICK DICKSTER -- DVD Review by Porfle

If you have ninety minutes or so to kill, the comedy mockumentary DICK DICKSTER (Indican Pictures, 2018) will definitely kill them for you.  Whether or not they die with a smile on their face is entirely up to your tolerance for crude, lowbrow humor that runs hot and cold in the laugh department but is never boring.

Co-writer (with Nick Bird) Robert R. Shafer of "The Office" stars as Dick Dickster, the most obnoxious, rude, pushy, irresponsible, foulmouthed, lecherous, egomaniacal, and permanently plastered director in Hollywood.

This fat slob has hit the skids, with nothing to his name but a sometimes well-remembered cheapo horror flick called "Cult of Doom" which he watches repeatedly in the privacy of his livingroom like Howard Hughes solo-screening "The Conqueror." 

When a student filmmaker decides to do a documentary on Dick, we get a sycophant's eye view of this colossal bastard's everyday life, which includes dealing with a witchy ex-wife he met during a lap dance, an Italian loan shark who wants either his nads or a juicy part in his next picture, and an offer from porn star-turned-producer Coco Hart (Jan Broberg) to direct her creepy son's script, which is a porn spoof of "Cult of Doom" entitled "Cult of Poon."

Dick is offended by the offer (he urinates on the script in Coco's office) but his manager, Sammy Davas Jr. (Tim Russ of "Star Trek: Voyager"), urges him to bite the bullet and do it lest Dick's mob debts get him killed, leaving Sammy with 10% of nothing.  But when the perpetually horny and hostile Dick is let loose in the world of porn filmmaking, the result is non-stop chaos.

But chaotic as it is, DICK DICKSTER isn't all that funny most of the time.  With the exception of a few amusing gags here and there, it's mostly just a series of outrageous incidents in which Dick does the most shocking and antisocial things possible in response to whatever situation he finds himself in. 

The thing is, though, that after a while it doesn't really matter that the movie isn't totally belly-laugh funny, because gradually Dick's character becomes rather interesting and even somewhat fascinating to observe as Shafer plays his "obnoxious bastard" qualities to the disgusting hilt.  Watching him run roughshod over various porn-business types and other leeches is even somewhat gratifying, even if you can't stand the man himself. 

The story gets rather interesting as well, with one auditioning actress named Peaches Ripen (Cela Scott) hinting that Dick may in fact be her illegitimate father, and colorful conflicts between the director and other actors, as well as growing bad feelings between him and Coco, begin to resolve themselves in satisying ways until finally the story's surprise climax is both shocking and entertaining.

Direction is by Christopher Ray (aka Christopher Douglas Olen Ray), whose father Fred shows up in interview segments along with such familiar faces as Richard Grieco (FORGET ABOUT IT) and Richard Gabai (BIKINI DRIVE-IN, NIGHTMARE SISTERS).

The cast is also stocked with what I understand are several actual current porn stars such as Bonnie Rotten.  The Italian loan shark, Tony Baritoni, is played by Tim Abell of WE WERE SOLDIERS, INHERITANCE, and ATTACK OF THE 60-FOOT CENTERFOLD.

But DICK DICKSTER is Robert R. Shafer's show, and although he lacks the comedy timing and finesse of a skilled comedian, he blusters and bullies his way though this well-mounted comedy documentary like a bull in a china closet, with equally destructive yet perversely watchable results. 


Tech Specs
Runtime: 90 mins
Format: 1:78 HD
Sound: Dolby Digital
Subtitles: English
Country: USA
Language: English
Website: http://theywantdickdickster.wixsite.com/twdd
Genre: Comedy, Thriller
Extras: Deleted scene, Indican trailers

DICK DICKSTER -- DVD Review by Porfle

Nudity In The Sean Connery "James Bond" Films? (video)

Connery's Bond operated in the less-permissive 60s.  

Thus, little or no nudity was seen.

Ursula Andress seems to briefly bare all in "Dr. No."
But a closer look reveals her dignity remains intact.

As for the bedroom shot of Daniela Bianchi in "From Russia With Love"...
...is she, or isn't she?

"Goldfinger" comes close a couple of times.

Most of the time, however, a bit of suggestion was enough.

(Note: the emphasis here is on shots intentionally staged by the director, not accidental slips.)


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

Nudity In The Sean Connery "James Bond" Films? (video)

Stan Laurel Turns Into A Monster In "Dr. Pyckle And Mr. Pryde" (1925) (video)

Before teaming up with Oliver Hardy...

...Stan Laurel did a solo series of silent comedies.

"Dr. Pyckle and Mr. Pryde" spoofs the Jekyll and Hyde story...
...particularly the 1920 John Barrymore version.

Fortunately, this "Hyde" is more interested in mischief than murder.

Our Gang's "Pete the Pup" guest stars.

The original ending seems to be lost, as the existing one is rather abrupt. 


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

Stan Laurel Turns Into A Monster In "Dr. Pyckle And Mr. Pryde" (1925) (video)

"Ghost of Frankenstein" Ending Reused In "House of Dracula" (video)

At the end of "Ghost of Frankenstein" (1942), Lon Chaney's Monster perishes in a fiery rampage.

In "House of Dracula" three years later, the Monster is played by Glenn Strange...

...but in that film's blazing finale, the Chaney footage from "Ghost" is reused.


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

"Ghost of Frankenstein" Ending Reused In "House of Dracula" (video)

All The Best Monster Scenes In "Frankenstein's Daughter" (1958) (video)

Sinister "Dr. Frank" has been experimenting on young Trudy (Sandra Knight). 

