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Bryan Cranston and Lily Gladstone are to star in the conspiracy thriller ‘Lone Wolf’.The 68-year-old actor and the ’Killers of the Flower Moon’ star, 38, are due to lead the upcoming flick, which will follow a troubled forces veteran struggling with addiction who is recruited by a contractor for a top-secret government plot to assassinate a high-level politician.After discovering the operation will be pinned solely on her, the vet is forced to rely on her skills to outplay the shadow agents to protect herself and her son.The movie will be directed by ‘Arlington Road’ filmmaker Mark Pellington, who will be working from a script written by Tom Chilcoat. ‘Lone Wolf’ is due to be produced by Ted Hope under his Double Hope banner alongside Jordan Yale Levine and Jordan Beckerman of Yale Productions, and Christine Vachon from Killer Films.In a statement, Yale Productions revealed the studio was...

Everyone's favorite chemistry teacher turned meth maker Bryan Cranston is joining forces with fellow Academy Award-nominee Lily Gladstone to star in action-thriller, Lone Wolf, according to Deadline. In a production headed by Ted Hope under his Double Hope banner and Christine Vachon under Killer Films, Cranston and Gladstone will star in a screenplay penned by Tom Chilcoat and directed by Mark Pellington of Arlington Road fame. A synopsis for the movie reads:...

Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston will team up with Oscar nominee Lily Gladstone for Lone Wolf, a new action thriller. Cranston remains best known for his role as anti-hero Walter White in the acclaimed AMC drama Breaking Bad, which concluded in 2013. Gladstone, meanwhile, had her breakout last year with Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon, which earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the Academy Awards.

Deadline now reports that Cranston and Gladstone will star together in Lone Wolf, an action-thriller to be directed by Mark Pellington (Arlington Road). Tom Chilcoat wrote the script for the film, which will feature Gladstone as a troubled combat veteran recruited by Cranston's contractor character for a covert plot to assassinate a politician. After realizing that it was a set-up, Gladstone's character must take on shadow agents in order to protect her son. Pellington describes the film as a "character-based thriller.

Exclusive: Oscar nominees Lily Gladstone (Killers Of The Flower Moon) and Bryan Cranston (Trumbo) have been set to star in action-thriller Lone Wolf.

Mark Pellington (Arlington Road) is set to direct from an original screenplay by Tom Chilcoat. Ted Hope and his Double Hope banner is producing alongside Christine Vachon and her Killer Films, in association with Jordan Yale Levine and Jordan Beckerman of Yale Productions. Backing comes from Rabbits Black.

The conspiracy thriller will follow a troubled vet (Gladstone) struggling with addiction who is recruited by a contractor (Cranston) for a covert government plot to assassinate a high-level politician. After learning she’s set to take the fall, she must utilize all of her skills to outwit the shadow agents to protect the future of her son.

Great Escape is handling sales with the UTA Independent Film Group jointly handling domestic at the upcoming American Film Market.

Executive producers include Sean Krajewski,...

The excitement is building for the Season 12 premiere of “Homestead Rescue,” titled “Lone Wolf.” This episode promises to be a thrilling adventure as the Raney family faces the challenges of preparing their 40-acre homestead for the harsh winter ahead. With the clock ticking, Marty, Misty, and Matt must work quickly to ensure their home is ready for the cold months.

But things take a dramatic turn when Marty receives an urgent Sos call from a fellow Alaskan. A tragic plane crash has cut off access to this man’s homestead, leaving him stranded across a dangerous river. Unprepared for the winter, he needs help fast. The Raneys are known for their resourcefulness, and this situation tests their skills and determination like never before.

Viewers can expect to see the Raneys tackle not just their own homestead challenges, but also take on the urgent rescue mission. With the stakes higher than ever,...

The new season of “Homestead Rescue” kicks off with an exciting episode titled “Lone Wolf.” As the Raney family gears up to prepare their 40-acre homestead for the harsh winter ahead, they face unexpected challenges. Marty Raney receives an urgent Sos call from a fellow Alaskan in dire need of help.

A tragic plane crash has cut off access to this man’s homestead, leaving him stranded and unprepared for the cold months. The situation is dire, and the Raneys must act quickly to provide the necessary aid. With a treacherous river standing in their way, the journey promises to be both thrilling and dangerous.

Viewers can expect to see the Raneys’ resourcefulness and determination as they navigate these obstacles. The episode will showcase not only the skills needed to survive in the wilderness but also the strong sense of community that exists among homesteaders. “Lone Wolf” is set to...

