phila-3 Reviews

Disfigured (2008)

Compelling film observing some very real issues in our world...

[10/10 · 4 March 2008]

An exceptionally well-made and powerful piece that focuses on women and their body images. This tells an interesting diametric between Lydia, a genuinely overweight retail clerk, and Darcy, an anorexic real estate agent who envisions her stick-figure self as obese, and the friendship bond that they form. This film could have dove into some characteristic fat and skinny jokes, and maybe even gotten a bit darker than it should, but instead, it touched on the subjects with care and intelligence that, if nothing else, will give the audience a means to look at themselves, and perhaps understand what others go through.

Director Glenn Gers expertly touches upon this tale from thoughts that he had had himself about how women saw themselves. Through some research and good dialog writing, the film touches upon a wide variety of issues that surround obesity, anorexia, self- envisionment, and the anger that can arise. Much of the dialog was ad-libbed by the actors, given only the instructions to follow whatever they would normally say or want to talk about - especially during the social group for fat people scenes. Should obese people accept the term "fat," or embrace it? Should other people be forced to face them and deal with it? Would boycotting help? What about anorexics who view themselves as fat, and think others see them that way? Should fat people take offense, or be more understanding of their plight?

There are places of slight unreality, and some questionable discussions of how certain things might be handled, but it's not so much that it affects the outcome of the film and its message. One thing to point out as well are the main actresses - neither of whom has any major personal issues, nor eating disorders, in their real lives. Overall, "Disfigured" is compelling, and excellently made. Recommended for everyone to see, to help promote better understanding of ourselves.

The Village Barbershop (2008)

Fun, whimsical tale about a barber, a girl, and a new life

[10/10 · 4 March 2008]

"Cheers" alumni John Ratzenberger stars as Art Leroldi, a grumpy barber who holds some personal issues of his past a bit too closely. When troubled times come, he is forced to hire Gloria, a female - something he never thought he'd do. Although she comes across a bit brashly at first, she ends up being his business mind that might save the day. Enter other characters along the way, that both add and disparage each of them, and the tale keeps the viewer watching. The filming was done well. The story is interwoven with subplots, and moves ahead at a good pace. The characters are interesting, and each has their own tale to tell, while intertwining with each other. For a first effort, director/writer Chris Ford strikes a winner with this piece. Expect great things in the future. Don't miss this flick though.

Time to Die (2007)

Wonderfully filmed piece with great cast of characters

[10/10 · 4 March 2008]

I just saw this film at Cinequest Film Festival 18 in San Jose, CA. Although my tastes personally range towards quirky comedies, and dark thrillers, I have to say that I found this film to be a wonderful and delightful movie (not words normally spoken by one of my film tastes). It carried back to the grand days of film-making, as it is done in crisp black and white (which makes it work all the better). 91 year old actress (at the time) Danuta Szaflarska, is fantastic as the spry old woman, who is both stubborn, yet introspective.

The story focuses on the character, Aniela, and her life in what once was a grand and beautiful house, now running down, but still home for her. On one side of her house are scheming neighbors, apparently in cahoots with Aniela's unappreciative and greedy son, as developers attempting to buy the property to build apartments. On the other side is a nice family who host a rather noisy local children's music club. Aniela is stuck in the middle - but has her faithful companion dog to mirror her emotions, while also adding his own personality. The interaction between Aniela and the dog is enough alone to make this film enjoyable. As it goes, even for being 91, Aniela is no fool - as she spys and learns of her neighbors' ways and true intentions. She is always ahead of the game, as the film moves ahead, and some surprises may yet be in store for those who are not wise to her thinking and abilities.

A fantastic film that should be seen by any film lover. I hope to see it again a few more times.

Penny Dreadful (2006)

"Penny Dreadful" is a bit of a shocker

[8/10 · 13 December 2007]

I had read some sour reviews about this film, so I bought it to see what it's like. Either I missed the point of the embittered reviewers, or they missed the point of the film. I have even watched it through twice.

