CROCODILE ISLAND** , directed by Shixing Xu, Simon Zhao

A plane crashes somewhere in the ocean on a deserted island. Lucky for the few who made it out alive – or so they think. Aside from having no water and no rescue team in sight, there is little hope. But there's another problem: a huge crocodile lives on this island, and when the croc discovers them, the terrified group runs. In fact, most of this film’s action comprises running away from this very hungry creature. But it’s not just the croc that comes after them, there are gigantic spiders whose webs catch the human prey.

There is a father and his daughter, a pregnant girl and her fiancé, a selfish bad boy and a nerd. But the characters are flat; we really don’t care if they get eaten by the croc. Suspense is totally lacking because we know what the croc is going to do once he opens his mouth.

Certainly, this is no “Jurassic Park”. The film never shows the croc eating the poor souls who end up in his mouth. Nor do we ever see the croc using his tail to batter anyone. Dare I say these actions would have added some gruesome excitement to the film. The film plays out like a horror spoof.

          The best actor in the film was the crocodile.

#CrocodileIslandWellGoUSA

FREE PUPPIES by Christina Thomas and Samantha Wishman ****

 AN IMPORTANT DOCUMENTARY FILM  

Rescuing dogs is an act of love with hand-on hardships.

In several Southern US states, there are no rules for saying or neutering dogs. States including Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas and Wyoming the absence of law has created an extreme overpopulation of dogs. Rescue Centres are few and given no funding. The poorer the state, the more the problem proliferates.

Warrior women form a dedicated team to find strays, owners that can’t care for their dogs and abusers.

The film gives great insight into the plight of rescuing dogs and finding homes for them. These women don’t stop. Tirelessly giving all the time they have to the rescue cause. some even cut the chain a dog is tied to in order to give him a new free start in life.

Up against politically indifferent politicians, they don’t give up. Heart- breaking yet inspiring, “Free Puppies” is a must-see documentary. 

THE COMPUTER ACCENT (MEMORY) Directed and Produced by: Riel Roch-Decter & Sebastian Pardo

In my opinion, the band Yacht brings its own brilliant branding and computer wizardry to the world's musically maverick geniuses. It may not be your  musical genre, but so what?  Made by the band's own computer wizards for musical wizards, the 3-hour film explores the intricate pathways of making electronic music that combines sounds of the 70's. Using a multitude of strange things, the computer is the star here as it showcases artificial intelligence - all explained and demonstrated by Yacht. Many clips are integrated into this film that historically enlighten us.

I could not understand the amazing explanations for producing such sounds, but Yacht is the pioneer of synthesizer type music while integrating novel instruments, such as the theremin in a piece for weird effect. Yacht is more or less equivalent to The Grateful Dead when it comes to legends.

Inventively scored, but chaotically challenging to follow any melody (if there is one in their compositions), I enjoyed this documentary that insightfully educates those who are not familiar with this atonal music.

 

 

THE BOWRAVILLE MURDERS, directed by Alan Clarke *****

Three  aboriginal children go missing after a party held in the community hall, called Mission, tucked away in a small rural town in New South Wale, Australia in 1991. Each one is killed within a five-month period in 1991. Their names are Colleen, Clinton and Evelyne. Because of this documentary their names won’t be forgotten.

Parents, relatives and friends are outraged by the complete non-action of the police. The awful resounding roar of racism is a complicit culprit with the authorities who botch their lousy "investigation". 

 Over a 30-year-battle the courageous parents move from a local court, to another court all the way to the High Court. No matter, the presiding judge at the High Court deemed there was no fresh and compelling evidence to merit further investigation.  

A valiant cop and supporters show a collectively fierce determination through this film to fight for justice. It took three years to make this film, but 30 years of living every day in horror knowing their children will never have justice, is heart wrenching. This systemic racism continues as a massive world pandemic.

 The editing is brilliant; the truth terrifying! Despair and anger are all that's left.

SINGO IS EXCELLENT

SINGO, directed by Alireza Mohammadi Rouzbahany

This fabulous Iranian film is all about a strong girl named Shaifa who is determined to save the crabs her father caught and want to sale. He promised the head honcho of the village he will take care of them before a sale is made. But Shaifa has other plans for these crabs. She steals away in the night and sets them free in the ocean. Her family is now shunned by the villagers. There are lively characters that really add to the plot.

