"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

"So we're both lousy friends." Roadside Attractions has revealed an official trailer for an under-90-minutes dark comedy titled Moving On, the latest from filmmaker Paul Weitz (of About a Boy, In Good Company, Little Fockers, Being Flynn, Grandma). This actually premiered at TIFF 2022 last year, and recently played at the Palm Springs Film Festival, with a theatrical release set for March coming up next month. Two old friends reconnect at a funeral and decide to revenge on the widower who messed with them decades before. Along the way, each woman learns to make peace with the past and with each other. Jane Fonda & Lily Tomlin star as the two old friends, along with Malcolm McDowell, Richard Roundtree, Catherine Dent, and Marcel Nahapetian. This does look like it has some funny scenes and sharp dialogue, though the rest of the cliched story doesn't seem that great. Still will be worth watching just for Fonda and Tomlin. https://onfs.net/3Yit9bp

"The road to the end begins 2/10." The new trailer for the 10th Fast and the Furious movie, titled Fast X, drops on February 10th in just a few weeks. Leading up to that big reveal, Universal Pictures has unveiled a new "legacy trailer" for the original movie that started it all - The Fast and the Furious from 2001. With 10 days to go until the new trailer, they'll be dropping a "legacy trailer" for each of the 9 movies that come before Fast X. We'll add them below over the next 10 days before the main event. This first trailer is for the action classic starring Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, and Jordana Brewster. It's just a 60 sec re-cut of the trailer from the past (can you believe its been 22 years?!) but it's cool to see anyway. I'm still amazed they've been able to keep this series going all the way to 10 movies, even as they get cheesier and more ridiculous every time, but that's why audiences keep watching. Does anyone else live their life a 1/4 mile at a time? Or is it just Dom? Whether you like it or not, another F&F is speeding into theaters soon. https://onfs.net/3YdtMTA

"The final battle for the FP." XYZ Films has revealed an official trailer the next film in the ongoing indie sci-fi action comedy series The FP, continuing with FP - 4EVZ arriving this February. It's skipping theaters and heading to VOD directly. This is a follow-up to the other sequels FP2: Beats of Rage (2018) and FP3: Remix Revelation / Escape from Bako (2021). A legendary family of rhythm game warriors must battle their way deep into the future to save what remains of a booze fueled humanity from a horrific calamity that threatens to turn them all stone cold sober 4 EVZ. Jason Trost returns again as JTRO, with Tallay Wickham, Art Hsu, Lib Campbell, Ryan Gibson, Mike O'Gorman, and Bru Muller. This next one looks uber trippy, borrowing from Scott Pilgrim and Star Wars of course, with all the expected low budget sci-fi touches. I'm surprised one of the Trosts is still making these FP movies, but why not if someone is still watching. Enjoy. https://onfs.net/3YdykJB

Typically, when people talk about their favorite filmmakers, names of directors with never-ending success come to mind – with careers full of culturally impactful, memorable movies that have marked an entire generation. M. Night Shyamalan is a somewhat popular name in these types of conversations, but much of his filmography suffers tremendously from inconsistent quality. At the turn of the millennium, he crafted a series of unforgettable masterpieces (The Sixth Sense in 1999, Unbreakable in 2000, Signs in 2002), but then went on a long hiatus returning with new films that were either quite divisive or downright disastrous. He's back again in 2023 with Knock at the Cabin, an adaptation of the book written by Paul Tremblay. https://onfs.net/3HtThJx

"This simple life of yours is good." Netflix has revealed an official trailer for an indie film titled Faraway, a German production about a woman who escapes to a Croatian island to rediscover herself. It's the latest film from German director Vanessa Jopp, starring the Swiss actress Naomi Krauss as Zeynep. It'll be on Netflix starting March. "It's cold, winter feels eternal and many of us are yearning for a sense of happiness, and to feel the sunshine again – so why not just pack your suitcase and dare yourself to start over?" Zeynep is unhappy and her life has not turned out as she wanted... That's why she flees to a Croatian island, where her deceased mother bought a house long ago. She hopes to find peace and relaxation finally - but she hasn't reckoned with Josip, who still lives on the property. The film's cast also features Goran Bogdan, Adnan Maral, Bahar Balci, Artjom Gilz, and Davor Tomic. This looks super cheesy, especially with this cliche song choice in the trailer. But it also makes me really want to go visit and relax in Croatia, too. Have a look. https://onfs.net/40fZT6K

