“Screamboat” is bloody & badly acted low budget fun
Director Steven LaMorte takes advantage of copyright expiring for an iconic character in his latest film, “Screamboat” from Sleight of Hands Productions. LaMorte pens the screenplay with Matthew Garcia-Dunn. Opening with a traditional slasher film kill, “Screamboat” introduces us to Selena (Allison Pittel), a tour guide from the Gopher state who has moved to the Big Apple to chase her fashion designer dreams.
“The Friend” wisely avoids the typical pooch movie tropes
Typically, films resort to standard emotional triggers and endearing canine imagery, resulting in predictable tear-jerking experiences. However, “The Friend” successfully transcends these genre clichés, presenting a far more nuanced and rewarding narrative than merely depicting a woman’s life named Iris (portrayed by Naomi Watts) following her encounter with a dog.
“Freaky Tales” is a wild ride through Oakland
For their new Lionsgate film “Freaky Tales,” directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck revisit the 1980s. This visually stunning and narratively bold anthology immerses its viewers in the frenzied depths of 1987 Oakland through four linked crime and music stories of chaos. The pulsating soundtrack and the profound respect for the era’s cultural fabric make “Freaky Tales” an electrifying journey through unpredictable storytelling.
“Warfare” is one of the most gripping and realistic military films ever made
Iraq War Veteran Ray Mendoza reunites with director Alex Garland for another war film, Warfare, from A24. Mendoza and Garland also co-wrote the movie based on Mendoza’s experiences during the Iraq War as a former U.S. Navy SEAL. Set in 2006 and shot in real-time, Warfare follows a platoon of Navy SEALs on a mission through the insurgent territory.
“Bob Trevino Likes It” explores the power of friendship
Director Tracie Laymon examines the significance of friendship in her latest film, Bob Trevino Likes It, produced by Roadside Attractions. Laymon also authored the screenplay, which draws inspiration from a genuine friendship she cultivated with a stranger while conducting an online search for her father.
“Death of a Unicorn” is a fun take on the mystical creatures
Director Alex Scharfman delivers a unique film for his debut in Death of a Unicorn from A24. Elliot (Paul Ridd) is a lawyer headed to a weekend retreat looking to close a big deal for his billionaire bosses Odell (Richard E. Grant) and Belinda (Téa Leoni). Along for the ride is his college-aged daughter Ridley (Jenna Ortega), with whom he’s looking to reconnect following the death of their matriarch and before she leaves for college.
“Memories of Love Returned” is a lush and artistic tribute
Versatile actor Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine’s directorial debut, “Memories of Love Returned,” is an intimate cinematic journey that explores the historical contributions and artistic legacy of Ugandan photographer Kibaate Aloysius Ssalongo. The journey begins as a personal investigation but transforms into a profound reflection on the intersection of history and community while showcasing love’s endurance against erasure.
“Opus” is a out of tune genre mash up
Mark Anthony Green teams up with Emmy winner Ayo Edebiri and John Malkovich for writing and directing debut, “Opus” from A24.
“Black Bag” is a gripping spy thriller
After the delightful “Presence,” Academy Award-winning director Steven Soderbergh brings another thriller to grip audiences in “Black Bag” from Focus features. Legendary screenwriter David Koepp lends his talents to the script.
“Cold Wallet” delivers a crypto heist thriller
Director Martin Campbell delivers another female-led action film in Cleaner from Lionsgate. Matthew Orton, Simon Uttley, and Paul Andrew Williams pen the film’s screenplay. Set in present-day London, a group of radical activists led by Marcus (Clive Owen) takes over an energy company’s annual gala, seizing 300 hostages to expose the hosts’ corruption.
“My Dead Friend Zoe” is an earnest look at the grief process
After an incident at work, Merit (Sonequa Martin-Green), a U.S. Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, is forced to attend therapy. Despite the best efforts of her VA group counselor, Dr. Cole (Morgan Freeman), Merit remains aloof in her perspective on the world. She also has a strained but tough-love relationship with her mother, Kris (Gloria Reuben).
Christoph Waltz’s natural charm fails to save “Old Guy”
Two-time Academy Award winner Christoph Waltz collaborates with genre director Simon West on “Old Guy,” which The Avenue produces. Greg Jonson writes the screenplay.