KVIFF 2025: Intriguing Belgian Mom Thriller 'Kika' with Manon Clavel

When it comes to making art house films, the filmmaking matters just as much as the story being told. The quality of the filmmaking, the style & techniques utilized throughout, the choices with regards to each shot and with music & dialogue, how it's edited together and how it all flows, all of this can make or break a film. A good story won't be effective without good filmmaking, and stirring filmmaking can elevate a generic story into something riveting and unforgettable. Kika is another intriguing discovery found in the 2025 Karlovy Vary Film Festival (aka KVIFF) selection this year. It initially premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in the Critics' Week sidebar, but I only caught up with it at this festival in Czechia. Whenever I come across an impressive film like this, I'm always glad I took the time to watch it. You never know what you'll find! Kika is a film about a desperate Belgian woman who tries out sex work and exploiting kinks to make some fast cash. Ultimately it is about both strength and vulnerability, and finding out what it takes to move forward. // Continue Reading ›

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Fun Teaser for Johnny Cage 'Uncaged Fury' Movie in 'Mortal Kombat II'

"They should've brought more guys..." Warner Bros unveils a quick teaser for a fake movie titled Uncaged Fury, starring martial arts actor Johnny Cage. Yep this is a viral marketing in-universe joke trailer made for the upcoming Mortal Kombat II sequel - which lands in theaters this October. The first trailer drops tomorrow. WB sent out some sneaky viral packages to fans containing sunglasses and an old DVD copy of the "Uncaged Fury" movie. In the MK2 universe, Karl Urban plays Johnny Cage (they even made a fake IMDb page for him) - apparently he also starred in the "surprisingly heartwarming" Bonnie & Cage before. "Prepare for the return of Johnny F. Cage. The F stands for... Fantastically handsome. This Uncaged Fury features Cage getting pissed and fighting a bunch of bad guys because they F'ed with his shades. You see, he really loves his sunglasses, so don't mess with them. Ahaha. Well, this is pretty cool! There's also an official website for this fake movie found right here. I'm glad WB is embracing a full-on viral marketing concept like this - sending out boxes & pretending it's all real. Stay tuned for footage from the actual MK2 movie as well. // Continue Reading ›

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New Trailer for 'Mr. Wonderful' with Michael Madsen in His Final Role

"I wonder if I ever really, truly knew him at all?" DBS Films & Buffalo Speedway Film have revealed the first look official trailer for Mr. Wonderful, a new film from director Mark David. It's premiering at film festivals soon and doesn't have a final release set yet but they're releasing this anyway. Sadly the film now features the final performance from the terrific actor Michael Madsen, who just passed away a few weeks ago. They want to share this trailer anyway with Madsen's fans. "Experience a story that spans generations and touches the heart of what it means to be family." Mr. Wonderful tells the story of three generations of men – a millennial on the run from a drug dealer; his father, a jaded professor trying to keep his job; and the family patriarch fighting senility – struggling to find meaning in life as well as their connection to each other. Based on the novel of the same name. Starring Michael Madsen as Brian Fenton, joined by Robert Miano, Brittany Underwood, Kate Hodge, Lew Temple, Bradley Striker, and Priscilla Barnes. It looks like a very emotional family story with a number of strong performances in it. Add it to your watchlist. // Continue Reading ›

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Doc Film 'A Savage Art: The Life & Cartoons of Pat Oliphant' Trailer

"You haven't really made it in Washington, until Pat Oliphant has made fun of you." Magnolia Pictures has revealed the full official trailer for a documentary film titled A Savage Art: The Life & Cartoons of Pat Oliphant, arriving in theaters starting in September this fall. This recently premiered at the DC/DOX Film Festival in Washington DC. A Savage Art film chronicles the incredible life & career of political cartoonist Patrick Oliphant, aka Pat, spanning fifty years and ten U.S. presidents. It features interviews with Pat, his family, friends, and colleagues, alongside archival footage and hundreds of his distinctive cartoons. The film also provides a concise history of political cartoons, illustrating their significance and influence on Pat and other cartoonists. It underscores why, in today's era of political polarization & corporate media control, political cartoonists like Oliphant remain crucial in holding power accountable. It's a timely documentary on this renowned political cartoonist - originally from Australia, he's now 89 years old. Looks like he really was one of the best to ever do it. I want to pause on every last one of his comics just to laugh at them even more. // Continue Reading ›

