Month: September 2016

Movie Review: DRAWN TO FEAR (2016)

festreviews Movie Review, Short Film Movie Review, Uncategorized , , , , , , , ,

MOVIE POSTERDRAWN TO FEAR, 7min, USA, Horror
Directed by Daniel Robinette

A single woman named Hope has procured a rare book under strange circumstances. Little does she know that the book has a life of it’s own – drawing out the fears of those who possess it. Hope struggles to figure out the meaning of the book before it’s too late.

Seen at the August 2016 HORROR/THRILLER FEEDBACK Film Festival in Toronto.

Movie Review by Kierston Drier

Drawn to Fear directed by Daniel Robinette, must be applauded at its excellent execution of story in the confines of the horror genre. Without being overtly cliche it manages to hit every cultural touchstone of the genre while still creating a story that is compelling, functional and utterly terrifying.

A young woman finds herself alone in her home and comes upon a mysterious book, whose terrifying pages predict her next few moments. Our hero, in a stroke of brilliance unbecoming of most young women trapped in horror films, calls the police only to have her phone call get dropped (no shocker).

A harsher critic of this film may point out that the plot could be considered aimless- we know nothing of what the book is, how it got there or why it has picked this unfortunate woman.

She appears to be, almost systematically, haunted by creatures, visions, and horrors of ever-escalating terror as the film progresses- with no real goal as to what they want from her.

This can easily be seen as a plot fault, as the audience is unsatisfied, since they do not know what the hero has done to instigate this supernatural attack.

However, this reviewer prefers to see Robinettes’ piece as a short that pays homage to the classic conventions of the genre. The piece creates a short, powerful, nail biting account of a standard the-bad-guys-are-coming-for-you tale. It also works in more than a few nods to the tropes and archetypes of horror and suspense. The Ingenue, the empty house, the unknown force, the hopelessness of unfounded escape- are the conventions that root horror films. It is the meat and potatoes, the traditional comfort food of what is “scary”. In this way, Drawn to Fear is a perfect appetizer of what supernatural horror brings to the cinematic table.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video of the short film:

Movie Review: KADDISH! (2016)

festreviews 2016 movies, movie, Movie Review, Short Film Movie Review , , , , , , , ,

MOVIE POSTERKADDISH!, 6min, France, Horror/Comedy
Directed by Emeline Castaneda

When, on his way back home, a man stops at a motorway service area, he did not imagine that by talking to his urinal’s neighbor, it will trigger some terrible events.

Seen at the August 2016 HORROR/THRILLER FEEDBACK Film Festival in Toronto.

Movie Review by Kierston Drier

Kaddish! directed by Emeline Castaneda, is an absolute delight. Engaging, immediately suspenseful and unflatteringly hilarious, it is an example of the element of surprise doing everything a horror-comedy film should do.

It must be noted that horror-comedy as a genre is one of the hardest sub genres to execute without latching on the comfort of cinematic cliches, and yet Kaddish! does this flawlessly. With undeniably originality, Castaneda is able to weave tradition, religion, ethnicity, suspense, humour, music and zombies (yes, zombies.) into six minutes of your life well spent.

Kaddish! follows our devoutly Jewish and incredibly compassionate hero as he makes the unfortunate discovery that the man at the urinal beside him is a Neo-Nazi, and decides to put his fate in Gods’ hands. And God responds with a standing ovation. This knowledge alone was enough to make me grab my popcorn and watch this film- please, do the same.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video of the short film:

Movie Review: PREFERENTIAL OPERATION (2016)

festreviews 2016 movies, movie, Movie Review, Short Film Movie Review , , , , , , ,

MOVIE POSTERPREFERENTIAL OPERATION, 20min, Spain, Thriller/Drama
Directed by Roger Comella & Carles Velat

Four masked men kidnap the director of a bank branch in an unremarkable town. They put him in a van and ask him 90,000 euro from his own pocket.

Seen at the August 2016 HORROR/THRILLER FEEDBACK Film Festival in Toronto.

