It’s 1976 and Elizabeth is just your average suburban 11-year-old praying for adolescence to arrive when she discovers her whole life has been a lie. With only her imagination to guide her, Elizabeth runs away in search of her true identity. Her adoptive mother Marion is then forced to break out of the carefully constructed “truth” she’s been clinging to and go after her daughter. This leads to a cathartic cross-country trek by a mother searching for a daughter who’s searching for a mother – both of them really searching for themselves.

Growing up can be confusing and hard at times, Elizabeth is having a hard enough time waiting for adolescence to kick but she she finds out on her own she was adopted her world turns upside down. One day while watching television she sees Dolly performing "I Will Always Love You" on her then syndicated television show called "Dolly" and imagines Dolly is her birth mother. She then is determined to cross the border to the U.S. where Dolly is having a concert to confront her.

"The Year Dolly Parton was My Mom" has a lot going for it, for starters it has a terrific cast. Gil Bellows and Macha Grenon are both terrific as the adopted parents but for me the film belongs to Julia Stone who gives an outstanding performance as Elizabeth. I see a very bright future ahead for this talented young actress. Also you can't have a film with a name like this without mentioning Dolly herself. Everyone loves Dolly and even though her screen time is limited her music is a vocal point all the way till the end credits. Writer/Director, Tara Johns does a terrific job at keeping the film moving at a good pace and she really knows how to tell a story that is at times funny, heart-felt and full of every human emotion you can imagine. This is the kind of film that made me fall in love with cinema in the first place.

As far as the story goes I think I've already told you too much, to truly appreciate the film you have to see it for yourself and you can on 1/24/12. "The Year Dolly Parton was My Mom" is targeted at a female audience but anyone with a heartbeat is going to find this to be a touching coming of age film about a mother searching for her daughter and a young girl searching for the truth, but what they don't know is their both really searching for themselves and each other. The film also tackles the whole adoption issue as well and raises a few important questions like how young should a child be before he or she is told the truth. I loved every second of this film and I fell in love with it's story and characters plus I had a great time listening to all those great Dolly songs all over again. I highly recommend this film to everyone, it's one of those gems that touches the heart and stays with you long after it's over.

-Videoviews.org

Osiris Entertainment has acquired international broadcast rights for “Monsters in the Woods,” a shock-horror film that parodies the pitfalls facing filmmakers trying to make it in Hollywood. Film tells the story of low budget filmmaker, Jayson, who has made the movie of his dreams. But to his dismay, it can’t sell in Hollywood. In order to salvage the film Jayson is told to add sex scenes and more violence. Out of money and clinging to his last chance to get the movie sold, Jayson approaches his psychotic producer Bravo and orders him to assemble a cast and crew and immediately begin a re-shoot of the film (84’).

-The Telco Report

Chatsworth, California-based independent film and DVD distributor Osiris Entertainment picked up the international broadcast rights to cult horror film The Eves. The film is produced by CoNation Film Productions. It centers on a group of students who travel to the beach for spring break, but are stranded at a secluded hunting lodge. When some of the students disappear, the others are on the run from a shadowy figure.

-www.videoageinternational.com

Director Jason Harrisford's career certainly isn't going the way he wants it to. He's got a few films under his belt, but he just can't get his latest film to sell. It seems the problem is that the original cut doesn't have enough sex and violence, so his producer, Bravo, drags him out into the wilderness to film a few shots of bimbos getting fucked in a tent and torn apart by the horrible half-man/half-turkey killer with the most inept crew that barely-any-money can buy. Maybe he should have dug a little deeper into his couch cushions for that part of the budget, however, as an accident with a camera boom leaves the hapless director lying dead on the ground. While most of the crew understandably thinks things are a wrap, Bravo is able to convince them to finish the product in Horton's honor. And that's when the horror they're trying to create on camera suddenly switches to reality, as they find themselves assaulted by a pack of ravenous monsters.

This is quite obviously a micro-budget affair. Still, they didn't let that get in the way. The monsters themselves, the reason people are going to watch this in the first place, were certainly not slacked on. They look like humanoid spiders, and watching wave after wave descend on their victims was a definite treat. The actual violence, the blows themselves, was never shown. Instead, the camera would be focused on the face of the attacker, and then switch to the aftermath. And from branches through throats and faces getting ripped off, the aftermath looked pretty damned good. Granted, I would have preferred they kept it a little more realistic. For example, the girl with the aforementioned removed continues on in the movie, bare muscles to the world. 

One of the things Horton raved about is the quality of his collected actors and actresses; I have to say this was quite the mixed bag here. Interestingly enough, gender just so happened to be the dividing line. Glen Plummer certainly turned in a very nice performance, too bad his character died early on. Lee Perkins and Edward Hendershott were also pretty good, but both fell victim to stereotypical writing of stoner and black guy respectively. A shame too, as Hendershott would have fared a lot better without all the Ebonics thrown in. Now, about that estrogen side of the table: Claudia Perea, Linda Bella, and Ashton Blanchard were all bad. Really bad. Of course, Jacqui Holland did manage to knock valley-girl speak and running through the woods topless out of the park. Girl power indeed.

Writer/director Jason Horton wanted to inject a bit of autobiography into this. Indeed, the whole backstory of Plummer having to reshoot his movie to make it sell is one he faced personally, and he name-drops two of his former movies: Trap and Edges of Darkness. While I'm sure it felt good to vent, most of that is lost on the audience. We basically just want to see some people get eaten by the monsters in the woods, and thankfully, Horton is able to successfully blow off said steam without it swallowing the titular side of the story. It merely serves as the set up that got this group out into the wilderness in the first place. Nice to see he's not egotistical enough to let his own struggle swallow the whole project; a lot of directors wouldn't be able to say the same. 

Monsters in the Woods is definitely a fun little romp. If it hits the Netflix scene, pick it up; it'll serve for a nice night in front of the tube, especially if you and your buddies have a b-movie night. 8/10.

-moviesmademe.com

Osiris Entertainment's website clearly represents the distribution company's innovative way of doing business. The final consumer has a selection of 600 movies to choose from and get immediate access to. "We are not an agent, but a real distributer. We do all the artistic work and production in house, and distribute it for TV, DVD, VOD, digital platforms and airlines," Evan Crooke, president and CEO, said. 

It's a different outlook: Crooke is a renowned screenwriter, producer and director who became the manager of an independent movie distribution company. He highlights the importance of collaborative projects, the producer's role, and having a good relationship with buyers. "In this current market, everyone must be flexible and adapt quickly," he said. 

THE INDUSTRY

The executive shared his point of view on the current market and explained what he believes is the way to overcome economic difficulties: "Unfortunately, the industry has changed significantly over the last ten years. The movie business has become more competitive as the years went by for many reasons. First of all, there's piracy. And second, the world has become a giant content machine, and the movie industry has transformed into a quantity business," he said. 

The explanation comes down to one simple word: fragmentation. According to Crooke, there are currently between 20 and 30 "cake slices" within the distribution industry. These "slices" used to be only 3 or 4. "The problem with this is that there are more places to sell content, but the rule is that each sale translates into less money. The amount of products has tripled, since other countries have started producing more due to the easy access to technology. More offer means less value," he said.

On the bright side of thing, the executive states that there are "more places to sell, and more technology to reach a specific niche" or genre and sub-genre. "There are more places for movie producers to sell their titles: it doesn't matter what they produce, there will always be a niche to sell it to. This is good news," Crooke said. 

In this scenario, Osiris lives on. Its motto: adapt to the clients' purchasing power. "We can offer the best movies at an affordable price to the international market. We understand that in order to survive in this business, there's no other choice than to think internationally. It's necessary to provide all kinds of content to all kinds of consumers worldwide. And, most importantly, whether it's in a Walmart in Canada or through Netflix in the US (and considering the wide product offer and the consumers' ability to choose), it's necessary to offer products at an affordable price," he said. 

PRODUCTION

Crooke also shares a clear outlook on movies' production and distribution process: nowadays it's necessary to use small budgets, since profits are no where near what they used to be a few years ago in the independent world. 

"Ten years ago, a movie could be completed with only a US$ million dollars and profits would be three times that amount. Those times have ended. Nowadays I believe producers have two choices: you can produce a film with US$ 200,000 and be able to win back what you invested, plus a small profit on an international level. Or, you can raise the stakes and invest US$ 5 million dollars in a project. All projects in between these two numbers have the possibility of ending in complete disaster," he concludes.  

-ttvmedianews.com

 About a tight group of friends living in a small, forgotten, Wisconsin town. The story revolves around Kevin and his fight to find a new life for himself after 30 years of going nowhere.

Kevin's life has never been easy and it gets even harder when his father decides to move the family to a small town after his mother dies during a routine surgery. Years pass and the town begins to suffer an economic crisis, mills close and jobs dry up. When his father decides to move Kevin makes the decision to stay in hopes to find a better life there among his friends and girlfriend but like the rest of the town's people he just sits around drinking and nothing chances. Years later while at a party a local bad boy rapes Kevin's girlfriend but she doesn't want to press charges which puts a strain on their relationship until his father pays him a visit one day and hands him a check for 50,000 from his mother's settlement. Things begin to look up once he buys a house and begins to look at life a bit differently but it seems trouble is never far behind for Kevin.

To go into full details about the plot would only ruin the story for those wanting to see it so I will stop there. "Nonames" is a story about a group of friends, sure the focus is on Kevin and his life in the small town he refuses to leave but you also get to know each and every friend of his and a few locals as well like his boss, Ed. These are characters that you care about and even relate to which is why the film is so hard to watch at times. There are happy times and even some humor in the film which is very funny but mostly it's a doom and gloom look at life in a small town that like it's residents is fighting to stay alive. A realistic, honest portrayal of small town U.S.A., I was taken in from the opening scene and through the film's many characters and dramatic moments. I was willing to invest my time in hopes everything turned out good for everyone.

The cast is many but everyone did an outstanding job bringing their characters to life. James Badge Dale is amazing as Kevin, he brings so much emotion to his character that it pulls on your heart strings and Gillian Jacobs is just as wonderful as his girlfriend CJ. The film also features veteran actor, Barry Corbin and he delivers a terrific performance as well but we have come to expect it from him.

Beautifully shot with gorgeous countryside scenery, you can easily tell a lot of heart went into making the film. "Nonames" is a powerful and dramatic film that moves you and it leaves you thinking about it long after it's over. An Independent masterpiece that is one of this year's must-see films. 

-videoviews.org

MONSTERS IN THE WOODS was a movie I was waiting to watch and thanks to writer/ director Jason Horton we got that opportunity. I popped the film into my Xbox 360 and started the movie and right off the bat the film has a cute blonde completely naked before her boyfriend gets taken out by a bird like creature. After that scene I was hooked.

The film is about a film crew out in the woods shooting a horror movie when the horror comes to them in the form of hellhounds and now the crew must help an angel send the hounds back to hell. 

The scene I mentioned earlier about the naked blonde girl is actually part of the horror movie being shot in the film and the bird man creature is also a part of the shoot, which was a relief because if that was the main creature I would have shut off the film, but it makes total sense for the movie within a movie.

Since I am speaking of the creature let me get right into the thing that impressed me the most and that was the creature FX. I wasn’t knocking the bird man FX because the face application design is really cool, but when you see the film you will understand what I am talking about. The hellhound creature design and FX are freaking awesome. I was shocked at how good the hell hounds looked for a small budget film and it was all practical FX, no CGI, well I believe there was no CGI. The hellhounds seemed like it was a suit operated by someone wearing stilts and that worked giving the hellhounds a very cool walking motion. 

There is also a good amount of gore in the film and blood was flying everywhere especially towards the end of the film. If you are a fan of gore and old school creature films then this will make you happy. In my opinion the FX work was the star of the show. 

