"If KJ would've been white, we wouldn't have had to make this film." Gravitas Ventures just released this documentary film Finding Kendrick Johnson available to watch on VOD, with plans to play in theaters this summer. We're just catching up with it now, and considering it's an important film about America, it's worth featuring now anyway. "The case of Kendrick Johnson is one the most important cases in US history. KJ deserves justice, and hopefully our film will help his family get one step closer to that outcome." Finding Kendrick Johnson is the feature documentary product of a 4-year undercover investigation into the facts of this case. Told through the eyes of KJ's family and his close friends, narrated by Hollywood legend, Jenifer Lewis, and directed by Stranger Fruit creator, Jason Pollock, with an amazing team of producers, the film shares this "truly historic, heartbreaking, and unbelievable story" with the world for the first time. This is such a tragic and sad story, and even more frustrating that there's no justice yet. You can rent the film now. ›››

Continue Reading Official Trailer for Investigative Doc Film 'Finding Kendrick Johnson'

"Like a haunting… A 'good' haunting." Cranked Up has unveiled an official trailer for an indie supernatural horror thriller titled Double Walker, from filmmaker Colin West, produced and co-written by and starring Sylvie Mix. "She was given two choices: live one more day as a human, or live forever as a ghost. She chose the latter." Sylvie Mix stars as a young Ghost who walks the earth mostly unseen, trying to piece together the horrific flashes of memories from her past. One by one she kills the men she believes were responsible for her death, though her plan is derailed when she meets Jack, a very kind cinema usher who inadvertently intercepts as she's stalking her next victim. While Jack takes her in and offers her a glimpse at a normal life, her desire to avenge her own murder lingers on. Also starring Jacob Rice, Maika Carter, Justin Rose, Tina Matthews, and Quinn Armstrong. This looks like a good ghostie revenge thriller indie discovery. ›››

Continue Reading Trailer for Supernatural Horror 'Double Walker' Featuring Sylvie Mix

"To fulfill it… You and your sword must become one." Magnolia has launched the first official trailer for a badass action film titled Yakuza Princess, from filmmaker Vicente Amorim, set in the expansive Japanese community of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Two action films about taking on the Yakuza in one day?! Oh my!! (You should also watch the trailer for Kate here.) This is premiering at the upcoming 2021 Fantasia Film Festival in Montreal later this month. Japanese pop star Masumi stars as Akemi in the film, who discovers the truth about her heritage when she turns 21. The heiress to half of the Yakuza crime syndicate forges an uneasy alliance with an amnesiac stranger who believes an ancient sword binds their two fates. She must unleash war against the other half of the syndicate who wants her dead. Described as a "rip-roaring, violent action-thriller." The film's cast includes Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Tsuyoshi Ihara, Toshiji Takeshima, Eijiro Ozaki, and Charles Paraventi. Oh yes, this looks awesome so far. And the official poster is badass, too. ›››

Continue Reading Masumi is a Yakuza Heiress in Badass 'Yakuza Princess' Film Trailer

"I don't know who he is, but I know who he's not…" Don't mess with this guy! Sony Pictures / Screen Gems has released a second official trailer (watch the first here) for horror sequel Don't Breathe 2, following up the surprise hit horror Don't Breathe from 2016. It's a "clever, twisted continuation." This one is set in the years following the initial deadly home invasion, where Norman Nordstrom lives in quiet solace until his past sins catch up to him. Stephen Lang returns as Nordstrom, with a cast including Brendan Sexton III, Madelyn Grace, Bobby Schofield, Rocci Williams, Steffan Rhodri, and Stephanie Arcila. This red band trailer is being billed as a "Dark AF" trailer, which is the right way to sell this because DAMN. I dig all the intense horror house setups, especially that birds-eye shot of the people walking in. Crazy cool. ›››

Continue Reading Second Red Band 'Dark AF' Trailer for 'Don't Breathe 2' Horror Sequel

"Okay, see, now this! This is why you and I are friends." We're proud to debut the first official trailer for an indie teen dramedy titled Generation Wrecks, premiering at the Dances With Films Festival later this year. It will premiere on closing day at the festival this September. The story is about two 11th graders, Stacy and Liz who were best friends until the 7th grade when a mysterious event drove them apart. The two main stars, Bridget McGarry & Victoria Leigh actually met when they were on "Law & Order" and co-wrote the film together when they were just 17 years old. Generation Wrecks follows eight high school Gen-Xers who get together for a weekend escape and are confronted by the future, adulthood, and their own personal issues. They realize they share more than just feeling alienated and lost, and that friendships can be mended in the woods with a lot of music, games, and a bit of love and weed. Also starring John Gargan, Violet Prete, Noa Solomon, Jibreel Mawry, Sam Poon, Jonah Barricklo, and Alice Kremelberg. Enjoy. ›››