Movie Review by Kierston Drier

Directed by Roger Comella and Carles Velat, Preferential Operation is a complex cinematic piece on several levels. Part suspense thriller, part tragedy, part comedy, the film can be hard to place into a single genre- but it nevertheless entertains on all fronts.

Our story starts on a local bank operator, openly disliked in the community, who is kidnapped on his way to work and subsequently interrogated and tortured by four masked invaders. Audience sympathy at first aligns with our hero, who, may be arguably overacting, succeeds in conveying his terror at the situation. As the story unfolds however, it becomes clear these masked men are previous victims of our bankers purposeful financial wrong-doings.

This piece is powerfully shot and our four masked “villains” are exceptionally well casted.

The piece is undoubtedly compelling, its plot is alluring and, most heartbreakingly, it is inspired by true events. It can be argued perhaps, that the film’s middle act falls slightly flat and that the conjunction of slap-stick style comic elements mixed with the psychological thriller/horror genre creates a non cohesive dichotomy.

However, this reviewer would counter that Preferential Operation is painting a picture with an intentional contrasting palate in order to create a more vibrant final image. An intense film? Absolutely. And whether it speaks to your personal cinematic tastes or not, certainly worth a film-goers time.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video of the short film:

Movie Review: DON’T LET THEM IN (2016)

festreviews 2016 movies, movie, Movie Review, Short Film Movie Review , , , , , ,

MOVIE POSTERDON’T LET THEM IN, 13min, US, Horror/Thriller
Directed by David Lawrence

Dan Metzger, a struggling author, consumed with the urban legend of the Black Eyed Kids, fears his obsession has led their evil to his door.

Seen at the August 2016 HORROR/THRILLER FEEDBACK Film Festival in Toronto.

Movie Review by Kierston Drier

Don’t Let Them In is a classic supernatural horror that delivers exactly what it promises – thrills, chills and CGI skills- all bundled together in 10-15 minute pocket of entertainment.

After a somewhat confusing opening scene which sets the stage for creepiness, the story opens on a glamorous well-to-do couple in a loving, but possibly stale marriage.

Our hero is writer working on his next big break and, while showering upstairs in their home, his wife is befallen by terrifying evil of some hideous sort.

The film harkens back to a standard set of classic tropes for horror films- the unknown power, the unseen enemy, the danger in the knock at the door you aren’t expecting. Don’t Let Them In may not offer anything new and unheard of to the genre of horror, but it is nevertheless tense, thrilling and suitable scary.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video of the short film:

Movie Review: A FILM BY VERA VAUGHN (2016)

festreviews 2016 movies, movie, Movie Review, Short Film Movie Review , , , , ,

MOVIE POSTERA FILM BY VERA VAUGHN, 10min, USA, Thriller/Sci-Fi
Directed by Sorrel Brae

In this supernatural digital-age thriller, a filmmaker falls through the looking glass when she must face her own terrifying creation.

Seen at the August 2016 HORROR/THRILLER FEEDBACK Film Festival in Toronto.

Movie Review by Kierston Drier

Artfully shot, beautifully edited, high-intensity and highly compelling, Sorret Brae’s A Film By Vera Vaughn is a high-concept dual tale of a woman who winds up trapped in her own movie. (Or possibly trapped in someone else’s?) The story itself is hard to follow, but manages to be so utterly intense and compelling, it is difficult to care too deeply about the unanswered questions in the plot.

The plot’s structure may lack some basic skeletal features, but it does not mean the film lacks depth- on the contrary, the film has several layers of horror-thriller convention behind a supernatural element of unreality; the creepy light that keeps flickering in the hallway, the weird cameras’ that catch things they shouldn’t, the uncanny feeling you are always being watched- all expertly synchronized together to create an engaging tale of intensity.

Even though the film makes one walk away with some basic head scratching, it creates a sense of a movie well made- a feat of triumph for any short film.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video of the short film:

Movie Review: DO NOT DISTURB (2016)

festreviews 2016 movies, movie, Uncategorized , , , , , , ,

MOVIE POSTERDO NOT DISTURB, 13min, UK, Thriller
Directed by Jon James Smith

George takes a detour on his way home from the office, which sets off a dark tale of lies and confusion.