"Extraordinary courage can change history." Well Go USA has revealed yet another official US trailer for Hidden Blade, a WWII Chinese spy thriller from filmmaker Cheng Er. This one already opened in China in January, and is landing in US theaters starting in February in a few more weeks. The film follows the story of a group of underground workers who risked their lives to send intelligence and defend the motherland, set after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor when the Wang Jingwei regime declared war on Britain & America. During World War II, at the height of their war of resistance against Japan, a group of courageous citizens develops a top-secret underground espionage network at great peril to their own lives. Actor Tony Leung headlines Hidden Blade, along with Wang Yibo, Hiroyuki Mori, Chengpeng Dong, Zhou Xun, Eric Wang, and Huang Lei. I like how both of these trailers below feature no dialogue, just music and moody shots from the film. It's quite an effective choice for this, relying entirely on the visuals to pique our interest. https://onfs.net/3HT4TY2

"He has lied to you, and he has used you, when are you going to accept that?" MGM+ has debuted the full official trailer for the British spy series titled A Spy Among Friends, arriving for streaming in March. The service formerly known as Epix has re-branded as MGM+, with a big line-up set to launch this spring. "The epic true story of Kim Philby, the Cold War's most infamous spy, from the 'master storyteller' and author of Prisoners of the Castle." It's an adaptation of the book of the same name. The UK mini-series stars the very talented actors Guy Pearce and Damian Lewis as Nicholas Elliott and Kim Philby, real-life 1960s British spies who, despite their opposing allegiances, developed a life-long friendship. It reminds me of the other British spy film The Courier (aka Ironbark) from a few years ago - also about two spies who were friends. This series features Anna Maxwell Martin, Adrian Edmondson, Stephen Kunken, Nicholas Rowe, and Anastasia Hille. Thanks to the excellent cast, this looks like a seriously engaging watch. Check it out. https://onfs.net/3wRMlRo

Have you seen all of the best films of 2022 yet? Which of the most talked about films do you still need to watch? With the 95th Academy Awards ceremony just over a month away (on March 12th), there's still a bit of time to catch up with more of last year's top movies. Graphic designer Sam Smith put together his own Top 30 Films of 2022 video, inspired by David Ehrlich's annual project. This one isn't as elaborate or as complex as Ehrlich's creation, it's more of a straight forward video countdown - going through the 30 films one-by-one. It's only 3 minutes and features a few quick clips from each of his 30 favorites - some hidden gems on it, too. I always enjoy watching these kind of film videos mostly because it's fun to discover what's going to come next on his list. Did he love EEAAO?? Of course he did! Wow look how high up in the Top 10s the donkey film EO is! He definitely loved that one (the music in this vid is also from that film). View below. https://onfs.net/3wQNnNv

"I've been trying to work out why you're here - I wonder if it's because you're lost." IFC Films has revealed a new US trailer for the British drama The Lost King, which premiered at TIFF and already opened last year. It played in October in UK cinemas, and opens in the US in March in theaters for those still interested. Co-written by Steven Coogan, and directed by Stephen Frears, the film follows a historian who defies the stodgy academic establishment in her efforts to find King Richard III's remains, lost for over 500 years... Telling "the life-affirming true story of a woman who refused to be ignored and who took on the country's most eminent historians, forcing them to think again about one of the most controversial kings in England's history." Sally Hawkins stars as Philippa Langley, with Harry Lloyd as Richard III, plus Steve Coogan, James Fleet, Sinead MacInnes, John-Paul Hurley, and Phoebe Pryce. With this cast it's obvious the film is going to be good, and the story is so catchy I'm so curious to find out how she figures out where he is. https://onfs.net/3kVNu7M

"Listen, you're gonna be alone. You gotta adapt - use what you got." MGM Studios has revealed an official trailer for The Covenant, a two-part war movie action thriller from the British filmmaker Guy Ritchie. It's now set to open in theaters in April coming up this spring, an easy sell for US audiences to watch a jingoistic Afghanistan War movie. It's actually officially titled Guy Ritchie's The Covenant, kind of like how it was called Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio. The film follows Sergeant John Kinley, who on his last tour of duty in Afghanistan is teamed up with local interpreter Ahmed, who risks his own life to carry the severely injured John across miles of grueling terrain to safety. Later John decides to return on an unapproved solo mission to save Ahmed and get him out of the country before the Taliban kill him. Jake Gyllenhaal & Dar Salim star as John & Ahmed, along with Antony Starr, Alexander Ludwig, and Bobby Schofield, Emily Beecham and Jonny Lee Miller. It does look pretty good, as a gratifying action movie redemption story. https://onfs.net/3HTmX47

