I thought about going through and listing all the other feature films that one could see this year at Fantasia but decided it would be much more interesting to go a bit more in depth on the ones that I would have been checking out for sure. I’ve tried to keep this list from going into the really big name movies such as having a chance to see Centurion, Scott Pilgrim or even seeing a restored version of Metropolis with a live orchestra. Instead I’ve focused in on the smaller films with a few extra bigger additions.

1

1 is the story of a bookstore that has all it’s books “magically” replaced by copies of a book entitled 1. The book is filled with complex mathematical equations that describe every event that is currently happening. If any of the books get out it will spell big trouble. Of course one of the books get out and chaos ensues. 1 is a Hungarian existentialist science fiction with a pretty heady concept. I for one love it when a sci-fi film has something to say and really makes you ponder the the world we live in. I’ve heard some really good things about 1 and can’t wait to get the chance to see it down the road.

Eve’s Necklace

Eve’s Necklace is an experimental neo noir. The story may sound like a regular noir with the damsel in distress and the husband trying to rescue her but what makes this film different is that all the actors are actually mannequins. Eve’s Necklace could have taken this concept and played it out as a campy cult film but instead director Daniel Erickson decided to treat it very seriously and we get to see an experiment in film making along with what should be a good noir thriller.

A Serbian Film

It always seems that there is one movie at genre festivals that are designed specifically to push buttons. At Fantasia we have more than one. A Serbian Film is leading the pack with its controversial story of a retired porn star who is brought back into the business by the lure of money only to find out that the film the director is making is not the standard porn flick. Everything I have heard about this one tells me that it is not for the weak of heart but I have also heard that it does have very high production values and tells an interesting story. I’ll leave it up to you on whether you want to risk seeing it.

First Squad: The Moment of Truth

First Squad is an interesting sounding animated film that is based off of Soviet Era propaganda comics. The movie revolves around the Russian occult forces who are tasked with battling back against Hitler’s SS created zombies. In addition to having a sci-fi or fantasy background to the story the real world history of the war plays an important part of the movie. If the story is good then this one will definitely be one of the gems of the festival for those who like animated films.

Alien Versus Ninja

I really don’t know much about Alien Versus Ninja other than what the title tells you. I’m sure it will aim at being over the top fun. This is one of the bigger name Asian movies at Fantasia this year and I’m guessing the fanboys are going to love it. I’m going to guess that story and character development won’t be the movie’s strong points but come on it has Aliens fighting Ninjas. Who wouldn’t be interested in the concept. Hopefully the movie lives up to the expectations.

Deliver Us From Evil

I’ve never covered up my appreciation for the film tastes of Evokative and from what I have hear Deliver Us From Evil is one of the best films in their line up. The movie tells the story of a man who blames an accident that results in a death on a person who is mentally unable to defend himself and how the community reacts to the accident. Deliver Us From Evil and everyone that I know who saw it cannot help but rave about it. If you want a bit of meat with some of the candy that Fantasia provides film wise I woud definitely suggest checking this one out.

Tears for Sale (Director’s Cut)

I should really leave the discussion of Tears for Sale up to Kurt as he really hasn’t said a bad word about this one since seeing it at TIFF in 2008. I’m still kicking myself for dropping it off my list of movies to see that year. This is another of the Serbian films but I serious doubt it will be as controversial as the the films in this group but it I have heard it does have a touch of darkness to the fable. The story revolves around a village of woman who are seeking a man to keep the village alive by being the father for the children they desperately need. I’m hoping Kurt will jump in the comments for the post and speak to his thoughts on Tears for Sale.

The Disappearance of Alice Creed

Gemma Aterton usually shines when she is the smaller films and from everything I’ve heard this one is going to be no exception. Comparisons to Danny Boyle’s Shallow Grave really pique my interest. The Disappearance of Alice Creed tells the tale of a kidnapping that starts to fall apart and the power struggles that go on between the kidnappers and the victim, Alice Creed.

The Loved Ones

The teen horror The Loved Ones was a fan favorite at Midnight Madness this past year at TIFF and now you are going to get the chance to see it at Fantasia before its release later in the year. The The Loved Ones revolves around a romantic triangle between two high school sweethearts and a loner girl who sets her eyes on the boyfriend. She is willing to do anything win him over. The The Loved Ones combines dark humor, violence and high school drama in new and interesting ways.

Rec 2

I am going to guess that everyone reading the site has seen Rec, well Rec 2 continues 15 minutes after the end of the original movie and expands on the story and also adds to the way it was filmed. Instead of one singular camera catching all the action we are now presented with multiple cameras catching the “zombie” goodness for us. I have yet to see this but I have heard the comparison of Rec being like Alien and Rec 2 being the like Aliens. I am a big fan of the original and would really like to see Rec 2 with a large crowd.

There are a lot of other feature films from around the world being screened at Fantasia that I haven’t mentioned would like to see. I also didn’t delve into the multitude of short films which you could also check out. If you can spare the time then just pick a few days and I’m sure you will catch something fun. Be sure to head on over to the Fantasia Festival website for the complete listing of films and events