The Wave Film Review Feat. Justin Long and Donald Faison

Frank (Justin Long) has been searching for his big break at the firm for six years. When the day finally arrives he just wants to get a good nights sleep to prepare for his presentation the next morning. Friend and colleague Jeff (Donald Faison) insists they head out of town to celebrate. The duo runs into trouble when Frank is given a hallucinogen that alters his perception of reality. Their lives will be forever changed in Gille Klabin’s The Wave.

I was blown away by how creative this film is. It’s purposely misleading which I think is a brilliant concept. The movie is filmed in a way where it seems cut and dry but then the action takes over. Once Frank realizes the substance he was given is taking effect is where things really take off. There is a scene where Frank is brushing his teeth and it is shot so flawlessly. There was no disconnect in the first reveal which makes the story that much more believable.

There is so much that goes on in this film that in any other setting I think it would be too much. A film that is this ambitious requires a certain amount of skill, patience, and an eye for detail. The Wave includes all of these and more which is why I was impressed with it. The writing, directing, and acting are all top notch. It was both fascinating and entertaining to watch Frank react to both reality and the world he was seeing due to hallucinations. Those scenes were done in a way where they felt realistic rather than cheesy or over the top. I found myself being somewhat sympathetic to Franks situation. On one hand, you shouldn’t take drugs. Especially from strangers. On the other hand, it’s clear to me that Frank doesn’t exactly make the best decisions. Especially under pressure.

Sheila Vand plays Theresa. Although she’s a secondary character her existence is pretty important to the story. While in his “medicated” state Frank sees Theresa and tells her all about the man he wants to be. It’s clear that the man he is isn’t who he wishes to be. This reveal is something that is relatable to all of us. No matter how ideal our lives may be there is always something we wish we could change. Wish we could do better. I loved how this scene took a movie about an altered reality and turned it into something that is prevalent in the real world. It makes Frank a relatable character which I was very fond of.

Justin Long and Donald Faison have such great on screen chemistry. I love Justin’s ability to become his character so effortlessly. He does a great job at portraying the every day Joe with the 9 - 5 job. That is not something all actors are capable of because it becomes stale over time. He has mastered it in a way where it’s enjoyable in any setting. The Wave is no exception to this. I have yet to see a Justin Long Film that I didn’t like. Donald has played a variety of different characters throughout his career and this is a role I really enjoyed him in.

Overall this film was great. The characters felt so real that I connected with them in a way. This is rare for me and I don’t take this experience lightly. If you’re a fan of Justin Long and or films about altered reality I would definitely give The Wave a watch. I give this movie a 10/10 easily. It was a very enjoyable experience. The film comes out in select theaters and on nationwide VOD on January 17th. I applaud Director Gille Klabin and Writer Carl W. Lucas for their brilliant work and look forward to viewing future projects.

Fantasia Film Festival - Riot Girls Review

It’s 1995 and school’s out forever. No more futures, no more rules. A mysterious disease has wiped out the adult population in Potter’s Bluff, and it’s the East side VS the Titans. Nat’s brother Jack (Alexandre Bourgeois, The New Romantic) gets captured by the Titans while out on a mission. It’s up to Nat (Madison Iseman, Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle) and her best friend Scratch (Paloma Kwiatkowski, Percy Jackson Franchise) to save him.

Riot Girls has a pretty traditional plot. The rich kids VS the poor kids. This is a story we’ve seen time and time again throughout various decades. What makes this film rise above the rest is the writing, acting, character development, and the soundtrack. Most films that emulate a specific time period rely on music that was very popular in their respective decades. Instead of choosing more obvious choices like Green Day or No Doubt, they chose bands like Joan Jett, and L7. L7 is a female fronted grunge band that were part of the 90’s riot grrrl movement. Other Riot Grrrl bands include Bikini Kill, Bratmobile, and Babes In Toyland.

This film takes many different genres and smashes them together to make its own perfectly balanced hybrid. You’ve got the grrrl power movement, jocks with enlarged egos, gnarly death scenes, perfect comedic timing, and an unexpectedly bright ambiance. Riot Girls is such a refreshing film. It’s thoughtful but doesn’t take itself too seriously. There’s something so raw and powerful about this film that it instantly makes you side with the underdog.

I give Riot Girls a 10/10. There’s nothing I would change about this film. The pacing and dialogue is fantastic. If you like teen dramas mixed with a killer soundtrack and some ultra violence I think you’ll enjoy this film. Riot Girls was featured at 2019’s Fantasia International Film Festival and is now playing in select theaters across North America.

Film Score Review - Sandro Di Stefano - Dolph Lundgren’s The Tracker

The 2019 Lionsgate film “The Tracker” starring Dolph Lundgren tells the story of Loke Hakansson, a family man who reluctantly travels to a remote Italian village with his wife and daughter. 15 Years after his family is kidnapped, Loke is contacted by a detected who claims to have new information about their disappearance.

I will be reviewing the films OTC which was composed by the brilliant Sandro Di Stefano and The Dnepropetrovsk Philharmonic Orchestra. Like his previous works this soundtrack is stunning. The talent by not only Sandro but the Orchestra themselves is impeccable.

One of the first things I noticed about the songs here is that the music is so different. There are so many unique style choices incorporated into each track. Instead of being overpowering it’s quite beautiful and very relaxing. When I listen to the music for a film I look for songs that are intriguing, captivating, but also capture the film through melody. I think these songs do this perfectly. They tell a story that can be enjoyed both on and off screen.