Sandra would later marry Jack Nicholson and co-star with him in "The Terror" (1963).

Trudy becomes the first of the movie's two "monsters."

Later, Dr. Frank murders Suzie (Sally Todd) and turns her into the title monster...

...played by actor Harry Wilson.

Trudy's boyfriend Johnny (John Ashley) comes to her rescue, and...


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

All The Best Monster Scenes In "Frankenstein's Daughter" (1958) (video)

Global Sensation Jay Chou Boards "xXx 4" With Vin Diesel -- From The H Collective and One Race Films

GLOBAL SENSATION JAY CHOU BOARDS “xXx 4”
FROM THE H COLLECTIVE AND ONE RACE FILMS
 
Vin Diesel to Star, D.J. Caruso to Direct with Production Eyeing a 2019 Start Date

LOS ANGELES, CA (November 20, 2018) – The H Collective announced today that renowned musician, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, actor and director Jay Chou (The Green Hornet, Now You See Me 2) will star alongside Vin Diesel in the latest installment of the “xXx” franchise directed by D.J. Caruso.

Chou is an Asian superstar who has won the World Music Award four times and appeared on soundtracks for films, including: The Green Hornet, Now You See Me 2, and Kung Fu Panda 3.  With multiple world tours under his belt, the “King of Mandopop” has acted as a mentor for the past two seasons of “The Voice” in China.  In Hollywood, Chou is known for appearing alongside Seth Rogen in the action comedy The Green Hornet and Jon Chu’s Adventure-Comedy Now You See Me 2.

The H Collective, who will finance xXx 4 alongside investment partners including Sparkle Roll Media, iQiyi Pictures, Dadi Huarui, Star League Media and Fulcrum Management Co., acquired the xXx franchise rights from Revolution Studios alongside its star and producer, Vin Diesel and his One Race Films banner. The xXx franchise, which includes: xXx, xXx: State of the Union, and xXx: Return of Xander Cage has collectively grossed nearly $1 billion at the worldwide box-office.  In 2017, xXx: Return of Xander Cage, generated $168 million at the Chinese box-office making it one of the top-grossing U.S. films in China.

The H Collective CEO Nic Crawley commented: “We are very excited to be working on the fourth installment of xXx, which has always been such a fun, action-packed, global franchise.  We are looking to build a well-rounded international cast and introduce bold new characters that are sure to have longevity in the continued franchise.”

“I’ve met DJ a number of times over the past few months and it’s very clear how talented he is as a director. I am looking forward to working with him and Vin in bringing this film to global audiences,” said Chou.  “This is an incredibly exciting film which I’m beyond happy to join.”

The H Collective is also introducing Chinese actress Zoe Zhang (Chinese Zodiac), a frequent collaborator of Jackie Chan, to the already diverse cast of international talent.  Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum will produce with Diesel, Samantha Vincent for One Race Films and The H Collective. Production is slated to begin in 2019.

ABOUT THE H COLLECTIVE
Launched in 2017, and with offices in Los Angeles, The H Collective is a global film finance, production, marketing and distribution company that producing and financing a diversified slate of high-quality films including horror, action comedy and franchise IP.  The slate includes BrightBurn starring Elizabeth Banks which Sony will release on May 24th and Christopher Cantwell’s thriller The Parts You Lose starring Aaron Paul. The H Collective acquired the rights to Aaron W. Sala’s horror thriller spec The Beast and is developing mainstream action-comedy Counter Spy. For further information, visit: www.thehcollectivefilms.com.

ABOUT ONE RACE FILMS / ONE RACE TV
One Race Films, founded in 1995 by writer, director, producer and actor Vin Diesel, has produced the five highest-grossing films in the “Fast” franchise — Fate of the Furious, Furious 7, Fast and Furious 6, “Fast Five as well as Fast & Furious. He has directed Multifacial, Strays and Los Bandoleros. Previously, ORF launched multiple franchises in the action genre, including the science-fiction thriller Pitch Black and the two follow-up films, Chronicles of Riddick and Riddick, along with the hit xXx. In addition to a thriving film production company, ORF launched One Race Television and has the existing gaming company Tigon Studios.  One Race has a multi-year overall deal with Universal Television, through which the company is developing a reboot of “Miami Vice” for NBC, as well as “Get Christie Love,” which received a pilot production commitment from ABC.  Tigon Studios has produced three critically acclaimed console titles including Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay and original property The Wheelman.
 
ABOUT REVOLUTION STUDIOS
Revolution Studios is a diversified entertainment company that owns, acquires and exploits film, television and stage productions.  Led by CEO Vince Totino and President and COO Scott Hemming, the company boasts one of the largest independent libraries of premium content, including 126 motion pictures which collectively earned more than $7.1 billion in box office receipts, as well as 240 television episodes.   Revolution recently produced xXx: Return of Xander Cage, as well as 46 of the motion pictures in its library, including Maid in Manhattan, Anger Management, Daddy Day Care, America’s Sweethearts, Hellboy, xXx, White Chicks and the Academy Award®-winning Black Hawk Down.  More recently, Revolution has acquired 80 movies through library acquisitions, including those of Morgan Creek International, Cold Spring Pictures and GK Films.  Originally founded by Joe Roth in 2000, the company was acquired by Content Partners in 2017

Global Sensation Jay Chou Boards "xXx 4" With Vin Diesel -- From The H Collective and One Race Films

John Wayne's Coolest Scenes #15: Ransom, "Big Jake" (1971) (video)

Jake McCandles (John Wayne) enters a vile den of killers...

...to pay the million-dollar ransom for his kidnapped grandson.

Their leader (Richard Boone) issues a stern warning.

