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On April 3, 2024, the world celebrated the 100th birthday of Marlon Brando, one of Hollywood’s most legendary actors and a passionate advocate for human rights, animal welfare and environmental justice.

In honor of this monumental milestone, Mercy For Animals has produced a special short film, Voices of Hope ~ Words of Wisdom by Marlon Brando, released on April 22 in celebration of Earth Day and to commemorate Brando’s lasting influence as an advocate for a better world.

The film features a collection of Brando’s inspiring quotes recited by Marlon Brando himself, alongside an ensemble of more than 20 prominent global figures, underscoring Brando’s unwavering commitment to social justice, animal welfare and environmental sustainability — encouraging people everywhere to carry forward his legacy. The list of influential narrators include:

Erin Brockovich

Martin Luther King III

Arndrea Waters King

Ellen Burstyn

James Cromwell

Marianne Williamson

Stephanie Corneliussen

Ed Begley Jr.

June Squibb

Frances Fisher...

Vin Diesel’s 2003 action thriller A Man Apart has recently surged to the top of the Tubi streaming chart, defying more than two decades of terrible reviews from critics to find a new audience. The words “free streaming” and “Vin Diesel action movie” really do combine to make a strangely attractive prospect to many casual viewers scrolling for something to pass a couple of hours. Best known for iconic roles in franchises like Fast & Furious and Riddick, Diesel’s earlier work in A Man Apart offers a darker and more emotional story for the actor to handle. Unfortunately, critics seem to prefer it when he is just driving like a boy-racer and blowing things up.

Directed by F. Gary Gray, who would later collaborate with Diesel on The Fate of the Furious, A Man Apart tells the story of DEA agent Sean Vetter, a man looking for revenge over...

Between its striking title, lurid artwork, and the timing of its release — 1981 bore the likes of Halloween II, Friday the 13th Part 2, My Bloody Valentine, The Burning, The Funhouse, The Prowler, and Happy Birthday to Me — one might mistake Butcher, Baker, Nightmare Maker (also known as Night Warning) for a run-of-the-mill slasher flick. While it vaguely fits in the slice-and-dice mold, the film is anything but generic.

The prologue — which may have inspired Final Destination 2‘s unforgettable opening sequence — was directed by Michael Miller with cinematography by Jan de Bont, but Miller was let go by the production after falling behind schedule. He was replaced by TV veteran William Asher, who shot the remainder of the film with Robbie Greenberg as director of photography.

14 years after his parents were killed in an over-the-top car crash, Billy Lynch witnesses his infantilizing aunt-turned-guardian, Cheryl Roberts, kill a repair man in cold blood.

Stars: Jimmy McNichol, Susan Tyrrell, Bo Svenson, Julia Duffy, Bill Paxton, Marcia Lewis, Britt Leach, Steve Eastin | Written by Steve Breimer, Alan Jay Glueckman, Boon Collins | Directed by William Asher

Butcher, Baker, Nightmare Maker is a gripping and unsettling horror that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Helmed by William Asher, a veteran director of US sitcoms like I Love Lucy and Bewitched, this cult classic from 1981 has gained a reputation for its intense storyline and memorable performances and this release by Severin Films marks the films disc debut here in the UK – yes, former video nasty is finally seeing the light of day in the UK and it’s a feature-packed 4K release too!

At its core, Butcher, Baker, Nightmare Maker follows the story of Billy Lynch (Jimmy McNichol), a young man whose life takes a dark turn following the death of his parents.

To celebrate the release of Butcher, Baker, Nightmare Maker available on Special Edition Dual 4K Uhd and Blu-Ray on 13th May, we have a Special Edition Dual 4K Uhd and Blu-Ray to give away!

One of the notorious 1980s video nasties Butcher, Baker, Nightmare Maker has been lauded as ‘Brilliantly insane’ (Cool Ass Cinema) and a ‘horror gem, well-crafted, ripe for analysis… should not go overlooked (Bloody Disgusting) and now, thanks to Severin Films, you can witness the film like never before. The company announces a brand-new Special Edition Dual 4K Uhd and Blu-ray is set for its UK release on 13 May 2024.

