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| Rating: About Ratings
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| Opens: 05/08/2026 |
| Running Time: 109 |
| Rated: PG |
| Cast: Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitzine, Molly Gordon, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Emma Thompson, Chris O'Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, Brett Goldstein, and Hong Chau. |
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| Crew: Director: Kyle Balda. Producers: Tim Bevan, Lindsay Doran, and Eric Fellner. Executive Producers: Amelia Granger, Tyson Hesse, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Aditya Sood, Tim Wellspring, and Sarah Jane Wright. |
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REVIEW: By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
"THE SHEEP DETECTIVES" DELIVERS FUZZY WARMTH AND WIT
What the flock? That was my first reaction to the idea of a movie centered around talking sheep solving a mystery.
Yet against all odds, "The Sheep Detectives" turns out to be far more than a quirky family comedy.
Beneath its playful premise lies a surprisingly poignant and occasionally dark story that explores life, loss, and the importance of community with humor and heart.
Directed by Kyle Balda ("Minions: The Rise of Gru") and written by Craig Mazin ("Untitled Pirates of the Caribbean Project"), "The Sheep Detectives" is based on Leonie Swann's beloved 2005 novel "Three Bags Full."
The film cleverly balances absurd comedy with an old-fashioned whodunit mystery.
Set in the quiet English town of Denbrook, the story follows a flock of highly observant sheep whose beloved shepherd, George Hardy (the always terrific Hugh Jackman, "Song Sung Blue" and "The Death of Robin Hood"), is suddenly found dead outside his trailer.
Having spent years reading murder mystery novels aloud to his flock, George unknowingly trains them to think like detectives, prompting Lily (voiced by a funny Julia Louis-Dreyfus, "Thunderbolts"), Sebastian (Bryan Cranston, "All My Sons" and "Lone Wolf"), and the comical and anxious Mopple (Chris O'Dowd, TV's "Big Mouth") to investigate his suspicious death themselves.
"The Sheep Detectives" works so well because, rather than playing everything strictly for laughs, the screenplay allows the sheep to reflect very human emotions such as grief, fear, prejudice, and loyalty. The film even touches on mature themes involving death, memory, and acceptance, particularly through Lily's gradual realization that the comforting myths the sheep believe about dying may not be true.
Equally heartwarming is the story of the Winter lamb, an outcast among the flock who was cherished by George. When Lily and Mopple eventually recruit the overlooked young sheep to help uncover a crucial clue in the mystery, it reveals that even those pushed aside can play a vital role. These moments sneak up on you. Thankfully, the filmmakers keep the tone balanced enough that younger viewers will still enjoy the silly moments, while adults will appreciate the darker undertones woven throughout the storyline.
The human cast adds plenty of fun to the proceedings. Nicholas Braun ("Idiots") brings an amusing awkwardness to the bumbling policeman Tim Derry, while Nicholas Galitzine ("Masters of the Universe"/ "The Idea of You") plays the overly eager reporter Elliot Matthews with just the right amount of humor and suspicion.
Molly Gordon ("Oh, Hi!"/ TV's "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty") as George's estranged daughter Rebecca Hampstead, anchors the film once the twists surrounding George's fortune and inheritance begin to unfold.
Emma Thompson (TV's "Down Cemetery Road") is also a delight as George's lawyer Lydia Harbottle. She brings sharp comedic timing and clumsy banter as she attempts to untangle the increasingly chaotic will-reading and murder investigation.
Lydia begins to view everyone as a suspect--from the lamb chop-loving butcher Ham Gilyard (Conleth Hill, TV's "The Power of Parker"), to the quiet and mysterious shepherd Caleb (Tosin Cole, "Children of Blood and Bone"), and even innkeeper Beth Pennock (Hong Chau, "Wuthering Heights"), whose longtime secret affection for George may hide more than just heartbreak.
Still, it is the voice cast of "The Sheep Detectives" that truly steals the show. Julia Louis-Dreyfus gives Lily warmth and intelligence, Bryan Cranston adds surprising gravitas to Sebastian, and Chris O'Dowd nearly walks away with the movie thanks to Mopple's antics.
