Category: Festivals

I was initially bewildered by the idea of “remaking” the Troma cult classic, The Toxic Avenger when it was first announced that it would open this year’s Fantastic Fest. As a fan of all kinds of cinema, my first reaction is normal. I am sure several fans of the original film currently feel this way,… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2023: THE TOXIC AVENGER

True crime, murder porn (as some call it), and serial killers, like train wrecks, mesmerize many. People seem fascinated by podcasts, shows like Dateline and Cold Case Files, and movies depicting the likes of Ted Bundy and Son of Sam and all those who came before and after. In line with public appeal, Strange Darling… Continue reading Fantastic Fest: Strange Darling – a Thriller filled with Surprises

Gems pop up unexpectedly at festivals. Sometimes more than anticipated. This year’s Fantastic Fest has several. My favorite so far is The Last Stop in Yuma County, starring Jim Cummings, for its quirky western (not a western) feel and well-crafted scenarios and characters. Writer/director Francis Galluppi creates a clever, crisp, and crafty situation that builds,… Continue reading Fantastic Fest: Last Stop in Yuma County – Not a Typical Western

The information I received for the horror film titled Beaten to Death states “Rating: Not Rated,” but there is no doubt in my mind to warn viewers that this film is not for the faint of heart, no matter how many horror films a viewer thinks they have seen. I have seen several horror films,… Continue reading BEATEN TO DEATH

Filmmaker Alex Kahuam’s psychological thriller Failure! had its World Premiere in London at this year’s Frightfest. It debuted at the Fantastic Pavillion at the Cannes Film Festival in May, where Alief picked up the worldwide rights. About the film: Failure! follows James (Ted Raimi – The Quarry, Ash v Evil Dead, Creepshow), who has a… Continue reading Frightfest Film Festival review: Failure!

Synopsis: A gripping psychological thriller that takes viewers through the depths of grief and its impact on mental health. Vivian Ashwood, a woman haunted by tragedy, spirals into an abyss of prescription medication and alcohol as she desperately tries to cope. Her world unravels when a mysterious figure appears in her home, blurring the lines… Continue reading Bibi at Cinequest Film Festival

Award-winning director Marcel Walz (for his previous films, Blind and Pretty Boy) takes the helm for That’s a Wrap based on the script written by Joe Knetter (Blind, Pretty Boy) and Robert L. Lucas (One for the Fire: The Legacy of ‘Night of the Living Dead). The synopsis provided sounds interesting and reads: “The cast… Continue reading Frightfest Film Review: That’s a Wrap at Frightfest Film Festival has Digital Release in North America

KITE ZO A (Leave the Bones) by Director/cinematographer/editor Kaveh Nabatian (Sin La Habana, The Seven Last Words), world premiered at Montreal Festival du Nouveau Cinéma, where it bowed in the International Panorama section and won Best Feature Film, held its international premiere at the SXSW Film & Television Festival, and went on to play the… Continue reading KITE ZO A: Leave the Bones has a NY Premiere after the SXSW Film & Television Festival