Rediscovering 'Parasite' in Black & White at the Rotterdam Film Festival

Bong Joon-ho's Parasite is virtually certain to win the Oscar for Best International Film, and it is not out of the running for Best Picture or Best Director, either. It unanimously won Palme d'Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, and critics has lauded it as the greatest film of an exceptionally strong year, and perhaps even one of the best of the decade. It has brought belated, much-deserved attention to South Korean Cinema. By any measure, it has been a success that has likely exceeded the wildest dreams of anyone associated with it. What, then, should be made of the existence of a black & white version set for a theatrical release this year? ›››

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Super Bowl TV Spot + Making Of Featurette for 'A Quiet Place: Part II'

"There are people out there… People worth saving." Ready for some football monsters! Paramount Pics has released the "Big Game" TV spot for A Quiet Place: Part II, the sequel to John Krasinski & Emily Blunt's sci-fi monster thriller A Quiet Place from 2018. They've also included a short behind-the-scenes featurette for the film, to give us a closer look at Krasinski's work putting together this sequel. Following the traumatic events at home (seen in the first movie), the Abbott family now face the terrors of the outside world. Forced to venture into the unknown, they realize that the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats that lurk beyond the sand path. Starring Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, and Noah Jupe as the Abbott family. Newcomers featured in this sequel include Cillian Murphy, Djimon Hounsou, Wayne Duvall, and Lauren-Ashley Cristiano. This full trailer was compelling, I'm excited to see what they're cookin' up. ›››

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First Full Trailer for Justin Lin's 'Fast Saga' Sequel 'Fast & Furious 9'

"Your whole live you pushed yourself to be faster than Don…" Universal has unveiled the first official trailer for Justin Lin's Fast & Furious 9, the latest installment in the never-ending "Fast Saga". No matter how fast you are, no one outruns their past. Even when lying low, they family is called back out to save the world again. "The action hurtles around the globe—from London to Tokyo, from Central America to Edinburgh, and from a secret bunker in Azerbaijan to the teeming streets of Tblisi. Along the way, old friends will be resurrected, old foes will return, history will be rewritten, and the true meaning of family will be tested like never before." Fast & Furious 9, also called F9, stars Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Jordana Brewster, Nathalie Emmanuel, Charlize Theron, and Helen Mirren. Plus it looks like Sung Kang is back as Han, somehow. Looks exactly like everything you'd expect. ›››

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Sundance 2020: 'The Truffle Hunters' Doc Takes Us into Piedmont

There's nothing else like truffles! The aromatic Tuber delicacy is a specialty in Italy, a high-priced item that is not easy to find. The Truffle Hunters is an exquisite, lovable, utterly sublime documentary that takes us deep into Piedmont to meet some of the finest truffle hunters in the entire world. This doc is the BEST!! I absolutely adore this film, one of the best discoveries at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. A perfectly shot and perfectly presented love letter to the great truffle hunters and truffle dogs of Italy. There is nothing to change about it, nothing to really criticize or nitpick. Just bask in the glory of this doc film and make sure to book a table at a restaurant serving truffle because you'll definitely be hungry for some after finishing this. ›››

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Review: 'Gretel & Hansel' is a Chilling Fairytale Packed with Witchcraft

When I ask around, nearly everybody knows the story of a brother and sister, who wander in the dim forest until they reach deliciously smelling house made of ginger cookies, candy, and other treats. A fairytale, as one should know, created mostly for kids to prevent them from talking and taking things from strangers – a moral teaching us a core value that we, from a very young age, can apply to daily life. Gretel & Hansel is a dark, eerie, bloodcurdling counterpart of the story we remember. A long time ago, in a land full of famine and despair, a young girl, Gretel, and her little brother Hansel, leave home, a place that they have always known. After a long and exhausting vagabond, they come across a house that's full of treats and warmth yet dark and mysterious at the same time. An elder woman who lives in the cottage allows them to stay and offers food & shelter. But, there is something wicked about the woman, and they will soon find out what it is. ›››

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Sundance 2020: Lonely Island's Time Loop Comedy 'Palm Springs'

The Lonely Island boys are back with one of the best films they've ever made! Palm Springs is a hilarious, easy-to-love romantic comedy revolving around a time loop concept. I was not expecting to see a new Lonely Island comedy like this showing up out of nowhere at the Sundance Film Festival, but there it is, and it's amazingly enjoyable. And it's actually an independent film that needs distribution (it was bought by Hulu & Neon for $17.5 million and .69 cents) which is strange considering I don't know how any distributor didn't buy this the moment they heard about it. The script is great, but the movie itself is even better, a reassuring rom-com about two people who end up falling for each other (but must learn to overcome their own issues). ›››

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Another Funny UK Trailer for Ski Vacation Comedy Remake 'Downhill'

"Pete ran! Pete left us…" Searchlight Pictures has debuted a new official UK trailer for the film Downhill, an English-language remake of the beloved dark comedy Force Majeure made by Ruben Östlund. This just premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and it's actually a worthwhile remake. Don't write it off. Set at a ski resort in the Alps (filmed in Austria), the movie is about a family that narrowly escapes an avalanche. Everything is then thrown into disarray as they are forced to reevaluate their lives and how they feel about each other. It's directed by Nat Faxon & Jim Rash (of The Way Way Back) and it stars Will Ferrell & Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Also featuring Zach Woods, Zoë Chao, Miranda Otto, and Kristofer Hivju. This is a better trailer than the first one, and I'm happy to report this remake turned out pretty damn good. ›››