The acting in the film wasn’t bad and it was good to see Glenn Plummer in the film. He plays Jayson the director of the film who is totally frustrated that he is shooting additional footage to his film because the studio wants more blood and boobs. The veteran actor grabs all the attention when on screen and is a joy to watch. The remaining cast keeps the film interesting and helps define the films low budget horror film within a film feel. You have the supposed superstar character, the girl who can’t act and then there is the crew who are there for the love of the craft. Another character that I was drawn to was Bravo (Blaine Cade) the executive producer of the horror film. I wasn’t drawn to him until midway through the film, but he became a character that I wanted dead and was waiting for every opportunity for that to happen, so good job Blaine.

Now on to Jason Horton’s script and directing skills. I have to give Jason credit because the script went somewhere I didn’t anticipate. The addition of the religious aspect of the film totally took me by surprise as did the storyline of how the hell hounds came to the woods. I was totally going into the movie thinking it was going to be a straight up creature feature, but the incorporation of the religious aspect helped the film as did the setting of the film. He also did a good job developing characters that you love and hate, like the executive producer character. The directing work was also very good and I can see improvement from his previous films. I really enjoyed the directorial work when the shit really started to hit the fan and how he kept the creature moving to the point I got frustrated because I was trying to admire the FX work, but that tactic worked for the film. And kept the action flowing. All this made for a very entertaining film.

 -igorslab.com

 A low-budget film crew treks deep into the wilderness to shoot horror sequences for their unsellable indie-drama. They soon find themselves in the midst of their own horror show as they are hunted down real monsters.

As the film opens Low budget filmmaker, Jayson what he believes is a winning film but Hollywood has other ideas. The powers that be want him to go back and do some re-shoots adding more blood and nudity. Jayson tells his Producer Bravo to get a cast and crew together and talk them into re-shooting for free with the promise of reaping some of the profits once the film is sold. But with an incompetent cast and crew something was bound to go wrong and it does when Jayson is accidentally killed on set. Bravo some how convinces everyone to finish the film but what no one else knows is that he made a pact with the devil and now there are blood thirsty hellhounds on the loose looking to take 12 lives and maybe more. It's now up to stuntman Burt and a female Angel to stop Bravo and put an end to all the killing before it's too late.

"Monsters in The Woods" starts off a bit slow as it introduces the characters and sets up the story but it doesn't take long for the film to shift gears and become a full-fledged creature feature. The film has a good amount of blood and gore and the effects are really well done, the creatures are also very original, their not your typical hellhounds you might be use to seeing. The film also has a good bit of nudity, foul language and dark humor to keep the things light and fun. Writer/Director, Jason Horton really has a pulse on the genre and he even knows how to poke a little fun at the industry as well.

Director Horton also put together a terrific cast including Glenn Plummer, everyone in the film did a fantastic job playing their roles and they all looked like they had a blast making the film as well. The film is well-shot, everything looks good and Horton really made the most of the isolated settings which really gave the feeling on nowhere to run or hide. "Monsters in The Woods" is just another example of why Independent horror reigns over anything Hollywood produces nowadays. This was a bloody good time and a film that gets the juices flowing, if you're a fan of horror you owe it to yourself to check this one out. I will be keeping an eye out to see what this talented Director has coming next.

-videoviews.org

Against the tranquil backdrop of a game reserve, South African thriller Night Drive tracks a group of tourists left stranded during a night-time game drive after their vehicle breaks down. As a series of terrifying events unfolds, the tourists realise that wild animals are the least of their fears.

Local legend has it that the Hyena Man a power-obsessed madman who once traded in animal parts heads a well armed, well trained group of poachers who are on the hunt for human body parts and who are known to trade in live human beings.

When the tourists come across a womans mutilated body, ex-special forces soldier turned game ranger Jack Darwin becomes hell-bent on tracking down the poachers. He leaves the group in the care of his superstitious tracker, Akani (Yule Masiteng).

Jacks estranged son Sean (Christopher Beasley) becomes the visitors only hope for survival. But if hes going to keep them alive he has to confront his own demons first.

"Night Drive" is a South African thriller/horror from first time Director, Justin Head who also wrote the screenplay. You would never know this was Justin's first time behind the camera by watching the film because it looks amazing. The story has a main character in Sean but don't think for a minute that he's the whole story, the almost dozen characters in the film are all part of the story-line and they are all well-developed. The basic story-line is pretty simple but it's the film's complex characters that make this such an engaging piece of cinema. Early on you develop feelings for each one of the characters in one way or another.

To go into details about the plot would only ruin certain surprises that await those of you that haven't see the film yet so I am not going to do that plus what is already written about the story here is all you really need to know. The film is very fact pace plus it's suspenseful and at times frightening. At heart it's a thriller with scenes of horrific violence that enhances the story and never becomes it. There is a good amount of blood and gore for those of you that enjoy that kind of thing but "Night Drive" is mainly a thrill ride that will have you holding on to your seat to see who survives and who doesn't.

 

The film is a game of survival but it's also about a man who can't let go of the past and is looking for some kind of redemption. This is a unique film for it's country but it's also one of the best written and directed films in it's genre I have seen in some time. "Night Drive" is a must-see, must-own film for all fan's of the genre. The action, drama and suspense never let up till the credits begin to roll and I really enjoyed the twist towards the end as well. The production rivals anything coming out of Hollywood plus the ensemble cast did an amazing job playing out these complex characters plus the direction is brilliant, I for one cannot wait to see what Justin Head has coming out next. "Night Drive: is one hell of a ride and is not to be missed.

-Videoviews.org

This film should really have been called Angels and Hellhounds. With that aside, Jason Horton's fifth film as director takes place in Big Bear National Park where a film crew is shooting a low budget horror movie. Their film then turns into a real horror film when an earthquake releases hounds from hell onto the set. Now, the crew is chased down by a host of creatures that look more like walking crabs than anything else. Meanwhile, dir. Horton satirizes his real life as a low budget filmmaker through the character Jayson (Glen Plummer).

At the black heart of this film is the producer Bravo (Blaine Cade). It seems that hell has released him temporarily from below. He will be brought back to the netherworld unless he can secure twelve souls for the demons he is working for. This means that Bravo will have to murder several of the crew members while the others try to figure out why everyone keeps disappearing. A few characters lose their face or are splattered in blood before they put two and two together. All of the action begins after director Jayson (Glenn Plummer) succumbs to an accidental death via a boom crane. Hilariously, the crew continues the shoot without him and without burying his body until there are no more cast members left to perform scenes.

Some of those cast members include Burt (Edward Hendershott), the temporary hero and Ashley (Linda Bella), the desperate starlette. Burt ties to put a stop to Bravo's plan, but the supernatural is more powerful than the physical. Ashley has already given herself over to the devil's evil plan. As well, Bravo is duplicitous and this character seems to be a symbol of all that is wrong with Hollywood - producers. Jayson, the director in the film, only gets a few scenes to shout at his incompetent crew before the bloodbath begins and this reviewer would have liked to have seen Plummer (Speed) last a little longer.

Horton is quite clever in this production as he switches genres a third of the way through the film. At first, Monsters in the Woods seems like a docudrama or a film within a film. However, things change early. The film transitions into a horror styled film similar to a creature feature, when the hellhounds are released. The satire is also here as microphones break at inopportune times or as the script reader feeds the actor's their forgotten lines. This blend of genres made the film feel smart to this reviewer. Much of that intelligence comes through in the quick repartee. Unfortunately, a lot of that repartee involves unnecessary and constant cursing.

Horror fans will enjoy the gore here and there are some elements of evil here too. The special effects department concentrates on splashing the blood around, or creating caves that look very similar to female genitalia. The costumes of the actual monsters are well done and the make-up effects range from torn faces to impaled characters. All of the effects look well done and believable to shocking affect.

In the end, director Horton satirizes his life as a low budget filmmaker in Monsters in the Woods. His difficulties with real life ambitious actresses, inept actors, talentless crew members and scheming money grubbing producers all get their sensationalized time on the screen. At least he can laugh at it, right? And this film might be comparable to the first Cabin Fever film with its use of dark comedy to keep things funny and bloody. Although not comparable in budget to Cabin Fever, Monsters in the Woods was a lot better than this reviewer expected; horror fans will not be let down by this film as Horton shows his expertise in the horror realm. Finally, indie film fans might laugh along with Horton as he pokes fun at an industry that could use a few more films like the one seen here.

- 28dayslateranalysis.com

 "Father vs. Son" is a comedy that centers on a newly divorced dad, Jerry Coletti, and his ever-embarrassed son, Grant. When Jerry's wife dumps him he decides to pay his son a visit and all hell breaks loose when Jerry decides to go after the same lady his son in interested in. As each man attempts to do things to win over this beautiful woman the laughs just keep coming. There's not only tons of clever and hilarious dialogue going on between the two but the situational comedy is right on as well.

I'm not going to sit here and ruin any part of this hysterical comedy by giving away details because that would be just wrong, instead I am just going to keep this review short and say that "Father vs. Son" is one of the funniest films I have seen this year and it makes for multiple viewings because it's that damn good.

A home-run of comedies with the perfect cast, lots of laugh out loud moments and great direction from a very talented filmmaker, Joe Ballarini makes this is a must-see comedy for all fans.

The DVD comes loaded with Special Features that include: Audio Commentary featuring: Writer/Director Joe Ballarini, Writer/Co-star Paul Wolf, and Producer/Editor Brian James Crew, “On the Set of Father vs Son,” Outtakes, Deleted Scenes, Photo Gallery, and the Trailer.

Not much more to add here, if you like to have a good time then "Father vs. Son" will have you rolling on the floor in laughter.

We can all stand a little magic in our lives this Christmas. Walk a Mile in My Pradas is just the kind of holiday film to brighten your day and put a smile on your face. It pretty much concerns a macho homophobe construction worker Tony (Nathaniel Marston) and a gay coworker on a new job site named Steve (Tom Archdeacon) who cannot get along. Through vengeful spite, each wishes that the other would switch lifestyles, and in the presence of a Christmas tree angel that blinks on and off, puf! the transformation inexplicably takes place. Suddenly Tony starts acting weird - like cooking and cruising guys in Gay bars, and Steve, to the dismay of lover Michael (Emrhys Cooper), begins to check out and fancy chicks. The film's unpredictability is somewhat in the vein of Big, where Tom Hanks' innocent wish comes true and he must face the consequences, no matter how bizarre or uncomfortable!

Growing up Catholic and realizing you're gay is a nightmare. Well, Tony's family (Dee Wallace, Mike Starr) are Italian Catholics and teacher Sister Betty (Bunny Levine) taught Tony as a boy that "gay is evil". Therein lie the roots of his intolerance. Capiche? When Tony encounters Sister Betty in the present - 20 years later - her response? "Times have changed. Get with it!" Oh, these fickle Catholics and their hypocritical devotion! This is but one example of ...Prada's topical hilarity.

Under Joey Sylvester's caring direction, the entire cast is delightful. Marston rightfully underplays his newfound weirdness, as does Archdeacon with his attraction to women. Relying on overly swishy or super macho behavior just would not work, period. Cooper adds color to Michael, who is appropriately baffled and heartbroken at his lover's sudden lack of interest. Equally confused is Tony's fiance Sarah played with restraint by Kirsten Lea. Dee Wallace hasn't been this funny since 10 as the obsessive English teacher/momma who starts mopping the floor incessantly when she even conceptualizes her son as gay. Tom Arnold is a hoot as the laid-back boss sort of caught in the middle of the sexual issue. Poker-faced Levine is a scream as Sister Betty, and kudos as well to writer Rick Karatas as friend Brian and especially to Lindsay Hollister as Laura. Overweight and out of place, she has one of the funniest lines in the movie regarding consternation with bulemia. Bruce Vilanch has a cute cameo as himself.