In a surprising change of direction, William Asher – veteran of gentle TV delights such as I Love Lucy and Bewitched – directed one of the most joltingly brutal, psychosexual shockers of the ‘80s, the eye-poppingly violent and demented Butcher, Baker, Nightmare Maker, which can now be experienced for the first time ever in Uhd.

‘A deeply twisted shocker… You will never, ever, ever find a psychotic she-monster more blood-chilling than Susan Tyrrell’

Coming Soon

‘An excellent shocker… queasy and wildly ahead of its time… Susan Tyrrell delivers a character unlike any other in horror history’

Mondo Digital

‘Tyrrell steals the show… the sight of her… clutching a machete and chasing a poor unfortunate through a stormy night is once seen, never forgotten!… I heartedly recommend you seek out’

Hysteria Lives

One of the notorious 1980s video nasties Butcher, Baker, Nightmare Maker has been lauded as ‘Brilliantly insane’ (Cool Ass Cinema) and a ‘horror gem, well-crafted, ripe for analysis… should not go overlooked (Bloody Disgusting) and now, thanks to Severin Films, you can witness the film like never before. The company announces a brand-new Special Edition Dual 4K Uhd and Blu-ray is set for its UK release on 13th May 2024.

In a surprising change of direction,...

Recent reports suggest that Robert De Niro might reprise his iconic role as Travis Bickle from Taxi Driver for an Uber ad campaign, causing a mix of excitement and disappointment among fans. The screenwriter of Taxi Driver, Paul Schrader, expressed his disapproval of De Niro's potential involvement in the ad campaign, stating that he couldn't understand De Niro's decision. De Niro will soon continue his collaboration with Martin Scorsese in the upcoming film Killers of the Flower Moon.

Recent report have claimed that seminal actor Robert De Niro could be gearing up to reprise his role as Travis Bickle from 1976's classic Taxi Driver for an Uber ad campaign. And it seems like not everyone is happy about it. After working for the first time with Martin Scorsese in Mean Streets, and after participating in Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather Part II, Robert De Niro became a true cinema legend with Taxi Driver,...

It’s time for a new episode of The Arrow in the Head Show, and in this one hosts John “The Arrow” Fallon and Lance are looking back at the 1987 sci-fi horror film The Hidden (watch it Here). To find out what they had to say about the movie, check out the video embedded above!

Directed by Jack Sholder from a screenplay written by Bob Hunt, The Hidden has the following synopsis: Something hideous is changing law-abiding citizens into monstrous, hyperviolent psychopaths. A series of bizarre, inexplicable robberies and murders have L.A. police detective Tom Beck totally baffled. And it doesn’t help when mysterious FBI agent Lloyd Gallagher tells him that a demonic extraterrestrial creature is invading the bodies of innocent victims – and transforming them into inhuman killers with an unearthly fondness for heavy-metal music, red Ferraris and unspeakable violence!

The film stars Kyle MacLachlan, Michael Nouri, Richard Brooks,...

"I've got someone trying to pin a bunch of murders on me..." "In broad daylight?" Another month, another Bruce Willis movie. Make it stop!! Saban + Paramount have revealed an official trailer for Gasoline Alley, another boring Los Angeles crime thriller rehashing the same plot for the 5000th time. Some people were found dead, the cops think it was this guy, he says he's being framed. Yadda yadda. A man implicated in a triple homicide begins his own investigation. He enlists the two detectives on his tail in order to expose a conspiracy, or whatever. Starring Devon Sawa, Bruce Willis, and Luke Wilson, with Kat Foster, Sufe Bradshaw, Johnny Dowers, Kenny Wormald, Rick Salomon, Steve Eastin, Tracey "The Doc" Curry. This looks so bad. I wish Bruce would just stop making these, we really don't need them anymore... Here's the official trailer (+ poster) Edward Drake's Gasoline Alley, direct from YouTube: Bruce Willis,...

