Short Film Review: THE LAST PIRATE. Directed by Christian Pavlik

Synopsis:

Prisoner to the mystical powers of the ancient Infernalius, Arius embarks on a journey to hunt the one marked by the ancient sword, in exchange for his freedom.

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Review by Andie Karvelis:

Swashbuckling swordsmen, those bad boys of the sea have always captured our imaginations. Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow gave us a new pirate to fall in love with. The success of Pirates of the Caribbean renewed everyone’s love of a good pirate film! The Last Pirate doesn’t disappoint!


Written, Directed and Produced by Christian Pavlik, we are transported into a captivating story with sword fights, magic, an epic struggle with the forces of good and evil, and some clever twists! There are many things that stand out about The Last Pirate ( and these are in no particular order ). Antonio Medina plays Arius, our last pirate, and he did a wonderful job. You can feel his struggle and everything he did with the character was genuine. Micah Pilcher, who portrays Infernalius delivered a performance that will send shivers down your spine. Micah nailed that sinister, otherworldly tone and it was perfection. You do not want to hear that voice in a dark alley unless you wanna jump out of your skin.


The Florida coastline was perfect for this film. I imagine it was somewhere along Dismal Key or Chokoloskee Bay ( yes, it’s a real place ). The Cinematographer, William Cook knew how to bring out the beauty in the area where no tourist dares to wander. The aerial shots were breathtaking. William also handled the stunt choreography and sword fighting which was very impressive and believable.


You can have a spectacular script, great actors, a wonderful DP but if the music falls short it’s going to ruin a film. Thank heaven our Producers, Christian, William and Antonio knew this. They hired Filip Olejka and his score was absolutely stunning! It fit this film so well that Hans Zimmer himself would’ve been jealous.

Sensational job on creating a wonderful, adventurous film that makes the audience want to see more!

Feature Film Review: SPARROW STREET. Directed by Billy Jack

Synopsis:

A typical suburban neighborhood is plunged into a nightmare as an invisible, monstrous force begins picking the neighbors off, one by one. The terror outside the house is no match to the terror that forms inside the house where survival, isolation, and hunger all play tricks of the mind for a man, an expectant wife, and their unborn child. The film begs the big question and the great reveal – What is eating the neighbors?

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Review by Parker Jesse Chase:

“Sparrow Street” takes bold strides in the eerie footsteps of Darren Aronofsky’s “Mother!” by transcending unconventional horror tropes and delving into a narrative rich with allegorical depth. Directed by Billy Jack, the film invites audiences to navigate a world where horror extends beyond the supernatural, into the intricacies of human existence in the dark side of nature.


At the heart of the film lies a compelling gluttonous metaphor, encapsulated by the theme of aggressive eating and discussions about the poisoned state of our food supply. The script artfully explores questions about what defines a healthy diet and the reflections of our dietary choices to our very identity. In a suburban neighborhood where the wind becomes an antagonist, forcing people indoors, the movie builds a mysterious universe where something is in the air, leading to the demise of neighbors.


The initial gluttonous perception of food, the sustenance of our bodies, creates a sense of urgency and desperation among the characters. The narrative follows a couple expecting a child, emphasizing the consequences of their gluttonous choices that push them into perilous territory. The film takes a grim turn when heinous situations unfold within the confines of their home, ultimately resulting in the tragic death of the wife and the harrowing delivery of the baby from her corpse.


“Sparrow Street” masterfully portrays the theme of sacrifice when faced with the bleak reality of having nothing left to live for. The protagonist’s journey reflects the resilience to keep going despite overwhelming despair. A pivotal moment of salvation arises as an apple lies at the end of the bed, challenging conventional perceptions of perishables in an apocalyptic setting. The temptation of the apple, stolen by another, foreshadows the characters demise, drawing a poignant parallel to the biblical story of Eve eating the forbidden fruit.


The film expertly weaves a sense of refuge into its narrative, evolving into an anxiety-driven environment years later. The passage of time provides a glimpse into the future for the main characters, now navigating a world where their baby has grown, walks, and receives an education even. The palpable weight of anxiety in the air resonates, mirroring the real-world experiences of a society emerging back into function from a pandemic. “Sparrow Street” subtly encapsulates the emotions and challenges faced collectively without explicitly stating the parallel to our shared community experiences.


“Sparrow Street” is a thought-provoking cinematic exploration transcending the horror genre, blending allegory with suspenseful storytelling. Billy Jack’s direction, coupled with a poignant script, delivers a film that not only chills but also prompts reflection on the complexities of human choices and the enduring effects of societal upheaval.