My favorite tracks from “The Tracker” Soundtrack are It’s Wasted Time, Welcome To Taranto, Albanians Attak, and The Playful Revenge. All of these are perfect examples of how to properly incorporate different sounds and melodies into music in order to capture the essence of the subject matter. Sandro has such a unique vision with each album he creates. I find it rather difficult to listen to soundtracks sometimes because the vision only works within the film. If I see Sandro’s name I know I’m going to be listening to something beautiful. I’m always in awe of his work. Please be sure to check out the film “The Tracker”, The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, and the Dnepropetrovsk Philharmonic Orchestra. This OTC has 14 songs with a running time just shy of 35 minutes. It is now available through iTunes. I highly suggest you pick up a copy for yourself and or your loved ones.

Artsploitation - Do It Yourself Film Review

Do It Yourself  is available for streaming on Amazon. To rent or purchase the film go here

Do it yourself is a clever game of cat and mouse except this time the mouse has a trick up his sleeve. What would you do if you knew you were going to be killed off after finishing the task at hand? Would you accept your fate or would you fight? 

Our story follows Alkis Vidalis (Konstadinos Aspiotis). Alkis agrees to film a video to restore the public image of a prominent business man. Things don’t go according to plan and that’s where the story really heats up. Knowing he’s going to be permanently removed from society, Alkis does what any sane man would do. He turns into MacGyver. Using every tool in sight to find a way to set himself free, Alkis out wits each one of his worthy opponents. Quentin Tarantino would be proud. 

Do It Yourself is in a league of its own. There’s so much to love here that I had trouble picking my favorite scenes. One of my favorites is how the main character speaks directly to the viewer. It adds something special to the already fast paced plot. There are tricks I’ve never seen in film before and although they’re small they definitely add personality to the film. I love the camera work, the technique, and the attention to detail. If you like action packed films that have a life of their own I think you’ll love this one. It’s entertaining and keeps you at the edge of your seat. 

I give Do It Yourself a solid A. It’s a movie I’d watch again. I don’t say that lightly. Writer/Director Dimitris Tsilifonis did an incredible job here. I look forward to seeing more of his work. 

Film Information:

Studio: Artsploitation Films 

Writer: Dimitris Tsilifonis 

Director: Dimitris Tsilifonis 

Country: Greece 

Language: Greek with English Subtitles 

Run Time: 97 minutes  

Release Date: March 8, 2018 

Film Score Review - Sandro Di Stefano - The Man With The Magic Box

The soundtrack for a The Man With The Magic Box is available on Spotify 

Man With The Magic Box is an Action/Sci-Fi film which takes place in the year 2030. The two main characters Adam and Gloria meet at work and start a tumultuous relationship. Unbeknownst to them their lives will be forever changed with an unexpected discovery. 

I had the upmost pleasure of listening to the films score which was composed, orchestrated, and conducted by Sandro Di Stefano. The music was played by the sensational Dnipropetroska Symphony Orchestra.

The score for this film is exquisite. Every song is written so beautifully and I love how each song flows to the next without losing its individuality. There is an underlying melody played throughout each song that is flawless. When listening to the music in the film you can not only see the story but you can hear it as well. It’s never easy trying to find a perfect match between film and music but Sandro Di Stefano did such a wonderful job that the two go hand in hand. 

The talent shines bright from both Composer and Orchestra. My favorites tracks from The Man With The Magic Box are The Shadow Of The Past, Adams Theme, Identity and Memory, And The Journey Through Love. 

Track Listing: 

1. The Shadow Of The Past 
2. Adam’s Theme 
3. End To End
4. Love Frequency
5. Hidden System
6. Identity and Mystery 
7. The Journey Through Love
8. Where The Words End 
9. Fortran (1952)
10. The Shadow Of The Future 
11. Nocturne Op 9, No. 2 (Bonus Track)
12. Walc A-moll (Bonus Track 

Artsploitation - The Man With The Magic Box Film Review

The Man With The Magic Box is available for streaming on Amazon. To rent or purchase the film go here

It’s the year 2030. QR codes (Quick Response Codes) on your backs and Microchips imbedded in the flesh hold the key to your new identity. Every thought, every feeling isn’t your own. Everything you once were and everything you loved has been “erased”. Gone forever and replaced with the memories of someone you don’t know. Who are these people? How did you get here? Is this real? Am I real? The more questions you ask the less you know. You can’t run, you can’t hide. They’ll always find you. Be a good little soldier or you’ll be sent “back”. Welcome to Man In The Magic Box. 

I absolutely loved this film! The imagery, the color scheme, the camera angles. Everything is perfect! If you’re a fan of Blade Runner and Men In Black you will be a big fan of Man In The Magic Box as well. The music is hauntingly beautiful and adds to the films dark but airy tone. There’s a particular scene that I did not see coming. It changes the film completely and I think this was a smart decision. I’ve seen this type of flip done before but this film does it exceptionally well. It’s hard to pull of this type of story and I think Bodo Kox did a brilliant job. 

Whenever I hear the term Sci-Fi I always think of Avatar, Matrix, and a “stuck-up, half-witted, scruffy-looking nerf herder” who’s best friend is a giant dog that gargles. Man In The Magic Box is a breath of fresh air in the Sci-Fi genre. It takes inspiration from stories once told but lands on its own two feet. It takes you in one direction and just when you think you’ve figured it out it changes course. This is one of the best genre pieces I have seen in a very long time. It’s well written, well thought out, and is captured beautifully onscreen. I give Man In The Magic Box a solid A! Well done! I tip my hat to the brilliant Bodo Kox (Writer/Director). 

Film Information:

Studio: Artsploitation Films 

Writer: Bodo Kox 

Director: Bodo Kox 

Country: Poland 

Language: Polish with English Subtitles 

Run Time: 103 Minutes 

Release Date: October 20, 2017