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| Rating: About Ratings
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| Opens: 04/24/2026 |
| Running Time: 127 |
| Rated: PG-13 |
| Cast: Jaafar Jackson, Juliano Krue Valdi, Nia Long, Colman Domingo, Laura Harrier, Larenz Tate, Nathanial Logan McIntyre, Judah Edwards, Jaylen Lyndon Hunter, Jayden Harville, Amaya Mendoza, Liv Symone, Laura Harrier, Miles Teller, Kendrick Sampson, Asia Fuqua, Zach Kenney, Michael Andrew Baker, Keilyn Durrel Jones, Jamal Henderson, Jessica Sula, Tre' Horton, Deon Cole, Mike Myers, and Rhyan Hill. |
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| Crew: Director: Antoine Fuqua. Producers: Graham King, John Branca, Sammy King, and John McClain. Executive Producers: Jackie Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, LaToya Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Tito Jackson, Prince Michael Jackson, Antoine Fuqua, Ron Burkle, David B. Householter, Hayley King, Karen Langford, Jordan Schur, and Lydia Silverman. Screenwriter: John Logan. Executive Music Producers: Harvey Mason Jr., Makeup Designer: Bill Corso, Cinematographer: Dion Beebe. |
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REVIEW: By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
FROM GARY TO GREATNESS: "MICHAEL" IS A SOUL-STIRRING TRIBUTE THAT DANCES BEYOND EXPECTATION
The new biopic "Michael" from director/executive producer Antoine Fuqua ("The Equalizer 3," "Troublemaker: The Story Behind the Mandela Tapes") isn't good. It's sensational. It's fantastic, and absolutely remarkable.
This is the movie for every little girl who had "Right On!" pictures and posters plastered on her bedroom walls. It's for every kid who couldn't wait for Saturday morning to watch The Jackson 5ive cartoon series, and the young boys who tried to rock an afro like Michael and Jermaine.
It's also for the diehard fans who know every single word of "Sugar Daddy" and the B-side to the group's debut hit single, "I Want You Back."
But perhaps most of all, what Fuqua, screenwriter John Logan, ("You Should Be Dancing") and Oscar-winning co-producer Graham King ("Bohemian Rhapsody") have crafted here is a brilliant and dazzling celebratory tribute to Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5.
From their halcyon days growing up in the gritty, blue-collar Gary, Ind. under their nurturing mother Katherine (played wonderfully by Nia Long, "You People") and the ever-watchful, stern hand of their father Joseph (a dynamic Colman Domingo, "Wicked: For Good," "Dead Man's Wire" and TV's "Euphoria"), to the brothers' exciting, painful, and often exhausting journey to superstardom, the film pulses with life and reverence.
Does "Michael" omit and play loosey-goosey with timelines and details? Yes, it does. I have yet to see a biopic that hasn't. Don't even get me started on "Elvis."
And for those hankering to see Michael's demons and darker side fully revealed, you won't find it here. The film wisely focuses on a defined era, closing around his "Bad" album and tour. Real-life legal complications and family sensitivities likely shaped that decision, and frankly, it works.
This is not a tabloid expose, it's a celebration. There's even talk of a possible continuation, and based on what's here, that's a prospect worth anticipating.
Honestly, I would have liked "Michael" to go deeper into certain family dynamics and to include Randy and Janet Jackson in the mix. At least La Toya made it. She's played by Jessica Sula (TV's "Panic").
Still, the film shines brightly as a soul-stirring musical escapade. It kicks off during the 1960s with the hardworking Jackson boys, including standout young performances from Jayden Harville (Jermaine), Jaylen Lyndon Hunter (Marlon), Judah Edwards (TV's "Saint X" as Tito), and TV's "All American's Nathaniel Logan McIntyre (Jackie).
At the center is young Michael, played with astonishing charm and emotional precision by Juliano Krue Valdi, ("Arco") who brings both innocence and intensity to a role that demands more than mimicry, it demands truth.
And then there is Jaafar Jackson. The son of Jermaine Jackson doesn't just imitate his uncle, he channels him. This is not an impression; it's an embodiment. From physicality to the voice, from the quiet vulnerability to the explosive stage presence, Jaafar disappears into the role of Michael in a way that feels almost uncanny. It's a star-making performance, one that anchors the film with emotional authenticity and electrifying charisma. Simply put, it's arguably one of the most convincing portrayals of a music icon ever put on screen.