Barat Khan wants to marry the older sister and it is only he who can stop the villagers from maligning the family of Shaifa. One night she takes an old boat in search of the crabs so her sister who loves another man won’t have to marry Barat who actually caught crabs and is making a deal on his own, cutting out the villagers share of the money,

 Shaifa spends two nights trying to find the crabs, but she can’t. She almost dies in trying to find them. Bit by bit, her life is endangered as her boat and water are gone.

She is saved, and finds the crabs in Barat’s boat. This strong-willed girl not only retrieves the crabs but uncovers just how wicked Barat is and makes a speech to the villagers.

Traditions play a colourful part in this gem of a film that shines authentically when this girl single-handedly saves the day.

TOO COOL TO KILL, directed by Xing Wenxiong *

 A film within a film, this gangster spoof has unique funny scenes within an implausible confusing plot. A Chinese comedy, its true star is Wei Xiang, is cast in the role as Killer Karl whose name becomes synonymous with gangster rough and tough action. The actor has spent years dreaming to become a film star and when he meets and stars opposite his female idol, Milan – played by Ma Li - his wish comes true (though his acting is less than desirable).  he gets entangled in danger with duplicitous characters. This actor could well compete for a Charlie Chaplin award. He’s very funny. His slap stick movements and facial expression a steal the whole show. Who cares if this plot is hard to follow, it’s pure fun at its silliest.

STRONG FEMALE LEAD, directed by Tosca Looby *****

 

Australia is right at the top when it comes to misogyny. In fact, so wide spread is it, it has reached the country's highest echelons of government. Of course, when most of the leaders are men; but then along came Julia Gillard who ran for Prime Minister in 2010, and won, putting the Labor Party at the helm. The insidious hatred of women was overtly up front and center. No shame at all.

A tirade of outrageous attacks on Ms. Gillard were not about her policies, but her gender. She was called a liar, a witch bitch, the leader with a huge behind and more. Upon the death of her father and her two-week absence, she was accused of having her father die in shame with her leading the country. She lashed out with a venomous attack against Tony Abbott, leader of the opposition party who spearheaded the humiliating campaign against her while she was in power

 Her speech became “I was offended when this man said this; I was offended when this man said that". And so on and so on. It was surely the most powerful speech every voiced against a misogynist leader. She called an election after being in power for only 3 years and she lost. But she forever changed the perceptions and attitudes that profoundly affected her country. She went on to lecture around the world for education, women’s rights and for the physically and mentally challenged. This is a brilliant documentary about a very brave and strong person.

VERA DREAMS OF THE SEA (Directed by Kaltrinia Ktasniqui) ****

 

 A stark glimpse into men controlling inheritance laws in Kosovo. But this is  really a film about a strong woman who signs for a living. Her husband, a judge has just committed suicide. This is covered up in the news, as is his gambling problem. Vera is pressured to sign away a little home to her brother-in-law and his posse of manipulators. Vera is magnificently played with stoic focus by the brilliant actress Teuta Adjini. The film is dark yet heroic.

BREAD AND TULIPS, directed by Silvio Saldino*****

 I loved this charming Italian film about a woman who finds love and her own freedom - by not staying behind for the bus to pick her up at a stop during a tour of Italy. The bus driver has forgotten her and  the bus returns to get her, but she is nowhere to be found. Her husband is mean and furious. She decides to go to Venice and this is where her authentic self begins. Moving from room to room, she meets a mysterious and very kind man named Fernando. He gives up his room for her as well. Fernando runs a restaurant with no cook. This is how Rosalba and him meets. The relationship grows ever so subtly but genuinely into a love. But Rosalba is shamed into returning to her dull house wife work back home to an angry ungrateful husband. How it ends is so heartwarming. This romantic gem shows that love can happen at any age with the least suspecting suitor at the most unsuspecting times. 

SISTERHOOD, Directed by Dina Duma ****

 

An extraordinary plot featuring two inseparable friends - both excellent swimmers. Jana is a daredevil and manipulates Maya, the introvert of the two, who always gives in to Jana. Out of control drunken teenage boys party with the girls and others – one in particular that everyone calls a slut. Her name is Helena. Her sexual act with one of the boys meant to be private is caught by the two girls and they post the act.

