Broken Beak - Raindance

Courtesy of Raindance

Folktales are prime subjects for horror films across the globe. Every country has stories from the past that could be used to paint an image of the present. Myths and monsters are perfect to scare and set an uneasy atmosphere, even more so if these creatures take hold of someone in reality. Broken Beak easily sets the stage for something bizarre and deeply disturbing. Though the cinematography in most places is visually compelling, and the central performance from Briar Rose is commendable, Broken Beak isn’t quite the folktale inspired horror film you expect it to be.

Full review over at Filmhounds

The Dark Crystal

Courtesy of Anime Limited & Radial Entertainment

 

Straight from the mind of puppet pioneer and filmmaker Jim Henson, The Dark Crystal was a story conceived by him, produced and eventually co-directed by him alongside Frank Oz. Everyone remembers Labyrinth (how could they not?) which came out in 1986, but everyone talks about or remembers The Dark Crystal. Though the puppets are equally as fantastical, there were no human characters, or epic soundtrack, this was pure fantasy. From the world building, the design, the characters that inhabited this world in an age of wonder, this was fantasy at its most whimsical, enchanting and darkest. The world of The Dark Crystal earned its cult status and a short lived new lease of life when Netflix released a prequel series, The Age of Resistance, which received decent reviews and audience but not enough to get another season sadly. But The Dark Crystal still remains one of the highest grossing puppet films of all time and will forever be engrained in the minds of millennials as ‘that childhood’ movie that probably gave them nightmares. It's exciting to see the film receive a brand new 4K release, with a whole host of new features for longtime fans of the film to delve into.

Full review over at Filmhounds.

Lesbian Space Princess

Courtesy of Peccadillo Pictures

The animated space is far too often predominantly aimed at a younger audience, or is automatically assumed to be more for children. But thankfully the animators out there that make animated content aimed at adults or exploring subjects that are more for an adult audience are doing excellent work. The latest names to be added to this group, writer-directors Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese have created what should be the newest obsession for fans of animated films and comedic entertainment. Lesbian Space Princess is a hilarious, relatable sci-fi adventure, with a fun appealing style that feels right at home amongst the likes of Adventure Time, Tuca and Bertie and Final Space.

Introverted Princess of Clitopolos Saira, is devastated when her girlfriend, Kik the Destroyer dumps her right before the Lesbian Ball, especially as she was looking forward to not attending alone this year. Saira already feel inadequate and overshadowed by the Queens, her moms who are very popular. But when Kiki is kidnapped by the Straight White Maliens, Saira has to make the dangerous journey to save her, and then maybe this will convince her ex to take her back.

Hough Hobbs and Varghese have created such a fun world with a very entertaining variety of characters, all while exploring the themes of self worth and of course, self discovery. The LGBTQ+ themes that runs throughout are also very much appreciated. The jokes are on point, whether they are subtle or absolutely in your face, with great voice performances from a fantastically assembled comedic and dramatic cast. The setting of space doesn’t dilute any of the themes or topics and is frankly, a refreshing science fiction adventure. There is very little to fault Lesbian Space Princess, except maybe some parts of the story are rushed through and not given the proper time they deserve, mainly when some important information comes to light about why Saira may be so shy, anxious and lonely. But maybe this could be explored further in a follow up adventure? Here’s hoping there may be more to explore.

Kraken

Courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films

 

Marine biologist Johanne is asked to investigate a salmon farm in a Norwegian fjord after the area has experienced a series of odd events; fish jumping on land on mass, damaged fishing equipment and more recently missing people. Once at the salmon farm, Johanne discovers that they have been using a sonic device to de-lice the fish but at a dangerously high frequency. Unfortunately, the damage is already done. The sonic wave has also woken up something else.

Full review over at Filmhounds.

Virginia Woolf's Night and Day

Courtesy of Vue Lumiere

Although Virginia Woolf's Night and Day is not one of the author’s most memorable or notable works, this period drama adapted by actress Justine Waddell, seems to have all the makings of a typical story about a woman simply born in the wrong time. However, the film tries to offer far more than what is expected with unsatisfying results.

In 1910, astronomer Katherine Hilbery tries to push back against the patriarchal attitudes of the day, challenging what was expected of her as a woman and forging her own path in the field of science.

Full review over at Filmhounds.