"And this is how evil persists - when good people do nothing." Indeed, an important reminder for all of us. Let's kick off 2022 with something a bit different - a fascinating video essay analyzing a film that changed South Korea forever. It's always a good reminder that international cinema is just as important as ever, and great films can actually make a difference in the real world. This essay discusses a 2011 film titled Silenced, directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk and originally released in 2011 in South Korea. Based on real events, this film depicts the story of a school for the hearing-impaired where young deaf students were sexually assaulted by the faculty members over a long period of time. The video is by "Accented Cinema", a Canadian YouTube video essay series with a focus on foreign cinema. I highly recommend watching this just to hear a different perspective on cinema and learn so much more about a film you probably haven't seen yet. View this below. https://onfs.net/3qJFFBp

China is kicking off 2022 with an official trailer for the latest Zhang Yimou film, another jingoistic thriller about the Korean War. They've been making more and more of these recently (also see The Battle at Lake Changjin), as what seems like anti-American propaganda. Sharpshooter, one of the many official English titles for this film, is yet another Zhang Yimou war film - but he's also listed as a co-director on this one. The film tells the story of sharpshooter Zhang Taofang, a young army recruit who at age 22 sets a record during the Korean War by reportedly killing or wounding 214 American soldiers with 435 shots in just 32 days. It's being released during the 70th anniversary of the Korean War, and includes the tagline: "Send them all back to hell!" Starring Chen Yongsheng, Zhang Yu, and Zhang Yi. There's no English subtitles yet, but you'll get a sense of the intense sniper-on-sniper action from this trailer anyway. It reminds me a bit of Enemy at the Gates, one of the other good sniper vs sniper films before this. Who knows if it will actually be any good? https://onfs.net/3FVZf3N

"She's a legend." A+E & Lifetime have unveiled the full-length trailer for the definitive new Janet Jackson documentary titled simply Janet, which will be airing on TV and streaming starting at the end of January 2022. Instead of going for a feature documentary, like for example the Tina Turner doc Tina, this one is an extensive, 4-hour long mini-series which has been five years in the making. The film follows Janet as her family is going through the loss of her father, Joseph, the patriarch of the Jackson dynasty who passed in 2018. But it also takes us through the entire life story of Janet Jackson, and all she has been through: fame and fortune, struggles, failures, success, and everything else. Janet features exclusive interviews and never-before-seen footage from throughout Jackson's childhood and career, with the documentary taking her back to her hometown of Gary, Indiana to her independence with Rhythm Nation, from her Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction to her close relationship with her late brother Michael, who she simply refers to as "Mike." The documentary arrives on what marks the 40th anniversary of Jackson's 1982 self-titled debut LP. Get a look. https://onfs.net/32X0eCa

"With ardent worship, dedication and prayers... you can bring them into service." Everything that comes out of this animation house in India is excellent, and this is another unique creation. Seen It! is a fantastic hand-drawn animated short made by an illustrator and animator named Adithi Krishnadas. The 12-minute short presents a number of kooky stories about a man discussing ghosts and religion in his local community, recorded in the Malayalam dialect. Here is the full description: "The ever-vibrant Mr. P. N. K Panicker has several shockers up his sleeve. He takes the viewer along a moonlit stroll and paints a quirky picture of the supernatural encounters he has had." Even though these are strange stories being told, there is something whimsical and entertaining about this. It's so charming and quirky and weird and amusing to watch. Give yourself 12 minutes and enjoy this, and see if you're moved or inspired by the stories. Watch the film below. https://onfs.net/3pOY8NG

"It's a bad time for a tropical vacation." 20th Century / Disney+ have debuted the full-length official trailer for an animated sequel titled The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild, arriving in January. We posted the first teaser just a few months ago. The first Ice Age opened in 2002, then they made four mediocre sequels, most recently Ice Age: Collision Course in 2016. Blue Sky Studios shut down after Disney bought Fox and the pandemic finished them off for good. But they're still keeping the franchise going. Get ready for another wacky prehistoric comedy! The fearless one-eyed weasel Buck teams up with mischievous possum brothers Crash & Eddie as they head off to Buck's home – The Dinosaur World. Simon Pegg is back as the voice of Buck, joined by Vincent Tong as Crash, Aaron Harris as Eddie, & Utkarsh Ambudkar as Orson. This looks barely good enough for direct-to-TV, rehashing these characters when they should just leave them be. https://onfs.net/3pTFa8G

