SXSW: “APPENDAGE” REVIEW

By David Baldwin

Hannah (Hadley Robinson) is a young fashion designer barely keeping it together under the weight of mounting anxieties. She keeps having sharp pains in her stomach due to all of the stress and one night, the pains get so bad that a literal appendage with eyes and a mouth violently pushes itself out of her. This monstrous entity can talk too and it seems keen on fueling her anxieties.

I am not going to lie to you – I laughed out loud the moment the “Appendage” appears. Kudos to the behind-the-scenes team for doing all the effects practically, but this ghastly creature is more hilarious than it is terrifying. That is, until Writer/Director Anna Zlokovic pulls the rug out and Hannah’s life starts to get increasingly more twisted as a result of this literal growing manifestation of anxiety and self-doubt. Zlokovic has adapted from her own wicked Short Film here (starring SXSW Queen Rachel Sennott as Hannah) and makes some very interesting choices along the way. Sometimes they are predictable, sometimes unpredictable, and other times positively outrageous. Not all of it works unfortunately, with some subplots and ideas introduced and forgotten within the same breath. I admire the ridiculous swings the film takes though and its lean and mean running time. I just thought there would be more to it.

All of that said, Robinson is terrific, absolutely relishing in the chaotic journey Zlokovic puts Hannah through. She is very much lock in step with the tone of the picture and has a way with pivoting her emotions with chilling precision. Schitt’s Creek’s Emily Hampshire does well in her juicy supporting turn as Claudia, who has a special connection with Hannah, and I loved the standout work from Desmin Borges and Brandon Mychal Smith (who starred together on the criminally-underrated FX show You’re the Worst). I only wish they got even more to do here!

APPENDAGE screens at SXSW ’23 as follows:

Mar 11 at 11:15am at Alamo Lamar C

Mar 14 at 9:45pm at Alamo Lamar E

Mar 16 at 2:00pm at Alamo Lamar C

#SXSW: FIRST LOOK AT “TRANSFOMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS” STATUE UNVEILING

TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS had a huge debut at SXSW ’23 with the unveiling of character statues at Porsche House! Stars Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback and Toby Nwigiwe were in Austn for the big presentation!

The statues will be touring the world with upcoming stops in LAS VEGAS, CHICAGO, AND NEW YORK CITY, plus SAO PAULO, SINGAPORE, SYDNEY, MADRID, BERLIN, LONDON, MEXICO CITY and TOKYO.

SYNOPSIS:

Returning to the action and spectacle that have captured moviegoers around the world, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will take audiences on a ‘90s globetrotting adventure with the Autobots and introduce a whole new faction of Transformer – the Maximals – to the existing battle on earth between Autobots and Decepticons. Directed by Steven Caple Jr. and starring Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback, the film arrives in theatres June 9, 2023.

Some Snaps from the event:

(Photo credit: Paramount Pictures Canada/Getty Images)

#SXSW: RED CARPET PHOTOS FROM PREMIERE OF “DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES”

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS had the honour of opening the 2023 SXSW Festival at Paramount Theatre, and the response has been phenomental for this Film by Co-Directors Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley. In fact, it is sitting at 100% on the Tomatometer. The Film arrives March 31, 2023 via Paramount Pictures.

In attendance last night were the Film’s stars: Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Regé-Jean Page, Justice Smith, Sophia Lillis and Daisy Head, plus Directors Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley and Producers Nick Meyer and Jeremy Latcham.

SYNOPSIS:

A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers undertake an epic heist to retrieve a lost relic, but things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people.  Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves brings the rich world and playful spirit of the legendary roleplaying game to the big screen in a hilarious and action-packed adventure.