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Second Trailer for Renouncement Drama 'Burden' with Garrett Hedlund

"I'm praying for some kind of sign… If this ain't a sign, then I don't know what is." Two years later this is finally being released. 101 Studios has debuted the second trailer for indie drama Burden, a film about the KKK and a former Klansman who gives up his ways thanks to the help of a local reverend. This initially premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival, two years ago, winning the Audience Award but it never got released like every other film from that fest. Garrett Hedlund stars as Mike Burden, a Klansman whose relationships with a single mother and a high school friend force him to re-examine his long-held beliefs. It also features Forest Whitaker, Andrea Riseborough, Tom Wilkinson, Usher Raymond, and Tess Harper. This looks like a tough one to watch, but Whitaker's powerful speech at the end makes this worthy. ›››

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Sundance 2020: Internet Streaming Killer Film 'Spree' is Intense Ride

We're driving ourselves insane! Spree is a wild ride of a film that takes that sentence and makes it literal - we follow a young rideshare app driver who gets addicted to internet popularity and goes on a crazy killing spree. It's the definitive "HOLY F**K" film of Sundance 2020, which is really a big compliment considering it's audacious and innovative and has an important message driving it. Spree is the most authentic, accurate villain origin story of these modern times - even moreso than Joker, which is a fair reference though they're quite different. It's an extremely brutally honest cautionary tale that thrilled the hell out of me. This is the kind of innovative, provocative film I love stumbling across at Sundance, and I'm glad it played at the fest. ›››

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New Trailer for 'The Photograph' Starring Issa Rae & LaKeith Stanfield

"It's not often you meet someone like that." Universal has debuted a new trailer for an emotional romantic drama titled The Photograph, the latest film by talented filmmaker Stella Meghie (Jean of the Joneses, Everything Everything, The Weekend). The film features a series of intertwining love stories set in both the past and in the present. When a famous photographer passes away, her daughter discovers a photograph in her safe-deposit box and begins a new romance with a journalist. She must must learn from the secrets in her mother’s past if she is to move forward and allow herself to love and be loved. Starring Issa Rae and LaKeith Stanfield, with Chanté Adams, Y’lan Noel, Rob Morgan, Lil Rel Howery, and Courtney B. Vance. This seems a bit unconventional which is great, not the usual romantic drama, it's worth a look. ›››

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Second Trailer for Blumhouse's Sinister 'Fantasy Island' Horror Movie

"The island is twisting our fantasies!" Sony has unveiled the second trailer for the freaky new Fantasy Island movie, based on the classic 70s TV show of the same name. This update is actually a horror movie produced by Jason Blum's iconic Blumhouse. Michael Peña stars Mr. Roarke, who invites guests to his exclusive island resort to fulfill their fantasies - they can only choose one. But they may never come home from this vacation when their fantasies start to turn into nightmares. The main cast includes Lucy Hale, Maggie Q, Portia Doubleday, Jimmy O. Yang, Ryan Hansen, Kim Coates, and Michael Rooker. The first trailer was pretty solid, this one is just a bit better, but I'm still not sure if this going to be any good in the end. It still seems a bit too campy and obvious, but perhaps there's some good twists. Check this out. ›››

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Thrilling US Trailer for Stunning Chinese Noir 'The Wild Goose Lake'

"The reward goes to my wife. Can I trust you?" Film Movement has debuted the first official trailer for The Wild Goose Lake, a stunningly gorgeous modern noir gangster film from China. This premiered at the Cannes Film Festival last year, and stopped by the Toronto and New York Film Festivals in the film. Hu Ge plays a gangster named Zhou Zenong on the run, who sacrifices everything for his family and a woman he meets while on the lam. This features "gorgeous, neon-drenched cinematography and bursts of shocking, expertly choreographed action." I caught this in Cannes and loved it, the cinematography is some of the best I've ever seen (read my full review). Also starring Lun-Mei Kwei, Fan Liao, Regina Wan, Dao Qi, Hua Hua, and Jue Huang. Highly recommend discovering this gem to anyone else that digs slick noir thrillers. ›››

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Official UK Trailer for Scottish Coming-of-Age Dramedy 'Our Ladies'

"It was an innocent time. Back in the days when anything was possible." Sony Pictures has revealed the first official UK trailer for Our Ladies, a Scottish coming-of-age dramedy adapted from a book titled "The Sopranos." Set in the 1990s in Scotland, the film is about a group of Catholic school girls get an opportunity to go into Edinburgh for a choir competition, but they're more interested in drinking, partying and hooking up than winning the competition. Described as a "must see riot of girl power" in one review quoted in this trailer. This Scottish coming-of-age stars Tallulah Greive, Abigail Lawrie, Marli Siu, Sally Messham, Rona Morison, Eve Austin, Stuart Martin, Jack Greenlees, and Kate Dickie. Looks like a fun time, and an empowering story about growing up and figuring out what kind of life you want to live. Give it a look. ›››

