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Movie Review: “The Atticus Institute”

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As possession movies go, The Atticus Institute is a very slow burn. There aren’t any anatomy defying special effects or levitating flannel nightgowns. What the movie does have is an intriguing storyline and very believable actors.

[iframe id=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/noxWpWwJ5Sk”]

The Atticus Institute, starring William Mapother (Another Earth, The Grudge) and Rya Kihlstedt (Home Alone 3, Deep Impact) and directed by Chris Sparling, revolves around the research lab named in the title, which tests people’s abilities of telekinesis, pyrokenisis and E.S.P. Their goal is to discover their own Nina Kuligina; a very real Russian woman who was believed to have successfully conquered mind-over-matter.

Through their research, the small institute discovers some notable people with abilities to predict symbols on cards hidden from view, and a few small feats of telekinesis. But when the frumpy Judith Winestead (Kihlstedt) joins the studies, the lab becomes a battleground between the will of the devil and eventually the U.S. military defense department.

Judith (Kihlstedt) is not herself lately.

Judith (Kihlstedt) is not herself lately.

The beauty of The Atticus Institute is in the way it unfolds its story. Through video surveillance and old photographs, the attention to 1970’s detail is astounding. Everything is right about the era, including props, costumes and hairstyles.

The narrative also includes sit-down style interviews with the scientists that were a part of the institute during its operation and Judith’s stay there almost 40 years previous. The film makers have done an excellent job at casting both the modern cast and their forty-year younger counterparts.

Last year Jill Larson gave us a performance that was worthy of an Oscar ® nod in “The Taking of Deborah Logan”, her slow fall into mental illness, Alzheimer’s and possession was extraordinary. The depths that Larson had to mine to bring her character through the complications of the real world while dealing with the manipulations of the underworld is inspired.

Unfortunately Kihlstedt, as the possessed Judith, has little to say in The Atticus Institute, but that doesn’t mean her performance is any less noteworthy. Although we are never certain at which stage her possession has taken hold when we first meet her, she manages to take risks, and as a result her actions give the viewer an uneasiness. This otherwise dowdy, timid woman in a sweater-set snarling, glowering and doing things that are clearly the characteristics of possession are just capricious enough to be interesting.

 

70's technology really brings out the low tones

70’s technology really brings out the low tones

Once the defense department makes its appearance, the movie switches from a study of a human with unexplainable powers to one of inhumane treatment of people and…frogs. The defense general puts Judith through rigorous tests and demands the demon inside her enter other people’s minds in order to see if its powers can be used as a weapon. Nice concept, but the movie could have taken a bit more liberties with this angle instead of reducing it to an unsalted series of mind reading and forced thought control.

The Defense Dept. tries to bottle The Devil

The Defense Dept. tries to bottle The Devil

By the end of the film we are non-the-wiser about the true character of Judith, She is a monster plain and simple except for a small scene where her real personality finally emerges, but that is cut short as the circumstances change and the ending manages to attempt a twist.

The Atticus Institute is a well-performing engine that is perfect for the VOD world. Not particularly scary or jolting, the movie relies heavily on period design and performances. A seasoned cast, attention to detail and an interesting premise should fill 90 minutes of your time, but don’t expect anything more than a nice cup of tea instead of a double espresso served neat.

You can order your copy of “The Atticus Institute” here.

Order your copy at Amazon, or rent on VOD today!

Order your copy at Amazon, or rent on VOD today!

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Morticia & Wednesday Addams Join Monster High Skullector Series

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Believe it or not, Mattel’s Monster High doll brand has an immense following with both young and not-so-young collectors. 

In that same vein, the fan base for The Addams Family is also very large. Now, the two are collaborating to create a line of collectible dolls that celebrate both worlds and what they have created is a combination of fashion dolls and goth fantasy. Forget Barbie, these ladies know who they are.

The dolls are based on Morticia and Wednesday Addams from the 2019 Addams Family animated movie. 

As with any niche collectibles these aren’t cheap they bring with them a $90 price tag, but it’s an investment as a lot of these toys become more valuable over time. 