I enjoyed the gripping idea of this girl with a paranoia that isn't common. One reviewer said that you couldn't relate to her because of it. I disagree. Aside from my own short list of quirks, I don't have many phobias, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate them or emphasize with someone who does. This is a girl who wants to get better, but has a very hard time coping. Very akin to alcoholism in that respect - but it does make for a good set-up for the film.

As the scenes are set into place, the fear becomes a greater reality. As it is, no one really wants to feel trapped or out of control in a dark forest. Winter doesn't help. And then comes the resident, murderous lunatic who seems to have no rhyme nor reason for wanting to kill. Those are the worst kind. What makes this film work is that we have a girl with her own fear- based issues. Then we get involved with a psychopath who seems to kill some, while enjoying teasing and terrorizing the girl in a sick game of cat-and-mouse.

The only thing that seemed to throw me off is that it takes place at night, but moments seem to be in early morning light, then back to darkness. Other than that, the spookiness is kept in tact throughout the film.

Is this a great piece of art? Not entirely. But it's certainly not a bad film in the least. It may be a bit slow for some, but the pace picks up and continues, and the scares keep coming.

All in all I recommend this film to any horror fan. It's not over-the-top gore and fears, but instead hearkens back to some earlier films of this genre. Take your time, enjoy the popcorn, and wait for the jumps until the end. It's worth it.

By the way... in response to any of the reviewers who keep commenting on "the guy" when referring to the psychopath... at no point is a gender ever referenced and I'll leave it at that. I would suggest watching through the credits to see who plays whom.

Skinheads (2006)

Strange, quirky, and funny as hell

[10/10 · 3 March 2007]

A short film concerning the annoying arrival of neo-Nazi skinheads to the home of Boy and his Mother. Boy considers that he must be important to have garnered the attention of skinheads, and figures that they must know he is an excellent negotiator. He sets out to find their "master plan" while while talking with a couple of the rather aloof skins. Along the way, he befriends (sort of) the taller, less-quick-thinking skinhead. That particular one has an itchy scalp, that he is told is exczyma. Boy attempts to relieve the itchy skinhead's malady, while finding out information.

This was one of the strangest comedy shorts I have seen in a long time, and one to not miss. Cleverly written, with exceptional characterizations, "Skinheads" will keep you chuckling and stay in your memory for a while to come.

Blood Car (2007)

Horror, humor, schlock, and sex in a truck in a junkyard. How can you go wrong?

[10/10 · 3 March 2007]

Schlock at its modern best. What made those 70s horror films great were their serious intent delivered with such camp. That is what works for "Blood Car." This indie film, directed by Alex Orr and starring Anna "My Girl" Chlumsky and Mike Brune is a fun romp into the camp of yesteryear, serving up generous portions of horror, humor, and political satire of our current affairs. Does it all work together? You bet! "Blood Car" bested my expectations with its over-the-top acting, a silly yet disturbingly plausible story (plausible in the most twisted of minds), and some brilliant editing work considering its indie film budget.

The film is set in the near future where gas costs hundreds of dollars to fill a tank. Only the most elite can afford to drive a car, making the cheapest of cars appear luxury if only for the fact that they can be powered down a road. The story concerns an elementary school teacher who seeks a method of clean-burning fuel to use in place of gasoline. As our teacher Archie loves his wheat grass, he tries to use it as an alternate fuel. During the experiment, he cuts himself, spilling blood into the mixture that makes an engine run. It's only later that he realizes its the blood and not the wheat grass creating the combustion. When he finds that the source runs out quickly, he abandons his life-loving peaceful ways and goes onto a killing spree to keep his car running. Plenty of humor runs between all the pseudo-violence as our poor anti-hero just wants to make good for the world, while spilling human blood. It was a joy to watch on the big screen and brought back memories of my drive-in days. (Yes, I'm old enough to remember drive-ins. They were outdoor theaters which you drove your car into, and... never mind.) Definitely a must-see destined for the cult-classic home DVD libraries.

