Lloyd Bannings returns to his hometown to follow his late brother's footsteps and join the Crossbell Police Department. However, he finds himself assigned to a ragtag new division called the Special Support Section, which performs odd jobs and helps people in need. But he and his new teammates slowly discover that their vibrant city hides a dark criminal underbelly...as well as a few terrible secrets.
Read MoreMeet K.I.T.T. - the iconic vehicle from the classic 80s series complete with electronic features and a highly-detailed interior. Touch the hood of the car to hear original voice clips of K.I.T.T. and operate the scanner light
Read MoreOtakus and Geeks got to cover the Film Festival and interview two of the events producers.
Catch us discuss how to manage putting together such a large scale festival, and what producers look for when choosing films and directors to work with.
The annual Academy Awards® Qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival is back and for the 18th Annual event! Every year the festival gets bigger and better than the last, with an amazing stacked line-up of films to present over ten days of screenings. HollyShorts (HSFF) brings together top creators, industry leaders, and companies and has launched many filmmakers into the next stages of their careers.
The festival will run from August 11th to August 20th at the TCL Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, as well as online: Bitpix. The festivities will be one of the most high profile yet!
Over 400 films on display this year, this is set to be one of the most diverse slates yet, with over 5000 entries, 161 female directors and 101 BIPOC directors among the films from this year’s program. A press release was sent out announcing the selections for the 18th annual festival and the incredible films that are leading the way.
About HollyShorts Film Festival (HSFF) #HSFF2022
The annual Academy Awards® Qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival will celebrate its 18th year in August 2022. HollyShorts (HSFF) brings together top creators, industry leaders, and companies and has launched many filmmakers into the next stages of their careers. HollyShorts, a regular on MovieMaker Magazine’s “Top 50 Festivals Worth the Entry Fee list”, also engages its community and spotlights short films year-round through monthly screenings, panels, and networking events. HollyShorts Film Festival will take place in-person between August 11-20th, 2021 at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres, with the annual Awards Gala set to take place on August 20th, 2022.
About Bitpix
Born out of the Oscar® Qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival, Bitpix is a new Premium AVOD platform, featuring the world's best short films. The platform is already live in alpha mode and available via Bitpixtv.com. Bitpix is streamed through the app for download on Airplay, Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, AppleTV, Chromecast, IOS, Roku.
For Millennia, GIGABOTS have been trapped on Earth and lay dormant inside their energy cores. During a recent deep core mining expedition several GIGABOTS were uncovered and activated by a massive lightning strike.
Read MoreEvery Hero has their day in court...Until they get fired. Our hero not hero searches for Employment and comes face to face with an old family enemy on Episode 2 of She Hulk.
Read MoreKiichiro Hayase has a reputation as the wealthiest, hottest, most eligible bachelor in town. But as they say...behind every successful man is the maid who keeps him from tripping over his own two feet! Enter Miss Kishi, the most competent, professional maid around—and the only thing keeping from Kiichiro quite literally crashing and burning.
Read MoreMake the dreams of aspiring idols-to-be come true, and build an entertainment empire from the ground up… by any means necessary. Carefully audition new talent to dominate the scene with ever-popular idol groups, but also take calculated risks to make the headlines, after all, any press is good press.
Read MoreJennifer Walters becomes the She-Hulk after receiving an inadvertent blood transfusion from her cousin Bruce Banner when the two of them almost crash into a Sakaar spacecraft. Jen learned to harness her Hulk powers in a Mexican bar-cum-lab retreat that Bruce built with Tony Stark.
Read More
The annual Academy Awards® Qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival is back and has announced their line-up for the 18th Annual event! Every year the festival gets bigger and better than the last, with an amazing stacked line-up of films to present over ten days of screenings. HollyShorts (HSFF) brings together top creators, industry leaders, and companies and has launched many filmmakers into the next stages of their careers.
The festival will run from August 11th to August 20th at the TCL Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, as well as online: Bitpix. The festivities will be one of the most high profile yet!
Over 400 films on display this year, this is set to be one of the most diverse slates yet, with over 5000 entries, 161 female directors and 101 BIPOC directors among the films from this year’s program. A press release was sent out announcing the selections for the 18th annual festival and the incredible films that are leading the way.
For the full list of films, be sure to check out the official selection page, on the official Hollyshorts website.
