Two Paragraph Review: Leave the World Behind

Watching Leave the World Behind is somewhat of a surreal experience, where the ultimate sense is that the film is either a great work of art, or something that is just creepingly coming to a very disappointing end. However, the film from the very smart Sam Esmail ultimately managed to find its final bearing in not so much emotional space, as much as a rational idea. It states that making huge and dangerous systems might not be that smart for their creators either, which isn’t a groundbreaking concept, but still one worth reminding ourselves of.

On moments, the star-studded cast and that sense of hesitancy when talking about truly divisive US political issues makes the film seem like Don’t Look Up. However, unlike the stupendously flawed ending of Adam McKay’s brainchild, Leave the World Behind elegantly ties all of its sub-plots of two families stuck in what is more or less the end of everyday reality as they know it. It is fitting that Mahershala Ali, the best actor of the entire cast, has the pleasure and the privilege of driving the film home at its end, without being sappy or overly dramatic. Instead he simply delivers the finish in several lines, closing the storyline at the same time as the old lives close on the characters. With that, they and the film are at an end. And, after all, that’s how worlds end, don’t they?

Film Review: The Killer (2023)

The appeal of all David Fincher work is multifaceted, but the core element among them has to be his characters. No matter what is the focus of the narrative or what is the visual setting of a film, his characters remain front and center. The Killer does not deviate from that concept and instead doubles down on it, albeit in a novel manner. 

 

The unnamed protagonist of his latest film is, like the title states, a killer. But, he is a professional hitman to whom the process of death-dealing is an organized, meticulous venture. Usually, he is very good at it. However, when the killing and hurting comes perilously close to those he loves, the process takes on a different form.

Starring Michael Fassbender, the movie is an expensive-looking action flick but which remains steadily grounded as well. The Killer is not a perfect machine of homicide, but a slightly confused professional in uncharted personal waters. Clean of all forms of empathy and compassion, the Killer slowly finds himself drifting away from these pillars of his work so far.  But, as that takes place, some new insights also open up for the same characters, all of which are masterfully captured by a manically-committed Fassbender. Yet, unlike Gone Girl, which also has a strong leading role, this film blends that role with everything else as well. There are more positive and appealing elements in the film as well. 

 

From the beginning to the end, the plot steers clear of any James Bond-like twist and turns, rejecting both glamor and mystery of international murder-for-hire. Instead, it showcases it just as any other line of work, but one that involves shooting, stabbing and murdering in general. That makes it both fresh and fun, even at the very end, which is atypical and full in line with the rest of this ordinary-looking, but very unique film. Honestly, we didn’t expect anything less from the great David Fincher and just as great Michael Fassbender.

Two Paragraph Review: The Lost City of Z (2016)

Being an early 20th century explorer might sound like an exciting occupation, but numerous films throughout the history of cinematography show otherwise. The Lost City of Z is one of them and in it Charlie Hunnam shows yet again that the drive for exploration often comes from dark emotional spaces and at a massive personal cost. In the case of the historical figure of Major Percival Fawcett which he presents, the cost gradually became more and more severe.

Through his desire to find an ancient civilization in the South American jungle - or anything else worthwhile for that matter - Fawcett saw no obstacles and deemed no price too high. The beauty and dangers of the same region are constantly underlined in the film, but so is their fleeting presence, which is more of a symbol than an actual place. Through that, Fawcett is also slowly but surely lost in an environment more akin to a dream than the real world. The end result, sadly, both in fiction in reality, was a resounding tragedy, but one that still provided the world with some meaning and Fawcett’s life with a legacy he so desperately craved.

Dissever - Touching and Powerful Indie Drama Looking for Your Help!

 The nature of love and artistic ambition have so many things in common. Yet, at the same time, both also come with the potential to rip relationships apart and put those involved onto very destructive paths. That is just one of the themes of Dissever, an upcoming independent film and a mixture of genres that is looking for your help so it can become a reality. Here is how the film describes itself:

Dissever is an independent feature film about a struggling artist stuck in a dangerous love triangle. With her desire to regain her creativity, she pushes the envelope in all aspects of her life. This brings unintended consequences while putting her and those around her in a dangerous bind. 