The Sleep Room (1998)

Better than I expected true story shocker

[9/10 · 12 February 2007]

I bought this DVD during the blitz sales when Tower Records was going out of business. It looked interesting enough to buy for $5.00, but now that I have watched it, I would have been just as happy paying full price.

The performances were mostly above par, with a few exceptionally believable characters. The production was excellent, as was the directing. What makes this film stand out is being based on a true story of yet another infamous CIA excursion into ruining people's lives. What I was shocked to find out about was how the Canadian government fit into it all as well. The MK- Ultra tests are now infamous, even if primarily to conspiracy theorists. However, this particular test was one that they admitted, and theoretically apologized for.

The film is a bit long, but captivating, at just around 3 hours. The story begins with the patients at a mental hospital with a doctor trying to cope with his own ego and feelings of inadequacies. When he realizes the usefulness of psychotropic drugs and other invasive techniques, he believes he is helping mankind, while unwittingly (at the start) helping the CIA perfect torture techniques while using unwitting human test subjects. Later, after the film establishes the horrors and introduces you to the characters, it switches to the attorneys who take on the CIA in a court case to get admission to fault, and compensation to the remaining victims. A sad story by the end, but one that will last in your mind. Exceptional.

The Descent (2005)

Good, but could have been better. Details count in editing. (mild spoiler)

[7/10 · 2 October 2006]

One of the better, more realistic horror offerings this summer. A screening of it was held at the San Diego Comic Con this summer (2006). This was a clever play on the title as it covered both spelunking and cave exploration - with much more detail than most films involving the same subject - as well as the human psyche, as in descent into madness. The title and story work - for the most part - although the film does have some shortcomings that caused some audience groans.

A quick synopsis of this film (hint - there isn't a quick synopsis): Happy family and friends rock climbing expedition followed by emotionally charged accident, then a "Sex In The City" gathering and a possible lesbian liaison continuance, melding into an fame-charged cave exploration, followed by a stalking by beasties in the dark, to be continued by onset of madness, and an eventual end that may or may not lead to a sequel. Now, I should mention - as I just found out - that the film we got to see was the Americanized version. There is apparently a British version ending which is different. From what I know of both, I'm not thrilled with either one.

In some aspects, when viewing the film straight through, the story loses touch in places with what it wants to be about. The film starts off innocently enough about a group of climbers on their exalted rush to cover mountainside ground somewhere in the Appalachian Mountains. There is a definite flavoring of "Deliverance" all over this part. On the trip home, an accident takes place which takes the lives of the main character's husband and child. Actually, it never makes their connection clear in the film, but we are to assume that that was the family connection. A year following the hospital stay and wake, the group reconvenes in what is supposed to be a memorial to the victims. Instead, it becomes apparent that this is an ego- fueled rush to test virgin ground in an uncharted underground cave. The group of women are off on a new adventure, but foolishly so as guided by a seasoned professional who cares more about fame than safety. At some points, there are hints - though not concrete - about dalliances of infidelity along with esteem issues between the girls. There is also an unusual lack of any men in the film after the beginning. But no, for you hopeful guys, there are no "side action" scenes to be had.

I will give this film kudos for giving a rather extended view into the sport of spelunking (cave climbing), and although necessary for effect, I felt that the spelunking scenes tended to get endless and redundant. As the women descend further, there are some moments of shock and claustrophobia which seem real enough. Finally the clincher to the movie happens as we see that the women are not alone. Although there were hints earlier to other people having been in the cave, the proof shows itself in the form of frightening creatures who hunt and kill anything that lives - human included (apparently a special favorite of theirs). But, living underground takes away some of the creature's senses, giving our women the advantage - if only for a while, and only after a few losses.

