"Collide" Review by TIm Hellman

'COLLIDE': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

An action flick about a retired American drug dealer, in Germany, who goes back to work for his former boss in order to make enough money to get his dying girlfriend a new kidney. The movie stars Nicholas Hoult, Felicity Jones (of 'STAR WARS' fame), Anthony Hopkins, Ben Kingsley and Marwan Kenzari. It was directed by Eran Creevy (who also helmed 2013's outstanding 'WELCOME TO THE PUNCH'), scripted by Creevy and F. Scott Frazier (who also wrote this year's 'XXX: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE'), and it was co-produced by action master Joel Silver. The film has received mostly negative reviews from critics, and it's bombing at the Box Office, but I found it to be somewhat entertaining.

Casey Stein (Hoult) is an American who lives in Cologne, Germany, and works for a drug dealer by the name of Geran (Kingsley). He meets another American, named Juliette Marne (Jones), bartending at one of the clubs Geran hangs out at. The two take an immediate liking to each other, but Juliette tells him she could never date anyone that works for Geran. So Casey quits his job, and the two fall in love, but due to Juliette's heavy drinking, her kidney fails one night. She's unqualified for a transplant, because she's an American citizen, so Casey suggests they move back to America and get her a new kidney there. He decides to do one more big job for Geran, against Juliette's wishes, in order to make enough money to pay for this plan.

The movie has the feel of a cool 90s type action flick, but it never quite reaches that desired status. It's entertaining, and beautiful to watch at times though. The filmmakers couldn't have possibly gotten a better cast for this film too; Hopkins and Kingsley are so much fun to watch, and Hoult and Jones are both too good for this movie as well. It's the kind of film that definitely looks like it should be a lot better than it is, but it's still kind of fun though.

Official Stills for the Action Thriller "Collide"

Open Road Films recently released stills for their upcoming release "Collide". The film stars Nicholas Hoult, Felicity Jones, Anthony Hopkins and Ben Kingsley.

"Collide" hits theaters on February 24th.

Plot Synopsis:

In COLLIDE a young American couple Casey (Nicholas Hoult) and Juliette (Felicity Jones) are plunged into an adrenaline- pumping game of cat and mouse across Germany when they find themselves caught between two ruthless feuding criminals (Anthony Hopkins and Ben Kingsley).

New Stills from Oliver Stone's Upcoming Film "Snowden"

Open Road Films recently released new stills for Oliver Stone's new film "Snowden". The film stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Edward Snowden. Shailene Woodley, Scott Eastwood and Nicolas Cage also costar in the film.

"Snowden" is scheduled to hit theaters on September 16th.

Press Release:

In Academy Award®-winning director Oliver Stone’s International thriller, “SNOWDEN,” witness Joseph Gordon-Levitt embody Edward Snowden. In this first look, before he was a whistle-blower, Edward was an ordinary man who unquestioningly served his country. “SNOWDEN” is currently shooting in Munich, before moving to locations around the world.

Action Crime Thriller "Triple 9" Blasts its Way to DVD & Blu-Ray

Universal Home Entertainment recently release information for the upcoming DVD & Blu-Ray release of "Triple 9". The film is the latest from director John Hillcoat (Lawless) and stars Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Mackie, Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, with Woody Harrelson and Kate Winslet.

Special features on the DVD & Blu-Ray includes Deleted Scenes, Under the Gun (The acclaimed cast of Triple 9 offers an in-depth look at its characters and the pulse-pounding twists and turns at the heart of the film.) and Authentic World (Director John Hillcoat and the cast of Triple 9 discuss how their grounded approach to filmmaking helped highlight the film's gritty, authentic look and feel.).

"Triple 9" hits retail on May 31st.

Press Release:

When a veteran cop and his rookie nephew discover a shocking conspiracy that leads dangerously close to home, they'll stop at nothing to get to the truth in Triple 9, an action-packed tale of corruption and betrayal coming to Digital HD on May 17, 2016, and Blu-ray™, DVD and On Demand on May 31, 2016, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Propelled by John Hillcoat's (The Road, The Proposition) ferocious directorial style and a top-notch cast, Triple 9 races through a world where no one can be trusted in a "crime caper like no other" (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone). Triple 9 on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital HD includes deleted scenes and a peek backstage at the making of the most original cop thriller in years.

