- Published on
Anyone who has lived through the video game evolution – or, at least, was alive to even casually notice its passing by so very quickly – can likely cite a few memorable additions and/or expansions along the way.
You see, I was there to experience Pong in its relative infancy. Yes, it was a brutally simple game – one that required minimal skill at best (if one would even call it skill) – but it nonetheless was a sensation in households across America. (Sorry, folks, I can’t speak for the world-at-large as I’m just not educated on global technology affairs.) Then came Space Invaders and arcade hits like Pacman; and young and old alike suddenly found themselves swept up in a crude gaming culture. The Walt Disney Company’s TRON (1982) remains the first film of its type to intentionally capitalize on the prospects of digital gaming: storytellers crafted both playable video games alongside a major motion picture to demonstrate just how serious the Mouse House invested in the video game revolution. While the flick really wasn’t perhaps quite as grand as some remember it, the production still demonstrated that immersion in such vicarious thrills wasn’t a passing fancy: gaming was here to stay, and it would continue to grow and change as did the tech that made it possible.
With its arcade debut in 1992, Mortal Kombat truly introduced mankind to this second wave of digital innovation. The game introduced players to a legendary martial arts tournament wherein participants drawn from the Earthrealm – basically our world – were invited to throwdown against only the very best fighters imaginable: with the fate of our world lying in the balance, combatants matched up against one fantastical brawler after another – many with their own signature tactics as well as notable ‘finishing’ moves – all to keep our planet safe from the Outworld. Yes, it was all a bit hyperbolic – such is the nature of significant contests – but it was still harmless fun available at the drop of a quarter into the slot. Worse things could happen, am I right?
Wherever there’s a bankable phenomenon, Hollywood tends to notice; and the folks at New Line Cinema quickly snatched up the rights to adapt the property to film. In 1995, Mortal Kombat morphed from the small screen to something played out on the silver screen. First time director Paul W.S. Anderson – a name genre fans around the world would eventually know for his attachment to a good number of game-inspired fare – stepped in to bring Kombat to life; and – without too much nitpicking – the man did a suitable job. For what it’s worth, cinematic technology was still advancing; and a great deal of the delivered visuals couldn’t quite match the ambition behind their design.
(NOTE: The following review will contain minor spoilers necessary solely for the discussion of plot and/or characters. If you’re the kind of reader who prefers a review entirely spoiler-free, then I’d encourage you to skip down to the last few paragraphs for the final assessment. If, however, you’re accepting of a few modest hints at ‘things to come,’ then read on …)
From the film’s IMDB.com page citation:
“Smart Earthlings must win a martial-arts battle in another dimension or see their world enslaved.”
On a rudimentary level, one might approach adapting a wildly popular video game the same way as a storyteller might decipher a bestselling novel.
Both prospects have a foundational premise along with major and minor characters. There’s likely to be some overlapping mythology that the players are exposed to and/or interact with on some textual level. While – generally speaking – novels do tend to provide a great deal of closure for the people encountered along the way, the finales for games can be diverse; and yet there’s still a touch of finality to the proceedings … or at least as much left open for an inevitable return to the sport at some future point.
Largely, that’s what Paul W.S. Anderson attempts with Mortal Kombat; and it can be said to be both a strength and a weakness. Anderson’s movie sticks a bit too close to source material for those unfamiliar with the game, dangling in several small particulars with enough nebulous to elicit some reasonable confusion. Still, the script (credited to Ed Boon, John Tobias, and Kevin Droney) rather faithfully introduces the wider world that serves as Kombat’s backdrop and its many, many faces – the combatants – in such a way that it likely endeared gamers showing up solely to see who fights, who lives, and who dies. Mind you: this was only a first feature, but it was clearly assembled to leave enough wiggle room for a follow-up if the box office was worthwhile. It was – to a degree – and its sequel (Mortal Kombat: Annihilation) followed a few years later.
Now, I’ll admit to experiencing some mild confusion when I first saw the film back in the day. Unlike so many of my contemporaries, I didn’t get into video games – never have and likely never will – and I’d only tried this one sparingly when offered the chance by peers. Though the main faces were pretty easy to recognize, not all of the actors and actresses were physically up to the requirements of the story; and I found quite a bit of the fisticuffs to feel a bit contrived. A few decades later, I feel that assessment still stands; and there’s even a bit of woodenness to a star or two here which hurts the entire affair. Although some looked the part, methinks a greater effort could’ve been made to give them the prowess needed when ‘getting’ ready to rumble.’
Plagued over the visions of his brother Chan dying at the hands of Shang Tsung (played by Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), Liu Kang (Robin Shou) enters the Mortal Kombat tournament with the intention of settling the score. Once he learns that the Outworld stands to invade Earth should they win the impending tenth match-up, Liu realizes that he’s going to need to make more friends than enemies; and he enlists a few other contestants – namely Hollywood celebrity Johnny Cage (Linden Ashby) and Special Forces officer Sonya Blade (Bridgette Wilson-Sampras) – to watch his back. Eventually, Princess Kitana (Talisa Soto) forges an alliance between the Earthly warriors; and, as a team, they’re finally able to infiltrate Shang’s fortress and bring down the maniac once and for all, an act which releases all of the captive souls the villain has stored in his mortal shell.
As I said above, there’s just enough of a plot at work consistently throughout Kombat to keep both fans of the property and newbies understanding the action; but the downside here is also the fact that far too much of narrative operates solely for inevitable matches. Granted, when the whole point of a film is to showcase an endless parade of martial proficiency, one goes in largely knowing what to expect. While there was still a bit of space left for greater characterization – or, at least, the little moments spent in between all of the blistering bits – the screenwriters seemed far too interested in getting to the action as opposed to giving a face or two greater context much less time to breath. Kombat sets a pace not long after character introductions; and then it just never strays from that, ultimately boiling down to a mostly predictable tête-à-tête between opponents. Me? Well, I like a bit more substance to my people, but Kombat unfortunately sidesteps most of that.
Complaints aside, I can also attest that, visually, Kombat hasn’t exactly aged very well. Although the effects work was acceptable for the date and age, a great deal of what remains in here now comes across as almost grossly amateurish. A handful of sequences work well enough to give context to what’s taking place; and yet if there were any film in the vast libraries of releases that truly needed a creative do-over then this was it. That eventually happened in 2021, and the critical results for that effort – not all that surprising – again found that the completed film was likely best left to fans of the source material.
Mortal Kombat (1995) was produced by New Line Cinema and Threshold Entertainment. DVD distribution (for this particular release) has been coordinated by the fine folks at Arrow Films. As for the technical specifications? While I’m no trained video expert, I can still assure readers that provided sights and sounds are, frankly, astonishingly good … but that’s the double-edged sword here: Kombat was made at a time when digital effects were still in their relative infancy, meaning that a great deal of what appears here is horrifically dated if not occasionally comical. That’s no slight intended to the artists who rendered so much of this: it’s just an honest observation that this was about the best that could be done in the era. Lastly, if you’re looking for special features? Once more, Arrow astounds with an absolutely fabulous collection: two commentaries (Paul W.S. Anderson’s is a bit underwhelming), some wonderful newly-produced cast/crew interviews, and a handful of other tidbits make this one worth the upgrade especially for fans of the original IP.
Recommended.
At best, 1995’s Mortal Kombat could be said to be an acceptable introduction to a popular gaming franchise and little else. Its visuals are all a bit dated. Its characters are all a bit cartoonish (with good intent). Its impact was probably best felt in the still-growing gaming community. At worst? Well, that’s a lot of ground to cover; but as the effort never really feels like it wanted to be more than a mindless B-Movie product culled from the frenetic battles of bulked-up pugilists, perhaps it’s best left to those who embrace its modest charms. A bit hammy and still a bit stiff, Kombat endures … but only because it’s still reasonable physically fit.
In the interests of fairness, I’m pleased to disclose that the fine folks at Arrow Films provided me with a complimentary Blu-ray copy of Mortal Kombat (1995) by request for the expressed purpose of completing this review. Their contribution to me in no way, shape, or form influenced my opinion of it.
