Revenge

Director Coralie Fargeat

Genre Action | Horror | Thriller

Cast Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz, Kevin Janssens, Vincent Colombe, Guillaume Bouchède

Rating R

Release Date May 11th, 2018 (Shudder | DVD & On-Demand)

“Never take your mistress on an annual guys’ getaway, especially one devoted to hunting - a violent lesson for three wealthy married men.”

Written and directed by Coralie Fargeat, Revenge is a tense thriller about a woman who finds herself literally fighting for her life after taking what was meant to be a romantic getaway. I picked this hidden gem up as a rental (I heard about it previously) knowing that it had great reviews from critics so I wanted to check it out for myself. This is a very well-acted indie thriller but it does require a very strong stomach as it is extremely graphic. I was extremely impressed with director Coralie Fargeat and her unique directing style. You can find Revenge for rental either on disc or On-Demand, it should also be available on Shudder. Check out the official trailer for yourself below!!

Ted Takes Fun Facts, Revenge:

• The film features so much blood that, according to director Coralie Fargeat, the prop team would often run out of fake blood.

• The music was inspired by the works of John Carpenter, Etienne Jaumet, and Thomas Bangalter.

• Coralie Fargeat mentioned Wild at Heart (1990), Drive (2011), Under the Skin (2013), and the films of David Cronenberg as references for the film in her pitch to potential financiers.

Free Solo

Director Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi

Genre Documentary

Cast Tommy Caldwell, Jimmy Chin, Alex Honnold, Sanni McCandless

Rating PG-13

Release Date September 28th, 2018 (Limited)

“Follow Alex Honnold as he becomes the first person to ever free solo climb Yosemite’s 3,000ft high El Capitan Wall. With no ropes or safety gear, he completed arguably the greatest feat in rock climbing history.”

From directors Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Free Solo is a documentary following the incredible journey of climber Alex Honnold as he completes arguably the greatest feat in rock climbing history. Check out the official trailer below!!

Ted Takes Fun Facts, Free Solo:

• The documentary took home the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature at the 2019 Academy Awards.

• Alex Honnold has done the triple crown of climbing in Yosemite. El Cap, Half Dome and the Washington Column.

The House with a Clock in its Walls

Director Eli Roth

Genre Family | Fantasy | Horror

Cast Cate Blanchett, Jack Black, Owen Vaccaro, Renee Elise Goldsberry

Rating PG

Release Date September 21st, 2018

“A young orphan named Lewis Barnavelt aids his magical uncle in locating a clock with the power to bring about the end of the world.”

From director Eli Roth (Cabin Fever, The Green Inferno, Death Wish), The House with a Clock in its Walls is a fantasy horror film about an orphan who aids his magical uncle in locating a clock that has the power to bring about the end of the world. The cast includes Cate Blanchett, Jack Black, Owen Vaccaro, and Renee Elise Goldsberry. Check out the official trailers below!! 

Ted Takes Fun Facts, The House with a Clock in its Walls:

• Based on the novel by John Bellairs.

• This is Eli Roth's first adaptation of a literary work, his first Gothic work and his first family film.

• Famed Goth artist Edward Gorey did the illustrations for the book that this film is based on.

Life Itself

Director Dan Fogelman

Genre Drama | Romance

Cast Oscar Isaac, Olivia Wilde, Olivia Cooke, Annette Benning

Rating R

Release Date September 21st, 2018

“As a young New York couple goes from college romance to marriage and the birth of their first child, the unexpected twists of their journey create reverberations that echo over continents and through lifetimes.”

Written and directed by Dan Fogelman, one of the primary contributing writers for the hit NBC drama series This Is Us, Life Itself is a multi-generational love story that follows a number of characters whose lives intersect from New York to the Spanish countryside, over the course of several generations. The cast includes Oscar Isaac, Olivia Wilde, Olivia Cooke, Annette Benning, and Antonio Banderas. Check out the official trailers below!!

