Filmland 2024 is just around the corner and the Arkansas Cinema Society has just announced this year’s lineup of feature films and shorts. Filmland is an annual curated celebration of local, national, and international cinema that takes place in Little Rock, Arkansas. Past guests have included Richard Linklater, Jessica Chastain, Adam Driver, Michael Shannon, Joel Edgerton, Chloé Zhao, Will Forte, Ted Danson, David Arquette, Mary Steenburgen, David Gordon Green, and ACS co-founder Jeff Nichols among others.

This year’s Filmland begins Thursday, August 15th and continues through Sunday, August 18th. As usual, it will include feature films, blocks of short films, workshops, and numerous Q+A sessions with directors, writers, producers, and actors. Variety is serving as Filmland’s official Media Partner with chief film critic Peter Debruge hosting the inaugural Southern Storytellers Panel (more details below). All events will be held at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts – Performing Arts Theater.

Here is a rundown of the Filmland 2024 line-up so far, with more programming to be announced later this week….

Thursday – August 15th

(2:00 PM) “Voices of the Ogahpah” – “Voices of the Ogahpah” is a captivating journey into the heart of a resilient people whose history stretches back long before European colonization. This documentary delves deep into the origins, struggles, and triumphs of the Ogahpah, uncovering the layers of their unique culture. From their ancient traditions to their modern-day challenges. Voices of the Ogahpah is a living testament to the endurance and culture of a proud people. Through voices both past and present, this film brings to life the story of a people whose legacy continues to shape their identity and inspire those who hear their tale.

(3:30 PM) “The Peanut Butter Falcon” – A down-on-his-luck crab fisherman embarks on a journey to get a young man with Down syndrome to a professional wrestling school in rural North Carolina and away from the retirement home where he’s lived for the past two and a half years. Stars Shia LaBeouf, Zack Gottsagen, Dakota Johnson, John Hawkes, Jon Bernthal, and Thomas Haden Church.

(7:00 PM) “Los Frikis” – Inspired by true events, Los Frikis is a powerful coming-of-age story set in early 90s Cuba, centering around 18-year-old Gustavo who idolizes his older brother Paco and his punk, “Frikis” bandmates. When word reaches the Frikis of a potential reprieve from the effects of the economic crisis, they do the now unthinkable: deliberately inject themselves with HIV to live at a government-run treatment home. It’s there that these teenagers create their own utopia full of joy, rock’n’roll, and freedom.

Friday – August 16th

(12:30 PM) “I’ll Be There” – As the youngest of five children, Grace’s blended family was never easy to explain to her friends. As soon as graduation came around, she left the confusion and rawness of her home life behind. When the film finds her more than a decade later, she has built a new life for herself in Los Angeles and cemented her place as the outsider of the family. But her new life is upended when she learns that her older brother AJ has cancer and her now estranged family comes to town to support him. The film is set during the days after Michael Jackson’s death in the Los Angeles hospital that is next door to the L.A. Coroner’s Office, where the King of Pop was autopsied. As we unravel the family’s traumatic past, the pivotal role AJ played as Grace’s protector, and the chasm that now exists between them as adults, Grace comes to terms with the ghosts of her past and her former role as the family’s “Golden Child.” Michael Jackson played an important role in the siblings’ childhoods and the irony of the timing isn’t lost on Grace. As she tries to reconcile her complicated relationships with her siblings, she’s also saying goodbye to the icon who was the soundtrack to that chapter of her life.

(2:30 PM) “All Happy Families” – Haroula Rose’s charming dramedy stars How I Met Your Mother’s Josh Radnor as Graham, an actor and writer in a slump and still waiting for his big break while his hugely successful brother Will (Rob Huebel) stars in his own sitcom. On the weekend before new tenant Dana (Chandra Russell) is due to move into their childhood home, the siblings and their parents find themselves unexpectedly under the same roof again, where every corner reveals secrets and surprises and the family airs out long-held resentments. This slice-of-life film features a terrific ensemble cast, including the pitch-perfect Becky Ann Baker as Sue, the matriarch who’s tired of having to hold everything together and John Ashton as Roy, a grump who needs to change his ways but doesn’t seem capable of doing so. With a heartfelt and witty script co-written by Coburn Goss, Rose delicately weaves a deeply relatable portrait of family dysfunction, with all of its delightfully entertaining mess coming to the surface over the course of one eventful and unforgettable weekend.