Continue Reading Excl: Festival Trailer for Indie 90s Teen Comedy 'Generation Wrecks'

"This man was a genius." You definitely know his name! But do you know his life story? The true story? Showtime has revealed a first look official trailer for a documentary film titled Bitchin': The Sound and Fury of Rick James, from award-winning filmmaker Sacha Jenkins. Bitchin: The Sound and Fury of Rick James is an intimate yet propulsive look at Rick James, one of rock, funk and R&B's most legendary and often under-appreciated figures. Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, James signed a deal with Motown Records in 1966 at the age of 18, before going on to start a variety of rock and funk groups over the next few decades. He passed away in 2004 at the age of 56, but left behind quite a legacy. From Tribeca: "Comprised of rare archival performances, animation, interviews with family & collaborators & recorded conversations with James himself, this crowd-pleasing film proves the impact that this undeniable force had on American music and popular culture." Oh yeah this looks great! We're in a glorious golden age of music history docs. ›››

Continue Reading 'Bitchin': The Sound & Fury of Rick James' Documentary Film Trailer

"Kate, you're like that person in that nightmare - take no sh*t from no dudes." Netflix has unveiled the first official trailer for a new action movie called Kate, the latest feature made by the VFX supervisor-turned-director Cedric Nicolas-Troyan, who last directed the sequel The Huntsman: Winter's War. There’s no time for mercy. After she's poisoned, a ruthless criminal operative has less than 24 hours to exact revenge on her enemies and in the process forms an unexpected bond with the daughter of one of her past victims. This seems like a killer action concept mashing up Kill Bill and Jolt with Gunpowder Milkshake, but with Mary Elizabeth Winstead starring as the action badass Kate in this one. In addition to MEW, the impressive full cast also includes Tadanobu Asano, Miyavi, Michiel Huisman, plus Jun Kunimura and Woody Harrelson, and introducing Miku Martineau. The best thing about this is that it's set in Japan. Rock on. ›››

Continue Reading Mary Elizabeth Winstead Kicks Ass in Action Film 'Kate' Official Trailer

"The end of the world starts at the end of the… hall." Strike Media in the UK has launched an official trailer for an indie contained horror thriller titled Hall, the first narrative feature from actor-turned-filmmaker Francesco Giannini. This premiered at FrightFest last year and will open in the UK in September, but has no US release announced yet. When a debilitating virus spreads across a hotel hallway, scattered victims must fight for survival. Fear is spreading… Who will make it out alive? What do you even do? Who will navigate their way out of the hotel corridor through the long and narrow stretch of isolated carnage? Starring Julian Richings, Carolina Bartczak, Yumiko Shaku, Mark Gibson, & Vlasta Vrana. Yeah, this definitely looks freaky, but it's not exactly the most original idea - especially with a real virus still threatening all of us. ›››

Continue Reading New UK Trailer for Stuck-in-a-Hotel Virus Survival Horror Film 'Hall'

"How did the show go?" "I killed them… And your gig?" "I saved them." Amazon has released a final official US trailer for the epic romantic musical Annette, opening in theaters this weekend (and arriving on Prime Video later this month). Directed by Leos Carax, and featuring music written by Sparks, Annette recently opened the 2021 Cannes Film Festival and ended up winning the Best Director prize this year. It was one of my favorite films of the fest that stayed on my mind through the entire 12 days, mostly because it's just so bold and epic and romantically sweeping. Henry (Adam Driver) is a stand-up comedian with a fierce sense of humor who falls in love with Ann (Marion Cotillard), a world-renowned opera singer. In the spotlight, they form a passionate and glamorous couple. The birth of their first child, Annette, a mysterious little girl with an exceptional destiny, will turn their lives upside down. We featured two other trailers previously, but this one goes all out with some of the songs that you'll hear in this. It's so crazy original. "So, may we start?" ›››

Continue Reading Final US Trailer for Sparks Brothers + Leos Carax's Musical 'Annette'

"The natural landscape is a common setting and often a frightening place - one that functions by its own logic and is hostile to outsiders." Dive into this brief history of the Australian New Wave era of cinema thanks to a new video essay on YouTube. This was commissioned by Little White Lies and written / edited by filmmaker Will Webb (who has been making many video essays in addition to this one). Here's the intro: "How a government funding scheme gave rise to a cinematic revolution in 1970s Australia, featuring now iconic films such as Wake in Fright, Walkabout and Mad Max." It all kicked off in the early 1970s and lasted through the 80s, with other Australian classics like The Man From Hong Kong, Gallipoli, Mad Dog Morgan, Razorback, and Crocodile Dundee. Webb's essay covers the first few films and various themes of the era, including how the films represented Australia and helped move the country forward. Worth a watch. ›››

