CUBS’ MOMENTS OF VICTORY - THE EXHIBITION

On November 3, 2016 the 108-year wait was over and fans across the country cheered as never before as the Chicago Cubs won the World Series. For his 15th consecutive year, MLB- sanctioned artist Opie Otterstad created a celebratory masterpiece titled, It Happened: Cubs 2016 World Victory, which captures the historic moment The Cubs became World Series Champions. Widely recognized as one of the greatest sports painters today, Otterstad is commissioned to create artworks which capture the most significant milestones in a professional baseball player’s career. Chicago Cubs fans now have the opportunity to own and to savor daily the thrill of this historic win by collecting their own limited edition fine art print of It Happened. The Chicago Cubs World Series celebration paintings will be on public display at Narrative Gallery inside Chicago’s Water Tower Place, featuring special in-gallery appearances by Otterstad on Saturday, April 8, from 6:00-9:00pm and Sunday, April 9, between 1:00-4:00 pm. RSVPs Suggested at cubsartevent@narrative-gallery.com. 312.475.9620. Visit www.cubsartevent.com for more info.

TREMORS 6 NOW IN PRODUCTION

MICHAEL GROSS AND JAMIE KENNEDY RETURN

IN A WILD AND LETHAL ALL-NEW MOVIE IN THE

CULT CLASSIC HORROR COMEDY FRANCHISE 

TREMORS 6

NOW IN PRODUCTION IN CAPE TOWN

FROM UNIVERSAL 1440 ENTERTAINMENT

Intrepid creature hunter Burt Gummer and his son Travis find themselves in a remote hotbed of giant man-eating worms in the newest action-packed entry in the wildly popular Tremors franchise. Currently in production in Cape Town, South Africa, this outrageous horror comedy finds the pair at a remote research station where they come under attack by what Burt fears could be weaponized Graboids. Tremors 6 will be released on Blu-rayTM, DVD and Digital HD in 2018 from Universal 1440 Entertainment, a production entity of Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

“This is going to be the craziest, most over-the-top movie in the Tremors saga to date,” said Glenn Ross, general manager and executive vice president, Universal 1440 Entertainment. “It takes the franchise’s signature combination of suspense, action and humor to new explosive heights.”

Michael Gross (“Family Ties,” Tremors franchise) and Jamie Kennedy (“The Cleveland Show,” Scream franchise) return as Burt Gummer and Travis Welker, joined by franchise newcomers Tanya van Graan (Death Race: Inferno, Zulu), Rob van Vuuren (Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom) and Greg Kriek (Momentum).

Tremors 6 is directed by Don Michael Paul (Sniper: Legacy, Tremors 5: Bloodlines) from a script by John Whelpley (Tremors 5: Bloodlines, “Dallas”). The film is produced by Mike Elliot (Kindergarten Cop 2, Halloween II). The director of photography is Hein de Vos (District 9, Dominion).

SYNOPSIS

Burt Gummer (Michael Gross) and his son Travis Welker (Jamie Kennedy) find themselves up to their ears in Graboids and Ass-Blasters when they head to Canada to investigate a series of deadly giant-worm attacks. Arriving at a remote research facility in the artic tundra, Burt begins to suspect that Graboids are secretly being weaponized, but before he can prove his theory, he is sidelined by Graboid venom. With just 48 hours to live, the only hope is to create an antidote from fresh venom — but to do that, someone will have to figure out how to milk a Graboid!   

#Tremors

SLASHER.COM Makes a Date for DVD on March 7th

Chip Gubera's Slasher.com Hits DVD March 7th

Film Festival Hit Puts Sadistic Spin on Online Dating 

Available Nationwide from All Major Retailers

MuchoMuchoMucho Productions and Firefly Films, in association with ITN Distribution, has announced the March 7th DVD release of Slasher.com.  The latest feature from horror director Chip Gubera (Song of the Dead, Academy of Doom, Mil Mascaras vs. the Aztec Mummy), Slasher.com puts a gruesome twist on the perils of modern dating.  

Co-written by Gubera and Chelsea Andes, Slasher.com combines the time-honored tradition of young people facing unfathomable horrors in the wilderness with the everyday horror of meeting people online.  Ben Kaplan (ADDicted, Wingman Inc) and Morgan Carter star as the hapless would-be couple, anchoring a cast supported by R.A. Mihailoff (Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III, Hatchet II), Jewel Shepard (Return of the Living Dead) and Grammy winner Delious Kennedy.

