BREAK pulls us into the edgy world of Detroit's dark and dingey pool halls, where our protagonist, Eli (Darren Weiss,) navigates life's hits and misses while trying to figure out where he belongs. Balancing multiple jobs and family responsibilities, Eli's discovery of his father's legendary status in the local pool scene forces a profound reevaluation of his roots and personal ambitions, making this not just a movie about sports but a nuanced exploration of self-discovery and identity.

So, generally speaking, I’m not a big fan of Westerns or martial arts films, yet somehow, when you combine the two genres into one, it captured my attention in a way I wasn’t expecting. CHINA O'BRIEN creates a unique world with a spirited mix of old Western themes and energetic martial arts. Directed by Robert Clouse, this series presents yet another significant portion of Cynthia Rothrock’s acting journey. Transitioning from the concrete jungle of New York to the rugged landscapes of Beaver Creek, Utah, Rothrock’s Lori "China" O'Brien wages a war against corruption, rejuvenating her hometown with a fierce sense of justice and impressive martial prowess.

Director Elena Galdobina's THE BARKERS: MIND THE CATS brings the Barker family to a feature-length film from their TV series roots, but this time, the charm of the original series seems to have been left behind. Unfortunately, what was intended to be a fun vacation adventure quickly reveals itself as a rehashed narrative lacking originality and the endearing qualities that once captivated a loyal television audience.

From the shadowy alleys of Chicago (I love seeing anywhere in Illinois getting more screen time in movies) emerges a tale of unnerving transformations and psychological suspense in FANG. Billy Cochran, a seemingly typical guy, finds his world turning nightmarish after a rat bite propels him into a reality where mental collapse and eerie phenomena blend into a chilling narrative. The film guides us through this harrowing journey with a gripping precision that both captivates and horrifies.

UNSUNG HERO captures the audience with its potent mix of gripping drama, soul, and heartfelt music. Joel Smallbone's directorial debut, assisted by co-director and film veteran Richard Ramsey, transforms the Smallbone family's real-life struggles and victories into a narrative that resonates with anyone who cherishes the enduring values of faith and family in the face of adversity.

The stakes couldn't be higher in JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS PART TWO, where the universe's fate teeters on the edge of oblivion. This second act of the trilogy acts as a bridge in some ways; it’s a crucial link that pushes the boundaries of the DC multiverse, weaving a story as complex as the universes it seeks to save and giving us something that’s been building up for years.

Prepare yourself for a thrilling ride through Japan's contrasting landscapes with Takeshi Kitano’s THE BLIND SWORDSMAN. This film is about more than fights and sword clashes; it delves into arguments of justice and morality. Kitano does double duty as director and lead, portraying Zatoichi, a blind masseur whose disability masks his deadly prowess. Beyond its action-packed sequences, the film injects a good dose of Kitano's subtle humor, making it a multifaceted narrative.

STRANGE INVADERS delivers a charming nod to 50s sci-fi with an 80s twist, thanks to Michael Laughlin's direction and Bill Condon's dynamic screenplay. It's a fun ride through time, but it plays it safe with some familiar tropes.

Cue the stage lights on a Texas stage in 1999, where Foghat, the quintessential rock powerhouse, lit up the night with a performance that resonated deep into the echelons of rock history. FOGHAT - SLOW RIDE: LIVE IN CONCERT, captured just before the passing of their magnetic and original frontman Dave Peverett in 2000, stands as a testament to their enduring charisma and sheer musical force. This concert is a treasure trove for listeners, packed with the vibrant energy of a band that somehow remained timeless.

Stepping back into the turbulent era of early 19th-century Berlin, Jessica Hausner's AMOUR FOU explores love teetering on the brink of despair. This film not only captures the tragic narrative of Heinrich (Christian Friedel) but also ties in a profoundly moving love story set against the stark realities of its time. Right from the start, Hausner hooks us with a narrative that is as visually captivating as it is emotionally stirring. While this is another solid out from Hausner, it’s probably my least favorite (with only one film to go.)

From the eerie expanses of Lake Tahoe’s forests comes a riveting tale of horror created from a micro-budget but packed with undiluted suspense. TAHOE JOE and its follow-up TAHOE JOE 2: THE SIERRA NEVADA BIGFOOT CONSPIRACY prove that blockbuster bucks aren’t required to forge tales of mystery and intrigue. Directors Dillon Brown and Michael Rock turn financial limitations into a showcase of innovation and a raw, gripping narrative. Let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way first; many people will look at the ratings and assume these are “bad” films, and they’re not. Sure, they show the signs of indie horror, but there are also a lot of positives to take away.

DANCING VILLAGE: THE CURSE BEGINS stands out by offering a solid visual and auditory experience that sets new standards for Indonesian cinema. Under the direction of Kimo Stamboel and an impressive ensemble cast, this prequel to KKN DI DESA PENARI aims to outshine its predecessor, which was the highest-grossing Indonesian film in history when it was released in 2022.

