Directed By: Amat Escalante Written By: Amat Escalante & Gibran Portela Cinematography: Manuel Alberto Claro Editor: Fernanda De La Peza & Jacob Secger Schulsinger
Cast: Ruth Ramos, Simone Bucio, Jesus Meza, Eden Villavicencio, Oscar Escalante, Bernarda Trueba
It’s a film that has to be seen to be believed. Though you are impressed with what it pulls off.
The film is told more visually than through dialogue. Letting the images tell the story, makes it feel not only more cinematic but makes the material feel more enriched and an experience for the audience.
A story of connection and a kind of love rectangle. As separate stories eventually converge. That is simple in its own way. Only enhances with a fantasy element.
That involves a dysfunctional family drama element.
The film is highly erotic and very sexual. So much so that there is even a brief scene of an animal orgy (with other animals, no Beastiality)
For instance, The opening scene is a sex scene that sets off the tale abs looks like it could have come from. Numerous hentai anime. As the film itself could be lazily described as live-action hentai porn with a plot. This film focuses more on characters in a domestic drama and the stories of how they end up meeting this monster more graphically.
As every character here has a secret though it comes across more like a fantasy, with the monster lurking inside that brings pleasure and pain. But don’t tell anyone about never revealing true selves. As the monster could easily be a physical manifestation of their secrets that are eating them up inside but brings momentary happiness but ultimately is destructive. Though at least by the end they all find and show their real selves.
Some get by in life, some are a slave to their addictions and end up victims. Some of their strength at times of tragedy.
It’s a little bizarre that there is not much of the monster. So if you come to this movie expecting that you will be disappointed. This is more like a science fiction novel where the stories come first. Usually are a parable that uses the science fiction element to make it grander. This is ultimately an empowerment story with a final girl of sorts.
Written & Directed By: Darren Stein Cinematography By: Amy Vincent Editor: Troy Takaki
Cast: Rose McGowan, Julie Benz, Rebecca Gayheart, Charlotte Ayana, Judy Greer, Pam Grier, Carol Kane, Tatyana Ali, Chad Christ, Jeff Conaway, William Katt, P.J. Soles, Marilyn Manson
In what was meant as a harmless birthday prank, three of Reagan High School’s most popular girls, Julie, Foxy, and Courtney pretend to kidnap their friend, the latter shoving a jawbreaker into the victim’s mouth to keep her from screaming. Their plan goes awry when the girl accidently swallows the jawbreaker, choking to death. The cool and calculating Courtney tries to cover the crime but is found out by school geek Fern Mayo. In return for her silence, Courtney transforms the gawky Fern into the stylishly beautiful Vylette, leaving the conscience-stricken Julie out in the cold, threatening to set her up for the girl’s murder if she breaks her silence.
This film was compared to HEATHERS by some critics. So I had to check this film out. Luckily I was working at a movie theater that was playing this movie so I got to see it for free. If I had paid for it. I believe my review would be more vicious.
The film is very colorful and has a dull witty edge the jokes sometimes hit their targets, but often misfire. Even though the film is cast with memorable stars of teenage set sitcoms. One of the problems with the film is the cast playing teenagers look too old. I’m not talking 90210 old. I’m talking having the first kid setting up house in the suburbs old.
Writer/director Darren Stein intentionally cast older actresses as the high school leads as an homage to films like GREASE and CARRIE, which seemed to use actresses who were clearly in their mid-twenties.
There are a few things to like in this movie Jeff Conway is hilarious intentionally in his one scene. The scene where Rebecca Gayheart is the only one moving in the hallway while everyone else is In freeze frame is inspired and beautiful. The lunch room social status table scene is hilarious
Rose McGowan is on point and great in her role. The only problem, she’s too poised and self assured in the role. She is beautiful, But is just too old. I can see why she took the role. It’s a star-maker, but then there are the problems with the movie. Which out number the good thing most of the casting a lot of good actors are miscast or wasted in their roles. There are Celebrity cameos here for no reason other then former or noted actors just trying to get work, which are beneath them.
