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‘Corbin Nash’ is a Vampire Vengeance Film That Packs a Punch – Review

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Corbin Nash

Chances are, if you’ve heard mumbles about Corbin Nash, it’s because of its surprising cast. Malcolm McDowell, Rutger Hauer, and Corey Feldman all combine in this vampire-hunter-with-a-vengeance film that hits hard and heavy.

The description is as follows:

A New York City cop transfers to Los Angeles to hunt for his parents’ killer. Once there, he’s brutally murdered and returns to life as the ultimate killer.

via IMDb

Corbin Nash marks Corey Feldman’s first new theatrical release in over a decade. After his many roles as a protagonist in iconic 80s films like The Lost Boys, Gremlins, The Goonies, and Stand By Me, Feldman takes a suitably darker turn as cross-dressing vampire, Queeny.

With a performance that can only be described as as “Buffalo Bill meets Divine”, Feldman really – pardon the pun – sinks his teeth into the role, proving that he can chew the scenery with the best of ’em.

via YouTube

A suitably grizzled Rutger Hauer (The Hitcher, Blade Runner, Hobo With A Shotgun) appears as a friendly stranger – a colleague of Nash’s dead parents who alerts him to their complex history. Evidently, one can have a career as a professional baseball player to hide their nightly activities of hunting vampires and demons (it’s the American dream, amiright?).

Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange, Rob Zombie’s Halloween) plays Blind Prophet, a sage stranger that sees the city’s dark secrets.

Director Ben Jagger wisely takes advantage of McDowell’s vocal gravitas; his character provides the voiceovers that open and close the film. His voice gives a smooth transition into the dark and gritty world of the film.

A dark, brooding tone is set right out the gate and supported by the slick visuals of a dark car with a bloody back bumper.

via IMDb

Overall, the visual tone of the film does a huge service to the script. The seedy underbelly of Los Angeles simmers in a dull wash of color, giving Corbin Nash a sort of grind house comic book feel.

In contrast are the stark, sharp lights and shadows of the vampires’ lair. They operate in shades of black and white which gives the liberal splashes of blood a real vibrance.

via IMDb

The script – co-written by director Dan Jagger, actor Dean S. Jagger (who plays the titular Corbin Nash), and Christopher P. Taylor – communicates all that it needs to with a rough efficiency.

We get snippits of backstory for the vampiric lovers Queeny and Vince – enough to tantalize but without the common trope of waxing nostalgic about their history or that of the mysterious “monarchy” vampire collective.

You can appreciate the vague nature of that shadow organization as it allows the viewer to want more from the story instead of providing every detail through lengthy and mostly unnecessary monologues. We get to know a brief history of the vamps and their connection to Corbin Nash without it feeling forced or tiresome.

via IMDb

Dean S. Jagger (Game of Thrones, Scorched Earth) as Corbin Nash does a serviceable job as the jaded and rugged hero of the story. He has a strong presence and is completely badass in his performance, but he knows when to pull back to let the bombs of batshit crazy go off around him.

He’s everything we should expect from a vigilante cop with a heart of gold – troubled backstory, dedicated to his cause, and he packs one hell of a punch and looks damn cool while doing it.

via IMDb

If you’re looking for a rough-and-tumble gritty vampire flick with bite, Corbin Nash is a solid bet. It’s a humble contribution to the load-bearing sub-genre of vampire films, but the impressive cast and tonal consistency are worth the time.

Corbin Nash will be released on VOD and iTunes on April 20, 2018, and will receive a limited theatrical release. You can check out the trailer and poster below.

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‘Strange Darling’ Featuring Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald Lands Nationwide Release [Watch Clip]

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Strange Darling Kyle Gallner

‘Strange Darling,’ a standout film featuring Kyle Gallner, who is nominated for an iHorror award for his performance in ‘The Passenger,’ and Willa Fitzgerald, has been acquired for a wide theatrical release in the United States by Magenta Light Studios, a new enterprise from veteran producer Bob Yari. This announcement, brought to us by Variety, follows the film’s successful premiere at Fantastic Fest in 2023, where it was universally praised for its creative storytelling and compelling performances, achieving a perfect score of 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes from 14 reviews.

Strange Darling – Movie Clip

Directed by JT Mollner, ‘Strange Darling‘ is a thrilling narrative of a spontaneous hookup that takes an unexpected and terrifying turn. The film is notable for its innovative narrative structure and the exceptional acting of its leads. Mollner, known for his 2016 Sundance entry “Outlaws and Angels,” has once again employed 35mm for this project, cementing his reputation as a filmmaker with a distinct visual and narrative style. He is currently involved in adapting Stephen King’s novel “The Long Walk” in collaboration with director Francis Lawrence.

Bob Yari expressed his enthusiasm for the film’s upcoming release, scheduled for August 23rd, highlighting the unique qualities that make ‘Strange Darling’ a significant addition to the horror genre. “We are thrilled to be bringing nationwide theatrical audiences this unique and exceptional film with terrific performances by Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. This second feature from talented writer-director JT Mollner is destined to become a cult classic that defies conventional storytelling,” Yari told Variety.

