A.I. Artificial Intelligence
Started by Stanley Kubrick and finished by Steven Spielberg, this project was adapted from Brian Aldiss’s 1966 short story “Super-Toys Last All Summer Long.” The film explores the idea of programming a child robot so that he is able to love.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“Pure magic, a three-act movie fantasy that transports us — as the best films do — to a world of its own, a place of ambiguous joy and delirious terror.” – Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune
“(Spielberg) tells the story slowly and films it with lucid, mesmerizing objectivity, creating a mood as layered, dissonant and strange as John Williams’s unusually restrained, modernist score.” – Dana Stevens, New York Times
“A film that might make you cry watching it that is just as likely to give you the creeps thinking about it afterward, which is as it should be.” – Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
Available on Kanopy.
Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets
A look at the final moments of a Las Vegas dive bar called ‘The Roaring 20s’.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“The most important thing is that it is genuinely great, a singular and moving glimpse of loneliness, community and finding the strength to face another day.” – Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times
“By the time that the sun is up and Peggy Lee is singing “Is That All There Is?”, Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets has proven to be an impressively affecting and even slightly tragic piece about the homes away from home that provide comfort, as well as just how fleeting that comfort can feel in the bright light of day.” – Chris Barsanti, The Playlist
“Fiction, I’d argue, best captures the universal, while documentary—like journalism—details the specific. If Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets is a singular achievement, it’s in the way the movie manages to do a little bit of both.” – Josh Larsen, Larsen On Film
Available on Kanopy.
Earwig and the Witch
Growing up in an orphanage in the British countryside, Earwig has no idea that her mother had magical powers. Her life changes dramatically when a strange couple takes her in, and she is forced to live with a selfish witch. As the headstrong young girl sets out to uncover the secrets of her new guardians, she discovers a world of spells and potions, and a mysterious song that may be the key to finding the family she has always wanted.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“If pitted against other entertainment aimed at young viewers with much less panache, Earwig and the Witch wins, at least in conceptual adventurousness. Even if far from being top-tier Ghibli, it’s not without its fantastical pleasures.” – Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times
“Fans should give this film a chance, if only to hear Richard E. Grant’s voice work. It is a delightful variation on a theme of Alice in Wonderland/Tabitha the Teenage Witch.” – James Verniere, Boston Herald
“The film marks a new chapter for Studio Ghibli that opens it up to innovation as a new decade begins, and after watching Earwig and the Witch, fans of the studio will be eager for whatever projects come next.” – Megan Peters, ComicBook.com
Available on Hoopla.
Hearts and Bones
War photographer Daniel Fisher (Hugo Weaving) has returned home to the news of his wife’s pregnancy. Determined not to let fatherhood alter his way of life, he begins preparations for an upcoming exhibition and his next overseas assignment. However, as the birth of his child draws near he struggles to keep his rising anxiety hidden. Meanwhile, South Sudanese refugee Sebastian Aman (Andrew Luri) has created a safe life in Australia with his wife and child. His peaceful life is disturbed when Daniel’s exhibition threatens to display photographs of a massacre that occurred in Sebastian’s home village 15 years earlier. When Sebastian approaches Daniel with an appeal to not display any images of the massacre, an unlikely friendship develops between the two men that challenges Daniel’s creative control and unearths disturbing details surrounding Sebastian’s past.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“An intimate film tackling an expansive subject — the treatment of refugees around the globe, and the way the world processes the traumas that lead to such urgent, widespread immigration — this is a poignant and morally complex drama.” – Sarah Ward, Screen Daily
“The intuitive selection of the four leads, and their complex, perceptive playing of the material, is a credit to Lawrence’s deft direction of both veteran and non-professional talent.” – Eddie Cockrell, Variety
“While the film has some heartfelt exchanges of kinship and empathy, however, it is also punctuated by moments of abject despair. This is crucial to a core message that moves beyond the healing power of art towards the entitlement those who make it possess and those who serve as their subjects don’t.” – Jared Mobarak, The Film Stage
Available on Hoopla.
