I am breaking night again. Sleepless and restless yet bored and tired of the hamster wheel of square living; lost in the ether of the surface web again. I’m just here vegetated and binging on information and entertainment to numb the nerves and relax me as I float and drift with spontaneity. It looks like there’s an abundance of skullduggery and cloak & dagger schemes occurring in the world – more than the average citizen or loiterer could fathom. There is just so much information to process, to extrapolate, to synthesis and to summarize with such short time left. Information is more important than necessity; without information you have no access and avenues to proceed in society. You cannot arm yourself mentally and physically without information and the access to it.

That is what compelled me to present 1992’s Sneakers and luckily someone on YouTube was cool enough to have it uploaded.

Sneakers directed by Phil Alden Robinson, screenplay co-written with Walter Parkes and Lawrence Lasker. Starring Robert Redford, Dan Aykroyd, Ben Kingsley, Mary McDonnell, River Phoenix, Sidney Poitier and David Strathairn.

A successful movie from the creators of the 80’s classic WARGAMES, and the 20^th highest grossing film of that 1992, Sneakers is a crime thriller that if made nowadays would be considered cyber-noir. It’s another film that Roger Ebert didn’t get and gave a low review when released but, he had a knack for disliking movies before they found their audience.

The films plot revolves around a group of security penetration testers or “Pen Testers” that are recruited by men claiming to be NSA agents to retrieve a Russian black box that they are looking for. After successfully retrieving the item, the team learns that they have walked into something bigger than any of them could have imagined.

Filmed in multiple locations with a really good script and a stacked ensemble cast of heavy hitters, Sneakers has just enough humor and intrigue to keep your attention for the whole journey. A moment in time capsule for real-life cyberpunks of an analog time when things were more hands on. I definitely recommend this film for you the viewer.

Interesting sidenote:

• Leonard Adleman was the mathematical consultant on this movie. The character of “Bernard Abbott” was named after Robert Abbott, the so-called “Father of Information Security,” who was also a consultant for the film. The character “Whistler” was based on Josef “Joybubbles” Engressia and John “Cap’n Crunch” Draper, well-known figures in the phone phreaks and hacking communities.  “Donald Crease” was based on John Strauchs, a former CIA officer who founded the security consulting firm Systech Group.  Dan Ackroyd’s brother Peter supplied conspiracy material on “UFOS, cattle mutilations, the Tri-Lateral Commission, the staged moon landing, JFK, [and] Marilyn Monroe” that was used to “spice up” his character.

• The film’s press kit was accompanied by a floppy disk containing a custom program explaining the movie. Parts of the program were quasi-encrypted, requiring the user to enter an easily guessable password to proceed. It was one of the first electronic press kits by a film studio.

I know you’re probably out there in the wastelands feeling it right now: living check to check, angry, scared, dejected, detached, and trying to find some kind of escapism from reality. I hope my retro movie choice can give you some form of escapism from the madness and noise. Movies are an escape. Movies have a beginning and a definitive conclusion with all the drama and conflict playing out made digestible by the dialogue, characters and exposition, unlike reality. Reality sucks for everyone. But just know that you’re not alone out there in the storm. Stay safe, live reckless, question everything, dress smart and always keep one finger on that Rewind button. Til’ Next time.

It’s official! Masebrothers new Movie “Dragon Cop” will have a live Premiere on the NewRetroWave YT channel this Friday at 1:00PM EST! This will be a live stream so make sure you attend to be one of the first to witness the greatness! You can also catch up on the previous Masebrothers releases HERE.

HongKong Trailer of Dragon Cop Below:

This live stream will also launch a crowdfunding campaign on KICKSTARTER for the franchise! 🙂

Support Masebrothers:

https://www.youtube.com/MASEBROTHERS

https://twitter.com/masebrothers

Kevin, 38 years old, lives with his grandmother and sees 3 little creatures: the Boglins coming at his home, determined to make a mess throughout the house, eat everything and drive him crazy.

Directed by Mathieu Caillière, the film is chock-full of nods and homages to eighties pop culture, made with the utmost love for the practical effects that made eighties adventure movies so lively and thrilling.

With its puppets made by Tim Clarke (Muppet Show, Dark Crystal), cheesy jokes and immersive score (by Jupiter-8 and Hugo Clément) drawing straight from the original Gremlins score, Boglins Return is a passion project that will thrill fans of Joe Dante’s grotesque comedy-horror style. One cannot help but smile thinking about how ridiculously fun the cast must’ve had whilst writing and shooting the film and we simply can’t get enough of it!

Be sure to subscribe to Masebrothers‘ Youtube channel for more retro-filmmaking fun!

The cult classic Toxic Avenger was first released in 1984. It’s a campy black comedy superhero film that follows the misadventures of your standard 80s nerd who falls into a vat of toxic waste. He ends up becoming the beloved Toxie – a horribly disfigured crime fighter sporting a sultry new voice, super strength, a heart of gold, and special hatred for evildoers. The original Toxic Avenger gained notoriety for its insane levels of deliciously cheesy gore – and even cheesier one-liners. It spawned The Toxic Avenger Part II, The Toxic Avenger Part III: The Last Temptation of Toxie, and Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV. There’s even been a Toxic Avener musical, a kids TV series, and a Marvel comic run!

