Jennifer Esposito flexes her directing chops in the engaging Fresh Kills
Esteemed actress Jennifer Esposito takes a bold step into the world of writing and directing with ‘Fresh Kills’ from Quiver Distribution. In addition to her new roles, Esposito delivers a compelling performance as a co-star in the film. Set in late 1989 and 1993 in Staten Island, New York, the film follows the journey of Rose Larusso, a young and curious girl portrayed by Emily Bader. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she uncovers a shocking secret about her father, Joe, played by Domenick Lombardozzi, who is revealed to be a mafia kingpin. As Rose’s yearning for independence and self-discovery intensifies, it triggers a series of events that not only jeopardize her safety but also strain her relationships with her mother, Francine (played by Esposito), her sister Connie (portrayed by Odessa A’zion), and her aunt Christine (brought to life by Annabella Sciorra). This internal and external conflict forms the film’s core, ‘Fresh Kills. ‘
Reverse The Curse blends comedy, sports fanatics and drama
David Duchovny, known for his roles in popular TV series and films, makes a comeback to directing narrative features after a gap of two decades with the much-anticipated ‘Reverse The Curse’ from Vertical. In this project, he not only adapts his fourth novel, ‘Bucky F*cking Dent,’ from 2017, for the film’s screenplay but also takes on a co-starring role.
Clichés abound, Summer Camp is saved by three legendary leads
Director and writer Castile Landon shifts from erotica fan fiction to a friendship story in “Summer Camp” from Roadside Attractions. Nora (Diane Keaton), Ginny (Kathy Bates), and Mary (Alfred Woodard) have been best friends since they were inseparable at summer camp during their childhood. Despite their intense bond, the demands of adult life have led them to see each other less and less over the years.
In a Violent Nature delivers the slasher goods
After getting his feet wet in shorts and music videos, Chris Nash makes his directorial debut with “In a Violent Nature.” Nash also pens the film’s screenplay. When a locket is extracted from a collapsed fire tower in a wooded area, it triggers the reanimation of the deceased body of Johnny (Ry Barrett), a malevolent spirit driven by a grievous 60-year-old transgression. Intent on reclaiming the locket, Johnny targets a cohort of young vacationers culpable for its removal, methodically eliminating them one by one and any others who impede his pursuit.
Babes is a successful mix of heart and profanity
Pamela Adlon, an actress who has transitioned into a director, presents a heartwarming and uproarious comedy as her debut in “Babes,” produced by Neon Films. Ilana Glazer and Josh Rabinowitz pen the film’s screenplay. Inseparable childhood friends Eden (Ilana Glazer) and Dawn (Michelle Buteau), having grown up together in NYC, are now firmly in different phases of adulthood. Every Thanksgiving, the two decide to meet for a movie, but things take a surprising turn when Dawn goes into labor.
Sans the overlong run time Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga delivers the action goods
Australian filmmaker George Miller returns to the post-apocalyptic action-adventure genre for his eleventh film, “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” from Warner Bros. Miller collaborated with Nico Lathouris to co-write the screenplay for the fifth installment in the “Mad Max” franchise. This installment is a spin-off and prequel to the previous film, “Mad Max: Fury Road.”
The Last Stop in Yuma County is an impressive debut
Francis Galluppi, the writer and director of this debut film, “The Last Stop in Yuma County,” takes audiences on a thrilling journey reminiscent of the grindhouse era. This tense and gripping thriller is set in the unforgiving desert landscape of Arizona, following a nameless young knife salesman (Jim Cummings) who finds himself in a perilous hostage situation at a remote desert rest stop.
Lazareth is a horrific bore
Australian Director Alec Tibaldi navigates to the thriller genre for his third effort in “Lazareth” from Vertical. Tibaldi also pens the film’s screenplay, which stars Emmy and Golden Globe Nominee Ashley Judd. Following the death of their parents, Lee (Judd) adopts her nieces, Imogen (Katie Douglas) and Maeve (Sarah Pidgeon), and raises them in a remote cabin as a deadly pandemic rages on around them.
Boy Kills World is a balls to the wall action fest
“Boy Kills World” is the directorial debut of Moritz Mohr and is distributed by Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions. Tyler Burton Smith and Arend Remmers wrote the screenplay based on a story by Remmers and Mohr. Bill Skarsgård portrays the character of “Boy,” who is seeking revenge against Hilda Van Der Koy (Famke Janssen), the insane leader of a corrupt post-apocalyptic dynasty that killed the Boy’s family, leaving him orphaned, deaf, and voiceless. Hilda’s team comprises hit woman June 27 (Jessica Rothe), muscle Gideon (Brett Gelman), and PR representatives Melanie (Michelle Dockery) and Glen (Sharlto Copley).
Black Boy Joy illuminates the delightful We Grown Now
Filmmaker Minhal Baig takes audiences to Windy City for her third directorial effort in “We Grown Now” from Sony Pictures Classics. Baig also pens the screenplay, which is set in 1992. In the vibrant heart of Chicago’s Cabrini-Green, two inseparable pals, Malik (played by Blake Cameron Jones) and Eric (portrayed by Gian Knight Ramirez), transform their bustling neighborhood into a playground of dreams.
Cash Out ends up in the red
John Travolta returns to the world of bank robbing in “Cash Out” from Saban Films. Ives directs the film from a screenplay by Dipo Oseni and Doug Richardson. Mason (Travolta) is the leader of a high-end crew of thieves that includes his girlfriend Amelia (Kristin Davis), his younger brother Shawn (Lukas Haas), Anton (Quavo), Link (Nataku Yura), and Hector (Noel Gugliemi). Mason decides to hang it up for good after a double-cross from Amelia, who is undercover, spells a near-miss with the law.
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare mixes action and comedy
Acclaimed director Guy Ritchie continues churning content as his latest film, “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” from Lionsgate, hits theaters. Ritchie, along with Paul Tamasy, Eric Johnson, and Arash Amel, co-writes the screenplay, which is an adaptation of Damien Lewis’ book “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare: How Churchill’s Secret Warriors Set Europe Ablaze and Gave Birth to Modern Black Ops.”