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Barry Keoghan in Trailer for British Crime Film 'Calm With Horses'

"Have you heard about this fella?" Altitude has unveiled an official UK trailer for Calm With Horses, a British crime thriller about an Irish enforcer living in "darkest rural Ireland". This premiered at the Toronto Film Festival last year, and it also played at the Busan, London, and FilmBath Festivals. Ex-boxer Douglas "Arm" Armstrong, played by Cosmo Jarvis, is the faithful and violent right-hand man to the drug-dealing Devers clan, ready to dole out beatings at the whim of his friend. His struggle to find his place in the world has consequences on his relationship with his ex-girlfriend Ursula. Torn between these two families, Arm's loyalties are tested when he is asked to kill for the first time. Also starring Barry Keoghan, Niamh Algar, Ned Dennehy, Hazel Doupe, David Wilmot, and Kiljan Moroney. Looks like a solid, brutal thriller. ›››

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Sundance 2020: Edson Oda's 'Nine Days' is Heart-Pounding Cinema

This is it. This is the film I was waiting for. This is the one-of-a-kind masterpiece of the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. Nine Days is a magnificently moving, original work of art. An extraordinary film that dares us to re-examine our lives, and rediscover all the little moments that matter. It is heart-pounding cinema, soul-stirring, life-affirming cinema. It's a very ambitious, original concept that is beautifully realized by writer / director Edson Oda and his entire team on and off screen. Nine Days is one of those rare films that, to me, is perfect. There is not a single frame I would change or alter or remove. I do not need more or less. Every second of this film is perfect. Every shot important, every glance vital. It's a film that left me invigorated and exhilarated, ready to go out and tackle the world, ready to live my life with even more confidence than ever. ›››

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New US Trailer for Freaky Thriller 'Swallow' Starring Haley Bennett

"Are you happy? Or are you pretending to be happy…?" IFC Films has released a brand new, official US trailer for a freaky indie psychological thriller titled Swallow, from writer/director Carlo Mirabella-Davis. This premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival last year, and also played at Fantastic Fest and Fantasia. Haley Bennett stars as Hunter, a newly pregnant housewife, who finds herself increasingly compelled to consume dangerous objects. As her husband & his family tighten their control over her life, she must confront the dark secret behind her obsession. The cast includes Austin Stowell, Elizabeth Marvel, David Rasche, Luna Lauren Velez, Zabryna Guevara, as well as Denis O'Hare. One quote compares this to Fincher. It looks very upsetting with all the swallowing, but that's what makes it a crazy concept. Check it out below. ›››

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Fun Trailer for 'Holly Slept Over' with Nathalie Emmanuel & Britt Lower

"It's not about Holly! This is about us." Sony has released an official trailer for a quirky, funky comedy titled Holly Slept Over, which is premiering straight-to-VOD in early March coming up. This is one of those fantasies-yet-reality films about a husband who learns that his wife once slept with her college roommate. The story also explores their relationship struggles while trying to conceive, their friends who have lost their spark, and the tension that ensues when an old college roommate stays over for the weekend. Starring Josh Lawson, Nathalie Emmanuel, Britt Lower, Erinn Hayes, and Ron Livingston. This comedy looks a bit better than average, but still plenty cheesy, plus we've seen plenty of stories like this before. Take a look. ›››

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One More Short New Trailer for Disney's 'Mulan' Movie with Liu Yifei

"Ancestors, please protect her…" Disney has debuted another new TV trailer, only 60 seconds long, for their live-action Mulan movie opening at the end of March in theaters everywhere. This latest preview plays like a cut down version of the most recent full-length trailer, with just a few extra shots throw in. This live-action update of Mulan is directed by Niki Caro (Whale Rider, McFarland USA, and The Zookeeper's Wife) and stars Liu Yifei as the legendary Hua Mulan. It's adapted directly from the original 1998 animated movie, about a young Chinese maiden who disguises herself as a male warrior in order to fight and save her father. Set in China during the Han dynasty, she takes her father's place to fight off an incoming Hun invasion. The cast includes Jet Li, Donnie Yen, Yoson An, Gong Li, Jason Scott Lee, Tzi Ma, Ron Yuan, Jimmy Wong, Rosalind Chao, and Utkarsh Ambudkar. This continues to look better than everyone expected. ›››

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Sundance 2020: Espionage True Story 'Ironbark' is a Moving Thriller

Sometimes a friendship can change the world. Ironbark is a film that doesn't really fit into the Sundance Film Festival, but that doesn't really matter. It's not the typical independent, quirky, contemporary work of cinema that you'd expect to see in Park City in January. But it's still a damn good film. Perhaps even better than many of the other films playing at Sundance that aren't as taut and intriguing and moving as this one. Ironbark is based on a true story, a 60s espionage thriller the same vein as Bridge of Spies about how an unlikely international friendship between two people saved the world. It's a fantastic film, better than I was expecting considering it's just about two spies, and it seriously moved me - I was almost in tears by the end. ›››