This is a very nasty film in spirit and material. It’s a dark comedy that is supposed to contain some satire, But feels mean spirited for no reason while being campy. The sets and makeup are at times nauseating.
I would have to say the main reason for watching this film is Rose McGowan and her performance. So if you are a fan of her this is a definite must see. Even the usually dependable Judy Greer is wasted in one of her first leading roles plus I hated her 80’s Alice hairdo.
During the entire film, a circular theme is visible, to call back to the jawbreaker. From the girls earrings (they wear hoops throughout the majority of the film), to light fixtures, to patterns, and wall fixtures.
The problem here is that Rose McGowan excels in this role, but the movie or at least the script can’t keep up to her talent. No one else is written as well or as vividly as she is. This has also been the problem with McGowan’s career there has hardly been roles tailor made for her and when there were she was usually the best thing or the most noteworthy thing in the movie, Because everything else was disappointing about the films. She just keeps seeming to miss those roles that would catapult her full speed ahead or doesn’t seem to take the momentum offered when she does. Almost like a older Christina Ricci with less chances.
Marilyn Manson was given his cameo part because he was engaged to Rose McGowan at the time the movie was made.
Directed By: Richard Lester Written By: Terrence McNally (Play & Film) Cinematography By: Paul Wilson Editor: John Bloom
Cast: Jack Weston, Treat Williams, F. Murray Abraham, Jerry Stiller, Rita Moreno, Kaye Ballard, John Ratzenberger
On his deathbed, Carmine Vespucci’s father tells him to “get Proclo”. With “the hit” on, Gaetano tells a cab driver to take him where Carmine can’t find him. He arrives at the Ritz, a gay bathhouse where he is pursued amorously by “chubby chaser” Paul B. Price and by entertainer Googie Gomez who believes him to be a Broadway producer. His guides through the Ritz are gatekeeper Abe, habitue Chris, and bellhop/go-go-boys Tiger and Duff. Squeaky-voiced detective Michael Brick and his employer Carmine do locate Gaetano at the Ritz, as does his wife Vivian
This film took me by surprise. I wasn’t expecting much and was pleasantly surprised. The film is Reminiscent of a certain era in Hollywood when they used to turn hit broadway plays into the film instead of vice versa (Why no one has tried to make bad films like the one into hit broadway show I will never know. Maybe it would improve the film to have song and dance routines to lighten the already ridiculous story.)
Some of the jokes fall flat and the film is a bit homophobic by presenting so many stereotypes, But it’s not cruel about it. After all, this is a gay farce really at heart. There are so many jokes both visual, physical, and spoken since the film is fast-paced. They just come at you so fast. yet they are witty and I like films like this.
They remind me of the screwball comedies that I love. So it’s a joy discovering this one when you think you have seen all the great ones worth watching. then this gem comes along. The film is definitely a farce as you can’t take anything in this film seriously.
It Stars Jack Weston who with Allen Garfield was a great go-to guy as supporting actors of the ’70s, especially in comedic roles. Always were solid and funny but rarely got to play leads ad when they did the films were usually bombs. They themselves were usually good. This is an unappreciated gem. It’s hilarious from the beginning to the end. The whole cast steal scenes from one another. This is John Ratzenberger’s film debut.
The show originally began on broadway and the show’s cast all reprise their roles except Stephen Collins who in the film is replaced by Treat Williams.
The Film’s fast pace flows well but I would not expect anything less from director Richard Lester. Who always seems to make chaos enjoyable and somehow make sense in the end. He seems to bring out the beauty in it. From his films with the Beatles to here. He always injects the proceedings with a certain amount of boundless energy and joy which is always very welcome.
Go out and rent it. Though it is worth buying and will be a good inclusion into your home library and a good suggestion for the friend who claims to have seen everything. I can see how this film might not be for everybody.
Directed By: Jonathan Levine Written By: Jacob Forman Cinematography By: Darren Genet Editor: Josh Noyes
Cast: Amber Heard, Anson Mount, Whitney Able, Michael Welch, Edwin Hodge, Aaron Himelstein, Luke Grimes, Melissa Price, Adam Powell
A group of high-schoolers invite Mandy Lane, an innocent, desirable girl, to a weekend party on a secluded ranch. While the festivities rage on, the number of revelers begins to drop mysteriously. The film has a sensational ending.