The artist in question is called Justine, who is looking to find new inspiration no matter what. But, through her dynamic contact with Olivia and Aiden, the same desire becomes something more complex and dangerous. At the same time, the topics of substance abuse and mental health play an important role, just as the broader socioeconomic concepts are featured prominently in Dissever. These cover not just regular hardships like losing one's job, but also the very real prospects of homelessness and everything that comes with it.

Thanks to a range of themes and interests the film covers, it envisions itself as a LGBTQ feature, but also a dark comedy and a psychological thriller. The film, directed by Phillip Christian Chavez, will be shot visually in the general style of Cinéma Vérité, giving it a rough and scathingly honest feel, as the trailer already shows.

Presently, the film is seeking contributions so it can become a reality on Seed&Spark crowdfunding platform. The sum of $10,000 is a very attainable goal, so check out the film's official page there. Pitch in if you can or simply share the campaign and this way, help Dissever get made. It stands to be an important voice not just for the present day, but also for the future where it can be a key testament to the experiences of our era.

Two Paragraph Review: Three Thousand Years of Longing (2022)

Right from the start, it is easy to tell that Three Thousand Years of Longing is not going to be an ordinary movie. The directory, George Miller, offers his unique outlook on movie-making with a blend of colorful CGI and real-world locations that seem to be out of this world. Together with the fantastic Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton as the main characters of djinn and the scholar Alithea who listens to his tale, the film has all that it takes to be a work of art for the ages.

Yet, there is a clear fault line present throughout the plot that runs from the start until the very end. It stops us from fully connecting to either the main protagonists or the numerous, often silent supporting roles spanning three millennia of history. It might be ironic to say that the movie that is brimming with magic is sadly missing just a bit of its own to become truly great. Instead, it is entertaining and wonderful to behold, but not something that will last even 100 years, not to mention millennials.

Two Paragraph Review: The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023)

Wes Anderson is probably my least favorite film director who clearly has a lot to offer, but most of the time, his artistic offer falls flat for me. Unlike film directors that slowly fell from grace when it comes to my sensibilities, like for example, Christopher Nolan, Anderson’s work has been steadily disliked by me ever since Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums. However, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (based on a short story by Roald Dahl) is an outlier in that pattern and something of a small but truly - pun intended - wonderful cinematic experience.

In barely 40 minutes, Anderson uses a fantastic cast led by Benedict Cumberbatch as Henry Sugar, along with Ralph Fiennes, Dev Patel, and Ben Kingsley, to tell a violently granular but simple story. It revolves around Henry Sugar, who gradually develops supernatural abilities through meditation, all the while planning to use it for gambling purposes. In its short runtime, the film manages to stay both very Andrson-like but also connect the audience with its wacky, time-and-space disconnected, yet human characters. Thanks to that, I am once more comfortable in the pastel-colored temple of Wes Anderson and will venture in it willingly in the future as well.

Two Paragraph Review: The Pale Blue Eye (2022)

Out of the name of this movie, the adjective “pale” resonates more with the entire work than the “blue”. Somehow, despite the fact that it features the always amazing Christian Bale and is directed by the accomplished Scott Cooper, The Pale Blue Eye still ends up feeling as colorless as many of its early 19th century leading female roles in their age-appropriate makeup. So far, Cooper made some impressive movies, even though none were perfect, but most starred Bale. Out of the Furnace is a good example of the same trend. Black Mass, which Cooper also directed, shows a similar recipe but one that is significantly less impactful.

In his latest film, the initial murder mystery, taking place at West Point, quickly dissolves into a series of personal dramas and individual tribulation, but with no clear focus point. Among the cast, Harry Melling establishes himself as a dominant character of Edgar Allan Poe, but seemingly not so much by directorial design, but by his skill and unique delivery of the young, brilliant but very odd poet. In the process, Bale kind of fades out only to return at the very end in a twist which strikes very few cords with the emotions of the audience. Instead, The Pale Blue Eye turns into just a simple Pale film.