What elevates "Michael" even further is its immersive exploration of the music and the moments that shaped it. The recreation of the infamous Pepsi commercial filming accident, where Michael's hair caught fire, is handled with both tension and sensitivity.
"Michael" also gives us fascinating glimpses into the creative genesis of "Beat It" and the cultural... |
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Rated: PG-13
Opens: 04/10/2026
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Rated: R
Opens: 04/03/2026
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Rated: PG-13
Opens: 03/27/2026
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Rated: PG-13
Opens: 03/27/2026
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Rated: PG-13
Opens: 03/20/2026
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Rated: PG-13
Opens: 03/13/2026
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OLD SCHOOL VIDEO PICK OF THE MONTH
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Title: SOUNDER
Year Released: 1972
Running Time: 105
Production Company: 20th Century Fox
Director: Martin Ritt
Director of Photography: John A. Alonzo
Screenwriter: Lonne Elder III
Author: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
REVIEW: "SOUNDER"-- A STORY THAT STILL SPEAKS
I remember the first time I saw the movie "Sounder"--back in 1972, when it first came out--at a downtown Los Angeles theater with my older brothers.
I was just a 11-years-old but watching that powerful story unfold on screen left a lasting impression.
I was captivated by the powerful performances of the late, great Cicely Tyson and Paul Winfield,...
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NEW ON DVD
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Title: BLAZING FISTS
Year Released: 2026
Running Time: 119
Production Company: Well Go USA Entertainment
Director: Takashi Miike
Review By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
THE ACTION-PACKED "BLAZING FISTS" DOESN'T FLINCH
The new action drama "Blazing Fists" from filmmaker Takashi Miike ("Bad Lieutenant: Tokyo" and "13 Assassins") delivers a gritty, adrenaline-charged story that packs quite a punch.
The movie which debuts March 31 on Digital, Blu-ray, and DVD follows Ikuto (Danhi Kinoshita, TV's "The Last Lesson: Only Those Who Survived Can Graduate") and Ryoma, (Kaname Yoshizawa, TV's "Countdown to Yes"), two troubled teens who meet in juvenile detention and form a bond rooted in survival, anger, and the desperate need for a second chance.
Ikuto, (Kinoshita) in particular, carries a heavy emotional load. His rage is fueled by the belief that his father has been wrongly imprisoned for murder, which gives the story an urgency that elevates it beyond a standard fight film.
As the two young men set their sights on fighting their way into the "Breaking Down" MMA tournament--a new form of mixed martial arts, where every kind of fighter looks to compete in a "one-minute, one-round" format to determine who is the strongest, the narrative becomes an engaging journey about confronting the past to claim a future.
What makes "Blazing Fists" so effective is how seamlessly it balances raw, brutally violent fight sequences with genuinely compelling storytelling. The action is exactly what fans of MMA cinema would hope for. It's intense, hard-hitting, and unflinching, but it never overshadows the huge stakes at hand.
Both Ikuto and Ryoma are commanding presences on screen, with performances that ground the film's more explosive moments with heart and conviction. Their chemistry and individual struggles make their fights feel meaningful, as if each punch carries the weight of their personal battles outside the ring.
"Blazing Fists" also benefits tremendously, and its authenticity is enhanced with the involvement of Mikuru Asakura, whose 2021 autobiography "Street Legend" inspired the film. His appearance in the movie is more than just a cameo.
It's a powerful and genuinely moving moment that underscores the film's central message about hope, perseverance, and chasing a better life as Ikuto and Ryoma hope to compete in Asakura's popular tournament. That scene, in particular, feels organic and inspiring, reinforcing the idea that these characters, and by extension, real people, can rise above their circumstances.
Fans of MMA and action flicks should get a real kick out of "Blazing Fists." I definitely did.
Be sure to catch "Blazing Fists" March 31 on Digital, Blu-ray, and DVD.
(Highly Recommended).
Check Out This Trailer For "BLAZING FISTS"
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Title: GHOST TRAIN
Year Released: 2025
Running Time: 94
Production Company: Dimix Studio
Director: Tak Se-woong
Review By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
"GHOST TRAIN"--A DARK AND BLOODY RIDE
Climb aboard the "Ghost Train," a compact but chilling South Korean horror flick arriving on Digital Feb. 17 from Well Go USA Entertainment.
