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.”
Sunset Sasquatch is a quirky family dramedy
The Zellner brothers have created a new film named “Sasquatch Sunset,” which explores the world of Sasquatches. The film is produced by Bleeker Street and is set in North America’s misty forests. It follows the journey of a family of Sasquatches – Riley Keough, Jesse Eisenberg, Christophe Zajac-Denek, and Nathan Zellner – possibly the last of their kind. Over one year, they embark on an absurd, epic, hilarious, and ultimately poignant journey, fighting for survival as they collide with the ever-changing world. These hairy and noble giants will make you laugh, cry, and root for their survival as they adjust to the changing world.
Monkey Man swings high as a combo of action and drama
Academy Award Nominee Dev Patel leaps to the action genre for his directorial debut in “Monkey Man” from Universal Pictures. Oscar Winner Jordan Peele serves as executive producer, while Patel co-writes the screenplay with Paul Angunawela and John Collee. The film takes inspiration from the legend of Hanuman, an icon embodying strength and courage.
The First Omen breathes new in life into a spooky franchise
The renowned horror franchise Omen has recently received a prequel titled “The First Omen” from 20th Century Studios. The film is directed by Arkasha Stevenson, who co-wrote the script with Tim Smith and Keith Thomas, and is based on a story by Ben Jacoby. In the sixth installment of the franchise, the plot revolves around Margaret Daino, portrayed by Nell Tiger Free, an American woman sent to work at an orphanage in Rome, where she discovers a sinister plot to bring forth the birth of the Antichrist. Margaret develops close relationships with Luz Valez, played by Maria Caballero, and young orphan Carlita Scianna, played by Nicole Scarce. However, when Father Brennan, portrayed by Ralph Ineson, warns Margaret of a conspiracy within the church, she begins to experience unsettling events, testing her faith and sanity.
Sting spins up an impressive horror debut
Writer & director Kiah Roache-Turner delivers a solid feature debut with “Sting” from Well Go USA. During a stormy evening in New York City, a mysterious object descends from the sky and shatters the window of a dilapidated apartment building. The object, an egg, contains within it a peculiar little spider.
The American Society of Magical Negroes fails to conjure up enjoyment
After getting his feet wet in the world of acting, Kobi Libii makes his feature writing and directing debut with “The American Society of Magical Negros” from Focus Features. Struggling bi-racial artist Aren (Justice Smith) crosses paths with bartender Roger (David Alan Grier) at his latest art show, who sees some potential in Aren and informs him that he is a member of The American Society of Magical Negroes, a group aiming to safeguard African Americans by appeasing White individuals.
Titans duke it out in Godzilla vs. Kong: The New Empire
Director Adam Winglans returns to the big screen with two monstrous titans in “Godzilla vs. Kong: The New Empire” from Warner Bros. Pictures. The script, penned by Terry Rossio, Simon Barrett, and Jeremy Slater, is the fifth film in the Monster Verse franchise. Additionally, it is the 38th film in the Godzilla franchise and the 13th film in the King Kong franchise.
Sleeping Dogs is a snooze fest without a bone
Renowned Academy Award-winning actor Russell Crowe continues to build upon his esteemed career with his latest cinematic endeavor, “Sleeping Dogs.” Adam Cooper made his directorial debut with the film and co-wrote the script with Bill Collage. The film is an adaptation of the novel THE BOOK OF MIRRORS by Romanian writer E.O. Chirovici.
Clichés withstanding, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire keeps the franchise alive
Director Gil Kenan and co-writer Jason Reitman continue to keep a beloved franchise alive in Columbia Pictures “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.” In the previous film, Phoebe (McKenna Grace) and Trevor (Finn Wolfhard), the grandchildren of the late Ghostbuster Egon Spengler, defeated Gozer. As a result, they have relocated from Summerville, Oklahoma, to the New York City firehouse. Under the guidance of their mother, Callie (Carrie Coon), and Mr. Grooberson (Paul Rudd), who are now dating, they continue to bust ghosts.
Romance, the 80’s and crime fill the enjoyable Love Lies Bleeding
Director Rose Maud has switched genres, trading horror for a romantic crime drama in her second film, “Love Lies Bleeding.” Glass and Weronika Tofilska wrote the script, and A24 produced the movie. The story takes place in 1989 and revolves around Lou (played by Kristen Stewart), a reclusive gym manager, who falls in love with Jackie (played by Katy O’Brian), an ambitious bodybuilder heading to Las Vegas to chase her dreams. However, their passion ignites violence, and they get pulled into the web of Lou’s criminal family, led by her father, Lou Sr. (played by Ed Harris).