Quentin Tarantino has always been one to wear his cinematic influences on his sleeve, and the Kill Bill duology is certainly no exception. The classic revenge tale is a love letter to various types of films, with the influence of Westerns like The Searchers and classic exploitation films of the 70s easy to spot throughout both volumes. However, above all else, Kill Bill is Tarantino's take on a martial arts movie, with a few titles in particular being heavily referenced by the two-part film.

There are several ways in which both Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Kill Bill Vol. 2 clearly homage some of Quentin Tarantino's favorite martial arts films. Most of the time, stylistic influences in the shot composition and art direction of the film are dead ringers for famous kung fu movies. In other instances, entire story elements and even straight-up named characters are lifted from standout entries in the genre.

Anime distributor AnimEigo returns to anime's golden age in the 1980s as it announces the Blu-ray home media release on October 8th of Otaku No Video. The anime Ova spoofs the life and culture of otaku as well as the history of Studio Gainax and its creators.

The Inside Story of Anime's Late, Great Anime Studio!

Director Takeshi Mori (Gunsmith Cats) and the anime madmen of Studio Gainax (Neon Genesis Evangelion) gather with their friends for the most explosive club meeting ever! Bolstered by Kenichi Sonoda's (Bubblegum Crisis) charming character designs and the great Kohei Tanaka's (Gunbuster) rousing soundtrack, Otaku no Video bursts onto Blu-ray in stunning 1080p high definition! Featuring the original Japanese language with English subtitles!

The original anime club is back in session!

The year is 1982 – one year into the glorious New Anime Century! Unfortunately, college freshman Ken Kubo has yet to bask in the...

Quick Links Road to Perdition Shows Hanks' Range as an Actor in an Against-Type Performance Road to Perdition Is One of Hanks' Greatest Displays of Physical Acting

Released in 2002, Sam Mendes' Road to Perdition features one of Tom Hanks' most unique and best performances of his entire 45-year career in show business. Since 1980, Hanks has been one of Hollywood's most famous and well-liked actors. From children's classics such as the Toy Story franchise to renowned dramas like Philadelphia and Saving Private Ryan, Hanks has a multigenerational appeal that has led him to earn the moniker "America's Dad." While many of Hanks' films have earned icon status, Road to Perdition remains one of Hanks' lesser-known works. Last year, while appearing on the ReelBlend podcast, Hanks professed that he believes Road to Perdition is one of his greatest films even though it is a movie almost no one talks about when discussing his premier works.

Hit-Monkey continues to walk the vigilante path less traveled. While other heroes trade banter in slick suits, this show honors the violent grit pioneered by films like Oldboy and martial arts classics like Drunken Master. Dark humor cuts through the carnage, recalling Tarantino at his pitch-black best.

Season 2 delves deeper into what fuels a life of violence. Monkey confronts his own “family business” legacy through a crisis of conscience glimpsed in similarly nihilistic animation like Primal. Bryce’s redemption arc nods to fallen antiheroes from The Dark Knight to Breaking Bad. New characters like Eunice bring levity, further separating this show from the gleaming MCU while expanding representation in the genre.

Through intricately animated mayhem and nuanced character journeys, Hit-Monkey remains that rare comic adaptation unafraid to color outside the lines. While some question its direction, true aficionados see how honorably it carries the torch of transgression lit by mangas...

The "Lone Wolf and Cub" formula has really taken over pop culture of late. It makes sense enough: the premise of writer Kazuo Koike and artist Goseki Kojima's original '70s manga -- a wandering loner becomes the caretaker of an extraordinary youngster -- is endlessly malleable. It can just as easily work in a comparatively realistic future where society has collapsed ("The Last of Us") as it can in a fantasy world completely removed from our own ("The Witcher") or even long ago in a galaxy far, far away ("The Mandalorian").

Director Gareth Edward's 2023 sci-fi film "The Creator" transposes that template onto the latter half of the 21st century, where a war between humanity and AI robots rages on 15 years after the nuclear destruction of Los Angeles. Edwards heavily evokes the iconography of Vietnam War cinema for the movie's depiction of New Asia, an amalgamation of several Asian...

The following contains spoilers for Resident Alien Season 3, now streaming on Peacock.

Syfy's Resident Alien has been one of the most popular shows on TV. Alan Tudyk has been doing a great job as an alien pretending to be Harry, a doctor in the snowy Colorado town of Patience. Harry's job was to prepare the Earth to be destroyed in the first two seasons. However, he has developed an affinity for humanity.

