Australian action thriller “2099: The Soldier Protocol,” starring David Arquette, has been picked up for international sales by Los Angeles-based Spotlight Pictures. Directed by transgender woman Dee McLachlan (“The Jammed”) it will be launched for buyers at the European Film Market.
Boosting the film’s sales potential is an agreement with Vertical Entertainment to release it in North American theaters on March 27.
The film, released in Australia as “The Wheel,” is the story of a neuroscientist who is forced to take part in a project to build an enhanced human fighting machine. McLachlan, who was born in South Africa and transitioned gender after moving to Australia, weaves in themes of greed, loss and humanity, and questions our compliance in such atrocity, all in the name of science.
The cast also includes Jackson Gallagher and Kendal Rae. Production is by Melbourne-based shingle SunJive Studios.
“This is a time to recognize the...
Boosting the film’s sales potential is an agreement with Vertical Entertainment to release it in North American theaters on March 27.
The film, released in Australia as “The Wheel,” is the story of a neuroscientist who is forced to take part in a project to build an enhanced human fighting machine. McLachlan, who was born in South Africa and transitioned gender after moving to Australia, weaves in themes of greed, loss and humanity, and questions our compliance in such atrocity, all in the name of science.
The cast also includes Jackson Gallagher and Kendal Rae. Production is by Melbourne-based shingle SunJive Studios.
“This is a time to recognize the...
- 2/22/2020
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Ratidzo Mambo.
Last year Ratidzo Mambo figured she wasn’t being offered the type of roles she wanted and so she made a pivotal decision.
The Zimbabwean-born actor and former sales agent and distribution consultant resolved to take her fate into her own hands by becoming a creative producer, developing her own TV and film projects.
“I’ve had to learn how to multi-task because acting jobs are scarce and the types of roles I want to do are seldom offered to me,” Rati tells If via Skype from Bali, where she is finishing the bibles and treatments for a bunch of projects.
“Rather than blame people or live in a space of negativity, I have to take accountability. I have a lot to say and I am a storyteller as well.”
With the help of her Us manager, Fictional Entity’s Krista Carpenter (a former head of development at...
Last year Ratidzo Mambo figured she wasn’t being offered the type of roles she wanted and so she made a pivotal decision.
The Zimbabwean-born actor and former sales agent and distribution consultant resolved to take her fate into her own hands by becoming a creative producer, developing her own TV and film projects.
“I’ve had to learn how to multi-task because acting jobs are scarce and the types of roles I want to do are seldom offered to me,” Rati tells If via Skype from Bali, where she is finishing the bibles and treatments for a bunch of projects.
“Rather than blame people or live in a space of negativity, I have to take accountability. I have a lot to say and I am a storyteller as well.”
With the help of her Us manager, Fictional Entity’s Krista Carpenter (a former head of development at...
- 12/16/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Stars: Blake Northfield, Kendal Rae, Lisa Chappell, Helmut Bakaitis, Jake Ryan, Goran D. Kleut, Anna Demidova, Jim Robison, Miyuki Lotz, Madison Haley, Fiona Press | Written by Dee McLachlan, Rena Owen | Directed by Dee McLachlan
Joining the long list of haunted house flicks is Australian offering Out of the Shadows from Dee McLachlan. The director’s last feature was 10Terrorists in 2012 (with a couple of episodes of Wentworth inbetween). Has this long gestation period allowed for a horror masterclass? Read on to find out!
Our plot revolves around Detective Eric Hughes (Blake Northfield) and his heavily pregnant wife Katrina (Kendal Rae) the couple find themselves taking residence in a former midwifery with a dark past whilst Eric attempts to unravel the truth behind a grisly murder. As spooky events transpire, we’re left to question whether Katrina mental state is beginning to unravel or if she is truly the victim of...
Joining the long list of haunted house flicks is Australian offering Out of the Shadows from Dee McLachlan. The director’s last feature was 10Terrorists in 2012 (with a couple of episodes of Wentworth inbetween). Has this long gestation period allowed for a horror masterclass? Read on to find out!