Jake counters with a warning of his own.


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

John Wayne's Coolest Scenes #15: Ransom, "Big Jake" (1971) (video)

Mystery Film Clip From "Ghost Of Frankenstein" (1942) (video)

At the climax of "Ghost Of Frankenstein", Ygor's brain has been transplanted into the Monster's skull...

...but this results in blindness for the Monster.
He goes on a rampage, and dies a fiery death in the blazing laboratory.

A photo exists of the scorched Monster outside the burning house.
It was thought to be simply a posed publicity still.  However...

...on a 1959 episode of "The Steve Allen Show", a joke montage featured this mysterious clip.
It's actual film footage of the Monster staggering away from the burning building.

Is this part of an entirely different ending that was filmed, but never used?

(Thanks to Don Glut for finding this)

I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

Mystery Film Clip From "Ghost Of Frankenstein" (1942) (video)

Keanu Reeves in Sci-Fi Drama "REPLICAS" -- Watch the Trailer Here!

Keanu Reeves in

"REPLICAS"

RELEASE DATE: January 11, 2019

Director: Jeffrey Nachmanoff
Screenplay: Chad St. John

Cast: Keanu Reeves, Alice Eve, Thomas Middleditch and John Ortiz
Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama

Synopsis: After a car accident kills his family, a daring synthetic biologist (Reeves) will stop at nothing to bring them back, even if it means pitting himself against a government-controlled laboratory, a police task force, and the physical laws of science.

WATCH THE TRAILER

Keanu Reeves in Sci-Fi Drama "REPLICAS" -- Watch the Trailer Here!

John Wayne's Coolest Scenes #14: The Walk, "Sons of Katie Elder" (1965) (video)

John Wayne had a particular way of walking which he began to develop in the late 30s and early 40s. 

Nowhere is this more evident, or shown to better effect...

...than in this iconic shot of him walking toward the camera.


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

John Wayne's Coolest Scenes #14: The Walk, "Sons of Katie Elder" (1965) (video)

Goofiest-Looking Alien Monster Ever? "Robot Monster" (1953) (video)

Indy filmmaker Phil Tucker didn't have much money to spend on special effects.

So he put a space helmet on a gorilla suit and called it "Robot Monster."

It was a valiant effort.

Ro-Man was played by ape-suit actor George Barrows.

The music was composed by Elmer Bernstein.

The film was shot in four days, in 3D, for approx. $16,000.

It grossed a million dollars in its initial release.

It has since become one of the most popular "bad movies" of all time.


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

Goofiest-Looking Alien Monster Ever? "Robot Monster" (1953) (video)

Tenderfoot Faces Down Outlaws: "The Quick and the Dead" (Sam Elliott, 1987) (video)

A pioneer family encounters some very bad men on their way West.

Their guardian angel appears in the form of mountain man Con Vallian (Sam Elliott).

Vallian informs them their horses have been stolen during the night...

...and advises the man (Tom Conte) to take action or else.

He does so, putting his life on the line against a gang of killers.


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

Tenderfoot Faces Down Outlaws: "The Quick and the Dead" (Sam Elliott, 1987) (video)

John Wayne's Coolest Scenes #13: Style, "Cahill: US Marshal" (1973) (video)

John Wayne plays US Marshal J.D. Cahill.

His old friend Chief Lightfoot is played by Neville Brand.

Here, Cahill finds himself outnumbered by outlaws 5 to 1.

But he graciously offers the five men a chance to surrender.


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

John Wayne's Coolest Scenes #13: Style, "Cahill: US Marshal" (1973) (video)

Ocular Migraine Invites You to a Blood-Splattered "UGLY SWEATER PARTY" on November 23rd

"UGLY SWEATER PARTY"

Aaron Mento's Ugly Sweater Party Premieres on VOD

Felissa Rose Returns to Camp for Holiday Horror Comedy

Available Exclusively on Amazon Instant Video November 23rd

Los Angeles, CA - Ocular Migraine Productions has announced an early stocking stuffer with the Digital HD debut of writer/director Aaron Mento's Ugly Sweater Party.  The Christmas massacre comedy will be available exclusively on Amazon Instant Video starting November 23rd, just in time for the snow to cover up the bodies.

Ugly Sweater Party features a cast of veteran horror ghouls, including Charles Chudabala (Death House), Sean Whalen (The People Under the Stairs), Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp), Brad Potts (Puppet Master X, Zombies vs. Strippers), Lara Jean Mummert (Anomaly) and Tiffani Fest (Circus of the Dead).

The body count is rounded out by an ensemble including Marv Blauvelt, Emily Dahm, Berna Roberts, Matt Holbrook, Jody Barton and Kevin Caliber as unsuspecting misfit campers.  The film was produced by Mento (Standards of Living, Crypt TV's "Choose Their Kill"), Chudabala, and Hunter Johnson (2 Jennifer).

On Christmas Eve at a campsite deep in the woods, an ugly sweater party is in full swing. Best friends Cliff and Jody arrive expecting some mistletoe action from the sexy twins who invited them, but soon realize that they are at a Bible camp. To make matters worse, Cliff is wearing a sweater possessed by the ghost of notorious serial killer Declan Rains.

While the evil sweater slowly possesses Cliff, Jody also realizes that the party guests aren't as innocent as they first seem. In fact, every camper holds a dark secret that infuses the party with dangerous sexual tension. Just when the pressure between campers reaches a fever pitch, Cliff falls victim to the bloodthirsty rage of the diabolical sweater and a new nightmare begins.