This led to Harry trying to stave off the apocalypse in Resident Alien Season 3. Unfortunately, he has the Greys (his alien rivals) to deal with, their human-hybrid aliens, and a military that he can't trust on the "blue rock." With that in mind, here is how each episode stacked up in Season 3.

Resident Alien's 'Lone Wolf' Revived Harry's Selfish Nature

Episode Title

Episode No.

Writer

Director

Air Date

"Lone Wolf"

Season 3, Episode 1

Chris Sheridan, Nastaran Dibai,...

Bloody Disgusting has revealed the new films that are joining its Screambox horror streaming service in May, including Life of Belle, México Bárbaro II, and Death 4 Told.

Journey south of the border with México Bárbaro II on Screambox May 10. Michelle Garza Cervera (Huesera: The Bone Woman) and Diego Cohen (Mark of the Devil) are among the anthology’s nine filmmakers exploring Mexico’s most horrific traditions and legends.

One body, two heads, and 6,000 teeth take a bite out of Screambox in 2-Headed Shark Attack on May 10. Carmen Electra (Scary Movie), Charlie O’Connell (“The Bachelor”), and Brooke Hogan (Hogan Knows Best) star in the campy creature feature.

Enjoy four wicked tales of terror in Death 4 Told also on Screambox May 10. The 2004 indie horror anthology features Margot Kidder (Black Christmas), Tom Savini (Dawn of the Dead), Alicia Goranson (“Roseanne”), Rich Sommer (“Mad Men”), and Lily Pilblad (“Fringe”).

Drawing comparisons to Paranormal Activity and Skinamarink,...

The Bold and the Beautiful spoilers reveal that Juliet Vega has been cast as Michele. Details on the part are being kept under wraps.

However, there is a family connection to Sean Kanan, who plays Deacon Sharpe on B&b. Keep reading to learn about the connection as well as our speculations on Michele’s storyline.

The Bold And The Beautiful Spoilers – Juliet Vega Cast

B&b spoilers reveal that on Friday, April 26, 2024, fans will see a new face. That face belongs to Juliet Vega, who is Kanan’s stepdaughter.

Juliet will be making an appearance as a woman named Michele, a character name inspired by Juliet’s real-life mom and Kanan’s real-life wife, Michele Kanan. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because Michele Kanan is one of the soap’s writers and producers.

B&b Spoilers – Sean Kanan’s Family Connection

According to Michael Fairman, who reported the casting news,...

Developed by Funcom, Dune: Awakening was recently released and got hands-off demos over the past few days. The team also updated their FAQs recently adding some new details about the upcoming game.

Dune Awakening

While the official release date is still months or maybe even a year away, the latest developments and details shared ensure that the community is engaged. The latest FAQs talked about closed testing, the NDA, and how players can sign up for the next set of tests.

Dune: Awakening closed beta

The open-world survival Massively Multiplayer Online (Mmo) Dune: Awakening recently updated the FAQs on their official Discord channel. Through the FAQs, they answered and addressed several questions about the game for the fans.

The major highlight of the latest announcement was the update on the game’s closed beta. Although the Closed Beta sign-ups for Dune: Awakening have been available since late last year, the...

The upcoming Late Night With the Devil is one of the most buzzed about horror movies of the year, currently 100% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes and earning rave reviews from both Stephen King and Kevin Smith. King raves that the film is “absolutely brilliant,” adding that he couldn’t take his eyes off it. Smith comments, “I love it. It’s Rosemary’s Baby meets Network.”

David Dastmalchian (Dune, The Suicide Squad) stars as the host of a late-night talk show that descends into a nightmare in the Ghostwatch and Wnuf Halloween Special-inspired film.

IFC Films & Shudder will release the hotly anticipated Late Night with the Devil theatrically on March 22 before it heads to Shudder exclusively on April 19, 2024.

Begin the horror with a brand new Exclusive clip below…

David Dastmalchian stars as Jack Delroy, the charismatic host of “Night Owls,” and the film traces the ill-fated taping of a live Halloween...

The hotly anticipated horror movie Late Night With the Devil is headed our way later this month, and a brand new trailer has been debuted this afternoon by Rotten Tomatoes.

This new trailer for Late Night With the Devil is packed with rave reviews, with positive comments from both Stephen King and Kevin Smith notably featured in it.

