Reviews

Written, directed and produced by Tab Edwards, 'The Kingfish 2' is a 2024 feature that serves as a sequel to the TV pilot 'The Kingfish' released some years ago. Bringing back the same cast as the prequel, the film stars Xavier Edwards as X, Britt Starghill as Flip and Taylor Myrick as Bobby.

In Kingfish 2, X, Flip and Bobby return to follow another secretive box once again crossing paths with the Kingfish. Balancing love, sidequests and a whole lot of shenanigans, the trio will need all the help they can get if they are to succeed.

Considering the character work, the three protagonists feel more mature than when we last saw them. Xavier Edwards, Britt Starghill and Taylor Myrick bring a mature charisma this time around, showcasing how time and age have developed their characters as compared to when we last saw them. The supporting cast brings their A-game as well. The script, by Edwards, manages to infuse wit and character drama into the mix, ensuring that the story is developed organically.

From a technical aspect, Tab Edwards' direction is praiseworthy. Visually, the film soars way above the original and the top notch cinematography makes the feature a sight to behold. In the sound department, the background music is a good choice and it greatly aids the narrative pacing that Edwards manages to balance just right.

Thus, The Kingfish 2 is a solid feature that expands the story whilst exploring new avenues for our beloved characters. The film is funny and original and it features good performances encapsulated by a feel good story. Tab Edwards has thus succeeded in making a film that elevates the prequel whilst allowing the franchise to grow simultaneously.

Written and directed by Nicolle M. Whalen, 2022's Mind Altering Stories is an anthology film that stars Cristal Bubblin, Imani R. Green, Larry Greene and Jemel McWilliams.

Featuring three short stories that each subvert expectations, this anthology film is a creepy foray into scenarios that go too far, resulting in unexpected circumstances that will shock you.

The best thing about these stories is how original they are and how easily they manage to get under your skin. This is due to both fantastic writing and equally fantastic turns by the actors who manage to bring the script to life. The underlying theme in all three stories is non verbal communication and how it can result in totally unexpected scenarios that one never intended to take the conversation in.

The cinematography is stunning. From the lighting to the sets, everything aids the story. Equally impressive is the sound design that introduces a new level of creepiness. The direction is good and the fast pace keeps everything chugging along pretty quickly. Since the script is strong, the technical aspects of the production elevate the story, resulting in three short films that manage to impress in all aspects.

2022's Mind Altering Stories is therefore a tour de force in cinematic storytelling. The characters are fantastic, the stories shocking and the overall feel avante garde. Nicolle M. Whalen has created a work of art, one that works on multiple levels. It invites the viewers into its twisted world and then turns this world upside down. Highly recommended!

Written by Lorrisa Julianus and directed by C. J. Julianus, The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater is a feature length action comedy that stars Lorrisa Julianus, Mickey O'Sullivan, Shannon Brown and Molly Morgan. The film finds a struggling dominatrix forced to con a priest after being saddled with a massive loan. As the two reluctant protagonists are paired together, secrets come to light amidst an action packed globe trotting adventure.

The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater has several things going for it and one of these is actors that perfectly embody their characters. From Lorrisa Julianus who plays Ava Moriarty to Mickey O'Sullivan who plays Radovan, the film brings these fantastic characters to life in a way that feels both organic and fun. In addition, the outlandish premise of the film aids it, rather than working against it. The premise of a martial artist priest going up against Russians with the help of a dominatrix turned art historian would incite chuckles anywhere but kudos to the creative minds behind the project who approach the story in a way that embraces this weird fantasy instead of making fun of it directly. Yes, there is a lot of wit and humour in the film but it doesn't detract away from its emotional stakes.

In addition, it is in its writing that the film finds its strongest suite. Lorrisa Julianus, who both stars in the film and is credited as the sole writer for it, seems to know the action comedy genre inside out. Not only does she successfully manage to avoid the several tropes and cliches of this genre, she pushes the envelope in this regard; formulating a story that feels both fresh and exciting. Making up characters that we can both relate to and root for, Mrs. Julianus has made a rollicking adventure film, one that gets better as the film chugs along. The premise is interesting, the plot clever and the characters likeable and all of this makes for a story that makes us root for its protagonists.

A witty and unexpected tale of betrayal and love, The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater succeeds in a variety of unexpected ways. The writing is sharp, the actors are perfect and the underlying tension between the leads makes for some interesting twists and turns. C. J. Julianus has made a terrific film, one that mostly succeeds in its soaring ambitions to be a brisk, breezy genre hopping adventure.

