Fantasia Film Review: The Sadness

Year: 2021 Runtime: 99 minutes Director: Rob Jabbaz Writer: Rob Jabbaz Cast: Berant Zhu, Regina Lei, Wang Tzu-chiang  By Harris Dang Set in modern day Taipei, “The Sadness” (2021) tells the story of Jack (Berant Zhu) and Kat (Regina Lei), a young couple who live together and are in a bit of a standstill in their relationship. He thinks that he should focus on his … Continue reading Fantasia Film Review: The Sadness

Fantasia Festival Review: Glasshouse

Year: 2021 Runtime: 94 minutes Director: Kelsey Egan Writer: Emma De Wet, Kelsey Egan Cast: Jessica Alexander, Adrienne Pearce, Hilton Pelser, Anja Taljaard, Brent Vermeulen By Harris Dang Set in the not-too-distant dystopian future, “Glasshouse” (2021) tells the story of a family living in – you guessed it! – a glasshouse. The titular structure is set to protect the family from a toxin known as … Continue reading Fantasia Festival Review: Glasshouse

Fantasia Festival Review: The Righteous

Year: 2021 Runtime:  97 minutes Director: Mark O’Brien Writer: Mark O’Brien Cast: Henry Czerny, Mimi Kuzyk, Mark O’Brien, Kate Corbett By Harris Dang “The Righteous” (2021) tells the story of Frederic and Ethel Mason (Henry Czerny and Mimi Kuzyk), a grieving married couple who are in mourning after the tragic passing of their daughter. Frederic, in particular, has his sense of faith shattered after the … Continue reading Fantasia Festival Review: The Righteous

Review: Escape From Mogadishu

Year: 2021 Runtime: 121 minutes Director: Ryoo Seung-wan Writer: Lee Gi-cheol, Ryoo Seung-wan Cast: Kim Yoon-seok, Jo In-sung, Heo Joon-ho, Koo Kyo-hwan, Kim So-jin, Jung Man-sik, Kim Jae-hwa, Park Kyung-hye By Harris Dang “Escape from Mogadishu” (2021) tells the true story of two rival diplomats, the South Korean ambassador of Somalia Han Sin-seong (Kim Yoon-seok) and the North Korean ambassador of Somalia Rim Yong-su (Heo … Continue reading Review: Escape From Mogadishu

Fantasia Festival Review: Raging Fire

Year: 2021 Runtime:  126 minutes Director: Benny Chan Writer: Benny Chan, Ryan Ling, Tong Yiu-ling Cast: Donnie Yen, Nicholas Tse, Qin Lan, Ray Lui, Ben Yuen, Ben Lam, Ken Lo, Carlos Chan, Patrick Tam, Jeana Ho, Kenny Wong, Deep Ng, Simon Yam By Harris Dang Set-in modern-day Hong Kong, “Raging Fire” (2021) tells the story of police detective Bong (Donnie Yen), a resilient man who … Continue reading Fantasia Festival Review: Raging Fire

Review: SLAXX

The thing about good horror movies that makes them stand out of the proverbial landfill of mediocrity is that the filmmakers know that the stories need more than just gore and jump scares to satiate audiences. Filmmakers know that you need a striking premise and solid ideas behind the tropes of horror in order to make a standout film; ideas that are reflective of factors of life that audiences are either familiar with or have a chance to be illuminated by something they are unfamiliar with. Continue reading Review: SLAXX

Review: 12 Hour Shift

“12 Hour Shift” is the sophomore feature-length directorial effort from writer/director Brea Grant after the dark comedy road trip film “Best Friends Forever”; and it looks like Grant has aimed for a larger canvas whilst keeping in the dark comedy genre. But with all the constant plate spinning of genres, characters, situations all within a single location (for the most part), does Grant succeed? Continue reading Review: 12 Hour Shift