Dee Wallace with Marston

Of course, there's a happy ending and everyone gets what they want - c'mon, it's Christmas! Is it possible to be lightweight, yet high on sweet? If so,

Dr. Andrew Stanton (Brian Krause) is a young physician who believes he is on the verge of developing what could very well be the cure for a disease which has plagued mankind for far too long, the AIDS virus. His medical labors have negatively affected his home life while he is also being hounded by government reps as well as his superiors, who are technically supposed to be on his team so to speak but are more interested in the funding and publicity that will come their way if his medication is a success. 

If all of these distractions are not enough, a medically-deemed terminal child named Jesus is just days away from his passing, and the thought of the youngster ending up in the morgue internally eats away at his conscience. Even though his lab tech Matthew (Kadeem Hardison of A Different World and Def By Temptation) tells him, “You can’t save them all”, Stanton injects his “cure” into the youngster in a desperate act to save his life. Of course, this intended good deed goes awry once Jesus bites Stanton, setting the film’s events into motion. 

Without giving too much away, Stanton’s cure is not at all what it is cracked up to be. Instead of curing AIDS in humans, it devolves them into zombie-esque beings on the hunt for blood (although the word “zombie” is never spoken). Now Stanton is in a race against the clock to find a cure to his failed cure and thwart an imminent outbreak from occurring. 

Ashes is simply a well made film, top to bottom, and director Elias Matar should be given much praise for his first full length effort. If this debut is his attempt to find some directorial poise, stating “sky’s the limit” might sound cliché yet is very true. This film has the look of one that could easily play at your local movieplex right now to positive fare. It’s smart in story, uses an apropos hospital setting and somehow is able to breathe new life into a subgenre that is beyond played out. Thankfully, Matar’s story takes place with the events leading to an outbreak and not the tired and overused idea of having his film transpire during the apocalyptic portion of an outbreak. Another great aspect of the film is how Matar does not have the Stanton character go the usual route of being the typical evil scientist/mad doctor. While most of these types of film characters make you feel zero pity for them, due to their medical megalomaniacal ways turning things sour in the first place, you actually sympathize for Stanton because he inadvertently causes chaos while unselfishly trying to save a child’s life. He legitimately meant well, but his end result was an utter failure.

If you want to watch an interesting take on the “outbreak film” or if even if you are just wondering what Dwayne Wane is up to nowadays, then make sure to see Ashes for some fascinating cinema. 

-theman-cave.com

A group of University students travel to a remote patch of land deep in the Florida swamps to complete their thesis project on native American folklore. These grounds have the power to bring “sins” back to life, to bring the dead back to life, punishing and killing whoever is guilty of serious crimes. As the students quickly find out...past actions can lead to present nightmares.

The movie follows the journey of 5 college students as they trek through the Florida swamps to do a school project on an Indian tribe. They travel down a beautiful river to their destination, a camp. When one of them removes an Indian artifact from its resting place, all hell breaks loose. The 5 friends all become hunted, by their own past.

 

 

That's about all you really need to know about this really effective horror film. One of the first things you notice here is just how awesome the cinematography is, it rivals any big budget Hollywood production and is better than most and you have to remember this film was made on a very small budget which makes it that much more impressive. The choice of lighting and camera angles are perfect in each and every scene which really helps in creating the perfect atmosphere. The film has a decent amount of blood in it but that's not what drives the film, the well-written story, developed characters and superb acting is what makes this Indie so special.

The entire cast including, John Kyle won the award for best supporting actor, Jordan Wall and Jessica Blackmore all give amazing performances but it's the entire ensemble that delivers here. Some might get the idea that this is a "The Ruins" rip-off but before you do let me just say that "The Sacred" is what "The Ruins" should of been.

Writer/Director, Jose Zambrano Cassella has orchestrated a piece of Indie cinema that looks, plays and delivers on everything it promises and more. I look forward to seeing what this talented film maker has coming out next. Like any good horror film should "The Sacred" brings the right amount of suspense, scares and blood but it relies on it's amazing cast and engaging story to carry it, you put all those together you come up with a film that is truly something special and a great addition to the Indie scene.

If you're a horror buff you owe it to yourself to check out "The Sacred" today, you are going to be glad you did.

 

-www.videoviews.org

Viruses. One word that can definitely bring a lot of images to mind. Especially when put into the context and confines of a horror movie. In that aspect you might as well put the word “super” in front of it because that is usually what you end up dealing with. And boy do they ever wreak havoc.

Ashes falls into this medical subgenre of horror which could easily be termed “the diseased, the dead and the not so dead.” You don’t want to catch one of these bad boys, believe me. Sure it starts out innocent enough, a cough here, a fever there, throw in an occasional skin lesion. But if you’ve seen enough of these you know it will eventually get much worse. The only thing you can possibly hope for is a quick death and then pray that it actually ends there. Coming back to life with the sole purpose of infecting more people isn’t exactly high on my priority list.

The movie starts out with some children kicking a ball around on a rocky beach. One of them, Jesus, happens to see a white jellyfish that has washed up on shore. He reaches down to inspect it more closely but when he does he gets stung.

Cut to an emergency room where we meet Doctor Andrew Stanton (played by Brian Krause of Charmed fame) attending to multiple patients. Right away you can tell that he is great at what he does. And it isn’t long before you find out just how great.

Seems he is getting very close to finding a cure for the AIDS virus. Sure he only has one test subject for now but things are looking promising. With the help of his assistant, Matthew (played by Kadeem Hardison from the television show A Different World), they are on the verge of a breakthrough. If only poor Jesus didn’t get dropped off at the door of the hospital.

Things aren’t looking good for poor Jesus. He is on the verge of dying. Doctor Stanton isn’t the type who can just stand around and do nothing so he tries a last resort. Inject him with his latest med to help boost the young boy’s immune system. And quicker than you can say big mistake, Jesus takes a bite out of the good Doctor’s arm.

Things seem to be okay at first but we horror fans know better. Slowly but surely Doctor Stanton worsens until he begins to lose all grips on reality and starts to become more and more agitated, much to the bewilderment of his family, friends and colleagues.

Ashes is a pretty good horror movie that while for the most part is predictable, does a good job of keeping you entertained. For some it will be a little too slow moving. This is one of those movies that builds and builds before finally exploding in the last reel. Personally I thought the wait was worth it. Brian Krause does an excellent job of portraying a man who quite simply descends into not only madness, but something much more.

Director Elias Matar keeps the tension building as the virus works its way through Doctor Stanton. This isn’t a horror film in the sense that the virus takes hold within the first fifteen minutes and you spend the rest of the movie fighting off hordes of the infected. Not to worry though, you do get some blood and bodies at the end.

Speaking of blood, the make-up is well done if a little understated although gore is not the focal point. The acting is above par all around which is really crucial in a slower paced film such as this. If you don’t fall in line with the characters, you’re going to be fighting off the urge to take a nap.

Overall I would have to say that I liked this movie. Wouldn’t rate it a purchase but good to see. Just make sure to wash your hands after watching. Killing all the bacteria you can is never a bad idea.

-HorrorNews.net

Indian folklore, restless spirits, and a naive bunch of archeology students always make for a good mix of frights. In the film “The Sacred”, a group decides to head out to a remote location containing a Native American site that’s been around for centuries.

The group which is intent on gathering info and excavating at the campsite over the course of a day, stops by a local bar to get directions. The bar owner upon hearing of where they want to be taken refuses any involvement knowing that the spot was a former murder site to a similar group who were massacred without explanation. The locals know the place too well, though its largely a forbidden and a cursed spot for evil spirits and deeds. Though one old soul steps up at the notion of making a few bucks. As this gigantic harrowing man tells the group, he can only drop them off at the river bank. They’ll have to leave before sunset and return to the boat.

It’s funny as this kind of omen warning seems to be pretty common in horror films. In fact the lead up and execution is remarkably the same as about 15 other films I’ve watched in 2011. The real story begins when the group is exposed to the evils of the land and what transpires. I think in a real world situation one would have been exposed to so many fiction warnings that the mention of nasty spirits would be enough to deter anyone. The group is far from being deterred and simply heed any warnings indulging as they please.

“The Sacred” begins in the past as a ritual driven punishment is imposed on a tribal violator. What lurks n the woods sends instant fear into our captive who is approached by zombie looking demons. As we are told, the land punishes criminals and looks into their hearts for purity or corruption. Those who are corrupt suffer at the hands of dead.

“The Sacred” roots itself in a “Friday the 13th” setup with a supernatural follow up. Our characters meet the stereotypes of young adult driven films catering to a “Scream” audience. Highlight for me were the more weirder displayed segments than the slasher fare kill by numbers scenes. Even a hint of “Evil Dead” seems to be influence this production which grounds itself in a beat-up cabin with night full of angry spirit manifestations. We learn as the film moves along that demons from each of the groups past are still alive within them bringing inner conflicts into reality.

This new release which comes from the folks over at Osirus Entertainment. I will say that the product looks great. The camera shots, the setting, and the color tones really pop suggesting a more professional product than some of the other studio releases out there. Story wise, I didn’t find alot new, but found alot that meets the criteria of age bracket groups. The film strays away from being a zombie film but does involve the dead who walk and haunt. Direction by Jose Zambrano Cassella seems solid in the same way as you might expect from “Cabin Fever”, though it’s his cinematography that really shines capturing some slam dunk footage to leverage the more average storyline.

-HorrorNews.net

An innocent college couple unknowingly become involved in their Professor’s illicit research into the manipulation of love and his recreation of the elusive “Cupid’s Arrow”.

Everyone is hit with cupid's arrow at some point in their lives but Director, Dan Peterson takes the theme and injects a twist to it and in turn creates a very different yet entertaining look at love and what some people will do to experience it. The film focuses on a college couple, Alan and Sam who have a good thing going, enter Professor Grimes who has found a way to clone cupid's arrow and out it in a bottle. When Sam decides to join his "research" team she unwillingly falls victim to the Professor's plan to use the formula for his own personal gain. Now it's up to Alan with a little help from his friends to foil the Professor's plans and get his girlfriend back before it's too late.

"Cupid's Arrow" is a comedy/romance at heart but it also has a bit of a dark edge to it as well which is what makes it not only original but much more entertaining as well. To talk about the edge the film has here would only ruin it for those waiting to see it but I can tell you it was something I never expecting, what I did expect was a light comedy which the film is but I was surprised to see a bit of a mood change towards the end of the movie and to me it really made the film that much better.

The entire cast did a terrific job but the stand-out performances belong to the C. Thomas Howell as the Professor and the young couple played by Najarra Townsend and Chandler Rylko. A well written, funny and fast paced comedy that provides plenty of laughs, sexiness and a bit of nastiness as well.

If you're a fan of the genre or one of the many C. Thomas Howell fans out there then I highly recommend checking this one out. It's another little Indie gem that you never heard of but are sure glad you discovered. Osiris Entertainment does an amazing job at finding entertaining films will this and in almost every genre.

All involved in making "Cupid's Arrow" deserve a lot of credit for being part of a comedy that isn't afraid of being different while still providing enough entertainment to please all fans of the genre. A fast paced comedy that had be laughing throughout and smiling long after it was over.

-www.videoviews.org

Osiris Entertainment had a phenemonal experience at MIPCOM 2011. It was our first time at this market and we opened many new accounts worldwide.

Macho, construction worker, Tony Parisi proudly voted for Prop 8 (AGAINST GAY MARRIAGE). He’s the kind of guy who takes great pleasure in ridiculing his gay co-worker, Steve. That is until fate and a magic Christmas ornament step in to teach him a lesson. Two weeks before his wedding, Tony finds that he is suddenly gay, while Steve learns he has mysteriously turned straight. Now, Tony must scramble to "straighten out" in time for his wedding... But, not before he walks a mile in Steve's shoes.

