Cinematic Master Schindler's List To Get 20th Anniversary Blu-Ray Release

Experience one of the most historically significant films like never before when Academy Award®-winning director Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List marks its 20th Anniversary with a Blu-ray™ including Digital Copy, UltraViolet™, more than one hour of Bonus Features and a 16 page companion booklet on 8 April 2013 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Schindler’s List 20th Anniversary Edition has been meticulously restored from the original film negative in pristine high definition, supervised by Steven Spielberg and includes bonus features that shed unprecedented light on the story of Oskar Schindler, a member of the Nazi party who risked his own life to save more than 1,100 Jews during the Holocaust.

 One of the most powerful films of our generation, Schindler’s List tells an extraordinary true story of courage and faith that continues to inspire. Spielberg personally supervised the extensive high-definition restoration of the film from the 35mm film original negative so that viewers can see this powerful story as never before. In addition to the Blu-ray™ the Digital Copy and UltraViolet™ features allow viewers to watch Schindler’s List anytime, anywhere on the platform of their choice for the ultimate, complete viewing experience.

With its initial release in 1993, Schindler’s List rapidly became one of the most honoured films of all time, garnering twelve Academy Award® nominations and taking home seven Oscars®, including Best Director and Best Picture for Spielberg.  The film also earned Oscars® for composer John Williams (E.T., Star Wars), screenwriter Steven Zaillian (Gangs of New York, Mission: Impossible) and director of photography Janusz Kaminiski, as well as art directors Allan Starski and Ewa Braun, editor Michael Kahn and producers Gerald R. Molen and Branko Lustig.

Liam Neeson (Taken, Gangs of New York) received a Best Actor Academy Award® nomination for his portrayal of Oskar Schindler. Ralph Fiennes’ (The English Patient, the Harry Potter series) star-making performance as the cruel Nazi commander, Amon Goeth, was nominated for Best Supporting Actor, as was Oscar®-winner Ben Kingsley (Gandhi, Hugo) in the role of Schindler’s Jewish accountant, Itzhak Stern.



The Schindler’s List 20th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray™ includes:

• Blu-ray™ disc unleashes the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home, featuring perfect hi-def picture and hi-def sound
• Digital Copy provides consumers with a choice of formats from a variety of partners, including options to watch on iPhone®, Android™, computers and more
• UltraViolet™ is a revolutionary new way for consumers to collect their movies and TV shows in the cloud. UltraViolet™ lets consumers instantly stream and download to tablets, smartphones, computers and TVs. Now available in both the United Kingdom and Ireland

A 16 page companion booklet with ‘behind the scenes’ information telling more about the incredible stories around Spielberg’s masterpiece

Bonus Features on Both the Blu-rayTM & DVD

• Voices from the List:  Featuring documentary with testimonies from those who survived the Holocaust thanks to Oskar Schindler.
• USC Shoah Foundation Story with Steven Spielberg: The director shows how filming Schindler’s List inspired him to establish the USC Shoah Foundation

The Blu-ray™ is also available to own in a Limited Edition Digibook format.
The Schindler’s List DVD is also released with Digital Copy, UltraViolet™ and a 16 page companion booklet

Pre-order/Buy: Schindler's List - 20th Anniversary Edition Digibook (Blu-ray + Digital Copy + UV Copy) [1993]

Synposis:Adapted from the novel by Thomas Keneally, Steven Spielberg’s masterful film tells the incredible true story of the courageous Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson). Initially a member of the Nazi party, the Catholic Schindler risks his career and life, and ultimately goes bankrupt, to employ 1,100 Jews in his crockery factory during the Holocaust. Schindler’s Jewish accountant (Ben Kingsley) serves as his conscience, as Schindler conducts business with an obstinate and cruel Nazi commander (Ralph Fiennes), who viciously kills Jewish prisoners from the balcony of his villa overlooking a prison camp. Filmed entirely in black-and-white on location in Poland, Schindler’s List does not downplay the faults of its magnanimous and unlikely hero, but relates a story of the triumph of the human spirit in the face of horrific devastation and tragedy.

FILMMAKERS
Cast: Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes, Caroline Goodall, Jonathan Sagall, Embeth Davidtz
Director: Steven Spielberg
Screenwriter: Steven Zaillian, based on a novel by Thomas Keneally
Producers: Branko Lustig, Gerard R. Molen, Steven Spielberg
Co-Producer: Lew Rywin
Executive Producer: Kathleen Kennedy
Associate Producers:  Irving Glovin, Robert Raymond
Director of Photography: Janusz Kaminski
Production Designer: Allan Starski
Editor: Michael Kahn

TECHNICAL INFORMATION BLU-RAY™

Release Date: 8 April 2013

Copyright: 2013 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Cat Numbers: 8293637 (Blu-ray) / 8294037 (Digibook)

Running Time: 189 mins 64 secs (film) / 82 mins 4 secs (bonus)

Aspect Ratio: Widescreen, 1.85:1 (Disc 1) / various (Disc 2)

Certificate: 15 (UK & Ireland)

'Nowhere to Go' DVD Review

Classic British film studio Ealing has been seeing a great retrospective this season, with screenings of its classic movies and the release of some of its less renowned pieces to DVD for the first time. The latest in this release schedule is Nowhere to Go, the 1959 excursion into Brit-Noir directed by Seth Holt (Hammer films The Nanny and Blood from the Mummy’s Tomb) and scripted by Holt and film critic Ken Tynan. For classic British cinema fans it’s an absolute treat, and something not to be missed out on.

            The film follows the exploits of Paul Gregory (George Nader) a conman and thief as he escapes prison and goes straight back into the game. As Gregory quickly slips into a mess of thievery and betrayal, the outcome seems bleak and his only hope may lie with socialite Bridget Howard (the sensational Maggie Smith) and an audacious escape from London.