Patrick Stewart, (TV's "American Dad!"), Regina Hall, ("One Battle After Another"/"Scary Movie"),... |
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Rated: PG-13
Opens: 05/08/2026
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Rated: PG-13
Opens: 05/01/2026
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Rated: R
Opens: 05/01/2026
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Rated: PG-13
Opens: 04/24/2026
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Rated: PG-13
Opens: 04/10/2026
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Rated: R
Opens: 04/03/2026
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OLD SCHOOL VIDEO PICK OF THE MONTH
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Title: SOUNDER
Year Released: 1972
Running Time: 105
Production Company: 20th Century Fox
Director: Martin Ritt
Director of Photography: John A. Alonzo
Screenwriter: Lonne Elder III
Author: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
REVIEW: "SOUNDER"-- A STORY THAT STILL SPEAKS
I remember the first time I saw the movie "Sounder"--back in 1972, when it first came out--at a downtown Los Angeles theater with my older brothers.
I was just a 11-years-old but watching that powerful story unfold on screen left a lasting impression.
I was captivated by the powerful performances of the late, great Cicely Tyson and Paul Winfield,...
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NEW ON DVD
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Title: YOUNGBLOOD
Year Released: 2025
Running Time: 104
Production Company: Well Go USA
Director: Hubert Davis
Review By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
"YOUNGBLOOD" SKATES PAST EXPECTATIONS WITH HEART AND GRIT
Although I am not a hockey fan, I enjoy all underdog sports dramas, and since seeing the outstanding 2022 documentary "Black Ice" from director Hubert Davis--who also helms this movie "Youngblood"--I've gained a deeper appreciation for the game and for the Black athletes still fighting for space within it today.
"Youngblood," from screenwriters Kyle Rideout, ("There's Something in the Barn"), Seneca Aaron, (TV's "Saint-Pierre), and Josh Epstein ("Knight's Camp"), reimagines the spirit of the 1986 film--which stars Rob Lowe and Patrick Swayze-- with a contemporary lens, grounding its story in emotional authenticity and timely social relevance.
The movie follows Detroit hockey prodigy Dean Youngblood (Ashton James, "Boxcutter"), raised by his father Blane (Blair Underwood, TV's "Doc") on a steady diet of toughness, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of greatness on the ice.
What I particularly liked about the movie was its layered portrayal of family. Dean and his brother Kelly (Emidio Lopes, “Welcome") are guided by two passionate but very different parents: their father Blane, who believes in tough love and standing up to adversity at all costs, and their mother Ruby (Olunike Adeliyi,"The Running Man"), whose compassion offers a vital emotional counterbalance.
Ruby encourages resilience without sacrificing humanity, while Blane--shaped by his own experiences with racism and lost opportunities--pushes his sons to never appear weak in a world that already judges them harshly.
Dean finds himself caught between these philosophies, trying to honor both perspectives while forging his own identity.
Tragedy shifts that balance when Ruby suddenly dies, leaving a void that reverberates through the entire family. Blane, consumed by grief, turns increasingly to alcohol, and his guidance becomes harsher, more volatile.
The love that once anchored his "toughness" feels distant, and Dean begins to internalize that pain. His anger spills onto the ice, culminating in a pivotal moment during a minor league game when he retaliates against a racist taunt with a violent strike, earning himself a full-season suspension. It's a heartbreaking but believable turning point, showing how unresolved pain and systemic pressure can derail even the brightest talent.
Even with this setback, Dean's potential remains undeniable. Coach Murray Chadwick (Shawn Doyle, "Star Trek: Discovery") is wary but still invested, recognizing both the risk and promise in the young player. Team Captain Denis Sutton (Henri Richer-Picard, "The Dishwasher"), also becomes an important ally, seeing leadership qualities in Dean that extend beyond raw skill.
Off the ice, Dean's relationship with Jessie Alexandra McDonald ("Sharp Corner"), the coach's daughter, adds another dimension. Their connection is awkward yet sincere because they both understand the pressures that come with living and breathing hockey. Together, these relationships help Dean begin to process his grief and rebuild his sense of purpose.
"Youngblood" is a powerful coming-of-age story about perseverance, identity, and the cost of chasing a dream in an imperfect world. Dean's journey through loss, anger, and self-discovery leads him to a place of growth, where he learns to channel both his parents' teachings into something uniquely his own.
The result is not just a comeback, but a breakthrough and one that sets the stage for his hockey career to truly take off.