Ugly Sweater Party (Official Trailer)

Ugly Sweater Party: USA / 81 min  / English

Ocular Migraine Invites You to a Blood-Splattered "UGLY SWEATER PARTY" on November 23rd

Scatman Crothers Wearing A Toupée ("Dragnet: The Missing Realtor", 1967) (video)

Scatman Crothers in a toupée is a sight one doesn't see every day.

Especially when the toupée is this obvious.

In this case, it does seem to fit his character.

Still, most of Scatman Crothers' fans would probably agree...

...that he definitely looks better without it.


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

Scatman Crothers Wearing A Toupée ("Dragnet: The Missing Realtor", 1967) (video)

"BEHIND THE CURVE", A Film About Flat Earthers, People Who Think The Earth is Flat! | On Demand and Digital HD on 11/15/18

THE FILMS SALES CORP

presents

"BEHIND THE CURVE"

A documentary feature film by Daniel J. Clark

96 minutes  | HD | Color | USA | English | Not-Rated
On Demand and Digital HD on November 15, 2018
We Invite You To Share The Trailer With Your Readers! 

We live on a globe… right? You might find more disagreement on that than you’d expect.

The Flat Earth community has risen out of nowhere in the past three years and shocked the world with its reach, counting among its members celebrities like NBA star Kyrie Irving and the rapper B.O.B, and drawing the ire of celebrated science communicators like Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson and Bill Nye. Their existence has nonplussed millions, who can't seem to figure out if they're really serious or just elaborate pranksters.

But rest assured—they are deadly serious.

The king among the Flat Earthers is MARK SARGENT, an affable, fast-talking video-game tester in his forties who now champions the Flat Earth cause full-time. Far from a huckster, Mark is a conspiracy enthusiast convinced to his core that we’re all victims of a massive cover-up. He works closely with his enigmatic confidante PATRICIA STEERE to spread their message.

The two are now revered as saints in the members, the eccentric craftsman CHRIS PONTIUS, who makes intricate models of the Flat Earth, and experimenters JERAN CAMPANULA and BOB KNODEL. Their group—Globebusters— carries out complicated experiments meant to prove once and for all the true shape of the earth.

All is not well in Flatland, however. The experiments are all either inconclusive or suggest that the Earth is, in fact, a spinning globe, prompting ever-more convoluted theories to explain away the results. Furthermore, internal rifts threaten to tear the Flat Earth community apart. What begins as a doctrinal argument about whether the Flat Earth is an infinite plane or an enclosed system encased in a dome spirals into something more.

Mark’s former mentor, MATT BOYLAN—a surly, secretive artist who claims to have been employed by NASA—is angry at his protégé’s rise to the top, and feels he isn’t getting the credit he deserves for kickstarting the resurgence of a belief that’s been dead for centuries. He feverishly works to bring down Mark and Patricia by convincing other Flat Earthers that they are actually government agents, creating a massive divide in the community, and sending shockwaves through Mark and Patricia’s personal lives.

Meanwhile, the Flat Earth movement is exploding, adding hundreds of members across the world every day. Media attention builds to a fever pitch during the August 2017 eclipse, when Flat Earthers make the front page in newspapers across the country. Everything comes to a head at the first-ever Flat Earth International Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina, where hundreds of Flat Earthers gather to spend time with the only community where they feel they truly belong; where they feel they have value, and where their lives have real meaning.

ABOUT THE FILMMAKER
Daniel J. Clark (Director) has worked on documentary films in almost every capacity—as an editor, camera operator, sound designer, graphic artist, re-recording mixer, and more—but BEHIND THE CURVE is his feature directorial debut. His past work has premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival (All Work All Play), Full Frame Documentary Festival (If You Build It), Chicago International Film Festival (30 for 30: Catholics vs. Convicts), and in theaters across the world. He has directed projects for IFC, Funny or Die, and directed a television pilot, Cowards, which won “Best Comedy Pilot” at the New York Television Festival in 2014. Daniel holds a Master’s Degree from Syracuse University in filmmaking and an undergraduate degree from Ball State University in music with a minor in physics. When he’s not involved in TV or movies, he can be found at his drum set.

Website: https://www.behindthecurvefilm.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/behindthecurve_
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/behindthecurvefilm
Instagram: http://instagram.com/behindthecurvefilm

"BEHIND THE CURVE", A Film About Flat Earthers, People Who Think The Earth is Flat! | On Demand and Digital HD on 11/15/18

John Wayne's Coolest Scenes #12: Beach Car Chase, "McQ" (1974) (video)

Veteran cop McQ (John Wayne) has the suitcase full of heroin.

Big-time crime lord Santiago (Al Lettieri) wants it.

We get one of the coolest car chases of the 70s...

...which will end with the screen's very first air cannon car rollover.


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

John Wayne's Coolest Scenes #12: Beach Car Chase, "McQ" (1974) (video)

One Of The Creepiest Scenes Ever: "Carnival Of Souls" (1962) (video)

Mary (Candace Hilligoss) is the sole survivor of a tragic car accident.

She's traveling to another town to start a new life.

But she can't escape a mysterious presence that now haunts her.


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

One Of The Creepiest Scenes Ever: "Carnival Of Souls" (1962) (video)

John Wayne's Coolest Scenes #11: Taking A Shower, "McQ" (1974) (video)

Old-timer cop McQ (John Wayne) just lost his partner.

He blames big shot crime boss Santiago (Al Lettieri).

And he isn't too happy about it.


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

John Wayne's Coolest Scenes #11: Taking A Shower, "McQ" (1974) (video)

"Psycho" (1960): Norman's Chilling Scream ("I'm Norma Bates!") (video)

(spoilers)

If you've seen "Psycho", you know what happens in the fruit cellar.