Our plot revolves around Detective Eric Hughes (Blake Northfield) and his heavily pregnant wife Katrina (Kendal Rae) the couple find themselves taking residence in a former midwifery with a dark past whilst Eric attempts to unravel the truth behind a grisly murder. As spooky events transpire, we’re left to question whether Katrina mental state is beginning to unravel or if she is truly the victim of...
- 12/7/2018
- by Chris Ellis
- Nerdly
‘In Like Flynn.’
Robert Slaviero has joined Umbrella Entertainment as head of sales as the distributor continues its commitment to release a sizable slate of Australian feature films and documentaries.
While some distributors have largely shied away from handling local films Umbrella is keeping the faith with three titles scheduled to open in October and eight on the slate for 2019.
“We like working with people who are passionate about their work and who have a commercial sensibility,” Umbrella MD Jeff Harrison tells If, pointing to collaborators including Causeway Films’ Kristina Ceyton and Sam Jennings, Catherine Scott, Carver Films’ Sarah Shaw and Anna McLeish, Paul Ireland and Damian Hill, Steve Jaggi and Justin Dix. “We are very happy with what we’re doing.”
Head of acquisitions Ari Harrison says the firm evaluates up to 50 scripts at any one time and he laments the shortage of projects aimed at older females. “People...
Robert Slaviero has joined Umbrella Entertainment as head of sales as the distributor continues its commitment to release a sizable slate of Australian feature films and documentaries.
While some distributors have largely shied away from handling local films Umbrella is keeping the faith with three titles scheduled to open in October and eight on the slate for 2019.
“We like working with people who are passionate about their work and who have a commercial sensibility,” Umbrella MD Jeff Harrison tells If, pointing to collaborators including Causeway Films’ Kristina Ceyton and Sam Jennings, Catherine Scott, Carver Films’ Sarah Shaw and Anna McLeish, Paul Ireland and Damian Hill, Steve Jaggi and Justin Dix. “We are very happy with what we’re doing.”
Head of acquisitions Ari Harrison says the firm evaluates up to 50 scripts at any one time and he laments the shortage of projects aimed at older females. “People...
- 9/18/2018
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Red Hound Films, the newly announced digital label from Blue Fox Entertainment, is proud to announce that Dee McLachlan’s Autrailian thriller Out Of The Shadows is now available on VOD! In the film, a newly married detective and his pregnant wife move into their dream home unaware of its dark and twisted history. When Katrina …
The post New Thrills with Australian Chiller Out Of The Shadows – Trailer appeared first on Hnn | Horrornews.net. Copyrights 2008-2018 - Horrornews.net...
The post New Thrills with Australian Chiller Out Of The Shadows – Trailer appeared first on Hnn | Horrornews.net. Copyrights 2008-2018 - Horrornews.net...
- 6/23/2018
- by Horrornews.net
- Horror News
In today’s film news, Jennifer Hudson will sing the anthem for the upcoming documentary about Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Blue Fox Entertainment launches a new division, and Freestyle buys “Seven Hundred Miles.”
Film Music
Jennifer Hudson will sing “I’ll Fight,” the anthem for “Rbg,” the upcoming documentary about the life and legal legacy of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
The original song is written and arranged by legendary songwriter Diane Warren. The song will be released by Epic Records on May 4 to coincide with the domestic release of the film.
“Rbg” is told through the voices of Ginsburg’s friends, former clients, and colleagues, and includes interviews with historic figures and her family, including Gloria Steinem, Eugene Scalia, NPR’s Nina Totenberg, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-ut), Lilly Ledbetter, and others. In recent years, Justice Ginsburg, now approaching her 25th year of service on the U.S. Supreme Court...
Film Music
Jennifer Hudson will sing “I’ll Fight,” the anthem for “Rbg,” the upcoming documentary about the life and legal legacy of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
The original song is written and arranged by legendary songwriter Diane Warren. The song will be released by Epic Records on May 4 to coincide with the domestic release of the film.