            The opening break-in at a prison after dark, a mysterious figure at a decrepit train station, long shadows, and a stellar kick-off from Dizzy Reece’s Jazz score all set the film up wonderfully. The script is perfectly constructed to show a world of old-school thieves and con artists who know all the tricks in the book, Nader’s strongest scenes are those where he watches a situation then deducts his way in; darting eyes, brief moments of apprehension before it all fizzles away and his persona has reconstructed to go with the flow. Gregory’s mind is, in the first half particularly, a joy to watch at work, we see the steps leading up to something then the penny drops and the audience catch up. The silent brooding reasoning of a conman has surely never been so coolly executed. Bernard Lee (M from the old Bond movies) pops up as a conman acquaintance who is just as adept as Gregory, and Maggie Smith controls the screen as a dubious and possibly dangerous ally, the role was Smith’s feature film debut and got her nominated for the Most Promising Newcomer BAFTA.

            There’s not exactly a complex plot at work here, and the film doesn’t flaunt a hive of activity, but that doesn’t mean it’s boring or simple, though there are definitely moments where attention can wander. Here beats the heart of an old fashioned kind of thriller, something that stands the test of time and really makes you realise how dispensable most modern films, of the ilk, are. This film doesn’t need special effects or rampant gun totting because it has its eyes on a gritty sort of realism, and realism associated purely with mid-century British crime.

            The camera work and set-up of shots directly looks at that grittiness, the predominantly dark feel of the film, the environments, and the beautifully executed shots that can almost be taken as intimate stand-alone frames. Pick what you like; it’s all easy on the eye. In particular the film reaches a great climax which sees Gregory hounded to Wales after the criminal fraternity turn their back on him. Here he is in as much danger as he was in London and here the film reaches a poignant dramatic conclusion which puts the whole film into context as the trials and tribulations of a man caught in a trap of his own misguided actions.

            Nowhere to Go picks its way through 50’s London high-life via the lowlife, Nader gives a career best performance with stellar support, and the film is beautifully shot. The only thing more criminal than Gregory’s actions is that this film hasn't made it to DVD already.

SCOTT CLARK

★★★1/2☆

Rating: PG
DVD Release Date: 14th January 2013 (UK)
Directed By: Seth Holt
Cast: George Nader, Maggie Smith and Bernard Lee 
Buy Nowhere To Go: 

This Is Killer Watch New UK TV Spot For V/H/S

In 7 days time The scariest, rawest horror movie of the year as described by Rolling Stone; the highly original, brutally uncompromising, creative and diverse V/H/S - out in UK cinemas January 18th through Momentum Pictures. We caught the film back at its UK premier at last June's Edinburgh Film Festival, how scary is it? Read our review here!

And so to prepare ourselves for what is being heralded as “A surefire candidate for cult status” (Little White Lies), we have a new promo UK TV Spot with a glimpse into the scares and thrills that lie ahead.

A small group of misfit friends and petty crooks are hired by a mysterious man to break into a derelict suburban house with the sole purpose of finding and stealing a rare videotape. Their only clue to identifying the tape in question is, “You’ll know it when you see it.”
However, on arrival at the house they soon realize the job isn’t as straightforward as they imagined. In one room they discover the lifeless body of a middle-aged man sitting in an armchair, facing a wall of television sets and a stack of VHS cassettes. A similar bounty of tapes is found in the basement, none of which bears any obvious markings to suggest it is the prize they are seeking. As they search through the tapes, playing them in turn, they are treated to a succession of graphic and apparently genuine video recordings, each one more shocking and bizarre than the last.

V/H/S wil arrive in UK&Ireland cinematically 18th January but if your unable to see this scare-tastic film, 28th January the film will be available on DVD, Blu-ray.

Texas Chainsaw 3D Review

One of the most influential horror movies of all time and a milestone in the vast and seemingly endless tide of the slasher, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre has since its release in 1974 went on to terrify generations of viewers. Tobe Hooper’s original tale of mayhem and slaughter not only added the chainsaw to the serial killer’s repertoire but created a horror icon fit to match Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees, or Freddy Krueger. This year sees the release of a new instalment in the franchise which has already had three sequels, a skilfully executed remake in 2003, and a not so great sequel to that remake in 2006.

Texas Chainsaw 3D has big boots to fill, even though the franchise is one of the most successful horror series of all time and has a legion of proud fans, recent endeavours have not quite hit the mark and the original has never really had a sequel that lived up to expectations. The opening credits condense the original film showing the most important and brutal parts for those viewers perhaps unfamiliar with the original whilst quickly recapping for those stewing in their juices, desperate for the film to kick-off. After this the story picks up literally within an hour of the original’s finale, with the sheriff approaching the infamous house, an interesting decision that actually pulls off wonderfully. Original Leatherface Gunnar Hansen cameos as one of the Sawyer clan whilst Bill Moseley lends his crazy to play The Cook and looks the ringer for Jim Siedow. Naturally, the whole affair goes pair shaped when a lynch mob turns up and turns the classic house along with its cannibalistic inhabitants into an inferno. When the deed is done, one of the mob finds a baby, keeps it, and the film jumps forward thirty years. The child, now grown up and played by Alexandra Daddario, inherits the home of her recently deceased grandmother and travels there with her boyfriend and friends. What could go wrong right? Guess who Granny was keeping in the basement.

The idea is fine, the plot is pretty palatable, but there are issues aplenty with the look and execution of the film. After a pretty strong opening the piece stops being any kind of meaningful contribution to the series. Considering the cultural and monetary revenue the series has spawned, my hopes were high for not exactly a game-changer but something special. Texas Chainsaw very quickly gets caught in the pitfalls of a typical slasher, and for a post Scream/Cabin in the Woods audience that really is a bit risky. The five main characters are all mind bogglingly attractive, Daddario’s top is ever-so-slightly too small for her, there seems to be a bout of the “stupids” going about in Texas and, of course, the kids catch it just as Leatherface picks up his chainsaw. Cars break down, there’s a lot of tripping, people go into the basement to be picked off one by one…you get the drift. Though obviously now when people go in the basement they get to say “fuck this shit” first just so we know they’re dubious. Instead, we can’t help think they’re just addicted to doing dangerously moronic things.