For Sama
For Sama is both an intimate and epic journey into the female experience of war. A love letter from a young mother to her daughter, the film tells the story of Waad al-Kateab’s life through five years of the uprising in Aleppo, Syria as she falls in love, gets married and gives birth to Sama, all while cataclysmic conflict rises around her. Her camera captures incredible stories of loss, laughter and survival as Waad wrestles with an impossible choice– whether or not to flee the city to protect her daughter’s life, when leaving means abandoning the struggle for freedom for which she has already sacrificed so much.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“From five years-worth of footage, al-Kateab constructs a narrative of astonishing humanity, clarity and urgency, capturing a global outrage from the perspective of the human and individual.” – Christopher Machell, Cinevue
“What a talent Waad is. For Sama is a film made with the instincts of a journalist, the passion of a revolutionary and the beating heart of a mother.” – G. Allen Johnson, San Francisco Chronicle
“Simple in concept and shattering in execution, blending hard-headed reportage with unguarded personal testimony, it’s you-are-there cinema of the most literal order.” – Guy Lodge, Variety
Available on Kanopy.
How I Live Now
Daisy (Saoirse Ronan), an American teenager, is sent to stay with relatives in the English countryside. Initially withdrawn and alienated, she begins to warm up to her charming surroundings, and strikes up a romance with the handsome Edmund (George MacKay). But on the fringes of their idyllic summer days are tense news reports of an escalating conflict in Europe. As the UK falls into a violent, chaotic military state, Daisy finds herself hiding and fighting to survive.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“Tender, humane, and searing, How I Live Now stands as something all too rare: a movie about young people that young people may love — but not one that lies to them, and not one built for them alone.” – Alan Scherstuhl, Village Voice
“In a movie without adults, the children are spontaneous and natural. And Ms. Ronan is captivating throughout.” – Rex Reed, Observer
“It’s strong stuff, and the actors are fully up to it.” – Glenn Kenny, RogerEbert.com
Available on Kanopy.
Coda
A famous pianist struggling with stage fright late in his career finds inspiration with a free-spirited music critic.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“A deliberately paced and stealthily involving saunter through familiar territory.” – Joe Leydon, Variety
“An intelligent, sensitive charmer…” – Daily Mail
“Coda is a great-looking film, filled with dagger-sharp dialogue, wonderful performances and, as you’d expect, a wondrous and heavenly score, courtesy of Bach and Beethoven, Chopin and Schubert.” – Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times
Available on Kanopy.
Galaxy Quest
Nearly twenty years after their hit TV seriers was canceled, the five stars of Galaxy Quest are still in costume, making appearances at science fiction conventions for their legions of die-hard fans. They unexpectedly find themselves back in action when a group of aliens arrive at a convention and whisk Commander Taggart (Allen) and his crew into space to help them in their all-too-real war against a deadly adversary.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“More than one joke or one idea. It’s a thoroughly satisfying comedy –and a respectable space adventure, as well.” – Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
“A fast, loose, and very funny parody that pulls off the not-so-simple feat of tweaking Trekkies and honoring them.” – Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly
“An affectionate, often clever and unflaggingly funny satire.” – Jonthan Foreman, New York Post
Available on Kanopy.
Nico, 1988
Nico, 1988 follows the singer-songwriter, approaching 50, leading a solitary existence in Manchester, far from her 60s glam days as a Warhol superstar and celebrated vocalist for cult band The Velvet Underground. Her life and career on the fringes, Nico’s new manager Richard convinces her to hit the road again and tour Europe to promote her latest album. Struggling with her demons and the consequences of a muddled life, she longs to rebuild a relationship with her son, whose custody she lost long ago. A brave and uncompromising musician, Nico’s story is the story of a rebirth: of an artist, a mother, and the woman behind the icon.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“In Dyrholm, Nicchiarelli found the ideal partner to bring to life such an iconic figure. The Danish actress channels Christa’s larger than life presence, her sardonic charm, and most surprising of all: her singing voice.” – Jose Solís, The Film Stage
“It’s a posthumous gift to Päffgen. Even her death, shown here as Nico leaving her house on a sunny Ibiza day, bike in hand and a colorful door closing behind her, is presented with a sense of grace. Nicciarelli spares us nothing but still gives her dignity on the way out.” – David Fear, Rolling Stone
“Nico, 1988 offers all I want from this kind of movie: a sense of what time with someone unknowable might have been like.” – Alan Scherstuhl, Village Voice
Available on Kanopy.
