TRIBES (Directed by Nino Aldi)

Three guys wheeling guns - one black American, one white, the other Middle eastern are robbing people in a subway, until they realize these people are all part of their heritage too. It’s a funny film because the people are asked to move to one side if they are immigrants or not, gay, if they prefer paper or plastic, and the division list category continues. A cute short with a very powerful message.

THE ANTENNA (Directed by Orçun Behran) ****

                                                                   Orçun Behran

Unique beyond the usual visual statement of a lifeless group of depressed people caught in a totalitarian nightmare of dictatorial orders - in this case, it comes from the installation of a new rooftop antenna somewhere in a dysopian city in Turkey.- This highly carefully crafted visually tightly woven film puts us into the thick of gooey black guck coming from the antenna itself.  This flawed piece of technology perched high on the roof - set to announce the midnight broadcast of the president intent of uniting all under his Turkish oppressive tyranny. Mehmet the caretaker for the tenement building discovers that all is not right and bit by bit he uncovers how most meet their deadly fate. Suspense slides into our psyche like massive oily goo pouring all over us. Each scene is utterly original in its horror.

The plot ominously thickens, starting with the opening scene when the man installing the antenna meets his own death; he falls off the roof when bricks cave in where he’s working. This foreshadows even darker events to come. The great electronic music, dark sets and narrow hallways create a somber mood that reflects the real-life terrible yoke that shackles all people living under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s two-year-old oppressive regime.  Acting was terrific, and hats off to the director to capturing the all-male domination of women that strongly peppers each scene in different contexts including marriage, fatherhood and work boss. See it and believe it!

 

RED ROVER (Directed by Shane Belcourt)****

A gem of a quirky film that is highly improbably yet somehow probable. David meets Phoebe, a kooky singer who convinces him he really out to try to apply for Red Rover is Calling Out to You, an org searching for contestants willing and able to go to Mars and stay there. David’s ex-girlfriend is living upstairs with a new guy and David is relegated to the basement. He also loses his job. He’s fed up with life. Every day he goes to the beach with his Geiger counter searching for something specific, but we do not know what. We only find out at the end he finds. Phoebe and David are tow opposites. He is a classic nerd geologist and she is a free-spirited artist. She produces the video for him that wins favour with the folks who decide he is perfect to go to Mars. But will he? The ending was a disappointment for me. But l won’t give away the spoiler. Filmed in Toronto, the acting was spacey good.

THIS IS NOT A MOVIE (Directed by Yung Chang) ****

 Robert Fisk  is a British journalist who writes for numerous newspapers and has published books. He lives in Beirut. he says
 "My job is to record people suffering."
And that is what he's done most of his life.
But this great man doggedly brings to light with passion and commitment all the war-torn regions of the Middle East. This doc starts in the year 1980. Robert is roaming though the streets of Syria, saddled by ravaged bombed buildings made more relevant as bombings and rockets and grenades are heard at the border. He is in Abadan at the Iraqi front lines as the country and Syria pummel one another.

He visits and interviews t a young girl, so many victims of the Al-Nusra at the Syrian border. He digs deep to find facts. In Lebanon, the camera shows all the dead bodies of the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps, killed in a  massacre by Israelis. 1700 civilian's bodies are buried in a shallow embankment.
Robert travels to Bosnia when he finds documents of weapon sales and track down the weapons factory manger whose signature appears in the sale. The tenacious reporter want to find out where these weapons went. Who bought them. He makes a compelling point that even with legal sells that have the end certificate as proof of legality, no one bothers to find out where they are used and when. His reporting of Israel bombing and the rape of the land and usurping of the land lead him to revisit a Palestinian who takes him to see the land he once owned now occupied by Israelis. Some 20 years ago he had interviewed this man, hoping things would change. Robert ends with some grim thoughts: that no matter what is reported, it will never change things, but at least , the world can't say we didn't know. We were never told. Robert says anger increased as he got older and with it came the cynicism of reality. Still, he will never stop telling the truth. And he is not afraid of editors or feeling he must play a football game of interviewing each side, when one is not the perpetrator but the victim. There are few places he has not been when it comes to war. A man obsessed by finding out, his ultimate motivation is to stop the labeling and show that brutality is everywhere.  A great film.Watch and learn!