Directed by Tak Se-woong, ("Devil in the Lake"), the film follows struggling YouTuber Da-kyung (Joo Hyun-young, "The Story of Park's Marriage Contract"), who ventures into the haunted Gwanglim Train Station where there have been disappearances and even ghost sightings. Surely capturing that news will revive her fading channel and perhaps get her boss Woo-jin (Choi Bo-min, "Gory: A Horror Tale") to cut her some slack about her declining viewership.
But Da-Kyung is competing against Hey-jin (Kim Ji-in), a popular beauty influencer who is racking up big numbers including Woo-jin, and Da-Kyung is kind of freaking out.
Da-Kyung soon finds herself listening to the station master's increasingly disturbing tales. They are stories that blur the line between urban legend and terrifying reality.
Structured as a series of eerie vignettes, "Ghost Train" delivers steady suspense, punctuated by bursts of genuinely unsettling imagery.
The anthology format works in its favor, allowing each segment to explore a different flavor of fear, from psychological dread to full-throttle supernatural menace. But be warned: this isn't just a creepy little thriller, it's a bloody one, with graphic moments that are decidedly not for the squeamish.
The special effects are effective, even when the movie occasionally feels uneven. Still, the dark and gory "Ghost Train" maintains enough macabre creativity and unpredictability to keep viewers on edge until the final stop.
(Recommended).
Take A Look At This Trailer For "GHOST TRAIN"
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Title: FRONTIER CRUCIBLE
Year Released: 2025
Running Time: 125
Production Company: Bonfire Legend/ Renegade Ent.
Director: Travis Mills
Review By: Lana K. Wilson-Comb
"FRONTIER CRUCIBLE" BRINGS GRIT, SWAGGER, AND SURPRISING STAR POWER
At a time when studios often shy away from Westerns due to their high production costs, "Frontier Crucible" from Well Go USA Entertainment, rides in as a gritty and welcome surprise.
Directed by Travis Mills (TV's "The Pendragon Cycle: "Rise of the Merlin") and based on Harry Whittington's 1961 novel "Desert Stake-Out", the film delivers a harsher, more unforgiving portrait of the Old West than most modern entries dare to attempt. This isn't a glossy cowboy saga, it's dusty, violent, and morally bleak.
Myles Clohessy (TV's "The Pendragon Cycle: "Rise of the Merlin") anchors the film as Merrick Beckford, a former soldier forced into an uneasy alliance with outlaws to escort desperately needed medical supplies through dangerous Apache territory.
Clohessy--son of stage/TV actor Robert Clohessy, ("Blue Bloods") appears to have studied Clint Eastwood closely. He borrows a page or two from the legend's playbook, adopting the steely stances, deliberate movements, and quiet swagger that defined Eastwood's Western persona. It mostly works, giving the film a familiar but sturdy center.
Mary Stickley, in her big screen debut, proves she's more than just a pretty face, bringing emotional resolve to a role that could have easily been one-note.
And it's always a treat to see William H. Macy, ("The Running Man") put in work. He elevates even this modestly budgeted production with his seasoned gravitas.
Perhaps the most eyebrow-raising presence is Armie Hammer, making a notable return to the screen after time away amid widely publicized allegations that clouded his career. His appearance adds an extra layer of curiosity, and he delivers--as always--a solid supporting turn.
Violent, tense, and unflinchingly raw, "Frontier Crucible" may not reinvent the Western, but it proves the genre still has bite.
(Recommended).
It is currently available On-Demand/Digital/Blu-ray and DVD.
Watch This Trailer For "FRONTIER CRUCIBLE"
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Title: TURA!
Year Released: 2025
Running Time: 105
Production Company: Quiver Productions
Director: Cody Jarrett
Review By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
FROM SURVIVOR TO SHOWSTOPPER: HOW TURA SANTANA REWROTE HER OWN STORY
Comedian Margaret Cho co-executive produced and narrates this remarkable and unapologetically raw story of Tura Satana, a woman who didn't just survive the odds, she annihilated them.
