First Glance: “I.S.S.”

The International Space Station looks like it could be an incredible setting for the upcoming science-fiction thriller “I.S.S.”. The film is directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite who works from a script by Nick Shafir. The new trailer does a great job setting up the scenario and then giving us a small taste of the tension that looks to drive this potentially fresh and fun early 2024 feature.

The film’s story sounds intriguing. High in earth’s orbit sits the International Space Station. Onboard, astronauts from the United States and cosmonauts from Russia live harmoniously, free from the geopolitical tensions between the two countries. But after war breaks out on the planet below, both groups secretly receive orders to seize control of the station at all cost. Even if it means confronting those you’ve drawn close to on the other side. Ariana DeBose, Chris Messina, Pilou Asbæk, John Gallagher Jr., and Maria Mashkova star among others.

“I.S.S.” Is currently set for a January 2024 release . Check out the trailer below and let me know if you’ll be seeing it or taking a pass.

New on Home Video: “Stand By Me” Exclusive 4K Ultra HD Steelbook

“Stand By Me” remains one of the definitive coming-of-age dramas from the 1980s. Now Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is releasing this gem on 4K Ultra HD in a new exclusive steelbook. Directed by Rob Reiner and based on a 1982 novella by Stephen King, the story follows a group of four boys who discover a dead body while out on a hike. The film is anchored by great storytelling and a star-studded young cast. “Stand By Me” remains a timeless classic and this is a terrific edition to own.

This 4K UHD exclusive steelbook of “Stand By Me” includes the film on standard Blu-ray. It releases on December 5th. See below for a full synopsis and release information.

About the Film:

Year: 1986

Runtime: 88 Minutes

Director: Rob Reiner

Screenwriter: Raynold Gideon & Bruce A. Evans

Based on the Novella “The Body” by Stephen King

Cast: Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell, Richard Dreyfuss, Kiefer Sutherland, Casey Siemaszko, John Cusack, Marshall Bell, Frances Lee McCain, Gary Riley, Bradley Gregg

In a small woodsy Oregon town, a group of friends – sensitive Gordie (Wil Wheaton), tough guy Chris (River Phoenix), flamboyant Teddy (Corey Feldman), and scaredy-cat Vern (Jerry O’Connell) – are in search of a missing teenager’s body. Wanting to be heroes in each other’s and their hometown’s eyes, they set out on an unforgettable two-day trek that turns into an odyssey of self-discovery. They sneak smokes, tell tall tales, cuss ’cause it’s cool and band together when the going gets tough. When they encounter the town’s knife-wielding hoods who are also after the body, the boys discover a strength they never knew they had. STAND BY ME is a rare and special film about friendship and the indelible experiences of growing up. Filled with humor and suspense, STAND BY ME is based on the novella ‘The Body’ by Stephen King.

Special Features:

4K ULTRA HD DISC

  • Feature presented in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision.
  • Dolby Atmos + DTS-HD MA 5.1 and Mono audio options.
  • Special Features:
    • Deleted and Alternate Scenes (presented in HD)

BLU-RAY DISC

  • Feature presented in High Definition
  • 5.1 audio.
  • Special Features:
    • Picture-in-Picture Commentary with Director Rob Reiner and Actors Wil Wheaton & Corey Feldman
    • “Walking the Tracks: The Summer of Stand By Me”
    • Audio Commentary with Director Rob Reiner
    • Music Video

Michael Mann’s “Ferrari” Gets Five New Character Posters Courtesy of NEON

Michael Mann’s spectacular snapshot biography “Ferrari” has been one of the biggest surprises of the 2023 movie year. With its December 25th theatrical release fast approaching, NEON has released five new character posters highlighting several members from the film’s terrific ensemble. Included are stars Adam Driver and Penélope Cruz, along with Shailene Woodley, Patrick Dempsey, and Gabriel Leone. Check them out below and let me know what you think.

Read my full review of “Ferrari” HERE.

Happy Thanksgiving!

It’s Thanksgiving here in States, a time where we get together to celebrate all that we’re thankful for. For many of us it’s a fun-filled day of family, food, and football (and for me a movie or two – after all awards season is quickly approaching). So for those celebrating the holiday, I want to wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving. And for EVERYONE, thank you for all the time you’ve spent reading, following, liking, and commenting on this goofy little site. I can’t express how thankful I am for you.

Again, have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a joyful holiday season!

New on Home Video: “A Christmas Story Christmas” on DVD

Warner Brothers Home Entertainment has given 2022’s “A Christmas Story Christmas” a home video release. This warmhearted legacy sequel to the 1983 perennial holiday classic “A Christmas Story” first released exclusively on the streaming platform HBO Max. Now it’s available to own on DVD (hopefully a Blu-ray version will follow). The film sees many of the original cast returning in what turned out to be a worthwhile follow-up to the beloved original film. Read my review of the movie HERE.

About the Film:

Year: 2022

Runtime: 98 Minutes

Director: Clay Kaytis

Screenwriter: Nick Schenk and Clay Kaytis

Story By: Nick Schenk and Peter Billingsley

Cast: Peter Billingsley, Erinn Hayes, Scott Schwartz, R.D. Robb, Zack Ward, Julie Hagerty, Ian Petrella, River Drosche, Julianna Layne, David Gillespie

Ralphie is all grown up in this sequel to the annual holiday favorite in which he must deal with Christmas and all that comes with it, this time as a dad. Peter Billingsley returns to the role that has made kids of all ages anticipate Christmas morning like no other.

First Glance: “Madame Web”

Figuring out the categories of Marvel movies has become an arduous undertaking. Of course we all know about the burdensome Marvel Cinematic Universe and all of its feature films and streaming television shows. But there is also Sony’s Spider-Man Universe which has given us two “Venom” movies, “Morbius”, and next year’s “Kraven the Hunter” (connections exist to the MCU and the “Spider-Verse” movies but enough of that). Now the SSU is preparing us for “Madame Web” by releasing the first trailer of the Dakota Johnson led superhero flick.

Since being announced “Madame Web” has been a hard movie to figure out and the strangely interesting but silly trailer only adds to the confusion (or suspense, depending on how optimistic you are). S.J. Clarkson directs this odd looking story of Cassandra Webb (Johnson), a paramedic who suddenly gains the ability to see the immediate future. She plays mother hen to three other empowered young women (played by Sydney Sweeney, Celeste O’Conner, and Isabela Merced). Meanwhile Tahar Rahim plays the film’s villain and may be the most interesting thing out of the trailer. I don’t know about this one….

“Madame Web” hits theaters in early 2024. Check out the trailer below and let me know if you’ll be seeing it or taking a pass.