-- EZ
You see, I was there to experience Pong in its relative infancy. Yes, it was a brutally simple game – one that required minimal skill at best (if one would even call it skill) – but it nonetheless was a sensation in households across America. (Sorry, folks, I can’t speak for the world-at-large as I’m just not educated on global technology affairs.) Then came Space Invaders and arcade hits like Pacman; and young and old alike suddenly found themselves swept up in a crude gaming culture. The Walt Disney Company’s TRON (1982) remains the first film of its type to intentionally capitalize on the prospects of digital gaming: storytellers crafted both playable video games alongside a major motion picture to demonstrate just how serious the Mouse House invested in the video game revolution. While the flick really wasn’t perhaps quite as grand as some remember it, the production still demonstrated that immersion in such vicarious thrills wasn’t a passing fancy: gaming was here to stay, and it would continue to grow and change as did the tech that made it possible.
With its arcade debut in 1992, Mortal Kombat truly introduced mankind to this second wave of digital innovation. The game introduced players to a legendary martial arts tournament wherein participants drawn from the Earthrealm – basically our world – were invited to throwdown against only the very best fighters imaginable: with the fate of our world lying in the balance, combatants matched up against one fantastical brawler after another – many with their own signature tactics as well as notable ‘finishing’ moves – all to keep our planet safe from the Outworld. Yes, it was all a bit hyperbolic – such is the nature of significant contests – but it was still harmless fun available at the drop of a quarter into the slot. Worse things could happen, am I right?
Wherever there’s a bankable phenomenon, Hollywood tends to notice; and the folks at New Line Cinema quickly snatched up the rights to adapt the property to film. In 1995, Mortal Kombat morphed from the small screen to something played out on the silver screen. First time director Paul W.S. Anderson – a name genre fans around the world would eventually know for his attachment to a good number of game-inspired fare – stepped in to bring Kombat to life; and – without too much nitpicking – the man did a suitable job. For what it’s worth, cinematic technology was still advancing; and a great deal of the delivered visuals couldn’t quite match the ambition behind their design.
(NOTE: The following review will contain minor spoilers necessary solely for the discussion of plot and/or characters. If you’re the kind of reader who prefers a review entirely spoiler-free, then I’d encourage you to skip down to the last few paragraphs for the final assessment. If, however, you’re accepting of a few modest hints at ‘things to come,’ then read on …)
From the film’s IMDB.com page citation:
“Smart Earthlings must win a martial-arts battle in another dimension or see their world enslaved.”
On a rudimentary level, one might approach adapting a wildly popular video game the same way as a storyteller might decipher a bestselling novel.
Both prospects have a foundational premise along with major and minor characters. There’s likely to be some overlapping mythology that the players are exposed to and/or interact with on some textual level. While – generally speaking – novels do tend to provide a great deal of closure for the people encountered along the way, the finales for games can be diverse; and yet there’s still a touch of finality to the proceedings … or at least as much left open for an inevitable return to the sport at some future point.
Largely, that’s what Paul W.S. Anderson attempts with Mortal Kombat; and it can be said to be both a strength and a weakness. Anderson’s movie sticks a bit too close to source material for those unfamiliar with the game, dangling in several small particulars with enough nebulous to elicit some reasonable confusion. Still, the script (credited to Ed Boon, John Tobias, and Kevin Droney) rather faithfully introduces the wider world that serves as Kombat’s backdrop and its many, many faces – the combatants – in such a way that it likely endeared gamers showing up solely to see who fights, who lives, and who dies. Mind you: this was only a first feature, but it was clearly assembled to leave enough wiggle room for a follow-up if the box office was worthwhile. It was – to a degree – and its sequel (Mortal Kombat: Annihilation) followed a few years later.
Now, I’ll admit to experiencing some mild confusion when I first saw the film back in the day. Unlike so many of my contemporaries, I didn’t get into video games – never have and likely never will – and I’d only tried this one sparingly when offered the chance by peers. Though the main faces were pretty easy to recognize, not all of the actors and actresses were physically up to the requirements of the story; and I found quite a bit of the fisticuffs to feel a bit contrived. A few decades later, I feel that assessment still stands; and there’s even a bit of woodenness to a star or two here which hurts the entire affair. Although some looked the part, methinks a greater effort could’ve been made to give them the prowess needed when ‘getting’ ready to rumble.’
Plagued over the visions of his brother Chan dying at the hands of Shang Tsung (played by Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), Liu Kang (Robin Shou) enters the Mortal Kombat tournament with the intention of settling the score. Once he learns that the Outworld stands to invade Earth should they win the impending tenth match-up, Liu realizes that he’s going to need to make more friends than enemies; and he enlists a few other contestants – namely Hollywood celebrity Johnny Cage (Linden Ashby) and Special Forces officer Sonya Blade (Bridgette Wilson-Sampras) – to watch his back. Eventually, Princess Kitana (Talisa Soto) forges an alliance between the Earthly warriors; and, as a team, they’re finally able to infiltrate Shang’s fortress and bring down the maniac once and for all, an act which releases all of the captive souls the villain has stored in his mortal shell.
As I said above, there’s just enough of a plot at work consistently throughout Kombat to keep both fans of the property and newbies understanding the action; but the downside here is also the fact that far too much of narrative operates solely for inevitable matches. Granted, when the whole point of a film is to showcase an endless parade of martial proficiency, one goes in largely knowing what to expect. While there was still a bit of space left for greater characterization – or, at least, the little moments spent in between all of the blistering bits – the screenwriters seemed far too interested in getting to the action as opposed to giving a face or two greater context much less time to breath. Kombat sets a pace not long after character introductions; and then it just never strays from that, ultimately boiling down to a mostly predictable tête-à-tête between opponents. Me? Well, I like a bit more substance to my people, but Kombat unfortunately sidesteps most of that.
Complaints aside, I can also attest that, visually, Kombat hasn’t exactly aged very well. Although the effects work was acceptable for the date and age, a great deal of what remains in here now comes across as almost grossly amateurish. A handful of sequences work well enough to give context to what’s taking place; and yet if there were any film in the vast libraries of releases that truly needed a creative do-over then this was it. That eventually happened in 2021, and the critical results for that effort – not all that surprising – again found that the completed film was likely best left to fans of the source material.
Mortal Kombat (1995) was produced by New Line Cinema and Threshold Entertainment. DVD distribution (for this particular release) has been coordinated by the fine folks at Arrow Films. As for the technical specifications? While I’m no trained video expert, I can still assure readers that provided sights and sounds are, frankly, astonishingly good … but that’s the double-edged sword here: Kombat was made at a time when digital effects were still in their relative infancy, meaning that a great deal of what appears here is horrifically dated if not occasionally comical. That’s no slight intended to the artists who rendered so much of this: it’s just an honest observation that this was about the best that could be done in the era. Lastly, if you’re looking for special features? Once more, Arrow astounds with an absolutely fabulous collection: two commentaries (Paul W.S. Anderson’s is a bit underwhelming), some wonderful newly-produced cast/crew interviews, and a handful of other tidbits make this one worth the upgrade especially for fans of the original IP.
Recommended.
At best, 1995’s Mortal Kombat could be said to be an acceptable introduction to a popular gaming franchise and little else. Its visuals are all a bit dated. Its characters are all a bit cartoonish (with good intent). Its impact was probably best felt in the still-growing gaming community. At worst? Well, that’s a lot of ground to cover; but as the effort never really feels like it wanted to be more than a mindless B-Movie product culled from the frenetic battles of bulked-up pugilists, perhaps it’s best left to those who embrace its modest charms. A bit hammy and still a bit stiff, Kombat endures … but only because it’s still reasonable physically fit.
In the interests of fairness, I’m pleased to disclose that the fine folks at Arrow Films provided me with a complimentary Blu-ray copy of Mortal Kombat (1995) by request for the expressed purpose of completing this review. Their contribution to me in no way, shape, or form influenced my opinion of it.
-- EZ
- Published on
press release
Synopsis
After making a groundbreaking extraterrestrial discovery, astrophysicists Daniel and Michelle are forced to flee from home with their family — pursued through the countryside by a relentless and anonymous assailant. As their flight unfolds, the line between cosmic revelation and human paranoia blurs, leading to a tense and emotional confrontation that challenges the boundaries of understanding, science, and survival.
