The always lovely Fantasia start this week, and the world is a better place.
One of the best festivals in the world it is a fest that while it focuses on mainly genre films and those not from Canada, it also makes damn sure that great films that might get overlooked will get their due. I say that because this year there is a killer film called TIGHT LETTUCE that is about a son trying to help his addict father. While the film has very serious subject and is heart breaking at times, it is also wickedly funny to the point that I think the big “important” festivals will be frightened by it. Fantasia fears nothing (not even a papercut and lemon juice)
I love this festival. Almost two decades ago film director Ted Geoghagen pulled me aside and told me I had to cover the festival. It is a piece of advice that I will never be able to repay him for.
If you are in Montreal and love movies you have to go. (Someday I will)
As it stands now, I am waiting to wade into the festival’s goodness. I am planning on covering as much as humanly possible so keep reading.
Because the festival is not just premieres, I’ve already seen a typical person’s festival worth of titles. Below are links to what I’ve seen:
GOZU - I am having issues finding my review of this. That said this is a must see from Takashi Miike since it's WTF nature made me fall in love with him as a filmmaker
KUNG FU is also playing this year's NYAFF after the screening at Fantasia (it plays the 16th). It is a knowing send up of martial arts cliches that demands to be seen with an audience. It smashes every cliche with glee. My review will run closer to the NYAFF screening - until then just buy a ticket and go.
REDLINE- I saw this ages ago in NYC at the Village Cinema and when I came out many of the guys who would become the Unseen Film Family were going in. That tells you this insane animated film is a must see- more so on the big screen where the films can blow your mind
SUSUKI = BAKUDAN look for a review this week tied to the Japan Cuts screening. This is one of the best thrillers you'll see all year as the police go head-to-head with a bomber. This is an absolute must see film
UNIDENTIFIED MURDER is playing NYAFF. This is a UFO-tinged puzzle box mystery with an all over the place tone.
WE ARE NOTHING is playing NYAFF soon. Herman Yau gives us his best film and his most soap opera like. The police investigate a bus bombing (no lie this part is some of the best filmmaking you'll see all year) while we are treated to the lives of the victims (pure pot boiling soap opera that will make you roll your eyes). The police procedural is why this is a must see.
And I need to put ATTACK ON PARADISE on your radar. I need to see this again because... well it kicks ass. The plot has a man coming home from prison and just wanting to be left alone and take care of his mom. But the gangs have taken over the apartment block and the police want to storm it... and what is a guy who loves his mom going to do? A review when the embargo drops but until then buy a ticket and bring a seat belt.
The festival opens Thursday and runs into August. Ticket and slate information can be found here.
And please keep reading because the reviews will start hitting when the embargos drop.
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