Two-Paragraph Review: Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022)

Unexpectedly, the latest installment in the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise manages to tie in several social issues into its very short runtime of just 83 minutes. It tells of gentrification and US gun culture just as much as it tells about mass murderers who wear the skin of other people on their faces. But, it remains true to its gory origins.

The plot, like the directing, does things in its way, mostly thanks to David Blue Garcia. This director, based in Austin Texas, knows the lay of the land and the film tells it as well. That is why we as an audience don't end up rooting for either Leatherface or the group of out-of-towners who come to Harlow hoping to start a hipster restaurant. Without the need to pick sides, we can simply enjoy this short and atypical horror experience from start to finish, with all of its trills, social nods, and decapitations.

Two-Paragraph Review: The Land of Steady Habits (2018)

Not much happens in the entire The Land of Steady Habits, but thanks to a fantastic cast, it doesn't have to. Additionally, in this comedy-drama, there is a lot more sadness than laughter. However, like much of the film and the suburban lives it depicts, both the laughs and the cries are toned down and colorless, as if asking the viewer to ultimately generate some kind of cathartic experience, if possible.

The plot follows Anders, a retired and divorced man looking for either fun or meaning, but failing to find either. Through his navigation of the old life that he slowly imploded, we find the angst and suffering of the modern, well-to-do US suburbia. But, this film makes the same old tale into something that simply can’t move us. Instead, it does make us wonder if we're just as comfortably lost as the unlikable protagonist. The ultimate point could be that it doesn't really matter either way.

The Lords of Cornhole - A Perfect Blend of Laughs and Bodily Harm!

History of cinematography shows that the right kind of independent film does not hold anything back. In the case of The Lords of Cornhole, an upcoming action comedy, even the very thought of holding back is not present. Instead, the film goes all out and delivers what will surely be one of the top indie gems of 2023. Here's how the film describes itself:

Which do you prefer VIOLENCE or COMEDY? Well you don't have to choose when you get ample doses of BOTH in: The Lords of Cornhole! Brought to you by the never-indicted, very stable geniuses at Coldheart Productions with a little help from recording artist Djo Life, not to mention the "World's Strongest Director" Peter Leon! You'll be holding your bags tight and hoping our heroes will make it "right in the hole", in a movie that promotes the classic American subjects of performance diminishing drugs, bad parenting and of course CORNHOLE.

While all of this might sound a bit too much, the film's trailer shows all of this in full glory! It is also a great taste of what the viewers can expect very soon. Check the trailer out right here:

Immediately, it's plain to see that the movie will showcase wild&violent action, attractive people in bathing suits, and plenty of laughs. But, if you're looking for a singular reason why you should check out The Lords of Cornhole it is the fact that it features Alex Kack, aka The Green Shirt Guy as well!

The film will have its official premiere on September 10th at 7pm at the Loft Cinema in Tucson, Arizona. Tickets are on sale, so don't be a cornhole and grab a couple of those right now!

Two-Paragraph Review: Land (2021)

If the theme that Robin Wright wanted to explore in her film Land is loneliness, she managed to do it more than justice. However, while she took off on this exploration of the human soul in her small directorial debut, Wright also avoided the chance for the audience not to feel the same towards her main character, which she also portrayed.

Played also by Wright, Edee is a middle-aged woman who goes off into the wilderness of Wyoming after losing her husband and son in a senseless tragedy. The move is unclear and remains between a hope for a spiritual rebirth and a slow suicide-by-nature. That emotional space is seemingly interesting, but Wright, behind and in front of the camera, makes it distant and unconnectable. The strong tone of loneliness slowly turns into an even stronger sense of disconnection and throughout the film, Wright fails to do anything there, even when the script is supposed to show us something different. For me, Edee never finds a way out of the woods in every sense of this phrase.

The Best (2023) - Short and Explosive Wrestling Tale!

 

"To be the best you must beat the best. Don't poke the wrestling bear and expect him to go out gently."

