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“Brave the Dark” is the new live-action drama feature, directed by Damian Harris, starring Jared Harris and Nicholas Hamilton, now playing in theaters:

"...when 'Mr. Deen' discovers one of his students 'Nate' has been living out of his car and thrown into jail...

“...he decides to bail him out.

"Determined to curb Nate's self-destructive behavior...

“… "Mr. Deen discovers a host of secrets that are slowly tearing Nate apart..."

Click the images to enlarge...

Timothée Chalamet-starring Oscar contented A Complete Unknown from Searchlight Pictures is holding at no. 8 at 2,010 locations with a $3.1 million weekend. James Mangold’s Bob Dylan biopic is rolling with a $62.9 million cume in week five coming off eight Oscar nominations including for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Leading Actor. That would be Chalamet, who was on stage rocking three of his Dylan favorites last night as both host and musical guest of Saturday Night Live.

Brady Corbet’s sleeper juggernaut The Brutalist from A24 rounded out the top ten for a $2.87 million weekend in a big expansion to 1,118 screens. The much-nominated epic starring Adrien Brody, fresh off 10 Oscar nominations, stands at $9.33 million. It earned $566k from Imax in North America for a large format cume of $1.5 million. The extent of the success of this film is really something. The performances are strong the story interesting yet it’s...

It’s good for theaters when a smaller-budget non-franchise film opens to $12 million, as Mel Gibson’s “Flight Risk” (Lionsgate) did this weekend. It’s a problem when that’s enough to make it the weekend’s top gross.

This was also the post-Oscar nominations week, although the delay in their announcement disrupted distributor strategies to capitalize on them. Two — “A Complete Unknown” (Searchlight) and “The Brutalist” (A24), the latter expanding to 1,118 theaters — placed in the top 10.

Among limited runs, “Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story” (Zeitgeist/Kino) with $19,000 at Manhattan’s IFC Center had the best initial showing for a platformed documentary in some time. Liza Minnelli’s fans and more turned out for what could be a niche success.

Mel Gibson’s first film as a director since “Hacksaw Ridge” in 2016 is his weakest grosser. His prior five titles grossed close to $1 billion in adjusted box office,...

“Flight Risk,” an action thriller directed by Mel Gibson and starring Mark Wahlberg as a balding, unhinged pilot, landed in first place with $12 million from 3,161 North American theaters in its opening weekend.

It’s the second consecutive Lionsgate release, following “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera,” to debut at No. 1 as the studio takes advantage of January’s otherwise desolate box office landscape. Case in point: Second place went to Disney’s “Mufasa” which opened six weeks ago. The “Lion King” prequel added an additional $8.7 million from 3,420 cinemas, bringing its tally to $221 million in North America and $626.7 million globally.

“Flight Risk” brought in another $4.2 million from 39 international territories over the weekend, boosting its worldwide haul to $16.2 million. The film cost $25 million, so it’ll need to keep flying during its theatrical run. That could be challenging because critics and audiences lambasted the film, which holds a dismal 21% average on Rotten Tomatoes...

Set in 1980s Pennsylvania, Brave the Dark explores the connection between Nathan, a struggling teen, and Stan, a drama teacher who becomes his unexpected support. Based on Nathaniel Deen’s personal story, the film combines emotional depth with an honest portrayal of pain and healing.

Situated in 1986 Lancaster County, the film’s understated approach highlights its focus on human relationships. Nathaniel Deen’s personal involvement adds depth to the narrative, presenting a raw perspective on challenges and growth.

The review examines Brave the Dark, exploring its emotional complexity and challenging themes. What insights emerge about personal struggles, compassionate support, and the path to healing?

The Weight of Shadows: Plot and Narrative in Brave the Dark

Nathan, a homeless teen scarred by his parents’ violent death, wanders through foster homes, his life marked by abandonment and self-destruction. After an arrest for a burglary he didn’t commit, Stan, a drama teacher wrestling with personal grief,...

