What do a high-octane martial arts spectacle and an intimate science-fiction family drama have in common? Great storytelling.
In this episode of Meet Me at the Movies, Thomas Manning shines a spotlight on two very different films and the talented artists behind them. First, he dives into The Furious, an action-packed martial arts adventure now playing in theaters, featuring interviews with martial arts legend Joe Taslim and filmmaker/action choreographer Kenji Tanigaki. Together, they discuss the film’s breathtaking action sequences, emotional core, and the artistry behind its unforgettable fight choreography.
L-R: Xie Miao as Wang Wei and Joe Taslim as Navin in THE FURIOUS. Photo Credit: Norachai Kajchapanont. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.
Later in the episode, Thomas shifts gears to explore O Horizon, a thoughtful drama blending family relationships with science-fiction themes. Joining him are Oscar-nominated actors David Strathairn and Maria Bakalova, who discuss their performances, character dynamics, and the emotional journey at the heart of the film.
L-R: Maria Bakalova as Abby and David Strathairn as Warren in O HORIZON. Photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Film Festival.
Whether you’re drawn to pulse-pounding action or reflective character-driven storytelling, this episode celebrates the wide range of experiences cinema can offer.
Meet Me at the Movies airs weekly on C19 TV. Clips are used by permission for review, editorial, and commentary purposes. Thomas Manning and Noel T. Manning II are members of various entertainment organizations, including the Critics Choice Association, SEFCA, and the North Carolina Film Critics Association.
The Furious Official Synopsis:
After the daughter of Wang Wei (Xie Miao) is kidnapped by a criminal network and he receives no help from the corrupt police, Wei sets out on a rampage to find her himself. His only ally is Navin (Joe Taslim) – a relentless journalist whose wife has mysteriously disappeared. Fueled by a furious vengeance, the unlikely duo ruthlessly fights against the kidnappers in this explosive martial arts showdown.
In theaters June 12th, 2026.
For more information, head to the official Lionsgate The Furious webpage.
O Horizon Official Synopsis:
Abby (Maria Bakalova) is a young neuroscientist navigating an exhilarating new romance and a groundbreaking career discovery amidst the recent loss of her father (David Strathairn). When an emerging technology suddenly allows her to speak with him again, it turns her life upside down. Writer and director Madeleine Rotzler crafts a magical realist fable for our modern era that considers our relationships amid rapidly evolving technologies with warmth and humor.
In theaters June 12th, 2026.
Thomas Manning is a member of the NCFCA, SEFCA, and CCA, and also the co-host of the television show and radio program Meet Me at the Movies. He has served as a production assistant and voting member on the Film Selection Committee for the Real to Reel Film Festival. Additionally, he manages his own film review and interview site, The Run-Down on Movies. Manning is a graduate of Gardner-Webb University with a double-major in Communications and English. His passion for cinema and storytelling is rivaled only by his love for the music of Taylor Swift.
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Categories: Filmmaker Interviews
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