"Everybody that was in charge of running this ship is dead... It all falls to us now." SYFY has revealed an official trailer for a sci-fi series debuting in February called The Ark, created for the sci-fi network. It's co-created by Jonathan Glassner, and Dean Devlin, best known as the writer of the screenplays for Stargate, Independence Day, Godzilla, and Geostorm. Set 100 years in the future when Earth is sending out its first interplanetary colonization ships. The story follows the remaining crew of a spacecraft known as Ark One, who must become the best versions of themselves to stay on course & survive after a catastrophic event that causes massive destruction and loss of life on the ship. This sounds similar to other sci-fi with this premise like the two films Passengers and Aniara. It stars Christie Burke, Richard Fleeshman, Reece Ritchie, Stacey Read, and Ryan Adams. It has that very cheap SYFY look & feel, including bad performances, but that's expected. Seems this will be about how only ingenuity & cooperation can keep them safely on course. https://onfs.net/3ZgJxu2

"A couple years ago, I realized there is a set number of films you'll make. That made me really protective of how that time is spent." It's the awards season, which means everyone is pushing their frontrunners in hopes they end up with nominations. Hollywood Reporter debuted their annual Director's Roundtable - including the full hour long video of the conversations between these six filmmakers. It's always immensely entertaining and quite educational to watch these videos, to listen to them riff on the industry and provide advice from their own experiences making movies. I'm glad they keep making them! This year's line-up of Best Directors from 2022 are: Alejandro González Iñárritu, Gina Prince-Bythewood, JD Dillard, Joseph Kosinski, Sarah Polley, and Todd Field. There's no more introduction needed, it's best to just dive in and start watching. The full video is below, and THR has also posted a selection of quotes. I'm a fan of all six of these directors and I've been looking forward to hearing from each & every one of them anyway. https://onfs.net/3XeuZt6

"The only neighbor is miles away." Peacock has revealed an official trailer for an indie horror titled Sick, the latest from director John Hyams. This is skipping theaters and dropping onto the Peacock streaming service, which is a bit strange for a horror film that was a big hit at film festivals last fall. It premiered at TIFF and screened at Fantastic Fest, Philadelphia, Chicago, & Oldenburg. It's also co-written by the creator of the Scream movies. Due to the pandemic, Parker and her best friend decide to quarantine at the family lake house alone - or so they think. Is this another Barbarian or something else entirely? Sick stars Gideon Adlon, Bethlehem Million, Marc Menchaca, and Jane Adams. This looks terrifying and freaky, but the masked killer doesn't seem that original or interesting? Though it's hard to tell what the big twist will be. https://onfs.net/3CSoK6P

"This is where I belong. This is what I'm supposed to be doing!" Lionsgate has unveiled an official trailer for a comedy titled Seriously Red, from director Gracie Otto. The film is written by and stars Krew Boylan as Red, whose dream is to be the world's greatest Dolly Parton impersonator. After she loses her job, she decides to jump into the impersonation world and see if she can make it work. She befriends an amorous Elvis impersonator, played by Rose Byrne, and takes to the stage - only to end up learning true happiness comes when you're being the best version of yourself. The cast also includes Bobby Cannavale (Wilson), Daniel Webber (Kenny), Celeste Barber (Teeth), and Thomas Campell (Francis). This looks like it'll be entertaining and upbeat, not too cheesy, with some kooky humor & good heart that gives it a nice boost. https://onfs.net/3IAvs52

"The internet has a lot of great tips about how to exorcise demons!" Shudder has revealed an official trailer for an indie horror comedy called Sorry About the Demon, arriving for streaming on Shudder later this month. This originally premiered last year at FrightFest, and stopped by a few genre fests. It's the latest feature from Austin, TX based filmmaker Emily Hagins, known for her other indie films My Sucky Teen Romance, Grow Up Tony Phillips, & Coin Heist. "What's worse than getting dumped?" For Will, it's finding out that his new place is haunted. Now faced with a quarter-life crisis and a house full of spirits, Will must figure out how to make things right with his ex-girlfriend AND banish the sacrifice-seeking demon residing in his house. The film stars Jon Michael Simpson as Will, and Paige Evans as his ex, along with Jeff McQuitty, Olivia Ducayen, Dave Peniuk, and Sarah Cleveland. This looks like it has lots of wacky, light-hearted horror humor which might be just what many viewers need right now. Have fun this demon. https://onfs.net/3vROaNT