All At Sea
Retired sailor Wally and best friend Skipper are residents of a retirement home run by Ms. Reimark. When Skipper dies, Wally vows to honor his promise to bury his friend at sea. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have a coffin, boat or anyone to conduct the service. Wally takes fellow residents on a madcap adventure to carry out the burial before Ms. Reimark puts an end to his daring scheme.
Description provided by Rotten Tomatoes.
“This Norwegian-set black comedy will delight fans of oldies behaving badly tales like Waking Ned Devine.” – James Croot, Stuff.co.nz
Available on Hoopla.
My Name is Emily
A teenage girl runs away from a foster home with the boy who loves her. She searches for her visionary writer father who is locked up in a psychiatric institution. It is a story of redemption.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“My Name Is Emily gets lighter as it goes along, releasing tension and pretension for a pleasant, routine ride.” – Serena Donadoni, Village Voice
“The winsome Lynch, narrating her story and irresistibly (to Auden) poker-faced in her dealings with the outside world, makes a heroine worth knowing and following to the ends of Ireland, with or without a wand.” – Roger Moore, Movie Nation
“My Name is Emily is touching in its depiction of the irrepressible bonds of family and funny in its relating of being a socially awkward, weird teenager. It mourns loss but ultimately celebrates life.” – Deirdre Molumby, Film Ireland
Available on Kanopy.
Journey To the West
Young demon hunter Xuan Zang, fearlessly guided by his belief in “giving himself for the greater cause”, risks everything and conquers a water demon, a pig demon and the demon of all demons, Sun Wukong. He embraces them as his disciples, and melts them with love. Meanwhile, Xuan Zang discovers the true meaning of Greater Love himself. In order to atone for their own sins and save the common people, the four of them embark on a journey to the West that’s full of challenges.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“Chow’s specialty is over-the-top slapstick action in the Hong Kong style, and the new film doesn’t disappoint on either count.” – Marc Mohan, The Oregonian
“Chow is at his best when juggling disparate elements – tragedy, slapstick, romance, melancholy, fantasy. Everything is big with him; he seems incapable of underplaying anything. The crazier his movies, the better. And Journey to the West might be the craziest thing he’s done yet. You may wonder, afterwards, if you dreamt it all.” – Bilge Ebiri, Vulture
“Showcases Chow at his weirdest and most entertaining.” – Ignatiy Vishnevetsky, A.V. Club
Available on Kanopy.
Someone, Somewhere
Two lonely neighbors would be perfect for each other if only they could overcome their individual hang-ups and stop substituting computer screens for real connections.
Description provided by Rotten Tomatoes.
“Klapisch’s rejoinder depicts the tragic irony staring down today’s young people: the world is at our fingertips, but genuine connection always feels just out of reach.” – Marshall Shaffer, Vague Visages
“[Director Cédric] Kaplisch draws a dramatic pirouette consisting of deconstructing one of romantic cinema’s recurring and inevitable moments.” – Rubén Romero Santos, Cinemanía
“This romantic drama/comedy of two lonely people who live so close, but never quite meet is as simple and sweet as it is clever and sad.” – Paula Farmer, Culture Vulture
Available on Kanopy.
Tiger Raid
Two cold-blooded mercenaries form a dark bond as they travel through the deserts of Iraq.
Description provided by Rotten Tomatoes.
“Dixon has presented a feature that could well signal the start of a prosperous career in film.” – Stefan Pape, HeyUGuys
“Some superbly stylish flourishes make this a promising calling card for debut director Simon Dixon.” – Ali Catterall, Total Film
“Brian Gleeson and Damien Molony play off each other fantastically…” – Andrew Marshall, Starburst
Available on Kanopy.
Red Cliff
Red Cliff opens as power hungry Prime Minister-turned-General Cao Cao seeks permission from the Han dynasty Emperor to organize a southward-bound mission designed to crush the two troublesome warlords who stand in his way, Liu Bei and Sun Quan. As the expedition gets underway, Cao Cao’s troops rain destruction on Liu Bei’s army, forcing him into retreat. Liu Bei’s military strategist Zhuge Liang knows that the rebels’ only hope for survival is to form an alliance with rival warlord Sun Quan, and reaches out to Sun Quan’s trusted advisor, war hero Zhou Yu. Vastly outnumbered by Cao Cao’s brutal, fast-approaching army, the warlords band together to mount a heroic campaign – unrivaled in history – that changes the face of China forever. A massive hit in Asia and the most expensive Asian film production of the time, Red Cliff is a breathtaking war epic that marks the triumphant return of John Woo.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“Anyone who enjoys stylized hyper-violence should be enthralled by this long, sweeping, murderously vivid dramatization of ancient Chinese warfare, circa A.D. 208.” – Amy Biancolli, San Francisco Chronicle
“The immensity encompasses such variety, subtlety and intimacy that you may find yourself yearning for more.” – Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal
“This is magnificent filmmaking, and a magnificent film.” – Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer
Available on Kanopy.