Exclusive: The Walking Dead: World Beyond star Annet Mahendru has joined the Mark Wahlberg-Mel Gibson faith-based movie Stu, we hear. She recently wrapped season 2 on the AMC series. She’s also starring in Manifest West, a gritty drama from directors Louie Gibson and Joe Dietsch. Stu is directed and written by Rosalind Ross with Wahlberg producing alongside his partner and manager Stephen Levinson along with Jordan Foss. Miky Lee and Colleen Camp are EPs. Storyline is underwraps. Mahendru, who is repped by Paradigm, Bohemia Group and Nelson Davis, has starred in Amazon’s The Romanoffs, FX’s Tyrant, 2 Broke Girls, The Blacklist, Entourage and the indie move Escape From Tomorrow.

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Eric Ladin (The Right Stuff) is set to play Eric Chastain in Sony’s upcoming film Where the Crawdads Sing. He joins Garrett Dillahunt, David Strathairn, Taylor John Smith, Harris Dickinson, Michael Hyatt, Sterling Macer, Jr., Jayson Warner Smith...

Crazy has always tapped a main vein in horror films; if it didn’t we would be stuck watching films of people being pranked or wronged, who laugh it off and become dentists instead (with all due respect to Corbin Bernsen). Now, of particular interest to me is when the sins of the flesh meet that fracture of the mind; where the lascivious and the lurid tangle in sweaty, blood stained sheets. And 1982 coughed up a doozy (in character and content) with Night Warning, a tale of a very protective aunt who doesn’t want to see her nephew leave the nest.

Also known as Butcher, Baker, Nightmare Maker (a cool title, but neither relate to the story at all), Night Warning was distributed by Comworld Pictures in early ’82 (but didn’t go wide until early ’83) and garnered some good reviews while passing by audiences. Why? Because it was just...

It was the decade that brought us a giant marshmallow man, a diversely cast Saturday detention, a watermelon-carrying Baby, a kiss between a mother and son of the same age and three men juggling a baby and heroin. Ahead of tomorrow's extract in Weekend from Hadley Freeman's book about 80s movies, here's a really rather tough quiz on the era.

Which of these Isn't a business in Hill Valley circa 1955?

Armstrong Realty

Roy's Records

Broadway Florist

Gaynor's Hideaway

What is the name of the shop on the bag in which Andrew (Emilio Estevez) keeps his lunch?

Happy Foods

Hungry Town

Food Shopper

Valley Eats

What is Dana's surname in Ghostbusters?

Stenmore

Watkins

Andrews

Barrett

When Elliot's brother is trying to discount what Elliot saw, what does he Not list?

Alligator

Iguana

Stray dog

Deformed kid

What is the first question in the sex quiz in Sixteen Candles?

Have you ever touched it?...

Review by Chris Wright, MoreHorror.com

Directed By: William Asher

Written By: Stephen Breimer, Boon Collins, & Alan Jay Glueckman

Starring: Susan Tyrrell (Aunt Cheryl), Bo Svenson (Detective Joe Carlson), Jimmy McNichol (Billy Lynch), William Paxton (Eddie), Marcia Lewis (Margie), Julia Duffy (Julia), Steve Eastin (Coach Landers), Britt Leach (Sgt. Cook), Caskey Swaim (Phil Brody), Cooper Neal (Frank), Gary Baxley (Bill Lynch Sr.) , Kay Kimler (Anna Lynch).

I came across this movie looking for rare horror films in the 80s. “Night Warning” has all the components of a solid psychological horror thriller movie yet it is virtually unknown today, which is surprising. I suspect it isn’t as well known due to the fact that it isn’t a slasher in the traditional sense. To add to its unknown nature, the movie has never seen another release beyond Thorn Emi video release in the mid 1980s. There has been speculation of...

Image Entertainment has released the first trailer for All Things Fall Apart, which will hit Blu-ray and DVD February 14. Click on the video player below for your first look at this drama starring 50 Cent, Mario Van Peebles, and Ray Liotta.

Deon is a college running back with a fierce combination of blazing speed and stunning power. At the pinnacle of his college football career and gearing up to start a successful NFL one, life unexpectedly takes a turn and what was once easy and natural becomes unattainable. With his football career in serious jeopardy, Deon begins to realize a startling truth he is not the man he thought he was. Equipped with this new found information, Deon sets out to better himself by reuniting his family and picking up the pieces of his life.