Most importantly, is it enjoyable? Hell yeh it is, it’s a lot of fun to watch: thrilling, funny at points and it actually manages to pull a few scares out the bag. The basement is still a horrifying place to go and Leatherface’s presence is as potent as it was back in 1974, he’s a terrifying character, brutal, fast, and above all human. Dan Yeager’s rendition is obviously keenly tuned to Hansen’s, the shuffling jog, exacerbated grunts and pitiful whines all turn up making sure we have a villain to remember. To the writer’s credit a good attempt at expanding on the world is made through an interesting power play between sheriff and mayor, a conflict that starts at the very beginning of the film and seems to escalate until it reaches a messy conclusion.

Hooper’s original flips from inside to out, light to dark in some of its most horrible sequences, it’s one of those things that makes it not just a good horror movie, but a well-shot one too. Texas Chainsaw 3D doesn’t do as well in the aesthetic department, it looks too polished to incur any real hopelessness, and the marriage of what is still perceived as a rustic area to any technology just seems wrong. A sequence where the sheriff watches live feed from an iPhone as an officer explores the cellar seems uncomfortable amidst the relatively basic timeless quality of the set, same goes for some music choices too. Does it need to be in 3D? Not really, nothing is really gained from the extra dimension, and yet again I can’t help but feel duped into a bit of a crappy fad that seems to riddle modern horror. And that goes back to the film’s main problem: we’ve seen it all before. Like I say that doesn’t make it unenjoyable or even bad, it just makes it slightly disappointing.

There’s plenty of good gore to keep fans happy and some nice little nods to the original, Leatherface is again a formidable (if ageing) villain, and the film is definitely a good watch. Unfortunately there’s not enough depth to cement it as any kind of great contribution, and mindless adherence to modern slasher tropes marks it out as grossly under-imaginative at points.

Scott Clark

★★★☆☆

Rating:18
Release Date: 11th January 2013 (UK) , 4th January (UK Previews)
Directed By: John Luessenhop
Cast:  Alexandra Daddario, Tania Raymonde,Scott Eastwood, Tania Raymonde, Trey Songz

The Titfield Thunderbolt 60th Anniversary DVD Review

I was thrilled to discover recently that Hornby (they of the model railways) have released a replica of the grand old Titfield Thunderbolt as part of their “trains on film” series in celebration of The Titfield Thunderbolt’s 60thanniversary. My initial joy at hearing this news was sadly curtailed when, on inspection, the model advertised on Hornby’s website proved not to be the venerable old engine liberated from Titfield’s museum at all. Instead, the model on offer appears to be a 1:76 scale version of the Thunderbolt’s predecessor, the rather less colourful locomotive that finds its way unceremoniously into a ditch around the film’s halfway mark. Never mind Hornby, at least you tried.

Thankfully, Studio Canal’s 60th anniversary offering is harder to find fault with; a beautifully restored DVD re-release of Charles Crichton’s uplifting 1953 Ealing comedy, The Titfield Thunderbolt. This amiable Ealing offering transports viewers back to an age when inept and avaricious nationalised rail services were making life unbearable for the average commuter, rather than inept and avaricious privatised ones.

On one terribly idyllic morning the residents of the tiny village of Titfield are greeted with the unfortunate news that their crucial branch line, arterial transport route and lifeblood of the community, is to be closed in favour of a bus service. Naturally the residents are outraged, a bus route means paved roads, street signs, zebra crossings and the like; certainly not a fit and proper state of affairs for this sleepy corner of middle England.

Showing true English entrepreneurial spirit, an eccentric bunch of locals band together to run the line themselves. The local squire will act as guard, the village vicar will drive the thing, and the wealthy landlord - motivated by nothing more than an opportunity to begin his daily drinking at some ungodly hour – will fund the entire venture from his own, vast, pocket.

It’s a cheerful affair, a glimpse at an England largely lost to mass production and drab, characterless urban sprawl; a charming invocation of a serene age of long summer afternoons, friendly pints in the local boozer and peculiar British eccentricity.

For the cynic, the naysayer, it’s another example of British cinema with one eye on the past, rather than two on the future; a vision of quaint simplicity, an atavistic dwelling on past glories. Well perhaps it is a little quaint, but the next time your bus replacement service dumps you in drab, characterless trading estate with nought but a Starbucks in which to while away your miserable hours; you might decide that to be resolutely old-fashioned is not such a bad thing.

Chris Banks

(@Chris_in_2D)

★★★★☆

Rating: U
DVD/Bluray Release Date: 14th January 2013 (UK)
Director: Charles Crichton
Stars: Stanley Holloway, George Relph ,Naunton Wayne, John Gregson, Sid James

Buy/Pre-Order The Titfield Thunderbolt:

Watch The UK trailer For Indie Comedy Robot & Frank

We all get old one day, some of will have families so when it comes to the day we collect the pensions and no matter mobile, independent you are the kids will always worry. If you were fortunate to attend last October's London Film Festival Jake Schreier's heart warming debut  Robot & Frank might have been one of those unexpected surprise hit films you enjoyed and this March the film is been released and we have the UK trailer.

Starring Frank Langella  as  aging curmudgeon and retired jewel thief Frank lives a solitary life  and his grown up children are worried about due ever decreasing health suffering with dementia.Thanks to his son (James Marsden) he gets Frank a little and company in the form of caretaker  robot (voiced by Peter Sarsgaard) despite the early resentment the pair form a bond and Frank realises  his mechanical friend can do more than  promote a healthier living.

Picking up a  Alfred P. Sloan prize (at Sundance 2012), an award given to a feature film that focuses on science or technology as a theme and we may not have Tommorrow's World on the box any more but we know our robotic friends are getting smarter. Robot & Frank may not have robots as deadly as those in Terminator but delivery awfully charming, leaving you smiling from start to finish but most of all light relief amongst the big blockbusters that will be deafening you for your precious ticket money.

Robot&Frank will arrive in UK&Ireland on 8th March and also stars Susan Sarandon, Liv Tyler.

ROBOT & FRANK is a buddy caper. Set in the near future, aging curmudgeon and retired jewel thief Frank (Frank Langella) lives a solitary life until his son (James Marsden) installs a caretaker robot; against he and his daughter's (Liv Tyler) wishes. The robot upends Frank's lonely life - filled only with books and a visit to his favourite librarian (Susan Sarandon) - with a strict regimen of exercise, diet and gardening. Stubborn at first, Frank soon realizes Robot has the ability to pull off the most calculated of heists. An unlikely friendship, and crime duo, is born

John Woo's Wu Xia Fest Reign Of Assassins To Get February UK Release Date

Ratpack Films are pleased to announce that Reign of Assassins - described as “The best wu xia film since Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" by The Global Times - will be heading to UK cinemas on 15 February 2013.