Forever My Girl
Country music super-star Liam Page (Alex Roe) left his bride, Josie (Jessica Rothe), at the altar choosing fame and fortune instead. However, Liam never got over Josie, his one true love, nor did he ever forget his Southern roots in the small community where he was born and raised. When he unexpectedly returns to his hometown for the funeral of his high school best friend, Liam is suddenly faced with the consequences of all that he left behind.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“The story is resolved a bit too easily, but that works for the world of the film, which is sanded down, buffed out, a bucolic, Steel Magnolias-inspired fantasy land of wide front porches, charming flower shops and the mega-famous rock stars that wander into them.” – Katie Walsh, Chicago Tribune
“It’s difficult to entirely resist the film’s heartwarming portrait of decent people who genuinely care for each other and strive to do the right thing.” – Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter
“Jessica Rothe is wonderfully expressive as the female lead in this country music infused romance from writer-director Bethany Ashton Wolf. Better than recent Nicolas Sparks films.” – James Verniere, Boston Herald
Available on Hoopla.
Maze
Based on the true story of the 1983 mass breakout of 38 IRA prisoners from HMP Maze high-security prison in Northern Ireland. As Larry Marley (Tom Vaughan-Lawlor), the chief architect of the escape, schemes his way towards pulling off this feat, he comes into contact with prison warder, Gordon Close (Barry Ward). Initially Larry and Gordon are confirmed enemies, born on opposite sides of Northern Ireland’s political divide, but when Larry realizes that Gordon may be unwittingly useful for his escape plan, a slow seduction begins. Larry intends to use and manipulate Gordon in order to get closer to his goal but what follows is a tense, and intriguing drama in which an unlikely relationship is forged between two enemies that will have far reaching consequences for both of them.
Description provided by Metacritic.
“When you add in the tip-top tension created by the legendary break itself, not to mention the verisimilitude of shooting in a recently decommissioned prison, you end up with a small film with an impressive impact. Those who take a chance on Maze will not be disappointed.” – Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
“Yet underneath the plotting and internecine tussles of the would-be escapees lurks something much more interesting: the story of a seduction.” – Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times
“It’s an intelligent, well-done pic whose restraint can be commended.” – Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter
Available on Kanopy.
Hawk & Rev: Vampire Slayers
Philip “HAWK” Hawkins doesn’t just dream about killing vampires – He eats, sleeps, drinks and freakin’ breaths it. After getting kicked out the Army for staking a fellow soldier with a blunt two by four, Hawk almost dies of boredom working as a night security guard in his hometown of Santa Muerte, California – USA. Just when it looks like all Hawk’s options in life have expired, filthy blood-sucking vampires appear and of course – nobody freakin’ believes him. With his back up against the wall, his sweaty Karate Kid headband on and hordes of murderous vampires closing in, Hawk enlists the help of the one person who kind of believes him – Revson “REV” McCabe, a dimwitted, vegan-pacifist groundskeeper. Together they join forces to save the whole entire freakin’ world. Well, at least their hometown anyway.
Description provided by IMDb.
“Equal parts insanity and homage, Hawk & Rev: Vampire Slayers takes audiences on a fast-paced, Edgar Wright-influenced adventure… pure culty fun from the soundtrack to the story to the style itself.” – Josiah Teal, Film Threat
“[A] raunchy, silly, and often endearing story of blood, buds, and redemption.” – Zach Murphree, Horror Geek Life
“Call me crazy. Call me whatever you want, but it is my firm belief that the world is in desperate need of writer/director Ryan Barton Grimley’s Hawk & Rev: Vampire Slayers, a twisted take on supernatural blood-shedding.” – Loron Hays, Reel Reviews
Available on Hoopla.