With strong performances, thoughtful writing, and a message that resonates far beyond the rink, "Youngblood" stands as a compelling sports drama that earns its emotional victories every step of the way.
(Highly Recommended).
Watch This Trailer For "YOUNGBLOOD"
Editor's Note: "Youngblood" is currently available on Blu-ray/DVD.
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Title: BLAZING FISTS
Year Released: 2026
Running Time: 119
Production Company: Well Go USA Entertainment
Director: Takashi Miike
Review By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
THE ACTION-PACKED "BLAZING FISTS" DOESN'T FLINCH
The new action drama "Blazing Fists" from filmmaker Takashi Miike ("Bad Lieutenant: Tokyo" and "13 Assassins") delivers a gritty, adrenaline-charged story that packs quite a punch.
The movie which debuts March 31 on Digital, Blu-ray, and DVD follows Ikuto (Danhi Kinoshita, TV's "The Last Lesson: Only Those Who Survived Can Graduate") and Ryoma, (Kaname Yoshizawa, TV's "Countdown to Yes"), two troubled teens who meet in juvenile detention and form a bond rooted in survival, anger, and the desperate need for a second chance.
Ikuto, (Kinoshita) in particular, carries a heavy emotional load. His rage is fueled by the belief that his father has been wrongly imprisoned for murder, which gives the story an urgency that elevates it beyond a standard fight film.
As the two young men set their sights on fighting their way into the "Breaking Down" MMA tournament--a new form of mixed martial arts, where every kind of fighter looks to compete in a "one-minute, one-round" format to determine who is the strongest, the narrative becomes an engaging journey about confronting the past to claim a future.
What makes "Blazing Fists" so effective is how seamlessly it balances raw, brutally violent fight sequences with genuinely compelling storytelling. The action is exactly what fans of MMA cinema would hope for. It's intense, hard-hitting, and unflinching, but it never overshadows the huge stakes at hand.
Both Ikuto and Ryoma are commanding presences on screen, with performances that ground the film's more explosive moments with heart and conviction. Their chemistry and individual struggles make their fights feel meaningful, as if each punch carries the weight of their personal battles outside the ring.
"Blazing Fists" also benefits tremendously, and its authenticity is enhanced with the involvement of Mikuru Asakura, whose 2021 autobiography "Street Legend" inspired the film. His appearance in the movie is more than just a cameo.
It's a powerful and genuinely moving moment that underscores the film's central message about hope, perseverance, and chasing a better life as Ikuto and Ryoma hope to compete in Asakura's popular tournament. That scene, in particular, feels organic and inspiring, reinforcing the idea that these characters, and by extension, real people, can rise above their circumstances.
Fans of MMA and action flicks should get a real kick out of "Blazing Fists." I definitely did.
Be sure to catch "Blazing Fists" March 31 on Digital, Blu-ray, and DVD.
(Highly Recommended).
Check Out This Trailer For "BLAZING FISTS"
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Title: GHOST TRAIN
Year Released: 2025
Running Time: 94
Production Company: Dimix Studio
Director: Tak Se-woong
Review By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
"GHOST TRAIN"--A DARK AND BLOODY RIDE
Climb aboard the "Ghost Train," a compact but chilling South Korean horror flick arriving on Digital Feb. 17 from Well Go USA Entertainment.
Directed by Tak Se-woong, ("Devil in the Lake"), the film follows struggling YouTuber Da-kyung (Joo Hyun-young, "The Story of Park's Marriage Contract"), who ventures into the haunted Gwanglim Train Station where there have been disappearances and even ghost sightings. Surely capturing that news will revive her fading channel and perhaps get her boss Woo-jin (Choi Bo-min, "Gory: A Horror Tale") to cut her some slack about her declining viewership.
But Da-Kyung is competing against Hey-jin (Kim Ji-in), a popular beauty influencer who is racking up big numbers including Woo-jin, and Da-Kyung is kind of freaking out.
Da-Kyung soon finds herself listening to the station master's increasingly disturbing tales. They are stories that blur the line between urban legend and terrifying reality.
Structured as a series of eerie vignettes, "Ghost Train" delivers steady suspense, punctuated by bursts of genuinely unsettling imagery.