Tura! is a powerful and unflinching documentary that pulls no punches in telling the life story of Tura Satana, Born Tura Luna Pascual Yamaguchi, a Japanese-American actress, exotic dancer, and pop culture trailblazer who turned her pain into power.
From surviving a brutal gang rape at just nine years old, to being pushed out of her home as a teen and nearly sold into marriage at the age of 13, Tura's life was defined early by cruelty and betrayal. But rather than be crushed by it, she fought back. She trained in martial arts, became a black belt in karate, and vowed that no man would ever hurt her again.
"Tura!" is about survival, of course, but more than that, it's about the refusal to be a victim.
Tura seemed destined for showbiz. Her father was a silent actor in Japanese films, and her mother was a circus performer of Cheyenne and Scots Irish descent.
The film explores Tura's meteoric rise from the underground club scene, where she worked as a dice girl in Illinois and danced burlesque in New Orleans, to the cult status she earned in Russ Meyer's 1965 exploitation classic "Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!" and director/producer Ted V. Mikels, 1968 sci-fi horror film, "The Astro-Zombies." She wasn’t just playing tough. She was tough. And for an Asian American woman in mid-century America to exude that kind of commanding sexuality and power was unheard of.
The documentary captures her onscreen magnetism and offscreen struggles with equal care, highlighting not only her performances but also the emotional cost of constantly having to fight for respect in an industry and a society that never knew what to do with a woman like her.
Through interviews with filmmaker John Waters, family members, co-stars, and historians, "Tura!" stitches together a complex portrait of a woman who was equal parts myth and flesh. We hear stories of her romantic entanglement with Elvis Presley. He supposedly proposed to Tura, and she turned him down. He insisted she keep the engagement ring. And she did. Tura also had a deep friendship with silent film legend Harold Lloyd.
Audiences experience the chilling accounts of how she tracked down her childhood rapists as an adult, bringing her own version of justice. She was fearless. And yet, the film doesn't shy away from showing the toll it took. There was loneliness, the suicidal lows, the rumors surrounding her violent injuries, and the relentless battles with depression as the industry left her behind.
But what lingers most after the credits roll is her legacy, not just as a cult figure, but as a cultural force. Tura Satana smashed stereotypes and redefined what strength could look like onstage, onscreen, and in life. This documentary doesn't simply celebrate her; it honors her and in such grand and deserving fashion.
With Cho's heartfelt narration, "Tura!" becomes more than a biography. It becomes a rallying cry for women who have had to fight to be seen, heard, and remembered.
Tura wasn't just ahead of her time, she was the time, and finally, the world is catching up. Say her name.
(Highly, Highly Recommended).
Look At This Trailer For "TURA!"
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By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs:
THE MOVIES AND MOMENTS FROM CINEMACON 2026 THAT WE LOVED
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA— Every spring, CinemaCon transforms Las Vegas into a movie lover's playground, and this year's April 13–16 showcase delivered a surge of cinematic adrenaline packed with jaw-dropping trailers, star-studded reveals, plus a few unforgettable musical moments.
Snoop Dogg energized the crowd while teasing his upcoming biopic. Jon Batiste took to the spotlight and piano to give audiences a taste of his score for the reimagined movie "The Thomas Crown Affair,"directed by and starring Academy Award winner Michael B. Jordan alongside Adria Arjona.
Some of the cast from the fantasy film "Children of Blood and Bone" made a costumed dance appearance to highlight the upcoming film.
While an impressive slate of trailers from across the studios lit up the screen, N2Entertainment.net was especially captivated by these 10 standout films. We just wish we could watch them all right now. Here's a look at the movies we are most excited to see hitting theaters this year and in 2027.
1. "HEART OF THE BEAST"-- (Paramount Pictures, 2026)
Brad Pitt shows off his rugged, outdoorsy side in a gripping survival thriller from director David Ayer ("A Working Man"). Pitt, who also produced the film, stars as a former Navy SEAL battling his inner demons, and along with his retired and disabled combat German Shepherd dog attempt to return to civilization after a catastrophic accident leaves them deep in the Alaskan wilderness. This one also stars J.K. Simmons ("Batgirl") and Anna Lambe ("The Social Reckoning").
2. CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE: (Paramount Pictures, January 15, 2027)
"Children of Blood and Bone" is the exciting fantasy film directed and co-written by Gina Prince-Bythewood, ("The Supremes at Earl's All You Can Eat") and is adapted from Tomi Adeyemi's 2018 novel of the same name. It appears ready to deliver on its promise, with a vibrant, effects-heavy world where magic pulses through every frame. The sweeping visuals hint at franchise potential. The story follows a young heroine fighting to restore magic to her people while facing oppressive forces. The presentation at CinemaCon highlighted a diverse, ensemble cast of Thuso Mbedu, Tosin Cole, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, Lashana Lynch, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cynthia Erivo, Viola Davis, and Regina King. If it sticks the landing, this could be one of the defining YA fantasy films of 2027. Mark your calendars.
3. THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR: (Amazon/MGM Studios, March 5, 2027)
This sleek heist classic gets a modern polish in this reimagining of the cat-and-mouse romance, centering on a charismatic billionaire (Michael B. Jordan, "Sinners") who steals priceless art for the thrill of it. The footage for "The Thomas Crown Affair" teased glossy cinematography, sharp dialogue, and a playful chemistry between Adria Arjona who plays a sharp insurance investigator and Jordan who also directed the film. This one looks like a winner.
4. WHALEFALL: (20th Century Studios, October 16, 2026)
I wasn't the only one at CinemaCon who was riveted during the extended trailer of the survival thriller "Whalefall." Easily one of the most talked-about concepts, this chilling adaptation is based on the 2023 novel of the same name by Daniel Kraus. "Whalefall" is directed and produced by Brian Duffield, ("No One will Save You"). The film follows a scuba diver (Austin Abrams, “Weapons”) who, while searching for the remains of his father (Josh Brolin, "Weapons"), gets swallowed alive by a whale and frantically attempts to escape. Elisabeth Shue, John Ortiz, Jane Levy, and Emily Rudd star in supporting roles. This movie is going to be INTENSE and looks like a whale of a good time.
5. FORGOTTEN ISLAND: (Universal Pictures, September 25, 2026)
This was the featured film from Universal and after viewing it, my husband turned to me and said "kids are going to love this one. I actually loved it." I did too. "Forgotten Island" is an animated mystery adventure film that features the voices of H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng, and Lea Salonga. The movie taps into classic exploration vibes. It's set in the Philippines and centers on childhood friends Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano) who promise to remain close forever. But when they graduate from high school, Raissa prepares to move to the United States at the urging of her parents. Fearing the loss of their friendship, Jo tries to persuade her to stay. However, the two are suddenly transported through a portal to the fantastical world of the forgotten island of Nakali. "Forgotten Island" features lush environments and a sense of discovery that slowly turns to dread. It feels like a throwback to old-school adventure epics with a darker edge and is positioning itself as an intriguing theatrical experience.
6. YOUNG WASHINGTON: (Angel Studios, July 3, 2026)
Before he became a founding figure, George Washington (William Franklin Miller, TV's "The Age of Innocence") was a young soldier navigating war, ambition, and identity. "Young Washington" is directed, produced, and co-written by Jon Erwin ("Sarah's Oil") and aims to capture that formative period with grit and scale.
The teaser focuses on the decisions and struggles that shaped Washington's legacy including his experiences and command in the French and Indian War.
In addition to Franklyn-Miller, "Young Washington," which is slated to premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival this coming June 13, also stars Mary-Louise Parker, Kelsey Grammer, Andy Serkis, and Ben Kingsley.
7. SCARY MOVIE/SCARY MOVIE 6: (Paramount Pictures, June 5, 2026)
The iconic spoof franchise is back. "Scary Movie 6," directed by Michael Tiddes ("A Haunted House") and written by Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Craig Wayans, and Rick Alvarez, is ready to skewer a whole new generation of horror hits with rapid-fire jokes and outrageous set pieces. The movie boasts a mix of nostalgia and modern satire, poking fun at everything from prestige horror to viral trends. The plot follows Cindy Campbell (Faris) and her friends Ray Wilkins (Shawn Wayans) and siblings Shorty (Marlon Wayans) and Brenda Meeks (Regina Hall) reunited when the same masked killer from the first film resurfaces. If it captures the chaotic energy of the originals while updating the humor, it should easily resonate with audiences in a big way. Other returning actors include Cheri Oteri, Chris Elliott, Dave Sheridan, Lochlyn Munro, Jon Abrahams, and Anthony Anderson.