But have you really heard Norman's scary scream?

When Sam Loomis grabs him from behind, Norman shrieks...

"I'M--NORMA--BATES!"

It's a seriously chilling moment.


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

"Psycho" (1960): Norman's Chilling Scream ("I'm Norma Bates!") (video)

"Psycho" (1960): Arbogast Goes Down The Stairs Backwards (video)

(spoilers)

Hitchcock gives us dogged detective Arbogast (Martin Balsam)…

...who, we think, will get to the bottom of the missing person case.

Norman (Anthony Perkins) denies him access to Mother, but he returns.
Arbogast enters the Bates house, intent on questioning Mother.

As he creeps up the stairs to her room...
...we wonder what he will find, and how the interview will go.

But Mother renders it a moot point.

Hitchcock makes Arbogast's backward descent dizzying, disorienting...
...by filming him flailing his arms in front of a process screen.


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

"Psycho" (1960): Arbogast Goes Down The Stairs Backwards (video)

"Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde"-- The 1912 Version (video)

James Cruze played Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde...

... in this very early silent version of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale.

The first film adaptation from 1908 is lost.

Another actor named Harry Benham also played Hyde in some scenes.


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

"Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde"-- The 1912 Version (video)

The Funniest Scene In "Night Of The Living Dead" (1968) (video)

Authentic-looking news reports lent added realism to George Romero's zombie classic.

Pittsburgh TV personality Bill "Chilly Billy" Cardille played a reporter.

His interview with Sheriff McClelland (George Cosana) was partly improvised.

This led to the film's most unintentionally funny moment...

...which writer/director Romero was happy to leave in.


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

The Funniest Scene In "Night Of The Living Dead" (1968) (video)

The Internationally-Beloved SISSI Trilogy Comes Together in "FOREVER MY LOVE", a Film Perfect for the Whole Family, on DVD on 11/20

"Glittering splendor... Schneider is a sight to behold." --The New York Times
 
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, FILM MOVEMENT BRINGS TOGETHER
THE INTERNATIONALLY-BELOVED SISSI TRILOGY IN A SPECIAL "HOLIDAY CLASSIC EDITION" DVD
 
FOREVER MY LOVE
 
Street Date: November 20, 2018
DVD SRP: $24.95
 
Romy Schneider Vaulted to International Stardom in Her Career-Defining Role as the Fairytale Austrian Princess -- Don't Miss This Film
Perfect for the Whole Family!

Romy Schneider became an international star for her career defining role as an Austrian princess caught between love and royal responsibilities. Her three world-renowned and lavishly-produced Sissi films followed the "fairy-tale" lives of Princess Elizabeth and her husband Franz Josef from courtship through marriage.

Featuring an original theme song written by Burt Bacharach, FOREVER MY LOVE brings together the SISSI trilogy - SISSI (1955), SISSI: THE YOUNG EMPRESS (1956) and SISSI: THE FATEFUL YEARS OF THE EMPRESS(1957) into one condensed English-dubbed version, which was theatrically released by Paramount Pictures in the U.S. before becoming a perennial holiday classic on television.

Directed by Ernest Marischka, the story begins in the 1850's, as Archduchess Sophie of Austria selects the Bavarian Princess Helene to wed her son, Emperor Franz Josef. But the emperor falls in love with Helene's uninhibited younger sister, Sissi, instead.

Following the magnificent imperial wedding in Vienna, Sissi takes her newly acquired responsibilities very seriously but breaks one tradition after another. Franz Josef, however, delights in her openness and simplicity, which eventually prove instrumental in winning over the restless Hungarian nation.

Hungary's Count Andrassy confesses his love for Sissi, but although she is attracted to him, she remains faithful to her husband, and they enjoy a second honeymoon in the Alps. She becomes ill with tuberculosis, however, and is sent to Spain for treatment. Under the devoted care of her mother, Duchess Ludovika, she miraculously recovers and is reunited with Franz Josef.

BONUS FEATURES
From Romy to Sissi - Making-of Featurette
Sissi's Great-grandson at the Movies - Excerpt from the documentary film Elisabeth: Enigma of an Empress

PROGRAM INFORMATION
Type:  DVD
Running Time:  145 minutes
Aspect Ratio:  1.33:1 Full Screen
Audio:  2.0 Stereo | CC

About Film Movement
Founded in 2002 as one of the first-ever subscription film services with its DVD-of-the-Month club, Film Movement is now a North American distributor of award-winning independent and foreign films based in New York City. It has released more than 250 feature films and shorts culled from prestigious film festivals worldwide.  Film Movement's theatrical releases include American independent films, documentaries, and foreign art house titles. Its catalog includes titles by directors such as Hirokazu Kore-eda, Maren Ade, Jessica Hausner, Andrei Konchalovsky, Andrzej Wajda, Diane Kurys, Ciro Guerra and Melanie Laurent. In 2015, Film Movement launched its reissue label Film Movement Classics, featuring new restorations released theatrically as well as on Blu-ray and DVD, including films by such noted directors as Eric Rohmer, Peter Greenaway, Bille August, Marleen Gorris, Takeshi Kitano, Arturo Ripstein, Sergio Corbucci and Ettore Scola. For more information, please visit www.filmmovement.com.

The Internationally-Beloved SISSI Trilogy Comes Together in "FOREVER MY LOVE", a Film Perfect for the Whole Family, on DVD on 11/20

"The Green Berets" Ending: Corrected (John Wayne, 1968) (video)

This film is often criticized for its ending...

...in which the sun appears to set in the East.

This is the corrected version.

