Directed By: Ernest Dickerson (THE MUSIC OF MR. SZE) Rza (DEATH TONE) Flying Lotus (ANOTHER CABIN) David Moreau (HEART BEAT) Renee Zahn (DANCE DANCE DANCE) Tobias Forge (PREMATURE BURIAL)
Written By: Rza And Matt Landsman (DEATH TONE) Zoe Cooper (DANCE DANCE DANCE)
Ernest Dickerson (THE MUSIC OF MR. SZE) Flying Lotus (ANOTHER CABIN) Tobias Forge (PREMATURE BURIAL) David Moreau (HEART BEAT)
Story By: Renee Zahn (DANCE DANCE DANCE)
Cinematography: Crille Forsberg (PREMATURE BURIAL) Sean McDaniel (DEATH TONE) Patrick Murguia (THE MUSIC OF MR. SZE) Kevin Stewart (DANCE DANCE DANCE)
Editor: Brad Basser (DEATH TONE) Emil Klinta (PREMATURE BURIAL) Thom Newell (DANCE DANCE DANCE)
Cast: Barbara Crampton, Alex Hsu, Neela Jolene, Maise De Krassel, Jihad Brent, Josh Willis, Nour El Refai, Gustaf Hammerstein
It presents a new anthology in which music and sound become a source of terror.
This franchise has always been a mixed bag. The first two films in the franchise were probably the most successful and coherent. As well as staying on theme, as each feature is an anthology, that usually comes out every Halloween, but usually have a general theme. This films theme is music most of the stories or short films all revolved around music as well as it seeming like the linking connection is having the band war kind of host these films rather than really helping to link them all together, however closely. As this more plays like a promo for them. So it comes off as a movie special specifically chosen by them. With little rhyme or reason
This isn’t the first of these film films that it felt like a struggle to sit through but here this one really tested my patience
That was typical at first only one or two of these short films is actually worth watching in any of the time and effort. As none of the films are really noteworthy and most are pretty predictable. As most of the shorts are kind of disposable.
The first short DANCE DANCE DANCE by Renee Zahn is truly the only memorable one. As it comes across as the most vicious ADULT SWIM type horror short. That reminds one of the work of Director Casper Kelley, who actually directed a segment from the VHS compilation horror film.
The second segment ANOTHER CABIN is an animated short directed and scored by FLYING LOTUS that plays so quick it barely registers before it is over and feels like it’s missing an ending.
The Third Segment HEARTBEAT directed by David Moreau is certainly vividly shot and styled, but by the end of the film. I almost forgot about this segment entirely. It’s ok, but far from memorable of that impressive.
The Fourth Segment THE MUSIC OF MR. SZE is the longest one and feels like an over-the-top TALES FROM THE CRYPT episode and not one of the good ones. It’s told mostly from POV and is the one that feels the most predictable, but at least it’s coherent and watchable. Directed By: Ernest Dickerson
The 5th short PREMATURE BURIAL by Tomas Forge is more a music video short seemed like it was just more graphic than the usual music videos. As he seems to be part of this band again this more feel an opportunity to showcase his band. C
The 6th & final segment DEATH TONE directed by THE RZA is at least a little fun. Even if it is ridiculous and feels a bit inspired. Even if it endsbip playing kind of basic. C+
I am still a fan of the franchise is as much of if they make another one, will be interested but maybe they need to hold off a bit and get inspired or new directors looking to make their shot or take some random short films from up and comers on the film festival circuit. Put them under the blanket of the franchise and find a way to link them.
it’s a shame as this seems to be the first in the anthology that has more Africa, American talent in front of the screen, as well as behind the scenes.
Grade:
DANCE DANCE DANCE – C+
ANOTHER CABIN – D
HEARTBEAT – C –
THE MUSIC OF MR. SZE – C
PREMATURE BURIAL – C-
DEATH TONE – C+
(OVERALL) D