Nina of the Woods
A meditative new take on the thriller genre that follows Nina, an aspiring actress, after she agrees to lend her “local authenticity” to a supernatural reality TV show filming in the tiny town she left as a young child. She and the tiny documentary crew follow an enigmatic guide deep into a labyrinthine forest, where they seem to encounter an ancient, hypnotic force that locks the team under a subtle spell.
Description provided by IMDb.
“[An] inspired and intriguing psychological horror/sci-fi film that pulls you in with its honest and unabridged portrayal of a struggling actor.” – Audrey Callerstrom, MovieJawn
“The film recreates the unease that comes with facing the inexplicable, and does so artfully but simply.” – Derek McCaw, Fanboy Planet
Available on Hoopla.
Standby
Alan (Brian Gleeson) works at the Tourist Information Desk in Dublin Airport. Alice (Jessica Paré) is an American on standby in the airport. Eight years ago, Alan and Alice had a romance that ended badly. Now every hotel room in Dublin is booked. Despite initial frostiness Alan offers Alice a room in his house to stay the night. As they will spend the evening getting to know each other again, both will tell lies about how well the last eight years have gone, gradually coming to realize that perhaps they are more compatible than they ever were before.
Description provided by Metacritic.
“Standby brings a breath of fresh air to the rom-com genre and leaves on it a decisively Irish stamp. A must watch.” – Ellen Murray, Film Ireland
“A sweet little movie that will have you rooting for the leads and stay with you once they’ve moved on.” – Doug Whelan, Irish Independent
“Ok, you can guess how it’ll end – but getting there is a delight.” – Philip Kemp, Total Film
Available on Kanopy.
Eden Lake
Primary school teacher Jenny and her boyfriend Steve head out of London for a weekend at a beautiful secluded lake. However, when the couple encounter a rowdy and volatile group of teenagers, the romantic trip takes a sinister and deadly turn…
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“Seriously bloody horrible in every particular, and uncompromisingly bleak to the very end, this looks to me like the best British horror film in years: nasty, scary and tight as a drum.” – Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian
“You don’t watch it, you survive it. A battering experience, and the hardest Brit horror in years.” – Simon Crook, Empire
“As a thriller, Eden Lake absolutely works, but feel-good entertainment it isn’t. Don’t bring a date.” – Luke Y. Thompson, LA Weekly
Available on Hoopla.
Grizzly II: Revenge
All hell breaks loose when a 15-ft grizzly bear, reacting to the slaughter of her cub by poachers, seeks revenge and kills anyone that gets in her way. In the 3 days before the major concert taking place in Yellowstone National Park, the gigantic grizzly has brutally attacked campers Ron (George Clooney), Tina (Laura Dern) and Lance (Charlie Sheen), poachers and a park ranger. The terror doesn’t end there as the giant grizzly bear finds its way to the concert grounds to go on a killing spree.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“Grizzly II: Revenge gets off to an attention grabbing start when George Clooney, Laura Dern and Charlie Sheen get eaten by a 15 foot grizzly bear in the opening moments of the film.” – Niall Browne, Movies in Focus
“[In] the annals of ‘All-time Great Bad Movies’, where earnest acting in the service of unspeakable dialogue is prized, Grizzly 2: Revenge gains immediate respect.” – Simon Foster, Screen-Space
“It’s just an awful and ridiculous and clumsily edited B-movie mostly of interest because of the name cast, an insanely horrible concert within the film — and the incredible back story about the making of Grizzly II, which could be great material for a fictional adaptation a la Argo or The Big Short or American Hustle.” – Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times
Available on Hoopla.
The Motel Life
Based on the popular novel by Willy Vlautin, The Motel Life is a searing and profound examination of brotherhood set in the timeless Sierra Nevadan frontier, starring Stephen Dorff, Emile Hirsch and Dakota Fanning. Frank (Hirsch) and Jerry Lee Flannigan (Dorff) work odd jobs, drink hard, and drift from motel to motel. Their only escape is through Frank’s fantastic stories and Jerry Lee’s rich illustrations. Everything changes when Jerry Lee is involved in a hit-and-run accident, which forces the brothers across the state to the home of Frank’s old flame, Annie (Fanning). While the two seem safe from the law, Jerry Lee’s insatiability and all-consuming guilt render their future increasingly uncertain.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“The directors and the cast, through a miracle of tone, mood, and emotion, have made a film that feels true, that is sweet and sharp and unbearable. Every frame feels right, every choice feels thought-out, considered. All adds up to a heartbreaking whole.” – Sheila O’Malley, RogerEbert.com
“Powerful, moving and melancholy. A low-key treat.” – David Hughes, Empire
“This well-crafted picture is a lovely work of true art, enhanced by terrific animated sequences illustrating Jerry Lee’s love of drawing cartoons and Frank’s ability to concoct tales of the brothers as heroic figures.” – Bill Zwecker, Chicago Sun-Times
Available on Kanopy.