“Rbg” is told through the voices of Ginsburg’s friends, former clients, and colleagues, and includes interviews with historic figures and her family, including Gloria Steinem, Eugene Scalia, NPR’s Nina Totenberg, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-ut), Lilly Ledbetter, and others. In recent years, Justice Ginsburg, now approaching her 25th year of service on the U.S. Supreme Court...
- 5/1/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Initial slate includes eclectic mix of sci-fi, drama, and horror.
Los Angeles-based Blue Fox Entertainment has launched Red Hound Films, a full service global digital and VOD distribution company specialising in innovative and provocative independent films.
Blue Fox Entertainment partners James Huntsman, Andreas Olavarria and Todd Slater will oversee day-to-day operations of the new platform, which will receive the full support of Blue Fox’s marketing and publicity departments.
Starting in May, the principals plan to release more than 20 features a year through the new label, more than doubling the overall distribution slate.
“As we continue to build upon our relationships with agencies,...
Los Angeles-based Blue Fox Entertainment has launched Red Hound Films, a full service global digital and VOD distribution company specialising in innovative and provocative independent films.
Blue Fox Entertainment partners James Huntsman, Andreas Olavarria and Todd Slater will oversee day-to-day operations of the new platform, which will receive the full support of Blue Fox’s marketing and publicity departments.
Starting in May, the principals plan to release more than 20 features a year through the new label, more than doubling the overall distribution slate.
“As we continue to build upon our relationships with agencies,...
- 4/30/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The film stars Goran D Kleut (Gods Of Egypt), Jake Ryan (The Great Gatsby).
UK-based Evolutionary Films has sold Australian horror thriller Out Of The Shadows to China (Virtual Cinema) and North America (Blue Fox Entertainment).
Evolutionary Films has also taken UK rights and is planning to release the film day-and-date in that territory when Blue Fox Entertainment releases it in North America.
The film was previously represented by Kaleidescope Film Distribution and the company retains rights to the territories they already sold, but the rest were given to Evolutionary Films before Cannes last year.
Directed by Dee McLachlan, the...
UK-based Evolutionary Films has sold Australian horror thriller Out Of The Shadows to China (Virtual Cinema) and North America (Blue Fox Entertainment).
Evolutionary Films has also taken UK rights and is planning to release the film day-and-date in that territory when Blue Fox Entertainment releases it in North America.
The film was previously represented by Kaleidescope Film Distribution and the company retains rights to the territories they already sold, but the rest were given to Evolutionary Films before Cannes last year.
Directed by Dee McLachlan, the...
- 3/19/2018
- by Jean Noh
- ScreenDaily
It was announced last year (by ScreenDaily) that London-based sales agent Kaleidoscope Film Distribution has picked up worldwide rights (excluding Australia and New Zealand) to Dee McLachlan’s Australian horror Out of the Shadows. Filmed on Australia’s East Coast, Out of the Shadows stars Blake Northfield in the story of a newly-wed detective who moves into his dream home […]...
- 3/27/2017
- by Brad Miska
- bloody-disgusting.com
Exclusive: Australian horror from director Dee McLachlan will be introduced to buyers at Tiff.
London-based sales agent Kaleidoscope Film Distribution has picked up worldwide rights (excluding Australia and New Zealand) to Dee McLachlan’s Australian horror Out Of The Shadows.
The film will be introduced to buyers at the forthcoming Toronto International Film Festival (Sept 8-18) and a promo will be screened at Afm in November.
Filmed on Australia’s East Coast, Out Of The Shadows stars Blake Northfield in the story of a newly-wed detective who moves into his dream home unaware of the building’s dark history. When his pregnant wife claims she is being tormented by a supernatural force, he seeks help from a renegade demonologist.
The cast also includes Kendal Rae (Life), Jim Robison (Hacksaw Ridge), Jake Ryan (The Great Gatsby), Goran D. Kleut (I, Frankenstein, Gods Of Egypt) and Helmut Bakaitis (The Matrix: Revolutions, The Matrix: Reloaded).
Actor Northfield is also a...
London-based sales agent Kaleidoscope Film Distribution has picked up worldwide rights (excluding Australia and New Zealand) to Dee McLachlan’s Australian horror Out Of The Shadows.
