When you stroll through the streets of Woodland Hills in Los Angeles, it might feel like you've walked onto a film set, where every corner whispers secrets of a world where privacy is just an illusion. That's the chilling scenario that HI! YOU ARE CURRENTLY BEING RECORDED brings to life. Directed by Anna Maguire and Kyle Greenberg, this short film cleverly mirrors our societal obsession with surveillance, thrusting Maguire, both director and protagonist, into an unsettling narrative of modern voyeurism.

Step back into the luxury, excess, and turbulence of 18th-century Italy with THE BOHEMIAN, a film that portrays the rollercoaster life of Josef Mysliveček, also lovingly called THE BOHEMIAN. This narrative traverses his ascent in Venice’s operatic zenith to his decline into poverty in Rome, encapsulating his relentless pursuit of musical innovation amid a lifestyle of excess.

Michael Rock makes a powerful impact with THE MURDER OF THE MONSTER, taking on a topic that resonates deeply with concerns that have only grown over the years. This film not only marks his first solo flight behind the lens after his team-up on TAHOE JOE 1 & 2, but it also thrusts the spotlight on the raw, often overlooked issue of domestic violence with an unwavering gaze and a meticulous craft that underscores both the narrative and visual elements of storytelling.

CART GIRLS, crafted by the spirited team at Hey Old Friend Productions (an emerging female comedy production company out of Canada) with a minimal budget, this short film (that this reviewer hopes to see turned into a feature) redefines comedic storytelling from a fresh, female perspective, turning the traditionally male-dominated world on its head.

Stepping into the neon-soaked corridors of the adult film industry, MAR.IA emerges as a strikingly bold narrative directed by Gabriel Grieco and Nicanor Loreti. The story begins in 2024 with Maria Black (Daria Panchenko,) a leading figure in the adult film scene, whose life turns dark following an accident resulting in a coma. A media whirlwind follows that quickly subsides, leaving a mysterious silence in its wake.

In what has to be the biggest surprise of the year for me so far, Arrow Video's upcoming release, THE NICO MASTORAKIS COLLECTION, showcases an impressive array of six distinctive films from the innovative director. Known for his unique flair in meshing genres, this collection solidifies his reputation as a stalwart in the landscape of B-movie brilliance. If you dug Enter The Video Store: Empire of Screams (and who didn’t?), you’d likely enjoy some, if not all, of these.

THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. whisks viewers off to a retro world where espionage is as stylish as it is suspenseful. Under Guy Ritchie's direction, the film rekindles the slick, sophisticated atmosphere of the 60s spy genre, complete with sharp visuals and a toe-tapping soundtrack, all of which pay homage to the TV series it's based on. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, the plot follows the unlikely team-up of Henry Cavill’s debonair CIA agent, Solo, and Armie Hammer’s disciplined KGB agent, Illya. Initially at odds, their adversarial relationship shifts as they confront a looming nuclear threat engineered by the criminal Vinciguerra family.

Back in 1965, Howard Hawks revved up the engines with RED LINE 7000, delivering an exhilarating blend of speed and emotion. This film, marking James Caan's first major role, mixes the thrill of stock car racing with the complexities of personal drama, capturing the high stakes of the racetrack and heart. It's a ride that challenges the drivers on the track and in their intertwined romantic lives, mirroring their high-speed careers with equally volatile personal encounters.

At the far reaches of the Capillian Star System, THE SILENT PLANET crafts a poignant narrative that intertwines the lives of Theodore, portrayed with nuance by Elias Koteas, and Niyya, brought to life by Briana Middleton. Theodore's existence, steeped in the routine of mineral extraction and haunted by fading memories of Earth, sets the stage for a starkly introspective journey. This solitary routine is jolted by the arrival of Niyya, whose past was marred by trauma and otherworldly encounters, igniting a turbulent unraveling of secrets they both wished stayed hidden.

Apple TV+ brings us the reimagining and slightly less crazed version of the 1981 Terry Gilliam classic TIME BANDITS. This refreshing take on the original film navigates historical timelines with an engaging mix of humor and intrigue, breathing new life into a beloved narrative. The series' creators, writers, and directors offer a synergy that electrifies the story. The narrative unfurls with young Kevin (Kal-El Tuck,) a history enthusiast who teams up with a diverse group of “outlaws” intent on correcting historical wrongs, aiming to alter the course of history itself.

Welcome to the cutthroat world of GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS, where the high stakes of a ruthless real estate game play out under the shadowy glow of fluorescent office lights. In this arena, a dream team led by Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, and others brings to life the desperation and moral decay scripted by playwright David Mamet. Here, it’s all about the hustle: land the best leads, close the most deals, or risk everything.

In horror anthologies, BODY PARTS carves a unique niche, blending spooky stories into a central, spine-chilling saga centered around a mysterious cult. This film is not merely a collection of horror vignettes; it's a deep dive into the abyss of human fears, brought to life by a cadre of directors whose distinct visions coalesce into a hauntingly atmospheric narrative.

In Alexander J. Farrell’s inaugural leap into narrative filmmaking, THE BEAST WITHIN serves up a hearty dose of gothic horror rooted deeply in the genre's eerie traditions. Farrell, transitioning from documentary filmmaking, crafts a gripping tale against the foreboding backdrop of an ancient English forest, where dark secrets and familial conflicts twist into a riveting storyline. From a stylistic standpoint, this film hit the nail on the head!