“There goes the neighborhood. Meet the Addams Family’s ghoulishly glamorous mother-daughter duo with a Monster High twist. Inspired by the animated movie and clad in spiderweb lace and skull prints, the Morticia and Wednesday Addams Skullector doll two-pack makes for a gift that’s so macabre, it’s downright pathological.”

If you want to pre-purchase this set check out The Monster High website.

Wednesday Addams Skullector doll
Wednesday Addams Skullector doll
Footwear for Wednesday Addams Skullector doll
Morticia Addams Skullector doll
Morticia Addams doll shoes
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1994’s ‘The Crow’ Coming Back to Theaters for A New Special Engagement

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The Crow

Cinemark recently announced that they will be bringing The Crow back from the dead once again. This announcement comes just in time for the film’s 30th anniversary. Cinemark will be playing The Crow in select theaters on May 29th and 30th.

For those unaware, The Crow is a fantastic film based on the gritty graphic novel by James O’Barr. Widely considered one of the best films of the 90s, The Crow’s lifespan was cut short when Brandon Lee died of an accidental on set shooting.

The official synapsis of the film is as follows. “The modern-gothic original that entranced audiences and critics alike, The Crow tells the tale of a young musician brutally murdered alongside his beloved fiancée, only to be risen from the grave by a mysterious crow. Seeking revenge, he battles a criminal underground that must answer for its crimes. Adapted from the comic book saga of the same name, this action-packed thriller from director Alex Proyas (Dark City) features hypnotic style, dazzling visuals, and a soulful performance by the late Brandon Lee.”

The Crow

The timing of this release couldn’t be better. As a new generation of fans eagerly awaits the release of The Crow remake, they can now see the classic film in all of its glory. As much as we love Bill Skarsgard (IT), there is something timeless in Brandon Lee’s performance in the film.

This theatrical release is part of the Scream Greats series. This is a collaboration between Paramount Scares and Fangoria to bring audiences some of the best classic horror films. So far, they are doing a fantastic job.

That’s all the information we have at this time. Make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

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Hugh Jackman & Jodie Comer Team Up for a New Dark Robin Hood Adaptation

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A report from Deadline details director Michal Sarnoski’s (A Quiet Place: Day One) newest project, The Death of Robin Hood. The film is set to feature Hugh Jackman (Logan) and Jodie Comer (The End We Start From).

Michael Sarnoski will write and direct the new Robin Hood adaptation. Jackman will be reunited with Aaron Ryder (The Prestige), who is producing the film. The Death of Robin Hood is expected to be a hot item at the upcoming Cannes film market.

Hugh Jackman, The Death of Robin Hood
Hugh Jackman

Deadline describes the films as the following. “The film is a darker reimagining of the classic Robin Hood tale. Set of its time, the film will see the title character grappling with his past after a life of crime and murder, a battleworn loner who finds himself gravely injured and in the hands of a mysterious woman, who offers him a chance at salvation.”

Lyrical Media will be financing the film. Alexander Black will produce the film alongside Ryder and Andrew Sweet. Black gave Deadline the following information about the project. “We are thrilled to be part of this very special project and to be working with a visionary director in Michael, a phenomenal cast in Hugh and Jodie, and producing with our frequent collaborators, Ryder and Swett at RPC.”

“This is not the story of Robin Hood we’ve all come to know,” Ryder and Swett stated to Deadline “Instead, Michael has crafted something far more grounded and visceral. Thanks to Alexander Black and our friends at Lyrical along with Rama and Michael, the world is going to love seeing Hugh and Jodie together in this epic.”

Jodie Comer

Sarnoski seems to be excited by the project as well. He offered Deadline the following information about the film.

“It has been an incredible opportunity to reinvent and freshly innovate the story we all know of Robin Hood. Securing the perfect cast to transform the script to screen was essential. I could not be more thrilled and trusting in Hugh and Jodie to bring this story to life in a powerful and meaningful way.”

We are still a long way away from seeing this Robin Hood tale. Production is expected to begin in February of 2025. However, it does sound like it will be a fun entry into the Robin Hood canon.

That’s all the information we have at this time.

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