Prime Video is set to launch a new chapter in CRUEL INTENTIONS' seductive and strategic world, reviving the spirit of the beloved 1999 drama. The series transports us to the corridors of Manchester College, where the game of social hierarchy is more intense than ever. I have to admit, I had tempered expectations, as I’m a big fan of the original film (and even its two direct-to-video follow-ups to some extent.) So when I heard this series was being made, I was intrigued!

Slated for its premiere on CBC Gem and set to tour on the festival circuit, NEW BLOOD stands out as an extraordinary documentary that breaks the mold of conventional documentary filmmaking. Under the direction of Blackfoot Adam Solway, this film provides an immersive look into the life and times of Chief Vincent Yellow Old Woman, painting his enduring legacy with strokes of vibrant cultural fusion and historical insight.

In a universe where box office numbers often dictate a film's perceived value, ZYZZYX ROAD emerges as a striking contradiction. Despite securing a spot in history for its notably meager $30 earnings (yep, it was only released in one theater), this 2006 release offers a compelling narrative that dives deep into psychological tension and moral ambiguity. Set against the haunting expanses of the Mojave Desert, the film weaves a tale that challenges the metrics we gauge cinematic success.

Three months into their foray into parenthood, Ava (Kaley Cuoco) and Nathan Bartlett (Chris Messina) grapple with the ordinary challenges of new parents and the extraordinary complications of reviving their respective careers. Ava's pivot back to real estate diverges from her recent true-crime podcast obsession, while Nathan returns to his roots as a tennis coach. However, their efforts to normalize life are shattered by a sinister wave of criminal activity that drags them unwillingly back into the dark corridors they've tried to leave behind. In BASED ON A TRUE STORY: SEASON 2, the narrative seamlessly throws personal struggles and mystery all into the fold, hooking viewers with its intricate blend of drama and enigma.

Sahra Mani's BREAD & ROSES serves as a stark chronicle of the chaos unleashed by the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, casting a searing light on the altered lives of Zahra, Taranom, and Sharifa. This documentary dissects the fabric of Afghan society, unraveling the threads of systemic challenges that resonate through the experiences of these three women at a critical juncture of political upheaval.

Stepping into the directorial limelight, Jayro Bustamante orchestrates a tale of fantasy and chaos with RITA, where he weaves a grim slice of Guatemalan history with threads of vivid journey. This film revisits the heartbreak of a 2017 catastrophe where innocence was lost in flames at a government-run safe home. Through the lens of the young and resilient Rita, portrayed with intensity by Giuliana Santa Cruz, Bustamante explores themes of survival and defiance in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Amber Sealey's OUT OF MY MIND, fresh off its Sundance 2024 premiere, is set to make waves on Disney+ with its heartwarming story, sure to bring out the emotions in most. This film tells a deeply personal story through the eyes of a young girl, Melody Brooks, played charmingly by Phoebe-Rae Taylor, who is navigating a world unprepared for her reality.

With JEFF DUNHAM'S SCROOGED-UP HOLIDAY SPECIAL, the ventriloquist genius of Jeff Dunham takes a holiday dive into the Victorian era, showcasing his puppet ensemble in a thought experiment of taking on Charles Dickens' classic A CHRISTMAS CAROL. This special finds Dunham assigning iconic roles to his beloved characters—Walter as Scrooge is a no-brainer—while Bubba J, Peanut, Little Jeff, and Achmed infuse the rest of the story with a vibrant, comedic twist. The blend of stand-up comedy transforms the prospect of this well-worn tale into a spectacle of laughter and surprise, captivating the audience from beginning to end.

In the world of cultural conservation, committed teams of cinema enthusiasts champion the cause of film preservation. FOUND EMULSION plunges into the depths of this endeavor, highlighting the imperative to rescue and revitalize cinematic relics from the brink of obscurity. This documentary celebrates these efforts and is a plea for recognizing and safeguarding our film heritage. The biggest knock on the film is its runtime; at only 40ish minutes, the film stopped before it got fully up to speed.