ADVENTURE BOYZ (directed by Howard J. Ford) ****

 I loved this action-packed, charming family film that stars two young boy (the real sons of the director: Rory Ford and Felix Ford)) who put the lessons their athletic dad  (played by the director himself) teaches them into real-life practice. About to get hooked on video games, their dad teaches them to move, to do sports and even how to pack a real punch in someone’s nose if violence is necessary and only to be done to villains. Plot-wise, priceless stash of diamonds has been stolen from a rich lady of a grand castle. The boys who have been told by their Speedway dad to seek adventure do just that, but one day while riding their bikes the find notes with clues on them that lead the boys to actually find the hiding place of the stolen diamonds. They take them back to their dad’s house, but he gets accused of being the thief, when the real thieves tattle on the house location of where the diamonds are. They find where the boys are. This is a delightful film whose actors capture your heart. Rare is it to find a film with a strong message made in such a wholesome way without manipulation and sentimentality. It is Britain’s version of a Disney family film.

MONT FOSTER (Written and directed by Louis Godbot) ***

This Quebec-made first-time feature is unique and compelling. Mathieu with Chloé drive to her stunning country hilltop house on Mont Foster in Sutton, Quebec. She is mentally ill -- recovering from a trauma we do not find out about until the end. What is supposed to be a recuperative time turns into nightmare. Chloé deteriorates into scary actions damaging herself and her boyfriend. Somehow, he gives her a ring for marriage, but he’s actually having an affair. In the end, tragedy of the ambiguous kind happens. We may never know the truth. The scenery and cinematography are perfect, but the movie moves too slowly. The ending is rushed, confusing and needs a sequel.  Laurence Leboeuf as Chloé and Patrick Hivon as Patrick were excellent in creating such contrasting characters. (Screened at Rendez-Vous Film Festival)

RUEFUL WARRIOR **** Directed by Mark Owen

She is inside a place full of enemies of her planet. War is the modus operandi at every turn. This dynamic woman comes as a peace maker, but this is not to be.

They attack her from all ends with fists, guns crow bars and more. She is a warrior like none other. She only wants peace for all to live in harmony.

The fights scenes are brilliant; the ending really moving. In less than 16 minutes, this film manages to make a gripping statement on the futility of war. This British sci-fi film is short in time but timeless in its message. Very well made, indeed. Woman heroine so fearless in fighting, so gentle in soul.

VILLAINS ****

Directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen

This is a cleverly crafted dark comedy horror with super editing in a plot that keeps us rooting for the two main not so mean characters, Mickey (Bill Skarsgard) and Jules (Maika Munroe). This is a goofy pair of lovers who rob.  No Bonnie and Clyde, these two are on the lamb, having just snatched lots of money from a convenience store -- disguised as a vulture and unicorn robber-duo. Off to Florida in the car, Mickey forgot to fill the car up, and so they get stuck. They end up  breaking into a house looking for car keys, but they soon discover something else: a little girl chained up in the basement.


The  house owners, George (Jeffrey Donovan) and Gloria (Kyra Sedgwick) are one pair of sickoes who make their intruders morph into awesome angels. The lines are deliciously witty and dunderhead hilarious.  There’s just the right amount of “blood letting”: in suspenseful scenes that are really unusual and thrilling.

Trying to free the girl (who is not as sweet as it would seem) backfires in horrid unpredictable ways. George and Gloria’s psychopathic actions make for memorable film history. Great acting with authentic low-key delivery from the cast creates ironic c intense impact.  Careful how you punish your children. It’s a quirky comedy all the way, with explosive moments that show everyone has his/her Achilles heal. Surprise after surprise catapults Villains into uniquely entertaining horror status.

STEAMPUNK CONNECTION (Directed by Anne Deniel) ***

 All over the world a fascinating community is reviving Victorian costume, items and more, making it a part of their lives.  The documentary follows a trio of devotees in five different countries.  Wonderful eccentrics champion the cause of using technology to create all kinds of dress and accessories that conjure up past times. Imagination is key to what motivates them.

 These people have formed a great community, and what better way to connect than to relive the past with a Victorian reference. I have to say that the people are so creative and superb in what they create. They want to live time travel in a most unique way, and they do it colourfully.

WHITE SNAKE (Directed by AmpWong and Ji Zhao)****

There are snake catchers who must abide by the evil General's lust to have them, and they bring him inner power. Demons are a foot and they like to destroy humans. Only thing is the two protagonists are like star-crossed loves: one is a demon and a snake; the other is human. Love beyond any obstacle, good versus evil and scary unknown lands, make this extraordinary Chinese animation film mesmerizing.  Not a dull moment in this epic masterpiece. The effects are enchanting, often  ferocious and always dazzling.