Actually, my flipping the final shot didn't work like I thought it would.

The sun still appears to set in the East.

Oh well, at least I tried.

Or, maybe the sun's rising? Yeah...that's the ticket.  It's rising.


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

"The Green Berets" Ending: Corrected (John Wayne, 1968) (video)

Storyboard Media Takes On Worldwide Sales On "LINE OF DESCENT" Starring Brendan Fraser

STORYBOARD MEDIA TAKES ON WORLDWIDE SALES ON
“LINE OF DESCENT” STARRING BRENDAN FRASER
                                                                                                                                                       
Los Angeles, California (November 4, 2018) – Storyboard Media will handle worldwide sales on award-winning writer/director Rohit Karn Batra’s crime thriller Line of Descent starring Brendan Fraser, Abhay Deol, Ronit Roy, Neeraj Kabi, and Max Beesley. Line of Descent follows an established Indian mafia family after the death of their patriarch.

Things brew to a boiling point as his three sons go to war over the future of their criminal enterprise, while an accomplished cop (Indian star Abhay Deol) conducts an undercover operation amidst their infighting. On the side-lines a manipulative arms-dealer (Brendan Fraser) sees an opportunity to increase his bottom line and conspires with all the brothers, thereby fusing all stories into one. Storyboard Media is introducing the international thriller to buyers this week during AFM.

Currently in post-production, the film is produced by Guy J. Louthan and Rohit Karn Batra, and Jai Khanna of Brillstein Entertainment Partners.

Writer/director/producer Rohit Karn Batra said, “Elisabeth and her team at Storyboard Media bring tremendous credibility, experience and passion to the table and we’re absolutely thrilled to have her representation on this very special piece of cinema. We look forward to bringing Line of Descent to world-wide audiences soon.”

Storyboard Media is a production, finance and global sales company founded in 2017 by Philip Kim and Elisabeth Costa de Beauregard.  In a short time, Storyboard Media has been involved in films such as: The Devil Has a Name, now in post-production; Freaks, which premiered at TIFF; 20th Century Fox’s Heilstatten; and Arkansas, starring Vince Vaughn, Liam Hemsworth and John Malkovich which is currently in production.

Storyboard Media Takes On Worldwide Sales On "LINE OF DESCENT" Starring Brendan Fraser

"THE HAUNTING OF SHARON TATE": Saban Films Takes Tate Murders Thriller Starring Hilary Duff

SABAN FILMS TAKES TATE MURDERS THRILLER “THE HAUNTING OF SHARON TATE” STARRING HILARY DUFF

LOS ANGELES (November 4, 2018) – Saban Films announced today that they have acquired U.S. distribution rights from Voltage Pictures to true-crime psychological thriller The Haunting of Sharon Tate starring Hilary Duff (“Younger,” The Perfect Man), Jonathan Bennett (Mean Girls, Cheaper by the Dozen 2) and Lydia Hearst (Between Worlds, “South of Hell”).  Daniel Farrands (Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers, The Haunting in Connecticut) wrote, directed and produced the film. Lucas Jarach and Eric Brenner also produced through Jim Jacobsen’s Skyline Entertainment banner, which also fully financed the film.

The film follows actress Sharon Tate (Duff) in the weeks leading up to her and her unborn child’s murder as she is plagued by visions of her impending death.

“The Tate Murders remain a horrifying cultural fascination, even nearly 50 years after they occurred,” said Saban Films’ Bill Bromiley. “Hilary is mesmerizing as Sharon Tate; this is a brutal and unsettling story.”

Bill Bromiley and Jonathan Saba negotiated the deal for Saban Films, along with President and COO Jonathan Deckter for Voltage Pictures on behalf of filmmakers.

Most recently, Saban Films acquired James Marsh’s King of Thieves starring Michael Caine, Jim Broadbent, Tom Courtenay and Michael Gambon. At the latest Toronto International Film Festival, the company acquired: Richard Says Goodbye, the Wayne Roberts-directed drama that stars Johnny Depp, and Sarah Daggar-Nickson’s A Vigilante starring Olivia Wilde.

Saban Films’ slate also includes: Stephan Rick’s elevated genre film The Super starring Val Kilmer; Between Worlds starring Nicolas Cage; the anthology Berlin, I Love You with Helen Mirren, Keira Knightley and Jim Sturgess; the Gerard Butler starrer The Vanishing; David L.G. Hughes’ Viking Destiny; Alexandre Moors’ The Yellow Birds starring Tye Sheridan, Alden Ehrenreich, Toni Collette, Jason Patric, Jack Huston and Jennifer Aniston; Eshom and Ian Nelms’ lauded feature Small Town Crime starring John Hawkes and Octavia Spencer; and Ivan Kavanagh’s Never Grow Old starring John Cusack and Emile Hirsch.

Since the company’s launch in 2014, Saban Films has released over 40 films with successes that have run the gamut from critically acclaimed theatrical films such as The Homesman, to one of the biggest Fathom events in 2016 with Rob Zombie’s horror thriller 31.  Saban Films, in partnership with Roadside Attractions, most recently released Craig William Macneill’s racy drama Lizzie, starring Chloë Sevigny and Kristen Stewart. Other recent releases include: Brad Silberling’s war thriller An Ordinary Man starring Academy Award® Winner Ben Kingsley; and Alexandros Avranas’ Dark Crimes starring Jim Carrey and Charlotte Gainsbourg.

