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Joseph Losey doesn't normally make trendy, lighthearted genre films, and in this SuperSpy epic we find out why -- an impressive production and great music don't compensate for a lack of pace and dynamism, not to mention a narrow sense of humor. Yet it's a lounge classic, and a perverse favorite of spy movie fans. Modesty Blaise Blu-ray Kl Studio Classics 1966 / Color / 1:66 widescreen / 119 min. / Street Date August 23, 2016 / available through Kino Lorber / 29.95 Starring Monica Vitti, Terence Stamp, Dirk Bogarde, Harry Andrews, Michael Craig, Clive Revill, Alexander Knox, Rossella Falk, Scilla Gabel, Tina Marquand Cinematography Jack Hildyard Production Designer Richard MacDonald, Jack Shampan Film Editor Reginald Beck Original Music John Dankworth Written by Evan Jones from a novel by Peter O'Donnell and a comic strip by Jim Holdaway Produced by Joseph Janni Directed by Joseph Losey

Reviewed by Glenn Erickson

When I first reviewed a DVD of Modesty Blaise fourteen years ago,...

Producer Tony Buckley has received an award from the trust that owns Ted Kotcheff.s Wake in Fright, the 1971 classic that starred Gary Bond, Donald Pleasence, Chips Rafferty and Jack Thompson.

The Outback-set drama was lost for many years until Buckley, its editor, located the negatives in a Pittsburgh film vault labelled "For Destruction..

The print was digitally restored by the National Film and Sound Archive and screened at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, 38 years after it played in competition at the festival.

.It has since been re-released in multiple territories including the Us, the UK, France and Japan, sold internationally by Madman Entertainment.

Us critic Rex Reed declared, "In the final analysis, it may be the greatest Australian film ever made."

The Wake in Fright Trust gave Buckley a cheque at a function at Aftrs last Thursday to recognise his work in recovering the film and his lifetime contribution to the film industry.

(Ted Kotcheff, 1971; Eureka!, 18)

A key film in Australian cinema, Wake in Fright is based on Kenneth Cook's 1961 novel about John Grant, a weak, frustrated teacher in the outback going to Sydney for Christmas, losing all his money gambling in a bleak town known as "the Yabba", and spending several nightmarish days and nights carousing with hard-drinking locals leading up to a bloody kangaroo hunt. Dirk Bogarde bought the novel to star in, with Joseph Losey directing. The screenplay was written by Evan Jones, author of several Losey-Bogarde movies. But like another Losey project set in Australia (Patrick White's Voss scripted by David Mercer), it fell through. Jones's script eventually reached the screen in this remarkable picture, perceptively directed by the London-based Canadian Ted Kotcheff. Skilfully edited by the Australian Anthony Buckley to create an air of constant unease, it's shot by the British cinematographer Brian West to resemble...

Stars: Donald Pleasence, Gary Bond, Chips Rafferty, Sylvia Kay, Jack Thompson, Peter Whittle, Al Thomas, John Meillon, John Armstrong | Written by Evan Jones | Directed by Ted Kotcheff

John Grant (Gary Bond) is a bonded school teacher who finds himself teaching in the outback. When travelling back to Sydney he stays overnight in the mining town of Bundanyabba where the lure of gambling and alcohol soon traps him in a nightmare. Seemingly trapped in his own hell Grant clings to the hopes of Sydney while his life spirals to a point so low that the only escape may be the one bullet he has left in his rifle.

At the start of Wake in Fright John Grant is an educated man who looks at his current situation as a form of slavery to the system, being a bonded teacher means that he has to work wherever he is put, and the...

Forget The Hangover, this hardcore 1971 offering from the Australian New Wave shows the true hell of outback violence

It comes from the age of Straw Dogs and A Clockwork Orange, but none of those movies can match the sheer hardcore shock of the Australian New Wave nightmare Wake in Fright from 1971, known at the time in the UK under the title Outback, lost for many years and now on re-release.

It is adapted by Evan Jones from the 1961 novel by journalist and author Kenneth Cook and directed by Ted Kotcheff. The film is a lost weekend in the dark heart of white Australia, which it sees as a whole nation of booze, loneliness and anxiety in the endless outback: its title is a three-word haiku about the beginning of a hangover (although taken from the adage "dream of the devil and wake in fright").

This is a world of blokes fanatically offering each other drinks,...

The deeply unsettling Australian New Wave classic Wake in Fright makes a long-awaited and welcoming return to cinemas this weekend. We recently spoke to the film’s director Ted Kotcheff about his experiences whilst making the movie in the sweltering and barren Aussie outback. The veteran filmmaker (who has worked on a number of varied and well-loved features in his career, including First Blood and Weekend at Bernie’s) talked candidly about the initial challenges faced in bring this weird, booze-drenched tale to the screen.