All Things Fall Apart comes to theaters February 14th, 2012 and stars Mario Van Peebles, 50 Cent, Lynn Whitfield,...

If we were playing a game where you asked me to pick two actors who were very unlikely to work together, Ray Liotta and Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson would definitely be a duo near the top of my list. Liotta's won an Emmy, been nominated for a Golden Globe, and starred in a Scorsese gangster film. Jackson's made his mark in the world of rap music, but doesn't quite have the acting resume of Liotta (although that Teen Choice Award nomination is nifty ... ). That doesn't matter, apparently, because the two will be teaming up in the indie drama Things Fall Apart.

Variety reports that Liotta has joined the cast of Mario Van Peebles' latest. In the film, Jackson plays a star running back "who faces personal tragedy and his own mortality during his senior year of college." Liotta plays the role of a doctor, and will perform alongside not only Jackson,...

Ray Liotta and Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson will team up for the indie drama "Things Fall Apart" for Cheetah Vision Films says Variety.

The story follows a star football running back (Jackson) who faces a personal tragedy as well as his own mortality while in his senior year in college. Liotta plays a doctor.

Jackson co-wrote the script with Brian Miller and will produce with Randall Emmett. Mario Van Peebles, Lynn Whitfield, Mike P and Steve Eastin also star.

Van Peebles directs and shooting is currently underway in Michigan.

Ray Liotta has joined the cast of the independent drama "Things Fall Apart." The cast includes Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Lynn Whitfield, comedian Mike P, Steve Eastin and Mario Van Peebles. Van Peebles is directing from a script by Jackson and Brian Miller. According to Variety, Jackson and Randall Emmett are producing the film through their Cheetah Vision Films production company.The film focuses on a star football running back, played by Jackson, who faces several personal challenges while in his senior year in college. Liotta will play a doctor in the film. Shooting is underway in Michigan. Liotta last appeared in "Crazy on the Outside."...

Ray Liotta has joined "Things Fall Apart" with Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson. The independent drama is being helmed by Mario Van Peebles. Jackon producers alongside Randall Emmett via Cheetah Vision Films. Screenplay comes from Jackson and Brian Miller. Story tells of a star football running back (Jackson) who faces a personal tragedy as well as his own mortality while in his senior year in college. Liotta plays the doctor. Filming starts in Michigan. Cast also includes Van Peebles as well as Lynn Whitfield, Mike P and Steve Eastin.

Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson and Randall Emmett will produce "Things Fall Apart," through their Cheetah Vision Films production company.According to Variety, Mario Van Peebles will direct from a script by Jackson and Brian Miller.The film focuses on a star college football running back, played by Jackson, who faces several challenges while in his senior year. Van Peebles, Lynn Whitfield, comedian Mike P and Steve Eastin will also star.The film is scheduled to begin five weeks of shooting in May in Michigan. Brandon Grimes and Scott Robinson are co-producing. Jackson's film credits include "Get Rich or Die Tryin'," "Righteous Kill" and Joel Schumacher's "Twelve," which recently premiered at Sundance.

Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson is set to star in and produce "Things Fall Apart" for Cheetah Vision Films says Variety.

The story follows a football running back in his final year of college who suffers a personal tragedy that makes him question his own mortality.

Jackson is expected to shed 65 pounds for the role with a five week shoot kicking off in May in Michigan. Jackson and Brian Miller co-wrote the script while Randall Emmett will also produce.

Mario Van Peebles will direct and co-stars in the film along with Lynn Whitfield, comedian Mike P and Steve Eastin.

Curtis 50 Cent Jackson and Randall Emmett star in the Mario Van Peebles film Rapper-turned-actor Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson and Randall Emmett are developing a new project, Things Fall Apart, through their Cheetah Vision Films banner.

According to Variety, Jackson will star in the project, which is scheduled to begin five weeks of lensing in May in Michigan with Mario Van Peebles directing from a script by Jackson and Brian Miller.

