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HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Yellow Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: May 16, 2023 Directed by: Elham Ehsas Written by: Elham Ehsas Starring: Afsaneh Dehrouyeh, Ahmad Jan Mano, Elham Ehsas In August 2021, the Taliban overtook Afghanistan. This short drama explores the aftermath. It is a busy market in Kabul and a young woman (Dehrouyeh) is looking to purchase her first chadari. He enters a clothing shop and requests one from the assistant (Ehsas). He helps her make the right choice, gives her advice and is quite helpful. She does not seem to be fond of the garment and appears to realise that her life is changing. This film is about a turning point in a woman's life, following the Taliban's conquest of Afghanistan. It is obvious that it is the first time she is wearing a chadari, as she does not know how to put it on, which highlights the change that she is going through. Through her eyes, the audience sees a procedure that many women in Afghanistan are going through: getting a chadari for the first time and entering a new stage in their life. The screenplay calmly examines the procedures that the heroine undertakes in order to obtain a chadari and thus (in some ways) go through a transformation and become another person, a person who the Taliban approve of. The film dramatically points out some of the effects of the Taliban takeover. One is the degradation of women, which is explored through Dehrouyeh's character and a television news broadcast about the strict laws applied by the Taliban regarding women wearing a chadari. Another is the banning of music, which is briefly shown through Ehsas' character. One part that stands out is a dance scene that feels almost magical thanks to slow motion and creative editing by Ehsas and Ross Leppard. Director of photography Yiannis Manolopoulos does a great job with the cinematography and commendations go to Jessica Holme for the costumes. An effective point-of-view shot places the viewer in the heroine's position, helping them feel how she feels. This film is a poignant and hard-hitting commentary about the Taliban's seizure of Afghanistan, how it affects the people of that country, particularly women. It provides an insight into the current situation, painting a bleak vision of the future. About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film, World Cinema < All Reviews Next Film Review >

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Dress Code Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Patrick Foley | Posted on: Feb 23, 2023 Directed by: Joseph Pupello Written by: Peter Panagos Starring: Gerard Garilli, Nicholas Giordano, Freddie Maas Doing something somewhat original within the gangster genre is an accomplishment within itself in 2023. Points already on the board for Dress Code, a film otherwise drenched in mobster cliches yet maintains a sincerity and intrigue. Bobby Russo (Nicholas Giordano/Gerard Garilli) is the son of feared mob boss Dominic Russo (Freddie Maas). Spending his youth with his best friend Chris (Aden Dixon/Kevin Williamson), Bobby struggles to hide his fascination with women’s clothing. His mother Joyce’s (Alex Di Trolio) discovery of his secret leads to Bobby hiding his identity deep down. As he grows older, and becomes more entwined with the mob, Bobby’s secret life threatens to place him in great danger… There’s plenty of problems with Dress Code. Its script is filled with more mob-movie cliché dialogue than you can throw a plate of gabagool at. It’s clunky in moments – such as quite literally stating its own setting as ‘1990s New Jersey’. It’s overlong. And it’s plot is confusing at times and driven far too often by coincidence and chance. And its closing monologue is so corny it wouldn’t look out of place on a lower-end ABC teen-drama And yet this feature from first-time director Joseph Pupello still manages to invoke incredible tension, develop gripping characters filled with considerable depth, and handle its protagonist’s sexuality and gender identity with sensitivity, sympathy and responsibility. Bobby’s crossdressing is presented as an integral part of his character, yet one that only fundamentally defines his life because of the lack of acceptance and threat the world around him would react with. Bobby is not a character that easily fits any box or lives up to the stereotypes often seen on screen. His damage and trauma are the result of the hypermasculine world he was born into, and not his refusal to apply society’s expectation of gender to his preferred way to live. Viewers are left to form their own conclusions around the person Bobby may be in a different life, and this intrigue stems from the director and writer’s careful and considered construction of the character. The film boldly sets its story across two timelines, covering Bobby’s youth and adulthood in the gang. What could have caused the story to collapse under its own weight instead gives the filmmakers opportunities to weave further complexity into the characters and integrate a proper origin for the protagonist. Bobby’s key relationships – with his tyrant father Dominic, troubled best friend Chris, and conflicted uncle Rocco (Frank Osso) benefit from the enhanced development and unexpected turns that come from the time leap. And whilst the size of the cast is considerable, the family ties and focus enhance the personal stakes and keep the story largely legible – though some plotlines are clearly for padding and end up spiralling to nowhere. The energy and dynamism of the cast help keep audiences engaged too. Outside of Bobby’s complex personal life, the characters are walking caricatures of mob-movie staples (with Bobby’s father Dom practically dressed as Tony Soprano). Yet the likes of Freddie Maas, Frank Osso and Edward Socienski (who plays loose-cannon Alphonse Moretti) throw themselves fully into the characters, and give joyously hammy performances. But this is really Gerard Garilli and Nicholas Giordano’s film. The depth of Bobby as a character gives both actors the opportunity to demonstrate their acting ability – with Giordano particularly special in exploring Bobby’s confusing youth. Even with some fundamental flaws, Dress Code is a fascinating and engaging film that finds a unique angle in a crowded genre and introduces engaging and empathetic characters to turn what could have been a cliché-packed forgettable drag into something truly memorable and enjoyable. About the Film Critic Patrick Foley Digital / DVD Release, Theatrical Release < All Reviews Next Film Review >

