Cropsey

Documentaries don't usually fit into Fantastic Fest's lineup. But a documentary about an abandoned hospital where New York City used to dump its mental patients, and where a series of missing youth led to the conviction of a "drifter" and former hospital worker? Yeah, it's pretty good.

Cropsey
2009, 84 minutes, directed by Barbara Brancaccio and Joshua Zeman

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

This is good. You'll like it. Go see it. Thank you Terry. Thank you Heath.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
2009, 122 minutes, directed by Terry Gilliam

Truffe

When small furry creatures try to dominate the Montreal truffle industry, only one woman can stand in their way. The director's cut, only 65 minutes long, is tight and crisp, with the trance-induced plot elements woven into a traditional three-act play. I especially appreciated the black-and-white film, allowing contrast to dominate the cinematography.

Truffe
2008, 65 minutes, directed by Kim Nguyen

Buratino, Son of Pinocchio

"Whether you're made of wood or plastic, when love is in the air you make it for sure."

This kooky musical narrative of growing up on the wrong side of town is a modern whimsical fairy tale crafted as an Estonian/Russian co-production. It's light and buoyant in a fanciful world even when confronted with the grime and poverty of Badville.

Buratino, Son of Pinocchio
2009, 76 minutes, directed by Rasmus Merivoo

The Legend Is Alive

Day four. I skipped my first film of the morning to get a good night's sleep, clearing the headache that plagued me yesterday. I'll likely skip tonight's midnight feature as well, so I'll be truly rested and ready to go for more midnight madness during the week.

In this Vietnamese film, a young man struggles with his physical and mental difficulties, the loss of his mother, and his vow to live a peaceful life, all while faced with the harsh realities of human trafficking. It's a good story told well, but don't expect roaring action, as the protagonist strives to use his training only for self defense or to help those in danger. When action does arrive, it feels like it comes from the heart.

The Legend Is Alive
2009, 90 minutes, directed by Luu Huynh

The Revenant

I was so looking forward to this one as a new take on the undead outbreak. What happens when you find yourself a newly-minted walking dead, with full mental capabilities, but no idea what you are or what you can and cannot do? It starts great, continues strong, then just takes a turn down a path I don't favor and fades away.

The Revenant
2009, 118 minutes, directed by D. Kerry Prior

Yesterday

"I was myself yesterday. I don't know who I am now."

Check this out for an ultra-low-budget take on zombie outbreak. It could be epic - but they're just too stupid.

Yesterday
2009, 95 minutes, directed by Rob Grant