"Your family needs you." "My family needs me? What about when I needed you..." An early teaser trailer is out for a film titled Goliath, a Canadian feature that has been in the works for years already. It's finally set to release on VOD starting in February this year, after first premiering in 2019. When Robin Walker returns home for her father's funeral, she's forced to confront the bitter family she left behind, as well as personal demons; resulting in the reveal of an unsettling secret. "Goliath was the ultimate film school," states the first-time director Luke Villemaire. "We took the trial by fire approach that many first-time filmmakers are forced to endure when struggling to break into the industry. It was incredibly tolling, but I was determined to see this project through, and it has ultimately been a rewarding experience." This was originally shot back in 2016 in Quinte West, Ontoario and nearby areas. The film stars Jessica Sipos, Michelle Mylett, Jon Cor, Shannon Kook, Daniel Maslany, Krista Bridges, & Andrea Roth. Not much to see here so far. https://onfs.net/409sDOt

"It's been around forever... Hidden. In the dark." 20th Century Studios has revealed the first official trailer for The Boogeyman, an upcoming Stephen King horror adaptation from the acclaimed genre director Rob Savage (of Host and Dashcam previously). This looks like the most terrifying a-haunted-house-with-kids-in-it update on Poltergeist since the original Poltergeist in 1982. Still reeling from the tragic death of their mother, a teenage girl and her little sister find themselves plagued by a sadistic presence in their house and struggle to get their grieving father to pay attention before it is too late. The scary horror movie stars Madison Hu, Vivien Lyra Blair, Sophie Thatcher, David Dastmalchian, LisaGay Hamilton, and Chris Messina. This was originally going to launch on Hulu, but 20th Century rightfully decided it would be better in theaters - opening in June. Who's ready for some summer horror? Because this looks freaky af!! That upside down spin when she looks under the bed is legit. I'm so down for this, looks outstanding so far. https://onfs.net/3Dotgdk

Obsession can drive a man insane. No doubt about that. This riveting character study explores the intensity that comes with obsession, and how striving for perfection can ruin someone. Magazine Dreams is the second feature film written and directed by up-and-coming filmmaker Elijah Bynum, following his 2017 film Hot Summer Nights (which came out of SXSW). After screening during the first weekend at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, this has become one of the most talked about films at the entire fest. Everyone has something to say. It's being discussed so much not because it's the best film at the fest, but because it's one of those films that everyone must talk about - whether it's the lead performance from Jonathan Majors, the uncomfortable story it tells, or the brutality and intensity of what happens, or whether or not it's actually a good film, and how could it be better. All of this has been a big part of the conversations over the last week and that's always invigorating because it's better than watching a film that everyone instantly forgets about. https://onfs.net/40bRmBT

This Australian indie horror film is one of the most fresh and exciting horror discoveries in a long time - put it on your watchlist right now. Don't even read this review or any others, go watch it when it opens without knowing anything more about it. Talk to Me is screening at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival in the iconic Midnight section (where classics like Saw and The Blair Witch Project and The Babadook and Hereditary and Cube all premiered years ago), though it originally premiered in Australia last year. Its initial unveiling was at the 2022 Adelaide Film Festival last October - this is its first appearance since. Despite not being a world premiere this time, it unquestionably deserves to be featured in Sundance's 2023 Midnight line-up - the horror highlight of the festival. A genuinely scary, entirely thrilling, well-made film that might be the big breakout of this year, with an epic franchise setup similar to Saw. I've been telling anyone that loves horror this is the must see of the festival, and I'll continue to spread the good word now that A24 has picked it up. https://onfs.net/3Y4bQuo

The Sundance Film Festival has a long history of showing great mockumentaries, but this might just be the best one of they've ever premiered. Based on the roars of laughter and applause at every screening during the festival, I think most viewers will agree - it's no exaggeration to say that. Theater Camp is a hilarious new "mock doc" created by comedy filmmakers Molly Gordon & Nick Lieberman, based on Lieberman's own 2020 short film of the same name. This time they've made a fun film dedicated to and all about "theater kids". Were you a theater kid growing up? Maybe some of you still are? Theater Camp is mockumentary taking us to the summer camp known as "AdirondACTS", a scrappy theater camp in upstate New York that’s a haven for budding performers. I have no idea how this film didn't win the Audience Award at Sundance, as the reaction from the crowd at my screening seemed vastly more enthusiastic than at any of the other 30+ screenings I attended this year (except for maybe the terrific Fair Play). Everyone had a blast watching this. https://onfs.net/3DlOo44