The film rather louses up after the encounter with the albino creatures as it becomes increasingly difficult to tell one female character apart from the other. With enough blood and low lighting, every woman becomes a featureless mess with dark hair. It becomes a fear- factor hodgepodge where mayhem and screaming and death abound. It finally comes down to the end which is where the difference in the U.S. and U.K. versions differ. It is a "did she or didn't she," almost typical ending either way, opening doors for a sequel, or a heated discussion at the least. What ruined it for me was the final few seconds in the U.S. ending that we saw. Quite disappointing I would say as without it, the story would have at least made some more sense. And as it was, what is going on in the main character's (Sara) mind can only work if it is tied in with the beginning of the film. As it is, when chatting briefly with director Neil Marshall, he didn't seem to remember the bothersome detail from the beginning of the film either. "The Descent" could be a fantastic film, if a few other editing details were to be fixed. As it sits now, it becomes typical. The rather underrated "The Cave," was a stronger film that made much more sense. Although one might expect "The Descent" to be a potential rip-off, production was supposedly begun before "The Cave." My opinion would be to see both and make the decision yourself. "The Descent" works, and is a good horror film, but definitely has its flaws.

Daughter (2002)

An excellent horror film... even if it is short

[10/10 · 27 September 2006]

As far as suspense goes, one could not do much better than this film. Absolute genius in the writing and directing department as this pseudo-horror/thriller follows the final hours of a doting mother attempting to protect her daughter when chaos and supernatural events take place in her upper-class home. In the end, we find that - as in real life (and after-life) things are not always as they seem. Admittedly, the very first hints of horror bordered on a possible bad comedic piece, it very quickly changed pace into what it intended to be. Effective and disturbing, "Daughter" deserves every award that it has garnered so far. Brilliant work, and one of the scariest films I have seen - even if it is only 10 or so minutes long.

The Search for John Gissing (2001)

One of the funniest comedies in a long time (and criminally not yet released!)

[10/10 · 27 September 2006]

This film is HILARIOUS!!! One of the funniest comedies I have seen in a long, long time. Director/screenwriter Mike Binder has created a masterpiece with this film. Starring Mike Binder in the lead role as Matthew, the fumbling corporate lackey sent to England to relocate with his wife, a splendid Janeane Garofalo, the comedy of errors does not stop for this poor man. Alan Rickman stars as John Gissing, the sabotaging company man who is about to be ousted by the very person he is to train to replace him - and thus makes every attempt to sidetrack Matthew. Not since "It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" has there been this many natural comedic outlays. The story, the characters, the interactions - it all works, and very well. Brilliant! A must see!!

Pizza Wars: The Movie (2002)

Funny and silly

[9/10 · 27 September 2006]

Director Babak Sarrafan has woven together an absolute splendid tale of pizzas, genies, and wishes come true in this truly comedic tale. Two bumbling pizza delivery boys (of large proportion) discover Gene in a magical water-pipe. They use his wish granting in order to combat the huge Ozcorp company from taking over all pizza companies, thus guaranteeing them their family owned business' success. Think along the lines of any silly teen movie mixed with Cheech & Chong's drug-induced flicks. This movie was quite amusing, and a very good effort from Sarrafan. Unlike the other review, I thought this film showed promise, had plenty of off-beat humor, strange plotting, and was overall enjoyable. If this is any indication of his other works, look forward to some great comedies.

Missing Persons (2003)

This film should go missing

[1/10 · 27 September 2006]

I have often wondered if I had seen the "worst film ever" already. Now I know that I have. It took a matter of around 15 minutes or so into the film before an almost mad "who can get out of the theater quicker" scramble for the door happened. On the particular night that we viewed "Missing Persons", at the Cinequest Film Festival, the only people left in the theater after the mad dash to leave, were the two filmmakers and one other patron, whom I assume was snoozing. "Missing Persons" has so much wrong with it, it is almost impossible to list.As an animated feature, keeping in mind that this was created with software that the filmmakers put-together, this was an absolute schlock! The animation was absolutely horrible. Lines kept moving away from the solid fill colors and would sway here and there. Characters seemed to float when they were supposed to stand still. It appeared beyond computer- generated - of which there is no excuse in this day and age. If one can afford to make a film, one can afford to pay the inexpensive price of a decent animation software. In regards to making your own software (after watching this drivel), all I can suggest is, "Kids. Do not try this at home. Humiliation is a bad thing."