Emerging from the rich ecosystems of Puerto Rico, AND STILL THE SEED is a film that marries the art of cinema with pressing environmental concerns, presenting a narrative steeped in the island’s rich ecological and cultural heritage. This short film graphs the journey of a forward-thinking conservationist in 2024, whose commitment to saving endangered tree species encapsulates both resilience and hope for the future.

At the heart of Nicolas Dozol's LAST PARTY is an evening that turns a simple high school celebration into a profound journey. The film takes us deep into the lives of four teenagers—Angela (Lucie Cecchi,) Alexander (Remi Gerard,) Lily (Uma Condolo,) and Ethan (Teddy Hardy)—who find themselves unexpectedly locked in at their graduation party. This twist of fate transforms what could have been a typical night into a profound exploration of their fears and dreams, marking their transition from youth to the uncertainties of adulthood.

In the film, WE'RE NOT DONE YET, the serene setting of a beach house becomes a mirror reflecting the turbulent emotions between Bettina and her son Alex, as captured by directors Sofia Camargo and Joseph Longo. Each interaction, whether a simple yoga session or a stroll along the beach, amplifies their growing estrangement, turning peaceful moments into silent battlefields of resentment. This nuanced exploration of strained relations makes every scene a poignant reminder of the distance between intentions and reality.

The revamped 4K restoration of ELVIRA: MISTRESS OF THE DARK brings more than just a nostalgic experience; it ushers in an invitation for new viewers to encounter the captivating world of this cult classic. Featuring the incomparable Cassandra Peterson as Elvira, the film spins a tale of quirky horror and comedy as she takes on the expected norms of Fallwell, Massachusetts, with her enigmatic and haunted new home.

In the shadowy corners of Romania's criminal underworld, THE BOUNCER introduces us to Frank (John Ozuna,) an American with a troubled past who navigates life’s hard knocks in his new role at a seedy nightclub. This gritty action thriller by director Massimiliano Cerchi and co-written by Adrian Milnes gradually cranks up the tension, transforming from a simmering drama into an explosive confrontation. As Frank confronts Kane (Costas Mandylor,) the ruthless mob boss and trafficker, we're drawn into a narrative that's less about the flying bullets and more a deep dive into a man's quest for redemption amidst the chaos.

In the icy grips of a Minnesota winter, the unraveling of ordinary lives plays out in A SIMPLE PLAN. This film shifts Sam Raimi’s directorial gaze from his typical horror spectacles to a compellingly chilly thriller. This movie, based on Scott B. Smith’s novel and adapted into a screenplay by the author himself, delves into ethical quandaries and the fragility of human nature when confronted with sudden and unanticipated wealth. Far from being just a crime story, this narrative digs into the impacts of greed and tests the moral fiber of its characters against a backdrop of stark, wintry landscapes.

Embark on an epic exploration of martial arts cinema with SHAWSCOPE VOL. 3, a meticulously curated anthology from Arrow Video that compiles an impressive array of 14 iconic films from the legendary Shaw Brothers studio. This collection is a voyage through the evolution of the wuxia genre, from its roots in the turbulent 1960s to its stylistic apex in the 1980s. It offers a deep dive into a world where heroes, heroines, and complex antiheroes navigate the stormy waters of honor, betrayal, and destiny.

In the landscape of New York City, the quietly stirring ALL THE MEN I MET BUT NEVER DATED captures the inner turmoil of Ali (Ahmed Shihab-Eldin,) a man wrestling with his concealed identity against the city's emblem of freedom. Through his eyes, the film crafts a narrative that's as subtle as it is emotionally charged, balancing the scales of personal liberty and societal norms.