OSCAR® Winners and Filmmaking Legends headline HollyShorts Film Festival’s 18th Film Festival Opening Night
Filmmakers and stars include double OSCAR® winner Ben Proudfoot, British legend Sir Steve McQueen, Academy Award® winner Travon Free, Jamie Lee Curtis and Gemma Arterton
HollyShorts Opening Night Line-up on August 11, 7:30pm
HollyShorts OSCAR®-qualifying film festival does it again with an impressive opening night line-up featuring Sir Steve McQueen's prostate cancer documentary EMBARRASSED which stars Idris Elba who shares “the stats are shocking”, fellow star Morgan Freeman insists “get on your duff, and go and get your exam”, and Chiwetel Ejiofor CBE adds “it’s really important to get the message out there”. Double OSCAR® winner Ben Proudfoot’s MINK! tells the story of Patsy Takemoto Mink, the first woman of color elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Rory Keenan’s BUMP stars British fan favorite Gemma Arterton, Frank Chi’s 38 AND THE GARDEN is produced by OSCAR® winner Travon Free and revisits an Asian American athlete’s story. Mike Kearby’s comedy THE PROBLEM WITH TIME TRAVEL touches on climate change, whilst Tara Westwood’s TRIGGERED stars Isiah Whitlock Jr. and Law and Order’s SVU Robert John Burke. Coral Amiga’s CROSSHAIRS shares the story of two boys whose friendship is derailed, whilst Evan Miller’s THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS all-star cast includes Adrianne Palicki and Zachary Levi.
The Epic/Dread Horror Program opens with Kelsey Bollig’s KICKSTART MY HEART, Russell Goldman’s RETURN TO SENDER starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Allison Tolman. Alexandra Magistro’s LOVE YOU, MAMA starring Madeleine Arthur (ABC’s The Family), Samantha Sloyan(Midnight Mass) and Matt Biedel (Midnight Mass). More exciting films in this strand include Alexander Thompson’s BLACK DRAGON (Rồng đen), Kantu Lentz’s COCHE BOMBA and Nuhash Humayun’s MOSHARI.
HollyShorts films will be online,
Opening Night: https://bitpixtv.news/2022/08/08/hollyshorts-2022-opening-night-august-11th-highlights-q-a-with-kelsey-bollig/
Day Two: https://bitpixtv.news/2022/08/08/hollyshorts-2022-day-2-august-12th-highlights-q-a-with-rylee-ebsen/
Day Three: https://bitpixtv.news/2022/08/08/hollyshorts-2022-day-3-august-13th-highlights-qa-with-sarah-kaskas/
Day Four: https://bitpixtv.news/2022/08/08/hollyshorts-2022-day-4-august-14th-highlights-q-a-with-grace-sloan/
To view the full list of official selections visit: https://hollyshorts.com/official_selections_2022
HollyShorts screenings will take place from August 11-20 at TLC Chinese Theatres, 6801 Hollywood Blvd. 3rd Level, Hollywood, CA, 90028, followed by the annual awards gala on August 20.
Justin talks with director Adrian Bobb and Producer Brian Quintero about their new short film "The Fore-Men." In “The Fore-Men” directed by Adrian Bobb, weeks after a mysterious time-compression event violently splices environments from the past and future into the present, two survivors encounter the foreboding figures responsible for the event and experience firsthand their sinister nature.
Read MoreBright Memory: Infinite, the high-octane, visually stunning first-person shooter made by indie developer FYQD Studio and published by PLAYISM, has landed on the batterfield on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. Shoot and slash in fast-paced, acrobatic combat, deploying ferocious firearms, crisp sword skills and psychic powers to perform skillful combos. Square off against futuristic soldiers, beasts from Chinese mythology, and gigantic bosses that test special agent Shelia’s skills as she searches for the truth behind a bizarre black hole.
Read MoreHey guys, GGG here, I can finally talk about the all- new original live action series Paper Girls! Here's my Completely spoiler free thoughts on Season 1 of the Amazon Prime Series. (For a more detailed breakdown stay tuned for my written review)
In the early morning hours after Halloween 1988, four paper girls—Erin, Mac, Tiffany, and KJ—are out on their delivery route when they become caught in the crossfire between warring time-travelers, changing the course of their lives forever. Transported into the future, these girls must figure out a way to get back home to the past, a journey that will bring them face-to-face with the grown-up versions of themselves. While reconciling that their futures are far different than their 12-year-old selves imagined, they are being hunted by a militant faction of time-travelers known as the Old Watch, who have outlawed time travel so that they can stay in power. In order to survive, the girls will need to overcome their differences and learn to trust each other, and themselves. Based on the best-selling graphic novels written by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Cliff Chiang, Paper Girls is a high-stakes personal journey depicted through the eyes of four girls, played by breakout leads Camryn Jones as Tiffany Quilkin, Riley Lai Nelet as Erin Tieng, Sofia Rosinsky as Mac Coyle, and Fina Strazza as KJ Brandman. Ali Wong also stars as the grown-up version of Erin, with Nate Corddry as Larry, and Adina Porter as Prioress.