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Clodagh Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Apr 13, 2024 Directed by: Portia A. Buckley Written by: Michael Lindley, Portia A. Buckley Starring: Brid Ni Neachtain, Katelyn Rose Downey, Jim Kitson, Aidan O'Hare An elderly religious Irish dance instructor is hesitant about accepting a talented girl into her class. Mrs Kelly (Neachtain) is a priest's housekeeper and she also takes care of the church and works at a school as a coach for an Irish stepdance class for girls. One day, after some persuasion, Kelly agrees to let an experienced young girl named Clodagh (Downey) join her class. After Clodagh watches the students perform, it is her turn and her dancing abilities greatly impress Kelly and Mr Hickey (Kitson), the violinist. Overwhelmed with what she saw, Kelly is very eager to train the new student. However, an unexpected discovery prevents Clodagh from doing so. A lot of things are part of this short drama. The narrative utilises dancing and religion in order to tell a story about dreams, self-reflection, self-discipline, old age and inner struggles. The film is seen through Kelly's perspective and the conflict arises from her refusal to go against her beliefs so that she can let Clodagh join her class. The reason why Clodagh cannot be accepted is minor, nevertheless, Kelly seems unwilling to overlook it, yet simultaneously, she really wants it to happen and must face herself if she is to achieve what she wants. Kelly is a is a person who strongly believes in never doing wrong, a discipline she obviously gained from a strict and religious upbringing. She has a passion for step-dancing, however the way she was raised prevented her from pursuing that activity. She now has a lonely life, living with a priest and she manages to find joy by teaching dancing. Kelly goes through significant character development and Neachtain plays the part remarkably well. Step-dancing has a big role in this film, as the joys of this activity are felt by the protagonists. The scene where Clodagh dances is arguably the highlight of the film and that is due to the uplifting atmosphere and the filmmaking creativity. First of all, the choreography by Clare Watson and Lisa Watson is terrific and Downey puts on a great performance during the event and so does Kitson, playing the violin. Then, there is the camera movement that is quite impressive, especially with the arc shots, which along with Harry Cepka's speedy editing make the sequence quite lively. And finally, the scene would not have been this good had it to been for the music by Fergal Scahill. On the surface, this is a story about dancing and religion. Deeper, it is a story about a woman's life that reaches a crucial point: having to decide whether she must remain royal to her perspectives or bend them slightly in order to gain. A beautiful and emotional short film that appears to carry a message that states that sometimes people need to pay the price in order to get what they want. About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

★★★★ Directed by: #ChristopherDeakin Starring: #GemmaWhiteley, #AdamMercuryBrown, #JoyceBranagh, #AshleyGregory, #EleanorJessicaRoberts Short Film Review by: Alexandra James A Happy Ending is a spoof reality television show that pokes fun at some of the court room dramas we see today. The show focuses on a young married couple and displays their inner conflicts with one another. For wife Lizzie, she is prepared to divorce her husband for not ever being able to satisfy her in all areas…but specifically in the bedroom! This dark comedy is a combination of Judge Judy, Love Island dramas and absurdity all wrapped up in a show called ‘Out of Order.’  For main character Lizzie, regrettably, this was unforgiveable, and she was ready to take her life into her own hands, her husband’s money and then leave him! However, as the drama progresses, certain secrets come to light and the audience discover that Lizzie is not as squeaky clean as she presents herself to be. As like many of these shows, the audience feed off this scandal and the juicier the scandals become, the better! The short film begins in a court room, its all lights, camera action as the jury take their seats and listen to Ms Who’s tales of woes and the lack of satisfaction she has had to endure for a good few years. Their marriage is in turmoil and there’s no coming back from this, especially when we find out husband David Ducksoup has been going to certain places alone to get his kicks elsewhere…For our Judge this appeared to be a clear-cut case, however, certain witnesses began to shed light on the couple’s marriage which left the judge having to make some tough decisions. A Happy Ending is a witty and outrageous film that keeps you hooked until the very end. It was great to see some of those ‘behind the scenes’ moments where the director instructs some of the reality stars to add more tears at this point or show your angry side when you say this line. Many people believe each scene is authentic and completely unfabricated. However, nothing we see on TV is ever how it truly is, which made for a hilarious premise and managed to break down that wall between fact and fiction and showed us exactly what was behind the curtain. The characters themselves were very funny and combined with the comical storyline and dialogue, it makes for an entertaining show that I would certainly be investing in if it came into fruition!