Mel Gibson and Mark Wahlberg’s “Flight Risk” is facing no traffic on the runway, lifting off to an easy No. 1 opening in what is turning out to be another sleepy weekend at the January box office. The Lionsgate thriller carried on $4.4 million from 3,161 locations across Friday and preview screenings.

Even at that modest gross, it’ll be Lionsgate’s second No. 1 debut of the year after “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera.” A three-day opening north of $11 million is now projected, though there’s potential turbulence ahead. NFL conference championships could keep a significant fraction of viewers out of theaters on Sunday, but the warning signs aren’t just outside multiplexes. Lionsgate held the review embargo for “Flight Risk” until preview screenings for a reason — critics have largely torn apart the movie, which marks Gibson’s directorial follow-up to his Oscar-nominated 2016 war drama “Hacksaw Ridge.”

Audiences aren’t on board either,...

“Brave the Dark” is the upcoming live-action drama feature, directed by Damian Harris, starring Jared Harris and Nicholas Hamilton, releasing January 24, 2025 in theaters:

"...when 'Mr. Deen' discovers one of his students 'Nate' has been living out of his car and thrown into jail...

“...he decides to bail him out.

"Determined to curb Nate's self-destructive behavior...

“… "Mr. Deen discovers a host of secrets that are slowly tearing Nate apart..."

Click the images to enlarge...

Documentaries about Liza Minnelli and Supercross, fan favorites with different fans, a Steven Soderbergh horror, a spy thriller with Phoebe Dynevor and Angel Studios’ latest starring Jared Harris are new on screens. It’s a quieter moment for new releases as Oscar contenders flood theaters and the fresh crop of 2025 independent films are just starting to gestate at Sundance.

For a little star quality, Zeitgeist Films debuts Bruce David Klein’s Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story about legendary showbiz icon Liza Minnelli at the IFC Center in NYC and adds Los Angeles next Friday (Laemmle Royal and Town Center), with a national rollout to follow.

IFC’s 7 pm shows with director Q&As are both sold out. They’ll be moderated by Minnelli’s longtime friend and collaborator Jim Caruso, who is featured in the doc along with Michael Feinstein, Mia Farrow, Ben Vereen, Joel Grey, the late...

Based on the real-life experiences of co-writer and co-executive producer Nathaniel Deen, who appears at the end to bestow his approval on the dramatization and invite the audience to take its lessons to heart, “Brave the Dark” is a low-key inspirational indie that sensitively elicits empathy and sympathy without ever pushing too hard or simplifying complexities.

Short on surprises but brimming with warm-hearted insight, the film may have a few too many mildly edgy elements to qualify as family-friendly entertainment suitable for all ages. Even so, it likely will pass muster with parents looking for entertainment they can share with children in their early teens and older. Perhaps even more important, the children just as likely will appreciate being brought along to see something a tad more substantial than sanitized kid stuff.

The year is 1986, the place is Lancaster County, Penn., and the storyline focuses on the relationship between Nathan...

“Brave the Dark” is the upcoming live-action drama feature, directed by Damian Harris, starring Jared Harris and Nicholas Hamilton, releasing January 24, 2025 in theaters:

"...when 'Mr. Deen' discovers one of his students 'Nate' has been living out of his car and thrown into jail...

“...he decides to bail him out.

"Determined to curb Nate's self-destructive behavior...

“… "Mr. Deen discovers a host of secrets that are slowly tearing Nate apart..."

Click the images to enlarge...

Based on the real story of Stan Deen, a high school English and Drama teacher of the Garden Spot High School, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania from 1967 until his death in 2016, “Brave the Dark” has Damian Harris directing his brother, Jared in the particular role, in a rather rewarding drama.

Haunted by torturous childhood memories, Nate Williams finds himself in a really troubled space, living in his car and acting like a bully in highschool, despite the efforts of his girlfriend, Tina, to change him. Eventually, his reckless attitude has him arrested and in prison, which is when his teacher, Mr Deen, decides to bail him out and take him under his wing. Mr Deen aims at helping by having him actively participate in his drama club, but soon realizes that the secrets the young man is keeping about his past and the pressure he feels from his parole officer and his...