“Whether it’s his screenplay for “Crazy Stupid Love” or his television work on “This Is Us,” Dan Fogelman is a narrative trickster who often surprises his audiences by revealing a connection between his characters that was otherwise unknown to the viewer. Fogelman’s second directorial effort, “Life Itself,” looks to follow in this tradition.”

— IndieWire.com

The Sisters Brothers

Director Jacques Audiard

Genre Adventure | Comedy | Crime

Cast Joaquin Phoenix, John C. Reilly, Jake Gyllenhaal, Riz Ahmed

Rating R

Release Date September 21st, 2018

“In 1850s Oregon, a gold prospector is chased by the infamous duo of assassins, the Sisters brothers.”

Directed by Jacques Audiard (Rust and Bone, Dheepan), who also wrote the screenplay, The Sisters Brothers is a western action comedy based on the story of two brothers who also happen to be infamous assassins, sent to finish their lost contract kill only to find much more than they bargained for along the way. The film is based on the New York Times bestselling novel of the same name, written by Canadian author Patrick DeWitt. The cast includes Joaquin Phoenix, John C. Reilly, Jake Gyllenhaal, Riz Ahmed, and Rutger Hauer. Check out the official trailer below!!

Ted Takes Fun Facts, The Sisters Brothers:

• Actor John C. Reilly optioned the film rights to the novel in 2011.

• The second collaboration of Jake Gyllenhaal and Riz Ahmed after Nightcrawler (2014). Ahmed also starred in HBO's The Night Of and Jason Bourne (2016).

• Jacques Audiard's first English-language film.

Assassination Nation

Director Sam Levinson

Genre Thriller

Cast Odessa Young, Hari Nef, Suki Waterhouse, Abra

Rating R

Release Date September 21st, 2018

“Four teenage girls in a small suburb in Salem take up arms after their personal texts and sexually suggestive selfies are leaked by an anonymous hacker.”

Written and directed by Sam Levinson, Assassination Nation is a violent thriller telling the true story about how the quiet, All-American town of Salem absolutely lost its mind. The cast includes Odessa Young, Hari Nef, Suki Waterhouse, Abra, Bella Thorne, Bill Skarsgård, Cody Christian, and Joel McHale. Check out the official UNRATED trailers below!!

Ted Takes Fun Facts, Assassination Nation:

• Assassination Nation had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2018. Neon and AGBO, two new film players, inked the biggest deal of this year’s festival, picking up global rights to “Assassination Nation” for more than $10 million. Neon, is just over a year old, and picked up several Oscar nominations on Tuesday for “I, Tonya.” AGBO, is the production company launched by “Captain America: Winter Soldier” directors Joe and Anthony Russo.

• It made its debut in Sundance’s Midnight section, a part of the festival usually reserved for horror films.

Fahrenheit 11/9

Director Michael Moore

Genre Documentary

Cast Donald J Trump, Michael Moore, David Hogg, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Rating R

Release Date  September 21st, 2018

“Michael Moore’s “Fahrenheit 11/9” is a provocative and comedic look at the times in which we live. It will explore the two most important questions of the Trump Era: How the f**k did we get here, and how the f**k do we get out?”

Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 11/9" is a provocative and comedic look at the times in which we live. It will explore the two most important questions of the Trump Era: How the f**k did we get here, and how the f**k do we get out? Check out the official trailer below!!

Maniac

Genre Comedy | Drama | Sci-Fi

Cast Emma Stone, Jonah Hill, Sally Field, Justin Theroux

Rating TV-MA

Series Premiere September 21st, 2018 (Netflix)

“Two strangers are drawn to a mysterious pharmaceutical trial that will, they’re assured, with no complications or side-effects whatsoever, solve all of their problems, permanently. Things do not go as planned.”

A new limited series from Cary Joji Fukunaga (True Detective, Beasts of No Nation), Maniac is a trip down the psychological rabbit hole that follows two individuals who take part in an experiment that alters their realities. The cast includes Emma Stone, Jonah Hill, Sally Field, Justin Theroux, Billy Magnussen, and Sonoya Mizuno. Check out the official trailers below!!