"I've been on this case for six years. All I want is to find the girl." Netflix has debuted the full-length official trailer for the mystery-thriller series titled The Snow Girl, based on the Spanish novel of the same name. It's another crime thriller about a journalist trying to find out what happened to a missing girl. Is anyone outside of Spain familiar with this story? When a little girl goes missing during a parade in Málaga, a young newspaper journalist becomes fiercely insistent on helping Amaya's parents find her. During the Cavalcade of the Magi parade, the Martín family's daughter disappears. Miren takes on the case, determined to find her. The series stars Milena Smit as Miren, José Coronado, Aixa Villagrán, Tristán Ulloa, Loreto Mauleón, Julián Villagrán, Raúl Prieto, and Cecilia Freire. This almost seems like Spain's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, but about a tough journalist trying to help find a girl who might still be alive even after all of these years later. Another crime story for anyone who can't get enough of these series nowadays. https://onfs.net/3QoVwBK

Here we go again, movie lovers!! One of the best 2022 recaps is a video countdown made by my colleague David Ehrlich (follow him @davidehrlich). He counts down his 25 best films of the year in a video edited together with footage and music from the films. It's one of the best ways to look back at the year, including footage from films beyond the 25 that made his list. Watch all of these!! They're worth it. David's Top 25 of 2022 is as unique and as intriguing as always, and you will likely agree with many of his favorite films from last year. His highlights: After Yang, Top Gun: Maverick, RRR, Decision to Leave, Nope, Tar, Hit the Road, and Everything Everywhere All at Once (also my #1). Plus a few unexpected picks like We're All Going to the World's Fair, Jackass Forever, and EO. Year after year, this is a must watch video for every cinephile. https://onfs.net/3CzvqX2

"Who the hell are they?!" Paramount has revealed an official trailer for a mystery thriller titled Disquiet, the latest from a filmmaker named Michael Winnick. This is another one of these low quality films being dumped on VOD, so many of them dropping everywhere nowadays. The direct-to-video supernatural thriller about a man trapped in a hospital with no exits trying to escape the mysterious beings trapped in there with him. He's haunted by "sinister forces that have no intention of letting him leave." Jonathan Rhys Meyers stars as Sam, along with Rachelle Goulding, Elyse Levesque, Lochlyn Munro, Garry Chalk, Trezzo Mahoro, Anita Brown, and Bradley Stryker. This looks so bad, it's not even worthy of being described as "made for TV" quality, it's even worse than that, folks. Ugh why are there so many films like this recently. https://onfs.net/3GOb2UK

"They are waiting for her to fail." But she won't! Netflix has revealed an official trailer for a sailing drama titled True Spirit, a fictionalized version of the true story of the youngest person to sail around the world by herself. You've probably heard of her before, and/or know her story already, but now you can join her and go with her on her incredible adventure. When Jessica Watson sets out to be the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world, she must overcome her greatest fear as she navigates the world’s most challenging stretches of ocean. Based on a true story. The film will be debuting on Netflix starting in February. Teagan Croft stars as Jessica, joined by Cliff Curtis and Josh Lawson. Bridget Webb, Vivien Turner, Stacy Clausen, and Todd Lasance also co-star in this incredible true story of perseverance and human accomplishment that shows that you are only as big as the dreams you dare to live. This looks like an inspiring and beautiful story of chasing your dream no matter the risk. Check it out below. https://onfs.net/3k5dUDS

"One must never fear." Film Movement has revealed an official US trailer for an indie drama from France titled A Radiant Girl, which is the US release title for the film originally known as Une jeune fille qui va bien. It's the feature directorial debut of a famous French actress / singer named Sandrine Kiberlain, and it first premiered at the 2021 Film Festival in the Directors' Fortnight section. The film is set in Paris, during the summer 1942. Irène is Jewish and French. She is 19 and living a life of passions – her friendships, her new love, her desire to be an actress – nothing suggests her time is running out. A Radiant Girl shows us both the dangers of complacency in the face of fascism, as well as the moments of beauty that are possible even under the hardest of circumstances. The film stars Rebecca Marder as Irène, along with André Marcon, Anthony Bajon, and Françoise Widhoff. Its received mostly positive reviews so far. "Making the most of a moment isn't only a skill of Kiberlain's, but a means of survival in A Radiant Girl when it's clear there's no assurances of how long it'll last." Indeed we must live anyway. If you're curious, take a look. https://onfs.net/3VYCF1L

"Witness the beginning of a new dynasty." Kang the Conqueror is ready to join the MCU. Marvel Studios has revealed the second official trailer for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, the third movie in the Ant-Man series in the MCU. Is everyone ready for yet another Marvel sequel? This one will be flying into theaters in February later next month. Scott Lang and Hope van Dyne, along with Hank Pym and Janet van Dyne and Scott's daughter Cassie, go on a new adventure exploring the spectacular Quantum Realm. This also reintroduces the big bad villain Kang, played by Jonathan Majors, who everyone should remember from the Loki series. What does he want with Pym? How will he use him for his gain? Very interested to find out. The full cast features Paul Rudd back as Scott Lang, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfeiffer, Kathryn Newton, William Jackson Harper, Bill Murray, and Randall Park. Whoaaa this looks incredible! This seems like it will be an extra vibrant trip into a whole other dimension, so many awe-inspiring shots in this trailer. Might be the biggest and best Ant-Man movie yet? Got a good feeling about it. https://onfs.net/3Xh0EKp