We reviewed the classic Toxic Avenger a few years ago, (check out this article for even more awesome Toxie history!) So, needless to say, we are totally pumped about the new release! Here’s what we know so far:

Toxic Avenger Reboot Release Date:

• Sometime in 2022
• Principal production scheduled to commence on June 21, 2021 in Bulgaria.

Toxic Avenger Reboot Cast:

• Peter Dinklage as Toxie
• Kevin Bacon as the villain
• Elijah Wood
• Julia Davis
• Jonny Coyne 
• Sarah Niles
• Jacob Tremblay
• Taylour Paige

Toxic Avenger Reboot Creators:

• Production Company: Legendary Entertainment
• Producers:  Michael Herz and Lloyd Kaufman (The original Toxic Avengers writer (Kaufman) and directors!)
• Writer & Director: Macon Blair (advised by Lloyd Kaufman)

Of course, there’s always a chance that this reboot could be totally bogus like some other 80s reboots that have happened recently…

However, the original directors on board as producers and advisors to the screenplay writing! The production company is also great, with Legendary Entertainment producing awesome flicks like Pacific Rim, The Godzilla Movies, BlacKkKlansman, Krampus, Interstellar, Inception, The Dark Knight Rises, and many more fantastic films. So, our expectations are sky-high.

We really hope they stick to practical effects for the gore, but only time will tell if the Toxic Avenger reboot is a flop or a sloppy comedy gorefest!

Watch the Full 84′ Toxic Avenger Film Here (for now!)

Released in 2018, the first Commando Ninja movie is a classic piece in the retro indie scene and a true testament to Combes’ love and dedication to the hardboiled action hero. For its sequel, the team promises to take us on an adventure through the war-torn wilderness of Vietnam where our characters will meet with ancient civilizations and wild animals along their action-packed journey. And we’re not talking about Greenscreens and CGI environments, we’re talking about shooting in some real jungle environments, as the team stated their plans to shoot both in Utah and Thailand for maximum authenticity. Furthermore, the project is set to rely entirely on old-school, on-set practical effects, an unforeseen feat for an indie movie of its kind.

For further info and to play your part in this exciting new chapter in indie retro cinema history, make haste and head over to the projects’ Kickstarter page to chip in and receive exclusive pre-order perks.

Enlist in COMMANDO NINJA II : INVASION AMERICA

Watch Commando Ninja on Youtube.

A veritable spoonful of explosive, post-apocalyptic sci-fi action to make the exhausting election coverage go down, the film is a godsend that is sure to bring you back to those golden years when end times looked a lot more fun. In an age of great divide and turmoil, Cyborg: Deadly Machine is a humanistic reminder of human resilience spelt in the form of a love letter dedicated to classic Eighties and Nineties action flicks.

The French filmmakers deliver above and beyond all expectations, thanks in no small part to the phenomenal score by Synthwave acts Fixions and Meteor (out now on Bandcamp)

Cyborg : Deadly Machine (Movie Soundtrack) by Meteor / Fixions / Kid Zan / Magic Dance

Consolidating cheesy one-liners, stunning stunt work and old-school practical effects eye-candy, the Masebrothers successfully recreate the feel of the classics we all know and love to create a piece of indie retro cinema for the ages.

The French version will also be premiering on Youtube tonight via this second link.

Be sure to Subscribe to the Masebrothers Youtube channel and like their Facebook page to catch the latest news on their upcoming projects and releases.

Orax’s signature sound includes a wide range of synth influences, and it’s back here in full action. “Film” drifts in and out of various genres with ease, gracefully switching from track to track.

Evident on this release is Orax’s alt-rock influences, which melds together extremely well with the synth production. Combining these elements, Orax creates an interesting new take on synth music – one that earned “Film” the top spot on bandcamp and sold out records!

Grab a listen here now!

Let’s fund this movie and support the endless talent that is flowing into Retrowave. It is an exciting time and we can continue to give the scene more to look forward to.

10.) I, Tonya

Source: MovieWeb

Already mentioned in the media as the Goodfellas of figure skating. This film has a decent cast of actors with Margot Robbie herself as the main attraction or train wreck Tonya Harding.

9.) The Bad Batch

Source: Just Jared

The closest you’ll ever see to a big budget indie Troma film. Imagine post apocalyptic surf cannibals. Starting Jason Momoa and Keanu Reeves.

8.) Good Time

Source: LA Weekly

I’m a huge fan of the Safdie’s brothers. Lots of neons and gritted storytelling that is equal parts 70s Hollywood and Nic Winding Refn. Also, the best thing Robert Pattinson has ever done.

7.) Ghost in the Shell

Source: Comicbook.com

It’s not great but, it’s good and better than what your nerd fanboy friends say. Yes, Scarlett Johansson is Caucasian n the character is Asian. But that’s the keystone of the whole plot. Infact the body of the Major in the series isn’t even her own n if you watched the first movie isn’t even unique and just another model.. she’s been inside a cyborg body since childhood hence, Ghost in the Shell. Wonderful visuals. The players of section 9 are out of the series. Beat Kitano is awesome and Batou is great. 