What is this film about? Who the hell knows! A drug lord who doesn't die after having half of his body shot off, with a smart-mouthed robot side-kick, and bumbling detectives. If that tells you the storyline, you are ahead of the audience. Which brings up another folly in film-making - the voices were unintelligible and mumbled throughout. This was not a production flaw, it was meant to be that way. Clue to the filmmakers - One needs to hear the words understandably in order to make it actual workable dialogue. Would I suggest this film? I would only suggest burning it. And I mean that with respect. Avoid this at all costs!

Vinterkyss (2005)

Well-acted, great story, yet confusing at times...

[8/10 · 25 June 2006]

A well-done film from Norway, shot in many flashbacks and side-stories. It follows a bit on how many Norwegian films are made, with the slow pacing against the crisply cold northern Scandinavian snow. The tale concerns Victoria, a female doctor in a small country town in Norway. She is just fitting in, as a boy's body is found in the snow. An autopsy is called to find if the body was involved in foul play. The story of the dead boy - a Muslim refuge immigrant - falls in with a side storyline of Victoria. Victoria is continuously calls to her estranged husbands' home in Sweden to see how her potentially ill son is doing. Along the story path, different twists form as blame for the snow-found boy's death seems to point in different directions. Ultimately, along with the mystery, the film really tells several moral tales, primarily about parenting. The physician mother who pays little attention to her own son, a dead boy's father coming to terms with his own culture's attitudes, and a suspect who is a seemingly good father, but yet has his own intentions and well-being in mind first. The cultural differences of an American audience with life in Norway might seem stark by comparison, but is well portrayed. The film itself, in how the story is told, is a bit confusing at times, but does tie in neatly at the end. Some viewers might not be able to follow all the side-flashes and flashbacks, which could slow the ending's meaning, but overall, this is a film well worth viewing. In addition, "Wynterkiss" featured a Leonard Cohen penned song, "Hallelujah", hauntingly performed by the late Jeff Buckley.

Next Door (2005)

Shocking and disturbing... but you can't move your eyes away

[10/10 · 25 June 2006]

A Norwegian thriller to challenge any American made thriller. This was a movie not to be missed. For any fans of truly disturbing psychological thrillers, "Naboer" is right up there on the "must see" list. To call this film a "psycho-sexual" thriller is to put the term mildly. The film concerns John, a man whose apparently cheating girlfriend leaves him to be with her new boyfriend. After grieving her loss for a very short while, he comes upon two girls who are his next door neighbors. When coming home from work one evening, one of the girls, Anne, requests a favor of him in her apartment. He reluctantly obliges and thus begins a truly extravagant mind-twister. John finds Anne and her roommate Kim to be a bit odd, and potentially mentally off-balance. As he decides to leave their apartment abruptly, it is too late as their entanglement has already begun. Anne finds John the next day and again requests a favor - to watch over her "sister" next door, as she is not to be left alone due to some previously dire incident. Upon entering their apartment, John is overwhelmed by the psychological torture that begins. He is trapped, abused, lost, and frightened, all before getting involved further into a sick, sexual game that would really give this film a guaranteed X-rating in a standard American market. Although "Naboer" really doesn't have the overt bloodshed (but still a fare share) that typical slasher fare films do, the horror of it all is presented mentally - and rightfully so, as the mind is much more powerful in suggestions that celluloid could ever be. As the story unravels, more and more questions pop up as to why everything is suddenly happening to John. What has his part been in possibly causing everything to happen? Is it his current situation, or perhaps his past? How do the neighbor girls know so much about his most intimate relationship details? How does it all tie in with his recent break-up, and why? The mental roller-coaster continues to pick up the pace until the very end, which is worth the wait. A different view of an already normally over-saturated horror/thriller market. "Naboer" works, and it works well. It would be hard-pressed to find a viewer who would leave the theater without a feeling of awe or shock. Excellent in every way.