Written and directed by Sangeet Prabhaker, 'Dinghy' is a drama short that stars Jack Bradley, Laura Bay and Faheem Hussain. The film chronicles the unexpected difficulties that a group of refugees encounter after reaching ashore a European coastline. Faced with unexpected danger, a game of mayhem ensues that ends in disastrous consequences for all.

I never expected a film featuring the European refugee crisis to be full of such monstrosity and gore and one would not put the two entirely different aspects together in any capacity. However, against all odds Dinghy works perfectly as it is; a mishmash of two completely unrelated genres that writer and director Sangeet Prabhaker aces in a glorious way. As the refugees descend on a European shore, one expects the locals to put up some resistance (as xenophobia and racism do indeed find a way to make themselves visible in such situations). However, what follows is completely unexpected. If Sangeet's intention was to horrify and surprise the audience, he succeeded and he did so with flying colours.

Amongst the film's strongest suites are the performances. From the actors portraying the refugees to those who play the natives, each performance is authentic and nuanced. AJ Jones and Laura Bay portray the crazy natives with zany energy whilst Faheem Hussain and Iman Borono authentically bring to light the refugees escaping the war back home. Their meeting is expectedly tense and what follows is a game of life and death that will have no winners.

Equally impressive in Dinghy are the makeup and the special effects. From the practical effects of the demon seemingly aiding and abetting the natives in engaging in an orgy of death and blood to the bloody and brutal violence that follows, the effects are what make the short what it is. Selling the outlandish nature of the story without fail, the effects are not only masterful; they are an important aspect of the story itself. In addition, the narrative pacing and the editing are also top notch and there is not a single dull moment in the entire film.

In addition, it is the work of cinematographer Deane Thrussel that gives the story it's zany energy. Combining fast paced drone shots with facial closeups to replicate the chase of a thrill, Thrussel uses a variety of visual techniques to depict the desperate fight for their lives that the refugees find themselves in. The sound mixing and sound editing also impress and the whole audiovisual aspect of the production succeeds in every way imaginable.

Violent, unexpected and wholly original, Dinghy is a short that will stay with you long after it has ended. Featuring a different take on the refugee crisis that has come to Europe's shores after wars in the Middle East and North Africa, the film will shock you to your core. Featuring a resonant central story, good acting and fantastic special effects, Dinghy is a film that succeeds in more ways than one and is a commendable effort from Sangeet Prabhaker.

Directed by the duo of Saint Martin and Tab Edwards, The Kingfish is a 19 minute film that stars Xavier Edwards, Taylor Myrick, Britt Starghill, Jordan Webber and others. Billed as a television comedy, the pilot follows the adventures of three Philadelphia based teens who find themselves navigating a series of difficult situations that they find themselves in.

The pilot follows X, Bobby and Flip (played by Xavier Edwards, Taylor Myrick and Britt Starghill) who decide to go to North Philadelphia on a whim. In pursuit of a package whose contents are not known, the trio will cross paths with shady individuals, some of whom have nefarious designs as well. The adventure gets a bit tricky as the trio is forced to use both their brains and their wit to survive.

In an endless landscape of comedy films and pilots, The Kingfish is an interesting project that has a lot going for it. The story is organic and the central McGuffin, the mysterious box, is used intelligently to further the plot in creative ways. The leads are likeable and there is not a single dull moment in the entire film. Some of the more tense moments could have been further fleshed out but this is a minor complaint when looking at the overarching picture. The fact is that the story works and it works pretty well.

In the acting department, the three leads; Xavier Edwards, Britt Starghill and Taylor Myrick all do a wonderful job of bringing their characters to life. Tapping into their energetic charm, the trio work well as a gang of teens who use wit, humour and sharp thinking to get ahead of every possible obstacle that could come their way. The antagonists played by Keron Morton and Omar Long are equally impressive and provide significant competition to the protagonists during the course of the story. In addition, the technical aspects of the production are fantastic as well with the editing, cinematography and music all working in tandem to create a fantastic adventure.

The Kingfish does a good job of laying the groundwork for what is sure to be a whole season of the adventures of X, Bobby and Flip. With likeable leads, adventure and wit, The Kingfish finds a way to make itself distinct from most of the comedy fare out there and manages to succeed in more ways than one.

Written and directed by James Pratt, Malibu Crush finds two young men on a journey to stop the wedding of an ex-girlfriend in Australia. A fun ride from start to finish, Malibu Crush is the perfect film for a slow Saturday evening or when you need to disengage from the world. The premise is exciting, the characters are lively and there is enough fun and adventure in the story to keep you hooked for the entire duration of the film.