The film is way too short, but there is a logical reason for that. Too much more would have made it feel long. Plus it was running out of victims and things to do between the killings after all. It is not a supernatural tale and there aren’t too many victims to go around on an endless blood lust.
As much as I like the film due to it’s limited budget and claustrophobic feel and relatively small production. Everyone being attracted to Mandy Lane is a little believable especially when Dealing with teenage hormones, but when the girls also begin getting attracted to her it feels a bit forced. Their attraction and her being so innocent and not realizing the peer she has over them. Feels a bit far fetched but realistic enough. As does the rest of the film. As the murders, the motivations. It becomes less of a mystery. As to who is doing it. Then When, who will be the next victim and how the killer will strike is more of the mystery in this film.
From it’s visual arresting beginning set to the song “IN ANTICIPATION OF YOUR SUICIDE” by Bedroom Walls, I was hooked, I knew the film would be something special. A little different. –The direction is tight, but I feel the material is not sensational until the end and at that point the film makes you rethink everything. You have just seen and analyze it.
SPOILER
The ending finding out Mandy was part of the killings the whole time. Making her a kind of inside man, setting all the victims up. So her friend Emmett could get access and know each person’s location and her bobble cords of him. During what is supposed to be their murder suicide. So she can be the survivor and get more attention on a grander scale. Truly makes this film a portrait go a sociopath in a certain situation in which she is always the victim of most people’s fantasies of her. So she becomes everything to all people and realizes she is not what they think. She is a lot worse and wants to take control of her identity in a way, she lets them believe what they want. While secretly hating it and wanting to get revenge on them for it, but realizes that she gets what she wants because of it. So she deduced her best friend to do her bidding. So she can get away with everything. He is just as bad as the rest to her and the only person she finds a connection with is the one guy not going gaga over her and actually is moral and just.
The most chilling part of the film is not that she just got away with it, but what will happen to future people who cross her path and dare to try and be close to her. It’s a sort of psychological story that makes you think through constant list of an innocent. This is what you create in that person. Thinking about the film probably makes the film smarter and more interesting then it actually is, but for the most part it is a solid film that tired to buck certain Conventions. While following them at the same time.
SPOILER END
The casting is good though only Amber head as Mandy Lane seems to be the only one who really benefited from the film and the role. She does look like a fantasy come to life. It is one hell of a role though. An impressive skeleton in the closet. As for awhile after this film she was the next big thing. It seems a bit more based on her looks as she barely has any liens through the film. Even though she is the lead. She is In Almost every scene. Sort of like Brandon Routh in SUPERMAN LIVES. Sometimes i wondered if her character was borderline autistic.
Emmy Rossum was offered the role of Mandy Lane, but turned it down, stating that she did not want to be in a slasher movie.
The deaths throughout the film are not that spectacular. What takes the film down is that it believes it is smarter than the audience. So much so that it feels a bit glib. Especially when all of it’s power is in the ending.
The film can be dull, while you are waiting for something, anything to happen. It tried to be atmospheric, but it doesn’t work. It’s an average film that has been hyped to be better than it actually is. Only because at the time the limited access to it. So this is a film that runs more on reputation than anything else
Directed by: Adil Elarbi & Bilall Fallah Written by: Adil Elarbi, Bilall Fallah, Nabil Ben Yadir, Bram Renders, Kobe Van Steenberghe & Handrik Verthe Cinematography: Robrecht Heyvaert Editor: Adil Elarbi, Bilall Fallah, Kobe Van Steenberghe & Thijs Van Nuffel
Cast: Matteo Simoni, Junes Lazaar, Nora Gharib, Said Boumazoughe, Nabil Mallat, Paloma Aguilera valdebenito, Werner Kolf
Antwerp. The lives of four dealer friends, who want to become real-life swaggers, spin out of control when they steal a shipment of cocaine. They trigger a full-out war between them, an Amsterdam drug lord and the ruthless Colombian cartels.
