Movie Review

Short Film Review: BFFR. Directed by Erika Apelgren

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Synopsis:

The story unfolds as Angelica and Patricia navigate a night of wine, food, and conversation. Patricia’s detached and cold approach to the interaction becomes evident, but Angelica, desperate for connection, overlooks her flaws.

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Review by Parker Jesse Chase:

“BFFR,” a short film written and directed by Erika Apelgren, explores the dynamics of an unlikely friendship through a night of wine, food, and a banter of conversation. Angelica (portrayed by Sharon Gardner) and Patty (portrayed by Apelgren) are significantly dignified as foiled characters; their approaches to life create an intriguing and heartfelt dynamic and narrative.


The film starts by trying to define the connection between Angelica and Patty, two women with distinctly different energies. Angelica, desperate for connection, overlooks Patty’s detached and frivolous demeanor. This contrast keeps the audience guessing about their relationship, leading to a surprising revelation: Patty is a Best Friend For Rent.

Patty’s introduction is memorable: a bright, colorful personality hyping herself up with a swig of Jack Daniels before meeting Angelica. This starkly contrasts with Angelica’s nervous demeanor, sitting quietly in a conservative black 2-pc dress suit. The careful placement of food, the candle lights, and the delicate movements all contribute to the film’s aesthetic and emotional tone.

As they converse, the differences in their views on love and life philosophies become apparent. A moment of tension arises when Patty needs a break and runs to the bathroom, with a humorous moment with bright orange index cards, only to return with renewed determination to support Angelica. The film hints at Angelica’s grief and need for companionship, culminating in a tender moment where Patty asks if she can call her “Angie.” Angelica’s response, revealing her mother’s disdain for nicknames, adds depth to her character and hints at a troubled past.

The concept is both fun and relatable, reflecting a reality where loneliness drives people to seek out companionship in unconventional ways. The script is quick witted yet engaging, with great performances that make you question the nature of their relationship. Are they long-lost friends or mere acquaintances yearning for connection? The story is a commentary on the human need for companionship.


One standout scene features a simple knock-knock joke that highlights the personalities of the two women. The joke, “Knock knock. Orange you glad you didn’t cancel?” brings a light-hearted childlike moment amidst the dimly lit, intimate setting. The lighting and the combination between camera movements and the editing room enhance the dialogue, overall creating a sense of closeness and vulnerability.

“BFFR” is a quick-witted craft of a short film with a strong emotional core. Erika Apelgren’s direction, coupled with Sharon Gardner’s and her own compelling performances, creates a touching story about the human need for connection.

Short Film Review: SHADOW FIST 3: THE FINAL CHAPTER. Action

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Review by Andie Karvelis:

From the moment this opens it grabs your attention with its visually striking introduction. The set up of the story is creative and beautifully tailored and lets the viewer know they are going on a journey. I stand corrected, an epic journey!


Robert Jefferson wrote and co-directed this film with Robert Samuels and they knew how to tell a story. This wasn’t just visually stunning with the cinematography but it was also emotionally engaging. It’s always nice to see a strong female lead in an action film, and they couldn’t have cast it better with Roxalinda Vasquez! She is likable, interesting, and definitely has the stunt chops to pull this off beautifully.

There is such a fantastic relationship between Roxalinda and her on-screen brother. You feel the affection they have for one another, which is exactly what you want in a film like this.


Any action film needs a great stunt team and B Squad Accion, Robert Samuels and Angel Brophy did a sensational job. The hits were perfect and what helped sell the believability was the sound effect and camera angles. Speaking of effects, the special effect work really helped sell the supernatural aspect of this film too!

I loved the very epic journey this film took me on, and the filmmakers knew how to make a gorgeous and heartfelt action film.

Short Film Review: THE RHYTHMS NEVER END. Directed by Leonard L. Eckhaus

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Synopsis:

“The Earth is Created. It is day number one.” A spiritual, self-reflective, series of short poems about creation – about all the gifts mankind has been given: the rhythms of night and day, of life, the seasons, the oceans and more. All with the promise of peace and love, which man sometimes abuses, but for which he is always forgiven.

Review by Victoria Angelique:

The moving photo essay, POETRY MOVIE THE RHYTHMS NEVER END, is a spiritual journey that resonates with God’s love and promises to His children. The narration feels like a storybook, as if this is a soothing bedtime story with the warning to take care of Earth as it was given to humanity as a gift. 

The pictures that are in sync with the poem displays the rhythms of Earth, proving how there is a Creator behind the seasons, oceans and every life on this planet. God created the perfect rhythm, as the eternal cycle of life is depicted through the generations of motherhood in comparison with the beauty of nature to display the promise of everlasting life. 