River City Saga: Three Kingdoms offers players a unique experience set during China’s Three Kingdoms period and based on the popular Downtown Special: River City Historical Drama! game. The River City characters enter China’s Three Kingdoms period and take on roles set within the historical tale, “Romance of the Three Kingdoms.”
Read MoreWhat destiny awaits them after the screaming? After abruptly departing from a train in a small town, a couple encounters a “weeping woman”—a professional mourner—sobbing inconsolably at a funeral. Mako changes afterward—she can’t stop crying! In another tale, having decided to die together, a couple enters Aokigahara, the infamous suicide forest.
Read MoreIn episode 21 of Otakus & Geeks. The women of O & G Ashley, Nadya and Lenni sit down and have a discussion on a variety of topics in the geek, gaming, and fandom world.
Read MoreThe latest Marvel Disney+ series not only stuck the landing but successfully introduced the teenage superhero into the MCU and to new audiences. Ms. Marvel is one of the strongest and highest rated disney plus shows, garnering rave reviews, with Iman Vellani deservingly claiming her position as the newest addition into the world of Marvel heroes.
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courtesy of NETFLIX (Gosling); (EVans)
Following their immense Marvel success The Russo Brothers have once again teamed up with screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely to make the new action-thriller The Gray Man. The high-octane $200-million Netflix/AGBO produced film based on Mark Greaney’s novel drops on Netflix this Friday and is available in select theaters. The film stars Golden Globe nominee Ryan Gosling as CIA operative Court Gentry aka Sierra Six who goes toe to toe with former Captain America, (Chris Evans) who plays Lloyd Hansen, a former cohort at the CIA, who will stop at nothing to take him out. This non-stop adrenaline rush is sure to wow audiences with its explosions, effects, and impressive stunt work although it isn't anything extraordinary or original.
When the CIA’s most skilled operative—whose true identity is known to none—
accidentally uncovers dark agency secrets, a psychopathic former colleague puts a bounty on his head,
setting off a global manhunt by international assassins.
The action-packed thriller is Gosling’s first venture with the Russo Brothers, and his return to mega- action blockbuster’s since his lead role in Blade Runner 2047. He plays the skilled operative Court Gentry aka Six, who we first get introduced to in a federal penitentiary. He is recruited by his handler, Donald Fitzroy (Billy Bob Thornton) who he builds a father-son type relationship with over the years. Under Fitzroy, Six earns his ranking as one of the best agents in the covert program known as Sierra, making a name for himself while remaining hidden in the shadows. Gentry was once a highly-skilled, Agency-sanctioned merchant of death, but now the tables have turned as he becomes the target, hunted internationally by psychopath Lloyd Hansen.
“The Gray Man” Sierra program is an unofficial government sanctioned operation that recruits nameless assassins and offers them limited sentences in exchange for a lifelong commitment. These assets are chosen for certain skill-sets, a lack of family and lack of morality. After years of loyalty to the program Sierra Six is now targeted by the agency currently run by the entitled and whiny Denny Carmichael (Regé-Jean Page). Six is now on the run as he has something they want, which is the only thing keeping him alive. In a web of co-conspiracies and competitors, Six doesn't kill for pleasure or a price, unlike the other deadly assassins currently hunting him. He also has to save a kid in the process, who Carmichael has kidnapped as collateral.
NETFLIX: Court Gentry (Gosling)
“It’s really the first time in his life that he’s had any kind of power. He was powerless as a child to a very domineering father, he was powerless to the prison system and then powerless to the CIA. So, even though everything is very cinematic and the stakes are heightened, his story is very relatable in a way because all he really wants is to have some kind of control over himself and over his own life.” - Gosling
Gosling is badass, sarcastic and makes being an assassin look like a walk in the park. He has a natural presence on screen that keeps viewers captivated and cheering him on. The movie delves into his past ever so slightly, with just enough insight into why his life has gone down this path of mayhem. Aside from that we don't know much about his character which adds to the mystery of Sierra Six.
“Extra 10 lol to the first guy to put a bullet in this Ken dolls brain “ - Lloyd Hansen
Evans reunites with the Russo Bros. but this time as the villain, Former CIA recruit Lloyd Hansen, who lasted only five-and-a-half months with the agency before being dismissed for unauthorized torture and lack of impulse control. A free-agent assassin, he torments his targets for sport. Hired by Carmichael, a former schoolmate, to hunt the Gray Man, he’s never learned to play nicely with others and enjoys tormenting people. His character is unbelievable, outrageous and oh that ridiculous stache, but it works! Evans is hilarious as the compulsive, hothead, and psychopathic loose cannon that cannot be contained. He is extremely impulsive, has no ethics whatsoever, and condones all kinds of unsanctioned torture. He goes on a wild and menacing goose chase to hunt down his prey (Six) with an insane amount of collateral. Gosling and Evans are so thoroughly entertaining and work magic together as the hostile adversaries.