Looked forward to watching this film by the directors of BAD BOYS FOR LIFE. Their last film before that film almost seems like an audition reel.
one can see why they were given directing reign of BAD BOYS FOR LIFE. As with this film. They prove they can handle Action and comedy that might be a little dark around the edges but not too bleak, but also a diverse cast.
Though when it comes to this film’s material, it often feels more cartoonish even though it tries to be really quite often. Like the characters, it feels too on over its head at times.
As every time the film seems to be sticking with a certain tone. The film withdraws and goes into another tone to throw off the audience and keep them guessing even when not needed.
This is close to being an almost Guy Ritchie movie except he keeps his tone light and has his characters a bit more defined, it similarly Whimsical and usually in the criminal world
The characters are likable but rather thin so that they are more defined by characteristics and their individual ambitions than actually coming off as characters. They more Just live up to their nicknames except for the main two characters of the crew.
Though the film is filled with its colorful characters, the most entertaining is actually the criminal lawyers played by the directors more for humor, but are unscrupulous when it comes to protecting their clients.
The film Touches on subjects but Rarely fully Explores them except to occasionally bring them up like racism, growing up as an immigrant. Making something of yourself, when education really isn’t a choice.
The film is a lot of things but never comes through with An actual decision that leads to it feeling all over the place. There is plenty of styles all over the place that is inventive in fact it feels like every scene and the shot is designed to keep moving and to always dazzle.
Though even for the hardcore material and subjects that they tackle. The film feels lightweight and almost playful. As it never goes in too deep. It also feels way overstuffed and too long. As the film feels the need to explain every detail and then show it. Whereas if the film was cut down by fifteen minutes it wouldn’t Feel so monotonous by the end.
Just like the main character by the end of the film, it Doesn’t Seem to exactly want to commit.
A troubled teenager attempts to conquer the love of his life by becoming the baddest boy on the block.
This is a film I was expecting more from. Strangely Wasn’t totally disappointed. Though by the end felt a little thin.
Considering the issues of the film. I didn’t expect it to stay so clean material-wise. So that by the end it felt like an after-school special with some adult themes.
It’s fine for what it is but was expecting something mroe hard-hitting. Especially for where it seemed to be going and what it introduces.
The film tries to paint the neighborhood as thorny and a bit crime-ridden but was left wondering is this the worst they have in the Netherlands? As it seems a bit quaint.
The film really comes off as a coming-of-age tale. Nothing you have my seen before. In fact, still shocked at how innocent it seems to stay. Like a teenage version of a crime film that doesn’t involve so much crime but more themes of growing up.
For instance, the scene where he is feeling grown up after a job well done after a night out. He celebrated by drinking milk like it’s an alcoholic drink.
How at first his problems are presented as worse than They actually are. Introduced to him more as immature. We notice throughout how he becomes more mature and responsible. Even as he gets more brand names and expensive designer clothes. As well as how they can. enticing and what is needed to keep them up.
The ending is the only place where it feels like a false note. As it is satisfying from the standpoint of liking the characters but it feels unrealistic when it comes to criminals and street rules.
Directed By: Luc Besson Written By: Luc Besson & Michael Caleo Based in the Book Written By: Tonino Benacquista Cinematography: Thierry Arbogast Editor: Julien Ray
Cast: Robert DeNiro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Tommy Lee Jones, Dianna Agron, John D’Leo, Domenick Lombardozzi, Vincent Pastore, Jimmy Palumbo
The Manzoni family, a notorious mafia clan, is relocated to Normandy, France under the Witness Protection Program, where fitting in soon becomes challenging, as their old habits die hard.
The film goes from a zany comedic one moment then wants us to believe In The dramatics and tension of situations. They then usually relieve themselves in ridiculous ways. Filled with Italian mafia stereotypes.
As each character finds their own hustle daughter seems to suffer the most
Just as with the ridiculous ark of Diana argron’s character sets out to seduce her teacher and then when he decides to end the affair for Good reason. She is ready to kill herself in a dramatic fashion. I guess the script is aiming to show the vast emotional unpredictable terrain of teenage girls In love?