"Feeling sad about going home, Beau? Must feel totally unreal." A24 has revealed the first official trailer for a film titled Beau is Afraid, the latest feature made by acclaimed genre filmmaker Ari Aster - known for the hits Hereditary and Midsommar previously. This time he's telling a different story, not really horror but still unsettling. The film is a decades-spanning portrait of one of the "most successful entrepreneurs of all time", named Beau, as played by Joaquin Phoenix at various ages throughout his life. There's so many strange, fantastical shots in this - there's much more going on than meets the eye. No surprise with a film from Ari Aster. The film's cast also includes Nathan Lane, Amy Ryan, Patti LuPone, Kylie Rogers, Parker Posey, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Hayley Squires, and Denis Ménochet; with Armen Nahapetian as a young Beau. I'm still not entirely sure what this is really about, but I can't wait to watch and find out "the truth". It looks fascinating. Ari Aster cookin' up another unexpected meal for us to savor. https://onfs.net/3k5Xlrp

"You learn to take life as it comes at you... to make each day count" Paramount Pictures has revealed the official trailer for the re-release of Titanic, James Cameron's beloved epic romantic tale of the sinking of the RMS Titanic. "Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the timeless love story this Valentine's Day Weekend." In addition to Avatar: The Way of Water playing in theaters, Titanic will be out remastered 4K 3D (and in HFR!) this February. With a cast headed by Oscar winners Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, the film is an epic, action-packed romance set against the ill-fated maiden voyage of the "unsinkable" Titanic, at the time, the largest moving object ever built. Also starring Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Bill Paxton, and Gloria Stuart. This isn't the first re-release of Titanic - they already debued the 3D version back in 2012. Everyone knows and loves Titanic, it is a classic for good reason, still as immersive and as exhilarating as it has always been. Will it look even better now? Probably. Will everyone go see it again? Probably. Up to you. https://onfs.net/3wbtCAd

"I wish we could go somewhere we didn't have to hide..." Paramount has revealed the trailer for a romantic comedy titled At Midnight, which will be debuting directly for streaming on Paramount+ in February. This is one of these movies they're rushing out on Valentine's Day in hopes that couples might choose to watch. At Midnight is a cringe romance about two people who have made a "safe" choice not to fall in love. Despite their radically different lives, will they finally admit it's time to let the love flow after they meet in a hotel in Mexico? Of course, why would the plot show us anything else. Diego Boneta and Monica Barbaro star as Alejandro and Sophie, with a cast including Anders Holm, Casey Thomas Brown, Catherine Cohen, Fernando Carsa, Whitney Cummings, and Maya Zapata. This looks really bad. It's pretty much just a ripoff Redbox version of Forgetting Sarah Marshall, same plot with characters switched. Avoid at all costs. https://onfs.net/3X2cYP0

"Remember when we used to talk about doing something fantastic?" Shout Factory has revealed an official trailer for an indie sci-fi film titled Linoleum, which originally premiered at the 2022 SXSW Film Festival last year. It also stopped by many other fests including the Cleveland, Seattle, San Fran, Nantucket, River Run, and Cinequest Film Festivals. It's not really a sci-fi film, more of fantasy drama about a guy who has spent his life hoping he'd make it into space. When the host of a failing children's science show tries to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming an astronaut by building a rocket in his garage, a series of bizarre events occur that cause him to question his own reality. He tries to build the ship from an old satellite that drops into his backyard, which is a bit strange for a science guy. Jim Gaffigan stars in a dramatic role, one of his best performances, with Rhea Seehorn, Katelyn Nacon, Gabriel Rush, Amy Hargreaves, Michael Ian Black, and Tony Shalhoub. I watched this at SXSW and it's solid, but I wasn't a big fan. Take a look. https://onfs.net/3jVwYEk

"It's playing backwards..." What does it mean when a record plays backwards, oh no?! Hidden Empire has revealed a second official trailer for Fear, releasing in theaters in just a few more weeks. This one looks like it's worth skipping. A new film made by director Deon Taylor, best known for his films The Intruder, Fatale, and Black and Blue. A year into living through a worldwide pandemic, a small group of friends gather in the remote Tahoe Mountains to stay at the "Historic Strawberry Lodge". But celebration turns to terror as one by one each guest faces their own worst fear. The horror movie stars Joseph Sikora, T.I., King Bach, Terrence J, Ruby Modine, Annie Ilonzeh, Iddo Goldberg, and Jessica Allain. This looks instantly forgettable and annoyingly derivative. They even had to stuff the trailer with a bunch of boring "evil" quotes. https://onfs.net/3ixOzll