Ted Takes Fun Facts, Netflix's Maniac:

• Based on The Norwegian series "Maniac" from 2014.

• Second collaboration between Emma Stone and Jonah Hill. They previously appeared together in Superbad (2007).

Manifest: Season 1

Genre Drama | Mystery

Cast J.R. Ramirez, Josh Dallas, Jack Messina, Melissa Roxburgh

Rating Unrated

Series Premiere Monday September 24th, 2018 (NBC)

“After a turbulent, but routine flight, the passengers and crew discover the world has aged five years, yet no time has passed for them, and soon a deeper mystery unfolds.”

A brand-new show for the NBC Fall 2018 show lineup, Manifest tells the story of a group of passengers who embark on a turbulent yet routine flight, only once they reach their destination they find that the world has aged five years but no time has passed for them. The cast includes J.R. Ramirez, Josh Dallas, Jack Messina, and Melissa Roxburgh. Check out the official trailer below!!

The Good Cop

Genre Comedy | Drama

Cast Josh Groban, Tony Danza, Monica Barbaro, Brooke Carrell

Rating Unrated

Series Premiere September 21st, 2018 (Netflix)

“A disgraced former NYPD officer lives with his son, an earnest, obsessively honest NYPD detective.”

From creator Andy Breckman (Sgt. Bilko, SNL), The Good Cop follows a disgraced former NYPD officer who finds himself on parole and living with his straight shooter NYPD detective son. The cast includes Josh Groban, Tony Danza, Monica Barbaro, and Brooke Carrell. Check out the official trailer below!!

Ted Takes Fun Facts, The Good Cop:

• Before he starred in the successful TV series Taxi (1978), actor Tony Danza was a boxer and was still fighting professionally during the first few seasons.

I Think We're Alone Now

Director Reed Morano

Genre Drama | Sci-Fi

Cast Peter Dinklage, Elle Fanning, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Paul Giamatti

Rating R

Release Date September 21st, 2018 (Limited)

“The apocalypse proves a blessing in disguise for one lucky recluse — until a second survivor arrives with the threat of companionship.”

From director Reed Morano (The Handmaid's Tale) and writer Mike Makowski, I Think We're Alone Now is the story of a reclusive man who is thrilled that the apocalypse has brought him the serenity he has longed for, only to find that another lucky person has survived and threatens companionship. The cast includes Peter Dinklage, Elle Fanning, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and Paul Giamatti. Check out the official trailer below!!

New Amsterdam: Season One

Genre Drama

Cast Ryan Eggold, Christopher Cassarino, Vera Lam, Stacey Raymond

Rating TV-14

Series Premiere  Tuesday September 25th, 2018 (NBC - Following This Is Us)

“A new medical director breaks the rules to heal the system at America’s oldest public hospital.”

A new medical drama is hitting NBC this fall, following Dr. Max Goodwin (Ryan Eggold) as he becomes the medical director of one of the United States' oldest public hospitals, aiming to reform the neglected facility to provide exceptional care to patients. The cast includes Ryan Eggold, Christopher Cassarino, Vera Lam, and Stacey Raymond. Check out the official trailer below!!

“Dr. Max Goodwin is brilliant, charming — and the new medical director at America’s oldest public hospital. While he’s set on tearing down the bureaucracy to provide exceptional care, the doctors and staff are not so sure. They’ve heard this before, and no one else has delivered on those promises. Not taking “no” for an answer, Max disrupts the status quo and proves he will stop at nothing to breathe new life into this understaffed, underfunded and underappreciated hospital — the only one in the world capable of treating Ebola patients, prisoners from Rikers Island and the president of the United States all under one roof — and return it to the glory that put it on the map. Inspired by Bellevue in New York City.”

— NBC

Colette

Director Wash Westmoreland

Genre Biography | Drama | History

Cast Keira Knightley, Eleanor Tomlinson, Dominic West, Fiona Shaw

Rating Unrated

Release Date September 21st, 2018 (Limited)

“Colette is pushed by her husband to write novels under his name. Upon their success, she fights to make her talents known, challenging gender norms.”