“Brave the Dark” is the upcoming live-action drama feature, directed by Damian Harris, starring Jared Harris and Nicholas Hamilton, releasing January 24, 2025 in theaters:

"...when 'Mr. Deen' discovers one of his students 'Nate' has been living out of his car and thrown into jail...

“...he decides to bail him out.

"Determined to curb Nate's self-destructive behavior...

“… "Mr. Deen discovers a host of secrets that are slowly tearing Nate apart..."

Click the images to enlarge...

Angel Studios, through an agreement with Haven Films will produce, develop and distribute the motion picture adaptation of Fablehaven, based on the best-selling fantasy book series by Brandon Mull, with focus on the first novel.

The film adaptation is in the early stages of pre-production and is preparing to begin shooting late in the summer of 2025, slated for a 2026 release.

“The Fablehaven books have been a favorite series for myself and all of my kids, and so I was not surprised when the Angel Guild responded so enthusiastically to their torch,” Jordan Harmon, President of Angel Studios, said. “We are thrilled to bring to the big screen these incredible stories that promise to delight families, and inspire viewers of all ages.”

The film, directed by Cameron Sawyer (Tim Timmerman: Hope of America), will introduce viewers to a world of hidden magical creatures and ancient secrets that readers know well.

Angel Studios has added “Brave the Dark,” a true story inspirational drama, to its 2025 release slate. The film will hit theaters on January 24, 2025.

The film is based on the true story of co-writer Nathaniel Deen, who took the last name of the teacher Stan Deen, who changed his life. The film stars “Chernobyl” Emmy nominee Jared Harris as Stan, who sees Nathan (Nicholas Hamilton) arrested outside his classroom.

Determined to help Nathan turn his life around, Stan finds the teenager living alone in his car. Their encounter challenges Stan’s convictions as they embark on a life-changing journey together.

Angel Studios burst onto the theatrical scene with the 2023 indie smash hit “Sound of Freedom,” which grossed $250 million at the global box office. Since then, the studio has rolled out plans to release 4-6 films per year, with most set around major holiday release periods.

Among the films “Brave the Dark...

Exclusive: Angel Studios will release Brave The Dark in theaters on January 24, 2025 on a minimum of 1,000 screens.

Based on a true story, the film by Damian Harris portrays the transformation of a 1980s small-town drama teacher Stan Deen — played by BAFTA winner and Golden Globe and Emmy nominee Jared Harris — drawn into the mysterious past of a student, Nathan (Nicholas Hamilton), who is arrested outside his classroom.

Long sustained by a quiet belief that no student is a lost cause, Deen attempts to bond with Nathan, secretive and living alone in his car. Their relationship will test his deepest convictions and become a life-changing journey.

Co-writer and subject of the film, Nathaniel Deen, said the work “isn’t just my story, it’s a tribute to my hero, Stan Deen. We are honored to link arms with Angel Studios, so Brave the Dark and Stan’s legacy can shine brightly on the world stage.

Sony will be releasing the untitled Keke Palmer and Sza R-rated comedy on Jan. 24, 2025.

The TriStar Pictures title is directed by Lawrence Lamont off a screenplay by Syreeta Singleton.

The project came together from the CoCre lab at Sony Pictures. The lab was a previous pact between ColorCreative and Sony Pictures to source and incubate emerging, diverse screenwriters to develop and write their first studio feature based on original ideas.

Producing is Hoorae’s Issa Rae and Sara Diya Rastogi, ColorCreative’s Deniese Davis and Macro Film Studios’ Charles D. King, James Lopez, and Poppy Hanks. Singleton is co-producing. Big Boss’ Palmer and Sharon Palmer are executive producing. Macro Film Studios is also co-financing.

The supporting cast includes Lil Rel Howery, Janelle James, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Maude Apatow, Katt Williams, Joshua Neal, Aziza Scott, Patrick Cage, and Amin Joseph.

The comedy will share marquees on its opening weekend with the...