The film even shows the harsh realities of the world when humans began forsaking the promises of God, nature began to suffer and as a result, people stopped reproducing when they forgot about eternity. The uplifting narration reminds the audience that if we begin to adhere to our Heavenly promises, then as the children of God we will begin to benefit from His promises and the gifts from Heaven as other people have since the beginning of time. 

Everything on Earth is a gift, given to humans to care and nurture. This is a poetic tale with the universal truth that displays God’s beautiful Earth and how humans have begun to fail Him by taking care of the planet given to our stewardship. A beautiful masterpiece that depicts Heavenly promises and warnings, spoken in a soothing tone so that people of all ages can enjoy the message to once again live for eternal life by seeing the gifts of God all around us in a call to protect and continue life on our Earth as commanded.  

Feature Film Review: RED SEA Brother Islands a Scuba Dive Adventure. Directed by Christian Wehrle

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Synopsis:

“RED SEA: Brother Islands A Scuba Dive Adventure” takes you on an exhilarating journey beneath the waves of the Red Sea to explore the enchanting underwater realms of the Brother Islands. This documentary showcases the vibrant marine life, captivating coral formations, and mysterious wrecks that lie in the depths, offering a glimpse into the beauty and diversity of one of the world’s top dive destinations.

Review by Parker Jesse Chase:

“RED SEA: Brother Islands A Scuba Dive Adventure” takes viewers on an exhilarating journey beneath the waves of the Red Sea, exploring the enchanting underwater realms of the Brother Islands. This documentary showcases the vibrant marine life, captivating coral formations, and mysterious wrecks that lie in the depths, offering a glimpse into the beauty and diversity of one of the world’s top dive destinations.


The film immerses the audience in the daily life of a scuba diver, from the routine preparations to the thrilling discoveries made beneath the sea. As the divers plunge into the blue waters, viewers are treated to an array of marine creatures, from the smallest, most colorful fish to majestic sea turtles, stealthy sharks, and formidable barracudas. Each encounter is meticulously captured, allowing us to experience the awe and wonder that comes with exploring such a rich and diverse ecosystem.


Educational yet accessible, this nature documentary imparts valuable information about marine life and the unique environment of the Red Sea. The documentary strikes a perfect balance, offering a wealth of knowledge in a manner that is both engaging and digestible for viewers of all ages.


The cinematography by Christian Wehrle is nothing short of spectacular. His work brilliantly showcases the stunning landscape beneath the sea, with vibrant colors and breathtaking scenes transporting the audience to this underwater paradise. These moments are not just visually captivating but also emotionally stirring, offering a profound appreciation for the delicate balance of marine life. The film’s visual appeal is further enhanced by the soothing voice of Casey Campbell, whose narration guides us through the aquatic wonders with a calm and inviting presence.


In essence, “RED SEA: Brother Islands A Scuba Dive Adventure” is a visual and educational feast. It offers a tranquil yet exhilarating escape into one of the world’s most beautiful underwater locales, making it a must-watch for anyone with a love for the ocean and its many mysteries. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a curious land-dweller, this documentary promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the Red Sea.

Short Film Review: THE OLD LADY. Directed by Andres Romero

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Synopsis:

A lonely old lady is slowly dying in her old mansion when the arrival of the daughter of her caretaker mysteriously changes her future prospects.

Review by Andie Karvelis:

Who doesn’t love a good mystery? Especially one that is part psychological thriller. The Old Lady centers around Dona~ Ana ( really wishing I could put the tilde where it belongs ) who is slowly dying in her vast mansion. Yet, strange things start to happen when her caregiver’s daughter comes to visit.


Screenwriter, ANGELE MARTENS, gives us a slow burn of a story. Creating a breadcrumb trail of clues for the viewer to follow so their inner sleuth comes out. The cinematography is absolutely stunning and the aerial photography only adds to the beauty to this film. This is due to the Director of Photography, David Garcia and Miguel de Uliarte who work wonderfully together.

Director, Andres Romero, clearly understood how to create a mysterious environment and it shows with how wonderfully the actors did. Manuela Garcia, Angels Martens and Tamara Pena~ ( again, wishing I could have the tilde on top of the “n” ) gave nuanced and authentic performances which drew you into the story and kept you engaged. The ending is a twist that every mystery lover will appreciate.

Short Film Review: CLAIRE. Sci-Fi/Fantasy. Directed by Paul Ambe Ngang

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Synopsis:

Committed to getting his crush to love him, Mark uses an AI to snoop into her private life; but when the AI unexpectedly develops love for him and spite for her, he must choose the AI or lose everything.