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Paramount Pictures Canada)

#SXSW: “FUCK ME, RICHARD” REVIEW

By Mr. Will Wong

Co-directed, written by and starring Lucy McKendrick, FUCK ME, RICHARD is a twisty Psychological Thriller that will keep you guessing. Sally (McKendrick) is recovering from a broken leg and feeling lonely. Scrolling through a dating app, she finds her match in Richard (Nathan Wallace). The two embark on a passionate relationship over the phone and we learn that Richard‘s mother is fighting for her life and in need of money. Sally decides to help him in what appears to be a scam, but we ask, is Sally being entirely honest to us and Richard as well?

McKendrick does a fantastic job taking us into Sally’s lonely, painkiller-blurred reality. But make no mistake, she’s not entirely out of it. The performance is understated, which leaves much to the imagination, yet at once is incredibly brazen and vulnerable. She carries the entire 17 minutes of this Short Film, a very impressive introduction to her talents, alongside Co-Director Charlie Pollinger.

Narrative Shorts Program 2 at Rollins Theatre at The Long Center

Mar 11, 2023

2:15pm—3:56pm

Narrative Shorts Program 2 at Alamo Lamar E

Mar 15, 2023

12:00pm—1:41pm

#SXSW: “CONFESSIONS OF A GOOD SAMARITAN” REVIEW

By Amanda Gilmore

When Director Penny Lane decides to donate her kidney to a stranger, she makes the decision to document each part of the process. Initially, she’s met with skepticism and many questions of ‘why’. As we watch her go through each step in the process, Lane manages to change our way of thinking and make us laugh while she does it.

Confessions of a Good Samaritan is an in-depth inquiry into the science, history, and ethics of organ transplantation. Experts across many fields lend their knowledge not only of the process of organ transplantation but traits of the individuals who donate. A particular section on the meaning and importance of altruism is the first time audience members start understanding what makes someone want to become a donor. This altruism is showcased through Lane. Although she doesn’t think of herself as a good samaritan in the beginning. Following her story informs the viewer of the lengthy process a donor experiences. And her quirky personality is the cherry on top of this entertaining, through-provoking Documentary.

By the end, Lane has changed our question of ‘why’ into ‘why not’. We see that donating a kidney, or something as small as agreeing to be an organ donor on your driver’s license, is something anyone could and should do. She’s brought us along on her journey and showed us that there is a different way to live. Not a life of only thinking about ourselves and our close loved ones. But one where we can extend that care, nurture, kindness and love to strangers. It’s clear that the world would be a much better place with more good samaritans.

Confessions of a Good Samaritan screens at SXSW ’23 as follows:

Mar 10 at 5:00pm at Alamo Lamar B

Mar 11 at 11:00am at Satellite Venue: AFS Cinema

Mar 15 at 12:30pm at Violet Crown Cinema 1

Mar 15 at 1:00pm at Violet Crown Cinema 3

#SXSW: “CLOSING DYNASTY” REVIEW

By Mr. Will Wong

After its premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival, Canadian-Korean Director Lloyd Lee Choi brings his Short CLOSING DYNASTY to SXSW 2023. And what a beautiful work it is. At the heart of the story is seven-year-old Queenie (Milinka Winata), who should be in school, but instead is hustling the streets. Whether it be running her school basketball team scam on the train, hawking roses to turn a profit or dumpster diving for treasures, Queenie is determined to make a buck. But we’re left wondering why?

We see New York City throught Queenie‘s hopeful eyes, thanks to a spirited turn by our star Winata who despite her young age is able to master her character’s quiet nuances, yet capture her entrepreneurial drive. And did we mention her speaking Mandarin-Chinese with aplomb?

Cinematography by Christopher Lew is sublime and this 17-minute Short comes with an impressive polish. And when the lens finally zooms-out, we get the reality of where we are today, with the world fighting its way out of some very tough times and what that means for many of us, including young Queenie.