Nominated for ten Hong Kong Film Awards (including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Action Choreography, Best Cinematography), this period-set martial arts actioner is far and away the classiest and best-choreographed martial arts extravaganza since “House Of Flying Daggers”.

John Woo (Red Cliff; Paycheck; Mission Impossible II; Face/Off) and Su Chao-pin's (Silk) inimitable directorial touch, sumptuous visuals, astonishing action set-pieces and a beautiful and extremely talented cast including Michelle Yeoh (The Lady; Memoirs Of A Geisha; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; Tomorrow Never Dies) and Jung Woo-sung (The Good, The Bad, The Weird; The Warrior), all performing at the top of their game, make this a must-see.

Reign of Assassins combines the action-comedy and romance of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” with the identity swap thrills of “Face/Off”. In Ancient China, “Drizzle” is the most deadly and ruthless assassin of the Dark Stone gang. After a life of theft and murder, she seeks to atone for her ways and leave the gang forever. Undergoing a drastic procedure to alter her appearance, she changes her name to Jing and starts a new life in the capital.

Even with her newfound life as a shopkeeper and a budding romance to Ah-Sheng, the Dark Stone gang is hot on her trail. She alone holds the secret of the mystical Buddhist monk’s remains, which legend says the possessor will gain control of the whole world. The gang will stop at nothing in their pursuit to control this power.

Reign Of Assassins will get an cinematic run in UK&Ireland from 15th February below is the film's official film poster and a trailer .

Actor Dieter Laser back in the lead in The Human Centipede 3

Six Entertainment Company announced yesterday that actor Dieter Laser will be back in the lead role in The Human Centipede 3. In March last year the production of The Human Centipede 3 had to be put hold due a legal battle between directorTom Six's production company, Six Entertainment Company, and actor Dieter Laser (who played the villain Dr.Heiter in the The Human Centipede (First Sequence), but recently the law suit has been dropped by Six Entertainment Company.

Director Tom Six said "I know my Human Centipede 3 will be very politically incorrect, but I didn't want to change anything in the script. I am very happy Dieter will follow my vision for a full 100% now and know he is absolutely the most brilliant actor I could wish for"

Actor Dieter Laser commented "I never ever would have thought that all our differences and misunderstandings would in the end lead to an even deeper and warmer understanding and appreciation of each other. In this regard I am actually thankful about the whole fuss because it turned out to be an advantage and a wonderful present for our film and for our friendship.”

Dieter Laser will star alongside Laurence R. Harvey (The Human Centipede 2 (Full Sequence)) but will not return as characters ‘Dr.Heiter’ and ‘Martin’ but will instead play a new villain duo with a storyline no-one will expect. Also a big American celebrity will beattached to the film.

Filming starts coming may in the USA and will feature a megalomaniac 500 + human centipede.

The Human Centipede (First Sequence) and The Human Centipede 2 (Full Sequence) were released in the UK by Monster Pictures and distributed by Eureka Entertainment.  More details about the third instalment are expected to be announced later this year.

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Since its release, The Human Centipede (First Sequence) has become a worldwide cultural phenomenon.  Inspired by a conversation over what punishment would be appropriate for convicted paedophiles, Tom Six’s bizarre biological horror film has the distinction of being 100% medically accurate. The film went on to win more than 10 international awards including the awards for "Best Horror Film" and "Best Actor" at Fantastic Fest 2009, "Best Picture" at the 2009 Scream Fest and "Most Memorable Mutilation" at the 2010 Scream Awards.

The highly anticipated follow up, The Human Centipede 2 (Full Sequence) premiered in 2011 as the opening film at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas and made instant worldwide headlines when the BBFC banned the film outright in the UK claiming the film could potentially harm viewers. The controversy led to worldwide debates and major articles across the world press. After nearly four months of detailed discussion and debate, an agreement with the BBFC was reached and a viable cut of the film that did not compromise the level of horror, was released theatrically and on DVD and Blu-ray in the UK.

The Human Centipede films broke the mould, set a new standard in the horror genre and in the process went on to become major cult hits

Experience The Realities of War in The WW1 Short "Coward"

Some friends ask me why do continually promote , support short films? My simple answer was to quote Michael Fassbender's line from Prometheus 'Big things have small beginnings' great films, filmmakers all start small developing into either fully fledged films or feature film directors. You could say Short films are like the equivalent of a singer starting at the bottom working there up the ladder of success through the club circuit waiting to be spotted. As technology improves so does the quality of the short film and David Roddham's Coward is an perfect example superb craftsmanship and why we should take time out to enjoy these wonderful films.

Coward is a sentimental throwback to World War One to a sensitive topic among those experienced the atrocities of the war the brutal treatment of the soldiers especially the soldiers with shell shock. We follow 2 Northern Irish soldiers Andrew and James cousins who go to war to serve country and make their families proud. Through their eyes we see the brutal realities of been on the front,tragic tale these young men need a voice someone to tell their story to show they where not cowards.

From the epic cinematography to a solid story line that gives these brave men the respect they always deserves, Coward is one of the best  28 minutes you'll enjoy in 2013.


"COWARD" from Stephen Murphy on Vimeo.
source:Vimeo

DVD Review: Partners In Crime (Associés contre le crime...)

Pascal Thomas' third film in his series of Agatha Christie's Tommy and Tuppence adaptations receives its UK home video release this week. Partners In Crime (or Associés contre le crime... to French audiences), has no illusions of grandeur - it is simply highly entertaining, playful fun.

Private detectives, Prudence Beresford and Bélisaire, decide to take a much needed break from their adventures. However, this proves to be short-lived as they become involved in the case of a missing Russian heiress and a sinister health clinic promising eternal youth.