Set in the same vibe as The Hangover or EuroTrip, I was surprised to be entertained this much by the film. It's straightforward, hilarious and a refreshing change of pace compared to the 'funny films' of this day and age. James Pratt and Billy White as the klutzy duo are great, and Bella Valentini as Emma is a breath of fresh air. Yuan Lin who plays Tiffany has some funny scenes with her father as well who has come to Los Angeles to visit his daughter.

The 78 minute film thoroughly entertains and by the end the chaos and drama surrounding the wedding reaches a towering crescendo in the third act. 10/10.

Co-written by Marcus D. Spencer and Eduardo Castrillo and directed by Marcus D. Spencer, 'Who Needs It?' is a feature length comedy drama that stars Michael Grayson, Sherill Quinn, Felix Harry and Spencer himself.

Marcus D. Spencer plays Kieth D Real, a therapist who helps couples get to the root of their problems. When three different couples come to him for help, Real will find his hands full and as secrets are revealed and passions rekindled, will Real be able to help them as much as he wants them to?

'Who needs it?' approaches race in an interesting way and showcases three distinct ways how modern African American men approach cohabitation and love. From marrying into a Caucasian family, to marrying single mothers to financial issues; the film presents distinct problems facing African American couples and comes up with novel ways of handling these issues.

In the acting department, the star of the show is Spencer himself. Not only does he bring a charm and gravitas to the role, he is the linchpin on which the entire story rests. The rest of the cast, rounded out by Michael Grayson, Sherill Quinn, Felix Harry and others does a nice job of bringing their characters to life. The dialogue heavy script not only fleshes out the characters but also throws in realisations about relationships and life itself. This makes the entire endeavour worthwhile.

Spencer's direction is great as he brings his own co-written script to life in the most meaningful way imaginable. The story moves along at a potent pace as the narrative pacing and editing ensure that there is not a single dull moment in the entire film. In regards to the cinematography, the aerial shots at the start of the film set a nice tone for the story as the rest of the film mostly takes place in one single room.

Therefore, to conclude, 'Who Needs It?' is a light, funny comedy that will not only entertain you but also make you think about therapy and couples counselling. The characters are great, the wit is sharp and the feel good nature of the story works in more ways than one. Marcus D. Spencer's comedy drama ticks all the right boxes and is a perfect watch for a slow Saturday evening.

Tense, gripping and bloody; John Real's zombie apocalypse drama 'Feel the Dead' pits an unsuspecting American family on vacation against hordes of flesh eating zombies in an adventure that will keep you glued to the edge of your seat. Taking cues from the renaissance of the zombie genre in recent memory, Real spares no expense in delivering a bloody spectacle, one that is marked with twists and turns at every corner. Estella Warren is fantastic and both Sabrina Culver and William McNamara give moving performances that elevate the story. The six episode season is not afraid to thrust its protagonists into life and death situations and as the story progresses, the mystery regarding the zombie epidemic slowly reveals itself as the protagonists cross paths with a variety of both allies and unsavoury characters in the pursuit of survival. John Real ensures that well written characters and absolutely terrifying zombies propel the story forward and what follows is a tense journey of survival and gore as flesh eating monstrosities go on an unstoppable rampage of violence and terror. With gritty cinematography, fantastic special effects and a heartfelt story at its core, 'Feel the Dead' is a win by any measure of success and a worthy addition to the zombie genre.

Written and directed by Nizar Nassar, 'Yesod' is a science fiction short film that stars Tarek Bob and Nermin Habib.

The film follows an unnamed protagonist in a desolate landscape who survives in a hideout below ground to escape from the harsh environment above. On one such expedition foraging for food and survivors, the protagonist comes across a female sub-human. The discovery of another human ensues chaos and what the protagonist chooses to do from here onwards will define if he lives or dies in the hostile environment.

Yesod is a great film from all aspects. From the actors to the makeup and from the cinematography to its dialogue absent narrative, the film has all the ingredients needed to make a resonant, well rounded story.

Utilising minimal exposition and dialogue, Nassar chooses instead to make the audience explore the world through the protagonist's actions. This approach works wonders as it enables intrigue right upto the very end and transports the audience into the main character's shoes as he tries to survive in this very hostile world. It is creative choices such as these that elevate the film substantially.

From a visual perspective, the film is absolutely stunning. From the above ground desolate landscape to the underground sets, each visual aspect of the production rivals any well funded Hollywood production. In addition, the sound mixing and sound editing are also impressive, helping to fully immerse the audience into the hostile and desolate world that the story takes place in.

Beautifully shot, expertly paced and full of intrigue, Yesod is a cool little scifi gem that is way better than it has any right to be. Nizar Nassar has created an absolutely gorgeous science fiction marvel, one that utilises minimal dialogue to tell an expansive story that bursts out of its canvas and soars into the sky.