Slasher.com took home awards for Best Feature Film at the Bloody Horror International Film Festival in Ottawa, Best Horror Feature at the Hollywood Boulevard International Film Festival, the Golden Award at the Spotlight Horror Film Awards and Best Screenplay at the Optical Theatre Film Festival in Rome.  Jewel Shepard and R.A. Mihailoff were nominated for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor respectively at the Optical Theatre Film Festival.

At a time where online dating could prove fatal, Jack and Kristy decide they're ready meet in person. Aiming for an adventurous first date, they plan a weekend getaway to a cozy cabin deep in the woodlands of rural Missouri. While discovering each other, they soon learn of the terrorizing horrors that the forest, and the family lurking there, has in store for outsiders.

CARRIE FISHER TRIBUTE CELEBRATED IN COMIC BOOK FORM

Carrie Fisher, who passed away in December is the actress who best known for portraying the determined, battle-ready Princess Leia in the epic saga Star Wars, is the latest star of TidalWave Productions' popular Tribute comic book biography series. Tribute: Carrie Fisher is released this Wednesday.

About her career, Carrie Frances Fisher once said, “There is no point at which you can say, ‘Well, I’m successful now. I might as well take a nap.” Despite her well-documented struggle with addiction and bipolar disorder, Fisher managed to remain a powerful and relevant force in the arts. Known for her role as Princess Leia Organa in Star Wars and her humorous and acerbic writing, Fisher passed away on December 27, 2016 at the age of 60. Her death left millions of fans grieving, including her mother, Debbie Reynolds, 84, who died a day later. Fisher’s story is both frustrating and touching.

The 28-page collectible comic book Tribute: Carrie Fisher is written by Michael Frizell and CW Cooke, featuring art by Nathan Webb and Ryan Paule with cover by David Frizell.



“I don’t like to write – or think – about death. When it comes to someone as beloved as Fisher, I wanted to pay homage to what fans love about her: her sense of humor, her persistence in the face of adversity, and her spirit.” said co-writer Michael Frizell.



“The Tribute line of comic books tells the stories of the classic entertainers that have passed on.” says TidalWave’s publisher, Darren G. Davis “It is a way for us to honor these people who have made a difference in the world.”



Fisher asked TidalWave to donate a percentage of the proceeds from the comic to the Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, Connecticut, renowned for its excellence in treating psychiatric disorders.



TidalWave has published well-received tribute biographies of other icons such as John Lennon, Christopher Reeves, Whitney Houston, Frank Capra, Lucille Ball, David Bowie and more.



The “Tribute” series serves as a pop culture companion to TidalWave Entertainment’s successful “Female Force,” “Political Power,” “Orbit,” and “Fame” series. The biography comic form allows Storm’s talented writers to delve into the history of certain newsworthy figures and explore what shaped them. Storm Entertainment’s biographical comic books have been featured on CNN, Politico, Roll Call, The Today Show, FOX News, and in People Magazine among thousands of others.



Tribute: Carrie Fisher is available for your e-reader from iTunes, Kindle, Nook, ComiXology, DriveThru Comics, Google Play, Powfolio, Overdrive, Iverse, Biblioboard, Flipkart, ComicBin, Axis360, Blio, Entitle, Comicblender, Kobo and wherever eBooks are sold.

Print copies can be ordered exclusively at ComicFleaMarket.com.

"DYING LAUGHING" Documentary

CREATIVE VENTURES PRESENTS

      DYING LAUGHING    

IN THEATERS & ON DEMAND FEBRUARY 24TH

A Film By Lloyd Stanton & Paul Toogood

Includes Interviews With: Kevin Hart, Jamie Foxx, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Garry Shandling, Sarah Silverman, Cedric The Entertainer, Eddie Izzard, Billy Connolly, Steve Coogan, Mike Epps, Jerry Lewis, DL Hughley, Amy Schumer, Allan Havey, Bob Saget, Bobby Lee, Bonnie McFarlane, Cocoa Brown, Dave Attell, David A. Arnold, Dom Irrera, Emo Philips, Faizon Love, Felipe Esparza, Frank Skinner, George Wallace, Frankie Boyle, George Wallace, Gilbert Gottfried, Grant Cotter, Jason Manford, Jay Phillips, Jeff Joseph, Jim Jefferies, Jo Brand, John Thomson, Keenan Ivory Wayans, Kevin Christy, Kym Whitley, Kira Soltanovich, Kirk Fox, Lee Mack, Neal Brennan, Omid Djalili, Paul Provenza, Rick Overton, Royale Watkins, Russell Peters, Sam Tripoli, Sandra Bernhard, Sean Lock, Stephen K. Amos, Stephen Kramer Glickman, Stewart Lee, Suli McCullough, Theo Von, Tiffany Haddish, Tom Dreesen, Tommy Davidson, & Victoria Wood

