By Amanda Gilmore

A woman’s innocent and random encounter with a man quickly turns sinister.

The Film follows the same theme we have seen before in survival horror films. A woman gets captured by a man, or men, and has to find ways to survive. However, Hunted takes a unique turn on this survival genre. Director-Writer Vincent Paronnaud and Co-Writer Léa Pernollet have incorporated a third character, the woods. More specifically nature and animal as a survival force for a woman. It’s this aspect, along with captivating performances from Lucie Debay and Arieh Worthalter, that turn this dark and timely Horror to the next level.

Hunted screens live online at Fantasia Fest Fri. Aug. 21 at 9:45 PM and Wed. Aug. 26 at 5 PM.

THE EIGHT HUNDRED has the distinction of being the first Asian film ever to be shot entirely in IMAX! It will be in theatres in cities across Canada soon!

Synopsis:
The film is based on true stories taking place during Sino-Japanese war in Shanghai, China, in 1937, the battle and protection of the Si Hang Warehouse. There are around 400 soldiers (so called Eight Hundred Heroes in history), holding out against numerous waves of Japanese forces for 4 days and 4 nights.

Cast: OU Hao, JIANG Wu, ZHANG Yi, WANG Qianyuan, DU Chun, LI Chen

See the Trailer:

CMC Pictures release THE EIGHT HUNDRED Friday, August 28, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: CMC Pictures)

Rachel Leigh Cook and Damon Wayans Jr. star in LOVE, GUARANTEED, pairing-up as a lawyer and her client, who was failed by a dating website.

Synopsis:

Earnest, hard-working lawyer Susan (Rachael Leigh Cook) has taken one too many pro bono cases. To save her small law firm, Susan begrudgingly takes a high-paying, high-profile case from Nick (Damon Wayans Jr.), a charming new client who wants to sue a dating website that guarantees users will find love. But Susan and Nick soon find themselves in the middle of a media storm, and as the case heats up, so do their feelings for each other — which could jeopardize everything.

See the Trailer:

LOVE, GUARANTEED arrives on Netflix Friday, September 3, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Kevin Costner and Diane Lane star in LET HIM GO, out in theatres this November! See the new Trailer.

Story:

Following the loss of their son, retired sheriff George Blackledge (Kevin Costner) and his wife Margaret (Diane Lane) leave their Montana ranch to rescue their young grandson from the clutches of a dangerous family living off the grid in the Dakotas, headed by matriarch Blanche Weboy. When they discover the Weboys have no intention of letting the child go, George and Margaret are left with no choice but to fight for their family.

See the Trailer:

Focus Features release LET HIM GO in theatres Friday, November 6, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Focus Features)

By Amanda Gilmore

Columnist Femke Boot (Katja Herbers) has had enough of internet trolls and has devised a plan to get her revenge.

This tightly-written film has an anti-heroine to root for. As a Columnist, Femke believes everyone is entitled to their own opinion, however, this belief changes once she begins receiving death threats and retched comments on Social Media. From there, we are taken on an entertaining satirical journey with the right amounts of Comedy and gore splashed throughout. Along the way the Filmmakers dangle important queries about freedom of speech, only giving ambiguous answers. Thus, prompting viewers to project their own convictions onto the narrative. And these convictions will repeatedly be challenged by the powerhouse performance from Herbers. What Femke’s doing is criminal, however, Herbers often persuades us onto her side.

The Columnist will be available on-demand through Fantasia Fest Aug 20 – Sept 2.

By Amanda Gilmore

Documentary You Cannot Kill David Arquette which follows his comeback to wrestling 18-years after fans were angered by his 2000 WCW World Heavyweight Championship win. Arquette never meant to disrespect the sport or enrage fans and fellow wrestlers. He just wanted to play the sport he loved since childhood. So in 2018, he began his road to redemption in hopes to garner the fans acceptance the way he respects them and the sport. He shows his respect by throwing streamers at the fans before entering the ring, just as the fans throw streamers at their favourite wrestlers.

The Documentary has many laughs as it tells the quirky story of an endearing underdog, however, it also shows the reality Wrestlers face. Arquette experiences many obstacles along his journey, from training, death matches, and health scares, but he is unwavering in his mission and persists. His passion for wrestling fuels him through every impediment allowing him to come out stronger on the other side. You Cannot Kill David Arquette gives us Comedy, Drama, Action and a Comeback Kid we route for throughout.

We were lucky enough to get on a conference call with Arquette this week to speak about his upcoming documentary. Here’s what he had to say:

Q: In the Doc, we see you go through a physical transformation. What were some challenges and benefits you found in getting in shape?

A: I used DDPY which is Diamond Dallas Page Yoga but its not really Yoga, it’s Yoga and strength training. That got me inspired to start my weight loss and getting prepared to take bumps in the ring. …Did Jujitsu…and boxing and then I worked with Peter Avalon as a Trainer. And it was really just great to get out there and do all that cardio. Then I went on a zero-carb diet for months and months. You have to reduce the size of your meals and eat smaller meals throughout the day. Its best if you don’t eat anything three hours before you go to bed. It was hard but it was something that as an actor you learn how to do. You just sometimes have to lose weight for a part, or put on weight. *laughing* But that’s harder sometimes in a way. *laughing* It taught me a lot of discipline and getting in the mindset of an athlete.

Q: When will we see you in the ring again, and what you hope your Wrestling career will look like in the future?