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Sundance 2020: Justin Simien's Haunted Hair Horror Film 'Bad Hair'

Step aside zombies and ghosts, haunted hair is going to be all the rage in 2020. And I'm not talking about The Ring. The immensely talented writer / director Justin Simien is back at the Sundance Film Festival with his second feature film (following his directorial debut Dear White People premiering at the festival in 2014). His new film is called Bad Hair, a major horror moment introducing us to a new horror concept - haunted hair weaves. The film goes all out with that haunted hair concept, perhaps indulging a bit too much, but nonetheless this still feels like a landmark film in the horror genre. It definitely will not be for everyone, because not all of us have had to deal with nappy hair, but that's also exactly why this film rules. It's original and creative and clever and specific, and introduces us to Elle Lorraine as Anna and her haunted weaves. ›››

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Ben Platt in First Trailer for Political Journalism Film 'Run This Town'

"Funny, furious, and surprisingly accurate." Quiver Dist. has debuted the first official trailer for Run This Town, an indie dramedy that initially premiered at the SXSW Film Festival last year, and also played at the Traverse City and Napa Valley Film Festivals last year. A young journalist and a young political aide become entangled in a larger-than-life political scandal as they struggle to navigate adult life living in Toronto. Like all their friends, Bram and Kamal are struggling to climb the ladders at their respective workplaces: Bram at a newspaper, Kamal at City Hall. When Bram learns of a scandal involving Kamal’s larger-than-life boss, he seizes the moment to advance his career. The film stars Ben Platt, Mena Massoud, Nina Dobrev, Scott Speedman, Gil Bellows, along with Jennifer Ehle and Damian Lewis. This is a particularly intriguing trailer, I like the cold opening and the flashes of people at the end. Sometimes it's all you need to sell a film. ›››

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Watch: A Cartoon Rabbit Contemplates Life in Dark Short 'Afterwork'

The endless routine of a monotonous life. It gets us all. Afterwork is an animated short film from Ecuador made by filmmakers Luis Usón and Andrés Aguilar. It premiered at numerous film festivals in 2017 and won a handful of awards, now it's finally online for everyone to watch. This depressing riff on the Coyote & Road Runner and old "Looney Tunes" cartoons is about a cartoon rabbit who goes to work every day chasing a carrot, but he can never catch it. Of course. The film mixes animation styles to show us his life outside of "work" - how dull and lonely it really is. A cautionary tale and wake up call to teach us that no matter how glamorous things seem at work, there's more to life than just that job. Beware: this short is a bit depressing. ›››

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'The Mountains Are a Dream that Call to Me' Interview + Poster Debut

We are proud to premiere this beautiful official poster art for the film The Mountains Are a Dream that Call to Me, an indie feature screening in the NEXT section at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival this month. Set in Nepal, the lovely, poetic film is about two people who cross paths on the trekking routes in the Annapurna region. One is a young Nepali heading down from the mountains with plans to leave and move to Dubai. The other is an Australian woman escaping life and a recent loss to find relief in the grandeur and beauty of the Himalayas. The film is worthy of our attention and I want to support it as much as I can, not only because we don't often see films from Nepal, but also because it's just a beautiful film about mountains. ›››

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First Trailer for Jon Stewart's New Film 'Irresistible' with Steve Carell

"I am telling you guys, Jack could be the real deal." Focus Features has debuted the first official trailer for Jon Stewart's latest film, titled Irresistible, his second feature following Rosewater in 2014. The tagline already drops a provocative tease: "Jon Stewart is back, and he has something to say." The film is about a Democrat strategist who helps a retired veteran run for mayor in a small, conservative Midwest town. Steve Carell stars as Gary Zimmer, who tries to get an unexpected ex-Marine local elected to office in Wisconsin. This also stars Chris Cooper, Topher Grace, Natasha Lyonne, Mackenzie Davis, CJ Wilson and Will Sasso. It seems pretty damn good so far, in my opinion. Hopefully it's as provocative as it sounds, an entertaining yet stirring look at the many flaws in America's democracy. Recommend giving this one a look. ›››

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James Norton is Gareth Jones in New US Trailer for 'Mr. Jones' Film

"You will retract the statements to the press immediately." "Or they will shoot our engineers?" Goldwyn Films has debuted an official US trailer for Mr. Jones, a film by Polish filmmaker Agnieszka Holland (of Europa Europa, Washington Square, Spoor). This first premiered at the Berlin Film Festival last year, and stopped by numerous other international film festivals - a true story about a great writer. Mr. Jones brings to the screen the extraordinary and powerful story of the real-life Welsh journalist who uncovered Stalin's genocidal famine in Ukraine in the 1930s, which killed almost 10 million. Before WWII begins, he travels first into Russia, then down to Ukraine, becoming the first to break the news in the western media of the government-created famine in the Soviet Union. Starring James Norton as Gareth Jones; and he's joined by Vanessa Kirby, Peter Sarsgaard, Joseph Mawle, Kenneth Cranham, Celyn Jones, Krzysztof Pieczynski, Fenella Woolgar, and Martin Bishop. An important film about the necessity of journalism. ›››