SYNOPSIS

Featuring Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Amy Schumer, Kevin Hart, Jamie Foxx, Sarah Silverman, Jerry Lewis, Steve Coogan and the late Garry Shandling, DYING LAUGHING is a candid look at the complicated and fascinating lives of some of the world’s greatest stand-up comedians. A beautiful, moving, funny and unique feature length documentary on the agony and the ecstasy of making people laugh. A stand-up comedian must be the writer, the director and the star performer - and in stand-up there is no rehearsal, no practice, no safety net as it only works in front of a live audience, with feedback being instantaneous and often brutal. For most people, baring their soul on stage and having an audience “boo” at you would become a life-long trauma, but for stand-up comedians, it’s a nightly challenge. The funny and heartfelt documentary contains original interviews interlaced with personal footage of life on the road – all from a comedian's point of view. Once you take this step behind the curtain, you will never look at these funny folks the same way again.

HAPPY MY BLOODY VALENTINE'S DAY FROM FRIGHT-RAGS

Fright-Rags gives My Blood Valentine fans a gift from the heart

The Ballad of Harry Warden Collection on sale now: bit.ly/MBVFR

Remember what happened as the 14th draws near! Fright-Rags has a gift from the heart for fans of the 1981 slasher classic My Bloody Valentine: The Ballad of Harry Warden Collection.

The Ballad of Harry Warden box set features a new design by Matt Tobin on an exclusive black tee, a bloody heart enamel pin autographed by Paul Kelman (who played T.J. in the film), custom My Bloody Valentine candy hearts, and a collector's box. It's limited to 200.

Tobin's art is available separately on red tri-blend shirts, baseball tees, and zip-up hoodies. Non-autographed bloody heart enamel pins can also be purchased outside of the box set, along with Valentine's Bluffs enamel pins. Finally, Justin Osbourn's popular The Bloody Miner design has been reprinted on guys shirts, girls shirts, and hoodies.

"Of the many one-off slashers, My Bloody Valentine is probably my favorite," states Fright-Rags founder Ben Scrivens. "There's something about it; perhaps the believable characters, interesting kills, or maybe the concept itself - it is just so much fun and never gets boring to watch."

The Ballad of Harry Warden Collection is on sale now at Fright-Rags.com. Domestic orders will arrive in time for Valentine's Day, but quantities are limited.

Be sure to check back with Fright-Rags this Saturday, February 11, for a new Midnight Madness Tee available exclusively for 24 hours. Lucille is thirsty...

AMERICAN ANARCHIST

“American Anarchist” is the story of one of the most infamous books ever written, “The Anarchist Cookbook,” and the role it's played in the life of its author, William Powell. Powell wrote the hugely controversial book at just 19 amid the counterculture upheaval of the late 1960s and early ‘70s. It remains relevant today as it’s horrifyingly often cited as “inspiration” for the most heinous acts against humanity including the Columbine shootings. Now, in this film, Powell (who died in July 2016) reflects on his life and confronts the reality of what his younger self put out into the world. In this political climate, this film is sure to turn a few heads and Mr. Siskel may be the only person who’s able to speak about the mindset of a young Mr. Powell -- as well as the elder version living with the ghosts of what his youth imprinted on the world.

Siskel’s past work in film includes the documentaries Bowling for Columbine, Religulous and Finding Vivian Maier. Please scroll down for additional information about the film. We look forward to connecting with you!

IN THEATERS AND ON DEMAND MARCH 24 

OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS

In 1970, William Powell wanted to help build a new society, so he taught the world how to blow up the old one. As the heady days of the late 60’s counterculture and political upheaval turned darker, Powell, at 19, wrote one of the most infamous books ever published: The Anarchist Cookbook. Part manifesto, part bomb-making manual, it went on to sell over 2 million copies, and it’s been associated with decades of anti-government attacks, abortion clinic bombings, school shootings and homegrown domestic terrorism.  Now 65, Powell, haunted by his creation, struggles to make sense of the damage it’s done. After writing it, he left the US, leading an itinerant life, teaching kids with special needs -- ironically, the kinds of kids who may have turned to violence and the Cookbook.  The film is a cautionary tale of youthful rebellion, unforeseen consequences, and a universal, all-too human story of an older man, wrestling with his past, his identity, and coming to terms with who he really is.

TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE Kicks Off Fright-Rags' Video Series

Texas Chainsaw Massacre kicks off Fright-Rags' Video Series

VHS-inspired box set & apparel available now: bit.ly/ChainsawMassacreFR

Many genre fans have vivid childhood memories of the striking artwork and titles that adorned the horror section at their local video store. Fright-Rags taps into the collective nostalgia with the first in a planned series of releases paying homage to the VHS era.