About the Director
William Woods is a Toronto-based filmmaker who began his career producing the 2016 thriller Mean Dreams, starring Sophie Nélisse, Josh Wiggins, Colm Feore and Bill Paxton, which premiered in the Directors' Fortnight at Cannes. Woods' most recent films as a producer include Castle in the Ground (2020), which premiered at TIFF and starred Alex Wolff, Imogen Poots, and Neve Campbell; The Kid Detective (2020) starring Adam Brody, which was nominated for the John Dunning Best First Feature Film Award at the CSAs; and Honey Bunch (2025) starring Jason Isaacs, which premiered at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival. The Outer Threat is his directorial debut.
Director: William Woods
Writer: William Woods
Cast: Constance Wu, Mark O’Brien, William Fichtner, Callista Crowe, Isaac Smelcer-Zhang, Oscar Hsu, Murray Furrow
Producers: Maddy Falle, Albert Shin, Allison White
Executive Producers: Rob McGillivray, Ben Stranahan, Tom Spriggs, John Hansen III, Patrick Vipond, Jared Blaichman, Jonah Blaichman, Randall Okita
Editor: Justin Oakey
Cinematographer: Mike McLaughlin
Language: English
Runtime: 94 minutes
After making a groundbreaking extraterrestrial discovery, astrophysicists Daniel and Michelle are forced to flee from home with their family — pursued through the countryside by a relentless and anonymous assailant. As their flight unfolds, the line between cosmic revelation and human paranoia blurs, leading to a tense and emotional confrontation that challenges the boundaries of understanding, science, and survival.
About the Director
William Woods is a Toronto-based filmmaker who began his career producing the 2016 thriller Mean Dreams, starring Sophie Nélisse, Josh Wiggins, Colm Feore and Bill Paxton, which premiered in the Directors' Fortnight at Cannes. Woods' most recent films as a producer include Castle in the Ground (2020), which premiered at TIFF and starred Alex Wolff, Imogen Poots, and Neve Campbell; The Kid Detective (2020) starring Adam Brody, which was nominated for the John Dunning Best First Feature Film Award at the CSAs; and Honey Bunch (2025) starring Jason Isaacs, which premiered at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival. The Outer Threat is his directorial debut.
Director: William Woods
Writer: William Woods
Cast: Constance Wu, Mark O’Brien, William Fichtner, Callista Crowe, Isaac Smelcer-Zhang, Oscar Hsu, Murray Furrow
Producers: Maddy Falle, Albert Shin, Allison White
Executive Producers: Rob McGillivray, Ben Stranahan, Tom Spriggs, John Hansen III, Patrick Vipond, Jared Blaichman, Jonah Blaichman, Randall Okita
Editor: Justin Oakey
Cinematographer: Mike McLaughlin
Language: English
Runtime: 94 minutes
- Published on
press release
BRAND NEW LABEL ACTIVATED
SEPTEMBER LAUNCH SLATE FOR TOY ROBOT VIDEO
Toy Robot Video are proud to announce the launch of a temptingly-priced slate of cult-tastic titles on Blu-ray and 4K UHD this September, including ninja mayhem, a brand new slasher, kung-fu comedy action, a Blu-ray debut for a superhero classic and the 4k UHD debut of Dolph Lundgren’s original He-Man from 1987.
The new label - a subsidiary of Arrow Video - aims to recreate the wondrous experience of browsing titles at the local video store, with fabulous new cover artwork, film masters transferred from the best elements available, colorfully-branded OBI-Strips, slip cards, art cards, and extras - and at allowance-friendly prices, so you’ll have bucks left over for snacks!
Toy Robot Video’s Mike Hewitt commented: "We are thrilled to announce the launch of a new home entertainment video label across the US, Canada and the UK. With a resurgent interest in Physical Media, especially amongst younger film fans, Toy Robot Video is intended to be a fun and inclusive label, designed to complement our core Arrow Video brand, spreading the joy of physical media ownership outside of the boundaries of cult fans and cineastes.
“Toy Robot Video will deliver an expansive variety of content, incorporating a range of mainstream titles and genres – with even more comedy and even animation. We couldn't be more pleased with our launch titles, including a 2-disc 4K UHD release of 1987's Masters of the Universe in the US and Canada, and we are incredibly excited about our forthcoming slate for the remainder of 2026 and beyond."
The new label - a subsidiary of Arrow Video - aims to recreate the wondrous experience of browsing titles at the local video store, with fabulous new cover artwork, film masters transferred from the best elements available, colorfully-branded OBI-Strips, slip cards, art cards, and extras - and at allowance-friendly prices, so you’ll have bucks left over for snacks!
Toy Robot Video’s Mike Hewitt commented: "We are thrilled to announce the launch of a new home entertainment video label across the US, Canada and the UK. With a resurgent interest in Physical Media, especially amongst younger film fans, Toy Robot Video is intended to be a fun and inclusive label, designed to complement our core Arrow Video brand, spreading the joy of physical media ownership outside of the boundaries of cult fans and cineastes.
“Toy Robot Video will deliver an expansive variety of content, incorporating a range of mainstream titles and genres – with even more comedy and even animation. We couldn't be more pleased with our launch titles, including a 2-disc 4K UHD release of 1987's Masters of the Universe in the US and Canada, and we are incredibly excited about our forthcoming slate for the remainder of 2026 and beyond."
LET TOY ROBOT GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE SEPTEMBER RELEASES:
Guyver: Dark Hero
Released on 2-disc Blu-ray September 8
Sci-Fi's Most Powerful Alien-Human Hybrid Returns!
He’s back and ready to take on an ancient evil from destroying the world.
The world’s most powerful superhero battles to change his destiny and save the planet in this superb sequel to The Guyver, as Sean Barker returns to settle some unfinished
business with the evil human mutants, the Zoanoids. Making its US Blu-ray debut
with a new master, this set contains two versions of the film – the Original
1994 version and an Enhanced version, with added special effects.
Toy Robot says: “There’s only one thing better than a Guyver disc - and that’s two Guyver discs!”
The world’s most powerful superhero battles to change his destiny and save the planet in this superb sequel to The Guyver, as Sean Barker returns to settle some unfinished
business with the evil human mutants, the Zoanoids. Making its US Blu-ray debut
with a new master, this set contains two versions of the film – the Original
1994 version and an Enhanced version, with added special effects.
Toy Robot says: “There’s only one thing better than a Guyver disc - and that’s two Guyver discs!”
Roaring Fire
Released on Blu-ray September 8
The grace of Bruce Lee. The speed of Sonny Chiba. The force of Chuck Norris.
He’s total destruction.
Hiroyuki Sanada (Shogun) and Sonny Chiba (Shogun’s Samurai) star in this wild Eighties martial arts action comedy, about a Texas-raised rancher settling the score after his
brother’s death, available for the very first time in the US and Canada on Blu-ray.
Toy Robot says: “Proper old school chop socky, this film’s got the lot, including a fighting monkey.”
brother’s death, available for the very first time in the US and Canada on Blu-ray.
Toy Robot says: “Proper old school chop socky, this film’s got the lot, including a fighting monkey.”
Masters of the Universe
Released on 2-Disc Blu-ray and 2-Disc 4k UHD on September 15
The Original Live-Action Motion Picture.
Planet Eternia and the castle of Grayskull are under threat from the evil Skeletor (Frank Langella) seeking a mysterious Cosmic Key to turn him all-powerful. Led by the heroic
He-Man (Dolph Lundgren), a small group of freedom fighters join forces with two teenagers on Earth to fight back.
Toy Robot says: “Featuring a newly unearthed, extended Preview Cut of the film for the very first time!”
He-Man (Dolph Lundgren), a small group of freedom fighters join forces with two teenagers on Earth to fight back.
Toy Robot says: “Featuring a newly unearthed, extended Preview Cut of the film for the very first time!”
Marshmallow
Released on Blu-ray on September 15
Question everything.