Despite the previous adaptations in the series being unavailable in the UK, viewers are likely to warm to Partners In Crime almost immediately. Thomas' screenplay combines all the mystery and thrills of a classic Christie novel, with an unabashed sense of fun akin to Blake Edwards' Pink Panther films. This creates a bizarre, but particularly watchable fusion of quick-witted and zany comedy, combined with a genuinely intriguing mystery narrative.

This sense of playfulness is further carried in the near perfect performances from Catherine Frot and André Dussollier. The pair have a charming and authentic on-screen chemistry, with both forming a highly watchable and instantly loveable dynamic. Frot channels Prudence's fiery determination and focus with ease, whilst also showing an enchanting and playful side when working with Bélisaire. Dussollier also proves completely entertaining with his ditzy antics and cheeky one-liners.

Even when elements of the screenplay verge on ridiculous - such as Bélisaire being transformed into a kilt wearing, whisky drinking baby, one can only embrace the light-hearted playfulness of Partners In Crime. The above scene, whilst ludicrous is particularly amusing - mainly when Prudence needs to explain to her daughter as to why she is wandering around with a small kilted baby.

It is no shock that Thomas' has reached the third film in his series, as the combination of charming performances and mysterious narratives, have a completely terrific end result. I only wish more films could be as playful and entertaining as this little French gem.

Andrew McArthur

★★★★☆

Stars: Catherine Frot, André Dussollier & Linh Dahn Pham
Director: Pascal Thomas
Certificate (UK): 12
Release: 7th January 2013
Buy:Partners In Crime [DVD] [2012]

Die Laughing This March With Home Release Of Stitches Starring Ross Noble

STITCHES, starring funny man ROSS NOBLE, and directed by CONOR MCMAHON (Dead Meat) is the black-comedy horror that has become one of the most talked about films of 2012.

The film received its World Premiere at 2012’s Frightfest, winning TOTAL FILM’s “Best Death” award. See why when the DVD & Blu-ray hit shelves on 4th March 2013.

Synopsis:Jaded Richard Grindle is the sleaziest clown working the children’s party circuit in Ireland. Arriving late to one birthday, his timing is off, the bratty kids a nightmare and a prank goes horribly wrong - he falls on a kitchen knife and goes to that Big Top in the sky. Years later the same nasty kids attend another more grown up bash. Little do they know, thanks to a black magic clown cult, Stitches will be the uninvited guest of honour seeking revenge on those responsible for his untimely death.

“HORRIBLY FUNNY” – Ali Catterall, Q

Laughs and gore combine in this twisted tale which also sees some fantastic performances from its young and upcoming cast that includes; TOMMY KNIGHT (Doctor Who) and GEMMA-LEAH DEVEREUX (The Tudors).

Pre-Order Stitches on Blu-Ray or DVD

Stitches will be Released on DVD& Blu-Ray 4th March.

Yueng Sang-Ho's 'The King of Pigs To Get Theatrical Release 25 January

Terracotta Distribution have announced the UK release details of THE KING OF PIGS’ (Dwae-ji-ui wang) is an ultra-violent Korean animation set in a high-school world in which rich "dogs" rule over the "pigs".

The film is directed by Yeun Sang-ho and stars the voices of familiar Korean actors, Yang Ik-june and Kim Kkobbi from the internationally acclaimed ‘BREATHLESS’(released by Terracotta Distribution in 2009).
A festival favourite, this feature animation (aka Manwha) premiered at the 2011 Busan International Film Festival and has since played in various international festivals including the Director’s Fortnight 2012 making it the first animated Korean film to screen at the Festival de Cannes.

‘THE KING OF PIGS’ will be released theatrically in UK from 25th January followed by DVD in March 2013.

.After murdering his wife, a businessman on the verge of bankruptcy, Hwang Kyung-min, finds an old classmate, Jung Jong-suk whom he hasn't seen for fifteen years. During a reunion dinner they look back on their school days, hiding their present situations.Back then there were class distinctions among the pupils. The elite students - 'The Dogs’ - rich, successful and particularly cruel, exercised a reign of terror over the weaker, poorer students - 'The Pigs'.
Jong-suk and Kyung-min were powerless against the ‘dogs’. When Kim Chul, one of their fellow pigs, stood up, he fast became their last hope to end the circle of fear.Fifteen years later, Chul remains a hero. But behind his figure, the two men recall the murky story of their bond and return to the site where the most shocking truth of what happened there is finally revealed.

The King Of Pigs Also had a a decent run on the festival circuit including London Korean, Edinburgh, Fantasia as well as been officially selected for Cannes 2012 directors fortnight which is quite an achievement for an animation and a sign of the quality of the film too..

Before It's March DVD Release King Of The Pigs will have an limited theatrical release in UK on 25th January with Watershed Bristol, Showroom Sheffield and Komedia in Brighton already confirmed to show the film along a screening at next month's Dublin International film festival. More dates to be announced and you can keep track of those dates by checking out Terracotta Distribution's official website

Watch The Full Short Text Tone

 A few days ago we previewed the official trailer for Chicago based film maker Sanicole's new Short film Text Tone and now we have the full 12 minute film for your viewing pleasure.

Text Tone is a Drama comedy After dodging his girlfriend to avoid meeting her father on their 6 month anniversary, the young lover wakes up to discover he is mute and must resort to winning his girlfriend back with extraordinary gestures.

The film stars Corey Williams and Ashley Snow, enjoy!

Six months into a blossoming relationship, Corey (Corey Williams) receives a text from his girlfriend Snow (Ashley Snow) about meeting her father for the first time. Nervous about the meeting and struggling to communicate his affection for her, he resorts to ignoring her calls and texts. On the night of the dinner with her father, he doesn't show. The next morning, he checks his voicemail, listening on as adistraught and frustrated Snow admonishes him. Before ending the message she tells him he's lost the right to speak to her and wants nothing to do with him. When he attempts to explain himself in a voicemail, he finds that he can't speak. Mute and rejected, Corey exasperates all avenues to finally show her how he feels and try to win her back. Written and Directed By Sanicole (@Sanicole) Starring Corey Williams (@Corey_Demon) and Ashley Snow (@OfficialAshSnow)

KLOWN to Make UK debut at LOCO London Comedy Film Festival

KLOWN is the outrageous and hilarious Danish comedy that pushes the boundaries of comedy and acceptable childcare with its bold mixture of dry wit, fearless shock humour and heartfelt sentimentality.

Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Inbetweeners and The Hangover combine as Frank (Danish comedy sensation Frank Hvam) decides to prove himself suitable father material by kidnapping his pregnant girlfriend’s young nephew for a truly outrageous weekend that combines sexual promiscuity, nudity, drug-taking and tiny bottles of Underberg.

Directed by Mikkel Nørgaard, KLOWN was the year’s highest-grossing home-grown film when released in Denmark. It was critically acclaimed on its US release and has been picked up for a Hollywood remake by Warner Bros. The film stars Frank Hvam and Casper Christensen, two of the most popular and experienced stand-up comedians in Denmark.

KLOWN’s UK premiere will take place on Friday 25th January at the LOCO London Comedy Film Festival at the BFI Southbank. The film is released in the UK by Arrow Films in Spring 2013 (exact date tbc).

SYNOPSIS: Frank accidentally learns that his girlfriend Mia is pregnant and that she has omitted to tell him as she does not regard him as ‘father material’. Furthermore, they have to take care of Mia’s nephew while Frank’s attention is taken planning a debauched canoeing trip with his friend Casper (Casper Christensen).

When Frank causes a minor accident with Bo, Mia must acknowledge that Frank is simply not capable of taking care of anyone other than himself, let alone a child. In desperation, Frank kidnaps Bo for the canoe trip, to the dismay of Casper. Frank is intent on showing Mia that he can be a good father. Of course, the trip turns out to be a disaster but in the midst of the chaos, bonds are made between Bo and Frank who both learn that size isn’t everything.

KLOWN’s UK premiere will take place on Friday 25th January at the LOCO London Comedy Film Festival at the BFI Southbank.

Take This Waltz DVD Review

I wasn't sure what to expect from Sarah Polley's Take This Waltz. I only knew her as the lead in Zack Snyder's surprisingly not crap 2004 remake of Dawn of the Dead. I haven't seen her previous film: Away From Her, but by all accounts it's a powerful and moving piece. I'm always up for a bit of cine-brain food so I sat down and carefully placed the disc in the player. 20 minutes in and I brought up the timer to see how long I had left to go. Not a good sign.

Michelle Williams plays Margot, an aspiring writer who is married to Lou (Seth Rogen), a chef compiling a chicken cookbook. Whilst on an excursion, Margot meets Daniel (Luke Kirby). Sparks fly and there's an instant mutual attraction. After finding out Daniel lives very close by, Margot's temptation to stray from her safe, dependable marriage becomes stronger and stronger and the film deals with her being caught between the two men. Whilst it stars some really great actors, I really got a disingenuous feeling from it all. Michelle Williams' Margot is meant to be quirkier than a hat on a lamb, but ends up coming across as a cynical approximation of a quirky lass. It's not her fault as I'm sure this is how she was directed. She's been fantastic in other films. It's just all so insultingly twee and precious. There's a scene early on where she and Daniel are both in the back of a cab, blowing some kind of hanging tassel back and forth. I'm sure this is meant to be charming, but I kept thinking “You're both fucking adults! What the hell!?” I know adults act like childish dicks all the time (I'd like to think I specialise in it), but it just seemed so laboured and staged.

It's hard to express the sort of reaction I had to this film. For nearly all of the runtime, it's an indier-than-thou bullshit romance. It's the sort of film destined to have monochromatic .gifs of key scenes made of it and plastered all over Tumblr. The dialogue is that special breed of pretentious and whimsical, containing “deep” metaphors. In their first proper meeting, Margot confides in Daniel that she's been fraudulently using airport wheelchair facilities to make sure she doesn't miss her connecting flights. She confesses she's afraid of being afraid of missing connections. Overlooking the appalling misuse of disabled facilities, it doesn't take a genius to work out that this works as a handy plot metaphor too. It's really not as clever as it thinks it is. As soon as the lines were said, I had flagged them up as narrative signposts, rather than just two people talking. The whole film's like this and I had a tough time sticking with it.

I think the characters are my main problem. We're not meant to unequivocally love Margot, but I don't think you're meant to dislike her as much as I did. She's an air-headed, silly little girl who I just didn't have any time for. Cardboard lothario Daniel, played by Kirby and looking like The Walking Dead's Andrew Lincoln run through the “hipster dreamboat” filter a few times, is a struggling bohemian artist type who makes ends meet working as a rickshaw driver around Toronto. If you just let out anything resembling a snort of derision at that character description, this film won't be for you. Seth Rogen's Lou is just a nice, average guy and is therefore (intentionally) pretty boring. The only one with some “oomph” about them is Sarah Silverman's recovering alcoholic Geraldine, who gets a fantastic scene towards the end and gets to say a few things to Margot that I found to be very cathartic.

Look, it isn't all bad. It's undeniably a well-made film. Some of the shots and locations are truly beautiful. The film also has quite a candid approach to things which gives an air of reality to proceedings. It's a compelling illusion until somebody opens their gob and more whimsical crap dollops out. The actors are occasionally allowed to act like real people and Seth Rogen gets some really nice moments. I know I'm not the target demographic for this. There is an audience out there who will love it for what it is- I just don't want to know them. Had the film stayed on the course it was on for 90% of the total time, it would have been one of the most irritating films I'd ever seen. As it stands, the ending makes up for a bit, but not nearly enough. The very last bit spoils it though. Just even suggesting that Margot can retreat back into her little fantasy land and not learn anything from everything that's happened was truly maddening.

Take This Waltz is a pretentious, “grass is greener” story that wants to play with romantic conventions, but ends up as an annoying air-headed fantasy with delusions of depth. I've only just unclenched my fists to type this review. It pissed me off. Stick that on the DVD cover.

