SYNOPSIS
 
Chinese director Diao Yinan's much anticipated follow-up to his breakthrough film Black Coal, Thin Ice,THE WILD GOOSE LAKE, is a noir crime thriller about a gangster on the run, wet in the nooks and crannies of densely populated Wuhan in central China.
 
The elegantly down-and-dirty  film follows the desperate attempts of small-time mob boss Zhou Zenong (the charismatic Hu Ge) to stay alive after he mistakenly kills a cop and a dead-or-alive reward is put on his head.  Director Yinan proves his action bona fides in a series of stylized set pieces and violent shocks, simultaneously devising a romance between Zhou and a mysterious young woman (Gwei Lun-mei) who's out to either help or betray him.
 
Jessica Kiang of Variety writes that "Diao Yinan delivers a definitive Chinese crime noir, in which the ravishing style and inventive staging form the substance. Staged and executed with...slick, dark dazzle. Reteaming with cinematographer Dong Jinsong, Diao shows an extraordinarily elastic mastery of form. The Wild Goose Lake is like an organic feature of the Chinese cinematic landscape, as though it pooled onto the screen in all its oily, murky glory, having welled up from deep inside the ground. Suddenly, China feels like the noirest place on Earth." While Nate Jones of Vulture pens "
Have you ever imagined what John Wick would be like if it was set not in an imaginary version of New York, but instead a remote city in China's industrial hinterland? Wonder no more, because here comes Diao Yinan's ultrastylish neo-noir The Wild Goose Lake, which offers some of the most thrillingly original fight scenes you'll see onscreen this year".
 
BONUS FEATURES 

• Diao Yinan Behind-the-Scenes Featurette
• Interview with stars Hu Ge and Gwei Lun Mei
• Bonus Short Film -- The Goddess (Directed by Renkai Tan | United States, China | Chinese with English subtitles| 7 minutes) -- A young woman decides to take justice into her own hands after a traumatic assault. Based on a true story. 

PROGRAM INFORMATION
 
Type: Blu-ray/DVD/Digital (iTunes, Amazon, Vudu)
Running Time: 110 minutes
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Widescreen
Audio: 5.1 Surround Sound/2.0 Stereo
Language: Chinese with Optional English, French and Chinese Subtitles

BODY CAM (2020)
Director: Malik Vitthal
Producers: Mark Bienstock
Screenplay: Nicholas McCarthy, Richmond Riedel
Music: Joseph Bishara
Cinematography: Pedro Luque
Cast: Mary J. Blige, Nat Wolff, David Zayas, Anika Noni Rose
“To Serve and Protect…and Die”

Body Cam, a new action thriller (with a heavy dose of the supernatural) gets off to a good start, then careens back and forth from horror to social commentary, never really settling comfortable into either. It’s a noble effort from director Malik Vitthal (Imperial Dreams, 2014) but the tonal shifts and weak script (courtesy of Nicholas McCarthy and Richmond Riedel) do him no favors. Even the undeniable presence of Mary J. Blige can’t elevate Body Cam above B-list territory.
When a routine traffic stop results in the unexplained, grisly death of her colleague, a cop (Mary J. Blige) 
​finds body cam police footage of the incident (which only she can see).
As the attacks mount, she races to understand the supernatural force behind them. In most movies, this storyline would provide enough substance. In Body Cam, however, we’re also handed a few more subplots. Blige’s character is a grieving mother, her son lost in a tragic pool accident. There’s the obligatory corrupt police department (a cliché that’s been around as long as the movies themselves). On top of that, there is a good deal of social commentary; the movie opens in the aftermath of an unarmed black boy killed by the police. This is a lot to juggle at one time and, unfortunately, it’s a juggling act that can’t be executed. ​

There are highlights. An extended scene in a convenience store (involving a shootout and the appearance of the supernatural presence bent on revenge) is exciting and well-staged; Vitthal deftly handles the action scenes. A flashback showing the murder of a deaf black boy is appropriately disturbing and powerful. There are three or four good scares that made me jump. And gore hounds won’t be disappointed in the graphic content of Body Cam, even if we never really get a good look at the vengeful spirit that terrorizes the police force. Overly dark cinematography by Pedro Luque doesn’t help. When most of the action takes place at night it’s imperative the audience at least be able to see what’s essential.
As for Mary J. Blige, I found her performance lacking, though the script doesn’t give her much opportunity to show off her acting chops (not even during scenes of grief over her dead son). Had I not seen her shine in her Oscar-nominated role in 2017’s Mudbound, I’d figure her to be an actress of limited means. She deserves better.