HeyUGuys: What drew you to the material originally? It’s not the most obvious of choices for a Us-based filmmaker.

Ted Kotcheff: I’d just done a project in the UK with a writer friend of mine named Evan Jones and we were hired by a film company over there. Evan told me of this wonderful Australian book which he thought would be right up my alley.

Having survived a buffeting Southern electrical storm en route from Los Angeles to Baton Rouge, this writer touched down in Louisiana on December 14 of 2009 and, following a rather eerie stroll through a seemingly abandoned airport and a ride with a cabbie whose previous fare had been arrested, arrived unscathed to the set of the then-shooting feature Mirrors 2.

With the written-by Matt Venne (White Noise 2) and directed-by Victor Garcia (Return to House on Haunted Hill) flick to debut this Tuesday, October 12th, at Screamfest La (you can purchase tickets here) and set for a Dtv release October 19 through Twentieth Century Fox, we thought it high time to bring you our chat with Garcia and co. as well as some stills from the set.

A sequel to the 2008 Alexandre Aja-helmed film Mirrors, the sequel stars Nick Stahl, William Katt, Emmanuelle Vaugier, Lawrence Turner, Stephanie Honore, Christy Charlson Romano, Jon Michael Davis,...

Okay, let us keep the horror clips rolling with a new reel for Mirrors 2 called "Clocking Out." This sequel to Mirrors is going straight-to-dvd, with actor Nick Stahl (Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines) playing the lead Max Matheson. In the clip you will see that Max is a late night security guard, with friends from the spirit world. Turn down the lights, turn up the volume and watch till the end for full effect. The film releases October 19th.

The synopsis for Mirrors 2:

"After losing his fiancee in a car crash, for which he blames himself, suicidal Max Matheson (Nick Stahl) reluctantly takes a job as a night watchman at his father's Mayflower Department Store. When his co-workers are killed off in gruesome and horrible ways and Max begins to see a mysterious young woman in all the store's mirrors, desperate to communicate with him, he fears he's losing his mind,...

Mirrors 2 DVD Art'The DVD and Blu-Ray extras have been announced for the horror feature Mirrors 2. The DVD disc with have a making of featurette and the original Korean film which inspired Mirrors 2 called Into the Mirror. Both the DVD and Blu-Ray will have deleted scenes and the Blu-Ray will have an extra feature, which allows viewers to watch Mirrors 2 with the "Woman in the Mirror." Have a look at the new DVD artwork left and all the special features, for both formats, below.

The synopsis for Mirrors 2:

"After losing his fiancee in a car crash, for which he blames himself, suicidal Max Matheson (Nick Stahl) reluctantly takes a job as a night watchman at his father's Mayflower Department Store. When his co-workers are killed off in gruesome and horrible ways and Max begins to see a mysterious young woman in all the store's mirrors,...

Mirrors 2 Concept PosterThe plotline for Mirrors 2 is almost identical to the first with a nightwatchman guarding the remains of the Mayflower Department Store. Thankfully, some subplots have been introduced, as this latest watchman, played by Nick Stahl (Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines), is attempting to recover from a tragic accident, which left his wife dead, by returning to the work force (Uhm). Except, a haunted department store is not a great place for recovery. This sequel will to straight to DVD October 19th, 2010 and this latest in the series was directed by Victor Garcia (Return to House on Haunted Hill). Have a watch of the first trailer for Mirrors 2, courtesy of Dread Central.

The synopsis for Mirrors 2:

"After losing his fiancee in a car crash, for which he blames himself, suicidal Max Matheson (Nick Stahl) reluctantly takes a job as a night watchman at his father's Mayflower Department Store.

Arriving on DVD and Blu-ray October 19 from Fox Home Entertainment is Mirrors II (read our set report), the Victor Garcia directed sequel to Alex Aja's bloody remake from 2008. While the blood doesn't spill until Halloween, Bloody Disgusting and Dread Central are sharing the exclusive trailer debut that you can enjoy beyond the break. In addition, inside you can take a peak at some of Fox's Mirrors II festivities that include a truck drivin' 'round with a teaser image! Enjoy! Nick Stahl, William Katt, Emmanuelle Vaugier, Lawrence Turner, Stephanie Honore, Christy Carlson Romano, Jon Michael Davis, Evan Jones, Wayne Pere, Lance E. Nichols, Ann McKenzie, Jennifer Sipes all star.

Arriving on DVD October 19th from Fox Home Entertainment is Mirrors II (Mirrors 2), the Victor Garcia directed sequel to Alex Aja's bloody remake from 2008 that hires star Nick Stahl as the next security guard who becomes haunted by a woman in the store's mirrors. Beyond the break you can take a trip down to Baton Rouge with Bloody Disgusting's Chris Eggertsen who takes you to set set of this year's highly anticipated violent sequel. William Katt, Emmanuelle Vaugier, Lawrence Turner, Stephanie Honore, Christy Carlson Romano, Jon Michael Davis, Evan Jones, Wayne Pere, Lance E. Nichols, Ann McKenzie, Jennifer Sipes also star.

