In the wasteland future of the year 8000, Santa (Duane Bruce) has traded his sleigh for a suit of cybernetics in the movie unlike any other, INFINITE SANTA 8000. Directors Greg Ansin and Michael Neel expanded their gritty web series into a full-length exploration of a desolate world where the holiday spirit must battle for survival. This film builds on the original series' haunting, otherworldly ambiance, plunging audiences into a setting where festivity meets ferocity.
The Threat [Limited Edition] (Odoshi)
Kinji Fukasaku's THE THREAT dives into the deep end of post-war Japanese society with a story that rips through the veil of economic prosperity to reveal the psychological scars beneath. It's a sharp departure from the typical thrillers of the '60s, swapping superficial suspense for a probing exploration into the life of Misawa (Rentarô Mikuni,) an advertising executive whose perfect façade crumbles under the weight of a home invasion. Two fugitives disrupt his domestic bliss and set the stage for a dramatic unraveling.
Holiday Twist
HOLIDAY TWIST sparkles with the quintessential charm you'd expect from a festive confection that blends the heartfelt cheese of a Hallmark classic with the playful antics reminiscent of HOME ALONE. Directed by Stephanie Garvin and co-produced by Scott M. Rosenfelt, the film delivers an inviting blend of warmth and whimsy. The ensemble, including Kelly Stables, Neal McDonough, Caylee Cowan, Emily Tosta, Sean Astin, and Blake Leeper, brings to life a story that, while occasionally predictable, captures the essence of seasonal joy.
The Avenger
In a solid performance, Mark Harris captures the essence of a father teetering on the brink of despair in THE AVENGER. The film launches director Simon Philips into the spotlight, portraying a man lost in a city with a million ways out, but all of them are wrong. This city reflects the movie's darker undertones of peril and retribution. Released in the UK on November 11 by Miracle Media, it’s more than just a spectacle; it explores the lengths a father will go to save his family, turning what was intended as a healing break into a battleground of survival.
Blue Christmas [Special Edition]
Set against the frosty backdrop of a 1940s Chicago winter, BLUE CHRISTMAS opens with private investigator Richard Stone (Rob Merritt) in his office, where a seemingly festive holiday party covers the simmering undercurrents of his shady dealings. The film tackles a complex narrative as it delves into Stone's conflicted psyche, juxtaposing his misdeeds against the honorable military service of his secretary’s brother. As the evening progresses, the festive air is increasingly tainted by the unresolved murder of Stone's partner, Jake Marley (Chris Causey,) whose ghostly presence signals the beginning of an otherworldly reckoning. So, I will review this like any other movie, but if you’re going to check it out, keep in mind this is an indie film in almost every aspect. At times, the film feels more like a local community stage play.
The Chronicles Of Riddick [4K Limited Edition]
David Twohy ambitiously broadens the world of the Riddick series with THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK, transforming Vin Diesel's quintessential survivalist into a mythic hero entangled in the universe's fate. This chapter catapults Riddick into a confrontation with the Necromongers, a power-hungry cult dominating the cosmos. Elevating the stakes from personal survival to the survival of civilizations, this sequel immerses Riddick in a battle that stretches his abilities and destiny to their limits.
Circus of Horrors
Sidney Hayers' CIRCUS OF HORRORS slices through the 1960s British horror scene with its unflinching examination of the human psyche. Here, the absolute terror comes not from ghastly specters but from the depths of human depravity. Anton Diffring's chilling portrayal of “Dr. Rossiter” takes viewers deep into a world where power corrupts absolutely, and the circus—a place traditionally associated with wonder—becomes a stage for a dark and twisted redemption narrative.
Roseland (Blu-ray)
James Ivory’s ROSELAND is an evocative stroll through the echoes of a New York City ballroom, capturing the delicate dance of life’s joys and sorrows. Here, the Roseland Ballroom isn't just a setting; it's a silent narrator chronicling the intertwining tales of souls seeking solace. With each scene, Ivory crafts an experience that feels as intimate as a whisper but as universal as a tale for all, exploring the timeless themes of memory, loss, and the indomitable human spirit.
The Boss (Blu-ray)
In the riveting conclusion of Fernando Di Leo's Milieu trilogy, THE BOSS, we're catapulted into the savage heart of the Italian mafia, far more unforgiving than we've seen before. Through the eyes of the relentless enforcer Nick Lanzetta, portrayed by Henry Silva, the film navigates a brutal labyrinth of betrayal and survival against a backdrop of unchecked power. Silva’s chilling performance captures the essence of a man carved out of the complex realities of mob life, starkly contrasting the earlier films in the trilogy's more linear storytelling of stepping away from the traditional glamorization of mob films; THE BOSS offers a raw depiction of the criminal underworld. With his formidable presence, Silva brings Lanzetta to life—not as a hero but as a stark representation of the mob's cruel efficiency. This entry in Di Leo's series doesn’t just draw you into a story—it drags you through the grim realities of its world, where every character is a cog in a vast, remorseless machine. Also, can we talk about the elephant in the room and how much Siva looks like Chevy Chase?
Fairy Creek
In the expanses of Vancouver Island, FAIRY CREEK unfolds as a visceral document of confrontation and endurance, directed by Jen Muranetz, with a specific and intent cinematic eye. The film plunges into the heart of an environmental standoff, capturing the tension and enthusiasm among those fighting to protect the ancient forests of the Fairy Creek watershed. Through a compelling vérité approach, Muranetz gets up close and personal with the struggles and sacrifices of a community standing on the frontline of conservation.
Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain's Journey
Its Name Was Mormo
In the vortex of found footage horror, Mark Andrew Bowers presents a new entry into the genre with ITS NAME WAS MORMO, interweaving the everyday domestic life with the spine-chilling lore of ancient myths. Distributed by Uncork'd Entertainment, the film presents a domestic setting transformed into an arena of psychological warfare as a family grapples with the evil spirit of Mormo, which incrementally plants chaos in their once-peaceful home. In the infamous words of the Canadian rock band Barenaked Ladies, "It's all been done, done before." There were a lot of interesting concepts here, but as a whole, we've seen everything this story had to offer before, and the film didn't expand enough to leave its mark.
The Invasion [4K Limited Edition]
In 2007, an ambitious reimagining of Jack Finney’s 1955 novel, ‘The Body Snatchers,’ premiered on the silver screen as THE INVASION. This adaptation aimed to resonate with modern audiences by transforming the classic alien pod narrative into a story of viral contagion—a nod to our collective unease over pandemics (even way back then.) Despite a promising setup, the film struggled under the pressure of conflicting visions and heavy studio involvement, resulting in a feature that, while polished, lacks its predecessors' depth and chilling subtlety.
Arthur Erickson: Beauty Between the Lines
Dive into a world of space and design in ARTHUR ERICKSON: BEAUTY BETWEEN THE LINES; viewers find themselves immersed in the legacy of a pioneering spirit whose architectural designs revolutionized how we interact with our world. Through the lens of directors Ryan Mah and Danny Berish, this documentary melds Erickson's personal stories with his professional triumphs, showcasing a journey that reshaped the skyline and our imaginations alike.
The Salmon’s Call
THE SALMON'S CALL offers an immersive and captivating journey into the heart of British Columbia. It highlights the profound relationship between wild salmon and the Indigenous communities that have cherished them for generations. From the outset, the documentary draws you into a world where nature and culture are deeply intertwined, leaving a lasting impression that resonates long after the film concludes.