Woody Harrelson ("True Detective," The Hunger Games series), Anthony Mackie (Avengers: Age of Ultron, The Hurt Locker), Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave, The Martian), Aaron Paul ("Breaking Bad," Need for Speed), Norman Reedus ("The Walking Dead," The Boondock Saints), Casey Affleck (Out of the Furnace, Gone Baby Gone) and Kate Winslet (Steve Jobs, Titanic) star in an explosive, action-packed thriller critics call "a twisty, terrific ride" (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone). A bank robbery is just the tip of the iceberg when two cops in Atlanta begin suspecting that members of their own team are involved. Not knowing whom to trust and how deep the corruption goes, the clock is ticking as they try to uncover the truth — before they become the target for the next deadly job.

Clifton Collins Jr. (Pacific Rim, "Westworld"), Teresa Palmer (Warm Bodies, The Choice), Michael K. Williams (12 Years a Slave, The Road) and Gal Gadot (Furious 7, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice) also star in what critics call "a modern-day heist thriller with a diverse, high-wattage cast" (Justin Chang, Variety).

"Triple 9" Review by Tim Hellman

'TRIPLE 9': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

Gritty crime thriller; about a gang of criminals (including two corrupt cops) that are forced into performing two dangerous heists, for a Russian mob boss's wife. It was directed by John Hillcoat (who also directed the outstanding 'LAWLESS' and 'THE ROAD'), and it was scripted by first time feature film writer Matt Cook. The all- star cast includes Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Mackie, Kate Winslet, Woody Harrelson, Clifton Collins, Jr., Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, Teresa Palmer and Cal Gadot. I enjoyed it immensely.

The story takes place in Atlanta, Georgia; where Michael Atwood (Ejiofor) leads a team of criminals in a daring bank robbery. They're objective is to retrieve a safe deposit box; which contains information vital to freeing a convicted Russian Mafia boss. Michael takes the box to Irina Vlaslov (Winslet), the mob boss's wife, but she insists they perform another job for her. She next wants the gang to steal more important data (on her husband), from a secured government building. Irina kills one gang member, and threatens to take Michael's son; in order to get the criminals to cooperate. The group devises a plan to kill a cop (a Triple 9 police call), as a diversion. Gang member Marcus Belmont (Mackie), a corrupt cop, suggests they kill his new partner, Chris Allen (Affleck).

The movie is very dark, gritty and graphically violent; it also contains explicit sex, nudity, disturbing drug use and lots of foul language. It's definitely not a movie for everyone, but the right audience should get a big kick out of it. Some of it seems pretty intense and hard to watch; but it also feels like a movie (like a really good crime action flick). The pacing is great, the performances are all good and the dialogue is witty. The film definitely has it's flaws too though. It's an especially odd mix of genre pleasing action formula, and realistic crime thriller; but I really enjoyed it.

Official Stills for the Action Thriller "Triple 9"

Open Road Films recently released stills for the upcoming action film "Triple 9". The upcoming film is the latest from director John Hillcoat (Lawless) and stars Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Mackie, Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, with Woody Harrelson and Kate Winslet.

"Triple 9" hits theaters on February 26th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Triple9Movie

Plot synopsis:

TRIPLE 9 is an action-packed thriller starring Oscar®-nominees Woody Harrelson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kate Winslet and Casey Affleck, along with Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, Gal Gadot and Anthony Mackie. Directed by John Hillcoat ("Lawless").

Official Character Posters for the Action Thriller "Triple 9"

Open Road Films recently released the official trailer for the upcoming action film "Triple 9". The upcoming film is the latest from director John Hillcoat (Lawless) and stars Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Mackie, Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, with Woody Harrelson and Kate Winslet.