The brothers Hughes unveil their first film in 9 years, the post-apocalyptic actioner “Book of Eli” later this week, January 15, 2010. The Warner Bros. film stars Denzel Washington as a lone hero who must fight his way across the wasteland of a post-apocalyptic America to protect a sacred book that holds the key to saving the future of humanity. Gary Oldman plays a warlord who wants that book for his own evil purposes, and Mila Kunis is the femme fatale sent to get it for him. It’s an action-packed movie, the kind that Hollywood used to make by the bushels back in the good old days of post-apocalyptic glory aka the ’80s, and here are 12 clips (totaling about 15 minutes or so of footage) for your viewing pleasure. Starring Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis, Ray Stevenson, Jennifer Beals, Evan Jones, Joe Pingue, Frances de la Tour, Michael Gambon, Tom Waits, and...

Unlike some directors who give up on a bad script or else send it up, one senses that you always try to play fair; but in some of those early British films, one also sense a kind of irony behind their worst excesses. Is this so?

"There was, but it was a desperate irony because I was so badly in need of work and under such extreme pressure. This can be dangerous, because Tennessee Williams, for instance, had been told by all sorts of people who are not qualified to comment—people with whom I've never worked and who therefore don't know how I work—that I'm death on writers, that I cut ruthlessly, that I have no respect for a script. This couldn't be more untrue. Of course if I get a script which is a piece of nonsense, I will say that I'll do it only if it...

Yah, you heard us right! We said “Mirrors 2″. As in, a sequel to the Keifer Sutherland horror movie “Mirrors” directed by Alexandre Aja that came out in 2008 and squatted a big fat goose egg. The lack of a box office punch ain’t gonna stop the powers that be, though....

Mirrors 2 will be a direct to DVD sequel to 2008’s Mirrors which starred Keifer Sutherland.

We hear the scribes are on set during certain gore/kill scenes so it sounds like this sequel is being cared for and looked after in stead of most sequel rush jobs we get, who knows maybe this one will be better than it’s predecessor! God we hope so.

Synopsis:

“When Max (Stahl), a recovering addict, takes a job as a night-time security guard job at his father’s department store, he begins to see visions of a young woman in the store’s mirrors.

Lesley Chen of Fox Home Entertainment provided us with a plot synopsis and casting news for the company’s sequel to last year’s Alexandre Aja-helmed Mirrors. Titled Mirrors 2 and directed by Victor (Return to House on Haunted Hill) Garcia from a script by Matt (White Noise 2) Venne, the planned direct-to-dvd film is currently shooting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and stars Nick Stahl, William Katt, Emmanuelle Vaugier, Lawrence Turner, Stephanie Honore, Christy Charlson Romano, Jon Michael Davis, Evan Jones, Wayne Pere, Lance E. Nichols, Ann McKenzie, and Jennifer Sipes.

The official plot synopsis is as follows: “When Max (Stahl), a recovering addict, takes a job as a night-time security guard job at his father’s department store, he begins to see visions of a young woman in the store’s mirrors. Unsure whether his visions are side effects of his prescription sleeping pills or actual reality, he begins to...

Wake in Fright (aka Outback) is widely acknowledged as one of the most important films in the development of modern Australian cinema. Although the film was prominently featured in the documentary Not Quite Hollywood, opportunities to actually see it have been scarce. A new eidtion of Wake in Fright on Region 4 DVD and all-region Blu-Ray from Australian distributor Madman fills in the gap left by a decades-long absence of a quality video release.

A brief background discussion is useful in understanding the importance of this new release. Evan Jones wrote the screenplay based on Kenneth Cook's 1961 novel of the same. Ted Kotcheff, who is Canadian, sat in the director's chair. The film was completed in 1970, but the its brutal depiction of life in the Australian outback received a chilly public reception upon its 1971 theatrical release. Critics, however, embraced the Wake in Fright with Garry Maddox of the Sydney Morning...

Won’t be too much longer before the “Book Of Eli”, a tale of a Clint Eastwood (ish) man, alone on the road, fully equipped and chock full of all kinds of serious Sci-Fi badass and determined to protect something in his possession that could change the fate of mankind from grungy to golden. “Book Of Eli” hits on January 15th next year and also stars Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis, Ray Stevenson, Jennifer Beals and Evan Jones and was directed by the Hughes Brothers. Here’s the latest poster for the movie, closeup on Denzel, who’s obviously grimly determined to paint the town red.