At a secluded summer camp, a shy and introverted 12-year-old boy is thrust into a living nightmare when a campfire tale about a psychotic doctor becomes real, in this smart and stylish slasher treat featuring Corbin Bernsen (The Dentist) that debuted to acclaim at 2025’s Panic Fest in Kansas City.
Toy Robot says: “A brand new slasher with an 80s vibe! Are robots allowed at summer camp?”
Toy Robot says: “A brand new slasher with an 80s vibe! Are robots allowed at summer camp?”
Ninja Wars
Released on Blu-ray on September 29
Sorcery and violence in a stunning battle for power supreme…
Sanada and Chiba again in a dark action film set in feudal Japan, blending ninja lore with horror and fantasy elements, about a wandering ninja who becomes entangled in a deadly conflict between rival clans after a brutal massacre wipes out his comrades. A standout
entry in early 1980s Japanese genre cinema.
Toy Robot says: “Stylized violence, eerie atmosphere, and supernatural elements…
what’s not to love?”
entry in early 1980s Japanese genre cinema.
Toy Robot says: “Stylized violence, eerie atmosphere, and supernatural elements…
what’s not to love?”
About Arrow Films
Established in 1991, Arrow Films is a leading independent entertainment distribution company, operating in the UK, Republic of Ireland, U.S.A and Canada. Initially known for championing cult, horror, and exploitation films, Arrow has continued to evolve while preserving the spirit that defines its identity. Through its Arrow Video label, the company releases everything from genre-defining classics, international gems, studio cult favorites, and beloved box-office hits, all treated with the same level of meticulous care and attention to detail.
About Toy Robot Video
Launching in September 2026, Toy Robot Video is a new subsidiary home entertainment label from Arrow Films, aiming to incorporate more mainstream film content and genres into its slate. Maintaining the company's commitment to premium curation and presentation, Toy Robot Video's fun and accessible approach will celebrate film and entertainment in all its forms to both new and nostalgic audiences alike.
Established in 1991, Arrow Films is a leading independent entertainment distribution company, operating in the UK, Republic of Ireland, U.S.A and Canada. Initially known for championing cult, horror, and exploitation films, Arrow has continued to evolve while preserving the spirit that defines its identity. Through its Arrow Video label, the company releases everything from genre-defining classics, international gems, studio cult favorites, and beloved box-office hits, all treated with the same level of meticulous care and attention to detail.
About Toy Robot Video
Launching in September 2026, Toy Robot Video is a new subsidiary home entertainment label from Arrow Films, aiming to incorporate more mainstream film content and genres into its slate. Maintaining the company's commitment to premium curation and presentation, Toy Robot Video's fun and accessible approach will celebrate film and entertainment in all its forms to both new and nostalgic audiences alike.
- Published on
site update
so many movies ... so little time ...
On this day in 1999 (in Greece), Cold Harvest enjoyed its big screen theatrical debut. Directed by Isaac Florentine from a story by Frank Dietz and Greg Latter, the film starred Gary Daniels, Bryan Genesse, David Sherwood, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A bounty hunter protects his dead brother's wife in a lawless world after a comet has devastated much of earth."
-- EZ
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A bounty hunter protects his dead brother's wife in a lawless world after a comet has devastated much of earth."
-- EZ
From Google.com:
Cold Harvest (1999) is a B-movie, post-apocalyptic martial arts action flick directed by Isaac Florentine. Starring Gary Daniels, Bryan Genesse, and Barbara Crampton, it blends sci-fi tropes with a distinct "Wild West" frontier aesthetic. [1, 2, 3, 4]
The Plot
Set two years after a devastating comet struck Earth, humanity is largely wiped out by a lethal plague. Only seven immune humans are left who possess the antibodies to save the world. A ruthless warlord named "Little Ray" (Genesse) tries to hunt them down to rule over what's left of the planet. The story centers on Roland (Gary Daniels), a tough-talking bounty hunter who teams up with his pregnant sister-in-law, Christine (Crampton), to protect the unborn child, which holds the key to mankind's survival. [1, 5, 6]
Production and Style
Reception and Fan Consensus
Among action and B-movie fans, the film holds a unique reputation. Users on Reddit and classic B-movie sites generally agree that the plot is derivative of other 90s action films (like Cyborg) and the supporting characters are thin. However, there is a consensus that the martial arts choreography is excellent and the villain is highly entertaining, making it an enjoyable watch for fans of low-budget 90s action. [3, 4, 11]
AI can make mistakes, so double-check responses
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgCDspE6RaU
[2] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0167832/
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/kungfucinema/comments/1mcv6rv/cold_harvest_1999/
[4] https://theschlockpit.com/2022/10/27/cold-harvest-1999/
[5] https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Harvest-Gary-Daniels/dp/6305701121
[6] https://moriareviews.com/sciencefiction/cold-harvest-1998.htm
[7] https://letterboxd.com/film/cold-harvest/
[8] https://cityonfire.com/cold-harvest-1999-review-isaac-florentine-gary-daniels/
[9] https://letterboxd.com/film/cold-harvest/
[10] https://monsterhuntermoviereviews.com/2014/01/04/cold-harvest-1999/
[11] https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/cold_harvest
Cold Harvest (1999) is a B-movie, post-apocalyptic martial arts action flick directed by Isaac Florentine. Starring Gary Daniels, Bryan Genesse, and Barbara Crampton, it blends sci-fi tropes with a distinct "Wild West" frontier aesthetic. [1, 2, 3, 4]
The Plot
Set two years after a devastating comet struck Earth, humanity is largely wiped out by a lethal plague. Only seven immune humans are left who possess the antibodies to save the world. A ruthless warlord named "Little Ray" (Genesse) tries to hunt them down to rule over what's left of the planet. The story centers on Roland (Gary Daniels), a tough-talking bounty hunter who teams up with his pregnant sister-in-law, Christine (Crampton), to protect the unborn child, which holds the key to mankind's survival. [1, 5, 6]
Production and Style
- The Director: Isaac Florentine, known for his martial arts-heavy B-movies, brings a very stylish and kinetic feel to the film.
- Action: Despite its low budget and restricted locations (largely shot in South Africa), the fight choreography (by Akihiro Noguchi) is energetic and acrobatic.
- Style: It plays out more like an old spaghetti western—featuring duster coats, cigars, and quick-draw standoffs—rather than a traditional sci-fi. [1, 7, 10]
Reception and Fan Consensus
Among action and B-movie fans, the film holds a unique reputation. Users on Reddit and classic B-movie sites generally agree that the plot is derivative of other 90s action films (like Cyborg) and the supporting characters are thin. However, there is a consensus that the martial arts choreography is excellent and the villain is highly entertaining, making it an enjoyable watch for fans of low-budget 90s action. [3, 4, 11]
AI can make mistakes, so double-check responses
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgCDspE6RaU
[2] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0167832/
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/kungfucinema/comments/1mcv6rv/cold_harvest_1999/
[4] https://theschlockpit.com/2022/10/27/cold-harvest-1999/
[5] https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Harvest-Gary-Daniels/dp/6305701121
[6] https://moriareviews.com/sciencefiction/cold-harvest-1998.htm
[7] https://letterboxd.com/film/cold-harvest/
[8] https://cityonfire.com/cold-harvest-1999-review-isaac-florentine-gary-daniels/
[9] https://letterboxd.com/film/cold-harvest/
[10] https://monsterhuntermoviereviews.com/2014/01/04/cold-harvest-1999/
[11] https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/cold_harvest
- Published on
site update
so many movies ... so little time ...
On this day in 1961 (in the U.S.), The Naked Witch enjoyed its time in the theatrical spotlight. Written and directed by the team of Claude Alexander and Larry Buchanan, the film starred Libby Hall as the titular character of the title along with Marilyn Pope, Denis Adams, Charles West, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A student researching the German settlements of Central Texas unearths the grave of a reputed witch. The witch rises from her grave nude and embarks on a campaign of seduction and murder against the descendants of her persecutors."
Editor's Note:
Technically, this release date is entirely of SciFiHistory.Net's creation. What is known is that The Naked Witch was sometime during the year 1961. An internet released took place on this day in 2017, so I am using that date (reverted to 1961) so that the flick isn't lost to history as are so many.