(5:00 PM) “I Do This for a Living” – Jeff, a mechanic and southern family man, navigating the life of his recovering addict son who starts a relationship with a trans girl.

(7:00 PM) “Daddio” – New York City. JFK airport. A young woman jumps into the backseat of a yellow taxi, the cabbie throws the vehicle into drive as the two head out into the night toward Manhattan, striking up the most unexpected conversation resulting in a single, epic remarkable journey. Stars Sean Penn and Dakota Johnson.

Saturday – August 17th

(10:45 AM) Student Shorts: Block 1 – The first block of student shorts features the work of filmmakers Jonathan Michael Peterson, Janie Gentry, Aidan Kolokithas, Sophie Barnes, Paula Blanco Perez, Vita Long, and Ren Tsukamoto.

(12:30 PM) Student Shorts: Block 2 – The second block of student shorts features the work of filmmakers Brinson Davenport, Lexie Mosby, Nathaly M. Moreno, Christina Waterman, and Michelle Burney.

(2:30 PM) “Rise Above” – Rise Above is the riveting and potent story of an uneducated, poor, black and quietly gentle young boy who grew up in the ghetto of Augusta, GA (The Sandhills) and defied the odds of what was surely a preordained destiny of poverty for him. RISE ABOVE is the story of how a young boy- Carl Jackson, who dropped out of school at the age of ten to become the head of his household and provider for a family of 11, became an icon in the world of Golf: Longest serving Caddie from the Masters/54 years. the first Black man (non-pro) to golf at Augusta National. Black Golf Hall of Fame, Keys To The City of Augusta and Caddie Hall of Fame.

Sunday – August 18th

(10:45 AM) Pro Shorts: Block 1 – The first block of pro shorts features the work of filmmakers Kathryn Francis Tucker, Clayton Henderson, Cole Borgstadt, Alexander Jeffery and Chris Alan Evans, Hannah Alline, John Backstrom, and Brett Helms.

(1:30 PM) Pro Shorts: Block 2 – The second block of pro shorts features the work of filmmakers Ethan Edwards, Russell Sharman and Laura Shatkus, Emmanuel Joel Rodriguez, Chris Churchill, and Johnnie Brannon.

(3:45 PM) Variety’s Southern Storytellers Panel – Variety’s Chief Film Critic Peter Debruge will host the inaugural Southern Storytellers Panel, presented by Variety, with Jeff Nichols (The Bikeriders), Michael Schwartz (The Peanut Butter Falcon, Los Frikis), Christy Hall (Daddio, It Ends With Us),  Clint Bentley (Sing Sing, Jockey, Train Dreams) and Monique Walton (Sing Sing, Bull, Hollow Tree).

(6:30 PM) “Sing Sing” – Divine G, imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he didn’t commit, finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other incarcerated men in this story of resilience, humanity, and the transformative power of art. Stars Colman Domingo, Paul Raci, Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin, and Sean San José.

Zack Snyder’s newly released two-part director’s cut for his sprawling original space epic “Rebel Moon” has finally brought the filmmaker’s true vision to the screen. It was made possible through a partnership with Netflix which also came with a stipulation – Snyder would have to first make and release trimmed down PG-13 versions of the films. He agreed and the two parts came out to solid viewership numbers but a harsh reception from critics.

For the record, the PG-13 cuts were entertaining but lacking in ways that made it evident they were lesser versions of something much bigger. Now Snyder and Netflix have released his director’s cuts. Part One (you can read my review HERE) essentially covered the same ground but expanded the world, gave several characters more weight, and did a better job building up what was to come.

And that leads to Part Two which is titled “Curse of Forgiveness”. With a runtime of nearly three hours, the film adds 50 minutes of new footage not seen in the earlier cut. As with Part One, the extra time and attention gives this film some much-needed weight while adding more layers to Snyder’s meticulously imagined universe. But here the director’s cut pays even bigger dividends. Part Two is a significant step up from its pruned PG-13 iteration and gives “Rebel Moon” the feeling of completion (sort of – more on that in a second) that its shorter form was missing.