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Directed by Paul Ambe Ngang

Review by Victoria Angelique:


The short film CLAIRE is an allegory for how dangerous the reliance on technology can be, especially AI, when it takes over and ruins lives. The socially awkward in society, especially teenage boys like Mark, can quickly become creepy when they use Artificial Intelligence to learn how to not only help friends cheat on tests but also to get the girls they romantically desire. AI turns Mark from a likable character into a stalker. 

The AI system, Claire, is designed with amazing graphics. Director, Paul Ngang, crafted an amazing film from a story that shows how dangerous AI could eventually become in this world. Mark doesn’t mean to harm Lila or anyone else, but Claire reads his intentions wrong. He is such a social misfit, that it doesn’t even register that Claire spying on Lila is morally wrong as he continues to watch the girl. Claire is able to distract him in the brief moments he asks by showing Lila showering. 

Predictably, things do go wrong as Claire attempts to understand complex human emotions that an entity without a soul could not possibly comprehend. The AI system becomes anthropomorphized as she becomes obsessed with Mark. Claire becomes dangerous, even willing to kill if that’s what it takes to keep Mark to herself. If she was human, at some point her conscience would’ve advised that doxxing the boy wasn’t how to get him. Being a computer makes it where she attempts to understand humanity and fails miserably. 

The ending of the film, CLAIRE, is left open with many questions left unanswered. It could be turned into a feature film that aims to destroy the AI system that is now too dangerous for this world. She is willing to blackmail, hack and destroy anyone that gets in her way. This leaves the one question remaining, can Claire actually be destroyed?

Feature Film Review: ARMERALD. South Korea LGBTQ+ Film

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Synopsis:

19 year olds NOMOU, ZINGER AIR, HOSU, SEEK each have personal stories related to their aerophobia which doesn’t allow them to get on flights. In their efforts to overcome their fear, they meet SUPER TALLER, their aerophobia therapist also with the ability to teleport. He offers one person who finds the most beautiful emerald a teleport to anywhere of their choice. With a time-limit of only a month, who will win the race towards a teleport and what kind of growth will they go through on the journey?

Directed by Lee Guiom

Review by Victoria Angelique:

The futuristic film ARMERALD by director Lee Guiam is a psychedelic trip that is full of special effects combined with music videos. The opening scene pulls the audience right in with a challenge utilizing award worthy effects to give the characters that are afraid of flying a chance to learn how to teleport.

A futuristic vibe is given from the very first frame of a bulky airplane flying through the clouds. The plane is not of this world, but seems like a mixture of dystopian and innovative technology. This continues when Super Teller is introduced, his costume and stylized nails appear like he came from another planet. The other characters having normal props, such as contemporary cell phones, makes the film seem like only within the teleportation facility is the world different.

The songs and dance sequences sets the film apart, further confusing the audience as it seems to force the narrative into random music videos. It gives the illusion of trying to decipher what is real for the characters and what is in their minds, as if the entire feature could be elaborate daydreams of people desperately needing to escape reality.

READY PLAYER ONE meets NOW YOU SEE ME with touches of ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW is the best way to describe ARMERALD. The competition for the emerald follows the clichéd trope of destroying spirits and relationships with the desperate desire for humanity to win. Super Taller puts Nomou, Zinger Air, Hosu and Seek through countless mind games, yet their friendship prevails. They eventually learn what the true meaning of the emerald is, able to retain the true treasure in each of their lives.

Short Film Review: Déjà Vu. Action/Drama. Directed by Jean Frenette

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Synopsis:

John is convinced he’s been on this planet for longer than his lifetime. This feeling of knowing more than what meets the eye troubles him deeply. To find some peace of mind, he decides to consult an hypnotherapist to dive into his subconscious and get some clarity. This leads him to find some truth in his beliefs: the one that he has been living through multiple bodies, for centuries.

Review by Parker Jesse Chase:

In the action-drama “Déjà Vu,” director Jean Frenette takes the audience on a mind-bending journey through time and consciousness, masterfully exploring the enigmatic phenomenon of déjà vu and past- lives. The film centers on John Monroe (Raphael Grosz-Harvey), a man tormented by a profound sense that he has lived multiple lifetimes. This unsettling feeling propels him to seek answers through hypnotherapy, leading to a revelation transcending his current existence.


The narrative begins with a contemplative John grappling with an inexplicable familiarity of the world surrounding him. His search for clarity brings him to a hypnotherapist’s office, setting the stage for a deep dive into his subconscious. Frenette skillfully utilizes a series of b-roll transition cuts, seamlessly integrating these with John’s voiceover, which draws the viewer into John’s introspective journey through his point-of-view lens.

The film’s depiction of hypnosis is both intriguing and immersive. As John undergoes the session, the story unveils his belief in past lives, supported by vivid, almost surreal, visual storytelling. The Japanese influences (from 1492) presented in the film add a layer of depth and authenticity, enhancing the narrative’s exploration of reincarnation and eternal souls.