King raves that the film is “absolutely brilliant,” adding that he couldn’t take his eyes off it. Smith, meanwhile, comments, “I love it. It’s Rosemary’s Baby meets Network.”

David Dastmalchian (Dune, The Suicide Squad) stars as the host of a late-night talk show that descends into a nightmare in the Ghostwatch and Wnuf Halloween Special-inspired film.

IFC Films & Shudder will release Late Night with the Devil theatrically on March 22 before it heads to Shudder exclusively on April 19, 2024. Watch the brand new trailer below.

David Dastmalchian stars as Jack Delroy,...

TV shows like Resident Alien can honor fallen crew members by dedicating episodes to them, like the recent tribute to Rick Neale. Rick Neale, a crew member on Resident Alien, tragically passed away in a car accident in 2023 while working as a truck driver. Neale had a promising career in the transportation department for TV shows and movies in Metro Vancouver before his untimely death.

Resident Alien dedicated its season 3 premiere, "Lone Wolf," to a man named Rick Neale, but the show doesn't state who Neale was and why the dedication was made. It isn't unusual for a TV show to honor a member of the production by including their name at the end of an episode, and unfortunately, it's often done to mark their passing. Rick Neale's association with Resident Alien season 3 isn't clarified, but the show still commemorates him.

TV shows are a hugely collaborative effort, Resident Alien included.

Alan Tudyk's Resident Alien returned to Syfy and Peacock for Season 3, delivering a heartfelt tribute to show family member Rick Neale.

Rick Neale Tribute in Resident Alien Season 3

In the Season 3 premiere episode of Resident Alien, titled "Lone Wolf," the series paid tribute to Rick Neale, who tragically passed away at age 41 on October 5, 2023.

Read full article on The Direct.

Can you believe it's been 16 months since the Resident Alien Season 2 finale?

Even if you watched it all again as I did, parts of Resident Alien Season 3 Episode 1 feel a little off-kilter because so much happened just before the world came crashing down, making us wait so long for the series to return.

While jumping back into the story requires a little Patience (ha!), listening to Harry Vanderpseigel's inner thoughts felt like coming home.

Part of what makes Resident Alien such a success relies on Harry's soliloquies, those moments when, despite everything he does to the contrary in life, he proves how much he has learned and processed about human nature.

Working in a group like a human is not efficient. Yesterday, I spent half the day searching my email for data sequencing numbers, but all I found were fantasy football requests. If I'm going to defeat Joseph, I...

Resident Alien season 3 returns on February 14, picking up after the season 2 finale where Harry forms an alliance with General Eleanor McCallister to protect Earth from The Greys and their threat to humanity. The alliance between Harry and the General is tenuous, as she had different expectations of who Harry is and his capabilities in defending Earth. However, Harry benefits from their government connection and access to intelligence. The character evolution of Harry has been drastic, going from wanting to annihilate humans to now risking his own safety to protect them.

After a 16-month hiatus, Resident Alien season 3 will make its grand return to Syfy on Wednesday, February 14. The premiere is titled "Lone Wolf" and picks up after the events of the season 2 finale. With The Greys threatening to wipe out the human race, Harry has formed a tentative alliance with General Eleanor McCallister to protect the planet that he's grown attached to.

Get ready for an electrifying return as “Resident Alien” kicks off its highly anticipated Season 3 with Episode 1 titled “Lone Wolf,” airing at 12:00 Am on Sunday, February 18th, 2024, exclusively on Bravo. In this thrilling installment, viewers are thrust back into the world of Harry, the quirky alien living among humans.

In an audacious attempt to gather crucial information on the elusive Grey Aliens, Harry finds himself embroiled in a perilous mission. However, his decision inadvertently puts Asta, a key ally and friend, in harm’s way, raising the stakes to new heights.

As tensions escalate and danger lurks around every corner, Harry must navigate a treacherous path to uncover the truth while safeguarding those closest to him.

With its signature blend of humor, mystery, and suspense, “Resident Alien” promises an exhilarating start to its third season. Don’t miss Episode 1, “Lone Wolf,” airing at 12:00 Am on Sunday, February 18th,...

Get ready for the highly anticipated return of “Resident Alien” with the Season 3 premiere episode titled “Lone Wolf,” airing on E! This thrilling sci-fi comedy series follows the misadventures of an extraterrestrial being named Harry, who disguises himself as a human doctor in a small town.