The trailer for the upcoming short action film called The Best (2023) starts with this simple premise. From here, the same trailer showcases a ring and what is soon to be the grounds for an incoming wrestling match but does it with a lot of tension and expectation. Thanks to a powerful music tune and the blood-red color effect - all in less than a minute - the same trailer manages to set the stage for what could be an iconic short wrestling film.

The film is based on the tale of a young wrestler and his journey to turn into the very best of this unforgiving and demanding business. From its shots and soundtrack, the film promises a sharp and hard experience, which is completely in line with the same tough-as-nails entertainment industry. Of course, the professional background of the crew working on the film definitely adds to this as well.

The Best is directed by Marc Ash, a veteran of the industry, who is also starring in it. Besides him, the film also features Thomas Bragg and Malcome Dhark, but also introduces Laurie Lennon Williams. Between them, the same crew has decades of experience in the wrestling and movie domains, and that immediately shines through.

The Best is available on video-on-demand services and any wrestling fan should check it out - that goes most of all for those who are willing to go beyond the multi-million dollar spotlights and see the same space in a new, gritty, and very much authentic light.

Two-Paragraph Review: How to Blow up a Pipeline (2023)

An effective thriller needs little to be successful, especially in terms of things like locations and props. The Standoff at Sparrow Creek showcases this concept in a highly specific setting but with so much force and an equally strong effect on the viewers. How to Blow up a Pipeline takes that notion to an even bigger level, using a deserted house (as compared to a huge warehouse in The Standoff at Sparrow Creek), set in a southern US backwater to create a gripping story of the modern capitalistic trajectory of environmental destruction and the inevitable but unclear backlash.

In this tale, that backlash comes in the form of a group of environmental activists who are now seeking to take radical action and blow up a part of the pipeline on US soil in Texas. The film, masterfully directed on a knife edge by Daniel Goldhaber, showcases all of their previous lives and the courses of some type of suffering at the hands of the present political and economic system which led to this point. Finally, all of that culminates in a very effective and bold ending, which could also sadly prove to be very prophetic in the years to come.

Sankofa Chicago - Powerful US Black History and Black Future Documentary

 

The past, present, and future of African Americans and Black Americans is often a hard topic for so many in the modern US. From the issue of Black history and how it is (or is not) taught in schools to contemporary problems like biased police practices or street violence, there are a lot of subjects that impact and shape the future of everyone, but especially children, in the same communities. Sankofa Chicago is a documentary by director and producer Vanessa Page Wright that wants to tackle these issues in a single, unified cinematography work.

The documentary focuses on the idea of Sankofa, a concept that underlines the need to know history to be able to comprehend the current time. Set in Chicago, a huge US city that embodies many successes but also massive challenges of the Black community, the film shares very personal narratives of people like local leaders, scholars, and ordinary individuals who experienced the US Black history as a part of their everyday lives.

Thanks to the huge experience of Wright, who is a former Talent Agent who switched to filmmaking, Sankofa Chicago really offers a unique mixture of voices from the past and voices of the future. The first belongs to people who experienced so much Black history firsthand, while the children of the film present their honest views of the present and their aspirations for an uncertain future.

All of this combines into a potent mixture that showcases the concept of Black history, not only as an academic notion but as a very real and alive aspect of so many US communities. That makes Sankofa Chicago a powerful documentary that is more than needed in the present day and age. Follow it on its official website and go see it as soon as you can!

MiP: The Journey Across the Universe - Unique Upcoming Cinematographic Experience

Independent films, especially short ones, often try to focus on everyday topics. However, other projects do the exact opposite and try to soar as high and as far as possible. MiP: The Journey Across the Universe is one such cinematographic undertaking and it promises a truly unique experience. Written and directed by Jason Wexler, the same short film was made in Blender and Element3D, while it uses the music of the legendary band Pink Floyd. Through the same tunes and sounds, it creates an intense psychedelic space-rock experience. Check out its trailer right here:

In the film, the main storyline revolves around MiP, a small alien robot that has the job of assisting evolution, including life on planet Earth. The film is a prequel to the movie VGHW, which came out in 2022, and which details the arrival of the same robot to our planet. You can watch the entire VGHW film here as well:

MiP: The Journey Across The Universe sets out to explore the nature and origin of MiP, but do it in an immersive and thought-provoking manner, especially thanks to the soundtrack of Pink Floyd. Clearly, Jason Wexler built a unique and touching experience and there is no doubt in my mind that all fans of exotic inner and outer spaces will enjoy the film immensely when it comes out on December 30th, 2023.