Written and directed by Wash Westmoreland, Colette is based on the true story of a female author who is convinced to publish her work in her husbands name, and upon their success she ignores gender norms and fights to make her talents known. The cast includes Keira Knightley, Eleanor Tomlinson, Dominic West, and Fiona Shaw. Check out the official trailer below!!

Ted Takes Fun Facts, Colette:

• Westmoreland had originally written the script in 2001, but could not get the film made at that time.

• Premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival.

Love, Gilda

Director Lisa Dapolito

Genre Documentary

Cast Gilda Radner (Archive Footage), Andrew Alexander, Anne Beatts, Chevy Chase

Rating Unrated

Release Date September 21st, 2018 (Limited)

“Diaries, audiotapes, videotapes and testimonies from friends and colleagues offer insight into the life and career of Gilda Radner — the beloved comic and actress who became an icon on “Saturday Night Live.””

The cast includes Gilda Radner (Archive Footage), Andrew Alexander, Anne Beatts, Chevy Chase, Bill Hader, Janis Hirsch, and Melissa McCarthy, to name a few. Check out the official trailer below!!

“In her own words, comedienne Gilda Radner looks back and reflects on her life and career. Weaving together recently discovered audiotapes, interviews with her friends, rare home movies and diaries read by modern day comediennes (including Amy Poehler), LOVE Gilda offers a unique window into the honest and whimsical world of a beloved performer whose greatest role was sharing her story.”

— Diector Lisa Dapolito

Slice

Director Austin Vesely

Genre Comedy | Horror

Cast Chance the Rapper, Joe Keery, Zazie Beetz, Paul Scheer

Rating R

Release Date September 14th, 2018 (Limited & On-Demand)

“When a pizza delivery driver is murdered on the job, the city searches for someone to blame: ghosts? drug dealers? a disgraced werewolf?”

Written and directed by Austin Vesely, Slice is a comedy horror from A24 about a pizza delivery guy that gets murdered and the immediate attempts to figure out who is responsible. The cast includes Chance the Rapper, Joe Keery, Zazie Beetz, and Paul Scheer. Check out the official trailer below!!

Terrifier

Director Damien Leone

Genre Horror | Thriller

Cast Jenna Kanell, Samantha Scaffidi, David Howard Thornton, Catherine Corcoran

Rating Unrated

Release Date March 15th, 2018 (Netflix)

“A maniacal clown terrorizes three young women on Halloween night and everyone else who stands in his way.”

Written and directed by Damien Leone, Terrifier is a horror film about a maniacal clown that was originally a short film that Leone also wrote and directed in 2011. Full disclosure, I will watch pretty much any film in the horror genre and this was recommended to me as a low budget old-school style horror with a good feel overall - and it is that and then some. I have a very high tolerance for horror or gore in general and I took a few double takes. Go into it expecting cheesy acting and low production value and you will not be disappointed Check out the official trailer below!!

DISCLAIMER:

This movie is seriously f’d up so if you have a genuine fear of clowns or a weak stomach, you may want to steer clear. On the other hand, as far as low budget horror flicks go Terrifier is legit, that is undeniable. But again, seriously messed up.

Ted Takes Fun Facts, Terrifier:

• David Howard Thornton who portrays Art the Clown has previous mime experience, which he utilizes in his performance.

• This is a return for Art The Clown, as he was previously used by the same director in the film "All Hallows Eve"

The Predator

Director Shane Black

Genre Action | Adventure | Horror

Cast Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Jacob Tremblay, Keegan Michael-Key

Rating R

Release Date September 14th, 2018

“When a young boy accidentally triggers the universe’s most lethal hunters return to Earth, only a ragtag crew of ex-soldiers and a disgruntled science teacher can prevent the end of the human race.”