"Triple 9" hits theaters on February 26th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Triple9Movie

Plot synopsis:

TRIPLE 9 is an action-packed thriller starring Oscar®-nominees Woody Harrelson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kate Winslet and Casey Affleck, along with Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, Gal Gadot and Anthony Mackie. Directed by John Hillcoat ("Lawless").

Intense Official Trailer for the Upcoming Action Film "Triple 9"

Open Road Films recently released the official trailer for the upcoming action film "Triple 9". The upcoming film is the latest from director John Hillcoat (Lawless) and stars Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Mackie, Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, with Woody Harrelson and Kate Winslet.

"Triple 9" hits theaters on February 26th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Triple9Movie

Plot synopsis:

TRIPLE 9 is an action-packed thriller starring Oscar®-nominees Woody Harrelson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kate Winslet and Casey Affleck, along with Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, Gal Gadot and Anthony Mackie. Directed by John Hillcoat ("Lawless").

"Triple 9": Official Trailer

First Film Clip and Official Poster for the Upcoming Drama "Spotlight"

Open Road Films recently released the first film clip for their upcoming newspaper drama "Spotlight". The film is a true story about the Boston Globe investigation of allegations of abuse in the Catholic Church. The film stars Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schrieber, Brian D’Arcy James and Stanley Tucci.

"Spotlight" hits theaters on November 6th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: http://spotlightthefilm.com/

Plot Synopsis:

Starring Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schrieber, Brian D’Arcy James and Stanley Tucci, SPOTLIGHT tells the riveting true story of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Globe investigation that would rock the city and cause a crisis in one of the world’s oldest and most trusted institutions. When the newspaper’s tenacious “Spotlight” team of reporters delve into allegations of abuse in the Catholic Church, their year-long investigation uncovers a decades-long cover-up at the highest levels of Boston's religious, legal, and government establishment, touching off a wave of revelations around the world. Directed by Academy Award-nominee Thomas McCarthy, SPOTLIGHT is a tense investigative thriller, tracing the steps to one of the biggest crime stories in modern times.

"Spotlight": Control Everything - Film Clip

Official Stills for the Upcoming Film "Rock the Kasbah"

Open Road Films recently released stills for their upcoming release of "Rock the Kasbah". The film is directed by Oscar winner Barry Levinson and stars Bill Murray, Zooey Deschanel, Leem Lubany, Danny McBride and Bruce Willis.

"Rock the Kasbah " hits theaters on October 23rd.

Plot Synopsis:

A has-been rock manager from Van Nuys, California stumbles upon a once-in-a-lifetime voice in a remote Afghan cave in Rock the Kasbah, a dramatic comedy inspired by stranger-than- fiction, real-life events and directed by Oscar winner Barry Levinson. Richie Lanz (Bill Murray), dumped and stranded in war-torn Kabul by his last remaining client (Zooey Deschanel), discovers Salima Khan (Leem Lubany), a Pashtun teenager with a beautiful voice and the courageous dream of becoming the first woman to compete on national television in Afghanistan’s version of “American Idol.” Richie partners with a savvy hooker (Kate Hudson), a pair of hard-partying war profiteers (Danny McBride and Scott Caan) and a hair-trigger mercenary (Bruce Willis) and, braving dangerous cultural prejudices, manages his new protégée into becoming the “Afghan Star.”

Critically Acclaimed Film "Dope" Returns to Theaters Friday

Open Road Films announced today that the critically acclaimed film "Dope" will be returning to theaters this Friday. The film was an official selection at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival and Cannes Film Festival (Director's Forenight). It's executive produced by Forest Whitaker, Pharrell Williams and Sean Combs and stars Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons, Kimberly Elise, Zoë Kravitz and A$AP Rocky.

"Dope" returns into theater September 4th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: http://www.youaredope.com

Plot Synopsis:

A critical hit and audience favorite out of the Sundance Film Festival, in DOPE, Malcolm (Shameik Moore) is carefully surviving life in a tough neighborhood in Los Angeles while juggling college applications, academic interviews, and the SAT. A chance invitation to an underground party leads him into an adventure that could allow him to go from being a geek, to being dope, to ultimately being himself.