Ben Browne

★★☆☆☆

Rating: 15
UK Release Date: 7^th January 2013
Cast: Michelle Williams, Seth Rogan, Luke Kirby, Sarah Silverman
Directed by: Sarah Polley

Watch Terry Gilliam's Short The Wholly Family

Missing something? A big gap in your cinematic life anything to do with a certain one Terry Gilliam? Probably. whilst we wait for The Zero Theorem to arrive later this year or early next year the ex-Monty Python member back in 2011 had been busy making a 20 minute short called The Wholly Family for Italian pasta company Garofalo. Set in the company's home town of Naples the short film is part of an annual series to promote the city starring Cristiana Capotondi, Douglas Dean, Nicolas Connolly and Sergio Solli. The film is full of Gilliam's trademark, visual, fantastical storytelling  but most of humor, the film has been playing at various European film festivals with best short film at European Film Awards and now the film is available online in its full glory.

BlizzardKid Shorts Award 2012 - The Wholly Family from BlizzardKid on Vimeo.

A crowded street in Naples city center, plenty of shops selling presepi. A wealthy American couple and Jake, their 10 years-old child, try to push their way through the crowd. While husband and wife argue which street to take, the boy is unwillingly separated from them.

source:ThePlaylist

Win a Monstrous creature-feature prize package Courtesy of Chelsea Films

The meanest gargantuan creature-feature yet is set to arrive on DVD from Chelsea Films on 7th January 2013 - I am of course talking about the Roger Corman-produced ‘Piranhaconda’ ("It'll certainly give you a nasty bite” Filmoria). To celebrate this occasion we have an extra special *MONSTROUS* prize package to give-away which will consist of the following monster delights…

SAND SHARKS - A shark that swims in sand?! No, honestly! Sunbathing on a beach has never been the same since this came out earlier this year and I'm not sure whether that's something to do with the sharks or Brooke Hogan's (daughter of the mighty Hulk Hogan) acting…

DRAGON WASPS - The ultimate cross breed between timely jungle thrillers like “Predator” and “Anaconda” and giant critter delights such as “Eight Legged Freaks” and “Lake Placid”. Let’s put it this way, “Dragon Wasps” does for bees what “Arachnophobia” did for spiders!

and of course…

PIRANHACONDA - This is undeniably classic Corman. Who else has the ability to merge every single terrifying creature on Earth EVER and still create something so exhilarating it’ll have you begging for more Dr Frankenstein-like creations?!

To win this Monstrous prize please answer the following question:

What is the name of the Little Shop of directed by Roger Corman starred a young Jack Nicholson?

Send your answer, name, address and postcode only to winatcinehouseuk@gmail.com
Deadline 27th January (2359hrs) Must Be Aged 15 or older to enter 'title email Chelsea Films'

*Please remember Always Double Entry to those who like/friend Us at Facebook*
In event of the above form not working please refer to Terms&Conditions on how to enter

Terms & Conditions:1.This prize is non transferable.No cash alternatives apply.UK & Irish entries only.2.The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse and films. have the right to alter, delay or cancel this competition without any notice 3.The competition is not opened to employees, family, friends of The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse,chelsea films employees 4.This competition is promoted on behalf of Chelsea Films 5. If this prize becomes unavailable we have the right to offer an alternative prize instead 6.To enter this competition you must send in your answer, name, address only, Deadline 27th January 2013 (2359hrs)7.Will only accept entries sent to the correct email (winatcinehouseuk@gmail.com), any other entry via any other email will be void.8.If the above form fails please send the information required from the form email it to win [at] thepeoplesmovies [dot] com (label Quartet) If any info required from the form is not sent in the email your entry will be void 9.automated entries are not allowed and will be disqualified, which could result you been banned.10.If you are friend or like us at facebook for every competition you enter you get double entry, but you must stay stay friend/like us all the time,or future entries maybe considered one entry.11.The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse takes no responsibility for delayed, lost, stolen prizes 12.Prizes may take from days to a few months for delivery which is out of our control13.The competition is opened to Aged 15 and over.14. Majority of the prizes on offer will come from representatives of the distributor, no The People’s Movies &Cinehouse, when we do have the prizes we will inform you.15. Unless Stated Please Do Not Include Telephone Numbers, we don’t need them and if you include your telephone number Cinehouse and The People’s Movies are not responsible for the security of the number 16.The winning entries will be picked at random and contacted by email or announced via facebook, sometimes we are unable to confirm winners.17.This competition is bound by the rules of Scotland,England & Wales, Northern Ireland, Ireland.18.By sending your entry for this competition you are confirming you have read and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.

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Brandon Croneberg's Antiviral Coming To UK In February

Inject some celebrity into your life and take a magnified look at our public obsession with celebrity culture as ANTIVIRAL is released at select cinemas on 8 February and on DVD and digital download from 11 February 2013.

ANTIVIRAL marks the directorial debut of Brandon Cronenberg, son of legendary filmmaker David Cronenberg and features two hot rising stars in Caleb Landry Jones (X-Men: First Class, Contraband), and Sarah Gadon (Cosmopolis, A Dangerous Method) alongside veteran of the screen, Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange, The Artist).

Having received positive reactions at Cannes, Toronto International and the London Film Festivals, ANTIVIRAL has steadily been infecting the minds of ‘Bodyshock’ fans.  Prepare to be shocked by one of the most eye-opening and thought provoking films of the year.  Syd March (Landry Jones) is an employee at The Lucas Clinic – a company that sells injections of live viruses harvested from sick celebrities to fans who wish to fulfil their obsessive desire for real intimacy with their idols. As well as working for them, Syd also supplements his income by smuggling viruses out of the clinic in his own body in order to sell them on the black market. Constantly ill and losing his edge, Syd becomes careless and infects himself with an unusual virus carried by superstar Hannah Geist (Gadon).

When the news breaks that Hannah has died, Syd realises that the virus running rampant in his system will soon kill him too. Hallucinating and struggling to remain in control, Syd must race to solve the mystery surrounding Hannah’s death if he has any hopes to avoid suffering the same fate.

As a first year film student Brandon Cronenberg developed a serious case of the flu. The illness proved to be the perfect Petri dish for the incubation of ANTIVIRAL. “During a feverish dream, I became obsessed with the physicality of illness, by the fact that what was infecting my body and my cells had come from someone else,” the director recalls. “It’s a weirdly intimate connection. I began to understand how someone like an ardent fan, might see this kind of connection to the object of their fascination as desirable. The intimacy of that link seemed like a good platform to explore celebrity obsession”.