Robert DeNiro seems to be having fun once again sending up himself and mob movies
The film has style but shows it rather sparingly and usually only in the action scenes.
The film should be a slam dunk. Though even the lost-in-translation-type jokes and setups don’t work here. As the film seems more of a high-concept comedy that has come too late. Usually, the film is just as appealing and Rich as a bunch of action scenes in a small town. That is when the film at least comes alive
Director Luc Besson is bringing Hollywood-style blockbusters and big action stores to more typical European locales and surroundings.
Here it doesn’t feel like anyone is trying. They more or less seem to be trying to coast on their own laurels. Just as the film seems to try to coast on the big-name cast and be seen as more of a prestige picture
Considering all the talent involved this should have been a slam dunk. It definitely should be better and sharper. Even if dumbed-down, It should definitely be better in the action sequences that director Luc Besson is usually an expert at.
The film feels so middle for the road, lazy and lacking effort. Its tone is all over the place and the humor seems obvious or just lost in translation.
Every character goes their own way and eventually abs their own secrets. Breaking the rules they hold each other to. Except for surprisingly Robert DeNiro’s character who all the other characters think will.
The film feels like they should men ore for character considering the talent. Instead, the film just feels thin like an idea without true follow-through very 1980s and 1990’s.
Directed By: Pierre Morel Written By: Sean Penn, Pete Travis & Don McPherson Based on the Novel By: Jean-Patrick Machette Cinematography By: Flavio Martinez Labiano Editor: Frederic Thoraval
Cast: Sean Penn, Javier Bardem, Idris Elba, Mark Rylance, Ray Winstone, Jasmine Trinca, Peter Franzen
A sniper on a mercenary assassination team kills the minister of mines of the Congo. Terrier’s successful kill shot forces him into hiding. Returning to the Congo years later, he becomes the target of a hit squad himself.
This seems like Sean Penn trying to be like Liam Neeson. Where after having a career doing more dramas here late in his career and in shape deciding to do an action movie. Only here more involved as he co-writes and produces this film.
At this point in his career, it seems like he has tried it all so why not an action hero? While also showing macho charisma while being the sensitive hero at the same time. While it is a change of pace. Sean Penn slides right in like he has been doing it forever. He does get to show off his body and the film includes some of his well-known Past times such as surfing that find their way into the film.
If you notice this review mainly revolves around him. As truly he is the only noteworthy thing about this movie.
The movie isn’t as compelling as his other thriller THE INTERPRETER though that worked as it had a More sure hand direct by it with Sydney Pollack and worked more as a thriller and at least felt more like an ensemble while he starred in it.
This film seems to be more of an action film but it actually more an espionage film involving spies. Which should make it more intriguing. Unfortunately, it doesn’t In fact, the film seems more devoted to showing off Krav Maga as a fighting style.
It’s easy to get lost in espionage films as to the actual plot once it is finally uncovered. Though it does offer a mystery to be uncovered.
This seems like a film made for an older crowd. As it takes it’s time and offers up mostly older seasoned characters and not the hot young things. So that you know the characters are veterans and skilled. Not naive and learning along the way.
It has all the basic ingredients. As the action scenes are more in the second half and are pretty basic. It seems to hit all the required points but still comes off as dry. Though it seems to be more self-important and spread some kind of message before it becomes more centered on the action.
The love story in the middle of the film seems a bit lame but adds a little skin to the film as well as stakes. Plus can’t blame the filmmakers as this is based on a novel.
The film has some respectable actors shows g up in the film. Even though Idris Elba doesn’t appear until the third act. The film also seems to age funnily by putting up a red herring for a villain amongst the bigger names of the cast.
It seems the recognizable names in these types of films. Are here for easy paychecks and either to be red herrings as the main villain not end up being the surprise third act main bad guy.