The film centers around a star football running back, played by Jackson, who faces a personal tragedy as well as his own mortality while in his senior year in college.

Van Peebles, Lynn Whitfield, comedian Mike P and Steve Eastin will also star.

"You have 90 minutes and 120 pages, compared with three minutes for a song," Jackson noted. "I've become very passionate about making films."

Emmett noted that Jackson is able to write a check for a film project that might not easily secure financing,...

Variety reports that Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson and Randall Emmett have greenlit their next feature, Things Fall Apart , through their Cheetah Vision Films banner with Jackson starring. The movie centers around a star football running back (Jackson), who faces a personal tragedy as well as his own mortality while in his senior year in college. "Fifty is in the process of losing 65 pounds" for the role, said Emmett. Things Fall Apart starts filming in May for five weeks in Michigan. Mario Van Peebles will direct from a script by Jackson and Brian Miller. Emmett and Jackson are producing. Van Peebles, Lynn Whitfield, comedian Mike P and Steve Eastin will also star.

Whether it's for a play, a commercial, episodic television, or a feature film, how you approach a role is the most essential decision you can make as an actor. Teaching students how to prepare is paramount in most actor training programs, and the goal is always the same: to insure that the actor is in the optimum state of creativity when the moment of truth arrives. To accomplish this, most schools advocate similar techniques. The words "break down the scene," "find your objective," "find the beats," "find something in your own life that correlates with the character" can be heard in drama departments and acting schools across the country. Many emphasize the importance of extensive rehearsal and homework on the character, including a bio and a backstory.I have been fortunate enough to appear in more than 200 television shows and feature films, including such major ones as "Field of Dreams,...

Chicago – In our latest edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have a VIP prize pack for one lucky winner along with 15 run-of-engagement runners-up movie passes for the new film “Up in the Air”! The film stars George Clooney from the director of the Oscar-winning film “Juno”. The prize pack includes a run-of-engagement movie pass for two along with an “Up in the Air” CD and two “Up in the Air” hats.

Along with George Clooney, “Up in the Air” stars Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Jason Bateman, Amy Morton, Melanie Lynskey, J.K. Simmons, Sam Elliott, Danny McBride, Chris Lowell, Steve Eastin and Zach Galifianakis from “Juno” and “Thank You for Smoking” director Jason Reitman.

To win your free “Up in the Air” prize pack or run-of-engagement passes courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, all you need to do is answer a question in this Web-based submission form. That’s it! “Up in the Air...

Chicago – Director Jason Reitman is becoming like a fine wine. He’s maturing with age, tasting newer with each sip and leaving an aftertaste that makes you think you’ll savor what’s next.

And in his new romantic dramedy “Up in the Air,” he has managed to pour a likely Oscar contender on the unusual subject matter of flyover country and layoffs all while continuing to display his directorial range. He again uses some of his usual casting suspects (i.e. J.K. Simmons returns for a trifecta with Reitman after both “Juno” and “Thank You for Smoking” and Jason Bateman’s now on a double after “Juno”).

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Reitman describes “Up in the Air” as a personal journey in our recent interview with him on this film. In addition, he admits that the quest was daunting after coming off the Oscar-winning achievement with the surprise hit film “Juno” from...

Paramount Pictures' "Up In the Air" - We have seven clips from the Los Angeles premiere including George Clooney (featured below), Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Jason Bateman, director/writer/producer Jason Reitman and producer Ivan Reitman. The film opens on December 4th and also stars Melanie Lynskey, Danny McBride, Chris Lowell, Tamala Jones, Adam Rose, Lauren Mae Shafer and Steve Eastin. Oscar® winner George Clooney stars as Ryan Bingham, a corporate downsizing expert whose cherished life on the road is threatened just as he is on the cusp of reaching ten million frequent flyer miles and just after he’s met the frequent-traveler woman of his dreams.