Things get very bad for the girls and between them when a catastrophe happens. Jana makes sure that the secret they have is never told. But Maya struggles with this terrible secret, and guilt eats her up. Conflicts between Jana and Maya reach their apex. This is a marvellously acted film in which the  Macedonian director, Dina Duva plays Helena. A great take on how even the closest of friendships can rupture.

Dina Duva

FANTASIA GETS IT  RIGHT WITH FILMS SHOWING QUIRKINESS AND INSIGHT  SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL IN DANGEROUS TIMES

KING CAR, directed by Renata Pinheiro***

 

 A theme that juxtaposes ecological organic experimentation by a group of forward-looking agronomist student with mechanic advancement innovated by a strange family. Here is a film that makes humans become slaves to a talking car, named King Car.

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This old car was refurbished and brought to life after a new law prohibited old cars on the road.  We see humans becoming monkeys again and cars becoming demonic leaders. It is so well acted and the unusual turn of events makes its own compelling message about our love affair with technology embodied in a car.

ALIEN ON STAGE, DIRECTED BY LUCY HARVEY***

When ordinary working class folk with divergent personalities take their stage show with the silliest plot from the dull life of Dorset, England to London's West End theatre district, lifelong dreams become true for this humble lot of thespians. It's a charming piece that puts their collective pipe dream on the stage. It warms the heart to watch the ordinary become extraordinary.

 

LOST BOYS, directed by  Sadri Cetinkaya & Joonas Neuvonen ****   

It's just so sad to see two bros descend into hell because of drugs. South East Asia has claimed the life of one brother gone missing. Joonas travels bravely to find out what happened to his friend. It's described as a  related sequel to sequel to Reindeerspotting. A Quebec premiere that's terribly human and frightening. It's depressing and compelling.

 

 SWEETIE, YOU WON'T BELIEVE IT, directed by Emar Nurgaliev *

This is a fishing trip gone terribly wrong. Good friends game for adventure are pursued by a rather clumsy gangster, but things really turn dangerous when a psycho killer makes sure they never catch a fish to bring home. They call it a comedy, but I found it a dark badly edited unfunny film to say the least.

PAUL DOOD’S DEADLY LUNCH BREAK, directed by Nick Gillespie ***

A Brit Monty Python-type quirky character named Paul (Tom Meeton) is intent on getting to a talent show audition on time. He misses the train; his mom dies on the way in her wheelchair, but only after the phoney Buddhist tea-shop owner won’t give Paul water to save his mom from choking; and to top it off, the star host of the talent show mercilessly  destroys Paul's solo act and his personality.

 Intent on revenge, Paul peels back the layers of politeness, and gives all the horrid petty people who have deprived him of his moment of fame  -  their own moment to shine... in blood.  Some of the scenes are pure genius especially seen in the way the priest and his partner get their comeuppance.This fun revenge film is totally off the wall. I would say that Paul’s mom steals the on screen show, more than Paul.  Together, they create a crazy mom and son team - each covered in sparkles and fancy dress costume – typical to British comedy culture. 

It really has a fabulous start, but the rest becomes a confusing clutter after Paul finally gets to perform his act in front of the host of the show. 

I think there is a serious social comment in the film. The fact Paul only gets famous after he killed people, who belittled him before, shows -- despite the light-hardheartedness of it all -- just how scary it is that social media can influence people beyond reason.

FOLLOW THE LIGHT, Directed by Yoichi Narata *

Not so good despite the lovely scenery. A wild child named Maki goes on the roof waiting for a space ship to take her away. Meanwhile a young teen is captivated by this strange girl, and puts his talent to work, drawing her.

 He’s a fine artist who will be doing a mosaic mural for the school closing. This film is just so bad in tying together small village life, economic woes and teacher apathy. It all seems to come together by a green light in the sky – perhaps a flying saucer indeed according to reporting. A crop circle does nothing to bring this film full circle. Personally, the characters got on my nerves. A strange coming-of-age film with no impact.

WEREWOLF WITHIN, directed by Josh Ruben*

 

This has got to be the strangest werewolf movie to hit the screen. Towns people gather together in a lodge to voice their opinions about a new pipeline that is coming. Nobody in the groups seems with it, except the girl who hangs around with the new forest ranger appointed to the town. Then all hell strikes, the generators go off, and people are disappearing and being eaten. They believe a werewolf has come to town.   