6.) Shin Godzilla

Source: Rice Digital

The real king of the monsters is back in a new form and new tricks. The perfect allegory to what’s happening in modern Japan. Directed by the creator of Neon Genesis Evangelion. Watch it.

5.) The Void

Source: Screen Media Films

If you’re needing a John Carpenter/ Lucio Fulcio fix then this is your chthulu love letter.

4.) Atomic Blonde

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Definitely one of the best graphic novel adaptations to come out this year. With a chunky 80s soundtrack that drives the action forward. Except the Marilyn Manson cover which I could live without. 

3.) IT

Source: UNILAD

the new adaption of Stephen Kings classic. With new special effects and a charming cast of kids that stole America’s hearts. Dig it!!!

2.) Trainspotting 2

Source: The Thin Air

If you were around for the original, you remember how it changed everything. One of the best soundtracks of the 90s.. The sequel picks up 20years after the original and doesn’t miss a beat although it’s an older man’s movie about grown men and how they close their individual arcs. Shoot it n love.

1.) Blade Runner 2049

Source: Feminist Current

The music, the world, the continuation of a Science Fiction classic. Harrison Ford is actually acting his ass off. Gosling is compellingly. De Armas is stunning and. Deeper actor than people think. If you want more go read my review of Blade Runner 2049 here at New Retro Wave.

Anime writer/director Shinichirō Watanabe, of Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo fame, has released a new prequel short to director Denis Villeneuve’s upcoming film with music by Flying Lotus.

All I can say is – “Color. Marvelous grim colors”.

The short anime, 15mins long takes place after Rick Deckard and the replicant Rachel go into hiding and leave Los Angeles and after the introduction of the new Nexus 8 replicant by the Waylan Corp. A new model with a natural lifespan.

Being that humanity is often repulsed or agitated by anything resembling itself (fact). Humans being forming Human Supremacy groups and behind using the replicant database to hunt and kill replicants.

In an organized move of self-preservation, rogue Nexus 8 models conspire to cause a nuclear incident resulting in a massive EMP that will plunge electronics inoperative n allowing them to destroy the magnetic backups to the replicant database.

The art studio did a fabulous job or animating this world that so many of us dream about inhabiting. Flying Lotus proves his worth by honoring the musical palate with some personal touches; however, nothing to memorable.

The events if this film us the cause of the replicant prohibition that was later repealed a decade later by the Wallace corporation.

This is the final prequel short before 2049 hits theaters. So you’ll just have to be patient n wait.

Deadpool director is collaborating on a Neuromancer film.
(But, don’t expect it any time in the near future)

It is official retro-lovers – Tim Miller has plans for William Gibson’s genre defining novel Neuromancer. He will be collaborating with Simon Kinberg.  Unfortunately, he is currently set to direct the new and generally unasked for Terminator film or films being produced by James Cameron; heaven help us.

Neuromancer is a 1984 science fiction novel by William Gibson and is regarded by many to be the genesis of the Cyberpunk genre. It is the recipient of the Hugo Award, Nebula Award and the Philip K. Dick. This is the first novel by Gibson and first in the Sprawl trilogy.

The story is set in a dystopian future where the global eco-structure has restricted itself in the wake of geopolitical warfare and the evolution of the megacorporation that has their tentacles in every part of the world affairs and trade. The main protagonist or anti-hero is a drug addicted former computer hacker named Case who’s ability to tap into cyberspace had been damaged after crossing the wrong people. He lives in and inhabits the underworld of Chiba City, Japan. Case is offered a job by the mysterious Armitage after being rescued by his cybernetic augmented “Razorgirl”, Molly Millions. Armitage is offering Case not only a monetary reward but, the repair of his neural jack and access back into cyberspace again.

In 1989, Epic Comics published a 48-page graphic novel version by Tom de Haven and Bruce Jensen. It only covers the first two chapters, “Chiba City Blues” and “The Shopping Expedition”, and was never continued.

The BBC World Service Drama production of Neuromancer aired in two one-hour parts, on 8 and 15 September 2002. In 2009, The New Museum in NYC hosted a six hour reading of Neuromancer  directed by Brody Condon with former adult star turned Hollywood actress, DJ and author Sasha Grey reading the part of Molly Millions.

There have been several proposed film adaptations of Neuromancer, with drafts of scripts written by British director Chris Cunningham and Chuck Russell, with Aphex Twin providing the soundtrack. After that project fell through the cracks, Neuromancer as a live-action film has jumped into pre-production after pre-production and so on; with names such as Joseph Kahn, Vincenzo Natali and Chuck Russell.

So let’s be optimistic about this one. Hopefully James Cameron doesn’t infect him with the Douche malware that he downloaded from George Lucas on some dickbag TOR site. I also highly recommend yous all watch MR. ROBOT if you need a good cyberpunk fix.

[source: http://www.joblo.com/movie-news/cast-this-case-in-neuromancer-from-deadpool-director-tim-miller-206 ]

Let’s support this project and make it happen!