The anthology format works in its favor, allowing each segment to explore a different flavor of fear, from psychological dread to full-throttle supernatural menace. But be warned: this isn't just a creepy little thriller, it's a bloody one, with graphic moments that are decidedly not for the squeamish.
The special effects are effective, even when the movie occasionally feels uneven. Still, the dark and gory "Ghost Train" maintains enough macabre creativity and unpredictability to keep viewers on edge until the final stop.
(Recommended).
Take A Look At This Trailer For "GHOST TRAIN"
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Title: FRONTIER CRUCIBLE
Year Released: 2025
Running Time: 125
Production Company: Bonfire Legend/ Renegade Ent.
Director: Travis Mills
Review By: Lana K. Wilson-Comb
"FRONTIER CRUCIBLE" BRINGS GRIT, SWAGGER, AND SURPRISING STAR POWER
At a time when studios often shy away from Westerns due to their high production costs, "Frontier Crucible" from Well Go USA Entertainment, rides in as a gritty and welcome surprise.
Directed by Travis Mills (TV's "The Pendragon Cycle: "Rise of the Merlin") and based on Harry Whittington's 1961 novel "Desert Stake-Out", the film delivers a harsher, more unforgiving portrait of the Old West than most modern entries dare to attempt. This isn't a glossy cowboy saga, it's dusty, violent, and morally bleak.
Myles Clohessy (TV's "The Pendragon Cycle: "Rise of the Merlin") anchors the film as Merrick Beckford, a former soldier forced into an uneasy alliance with outlaws to escort desperately needed medical supplies through dangerous Apache territory.
Clohessy--son of stage/TV actor Robert Clohessy, ("Blue Bloods") appears to have studied Clint Eastwood closely. He borrows a page or two from the legend's playbook, adopting the steely stances, deliberate movements, and quiet swagger that defined Eastwood's Western persona. It mostly works, giving the film a familiar but sturdy center.
Mary Stickley, in her big screen debut, proves she's more than just a pretty face, bringing emotional resolve to a role that could have easily been one-note.
And it's always a treat to see William H. Macy, ("The Running Man") put in work. He elevates even this modestly budgeted production with his seasoned gravitas.
Perhaps the most eyebrow-raising presence is Armie Hammer, making a notable return to the screen after time away amid widely publicized allegations that clouded his career. His appearance adds an extra layer of curiosity, and he delivers--as always--a solid supporting turn.
Violent, tense, and unflinchingly raw, "Frontier Crucible" may not reinvent the Western, but it proves the genre still has bite.
(Recommended).
It is currently available On-Demand/Digital/Blu-ray and DVD.
Watch This Trailer For "FRONTIER CRUCIBLE"
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By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs:
THE MOVIES AND MOMENTS FROM CINEMACON 2026 THAT WE LOVED
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA— Every spring, CinemaCon transforms Las Vegas into a movie lover's playground, and this year's April 13–16 showcase delivered a surge of cinematic adrenaline packed with jaw-dropping trailers, star-studded reveals, plus a few unforgettable musical moments.
Snoop Dogg energized the crowd while teasing his upcoming biopic. Jon Batiste took to the spotlight and piano to give audiences a taste of his score for the reimagined movie "The Thomas Crown Affair,"directed by and starring Academy Award winner Michael B. Jordan alongside Adria Arjona.
Some of the cast from the fantasy film "Children of Blood and Bone" made a costumed dance appearance to highlight the upcoming film.
While an impressive slate of trailers from across the studios lit up the screen, N2Entertainment.net was especially captivated by these 10 standout films. We just wish we could watch them all right now. Here's a look at the movies we are most excited to see hitting theaters this year and in 2027.
1. "HEART OF THE BEAST"-- (Paramount Pictures, 2026)
Brad Pitt shows off his rugged, outdoorsy side in a gripping survival thriller from director David Ayer ("A Working Man"). Pitt, who also produced the film, stars as a former Navy SEAL battling his inner demons, and along with his retired and disabled combat German Shepherd dog attempt to return to civilization after a catastrophic accident leaves them deep in the Alaskan wilderness. This one also stars J.K. Simmons ("Batgirl") and Anna Lambe ("The Social Reckoning").
2. CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE: (Paramount Pictures, January 15, 2027)
"Children of Blood and Bone" is the exciting fantasy film directed and co-written by Gina Prince-Bythewood, ("The Supremes at Earl's All You Can Eat") and is adapted from Tomi Adeyemi's 2018 novel of the same name. It appears ready to deliver on its promise, with a vibrant, effects-heavy world where magic pulses through every frame. The sweeping visuals hint at franchise potential. The story follows a young heroine fighting to restore magic to her people while facing oppressive forces. The presentation at CinemaCon highlighted a diverse, ensemble cast of Thuso Mbedu, Tosin Cole, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, Lashana Lynch, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cynthia Erivo, Viola Davis, and Regina King. If it sticks the landing, this could be one of the defining YA fantasy films of 2027. Mark your calendars.
3. THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR: (Amazon/MGM Studios, March 5, 2027)
This sleek heist classic gets a modern polish in this reimagining of the cat-and-mouse romance, centering on a charismatic billionaire (Michael B. Jordan, "Sinners") who steals priceless art for the thrill of it. The footage for "The Thomas Crown Affair" teased glossy cinematography, sharp dialogue, and a playful chemistry between Adria Arjona who plays a sharp insurance investigator and Jordan who also directed the film. This one looks like a winner.
4. WHALEFALL: (20th Century Studios, October 16, 2026)
I wasn't the only one at CinemaCon who was riveted during the extended trailer of the survival thriller "Whalefall." Easily one of the most talked-about concepts, this chilling adaptation is based on the 2023 novel of the same name by Daniel Kraus. "Whalefall" is directed and produced by Brian Duffield, ("No One will Save You"). The film follows a scuba diver (Austin Abrams, “Weapons”) who, while searching for the remains of his father (Josh Brolin, "Weapons"), gets swallowed alive by a whale and frantically attempts to escape. Elisabeth Shue, John Ortiz, Jane Levy, and Emily Rudd star in supporting roles. This movie is going to be INTENSE and looks like a whale of a good time.
5. FORGOTTEN ISLAND: (Universal Pictures, September 25, 2026)
This was the featured film from Universal and after viewing it, my husband turned to me and said "kids are going to love this one. I actually loved it." I did too. "Forgotten Island" is an animated mystery adventure film that features the voices of H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng, and Lea Salonga. The movie taps into classic exploration vibes. It's set in the Philippines and centers on childhood friends Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano) who promise to remain close forever. But when they graduate from high school, Raissa prepares to move to the United States at the urging of her parents. Fearing the loss of their friendship, Jo tries to persuade her to stay. However, the two are suddenly transported through a portal to the fantastical world of the forgotten island of Nakali. "Forgotten Island" features lush environments and a sense of discovery that slowly turns to dread. It feels like a throwback to old-school adventure epics with a darker edge and is positioning itself as an intriguing theatrical experience.
6. YOUNG WASHINGTON: (Angel Studios, July 3, 2026)
Before he became a founding figure, George Washington (William Franklin Miller, TV's "The Age of Innocence") was a young soldier navigating war, ambition, and identity. "Young Washington" is directed, produced, and co-written by Jon Erwin ("Sarah's Oil") and aims to capture that formative period with grit and scale.
The teaser focuses on the decisions and struggles that shaped Washington's legacy including his experiences and command in the French and Indian War.
In addition to Franklyn-Miller, "Young Washington," which is slated to premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival this coming June 13, also stars Mary-Louise Parker, Kelsey Grammer, Andy Serkis, and Ben Kingsley.
7. SCARY MOVIE/SCARY MOVIE 6: (Paramount Pictures, June 5, 2026)
The iconic spoof franchise is back. "Scary Movie 6," directed by Michael Tiddes ("A Haunted House") and written by Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Craig Wayans, and Rick Alvarez, is ready to skewer a whole new generation of horror hits with rapid-fire jokes and outrageous set pieces. The movie boasts a mix of nostalgia and modern satire, poking fun at everything from prestige horror to viral trends. The plot follows Cindy Campbell (Faris) and her friends Ray Wilkins (Shawn Wayans) and siblings Shorty (Marlon Wayans) and Brenda Meeks (Regina Hall) reunited when the same masked killer from the first film resurfaces. If it captures the chaotic energy of the originals while updating the humor, it should easily resonate with audiences in a big way. Other returning actors include Cheri Oteri, Chris Elliott, Dave Sheridan, Lochlyn Munro, Jon Abrahams, and Anthony Anderson.