One of the standout aspects of “Déjà Vu” is its sound design. The film refrains from excessive or gratuitous action, opting instead for a soundscape that heightens the sensory experience. Every auditory detail—from the subtle ambiance to the intense moments of action—elevates the film, making the viewer feel every moment alongside John.

The film’s visuals are equally compelling. The locations, whether the serene therapy office or the dense, mysterious forest of John’s past life, are meticulously chosen to create a cohesive and immersive world. The cinematography, particularly the extreme close-ups and slow-motion sequences, effectively builds tension and conveys John’s growing paranoia and confusion.

Grosz-Harvey delivers a poignant performance as John Monroe, embodying the character’s inner turmoil and determination with a quiet intensity. The film’s pacing, while brisk, allows for moments of introspection and revelation, culminating in an open-ended conclusion that leaves the audience pondering the nature of time and identity.

“Déjà Vu” is a captivating exploration of the soul’s journey through time, blending action, drama, and philosophical inquiry into a compelling short film. It’s a beautiful piece that not only tells a story but invites the viewer to question the very fabric of their existence. With strong performances, thoughtful direction, and a hauntingly beautiful score, “Déjà Vu” is a testament to the power of short films to leave a lasting impact.

Short Film Review: CHOMP. Directed by Carter Bowden

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Synopsis:

A young man is challenged both psychically and psychologically when he takes part in an experiment led by a mysterious scientist.

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Review by Victoria Angelique:

The film, CHOMP, serves an allegory for the danger of being addicted to processed food, what people would do for money and the corruption of science when it’s used for evil. Ryan is warned by Xander that the Doctor performing the experiment is evil, but he’s not sure until he is forced to consume cheeseballs. Their bodies and mental state change before they can even think about the danger they’ve put themselves in and the Evil Scientist thinks it’s funny. 

The set design and cinematography pull the viewer right into the film, instantly invested in what is going on in this laboratory. It seems sinister from the start, with the checkered walls and the only bright color the vibrant orange of the cheeseball. A symbol of the innocence of childhood is used for a wicked science experiment. The reason for this experiment is never revealed, only that the Scientists involved seem to enjoy torturing people. 

The effects in CHOMP are award winning. It makes the viewer feel as distorted as Ryan feels once he consumes the cheeseballs. When the world resets with Daisy and the changed Ryan, it seems back to normal except for a few glitches. It’s as if the audience is in Ryan’s mind, as he regains control of his life to save Daisy. 

This film felt like it should be a feature, with more questions asked then answered. The purpose of the experiment is never divulged. CHOMP is still a great film as it leaves the audience wanting more while being able to have the concept ingrained into their minds. 

Short Film Review: SCREAMING SILENCE. Directed by Kalyn Elizabeth Wood, Hal Waghorn

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Synopsis:

In the hauntingly enigmatic and dialogue-free short film, ‘Screaming Silence’, Elizabeth, a young woman in the aftermath of a traumatic event, navigates her world through a haunting soundscape of everyday noises, which ‘peoples’ her world and forces her to face her reality of circumstances and her fear of reaching out for help. As the audience intimately experiences her journey, Elizabeth’s silence becomes a bittersweet force, echoing the profound emotional depth that empowers her to move forward in an altruistic twist of an ending.

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Review by Victoria Angelique:

The film, SCREAMING SILENCE, captures the pain and complex emotions a woman goes through when dealing with tragic circumstances. Elizabeth has secluded herself, ignoring the calls from her mother as she deals with whatever happened to bring her to this point. There are some clues that suggest she was either dumped or worse, sexually assaulted. 

Elizabeth is having trouble focusing, her world surreal as she comes to terms with her pregnancy and how she is being forced to deal with this alone as she retreats inside her own mind. Her emotions are a rollercoaster. She goes from terrified and miserable to finally accepting the pregnancy only for the misery to come flying back when she miscarries. The sorrow is short lived as relief sets in, proving that a woman’s emotions are complex.

Long, focused shots set the tone of the film as they depict Elizabeth’s emotional state. It takes a lot for her to do simple tasks such as making tea or even bathing. It’s draining as she forces herself to complete simple chores. The natural sounds aid the uncomfortable tension as she suffers in silence. It’s only after her miscarriage that Elizabeth is able to reach out to her mother and exit her home. She’s finally able to reenter life. 

SCREAMING SILENCE goes through a whirlwind of emotion. It’s a visual essay that shows the world of Elizabeth is complex and there is not a simple solution to end her suffering. Sometimes it is better to get away to think and other times it’s better to scream. This film shows that women often feel forced to deal with events alone, just to find peace in the circumstances of her life.