-- EZ
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A student researching the German settlements of Central Texas unearths the grave of a reputed witch. The witch rises from her grave nude and embarks on a campaign of seduction and murder against the descendants of her persecutors."
Editor's Note:
Technically, this release date is entirely of SciFiHistory.Net's creation. What is known is that The Naked Witch was sometime during the year 1961. An internet released took place on this day in 2017, so I am using that date (reverted to 1961) so that the flick isn't lost to history as are so many.
-- EZ
From Google.com:
The Naked Witch is a 1961 American independent B-horror film written and directed by Larry Buchanan and co-directed by Claude Alexander. The micro-budget cult film tells the story of an unnamed college student who travels to rural Central Texas, inadvertently resurrects an executed witch, and falls under her seductive spell. [1, 2]
Plot Summary
While researching the history of German settlements in Texas, an unnamed university student travels to the small town of Luckenbach. Fascinated by local folklore, he locates the grave of an executed witch, digs it up, and pulls the stake from her corpse. The witch awakens and begins an angry campaign of seduction and murder against the descendants of the Schöennig family, her original persecutors. The student falls completely under her spell but ultimately snaps out of it in time to save the last surviving descendant and kill the witch again. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Key Details
Style and Tone
The movie is somewhat notorious among B-movie fans for its odd pacing and extensive use of voice-over narration. The film famously begins with eight continuous minutes of close-ups of paintings by Hieronymus Bosch accompanied by a sensationalized narration about the history of witchcraft. It is also characterized by its grainy cinematography and low-budget aesthetic typical of 1960s exploitation cinema. [1, 4, 5, 7, 8]
AI can make mistakes, so double-check responses
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Naked_Witch
[2] https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Film/TheNakedWitch
[3] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054111/
[4] http://www.1000misspenthours.com/reviews/reviewsn-z/nakedwitchbuchanan.htm
[5] https://pc3horror.substack.com/p/the-naked-witch-1961
[6] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054111/fullcredits/
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fARiGN4hKtY&vl=en
[8] https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/monsterkidclassichorrorforum/will-the-real-naked-witch-please-stand-up-t20855.html
The Naked Witch is a 1961 American independent B-horror film written and directed by Larry Buchanan and co-directed by Claude Alexander. The micro-budget cult film tells the story of an unnamed college student who travels to rural Central Texas, inadvertently resurrects an executed witch, and falls under her seductive spell. [1, 2]
Plot Summary
While researching the history of German settlements in Texas, an unnamed university student travels to the small town of Luckenbach. Fascinated by local folklore, he locates the grave of an executed witch, digs it up, and pulls the stake from her corpse. The witch awakens and begins an angry campaign of seduction and murder against the descendants of the Schöennig family, her original persecutors. The student falls completely under her spell but ultimately snaps out of it in time to save the last surviving descendant and kill the witch again. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Key Details
- Release & Production: Though the film was shot in 1960 and carries a copyright date of 1961, it wasn't officially released until 1964.
- Cast & Crew: The witch is played by Libby Hall, while Robert Short stars as "The Student". The film's narrative is largely carried by the Student's constant voice-over narration.
- Budget & Trivia: It was an ultra-low-budget exploitation feature, made for about $8,000, though it performed surprisingly well at the box office, grossing around $80,000. [1]
Style and Tone
The movie is somewhat notorious among B-movie fans for its odd pacing and extensive use of voice-over narration. The film famously begins with eight continuous minutes of close-ups of paintings by Hieronymus Bosch accompanied by a sensationalized narration about the history of witchcraft. It is also characterized by its grainy cinematography and low-budget aesthetic typical of 1960s exploitation cinema. [1, 4, 5, 7, 8]
AI can make mistakes, so double-check responses
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Naked_Witch
[2] https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Film/TheNakedWitch
[3] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054111/
[4] http://www.1000misspenthours.com/reviews/reviewsn-z/nakedwitchbuchanan.htm
[5] https://pc3horror.substack.com/p/the-naked-witch-1961
[6] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054111/fullcredits/
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fARiGN4hKtY&vl=en
[8] https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/monsterkidclassichorrorforum/will-the-real-naked-witch-please-stand-up-t20855.html
- Published on
site update
so many movies ... so little time ...
On this day in 2024 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of the Chattanooga Film Festival were treated to the theatrical premiere of The Fix. Written and directed by Kelsey Egan, the film starred Grace Van Dien, Daniel Sharman, Keenan Arrison, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a future with toxic air, a model takes a drug causing a transformation. She tries reversing it but learns her mutations could save humanity."
-- EZ
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a future with toxic air, a model takes a drug causing a transformation. She tries reversing it but learns her mutations could save humanity."
-- EZ
From Google.com:
The Fix (2024) is a gritty sci-fi thriller directed by Kelsey Egan. Set in a dystopian future where Earth's air is toxic, it follows a model who takes an illicit, experimental drug at a party. She desperately hunts for a "fix" to reverse her shocking mutations, only to discover they could save humanity. [1, 2]
Plot Overview
Cast
Reception & Availability
The film is widely praised for its ambitious, eco-dystopian premise, practical special effects, and tight pacing. It is available to stream on platforms like Prime Video or via VOD. [5, 7, 9, 10, 11]
AI can make mistakes, so double-check responses
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fix_(2024_film)
[2] https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_fix_2024
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/moviereviews/comments/1h2mjy8/review_the_fix_2024_scifi_thriller_film_starring/
[4] https://wherever-i-look.com/movies/the-fix-2024-review-and-summary
[5] https://marruda3.wordpress.com/2024/12/02/the-fix-2024-low-budget-sci-fi-thriller-has-intriguing-premise/
[6] https://chatterboxfilm.com/2025/07/14/the-fix-2024-review-a-lackluster-dystopian-film/
[7] https://www.beentothemovies.com/2024/11/review-fix-2024-sci-fi-thriller-film.html
[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gv0nBRdxG0
[9] https://www.movieinsider.com/m23422/the-fix
[10] https://crypticrock.com/the-fix-movie-review/
[11] https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0I5FEPFVACDGOKYK25VTL2GCWE
The Fix (2024) is a gritty sci-fi thriller directed by Kelsey Egan. Set in a dystopian future where Earth's air is toxic, it follows a model who takes an illicit, experimental drug at a party. She desperately hunts for a "fix" to reverse her shocking mutations, only to discover they could save humanity. [1, 2]
Plot Overview
- The Premise: Humanity survives on a daily, expensive pharmaceutical drug called "AIrem," produced by the ruthless Aethera Corporation. It provides immunity to the toxic atmosphere, but is largely inaccessible to the less fortunate.
- The Incident: Model Ella McPhee (played by Grace Van Dien) acts as the face of the AIrem ad campaign. At a house party, she takes a designer drug made by an underground group aiming to create a permanent, accessible cure.
- The Complication: Ella inadvertently becomes an unintended test subject and undergoes bizarre, terrifying mutations. Pursued by authorities and corporate mercenaries who want to exploit her biology, she discovers that her evolving body holds the key to saving the human species. [2, 6, 7]
Cast
- Grace Van Dien as Ella McPhee
- Daniel Sharman as Tully
- Keenan Arrison as Solomon
- Nicole Fortuin as Gina
- Clancy Brown [1, 4, 8]
Reception & Availability
The film is widely praised for its ambitious, eco-dystopian premise, practical special effects, and tight pacing. It is available to stream on platforms like Prime Video or via VOD. [5, 7, 9, 10, 11]
AI can make mistakes, so double-check responses
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fix_(2024_film)
[2] https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_fix_2024
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/moviereviews/comments/1h2mjy8/review_the_fix_2024_scifi_thriller_film_starring/
[4] https://wherever-i-look.com/movies/the-fix-2024-review-and-summary
[5] https://marruda3.wordpress.com/2024/12/02/the-fix-2024-low-budget-sci-fi-thriller-has-intriguing-premise/
[6] https://chatterboxfilm.com/2025/07/14/the-fix-2024-review-a-lackluster-dystopian-film/
[7] https://www.beentothemovies.com/2024/11/review-fix-2024-sci-fi-thriller-film.html
[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gv0nBRdxG0
[9] https://www.movieinsider.com/m23422/the-fix
[10] https://crypticrock.com/the-fix-movie-review/
[11] https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0I5FEPFVACDGOKYK25VTL2GCWE
- Published on
site update
so many movies ... so little time ...