Created and written by Victoria Lauren and directed by Rickey Boyd, Planet Blue: Journey to Eco is a multiple award winning animated short film that showcases the voice talents of Kerry Butler, Buddy Dyer, Luke Drewell, Rickey Boyd and the creator Victoria Lauren.

With their home, the rainforest, smouldering and bare after devastating wildfires; Wizard the Blue Dart Frog, Toucan Petey and Blinky the Tree Frog undertake a magical adventure to find their friend Frazzie the monkey. This journey takes these cute animals to outer space where Planet Blue and Sunny Sun spin through the galaxy. Together, the friends hatch a plan to save the rainforest and the world from a climate catastrophe.

Planet Blue: Journey to Eco is for family audiences and as a prelude to several more shorts and feature films in the franchise, it gets a lot right. The visuals are attractive, the voice actors fantastic and there is a discernible push to get the kids involved in saving the planet. Films made for social messaging often get preachy but this short thankfully manages to avoid the complexities and pitfalls that often come with such an approach. Lauren and Boyd have thus made a cool animated short, one that manages to introduce the characters and sets the course for future adventures all in a slick time of five minutes.

Perhaps the most stunning thing about this film is how clean the CGI looks. The anthropomorphic animals look photorealistic and their natural movements (in line with how their real life counterparts would behave) show the level of detail that the visual artists have managed to infuse into these characters. This adds a layer of realism that makes the film even better.

Every film ultimately boils down to its message and the message here is clear: save the rainforests or the planet gradually wilts away. Walking amongst the burning remains of the forest, the main characters discuss their next plan of action. Utilising both the detailed sets and the witty dialogue, the filmmakers not only display the urgency of acting upon mitigating climate change but manage to convey the risks as well if the planet is not saved in time.

Perfect for inspiring children to apprise them of the importance of saving our rainforests, Planet Blue: Journey to Eco is a win in more ways than one. Not only does it have a resonant central message but its colourful characters and stunning CGI will make this short an instant hit amongst young audiences who will be both awed and inspired by this effort. Victoria Lauren and Ricky Boyd have created a film that hits it out of the park in more ways than one and acts as a solid foundation for the expansion of the franchise.

Created by Adam Barta who also appears as one of its stars, #TheDish is a short comedy feature that stars Debbie Gibson, Daya Betty, Adam Barta, June Shannon and others.

The plot goes as follows. "Mama June" Shannon journeys to the Treasure Coast to help wannabe TV star, Adam Barta, seize the opportunity of a lifetime. However, standing in the way of this plan are two vengeful frenemies: Tan Mom and Cynthia Beaumont, a rich widow. As lines are drawn and characters collide, who will come out on top is anyone's guess.

The best thing about #TheDish is its characters and its comedy. The makers have really created the most outlandish caricatures and then employed them in the most ridiculous manner possible. The end result is a product that is, for the lack of a better word, insanely funny and entertaining as the makers pull out all the stops to create a story that hits all the right notes.

Funny, satirical and above all self-aware, #TheDish is television at its best. From quirky hijinks to crazy characters, this television show has it all. Adam Barta and his team have made a show that hits all the right notes whilst making sure that the audience is not bored for a single moment of it all. #TheDish is therefore a winner that succeeds in more ways than one.

We give the feature a rating of four out of five.

Directed by Ricky Burchell, One More Dream (2022) is a coming of age drama that hits all the right notes. David Rand plays Jeremy, a high school teen struggling with adolescence, friendship and romance whilst navigating the various pitfalls of high school life. There is a sense of authenticity in the film, one that has been very hard to capture in recent teen dramas. Burchell has captured the essence of adolescent life perfectly, populating the story with characters that are both relatable and funny and rounding out the story with a message that will resonate with all audiences.

A feel good story that will stay with you long after it has ended, One More Dream is subtle in its messaging and emotional at its core. Full of heart and positive energy, the film tackles the problems that the youth of today face in a unique way. The characters are lively, the story heartfelt and the acting superb. Director Ricky Burchell has made a banger of a film, one that will resonate with the youth through its theme of strength, camaraderie and friendship. I am not ashamed to admit that I loved every bit of it.

A deep dive into the relationship of poverty and mega cities, Still Human is a highly informative documentary by David Albert Habif. With help from various experts, Habif goes into depth regarding a variety of issues, prying open the various complications and contrivances that ensure poverty remains haunting us without any meaningful solution to the problem itself.

