Once again we travel to the majestic land of Montreal, Canada as they open their doors to the annual Fantasia International Film Festival. This year will mark their 22nd run as they present international films to the world so that we can bask in their fantastical glory. While it’s a joy to venture into the magical unknown, with so many movies, it can be a little overbearing. So, below is a list of films that are definitely worth checking out and adding to festival experience.
Arizona
Fresh off of co-writing the new Halloween remake comes Danny McBride in funny and frightful force. There has been quite a buzz because it follows the trend of having a known comedic actor perform a suspenseful role. McBride plays a man living in Arizona who’s home is at risk of default and through a series of events apparently ends up murdering a realtor and kidnapping some other people. The movie is being touted as a true dark comedy with excellent visuals from the cinematographer of It Comes At Night. McBride has always been known to deliver and a topical message about our economy will always get bonus points in my book.
Bleach
Okay, admittedly, this is a little personal. Having been a big fan of the franchise, it was disappointing to see it end on such a wimper. That’s why it is awesome to see that they are finally making a movie based on the anime/manga series. The story is that a teenager named Ichigo has the ability to see ghosts and one night he bumps into Rukia, a soul reaper. He is then forced to take her powers to defeat a hollow aka a very angry ghost. Like many shonen, it is noteworthy for its action and style. Big swords, amazing hair, and giant ferocious spirits are what await the viewers of this film. It will also be a chance for fans to judge whether or not this adaptation lives up.
The Man Who Killed Hitler and then The Bigfoot
The title alone is enough to grab you but add Sam Elliott and consider it a deal. The story seems pretty straightforward with Elliott playing a man living a quiet existence with the knowledge that he took out Adolph freakin’ Hitler. That is until an FBI agent meets up with him and hands him another assignment which is to take out another legend as the title clearly dictates. Pure curiosity is at the helm with this one. How will they present Bigfoot? How will Elliott kill Bigfoot or will he? Will they show flashbacks of how he assassinated Hitler and if so how did he do it? These questions can be answered as long as you check out the screening.
Blue My Mind
To vary it up a little, I am adding a film that does not have big-name stars but it does have a very interesting premise. A coming of age mermaid story. Mermaids have always been popular and recently they are starting to be used in more creative ways. The coming of age genre is an excellent way to integrate this mythos because it adds a much deeper personal level. Puberty is always a weird time for everyone because our bodies are transfiguring into who knows what. Now, imagine your legs turning into a tail.
Big Brother
Okay back to the big stars. I’m sorry I could not help it because Donnie Yen is just so cool. His style, his look, and his martial arts. What more can you ask for? The story is that he is a new teacher at a school and what he lacks in academics he makes up for it in, what else, awesome fighting. The movie just looks fun with Yen in full force taking out whoever is in the way. It is also one of the closing films so you just check it out and end the fest with a nice bang.
These are just a few samples of the awesome films that you can check out at Fantasia Fest 2018. So, if you like what you see then embrace the unknown and venture forth on the magical journey of watching movies.
The 2018 Fantasia International Film Festival is in Montreal, Canada and taking place from July 12 – August 2, 2018.