For seven longtime friends from college, a weekend away turns into a nightmare of unimaginable horror. They are being watched. Deep in the woods, in a secluded cabin, something is stalking them. Something is studying them.

One by one, each friend disappears among strange flashes of light. Who or what could do such a thing? When they try and escape, the power goes, nothing works. They are trapped. And still, the strange flashes of light continue, announcing a presence....

One of the friends returns; naked, bleeding from the head but seemingly, okay. Yet, there is something off. Something in their eyes show they have been changed. Experimented on.

These characters will have their friendships and loyalties tested as they must outwit a force that is both inhuman and extremely intelligent in order to survive. The outcome will shock and amaze as we come to realize... we are not alone in the universe.

I was really looking forward to sitting down to this one, a good Sci-fi is always welcomed so I was hoping for the best. As the film opens we begin to meet the group as they gather at the secluded cabin in the middle of the woods, this character development takes awhile to play out but it's important to get to know each and everyone of them a bit in order to have some sort of feeling for them later on. You are going to like some and dislike a few as well but it was great to see a film build on the little things before hitting us with the more meaty stuff later, plus even though it takes awhile introducing the characters the film still moves along at a nice pace.

After everyone arrives and you get a good sense of who they are, what baggage they brought, the material and non-material kind and who is with who night begins to fall and the group is already into their first night's party. That is when they see something fall from the sky, dismissing it as a meteor the group has no clue what they are in for.

To go on about the plot and what happens would only ruin the experience for those wanting to see the film for themselves so I am not going to provide any spoilers here. Instead I will talk a bit about the film itself, the production values are all very good, from the lighting to the cinematography it's all top-notch here. The use of the cabin and the woods around it are a perfect setting for what is about to happen and they really help in setting the right atmosphere and mood. As far as the acting goes the entire cast did a terrific job playing their roles, there wasn't a weak link to be found.

Weakness follows the life of high school teacher Joshua Polansky (Bobby Cannavale), whose world is crumbling around him: his wife, Elizabeth (June Diane Raphael), wants to start swinging; his mother, Lenore (Phyllis Somerville), thinks she has terminal cancer; and his autistic brother, Pete (Keith Nobbs), who resides at an assisted living home, only connects outside of himself through baseball, games or an occasional burst of anger. At school, things get complicated as a love triangle of sorts develops between Joshua and his teaching colleagues, the wise-cracking Bart (Josh Charles), and idealist Katharine (Lily Rabe), who only has eyes for the married Joshua. When Elizabeth leaves him, Joshua retreats from his adult life and responsibilities and begins dating Danielle, (Danielle Panabaker), a former student who has postponed attending college. Joshua’s subsequent regression and indecision fail to mask his anger and hurt, leading to a series of events that force him to reconsider not only his decisions, but the subtle and profound ways that people affect one another.

The cure is worse than the disease. An earnest young doctor working on a cure for AIDS unwittingly invents an aggressive new bacteria that deteriorates the body and induces a thirst for blood. Now he must stop the infection before it turns him and everyone he loves into the walking dead.

As the film opens we see a little boy playing around on a beach and when he gets too close to a jellyfish it stinks him, the problem is it has a rare strand and the boy becomes deathly sick. The boy soon after that shows up at a local hospital and passes out on the floor. It's that event that will play a major part in where "Ashes" ends up a bit later in the film. The story centers around Andrew, an obsessive doctor who is working on a Aids vaccine that just might win him the Nobel Peace Prize if it proves successful. The drug is so far untested on humans but it is showing progress in lab tests. Andrew also is a family man with a wife and a daughter at home but he is so obsessed with his work he rarely ever makes it home before his wife and child are in bed and when he is home all he can think about is the hospital, so much that he can't even sleep at night. Now back to the boy, when he enters the hospital Andrew happens to be on duty and he is the one that picks the boy up off the floor. After running a few tests they find out the boy's immune system is very low but without the boy's parents around there isn't a lot they can do for him. When the boy wakes up Andrew finds out his name is Jesus, with his hands tied Andrew decides to secretly use his untested Aids drug to booster the boys immune system but right after giving the shot the boy goes into shock and lashes out and bites Andrew in the arm. It doesn't take long for Andrew to start feeling the effects and getting sick, dealing with his new sickness, marriage life that is strained from his over-working and pressure from the higher ups to get his vaccine done Andrew begins to lose control. Soon after others begin getting sick and Andrew must race against time to come up with a cure before a pandemic breaks out.

I have said enough about the film itself so I will stop there so not to ruin the story for those wanting to see the film. "Ashes" starts off as a drama, it takes it's time setting up both the story and the characters giving us just the right amount of background to move forward with. You can call the film slow if you wish but believe me when I say it is deliberate and even at it's slow pace the film is never boring and always interesting. As the story moves along the suspense slowly sneaks up on you and before you know it the film turns into a zombie-like horror flick which by that time you have reached the edge of your seat.

I would hate to think the film's slow pace early on would cause people to lose interest but I suppose some will get bored by it before the exciting parts kick in but that would be a shame because the story and the way it is told is what makes "Ashes" stand out from other similar films like it. A well-crafted, cleverly-written, thought-provoking and frightening horror film that is original and refreshing. The cast is another reason the film works so well, Brian Krause is fantastic as the obsessed yet charismatic doctor and Kadeem Hardison has never been better as the lab tech. The rest of the supporting cast all do a terrific job as well including Richard and Barbara Nedeljakova.

This is Elias Matar's first time directing a feature film and I have to say he has a great eye not only for horror but for dramatic story-telling as well. I really look forward to seeing more from this talented man soon. The film is still in negotiations for distribution but it is doing the Festival run now and has already won several awards including BEST SCREENPLAY at the INTERNATIONAL HORROR & SCI-FI Film Festival. After I seen the trailer and noticed the film was gaining a good buzz about it I was looking forward to what looked like a good horror flick but what I got was so much more. Intelligent horror doesn't come around often so I was more than pleasantly surprised and by the time the credits began to roll I was left with a feeling of satisfaction I haven't felt in a long time when watching a horror flick. You can follow "Ashes" progress over at it's Facebook page HERE. If there are any screening of the film in your area I highly recommend going to see it, for once a horror film that doesn't insult your intelligence, hats off to everyone involved in making the film and I certainly look forward to seeing what they all have coming for us next.

-www.videoviews.org

PIX11 Talks With Christian Sosa, Producer Of "The Eves"

By Alyssa Zauderer

Are you ready to be delivered? This is the question posed by the "spring break gone wrong" film "The Eves." Featured in the Manhattan Film Festival, the slasher film features a group of college students slowly disappearing one by one in Southern Texas. The ones capturing them might be closer than the students realize. PIX11 sat down with producer Christian Sosa to discuss the film that recently gained national and international distribution.


PIX11: "So this was filmed in Texas?"

Christian Sosa: "It was in South Texas, in Goliad, Weesatche, Cheapside, small towns."

PIX11: "Tell me a little bit about the film."

Sosa: "It's basically a bunch of college students heading down for spring break and they get caught in South Texas. Their car breaks down and they find themselves at this ranch house that looks abandoned. As time progresses and they start exploring and showing up dead. There's people after them that they don't know about. Soon they find out that the people after them might be closer than they know."

PIX11: "Was it hard to not be spooked while filming?"

Sosa: "The actors did pretty well with it. We shot most of the film at night and being out there, you'd be hearing coyotes, boars...you hear the wildlife. We did have a 55-person crew so as long as you stayed by someone you wouldn't really feel that scared, especially when you've got big lights and cameras around you."

PIX11: "How about these college kids, what's their story?"

Sosa: "You know they're from the city, college area. One of the characters is a frat guy and he's never been in that part of Texas, so he's just like 'hey y'all' and that's why he's got the video camera to try and document the trip. Then you have some of the boys that maybe know the area. Then there are the girls who are not from there."

PIX11: "There are a lot of movies out there that follow the similar theme of 'spring break gone wrong,' what sets 'The Eves' apart?"

Sosa: "Well they never make it to spring break. Most of those films they do hit the beach and then something crazy happens. This is a little different because most of those types of films have a masked villain, or like in 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' where you've got this big, gross guy chasing you. Here it's more of a mystery as you get into the film as far as who's doing the killings, who's eye-gauging and hanging people up, where is this coming from? It kind of just throws you around. We tried to keep it disguised and make people figure out who's doing all this."

PIX11: "You recently had something big happen for the film."

Sosa: "You can now start pre-ordering our DVD.Over the last few weeks, we've learned that out distributor, Osiris Entertainment, has contracts with Walmart in Canada, the Chiller Channel on satellite, Netflix. It will be hitting the market and what we're doing is hitting all levels and saturating the market. We're getting people pumped about it."

PIX11: "Was this something that you expected when you started making this film, that it would be distributed in Canada and other places?"

Sosa: "When we first initially started this, our hopes were that we could do a good enough job to make a movie that was entertaining enough to hit distribution. How big we didn't know. After talking with Osiris back in March, we were very confident that they could definitely hit the levels of market to get this film out."


The film, inspired by true events, can be purchased online. The film's website also contains a trailer, information about the cast and photos from the set.

-www.wpix.com

Osiris Entertainment Sets DVD and Blu-ray Release Date for Circus Maximus

Film Features Side-Splitting Antics from Top Cast Including The Sopranos’ Joe Cannascoli and Sex and the City’s Mario Cantone

For Immediate Release:

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA  (August 8, 2011)  - Independent film and DVD distributor, Osiris Entertainment has set  a release date of September 13 for  Circus Maximus, an uproarious comedy following the wild predicament of an acclaimed filmmaker, it was announced today by Doug Dohmen, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Osiris.

In Circus Maximus, acclaimed filmmaker Cal Neros is given a one million-dollar advance to write a screenplay.  After neglecting this ominous deadline, Cal is forced to deliver his work within one week or return the advance.  Instead, Cal loses every dollar after investing in a chain of tanning salons!  Circus Maximus stars Joe Gannascoli (TV’s “The Sopranos”) and Mario Cantone (TV’s “Sex and the City”). Circus Maximuswill feature an SRP of $24.98 for DVD and $29.98 for Blu-ray.

Screeners of Circus Maximus are available upon request

About Osiris Entertainment:

Based in Chatsworth, California, Osiris Entertainment was created in 2008 by Evan Crooke, a noted filmmaker with a mission to provide a distribution company that meets the business and creative requirements of the independent film and music community and serves the global broadcast and DVD marketplace with the highest quality film entertainment in all popular genres. 

CONTACT:           VP of Sales & Marketing

                               Doug Dohem

                                Ddohem@osirisent.com

                                (818) 576-1030 x102

Osiris Entertainment Sets DVD Release Date of September 6 for Weakness

Highly Anticipated Film Stars Win Win’sBobby Cannavale and The Crazies Danielle Panabaker as Two Unlikely Lovers

For Immediate Release:

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA  (August 8, 2011)  - Independent film and DVD distributor, Osiris Entertainment, has set a street date of September 6 for Weakness, a film detailing the harrowing personal drama of a high school teacher, it was announced today by Doug Dohmen, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Osiris.

Weaknessfollows the precarious life of high school teacher Joshua Polansky, Bobby Cannavale (Win Win), whose world is crumbling around him: his wife Elizabeth, June Diane Raphael (Going the Distance) wants to start swinging; his mother thinks she has terminal cancer; and his autistic brother Pete, Keith Nobbs(TV’s “The Pacific”) who presents his own unique challenges.

When Elizabeth leaves him, Joshua retreats from his adult life and begins dating Danielle, Danielle Panabaker (The Crazies), a former student who has postponed attending college.  Weakness is a powerful story of the subtle and profound ways that people affect one another.

Weakness also featuresLily Rabe (All Good Things) and JoshCharles (TV’s “The Good Wife”). Weaknesswill feature an SRP of $24.98.

