A technical marvel this is an example of what can be done with lo fi filmmaking. The skills of everyone involved in making this film work needs to be applauded; best of all, it is a brilliantly entertaining film.
Category: Fantasia Fest 2021
Andronicus, Bed, Azulscuro, Miss Mary Mack and Night of the Living Dicks (Shorts) – Fantasia Fest 2021
As we round out our coverage of Fantasia Fest, we thought we would spend some time talking about some more of the shorts that were on offer and believe us there are some great ones! Andronicus – Director Mark H. Rapaport – 24 mins Troubled but talented teenager Simon (Kimball
Small Gauge Trauma Shorts – Fantasia Fest 2021
Ten fantastic films from seven countries, we are spoilt for choice in a collection that allows each film to bring something different to the audience. All of these filmmakers have a very bright future.
Yakuza Princess ★★★ 1/2 Fantasia Fest 2021
An exciting action thriller that ticks all the right boxes by bringing in heavy intrigue and mystery, Yakuza Princess eases us into this world before going gung-ho into the action. Quite the entertaining movie.
The 12 Day Tale of the Monster That Died in 8 ★★★ 1/2 Fantasia Fest 2021
A film that may seem slow & repetitive, but that is exactly the point; this is a film about the frustrations of staying at home during the pandemic & finding connections any way possible
Mad God ★★★★ 1/2 – Edinburgh Film Fest 2021
Phil Tippett has created a nightmare, a wonderful, gloriously gruesome and relentlessly horrifying nightmare that leaves you with your jaw firmly on the ground. Simply put, you will have never seen anything like Mad God.
Martyrs Lane ★★★★ 1/2- Fantasia Fest 2021
Racked in pent up grief, “Martyrs Lane” is a beautiful yet heartbreaking ghost story that at times takes your breath away, paced to perfection. Told through the eyes of the brilliant Kiera Thompson, this is a film that you cannot miss out on.
Haute tension sur les internets – Les Fantastiques week-ends du cinéma Québécois – Short films, Fantasia Fest 2021
A wonderful showcasing of some talented Quebecois filmmakers, ranging from horror to thrillers and animation. However you can, find these short films.
Born of Woman Shorts Fantasia Fest 2021
Eight shorts from eight excellent female filmmakers, there is something here for every genre fan and in the mix I am certain one that you will strongly connect with.
Hellbender ★★★ 3/4 Fantasia Fest 2021
A confident coming of age horror that focuses more on the ever-changing dynamic between parent and child. The Adams family has made a very surprisingly effective film in Hellbender. One that does so much right and very little wrong – a fantastically refreshing film. Teenager Izzy (Zelda Adams) lives a
Glasshouse ★★★★ 1/2 – Fantasia Fest 2021
With Glasshouse, Kelsey Egan has conjured a beautifully haunting film. This dystopian fairytale weaves quite a tragic tale highlighted by the excellent performances and strong use of storytelling. Egan marks herself out as a filmmaker to watch out for. A dementia induced toxin known as the Shred has enveloped the
Strawberry Mansion ★★★3/4 – Fantasia Fest 2021
Wearing its influences on its sleeves, Kentucker Audley and Albert Birney’s lo-fi fantasy film Strawberry Mansion is a gloriously offbeat but sweet film that unexpectedly touches you, full of whimsy originality.
Junk Head ★★★★ Fantasia Fest 2021
Takahide Hori’s painstaking stop motion film has take over a decade to get to this point and despite a wayward narrative, this is an awe-inspiring piece of work that should be celebrated as widely as possible. Unforgettable.
King Knight ★★★ 1/2 – Fantasia Fest 2021
Richard Bates Jr’s film King Knight is full of ridiculousness, from the characters to the situations, yet it never forgets the message of finding acceptance in ones past – a comedy that hits all of the right notes.
Wonderful Paradise ★★★ 1/2 – Fantasia Fest 2021
An absurdist comedy for the ages, Masashi Yamamoto’s Wonderful Paradise escalates almost to the point of being overstuffed. Yet it is wildly entertaining as it has a blast, and why not, we need films like this.
Dear Hacker ★★★ Fantasia Fest 2021
Alice Lenay’s documentary is an entertaining and compelling look at humanity’s relationship with technology, be it emotionally or spiritually. Sadly it hinders itself by not fully expanding on the topics raised to connect.
Agnes ★★★★ – Fantasia Fest 2021
Carrying on from the excellent Climate of the Hunter, filmmaker Mickey Reece brings us a film full of mood and isolation. Reece is ambitious here with Agnes, and he manages to pull it off with a great film that is a must-watch.
Alien On Stage ★★★★ – Fantasia Fest 2021
Everything you want it to be and more, Alien on Stage is a love letter to those who always dreamed of making the unlikely happen. A wonderful triumph that will have you grinning for its entire runtime.
Fantasia International Film Festival 2021 Preview
Fantasia International Film Festival is almost upon us and as we here at Upcoming On Screen are getting the opportunity to cover it this year, I felt it was a good idea to let you have an idea of what is on offer. Roaring into its 25th year, the Montreal