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New US Trailer for 'Premature' Starring Zora Howard & Joshua Boon

"You don't want me to stay?" IFC Films has released a new US trailer for an New York City indie romantic drama titled Premature, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival one year ago. It also went on to play the San Francisco, Dallas, Montclair, Seattle, London, Denver, and Hawaii Film Festivals. Premature a romantic drama in the vein of If Beale Street Could Talk or Blue Valentine. Set in Harlem, Zora Howard stars as a young woman who meets "handsome and mysterious outsider" Isaiah, played by Joshua Boone. Then "her entire world is turned upside down on her path towards self-discovery as she travails the rigorous terrain of young love the summer before she leaves for college." Of course. Also starring Michelle Wilson, Alexis Marie Wint, Imani Lewis, & Tashiana Washington. This looks particularly sweet and honest. ›››

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Claes Bang & Elizabeth Debicki in 'The Burnt Orange Heresy' Trailer

"Think of the splash it would make… No critic has spoken to this guy in over 50 years." Sony Classics has revealed an official trailer for the film The Burnt Orange Heresy, an adaptation of a classic novel about the art world written by Charles Willeford. This premiered at the Venice Film Festival last year at the end of the festival, a delightful surprise (here's my review). Claes Bang stars as an art critic who gets in over his head when he's invited by an eccentric collector to his villa near Lake Como, only to learn there's a long lost painter hiding out in the guest house. His affair with an American woman, played by Elizabeth Debicki, complicates things further. The eccentric cast includes Mick Jagger, Donald Sutherland, and Rosalind Halstead. This is another trailer that gives away too much, but I love this film and must support it anyway. ›››

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Official Trailer for 'Created Equal: Clarence Thomas in His Own Words'

"If you take anger out of my heart… I'll never hate again." Blue Fox Ent. has released a new official trailer for the documentary Created Equal: Clarence Thomas in His Own Words, about the Supreme Court justice and his entire career in law and politics. Although Clarence Thomas remains a controversial figure, loved by some, reviled by others, few know much more than the news headlines as well as the recollections of his contentious confirmation battle with Anita Hill in 1991. Yet, the personal odyssey of Clarence Thomas is a classic American story and it should be better known and understood. This doc film tells the Clarence Thomas story truly and fully: "unscripted and without narration, the documentary takes the viewer through this complex and often painful life, dealing with race, faith, power, jurisprudence, and personal resilience." Sounds like a compelling watch! Even if you don't care for him much. Take a look at the new trailer below. ›››

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Watch: Space Battle Sci-Fi Short Film 'Sky Fighter' by Lukas Kendall

"Why hack the ships when you can hack the pilots?" Dust has debuted an impressive new sci-fi short film titled Sky Fighter, available to watch in full for free today on their YouTube channel. This dense 15-minute short is about two pilots fight a war in the distant future in their fighter-bomber spacecraft. But is the true enemy their alien opponent…or each other? This is just a few notches above the usual homemade sci-fi, with an awesome set and some fantastic VFX work throughout. There's one incredible shot when they finally get a look out of a window. I love when filmmakers go all out reminding us what space is really like and in order to leave us in complete awe. Sky Fighter stars Tom Maden, Jess Gabor, and Erik Palladino. There's also a killer score by Bobby Villarreal to go along with the visuals. Highly recommend giving this your time. ›››

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Margaret Qualley in Olivia Wilde's Short Film 'Wake Up' Official Trailer

"I need to get out of here!" An official trailer has arrived online for a new short film made by actress-turned-filmmaker Olivia Wilde, director of the hit movie Booksmart. The short is premiering in Park City, Utah during the Sundance Film Festival, but is not an official selection in the festival. It's showing simultaneously because why not (it's also "Presented by HP", a corporate sponsor using this short as marketing). Wake Up stars Margaret Qualley (Pussycat from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) as a "Jane Doe" who is forced to rediscover her humanity in an increasingly digital world. It's yet another film that's trying to be a cautionary commentary about how everyone is obsessed with their phones and the digital world. Check this out below. ›››

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Trailer for Dee Rees' 'The Last Thing He Wanted' with Anne Hathaway

"In a perfect world, we make perfect choices. In the real world, we make real choices." Netflix has debuted an official trailer for the highly anticipated film by acclaimed filmmaker Dee Rees, director of Mudbound and Pariah previously. This is premiering at the Sundance Film Festival before being released by Netflix. The Last Thing He Wanted is an adaptation of Joan Didion's novel about an intrepid journalist named Elena McMahon. Anne Hathaway stars as Elena, a veteran Washington D.C. journalist who loses the thread of her own narrative when a guilt-propelled errand for her father thrusts her from byline to subject in the very story she is trying to break. Also starring Ben Affleck, Willem Dafoe, Rosie Perez, Toby Jones, Mel Rodriguez, Edi Gathegi, Carlos Leal, Laura Niemi, and Onata Aprile. This looks like a riveting thriller, another great ode to journalism and the willpower of those who risk everything to report the truth. ›››

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Jesse Eisenberg & Imogen Poots in First Official Trailer for 'Vivarium'