Screeners of Weakness are available upon request

About Osiris Entertainment:

Based in Chatsworth, California, Osiris Entertainment was created in 2008 by Evan Crooke, a noted filmmaker with a mission to provide a distribution company that meets the business and creative requirements of the independent film and music community and serves the global broadcast and DVD marketplace with the highest quality film entertainment in all popular genres. 

CONTACT:           VP of Sales & Marketing

                                Doug Dohem

                               ddohem@osirisent.com

                               (818) 576-1030 x102

Set in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, the legend of Swanson Lake is kept by one man, Bill (Ernest Borgnine). And he’s not about to surrender it! When Bill’s grandsons come for a summer visit, they stumble into a big-time adventure with a giant turtle named Mel. When Bill’s neighbor Bailer (Jack Scalia) tries to kidnap Mel in order to feature him in a proposed theme park, the grandsons plot to hide Mel from the neighbor. Then the fun begins, and Mel becomes an unlikely hero!

It's very hard to believe this film was originally release back in 1998, but thanks to Osiris Entertainment you will be able to own it when it comes to DVD ON August 16th. Nowadays it is hard to find movies the whole family can enjoy together so when one comes along like "Everyone Loves Mel" it's a bit special. Sure the effects a weak but that seems to just add to the humor and charm of the movie. I am not saying this is in the same class but the film will charm your kids like "E.T." charmed us all when we were younger. The cast is terrific and includes the legend himself, Ernest Borgnine, Julie Hagerty from "Airplane" fame, Jack Scalia who is very good as the film's villain, Bug Hall, Josh Paddock, Vanessa Lee Evigan and Greg Evigan. Now if that isn't a cast to die for there isn't one. Besides the weak effects the production values are very good, The scenery is breath-taking and the characters were well developed. The story was also unique as well and the film teaches the young ones a very big lesson as well. The film is aimed more towards grade school kids but there's plenty of adventure and comedy here for parents as well who are just looking to have some family time together.

Osiris Entertainment Unveils Slate of Acclaimed Feature Films At MIPCOM

Osiris Entertainment Film Offerings Covers The Gamut From Horror To Family

For Immediate Release:

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (Date)  -  Los Angeles-basedindependent film distribution company Osiris Entertainment will introduce a slate of four new-to-the-market feature films for the global broadcast and DVD markets at MIPCOM 2011, it was announced by company CEO Evan Crooke.  Osiris Entertainment’s MIPCOM 2011 film slate encompasses titles ranging from horror to romance, including:

Cayman Went– The story of TV personality Josh Anders (Michael Lombardi, FX’s Rescue Me), who is a legend in his own mind … and even he has doubts. Ratings are down and the hottie star of Diver Down (a male Baywatch) can’t get arrested in Hollywoodthese days. When the smug pretty boy receives an ultimatum from an ultra-wealthy, powerful and unethical resort developer – who also happens to own the network that broadcasts his show – Josh finds himself the key player in a land grab scheme targeting the picturesque, unspoiled and tiny Caribbeanislandof Cayman Brac.  The laid-back locals, most of them big fans, are putty in his hands, except for the eccentric Mr. Bowman (Jeffrey Demunn, Burn After Reading, Hollywoodland, CBS’s Law & Order, The Shawshank Redemption), a cranky retiree who’s never even heard of the show.  Secretly petrified of the ocean, Josh just wants to close the deal and go home. That is until Mr. Bowman, a parentless kid named Rodney and Darby Thomas (Susan Misner, Chicago, Eavesdrop), the beautiful but opinionated owner of the local Sand Bar, change his mind about what really matters most.

About Osiris Entertainment:

Based in Chatsworth, California, Osiris Entertainment was created in 2008 by Evan Crooke, a noted filmmaker with a mission to provide a distribution company that meets the business and creative requirements of the independent film and music community and serves the global broadcast and DVD marketplace with the highest quality film entertainment in all popular genres. 

# # #

CONTACT:           VP of Sales & Marketing

                                Doug Dohem

                                ddohem@osirisent.com

                                (818) 576-1030 x102

Osiris Entertainment Unveils Slate of Acclaimed Feature Films At MIPCOM

Osiris Entertainment Film Offerings Covers The Gamut From Horror To Family

For Immediate Release:

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (Date)  -  Los Angeles-basedindependent film distribution company Osiris Entertainment will introduce a slate of four new-to-the-market feature films for the global broadcast and DVD markets at MIPCOM 2011, it was announced by company CEO Evan Crooke.  Osiris Entertainment’s MIPCOM 2011 film slate encompasses titles ranging from horror to romance, including:

ClearLake – Featuring acclaimed actor Michael Madsen as a wayward and highly suspect priest. In 1994, residents of the small town of Clear Lake, WI fell victim to a strange and horrible disease. As fears spread through the town, an influential local preacher (Michael Madsen, Resevoir Dogs, Kill Bill Vol. 1, Kill Bill Vol. 2) called the outbreak a supernatural punishment for the sins of the people and recruited a small group of high school students to help him kidnap the worst of the sinners...people who the preacher called sinners.  By the time the government health officials arrived to find the cause of the outbreak, thirteen people had gone missing and most of the townspeople had fled. The government evacuated the remaining citizens and permanently quarantined the town.  Fifteen years later, a documentary filmmaker tracks down the four surviving students and convinces them to return to Clear Lake to tell their side of the story. Upon returning to the empty town, strange things begin to happen.

Osiris Entertainment serves the global broadcast and DVD marketplace as the only worldwide distribution company helmed by a filmmaker.  “As a filmmaker, I understand the very specific business needs of the independent filmmaking community as well as the appetite for quality film entertainment across the broadcast and DVD markets’” said Crooke.  “MIPCOM 2011 is an important market for our company and we look forward to presenting our titles to broadcast programmers and DVD buyers across the world.”

About Osiris Entertainment:

Based in Chatsworth, California, Osiris Entertainment was created in 2008 by Evan Crooke, a noted filmmaker with a mission to provide a distribution company that meets the business and creative requirements of the independent film and music community and serves the global broadcast and DVD marketplace with the highest quality film entertainment in all popular genres. 

# # #

CONTACT:          VP of Sales & Marketing

                                Doug Dohem

                                ddohem@osirisent.com

                                (818) 576-1030 x102

Osiris Entertainment Unveils Slate of Acclaimed Feature Films At MIPCOM

Osiris Entertainment Film Offerings Covers The Gamut From Horror To Family

For Immediate Release:

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (Date)  -  Los Angeles-basedindependent film distribution company Osiris Entertainment will introduce a slate of four new-to-the-market feature films for the global broadcast and DVD markets at MIPCOM 2011, it was announced by company CEO Evan Crooke.  Osiris Entertainment’s MIPCOM 2011 film slate encompasses titles ranging from horror to romance, including:

The Fall – A drama mystery following Tony (Benny Ciaramello, ), who skates through life as an aimless, black sheep under-achiever.  He is the total opposite of his D.A. older brother Frank (Scott Kinworthy), who is carefully crafting a flashy campaign to become the youngest governor in history.  Then, one fateful night and with one wrong turn, Tony is arrested for the murder of a priest, a crime that seems totally unthinkable.  Big brother Frank comes to his rescue, but Tony refuses to reveal his alibi for where he was at the time of the murder.  Looming is a grueling trial overseen by  legendary Judge Stanley Seeban (William Devane,Hollow Man, Space Cowboys, Payback) who also happens to be blind.  Frank is shocked when he discovers where Tony was and with whom, but now has the crucial alibi and evidence needed to set Tony free.  But when this revealing and tawdry evidence threatens to end Frank’s career and dredge up a very incriminating incident in their past, will Frank go public or let Tony take the fall?

About Osiris Entertainment:

Based in Chatsworth, California, Osiris Entertainment was created in 2008 by Evan Crooke, a noted filmmaker with a mission to provide a distribution company that meets the business and creative requirements of the independent film and music community and serves the global broadcast and DVD marketplace with the highest quality film entertainment in all popular genres. 

# # #

CONTACT:           VP of Sales & Marketing

                                Doug Dohem

                                ddohem@osirisent.com

                                (818) 576-1030 x102

Osiris Entertainment Unveils Slate of Acclaimed Feature Films At MIPCOM

Osiris Entertainment Film Offerings Covers The Gamut From Horror To Family

For Immediate Release:

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (Date)  -  Los Angeles-basedindependent film distribution company Osiris Entertainment will introduce a slate of four new-to-the-market feature films for the global broadcast and DVD markets at MIPCOM 2011, it was announced by company CEO Evan Crooke.  Osiris Entertainment’s MIPCOM 2011 film slate encompasses titles ranging from horror to romance, including:

Bunnyman – A harrowing story of a group of friends on their way back from a spontaneous weekend trip to Las Vegas.  While driving through the remote regions of Southern California, they suddenly find themselves in a sickening game of cat and mouse with a five-ton dump truck. When looking for help, they stumble upon a nightmarish family who takes pleasure in dismembering and eating as many of the kids as possible. The bizarre killer, once severely abused as a child, is now an adult with manifestations of intense rage and child-like taunting behavior. He dresses in a bunny suit as something of a security blanket for his fragile and dangerous psyche.

Osiris Entertainment serves the global broadcast and DVD marketplace as the only worldwide distribution company helmed by a filmmaker.  “As a filmmaker, I understand the very specific business needs of the independent filmmaking community as well as the appetite for quality film entertainment across the broadcast and DVD markets’” said Crooke.  “MIPCOM 2011 is an important market for our company and we look forward to presenting our titles to broadcast programmers and DVD buyers across the world.”

About Osiris Entertainment:

Based in Chatsworth, California, Osiris Entertainment was created in 2008 by Evan Crooke, a noted filmmaker with a mission to provide a distribution company that meets the business and creative requirements of the independent film and music community and serves the global broadcast and DVD marketplace with the highest quality film entertainment in all popular genres. 

# # #

CONTACT:           Doug Dohmen

                               VP Sales & Marketing

                               ddohmen@osirisent.com

                               818-576-1030

A group of students are en route to the beach for spring break when their car overheats near a crumbling hunting lodge, leaving them alone and defenseless while an unseen force attacks them from all sides.

From the outside "The Eves" might seem like just another slasher film but you quickly find out it is much more than that. The story is about a group of friends who are heading to the beach for a good time when their car suddenly breaks down, lost and with no cell phone reception it seems as though they are stuck in the middle of nowhere but help arrives in the form of two cops. The cops tells them to drive a bit and they will come upon a hunting lodge where they can get help but after they arrive it seems like it's been abandoned but it doesn't take them long to realize they are not alone. To be honest the less you know about the story the better off you are going to be because if you read too much into it you may end up ruinging the film for yourself. "The Eves" is slow moving at first as it sets up the story and introduces us to it's characters. It is the character development that separates it from other films in the genre. By doing so it gives the audience some invested interest in these people later on in the film. More a thriller than a horror film but even with it's slow pace early on it's never boring and it moves along well, after a few members disappear from the group you begin to question who it might be doing all this, one character you might think is behind it all is John, he is a quiet and shy guy who the others think is gay and after being told what they were saying about him he storms off, but any suspicions you might of had are gone a little bit later. The great thing about the film is it keeps you in a total mystery as you wait to find out who it is that is doing the killing.

Director, Tyler Glodt does a great job at hiding the killer(s) while still creating great suspense and tension. Around an hour into the film the pieces of the puzzle slowly begin to fall together and its also where most of the film's action is. There isn't a lot of blood in the film but there really doesn't have to be since it relies more on it's characters and it's mystery, the film also creates some great tension and suspense. The cast did a terrific job playing their characters, there was no one that stood out to me, instead it was a solid job of acting by the entire ensemble. "The Eves" is an original and clever thriller that grabs your attention early and it never lets you go till the shocking end. I had a great time watching this and recommend it to all fan's of the genre, a potent thriller that will have you at the edge of your seat, it delivers on every level.