Variety’s review of the film from Fantastic Fest lauds Mollner’s approach, saying, “Mollner shows himself to be more forward-thinking than most of his genre peers. He’s clearly a student of the game, one who studied his forebears’ lessons with adroitness to better prepare himself to put his own mark on them.” This praise underlines Mollner’s deliberate and thoughtful engagement with the genre, promising audiences a film that is both reflective and innovative.

Strange Darling

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Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Barbarella’ Revival Forges Ahead

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Sydney Sweeney Barbarella

Sydney Sweeney has confirmed the ongoing progress of the much-anticipated reboot of Barbarella. The project, which sees Sweeney not only starring but also executive producing, aims to breathe new life into the iconic character that first captured audiences’ imaginations in the 1960s. However, amid speculation, Sweeney remains tight-lipped about the possible involvement of celebrated director Edgar Wright in the project.

During her appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Sweeney shared her enthusiasm for the project and the character of Barbarella, stating, “It is. I mean, Barbarella is just such a fun character to explore. She really just embraces her femininity and her sexuality, and I love that. She uses sex as a weapon and I think it’s such an interesting way into a sci-fi world. I’ve always wanted to do sci-fi. So we’ll see what happens.“

Sydney Sweeney confirms her Barbarella reboot is still in the works

Barbarella, originally a creation of Jean-Claude Forest for V Magazine in 1962, was transformed into a cinematic icon by Jane Fonda under the direction of Roger Vardim in 1968. Despite a sequel, Barbarella Goes Down, never seeing the light of day, the character has remained a symbol of sci-fi allure and adventurous spirit.

Over the decades, several high-profile names including Rose McGowan, Halle Berry, and Kate Beckinsale were floated as potential leads for a reboot, with directors Robert Rodriguez and Robert Luketic, and writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade previously attached to revive the franchise. Unfortunately, none of these iterations made it past the conceptual stage.

Barbarella

The film’s progress took a promising turn approximately eighteen months ago when Sony Pictures announced its decision to cast Sydney Sweeney in the titular role, a move that Sweeney herself has suggested was facilitated by her involvement in Madame Web, also under Sony’s banner. This strategic decision was aimed at fostering a beneficial relationship with the studio, specifically with the Barbarella reboot in mind.

When probed about Edgar Wright’s potential directorial role, Sweeney adeptly sidestepped, merely noting that Wright has become an acquaintance. This has left fans and industry watchers speculating about the extent of his involvement, if any, in the project.

Barbarella is known for its adventurous tales of a young woman traversing the galaxy, engaging in escapades that often incorporate elements of sexuality—a theme Sweeney seems eager to explore. Her commitment to reimagining Barbarella for a new generation, while staying true to the character’s original essence, sounds like the making of a great reboot.

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‘The First Omen’ Almost Received an NC-17 Rating

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the first omen trailer

Set for an April 5 theater release, ‘The First Omen’ carries an R-rating, a classification that was almost not achieved. Arkasha Stevenson, in her inaugural feature film directorial role, faced a formidable challenge in securing this rating for the prequel to the esteemed franchise. It seems the filmmakers had to contend with the ratings board to prevent the film from being saddled with an NC-17 rating. In a revealing conversation with Fangoria, Stevenson described the ordeal as ‘a long battle’, one not waged over traditional concerns such as gore. Instead, the crux of the controversy centered around the depiction of the female anatomy.

Stevenson’s vision for “The First Omen” delves deep into the theme of dehumanization, particularly through the lens of forced birthing. “The horror in that situation is how dehumanized that woman is”, Stevenson explains, emphasizing the significance of presenting the female body in a non-sexualized light to address themes of forced reproduction authentically. This commitment to realism nearly landed the film an NC-17 rating, sparking a prolonged negotiation with the MPA. “This has been my life for a year and a half, fighting for the shot. It’s the theme of our film. It’s the female body being violated from the inside outwards”, she states, highlighting the importance of the scene to the film’s core message.

The First Omen Movie Poster – by Creepy Duck Design

Producers David Goyer and Keith Levine supported Stevenson’s battle, encountering what they perceived as a double standard in the ratings process. Levine reveals, “We had to go back and forth with the ratings board five times. Weirdly, avoiding the NC-17 made it more intense”, pointing out how the struggle with the ratings board inadvertently intensified the final product. Goyer adds, “There is more permissiveness when dealing with male protagonists, particularly in body horror”, suggesting a gender bias in how body horror is evaluated.

The film’s bold approach to challenging viewers’ perceptions extends beyond the ratings controversy. Co-writer Tim Smith notes the intention to subvert expectations traditionally associated with The Omen franchise, aiming to surprise audiences with a fresh narrative focus. “One of the big things we were excited to do was to kind of pull the rug out from under people’s expectations”, Smith says, underscoring the creative team’s desire to explore new thematic ground.

Nell Tiger Free, known for her role in “Servant”, leads the cast of “The First Omen”, set for release by 20th Century Studios on April 5. The movie follows a young American woman dispatched to Rome for church service, where she stumbles upon a sinister force that shakes her faith to its core and reveals a chilling plot aimed at summoning evil incarnate.

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