About Saban Films
Saban Films, an affiliate of Saban Capital Group (“SCG”), is a film acquisition and distribution company which acquires high-quality, feature films to distribute in North America.  Focusing on commercial, talent driven films, the company looks at projects in all stages of production for release across multiple platforms, including a day and date theatrical/VOD release strategy. Based in Los Angeles, Saban Films was established by Haim Saban, SCG Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and is led by Bill Bromiley who serves as President, Shanan Becker, Chief Financial Officer and Ness Saban, Vice President of Business Development.

"THE HAUNTING OF SHARON TATE": Saban Films Takes Tate Murders Thriller Starring Hilary Duff

Jane Russell's Censored Dance in "The French Line" (1953) (video)

Howard Hughes' production of "The French Line" featured a dance number by Jane Russell...

...which, in 3D, promised to "knock BOTH your eyes out!"

After the premiere, it was denied a Production Code seal and denounced by the Catholic church.

The film was re-edited. Much of Jane's dance was seen in long shots.

(Especially THAT part.)

The cut version was still denied approval. Hughes released it anyway.


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

Jane Russell's Censored Dance in "The French Line" (1953) (video)

John Wayne's Coolest Scenes #10: Flower Pot, "Rio Bravo" (1959) (video)

In this Howard Hawks classic, John Wayne plays Sheriff John T. Chance.

The stellar cast also includes Ricky Nelson and Angie Dickinson.

Here, the bad guys try to get the jump on Duke, but a flower pot saves the day.


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

John Wayne's Coolest Scenes #10: Flower Pot, "Rio Bravo" (1959) (video)

KEN JEONG, TEMUERA MORRISON and DANIEL GILLIES, Make AFM World Market Premiere in "OCCUPATION: RAINFALL"

Film Mode Entertainment Presents 

"OCCUPATION: RAINFALL"

Sequel to the highly successful Sci-Fi Action Epic Adventure Starring KEN JEONG, TEMUERA MORRISON and DANIEL GILLIES, Makes AFM World Market Premiere 

LOS ANGELES (November 2, 2018) – Clay Epstein’s Film Mode Entertainment announces the AFM World Premiere of OCCUPATION: RAINFALL, the sequel to the highly successful OCCUPATION, which was distributed in North America by Saban Films, Altitude in UK, Gaga in Japan, Ascot Elite in Germany, Falcon Films in Middle East, Smile in Scandinavia, Flins Y Piniculas in Spain, Aries in India, Fox TV for Pan Asian Television, Scene & Sound in Korea, and Metropolitan in France.

Daniel Gillies, star of the hit CW show The Originals and Vampire Diaries joins the cast ofOCCUPATION: RAINFALL and brings with him a major worldwide following and built-in, exponentially growing fan base.

The production, written and directed by LUKE SPARKE(RED BILLABONG)showcases a tremendous ensemble of actors as well as extraordinary postproduction and mind-blowing visual effects by many world-renowned VFX houses, whose credits include Star Wars, Blade Runner and more.
Hot on the heels of breaking box office records around the world, Crazy Rich Asians star, Ken Jeong headed to Australia to shoot a starring role in Occupation: Rainfall in early October, in locations across Australia including the Hunter Valley and the Gold Coast.

Jeong joins the stars from the first film, OCCUPATION, Temuera Morrison (Occupation, Aquaman), Dan Ewing, as well as Stephany Jacobsen (Revenge, Battlestar Galactica), Aaron Jeffery (X-men Origin: Wolverine), Zac Garred, Charles Mesure (Desperate Housewives), and Trystan Go.

Several new names will also join the fold, including stars Lawrence Makoare (The Lord of the Rings, Marco Polo), Vince Colosimo (Body of Lies, Underbelly) and Tamala Shelton (Cleverman) and Lisa McCune (Blue Heelers, Sea Patrol).

Director Luke Sparke returns to helm the sequel with Monster Pictures on board as distributors across Australia and New Zealand.

Luke Sparke says: "We're building a whole new world with Occupation: Rainfall. What excites me going into this is to jump into the action a few years into an Alien occupation - what's that world look like? And how can we make it different from past films in the same genre? We've gathered a worldclass crew and are adding some fantastic actors to the Occupation family. It's massive!"

Clay Epstein of Film Mode Entertainment, who sold the first film into the international market says - “We are extremely excited about the follow up to what has already proven to be a huge success all over the world. This is a testament not only to Luke’s talent as a filmmaker but also to audiences’ hunger for entertaining and well-produced films.  With even bigger F/X and more at stake on the screen, Occupation: Rainfall is going to conquer the marketplace.”

Occupation: Rainfall picks up two years into the intergalactic invasion of earth, survivors in Sydney fight back in a desperate ground war. As causalities mount by the day, the resistance and their unexpected allies, uncover a plot that could see the war come to a decisive end. With the Alien invaders hell-bent on making earth their new home, the race is on to save mankind.   

The film will be will be produced by mother and daughter duo Carly & Carmel Imrie (Occupation, Red Billabong). Joining them is American co-executive producer Todd Williams (The Nun, Alex and Me).

Grant Hardie of Monster Pictures says: “We see massive growth potential for the franchise, the Occupation team did an amazing job with the first film so we naturally wanted to be on-board for the sequel. Working together we hope to deliver the biggest science fiction blockbuster Australian audiences have ever seen.”

Film Mode continues to rack up impressive sales across the board, as evident with this and other new titles, and the reputation of the Film Mode Entertainment team. The company continues to operate as a home for the elevated genre films and has been helping to pave the way for filmmakers of all kinds in this rapidly changing marketplace, where competition is at a peak. The company further strives to present a variety of commercially viable products that remain true to their key-messaging, continuously filling the hole in the marketplace for films that “raise the genre-bar” and that audiences are yearning to see more of, as proven by recent box-office records, media attention, award shows and major film festivals.