A: I don’t know if I will get back in the ring again. I really love being in the ring with my friend and tag-team partner RJ City. It’s a fun dynamic with him and a safer experience. *laughing* So when I’m with him it’s safer. When I’m in there on my own it isn’t the safest place for me. I don’t know if I will be wrestling anytime soon. I do love it. But I think this movie exists in its own world. And I think that it’s best if I just let it live there.

Arquette has two Films screening at Fantasia Fest 2020. His Documentary, which will screen live Mon. Aug. 24 at 7:30 PM, and Horror-Comedy 12 Hour Shift who he co-stars beside Angela Bettis and retired Wrestler Mick Foley, which screens live twice on Sat. Aug. 22 at 9:30 PM and Thu. Aug. 27 at 11:30 PM.

Elevation Pictures release You Cannot Kill David Arquette on VOD on August 28, 2020.

(Photo credit: Elevation Pictures)

By Amanda Gilmore

In a lost 1980s police training video, ‘perfect’ Rookie Officer Jim (Vayu O’Donnell) goes “off-script” when he tries to solve a domestic abuse case outside the restricted rules of the law.

This whip-smart satirical Dark-Comedy is both a throwback to survival skill VHS tapes and a critical look into the confined limits police officers have with cases. Writer-Director Quinn Armstrong has impressively adapted his short film of the same name into an intelligent first Feature that masters the art of heavy-hitting dark-comedy. His unique vision to use the VHS common 4:3 aspect ratio with pivotal VHS jumps creates immense authenticity. This creative decision becomes additionally beneficial during the climactic Third Act when an abrupt change in the story causes a modern visual change in aspect ratio. O’Donnell perfectly captures the far-fetched acting of those ’80s training videos while never becoming unbelievable. He has a natural charisma and charm that’s required to keep audiences rooting for in over his head Jim.

Survival Skills will be available on-demand through Fantasia Fest Aug 20 – Sept 2.

By Amanda Gilmore

After another drug bender, Barry (Gary Green) gets abducted by aliens. One of the aliens visitors hijacks his brain and takes control of his body — bringing it on a joyride through Cape Town.

Fried Barry is one of the wildest, craziest movie experiences at this year’s Fantasia Fest! It’s a high-energy psychedelic ride filled with sex, action, comedy and gore. At its core is a controlled, highly comedic performance from Green. For a film as outrageous as this one, a fully committed yet restrained performance is needed and Green fully delivers. It’s also skillfully-directed by Ryan Kruger. Kruger shoots Cape Town as a first-time alien visitor would see the vibrant city. In doing so, he takes the audience on a wild ride through Cape Town and it’s one trip you will never forget.

Fried Barry will be available on-demand through Fantasia Fest Aug 20 – Sept 2.

Sofia Coppola is back with ON THE ROCKS, reuniting her with Bill Murray! Rashida Jones stars as a woman who becomes growingly-suspicious of her husband cheating on her and at the insistence of her father (Murray), investigates!

Synopsis:

A young New York mother faced with sudden doubts about her marriage teams up with her larger-than-life playboy father to tail her husband. What follows is a sparkling comic adventure across the city – drawing father and daughter closer together despite one detour after another. Acclaimed filmmaker Sofia Coppola brings a light touch to this blend of an exuberant love letter to New York, a generation-clash comedy about how we see relationships differently from our parents, and a funny celebration of the complications that bind modern families even as they tie us in crazy knots.

Laura (Rashida Jones) thinks she’s happily hitched, but when her husband Dean (Marlon Wayans) starts logging late hours at the office with a new co-worker, Laura begins to fear the worst. She turns to the one man she suspects may have insight: her charming, impulsive father Felix (Bill Murray), who insists they investigate the situation. As the two begin prowling New York at night, careening from uptown parties to downtown hotspots, they discover at the heart of their journey lies their own relationship.

See the Trailer:

ON THE ROCKS arrives on Apple TV+ in October.

(Photo/video credit: Apple TV+)

Mozzarella, Ricotta & Kimchi-Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms. These are all the rage right now with Zucchini Blossoms being available right now, through end of August. We made the best of our trip downtown with a visit to our fave Eataly, where we found everything we needed to make these. We love the combination of cheese and Kimchi (Korean Pickled Cabbage) as these flavours blend beautifully. You can do this without Kimchi, just add a bit of sea salt to the filling to taste to account for it.

Ingredients:

Package of Zucchini Blossoms (usually contains about 20)
1/2 cup Ricotta
1/4 cup Fresh Soft Mozzarella (Mozzarella Classica), minced
1/4 cup Kimchi, minced
1/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
3 eggs
1 tsp Truffle Oil
1 tsp parsley
Sea salt and pepper to taste

Canola Oil

Instructions:

1. Heat canola oil in large skilled on medium heat, till oil is hot. Oil should be about 2″ high.
2. In shallow platter, mix flour, milk, 2 eggs, 3 tbsps Parmesan, parsley, salt and pepper until it becomes a smooth batter.
3. In bowl, mix minced Fresh Mozzarella, Ricotta, 1 egg, Truffle Oil, 3 tbsps Parmesan and a bit of pepper till combined. Do not over-mix.
4. Take Zucchini Blossoms, opening gently till you can see the base. Gently scoop in a bit of the cheese mixture, careful not to over-stuff. Take a smidge of Kimchi and press it into the cheese gently. Pinch tip of Blossom to seal. Refrigerate a few minutes in refrigerator.
5. Dip stuffed Blossoms into batter, coating lightly. Place into oil and repeat, frying Blossoms in batches, careful not to overcrowd skillet.
6. Fry till golden brown, about 2 minutes each side. Place on paper towel-lined tray to absorb oil. Serve.

Gallery:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)