The series launches with one of the films that defines the home video era: Tobe Hooper's The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Richard Hescox's memorable artwork features Sally's wide eyes watching over a haunting rendition of Leatherface.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre box set features the design on an exclusively T-shirt and a collector's box, plus a sheet of VHS stickers and custom microwavable popcorn. It's limited to 300 sets. Hoodies, baseball tees, and ringer tees featuring the artwork are available separately.

"This cover taunted me as a kid," explains Fright-Rags founder Ben Scrivens. "It was equally scary as it was mesmerizing, and it led me to rent the movie and ultimately fall in love with it. We had the pleasure of working with Richard Hescox to be able to release this design, and I couldn't be more thrilled."

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre - Video Series is on sale now at Fright-Rags.com. Quantities are limited and may sell out.

Olive Films Releases Panther Girl of the Kongo (1954)

Olive Films highlights another under-appreciated serial with release of Panther Girl of the Kongo (1954) Olive Films, a boutique theatrical and home entertainment distribution label dedicated to bringing independent, foreign, and classic films to DVD and Blu-ray, has announced that February 21stwill be the release date of six new titles, including Republic’s under-appreciated penultimate serial,Panther Girl of the Kongo (1954). “Panther Girl of the Kongo might not be as well remembered as other serials,” said Alex Kopecky ofOlive Films, “but we feel it’s deserving of a place alongside our favorites, because it epitomizes a lot of the elements that we love about classic serials.”

Olive Films will release Panther Girl of the Kongo to DVD and Blu-ray on February 21st.  The second-to-last serial made by Republic Pictures, it came during the dusk of the film-going habits of the 1940s and early 1950s. Still, serial fans will recognize many of their favorite classic tropes: a fiendish land grab plot, exotic jungle locations (by way of the Republic backlot), a near-comical mad scientist character, resourceful repurposing of old footage, and a no-nonsense absence of any dialogue not explicitly driving the plot forward. In addition to that, it echoes popular mutant monster elements of 1950s films by focusing on a giant “claw monster” created by a mad scientist. Even audiences unfamiliar with serials can find plenty to enjoy in Panther Girl of the Kongo, namely the strong performance from Phyllis Coates, best known for her portrayal of Lois Lane several years earlier. In 1951, she played opposite George Reeves in his first Superman performance in the film Superman and the Mole-Men. She then reprised her role for the first season of the television series, Adventures of Superman. Today, she is the last surviving cast member of the iconic series. It is also possible that audiences may recognize Panther Girl of the Kongo from its 1966 television run, in which twenty-six Republic serials aired as television movies.

Other Olive Films February Titles

Blu-ray debut of King Solomon's Mines (1985); directed by J. Lee Thompson; starring Richard Chamberlain, Sharon Stone, Herbert Lom, and John Rhys-Davies.

Blu-ray debut of Evelyn (2002); directed by Bruce Beresford; starring Pierce Brosnan, Julianna Margulies, Alan Bates, Stephen Rea, Aidan Quinn, and Sophie Vavasseur.

Blu-ray debut of The Klansman (1974); directed by Terence Young; starring Lee Marvin, Richard Burton, Cameron Mitchell, Lola Falana, Luciana Paluzzi, David Huddleston, Linda Evans, and O.J. Simpson.

DVD debut of The Last Best Year (1990); directed by John Erman; starring Mary Tyler Moore, Bernadette Peters, Brian Bedford, and Kate Reid. Blu-ray debut of Police (1985); directed by Maurice Pialat; starring Gerard Depardieu, Sophie Marceau, and Sandrine Bonnaire.

About Olive Films

Olive Films is a Chicago-based boutique theatrical and home entertainment distribution label dedicated to bringing independent, foreign, documentary, and classic films to life. Its catalog boasts over 500 titles ranging from Hollywood classics to contemporary titles. More information about Olive Films may be found at olivefilms.com.

All Female Horror Anthology XX opens at The Music Box on 2.17.17

                                                                                                                                                                                

XX is a new all-female helmed horror anthology featuring four dark tales written and directed by fiercely talented women. XX opens at The Music Box Theatre on Friday, February 17^th, 2017.

XX is a film collection by Jovanka Vuckovic, Annie Clark, Roxanne Benjamin and Karyn Kusama.

Annie Clark rocks her directorial debut with THE BIRTHDAY PARTY; Karyn Kusama exorcises HER ONLY LIVING SON; Roxanne Benjamin screams DON’T FALL; and Jovanka Vuckovic dares to open THE BOX.