On this day in 1965 (in the U.S.), audiences were delighted with the theatrical release of Willy McBean And His Magic Machine. Written (in part) and directed by Arthur Rankin Jr., the animated film featured the voice talents of Billie Mae Richards, Larry D. Mann, Alfie Scopp, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Little Willy McBean joins up with a Mexican monkey named Pablo to travel back in time and stop the evil Prof. von Rotten from changing history."
-- EZ
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Little Willy McBean joins up with a Mexican monkey named Pablo to travel back in time and stop the evil Prof. von Rotten from changing history."
-- EZ
From Google.com:
Willy McBean and His Magic Machine is a 1965 stop-motion animated science fiction musical film produced by Arthur Rankin, Jr. and Jules Bass's studio, Videocraft International. Released theatrically on June 23, 1965, it stands out as the very first feature-length film created using the studio's famous "Animagic" puppet animation technique. This was the same style later used for their classic holiday specials like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. [1, 2, 3]
The Plot
The story follows Willy McBean, a young schoolboy who hates studying for his history tests. His life changes when a talking, Spanish-accented monkey named Pablo escapes from a lab and climbs through his window. [3, 4]
Pablo explains that his former master, the mad scientist Professor Rasputin Von Rotten, is insanely jealous that he isn't in history books. Von Rotten has built a "magic" time machine to travel to the past so he can take credit for history’s greatest inventions and achievements. [5, 6]
Because Pablo stole the blueprints, Willy is able to build his own duplicate time machine. Together, the boy and the monkey chase the professor through time to protect the history of the world. [1, 4]
Historical Pit Stops
Willy and Pablo travel to several eras to foil Von Rotten's ridiculous schemes:
In the end, Willy wakes up at his desk and realizes the entire time-traveling adventure was just a dream. [7]
Cast and Production
Reception and Legacy
While younger audiences enjoyed the movie's fun visual styles and catchy original songs, it has largely faded into obscurity. Modern viewers and animation critics often point out that it lacks the timeless charm of Rankin/Bass's shorter Christmas specials. The film has also drawn modern criticism for its heavy historical inaccuracies and outdated, problematic ethnic stereotypes, particularly regarding Pablo the monkey. [9, 13, 14]
AI can make mistakes, so double-check responses
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willy_McBean_and_His_Magic_Machine
[2] https://rankinbass.fandom.com/wiki/Willy_McBean_and_his_Magic_Machine
[3] https://www.thespinningimage.co.uk/cultfilms/displaycultfilm.asp?reviewid=11492
[4] https://rankinbass.fandom.com/wiki/Willy_McBean_and_his_Magic_Machine
[5] https://www.thespinningimage.co.uk/cultfilms/displaycultfilm.asp?reviewid=11492
[6] https://moriareviews.com/sciencefiction/willy-mcbean-and-his-magic-machine-1965.htm
[7] https://catalog.afi.com/Film/18488-WILLY-MCBEANANDHISMAGICMACHINE
[8] http://www.skooldays.com/categories/movies/mv1444.htm
[9] http://www.skooldays.com/categories/movies/mv1444.htm
[10] https://catalog.afi.com/Film/18488-WILLY-MCBEAN-AND-HIS-MAGIC-MACHINE?cxt=filmography
[11] https://kids.kiddle.co/Willy_McBean_and_His_Magic_Machine
[12] https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/Willy_McBean_and_his_Magic_Machine?id=1A106B658C892DB6MV&hl=en_US
[13] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVB4RXqzWyI
[14] https://letterboxd.com/film/willy-mcbean-his-magic-machine/
Willy McBean and His Magic Machine is a 1965 stop-motion animated science fiction musical film produced by Arthur Rankin, Jr. and Jules Bass's studio, Videocraft International. Released theatrically on June 23, 1965, it stands out as the very first feature-length film created using the studio's famous "Animagic" puppet animation technique. This was the same style later used for their classic holiday specials like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. [1, 2, 3]
The Plot
The story follows Willy McBean, a young schoolboy who hates studying for his history tests. His life changes when a talking, Spanish-accented monkey named Pablo escapes from a lab and climbs through his window. [3, 4]
Pablo explains that his former master, the mad scientist Professor Rasputin Von Rotten, is insanely jealous that he isn't in history books. Von Rotten has built a "magic" time machine to travel to the past so he can take credit for history’s greatest inventions and achievements. [5, 6]
Because Pablo stole the blueprints, Willy is able to build his own duplicate time machine. Together, the boy and the monkey chase the professor through time to protect the history of the world. [1, 4]
Historical Pit Stops
Willy and Pablo travel to several eras to foil Von Rotten's ridiculous schemes:
- The Wild West: The professor tries to cheat in a showdown to prove he is faster than Buffalo Bill Cody.
- 1492 Spain: Posing as a trader, Von Rotten tries to trick Christopher Columbus's crew into mutinying so he can discover the New World first.
- Medieval England: The professor uses a special rust remover to slide Excalibur cleanly out of the stone before King Arthur can.
- Ancient Egypt: Posing as an architect, he attempts to convince King Tut to sculpt the Sphinx with Von Rotten's face.
- Prehistoric Times (40,000 B.C.): The professor tries to take credit for discovering fire and inventing the wheel. Willy and Pablo ultimately save him from a Tyrannosaurus Rex. [6, 9, 10]
In the end, Willy wakes up at his desk and realizes the entire time-traveling adventure was just a dream. [7]
Cast and Production
- Creators: Written, produced, and directed by legendary animation duo Arthur Rankin, Jr. and Jules Bass.
- Animation Supervisor: Tadahito Mochinaga handled the stop-motion process alongside MOM Productions in Tokyo, Japan.
- Willy McBean: Voiced by Billie Mae Richards, who famously voiced Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
- Professor Von Rotten: Voiced by Larry D. Mann.
- Pablo the Monkey: Voiced by Paul Soles (and Alfie Scopp in alternate recording sessions).
- Fun Fact: The film features voice acting by James Doohan, who later achieved sci-fi fame playing Scotty in Star Trek. [1, 5, 6, 11, 12]
Reception and Legacy
While younger audiences enjoyed the movie's fun visual styles and catchy original songs, it has largely faded into obscurity. Modern viewers and animation critics often point out that it lacks the timeless charm of Rankin/Bass's shorter Christmas specials. The film has also drawn modern criticism for its heavy historical inaccuracies and outdated, problematic ethnic stereotypes, particularly regarding Pablo the monkey. [9, 13, 14]
AI can make mistakes, so double-check responses
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willy_McBean_and_His_Magic_Machine
[2] https://rankinbass.fandom.com/wiki/Willy_McBean_and_his_Magic_Machine
[3] https://www.thespinningimage.co.uk/cultfilms/displaycultfilm.asp?reviewid=11492
[4] https://rankinbass.fandom.com/wiki/Willy_McBean_and_his_Magic_Machine
[5] https://www.thespinningimage.co.uk/cultfilms/displaycultfilm.asp?reviewid=11492
[6] https://moriareviews.com/sciencefiction/willy-mcbean-and-his-magic-machine-1965.htm
[7] https://catalog.afi.com/Film/18488-WILLY-MCBEANANDHISMAGICMACHINE
[8] http://www.skooldays.com/categories/movies/mv1444.htm
[9] http://www.skooldays.com/categories/movies/mv1444.htm
[10] https://catalog.afi.com/Film/18488-WILLY-MCBEAN-AND-HIS-MAGIC-MACHINE?cxt=filmography
[11] https://kids.kiddle.co/Willy_McBean_and_His_Magic_Machine
[12] https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/Willy_McBean_and_his_Magic_Machine?id=1A106B658C892DB6MV&hl=en_US
[13] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVB4RXqzWyI
[14] https://letterboxd.com/film/willy-mcbean-his-magic-machine/
- Published on
so many movies ... so much to celebrate!!!