Body Cam also suffers from extended periods of inaction. There are one-too-many scenes of Blige and others walking through dark buildings, investigating empty rooms and searching through cluttered drawers; it feels as though these scenes exist to pad an already short run time of 96 minutes.

Overall Body Cam is a mixed bag. A stronger script would have definitely served the cast better. Vitthal is attempting too much. Horror. Ghost story. Police thriller. Social injustice. That’s a heavy load for one film to carry. Unfortunately in failing to pull off any of those with solid success Body Cam ends
up as another B-grade flick with lots to say but no place to go.


From the Back Row, Left of Center…
Darren McCullah

​

April 28,2020, Harrisville, Rhode Island-The world is on lockdown.  Most everyone is sheltering in place, left with no fresh content to watch and dying of boredom.  Now, imagine being locked down, essentially trapped, in the WORLD’S MOST HAUNTED HOUSE... just you and your company-all the dead people! 

While many of us revel in the perks of an extended staycation, one family’s quarantine situation is almost unthinkable, and they want to give you a front row seat to see what their terrifying lives are like in the real-life Conjuring House. From May 9 to May 16, The Dark Zone Network proudly presents a 24-7 interactive livestreaming event like no other, entitled “The House.” “The House“ is a week-long immersive experience documenting the daily lives of Corey and Jennifer Heinzen, the current residents of the notorious haunted house made famous by the hit film, “TheConjuring;” which chronicled the experiences of the house’s former residents, The Perron family.  A little over a year ago the Heinzens moved into the house thinking they could handle whatever came their way; after all, they are paranormal investigators themselves.  Almost immediately after the family moved in, paranormal activity reached a fevered pitch, and now they need your help to figure ou twhat lurks in the house with them. 

The ominous abode will be rigged with multiple cameras so the audience will have a completely immersive experience.  The Heinzens will conduct paranormal investigations, seances, Ouija board sessions and invite some of the most well-known and respected luminaries in the paranormal community to pop in remotely and share their most bone chilling experiences from the house. 

Based on the worldwide hit game created by Ed Boon & John Tobias, "Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge" spotlights the once-in-a-generation tournament between the champions of Outworld and Earthrealm – a competition that will ultimately determine the fate of Earth and all its citizens. Lord Raiden, protector of Earthrealm, must gather the greatest fighters of his realm to defend it from the evil Shang Tsung in the battle to end all battles - Mortal Kombat!

​

SCOTT STAPP's PROVOCATIVE “SURVIVOR” VISUALIZER
 
Exclusive Debut with Loudwire as the Fighter’s Anthem Rises at Radio
 
(Nashville TN – April 22, 2020) – Grammy-winning songwriter, solo artist, and voice of Creed, Scott Stapp has released a provocative, timely visualizer for new single, “Survivor.” It debuted today with Loudwire, who wrote that it showcases “notable forms of protest and imagery of those who have exemplified great bravery in overcoming personal tragedy and health issues.” The visualizer takes the place of a live-action video, which was cancelled to observe social distancing recommendations. ​

“Survivor,” went to radio in early April as the follow up to Scott’s highest-charting single since 2005 (“Purpose For Pain”). In its first week, “Survivor,” was the most-added song in America, with over 40 stations adding it to rotation and featured on SIRIUS’ Octane channel. By its 2nd week, the song cracked the Top 40 and was added to Spotify’s Adrenaline Workout and Heavy Gamer playlists. 

The song is a fighter’s anthem that reflects the mentality Scott summoned when losing hope in his personal battles. It is a positive affirmation, a bold statement of faith, powerfully delivered.

“‘Survivor' is about a mindset when facing adversity,” says Scott. “Holding on to faith, positive affirmation, self-realization, speaking and believing things into reality are all elements of this mentality. It’s a mindset that helps give you strength to keep fighting, enduring, and maintaining the courage to continue to fight to make it to the other side, to overcome, to win, to survive."

The video uses imagery both personal and universal – Scott in a storm of shattered glass; an impoverished child representing the work of ChildFund International, for whom he is a spokesperson; survivors of cancer, sexual abuse, trafficking, and racial discrimination; survivors of war, the plight of the immigrant, and homeless individuals willing to work to overcome their misfortune are all referenced. In a poignant moment, a masked citizen and the definition of “survivor” appears - “remains alive or lives through an affliction.” 