"We're doing something together, we're trying to save somebody!" IFC Films has revealed an official trailer for a grainy indie film called God's Time, marking the feature directorial of an NYU graduate filmmaker named Daniel Antebi. The film first premiered at last year's Tribeca Film Festival, and also stopped by the New Hampshire Film Festival in the fall, with a release finally set for February this winter. Two best friends go on an electric odyssey through New York City to stop the woman they love from committing murder in the stylish, bombastic and darkly funny God's Time. Described as "a crowdpleaser from last year's Tribeca." The festival adds this tidibt: "Vibrant, stylish, and expertly constructed, God's Time delivers uniquely dark comedy that both masks and emphasizes the beating, bruised heart at the center of this explosive powder keg." Starring Ben Groh, Dion Costelloe, Liz Caribel Sierra, Jared Abrahamson, and Christiane Seidel. It seems wacky and funny and all over the place, for better or worse. Looks like a good time in NYC. https://onfs.net/3DBRv7Y

"So... not a standard smash & grab." "This is gonna get us killed." Lionsgate has revealed an official trailer for a thriller titled Righteous Thieves, the new title for a film formerly known as Shelter. It will be out to watch in March on VOD and in a few theaters if anyone is interested. This is a story we've heard many times before (rescue stolen art) but they're rehashing it once again. The head of a secret organization assembles a crew to steal back artwork plundered by Nazis during World War II. They plan to recover a Monet, Picasso, Degas, and Van Gogh stolen by Nazis during WWII – now in the possession of neo-Nazi billionaire oligarch, but loyalties are tested when the crew learns the real reason behind the heist. The film stars Lisa Vidal as Annabel, with Jaina Lee Ortiz, Cam Gigandet, Carlos Miranda, Sasha Merci, and Brian Cousins as the oligarch. This looks like it was made for The CW, not for theaters, with so much gloss on every frame. https://onfs.net/3RykhfG

"It's what we choose to do now, that determines who we really are." Buffalo 8 has released the official US trailer for an indie film from the Philippines (also a Canadian co-production) titled Boy From Nowhere, based on a true story. The directorial debut from SJ Finlay, Boy From Nowhere is shot guerrilla style in the dangerous parts of the southern Philippines. Featuring a cast of non-actors, Finlay realistcally captures the harsh realities of war, the brutality of human behavior, and the risks someone may take to find their place in the world. The story follows a young boy from a fishing village who is brainwashed and recruited to become a child soldier as part of a fictional rebel group in the southern Philippines. The intense indie drama stars Balugto Necosia, Gary Jumawan, Nack Nack Abugyan, and Waway Saway. This looks like a very powerful and authentic story about how kids get pulled into this kind of horrible life, similar to other films like Beasts of No Nation previously. Check out the trailer below before it plays in theaters later in February. https://onfs.net/3YkoxBp

"We were able to influence this consumer... Imagine what we can do to the masses." Madman Films + Sky Cinema have revealed two trailers for an Australian fantasy adventure movie called The Portable Door, adapted from the book series by Tom Holt. It's set to open in UK + Australian theaters in April, with no US release yet. It tells the story of two interns who begin working at the mysterious company J.W. Wells & Co, run by the villainous Humphrey Wells and Dennis Tanner. "A tale of magic, middle management & strange goings on at a mysterious corporation that is not what it seems." Based on the popular books, this family comedy invites you into a world of fantasy and madness where all coincidences are orchestrated by a very strange company. Produced by The Jim Henson Company & Story Bridge Films. Starring Christoph Waltz as Wells and Sam Neill as Tanner, with Miranda Otto as Countess Judy, Damon Herriman, Sophie Wilde, Jessica De Gouw, Rachel House, Patrick Gibson, & Christopher Sommers. It's like Harry Potter if it was about an evil ad agency, instead of wizards. A bit derivative, but it looks entertaining anyway. https://onfs.net/3Y5FQXo

