Monster : Humanoids from the Deep (1980)

Released May 16th in the US.

Filmed entirely in California.

The story: Noyo is a small fishing town that is due to install a salmon cannery.

Most of the townspeople are for the cannery, but it will most possibly have some devastating consequences where the fishermen's income is involved.

Some strange things begin happening around town, first an unexplained explosion of a fishing boat and all its members. 

Then a fisherman's family dog is found mutilated on the beach...

It isn't until more pets are killed off and people begin to go missing that the town realizes there's a problem.

A problem that is manmade and is now killing off many people in an attempt to find all the women!

Stars Doug McClure, Hoke Howell , Meegan King , Breck Costin , Cindy Weintraub, Shawn Erler , Ann Turkel, Vic Morrow , Anthony Pena , Denise Galik , Don Maxwell , Lynn Theel , David Strassman , Greg Travis , Linda Shayne , Lisa Glaser , Bruce Monette , Frank Arnold 

Directed by Barbara Peeters & Jimmy T Murakami

Rated R
SCIFI/MYSTERY/THRILLER/HORROR

His House (2020)

Made for Netflix, airing on instant streaming October 30th in the US.

Filmed entirely in England.

The story: Married couple Bol and Rial are immigrants from South Sudan.

They have made their way in desperation to England by boat, among many other immigrants, in need of fleeing the wars that continue daily in their native land.

The couple is hoping they will find a better, more peaceful life in England.

Not too long after arriving, the couple is granted a home of their own to live in.

There are many rules that go along with being helped into their new lives, which they are happy to comply with.

Shortly after arriving at their new home, though, Bol is tormented by a witch...a witch who has appeared to him because of his guilt...

The torment is so much so that the couple begins believing that living in their new residence may not be the place for them.

Stars Sope Dirisu , Wunmi Mosaku , Malaika Wakoli Abigaba , Matt Smith , Javier Botet , Vivienne Soan , Lola May , Yvonne Campbell , Kevin Layne , Maureen Casey , Homer Todiwala , Dominic Coleman

Directed by (& story partly written) Remi Weekes

Rated TV14

MYSTERY/THRILLER/HORROR

Heretic (2024)

Released November 8th in the US.

Filmed entirely in Canada.

The story: Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton are two young missionary Mormon women.

They are trying to recruit as many people to their church as possible.

The last person they decide to talk with on this particular day is a man they had met sometime ago.

The man, known to them as Mr. Reid, had shown some interest in their religion and church and agreed to talk with the women another time.

They arrive at Mr. Reid's home, who welcomes them into his house.

The woman resist the invite as it's in their religion that a woman of the residence must be present for them to be allowed inside.

Mr. Reid assures the women that his wife is inside the house, and all is fine.

Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton go inside the house, and while having a lot of small talk with Mr. Reid about religion, ask to meet his wife.

Mr. Reid leaves the room but returns without his wife.

The women ask again and again about his wife, who never appears, no matter how many times he goes to get her.

It finally becomes obvious that Mr. Reid isn't being truthful with them, and they decide they want to leave.

But when they try to open the door, it is locked, and when they finally ask Mr. Reid to open it, he flat-out refuses.

Stars Sophie Thatcher , Chloe East , Elle McKinnon , Hanna Huffman , Haylie Hansen , Anesha Bailey. Elle Young, Topher Grace, Julie Lynn Mortensen, Miguel Castillo, Hugh Grant 

Directed by (& story written) Scott Beck and Bryan Woods

Rated R
MYSTERY/THRILLER/HORROR

The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (2025)

Released on Hulu instant streaming, October 22nd in the US.

Filmed entirely in California.

The story: Caitlin is a young mother who is expecting.

One day at work, she meets Polly Murphy, who is looking for an apartment.

The two seem to hit it off a bit and then part ways.

Fast forward to after Caitlin's baby is born.

She is out shopping with her two kids when she runs into Polly.

After chatting a while, Polly notices Caitlin could probably use some help with the kids.

She offers to babysit for Caitlin is she ever needs her to, claiming that she used to be a nanny.

They exchange numbers and part once more.

Caitlin looks into Polly's reference and thinks she is legit so she calls her.

