Tag: 2022

Presenting The Top Three Shorts From The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival!

We offer our choices as the best short film winners from the 2023 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.

39th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film FestivalThe 39th annual Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival had lots of shorts and a bunch of movies to enjoy. It wasn’t too hard to decide on what to check out since, like other events worldwide, to restart properly following the global health scare is tough. To begin, I’ll look at my three most favourite shorts, and although two of them follow upon a similar theme, just where it goes is different:

Mom if I were a Vampire Short PosterMom, If I Were a Vampire

Wen (Ting Chiu) doesn’t want to be a momma’s girl, and life at school is rough in other departments. But when she gets in with the right crowd, with Jo (Yu-Xuan Wang) as the “it” girl, the friendship forged is no different from what I recall from Vampire Princess Miyu, a classic anime I have fond memories of.

Although there’s no similar character dynamic since most of the manga and animated series involved the title role without a human companion, what’s presented here would make for a good jumping in point for a live-action adaptation! In this case, it’s to expand upon. The LGTBQ angle isn’t anything new, but how its handled is quite deft!

In what the two characters encounter are bullies and stalkers. Also, I think Wen wants to be turned. She has a lot of feelings to get out and to explore that requires a longer story. This piece made by Deborah Devyn Chuang is certainly worth seeking for the neo-noir colour aesthetics!

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Best Upcoming Genre Films of 2022 To Close Out With (Part Two)

We offer our list of what the best upcoming genre films of 2022 are that are must sees.

Upcoming Genre Films of 2022This year is nearly over! And as for what the best upcoming genre films of 2022 are that we should see, I offer my top ten picks. It wouldn’t be fair to be America-side centric, since that’d be alienating fans of anime movies.

To note, this list makes up part of my presentation at Capital City Comic Con 2022 and is provided for those who were unable to make it to the morning panel. I heard from a few attendees that they wanted to show up, and gave one reason or another….

As for Halloween related films, the fun has already begun this month, and my preview was posted early so fans can get a head start. There’s one movie that stands out which must be seen, especially if you’re a fan of Makoto Shinkai’s works. In that regard, I offer my top ten list, which starts with:

SUZUME’S LOCKING UP (Suzume no Tojimari)

Nov 11, 2022

No list can be complete without at least one movie from Japan. Makoto Shinkai’s animated films are original ideas. After Weathering with You and Your Name, this latest work explores the relationship a young girl has with a male stranger who is in search of a special door. Just where they lead is not to Wonderland, but perhaps danger. Unlike Monsters Inc, these portals may not be to isn’t to paradise.

It’s very likely GKIDS will pick up this title and release it by the end of the year, if not next.

In sequential order, by release date, of the best upcoming genre films of 2022, are:

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SEGA’s Radiant Silvergun Stalled, but Will Rail On Soon on the Nintendo Switch

One Sega Saturn’s most popular game is Radiant Silvergun, and it’s been reimagined for the Nintendo Switch!

Radiant SilvergunOne of the best SEGA Saturn games of yesteryears was Radiant Silvergun, and it’s been updated for the Nintendo Switch! Fans of this Japanese shooter also have a chance to try this game out at the 2022 Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Hall Happinet Booth: Hall 3-N03 this weekend, when the event is open to the public.

This update is currently available in certain territories, and it should re-emerge in the North American eStore when a few nagging bugs get squashed. That is, Nintendolife reported this release was pulled hours after for undisclosed reasons, and they suspect it was due to sync issues. (Sept 21 update: turns out the problem was with the game rating, and it’s back at the eShop).

Once issues are resolved, players can start blasting away in this shoot ’em up. Players start with three primary weapons–a forward blaster, homing missiles and a spreader–and can upgrade them they have to face waves of different enemies. Advancing isn’t easy, as each foe has its own unique strategy, and players have to adapt.

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Thirteen Movies to Feast Your Eyes Upon For Halloween 2022!

I have thirteen movies on my radar for this year and they range from family friendly works to all out terrifying!

Thirteen Movies for Halloween 2022Fans of horror films will find the upcoming All Hallows Eve season promising. I have thirteen movies on my radar for this year and they range from family friendly works to all out terrifying! Plus, I’m glad I can get my viewing on now rather than wait for the official start of the Autumn season.

Usually, these films are reserved for late Sept release, but it’s already begun. I’m just sad one of the films doesn’t have an American release since it got yanked at the last minute. Hopefully it’s just an oversight and will find a place in home video or streaming closer to the date. The first film on my list fits into the spooky tradition quite well.

Presented in chronological order are (to note, not every movie has an official poster):

Dark Harvest 

This movie was originally planned for an early September release but was pulled. Thankfully, if the information from filmrating.com is correct, the September 22 date suggests one part of the world can see it. People living in Argentina have a chance and sadly, I feel not giving this film a wide release is an injustice since the story is perfect for the upcoming season.

From the IMDB, “A legendary monster called October Boy terrorizes residents in a small Midwestern town when he rises from the cornfields every Halloween with his butcher knife and makes his way toward those who are brave enough to confront him.”

Thankfully, we do have this teaser trailer to keep fans sated until a new date is offered for those living in North America or other countries.

Thankfully, we have other movies with confirmed release dates and they are:

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Tracking TheNFB’s Animated Slate Going in Competition in 2022

TheNFB will be presenting a bounty of filims at two upcoming events in Canada.

National Film Board of Canada LOGOThe National Film Board of Canada (TheNFB) selection at this year’s Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF), running Sept 22 to Oct 2, will feature audacious storytelling from around the world, across Canada and the North.

With a selection of six short films—four of which are in competition, including The Flying Sailor by renowned filmmakers Wendy Tilby and Amanda Forbis—and the world premiere of Theodore Ushev: Unseen Connections, a feature documentary, there’s plenty to take in at either event.

TheNFB will also be in attendance at the 2022 Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF). This event is devoted to animation in North America and will have many works showcased to show what the efforts of emerging talents can do. The OIAF will run from Sept 21 to 25.

Highlights of TheNFB’s selected programming include:

The Flying Sailor by Wendy Tilby and Amanda Forbis

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