8. ICE CREAM MAN: (Iconic Events Releasing, August 7, 2026)
Beware of the ice cream man. You may never look at him the same way after seeing this eerie thriller. "Ice Cream Man" takes a seemingly innocent figure--a neighborhood ice cream vendor--and twists it into something deeply unsettling. The horror movie, from director Eli Roth ("Borderlands") leans heavily into slow-burn suspense, with glimpses of a small town unraveling as dark secrets come to light when the local ice cream man (Ari Millen, "Undertone") serves kids frozen treats and they soon turn into cold-blooded killers. "Ice Cream Man" also stars Benjamin Byron Davis, ("Borderlands") Karen Cliche, (TV's "Kidnapping My Own Daughter"), Dylan Hawco, (TV's "Heartland") and Sarah Abbott. ("The Braid") I loved the clever and creepy promotional set ups they had displayed throughout CinemaCon for this one.
9. THE ODYSSEY: (Universal Pictures, July 17, 2026)
This sprawling and ambitious retelling of "The Odyssey" from director Christopher Nolan promises a grand, cinematic journey filled with mythological creatures, perilous voyages, and a hero's long road home. "The Odyssey" features sweeping visuals and a stellar ensemble cast led by Matt Damon as Odysseus, the Greek king of Ithaca, and chronicles his perilous expedition home after the Trojan War as he attempts to reunite with his wife, Penelope, (Anne Hathaway, "The Devil Wears Prada 2"). Also rounding out the cast is Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron, among others. Nolan and his wife Emma Thomas are producing the film through their production company, Syncopy. "The Odyssey" received thunderous applause after viewers watched the extended trailer at CinemaCon. This should be epic in every way.
10. DISCLOSURE DAY: (Universal Pictures, June 12, 2026)
The high-concept sci-fi thriller "Disclosure Day" is directed by Steven Spielberg, from a screenplay by David Koepp and is based on a story by Spielberg.
"Disclosure Day" stars Emily Blunt, Josh O'Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, and Colman "Joe Jackson" Domingo ("Michael"). The movie is about a single, explosive day when hidden truths become known, potentially altering society as we know it. The footage teased a fast-paced narrative, multiple intersecting storylines, and plenty of twists designed to keep audiences guessing. It's the kind of timely, conversation-starting film that could generate serious buzz when it hits theaters on June 12.
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By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs:
SONY PICTURES DEVELOPING "BLOODBORNE" AS AN R-RATED ANIMATED FEATURE
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA-- During Sony Pictures' presentation at CinemaCon which was held in Las Vegas April 13-16, the studio announced that PlayStation's widely popular game "Bloodborne" is being developed into an R-rated animated feature for Sony Pictures although the plot is being kept under wraps.
"Bloodborne" is an action role-playing game where a traveler journeys into a horror-filled gothic city full of deranged mobs and nightmarish creatures lurking around every corner. It has been praised for its challenging gameplay and richly layered world that players have spent years exploring. Considered one of the best games of all time by numerous publications, "Bloodborne" was developed by FromSoftware and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment.
The film is produced by PlayStation Productions, Lyrical Animation and creator and gamer Sean McLoughlin, better known by his pseudonym JackSepticEye. Sean is a massive gamer who has spent years battling it out in the brutal world of "Bloodborne" for his over 48 million online fans.
Lyrical Media, parent company of Lyrical Animation, is co-financing with Sony Pictures. Sony Pictures and PlayStation Productions recently announced the adaptation of "Helldivers," directed by Justin Lin and starring Jason Momoa.
Slated for release in 2027 the film is based on the hugely popular "Helldivers" video game franchise. They previously worked together on "Uncharted," starring Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg, which earned $407 million globally and is one of the top ten highest grossing video game adaptation globally; Peacock's hit series, "Twisted Metal;" and the award winning and critically acclaimed series "The Last of Us" for HBO.
Lyrical Media is a Los Angeles and New York-based company founded by Alexander Black that develops, produces, and finances unique stories across multi-media formats, including film, television, video games, podcasts, and graphic novels. While focused on generating its own IP, the company also develops and revitalizes established IP and, in doing so, opens new verticals for creator-driven stories.