On this day in 2015 (in the United Kingdom), God Of Thunder (aka Dark Universe) tried to cash in on some other popular cinematic franchise. Written (in part) and directed by Thomas Shapiro, the feature starred Max Aria, Jacqui Holland, Jenny Allford, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Thor pursues Loki, but in the journey, he is rendered defenceless, awakening on Earth without his mighty hammer, or his memory."
For the record:
To the film's credit, God Of Thunder scored a 'Best Movie' win on the film festival circuit.
-- EZ
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Thor pursues Loki, but in the journey, he is rendered defenceless, awakening on Earth without his mighty hammer, or his memory."
For the record:
To the film's credit, God Of Thunder scored a 'Best Movie' win on the film festival circuit.
-- EZ
From Google.com:
God of Thunder (also known as Dark Universe) is a 2015 low-budget American action-fantasy film directed by Thomas Shapiro. It follows Thor as he pursues his villainous brother, Loki, to Earth and must recover his lost hammer and memory to stop a catastrophic plot. [1, 2, 3]
Plot Overview
After Loki escapes Asgard for Earth, Thor pursues him but is defeated, rendered defenseless, and awakens on Earth with no memory and without his mythical hammer. Alone and disoriented, he enlists the help of a female human companion and battles Loki's followers as he travels North to find his weapon. Once he reclaims his hammer and restores his godly identity and powers, Thor must face Loki in a final, climactic battle to save the universe from destruction. [3]
Cast
The film stars a smaller-scale ensemble cast, including:
Production & Reception
Produced in the United States, the movie is widely considered an independent, low-budget "mockbuster" released to coincide with the popularity of Marvel's mega-budget Thor movies. Because of its limited scope, it has received poor ratings and reviews from audiences, often criticized for its stiff acting, low-budget visual effects, and uneven pacing. [1, 6, 7]
AI can make mistakes, so double-check responses
[1] https://mentalblock.miraheze.org/wiki/God_of_Thunder
[2] https://www.filmaffinity.com/en/film884228.html
[3] https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/346256-god-of-thunder
[4] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4527268/
[5] https://tv.apple.com/de/movie/god-of-thunder/umc.cmc.3t94hntazb1o2f62xkft8z66x?l=en
[6] https://letterboxd.com/film/god-of-thunder-2015/reviews/
[7] https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/thor_god_of_thunder
[8] https://www.facebook.com/SuperTuxon/posts/the-thunder-has-arrived-%EF%B8%8Fits-official-%C3%B3lafur-darri-%C3%B3lafsson-is-our-thor-in-the-u/1296900988975405/
[9] https://myoutdoors.co.uk/film-reviews/house-of-the-gods-new-film-takes-viewers-on-a-unique-journey-to-the-lost-world
God of Thunder (also known as Dark Universe) is a 2015 low-budget American action-fantasy film directed by Thomas Shapiro. It follows Thor as he pursues his villainous brother, Loki, to Earth and must recover his lost hammer and memory to stop a catastrophic plot. [1, 2, 3]
Plot Overview
After Loki escapes Asgard for Earth, Thor pursues him but is defeated, rendered defenseless, and awakens on Earth with no memory and without his mythical hammer. Alone and disoriented, he enlists the help of a female human companion and battles Loki's followers as he travels North to find his weapon. Once he reclaims his hammer and restores his godly identity and powers, Thor must face Loki in a final, climactic battle to save the universe from destruction. [3]
Cast
The film stars a smaller-scale ensemble cast, including:
- Max Aria as Thor
- Mike Milian as Loki
- Jacqui Holland as Freya
- Jason Tobias as Gunnar [5]
Production & Reception
Produced in the United States, the movie is widely considered an independent, low-budget "mockbuster" released to coincide with the popularity of Marvel's mega-budget Thor movies. Because of its limited scope, it has received poor ratings and reviews from audiences, often criticized for its stiff acting, low-budget visual effects, and uneven pacing. [1, 6, 7]
AI can make mistakes, so double-check responses
[1] https://mentalblock.miraheze.org/wiki/God_of_Thunder
[2] https://www.filmaffinity.com/en/film884228.html
[3] https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/346256-god-of-thunder
[4] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4527268/
[5] https://tv.apple.com/de/movie/god-of-thunder/umc.cmc.3t94hntazb1o2f62xkft8z66x?l=en
[6] https://letterboxd.com/film/god-of-thunder-2015/reviews/
[7] https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/thor_god_of_thunder
[8] https://www.facebook.com/SuperTuxon/posts/the-thunder-has-arrived-%EF%B8%8Fits-official-%C3%B3lafur-darri-%C3%B3lafsson-is-our-thor-in-the-u/1296900988975405/
[9] https://myoutdoors.co.uk/film-reviews/house-of-the-gods-new-film-takes-viewers-on-a-unique-journey-to-the-lost-world
- Published on
so many movies ... so much to celebrate!!!
On this day in 2015 (in the United Kingdom), The Rezort played for audiences in attendance of the BFI Southbank Film Festival. Directed by Steve Barker from a story by Paul Gerstenberger, the SciFi/Horror starred Dougray Scott, Jessica De Gouw, Martin McCann, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The ReZort, a safari park, offers paying guests the opportunity to kill as many zombies as they please following an outbreak."
-- EZ
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The ReZort, a safari park, offers paying guests the opportunity to kill as many zombies as they please following an outbreak."
-- EZ
From Google.com:
The Rezort (also known as Generation Z) is a 2015 British sci-fi horror film directed by Steve Barker. It is a Jurassic Park-style spin on the zombie genre, where humanity has survived a global undead apocalypse and the remaining zombies are contained on a secure island where tourists pay to hunt them for sport. [1, 2]
The Premise & Characters
The Plot
AI can make mistakes, so double-check responses
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rezort
[2] https://www.christian-sauve.com/2020/11/the-rezort-2015/
[3] https://moriareviews.com/horror/rezort-2015.htm
[4] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3923662/plotsummary/
[5] https://warped-perspective.com/2016/10/review-the-rezort-2015/
[6] http://therottingzombie.blogspot.com/2018/05/the-rezort-2015-zombie-horror-film.html
[7] https://horrornews.net/110470/film-review-the-rezort-2015/
The Rezort (also known as Generation Z) is a 2015 British sci-fi horror film directed by Steve Barker. It is a Jurassic Park-style spin on the zombie genre, where humanity has survived a global undead apocalypse and the remaining zombies are contained on a secure island where tourists pay to hunt them for sport. [1, 2]
The Premise & Characters
- The Setup: Following the devastation of a massive zombie war, an entrepreneur named Valerie Wilton builds "The Rezort"—an exclusive, heavily secured island resort near the African coast where guests use high-powered weapons to hunt zombies.
- The Protagonists: The story primarily follows Melanie (Jessica De Gouw), a young woman suffering from severe PTSD after losing her father in the war, who visits the island under a therapist's advice to find closure. She is joined by her ex-soldier boyfriend, Lewis (Martin McCann).
- The Other Guests: The diverse group of hunters includes a hardened veteran of the zombie war named Archer (Dougray Scott), an undercover activist for zombie rights, and two thrill-seeking young men looking for a cheap adrenaline rush. [3, 5]
The Plot
- The Breakdown: The tropical getaway goes horribly wrong when one of the guests—a covert sympathizer with the undead rights movement—sneaks into the central computer systems. She unknowingly uploads a virus that disables the electrified fences and containment controls.
- The Chaos: The security grid collapses, releasing thousands of starving, bloodthirsty zombies. The guests and staff are suddenly stranded in the middle of the containment zone, forced to fight for survival against the very creatures they paid to hunt.