We have new images in from the Jason Reitman-helmed "Up In the Air," starring George Clooney, Jason Bateman, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Melanie Lynskey, Danny McBride, Chris Lowell, Tamala Jones, Adam Rose, Lauren Mae Shafer and Steve Eastin. Comedy/drama opens on December 4th via Paramount Pictures and is written by Jason Reitman based on the novel by Walter Kirn. Daniel Dubiecki, Jeffrey Clifford and Ivan Reitman produce with Jason Reitman. A comedy called “Up in the Air” starring Oscar® winner George Clooney as Ryan Bingham, a corporate downsizing expert whose cherished life on the road is threatened just as he is on the cusp of reaching ten million frequent flyer miles and just after he’s met the frequent-traveler woman of his dreams.

We have 26 clips in total from the buzzed about Jason Reitman film starring George Clooney, Jason Bateman, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Melanie Lynskey, Danny McBride, Chris Lowell, Tamala Jones, Adam Rose, Lauren Mae Shafer and Steve Eastin. The dramedy opens on December 4th. Got your Oscar sheet ready? From Jason Reitman, the Oscar® nominated director of “Juno,” comes a comedy called “Up in the Air” starring Oscar® winner George Clooney as Ryan Bingham, a corporate downsizing expert whose cherished life on the road is threatened just as he is on the cusp of reaching ten million frequent flyer miles and just after he’s met the frequent-traveler woman of his dreams...

See a new clip called "Order Five Meals" from Paramount Pictures' "Up in the Air," starring George Clooney, Jason Bateman, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Melanie Lynskey, Danny McBride, Chris Lowell, Tamala Jones, Adam Rose, Lauren Mae Shafer and Steve Eastin. The Jason Reitman-directed film is based based on the novel by Walter Kirn. Daniel Dubiecki, Jeffrey Clifford and Ivan Reitman produce alongside Jason Reitman. Oscar® winner Clooney stars as Ryan Bingham, a corporate downsizing expert whose cherished life on the road is threatened just as he is on the cusp of reaching ten million frequent flyer miles and just after he’s met the frequent-traveler woman of his dreams.

Catch the trailer for Jason Reitman's "Up in the Air" which is now embedded. The film stars George Clooney, Jason Bateman, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Melanie Lynskey, Danny McBride, Chris Lowell, Tamala Jones, Adam Rose, Lauren Mae Shafer and Steve Eastin. Jason Reitman helms as well as adapting the screnplay based on the novel by Walter Kirn. In Association with Cold Spring Pictures. A Montecito Picture Company Production, In Association with Rickshaw Productions, In Association with Hard C.

The Jason Reitman-helmed "Up in the Air" has a second trailer added. Paramount Pictures comedy/drama is frontlined by George Clooney and includes an outstanding cast with Jason Bateman, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Melanie Lynskey and Danny McBride in the mix. Also in the cast are Chris Lowell, Tamala Jones, Adam Rose, Lauren Mae Shafer and Steve Eastin. Reitman, who produced the recent "Jennifer's Body" flop, has a winner here and adapts the screenplay for the Walter Kim novel as well as directing. He also produces alongside Daniel Dubiecki, Jeffrey Clifford and father Ivan Reitman.

Plot: From Jason Reitman, the Oscar® nominated director of “Juno,” comes a comedy called “Up in the Air” starring Oscar® winner George Clooney as Ryan Bingham, a corporate downsizing expert whose cherished life on the road is threatened just as he is on the cusp of reaching ten million frequent flyer miles and just after he’s met the frequent-traveler woman of his dreams. "Up in the Air" stars George Clooney, Jason Bateman, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Melanie Lynskey, Danny McBride, Chris Lowell, Tamala Jones, Adam Rose, Lauren Mae Shafer and Steve Eastin. Jason Reitman direct and adapts the novel written by Walter Kirn...

See a new featurette from Jason Reitiman's "Up in the Air," starring George Clooney, Jason Bateman, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Melanie Lynskey, Danny McBride, Chris Lowell, Tamala Jones, Adam Rose, Lauren Mae Shafer and Steve Eastin. See a new featurette from Jason Reitiman's "Up in the Air," starring George Clooney, Jason Bateman, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Melanie Lynskey, Danny McBride, Chris Lowell, Tamala Jones, Adam Rose, Lauren Mae Shafer and Steve Eastin...