"This is a distraction... from the escape!" Netflix has revealed an official trailer for Murder Mystery 2, a sequel to the hit streaming comedy from 2019. I'd sat this an entirely unwanted and unnecessary sequel, but that might not be true considering tons of people did watch this first movie, even though it had tons of bad reviews. Full-time detectives Nick and Audrey are struggling to get their private eye agency off the ground. They find themselves at the center of international abduction when their friend Maharaja is kidnapped at his own lavish wedding. Does anyone even want to find out what's going on? "Murder Mystery 2 sends Nick and Audre on a high-stakes case that finally gives them everything they’ve ever dreamed of: a shot at their detective agency finally becoming successful... and their long-awaited trip to Paris." The film is directed by Jeremy Garelick and stars Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston, returning once again, along with Mark Strong, Mélanie Laurent, Jodie Turner-Smith, Kuhoo Verma, John Kani, and Dany Boon. I'm sorry to say - but this looks even worse than the first movie. So painfully cheesy, so unfunny, it's not for me. https://onfs.net/3DpsLjl

"A queer, witchy thriller." Mubi has revealed the first US teaser trailer for The Five Devils, a French film from director Léa Mysius who originally broke out a few years before with her little film titled Ava. This already premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival in the Directors' Fortnight, and is set to open in the US this March. Vicky lives with her mother Joanne and father Jimmie, a man struggling to find his place. When Vicky's aunt Julia arrives after being released from prison, her presence brings back the past in a violent, magical way. She has some special powers that allow her to connect to the past through smells. It's a unique film, with a magical performance by the young actress Sally Dramé as Vicky - who is the real heart & soul of it. This also stars Adèle Exarchopoulos as her mom, Swala Emati, Moustapha Mbengue, Patrick Bouchitey, Daphne Patakia, & Hugo Dillon. Not much footage to see so far, worth a quick look anyway. https://onfs.net/3WPjk3i

"There are people out to hurt us!" Netflix has unveiled an official trailer for a British psychological thriller titled The Strays, marking the feature directorial debut of actor Nathaniel Martello-White. He wrote and directed this film, which will be available for streaming this February on Netflix is anyone is curious. "A perfect life... a perfect lie... An upper-middle-class woman's perfectly crafted life begins to unravel with the arrival of two shadowy figures in her town." A Black woman's meticulously crafted life of privilege starts to fall apart when two strangers show up in her quaint suburb and begin to mess with her mind. The film stars Ashley Madekwe, Justin Salinger, Michael Warburton, Caroline Martin, Bukky Bakray, Maria Almeida, and Samuel Paul Small. This looks like a made-for-TV suburbia thriller, lacking any style or any original ideas, borrowing so much from Jordan Peele's mind. Might grab the attention of a few viewers. https://onfs.net/40h9EBy

"My wife didn't even want me to come out here... Seems like the whole word's falling apart." Gravitas Ventures has revealed an official trailer for an indie film titled The Integrity of Joseph Chambers, the latest from the director of the highly rated The Killing of Two Lovers. This premiered at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival, and also stopped by the Champs-Élysées, Melbourne, Nashville, Newport Beach, Denver, and Montclair Film Festivals last year. A family man, hoping to prove his survivalist capabilities and manliness to his family, decides to irresponsibly head off into the woods and go deer hunting by himself. His boredom is short-lived, however, when in the blink of an eye, Joe undergoes a traumatic experience.. Starring Clayne Crawford, Jordana Brewster, Michael Raymond-James, & Jeffrey Dean Morgan. This film looks like it a compelling thriller with some psychological elements that push it deeper into the mind of this man. https://onfs.net/3HiLEFx

"Prolonged exposure to solar radiation generated a thin layer of noble gas, resulting in the creation of a new planetary crust." Another experimental short film to melt your mind and make you think in new ways. Rehousing Technosphere is the creation of Copenhagen-based filmmakers Wang & Söderström, who create art installations and videos like this to express unique ideas. This time they're addressing Earth itself. The short features funky 3D CGI shapes that interact and roll around to represent a changing planet. "This speculative animated film takes place on Earth in a distant future. Playing with the tone and structure of a nature documentary, it offers glimpses into how life forms adapt to a new planetary ecology." This film takes us into a desert-like colorful world. New species exploit a layer of the planet's crust by digging, foraging, and designing new homes. I wish there was more to the narrative, though it's an entrancing watch nonetheless. https://onfs.net/3wZZLuZ