Were the World Mine
A gay teen (Tanner Cohen) uses a love potion to turn close-minded townspeople into homosexuals, including the handsome jock with whom he is secretly in love.
Description provided by Rotten Tomatoes.
“Were the World Mine, an indie alternative to Disney’s High School Musical franchise, is a small, endearing film.” – Stephen Holden, New York Times
“The songs are bright and beautifully sung, the cast’s naturalism works against the surreality of the concept, and ultimately, the pieces fit together like a dream.” – Chris Hewitt, St. Paul Pioneer Press
“Were the World Mine gets by on sheer charm — and on Gustafson’s inventive direction, Kira Kelly’s elegant cinematography and co-screenwriter Cory James Krueckeberg’s whimsical production design, which works wonders on a limited budget.” – Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times
Available on Kanopy.
The Next Guardian
The contrasting dreams of two generations clash within the microcosm of an ancient Buddhist monastery in Bhutan, when Gyembo an ordinary teenager is chosen as the next guardian of their family monastery by his father.
Description provided by IMDb.
“There is a beautiful, quiet power to The Next Guardian… a beautiful portrait of a small Bhutanese family at a crossroads. The chasm between generations is something that can’t be ignored, yet, through the differences, the love in the family unit remains fully intact.” – Norman Gidney, Film Threat
“The father is sincere in his belief that he is encouraging the best life for his son and is persistent in his attempts to persuade Gyembo to become a monk so that he can, one day, become the caretaker of the monastery. In each attempt, Gyembo responds with silence, creating a mounting tension that is palpable throughout the film.” – Vox Magazine
“There is a profound meaning behind this, and there are probably a lot of things to learn for all people today that have become worn out by the rapid changes in their society.” – Masayo Fukushima, RealTokyo
Available on Hoopla.
The Poison Squad
Chemist Dr. Harvey Wiley takes on food manufacturers to banish dangerous substances threatening the health of consumers, laying the groundwork for U.S. consumer protection laws and the creation of the Food and Drug Administration.
Description provided by IMDb.
“…combines terrific history and photography from the past with some entertaining experts from the present…” – John Anderson, Wall Street Journal
Available on Kanopy.
Ayiti Mon Amour
A magical fable weaves together the lives of three different people in Haiti five years after a devastating earthquake.
Description provided by IMDb.
“[S]hines a new light on the embattled island.” – Global Citizen
“Felin is telling the stories of poignant characters in a poetic and visually stunning array…” – Shadow and Act
“Felin invests a great deal of cultural energy into her film, not just in what she shows—gorgeous sea and land footage of the Haitian coast, crowds celebrating or marching on streets against the backdrop of dilapidated but colorfully vibrant urban landscapes—but also how and why she shows it. While this approach can make for a more challenging viewing experience the final product still possesses an equally grand and rewarding impact on all its viewers.” – Chicago Maroon
Available on Kanopy.
Not Quite Hollywood
Not Quite Hollywood is the wild, wonderful, untold story of “Ozploitation” films. It irreverently documents an era when Australian cinema got its gear off and showed the world a full-frontal explosion of sex, violence, horror and foot-to-the-floor action.
Description and score provided by Metacritic.
“Aussie genre pics of the 1970s and ’80s get a rip-roaring salute in Not Quite Hollywood, complete with endorsement by Quentin Tarantino as chief onscreen fanboy.” – Dennis Harvey, Variety
“The rise of video and the death of the drive-ins would eventually bring the curtain down on the Aussie schlock industry, but for two glorious hours, Not Quite Hollywood returns us to a time when the price of admission was cheap and the thrills even cheaper.” – Scott Foundas, Village Voice
“It’s all very foul, and completely entertaining.” – Peter Hartlaub, San Franciso Chronicle