Two Paragraph Review: Last Sentinel (2023)

 

Great thing about sci-fi is the fact that you can do a lot with little. Coherence is a perfect example, which remains a fantastic movie years after its original release. However, there are still many other movies that simply fail to do much with its premise, leaving the viewers in the low-budget, low-expectation zone. They are straight to video material that is forgotten as soon as it is seen.

Last Sentinel is an odd film that kind of falls between these two categories. It is a story of a military outpost in an endless sea that has become planet Earth in the 2060s. Global war ensues among the two surviving landmasses even though the winner will turn into water sooner or later. In that gloomy setting, a cast of four manages to pull off an interesting thriller which is similar to a lifeboat scenario, but still has a big narrative element up its sleeve. Yet, at the same time, it never manages to pack a full punch to use its solid cast at any memorable level. Instead, the Last Sentinel is not as bad as it could first seem, but neither is it as good as it might have been with a few more risks in its original script

Two Paragraph Review: Luther: The Fallen Sun (2023)

The latest installment of the Lurther franchise is a great example of something no one asked for and where everyone got something very jumbled up. The mess that is Luther: The Fallen Sun ends in a completely unpalatable contraption that tries a lot of stuff but pulls off something like a bad fan-made sequel to the Hostel horror series.

In the film, Idris Elba returns as DCI John Lurther and gets back to the streets directly from prison in an effort to stop a serial killer. This killer, played by the wonderful (but ultimately useless for this film) Andy Serkis, has the capabilities of a large international terrorist organization. However, he wants to employ it for unclear and shifting goals, which kind of boil down to YouTube for pain and suffering. The movie’s big snow-covered finale leaves the viewers with the same thought as many actors probably had: what were the creators of this film actually thinking and what am I doing here?

Gus & Gia Puppet Show - Excellent Online-based Puppet Show

The world is seemingly changing at a staggering speed, but whatever the times might be, it still needs great entertainment content for kids. Today, like in any other time in history, the things that children enjoy while they grow up is one of the most important elements that shape them as futur adults. Here, some tried and tested formats often work better than any cutting-edge technology, which is why things like puppet shows still can completely enchant kids watching them. Gus & Gia Puppet Show is one such show and it manages to do a marvelous job. Check out one of the Gus & Gia episodes right here:

The entire show is a perfect example of a traditional puppet show that uses the best of modern tech. It is based on a Rumble and YouTube channel by the same name and offers amazing content for the entire family to enjoy. The show is based on the characters of Gus and Gia, brother and sister who love to read books, learn new things, talk with each other, and do so much more. The mixture offers viewers both a chance to enjoy their humor and pure entertainment, but also to learn interesting new things.

The show is produced and directed by Alexa Jade Lohman, while puppeteers are Jason Lohman as Gus, Kimberly Lohman as Gia. The entire family is beyond talented, creating previously works like the interesting Rescue, a film with a very somber but important topic. With Gus & Gia Puppet Show, the focus is completely different, but still offers incredibly high-quality content, in this case for the whole family to enjoy.

Find out more about the show on its official website and support it directly to keep it independent. Of course, before you do any of that, check out Gus & Gia Puppet Show on Rumble and YouTube right now and enjoy their numerous antics!

Two Paragraph Review: Knock at the Cabin (2023)

M. Night Shyamalan is one of the last truly wonderful Wheels of Fortune in Holywood when it comes to film quality. The man is just as capable of creating so-bad-it's-good stuff like The Happening as he is open to really impressive films like The Visit. Recently, he spun that cinematic wheel yet again.