Evans on playing Lloyd
“Lloyd is at his most dangerous when he’s at his most friendly.”
“My mustache! [Laughs] What can I say? Certain characters just come to life through something simple, whether it’s wardrobe or a prop. The second that we cut that mustache I was like 'Oh there he is, there’s this psycho.'
But seriously, I’m excited for audiences to see Ryan in a true action movie and to have so many good characters and so many good performances and to blend those worlds of action and drama.”
Ana de Armas reunites with both her co-stars from Blade Runner 2049 (Gosling), and Knives Out (Evans) in the all-star studded film. She plays Dani Miranda, a smart and kickass agent who helps Six with his mission, however the movie does little to show any sort of range of her acting chops. She is very one-dimensional and doesn't get much time to shine aside from being a typical pretty sidekick. They could have given her character more depth and played with the possibility of her being a rogue agent or a key operative more.
NETFLIX Page, Armas
Regé-Jean Page plays the toxic misogynistic power hungry and entitled Agency Group Chief Denny Carmichael, but unfortunately Page also comes off as just another attractive face thrown in the mix. Denny is incredibly whiny, throws temper tantrums and complains a lot. His character is very stereotypical as the new head honcho in charge, who has a power-trip and is clearly hiding something. What the film fails to show is exactly what that is, it is kind of brushed over very quickly- the typical overt ops, conspiracies and cover-ups in a minute of uncovered footage. The film could have made him a little more menacing.
The Russo brothers certainly raised the bar for blockbuster filmmaking in artistry, scope, and box office returns with their string of MCU properties. “Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Captain America: Civil War (2016), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: Endgame (2019), which in addition to concluding the “Avengers saga” racked up numerous industry records, including Biggest Single-Day Gross, Highest-Grossing Opening Weekend, and Highest-Grossing Film of All Time.” (netflix)
Without a doubt this is visually a Russo brothers movie, with its incredible cinematography, wide- angle shots, globe-trotting and impressive stunt work. There was loads of action, great hand-to-hand combat/gunplay and some memorable action scenes. Overall, the movie is a lot of fun but it is unoriginal and brings nothing new to the spy-action genre. It lacked any actual detective work, espionage, or smarts. It displays concepts we've seen over and over again- the unrealistic jump out of a burning plane scene, the jump off a moving train onto your buddies car scene, and even somewhat similar premises to movies like the Bourne series and Looper.
From a storytelling standpoint it generally keeps it safe and some jokes just don't land. It is not quite original and lacks its own identity. The colors scheme is vibrant neon reminiscent of the visuals of the John Wick franchise, although this was aesthetically pleasing as they traveled around the world showcasing different countries and backdrops. The third act and very last scene were unanticipated but not in a good way. It seems as if they tried to make it a common theme “just another Thursday '' but it just didn’t stick as the last escape was unrealistic, frivolous and unnecessary. The film featured mediocre storytelling, and a lot of things just don’t entirely make sense.
The Gray Man is a fun high-octane, non-stop adrenaline rush full of vibrant colors, explosions and some of the most attractive faces in Hollywood. It’s a considerably solid movie that plays it safe, the story and the dialogue can be a little silly, but ultimately we’re watching for the ass-kicking.
THE GRAY MAN RELEASES GLOBALLY ON NETFLIX ON JULY 22, 2022
Ground Divers! is an excavation action puzzle game. Players will guide the clumsy robot Tsuruhashi as he struggles to stay awake to defeat the enemies lurking around every corner, while also searching for rare matter slumbering deep underground in this strategic roguelike game like no other!
Read More“Whatever it takes” .. The Boys team up once again as they embark on a mission to take down Vought and the uncontrollable self-absorbed super-maniac Homelander (Antony Starr). If you're worried about the season not living up to its predecessors, do not panic. The show's shock value has in no way diminished with its “Ant-man”
Read MoreEnter the court and get ready for a brand-new title that delivers authentic gameplay and an immersive tennis experience. As a modern tennis simulation, Matchpoint – Tennis Championships features an extensive career mode and a unique rivalry system.
Read MoreBanner images provided by Classic Sailing or GollyGforce, for demo purposes only. Powered by Squarespace