Throughout the video, a muscular, caped “hero” juxtaposed amongst the imagery is a reminder that not all heroes wear capes. “All survivors are heroes,” Scott said. “If you’re working each day to overcome, through the sheer force of faith, will, and strength, you’re a survivor.” 
Scott’s faith, a defining aspect of his sobriety and a frequent concept in his songwriting, provides some of the strongest rally cries, “I stand here, baptized by the fire, a survivor” and “alive, ‘cause I believed.” 

It's no mystery what demons and struggles Scott is shouting at with, “you messed with a fighter,” and “how ya like me know?!” but listeners will think of their own as they apply the song to the most daily of obstacles as well as life’s more complex challenges. 

“Purpose For Pain,” “Name” & “Survivor” from Scott’s 1st album in 6 years, The Space Between The Shadows have entered the Billboard Rock Top 40 chart since the album was released last July. The album itself debuted in the Top 3 and Top 10 of rock and album charts in the US and UK. Listen to The Space Between The Shadows here.

Based on the worldwide hit game created by Ed Boon & John Tobias, "Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge" spotlights the once-in-a-generation tournament between the champions of Outworld and Earthrealm – a competition that will ultimately determine the fate of Earth and all its citizens. Lord Raiden, protector of Earthrealm, must gather the greatest fighters of his realm to defend it from the evil Shang Tsung in the battle to end all battles - Mortal Kombat!

This clip entitled “Not So Fun Now” finds Sonya Blade battling the elusive Reptile in the middle of the jungle. Sonya Blade is voiced by Jennifer Carpenter (Dexter, Batman: Gotham by Gaslight).

ZOMBI CHILD Official U.S. Trailer
 
SYNOPSIS
 
ZOMBI CHILD, from director Bertrand Bonello (Nocturama, Saint Laurent) injects history and politics into an unconventional cross-genre film. Opening in 1962 Haiti, the horror-fantasy follows the real-life story of Clairvius Narcisse (Mackenson Bijou), who falls dead on the street but is soon turned into a "zombi" when he is dug up from his grave and forced to work on a sugar-cane plantation. Shifting to present-day Paris at the Légion d'honneur boarding school, a rebellious teen named Fanny (Louise Labèque) befriends Melissa (Wislanda Louimat), who moved to France when her parents died in the 2010 Haiti earthquake. After recruiting her into a secret literary sorority, Fanny learns of Melissa's connection to Clairvius, and becomes obsessed with her new friend's past and culture, soon doing the unthinkable: seeking out her voodoo mambo aunt to solve her recent heartbreak. Jonathan Romney of Screen Daily said, "Mixing political commentary, ethnography, teenage melodrama and genre horror, the film is an unashamedly cerebral study of multiple themes...taking us on a journey that's as intellectually demanding as it is compelling".
 
An Official Selection at Cannes, Toronto and New York Film Festivals, winner of the Online Film Critics Society Special Achievement Award for "Best Non-U.S. Release" and nominated for the Queer Palm at Cannes, ZOMBI CHILD captivated audiences and critics alike. Jake Tropilla of Film Inquiry penned, "few directors have been able to keep their vision fresh and excitingly varied through a multitude of unique projects, and Zombi Child, an eerie yet beautiful tale of coming-of-age and vodou, is no exception." Justin Chang of The Los Angeles Times called the film "beguiling... pleasurably moody and politically barbed" and of the director wrote that "Bonello is always thought-provoking." A.A. Dowd of The AV Club said, "what it has going for it is Bonello's typically seductive craftsmanship -- his way with a suggestive cut or a perfect needle drop. I knew from the prologue, a stretch of hypnotically wordless visual storytelling, that I was back in the hands of a filmmaker who'd make the journey worth taking." And Roger Moore of Roger's Movie Nation wrote, "if you see one zombie movie this year, here's the one to catch."
 
BONUS PROGRAMMING

• Audio commentary by director Bertrand Bonello
• Bonus Short Film - Child of the Sky (Directed by Phillip Montgomery | United Kingdom | 16 minutes) - A young woman waked up in the desert, lost and cold. She is summoned by a powerful force to a strange woman who takes her in - but there is a price. 