Experience bodyshock at its finest when ANTIVIRAL is released at select cinemas on 8 February and on DVD and digital download from 11 February 2013.



DVD FEATURES:

·         Commentary with director Brandon Cronenberg and director of photography Karim Hussain

·         Deleted scenes with commentary

·         Behind the scenes  featurettes

Pre-order Antiviral [DVD]

Sundance 2013: Watch Trailer For Jack Kerouac's Big Sur

 After several years of no Jack Kerouac movie adaptations Walter Salles delivered the author's most famous On The Road . Later this month at Sundance Film Festival America's premier independent film festival 2 more Kerouac films will make their debuts Daniel Radcliffe's Kill Your Darlings and Big Sur and you can check out the trailer.

Directed by Michael Polish, Big Sur is based on Kerouac's 1962 auto biographical when he moved from New York to California dealing with his struggle with popularity thanks to On The Road driving him to alcoholism and to have a a relationship with his best friends  mistress. Kate Bosworth and Josh Lucas play the mistress and Kerouac's mistress/best friend with Jean Marc Barr playing Kerouac.

Big Sur visually looks fantastic Barr looks like he'll deliver ardent performance as Kerouac. Sundance Film Festival starts 17th until 27th January, the film also stars Henry Thomas, Radha Mitchell and Stan Katic.

source:collider

Watch Dan Sachar's Full Overture Post Apocalyptic Short

April 2011 we brought you the trailer for Dan Sachar's  short Overture an Israeli post apocalyptic film which has been playing festivals and now just before the film arrives in Sundance festival this month, the full short is available online in its full glory.

32 minutes long Overture is  set in a post Apocalyptic dying world were a man a lone survivor lost in the dying world struggles to connect the pieces from his scavenging as well as the repressed memories. Out of the blue a young woman appears in his desolate forest who is intent that the man will face his past along with the fate fit to suit what he did in the past.

Been a fan of the post apocalyptic films Overture does look like something John Hillcoat (The Road) even Lar Von Trier would direct. This is captivating and with the minimal dialogue it really expands the loneliness, terrifying the world can be


Overture from Dan Sachar on Vimeo.

source: Overture's official website

Watch Trailer for Short Film Text Tone

Despite our advances in film technology sadly the lack of female filmmakers especially black female filmmakers but thankfully independent film making still has belief in filmmakers. Here at cinehouse we try our best to support all film makers recognizing the talent rather than the persons race or gender one of those talent individuals is Chicago based Sanicole who has sent us the trailer for her new film.

entitled Text Tone a Drama comedy After dodging his girlfriend to avoid meeting her father on their 6 month anniversary, the young lover wakes up to discover he is mute and must resort to winning his girlfriend back with extraordinary gestures

Enjoy the trailer, once we have the full film we will update this page. Just remember if your a fellow cinephile support the talent, the film don't judge purely on the filmmakers gender or ethnicity.

Six months into a blossoming relationship, Corey (Corey Williams) receives a text from his girlfriend Snow (Ashley Snow) about meeting her father for the first time. Nervous about the meeting and struggling to communicate his affection for her, he resorts to ignoring her calls and texts. On the night of the dinner with her father, he doesn't show. The next morning, he checks his voicemail, listening on as a
distraught and frustrated Snow admonishes him. Before ending the message she tells him he's lost the right to speak to her and wants nothing to do with him. When he attempts to explain himself in a voicemail, he finds that he can't speak. Mute and rejected, Corey exasperates all avenues to finally show her how he feels and try to win her back. Written and Directed By Sanicole (@Sanicole) Starring Corey Williams (@Corey_Demon) and Ashley Snow (@OfficialAshSnow)

Quartet Review

Quartet (2012) is a film which requires little effort, either on the part of the cast or the viewer.  That’s not intended disparagingly, indeed quite the opposite, as everything about Hollywood icon Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut, starring Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Tom Courtenay and Pauline Collins, is sheer bliss - you just sit back, relax and let it wash over you.

Fading opera stars, Wilf (Connolly), Reginald (Courtenay) and Cissy (Collins), live in the rural splendor of a country retirement home, where they wile away the days reminiscing about their past triumphs.  Each year they celebrate the birthday of the composer Verdi with a concert, and in the process raise funds for the upkeep of the home.  This year however things don’t quite go to plan after the arrival of new resident.  The presence of Jean (Smith), an opera diva with thoughts above her station, not only resurrects painful memories for the trio, but doesn’t exactly prove conducive to harmony amongst the other residents either.

What a relief that Hoffman, unlike so many actors who try their hand at directing, was not tempted into a cameo appearance in Quartet.  Instead he remains, like all good directors should, out-of-sight, though not out of mind, as his touch is crystal clear on screen.  Everything, from the ensemble cast to the pastoral settings, meld seamlessly under the expert guidance of a man who is so much a part of modern cinema in front of the camera, that looking at the action from the other side will probably have felt like second nature.

The wider cast hit all the right notes as the group of aging operatic and musical stars, unwilling to accept that, for the most, their moment in the limelight is long past.  Indeed the only aspect of the film which appears slightly off-key is watching Connolly and Smith vie for prime spot.  When they appear these two old troupers banish everyone else to the wings, no mean feat when you consider the calibre of the those they’re working with.  However they’re such a delight to watch that you feel more than happy to indulge their quirks and idiosyncrasies.

This is really is the only quibble though in an otherwise perfect blend of dry wit and acid sharp timing which makes for a delightful cocktail of lasting friendships and the acceptance of the passing of time.

Quartet provides a marvelously feel good way with which to see in the new year.  Let’s just hope we don’t have to wait too long for Hoffman to flex his directorial muscle again.  Oh, and wait until the end as there is a marvelous treat during the final credits which is guaranteed to bring a tear to the eye.

Cleaver Patterson

★★★★☆

Rating: 12A
Release Date: 1st January 2013 (UK)
Director: Dustin Hoffman
Cast: Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Billy Connolly, Tom Courtenay, Pauline Collins, Sheridan Smith