“Curse of Forgiveness” makes several key improvements, the biggest being its efforts to build up its characters, and more specifically their relationships, leading up to the Kurosawa-inspired Battle of Veldt. It all begins with the story’s central protagonist, Kora (Sofia Boutella) returning to her small farming village with fellow local Gunnar (Michiel Huisman) and a motley crew of warriors to defend their land against the ruthless Admiral Atticus Noble (a suitably vile Ed Skrein) and his oppressive Imperium forces.

Veldt proves to be crucial to the story of “Rebel Moon”, but its deeper significance struggled to resonate in the earlier films. Part Two of the director’s cut does a substantially better job conveying what the small village represents and why it’s worth fighting for. Snyder takes his time, using a series of flashbacks to share detailed backstories of Titus (Djimon Hounsou), Nemesis (Bae Doona), Tarak (Staz Nair), and Milius (Elise Duffy), each revealing lives brutally altered by the Imperium. Even more focus is put on the warriors assimilating into the village. As relationships are forged, the stakes are raised and the inevitable losses hit much harder.

As for their inevitable showdown with Noble and his army, it’s clear that Snyder was let off his PG-13 leash. As a result he creates a more intense, much bloodier, and surprisingly impactful battle full of stunning imagery and fierce combat that is as gruesome as it is thrilling. It’s brought to life through a jaw-dropping mix of practical effects and digital artistry. Of course it’s all woven together by Snyder’s strikingly distinct and proudly indulgent style. That alone will likely push away the filmmaker’s more rabid detractors. But for everyone else, the violent operatic climax is something to behold.

In “Curse of Forgiveness”, Boutella’s Kora remains a worthy protagonist. Skrein’s Admiral Noble is even more fascinating as the big villain. And Jimmy (voiced by Anthony Hopkins) has evolved into one of the film’s most compelling characters. They and many others thrive in the vast textured universe that Snyder is building. That said, Part Two does leave a lot unresolved. It’s clearly pointing towards future movies, but who knows when (or if) they will come. So we’re left to wonder and wait. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially if the filmmaker has a roadmap in place. So far Snyder has been quiet on when the “Rebel Moon” story will continue. I hope it’s soon.

While I somewhat liked the PG-13 versions, they were too barebones to really get their hooks in me. The expanded director’s cuts are a different story. They may stumble on occasions, especially when Snyder pushes his R-rated envelope a little too far. But they clearly offer a better expression of the filmmaker’s vision. It’s especially true with “Curse of Forgiveness”. Part Two is the culmination of Snyder’s visionary efforts. This time everything feels earned – the agony, the fury, the passion, the sacrifice. But don’t overthink it. Above all else, this is straightforward and old-fashioned entertainment. It’s an ambitious action-packed space opera that delivers everything its filmmaker promised. It just took the director’s cuts to fully realize it. Both parts of “Rebel Moon” are now streaming on Netflix.

VERDICT – 4 STARS

Kino Lorber Studio Classics continues their support of physical media with the release of “No Way Out” on 4K Ultra HD for the very first time. This terrific edition features a new HDR/ Dolby Vision master, taken from a 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative. Skillfully directed by Roger Donaldson, “No Way Out” is a suspense-soaked political thriller that’s based on Kenneth Fearing’s 1946 novel “The Big Clock”. The film features an extraordinary cast including Kevin Costner who delivers a star-making performance.

This 4K Ultra HD edition of “No Way Out” also includes the film on Blu-ray and is available to purchase right now. See below for a full synopsis and release information including special features.