"It felt like the universe was bringing us together..." NBC's Peacock has unveiled an official trailer for a new dramatic mini-series streaming on Peacock later in January. This one is titled Wolf Like Me, and it's about two people connecting despite their own major struggles and emotional baggage. It was produced by Stan in Australia, and is directed by the indie filmmaker / actor Abe Forsythe - who last made the zombie comedy film Little Monsters. Gary is an emotional wreck and struggles to provide for his daughter since the death of his wife. Mary also has a secret she can't bring herself to share with anyone. The universe brought these two together for a reason. Co-starring Isla Fisher & Josh Gad, with Emma Lung. Gad wrote on Twitter: "You've truly never seen anything like it." Very interesting. I wonder what the big twist is in here? Hard to tell from these trailers, but it also seems like a sweet story about romance despite everyone's imperfections. https://onfs.net/3pVbQhW

"Do you really like her?" "I don't need your help." Netflix has revealed a full trailer for a steamy romantic drama from Spain titled Through My Window, also known as A Través de mi Ventana in Spanish. Adapted from the novel by Ariana Godoy, and debuting on Netflix in February. A woman who is madly in love with her mysterious neighbor resolves to make him fall in love with her. The film features characters with godly names like Ares and Apolo and Artemis, though the lead woman is named Raquel. Clara Galle and Julio Peña star as the two extremely attractive lovers, along with Pilar Castro, Hugo Arbues, Eric Masip, Natalia Azahara, and Lucía de la Puerta. This looks like the most cliche and saucy romance they can make these days, especially with all the back 'n forth between "oh he's not available for intimacy..." https://onfs.net/3t1wwqD

"I just want things... to get back to normal." Netflix has revealed the full-length official trailer for a horror comedy series titled, in full: Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window. This looks like the best mockery of horror since the Scary Movie series. From creators Rachel Ramras, Hugh Davidson & Larry Dorf, The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window is a darkly comedic, wine-soaked, satirical slant on the psychological thriller that will have you guessing who, where, why and how in the hell?! until the very end. The story follows a heartbroken woman, who just sits at home and stars out the window and drinks wine, watching life go by. Until she witnesses a murder... Or did she? This is making fun of The Woman in the Window and The Girl on the Train and all of these. Kristen Bell stars, with Michael Ealy, Mary Holland, Shelley Hennig, Cameron Britton, Christina Anthony, & Benjamin Levy Aguilar. This looks pretty good, a clever laugh-out-loud twist on all these freaky thrillers. https://onfs.net/3sRo4u6

"You left me with all of our problems." Bleecker Street has debuted the official US trailer for Sundown, the latest one-of-a-kind film made by acclaimed Mexican filmmaker Michel Franco. This premiered at the 2021 Venice Film Festival last year, where it earn some rave reviews along with some negative reviews. But that's expected for a divisive film like this. Described as a "suspenseful jolt from writer/director Michel Franco," the film is about a wealthy man who inexplicably decides to stay in Mexico after his family leaves. He drifts around in scenes without any dialogue, mostly sitting on the beach emotionless. Tim Roth stars, with Charlotte Gainsbourg, Iazua Larios, Henry Goodman, Albertine Kotting McMillan, and Samuel Bottomley. I wrote a glowing review of this from Venice, because I was really shook by the film - there's something peculiar and fascinating about it, underneath all the layers, showing someone dealing with the arresting guilt of wealth. But as the quote in this trailer says, "no two people will see the film the same way." https://onfs.net/3eSNBLf

"When I walked inside the home, I felt them there..." Check out this official trailer for an indie, low budget psychological thriller titled What Happened at 625 River Road?, marking the feature debut of director Devon Jovi Johnson. This is currently set to debut later in the summer in 2022, if anyone is curious about it. The film follows two female students who head to rural New York. As they arrive at their rental home, 625 River Rd, a chain of mysterious events take place that are still unsolved to this day. Starring Francheska Pujols, Summer Foley, Silvana Jakich, Piotr Marzecki, and Matrell Smith. This looks much better than most low budget indie horror creations, with some clever shots and very creepy moments shown here. https://onfs.net/3sXqaZf

"Are you really going to shoot me, Travis?" "Yes, I will." Open Road Films has unveiled the official trailer for an action thriller called Blacklight, the latest Liam Neeson action vehicle in his endless line of action movies with derivative plots. Neeson plays an operative named Travis Block. A shadowy government agent who specializes in removing operatives whose covers have been blown, uncovers a deadly conspiracy within his own ranks, a plot targeting US citizens, that reaches the highest echelons of power. The full cast also includes Aidan Quinn, Taylor John Smith, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Claire van der Boom, Yael Stone, Andrew Shaw, Zac Lemons, and Gabriella Sengos. This looks like a rip-off of so many other action movies, but it's also Neeson kicking ass for probably the 1000th time, so bring on more LiaMayhem. https://onfs.net/3FVQp6d