Film Mode Entertainment is representing worldwide rights on OCCUPATION: RAINFALL outside of Australia and New Zealand.

AboutFilm Mode Entertainment
Film Mode Entertainment is a leading worldwide sales agent, production entity and distribution company, focusing on commercially driven feature films of all genres and budget sizes. Film Mode represents projects at all stages of the filmmaking process, often as Executive Producer, with the aim of helping producers and distributors achieve maximum exposure for their films. Film Mode’s recent successes include SUGAR MOUNTAIN starring Jason Momoa, LITTLE PINK HOUSE starring Academy Award nominee Catherine Keener and VIKING DESTINY starring Academy Award nominee Terence Stamp.  Upcoming releases include CRYPTO starring Kurt Russell, Beau Knapp, and Alexis Bledel, STAGE MOTHER starring Academy Award nominee Jacki Weaver, Lucy Liu, and Adrian Grenier, and BURN starring Josh Hutcherson and Suki Waterhouse. Additional titles include THE GOOD NEIGHBOR starring Academy Award nominee James Caan, and GANGSTER LAND starring Milo Gibson, Sean Faris, Jason Patric, and Jamie-Lynn Sigler.  DocMode, Film Mode’s Documentary label was launched to focus on award-winning Documentaries that impact the world.  BALLERINA, the first film under the label had its American debut in 2018.   Film Mode is based in Beverly Hills, CA.

KEN JEONG, TEMUERA MORRISON and DANIEL GILLIES, Make AFM World Market Premiere in "OCCUPATION: RAINFALL"

One Of The Best Moments Ever Filmed: Airport, "Casablanca" (1942) (video)

Those amazing, dramatic closeups...

...of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman...

...right after the plane engines start...

...make this one of the most powerful scenes ever.


I neither own nor claim any rights to this material.  Just having some fun with it.  Thanks for watching!

One Of The Best Moments Ever Filmed: Airport, "Casablanca" (1942) (video)

Kate Mara and Simon Pegg in Negotiations to Star in Vaughn Stein's "INHERITANCE"

KATE MARA AND SIMON PEGG IN NEGOTIATIONS TO STAR IN VAUGHN STEIN’S "INHERITANCE"
 
Highland Film Group launched foreign sales at the American Film Market this week


LOS ANGELES (November 1, 2018) – Highland Film Group announced today that Kate Mara (Megan Leavy, The Martian, “House of Cards”) and Simon Pegg (Mission Impossible, Star Trek, The Cornetto Trilogy) are in negotiations to star in the high-stakes thriller Inheritance, with British helmer Vaughn Stein directing, fresh off his recent work with Pegg and Margot Robbie in his noir thriller Terminal.

Matthew Kennedy penned script, and Richard B. Lewis (The Space Between Us, August Rush) is producing through his Southpaw Entertainment banner alongside David Wulf (upcoming The Night Clerk) of WulfPak Productions, and Convergent Media’s Dan Reardon and Santosh Govindaraju (The Night Clerk). UTA and Highland Film Group are co-repping the US rights with Highland Film Group handling foreign sales, which commenced at the American Film Market (AFM) this week.

Inheritance explores what happens when the patriarch of a wealthy and powerful family suddenly passes away, leaving his wife and daughter with a shocking secret inheritance that threatens to unravel and destroy their lives.

This marks HFG’s second collaboration with Stein, previously partnering on his debut film Terminal, which released earlier this year.

With a career spanning film and television, Mara is one of the most versatile actors working today. Since her breakout performance in Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain, she has starred in a number of critically acclaimed productions. Most recently, she starred on the big screen in Ridley Scott's The Martian, Meagan Leavey and Chappaquidick and on the small screen she starred in megahit “House of Cards” which garnered her an Emmy nomination.

Pegg recently reprised the role of Benji Dunn, starring alongside Tom Cruise in the Paramount critical and box office success Mission: Impossible – Fallout, and also starred in Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One earlier this year. He can next be seen in the horror action comedy Slaughterhouse Rulez, which he also will executive produce alongside frequent collaborator Nick Frost under the pair's Stolen Picture banner. Previous credits include: Star Trek: Beyond, Ready Player One, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and more. 

Mara is repped by UTA, Mosaic and Sloane, Offer, Weber and Dern. Pegg is represented by UTA and Dawn Sedgwick Management. Stein is represented by UTA and Grandview.

HFG’s slate includes: Joe Carnahan’s Boss Level starring Frank Grillo, Naomi Watts and Mel Gibson; Michael Cristofer’s The Night Clerk starring Tye Sheridan, Ana de Armas and Helen Hunt; Marc Meyer’s thriller We Summon the Darkness starring Alexandra Daddario; Shawn Ku’s action thriller A Score to Settle starring Nicolas Cage; the star-studded Berlin, I Love You with Helen Mirren, Keira Knightley, Jim Sturgess, Mickey Rourke, Diego Luna, and Jenna Dewan Tatum; Lin Oeding’s thriller Braven starring Jason Momoa; and Steven C. Miller’s action thriller Escape Plan 2: Hades starring Sylvester Stallone and Dave Bautista.

About Highland Film Group
Led by founding partners Arianne Fraser and Delphine Perrier, Highland Film Group (HFG) is an independent worldwide sales, production and film financing company. Launched in 2010, HFG has had success across a wide range of film genres and platforms, building a reputation for handling high-octane films in the action/horror/thriller space, focusing on cast, director, film maker driven content.

Kate Mara and Simon Pegg in Negotiations to Star in Vaughn Stein's "INHERITANCE"