Co-written and directed by Shane Black, the man who brought us Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Iron Man 3, and The Nice Guys, The Predator is the 4th film in the "Predator" franchise, and this time around a young boy inadvertently unleashes the most lethal hunters in the universe, and the force brought together to stop them is extremely outmatched. The very first Predator film released in 1987 when I was three years old, so these movies have a bit of a nostalgic feel for me. With Shane Black at the helm with a big budget and a talented cast,  I have a lot of faith in the success of this film. The cast includes Boyd Holbrook (Logan), Trevante Rhodes (Moonlight), Jacob Tremblay (Room, Wonder), and Keegan Michael-Key (Keanu). Check out the official trailer below!!   

Ted Takes Fun Facts, The Predator:

• The film was originally conceived as a reboot of the "Predator" film franchise, until Shane Black came aboard and confirmed he would be making a sequel instead, as he wanted to continue to explore the "Predator" mythology.

• After the success of Iron Man 3 (2013), Shane Black was approached by 20th Century Fox with an Iron Man 3 (2013)-sized budget to direct a new "Predator" movie, and he could not resist. He actually played the role of Hawkins in the original 1987 film.

A Simple Favor

Director Paul Feig

Genre Crime | Mystery | Thriller

Cast Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding, Linda Cardellini

Rating R

Release Date September 14th, 2018

“Stephanie, a mommy vlogger, seeks to uncover the truth behind her best friend Emily’s sudden disappearance from their small town.”

From director Paul Feig (Bridesmaids, The Heat, Spy), A Simple Favor centers around Stephanie (Anna Kendrick), a mommy blogger who seeks to uncover the truth behind her best friend Emily's (Blake Lively) sudden disappearance from their small town. Full disclosure, I will watch pretty much anything with Blake Lively (she is GORGEOUS), and I am also a big fan of Kendrick even though she isn't a great tipper. The full cast includes Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding, Linda Cardellini, and Rupert Friend. Check out the official trailer below!!

Ted Takes Fun Facts, A Simple Favor:

• In order to promote the film, Blake Lively deleted all her photos and unfollowed everyone on Instagram and proceeded to exclusively follow individuals called 'Emily Nelson'.

• Based on the novel of the same name from author Darcey Bell.

White Boy Rick

Director Yann Demange

Genre Crime | Drama

Cast Matthew McConaughey, Richie Merritt, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Jonathan Majors

Rating R

Release Date September 14th, 2018

“The story of teenager Richard Wershe Jr., who became an undercover informant for the FBI during the 1980s and was ultimately arrested for drug-trafficking and sentenced to life in prison.”

From French director director Yann Demange, White Boy Rick is based on the true story of Ricky Wershe Jr., a street hustler who was also an FBI informant and Drug Kingpin- all before the age of 16. The cast includes Matthew McConaughey, Richie Merritt, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Jonathan Majors, and Eddie Marsan. Check out the official trailer below!!

Ted Takes Film Facts, White Boy Rick:

• As of July 14th 2017 "White Boy Rick" had been paroled from the MICHIGAN prison system after 29 years. Upon release Mr. Wershe was immediately turned over to U.S. marshals for transfer to FLORIDA and begin serving time there on a separate charge.

• The film cast includes one Oscar winner: Matthew McConaughey; and three Oscar nominees: Piper Laurie, Bruce Dern and Jennifer Jason Leigh.

The First

Genre Drama | Sci-Fi

Cast Sean Penn, Rey Lucas, Brian Lee Franklin, T.C. Matherne

Rating TV-MA

Series Premiere September 14th, 2018 (Hulu)

“Fictional series to chronicle the effort to send the first manned mission to Mars.”

From creator Beau Willimon (Ides of March, The House if Cards), the Hulu exclusive series The First tells the fictional story of the effort to send the first manned mission to Mars. The cast includes Sean Penn, Rey Lucas, Brian Lee Franklin, and T.C. Matherne. Check out the official trailer below!!

Ted Takes Fun Facts Hulu exclusive series The First:

• The First marks the small-screen series regular debut for Oscar winner Sean Penn.