Right away, Polly steps into the nanny role seemingly like a pro, which satisfies Caitlin.

But there really is a sinister reason for the fact that Polly has made her way into Caitlin and her family's life.

Stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Maika Monroe , Raul Castillo , Martin Starr , Riki Lindhome , Mileiah Vega , Lola Contreras , Nora Contreras , Yvette Lu , Shannon Cochran , Arabella Olivia Clark

Directed by Michelle Garza Cervera

Rated R
REMAKE/MYSTERY/THRILLER

Half Light (2006)

Released January 26th in the US.

Filmed entirely in the UK.

The story: Rachel is a very successful fiction writer living her best life.

Rachel has an editor husband and a young son that she adores.

But all that changes when Rachel's son passes tragically.

Trying to get her life on track while her marriage is falling apart, Rachel's best friend Sharon finds her a home away from home by the ocean.

Rachel begins making the best of things and fully believes that this time away to write her next book is working out for her.

She meets and befriends a man living in the lighthouse next door to her. The two soon become romantically involved.

But when she invites him to a birthday party along with her and he doesn't show, Rachel is told by some of the townspeople that the man she has been seeing passed away 7 years ago...

This is mindblowing for Rachel and it seems everything is falling apart. 

She then calls in the help of her best friend but even that doesn't go as planned.

Little does Rachel know, someone is really messing with her for a very good reason.

Stars Demi Moore, Jordan El Balawi, Henry Ian Cusick, Kate Isitt, James Cosmos, Joanna Hole, Nicolas Gleaves, Mickey Wilson, Hans Matheson, Therese Bradley, Polly Frame

Directed by (& story written) Craig Rosenberg

Rated R
MYSTERY/SCIFI/THRILLER

Here Today (2021)

Released May 6th in the US.

Filmed in New York.

The story: Charlie Burnz is a famous veteran comedy writer.

He is also currently fighting the beginning stages of a form of dementia but is keeping that from everyone who knows him.

One day, Charlie is invited to lunch by Emma.

Emma is having lunch with Charlie because her ex won the date with Charlie on a bid...

While at lunch, Emma has an allergic reaction to shellfish. 

Charlie helps by paying her hospital bills.

Emma swears she will repay Charlie, but he isn't bothered and is glad to have helped.

Soon enough, Charlie finds Emma at his door, holding to her promise to pay him back.

Slowly the two begin getting to know each other, which eventually turns into an important friendship.

When Charlie's dementia starts to get worse, Emma is the first one there to help him through his struggles.

Stars Billy Crystal, Chad Jennings, Dierdre Friel, Matthew Broussard, Susan Pourfar, Alex Brightman, Gianmarco Soresi, Sarah Stiles, Max Gordon Moore, Joanna Adler, Andrew Durand, Tiffany Haddish, Zuhdi Boueri, Andy Grotelueschen, Tijuana Ricks, Penn Badgley, Laura Benanti, Audrey Hsieh

Directed by (& story partly written) Billy Crystal

Rated PG13

DRAMA/COMEDY

"What are you looking at!!??"

"Ew!!!"

Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul (2022)

Released September 2nd in the US.

Filmed in Georgia.

The story: Pastor Lee Curtis Childs and First Lady Trinitie Childs were the proud leaders of their self-made Southern Baptist Megachurch.

Everyone loved and admired the couple and gave freely.

The Pastor and First Lady also gave so much more back.

But when Pastor Lee was involved in a scandal, everything surrounding the church changed.

They lost their congregation, which has really taken a toll on them.

Years later, after they believe everything has blown over from the public eye and they paid their dues, the couple are aiming to rebuild and reopen their church.

At the same time, they have hired a film crew to commemorate their progress, which doesn't always go as the couple planned.

But they carry on, with high hopes and expectations even though it seems they are continuously struck down at every turn.

Stars Sterling K Brown, Regina Hall, Nicole Beharie, Conphidence , Austin Crute, Devere Rogers, Robert Yatta, Greta Glenn, Andrea Laing, Selah Kimbro Jones, Crystal Alicia Garrett, Perris Drew

Directed by (& story written) Adamma Ebo

Rated R
DRAMA

The High Cost of Living (2010)

Released April 20, 2011 in the US.

