Restore Point (2023)
Directed by Robert Hloz this film stars Andrea Mohylova, Matej Hadek and Vaclav Neuzil. In 2041 a company can bring people back to life within 48 hours of their death.
Starting from an intriguing premise this film does not really go anywhere especially interesting with things. I would have like to have seen a much more dystopian version of this film rather than the same old neo noir type story. Fine for what it is but could have been more in my opinion.
3/5
Zombie Town (2023)
Directed by Peter Lepenitotis this film based on the novel of the same name stars Marlon Kazadi, Madi Monroe, Dan Aykroyd and Chevy Chase. A reclusive film maker has finally made a new zombie film and the whole town is excited.
You can see what this film is trying to do, in a rather simplistic and heavy handed way, it just not work. I assume this is intended for a young audience because it is pretty basic. Even the horror elements have been cleaned up for the kids.
2/5
Kottukkaali (2024)
Directed by P. S. Vinothraj this film stars Anna Ben, Soori and Jawahar Sakthi. Two families take a young woman to visit a seer in the hopes of getting rid of the evil spirits they believe are making her refuse to marry the man they have chosen for her.
A stark look at the darker side of arranged marriages. I really enjoyed the way the camera will just sit with a location or characters in this film, letting you drink in the moments. Thought provoking and well made, Anna Ben's eyes are haunting through out.
4/5
The Wizard, the Prince and the Good Fairy (1900)
Directed by Georges Melies this is an early short film. A prince is saved from the tricks of a wizard by a fairy.
Normally in folklore it is the fairies that are the tricksters so this film does invert expectations a little. The camera tricks and setting are pretty nice. Another solid entry from Melies.
3/5
The Court Martial at Rennes (1899)
Directed by Georges Melies this is an early short film. French officer Dreyfus is brought in front of a court martial.
Part of a larger series this short does not make much sense on its own or without understanding the historical context. It is a bit hard to pick up what is actually going on in the scene really. Not the best of early Melies.
2/5
Paradise (2023)
Directed by Prasanna Vithanage this film stars Roshan Mathew, Darshana Rajendran and Mahendra Perera. With the political situation in Sri Lanka at boiling point a couple on holiday are robbed.
I think this film does a good job of looking at the way tourists have more concern for their worldly possession than the places they visit. There is a really good undercurrent of class and the hold overs of colonialism. Dramatic and thought provoking.
4/5
The Microscopic Dancer (1902)
Directed by Georges Melies this is an early short film. A magician produces eggs from a man's mouth and some other tricks.
A combination of stage magic and camera tricks as is a lot of Melies's work. The short has a decent touch of humour to it. A nice back drop to the piece too.
3/5