 

-Video Views

Osiris Entertainment FILM HEADLINES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

LISTEN TO YOUR HEARTto premiere on Lifetime Television

CHATSWORTH, CA (February 28, 2011) Osiris Entertainment's highly acclaimed romantic drama Listen to Your Heart, will premiere on Lifetime Television on April 24 at 8:00 p.m.  Starring Cybill Shepherd, Listen to Your Heart is the story of love at first sight when hearing impaired teenager meets an aspiring pianist.  Listen to Your Heart gathered top honors as Winner of People's Choice Award at the New York City International Film Festival.

Osiris Entertainment Debuts Bedrooms on DVD

Osiris Entertainment will release Bedrooms, an evocative drama about the walls that separate people, the heartbreak and infidelity that are often the result and the redemption that is possible when we choose to speak the truth and tear those walls down, on DVD March 22.

A unique collaboration among a creative group of independent filmmakers, Bedrooms is told in four distinct stories set in four bedrooms.

In one story, Moon Bloodgood (Terminator Salvation) and Jordan Belfi (Surrogates, TV's"Entourage") play a husband and wife at the critical turning point of their young relationship.  In another, Julie Benz (Saw V, TV's"Dexter") and Xander Berkeley (Terminator 2: Judgement Day) are a husband and wife desperately trying to recover from infidelity, while Jesse Garcia plays a pizza delivery boy who unwittingly becomes the catalyst for the ultimate resolution of their marital conflict.

In the third story, Dee Wallace (E.T. The Extra Terestrial) and Barry Bostwick (TV's"Cougar Town" &"Spin City") play a retired couple coming to the end of a long and unusual extra-marital affair.  And in the last story, Sarah Clarke (Twilight: Eclipse) plays a recently divorced mother of ten year old twins who decide to create their own separate spaces in the room they share by building a wall out of all their toys.

Bedroomswill feature incredible special features including:

• "Space Between" Short
• Audio Commentary
• Viral Promos
• Trailer

To order any DVD release from Osiris Entertainment, including Bedrooms, please contact:

Doug Dohmen

VP Sales & Marketing

9315 Eton Ave.

Chatsworth, CA91311

Office Phone: 818.576.1030 x 102

Email: ddohmen@osirisent.com

Osiris Entertainment is a full-service world wide entertainment distribution company.  Osiris Entertainment brings you the best entertainment in the world, from DVD, TV, digital, mobile, and Video-on-Demand.

A botched car-jacking forces two white-collar criminals to take refuge in the home of the thugs that accosted them. Over the course of one explosive, unpredictable night, worlds collide, fortunes shift, lives are cast aside and the most unsuspecting of heroes walks away with a multimillion dollar score.

Hilbert Hakim is no stranger to film making, he has been an assistant director on some very big Hollywood productions and he brings that experience with him as he directs his first film, Krews. The basic story is about these two guys that are in organized crime and one night they get their car jacked which leads to a series of events that spiral out of control. There's not a whole lot of action in the film but the plot has a great deal of thought and suspense built into it. This is one of those films that needs to be seen and not told about because the more you talk about it the more you are going to give away in regards to the plot but I can tell you this is a tense and smart film with an amazing surprise ending, it's a film that stays with even even after it's over. Basically the film is a Urban drama that plays out during the course of it's entire run time and during that time it slowly pulls the audience in and it always leaves you wanting more all the way till it's very satisfying finish. For an Independent film it is almost flawless technically, one of the first things I noticed about the film was just how good it was production wise. I can't talk about the film without mentioning that cast, each and everyone actor did a great job including, Brian Geraghty(The Hurt Locker, Jarhead) and Jonathan Cake(First Knight) who are both amazing as the film's two main leads. I also have to mention Faune A. Chambers who gives a great performance as the sister of one of the car jackers who gets drawn into the whole mess unwillingly when he brings the problem to her place.

The film sends a profound message but as far as the entertainment value goes it delivers on every level. "Krews" is a solid effort by a filmmaker that knows how to tell a thought-provoking, intense story. I look forward to seeing what Director, Hakim comes up with next. The DVD comes out on May 10th but you can visit Osiris Entertainment to check when you can pre-order it HERE. "Krews" was an official selection at numerous film festivals which included a win for best Director at the Prescott Film Festival and for good reason. This is a film that serves as a good example of just how good Independent cinema can be, I highly recommend this to everyone because it is a smart and highly entertaining film.

-www.videoviews.org

Ari Larsen has resurfaced after a five year absence, still harboring the memories of a scarred childhood. Kidnapped at the age of eleven by her serial killer father, Professor David Larsen, and taken on a three week odyssey of murder and savagery, Ari was left abandoned in the desert. One horrifying fact remains; her father has never been captured. Now, the beautiful young woman with the haunted past has returned to the same house where her father brutally murdered her mother. Following an interview about her best-selling book, a new nightmare enters Ari’s world. After the interview airs on national TV, young women begin turning up dead in Ari’s home town. The killer’s style is eerily reminiscent of Ari’s father from years before. Is there a copycat on the loose? Has Professor Larsen returned to resume his reign of terror? Or is Ari really the lunatic that the interview has made her out to be?

Ari has had a hard life there's no debating that, kidnapped by her father at 11-years-old and having to witness his three week long murder spree while holding a camera and the head of her dead mother in a jar is something no one could ever forget. After being away for five years she comes back home, to the same house her father brutally killed her mother. Ari gets the attention of a news station who wants to interview about her best-selling book but shortly after bodies begin showing up and the killings eerily resemble those of her fathers. When Ari starts having blackouts from her alcohol abuse, something she has done to escape her past, her old doctor wants to put her in the hospital for treatment but she doesn't trust his motives. Speaking of motives there seems to be several characters in the film with their own including her sister and uncle who is the local Sheriff, they not only have an evil plan but also a few secrets each is keeping, even from each other.

The film is a hard one to talk about because there are so many suspects, motives and twists and turns in the film that if I was to say too much it would only ruin the film for those wanting to see it. The suspects are many like I said, there's the sister and uncle who seem to be a very close family, there's Ari herself who after all went through a traumatic event as a kid and she has to still be affected by it and there's also a few other shaky characters who could be doing the killing as well. That's the great think about "Legacy", you are forced to keep guessing till the very end which says a lot about the film and Director, Stephen Savage who has created a tense and very suspense story that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The film is filled with mystery, suspense and it's also a bit seductive at times as well. I spoke about the twists in the film already but they are what makes the film so damn good. At almost two hours you never once get bored because there is always something happening and the final twist at the end of the film is fantastic, I never seen it coming. The production is impressive, I don't have the budget numbers on hand but I don't think it was very high but you could never tell by watching the movie. As far as the acting goes, well it was great, the entire cast did a terrific job but the highlight for me was Kyrie Maezumi who plays Ari. This woman is so beautiful and boy does she have some acting talent. I look forward to seeing her in many more films in the future. "Legacy" is a brilliant thriller that succeeds because it does so many things right, it has clever dialogue, a story that instantly draws you in and puts you at the edge of your seat and a cast to match it all. The film won The Best of Festival and Best Actress Awards at the "Idyllwild Film Festival" and for all the reasons I already mentioned above. If you like the genre then this is a film not to be missed when it comes to DVD on July 12th.

-www.videoviews.org

Opa! is a delightful, breezy little romantic comedy that doesn't offer any great shakes in terms of characters or plotting, but is surprisingly compelling from start to finish (thanks primarily to the engaging performances and breathtaking scenery). Matthew Modine plays Eric, an American archeologist who arrives in Greece intending to unearth a rare artifact that his father spent his entire career pursuing. Shortly after arriving, Eric finds himself falling for the beautiful owner of a local tavern named Katerina (Agni Scott) - although the budding romance is soon threatened by the revelation that said artifact just happens to be buried underneath Katerina's establishment (which would, of course, have to be demolished during the excavation). It's not at all difficult to figure out where all of this is going, and yet it's hard not to be drawn into the relatively simple storyline. Though Raman Singh and Christina Concetta's screenplay is peppered with various cliches of the genre - including the dreaded fake break-up and the last-minute race to reunite with a departing lover - the palpable chemistry between Modine and Scott successfully allows the viewer to overlook such things. It certainly doesn't hurt that the film transpires against the romantic backdrop of Greece, lending the proceedings the feel of an effective travelogue for the country.

out of

-Reel Film Reviews

About an agoraphobic woman who's trapped inside her house and thinks her husband is conspiring with her psychiatrist to drive her insane.

I don't normally review films this early unless I am not that busy but after I received this from Osiris Entertainment and read an article about the film that came with it I just had to sit down and watch it. Solitary is a Mystery/Thriller that was filmed on a shoe-string budget but the story behind the making of the film is what really caught my eye. I will be brief but I have to tell you first about Director, Greg Derochie and his struggle to get the film made. First off He wrote the script with Charles Scalfani via the internet, the two of them were never in the same room together while writing "Solitary" which in itself is pretty damn amazing. Derochie had a hard time getting any financial backing since those willing to put up the money also wanted their own directors handling the film so after turning down four production offers because he didn't want to lose control over the film he decided to just make the film on his own and use his own home as the setting of the film. Another problem that faced him was getting together a good cast and crew but after selling them on the strength of the script itself he got everyone to work for profit sharing and after seeing the film I can see why these talented people decided to make it. The film was shot in just 28 days only filming on weekends and was shot on digital so he could edit the film by himself. Talk about a labor of love, everyone involved had to believe in this filmmakers vision in order to make it work and I am sure it was not easy to get done by I can tell you it paid off big time. The story centers around Sara and her husband Mark, as the film opens they two are talking and Mark mentions about attempting to have a child which seems to upset Sara so you get the sense she might of had a miscarriage or something worse might of happened. Mark then decides to get ready for work and Sara decides to go for a jog but she doesn't get very far from the house before panic attacks begin to set in and she rushes back indoors. It seems Sara has Agoraphobia or the fear of going outdoors. After Mark leaves her sister visits, you sense some friction between the two of them but once Sara tells her how she is feeling her sister suggests a Doctor who works in the field so Sara agrees to see him. As the film moves along you get the sense that maybe everything is in Sara's head since things she says happened only days ago others say differently but then you get the feeling that maybe she isn't losing it and that those around her are really trying to drive her crazy. A blur between what is real and what might be in Sara's mind begins to make you think long and hard about what is going on here.

Derochie said in the article one of his influences is Hitchcock and you can clearly that here but lets give him credit for creating his own brand of suspense. Nothing about the film looks cheaply made and the production values look loads higher than the budget would suggest. Derochie uses his home, camera work, lighting and the musical score to create a film filled with more mystery, suspense, claustrophobia and paranoia than any 10 Hollywood films like it could produce. The film has you on the edge of your seat early on and it doesn't let up till it's shocking and brilliant ending. Not only a perfect ending to the film but it also brings closure to Sara. I am not going to give details away about exactly what happens in the film because to be honest there is just too much going on and I would rather not ruin it here for those that are going to want to see the film when it comes to DVD on March 29th 2011. Director Derochie did a great job at using everything he had to make this film, the use of the long shots of Sara that close quickly on her and and the quick cutaways then back again are just a few examples of just how amazing this film was shot, creating the perfect atmosphere needed. From what I can tell this is Derochie's first feature film and I have to admit when I see a film as special as this one it makes me a little angry at Hollywood and their remakes and sequels. It is about time they open their eyes to great filmmakers like Greg and start making good movies again. Independent cinema is where it is at right now for original and clever story-telling and "Solitary" is one example of making a great film on very little money, as hard as the shoot had to of been I don't think they could of made a better movie with millions of dollars. I think the budget made the film that much better since they had to concentrate of story more than effects or other things that just get in the way of what the filmmaker is trying to say. Also I can't close out this review without mentioning the awesome cast of actors, everyone in the film is terrific but Amber Jaeger plays Sara perfectly, she makes her problems so real you believe that this woman truly has something wrong with her, brilliant acting and a beauty to boot. Believe me when I tell you "Solitary" is a must-see film and one that is going to gain a large audience once it is released next March. Write the date now and do not miss seeing this clever,original and heart pounding thriller, this is one film that would make Hitchcock proud.