Although the film was produced by veteran action producer Joel Silver, Silver was removed from the editing room after one visit, and the final cut of the film was supervised by actor Sean Penn and director Pierre Morel. Which would explain why this seems like Sean Penn porn as he seems all over and able to do everything and anything in this starring role. As it seems if he is going to crossover he wanted to truly make it worth it for him.
When it comes to Javier Bardem’s character you can understand his motivations but it feels so sappy and ridiculously is for a man in his line of work and position. So that even if not the main the film tries to make him seem noble but he comes off more as pathetic.
Directed By: Jerzy Skolimowski Written By: Jerzy Skolimowski & J. Gruza & B. Sulik Cinematography By: Charly Steinberger Editor: Barrie Vince
Cast: Jane Asher, John Moulder-Brown, Karl Michael Vogler, Christopher Sanford, Diana Dors, Louise Martini
15-year-old Mike takes a job at the local swimming baths, where he becomes obsessed with an attractive young woman, Susan, who works there as an attendant. Although Susan has a fiancé, Mike does his best to sabotage the relationship, to the extent of stalking both her and her fiancé. Mike becomes increasingly desperate to have Susan for himself, with tragic results.
This is a different color g of age tale that follows all the hallmarks of introducing the world through a kind of crush romance. But here it ends much more tragically and more than emotionally.
It involves the theory of being Careful what you wish for as you might just get it. As in the bed, the young man gets what he wants his crush finally does go from him and in the way that he wants even if he must first pay a price but it doesn’t go as he imagines and ends up failing himself but also she doesn’t react in the caring manner in which she has treated him before. As of now he has more or less become one of her victims or how she pretty much treats most of the men in her life by what they can actually give her. Before he was fun as she knew the power she had over him. Now that he has gotten what their want he feels more of ownership as he has An investment in her and now he isn’t fascinating or special to her anymore. Not to mention not valuable as a lover either.
So he strikes out accidentally and causes her death. Which he then decides to die with her by drowning himself in her body. As he caused it and to show he will always love her and there will never be another for him.
This film has the character as one of the few actual teenagers throughout whereas most of the time he is surrounded by adults. Who more or less immerse him in their own worlds.
There is even the ex-girlfriend his own age who rebuffed him when he wanted to go farther intimately who finally offers herself to him now, but he has already fallen for another and it’s too late
Watching this film you can see why he is so obsessed the woman of his dreams is beautiful and elegant to him yet down to earth. His teacher and playmate in many ways. She seems open to him and really to most males depending on what she can get from them. A seductress who seems open then cold. Who none the less encourages him. As throughout the film in the beginning he is more juvenile and silly as he slowly becomes obsessed. Though as the film goes on and his intensity for her increases it becomes scarier yet while he still is immature it does age him and make his actions seem more adult.
Jane Asher is so beautiful here absolute perfection as a crush and femme fatale who unfortunately becomes a victim.
There are obvious premonitions of the ending. With the constant use of red and just like any encounter, the film seems to be building up until it’s final climax which comes as partly shocking and just as their encounter short and seemingly underwhelming at first until the aftermath of it where it goes for more depth in the absence of feelings. Just as her constant insults that seem to just fuel him more and her destruction of his bike the only other thing we see him enjoy during the film. It seems with her destruction of it to hurt his chances of following her only intensifies his focuses.
Set in a more adult and dirty time. The film takes place all in a week mainly at the young man’s first job at a bathhouse during the days of swinging London.
It seems at first she is testing the limits by openly insulting his mother in front of him. To test for a reaction and when he gets upset but quickly seems to forgive her. She knows she has him.
We see her fiancé who is rather wimpish but can provide her with all the tickets and values she seeks. When it comes to the gym teacher he is more physical and can give her what she wants in that way. Not to mention is older and also will take care of her and gives her a bit of adventure by participating in this affair.
The movie theater scene is an interesting power play of her being victim forced to see this film she has no interest in. Then taking control as other members of the audience are attracted to her and then her allowing him to touch her and feel her up while watching a sexual film that is about frigidity and ways of heating yourself up sexually. Then complaining about his actions and having the fiancé get the cops to arrest him but making out with him beforehand and wanting to press charges but when the cops look for her to make a statement she disappears and seems to be having for. So that it becomes a strange comedic yet erotic scene.