Filmed entirely in Canada.

The story: Henry is an American, living in Canada on an expired visa.

He lives a life of running FDA-approved drugs and fixing locks while setting up camp above a Chinese food restaurant.

At the same time, in the same area, Nathalie is a married Canadian woman who is a few short weeks away from giving birth.

Nathalie is struggling with her marriage but is also keeping things together, hopeful that after the baby arrives things will get better.

After Nathalie's baby shower is just about over for the evening, her work-a-holic husband Michel makes a short appearance. Then is back off to work.

On that same evening, after everyone has left for the night, Nathalie believes she is in labor.

She tries calling Michel but gets no response. She calls a girlfriend who advises her not to worry because it's too early.

But, to make herself feel better, Nathalie calls a taxi to take her to the hospital.

While frantically looking around in the street for the taxi, Nathalie is hit by Henry - who happens to be driving in the wrong direction down a one-way street and not exactly watching the road.

The next thing Nathalie knows, she is in the hospital with a minor concussion but she has lost the baby...

Henry, scared to death and feeling extremely guilty, tries to find out what happened, if anything to Nathalie and her baby, which starts a whole new chapter in both Nathalie and Henry's lives.

Stars Zach Braff, Isabelle Blais, Julian Lo, Patrick Labbe, Aimee Lee, Pierre Gendron, Sean Lu, Anick Lemay, Nicole Braber, Graham Cuthbertson, Tony Robinow, Kyle Switzer, Mylene Savoie

Directed by (& story partly written) Deborah Chow

Rated PG13

DRAMA

Hope Springs (2012)

Released August 8th in the US.

Filmed entirely in Connecticut.

The story: Kate and Arnold have been married for 31 years.

They are both very happy with their lives but Kate is starting to feel quite distant from Arnold.

She feels that the spark in their marriage has diminished and she wants that back.

Kate attempts to be romantic but Arnold doesn't seem to notice.

After reading a book by marriage counselor Dr. Feld, Kate signs herself and Arnold up for the doctor week week-long counseling session.

Arnold is completely against this but Kate perseveres. When Arnold realizes Kate is not giving in, he goes.

But right from the get-go, Arnold pushes back.

After realizing this is all upsetting Kate, Arnold makes an effort.

Time after time, after Arnold makes an effort the only way he knows how and Kate ends disappointed, Arnold is told he better make sure that he has made every attempt to help his marriage before he gives up completely.

Stars Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, Jean Smart, Ben Rappaport, Marin Ireland, Patch Darragh, Brett Rice, Steve Carell, Elisabeth Shue, Becky Ann Baker, Danny Flaherty, Charles Techman, Damian Young, Ann Harada, Jack Haley, Susan Misner, Rony Clanton, Mimi Rogers

Directed by David Frankel

Rated PG13

DRAMA/COMEDY

Hell Camp : Teen Nightmare (2023)

Made for Netflix, instant streaming on December 23rd in the US.

Filming location(s) unknown.

The story: In 1988, a former United States Air Force Sergent named Steve Cartisano had an idea.

Always good with kids, Steve believed he could help them.

He decided to start a company called Challenger Foundation.

The Challenger Foundation was a wilderness therapy camp for rebellious, troubled teens.

Steve believed in his idea as well as his staff who worked with him.

It would cost the parents of their troubled teen sixteen thousand dollars to enroll them in a boot camp-style therapy where the child was taken from their home and forced to go into the desert of Utah.

The program was 63 days of a forced 500-mile hike,  with very little food and sleep, and commands to obey their therapy leader, no matter how harsh their environment seemed to them.

There was never any intention of punishing or hurting the kids but rather teaching them to lead more positive lives.

Some kids learned the valuable lessons the camp was meant to teach but others have very little happy experiences to speak about.

Things at the camp went on the same as usual until allegations of abuse began surfacing.