The film will be introduced to buyers at the forthcoming Toronto International Film Festival (Sept 8-18) and a promo will be screened at Afm in November.
Filmed on Australia’s East Coast, Out Of The Shadows stars Blake Northfield in the story of a newly-wed detective who moves into his dream home unaware of the building’s dark history. When his pregnant wife claims she is being tormented by a supernatural force, he seeks help from a renegade demonologist.
The cast also includes Kendal Rae (Life), Jim Robison (Hacksaw Ridge), Jake Ryan (The Great Gatsby), Goran D. Kleut (I, Frankenstein, Gods Of Egypt) and Helmut Bakaitis (The Matrix: Revolutions, The Matrix: Reloaded).
Actor Northfield is also a...
- 9/1/2016
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
The gritty story about Melbourne’s sex slaves started small but became an acclaimed local hit, with powerful performances and dramatic pacing
The very concept of an independent film – one financed outside the traditional system, usually with little to no guarantee of distribution – is a concerning proposition in Australia. There is a sense locally made films battle upstream from the start, fighting for eyeballs against a backdrop of diminished market share and inundation of foreign content.
The release of writer-director Dee McLachlan’s riveting 2007 thriller The Jammed, a fictitious examination of Melbourne sex slaves told with shocking street-level realism, embodied the excitement in discovering a great indie but warned of the heightened challenges such films face in finding an audience. McLachlan’s fast-paced exposé came perilously close to plummeting into instant obscurity, but ultimately achieved one of the most inspiring success stories of any locally made independent film.
Continue reading.
The very concept of an independent film – one financed outside the traditional system, usually with little to no guarantee of distribution – is a concerning proposition in Australia. There is a sense locally made films battle upstream from the start, fighting for eyeballs against a backdrop of diminished market share and inundation of foreign content.
The release of writer-director Dee McLachlan’s riveting 2007 thriller The Jammed, a fictitious examination of Melbourne sex slaves told with shocking street-level realism, embodied the excitement in discovering a great indie but warned of the heightened challenges such films face in finding an audience. McLachlan’s fast-paced exposé came perilously close to plummeting into instant obscurity, but ultimately achieved one of the most inspiring success stories of any locally made independent film.
Continue reading.
- 8/2/2015
- by Luke Buckmaster
- The Guardian - Film News
The lags and warders of Wentworth prison will do more time with news that Foxtel has commissioned a third season of 12 episodes from FremantleMedia Australia.
Shooting of season two will continue in Melbourne until mid-February and the show will resume filming in March.
The reimagining of Prisoner has sold to more than 20 countries including the UK.s Channel 5, Ireland TV3, Africa.s Mnet, Tvnz and Sweden.s TV4. A German-language remake is in production for German network Rtl, owned by Fremantle.s parent the Rtl Group.
The premiere on Foxtel.s SoHo channel in May 2013 was the most watched non-sports program ever on Australian pay-tv. Across the 10 episodes Wentworth reached 1.868 million unique viewers . 26% of Foxtel subscribers.
On series two the directors are Kevin Carlin, Catherine Millar, Dee McLachlan, Pino Amenta and Steve Jodrell. The writing team comprises Marcia Gardner (script producer), Timothy Hobart (story editor), John Ridley, Pete McTighe and Adam Todd.
Shooting of season two will continue in Melbourne until mid-February and the show will resume filming in March.
The reimagining of Prisoner has sold to more than 20 countries including the UK.s Channel 5, Ireland TV3, Africa.s Mnet, Tvnz and Sweden.s TV4. A German-language remake is in production for German network Rtl, owned by Fremantle.s parent the Rtl Group.
The premiere on Foxtel.s SoHo channel in May 2013 was the most watched non-sports program ever on Australian pay-tv. Across the 10 episodes Wentworth reached 1.868 million unique viewers . 26% of Foxtel subscribers.
On series two the directors are Kevin Carlin, Catherine Millar, Dee McLachlan, Pino Amenta and Steve Jodrell. The writing team comprises Marcia Gardner (script producer), Timothy Hobart (story editor), John Ridley, Pete McTighe and Adam Todd.