8. ICE CREAM MAN: (Iconic Events Releasing, August 7, 2026)
Beware of the ice cream man. You may never look at him the same way after seeing this eerie thriller. "Ice Cream Man" takes a seemingly innocent figure--a neighborhood ice cream vendor--and twists it into something deeply unsettling. The horror movie, from director Eli Roth ("Borderlands") leans heavily into slow-burn suspense, with glimpses of a small town unraveling as dark secrets come to light when the local ice cream man (Ari Millen, "Undertone") serves kids frozen treats and they soon turn into cold-blooded killers. "Ice Cream Man" also stars Benjamin Byron Davis, ("Borderlands") Karen Cliche, (TV's "Kidnapping My Own Daughter"), Dylan Hawco, (TV's "Heartland") and Sarah Abbott. ("The Braid") I loved the clever and creepy promotional set ups they had displayed throughout CinemaCon for this one.
9. THE ODYSSEY: (Universal Pictures, July 17, 2026)
This sprawling and ambitious retelling of "The Odyssey" from director Christopher Nolan promises a grand, cinematic journey filled with mythological creatures, perilous voyages, and a hero's long road home. "The Odyssey" features sweeping visuals and a stellar ensemble cast led by Matt Damon as Odysseus, the Greek king of Ithaca, and chronicles his perilous expedition home after the Trojan War as he attempts to reunite with his wife, Penelope, (Anne Hathaway, "The Devil Wears Prada 2"). Also rounding out the cast is Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron, among others. Nolan and his wife Emma Thomas are producing the film through their production company, Syncopy. "The Odyssey" received thunderous applause after viewers watched the extended trailer at CinemaCon. This should be epic in every way.
10. DISCLOSURE DAY: (Universal Pictures, June 12, 2026)
The high-concept sci-fi thriller "Disclosure Day" is directed by Steven Spielberg, from a screenplay by David Koepp and is based on a story by Spielberg.
"Disclosure Day" stars Emily Blunt, Josh O'Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, and Colman "Joe Jackson" Domingo ("Michael"). The movie is about a single, explosive day when hidden truths become known, potentially altering society as we know it. The footage teased a fast-paced narrative, multiple intersecting storylines, and plenty of twists designed to keep audiences guessing. It's the kind of timely, conversation-starting film that could generate serious buzz when it hits theaters on June 12.
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By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs:
SONY PICTURES DEVELOPING "BLOODBORNE" AS AN R-RATED ANIMATED FEATURE
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA-- During Sony Pictures' presentation at CinemaCon which was held in Las Vegas April 13-16, the studio announced that PlayStation's widely popular game "Bloodborne" is being developed into an R-rated animated feature for Sony Pictures although the plot is being kept under wraps.
"Bloodborne" is an action role-playing game where a traveler journeys into a horror-filled gothic city full of deranged mobs and nightmarish creatures lurking around every corner. It has been praised for its challenging gameplay and richly layered world that players have spent years exploring. Considered one of the best games of all time by numerous publications, "Bloodborne" was developed by FromSoftware and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment.
The film is produced by PlayStation Productions, Lyrical Animation and creator and gamer Sean McLoughlin, better known by his pseudonym JackSepticEye. Sean is a massive gamer who has spent years battling it out in the brutal world of "Bloodborne" for his over 48 million online fans.
Lyrical Media, parent company of Lyrical Animation, is co-financing with Sony Pictures. Sony Pictures and PlayStation Productions recently announced the adaptation of "Helldivers," directed by Justin Lin and starring Jason Momoa.
Slated for release in 2027 the film is based on the hugely popular "Helldivers" video game franchise. They previously worked together on "Uncharted," starring Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg, which earned $407 million globally and is one of the top ten highest grossing video game adaptation globally; Peacock's hit series, "Twisted Metal;" and the award winning and critically acclaimed series "The Last of Us" for HBO.
Lyrical Media is a Los Angeles and New York-based company founded by Alexander Black that develops, produces, and finances unique stories across multi-media formats, including film, television, video games, podcasts, and graphic novels. While focused on generating its own IP, the company also develops and revitalizes established IP and, in doing so, opens new verticals for creator-driven stories.