"Do you know anything about sea creatures?" An early festival promo trailer has debuted for a film titled Sea Sparkle, which is premiering soon at the 2023 Berlin Film Festival in a few more weeks, playing in the Generation section. It has a release date set in Belgium, but it is still seeking distribution internationally. When her father dies at sea, Lena starts desperately looking for the cause, convinced a massive sea monster is to blame. Her relentless push against the tide reveals a tale of anger and grief, yet also of the strength and comfort the ocean provides. The family drama follows a fisherman who dies at sea and his teenage daughter who's determined to prove that he was killed by a magical sea creature. Said to be inspired by the writer's personal experiences. This stars Saar Rogiers, Dunia Elwaleed, Sverre Rous, Valentijn Dhaenens, and Hilde De Baerdemaeker. This one mixes the young girl's punk attitude with a mysterious sea beast concept, though unfortunately it does not look as good as it should. Still curious to see how it plays anyway. https://onfs.net/3DvkSsG

"He deserves his revenge." Check out this early teaser trailer for an indie action film from Chile titled The Fist of the Condor, which is premiering at the 2023 Rotterdam Film Festival - underway right now. This is the latest film from a Chilean indie director named Ernesto Díaz Espinoza, who is best known for his rad low budget action films including Kiltro, Mirageman, Mandrill (we reviewed this one back in 2009). This one also stars Marko Zaror, who also produced and has appeared in plenty of his films before. A group of martial artists from around the world search for a book that contains the ancient secrets of how to overcome the limits of the human body - tracking down one man known as El Guerrero. The cast also includes Gina Aguad, Eyal Meyer, Man Soo Yoon, Jose Manuel, & Fernanda Urrejola. This is clearly a throwback tribute to cheesy action films from the 80s & 90s, with a training montage in the mountains and epic fights on the beach. It actually does look pretty damn cool, and the fights do seem like they'll be thrilling to watch. https://onfs.net/3RzyPf3

"His life is not yours to take!" She wants that revenge anyway. An official trailer has debuted for a film titled The Nomad, made by NYC-based filmmaker Daniel Diosdado. There's not much else worthwhile featuring this week in terms of new movie trailers, hence why this is being posted. Doesn't look so good. When a reporter filming a story about an atheist serial killer targeting the city's priests comes face to face with the killer, she must choose between turning him in and breaking the news... or perhaps directing him towards her abusive father and wrapping up her own story. The Nomad stars Lauren Biazzo, Dietrich Teschner, Vanessa Calderón, Anthony Goss, and Marianne Goodell. This looks like more faith-based nonsense filmmaking, covering up intense religious propaganda with a generic thriller story about a killer. Have fun. https://onfs.net/3Rmx8Bx

Why go to film festival if not to discover some of the best up-and-coming filmmakers? The 2023 Sundance Film Festival has just wrapped and after screening over 100 new films. Was it a success? Absolutely. The festival returned to an in-person event in the snowy city of Park City, Utah after two years of virtual festivals during the pandemic. Sundance is famous for being the place where directors like Kevin Smith and Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez made their mark, breaking into the industry with their first indie films. In recent years they've also been responsible for launching Damien Chazelle (Whiplash in 2014), Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station in 2013), Dee Rees (Mudbound in 2017), Ari Aster (Hereditary in 2018), Lulu Wang (The Farewell in 2019), and Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You in 2018). At Sundance 2023, the festival decided to feature a selection of mostly unknown, first-time filmmakers and it paid off. This is one of their best line-ups in years, with an especially strong selection of high quality indie films from a new generation of artists. https://onfs.net/40eLJTw

"We're all just men. We're not invincible, just trying to walk a line between courage and fear." Saban Films has unveiled a new US trailer for the Australian crime thriller called Transfusion, marking the feature directorial debut of Matt Nable. It's now arriving in the US in March this year, after first playing in Australia earlier in January. A former Special Forces is operative thrust into the criminal underworld to keep his only son from being taken from him. In between performing his roles in the Avatar sequels for James Cameron, which were also filmed in Australia, Sam Worthington took on this role. He plays a father suffering from PTSD and without identity after retiring from the Special Air Service regiment (SAS) of the Australian Army. The thriller also features Phoebe Tonkin, Edward Friday Carmody, Matt Nable, Jeremy Lindsay Taylor, and Sam Cotton. It looks pretty generic overall, though there might be some good performances. https://onfs.net/3HmdEZ4

"Not giving 'the wave' is just a symbol of what we've become as a society." Road rage is dangerous!! Don't let it take over you. This Canadian short film titled A Simple F*!&ing Gesture is about a couple that gets super pissed in their car one evening. After playing at festivals the past few years, it's now online to watch for free. While stuck in traffic, emotions escalate for a husband and wife when another driver doesn’t give them a "thank you wave" after they cut in. Comparing him to a symbol of all that is wrong in the world, they are terrified when he pulls over to confront them. Starring Paul Bates, Christy Bruce, Chuck Shamata. At only 8 mins, this is a fast and easy watch, and a nice reminder that anger comes all too easily these days. https://onfs.net/3jrdqHY