-www.videoviews.org

When several high school girls vanish, undercover cop Maggie (Jessica Sonneborn) investigates by posing as a new transfer student. But when she becomes one of the latest victims, Maggie prays that her boyfriend (Michael McLafferty) can find her and the other abductees before it's too late. If help doesn't come fast, the foxy female captives will be forced to beat each other to death in a brutal no-holds-barred slugfest.

A Lure is a thriller that takes place at a high school where several girls have gone missing from and up till now there are no leads for the Police to go on so Maggie, a woman police officer goes in undercover as a student to try and figure out who is kidnapping these girls and why but before you know it her and a few of the other girls are taken as well and you soon find out that the girls are being used in an illegal underground fight competition. As far as story goes there isn't much originality here but for what it is the film over-all does a pretty good job at entertaining. A little slow at the start as the the film sets up the story and introduces you to several of the characters that will be the main attraction as the film movies along. Once the girls get kidnapped the film kicks in as they must do their best to escape or face a life or death decision fighting in a sport where there are no rules. The fight scenes are well done and the film moves at a good pace bringing with it some nice suspense as well. No actor in the film really steals the spotlight here, the entire cast did a great job at playing their roles so I would say it is more an ensemble piece where everyone worked well together. If you like thrillers or films that have fighting in them then I you are sure to enjoy this one. The film has some interesting characters and enough high octane action to please any fan plus I was really impressed with the cast and look forward to see each of them in future films.

Director, Bill McAdams Jr. did a great job considering this is his feature film debut behind the camera. He seems to have a good eye for action and he did a great job at telling the story while keeping the film lively and the tension high. I had a good time watching this and was entertained from the beginning all the way till the credits began to roll.

-www.videoviews.org

When his daily door-to-door routine brings middle-aged book salesman Jerry Arthur face-to-face with a group of young punk rockers, he's confronted with the fact that his own life is still ripe with possibilities. But his budding friendship with the group's feisty leader also helps him feel more connected to his own estranged daughter, whom he hasn't seen in years.

When I sat down to watch this I thought I was a going to see just another comedy like so many others out there but what I didn't expect to see was a story about a man that has reached a point in his life when he just needs a change, he is also regretting never seeing his estranged daughter. So sure the film has it's funny moments but it also a drama that deals with issues familiar to all of us and it does it in a realistic way. The film starts off like any other comedy in terms of story which provides some nice laughs but after Jerry meets Jordan his outlook on life begins to change and even though their age difference keeps them from becoming fully romantic their friendship becomes one that changes them both forever. There is so many good things about this film I don't even know where to start, the production values are top-notch, everything from the camera work to the lighting is excellent. The story is believable and the decisions made by the characters in the film are realistic which makes it easy for the audience to care for these lost souls and wish the best for them. The cast here is another reason the film is so good, Katlyn Carlson is terrific as Jerry's new friend and Allison Scagliotti is amazing as his daughter, she brings all the right emotions to her role. The two leading ladies are indeed terrific in the film but I felt it was Doug Jones, who plays Jerry that stole the show. Many might know him from "Pan's Labyrinth", "Hell Boy" and the most recent "Carnies". Doug is a terrific actor but he has never been better here, he handles the dramatic scenes between him and his daughter with ease and he also handles the more comedic scenes with both class and charm, this man can do it all, he is simply an amazing actor. Lets also give credit to Director, Morgan Mead , he does an amzing job at deliver not only a funny film but an emotional one as well.

"My Name is Jerry" is a funny yet tender film about a father who is looking for something meaningful in his life and the most important thing is reconnecting with his daughter. Chalk full of emotions I just loved everything about this movie, the film will have you laughing, crying, feeling sad and in the end just plain smiling with hope of a bright future for these characters. There hasn't been a film like this in some time where I quickly became invested in the characters and cared for them this much. A film both men and women are sure to enjoy, I highly recommend picking this Indie gem up, you will be glad you did.

-www.videoviews.org

A a group of friends on their way back from a spontaneous weekend trip to Las Vegas, and while driving through the remote regions of southern California they suddenly find themselves in a sickening game of cat and mouse with a five ton dumptruck and, when looking for help, stumble upon a nightmarish family who takes pleasure in dismembering and eating as many of the kids as possible.

"Bunnyman" might sound similar to other horror films such as "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and in a lot of ways it is but Writer/Director, Carl Lindbergh adds to the genre by introducing us to a new Icon of horror, Bunnyman, a psycho cannibalistic killer dressed in a bunny suit, abused when he was little he now uses the bunny suit to hide behind his shame. Going by the title you might think get the idea this a horror/comedy but it's not, the film is played out strictly as a horror film and a very effective one at that. The story is pretty basic, a group of friends are heading home from a road trip when suddenly a truck decides to play a game of cat and mouse with them, soon one member of group is killed and the others are forced to walk and try and find help. They first stumble upon a house but the man there is of no help so they move on, shortly after they meet up with a couple but they too seem strange and tell the group they will come back to pick them up but they have other deadly motives in mind. While walking through the woods they find Bunnyman who seems to be feasting on his latest victims and this is where the mayhem begins. There's plenty of killing and blood a long the way but the film doesn't reply on it alone, there's also plenty of tension and suspense to keep you at the edge of your seat and glued to the screen. The production and effects in the film are both pretty good for an Independent and the deserted locales add to the over-all atmosphere the film is attempting to create. As far as the cast goes they all do a pretty good job playing out their roles, the characters are not really developed but it isn't needed in the film since most don't last long enough to care about them anyway. If I had to choose an actor I thought was the highlight of the film I guess I would pick Cheryl Texiera who play's Rachel. She is not only beautiful but she brings all the emotions needed for the character as well.

"Bunnyman" doesn't break any new ground as far as the genre goes but from it's opening scene you know what you're in for and it wastes no time in getting to the action. Gore fans are going to enjoy this one, it brings everything that makes for an entertaining horror film to the table. Going by the ending here I would say there were plans to do a sequel but since the film is listed as being made in 2009 I am not sure if that is still the plan. Either way the film pays homage to some of the great films that came before it while introducing us to a cool new villain, Bunnyman hops onto the screen as the new horror icon. This is Director, Carl Lindbergh's third film and his best to date, he obviously has a good eye for the genre and I look forward to seeing what he comes up with next.

-www.videoviews.org

Gravitas Ventures

Gravitas continues to bring indie film to homes everywhere by the boatload - between January and March, they will release over 100 films on video on demand - and not surprisingly, they roared into the new year with the VOD premieres of the Charlie Murphy-Jayma Mays comedy "Bar Starz," the Lukas Haas-Adam Scott dramedy "Who Loves the Sun?", the Lyme disease doc "Under Our Skin," Coury Deeb's plea for peace "The New Sudan," and the stoner comedy "Bad Batch" about the aftermath of a tray full of pot brownies. This week, those titles will be joined by the crime thriller "At the Sinatra Club," based on the exploits of a young John Gotti (Danny Nucci), on January 11th.

February doesn't let up with the VOD debuts of the 2009 festival fave romantic comedy "16 to Life," the Rob Schneider comedy "Chosen One," the Barbara Hershey drama "Bird Can't Fly," the Serbian zombie flick "2012: Apocalypse of the Dead," the horrific circus chiller "House of Fears," the conspiracy thriller "Zenith" and the black metal doc "Until the Light Takes Us" on February 1st. From there, there's a little something for everyone with the inspirational breast cancer awareness doc "1 A Minute," the '09 Toronto Film Fest-selected coming-of-age tale "Down for Life" with Laz Alonzo and Danny Glover, and the wilderness thriller "Bear" on February 8th, followed by the teen drama "Sex and the U.S.A.," about two girls caught between their abstinence pledge and their burgeoning sexual urges, on February 22nd.

In March, we can heartily endorse the Fantastic Fest-selected Korean drug trafficking thriller "The Man From Nowhere," which will premiere on VOD along with the romantic comedy "Amanda," on March 8th, but that's getting ahead of ourselves. On March 1st, Gravitas will unveil a wave of nonfiction titles that include the basketball doc "Fathers of the Sport," Kate Davis' acclaimed gay flashpoint doc "Stonewall Uprising," the maternity ward exposé "Pregnant in America," and "A/K/A Tommy Chong" about the comedian's stint in prison for selling bongs. Those will be accompanied on the same day by the race-against-the-clock thriller "An American Wreck," the Alfred Molina drama "The Little Traitor," the Melissa Joan Hart-Robert Guillaume road movie "Satin," and the Mindy Cohn comedy "Violet Tendencies." Gravitas will round out the month with the dual release of the Canadian sci-fi actioners "2022: Recon" and "2023 Recon: The Gauda Prime Conspiracy" on March 15th, followed by Doug Pray's great doc on ad men "Art & Copy" on March 22nd and "Janis Joplin: The Final 24 Hours" on March 29th.

-www.ifc.com

Interview with Evan Crooke, Osiris Ent's CEO

Henry (Dominic Gould) and Jack (Billy Boyd) are two famous and talented pianists: they are rivals and try to outdo each other in the various music events where they regularly compete. They have known each other since their days at the music academy and developed a very strong friendship. They met Lana there and Jack had an affair with her then. This friendship deteriorated along the years and Lana (Smada Wolfman) left Jack for Henry. Jack’s resentment towards Henry will increase even further when he realizes that although his talent as a pianist is as great a talent as Henry’s, he always ended up second … behind Henry. Simultaneously, Lana slowly realized that the only thing Henry cares about is his job. When she gets pregnant, he tells her he doesn’t want the child and she leaves him, taking refuge with Jack who thus finds a way to get back at Henry. From that point, the former friends will clash with no mercy, from contest to contest until the day a domestic robot, GLENN, enters their lives. GLENN will jeopardize everybody and everything around them but will also lead them into the most challenging soul searching.

The film's opening scene might have some confused at first but it plays an important role in the film a little later on. The film is about Jack and Henry, two men who were as much fiends as they are fierce rivals at the piano. The first few minutes of the film jumps around timeline wise to quickly set up the story about how these two quickly turned into enemies over a woman and jealousy. Lana, now with Henry after leaving Jack is pregnant and Henry who wants nothing to do with having a child at this point in his career throws a fit and Lana leaves. She goes to see Jack but after talking a few moments the two have a moment of passion just as Henry enters the room. The two men get in a heated battle and jack suffers a hand injury that all but ruins his playing days. A nice drama is in the works here but the film is also set in the future, the world now has robots that perform everyday tasks but when a new chip is create to give the robots more human feelings Jack begins teaching his robot who he has now named Glenn to play in hopes of competing against Henry and winning the Toronto chair from him. Henry takes the challenge on but if he wins he wants Lana back and Jack to leave them alone. During the audition Glenn is asked to play a tune Jack never taught him and when he is unable to perform it the competition is called off. Angry, confused and drunk Jack sits alone in his apartment with Glenn and simply rambles on about a plan to get even with Henry but Glenn takes it all in and puts the plan in motion. When jack decides to go out awhile Henry shows up, Glenn is there and after shocking Henry he puts Jack's plan into play. Once Jack returns the two men find themselves stuck in a life and death situation, with their lives on the line they must set aside their differences and work together in order to get out alive. To go on when only give the rest of the movie away so I will stop here. "Glenn: The Flying Robot" is a Sci-fi film that has a lot going for it, the two males leads, Dominic Gould and Billy Boyd are terrific together. It is their chemistry that makes the characters believable and realistic. The robot effects are top-notch and the settings and music both add to the over-all atmosphere of the film. "The Pianist Meets I, Robot", the story is about two men who are forced to dig deep within themselves to find what is really important in life while trying to stop Glenn before he ends it all for the both of them. Thought-provoking in the human sense as well as in the technical sense, it makes you wonder how far is too far when creating machines and giving them power.