"Did we just do some kind of loop?" Saban Films has unveiled the trailer for the indie sci-fi psychological thriller Vivarium, which first premiered at the Cannes FIlm Festival last year in the Critics Week sidebar. This fantastic "Black Mirror"-esque thriller has been picking up some great buzz playing around the festival circuit last year, including at Fantastic Fest and Sitges. In search of a starter home, a young couple follow a mysterious estate agent to a nice home. There they find themselves trapped in a mysterious labyrinth-like neighborhood of identical houses. Jesse Eisenberg & Imogen Poots star, and it's pretty much just these two most of the film, along with Jonathan Aris. I saw this in Cannes and loved it, writing a glowing review saying it's "clever and captivating… twisted, minimal sci-fi" done right. Be warned - this trailer reveals a lot. ›››

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Second Trailer for Netflix's 'To All The Boys P.S. I Still Love You' Sequel

"I didn't want to be thinking about 'what might of been'… but I was." Netflix has released a second official trailer for the romantic comedy To All The Boys P.S. I Still Love You, the highly anticipated sequel to To All the Boys I've Loved Before. It's debuting on Netflix in just a few weeks, right in time for Valentine's Day. P.S. I Still Love You picks up where the first left off - Lara and Peter are officially in a relationship until another recipient of one of her old love letters enters the picture. She must rely on herself more than ever before when she's confronted with her first real dilemma: Can a girl be in love with two boys at once? Lana Condor returns as Lara, with Noah Centineo, Jordan Fisher, Anna Cathcart, Janel Parrish, John Corbett, Sarayu Blue, Ross Butler, Madeleine Arthur, Emilija Baranc, & Trezzo Mahoro. This looks extra cheesy, and superbly cliche, but it might be just the kind of schmaltz some of you are looking for. ›››

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Stephon Marbury Profiled in Trailer for 'A Kid From Coney Island' Doc

"Forget about basketball. It wasn't about basketball anymore…" 1091 has released a full trailer for a sports documentary about basketball player Stephon Marbury. The doc is called A Kid From Coney Island and it premiered at last year's Tribeca Film Festival. For those who don't know, here's his story: "Marbury, now 42, grew up in the housing projects of Coney Island, New York [City], and watched as his three college basketball-playing brothers fail[ed] to make the pros. Eventually, he made his way to the NBA, playing for 12 seasons from 1996 to 2009 for teams including the New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves. In 2010, Marbury moved to China to play professionally in the Chinese Basketball Association, becoming a six-time All-Star." Not everyone is happy with this choice, but he's an inspiration to many all over the world. ›››

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Trailer for Pixar's 'Lamp Life' Short Film About Bo Peep's Adventures

"Overall, life on a baby lamp isn't that exciting… Or maybe – too exciting…!" Pixar has unveiled the trailer for a brand new animated short film that is arriving on Disney+ streaming at the end of this month. Lamp Life is a fun short film that explains where Bo Peep went and the adventures she was involved in before re-appearing in Pixar's Toy Story 4 (released last summer). It sounds like they've got Annie Potts back as the voice of Bo Peep, giving us a look at her life on top of a baby lamp with sheep at her side. It's no surprise this looks wonderful, since Pixar has been making marvelous short films for decades. I'm excited to watch it. ›››

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Daniel Radcliffe in US Trailer for South Africa's 'Escape from Pretoria'

"This is how we fight!" Momentum Pictures has released a new official US trailer for the true story thriller Escape from Pretoria, opening in March (on VOD) at the same time as the UK release. The film is about two white South Africans, imprisoned in 1978 for working covert operations for Nelson Mandela's banned ANC. They attempt to escape from the notorious white man's Pretoria Prison, known as "Robben Island", the same place former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela was imprisoned before. Starring Daniel Radcliffe and Daniel Webber as the two leads, with a cast including Ian Hart, Nathan Page, Stephen Hunter, Mark Leonard Winter, Jeanette Cronin, David Wilson, and Ratidzo Mambo. Based on a true story, of course. This looks as good as it did in the UK trailer, a gripping thriller with an inspiring story. ›››

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Watch: Outstanding 'Kenobi' Star Wars Fan Film Starring Jamie Costa

"The Empire doesn't know we're here. And they never will." While we wait for the official Obi-Wan Kenobi series Lucasfilm is developing (despite rumors it was scrapped, it is still in the works) there's an outstanding fan film to watch. Kenobi is a beautifully realized 18-minute short about Ben Kenobi living on Tatooine. Similar to the upcoming series, the film is about Ben protecting Luke when he's young, living in the desert watching over him from afar. Jamie Costa stars as Kenobi, with a cast including Tommy Snider as Owen Lars, Maxine Phoenix as Beru, Audie Rick as Luke, and James Arnold Taylor as Captain Leegus. This short has a lovely score, some great FX, and a fantastic performance by Costa. Highly recommend watching. ›››

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Second Trailer for Isolated Horror Film 'The Lodge' with Riley Keough