CLOSING DYNASTY screens at SXSW ’23 as follows:

Narrative Shorts Program 1 at Rollins Theatre at The Long Center

Mar 11, 2023

11:00am—12:42pm

Narrative Shorts Program 1 at Alamo Lamar E

Mar 15, 2023

6:30pm—8:12pm

#SXSW: “ROGER J. CARTER: REBEL REVOLUTIONARY” REVIEW

By Mr. Will Wong

One of the great things about SXSW is the platform it gives to deserving voices. ROGER J. CARTER: REBEL REVOLUTIONARY is a Documentary Short by Justin Fairweather. It centers on its titular figure (pardon the pun), a Chicago-based Visual Artist who raises awareness of revolutionaries who are changing the narrative of the minority experience in America.

Over six minutes, we meet Carter briefly, who gives us a bit his own backstory. It is however when his craft is revealed do we truly see the expansiveness of what he is doing. Carter takes toy soldier figurines, assembling them into portraits of revolutionaries for marginalized communities like President Obama, Muhammad Ali, Kamala Harris, Breonna Taylor, Malcolm X and more.

Simply breathtaking, and a story that warrants attention. We just wish Fairweather went further into what pushed Carter‘s creativity – a level of genius is triggered by something affecting and we want to know more. Regardless, Carter‘s artwork speaks for itself.

ROGER J. CARTER: REBEL REVOLUTIONARY screens at SXSW ’23 as follows:

Documentary Shorts Program 1 at Rollins Theatre at The Long Center

Mar 12, 2023

11:00am—12:35pm

Documentary Shorts Program 1 at Alamo Lamar D

Mar 16, 2023

3:30pm—5:05pm

#SXSW: “NAI NAI & WAI PO (GRANDMA & GRANDMA)” REVIEW

By Mr. Will Wong

Up-and-coming Filmmaker Sean Wang is a name to look-out for as evinced by his heartfelt and funny meditiation of life in NAI NAI & WAI PO (GRANDMA & GRANDMA). Wang returns home to visit his two paternal and maternal grandmothers who happen to live together, sleep together and are BFFs.

The Documentary Short, spanning 17 minutes begins as a festive reunion. The energy of their playful banter between the two women is infectious – fart jokes, “making it rain” and all. But as the Film progresses, we get glimpses into Wang’s grandmother’s past lives, which weren’t so easy. In Mandarin-Chinese, they speak on widowhood, not having necessities during times of war and looking back at photo albums to remember what they looked like. The underlying theme though is an appreciation of the now and getting to spend time with their grandson, and this could their last time together.

So many emotions, affecting, sweet and self-reflective. And incredibly timely as American Cinema continues to experience an renaissance of the Asian-American experience right now. Wang leaves us wanting more and we get why right away he felt it was a great idea to document these fascinating and endearing women who happen to be his two grandmothers.

NAI NAI & WO PO is not to be missed. It screens at SXSW ’23 as follows:

Documentary Shorts Program 2 at Rollins Theatre at The Long Center

Mar 12, 2023

2:15pm — 3:46pm

Documentary Shorts Program 2 at Alamo Lamar D

Mar 16, 2023

6:45pm — 8:16pm

#SXSW: SXSW 2023 PREVIEW

SXSW is set to kick-off Friday March 10, 2023 through March 18, 2023 in Austin. Team Mr. Will is here to bring you some of their top picks of the Film & TV component of the Festival, which is back again in-person fully. The Festival kicks-off this year with Opening Night selection DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES. The eagerly-awaited Blockbuster co-directed by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley stars an impressive Cast including Chris Pine, Regé-Jean Page, Hugh Grant, Sophia Lillis, Michelle Rodriguez and more. This follows on the footsteps of last year’s Opening Night film, EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE, which has been propelled to major Awards Season success.

Other high-profile titles to premiere at the Film & TV Festival include Evil Dead Rise directed by Lee Cronin; Problemista directed by Julio Torres; Flamin’ Hot directed by Eva Longoria; Janine Nabers and Donald Glover’s Swarm; Lee Sung Jin’s Beef and several more. 

Team Mr. Will preview for you some of their own most-anticipated titles at SXSW 2023.