Knock at the Cabin sits somewhat between those two categories at its start, but then slides into the awful territory quite easily. Through this tale of the ending of the world being steered by acts of voluntary violence and self-harm, the film tries to talk about love and sacrifice. Instead, it ends up talking about weird, clunky rituals with crappy gardening tools that are universe-forming for some reason, but still feel incredibly stupid. Thus, the latest film from M. Night Shyamalan is anything but impressive, even though a strong cast makes this spin of the wheel bearable to watch.

Tales of Atonement Episode 2 Development News!

It’s been a couple of months since the first episode of Tales of Atonement, a new and very dynamic web-animated series that came out. Initially, the animated version of the book series from A.A. Moreland generated plenty of attention, especially from fans of indie animation and fantasy. Over the coming weeks, the attention attracted a substantial following on its YouTube channel, which now has well over 1,000 subscribers. But, more importantly, there is some big news coming from the team when it comes to new episodes.

Presently, the whole Tales of Atonement team is working hard on the new episode, which is Episode 2. The story so far set in medieval Scotland built its foundation of intrigue and mystery, with a local family welcoming refugees from England who is escaping apparent religious persecution. The same involves accusations of one of the family members being accused of witchcraft. This, along with many interesting characters, great hybrid animation, and excellent sound, music, and voiceover work, makes Episode 1 a joy to watch. If you didn’t see it before, watch the entire episode right here:

Now, the next installment of the series should come out somewhere in May 2023, so it's basically around the corner. Yet, one of the most important mechanisms that would speed up the entire production would be if the Tales of Atonement Patreon page got some supporters. 

 

This way, the team would be able to create episodes in a much faster manner and get it to their growing audience with a smaller gap between the installments. So, if you can, support this amazing creative effort and check the team on TikTok and Facebook as well. But, most importantly, subscribe to the Tales of Atonement YouTube channel and be among the first to watch Episode 2 when it comes out!

Two Paragraph Review: Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

From time to time, humanity is blessed with a film that comes along and pushes everything forward. Se7en is such a film and The White Ribbon is another. Recently, we got the most recent addition to this most exclusive list of filmmaking with  Everything Everywhere All at Once. While two Daniels, the pair of directors behind this film, are no strangers to thinking out of the box, this time around their thinking created a masterpiece.

Blended as a blockbuster avant-garde movie, the plot of the film sets its main character, a middle-aged US-Chinese woman on a quest to save not just our universe, but the multiverse as well. Through a range of techniques and filming approaches, the tale evolves into a social examination of family and identity, but also a flashy, over-the-top, kung fu personal tale of love and acceptance. All of this takes place in a single unified artistic vision, which has to move you deeply, even if you end up not liking it at all. In short, it is easily the best high-budget film for me in the last couple of years.

New film unveils the secrets of Hitmen - HOW TO BE A HITMAN 101

By Sasha Anderson

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a hitman? That’s kind of a morbid question. And if you answered yes, maybe you need to go and get yourself checked. But seriously there’s no denying that the mysterious world of the hitman has intrigued people for years. It has been the subject of countless movies, TV shows and video games.  A new movie called, HOW TO BE A HITMAN 101, featuring Douglas Vermeeren, Garry Morrison and others is ready to pull back the curtain and reveal the secret world of the hitman.

The film is currently making waves in the media and among film festival organizers who feel there is something special about this film. We caught up with Douglas Vermeeren plays the season hitman mentor in the film. “People are finding this film really special because surprisingly it is not all blood and guts and killing. There’s actually a very human and comical aspect about those who become hitmen.”

“It’s easy to focus on the violence and forget that hitmen are in fact real people,” Vermeeren continues, “They struggle with every day things like relationships, self doubt, friendships, a supervisor at work and a variety of other things.” Certainly the stakes are higher for hitman and when things go wrong as you’ll see in this film, they can turn dangerous very quickly.

The film is being called a quirky, fun, fascinating and bizarre look into a world that fascinates many. Not to mention that the film has some very unique surprises that most have never considered before.

Douglas Vermeeren is no stranger to playing hitmen. “I really like playing Samuel. (The hitman mentor in the film) “He’s very different than other hitmen roles that I have had the opportunity to play. He’s probably my favourite because you get to see him as a person. You get to experience what he is thinking.  You get a clear view of why he does what he does and how he feels about it. Too often when we see a hitman in film they have just one job and one dimension. Put a bullet in the target. I am grateful this character is more than that.”