Stars Chris Smith, Lance "Horsehair" Jaggar, camp survivor Nadine, camp survivor Kinney, camp survivor Matthew, Matthew's mother Kari, Debbie Cartisano, Max Jackson, Sharon Fuqua, David Fuqua, Charles Brofman, camp survivor Adam, Adam's father Larry, camp survivor Ashley, Catie Cartisano, camp survivor Kurt, camp survivor Amber, MaryLou

Directed by Liza Williams

Not Rated

DOCUMENTARY/HISTORY

Halston (2021)

Released as a five-part mini-series on Netflix, airing on instant streaming May 14th in the US.

Filmed entirely in New York.

Based on truths.

The story: As a child, Roy "Halston" Frowick wanted nothing more than to bring his unhappy mother joy.

At a very young age, he brought that joy into his mothers' life by creating her brilliantly lovely hats...

As an adult, Halston continued his work by making hats that were creative and highly sought after.

But with time, things change.

Soon, Halston was creating dresses as well as meeting and befriending many famous people.

His connections, some with an endless cash flow, helped him become the empire of some very popular and unique fashions, making him and his associates millions.

Going into business with a wealthy businessman who never said no didn't hurt things either.

But after living the high life for ten years, doom was inevitable.

It wasn't until Halston let bad relationships, drug abuse, and the selling of his brand name be the end of his fashion career forever.

Stars Maxim Swinton, Ewan McGregor, David Pittu, Rebecca Dayan, Krysta Rodriguez, Sullivan Jones, Deya Danielle Drake, Bill Pullman, Gian Franco Rodriguez, Megan Danielle Gerard, Dilone, Eric T Miller, Molly Jobe, Siezka Rose, Alanna Arrington, Jenny Wong, Freja Zeuthen, Jason Kravitz

Directed by Daniel Minahan

Rated TVMA
BIOGRAPHY/HISTORY/DRAMA/TV/SERIES

Hotel for Dogs (2009)

Released January 19th in the US.

Filmed in California.

The story: 16-year-old Andi and 11-year-old Bruce are siblings having to go through the foster system due to losing their parents unexpectedly.

They have a dog named Friday which they have to hide from their current foster parents, so to make money to feed him, they do many things they get in trouble for.

The only adult that looks out for their best interest and gets them out of trouble is their social worker Bernie, who advises them that if they get in trouble again, he won't be able to place them together.

Right after Andi and Bruce get Friday out of the pound they witness a robbery.

When the cops show up and tell them to stop, even though they did nothing wrong, they take off running.

Friday runs into an abandoned hotel, and Andi and Bruce follow him.

Inside, they find two homeless dogs that Friday takes a liking to right away.

Andi and Bruce decide to let Friday stay there with the other dogs for the night.

The next day, Andi goes to the local pet store for food for the dogs, even though she doesn't have much cash.

Andi gets to talking to Dave the sales rep and tells him that her family takes in many homeless dogs and that she needs food for them.

Dave gets the bright idea that seeing how Andi's family takes in dogs, they can take in three more that he has at the pet store.

Plus he will help with food.

Soon Andi, Bruce, Dave, and Heather, another sales rep begin getting the hotel dog ready, so it can be "the place" for as many homeless dogs that need homes.

Stars Emma Roberts, Jake T Austin, Don Cheadle, Johnny Simmons, Kyla Pratt, Lisa Kudrow, Kevin Dillion, Ajay Naidu, Robinne Lee, Yvette Nicole Brown, Troy Gentile, Eric Edelstein

Directed by Thor Freudenthal

Rated PG
DRAMA/COMEDY/ADVENTURE

Horrible Bosses 2 (2014)

Released November 26th in the US.

Filmed entirely in California.

The story: Nick, Kurt, and Dale are three best buds who have all quit their jobs to go into business together.

When they invent an innovative showerhead system and their idea gets picked up, they believe they are on the up and up.

Just when they get ready to get to business the client who hired them backs out, leaving Nick, Kurt and Dale completely broke.

With lots of planning and thought, they come up with a scheme to get the money that is rightfully owed to them.

Only their plan isn't foolproof.

Stars Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, Keegan Michael Key, Kelly Stables, Charlie Day, Christoph Waltz, Chris Pine, Jamie Foxx, Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Aniston,  Jonathan Banks, Lindsay Sloane 

Directed by Sean Anders

Rated R
SEQUEL/COMEDY

Habit ; Larry Fessenden's (1997)

Released November 14th in the US.