Lyrical Media's upcoming slate includes Michael Sarnoski's "The Death of Robin Hood," starring Academy Award-nominee Hugh Jackman and Emmy Award-winner Jodie Comer, Osgood Perkins' "The
Young People" with NEON, and Adam Wingard's action-thriller film "Onslaught" with A24.
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By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs:
"SLAY DAY" IS FIRST INTERACTIVE THEATRICAL SLASHER FILM
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA--"Slay Day," a next-generation interactive horror film that puts audiences in control of who lives and dies, is heading for a wide theatrical release across approximately 1,000 interactive screens throughout North America over the Super Bowl/Valentine's Day/Presidents Day mega-holiday weekend, February 12, 2027.
The play date was revealed at CinemaCon during the CtrlMovie presentation to motion picture theatre owners and operators, signaling one of the first-ever, large-scale rollouts of an interactive film.
Positioned as the ultimate date-night event, "Slay Day" transforms the traditional moviegoing experience into a high-stakes, communal experience of romance, rivalry, and survival. But at the center of the film is a simple challenge: "Can you survive a high school dance when it turns deadly?"
Set on Friday the 13th, 1987, in the picture-perfect town of Belle Falls, the story follows six teens preparing for their biggest night of the year, the Sadie Hawkins dance. But when the town exhumes the body of the real Sadie Hawkins to unravel the truth behind her killing spree fifty years earlier, a malevolent force returns to the town. Every choice the audience makes determines who survives the night - and who doesn’t.
Coming off its breakout presentation at CinemaCon, "Slay Day" uses CtrlMovie technology to transform the theatrical experience into a fully interactive event, with audiences voting in real time via their smartphones to steer the story across more than 50 decision points. Each choice shapes the fate of six central characters and seven additional characters, unlocking over 8,000 possible narrative outcomes - ensuring no two screenings are ever the same. Seamlessly integrated into existing exhibition systems, the patented platform delivers a new premium, audience-driven experience designed to drive repeat viewing as audiences return to explore new paths, alternate endings, and possibly even a "super-secret" one.
"What excited me about "Slay Day" from the very beginning was the chance to pull audiences directly into the story,” said director John David Buxton. "It's a high-energy, heightened throwback slasher, with a lot of love for the spirit of the '80s - the music, the style, those perfectly timed needle drops - but instead of just watching a group of friends try to survive, you're making the decisions with them. You feel the tension, you live with the consequences, and every screening plays out differently. It's unpredictable, intense, and a lot of fun. I can't wait to see how audiences play it - and who actually makes it out alive."
Producer Mark Dragin adds, "You're not just sitting next to someone on a date, you're in it together trying to survive. People react, they debate, they second-guess each other in real time. Suddenly the theater isn’t quiet anymore, it’s alive. You feel the energy shift with every decision, and it turns a night at the movies into something you actually share with the entire audience."
"Slay Day," which was shot in Salt Lake City and Ogden Utah, marks the directorial debut of John David Buxton. The screenplay is by Andrew Matisziw ("Goliath," "The Firm"), and the film is produced by Mark Dragin (TV's "Law & Order," "Law & Order: SVU"), Michael Kagan ("Night Patrol," "The Apology"), and Scott C. Silver ("The Pyramid," "Wheelman," "BornStars"). Eric Schneider, Angela Kay and Chaz Barsamian are the executive producers.
The starring ensemble cast includes Jayden Bartels ("Goosebumps," and "Side Hustle"), Shelby Simmons ("Bunk'd"), Emma McNulty ("FBI: Most Wanted"), Caleb Brown ("Mother's Day"), Luke Mullen ("V/H/S/99"), Corrado Martini ("Circles"), and "Lyndon Smith" ("National Treasure: Edge of History"). Casting was led by Danielle Aufiero and Amber Horn of Aufiero/Horn.
With its fresh cast, nostalgic setting, and revolutionary audience control, "Slay Day" promises to redefine what it means to "watch" a horror movie. BasePoint Capital financed the picture, marking the first project under its partnership with Kino Industries' CtrlMovie to bring audience-controlled cinema to global theaters. The film will open domestically first, with international rollout plans to follow.
Photo: Courtesy of "Slay Day."
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