Official Selection

2017 Sundance Film Festival – World Premiere

Melanie Lynskey (pictured above) in “The Birthday Party” in XX. XX opens at The Music Box Theatre on February 17^th, 2017. The Music Box is located at 3733 North Southport Ave.

About XX:

XX is a new all-female helmed horror anthology featuring four dark tales written and directed by fiercely talented women: Annie Clark (St. Vincent) rocks her directorial debut with THE BIRTHDAY PARTY; Karyn Kusama (THE INVITATION, GIRLFIGHT) exorcises HER ONLY LIVING SON; Roxanne Benjamin (SOUTHBOUND) screams DON’T FALL; and Jovanka Vuckovic (THE CAPTURED BIRD) dares to open THE BOX. Award-winning animator Sofia Carrillo (LA CASA TRISTE) wraps together four suspenseful stories of terror featuring a cast including Natalie Brown, Melanie Lynskey, Breeda Wool and Christina Kirk.

THE BOX

Based on a story written by Jack Ketchum

Written for the screen and Directed by Jovanka Vucokic

SYNOPSIS:

After peering into a shiny red gift box on a commuter train, seven-year-old Danny Jacobs inexplicably stops eating. When his father and sister also begin to waste away, Danny’s mother Susan struggles to make the connection between herself, her dying family and the mysterious box before it’s too late.

THE BIRTHDAY PARTY

Written by Roxanne Benjamin & Annie Clark

Directed by Annie Clark

SYNOPSIS:

A harried housewife tries to keep her daughter-and the nosy neighbors-from discovering a dark secret the morning of her daughter’s eighth birthday party.

DON’T FALL

Written and Directed by Roxanne Benjamin

SYNOPSIS:

A group of adventurous friends get into trouble when they venture off the beaten path and trespass on someone -or something-else’s land on a camping trip.

HER ONLY LIVING SON

Written and Directed by Karyn Kusama

SYNOPSIS:

18 years after narrowly escaping Manhattan, a narcissistic actor husband and a cult with designs on her unborn child, “Cora” finds herself face to face with a son who can no longer deny his monstrous heritage.

About Music Box Theatre:

For the last two decades, the Music Box Theatre has been the premiere venue in Chicago for independent and foreign films. It currently has the largest theater space operated full time in the city. The Music Box Theatre is independently owned and operated by the Southport Music Box Corporation. SMBC, through its Music Box Films division, also distributes foreign and independent films in the theatrical, DVD and television markets throughout the United States.

Follow The Music Box Theatre on Instagram @musicboxchicago and Twitter @musicboxtheatre

Ice-T's BLOODRUNNERS

SVU's Ice-T Stars as an Ancient Vampire Hellbent on Conquering a Prohibition-Era TownDan Lantz's Bloodrunners Available on Blu-ray/DVD And Digital HD March 7th 

Speakeasy Pictures and IMPULSE-FX have announced the March 7th Blu-ray/DVD combo pack and Digital HD release of the period action thriller Bloodrunners.  The latest feature from writer-director Dan Lantz (Blind Love, Felix Melman), Bloodrunners centers on a turf war between a crooked cop and a power-hungry vampire (Ice-T, "Law and Order: SVU") over a small town soaked in illegal hooch during the height of Prohibition. 

Bloodrunners will be available to rent or own globally on iTunes and Steam and across the US and Canada on iTunes, Steam, Google Play, Xbox, Playstation and various cable platforms, including Comcast, Dish, Rogers and Shaw.  The Blu-ray/DVD combo pack, featuring 1080p video, 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound and bonus features will be available on Amazon and the Bloodrunners official site.

Bloodrunners combines the action of crime dramas with the otherworldly gore of vampire legends.  Michael McFadden (The Networker) headlines as a cop living large on looking the other way as booze flows through his protectorate.  When he discovers that Chesterfield, the owner of the latest speakeasy has a thirst for warm blood as well as cold hard cash, he must find a way to save his town before it dries up.

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By 1933, Prohibition has proven a booming enterprise, where average citizens break the law, hide in the shadows and operate at night. The new world order has even lined the pockets of corrupt cops like Jack Malone (McFadden). He collects a 'luxury tax' from every bootlegger and scofflaw in the small town he has sworn to protect. While shaking down the newest speakeasy in the local underground, Jack and his men uncover a clan of vampires hell bent on taking over the town. Now Chesterfield (Ice-T), an ancient vampire, and his horde must hide their secret at any cost. The bloody result leaves several bodies and innocent townsfolk taken as lambs to await the slaughter. With nowhere else to turn, Jack joins forces with a busboy and a crazy preacher to save the town and make a final stand against Chesterfield and his vampires.