AMANDA GILMORE (@GilmoreAmanda)

Bottoms

Toronto-born Director-Writer Emma Seligman is re-teaming with star-on-the-rise Rachel Sennott! And I CANNOT WAIT! I loved Shiva Baby and know that only greatness will come from this duo. Additionally, as a huge fan of The Bear, I am so excited to see breakout star Ayo Edebiri as part of its Cast.

Fancy Dance

I heard so many great things about this Film coming out of Sundance early this year. It’s the feature directorial debut from Erica Tremblay and follows a Native American hustler who kidnaps her niece from her white grandparents and sets out for the state powwow in the hope of keeping what’s left of their family intact.

Joy Ride

I always search for Comedy at SXSW because they tend to be breakout hits. This Comedy directed by Adele Lim has a stellar cast including Everything Everywhere All at Once fav Stephanie Hsu. And it just happens to be produced by two funny men collaborators Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg.

National Anthem

I’m a huge fan of Halsey and she’s acting in this touching story about a construction worker in New Mexico who joins a group of queer rodeo performers. There has been a lot of buzz going into the Festival for this Film and I am sure it won’t disappoint.

Bloody Hell

This Canadian film sounds like a blast. It follows a teen girl who is diagnosed with a reproductive condition that upends her sex life. Thus, sending her on a journey exploring unusual methods. It stars Maddie Ziegler and Emily Hampshire.

I want to shout out a film I’ve already seen and I believe all of you should: War Pony. It’s a breathtaking film that follows the interlocking stories of two young Oglala Lakota men group on on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

DAVID BALDWIN (@DaveMABaldwin)

I am three-years-deep and still fascinated by the films the SXSW team programs every March. It is such an odd and eclectic mix of indies, docs and genre films, and well, it speaks directly to my eclectic taste in cinema. And though it lacks the prestige of TIFF or Cannes, and is a little more punk rock than Sundance, I love how much of a unique identity SXSW has. Hopefully, next year I can take the plunge and go to Austin for a long weekend just to soak up all of the films, the BBQ, and this terrific community the festival has cultivated. I am intrigued about a number of pictures and twisted visions unfolding over the coming week and a half, but these are the ones I am most excited for:

Evil Dead Rise

I love the Evil Dead franchise, full-stop. The remake we got in 2013 was a whole lot better than it should have been, and this new entry (which trades the creepy cabin, horny teenagers and everyman Ash Williams for a family in a creepy high rise tower) looks and sounds positively bonkers. I was grinning like a maniac watching the R-rated trailer just recently, and am all in for the gory, grotesque and groovy blood bath that Writer/Director Lee Cronin has cooked-up. Might want to pack a poncho and an umbrella for this one.

Bottoms/I Used To Be Funny

Have you accepted Rachel Sennott as your new queen yet? This one-two punch of Dark Comedies – one about two loser high schoolers who create a fight club in order to get laid, and the other about an aspiring comedian and former nanny struggling with PTSD – should certainly clue you into what you have been missing in your life. They both sound like wild rides, and should certainly provide plenty of laughs from this star on the rise. Did I ask if you accepted her as your queen yet?

299 Queen Street West

If you are of a certain generation, you likely remember when MUCH was actually called MuchMusic. And it played music. Those days may be long behind us, but Sean Maynard’s Documentary about the life and times of the iconic building, studio and brand is bound to bring back a whole lot of memories. I cannot wait to see what artifacts he was able to dig-up.

Self Reliance

No need to even discuss a plot here – this is the directorial debut of Jake Johnson. He wrote and produced the Film too, alongside the Lonely Island. And he stars in it, alongside Anna Kendrick, Andy Samberg, Natalie Morales, Christopher Lloyd, Wayne Brady and Schitt’s Creek’s Emily Hampshire (also at SXSW 2023 with Bloody Hell). Do I really need to say more, or are you just as quickly on-board as I was?