"I heard something…" Neon has released the second trailer for the indie horror film The Lodge, which initially premiered at the Sundance Film Festival one year ago. This highly anticipated film is the follow-up to Goodnight Mommy, from Austrian filmmakers Severin Fiala & Veronika Franz, and is their first English-language feature. A soon-to-be stepmom is snowed in at a lodge with her fiancé's two children near a remote holiday village. Just as relations begin to thaw between the trio, strange and frightening events take place. The horror film stars Richard Armitage, Alicia Silverstone, Riley Keough, Jaeden Lieberher, and Lia McHugh. This earned some rave reviews, but others say it's a bit too similar to Hereditary. Still worth a watch if you're into unsettling horror, and it's a good winter film about kids trapped in a snowed-in lodge. ›››

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Sing with Taylor Swift in First Trailer for 'Miss Americana' Documentary

"She's using her voice in a whole new way." Netflix has unveiled an official trailer for Miss Americana, the documentary about Taylor Swift and her transitional years recently finding her own voice in life. This is premiering at the Sundance Film Festival as one of the Opening Day films this week. It will be available to watch on Netflix at the end of this month, not too long of a wait. The doc "offers a multifaceted window into Swift, her creative process, and her singular experience of being one of the brightest lights on the world's global stage. Showcasing Swift's trademark vulnerability and her fierce intelligence and wit, Wilson captures moments both tender and exhilarating." Sounds & looks like an empowering film about a vibrant musician. ›››

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New Trailer for 4K Restoration of Horace B. Jenkins' 'Cane River' Film

"Rare and fantastic, its raw subject matters echoes in films of the present day…" Oscilloscope Labs has released a new trailer for a long lost film titled Cane River, which has been found and restored to 4K and will be re-released in theaters next month. This "lyrical, visionary film disappeared for decades after Jenkins died suddenly following the film's completion [in 1982], robbing generations of a talented, vibrant new voice in African-American cinema. Available now for the first time in forty years in a brand-new, state-of-the-art 4k restoration." Set in Natchitoches Parish, a free community of color in Louisiana, the film is about the romance between two African-Americans who come from different class backgrounds. Starring Tommye Myrick, Richard Romain, Carol Sutton, and Barbara Tasker. This is definitely a one-of-a-kind film. ›››

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Official Trailer for Annie Silverstein's Acclaimed Cannes Drama 'Bull'

"You see that bull… think he just goin crazy, right?" Samuel Goldwyn Films has debuted an official trailer for Bull, an indie drama that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival last year. It also played at a few other festivals including Deauville, Haifa, Stockholm, Ljubljana, and Tallinn Black Nights last year. The first narrative feature made by doc filmmaker Annie Silverstein, Bull is set on the outskirts of Houston, TX in a a near-abandoned subdivision. The story follows a teen reeling from her mom's incarceration, and an aging bullfighter struggling to keep a foothold in the rodeo circuit, who form an unlikely bond and attempt to right their own paths. The film stars Amber Havard, Rob Morgan, Yolonda Ross, Keira Bennett, Karla Garbelotto, Troy Anthony Hogan. This is a really beautiful trailer for what looks to be a powerful film. ›››

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Sundance 2020: My 10 Most Anticipated Films - Let's Start Watching

Back to Sundance we go for another year of discovery. What's on the line-up this year? Out of the 120+ films showing at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, I've chosen 10 that I'm looking forward to seeing the most. To keep things well balanced, I've chosen 5 feature films and 5 documentaries from the line-up. There are so many films playing at the fest, and so many I'll end up seeing (30+), that this is a quick list to get everyone acquainted with some of the work premiering in 2020 (I just want to go see everything). There are new films from filmmakers like Dee Rees, Benh Zeitlin, and tons of fascinating documentaries that are also worthy of attention, plus many other films. You never really know what will good or bad, but here's my first few picks. ›››

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Watch: Aardman's Save-the-Oceans Animated Short 'Turtle Journey'

"Our oceans sustain all life on Earth — now they need us to protect them." Aardman Animations has made a new short film for Greenpeace titled Turtle Journey, a family roadtrip short about a family of sea turtles heading home and discovering changes on the way back. It's sad what we've done to destroy the oceans. The short is attached to a petition for US audiences to reach out to Evan Bloom, the State Department Director of Ocean and Polar Affairs, to agree to action on the United Nation's plans for an intragovernmental Global Ocean Treaty. Whatever we can do to make difference. The film was created by Greenpeace and Aardman, along with special guests Jim Carter, Olivia Colman, David Harbour, Giovanna Lancellotti, Helen Mirren, and Bella Ramsey. And remember: we can't change the past. But we can demand a better future. ›››

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First US Trailer for Surfer + Fireman Anime Romance 'Ride Your Wave'

"If you stay with your head underwater, you'll never learn to ride the waves." GKids has released the first official US trailer for the latest anime from beloved Japanese filmmaker Masaaki Yuasa, of the films The Night Is Short Walk on Girl and Lu Over the Wall previously. This already premiered in Japan last summer, and is playing for only one night in the US in theaters before arriving on VOD. This cute romance is about a surfer and firefighter that meet and fall in love. The Japanese title translates to When Riding a Wave, With You, and the film is described as "a deeply emotional new film that applies his trademark visual ingenuity to a tale of romance, grief and self-discovery." It looks spunky and adorable. Featuring the voices of Ryôta Katayose, Rina Kawaei, Honoka Matsumoto, & Kentarô Itô. Reviews say it's "a charming & heartfelt story about loss and clinging to life… [with characters] that may even teach you something about yourself." ›››

