Thursday, October 1, 2015

Camino

A photojournalist chases the next assignment in the Columbian jungle, but when she sees something she shouldn't, she's forced to run for her life.

I'd heard that this film had generally bad reviews, but I don't see why.  The story is strong, as is the acting by stunt-woman nee star ZoĆ« Bell and director nee adversary Nacho Vigalondo.  The film is shot very dark, mostly at night in the jungle, but was effective at conveying the closed in world around Bell's character.  I enjoyed it.

Camino
2015, 104 minutes, directed by Josh C. Walker

Columbia, subtitled, outdoors, survival

Darling

The writer/director of this film tried to weave a creepy story of demonic worship and insanity, but his only tools were unnecessarily-loud dissonance and split second cuts to people screaming.  I liked his choice of black & white and to set the film in the '60s, but all I left with was a headache.

2015, 78 minutes, directed by Mickey Keating

horror, descent into madness

Assassination Classroom

A supersonic alien octopus destroys the moon, invades earth, and threatens to destroy the planet next year if he's not stopped first.  But, he's virtually invincible, so to make the fight fair he agrees to become teacher to a group of reject Japanese middle school kids, training them in math, science, and the art of assassination, so that one of them might be able to kill him in time to save the planet.

The style is very reminiscent of Battle League Horumo, what with the cartoonish big smiley head monster integrated into the school environment.  It's silly, and it doesn't really make logical sense, but it's really enjoyable fun.  Look for a sequel next year.

Assassination Classroom
2015, 110 minutes, directed by Eiichiro Hasumi

Japan, subtitled, alien, children, action, comedy

Sensoria

This ghost story is best described as a classic haunting, with poltergeist effects and ghost-behind-you inserts for mild shock value.  But it's a good story, well shot and acted, and worthy of a late-night screening with your spouse.

Sensoria
2015, 82 minutes, directed by Christian Hallman

Sweden, subtitled, ghost, shockfest