Official Trailer for the Upcoming Newspaper Drama "Spotlight"

Open Road Films recently released the official trailer for their upcoming newspaper drama "Spotlight". The film is a true story about the Boston Globe investigation of allegations of abuse in the Catholic Church. The film stars Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schrieber, Brian D’Arcy James and Stanley Tucci.

"Spotlight" hits theaters on November 6th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: http://spotlightthefilm.com/

Plot Synopsis:

Starring Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schrieber, Brian D’Arcy James and Stanley Tucci, SPOTLIGHT tells the riveting true story of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Globe investigation that would rock the city and cause a crisis in one of the world’s oldest and most trusted institutions. When the newspaper’s tenacious “Spotlight” team of reporters delve into allegations of abuse in the Catholic Church, their year-long investigation uncovers a decades-long cover-up at the highest levels of Boston's religious, legal, and government establishment, touching off a wave of revelations around the world. Directed by Academy Award-nominee Thomas McCarthy, SPOTLIGHT is a tense investigative thriller, tracing the steps to one of the biggest crime stories in modern times.

"Spotlight": Official Trailer

"Dope" Review - Written by Tim Hellman

'DOPE': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

A coming of age crime-comedy flick; about a geek high school student, who's about to graduate, that becomes involved in a life threatening drug-caper (along with his two best friends). The film was written and directed by Rick Famuyiwa (who also performed both duties on such popular romantic-comedy flicks as 'THE WOOD', 'BROWN SUGAR' and 'OUR FAMILY WEDDING'). It stars Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori (of 'THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL' fame), Kiersey Clemons, Chanel Iman and Zoe Kravitz. I found the film to be funny, clever and highly amusing.

Malcolm (Moore) is a nerdy straight-A high school senior, in Inglewood, CA, that's attempting to get into Harvard; despite discouragement from his counselor (and just about everyone else around him). He lives with his mother (Kimberly Elise), and never knew his father. He's also obsessed with old hip hop music, and is in a punk rock band with his two best friends; Jib (Revolori) and Diggy (Clemons). When Malcolm meets a local drug dealer, named Dom (A$AP Rocky), his life becomes even more complicated; after he and his friends attend a birthday party, for Dom, that the drug dealer invites him to. He also falls for Dom's stunningly beautiful girlfriend, Nakia (Kravitz).

I didn't really know what to expect, going into this movie, and I was pleasantly surprised by it. It's witty, insightful and the crime caper storyline is interesting (and very entertaining) too. The performances are all great; especially Moore (in a star making role). I also really like Kravitz; she's becoming one of my favorite actresses lately (and she's in just about everything). I also think she keeps getting more and more gorgeous, and impressively talented, with every role. It's Famuyiwa who really shines here, though, as he proves himself to be a very creative, and refreshingly talented, filmmaker (to watch out for). 'DOPE' is sure to become a cult classic!

Official Stills for the Upcoming Teen Drama "Dope"

Open Road Films recently released stills for their upcoming release of "Dope". The film is was an official selection at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival and Cannes Film Festival (Director's Forenight) executive produced by Forest Whitaker, Pharrell Williams and Sean Combs and stars Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons, Kimberly Elise, Zoë Kravitz and A$AP Rocky.

"Dope" hits theaters on June 19th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: http://www.youaredope.com

Plot Synopsis:

A critical hit and audience favorite out of the Sundance Film Festival, in DOPE, Malcolm (Shameik Moore) is carefully surviving life in a tough neighborhood in Los Angeles while juggling college applications, academic interviews, and the SAT. A chance invitation to an underground party leads him into an adventure that could allow him to go from being a geek, to being dope, to ultimately being himself.

Psychological Thriller "The Loft" Hits DVD & Blu-Ray

Universal Pictures recently released DVD & Blu-Ray information for the upcoming release of "The Loft". The film stars Karl Urban (Star Trek Into Darkness), James Marsden (2 Guns), Wentworth Miller (Prison Break), Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family) and Matthias Schoenaerts (The Drop).

No special features were announced at this time.

"The Loft" hits retail on May 26th.