See the trailer for Jason Reitman's eagerly anticipated "Up in the Air," starring George Clooney, Jason Bateman, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Melanie Lynskey, Danny McBride, Chris Lowell, Tamala Jones, Adam Rose, Lauren Mae Shafer and Steve Eastin. Reitman wrote the screenplay alongside Sheldon Turner based on the Walter Kirn novel of the same title. Catch this one in theatres This December 4th. Daniel Dubiecki, Jeffrey Clifford and Ivan Reitman produce alongside Jason Reitman.

Opens Friday, April 4

Nearly two years after principal photography, New Line is releasing "A Man Apart", hoping the movie might benefit from the box office muscle developed by its star, Vin Diesel, in his subsequent production, the extreme actioner "XXX". The film will probably satisfy his action-movie fans, though those unaware of the film's history may wonder why the actor has regressed to such a bare-bones thriller, albeit one with stylish flourishes. Why an "X" following "XXX"?

"A Man Apart" plays all the usual angles: the nonconformist cop who steps outside the law to avenge his wife's murder; the blurring of the line between the bad and good guys; the drug deals made in topless bars; the climactic chase through the sewers. We've seen all this before, but F. Gary Gray directs with a determination that style will win out over substance. It doesn't, but the energy he brings to the venture makes a pedestrian movie look far sharper than it deserves.

The opening sequence details how Drug Enforcement Administration agents Sean Vetter (Diesel) and Demetrius Hicks (Larenz Tate) take down a Baja drug cartel biggie (Geno Silva in the aging-gentleman-drug-dealer mode pioneered by Fernando Rey in "The French Connection"). While the DEA in Los Angeles celebrates with nonstop partying at Sean's Malibu beach house -- on a drug agent's salary he has a house in Malibu? -- an elusive figure calling himself Diablo lays claim to the Baja cartel with bloody killings and hijackings. Apparently believing he doesn't stand a chance of success unless he takes out Sean, a hit is ordered. But the assassination goes awry, and Sean's wife (Jacqueline Obradors) is killed.

Once Sean recovers from his own wounds, he goes berserk, turning into a badass with a hair-trigger temper and complete disregard for anyone's civil rights. This is tolerated for a while, but after playing Russian roulette with a suspect's skull and roughing up a pretty-boy drug dealer (Timothy Olyphant), Sean is suspended by a superior officer (Steve Eastin). So Sean enlists his old gangster pal from the 'hood (George Sharperson) to go after Diablo outside the law.

While illogic reigns, the only point to any of this is to get to the chases, shootouts and general mayhem. Gray's dexterous style creates the impression of nonstop movement with a mobile camera, aerial shots, smooth editing and a fine sense of pace.

Diesel, sporting a goatee worthy of a North Beach poet, barges through the movie with the sass his fans have come to expect -- that barely controlled fury and ironic smile on his face implying complete control of any situation. All other roles are designed as people for Diesel to react to -- or against. Olyphant is amusingly flamboyant, while Tate makes a good sidekick even if his willingness to go along with his partner's extralegal moves makes little sense.

Technical credits are superior to the material.

A MAN APART

New Line Cinema

A Vincent Newman & Tucker Tooley and Joseph Nittolo Entertainment production

Credits:

Director: F Gary Gray

Screenwriters: Christian Gudegast, Paul Scheuring

Producers: Tucker Tooley, Vincent Newman, Joseph Nittolo, Vin Diesel

Executive producers: Michael De Luca, Claire Rudnick Polstein, F Gary Gray

Director of photography: Jack N Green

Production designer: Ida Random

Music: Anne Dudley

Co-producer: George Zakk

Costume designer: Shawn Barton

Editors: Bob Brown, William Hoy

Cast:

Sean Vetter: Vin Diesel

Demetrius Hicks: Larenz Tate

Jack Slayton: Timothy Olyphant

Stacy Vetter: Jacqueline Obradors

Memo Lucero: Geno Silva

Mateo Santos: Juan Fernandez

Ty Frost: Steve Eastin

Big Sexy: George Sharperson

Running time --110 minutes

MPAA rating: R...