Tag: Patrick Murguia

V/H/S/MIXTAPE (2026)

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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 

MAFIA MAMMA (2023)

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Directed By: Catherine Hardwicke

Written By: Michael J. Feldman and Debbie Jhoon

Based on a story By: Amanda Sthers

Cinematography: Patrick Murguia

Editor: Waldemar Centeno 

Cast: Toni Collette, Monica Bellucci, Alessandro Bressanello, Eduardo Scarpetta, Tommy Rodger,  Tim Daish, Sophia Nomvette, Gulio Corso, Dora Romano, Francesco Mastroianni 

An American mom inherits her grandfather’s mafia empire in Italy. Guided by the firm’s consigliere, she hilariously defies everyone’s expectations as the new head of the family business.

At first, this film seems like it would be fun but it’s more a female audience-friendly culture comedy. Where the humor is not found in having a female mob boss but in having a middle-aged divorced housewife become a mob boss or go about trying to run a crime empire out of nowhere.

This would’ve been a high-concept comedy in the ’80s, ’90s, or maybe early 2000s that would’ve maybe been more of a star vehicle or at least offered up something a little more daring.

The film has a few laughable moments, but for the most part seems uninventive and uninspired, even adding in a romance aspect that proves to be more of a fantasy aspect of the movie turning more into a midlife crisis change of life types scenario.

No truthfully, there is more sizzle and star, Tony Collette, and costar Monica Bellucci’s scenes together that have a bit of flirtation and eroticism to it that could’ve made the film a little more risky, especially when there is seen where Bellucci straddles Colette.

The film is fine and simple, but it just feels so uninspired. They had a title and they just went with it and tried to make things up around it where most of the male characters are either Sexists or idiots or untrustworthy. 

Such as the scenes with her ex-husband, there was a way of making him more despicable and a loser rather than the obvious that the film chooses to go to where you wonder what she ever saw him if she was not a teen parent and a shotgun marriage.

Not to mention a film that is set in Italy. It’s not very picturesque. it seems like it was filmed in an indoor sets. That doesn’t look very expensive or that luscious. 

Also, there aren’t that many comedy set pieces or even that many action sequences the ones that they do have seem poorly set up. This film is more for the MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING crowd than anything.

I really wanted to like the film as I like the main cast. Usually, Toni Collette can do no wrong, and it is a pleasure anytime Monica Belluci is on screen. Yet, the only time the film is close to its potential is in the performance of Sophia Nomvette as Colette’s best friend. Who turns a typical sassy African-American best friend role and runs with it to utter hilarity. One only wishes that she was more of the film.

Grade: D+