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Reviews
Demon Fighter (2022)
Not all Demons are alike
Demon Fighter, a 2022 film brought to us by David Espinosa and Craig Ahrens , is now available for streaming on YouTube ( link below). In full disclosure, I did work on 2017's Belzebuth and am well versed in demonology as part of my art history studies. When it comes to films of this subject matter, I look for the small nuisances that separate and embody each demon.
The horror genre, which is currently in a Renaissance-type state, has repeatedly sunk it's fangs into kung fu movies. In fact, there is an entire sub-genre specifically for "Martial Arts Horror Movies." The connection between the supernatural and the apparently superhuman skills of martial artists has often been made in the past.
Fun Fact: Although ghouls, ghosts, the undead and evil priests had appeared in martial arts films from the earliest days of kung fu cinema, it was Sammo Hung's "Encounters of a Spooky Kind" that really kickstarted a whole martial arts horror genre and then there was "Blade" which brought the concept to a whole different level. This ever evolving category and the multitude of directions that it can go in is what led me to Demon Fighter.
A meth-addicted priest, played by the very talented John Ozuna, rescues people from everyday crime and participates in a "Fight Club" style underground fight in a warehouse. With the way NYC is at the moment, this scenario is not only plausible but probable to say the least. This is just in the first minutes of the film.
As with many of it's horror alum, Michael's backstory is introduced to explain his troubled existence. A lot of that takes the form of flashbacks, dealing with a drug addicted, prostitute mother, getting beaten by her clients and getting taken in by the church. It's a backstory we've seen plenty of times and lately it has become familiar territory in the True Crime community with everyone from Aileen Wuornos to Nicholas Cruz having a similar backstory.
After a series of attempts, John is asked to check in on his friend who has been acting a bit hinkey since he came across some ancient relics (have people not learned not to mess with artifacts by now????).
Now, the possessive demon is Abaddon or more affectionately known as, The Destroying Angel. Abaddon, as described in ancient Hebrew text is the spirit of Destruction, the Abyss, Sloth, Discord, Chaos, Disaster, Distortion, Evil. Abaddon is the fallen cherub that was tempted to fall by Lilith and becoming the Archdemon that rules the Abyss. He was known as the angel that banished Lucifer and his rebel angels after the War in Heaven. Abaddon is also more akin to a force of nature than a living being, as is evident by the fact his name can also refer to a portion of Hell where sinners are said to be surrounded by snow and fire. That was my main issue with the film.
Abaddon would not say, "Your mother spread her legs for a nickel bag". Even a demon as powerful as Satan openly admitted that he wishes to avoid a confrontation with Abaddon, implying that Abaddon is maybe even more dangerous than the King of Hell himself. I'm sure he would have better comebacks than that. When it comes to demonic portrayal in cinema it would be best to get yourself well acquainted with the character you are trying illustrate. It's not a one size fits all standard being. Every demon has it's own embodiment. Just say no to familiar demonic tropes.
I had hoped for more fighting and a more accurate portrayal of the hellion so it was a little bit of a letdown but overall, it was a solid indie film that ticked the right boxes with Halloween just around the corner.
Love N Quarantine (2022)
David Espinosa at his finest.
I usually don't particularly care for dramas, unless they are true crime related, but this one is a must-see. Love N Quarantine is the most relatable film that I've seen in years. Even though we, ourselves, are now going through the 6th wave, watching Love N Quarantine transports you right back to day 1 of the lockdown. N. J. Brown (Ben Marshall) and Jeanne Young Young (Caroline Marshall) are equally engaging and strong leads, which leaves you forgetting that you're watching a film. They draw you in as though you are there observing the strain that a quarantine puts on a relationship.
During quarantine, a lot of relationships were challenged. Love N Quarantine leaves you reevaluating and looking back on your own relationships and connections. Recently, a series of studies were published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, which dedicated several special issues to relationships during the time of COVID-19.
Relational turbulence from the COVID-19 pandemic was a very real thing. David Espinosa did a phenomenal job of capturing the COVID-19 pandemic. It is an unprecedented transition fraught with difficult changes that have the potential to be especially disruptive to romantic partners' daily routines as couples alter their patterns of interdependence and adapt to their everyday lives.
The supporting cast only added another dimension to the multifaceted direction of Love N Quarantine. Johnathan E. Moore and Kenesha Mayfield were outstanding. The entire ensemble deserves the highest praise for their performances.
Citation:
Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, vol. 38, 6: pp. 1800-1818. , First Published March 17, 2021.