In this episode, Harry takes a risky move to gather crucial information on the mysterious Grey Aliens, putting his friend Asta in harm’s way in the process. As tensions escalate and secrets unravel, viewers are taken on a wild ride filled with suspense, humor, and unexpected twists.

With its unique blend of sci-fi elements and comedic storytelling, “Resident Alien” continues to captivate audiences with its witty dialogue, eccentric characters, and imaginative plotlines. Fans can expect the Season 3 premiere to kick off with a bang, setting the stage for another thrilling and unpredictable season.

Don’t miss the Season 3 premiere of “Resident Alien: Lone Wolf” airing on E!

Tune in, freak out. One of the most hotly anticipated horror titles of the year is Late Night With the Devil, with David Dastmalchian (Dune, The Suicide Squad) starring as the host of a late-night talk show that descends into a nightmare. IFC Films has released the first official teaser trailer today, which appropriately takes the form of a retro late night TV spot.

David Dastmalchian stars as Jack Delroy, the charismatic host of “Night Owls,” and the film traces the ill-fated taping of a live Halloween special in 1977 plagued by a demonic presence.

IFC Films & Shudder will release Late Night with the Devil theatrically on March 22 before it heads to Shudder exclusively on April 19, 2024. Watch the retro teaser trailer below.

The energetic and innovative feature hails from Australian writing-directing team Colin and Cameron Cairnes (100 Bloody Acres, Scare Campaign).

The film premiered last year at SXSW. Meagan wrote in...

Get ready for an electrifying return to the small screen with the Season 3 premiere of “Resident Alien”! Airing on USA at 10:00 Pm on Wednesday, February 14th, this highly anticipated episode, titled “Lone Wolf,” promises to kick off the season with a bang.

In this thrilling installment, the enigmatic Harry finds himself embroiled in a dangerous mission to gather information on the Grey Aliens. With the stakes higher than ever, Harry takes a risky step by putting Asta, a close friend, in harm’s way. As he navigates the treacherous path of espionage and intrigue, Harry must confront difficult choices and unexpected challenges.

Join Harry and the rest of the eclectic residents of Patience, Colorado, as they embark on a journey filled with suspense, humor, and heart. With its unique blend of sci-fi thrills and comedic charm, “Resident Alien” is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Syfy’s fan-favorite series “Resident Alien” is back with a bang for Season 3, and viewers are in for a thrilling ride! In the highly anticipated premiere episode titled “Lone Wolf,” airing at 10:00 Pm on Wednesday, February 14th, the enigmatic Harry finds himself embroiled in a dangerous mission to uncover secrets about the Grey Aliens.

As Harry delves deeper into his investigation, he puts his friend Asta in harm’s way, risking her safety to gather crucial information. With tensions mounting and danger lurking around every corner, Harry must navigate a treacherous path to uncover the truth about the extraterrestrial beings living among them.

With its signature blend of humor, suspense, and heart, “Resident Alien” promises to deliver an action-packed premiere that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. Join Harry and the eclectic residents of Patience, Colorado, as they embark on a journey into the unknown in “Lone Wolf.

One of the most hotly anticipated horror titles of the year is Late Night With the Devil, with David Dastmalchian (Dune, The Suicide Squad) starring as the host of a late-night talk show that descends into a nightmare. The official MPA rating has arrived this week, signaling that the horror release is just around the corner.

Late Night with the Devil has been rated “R” for…

“Violent content, some gore, and language including a sexual reference.”

That might not be too surprising for those that have been following along with news on this possession shocker. David Dastmalchian stars as Jack Delroy, the charismatic host of “Night Owls,” and the film traces the ill-fated taping of a live Halloween special in 1977 plagued by a demonic presence.

IFC Films & Shudder will release Late Night with the Devil theatrically on March 22 before it heads to Shudder exclusively on April 19, 2024.

The energetic and innovative...

Martial arts movies create suspense by keeping the outcome of a fight unpredictable, with close battles and surprise endings. Some movies up the ante by demonstrating the strength of the villain and incorporating absurd action sequences. These films feature iconic fights that keep viewers on their toes, with unpredictable tactics, alliances, and outcomes.

The best martial arts movies keep audiences invested in their fight scenes by never making it clear exactly how the battle will unfold, constantly unfolding new surprises over the course of a single bout of hand-to-hand combat. Even the best Kung Fu movie franchises aren't usually willing to buck the trend of the hero emerging victorious at the end of the day, making it sometimes difficult for viewers to stay invested in battles with obviously forgone conclusions. However, many of the truly great martial arts action films will go above and beyond to make the outcome of a given fight uncertain.