"I think we can call today's experiment a success!" Hulu has revealed an official trailer for Sex Appeal, a romantic comedy movie made for the streaming service. It's opening this January, which is not the best time to drop this but it also might find its audience streaming online anyway. Avery is a teenager with a tendency towards perfectionism who enlists her friend Larson to help her prepare for her first time with her long-distance boyfriend. In this hilarious teen comedy, Avery’s study results in the realization that there’s more to sex, and love, than mechanics. Relationships require both head and heart. Starring Mika Abdalla, Jake Short, Mason Versaw, Paris Jackson, Margaret Cho, Fortune Feimster, Rebecca Henderson, Tate Hanyok, Hayden Szeto, and Artemis Pebdani. This looks like some good fun discussing sex and opening up the conversation in a smart and confident way. Campy but it all kinda works? Take a peek below. https://onfs.net/3t2k4H8

"I have to protect them!" Blue Fox Entertainment has revealed the official US trailer for a family adventure movie titled The Wolf and the Lion, opening in theaters nationwide this February. From the filmmakers behind that other animal movie Mia and the White Lion, this one again brings a big cat to the big screen. A wolf pup and a lost lion cub are rescued by a girl in the heart of the Canadian wilderness. Their friendship will change their lives forever. They forge an inseparable bond, but their world soon collapses as the forest ranger discovers the animals and takes them away. The film stars Molly Kunz, Graham Greene, Charlie Carrick, Derek Johns, Rhys Slack, and Victor Cornfoot. It's another one of these modern Homeward Bound stories, about animals reconnecting with their human friends on an journey through the wilderness. https://onfs.net/3zoMDzQ

"Dad, I think Spider-Man's just trying to help..." Thanks to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse brilliantly introducing Miles Morales, the world now knows who this alternate universe Spider-Man is. And we need more of him! On the heels of Spider-Man: No Way Home, and while we're waiting for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse to open later this year, some intrepid fans from Northern Canada have debuted a brand new fan film to enjoy. It's called Miles Behind: A Spider-Man Fan Film and is now available to watch in full. Made by the same filmmakers behind the 2012 TDKR fan film Arkham Rises. Eb Mensah stars as Miles, still trying to find his footing and voice as the new Spider-Man of NYC, while also keeping up with his regular life as a student and the son of Officer Davis. This was made on practically no budget, and the acting isn't that great, but it's still good to see Miles as Spidey again. That's what matters most. Check it out below. https://onfs.net/3qI4gq8

"I'm afraid of doing this... but it's going to look awesome." Paramount has debuted a fun new featurette for Jackass Forever, the fourth & supposedly final movie in the series. Celebrate the joy of being together with your best friends and a perfectly executed shot to the dingdong, the original crew return for another round of hilarious, wildly absurd, and often dangerous displays of comedy with a little help from a whole new cast. After being set for last year, it's now delayed and will open in February this year. The film stars all the usual Jackass: Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O, Chris Pontius, Jason "Wee Man" Acuña, Preston Lacy, Ehren McGhehey, and Dave England; with newcomers: Sean "Poopies" McInerney, Jasper Dolphin, and Zach Holmes. Plus more guest stars like Spike Jonze, Shaquille O'Neal, Post Malone, and Tyler the Creator. For more Jackass Forever updates, fans can text 585-JACKASS (585-522-5277) or click here. This featurette takes advantage of the full year delay to bring some new hype to this crazy movie. https://onfs.net/3EY7Gdx

"There's something... in this place." Netflix has revealed an official trailer for an eerie supernatural thriller series titled Archive 81, produced by James Wan and showrun by Rebecca Sonnenshine. The mysterious horror series is about an archivist hired to restore a collection of tapes, who finds himself reconstructing the work of a filmmaker and her investigation into a dangerous cult. Sonnenshine explains her inspiration for the premise: "I'm obsessed with mystery box shows, the kind that lead us down a rabbit hole into a strange, dark world. Archive 81 is a character-driven, deeply emotional story about the nature of art, faith, and the search for identity -- all wrapped up in a frayed blanket of existential dread. The show also gave this film geek the chance to unearth all sorts of forgotten media formats as found footage, which results in a unique, visually-textured story that is both beautiful and terrifying." Starring Mamoudou Athie as the archivist, with a cast including Dina Shihabi, Martin Donovan, Matt McGorry, Julia Chan, Evan Jonigkeit, and Ariana Neal. Oh damn this looks very good. And a nice MoMI cameo at the start. I need to watch this. https://onfs.net/330ySv0