- The Twist: As they race toward the main bunker for rescue, the survivors uncover a much darker, systemic conspiracy driving the resort's creation. [1, 2, 3, 7]
AI can make mistakes, so double-check responses
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rezort
[2] https://www.christian-sauve.com/2020/11/the-rezort-2015/
[3] https://moriareviews.com/horror/rezort-2015.htm
[4] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3923662/plotsummary/
[5] https://warped-perspective.com/2016/10/review-the-rezort-2015/
[6] http://therottingzombie.blogspot.com/2018/05/the-rezort-2015-zombie-horror-film.html
[7] https://horrornews.net/110470/film-review-the-rezort-2015/
- Published on
press release
INSPIRED BY CROATOAN, THE ONLY CLUE LEFT BEHIND IN ONE OF AMERICA'S MOST ENDURING UNSOLVED MYSTERIES
THE TOWN THAT TAKES
Bringing the Enduring American Legend of CROATOAN
to the Big Screen IN SELECT THEATERS JULY 10, 2026
LOS ANGELES, CA – Atlas Distribution Company has acquired festival favorite THE TOWN THAT TAKES and announced today that it will release the suspense-filled supernatural horror thriller in select theaters across the top 20 North America markets, on Friday, July 10, 2026. Inspired by CROATOAN, the only clue left behind following the disappearance of the Lost Colony of Roanoke, the film transforms one of America's most enduring unsolved mysteries into a chilling blend of Southern Gothic atmosphere, investigative suspense, and supernatural terror.
THE TOWN THAT TAKES stars Miles Mussenden (Doom Patrol, Cloak & Dagger), Mike Markoff (Hit Man), Grace Patterson (Slotherhouse), and Britt Bankhead (Insane Like Me). Directed by Bankhead from a screenplay by Bankhead and Jon Blaze, the film is executive produced by Bankhead and Patterson.
For generations, historians, researchers, authors, and paranormal enthusiasts have searched for answers surrounding the disappearance of the Roanoke colonists. With no definitive explanation ever discovered, the event remains one of the most debated mysteries in American history. The only clue left behind was a single word: CROATOAN.
Now, THE TOWN THAT TAKES imagines a terrifying answer.
"This is the kind of film that reminds you why summer belongs in a theater," said Harmon Kaslow, President of Atlas Distribution Company. "Britt Bankhead took one of the oldest unsolved mysteries in American history and built a supernatural thriller that gets under your skin and stays there. It is genuinely frightening, it is smart, and it delivers the kind of edge-of-your-seat dread that audiences will want to experience together on the big screen. We are proud to bring it to theaters."
Blending edge-of-your-seat suspense, supernatural terror, and emotional family drama, the film follows Dean Richardson, a troubled Army veteran attempting to rebuild a relationship with his estranged twelve-year-old son, Wyatt, following the sudden death of his ex-wife.
Their journey takes a terrifying turn when they stop in a remote backwoods’ town haunted by whispers surrounding the word CROATOAN. After a brutal murder leaves Dean as the prime suspect and Wyatt suddenly disappears, he is forced into an uneasy alliance with veteran Detective Douglas O'Shea and rookie Detective St. Clair as a series of unexplained deaths, disappearances, and impossible encounters begin spreading throughout the region.
As evidence points toward something far older and more sinister than a simple murder investigation, Dean races to uncover the truth behind the legend before an ancient evil claims another victim.
The deal was negotiated by Britt Bankhead on behalf of the filmmakers, with Harmon Kaslow representing Atlas Distribution Company.
To bring THE TOWN THAT TAKES to your market, please contact David Johnson, Head of Sales at Atlas Distribution Company, at djohnson@atlasdistribution.com.
Film Synopsis:
Dean Richardson, a troubled Army veteran living alone in Georgia, travels to North Carolina following the sudden death of his ex-wife. After the funeral, he brings his estranged twelve-year-old son, Wyatt, home with him in hopes of rebuilding their fractured relationship.
Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they stop in a small backwoods’ town haunted by whispers surrounding the mysterious word "CROATOAN." After encountering unsettling locals and witnessing increasingly strange events, Dean finds himself caught in a growing nightmare when a motel clerk is found brutally murdered and he becomes the prime suspect.
As veteran Detective Douglas O'Shea and rookie Detective St. Clair investigate a series of unexplained deaths connected to the area, evidence begins pointing to something far more sinister than a simple murder case. Reports of impossible attacks, missing persons, and strange encounters spread throughout the county while Wyatt suddenly disappears.
Forced into an uneasy alliance with O'Shea, Dean races to find his son and uncover the truth behind the legend of CROATOAN before an ancient evil claims another victim.
THE TOWN THAT TAKES stars Miles Mussenden (Doom Patrol, Cloak & Dagger), Mike Markoff (Hit Man), Grace Patterson (Slotherhouse), and Britt Bankhead (Insane Like Me). Directed by Bankhead from a screenplay by Bankhead and Jon Blaze, the film is executive produced by Bankhead and Patterson.
For generations, historians, researchers, authors, and paranormal enthusiasts have searched for answers surrounding the disappearance of the Roanoke colonists. With no definitive explanation ever discovered, the event remains one of the most debated mysteries in American history. The only clue left behind was a single word: CROATOAN.
Now, THE TOWN THAT TAKES imagines a terrifying answer.
"This is the kind of film that reminds you why summer belongs in a theater," said Harmon Kaslow, President of Atlas Distribution Company. "Britt Bankhead took one of the oldest unsolved mysteries in American history and built a supernatural thriller that gets under your skin and stays there. It is genuinely frightening, it is smart, and it delivers the kind of edge-of-your-seat dread that audiences will want to experience together on the big screen. We are proud to bring it to theaters."
Blending edge-of-your-seat suspense, supernatural terror, and emotional family drama, the film follows Dean Richardson, a troubled Army veteran attempting to rebuild a relationship with his estranged twelve-year-old son, Wyatt, following the sudden death of his ex-wife.
Their journey takes a terrifying turn when they stop in a remote backwoods’ town haunted by whispers surrounding the word CROATOAN. After a brutal murder leaves Dean as the prime suspect and Wyatt suddenly disappears, he is forced into an uneasy alliance with veteran Detective Douglas O'Shea and rookie Detective St. Clair as a series of unexplained deaths, disappearances, and impossible encounters begin spreading throughout the region.
As evidence points toward something far older and more sinister than a simple murder investigation, Dean races to uncover the truth behind the legend before an ancient evil claims another victim.
The deal was negotiated by Britt Bankhead on behalf of the filmmakers, with Harmon Kaslow representing Atlas Distribution Company.
To bring THE TOWN THAT TAKES to your market, please contact David Johnson, Head of Sales at Atlas Distribution Company, at djohnson@atlasdistribution.com.
Film Synopsis:
Dean Richardson, a troubled Army veteran living alone in Georgia, travels to North Carolina following the sudden death of his ex-wife. After the funeral, he brings his estranged twelve-year-old son, Wyatt, home with him in hopes of rebuilding their fractured relationship.
Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they stop in a small backwoods’ town haunted by whispers surrounding the mysterious word "CROATOAN." After encountering unsettling locals and witnessing increasingly strange events, Dean finds himself caught in a growing nightmare when a motel clerk is found brutally murdered and he becomes the prime suspect.
As veteran Detective Douglas O'Shea and rookie Detective St. Clair investigate a series of unexplained deaths connected to the area, evidence begins pointing to something far more sinister than a simple murder case. Reports of impossible attacks, missing persons, and strange encounters spread throughout the county while Wyatt suddenly disappears.
Forced into an uneasy alliance with O'Shea, Dean races to find his son and uncover the truth behind the legend of CROATOAN before an ancient evil claims another victim.
ABOUT ATLAS DISTRIBUTION COMPANY
Atlas Distribution Company is a leading independent U.S. film distributor having theatrically released more than 50 titles. Atlas leverages CinemaCloudWorks, a proprietary technology platform offering independent filmmakers access to studio-level tools and analytics to help ensure a successful theatrical release. CinemaCloudWorks has empowered over 1,200 films since its launch. For more information about Atlas Distribution Company please visit: https://atlasdistribution.com/
Atlas Distribution Company is a leading independent U.S. film distributor having theatrically released more than 50 titles. Atlas leverages CinemaCloudWorks, a proprietary technology platform offering independent filmmakers access to studio-level tools and analytics to help ensure a successful theatrical release. CinemaCloudWorks has empowered over 1,200 films since its launch. For more information about Atlas Distribution Company please visit: https://atlasdistribution.com/