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Alison Brie in First Trailer for 'Horse Girl' Film Premiering at Sundance

"I know that it sounds crazy, okay? I know that it sounds really crazy but it just feels really real." Netflix has unveiled an official trailer for an indie drama titled Horse Girl, which is premiering at the Sundance Film Festival this month - then arriving on Netflix a few weeks later. Directed by Jeff Baena, Horse Girl is a darkly humorous psychological thriller about a woman's search for the truth, "however abstract it may be." Sarah, a rather awkward woman with a fondness for crafts, horses, and supernatural crime shows, finds her increasingly lucid dreams trickling into her waking life. Alison Brie stars, and co-wrote the script; the film was also executive produced by Jay & Mark Duplass. The cast also includes Debby Ryan, John Reynolds, Molly Shannon, John Ortiz, Paul Reiser, and Jay Duplass. Seems like a quirky, compelling little film. ›››

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Second Trailer for Thriller 'The Rhythm Section' Starring Blake Lively

"I'm going to do this my way." Paramount has debuted a second official trailer for The Rhythm Section, an adaptation of the best-selling novel - the first book from the "Stephanie Patrick Thrillers" series by Mark Burnell. The Rhythm Section is described as an international spy thriller about a woman who takes on the identity of an assassin in order to seek out and get revenge on those who orchestrated a plane crash that killed her family. She is trained, then goes out on her own to find them. Blake Lively stars as Stephanie Patrick, along with Jude Law, Max Casella, Daniel Mays, Richard Brake, Raza Jaffrey, Tawfeek Barhom, and Sterling K. Brown. This actually looks pretty damn cool. I've been looking forward to this, and I hope it's as exhilarating as these trailers make it look. And now we know what the title is referencing. ›››

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First Trailer for 'Coda' Starring Patrick Stewart as a Famous Pianist

"So just play, Henry… Play for them. I'll be listening…" Gravitas Ventures has debuted an official trailer for indie drama called Coda, the feature directorial debut of writer turned filmmaker named Claude Lalonde. This premiered at a film festival last year but hasn't shown up anywhere else, and will be released on VOD at the end of this month. Patrick Stewart stars as a famous pianist struggling with stage fright and sadness late in his career finds inspiration with a free-spirited music critic he connects with. Katie Holmes plays the critic, named Helen, and the cast includes Giancarlo Esposito, Letitia Brookes, and Drew Davis. Never heard of this film before, which is strange, but it looks rather sweet. Always like films about pianists. ›››

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Watch: Javier Marco's Acclaimed Short 'Uno' Set on a Fishing Boat

"Is Mourad okay? Did he get there okay?" There is so much power in short filmmaking. Uno is another extraordinary example of a short film that hits you hard and it takes place entirely on one small fishing boat. Directed by Spanish filmmaker Javier Marco, this short film has been winning awards at film festivals all over the world for the past two years and is now available to watch online. Many filmmakers recently have been making films about the refugee crisis, and each one of the films is vital and important. This one is just as meaningful, crafted with empathy and understanding. These are all people with families and dreams and hopes, too. Uno stars Pedro Casablanc and Manuel Toro. A must watch 10-minute short - view it below. ›››

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Official Trailer for 'We Are The Dream: Kids of Oakland MLK Oratorical'

"We fight today, we fight tomorrow!" HBO has launched an official trailer for a documentary titled We Are The Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical, launching on HBO next month. This trailer is debuting on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and arrives on HBO in February during Black History Month. Focusing on the Oakland Unified School District's MLK Oratorical Festival in California—one of many oratorical competitions that take place across the country—the film follows students from schools across the city in the months leading up to the 40th annual festival as they hone their speeches, hoping for a coveted spot in the finals. Through interviews with the contestants and scenes of rehearsals and performances, the film reveals the deep connection these students make between King's words and the world they live in. The doc is executive produced by Mahershala Ali, Amatus Karim Ali, Mimi Valdés, Julie Anderson. Take a look. ›››

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Mark Wahlberg & Alan Arkin in First Trailer for 'Spenser Confidential'

"It's time you tell me what's really going on here." Netflix has debuted the first official trailer for Spenser Confidential, the latest film from the actor-director team-up Peter Berg and Mark Wahlberg (of Lone Survivor, Deepwater Horizon, Patriots Day, Mile 22). Based on the "Wonderland" book series, Wahlberg plays an ex-cop named Spenser, of course. Just out of prison and trying to escape Boston, he is sucked back into Boston's criminal underbelly when two Boston Police officers are murdered. He teams up with his no-nonsense roommate, Hawk, to take down some criminals in this Boston crime world action-comedy. Also starring Winston Duke, Alan Arkin, Colleen Camp, Bokeem Woodbine, Michael Gaston, Marc Maron, Iliza Shlesinger, with an appearance by Post Malone. This looks like exactly what you'd expect from Peter Berg, which nowadays means some forgettable action nonsense. Berg keeps churning these out. ›››

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