Plot Synopsis: 

Five married men share a secret that will turn their friendship into a web of betrayal, paranoia and violence in The Loft, debuting on Digital HD on May 12, 2015. This stylish, sexy thriller is also available on Blu-ray Combo Pack with Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital HD with Ultraviolet™, DVD, and On Demand May 26, 2015 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

Karl Urban (Star Trek Into Darkness) and James Marsden (2 Guns) star in the tense psychological drama The Loft, the story of five friends who conspire to share a luxury penthouse loft where they can indulge in their deepest desires. But what starts out as a fantasy becomes a nightmare when they discover the body of a beautiful woman in the loft, and realize one of them must be the killer. Friendships are tested, loyalties are questioned and marriages crumble as the group is consumed by fear, suspicion and murder in this original and relentless thriller. The Loft also stars Wentworth Miller (Prison Break), Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family) and Matthias Schoenaerts (The Drop).

First Still from Oliver Stone's Upcoming Film "Snowden"

Open Road Films recently released the film still for Oliver Stone's new film "Snowden". The film stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Edward Snowden. Shailene Woodley, Scott Eastwood and Nicolas Cage also costar in the film.

"Snowden" is scheduled to hit theaters on Christmas Day.

Press Release:

In Academy Award®-winning director Oliver Stone’s International thriller, “SNOWDEN,” witness Joseph Gordon-Levitt embody Edward Snowden. In this first look, before he was a whistle-blower, Edward was an ordinary man who unquestioningly served his country. “SNOWDEN” is currently shooting in Munich, before moving to locations around the world. Open Road Films will release "SNOWDEN" in the U.S. on December 25, 2015.

Jon Stewart's "Rosewater" Heads to DVD and Blu-Ray

Universal Pictures recently released information for the upcoming release of Jon Stewart's (The Daily Show) "Rosewater" . The film is based on the true life story of Maziar Bahari. "Rosewater" stars Gael García Bernal (Cesar Chavez, The Loneliest Planet)and Shohreh Aghdashloo (On the Inside, The Odd Life of Timothy Green).

Special Features on the DVD and Blu-Ray includes Iran's Controversial Election, The Story of Maziar Bahari, Real Spies Have TV Shows, What Happens in New Jersey... and A Director's Perspective.

"Rosewater" hits stores on 2/10/2015.

Press Release:

A journalist in Iran endures an unthinkable ordeal when he is falsely accused of spying in Rosewater, a political thriller coming to Digital HD, Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD and On Demand on February 10, 2015, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Based on the thrilling true-life story of Maziar Bahari, the film features first-rate performances from an international cast, as well as an impassioned script that infuses wit and humor into a terrifying and all-too-real situation. Available on DVD and Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, Rosewater comes with bonus content that sheds additional light on this important story.

Rosewater marks the feature-film writing and directing debut of comedian and political "The Daily Show" host Jon Stewart. Gael García Bernal (Cesar Chavez, The Loneliest Planet) stars as Baziar, turning in a performance described as "exceptional" by Peter Travers of Rolling Stone, along with Oscar®nominee Shohreh Aghdashloo (On the Inside, The Odd Life of Timothy Green). Rosewater has earned the prestigious Freedom of Expression Award from the National Board of Review, as well praise from critics including Sasha Stone of Awards Daily who says "It's not only one of the best films I've seen this year, but one I will keep telling people to see."

Based on Then They Came For Me: A Family's Story Of Love, Captivity, and Survival, the best-selling memoir by Maziar Bahari and Aimee Molloy, Rosewater follows the Tehran-born, Canada-based Bahari as the journalist returns to Iran to interview Mir-Hossein Mousavi, challenger to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the country's contentious 2009 presidential election. As Mousavi's supporters were protesting Ahmadinejad's victory declaration even before the polls closed, Bahari endured personal risk by sending footage of the street riots to the BBC. For this, Bahari was arrested by police led by a man known only as "Rosewater." He was tortured and interrogated over the next 118 days, while his wife embarked on an international campaign to have her husband freed and media outlets kept the story alive.