Stars: Evyn Flanders, Stefanie Estes, Molly Kunz, Colleen Camp, Michael X. Sommers, Claire Saunders | Written and Directed by Gordon Shoemaker Foxwood

Wild Eyed and Wicked opens with a young girl named Lily (Evyn Flanders; Brave the Dark), hearing a noise outside in the dark and, picking up a sword and shield, goes to investigate. Silvia her mother tells her to get inside, which she ignores. As a result, she gets to witness her mother put a gun to her head and pull the trigger.

The now-grown Lily wakes from seeing her mother’s death in a nightmare and heads off to give fencing lessons before having a session with Genevieve, her therapist, about the nightmares and her anxiety concerning her estranged father Greg contacting her as the anniversary of that night approaches.

We also know something else is going on because, as she takes a picture of her girlfriend Willow a clawed hand briefly appears.

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros.

The cover of Onyx Storm hints at a darker tone in the next Empyrean Series book, which will raise the stakes significantly. The tagline "Brave the Dark" suggests Violet will face new threats and challenges, including Xaden's condition and the Venin. The cover's dark shades are a far cry from the gold and red used for Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, further supporting a tonal shift.

The cover for Onyx Storm is finally here, and its imagery and tagline confirm a major shift from previous Fourth Wing books. Onyx Storm will continue Rebecca Yarros' Empyrean Series in January 2025, picking up where Iron Flame's twist ending left off. Although readers know Onyx Storm's release date and general direction, updates about the next Empyrean book have been sparse. Fortunately, Today.com shared the cover, and it will give fans of Yarros'...

Warning: This article contains Spoilers for Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros.

Onyx Storm's cover art confirms our title theories about the Fourth Wing sequel, which is set to release in January 2025. The tagline "Brave the Dark" hints at Violet facing Xaden's growing darkness, supporting the idea that the sequel will focus on Xaden. The cover's swirling light and dark shadows are likely a reference to Xaden's signet.

The cover for Onyx Storm has finally been revealed, and it looks like it confirms our theories about the next Fourth Wing sequel. Onyx Storm is slated to hit shelves in January 2025, and after Iron Flame's twist ending, it can't come out soon enough. Rebecca Yarros' Empyrean Series is one of the biggest romantasy stories out there, and the stakes are higher than ever heading into the 2025 novel. The follow-up to Iron Flame promises to test Violet and Xaden's relationship further, and I'm...

Co-founder and CEO of the Newport Beach Film Festival Gregg Schwenk muses that there are several reasons the fest, which will run Oct. 12-19 this year, has grown in popularity over the last 24 years. There are, of course, the movies: over 300 films this year, including about 100 features and over 200 shorts from countries all over the world. Some of the buzzy titles include Alexander Payne’s “The Holdovers” and Todd Haynes’ “May December,” both looking to impact on the upcoming awards season. In addition, honors will be presented to several artists throughout the festival, including Artist of Distinction Patricia Clarkson, Legend Award recipient William Shatner and Icon Award honoree Eugenio Derbez.

And then there’s the location. “It’s hard to beat Newport Beach,” says Schwenk of the city south of Los Angeles, which includes gorgeous beaches and boat-filled harbors. “Our nature and beauty are world-renowned. And being only about an...

Exclusive: Freestyle Digital Media has acquired U.S. rights to the comedic documentary My Friend Tommy, along with North American rights to Blood Scales, an award-winning French-English doc about animal trafficking. The former title will debut on digital October 24th, with the latter hitting the internet on the 31st.

Directed by Nem Stankovic, My Friend Tommy follows Thomas “Tommy” Lee, a sheltered 40-year-old virgin who embarks on a cross-continental journey with his best friend, former pro-ball player and comedian Nem, to learn basic adult skills in a crash course on the life he’s missed out on. Nora Stankovic, Nem Stankovic, and Lauren Wolkowski produced the film alongside EPs Nick Risher, Patrick Tsang, Oliver Mochizuki, Utsava Kasera, Rahil Khandker, Wilson Siu, G. Lam, Archit Joshi, Christopher Aw, Sin W. Lau, Mark N. Taaffe, Jessey Lee, and Cherie Chan.

Directed by Paolo Sodi and produced by Alessio Bariviera, Blood Scales highlights...