"He's always pretending to be this person... I know he's not." Hulu has debuted the official trailer for an indie film titled Bruiser, marking the feature directorial debut of Miles Warren. This first premiered at the 2022 Toronto Film Festival last year and it also stopped by AFI Fest in the fall. It's set to launch on Hulu for streaming at the end of February. A 14-year-old boy turns to a charismatic loner for help after being beaten up, in director Miles Warren's searing feature film debut about fathers, families, and the effects of too much fighting. During summer, Darious explores the boundaries of his manhood through tumultuous interactions with Malcolm, his strict father, and a burgeoning friendship with mysterious drifter Porter. The film stars Trevente Rhodes, Shamier Anderson, Jalyn Hall, and Shinelle Azoroh. TIFF adds that it "contends with legacies of violence — and lands its every punch squarely on the heart." Damn looks great! Check it out. https://onfs.net/3wYwBvS

The 2023 Sundance Film Festival wrapped up last week after returning to a 10-day in-person event in Utah running alongside an online counterpart. Now it's time to present our annual Best of the Fest list. I was able to catch a total of 50 films this year (my full list on Letterboxd), half of them at screenings in Park City, the other half virtual screenings. This is my 17th year in a row covering Sundance, and this fest still has a special place in my heart. It was so nice to be back again. I am presenting one big list of my 10 favorite films - a mix of a few documentaries and narrative features. All 10 of these below are worth watching, and I highly recommend seeing them on the big screen whenever they show up at your local theater. I also wrote another editorial about how much Sundance 2023 focused on discoveries & first-time filmmakers, returning to their roots as a launching ground for so many wonderfully talented storytellers. Below are my favorites, the films that connected with me and have remained on my mind all the way through the 10 days of the fest. https://onfs.net/3jz7T27

What if you find something creepy crawling in the garden in the backyard? What do you do? If you're in the mood for something weird and creepy, this fantastic animated short film is worth a watch. Something in the Garden is made by a Chilean animation filmmaker named Marcos Sánchez. He animated all of this on his own and I really dig the look of his animation style. It played at numerous film festivals over the last few years, including at Sitges in 2021 and SXSW in 2022, also winning Best Animated Short at the 2022 Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF). Here's the intro: It's nighttime in the suburbs and the stillness is interrupted by a strange presence, a creeping being that lurks in the dark. The stellar animation is set on a black background, which gives the characters a distinct dynamic in the "darkness" of the frame. There's something very eerie about this and how simple & unsettling it is following this creepy thing around. https://onfs.net/3wUQhRy

"Karting out here isn't a game... If we're gonna make it, we need all the help we can get." Ha! Yeah this is hilarious. I'd actually watch if it were real!! On last night's Saturday Night Live, they aired a fake trailer for a new "Mario Kart" adaptation. It's a riff on HBO's The Last of Us series, which is getting rave reviews from critics, but it's also spoofing how hard it is to turn Mario into a movie or show. Even though there actually is a Super Mario Bros movie coming out in a few months anyway! This comedy sketch give us a taste of what it would be like if they turned Mario Kart into a gritty HBO post-apocalyptic series. "It's been ten years since our kingdom fell. The only thing we have left? Hope." Pedro Pascal (this week's SNL host) stars as Mario, with Chloe Fineman as the Princess. The production value is off the charts, this looks legit and has some solid VFX for a fun TV spoof. It's a' worth watching just to hear Pascal dramatically say, "It's a' me, Mario." https://onfs.net/3YplDvb

This looks rad!! Deaf Crocodile Films & Vinegar Syndrome have announced a restoration Blu-ray re-release of a long lost, rarely seen Romanian animated film called The Son of the Stars. This originally debuted in 1985 and showed up in the US in 1987, but hasn't been seen since. The film is getting an HD version based on a new 4K scan from the original 35mm negative and sound elements, with a digital restoration by Deaf Crocodile Films. From the same filmmakers as the marvelous Delta Space Mission, The Son of the Stars gets more freakadelic as Dan grows up ala Luke Skywalker, encountering giant disembodied eyeballs, a world of massive decaying Cubist structures, floating purple tentacles, and alien-headed cosmic flowers, and even a sword-wielding medieval Space Knight in armor. Using the voices of Mircea Albulescu, Mihai Cafrita, Ion Caramitru, Mirela Gorea-Chelaru, and Virgil Ogasanu. "His visions of his lost parents and the missing cosmonaut are especially psychedelic, a phantasmagoric blend of Hanna-Barbera and Tarkovsky's Solaris." I'm SO in for this!! There's not much footage in this teaser, but it's enough for me. I have to watch. https://onfs.net/3lfnpkw