About the Film:

Year: 1987

Runtime: 114 Minutes

Director: Roger Donaldson

Screenwriter: Robert Garland

Cast: Kevin Costner, Gene Hackman, Sean Young, Will Patton, Howard Duff, Iman, George Dzundza, Jason Bernard, Fred Thompson, David Paymer, Michael Shillo, Robert Kerman

Rating: R

Charged with high-voltage tension and suspense, the electrifying thriller “No Way Out” is a tightly wound tale of intrigue set in the political whirl of Washington and the inner corridors of the Pentagon. In this ’80s box-office smash, Kevin Costner (“The Untouchables”, “Revenge”) stars as naval hero Lieutenant Commander Tom Farrell, the new CIA liaison for Defense Secretary David Brice, a high-ranking master of political maneuvers played by the dynamic Gene Hackman (“The Package”, “Narrow Margin”). Sexy Sean Young (“Blade Runner”) is a gorgeous party girl who plays politics herself as Brice’s mistress and Farrell’s secret lover. And Will Patton (“Desperately Seeking Susan”) is the Secretary’s ruthless aide, architect of a cover-up scheme that protects his boss, but entraps Farrell, putting his life in danger.

With its serpentine plot twists, narrow escapes and true-to-life Pentagon setting, “No Way Out” is the harrowing story of an innocent man caught in a complex web of romance and murder, power and corruption. Stylishly directed by Roger Donaldson (The Bounty, Species) from Kenneth Fearing’s classic noir novel, The Big Clock. The stellar supporting cast includes Howard Duff (“Shakedown”), George Dzundza (“Basic Instinct”) and Fred Thompson (“Die Hard 2”).

Special Features:

Bonus Content for “No Way Out” includes:

DISC 1 (4KUHD): 

• Brand NEW HDR/Dolby Vision Master – From a 4K Scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative
• NEW Audio Commentary by Filmmaker/Historian Steve Mitchell and Writer/Actor Richard Brewer 
• Audio Commentary by Director Roger Donaldson 
• 5.1 Surround and Lossless 2.0 Audio 
• Triple-Layered UHD100 Disc 
• Optional English Subtitles 

DISC 2 (BLU-RAY): 

• Brand NEW HD Master – From a 4K Scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative 
• NEW Audio Commentary by Filmmaker/Historian Steve Mitchell and Writer/Actor Richard Brewer
• FILM STORIES’ Simon Brew Interviews Director Roger Donaldson
• Audio Commentary by Director Roger Donaldson 
• Theatrical Trailer 
• 5.1 Surround and Lossless 2.0 Audio 
• Dual-Layered BD50 Disc 
• Optional English Subtitles

From their earliest announcement that “Alien: Romulus” was on the way, 20th Century Studios has delivered one killer movie poster after another. And they haven’t slowed down, as evident by the release of several eye-popping new sheets today. A collection of incredibly talented artists have helped put together one of the better promotional campaigns for a movie in some time.

Check out the poster art for “Alien: Romulus” below. It is the seventh installment in the Alien franchise which began in 1979 with Ridley Scott’s original space horror classic. “Alien: Romulus” releases exclusively in theaters on August 16th.

Fan’s of George Miller’s phenomenal “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” will be treated to an all new way to enjoy the film. Just as they did for “Mad Max: Fury Road”, Miller and Warner Bros. are releasing a Black & Chrome Edition of “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” and you won’t have to wait long to own your own copy.

The Black & Chrome Edition offers a distinctly different viewing experience by removing all color in favor of a striking black a chrome aesthetic. This edition will be available to buy individually or as part of the upcoming Mad Max 5-Film 4K Collector’s Edition.

“Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” Black & Chrome Edition will be available for digital purchase on August 13th and on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray September 24th.

You can almost hear the Oscar night prognosticators whisper after today’s release of the first trailer for “A Complete Unknown”. The biographical drama comes from director James Mangold and stars Timothée Chalamet as legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. The film is based on Elijah Wald’s 2015 book Dylan Goes Electric! which follows the controversy surrounding Dylan’s switch to electrically amplified rock music – a move that angered many folk purists.

The trailer gives us an interesting first look at Chalamet as Bob Dylan complete with his own rendition of the singer’s “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” (Chalamet did all of his own singing). The film also stars Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, and Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash. The movie’s presentation looks amazing, from the cinematography by Phedon Papamichael to the stellar product design of François Audouy. I have no idea how it will ultimately turn out, but there is a ton of talent behind what could be a thoroughly compelling biopic.

“A Complete Unknown” is set to release this December. Check out the trailer below and let me know if you’ll be seeing it or taking a pass.