"It's what you said it was out there... It is NOT the chaos that you've always described!" Vertical Ent. has unveiled an official trailer for the post-apocalyptic thriller Last Survivors, the second feature made by up-and-coming filmmaker Drew Mylrea. A father and son, who have been living off grid for 20 years, encounter an outsider who threatens to destroy the utopia they've built. Ordered to kill any humans he encounters when venturing out, Jake defies his father by starting a forbidden relationship with a mysterious woman, Henrietta. The film stars Drew Van Acker, Alicia Silverstone, Stephen Moyer, Mark Famiglietti, and Benjamin Arthur. This has some good style and a handful of excellent shots in the trailer, but it also looks so obvious. The Shyamalan-esque twist is so clear from this trailer. But it still might be worth a watch? https://onfs.net/3eWIo57

"How many copies of this are out there?! Could be dozens!!" This is going to be a treat! Hulu has debuted the full official trailer for Pam & Tommy, the mini-series about the marriage between Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee. This already deserves compliments for how the two leads completely transformed to play Pam & Tommy, the infamous couple known worldwide for their leaked sex tape. The show will focus on their time following the release of their infamous unauthorized sex tape which was recorded privately during their honeymoon. Lily James and Sebastian Stan play Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee. The cast also includes Seth Rogen, Nick Offerman, & Taylor Schilling. With episodes directed by Craig Gillespie, of the films Lars and the Real Girl, Fright Night, I Tonya, and Cruella. This looks great! Gillespie working his magic once again. And I can't even tell that's Lily James in here! Seriously impressive. Get a look below. https://onfs.net/3qKxmFm

"You talk too much about food, Dad." "Well, it's my job." Magnolia Pictures has revealed the full US trailer for a Danish film titled A Taste of Hunger, an emotional drama about running a restaurant. This already opened in Denmark last summer, and is finally getting an official US release this month. It's about a couple who sacrifice everything to achieve the highest possible accolade in the culinary world - a Michelin star. This "power couple", played by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau & Katrine Greis-Rosenthal, in the Danish gourmet scene run the popular restaurant Malus in Copenhagen. But that popularity isn't enough. Or is it...? Also starring Flora Augusta, Charlie Gustafsson, August Vinkel, Nicolas Bro, Maj-Britt Mathiesen, and Kent Dahlgren. Ohhhhh this looks fantastic. It reminds me of the outstanding Danish film Another Round, bouncing between hope & depression, with an authentic story about the trails & tribulations of life. https://onfs.net/3FZ2R5f

"Keep me alive and I will give you names." Lionsgate has revealed an official trailer for an action film titled Pursuit, a new film from genre filmmaker Brian Skiba. Another of these forgettable direct-to-video looking action movies? Unfortunately. John Cusack and Emile Hirsch star in this action thriller about a troubled cop's hunt for a ruthless hacker, who’s committing savage violence as he searches for his kidnapped wife. But is Calloway's crime-boss father somehow involved in this explosive situation? Starring Jake Manley, Elizabeth Ludlow, William Katt, Andrew Stevens, and Graham Patrick Martin. This guy isn't the best director, he often makes action schlock, but these movies still do look fun in a beer & pizza movie night kind of way. I am also amazed they still totally overdo the hacker character in movies like this. Check it out. https://onfs.net/3eXp5Zg

"I can feel something inside of me..." IFC Midnight has revealed the official trailer for an indie horror film from the UK titled A Banquet, made by a Scottish filmmaker named Ruth Paxton. This premiered at the Toronto Film Festival last year, and hit a bunch of others including Fantastic Fest, Beyond Fest, Montclair, and London. Widowed mother Holly is radically tested when her teenage daughter Betsey experiences a profound enlightenment and insists her body is no longer her own, but in service to a higher power. Bound to her newfound faith Betsey refuses to eat, but loses no weight. The film stars Sienna Guillory, Jessica Alexander, Ruby Stokes, Lindsay Duncan, & Kaine Zajaz. TIFF adds: "Between discomforting body horror and simmering psychodrama, Paxton skillfully escalates a common [dinner table] dynamic towards the upsetting but profound parental fears of being unable to understand one's own child, what they want or need, and how to protect them from... an unforgiving world." It looks extraordinarily unsettling. So creepy. https://onfs.net/34jY5Bb