Seen at the August 2016 HORROR/THRILLER FEEDBACK Film Festival in Toronto.

Movie Review by Kierston Drier

Do Not Disturb directed by Jon James Smith, is a compelling piece, composed of endless twists, turns and red herrings. Expertly shot, with keen focus and attention to detail, the piece follows a man’s untimely death and the intrigue that follows his mysterious end.

Smiths’ work is undoubtedly engaging- catching the viewer from the very first moments of screen time. The piece also employs interesting characters, compelling details, passion, and yes, even the occasional chuckle.

Where Do Not Disturb becomes troubled, perhaps, is that the plot is so rich, so detailed and so contingent on certain characters moving the story forward, there are moments where the plot gets confusing. Too meaty a story in too short a time, the film has the air or far too much matter condensed into too small a space. Smith’s work Do Not Disturb is definitely worth a watch, but it may take you two, or three to catch every nuance.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video of the short film:

TIFF 2016 Movie Review: THE WEDDING RING (Niger/ Burkina Faso / France 2016)

festreviews 2016 movies, Movie Review, TIFF 2016 Movie Reviews , , , , , , ,

Movie Reviews of films that will be playing at TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) in 2016. Go to TIFF 2016 Movie Reviews and read reviews of films showing at the festival.

THE WEDDING RING (Niger/ Burkina Faso / France 2016) **
Directed by Rahmatou Keïta

Starring: Aïchatou Lamine Fofana, Aïchatou Moussa, Magaajyia Silberfeld

Review by Gilbert Seah

The director’s second feature offers a female perspective on love, marriage and customs as seen by the Niger’s Zarma Songhay people. The people wear colourful robes and live in a fairly tale land (like the famous African film MOOLADE) of colours and customs where royalty and miracles can happen.

The story revolves around Tiyaa (Magaajyia Silberfeld), a princess of sorts of aristocratic birth, whoshould have the world at her feet when she returns home to the Sultinate of Zinder after completing her degree abroad.

But Tiyaa is aimless and burdened by the pain of a lost love. In the absence of any better idea, she reluctantly seeks counsel from a zimma, a Zarma Songhay wise man who seeks answers to life’s mysteries in the elements.

The film traces her path as she turns her forlorn love back to happiness. This is a simple film with a simple plot and the enjoyment of the film comes from sitting back and enjoying the colourful tale unfold.

Free logline submissions. The Writing Festival network averages over 95,000 unique visitors a day.

Great way to get your story out: http://www.wildsound.ca/logline.html

Deadlines to Submit your Screenplay, Novel, Story, or Poem to the festival:http://www.wildsound.ca

Watch recent Writing Festival Videos. At least 15 winning videos a month: http://www.wildsoundfestival.com

TIFF 2016 Movie Review: HELLO DESTROYER (Canada 2016)

festreviews 2016 movies, movie, Movie Review, TIFF 2016 Movie Reviews, Uncategorized , , , , , , ,

Movie Reviews of films that will be playing at TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) in 2016. Go to TIFF 2016 Movie Reviews and read reviews of films showing at the festival.

hello_destroyer_poster.jpgHELLO DESTROYER (Canada 2016) **
Directed by Kevan Funk

Starring: Sara Canning, Ian Tracey, Paul McGillion

Review by Gilbert Seah

Like 1970’s SCORE: A HOCKEY MUSICAL the Canadian feature that opened TIFF years back HELLO DESTROYER condemns the violence in the sport of hockey. Unfortunately, good intentions aside, both are terrible films.

The film centres on a new recruit for the minor league Prince George Warriors, Tyson Burr (Jared Abrahamson), a grinder whose primary task is digging the puck out of corners and protecting more skilled players. Tyson is painfully shy and inarticulate, the result of growing up with a dismissive and impatient father — and being raised in a world that places little value on emotional development.

When Tyson punches out an opponent resulting in severe injury, he is slowly ostracized by everyone. A lot of scenes in the film are shot in extreme close-up (like the fights and the shower scene) so that what is happening can hardly be seen. If only director Funk would pull back his camera more often to show the entire picture.