Without giving away the spoiler, I’ll let you have fun guessing who it is. Sadly, the move lacked credibility and the plot was doesn’t hold together. I was disappointed by the reveal. The music is excellent and suspenseful. I wish I could say the same thing about this film.

MY DOG'S MESSAGE FROM THE OTHER SIDE

 Dear Auntie Naomi:  

Sorry to hear about Spencer. He's a warm--hearted dog. 

You're the best mom (next to mine)

I miss her so much. I kind of miss my uncle too.He loves me more than he does mom, but don't tell her that.

At least my nails stopped growing!

 You were so helpful to me and mom. I hope mom knows I am  happy in heaven. I'm playing with other dogs my size.  But there's one dog here who should have gone  down to the other place. if you know what I mean. He is really mean.

I tried to hang on cause I didn't want to go..

Thank you for making my picture clearer. Mom always greets me morning and afternoon,.so you can too if you want to make a picture of me for yourself, I give you permission Ha Ha! You are my aunt, after all.

 Thanks for helping mom - like today. I saw you at the computer.

Your gift is helping others.  Bye for now. 

Don't forget to give my photo back to mom today after your lunch. 

Bon apetit.

Zak 

Say hi to your kids for me.

Mom and me falling asleep. I think we look alike.

Austria2Australia, Directed by *Dominik Bochis, Andreas Buciuman *****

Austria2Australia, Directed by *Dominik Bochis, Andreas Buciuman *****

Two childhood friends cycle 18.000 km - 19 countries. It’s a Herculean route full of hardships, discoveries and challenges, which are powerful and unpredictable - The two Upper Austrian hobby cyclists Andreas and Dominik have a daring plan: They want to ride by bike from Austria to Australia to explore the world - and the crazy thing is: They actually do it.

When they get to Pakistan, they are surrounded by police cars and they have to travel at a snail’s pace. Where are they going? Why is this happening? It turns out they are going to a Pakistani wedding where the guests of the bride and groom a are all policemen. The surprises was nice indeed at the end of this escorting.

Delhi, they hated, but Australia was a turning point for hatred. The flies and heat got to them and they go their separate ways only to meet up by the ocean. They both wanted to call it quits before this, but they stuck it out. An amazing documentary and the best “road” f travel film yet to be made. Domiinik was struck with knee pain on route, and ended up at a Chinese hospital to deal with the inflammation. Hurdles kept coming their way, but their happiness diminished any doubts.

Equal Standard Aims for Truth and Righteouness

 

EQUAL STANDARD, directed by Brendan Kyle

Press release excerpt

Equal Standard​ by director Brendan Kyle Cochrane and producers Taheim Bryan, Ice T, Treach, and Rob Simmons (Wild Oats) The heavy hitting action/ drama stars Ice-T and Robert Clohessy (BLUE BLOODS) and Maurice Benard ( General Hospital)

EQUAL STANDARD​ tells the poignant, timely, and politically charged stories of police in New York City struggling with race, rank, betrayal, and loss. The film is Taheim Bryan’s writing and acting debut and is inspired by his personal life experience.

 

Here’s the reverse of what usually happens in cop shootings. An Afro-American kills a white cop during a pullover. The driver is out fo the car as are the white cops. But his cell phone is mistaken for a gun and pop goes the trigger of the black cop. The film is confusing but vividly shows the impossible entanglement of different departments trying to protect their own guys, but trying to follow the law too. Against the grittiness of gangs, intimate family scenes of the characters were shown. 

Many scenes show blacks being targeted on the street. There is so much anger and suspicion on both sides that it would seem black and white are so opposed to one another, hope seems futile for peace on New York’s streets.

The film build suspense and is so darn realistic as it reflects true events experienced by writer, Taheim Bryan’s life experiences,

THE RESORT (directed by Taylor Chien)***

Four friends want to enter an abandoned resort on an obscure Hawaiian Island that’s rumoured to be haunted by a half-faced girl. This is a really clever, brilliantly edited film that cooks up the scary moments at just the right moments heightened with superb climactic timing.

The outcome is unpredictable and that’s what makes The Resort a unique film for the genre. The seventy-five minutes fly by.

There’s a reason to investigate this resort – it’s Alexander’s birthday and she’s obsessed with the paranormal, so what better way to celebrate than to dash off to this deserted island via a piloted helicopter who claims a small group of people still inhabit the island, but the band of four never run into them.