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Hulu Trailer for 'Red Eye' Airplane Thriller Series w/ Richard Armitage

"If it is murder, then the killer is still onboard." Hulu has debuted a new official US trailer for their release of the thriller series Red Eye, arriving for streaming in the US on Hulu starting this July. Made by Sony TV in the UK, this first played on ITVX in the UK in April last year. They're already working on Season 2 while everyone in the US catches up with the first six intense episodes. Not to be confused with horror cult classic film Red Eye (2005) with Cillian Murphy & Rachel McAdams. The series takes place during an all-night flight between London & Beijing after a British man is extradited to China on suspicion of murder. London police officer DC Hana Li is escorting Matthew Nolan back to Beijing where he has been accused of a crime. However, on board flight 357, she finds herself embroiled in an escalating conspiracy and a growing number of murders. This stars Jing Lusi as Detective Hana Li, Richard Armitage as Dr. Matthew Nolan, along with Lesley Sharp, Jemma Moore, Dan Li, Cash Holland, Tai Yin Chan, & many other passengers. This also reminds me of the other airplane thriller series Hijack with Idris Elba out recently. Tray tables up. // Continue Reading ›

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European Love Story Film 'The Map That Leads To You' Official Trailer

"It's not up to use to decide which moment is perfect, and which moment isn't..." So who is it up to then? Amazon has unveiled an official trailer for a romantic drama film titled The Map That Leads To You, ready for streaming on Prime Video in August later this summer. This love story is based on the same book by J.P. Monninger. "A breathtaking novel about love, loss, and the best-laid plans that are meant to be broken." The film follows Heather, a young woman traveling around Europe with her friends before starting her perfectly planned life. A chance meeting with Jack sparks an unexpected romance which leads to deep emotional discovery. As secrets and life choices test their bond, her path changes forever. It's "about love, destiny, and the courage to choose your own path." Starring Madelyn Cline as Heather & KJ Apa as Jack, with Josh Lucas, Madison Thompson, Sofia Wylie, Marilyn Cutts, & Orlando Norman. This film definitely has Before Sunrise/Sunset vibes: meeting him on a train, gallivanting around European cities and falling in love & missing each other. Otherwise still looks like the typical cliche young love story these days. // Continue Reading ›

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Official Trailer for 'Hollywood Grit' Feat. Max Martini & Tyrese Gibson

"I can only protect you... before all this starts looking suspicious." An official trailer has debuted for an indie film titled Hollywood Grit, the first feature by director Ryan Curtis. It will arrive exclusively in (art house) theaters around the US later in August. Hollywood Grit is a moody, neon-drenched mystery diving into the shadows of Los Angeles. A hard-boiled detective. A missing daughter. Corruption at every turn. This is noir brought to life with grit, style, and the pulse of a city that never forgives. "Betrayal, ambition, and one man’s fight to uncover the truth." At its heart, this is a story about family, failure, and the cost of ambition. Max Martini stars as "Grit" Thorn - when his daughter vanishes from a Hollywood jazz club, a detective must battle mobsters, starlets, and his own demons to unearth the sinister truth lurking behind LA's neon lights. Hollywood Grit invites you to experience Los Angeles as both dream and nightmare—where every promise comes with a price, and every shadow hides another secret. Also starring Tyrese Gibson, Linda Purl, Patrick Duffy, Nikki Howard, Linc Hand, David B. Meadows, Caylee Cowan, and Benito Martinez. Doesn't look like the best film of the year, but the solid cast does make this film look watchable. // Continue Reading ›

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