Filmed entirely in New York.

The story : Living in New York , with not much going for him , Sam is an alcoholic who manages a local Mexican place.

He recently lost his father and broke up with his live-in girlfriend.

Kind of astray , Sam is going through the motions of living.

When he attends a party some longtime friends give , he meets mysterious Anna that he cannot stop thinking about. 

Anna comes on strong , appearing and disappearing without warning.

Sam isnt exactly bothered by this because he is completely smitten with her.

But Sam hasnt been himself and the people around him notice.

At first , he chalks it up to all the stress he has been dealing with until it becomes apparent that Anna has some sort of vicious and dangerous hold over him. 

Stars Larry Fessenden , Hart Fessenden , Aaron Beall , Patricia Coleman , Heather Woodbury , Jesse Hartman , Meredith Snaider , Cain Berlinger , Alan Bandit , Michael Buscemi , Dale Cameron , Jack Dingas , Harley Hemdrix , Michael Angelo Garcia , Marcos Antonio Miranda , John Mondin

Directed by (& story written) Larry Fessenden

Not Rated

MYSTERY/HORROR/DRAMA

Head of the Family ; Charles Bands' (1996)

Released on video, November 29th in the US.

Filmed entirely in California.

The story: Lance is the owner of the local diner.

He is having a hot and heavy affair with Loretta, who happens to be married to Howard.

Howard is a bully, who gets what he wants by threatening people.

Howards' newest endeavor is bullying Lance into becoming his business partner.

That same evening, Lance and Loretta begin discussing getting rid of Howard.

But then, while driving, they see something really strange at the local weirdo's house.

Lance checks the situation out and what he finds and gets involved with he believes is a sure-fire way to get rid of Howard and make some cash.

But it's really not that simple.

Stars Blake Adams, Gordon Jennison Noice, Jacquiline Lovell, Vicki Skinner, Bob Schott, James Jones, Alexandria Quinn, JW Perra, Bruce Adel, Robert J Ferrelli, Gary Anello, Dyer McHenry

Directed by Charles Band

Rated R
DARK COMEDY/SCIFI/HORROR

Hogzilla (2014)

Released on video, December 15th in the US. 

Filmed entirely in Florida.

Loosely based on truths.
The story: Five years ago, Andy was hunting in the woods with his son Robbie.

When Bobby disappeared, due to the wild hog living in the woods, everyone believed Andy killed him and buried his son out in the woods.

Now, Andy lives in the woods, looking to one day track down that killer hog and destroy it.

Present-day, a group of tabloid news location scouts have located the area where Andy now resides.

They are also looking for the infamous killer hog to help get the story on it.

Just when it seems that things couldn't get any worse, a hurricane blows in, trapping the crew.

But what they don't realize is that being stranded is the least of their worries.

Stars Zachary Dubale, Joe Bloom, Wade White, William A Butland, Justin Kane, Tomey Sellers, Meredith Martin, Joey Malone, John Pagnam 

Directed by Diane Jacques

Not Rated

HISTORY/HORROR

Henry : Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)

Released September 10, 1990, in the US...

Filmed in Illinois.

The story: Henry is a serial killer...

He makes his kills in the city of Chicago when no one is looking.

Henry is staying with Otis, a friend he made while the two were in prison.

But Henry is planning to move on to California soon.

When Otis' sister Becky comes to stay with him for a while, she takes an instant liking to Henry and as the two get to know each other, he becomes increasingly protective of her.

One night while Henry and Otis are out for some fun, Henry kills two women they picked up.

Freaked, Otis doesn't know what to think but soon Henry talks him into believing it's fine.

Next,  Henry is encouraging Otis to kill but it's only a matter of time before Henry turns on Otis as well.

Stars Mary Demas,  Anne Bartoletti, Ted Kaden, Elizabeth Kaden, Denise Sullivan, Michael Rooker, Tom Towles, Tracy Arnold, Monica Anne O'Malley, Erzsebet Sziky, David Katz, John Scafidi 

Directed by John McNaughton

Not Rated

THRILLER/MYSTERY

House of Gucci (2021)

Released November 24th in the US.