"Talk to me about literature!" Saban Films has revealed an amusing official trailer for a comedy titled A Little White Lie, which will be out on VOD to watch starting in March. Another of these uninteresting new films that despite having a good cast, will probably turn out pretty mediocre from the looks of it. When a handyman living in New York City is mistaken for a famous and famously reclusive writer, he's brought to a prestigious university where he is to deliver a keynote address to save the school's literary festival. "Shriver must do whatever it takes for his shot at love in this fish-out-of-water comedy." It's based on the book called Shriver. The film stars Michael Shannon as Shriver, with Kate Hudson, Zach Braff, Kate Linder, Aja Naomi King, plus Da'Vine Joy Randolph and Don Johnson. This looks like a wacky mix up with a fun ensemble of talented actors, but will it be any good? Maybe it has a good few good laughs? Have a look. https://onfs.net/3l0A62c

"We are gonna have to take control." Lionsgate has unveiled an official trailer for an action thriller titled The Weapon, yet another of these extremely bland, derivative action films they're always dumping out on VOD right away. Actor Tony Schiena is making his directorial debut, and also stars as the lead character. Dallas is a one-man killing machine on a mysterious rampage... His attacks on biker gangs and meth labs anger the Vegas mob boss who's holding Dallas's girlfriend hostage. But who is Dallas working for? Even torture won't make him talk... and he won't stop until justice is served. The film's cast also includes Cuba Gooding Jr., Sean Patrick Flanery, Jack Kesy, Bruce Dern, and Annalynn McCord. This looks as boring and as uninteresting as any action film can, with the most generic and obvious plot ever. Just skip it. https://onfs.net/3WZV7HI

"Now you look like the Michelin Man. This ain't no beauty contest." Sony Pictures has finally unveiled the official trailer for the Big George Foreman movie, formerly called Heart of a Lion. After being delayed from opening last year, this boxing biopic is now to set open in April, and the movie's full title is seriously: Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World. Yowza. The biopic tells the life story and follows the boxing career of the legendary George Foreman. He is a two-time world heavyweight champion and an Olympic gold medalist (and creator of the George Foreman Grill). Directed by acclaimed filmmaker George Tillman Jr., the film stars Khris Davis (seen in Judas and the Black Messiah) as Foreman and it also stars Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker as Foreman's trainer and mentor Doc Broadus. The cast also includes John Magaro, Sonja Sohn, Erica Tazel, Sam Trammell, Deion Smith, Judd Lormand, Al Sapienza, and Sullivan Jones as Muhammad Ali. This looks like a fairly generic biopic, telling a story we've seen many times before of a boxer making a comeback. https://onfs.net/3Jt3HvD

"You shouldn't take a risk if you're gonna figure out what it is you're missing." Shout Factory has released their official US trailer for The Magic Flute, an epic fantasy adventure thriller based on the classic Mozart opera of the same name. This premiered at the 2022 Zurich Film Festival last year and it already opened in Europe in the fall. It's now set for a US release in theaters this March. The Magic Flute is a reimagining of Mozart's opera classic and stars Jack Wolfe, F. Murray Abraham, Iwan Rheon, Stéfi Celma, Asha Banks, Stefan Konarske, Niamh McCormack, Amir Wilson, and Tedros Teclebrhan. This follows 17-year-old Tim Walker as he travels from London up to the Austrian Alps to attend the legendary Mozart boarding school. There he discovers a centuries-old forgotten passage into the fantastic world of Mozart's "The Magic Flute." This looks like another Harry Potter ripoff, with a school and serpent and witches and more. It seems like made-for-TV junk that we should probably be avoiding anyway. I wish this looked better. https://onfs.net/3HNTYi3

From last year's Slamdance Film Festival, arriving in February in theaters - take a look at this micro budget indie. Fandor has revealed the full official trailer for an indie film called Hannah Ha Ha, opening next month after more than a year of waiting. It first premiered at the 2022 Slamdance Film Festival last year, where it won the Best Performance Award and the Grand Jury Prize during the fest. "While the narrative's modesty is charming, there is a hidden subtlety and depth to this movie that makes it stand out from a lot of other festival fare." Hannah lives a content, hard-working life in the small town where she grew up. To her visiting older brother, she's just wasting her time. As their Summer together winds down, Hannah gets what wasting time really means. Starring Hannah Lee Thompson, Roger Mancusi, Avram Tetewsky, and Betsey Brown. This one is really only for fans of indie flicks and quaint dramas about drifting through life. https://onfs.net/3JxE4cR