Making the Day (2021)
The performances of their careers
Before I begin my review, I must applaud
Director Michael Canzoniero completed principal shooting in 48 hours around NYC for "Making the Day." a truly daunting task.
Now, for my revised review after watching a second time with a family member. "Making the Day", is a heartwarming drama/comedy that was extremely touching and from the heart. My very dear friend always said, "It doesn't matter how bad things are, something good could happen always. Never give up." My beloved father also held that philosophy. I think that is why it resonated with me so deeply. It's a film based on something I hold dear, "chasing your dream, and never giving up."
Steven Randazzo, who I have seen in more films than I can recall, gave the performance of the year and possibly his career. According to Mr. Canzoniero "the inspiration behind the film's narrative was provided by lead actor Steven Randazzo's own real-life struggle with underground film financiers "coming after him" for an incomplete movie while the film was in production." Something I completely understand (albeit all too well).
Mr. Randazzo plays perfectly off of a free-spirited actress who just might be his perfect leading lady. The perfect leading lady is none other than Juliette Bennett, who blew me away with her performance in "The Nth Ward" and rightfully earned her place beside me as a "Scream Queen." However her comedian aptitude goes above and beyond. Ms. Bennett was made for this role and she let herself shine in a brilliant, breakout performance as the free-spirited actress who just won't quit.
I hope that Mr. Randazzo and Ms. Bennett play off each other again in the very near future. The chemistry and flow between both actors is an immediate draw. They make a wonderful team.
Perfectly cast, it pulls us into the struggle to make a beautiful thing against every odd possible. Everyone shines, most of all Juliette Bennett.
As a family we give the film ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
and that is a rating that I rarely, if ever,give.
An absolute must see.
The Crumbs (2020)
Surprisingly Awesome
I'll admit, The Crumbs (2020) brought to us by Indie Rights, is not the genre of horror film that I would typically watch. I'm usually straight up blood, guts and body count. However, this was different.
Meet "The Crumbs" and their extended family. Leonard (Anton Clark), Victoria Crumb (Chelsea Jurkiewicz), Dr. Benjamin Crumb (Jeff Hatch) and The Matriarch, Irene Crumb (Maria Olsen).
The opening, at first, reminded me of the classic TCM or Devil Times Five. Clearly, I was not prepared for what I was about to watch. This is TCM, meets David Cronenberg's Dead Ringers, meets Dr. Mirakle In Murders In The Rue Morgue.
Anton Clark, whom plays Leonard brings the gore, in a chilling yet humorous fashion. I had seen him before in "Penchance", and once again he outdoes himself in this performance. He is absolutely on my rising star list.
Chelsea Jurkiewicz, who burst onto to the scene with a stellar performance in "The Hunter". She truly becomes her character in "Crumbs." Her performance as Victoria Crumb leaves the viewer wondering if she really is the innocent, sheltered, pretty, young lady of the family. Is she completely harmless or delightfully sinister? Ms. Jurkiewicz always brings her A game to the plate and the scenes between she and Mr. Clark were like lightning in a bottle.
Jeff Hatch, is the most seasoned of the bunch, and his talent shines through. Mr. Hatch has worked on several TV, film and commercial projects in recent years including lead and supporting roles in independent feature films, a made-for-cable sci-fi/horror movie, several short films, and featured roles on the NBC comedy, The Office and the daytime drama, Days of Our Lives. His Dr. Benjamin Crumb obviously did not take the Hippocratic oath, as he and his family run a Air BnB in the remote woods whereby the family performs experiments on unsuspecting guests in an effort to help Victoria who is suffering with a mysterious illness ( last spoiler I promise).
Finally, playing the matriarch of this ferocious clan is Maria Olsen as Irene Crumb. I do have to make a disclaimer here, I did work with Ms. Olsen on Krampus: Origins, Fear Inc. and enjoyed her company while she was on set of Lords of Salem (uncredited) and I was doing background research.
Ms. Olsen, is a tour de force, as usual. She absolutely is one of our legendary "Scream Queens." I am not giving away anything about her role/ character as her performance is something to see first hand. Keep in mind, however, she has also won four awards (including awards for both acting and directing), had two short films appear at the 2009 Cannes Short Film Program, one at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, plus others at Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors and HorrorFest.
Overall, The Crumbs(2020) on Amazon Prime, is possibly one of Craig Ahrens' and Director David J. Espinosas' best work. The actors did a great job and the storyline was just superb.