A teenager in 70s New Zealand dreams of starting a band in Jonathan Ogilvie’s nostalgic comedy, which opens Rotterdam’s international film festival

Jonathan Ogilvie is the New Zealand film-maker who made the gangster drama The Tender Hook (2008) and also Lone Wolf (2021), a postmodern spin on Conrad’s The Secret Agent. Now he hits a lighter, gentler and much more personal note in this coming-of-age comedy, which opens the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) – a nostalgiafest romance from the 70s post-punk era about a kid in New Zealand mooching around in his uncool school uniform, hanging out in the local record shop (which still has its prog-era name of Middle Earth Records) and dreaming of starting a punk band called the Daleks – though wondering if just Daleks sounds cooler — and obsessing about an unattainably sexy girl who sneers at him.

It will have all of us of a certain...

The International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) opens this evening with New Zealand director Jonathan Olgilvie’s coming-of-age tale Head South set against the late 1970s, post-punk music culture of his home city of Christchurch.

IFFR previously selected Olgilvie’s sci-fi thriller Lone Wolf for its Big Screen Competition in 2021.

“It’s the first time we’re going to meet him in person because it was during Corona,” says IFFR Artistic Director Vanja Kaludjercic of the first selection.

“When you put the two films side by side, you ask how can one filmmaker make two such different films,” she adds. “We really admire his creativity and ingenuity.”

Over the course of the next 10 days, Rotterdam will screen some 440 works.

The Main Competition for this 53rd edition is characteristically diverse.

The 14 features in the running for the main Tiger Award include Brooklyn-based filmmaker Madeleine Hunt-Ehrlich’s The Ballad of Suzanne Césaire, exploring the life of the titular,...

The 53rd edition of the International Film Festival Rotterdam, taking place between Jan. 25 – Feb. 4, will be the first for Clare Stewart as managing director. Functioning under a dual leadership structure where the managing director and festival director oversee the commercial and creative elements of the organization respectively, IFFR appointed Stewart back in June 2023 to focus on the festival’s business side.

Speaking to Variety ahead of the festival and joined by festival director Vanja Kaludjercic, the former director of the Sydney Film Festival and BFI London Film Festival emphasized it feels like a “full circle moment” to be back in Rotterdam after first attending IFFR over 20 years ago as her first international film event outside of her home country of Australia.

“It’s also interesting to be coming in as the managing director, having previously held roles that either combined the two or were more of a creative director role,...

“Head South” director Jonathan Ogilvie is all about underdogs.

“It’s not a story about winners. It’s a story about also-rans, to use this racing term, because there is nothing to win,” he tells Variety about the International Film Festival Rotterdam opener, which sees schoolboy Angus (Ed Oxenbould) falling for a girl and for post-punk music in 1979’s New Zealand.

“There wasn’t a real music industry, so you couldn’t become a rock star. Back in those days, we often talked about ‘the tyranny of distance.’ We felt so removed from everything. But it was the triumph of distance, because it allowed people to interpret things in a new way. It’s a film about music, yes, but also about art and creative expression.”

Praising Oxenbould, he adds: “On the page, Angus could seem like a nasty little brat. But Ed was also in a band; his brother was also living in London.

The samurai genre in Japanese cinema has given rise to incredible films that explore society and cultural landscapes. Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai is arguably one of the greatest films ever produced and has had a major influence on Western cinema. Other notable samurai films include Throne of Blood, Yojimbo, Harakiri, and Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance, each exploring different themes and showcasing expert storytelling.

Some of the very best moments in Japanese cinema come from the samurai genre, and there are plenty of incredible movies to check out in this category. Telling dramatic and action-packed tales of brave and noble warriors, these movies are often dark and daring examinations of the society and cultural landscape out of which they are born. Portraying solitary figures with extraordinary martial arts abilities, clans of talented swordsmen, and a variety of sub-genres, the samurai film has also had a major influence on Western cinema.

IFFR will run from January 25 to February 4.

The 2024 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) will open with Jonathan Ogilvie’s post-punk coming-of-age comedy Head South on January 25.

New Zealand director Ogilvie returns to IFFR with Head South, a semi-autobiographical film that centres a private schoolboy who becomes desperately enamoured with all things post-punk in 1979 Christchurch. Ogilvie’s last film Lone Wolf screened in the festival’s Big Screen Competition in 2021.

The festival has also confirmed some of the first titles to play in its programme, along with details about industry event IFFR Pro Days.