Occupied Minds (2006)

What are the Israeli-Palestinian problems? Perhaps two journalists from either side can find out.

[10/10 · 25 June 2006]

An exceptionally timely film about how the neighboring states of Israel and Palestine agree to disagree. Two naturalized American journalists - one Israeli and one Palestinian - take a trip back to their homelands to see why all the fighting continues, and to attempt ideas at solutions. In the end, it is found that any solutions to be had will be much harder to reach than one could hope. Everyone talks of peace, but yet - as children - everyone still says "You first" as an answer to any problems. It is long known that ego-driven solutions never come to fruition. Unlike much of what we see on the media-driven TV and in newspapers, this film does a better job at capturing what life is really like in that begrudging area of the Middle East. Many homes are destroyed, soldiers and checkpoints everywhere, bigotry and bias reign supreme, and everyone still claims to want peace. So what can be done? Not much currently, short of making a documentary. An interesting twist of social views can be seen during an interview in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, which seems to be described as more of a vacationers Mecca, something akin with New York or Paris or any other major city. It is fancy and chic, and the inhabitants are seemingly (though not actually) clueless to what is going on around them (as described in the film). The rest of the scenery really appears as a third world nation, not two countries vying to make bigger plans for themselves. Ultimately, it is a true shame from both sides - and one that needs a solution quickly before much more suffering is to be had. There is an almost accidentally humorous scene in which an older Palestinian woman is illegally making her way through a crack in the dividing wall. She fumbles through, cursing Jews before realizing that she may be in their midst. Overall, "Occupied Minds" is a rather gritty expose into the mentalities of two begrudging factions, both willing to chatter and blame, but neither one really willing to make any concessions. As a documentary, this film is excellent.

Freedom State (2006)

Quirky characters taking a surreal trip out of their mundane lives

[10/10 · 25 June 2006]

The cast is brilliant as a batch of quirky characters caught up in their own magical mystery tour, as they embark upon a whimsical journey through the countryside of a perceived post-Apocalyptic world. "Freedom State" is one of those films that really captures the attention more through character development rather than today's flash and floundering. This film has a vision that is really less purpose and more introspection into how different minds and personalities meld in an almost surreal world.

The main character Krystal - as played exceptionally by Megan Murphy - is bored and attention-deprived in her lackluster marriage and home life, she wants something else, but not sure what. Her wish is to "learn to be crazy," because "being normal is crazy." In many ways, these lines ring true.

"Freedom State" could almost be viewed as a modern-day more abstract and adult "Wizard Of Oz," as nothing is real but all are involved. The fact that their surreal journey takes place in the vehicle of the rest home's yellow short bus also adds the Beatle-esquire "Magical Mystery Tour" aspect ("Yellow Submarine" anyone?).

Coming in at just about one hour long, it is exactly as long as it should be for the story contained within. No matter what one might think while viewing it, it leaves a lasting impression in the mind and the desire to see it again. Rarely is seen a film with as well- matched a cast as in "Freedom State." "Freedom State" is a must see.

The Theory of Everything (2006 Video)

An interesting Christian family film with Sci-Fi leanings

[7/10 · 27 June 2005]

This film by David de Vos provides an interesting mix and look into both current science theories and Christian beliefs. A scientist's wife dies during childbirth, and the son is given up for adoption only to reappear later in the scientist's life. There are discussions and ramblings of the elder scientist as to the "string theory" to explain the universe, which he attempts to use in order to find his deceased wife, and in turn, God. There are many turns of faith, both Christian and scientific, along with some other sidetracking issues (putting the scientist in a hospital, losing the family home, an affair, etc), that add to the plot. Overall this is a decent production, leaning perhaps a bit much on the Christian aspect (depending on your views). This might have had a more interesting ending as a true Sci-Fi flick, but is a satisfying film overall. Definitely something that the whole family could watch.