Christopher Gorham, Arielle Kebbel and Chris Parnell are starring in the upcoming “Trivial Pursuits”, an indie comedy being written and directed by Christopher Farah. Mike Farah is producing. Anna Wenger and 3,4 Women Productions are also onboard as producers. The film follows frustrated academics who find solace and a challenge in the world of bar trivia games when they enter a citywide trivia tournament. Gorham and Kebbel are the love interests. Also appearing in the movie are Kip Pardue, Evan Jones, Nelson Franklin, and Kali Hawk are also appearing in the film. Stay tuned for more news on this project here at Shockya.com. By Costa Koutsoutis (Source: The Hollywood Reporter)...

Christopher Gorham, Arielle Kebbel (pictured above) and Chris Parnell are the latest to join Christopher Farah's upcoming indie flick "Trivial Pursuits," which is currently shooting.

Written by Farah, the film follows a bunch of academics discovering a new side of life when they partake in a citywide trivia tournament.

The Hollywood Reporter says the film's cast also includes Kip Pardue, Evan Jones, Nelson Franklin and Kali Hawk.

Kebbel's recent credits include "The Uninvited" and "John Tucker Must Die." She'll also soon star in "Mardi Gras." Gorham is known for his role as Henry Grubstick on "Ugly Betty," while Parnell appeared on "30 Rock" and "SNL."...

Christopher Gorham, Arielle Kebbel and Chris Parnell have joined the indie comedy Trivial Pursuits, written and directed by Christopher Farah.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film is set in the world of competitive bar trivia, and centers on frustrated academics who finally get a chance at beer, women and nerdy redemption when they enter a citywide trivia tournament. Gorham and Kebbel are the love interests.

Also appearing in the movie are Kip Pardue, Evan Jones, Nelson Franklin and Kali Hawk.

The movie just began shooting in Ann Arbor, Mich., of which the Farahs are natives.

Once again I bring you the best round-up of all the movie updates announced in this past week's trade reports. Some I reported on throughout the week others I held until now. Either way here is the lot. Check out the full list and links are available if the film is in the database already, and remember you can keep up with all new films added and updated on the site right here 24/7. Title: Untitled Crowley Project

Studio: CBS Films

Director: Tom Vaughan (What Happens in Vegas)

Screenwriter: Robert Nelson Jacobs

Cast: Harrison Ford, Brendan Fraser, Keri Russell

Storyline: Russell plays Aileen Crowley, a wife and mother who relentlessly builds a normal, loving home life for her children while her husband, John Crowley (Fraser), and an unconventional scientist (Ford) race against time to build a company that could rescue them. The film is inspired by a true story. Title: Wedlocked...

Evan Jones ( October Road ) has landed a role in Warner Bros.' futuristic Western The Book of Eli , to be directed by Albert and Allen Hughes ( From Hell ). In "Eli," Jones will play the leader of a quartet of bikers who tussle with Eli (Denzel Washington). Gary Oldman, Jennifer Beals and Mila Kunis also star in the Joel Silver-produced film, targeted for a January 15, 2010 release.

For many viewers, one of the most heartbreaking cancellations of last season was that of the October Road TV show. Though the series had decent ratings in its first season, the viewership numbers declined in season two and ABC decided to pull the plug. As a result, loyal viewers were left hanging. Will we ever learn the identity of little Sam's papa?

October Road debuted on March 15, 2007 as a midseason replacement on ABC. The series centers around Nick Garrett (Bryan Greenberg), a writer who left his Massachusetts life behind to author a best-selling book about his hometown. After developing writer's block, he makes the hard choice to return home to face his family and friends. The Knights Ridge residents are played by actors like Laura Prepon, Brad William Henke, Geoff Stults, Tom Berenger, Jay Paulson, Evan Jones, Warren Christie, Slade Pearce, Odette Yustman, Rebecca Field, Jonathan Murphy, Lindy Booth, Elizabeth Bogush,...

Though October Road was cancelled last May, devoted viewers await news of the promised conclusion. Meanwhile, the show's writers are keeping the Road world alive.

October Road follows Nick Garrett (Bryan Greenberg) who left his life behind to author a bestselling book. After developing writer's block, he returns home to face his family and friends. Knights Ridge residents are played by Laura Prepon, Brad William Henke, Geoff Stults, Tom Berenger, Jay Paulson, Evan Jones, Warren Christie, Slade Pearce, Odette Yustman, Rebecca Field, Jonathan Murphy, Lindy Booth, Elizabeth Bogush, and Penny Johnson.

On Mars, NYPD detective Sam Tyler (Jason O'Mara) is hit by a car and awakens in 1973. As he tries to figure out what's happened, Sam encounters people and places that are strangely familiar. The cast includes Tom Stratford, Michael Imperiol, Gretchen Mol, Jonathan Murphy, Harvey Keitel, John Cenatiempo, Tanya Fischer, and Lisa Bonet.

Mars is based on a British...