Ben Tan’s DOG examines the tangled threads of connection against the electrifying backdrop of a rave, exploring the visceral highs and emotional lows of one explosive evening. Summer (Alexis Felix,) only 19, is cast as caretaker for her blind sister, Lex (Nastasia Koulich,) on a night charged with potential for liberation and chaos. The film maps the sisters' journey through a landscape marked by rebellion and the looming specter of adult responsibilities, revealing the strength and fragility of their bond.

SUNFLOWER GIRL doesn't just showcase New York City; it uses its streets and quiet corners as a canvas for Rosie’s (Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja) coming-of-age story. At thirteen, Rosie navigates the intersections of youth and skateboarding through the complexities of identity and belonging. Holly M. Kaplan's direction and the rich textures of urban life frame a narrative as vibrant as the city itself, offering an earnest depiction of adolescence punctuated by the clash and blend of cultural influences in just 13 minutes!

INTERIOR CHINATOWN offers a fresh perspective on serialized storytelling, with Hulu presenting a series crafted with passion and purpose. Directed by visionaries like Taika Waititi, Stephanie Laing, John Lee, Pete Chatmon, Jaffar Mahmood, Ben Sinclair, Anu Valia, and Alice Wu, the show features Jimmy O. Yang as Willis Wu, an actor long relegated to background roles in a police procedural, who unexpectedly finds himself entangled in a real-life mystery. This twist in his otherwise routine existence offers him a chance to break free from the confines of typecasting and discover his own identity beyond the shadow of Hollywood's stereotypes.

Navigating the waves of the Los Angeles rock scene, PREY FOR ROCK & ROLL delivers an unfiltered look into the raw emotions and struggles an all-female punk band faces. Directed by Alex Steyermark and written from Cheri Lovedog's real-life experiences, this movie blends the raw chase for musical success with intimate snapshots of personal setbacks, presenting a canvas that's as gritty as accurate.

Klaudia Reynicke-Candeloro's REINAS (QUEENS) paints a vivid vision of 1990s Peru, telling the tale of two sisters, Lucia (Abril Gjurinovic) and Aurora (Luana Vega,) poised on the cusp of a relocation to the United States. The film immerses viewers in the realities of a nation gripped by social and political upheaval. Yet, the sisters' transition story and the sudden reemergence of their father, Carlos (Gonzalo Molina,) captures the heart of the narrative. Reynicke-Candeloro's discerning portrayal of this family saga peels back layers of personal strife against a backdrop of national chaos, making the private dramas as compelling as the public ones.

Michael Matteo Rossi plunges into the action-thriller depths with THE CHARISMA KILLERS, orchestrating a dark and twisting tale where survival is as much about it as firepower. At the helm, Rossi constructs a world where the lines between hero and villain blur against a backdrop of high-stakes betrayal and visceral conflict. The film delivers an intense spectacle driven by its morally ambiguous assassins, led by the formidable Vernon Wells, whose portrayal of "The Old Man" looms large over his lethal brood. With chilling precision and relentless drive, the characters navigate a cutthroat game set by their leader, pushing them into the shadows of their darkest desires.

Tyler Chipman steps into the spotlight with his first directorial venture, THE SHADE, a film that marries traditional horror elements with a probing look into the abyss of psychological trauma. This tale is set in a small town, dimly lit and shrouded in mystery, where young tattoo artist Ryan Beckman (played by Chris Galust) navigates the turbulent waters left in the wake of his father’s untimely demise. THE SHADE distinguishes itself by steering clear of standard horror gimmicks, opting instead for a more nuanced build-up of suspense that delves deeply into the psyche of its characters, making it resonate with audiences on multiple levels.

Wade Allain-Marcus takes a crack at updating a classic comedy into the modern era with his 2024 reboot of DON’T TELL MOM THE BABYSITTER’S DEAD, giving it a new twist while respecting its roots. This remake blends humor and thoughtful moments, perfectly capturing family chaos and adolescent independence. Standout performances by Simone Joy Jones as Tanya Crandell, Nicole Richie portraying Rose Lindsey, and Miles Fowler’s Bryan all inject heart and humor, making this film a fun bridge between generations.