Fantasia Festival 2019 Review: A Good Woman is Hard to Find
It’s surprising the lengths we will go to in order to protect our family. There’s an animalistic instinct which kicks in around young children, especially if you’re a single parent with all the pressure and responsibility resting on your shoulders. This unconditional love and natural impulse can drive even the shyest and most retiring person …
DVD Review – The Mermaid: Lake of the Dead
Throughout history, mermaids have appeared in legends and folklore in many cultures around the world. Often inspired by the sirens and naiads of Greek mythology, they usually manifest similar characteristics whilst reflecting the prevailing religions and superstitions of that society. In Eastern Europe, Rusalkas live in lakes and rivers. They are restless spirits of young …
Incoming – Loopers: The Caddie’s Long Walk
Centuries old and enjoyed by tens of millions of people worldwide, golf is seen by many as more than a sport. Yet what do we know about the other person on the course? The man or woman behind the player carrying the bag. In a narrative not covered in any feature length documentary, Loopers: The …
Fantasia Festival 2019 Review: The Incredible Shrinking Wknd
We live in a world where events move so quickly. On a daily basis, we’re assailed from all sides by information and news from around the world. It can become a laborious task to try and sift through all the static. It’s often difficult to find time to stop, take stock and remember what’s important …
Fantasia Festival 2019 Review: The Prey
Today’s action movies are full of CGI, unnecessary high moral concepts and diversity quotas. It’s not like the good old days when they were created as vehicles to showcase the skills and charisma of the likes of Arnie, Sly, Jackie Chan or Jean-Claude Van Damme. Jimmy Henderson has an appreciation for old school action films …
Fantasia Festival 2019 Review: 8
South Africa isn’t a country which you’d naturally associate with cinema but it has produced some of the best contemporary African films over the years. The likes of The Wound, Tsotsi, Five Fingers for Marseilles and District 9 showcased the talent which is on offer. Like much of the continent, the indigenous peoples of its …
Fantasia Festival 2019 Review: Ode to Nothing
You need to be a very special character to work in a funeral home or mortuary. Someone who is comfortable with blood, bodily fluids and being surrounded by cadavers. It could be seen as a perfect job if you’re socially awkward or uncomfortable surrounded by people! Unsurprisingly, it has proved to be a popular location …
Fantasia Festival 2019 Review: Knives and Skin
The mainstream film industry seems obsessed with re-visiting the past and almost incapable of trying something new. Something a bit different. Endless sequels and remakes. Re-hashes of the same old plot. The same worn out formula. Studios are allergic to risk. Unwilling to back a strong new voice for fear of losing money. Audiences, sheltered …
DVD Review: The Isle
Britain, like most countries which have a border with the sea, is surrounded by small (often remote) islands. Many of these are either uninhabited or populated by sparse communities which are often extremely close and inward-facing. Whilst these isolated outcrops can be difficult to reach, they provide atmospheric backdrops; full of mysteries and intrigue. Matthew …
Fantasia Festival 2019 Review: Maggie
Along with horror, science fiction and fantasy films often find themselves unfairly maligned. What so many fail to understand is that genre film-making is not just (normally) a case of killer robots, zombies or dark elves. These fantastical scenarios are often used as a way of making a serious point. Wrapping a social issue within …