"In order to survive, great efforts and sacrifices were made by man. We eventually won the victory of evolution." Well Go USA has revealed a trailer for The Wandering Earth II, a prequel to the Chinese sci-fi hit The Wandering Earth from just a few years ago. How many of you watched it? That film is about the Earth being moved to another solar system, using giant thrusters on the planet to push it. This prequel is about the construction and creation of these thrusters when they were initially built. "Humans built huge engines on the surface of the earth to find a new home. But the road to the universe is perilous. In order to save earth, young people once again have to step forward to start a race against time for life and death." The cast includes Wu Jing, Li Xuejian, Ning Li, and Andy Lau. This trailer doesn't setup the story that well - are they fighting rogue drones? Or maybe an A.I. gone mad, with obvious 2001 nods? I will need to watch this, just because I love big, epic go-all-out science fiction and the first The Wandering Earth was crazy fun. https://onfs.net/3Xl0XUJ

"I had to make a career out of the pieces left..." Netflix has unveiled an official trailer for the documentary film titled Pamela, a love story, the latest biopic doc offering from the streaming service. Almost every last famous person, good and bad, has been profiled in a documentary recently. "Pamela Anderson defined a decade. Now she will define herself." In her own words, through personal videos and many diaries, Pamela Anderson shares the story of her rise to fame, rocky romances and infamous sex tape scandal. An intimate and humanizing portrait of one of the world's most famous blonde bombshells, Pamela, a love story follows the trajectory of her life and career from small town girl to international sex symbol, actress, activist and doting mother. This film is directed by the filmmaker behind last year's excellent Good Night Oppy as well as the underrated Assassins. He's a superbly talented filmmaker! Which makes me actually want to watch it. https://onfs.net/3IN3XF8

"A caftan must be able to survive the one who wears it." Strand has unveiled the official US trailer for an indie drama from France titled The Blue Caftan, which first premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival last summer. This acclaimed Moroccan film has been playing at tons of festivals: Karlovy Vary, Toronto, Helsinki, Calgary, Zurich, Vancouver, Hamburg, and many more. Halim and Mina run a traditional caftan store in one of Morocco's oldest medinas, in the city of Salé (see Google Maps). In order to keep up with all of the demanding customers, they hire Youssef. The talented apprentice shows a passionate dedication in learning the art of embroidery and tailoring from Halim. Slowly Mina realizes how much her husband is moved by the presence of this young man. United in love, each will help the other face their fears. The film stars Lubna Azabal, Saleh Bakri, & Ayoub Missioui. It's such a tender, heartfelt film - I recommend it. https://onfs.net/3QtMbJ0

"The coast is completely full." This is a sad story, a necessary story to tell, but it's captured so beautifully on camera anyway. Haulout is a short film released by the New Yorker magazine, created by two filmmakers Evgenia Arbugaeva and Maxim Arbugaev. The title is a reference to the process known as "haulout", during which various sea mammals emerge from the water and spend time resting on rocks, beaches, and ice. This short film follows one man who lives in a small wooden hut up in the Siberian Arctic. He's living up there studying the walruses and their annual haulout. Unfortunately this mean he witnesses first hand the chaotic effects of climate change on Pacific walruses. These poor creatures end up stuffed, without an extra square inch between any of them, on this beach. It's awful. For those wondering, this is not natural – usually they rest on sea ice or icebergs. But there is none left due to climate change. This film lets long, slow shots of the Arctic experience show us humans down in warmer climates just how bad it is getting. We need to do more. https://onfs.net/3k8N2Tc

"What are we gonna do?!" RLJE has revealed a trailer for a thriller titled A Lot of Nothing, marking the feature directorial debut of actor Mo McRae. Arriving in theaters and on VOD to watch in February. James and Vanessa are ostensibly the perfect married couple – beautiful, successful, and smart. Their lives spiral out of control when they decide to seek justice against a neighbor they saw commit a crime on the evening news. Starring Y'lan Noel, Cleopatra Coleman, Justin Hartley, Shamier Anderson, and Lex Scott Davis. "A Lot of Nothing acts as a funhouse mirror to reflect the best and worst of humanity - and how our experiences of race, class, family, fear, love, and happiness drive our choices today. Mo McRae dazzles in his feature directorial debut, with a keen visual eye and a fresh, compelling voice." Reminds me of Nate Parker's film American Skin, a very similar plot, but no one saw that. This looks pretty good, I'm intrigued to watch. https://onfs.net/3W4y26m