KINGDOM (Directed by Shinhuko Sato) *****

In 255 B.C. China was divided into seven kingdoms. One brother rules in Qin, a powerful kingdom, which he took illegally, having mutinied against his own brother, Pio who was a young boy and was left the kingdom. Pio goes in exile and ends up meeting Shin. Both are slaves to a mean farm owner, but both train to become the best generals on earth to fulfil their dreams. Pio is taken away by a soldier to join the army. This is not-stop adventure and fighting with revenge and rightful ownership of the throne. It is wildly entertaining with a great plot, fabulous character acting and wit. This massively epic film is an all-round thrill to watch. A must-see. 

THE GANGSTER, THE COP, THE DEVIL (Directed by Lee Won tae)

One of my favourite films ever!

Murder abounds in the city of Cheoman. Tae-suk, a no-nonsense policeman knows these brutal killings are the work of a serial killer. His force doesn’t buy it. The gangster, Dong-soo (marvellously played by Don Lee) is himself attacked, but he survives the stab wounds. He joins forces with Tae-suk, but both are extremely weary of the other. One wants revenge for the stabbing in any horrid way he can conjure; the other wants to find the killer and bring him to justice via the courts.  Full of intrigue and suspense, the two hunters for the killer called K are on the war path. 

This action-packed non-stop witty film is a plot pleaser that has all the twists and corrupt turns one expects in Korea these days. Dynamic in dialogue, character and crime, this film is a blockbuster classic. This was my Fantasia thriller favourite.  Interesting that Sylvester Stallone will be playing the part of Dong-soo; also interesting that Dong-soo did not make it in the United States, so he returned to South Korea where he made it big time.

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THE PURITY OF VENGEANCE (Directed by Christoffer Boe) *****

     A great plot based on one of the worst moments in Danish history the sterilization of women considered to be troubled, defective and then some. It happened in the early 20^th- century and ended by government decree in 1967. The plot puts two unlikely partners together, one Muslim – the other born in Denmark. The tall Muslim partner is about to be promoted and it would seem his partner does not care. Their names are Carl and Assad. When they encounter a gruesome scene of four skeletons, trapped behind a wall -- all seated at a table with jars holding some of their innards a huge can of worms are opened and the story opens on past events that slowly reveal the true story about how these skeletons got there. Based on the best-selling novel this film, the highest-grossing in Denmark’s history shows an ugly side to the Scandinavian state hailed as a modern-day utopia by most. It’s a skeleton that has come out of this country’s closet –so to speak.

SHOOTING THE MAFIA (Directed by Kim Longinotto) *****

SHOOTING THE MAFIA (Directed by Kim Longinotto) *****

This compelling documentary shines a great lens on the Scilian photojournalist, Letizia Battaglia. Once an actress,  she marches to her own drum. She is fierce, brave, honest and warm like the heat of Palermo where she lives. A gifted photographer, Italy’s first female to hold the lens up up, she tackles mafia crime, bringing murderous mafia members to justice. She left an oppressive marriage to begin her career in 1971 while raising three daughters, she found herself in a swarm of machismo powerful men, but never cowered, preserving her vibrant values to seek justice.

 It was very moving to have archival testimony from two of Palermo’s greatest brave judges, but one was gunned down: Giovanni Falcone; the other blown up: Paolo Borsellino.

She is really the first female to fight against brutality in he country, using her lens. Viva the individualists who put everything on the line for freedom and justice. Is it any wonder, her lovers were young men!

ASTRONAUT (Directed by Shelagh Mcleod) *****

The best film ever to grace Fantasia since its inception 23 years ago in its genre. It is so intelligent and sensitive.When an old retired geological engineer discovers there’s a contest on inviting people ages 20 to 60, to go to space in the first ever commercial launch, Angus is visually on board. His dream has been to go to space. He is obsessed with it in fact. 

This film is certainly about dreams, but it is also about transcending family problems and never giving up on anything. Richard Dryfuss was brilliant s Angus. I cried at the end. Touching, funny and oh so real, this is the film that pretty makes all other films in this festival look like films. Astronaut overcame any contrived look, pretensions and obstacles. and took us to the stars.