Ishan Shukla’s dystopian sci-fi animation Schirkoa:...

Academy Award nominee Michael Green and Amber Noizumi offer audiences a bloody revenge tale in the Netflix original animated series Blue Eye Samurai. Set during the feudal Edo Period in Japanese history, the series doesn't pull its punches as it creates a violent portrait of archetypal Japanese culture. And though the tone occasionally is uneven across its eight-episode run, Blue Eye Samurai is a thrilling experience, stylishly and engagingly rendered. It weaves a compelling samurai story in the tradition of classic Japanese cinema.

Mixed-race woman Mizu travels across Japan to seek revenge on those who caused her mother to fall into ill repute and a premature death. Mizu's quest ruffles powerful feathers, leading her to confront increasingly formidable opponents as she continues her vengeance with lethal efficiency. She's forced into harrowing duels and battles against the most unrelenting warriors in Japan. And as Mizu grapples with how much her single-minded...

Up next from Australian writing-directing team Colin and Cameron Cairnes (100 Bloody Acres, Scare Campaign) is found footage horror Late Night With the Devil, with David Dastmalchian (Dune, The Suicide Squad) starring as the host of a late-night talk show that descends into a nightmare. Variety reports that it’s been nabbed for release by IFC and Shudder.

Dastmalchian stars as Jack Delroy, the charismatic host of “Night Owls,” and the film traces the ill-fated taping of a live Halloween special plagued by a demonic presence.

No release date has been announced just yet, but we can expect a theatrical release followed by a Shudder streaming debut soon.

The film premiered earlier this year at SXSW. I wrote in my review out of the fest, “Late Night with the Devil captures the chaotic energy of a late night show, embracing the irreverent comedy and stress of live television with a pastiche style.

Australian writing-directing team Colin and Cameron Cairnes (100 Bloody Acres, Scare Campaign) are back with brand new upcoming horror movie Late Night With the Devil, with David Dastmalchian (Dune, The Suicide Squad) starring as the host of a late-night talk show that goes horribly wrong, unleashing evil into the nation’s living rooms.

Dastmalchian stars as Jack Delroy, the charismatic host of “Night Owls,” and the film traces the ill-fated taping of a live Halloween special plagued by a demonic presence.

While you wait for a release date, Creepy Duck Design has shared his official poster for Late Night with the Devil, which appropriately carries a retro vibe. Check it out below.

Meagan Navarro wrote in her SXSW review for Bd, “Late Night with the Devil captures the chaotic energy of a late night show, embracing the irreverent comedy and stress of live television with a pastiche style. It’s...

Tales of hardened, violent loners picking up lively, younger traveling companions are certainly having a moment. Whether it's "The Last of Us," "The Mandalorian," "The Witcher," or a movie like "The Gray Man," they seem to be every which way you turn in the world of streaming these days. It's nothing new, of course. Writer Kazuo Koike and artist Goseki Kojima helped shape the mold for these types of stories when they launched "Lone Wolf and Cub" in 1970. Even people who've never read their incredibly influential manga series (nor seen any of its adaptations in other media) know exactly what you mean when you describe something as having "Lone Wolf" vibes.

Speaking on the official podcast for "The Last of Us" season 1, episode 6, "Kin," co-creator Neil Druckmann talked a little about his own inspirations while directing the original Naughty Dog video game franchise that inspired HBO's widely acclaimed (and relentlessly feel-bad) post-apocalyptic prestige series.

The world of stuntmen has always been a captivating one, even if, for the sake of the “legacy” of the movie stars these people double, their work is left in the background. Despite the fact, movies such as “The Stunt Woman” and “Uzumasa Limelight” explore the lives of these individuals and their role within the industry in the most captivating way. “Lone Wolf” (aka The Last Stunt Man” as its title is Japan) moves in the same direction, although focusing more on a fictional dramatic story than their work in the industry.

After his father, a stuntman, died during a stunt, Akira moved to LA with his mother. Growing up, he became a professional motocross racer, participating in the National Motocross Championship. When his mother dies, however, he decides to leave everything behind and return to Japan, to seek revenge against Gou, who, in his knowledge, was responsible for his father’s death.

Announced earlier this summer, Australian writing-directing team Colin and Cameron Cairnes are next getting behind the camera for Late Night With the Devil, with David Dastmalchian (Dune, The Suicide Squad) starring as the host of a late-night talk show that goes horribly wrong, unleashing evil into the nation’s living rooms.