There is no reason really why the bad happens; none of them deserved what they got, but isn’t that a part of life – or in this case death.

AFTER THE MURDER, directed by Aengus James ***

Paul Lima a true hero, like his father, Albert

A documentary that follows Paul Lima and the two bounty hunters he hired to Roatán, Honduras, to find and capture his father's (Albert)  killer. But nothing seems to happen with the capture until he hires Ray, whose connections with the government is second to none with his job of capturing killers on the island. In fact, the year, Paul goes down there, there have been Americans murdered. It takes 13 years and absolute determination not to give up as Paul searches for his father’s killer. He knows who he is because the murderer was not happy about being taken to court over a bakery purchase that the Honduran family once owned. Bit by bit everyone is getting killed and it’s clear that Paul is in a dangerous situation. The bad guy is eventually caught and ends up in jail, but not for life – only for sixteen years.

This is not a documentary made after the fact of Paul going down to Honduras. The camera is with him and the people he hires and meets to ensure true actions.

Pauls’ devotion to his father and his widowed mother are remarkable. 

COME TRUE, directed by Anthony Scott Burns ***

 Julia Sarah Stone plays a disturbed teenager who is a run-away – a very tired one. She innocently enters a sleep study, only to find out her dreams and her waking life are one big horror play-out. What’s real and what’s a dream? The camera pans  down a school corridor lined with lockers.  In another scene, a door opens like Pandora's box. The camera pans and all merges so fluidly the real and unreal are captivating, bodies morph into scary creatures. The film plays out in titled sections as if each is a part of a dream. Suspense builds certainly with the help of the eerie music that the director himself composed. The pat silly ending was in complete contrast to the mood  film's. But the weird stuff prevails. You know all is not good when Sarah asks lying all hooked up in a strange body suit – “What are you studying?” She isn’t allowed to know; nor why there are 4 males and only two females in the study. But the ending is a real let- -down Stalking takes on a whole new meaning, as does peeping Tom. I don’t advise anyone to see this film suffering from sleep disorders

VIOLATION, directed by Madeleine Sims-Fewer and Dusty Mancinelli ***

Two sisters - Miriam and Greta meet up in the country cabin owned by Dylan, Greta’s husband. Miriam is deeply disturbed, and the extent of her aberration manifests when she seeks revenge on Dylan who raped her when the two were sharing past school stories by the fire they made. Camp side chatter adds a lighthearted throw-in to the intense mood that erupts into climatic horror as the characters clash.

The gruesomely gory climatic scene hauntingly juxtaposes against the expressionistic cinematography of the lush nature that surrounds them. The two directors were the two sisters in the film, and their chemistry was electric, seen most vividly when the sisters’ love-hate conflicts mount.  Without giving away the spoiler, you would be wrong to like the ice cream cones the family gathering gobbles up at the end.

The movie is confusing; the flashback scenes interrupt the flow and cause plot distortion. The film could do with more precise editing. There is too much talking and not enough action. Nonetheless, it’s highly successful in showing the inner rage that engulfs every rape victim – Miriam in this case. Never was a rape scene so quiet - even docile in tone, yet wildly fierce in the outcome. There’s a consequence to pay; suffice it to say that Dylan met a terrifying doom. I was very much pulled into this compelling film. Madeleine Sims-Fewer was brilliant as Miriam. The Call of the Wild, by author Jack London has wolves in it. This film had one, That -- combined with Miriam's rage could have led to a more apt title: The Cry of the Wild.

Dear Comrades! Directed by Andrey Konchalovskiy ****

This intense black-and-white film redramatizes the horrific 1962 massacre in Novocherkassk, in the southeastern corner of Russia, at which between 26 and 80 persons were killed for peacefully protesting hikes in food costs.

Wages were lowered. Hunger was killing people.

A staunch defender of Stalin, protagonist passionate totes the party line, but knows socialism is a disaster. Yuliya Vysotskaya  stars as this Lyuda who actually has a high-up position in the party. She feels all instigators against the regime must be killed, but it all comes back to backfire on her and when her daughter who marched in the protest goes missing, she sets out to find her. However, she seems to be a little less naive about the goodness of the party. A really great film about a dark moment - largely forgotten and those implied swore to secrecy. Though people thought it was the army that shot upon the crowd, it was in fact the KGB. The tragic event comes to live again in this film - a town massacre in Russia’s brutal past that is largely forgotten.