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Le Grand Bal (Directed by Letetitia Carton) ***

A darling documentary that puts the lens on one of France's biggest events, People from all over the country come together to dance, take workshops, perform and share personal stories now liberated dance.

 It takes place 165 miles south of Paris in an idyllic setting. The music is splendid. You'll want to join the massive amount of ordinary folk who travel to enjoy this remarkable event. 





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M (Directed by M (Directed by Yolande Zauberman)

In Bnei Brak, Israel, the world’s largest Jewish orthodox community,  the most insidious secret of rabbis molesting  young yeshiva school-attending boys. It is a cycle that one of victim wants to bring out into the open and end it. Menachem talks openly to other men about it and discovers he’s not alone.  How some families react when they find out is appalling. He also has candid conversations with men about sexual habits within the community. He seeks reconciliation with his abuser, but that rabbi literally hides behind curtains.  This film proves sexual predators are rampant in this community, and that it takes a singing hero like Menachem to reveal the ugly truth. The film went on too long and scenes were not flowing into one another.

SUPER GRID (Directed by Lowell Dean) ***

A kind of Blade Runner takes on a disease that is wiping out the world. The jacks and the mob control things, but the Campbells, two brazenly brave edgy brothers who lost their own sister in a run ordered by the mob, decide to deal with the mob’s head honcho once and for all. As luck would have it, they find three vials that provide the cure for the disease. Will they manage to hold onto them, their lives and save others? A gritty Canadian film with great special effects and violence that is not over the top. WolfCop star, Leo Fafard takes on yet another futuristic apocalyptic heroic role. Not a dull moment in this grid.

1945: (Directed by Ferenc Torok)***

(Here is the press release put out by Menemsha Films on this Hungarian film)

On a summer day in 1945, an Orthodox man and his grown son return to a village in Hungary while the villagers prepare for the wedding of the town clerk's son. The townspeople – suspicious, remorseful, fearful, and cunning – expect the worst and behave accordingly. The town clerk fears the men may be heirs of the village's deported Jews and expects them to demand their illegally acquired property back.

Director Ferenc Török paints a complex picture of a society trying to come to terms with the recent horrors they’ve experienced, perpetrated, or just tolerated for personal gain.

“I’ve been interested in this topic for 10 years now, ever since I read Gábor T. Szántó’s short story,” says director Török. “I was really interested in the time just after the war and just before the introduction of nationalization and Communism, when for a moment

there was an inkling of the possibility of democratic transition. Things could even have taken a turn for the better. Fascism was over but Communism had not yet begun; we tried to capture the atmosphere of those few years in this film.

“This is a period in Hungarian history that is not overly represented either in literature or in film,” continues Török, “instead, people focus on the Second World War itself or on the dictatorship of the 1950s, with these few intermediate years earlier. I wanted to present a social tableau that would portray life in Hungary just after the war.”

1945 was the opening night film of the Toronto Jewish Film Festival back in May, and more recently the film won yet another award, Best Foreign Film, at Michael Moore’s Traverse City Film Festival.

A superb ensemble cast, lustrous black and white cinematography, and historically detailed art direction contribute to an eloquent drama that reiterates Thomas Wolfe’s famed sentiment: ‘you can’t go home again."

I found the film slow moving, sporadically edited with the much-to-long scenes showing  the Jewish father and son walking about the wagon carrying the treasured  remnants to be buried. Still, this little yet startling film reveals an epic moment of tragedy, along with shameful human behaviour that continues to prove fools rule the world...wrongly. 

TRENCH 11 (directed by Leo Scherman) ****

A really cool horror film entrenched in  WW1 tunnel. A small team of allies, including one Canadian – a tunnel expert who knows how to tunnel his way out of anything resembling dark narrow passageways) is sent deep down into a maze-like tunnel full of confusing doors and rooms with remnants of habitation and dead bodies. He is supposed to blow it up. But upon entering, they discover this bio-bacterial body warfare raging  inside in the form of long white thin worms that live in people and produce zombie-like leftovers if he person infected. Germans are down there infected, and the top sadistic gun on the German side sends his people down there to blow up everything. So this is a case scenario of Germans meet allies. The commander for the allies in the tunnel is a complete jerk who orders their certain deaths. Mutiny and his death is  just the beginning of this interesting plot, sure to hurdle everyone into their own deadly destinies, save for one – the tunnel leader.