Continue Reading Watch: Video Essay on 'A Brief History of the Australian New Wave'

"Please Stepmother, I spent weeks making this dress… My future depends on it!" Amazon Prime Video has unveiled the full official trailer for the new Cinderella movie, a modern musical version of the classic fairy tale. From the writer of Pitch Perfect and Let It Snow, this is skipping theaters and will debut streaming on Prime starting at the beginning of September. Camila Cabello (a famous Cuban singer / musician) stars as Cinderella. Written for the screen and directed by Kay Cannon with covers of songs written by some of the top-selling musical artists of all time, Cinderella has an all-star cast that includes Idina Menzel, Minnie Driver, Nicholas Galitzine, with Billy Porter and Pierce Brosnan. This looks exactly like one of those made-for-TV live musicals they put on every holiday season, so if that's your thing you'll definitely enjoy it. This doesn't seem like a great reinvention of the story. The best part is Billy Porter as the Fairy Godmother. ›››

Continue Reading Official Trailer for Kay Cannon's 'Cinderella' Starring Camila Cabello

"The power's out everywhere! The city is locked down!" Gravitas Ventures has debuted an official trailer for a very gory, ridiculously cheesy grindhouse horror film titled The Manson Brothers Midnight Zombie Massacre. Yes, that is the full title, because it's about the "Manson Brothers", two professional wrestlers, who end up fighting a horde of zombies after a midnight cage match on Halloween. "They didn't know that they need to stay in an arena to fight zombies." Why not…? There's even a sequel already in the works: The Manson Brothers Satanic Vampire Death Match. Midnight Zombie Massacre stars Max Martini (who also directs the film), Adrian Pasdar, Randy Couture, Bas Rutten, and DB Sweeney, along with tons of hungry zombies. This looks so so bad - but that's the point! Disgusting grindhouse zombie mania. Have fun. ›››

Continue Reading Grindhouse Film 'Manson Brothers Midnight Zombie Massacre' Trailer

"Is our democracy for sale?" Madman Films in Australia has unveiled an official trailer for a documentary film called Big Deal, the latest from the filmmaker / writer / comedian Craig Reucassel. Described as a "powerful, provocative documentary about how much money has infiltrated politics in Australia," Big Deal follows an Australian actor, writer, director, video blogger named Christiaan Van Vuuren, who bluntly confronts the dilemma of politics being influenced by money. Seems to be happening everywhere, huh. Big Deal is a wake-up call about the frightening extent to which money has infiltrated politics. Christiaan Van Vuuren’s unlikely journey shows us why we should care, and how we might be able work together to ensure our democracy is safeguarded from being sold to the highest bidder. This sounds like a doc film that EVERY country should have, and EVERYONE should see, to make us think more about how money is too powerful. ›››

Continue Reading Official Australian Trailer for 'Big Deal' Doc About Money in Politics

"The streets are controlled by the biggest gang that we have - the police." Gravitas Ventures has debuted a new official US trailer for the documentary film Last Man Standing, the latest feature from acclaimed English doc filmmaker Nick Broomfield. The full title is Last Man Standing: Suge Knight and the Murders of Biggie & Tupac. This already opened in the UK and arrives in the US (right away on VOD and in select theaters) later this month. Last Man Standing takes at look at Death Row Records and how L.A.'s street gang culture had come to dominate its business workings, as well as an association with corrupt L.A. Police Officers who were also gang affiliated. It would be this world of gang rivalry and dirty cops that would later claim the lives of the world's two greatest rappers: Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls. Reviews describe the film as a docu-sequel to Broomfield's 2002 film Biggie and Tupac, adding that the strength of the film is "in its more robust and authoritative storytelling style and professional sheen." This seems like a fascinating look back at these two murders and what was really going on in Los Angeles at the time. Have a look below. ›››

Continue Reading The Story of Tupac & Biggie's Murders in 'Last Man Standing' Trailer

"No man is truly innocent." Dark Star Pictures has released the official US trailer for an indie thriller titled Ted Bundy: American Boogeyman, the latest feature film made by murder-obsessed filmmaker Daniel Farrands (also of the films The Amityville Murders, The Haunting of Sharon Tate, The Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson). Why do we need more Ted Bundy movies?! We've seen enough, too many of them recently (including No Man of God as well). Chad Michael Murray stars in this as Bundy, along with Lin Shaye, Jake Hays, Marietta Melrose, and Holland Roden. The film focuses on the extensive FBI manhunt to find and apprehend "America's most infamous serial killer," around the time he was down in Florida killing more people. Scary stuff, as always. But this doesn't look it has much to offer that we haven't already seen. ›››

Continue Reading Chad Michael Murray in Trailer for 'Ted Bundy: American Boogeyman'

