7
After Midnight is an effective genre blend that will no doubt divide audiences with its focus on the relationship drama over the horror elements, but despite the overabundant hipster vibes and slow pacing, it’s an intriguing film with a few surprises and a handful of solid performances that ultimately delivers a satisfying conclusion.
7
Beginning as a somber reunion of father and son and ending in a gore-filled bloodbath, Timpson’s first foray in the director’s chair is anything but a forgettable experience.
The live-action films for this year’s Oscar-nominated shorts seemed curated around the sensation of confronting unfortunate situations that none of us can truly plan for.
Multi-Oscar-winning director Brad Bird once said that, “Animation is about creating the illusion of life, and you can't create it if you don't have one.” It’s a simple observation that is often taken for granted, one that nonetheless highlights the detectable traces of life found in every pen stroke, clay imprint and line of code collected together to produce this year’s nominees for the Animated Short Films Oscar.
2
A lovelorn filmmaker attempts to use his craft to find the love of his life in a pathetic, creepy and pitiable act of desperation.
6
If you’re in the market for a more obscure ’80s slasher, featuring a creepy killer, ridiculous dialogue and predictably silly ending, Edge of the Axe is worth a look and is certainly a step above the rest of the derivative genre titles we saw in the waning moments of the decade.
7
Although it nearly doesn’t stick the landing, with things culminating abruptly and ending with less gravitas than the build-up had me anticipating, Sanzaru remains a thoughtfully crafted story that combines dread with melodrama to deliver a creepy, nuanced horror tale.
5
Jasper Mall takes you inside the titular mall in Alabama to witness the slow, monotonous process of its closing down.
6.5
Gus Krieger’s experimental hip-hop/spoken-word film mash-up makes My Name is Myeisha both memorable and challenging to watch.
6
Color Out of Space is a fun bit of cosmic horror and a welcome return to feature films for Richard Stanley, something I hope is a sign of things to come.
6.5
Give Me Liberty is a quirky, fun film that has a relatability because of the issues it tackles, but it feels like pieces are missing.
6.5
VHYes is a film I love in concept, and while it was executed perfectly on a technical level, the actual content left a bit to be desired.
7
Bolstered by a kick-ass performance from Kristen Stewart, Underwater is a satisfying B movie that delivers nearly non-stop action with some chilling creature moments to boot.
8
Sometimes the simplest stories can be the most endearing; such is the case with Ben Mullinkosson’s slice-of-life documentary Don’t Be a Dick About It. Hilarious and touching, this brisk little story follows two brothers simply living their lives, an act that proves
8
CATS is an immeasurable, inscrutable, atrocious failure that I love.
