The Draft!, directed by Yusron Fuadi, is an energetic Indonesian horror-comedy that combines familiar genre tropes with a playful, meta-narrative twist. At its core, the film is a love letter to the horror genre and a cheeky exploration of the struggles a screenwriter faces when drafting a story—literally. The premise is deceptively familiar: five college archetypes—the jock, the nerd, the pretty one, the rich one, and the popular one—set off on a weekend trip to an isolated cabin.
Read MoreThe Spirit of Halloweentown (2024) #FantasticFest
The Spirit of Halloweentown is an intriguing documentary that captures the essence of St. Helens, Oregon—a town forever tied to its starring role in Disney's Halloweentown. Directed by Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb, the film blends a nostalgic charm with quirky human drama, giving viewers a glimpse into the lives of residents who have embraced the legacy of Halloween and the magic it brings each year. The documentary excels in highlighting the devotion and enthusiasm the town's inhabitants pour into celebrating Halloween.
Read MorePater Noster and the Mission of Light (2024)
Underground auteur Christopher Bickel is back with Pater Noster and the Mission of Light! A psychedelic neo-grindhouse nightmare sprinkled with record store culture and delivered with punk rock panache, writer/director/producer/cinematographer/editor/composer Bickel once again demonstrates why he should be considered a king of the low-budget horror and exploitation scene. Amongst other things, this movie contains stabbings, burnings, copious drug use, geriatric nudity, gruesome practical effects, bizarre imagery, psychedelic freak-outs in cinematic form, and more creativity in its severed big toe than most blockbusters can muster on fifty times the budget.
Read MoreAd Astra (2019)
Initial reviews were all over the place for 2019’s Ad Astra. I hadn’t seen any of writer/director James Gray’s previous efforts either, so while I was interested in seeing the movie just based on the trailer and general premise, I had fairly low expectations. When I finally checked out the 4K UHD, though, I ended up loving it.
Read MorePlan B (2024)
Plan B is a charming and heartfelt comedy that delivers a refreshing take on the classic romcom formula. Directed by Brandon Tamburri, the film follows Piper Brennan, played by the effortlessly talented Jamie Lee, as she navigates the complexities of an unexpected pregnancy and the search for the perfect partner to start a family with. The film's premise may draw comparisons to Knocked Up, but Plan B quickly establishes its own identity, offering a different perspective and a unique blend of humor and emotion.
Read MoreBookworm (2024) #FantasticFest
Bookworm, directed by Ant Timpson, delivers a charming and heartfelt adventure that manages to blend quirky humor, family dynamics, and a touch of magic in an unexpectedly delightful package. Set against the backdrop of New Zealand's lush landscapes, the film tells the story of Mildred, brilliantly portrayed by Nell Fisher, a clever and guarded girl on a mission to find the mythological Canterbury Panther. The stakes are personal: her mother is in the hospital, and Mildred hopes that a picture of the elusive beast will help her claim a reward large enough to cover the medical bills.
Read MoreTenants (2024)
Tenants, a film produced by 13th Floor Productions in association with EXIT 19 and Wallick Productions, brings an anthology of horror that weaves together seven terrifying tales within a single apartment complex. Directed by Blake Reigle, Jonathan Louis Lewis, Sean Mesler, and Buz Wallick, this 94-minute thriller follows one woman’s desperate search for her sister, navigating through the twisted stories of the tenants, each encounter spiraling into madness and terror. The premise is simple but effective: Joni, played by Mary O’Neil, is desperately searching for her sister Emily in a building that becomes stranger with each passing floor.
Read MoreSuccubus (2024)
Succubus offers a bold and engaging addition to the horror genre, promising a thrilling ride for fans. Set to release across digital platforms and on DVD on September 24, this film from R.J. Daniel Hanna showcases a talented cast, including Brendan Bradley, Rachel Cook, Olivia Applegate, Derek Smith, Emily Kincaid, Rosanna Arquette, and Ron Perlman. The story follows Chris, a young father navigating a marital separation who joins a dating app, StarCrossed.
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