Lyrical Media's upcoming slate includes Michael Sarnoski's "The Death of Robin Hood," starring Academy Award-nominee Hugh Jackman and Emmy Award-winner Jodie Comer, Osgood Perkins' "The
Young People" with NEON, and Adam Wingard's action-thriller film "Onslaught" with A24.
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By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs:
"SLAY DAY" IS FIRST INTERACTIVE THEATRICAL SLASHER FILM
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA--"Slay Day," a next-generation interactive horror film that puts audiences in control of who lives and dies, is heading for a wide theatrical release across approximately 1,000 interactive screens throughout North America over the Super Bowl/Valentine's Day/Presidents Day mega-holiday weekend, February 12, 2027.
The play date was revealed at CinemaCon during the CtrlMovie presentation to motion picture theatre owners and operators, signaling one of the first-ever, large-scale rollouts of an interactive film.
Positioned as the ultimate date-night event, "Slay Day" transforms the traditional moviegoing experience into a high-stakes, communal experience of romance, rivalry, and survival. But at the center of the film is a simple challenge: "Can you survive a high school dance when it turns deadly?"
Set on Friday the 13th, 1987, in the picture-perfect town of Belle Falls, the story follows six teens preparing for their biggest night of the year, the Sadie Hawkins dance. But when the town exhumes the body of the real Sadie Hawkins to unravel the truth behind her killing spree fifty years earlier, a malevolent force returns to the town. Every choice the audience makes determines who survives the night - and who doesn’t.
Coming off its breakout presentation at CinemaCon, "Slay Day" uses CtrlMovie technology to transform the theatrical experience into a fully interactive event, with audiences voting in real time via their smartphones to steer the story across more than 50 decision points. Each choice shapes the fate of six central characters and seven additional characters, unlocking over 8,000 possible narrative outcomes - ensuring no two screenings are ever the same. Seamlessly integrated into existing exhibition systems, the patented platform delivers a new premium, audience-driven experience designed to drive repeat viewing as audiences return to explore new paths, alternate endings, and possibly even a "super-secret" one.
"What excited me about "Slay Day" from the very beginning was the chance to pull audiences directly into the story,” said director John David Buxton. "It's a high-energy, heightened throwback slasher, with a lot of love for the spirit of the '80s - the music, the style, those perfectly timed needle drops - but instead of just watching a group of friends try to survive, you're making the decisions with them. You feel the tension, you live with the consequences, and every screening plays out differently. It's unpredictable, intense, and a lot of fun. I can't wait to see how audiences play it - and who actually makes it out alive."
Producer Mark Dragin adds, "You're not just sitting next to someone on a date, you're in it together trying to survive. People react, they debate, they second-guess each other in real time. Suddenly the theater isn’t quiet anymore, it’s alive. You feel the energy shift with every decision, and it turns a night at the movies into something you actually share with the entire audience."
"Slay Day," which was shot in Salt Lake City and Ogden Utah, marks the directorial debut of John David Buxton. The screenplay is by Andrew Matisziw ("Goliath," "The Firm"), and the film is produced by Mark Dragin (TV's "Law & Order," "Law & Order: SVU"), Michael Kagan ("Night Patrol," "The Apology"), and Scott C. Silver ("The Pyramid," "Wheelman," "BornStars"). Eric Schneider, Angela Kay and Chaz Barsamian are the executive producers.
The starring ensemble cast includes Jayden Bartels ("Goosebumps," and "Side Hustle"), Shelby Simmons ("Bunk'd"), Emma McNulty ("FBI: Most Wanted"), Caleb Brown ("Mother's Day"), Luke Mullen ("V/H/S/99"), Corrado Martini ("Circles"), and "Lyndon Smith" ("National Treasure: Edge of History"). Casting was led by Danielle Aufiero and Amber Horn of Aufiero/Horn.
With its fresh cast, nostalgic setting, and revolutionary audience control, "Slay Day" promises to redefine what it means to "watch" a horror movie. BasePoint Capital financed the picture, marking the first project under its partnership with Kino Industries' CtrlMovie to bring audience-controlled cinema to global theaters. The film will open domestically first, with international rollout plans to follow.
Photo: Courtesy of "Slay Day."
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