Late Night With the Devil follows the live broadcast of a late-night talk show in 1977, and producer Roy Lee tells Bloody Disgusting’s The Boo Crew Podcast in an interview that’ll be uploaded soon that it’s going to be a very unique kind of horror movie.

“We just wrapped Late Night With the Devil,” Lee explains. “I almost didn’t read the script, because I was like, ‘That is such a cheesy title. There is no way this movie is going to be something that’s not going to be just a B-movie.’ But then I was...

LevelK has boarded international sales rights to “The Passenger” (“La pasajera”), a high-concept Spanish horror film directed by Fernando Gonzalez (“Downunder”) and Raul Cerezo which will world premiere at Sitges in the Panorama Fantastic section.

Produced by Jose Luis Rancaño (“The Night My Mother Killed My Father”), “The Passenger” follows a group of strangers on a road trip who get abruptly interrupted when their van accidentally hits a female hiker in the middle of the night. They decide to take her to the hospital but soon understand that they only have to comply with a clear rule: not to sit next to her.

The film was penned by Luis Sánchez-Polack, based on an original idea by Cerezo. “The Passenger” is headlined by established Spanish actors, including Ramiro Blas (“Blackwod”), Cecilia Suarez (“The House of Flowers”), Paula Gallego (“Paquita Salas”) and Christina Alcazar (“Cachorro”).

Gonzalez and Cerezo said the “film’s...

The science fiction thriller "Lone Wolf" is adapted from Joseph Conrad's 1907 novel "The Secret Agent", written and directed by  Jonathan Ogilvie starring Hugo Weaving, Tilda Cobham-Hervey, Josh McConville and Chris Bunton:

"..in the future, the city of Melbourne is marked by state corruption and constant surveillance, a group of small-time activists hatch a plan to commit an act of urban terrorism. But an unforeseen outcome and the involvement of police and state officials complicate this seemingly innocuous PR stunt, as disempowered individuals struggle against a system that protects itself at the expense of its own citizens..." 

Click the images to enlarge... ...

The toys of Baby Yoda from The Mandalorian that everyone complained about not being able to buy have now been made available to order from a number of outlets and the latest variation is Hasbro’s talking take on the cute green fuzzball that you’ll either find as adorable as its inspiration or a dead-eyed atrocity destined to traumatize innocent children.

To be clear, the speaking voice of this creation isn’t actual words, but an assortment of inarticulate baby noises that appear to have been recycled from Gremlins’ Gizmo and channeled though some dark side necromancy contained in the core of the cuddly plush figure. You can watch the disturbing homunculus in action below.

Guys. Talking #BabyYoda doll. pic.twitter.com/YPexwr8L2E

— Nick Romano (@NickARomano) December 12, 2019

Hasbro's The Mandalorian Baby Yoda Merch To Go On Sale This Spring 1 of 5

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(L-r) Debra Liang, Tine Klint and Lauren Valmadre.

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of her international film sales and distribution company LevelK, Tine Klint offers some advice to Australian filmmakers.

Perhaps the most valuable tip: Don’t target the world, even though the mantra “local for global” is in vogue.

“I recommend staying true to original stories,” Tine tells If. “Don’t adapt and change cultural differences: some projects lose their originality because they are designed for world platforms or global deals.”

A former sales exec at TrustNordisk, Zentropa and Nordisk Film, the Copenhagen-based Klint first connected with Australia when Aquarius Films’ Angie Fielder got in touch in 2009 after announcing plans to produce Wish You Were Here.

Subsequently Klint and Fielder met at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2010 and LevelK handled international sales for the drama directed by Kieran Darcy-Smith.

That led to numerous collaborations with Aussie filmmakers encompassing such films as Celeste,...

Rosie Knight Dec 27, 2019

If you love Star Wars: The Mandalorian, you should be reading the Lone Wolf and Cub manga that inspired its main storyline.

This Star Wars article contains spoilers for The Mandalorian.

A lone man stands against a failing Empire. By his side is a small infant, seemingly harmless and completely vulnerable without the warrior at its side. If you've been watching Disney+'s epic slowburn space western The Mandalorian, you might think that we're talking about episode two of the show, which centers on the titular hero and his new charge, a young alien who appears to be the same species as Master Yoda. But, in fact, we're describing the setup of Lone Wolf and Cub, one of the longest running and most iconic manga series of all time and a huge influence on the unexpectedly sweet story at the heart of the first live-action Star Wars series.