- 1/29/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Ausfilm, the Australian organisation aimed to entice international productions to Australia and promote Australian film-makers abroad, is preparing for Ausfilm Week, beginning Wednesday, in Los Angeles.
The organisation has also announced the 17 Australian producers attending one-on-one meetings with Us producers and studios.
The announcement:
Ausfilm, together with representatives of the Australian film industry will converge in Los Angeles from 24-31 October for Ausfilm Week 2012. Ausfilm Week aims to create, build upon and develop international relationships between Ausfilm members and Australian producers with key clients in La to encourage international production to Australia.
Ausfilm Week Los Angeles 2012 will comprise a series of interactive panel sessions highlighting Australia’s production incentives schemes, post production and filmmaking talent, networking experiences, producer collaboration meetings and learning opportunities between the Australian and Us film industries to encourage access to Australia’s Screen Production Incentives. These incentives available include the 40% Producer Offset, 30% Post, Digital and Visual Effects incentive and 16.5% Locations incentive.
The organisation has also announced the 17 Australian producers attending one-on-one meetings with Us producers and studios.
The announcement:
Ausfilm, together with representatives of the Australian film industry will converge in Los Angeles from 24-31 October for Ausfilm Week 2012. Ausfilm Week aims to create, build upon and develop international relationships between Ausfilm members and Australian producers with key clients in La to encourage international production to Australia.
Ausfilm Week Los Angeles 2012 will comprise a series of interactive panel sessions highlighting Australia’s production incentives schemes, post production and filmmaking talent, networking experiences, producer collaboration meetings and learning opportunities between the Australian and Us film industries to encourage access to Australia’s Screen Production Incentives. These incentives available include the 40% Producer Offset, 30% Post, Digital and Visual Effects incentive and 16.5% Locations incentive.
- 10/22/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Zephyr Films founder Chris Curling is one of many UK producers taking part in this year.s Ausfilm Week London and, as one of the producers on Death Defying Acts, has already experienced the particular needs of UK/Australian co-productions.
The mid-May pre-Cannes event is designed to develop co-productions between Australia and the UK -- both feature film and high-end television series . through a series of networking events and panel discussions aimed at familiarising delegates with the funding and production landscape of their potential partners.
Also on the list of attendees is Carlo Dusi, head of business and commercial affairs at Ridley and Tony Scott.s production company Scott Free. Ridley Scott cast Cate Blanchett and Russell Crowe in his 2010 action adventure Robin Hood.
Others include Carola Ash, one of the two people heading 2B Pictures, the production arm of the finance-focussed Future Films Group, and Alison Meese, who is...
The mid-May pre-Cannes event is designed to develop co-productions between Australia and the UK -- both feature film and high-end television series . through a series of networking events and panel discussions aimed at familiarising delegates with the funding and production landscape of their potential partners.
Also on the list of attendees is Carlo Dusi, head of business and commercial affairs at Ridley and Tony Scott.s production company Scott Free. Ridley Scott cast Cate Blanchett and Russell Crowe in his 2010 action adventure Robin Hood.
Others include Carola Ash, one of the two people heading 2B Pictures, the production arm of the finance-focussed Future Films Group, and Alison Meese, who is...
- 5/2/2012
- by Sandy George
- IF.com.au
Dee McLachlan.s controversial new comedy 10terrorists had its debut screening on Thursday night at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and while the film has been mostly accepted by audiences, it has been faced with its fair share of naysayers.
.We had one person walk out at a test screening and fill in their form saying the film should never have been made.., recalls McLachlan.
10terrorists follows a Hollywood producer as he sets up the most extreme reality show to date - Amateur Master Terrorist. Borrowing from other popular reality shows, Amateur Master Terrorist consists of segments such as Armed Apprentice, Queer Spy for the Terrorist Guy, Blasterchef and So You Want To Be A Terrorist!.
.It started off as a script called Terry and Isim and was about Guantanamo Bay. Then that fell through because Harold and Kumar came along and Bush got voted out. But the idea shifted...
.We had one person walk out at a test screening and fill in their form saying the film should never have been made.., recalls McLachlan.