PROGRAM INFORMATION
 
Type: DVD/Digital (iTunes, Amazon, Vudu)
Running Time: 103 minutes
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Widescreen
Audio: 5.1 Surround Sound/2.0 Stereo
Language: French and Haitian with English subtitles

About Film Movement
 
Founded in 2002, Film Movement is a North American distributor of award-winning independent and foreign films based in New York City. It has released more than 250 feature films and shorts culled from prestigious film festivals worldwide including the Oscar-nominated films Theeb (2016) and Corpus Christi (2020). Film Movement's theatrical releases include American independent films, documentaries, and foreign art house titles. Its catalog includes titles by directors such as Hirokazu Kore-eda, Maren Ade, Jessica Hausner, Andrei Konchalovsky, Andrzej Wajda, Diane Kurys, Ciro Guerra and Melanie Laurent. In 2015, Film Movement launched its reissue label Film Movement Classics, featuring new restorations released theatrically as well as on Blu-ray and DVD, including films by such noted directors as Eric Rohmer, Peter Greenaway, Bille August, Marleen Gorris, Takeshi Kitano, Arturo Ripstein, King Hu, Sergio Corbucci, Ettore Scola and Luchino Visconti. For more information, please visit www.filmmovement.com. Visit www.filmmovementplus.com for more information about Film Movement Plus, the new subscription streaming service from Film Movement. ​

FANS ENCOURAGED TO PURCHASE FILM ON DIGITAL
AND WATCH WITH ‘SCORPION’ VOICE ACTOR
PATRICK SEITZ, WHO WILL LIVE-TWEET
DURING VIEWING PARTY AT 3PM PT/6PM ET

JOEL MCHALE, ED BOON AMONG ACTORS, FILMMAKERS TO DISCUSS ALL-NEW MOVIE &
FILM CLIPS DURING ONE-HOUR PANEL ON
MORTAL KOMBAT YOUTUBE PAGE AT 5PM PT/8PM ET
​
BURBANK, CA (April 13, 2020) – Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will host a virtual panel – an in-depth discussion amongst filmmakers and voice actors, including actor Joel McHale and Mortal Kombat game co-creator Ed Boon – to celebrate the Digital release of Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge on Tuesday, April 14, 2020. The panel can be viewed at 5:00 p.m. PT/8:00 p.m. ET on the Mortal Kombat YouTube page, as well as the Mortal Kombat Twitter channel and Mortal Kombat Facebook page.

Prior to the panel, a community viewing party for Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge – led by Patrick Seitz, voice of Scorpion – will start at 3:00 p.m. PT/6:00 p.m. ET. Seitz will be live-tweeting (@Seitz_Unseen) throughout the 80-minute film, offering personal thoughts about his role and the Mortal Kombat experience. Fans are encouraged to purchase the Digital version of the film from their favorite online retailer, and then cue up the film to watch and simultaneously follow Seitz’s commentary on Twitter.

Panelists confirmed for the one-hour chat – which will feature several film clips – include Joel McHale (Community, The CW’s upcoming Stargirl), voice of Hollywood-star-turned-warrior Johnny Cage; Jordan Rodrigues (Lady Bird, The Fosters), voice of Liu Kang; Patrick Seitz (Mortal Kombat X, Agrretsuko, Naruto: Shippuden), voice of Scorpion & Hanzo Hasashi; Producer Rick Morales (Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders, Batman vs. Two-Face); Screenwriter Jeremy Adams (Supernatural, Teen Titans Go! Vs. Teen Titans); and Creative Consultant Ed Boon (NetherRealm Studios), one of the creators of the game franchise. Joshua Gray, producer and host of Mortal Kombat Events & Professional Tournaments since 2015, will moderate the panel discussion.

Online destinations to view the Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge panel discussion:

Mortal Kombat Official YouTube Page:
https://go.wbgames.com/MK-Youtube

Mortal Kombat Official Twitter: @MortalKombat

Mortal Kombat Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MortalKombat/

Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge is Rated R for strong bloody violence throughout and some language.

Produced by Warner Bros. Animation in coordination with NeatherRealm Studios and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, the all-new, feature-length film arrives from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Digital starting April 14, 2020, and on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD on April 28, 2020.

Based on the worldwide hit game created by Ed Boon & John Tobias, Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge spotlights the once-in-a-generation tournament between the champions of Outworld and Earthrealm – a competition that will ultimately determine the fate of Earth and all its citizens. Lord Raiden, protector of Earthrealm, must gather the greatest fighters of his realm to defend it from the evil Shang Tsung in the battle to end all battles - Mortal Kombat!

Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge will also be available on Movies Anywhere. Using the free Movies Anywhere app and website, consumers can access all their eligible movies by connecting their Movies Anywhere account with their participating digital retailer accounts.