Filmed entirely in Italy.

Based on truths.

The story: In 1978, Patrizia Reggiani met Maurizio Gucci at a party.

She was quickly smitten with the young naive man with the legendary name.

Maurizio was studying to become a lawyer while Patrizia worked for her father's transport company.

When Patrizia finally won Maurizio over, he explained that he wished to marry her to his father.

His father had different ideas for Maurizio and decided that because he was going to marry her, he would cut him off.

Maurizio found himself on the doorstep of Patrizia's parents' house, asking for a place to work and stay.

Soon Maurizio was working for Patrizia's father, the two then married and could not have been happier.

When Maurizio's uncle found out about this new bond between his favorite nephew and his new bride, he contacted the couple.

He expressed much interest in taking Maurizio under his wing, as his right-hand man with Gucci, which caused problems with his cousin. 

But no matter.

When Maurizio finally gave in and took his place with Gucci, things began changing.

By the advice of Patrizia, Maurice cut ties with his uncle, cousin, and then, without warning, Patrizia.

But Patrizia would not have that.

Stars Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Jeremy Irons, Al Pacino, Jack Huston, Jared Leto, Vincent Riotta, Alexia Murray, Camille Cottin, Gaetano Bruno, Florence Andrews, Reeve Carney

Directed by Ridley Scott

Rated R
DRAMA/HISTORY

"Don't mistake shit for chocolate."

High Spirits (1988)

Released November 18th in the US.

Filmed entirely in Ireland.

The story: Peter Plunkett owns, along with his elderly mother, a once-famous Irish castle that serves as an Inn.

The Inn hasn't been getting much business and is falling apart, as well as losing quite a bit of money.

When Peter tries to get a loan to keep his beloved home in his possession he is just about turned down.

If he can come up with the cash, he will be granted his ownership.

Peter concocts the plan to claim his castle is haunted, although it is, no ghosts have yet to be seen by the public.

Therefore, Peter, along with the Inn's staff get straight to work, crafting haunting ideas for their next, unsuspecting guests.

A group of American tourists has got word that the Inn is haunted and want to stay there.

There is also a husband and wife who happen to be related to the loan manager, and because of the loan request, they are sent there to investigate the haunting claims.

Just when it looks like the Inn being haunted is a pure hoax, some unplanned ghosts appear, changing everything for everyone present.

Stars Peter OToole , Liz Smith, Mary Coughlan, Donal McCann, Tom Hickey, Tony Rohr, Hilary Renyolds, Isolde Cazelet , Steve Guttenberg, Beverly DAngelo, Jennifer Tilly, Martin Ferrero, Peter Gallagher, Connie Booth, Krista Hornish, Matthew Wright, Daryl Hannah, Liam Neeson

Directed by (& story written) Neil Jordan

Rated PG13

COMEDY/FANTASY

The Honeymoon Killers (1970)

Released February 4th in the US.

Filmed entirely in New York.

Based on truths.

The story: Martha is a lonely woman who over eats when she is upset.

She lives in Alabama, working as a nurse and caring for her senile mother.

When her friend signs her up for the friendship club, it only upsets her.

But after her friend talks her into it, considering she could meet a nice man who will love her she decides to write.

Ray is the first and only man who writes her back

He happens to be a gigolo, who makes his living scamming woman out of all their funds.

Martha and Ray write letters back and forth for months before Ray comes to visit with her.

Right away,  Martha is smitten and when Ray returns home Martha gets her friend to help her convince him to come back to her.

Soon Martha is in New York with Ray, going along with his scams.

In time Martha even begins helping Ray but when she becomes increasingly jealous and cannot handle sharing Ray, the two decide that the only way they can continue on is if they kill their unsuspecting victims.

Stars Shirley Stoler, Doris Roberts, Mary Jane Higby, Tony Lo Bianco, Barbara Cason, Dortha Duckworth, Mary Breen, Ann Harris, Elsa Raven, Marilyn Chris, Kip McArdle, Mary Engel

Directed by Leonard Kastle, Martin Scorsese & Donald Volkman

Rated R

B&W
DRAMA/THRILLER/HISTORY