The narrative voice-over is on point and the striking visuals ensure the audience realise the gravity of the situation at hand. Comparing Mumbai to Los Angeles, Habif not only illustrates the different ways in which poverty manifests in first and third world countries but also shows how greed, corruption and blatant apathy results in dysfunction in two of the world's biggest economies.

Putting front and centre the scale of human catastrophe, Habif apprises the severity of the problem at hand and how this unchecked human catastrophe breeds a multitude of problems that then threaten security and stability of the entire region. The two hour documentary is packed with both data and interviews, providing a much needed informed perspective on the entire issue. One shortcoming that may be noted is the film's narrative pace. The pace lags in parts and some brisk editing here and there could have made the entire production a little better in terms of its message conveyance.

Thought provoking and poignant, Still Human tackles the demons of poverty flawlessly. Using both interviews from experts and vivid animations, the film moves to give the audience a sprawling birds eye view of how poverty shackles the human spirit and ultimately prevents us from living to our potential. The film is both impactful and informational and should be mandatory viewing for any individual looking to dive deep into a megacity's various problems.

Directed by Ross Holman, Memory Lane (2022) stars Bianca Holman, Ross Holman and Steven Wilkins. A science fiction adventure shot in B-movie style, the film finds its protagonist, Arcadia Smith, who discovers he can travel both into the past and future which leads him to relive and recalibrate his life.

Holman, who both directs and stars in the production, balances both roles pretty nicely. With the weight of the entire narrative on his shoulders, Holman approaches both his character and the production with a form of B-movie energy that is perfect for the tone of the story. Fabulous directing aside, Holman brings his zany energy to his characters as well; charting an illustrious story that takes the audience down a path of timeless adventure.

With interesting and quirky characters introduced throughout the narrative, the film keeps things moving along nicely. From the costumes to the dialogues, every character has a different flair to him or her that speaks to the level of dedication and complexity that the makers wanted to infuse in the production. Of particular note are the sets where Holman has made effective use of both green screen and real locations to shoot the various skits in the story. One particular locale that pops on the screen is the green hillside where the conclusion of the film takes place. Furthermore, the interspersed footage of the protagonist's past also invokes some much needed depth in the story and makes the protagonist more relatable to the audience.

Running at just over an hour, Memory Lane (2022) has just enough action and adventure to satiate everyone. It is obvious that the production is a labour of love by its makers who have tried to make the very best film possible within the creative and fiscal limitations handed to them. Although this is very much in the realm of a student film, the technical choices in regards to editing and narrative structure are very much in the vicinity of a Hollywood level production.

To sum up, Memory Lane puts Ross Holman on the map, illustrating his gifts as both a visual artist and an avant garde filmmaker who will go to the edges of what is possible to bring the most unique film ever made. It is fairly obvious that Holman has a terrific future ahead of him and we can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

A solid thriller that is not only well made but also keeps you on your toes, Black Site stars Michel Monaghan, Jason Clarke and Jai Courtney. The acting is fantastic, the action is well choreographed and there is a foreboding sense of doom peppered throughout the narrative, ready to burst at any moment. While narratively, the film may tread familiar beats, the execution is anything but; resulting in a satisfying film that impresses.

I am seriously impressed after finishing this movie. The acting is potent, the story is complex and the narrative flows smoothly. The cast really gives it their all, and it shows. I loved the sound design as well. However, the thing I am most impressed with is how the makers behind the project weaved a complex issue into the overarching narrative. Visually crackling and action packed, this is one movie that made quite a mark on me.

I must admit that I was put off by the trailer but gave the film a chance regardless. Pleased to say that I wasn't disappointed. The film is a rollicking adventure that mixes fun and comedy, transforming into something crazy by the end. Not only did I love it but I recommended it to all of my friends.

Running at a brisk 80 minutes, Wu Xia 2 the Code is an extremely entertaining martial arts film with a scifi twist. Our ragtag group of heroes take on a shadowy organization who will stop at nothing to attain ultimate power by taking control of a mysterious artifact. With awe-inspiring stunts, a pulsating score and a thrilling narrative, Wu Xia 2 ticks all the right boxes. The film is, in essence, an 80 minute action packed ride filled to the brim with extreme stunts and crazy action sequences. The film is elevated by perfectly casted actors whose chemistry meshes together very well and all this is held together by a script that not only allows the actors moments of great levity but also lets them showcase their acting chops. All in all, Wu Xia 2 the Code is an extremely entertaining film that is well worth your time.

I started viewing this film for thrill and excitement as the film marketed itself as a thriller set in a jungle. What I found instead was 90 minutes of garbage with wooden actin and useless subplots that led to nowhere. A complete waste of time. Shame!