This film isn’t for the faint of heart; it’s a voyage into the realm of the taboo and controversial. GRAPHIC SEXUAL HORROR presents an unfiltered gaze into the past operations of Insex, a website notorious for its boundary-pushing adult content. Directed by Barbara Bell and Anna Lorentzon, the documentary is an incisive probe into the ethical dilemmas of adult entertainment interlaced with financial gains and human desires.

This film offers a look into a time before current events, and the film captivates viewers with its portrayal of the struggles and awakenings of Palestinian youth under Israeli occupation. In his first major outing as a director, Firas Khoury crafts a narrative as rich in personal drama as it is in political discourse. Through the eyes of Tamer, brought to life by Mahmoud Bakri, we dive into a world where everyday school life is punctuated by actions of defiance and desires for normalcy that seem just out of reach. Just typing that sentence makes my heart ache. Seeing this world and the struggles those who lived in it faced before and knowing that they’ve only been amplified breaks me down in a way I wasn’t expecting.

EAST BAY immediately engages viewers with its portrayal of Jack Lee's (Daniel Yoon) life, a 39-year-old who dreams of bigger things but is stuck in a dead-end job. The film balances humor and drama with a delicate touch, creating an intriguing narrative that draws the audience deep into the emotional landscape of its protagonist.

Some subjects are so complex and vital that they warrant a certain level of finesse and production value to do them justice. Unfortunately, I AM GITMO, while an ambitious indie film, falters in this regard. Directed by Philippe Diaz, this drama attempts to unpack the notorious and controversial subject of Guantanamo Bay and its detainees. Although Diaz's intention to shed light on this dark corner of American history is clear and commendable, the film’s execution does not live up to the seriousness of its theme.

From the start, Sébastien Vaníček's INFESTED grabs your attention as it veers off the beaten path of typical horror films. More than just a spider scare-fest, this film explores deep into the cracks of societal breakdowns, all within the confines of a Parisian apartment. Here, Kaleb, portrayed by Théo Christine, navigates through a life mired in family conflict and an unusual obsession with exotic animals, turning his birthday into an unforgettable experience.

Kim Noonan’s first foray into directing, NYCTOPHOBIA, shows some growing pains while trying a somewhat fresh take on the horror genre by incorporating traditional chills with contemporary thrills. It turns a typical high school graduation celebration into a fight for survival against spectral foes amidst a mysterious blackout. The clever use of smartphones as lifelines punctuates our dependency on tech and adds a unique flavor to the terror unfolding on screen.

ALIGNED takes you from the kinetic energy of New York City to the historic grace of Athens, weaving a compelling tale of self-discovery through the medium of dance. Directed by Apollo Bakopoulos, this film combines artistry with deep emotional narratives, bringing a fresh perspective to the dance genre. While it navigates through some familiar themes, the fresh approach and vivid aesthetics infuse it with a distinctive charm.

Crack open a book and a cold glass of your favorite beverage as we enter the world of BOOKS & DRINKS (a fitting and slightly odd name.) It draws viewers into its Caribbean setting with the promise of an intriguing mix of romance and humor. The film charts the journey of David (Jackson Rathbone,) a New Yorker who unexpectedly becomes the owner of a grand estate in the Dominican Republic, setting the stage for a story of self-discovery and heartfelt connections.

INTERPRETERS WANTED captivates with its intense and intimate portrayal of the lives of Saifullah and Ismail Haqmal, Afghan brothers who navigate the world of war-torn Afghanistan. Director Robert Ham guides this documentary, crafting a narrative about the transcendent bonds formed across cultural divides in times of war.

Late into the evening at the 24-hour sandwich shop Subclub, what should have been a routine sandwich order transforms into a compelling, emotionally charged dialogue. This simple encounter between Roger, your not-so-ordinary customer, and Lenny, the night worker, escalates into an intense unraveling of Roger's pent-up frustrations and hidden pains. In TWO CENTS & A FOOTLONG, directed by Kanin Guntzelman, the shop becomes more than just a backdrop; profound human truths are laid bare, and lives can change in moments.

A BINDING TRUTH opens a doorway to the past, where personal anecdotes and memories fuse with history. Director Louise Woehrle unearths the intersecting stories of Jimmie and De, two classmates from 1965 whose pasts and paths through the racial tensions at Myers Park High now provide a poignant blueprint for examining America’s complex racial landscape.

SPARE KEYS dives into the bittersweet symphony of adolescence with a narrative zest that captures the eye and soothes the heart. Set against the backdrops of Nancy, a city in France, the film charts the journey of Fifi, portrayed by Céleste Brunnquell with a passion and heart that brings her character to life. She confronts the turbulent waters of norms and identity forced upon her throughout a summer of transformation.

THE SCARFACE MOB, with its roots as a made-for-TV pilot, brings us a compelling narrative that captures the gritty essence of 1929 Chicago. Under Phil Karlson's direction, the film emerges as a standout exploration of a noir vision, weaving through the lives of iconic figures such as Eliot Ness and Al Capone. It's a striking journey through the world of crime and morality during one of America's most infamous eras.