 

A drama set in the future that tackles a few issues while staying engaging and entertaining at the same time, I enjoyed everything about the film and felt it did a great job telling the story while remaining original and fresh. If you're looking for something interesting yet different to watch then I suggest picking this up when it comes to DVD on Feb. 22, 2011. Director, Marc Goldstein did an amazing job considering this was his first feature film behind the camera, I look forward to seeing what he comes up with next. The great Gérard Depardieu is also in the film as well but his role is very limited, I still enjoyed seeing him again even if it was brief. Also Smada Wolfman does a great job playing Lana, a limited but important role and she is fantastic in the part. Maybe not a perfect film but a highly entertaining one none the less, I highly recommend checking it out when the time comes. As of right now I have no information on Special Features the DVD might have but either way the film is worth the price all on it's own. Before I close this out, there is a scene inside the credits of the film that adds to the whole "food for thought" thing that is a theme here, I suggest sticking around to check it out. You can check Osiris Entertainment's website to see when the film comes up for pre-order HERE.

Released by Osiris Entertainment

*** 3/4 Out of *****

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Article By Marshall Smith

Of all the arts, cinema may be the most egalitarian, requiring experience in many facets of the business. Actors direct. Directors act. Producers write. Writers produce. But no matter what specialty a filmmaker begins or ends in, the journey increasingly requires doing the “business” of film. Besides screening 50 films, Idyllwild 2011: Independent Festival of Cinema (IIFC) has lined up a panel of experienced film producers to explain the business of filmmaking. “Screenplay to Screen: Producing and Selling an Independent Film,” the first of two 2011 festival seminars, takes place at 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13 at the Rustic Theatre.

The panel includes: Osiris Entertainment President Evan Crooke; Lesley Paterson, Scottish producer and screenwriter; Shanah Blevins, film, commercial and music video writer, director and producer; Will Wallace, actor, producer, director and this year’s IIFC Chairman; Jonathan Sachar, actor and producer and his producing partner Patrick Durham. Paterson and writing partner Ian Stokell credit optimism and perseverance for a recent success. Paterson and Stokell took an overnight flight to New York to meet with Daniel Radcliffe, hoping to interest him in their screenplay for “All Quiet on the Western Front.” “We got the rights to the novel four years ago,” said Paterson. “We spent the next year adapting it. We got it to his [Radcliffe’s] agent.” The meeting was set. Paterson and Stokell arrived at his apartment thinking there would be many in the meeting and they’d have two minutes to make their case. “He [Radcliffe] answered the door,” she said. “It was just him there. He went through the script. Then he said, ‘I’d really like to attach myself to it.’” Paterson, who came to writing and producing from acting, said it was having control of a project that moved her away from acting. “There are so many stories in the world I’d like to tell,” she said. “Writing and producing give me that chance.” Paterson hopes to film “Front” in 2012. Evan Crooke has founded two film companies — Paragon Pictures in 1997 and Osiris Entertainment, a distribution company, in 2008. “The rules of the game in Hollywood are neitherfair nor logical,” said Crooke. “They’re built on nepotism and power. It’s not like other businesses where you work hard and you get a good result. Crooke wanted to change the bad rap many distributors had and provide distribution from his own experience as a producer and director. “Osiris was created out of necessity to facilitate our producers in an honest and collaborative way. We’ll only distribute content that we can believe in.” Crooke will talk about a marketplace complicated by evolving technology, piracy and ethical fluidity, or as he calls it, “the gray crap of Hollywood.” Shanah Blevins’ commercial work for McDonalds, Coors and Verizon has established her internationally.

What she has learned from doing the business of film is the importance of patience. “Use your connections, who you know, and don’t expect an immediate result. Know that even though the process can be long, you’ve got to enjoy every step of the way.” She notes the current upshot is that it’s now easier to get things done, because you don’t have to shoot film. Will Wallace, this year’s festival chairman, has produced and sold over 20 independent films including last year’s festival hit “Rock Slyde.” Wallace said success in the business is built on integrity. “Don’t treat potential investors as if this is a one-time deal,” he cautioned. “Advise them of the risks involved and then tell them why this film is worth their investment.” Wallace will talk about his concept of “front end points” for investors and the good will
he has been able to build with his investors.

When writer Will Morrison (Lukas Haas) comes back to his friends and family after abandoning them with no explanation for five long years, his sudden return stirs up old tensions between Will, his wife, Maggie (Molly Parker), and his best friend, Daniel (Adam Scott). In the meantime, Daniel's parents (Wendy Crewson and R.H. Thomson) reluctantly play host to an awkwardly comic -- and potentially explosive -- reunion.

"Who Loves the Sun" is a terrific "dramedy" that leaves you with a smile on your face. This is what Independent cinema stands for and it's another gem I rank right up there with some of the best movies I seen this year from one of the best filmmakers around today. At the moment I don't have any details on Special Features the DVD might have on it but even if it has none this is still a must-see/Must-own film that is going to have a lot of people talking when it is released on DVD January 4, 2011. You can receive notice when this title becomes available HERE.

-www.videoviews.org

As a serial killer terrorizes the town where they're on vacation, three curious lads start snooping on a neighbor in their apartment complex and soon think they've discovered the identity of the murderer. What they don't know is that a sinister mastermind is actually watching them through a series of hidden closed-circuit security cameras

I.C.U. is an Australian film that takes the whole voyeurism and security camera themes to another deadly level. The story is about a brother and sister who go to spend time with their father as a kind of make-up thing for him not having time to spend with them in the past. The brother brings along a friend and when the father is called out to work at a crime scene the boys get bored and decide to use their camera, binoculars and telescope to spy on people in adjacent buildings. The boys at one point believe they witnessed a murder and when their father comes home them they tell him about it. He doesn't believe their story but goes over the the person's apartment to check it out anyway but when he gets back he is very angry and even strikes his son for what he calls "playing games." It is to late though because while the father was confronting the man he pointed out where his kids are staying so now thw tables have turned and the suspect just might be coming to get them. This is Director, Aash Aaron's second time behind the camera and it is a big improvement over his first film "Vigilante." The use of internal cameras and the cityscape plus the pulsating music which fits the film perfectly makes this a different and original take on the thriller genre. The film starts out slow, building the characters a bit before getting to the actual crime but it still has a fast pace with the busy camera work and the brother's friend who has a thing for his sister is great, he provides a number of very funny scenes early on. Once the film reaches the hour mark it gets down to business and quick, the father acting strange when approached by the kids has you scratching your head wondering what he might be up to but you're still not sure at that point what is going on because you seen the suspect in his window. So the film keeps you guessing and it has multiple twists towards the end that are sure to satisfy any fan of the genre. I loved the idea of the whole surveillance thing and it was used to the max and very successfully. The cast, many of whom are first time actors did a great job playing their characters. I.C.U. is a fun film that that went beyond what I expected.

I purposely avoided going into details of what happens after that hour or so mark so not to ruin the film for anyone that might be looking forward to seeing it when it comes out on DVD September 21. The film teaches us that spying on others can be deadly but the I.C.U. is worth keeping an eye out for. A fast paced thrill ride that mixes together a few genres but combined it adds up to big fun. I look forward to seeing what this exciting filmmaker has to offer next as well as what this talented young cast will be doing.

 

-www.videoviews.org

 

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Marty and LaDon seem to have the perfect business for two single men, "Booty-Boot" in which clients come to them wanting to dump their girlfriends. They pay big money and Marty gets to go out and break the bad news to the unsuspecting women gently and sometimes he even gets a bonus on the side. But when their latest client arrives at the door wanting to dump his girlfriend nothing is ever the same. Lisa isn't your ordinary girl, she looks it but when the guys come up with one plan after another to get rid of her it just backfires, and once they are able to set Jerry free Marty is caught in Lisa's crazy antics. "Dumping Lisa" is an adult comedy that contains sex jokes and strip clubs but at the same time it's a comedy that doesn't go too far, it never becomes offensive in anyway but it sure is hilarious at times. From the opening frames the film wastes no time in going after your funny bone, there is one ridiculous situation after the other as the pair try their hardest to free Jerry from Lisa but nothing seems to work. To go into what happens in the film would only ruin the fun time waiting for those wanting to see the movie but I can tell you there is plenty of laughs along the way. The one thing that sticks out to me is when Jerry first arrives asking for help the guys play him their promotional video, I am not going to give it away but it is hilarious. No actor stood out here in terms of stealing the show, all the main leads did a terrific job and even the supporting cast of odd-ball characters were great. The production values are pretty high here considering the budget the film must of had, the cinematography is great and the colors right from the opening scenes are bright and vivid. The film isn't rated but it is without a doubt an adult comedy even without nudity.

I was looking for an average comedy here but what I got was much better, Independent cinema continues to amaze me and "Dumping Lisa" is just another example of how good it can be. Breaking up has not been so funny, a straight forward comedy with a simple story, tons of laughs and a terrific cast make this a must-see for all fan's of the genre. 

-www.videoviews.org

 

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It's odd to see a low-budget independent film made by a young man that isn't about slackers or drenched in a heavy layer of cynicism. Joe Leonard, who is an editor on the hit TV show "Glee," has made a film that seems less inspired by the mumblecore movement and more by the flawed male protagonists of Nicholas Ray. "How I Got Lost" is about two young men, sportswriter Jake (Jacob Fishel) and alcoholic/day trader Andrew (Aaron Stanford). Post-9/11 New York City, the opposite sex and their own failed ambitions are getting them down, so Andrew proposes a road trip. They land in Ohio, where Andrew's intentions become clearer - his estranged father has died, and he wants to attend the funeral. Jake takes up with the waitress at a local diner, a single mother (Rosemarie DeWitt), but that seems like a delaying tactic, a way of refusing to face his personal problems. For a low-budget film shot mainly in the Midwest, it has excellent production values and good, nice-looking actors. Leonard's strength is his honest approach and good feelings, which compensate for some awkward transitions and underwritten female characters. Worth a look.

To erase a burdensome debt to his archrival (Carlos Leon), fashion photographer Rex (Scott Elrod) wagers that he can turn ordinary Dessi (Elika Portnoy) into a supermodel. But as Rex and Dessi fall for each other, the real reason behind her success emerges, threatening their relationship.

Tricks of a Woman doesn't really offer much originality as far as story goes but it makes up for it with an excellent cast and charm. Rex doesn't know what he is in for when he makes a bet with his archival, he certainly never thought he would fall in love with a a woman who he attempts to make into a supermodel but there's other things at play including fate. Like I stayed before one of the reasons this comedy succeeds is because of it's wonderful cast. Scott Elrod and Elika Portnoy are both terrific, they have great chemistry together and are amazing even when they are not sharing the screen together. Vincent Pastore is also his marvelous self as the owner of the eatery. The film has the same formula most romantic comedies have but it also offers up a few on it's own ideas and surprises as well. There's a little bit for everyone here, romance for the girls and some comedy for the guys plus a good bit of drama as well. It certainly makes for a great date movie, in this case one to sit around the couch together and enjoy. The film won several awards and for good reason. The story moves at a brisk pace and it kept my attention the entire time. I couldn't help but hope everything turned out for the best for this couple, it didnt take long to become invested in the film and in it's characters.

What separates Tricks of a Woman is it's cast, I don't think the film-makers could of found a better group of actors to play these characters. This is an award winning cast that makes this film an award winner itself. If you enjoy a good romance with a little comedy and drama tossed in then you are sure to find this diamond in the rough as entertaining as I did.

 

- www.videoviews.org

 

 

 

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