Author: Laurie Coker

Fantestic Fest 2024: Memoirs of a Snail

Arenamedia, Anton

Memoir of a Snail is a beautifully crafted, poignant stop-motion animation that immerses the audience in the complexities of grief, sibling bonds, and resilience. Directed by Adam Elliot, the film is set in the 1970s Australian countryside and tells the bittersweet story of siblings Grace and Gilbert, whose lives are upended after their father’s death.… Continue reading Fantestic Fest 2024: Memoirs of a Snail

Fantastic Fest 2024: Dead Talents Society

Dead Talents Society SOURCE: ACTIVATOR

Dead Talents Society presents a unique perspective on the supernatural, blending humor, horror, and an unexpected commentary on the pressures of success—even in the afterlife. Directed by John Hsu, this 2024 Taiwanese horror-comedy delves into what happens when the struggle for identity and relevance doesn’t end with death. Instead, it intensifies as ghosts find themselves… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2024: Dead Talents Society

Fantestic Fest 2024: A Different Man

A Different Man is a striking and thought-provoking exploration of identity, transformation, and the pursuit of acceptance. Directed by Aaron Schimberg, this indie film delves deep into the psyche of its protagonist, Edward, played with remarkable intensity by Sebastian Stan. Edward suffers from neurofibromatosis, a condition that results in non-cancerous tumors growing on his face,… Continue reading Fantestic Fest 2024: A Different Man

Fantastic Fest 2024: The Rule of Jenny Penn

Matt Henley

The Rule of Jenny Pen is a rare gem in the horror genre, offering a unique and nuanced portrayal of aging that is sure to intrigue and captivate audiences. Directed by James Ashcroft, this New Zealand thriller takes a familiar horror trope—fear of the elderly—and flips it on its head, treating its aging characters with… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2024: The Rule of Jenny Penn

Fantestic Fest 2024: The Wild Robot

The Wild Robot is an enchanting and heartwarming animated adventure that offers a fresh take on the “fish out of water” story, blending science fiction with themes of survival, family, and connection. The film, adapted from Peter Brown’s popular book, follows Roz, a ROZZUM unit 7134, a shipwrecked robot who finds herself stranded on an… Continue reading Fantestic Fest 2024: The Wild Robot

Lost in the Shuffle: a mystery and history in slight of hand

Lost in the Shuffle is an engaging and thought-provoking documentary that seamlessly blends magic, history, and a touch of mystery. Directed by Jon Ornoy, the film is led by two-time world champion magician Shawn Farquhar, who expertly takes viewers on a fascinating journey through the history of playing cards and their unique relationship with magic.… Continue reading Lost in the Shuffle: a mystery and history in slight of hand

My Old Ass: Light-hearted and poignant

Maisy Stella, left, and Aubrey Plaza in “My Old Ass.” Amazon MGM Studios

My Old Ass is a refreshingly unique coming-of-age film that blends lighthearted rom-com energy with surprisingly deep self-reflection. Directed by Megan Park, the movie follows Elliott (Maisy Stella), an 18-year-old ready to leave her small Canadian town for the big-city life in Toronto. After taking mushrooms on her 18th birthday, Elliott encounters her 39-year-old self… Continue reading My Old Ass: Light-hearted and poignant

My Penguin Friend – the healing power of love crosses an ocean

Jean Reno in My Penguin Friend (Roadside Attractions)

‘My Penguin Friend ‘is a heartwarming and visually stunning family adventure that takes audiences on a journey of unexpected friendship, resilience, and the healing power of love. Directed by David Schurmann and featuring an international cast led by Jean Reno and Adriana Barraza, this film is a poignant exploration of how a simple act of… Continue reading My Penguin Friend – the healing power of love crosses an ocean

Trap – a decent effort that doesn’t quite hit its mark

Joah Hartnett in Trap (Blinding Edge Pictures)

Trap is M. Night Shyamalan’s latest dive into the world of psychological thrillers, offering a mix of suspense, dark humor, and the kind of twisty narrative that has become his trademark. It’s a film that teeters on the edge of brilliance, held aloft by a stellar villainous turn from Josh Hartnett, but ultimately falls just… Continue reading Trap – a decent effort that doesn’t quite hit its mark