This is a film about voyeurism for us watching the characters and one Character watching the other. This is truly a film of the birth of a stalker. Where we see what inspires and builds him up. The dangers of idealization and projection of fantasies. That while it comes off as innocent and maybe justified. At first, becomes dangerous and sickening. Especially when compared with current issues and how times have evolved. Also shows how times have changed. As the film is open to show the tragedy of the situation though can be seen as misogynistic easily with her constantly playing games with the teenager.
Though this film more or less could also try to show at the time the only power females might have had were more sexual ones.
The film also shows Mike being submissive at the beginning as in an early scene where a female customer uses and abuses him for her own pleasure. Practically wrestling him for her own pleasure. As she is older and physically bigger than him and he stays passive until the end where he becomes aggressive in all the wrong ways.
The film takes place in a location that is supposed to be about cleanliness. That we can see is showcasing it’s cracks and rot. As it ages showing it’s slow decay and it being corrupted. all the while the place is trying to be maintained and repurposed to be attractive with it being painted red, the color of passion and love. Here more represents seduction and corruption with a bit of madness.
This truly is more of a character study than most films as not much happens In The way of story or plot but much happens through the interaction and intentions of the characters what they are driven by their motivations and emotions. Which are not so much on display but more or less acted upon.
This is one of those films that eats at you more after it is finished. As you keep finding yourself thinking about it. What the meanings are and your interpretations of what you just watched. In it’s own way it’s powerful yet not necessary. One of those undiscovered gems you want to share though know it might not be for everyone. As it is a small story that is powerful if you stay until the end. Though you have to be observant and patient.
Sexuality using the constant fact of being objectified and using that for what it’s worth.
She losing her diamond in the snow after fighting with him and then bringing all the snow in to melt and hopefully find the diamond. Could represent her coldness to him melting and him finding it as both romantic and him paying her price to be able to be with her. After her little breakdown.
Strangely the film keeps the mood light so that in the surprise moments when it does become dark it’s jarring and surprising you
Directed By: Danishka Esterhazy Written By: Jed Blinoff & Scott Thomas Cinematography: Trevor Calverlay Editor: Michael P. Mason
Cast: Dani Kind, Steve Lund, Celina Martin, Finlay Wojtak-Hissong, Sara Canning, Romeo Carrere, Maria Nash, Naledi Majola
A family attends a live taping of The Banana Splits television series, but are forced to survive as soon as the characters go haywire and start a killing spree around the studio.
You know what you are going to get from this type of film. Then again you might not of expecting this to be an exact big-screen version of the television show. Anyone going into this film can’t complain too much. As for how good or bad quality did you really think it would be?
As this is more a kind of reinvention. we have the characters more or less going on a murder spree. This is explained but seems a rather thin reason.
At first, the characters who are killed are generally unlikeable so you pretty much know they are going to be victims and the film doesn’t try to hide that fact, but then some rather likable and innocent characters start to get off.
The most enjoyable aspect of this film is the kills. The violence which like the show is very over the top and impressive in a ridiculous way. Keep in mind this Film was made to premiere in the Syfy network. Though bathes itself in gore.
The film plays like a dark comedy the only problem is that it really has no style. It just leaves the audience waiting for the kills. Then at first seems like a more demanding black comedy that at first is a revenge movie of sorts. Then just becomes a horror film. That flirts with killing children but then backs away from the edge that it tries to push us over.
There is an interesting part of the movie when a character cracks and becomes a totally different type. One that actually might relegate a sequel.
Though the film ends up being pretty predictable and comes off as a rushed Canadian horror feature. That is generic except for its pop-culture tie-in. That seems the best way to use the characters as we have already had a kind of animatronic live-action feature film in WILLY’S WONDERLAND
It doesn’t seem anyone including a studio was interested in trying to update it into a Family Comedy. So this seems an inventive way to go or at least a way to make a quick dollar for the franchise and bring them up to date maybe even be slightly subversive.
Cut To The Chase 