Plan C

As a CIS white male, my opinion on abortion does not matter. Nor should it matter to the men who helped overturn Roe v. Wade. What a woman does with her own body is none of our fucking concern. Plain and simple. Sadly, not everyone feels that way, as we would not need Docs like Plan C if they did. The Film centres around a large group of individuals who have been networking since 2014 in an attempt to increase access to abortion pills across the United States. With how turbulent things are going, and the fact that I have my own daughter now, this one is quite simply a must-see.

MR. WILL (@mrwillw)

Tetris

Centering around true events and Henk Rogers’ (played by Taron Egerton) uphill battle to secure legal rights to international gaming sensation TETRIS, this Drama from Jon S. Baird is a must-see. Especially for those of us who grew-up in the ’80s and ’90s and played this religiously on our Nintendo Gameboys. This premieres more towards the end of the Festival on March 15th and arrives on Apple TV+ March 31, 2023. Who’d have known there was this much Drama behind something that brought us so much joy? Did you know the game actually originally belonged to the people of the Soviet Union?

American Born Chinese

Based on Gene Luen Yang’s Graphic Novel of the same name, SXSW is so lucky to continue this renaissance of the Asian-American experience. The upcoming Disney+ series centers on Jin Wang (Ben Wang), struggling with his school life and home life. He meets the new foreign exchange student at his school, leading him to become involved in a battle between Gods of Chinese mythology. The Series reunites EEAAO stars Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan. This also premieres later in the Festival on March 15th and it arrives May 24, 2023 on Disney+.

I Used to be Funny

Filmed right here at home, Toronto’s Ally Pankiw writes and directs this Comedy starring SXSW 2023 Queen Rachel Sennott (also at the Festival with the exciting BOTTOMS as mentioned by Amanda and David) as a Comedian battling PTSD and deciding whether or not to search for a missing teen girl whom she used to nanny. This premieres March 13th at the Festival.

Flamin’ Hot

Who doesn’t love Flamin’ Hot Cheetos? Flamin’ Hot is the story of Richard Montañez (Jesse Garcia) the Frito Lay janitor who channeled his Mexican-American heritage and upbringing to turn Flamin’ Hot Cheetos into a snack that ignited a spice-loving frenzing, becoming a worldwide sensation! Eva Longoria directs this origins story which we can totally get behind. This premieres March 11th.

Problemista

Expect Julio Torres to be the breakout star of SXSW 2023 writing, directing and also starring in this Comedy about a Toy Designer from El Salvador who is stuck in a job assisting an unpredictable Art World outcast in order to stay in America. Also stars Greta Lee and TILDA SWINTON! This debuts March 13th at the Festival.

Also, a warm mention goes to Canada’s BLACKBERRY which recounts the rise of the mobile phone that once ruled the world, from Director/Writer Matt Johnson. Jay Baruchel stars as Mike Lazaridis in this Drama which will be released via Elevation Pictures April 28, 2023. This got plenty of traction out of its Berlin International Film Festival Premiere and we cannot wait to see. It premieres March 13th at SXSW 2023.

More on the SXSW 2023 lineup here. We’ll be bringing updates from the Festival daily. Stay tuned for more.

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TEASER TRAILER FOR “SWARM”

Today, Amazon Studios released the teaser trailer for the new series Swarm, premiering all episodes on March 17 exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. From co-creators and executive producers Janine Nabers and Donald Glover, the series stars Dominique Fishback as Dre. Swarm is set as the Opening Night TV Premiere at the SXSW Film & TV Festival in Austin, Texas on March 10, 2023.

Janine Nabers serves as showrunner for the series and Donald Glover directed the pilot. Stephen Glover, Fam Udeorji, Steven Prinz, and Michael Schaefer serve as executive producers. Dominique Fishback also serves as a producer. Swarm comes from Amazon Studios and Gilga.

(Photo/video credit: Prime Video Canada)