"What if it wasn't just a storm…?" IFC Midnight has unveiled an official trailer for a mysterious new horror thriller titled We Need to Do Something, made by filmmaker Sean King O'Grady. It already premiered at Tribeca earlier this year. The concept involves a big, crazy apocalyptic storm rolling in and a family trapped by the storm in their house. But that's not it… There's some other kind of strange, evil forces lurking around, causing things to become even scarier as they remain stuck there for days. Described as a "Pandora's Box of horror" which sounds just about right, with a bit of Stephen King everyone-goes-mad storm vibes. The film stars Sierra McCormick, Pat Healy, Lisette Alexis, and Vinessa Shaw. This has some strong style with all the intimate camera shots. I dig the dual layers of intensity between the storm and the strangely terrifying things going on inside the home, too. And clearly they need to "do something" about the situation. ›››

Continue Reading Official Trailer for 'We Need to Do Something' Storm Trapped Thriller

"Space ain't what it used to be." Creators Steven Calcote and Lillian Diaz-Przybyl, along with Butcher Bird Studios, have released the final cut of their revolutionary sci-fi series Orbital Redux. All eight episodes are now available to watch on the Dust site. The first season was performed and broadcast live in 2018, with live music and live special effects - initially on Legendary Digital's Alpha platform. "It incorporated interactive audience elements that allowed the viewers to become part of the narrative," but also used old-school FX… "Plot choices have been locked in and viewers can experience this groundbreaking series in an entirely new way as the 'canonical narrative edition.'" In the series, Ex-NASA astronaut Max Levodolinsky readies his piece-of-junk space freighter for his latest transpo run to the Moon—while bickering with Space Traffic Control, his husband, his boss, and… his new pilot-in-training?!? Starring Yasmine Al-Bustami & Yuri Lowenthal as the two pilots. This looks mildly entertaining, and the live interactive concept is interesting, but this version available now is locked. No more tinkering - just join them for a ride to the Moon and back. ›››

Continue Reading Watch: Interactive Sci-Fi Space Series 'Orbital Redux' Arrives on Dust

What's wrong with grandmother? Sony Pictures Spain has released the first official trailer for a new horror film titled La Abuela, the latest from [REC] 1-3 director Paco Plaza. This is already set to premiere at the San Sebastian Film Festival in Spain before opening there starting in October, though there's no US release confirmed yet. A Paris model must return home to Madrid where her grandmother, who had brought her up, just had a stroke. But spending just a few days with this relative turns into an unexpected nightmare after she notices her grandmother acting strange. Vera Valdez stars as Pilar, her grandmother, with Almudena Amor as Susana, plus Karina Kolokolchykova, Chacha Huang, and Michael Collis. This trailer gets super creepy near the end, especially that shot of her standing there naked. Freaky. Glad to see Paco Plaza is still bringing us more unsettling original horror. Just hope this hits the US soon, too. Get a first look below. ›››

Continue Reading First Teaser for Creepy Spanish Horror 'La Abuela' aka 'Grandmother'

"What I'm trying to say… I sort of love you." Bleecker Street has released an official trailer for a film titled Together, a new comedy from British filmmaker Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot, The Hours, The Reader). Yet another new pandemic lockdown film, this one addressing a relationship. It is the story of a family, like so many, who found a way to survive - together. This hilarious and heartbreaking story intimately shows two partners forced to re-evaluate themselves and their relationship through the reality of lockdown. Starring James McAvoy and Sharon Horgan, with Samuel Logan. Also via the PR notes: "Daldry brings to life the story of a family going through what we all went through over the last year, an experience that should resonate with moviegoers still shaking off the linger effects of COVID-era quarantine." I still don't know if anyone wants to watch a film like this (especially with the potential of more lockdowns on the horizon) but it doesn't look so bad. Seems like a witty "saying what we've all wanted to say, but were afraid to say" films. ›››

Continue Reading James McAvoy & Sharon Horgan in Lockdown Film 'Together' Trailer

"Don't worry. We'll put our heads together and think of something." Ready for something a bit strange and fun to enjoy? Watch this entertaining short film Heads Together, a Dutch creation from an animation trio known as Job, Joris & Marieke - based in Utrecht. Vimeo premiered this online after a few years of playing at film festivals around the world. It's a surreal story about three friends who exchange heads by accident and are forced to adapt to each other's life and experience how they each live. With the voices of Paulien Cornelisse, Nasrdin Dchar, Fockeline Ouwerkerk, and Steye van Dam. This was originally created for a shorts competition: "part of the 'Nu of Nooit' series in which the multicultural society has to be the main theme. The film is aimed at kids between 8 and 12 years." And they're producing a longer series based on this as well. It's an amusing concept with potent themes of empathy and understanding. Worth a watch. ›››

Continue Reading Watch: Funky Animated Short 'Heads Together' from The Netherlands