god_of_wine007 Reviews

S&man (2006)

Excellent Docu-horror film

[10/10 · 20 September 2006]

A tricky film examining the underground horror film scene, this "documentary" examines the lines between reality and fantasy, the voyeurism of horror and the desensitizing of modern culture. With modern special effects and camera trickery, how do we determine what is really real? In a world where gore and horror films show us the most gruesome deaths, does this cause us to see a real death as looking fake? Could we identify it, or would we pass it off as fake? And with low-budget horror striving for reality, where does the line get drawn? The film interviews horror experts, "scream queens" and several filmmakers, including Eric Rost, creator of voyeuristic stalker/killer films called the "S&Man" series. In this shocking documentary from JT Petty, we delve into these issues with real life examples, but when the documentary makers begin to probe the maker of the S&MAN series deeper, a shocking conclusion will cause you to ask: Did that just really happen?

A really great movie and sure to be a cult hit, S&Man (had its Canadian) premiered at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival.

Magnus Opus (2003)

Magnus Opus is incredible

[10/10 · 12 September 2005]

I had the privilege of seeing the film at the Wreck Beach Film Festival, and I was blown away.

Magnus Opus builds and builds to an explosive climax- all around the life of Avante Garde artist, Magnus.

Absolutely amazing film, worthy of the best distribution offers out there. For the budget they had, I could not imagine a better film. After talking to Andrika Lawren for a while, she told me the entire film was improvised. That being the case, based on the talent, the story, the beauty captured on camera... Magnus Opus should be a break-out indie film for sure. Best of luck to the Magnus Opus cast and crew. I hope you guys go all the way.