Category: Movie

Movie

Watch: Distinct Stop-Motion Animated Short ‘Solar Plexus’ About Grief

Once again another magnificent animated short film that shows the extraordianry potential of animation as a storytelling medium. There's so much that can be visualized with animation techniques. Solar Plexus is a stop-motion short created by UK-based filmmaker David McShane. It was originally his graduation film from the NFTS in the UK, premiering in 2019 and playing at Cannes and numerous other festivals. It went on to win Best Sound Design awards over the past few years. In the film, Noah battles to overcome his grief at the death of his mother, a journey that takes him from his flat to beyond the stars. A mesmerizing short featuring stop-motion animated characters and oil paint for additional scenes. I really like the unique "neon green" look of the character, and the darkness of his flat. And the oil painting sequence is really stunning as well. The film is under 10 mins & worth a watch. McShane seems like a unique filmmaker to keep an eye on. Thanks to Vimeo Staff Picks for the tip on this one. Brief intro via Vimeo: "Noah ...
Alex Billington
Movie

Why Do Conservatives Like ‘Star Trek?’

Every few months, a liberal on X asks the same question: “Why do conservatives like ‘Star Trek?’” The popular television series—well known for being left-of-center and utopian—is admired by people on all sides of the political spectrum. Progressives often wonder what conservatives actually like about the show. This question came up again after Paramount Plus …

The post Why Do Conservatives Like ‘Star Trek?’ appeared first on Hollywood in Toto.

Tyler Hummel
Movie

Sonja Smits is Discovering Herself in Indie Comedy ‘Better Days’ Trailer

"Do you think that he would love the person that you are now... or not?" Gravitas Ventures has revealed an official trailer for Better Days, an indie comedy about grief and self-discovery. This recently premiered at the Cinéfest Sudbury Film Festival in Canada, and it's set for a VOD debut in December. Not to be confused with the acclaimed 2019 Chinese film also titled Better Days. After her husband dies, a woman starts to do whatever she wants and begins wearing her husband's Halloween costumes. When her children order her to go back to being her old self, she must decide whose happiness matters most in a delightful comedy about starting over & figuring yourself out before it's too late. The film stars Sonja Smits as Kate in the lead role, with Alix Sideris, Sara Hinding, Gregory Calderone, Blair Williams, Dean Armstrong, Sugenja Sri, and Luke Francis. Looks like a nice story about rejecting old traditions and embracing your true self. Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Joan Carr-Wiggin's Better Days, direct from YouTube: After Kate's husband of over 30 years ...
Alex Billington
Movie

New Trailer for UK Sci-Fi Film ‘Blank’ About a Malfunctioning Android

"Something is going on out there, and it's affecting us in here!" UK's Sparky Pictures, in association with Templeheart Films and Kenmore Films, are delighted to reveal an official UK trailer for a British indie sci-fi film called Blank, marking the feature directorial debut of filmmaker Natalie Kennedy. It already opened in the US in 2022 after premiering at the Manchester Film Festival (view last year's trailer) so here's another reminder it exists. A desperate writer signs up for a fully A.I. operated retreat to cure her writer's block, but when an unforeseen software glitch occurs, she gets trapped inside her unit with an unstable android and no communication with the outside world. Another fascinating Artificial Intelligence thriller about these times we're in. Starring Rachel Shelley, Heida Reed, and Wayne Brady. This seems pretty obvious, with the android understanding what needs to be done to help her, perhaps with some ulterior motives. Check it out. Here's the newest UK trailer (+ two posters) for Natalie Kennedy's Blank, direct from YouTube: You can also rewatch the original US trailer for Natalie Kennedy's Blank ...
Alex Billington