Vermeeren has been nominated for acting awards at several festivals for his portrayal of Samuel Finch - the hitman mentor of the film.  Reviews thus far observing the humanistic nature of the hitman character is something not often portrayed in film and that Vermeeren has done an excellent job capturing that.

Garry Morrison who plays the other lead character in the film remarked on the new approach that How to Be A Hitman 101 is taking. “This project allows for more creative risks than big-budget projects. “It’s been an exhilarating experience. Every creative opportunity presents a chance for me to grow as an actor and person.”

Bit of TRIVIA: This is not the first time that Douglas Vermeeren and Garry Morrison have worked together. The met on the set of True Crime on the episode titled, Exumed. Vermeeren played a detective and Morrison was the suspect (who turned out to be the murderer). And they’ve been pals ever since.

HOW TO BE A HITMAN 101 is scheduled for a limited theatrical release in April of 2023. We will be following this film closely and sharing updates as more information is available. Be sure to follow each of the actors on social media for all the behind the scenes scoop and definitely bookmark INDIE WRAP where we will be following the story closely.

Later this year Vermeeren is featured in the film THE AWAKENING by Aaron Glanfield, BRING ME A SKIN FOR DANCING by Chris Sanders and a western called LONE OAK by Phil Hardy & Mark Headley among several others. When asked why he is so busy lately Vermeeren shared an interesting commentary on the state of the film industry today. “I think that so many filmmakers during the pandemic had either projects that got put on hold or the opportunity to pause and create new projects. We’ve also seen so many distributors recognize the need for more streaming content than ever before. It is a good time to be making movies.”

Garry Morrison also has several top secret projects lined up for the upcoming year. Recently he was in the film 4 SONS for 33 Visuals and the director Brandon Brown and was featured  the Canadian favourite HEARTLAND.

HOW TO BE A HITMAN 101 is certainly a refreshing look at the hitman genre and is certainly in a charming, enjoyable and unique perspective that shares humour, connection and truth in a way that is highly entertaining and intriguing. Most festivals are including it at the forefront of their marketing as the audience for this film continues to grow.

Advance tickets to attend one of the special screenings of HOW TO BE A HITMAN 101 go on sale in early March. These special screenings will be VIP events with members of the cast and crew present for an exclusive Q & A session, meet & greet, merchandise and after party. For more information please go to www.Hitman101.com

Tales of Atonement || Monomyth || Episode 1: The Day We Met - First Episode of a Promising Animated YouTube Series

Several months ago, Tales of Atonement promised to bring an innovative and engaging mixture of genres and storytelling approaches. Using a series of novels from A.A. Moreland, the animated adaptation, wanted to tap into the huge domain of digital tools that can create brand-new worlds of fiction.

Now, the first episode of Tales of Atonement is finally here and it more than lives up to the expectations. The story follows a family living in medieval Scotland, where a family greets a refugee couple and their daughter running from prosecution back in England. The Scottish family is somewhat shocked to hear that a member of the same family was accused of witchcraft, but still welcomes them with open arms. Watch the whole Episode 1 right here:

Almost immediately, the episode draws the viewers in, offering a range of interesting characters, all with their personalities and layered motives. The historical and geographical setting of the story gives it plenty of appeal, while the mystery of the plot is set up with great pacing.

From a technical standpoint, Tales of Atonement is also exceedingly effective. At its core, the series uses motion graphics of a standard coming book format. However, it adds to them fantastic voiceovers, with authentic accents, as well as a range of other elements. These include actual full-motion videos, short vignettes of things like doors opening, and other similar things that really help the world of Tales of Atonement come to life. Even the sound design, with sound effects and accompanying music score.

There is a lot to be excited about when it comes to this unique animated series. The future episodes will only expand on the great foundations that Episode 1 established and many fans of fantasy and animation will surely find a lot of enjoyment by following Tales of Atonement! If you’re one of them, subscribe to the channel now and be there for Episode 2 and the whole series!