10terrorists follows a Hollywood producer as he sets up the most extreme reality show to date - Amateur Master Terrorist. Borrowing from other popular reality shows, Amateur Master Terrorist consists of segments such as Armed Apprentice, Queer Spy for the Terrorist Guy, Blasterchef and So You Want To Be A Terrorist!.
.It started off as a script called Terry and Isim and was about Guantanamo Bay. Then that fell through because Harold and Kumar came along and Bush got voted out. But the idea shifted...
- 3/30/2012
- by Matthew Worboys
- IF.com.au
A look at what's new on DVD today:
"Buried"
Directed by Rodrigo Cortes
Released by Lionsgate
"Paper Man"
Directed by Kieran and Michele Mulroney
Released by Mpi Home Video
While one can't feel too badly for the future "Green Lantern" star and People's sexiest man alive, Ryan Reynolds' two stabs at glory outside the beaten path went largely unseen, which is particularly a shame in the case of Rodrigo Cortes' "Buried," the thriller where Reynolds has no acting partner but a cell phone as a military contractor who finds himself trapped in a coffin with no knowledge of how or why he got there. A success at Sundance, Lionsgate scrapped expansion plans for the film when it didn't do well in limited release, so home video will be the first chance for many to catch it. Still, that was a considerably bigger success than "Paper Man," which snuck in...
"Buried"
Directed by Rodrigo Cortes
Released by Lionsgate
"Paper Man"
Directed by Kieran and Michele Mulroney
Released by Mpi Home Video
While one can't feel too badly for the future "Green Lantern" star and People's sexiest man alive, Ryan Reynolds' two stabs at glory outside the beaten path went largely unseen, which is particularly a shame in the case of Rodrigo Cortes' "Buried," the thriller where Reynolds has no acting partner but a cell phone as a military contractor who finds himself trapped in a coffin with no knowledge of how or why he got there. A success at Sundance, Lionsgate scrapped expansion plans for the film when it didn't do well in limited release, so home video will be the first chance for many to catch it. Still, that was a considerably bigger success than "Paper Man," which snuck in...
- 1/18/2011
- by Stephen Saito
- ifc.com
Based on an earlier episode in the life of wild child Mowgli, and not related directly story-wise to Disney's 1994 live-action "Jungle Book", producer Raju Patel's new film swings into the fray with the unwieldy title "Rudyard Kipling's The Second Jungle Book: Mowgli and Baloo."
Eleven-year-old newcomer Jamie Williams carries the rousing adventure film, but without a headliner such as Jason Scott Lee, the TriStar release is headed for modest business. There are some chilling moments and mild violence in "The Second Jungle Book", directed by Duncan McLachlan ("Running Wild"), making it suitable primarily for young boys.
Co-stars Baloo the bear, Grey Wolf and Bagheera, a black panther, are accorded much screen time, and there's elemental chemistry between growling, monkeylike Mowgli and his protective pals. There is also a small army of scheming chimps who try to kidnap Mowgli, forcing the latter to escape by hopping on a train.
The 1890s scenario credited to Bayard Johnson and Matthew Horton is based on one of Kipling's original stories, but it amounts to the predictable elements of bad guys trying to capture Mowgli, mad monkeys in exotic ruins and lots of action, with four-footed and fanged heroics.
After escaping from the train with a trained monkey, Timo, Mowgli is stalked by a no-nonsense P.T. Barnum talent scout (Bill Campbell), an ugly snake charmer (Dyrk Ashton) and Timo's clownish owner David Paul Francis). The sneaky guide of these stalk characters is a standard villain in the person of Mowgli's scheming uncle (Gulshan Grover).
As it happens, the chimps kidnap Timo and the humans bag Mowgli. Everyone ends up in the lost city, where they discover an old soldier (Roddy McDowall) who likes to fire cannons. Mowgli has close calls with cobras and pythons, while not all the men after him are heartless assassins.
Credit goes to the two-legged performers who breathe some life into the lackluster dialogue scenes. And those fabulous chimps are the best achievement of animal coordinator Brian McMillan and crew.