★★★ Starring: #DevonGrevious, #NateReynolds, #TylerMcCray Directed by: #NateReynolds Short Film Review by: Alexandra James Shear Disturbance focuses on the theme of anxiety and how much it can affect day to day activities such as the simple act of getting a haircut. For protagonist Tyronne, this typical action becomes far more than that and is such a trigger that he becomes completely consumed by even the thought of it. This can be a very real experience for many people that suffer with anxiety, it can become debilitating and stop you from going about your daily life. Director Nate Reynolds portrays these struggles and highlights the importance of patience and understanding when interacting with a person struggling to keep their anxiety under control. The narrative itself is very simple and I think although this is a short film, it would have been great to truly expose the pain within the anxiety. It would have helped the storyline further to pull back the covers of Tyronne’s mind and provide the audience a sense of what it feels like to have this fear. The physical signs were apparent with the trembling and shyness when speaking to the barbers. However, a cutaway of Tyronne’s mental state would convey the severity and seriousness of his condition. It was interesting to see the negativity towards Tyronne as well, the barber seemed to have little to no patience and believed that Tyronne was wasting his time and essentially fooling around. Nate was able to suggest that we need to be more perceptive and recognise the signs of anxiety to help that person and bring them into a calmer and more relaxed environment to support and keep their anxiety under control. Unfortunately, for Tyronne, the experience became all too much, and he was unable to control his emotions and left the shop disappointed in himself. However, another barber came out after him and reassures him that he is not alone. In fact, he has also experienced these feelings and encourages Tyronne to speak with someone to overcome his struggles. Shear Disturbance has a message within, and director Nate Reynolds uses this short film to tear down the stigma and shame of living with anxiety and instead, Reynolds concentrates on the importance of speaking about this subject and sharing these struggles as this will ultimately educate others to understand more about the experience as well as learn how to help and manage them.

★★★★★ Starring: #IsidoraFairhurst, #MiaMckennaBruge, #RitaBernardShaw, #DaniDyer, #MalachiPullarLatchman Directed by: #TeddyNygh Short Film Review by: Alexandra James Watch What I Do is an all-female cast and short drama. It focuses on 3 teenage girls in secondary school attempting to navigate their way through friendship, social status, and their love for basketball. Being a teenager today can be a difficult transition, emotions and arguments become heightened and at this point in life. Conflicts at this age are all consuming and it becomes difficult to break away and see the light, as well as ignore the negativity. This becomes the case for protagonist Layla, as she struggles to become friends with the new girl joining the group. Layla often feels excluded and is unable to connect with Nikki, who chooses to disregard or shame Layla as a form of one-upmanship making her appear to be the ‘popular’ friend out of the group. Layla must find a way to channel her anger and focus on what is most important to her, true friendship, and her passion for sport. Layla’s skills in basketball become clear when she walks past a court and jumps at the chance to make a shot, she is encouraged by the other players to join and be a part of the team. However, through fear of ridicule she shy’s away from this opportunity and ignores their praise. Instead, she is left feeling embarrassed and even more of an outcast by showing an interest in the sport. It became evident that Layla has some form of anger issues which she needs to work on. Layla often represses these thoughts of violence and aggression; the viewer is given snippets of Layla’s frustrated mind with use of cutaway shots. Her anger becomes fuelled when faced with conflict, and unfortunately for Layla she becomes tested to her limit as Nikki starts to put a wedge between her and her friendship with Kezia. Layla has managed to control this anger for a long period of time, however, like a bubbling pot, it does not take long for this anger to spill. The characters are extremely relatable, especially to teenagers growing up and learning to adapt and change throughout their school years and rise above the hate. Director Teddy Nygh breaks down some of the barriers that stop kids from being their true selves. Nygh highlights that for Layla, basketball gives her the chance to channel her energy, focus and discover some new friends who follow a similar passion. This was a great story, and the characters were able to really convey that emotion of betrayal, fear, hurt but also happiness and the importance of friendship. It was an enjoyable watch and the interactions between each character were engaging throughout, you really feel for Layla’s character and want her to overcome her fears and see the true bond between her and Kezia.