The film is hardly lit, so that the faces of all the characters in most of the scenes can hardly be seen except in the shadows. The dialogue is mostly pure ranting, if not gibberish and when articulate hardly reveal any points in the story.

The open ending of the film does not help either. Running at almost 2 hours, the film is almost a total mess except for Abrahamson’s performance given the film’s limitations.

Free logline submissions. The Writing Festival network averages over 95,000 unique visitors a day.

Great way to get your story out: http://www.wildsound.ca/logline.html

Deadlines to Submit your Screenplay, Novel, Story, or Poem to the festival:http://www.wildsound.ca

Watch recent Writing Festival Videos. At least 15 winning videos a month: http://www.wildsoundfestival.com

TIFF 2016 Movie Review: THE HAPPIEST DAY IN THE LIFE OF OLLI MAKI (Finland/Sweden/Germany 2016) ****

festreviews 2016 movies, movie, Movie Review, TIFF 2016 Movie Reviews, Uncategorized , , , , , ,

Movie Reviews of films that will be playing at TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) in 2016. Go to TIFF 2016 Movie Reviews and read reviews of films showing at the festival.

the_happiest_day_poster.jpgTHE HAPPIEST DAY IN THE LIFE OF OLLI MAKI (Finland/Sweden/Germany 2016) ****
Directed by Juho Kuosmanen

Stars: Eero Milonoff, Oona Airola, Deogracias Masomi

Review by Gilbert Seah

Finland’s most famous filmmaker, Aki Kaurismaki is well known for his dead-pan comedy. The tradition is carried on in Juho Kuosmanen’s debut feature which was also a top prize winner at this year’s Cannes festival in the Un Certain Regard section. The film is inspired by the true story of Finland’s most successful boxer, Olli Maki of the 1960s.

Shot in black and white with meticulous attention to period detail, the film centres on the prelude to Mäki’s historic fight in Helsinki with American Davey Moore, the bantamweight champion of the world.

While the U.S. makes films on boxing champions, it takes a country like Finland to make one on a loser.

The happiest day is the day Maki loses his match – in just 2 rounds. But this is a charming romantic comedy about what’s important in life. The most fun the couple has in the film is to skip flats stones across the water.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxBGb-YY5Vs

Free logline submissions. The Writing Festival network averages over 95,000 unique visitors a day.

Great way to get your story out: http://www.wildsound.ca/logline.html

Deadlines to Submit your Screenplay, Novel, Story, or Poem to the festival:http://www.wildsound.ca

Watch recent Writing Festival Videos. At least 15 winning videos a month: http://www.wildsoundfestival.com

TIFF 2016 Movie Review: I CALLED HIM MORGAN (Sweden/USA 2016) ***

festreviews 2016 movies, Movie Review, TIFF 2016 Movie Reviews, Uncategorized , , , ,

Movie Reviews of films that will be playing at TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) in 2016. Go to TIFF 2016 Movie Reviews and read reviews of films showing at the festival.

i_called_him_morgan.jpgI CALLED HIM MORGAN (Sweden/USA 2016) ***
Directed by Kasper Collin

Review by Gilbert Seah

The person who calls Morgan, Morgan in the film title is Helen, Lee Morgan’s common-law wife who shot him at the New York jazz club Slug’s Saloon when Morgan was 33 years old.

The documentary traces all the events that lead up to this sad state of affairs. Helen was interviewed after her release from prison, just a month before she passed away,

The film succeeds on several levels – as a jazz history on talented trumpeter Lee Morgan – his fight against drugs; the crime of the shooting as well as Helen’s redemption serving the Christian church. Others interviewed, who put a perspective to the proceedings are drummer Albert Heath, saxophonist Billy Harper, and legendary saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter.

An absorbing and fascinating documentary on how strange life can turn out to be – and how one can learn to control life or let bad things just happen.

Great way to get your story out: http://www.wildsound.ca/logline.html

Deadlines to Submit your Screenplay, Novel, Story, or Poem to the festival:http://www.wildsound.ca

Watch recent Writing Festival Videos. At least 15 winning videos a month: http://www.wildsoundfestival.com