The film's primary attractions are such sights as Williams' character climbing through the forest and bonding with untalkative Baloo and Bagheera. Cinematographer Adolfo Bartoli and production designer Errol Kelly do justice to the wide-screen format, and the film looks super.
Filmed in Sri Lanka, the production overall is shipshape.
RUDYARD KIPLING'S
THE SECOND JUNGLE BOOK:
MOWGLI AND BALOO
Sony Pictures Releasing
A TriStar Picture
MDP Worldwide and Sharad Patel present
A Kiplingbook/Raju Patel production
A Duncan McLachlan film
Director Duncan McLachlan
Writers Bayard Johnson, Matthew Horton
Producer Raju Patel
Executive producers Sharad Patel, Mark Damon
Director of cinematography Adolfo Bartoli
Production designer Errol Kelly
Editor Marcus Manton
Composer John Scott
Costume designer Ann Hollowood
Casting Don Pemrick, Dean Fronk, Jo Gilbert
Color/stereo
Cast:
Mowgli Jamie Williams
Harrison Bill Campbell
King Murphy Roddy McDowall
Chuchundra David Paul Francis
Buldeo Gulshan Grover
Running time -- 90 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
Eleven-year-old newcomer Jamie Williams carries the rousing adventure film, but without a headliner such as Jason Scott Lee, the TriStar release is headed for modest business. There are some chilling moments and mild violence in "The Second Jungle Book", directed by Duncan McLachlan ("Running Wild"), making it suitable primarily for young boys.
Co-stars Baloo the bear, Grey Wolf and Bagheera, a black panther, are accorded much screen time, and there's elemental chemistry between growling, monkeylike Mowgli and his protective pals. There is also a small army of scheming chimps who try to kidnap Mowgli, forcing the latter to escape by hopping on a train.
The 1890s scenario credited to Bayard Johnson and Matthew Horton is based on one of Kipling's original stories, but it amounts to the predictable elements of bad guys trying to capture Mowgli, mad monkeys in exotic ruins and lots of action, with four-footed and fanged heroics.
After escaping from the train with a trained monkey, Timo, Mowgli is stalked by a no-nonsense P.T. Barnum talent scout (Bill Campbell), an ugly snake charmer (Dyrk Ashton) and Timo's clownish owner David Paul Francis). The sneaky guide of these stalk characters is a standard villain in the person of Mowgli's scheming uncle (Gulshan Grover).
As it happens, the chimps kidnap Timo and the humans bag Mowgli. Everyone ends up in the lost city, where they discover an old soldier (Roddy McDowall) who likes to fire cannons. Mowgli has close calls with cobras and pythons, while not all the men after him are heartless assassins.
Credit goes to the two-legged performers who breathe some life into the lackluster dialogue scenes. And those fabulous chimps are the best achievement of animal coordinator Brian McMillan and crew.
The film's primary attractions are such sights as Williams' character climbing through the forest and bonding with untalkative Baloo and Bagheera. Cinematographer Adolfo Bartoli and production designer Errol Kelly do justice to the wide-screen format, and the film looks super.
Filmed in Sri Lanka, the production overall is shipshape.
RUDYARD KIPLING'S
THE SECOND JUNGLE BOOK:
MOWGLI AND BALOO
Sony Pictures Releasing
A TriStar Picture
MDP Worldwide and Sharad Patel present
A Kiplingbook/Raju Patel production
A Duncan McLachlan film
Director Duncan McLachlan
Writers Bayard Johnson, Matthew Horton
Producer Raju Patel
Executive producers Sharad Patel, Mark Damon
Director of cinematography Adolfo Bartoli
Production designer Errol Kelly
Editor Marcus Manton
Composer John Scott
Costume designer Ann Hollowood
Casting Don Pemrick, Dean Fronk, Jo Gilbert
Color/stereo
Cast:
Mowgli Jamie Williams
Harrison Bill Campbell
King Murphy Roddy McDowall
Chuchundra David Paul Francis
Buldeo Gulshan Grover
Running time -- 90 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
- 5/13/1997
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.