In the dead of night, a remote diner sets the stage for ONE FOR THE ROAD, a film that treads the line between suspense and moral examination. Directed by Daniel Carsenty and written by Corey Slater, this adaptation of Stephen King’s story from his Night Shift collection weaves a tale of danger and selflessness, pushing the audience to question how far one should go to aid a stranger amidst peril.

Venturing beneath the elegant facade of a Beverly Hills hotel, UNDERGROUND ACES introduces us to a band of valet drivers who redefine their mundane jobs into an exhilarating escapism. Under the leadership of industry veterans Dirk Benedict’s Pete, Melanie Griffith’s Lucy, and Frank Gorshin’s Fred, these car jockeys find themselves orchestrating a comedic car ballet. What starts as typical day-to-day operations soon spirals into teaching a sheik the nuances of American romance, complete with high-octane car chases and a housefly trained to perform tricks. The cast's zeal, accompanied by performances from Michael Winslow and Jerry Orbach, energizes this early '80s gem, turning it into a lively depiction of the era.

Los Angeles serves as a stage for SLEEP NO MORE, a neo-noir that dives deep into the tangled lives of a family caught in the web of the criminal underworld. This release marks a decade since director Antonia Bogdanovich first ventured into creating and releasing this film as PHANTOM HALO, celebrating with a director’s cut that layers Shakespearean tragedy over the stark realities of crime. Yet, despite its cinematic ambition, the movie often stumbles, struggling to maintain a steady tone throughout. I’m sure there’s far more to this story and the passion that was put into it!

Step back into the 1970s with WOMEN IN BLUE, the latest series to hit Apple TV+ this July. This enthralling dive into the lives of Mexico's trailblazing female police officers blends actual historical events with intense drama, all under the adept direction of Fernando Rovzar. The fact that this story is based in part on actual events adds such an impact to the experience!

In the documentary WALKING AFTER MIDNIGHT: THE MAKING OF SURVIVAL OF THE DEAD, director Michael Felsher grants us an all-access pass to the creative project that was George A. Romero's final bow, SURVIVAL OF THE DEAD. This film dissects the craft of blending chilling narratives with sharp societal undercurrents that Romero perfected. Filmed on an isolated island, this production mirrors a society in decay, providing a fresh facade to the classic zombie archetype, enriched with the flavor of old Western duels. Without one of Romero’s unrealized scripts making it into production, this may be the next best thing!

KINDRED tells a profoundly resonant story that captures the heart with its depiction of Adrian Russell Wills and Gillian Moody, whose lives map a stirring journey back to their Aboriginal roots. Their tales, punctuated by a shared struggle for identity amid cultural disconnection, are explored and detailed in this evocative documentary.

Aboard NASA's Ares 7, en route to Mars, Major Tom Collins (Adam Dunn) faces a critical dilemma when he discovers that his co-pilot, Abe (Aaron Glenane,) is a far more inexperience astronaut than he's supposed to be. ASTRONOTS skillfully navigates through this plot twist, weaving together a sharp comedic style with the intense stakes of a life-or-death scenario. This blend creates an engaging narrative that delves into the complexities of human emotions and trust, set against the vast backdrop of space exploration. Something is telling when a film that is only 10 minutes long can hit so powerfully with its dialogue! They managed to get across the film's plot and have an intricate back-and-forth that makes you more invested than you could imagine.

October in Springboro brings more than just autumn leaves; it heralds a chilling tradition where the youth of this town face peril under strict moral laws enforced by a menacing Slasher. At the vortex of this horror is Parker Campbel (Skylar Radzion), entangled deeply in this dark saga crafted by none other than her father. In a quest to reclaim her innocence and bring peace back to her community, Parker engages directly with her father’s terrifying legacy.

Alicia's (Tatjana Anders) tale in YOUR REALITY, where romance slides into psychological torment, is a classic narrative spun with a contemporary twist. Set in the unsuspecting environment of a coffee shop, the film kicks off with the perfect meeting of what seems like two fun and light-hearted individuals and spirals into a harrowing exploration of emotional abuse. As Alicia navigates her unsettling transformation from a self-assured professional to a woman haunted by doubt and despair, the audience is pulled along for an intense ride that blurs the line between affection and manipulation.

In ESCAPE ATTEMPT, viewers traverse the stark, cold future where human resilience is tested in the bleakest dystopias. Under the direction of the Grammy-winning duo Daniel Shapiro and Alex Topaller, the film is an intense survival saga featuring performances by Polish stars Andrzej Chyra and Piotr Witkowski. The actors breathe life into a script that connects historical atrocities with foreboding futuristic oppression, adapting a 1962 classic novel by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky.

In the heart of New York City, amidst the surreal settings of a chic eatery, unfolds THE LINGUINI INCIDENT—a film that spins a romantic comedy with a heist twist. Under Richard Shepard’s direction, this film blends whimsy with misadventure, anchored by Rosanna Arquette's Lucy and David Bowie's Monte. Lucy, a waitress with grand illusions of escapology, and Monte, the bartender needing a green card, hatch a plan to rob their workplace, catalyzing a chain of events as chaotic as they are comedic.

In her revealing memoir, EVERY DAY IS A NEW DAY: A STORY OF FAITH, Jenny Teeters courageously lays bare her struggle with alcoholism. The story, set against the gleaming backdrop of professional success, her narrative digs deep into the shadowy contrasts of her life, charting a journey from a seemingly enviable existence to the brink of destruction—and back.