I’m very sad to see it end, but I suppose it had to. After 9 nights of bloody good times, Toronto After Dark 2012 has wrapped up for the year. Here’s another recap of some films in the last two days of the fest that are worth checking out.
The 9:45 screening on Thursday was preceded by a short that literally made me LOL. Director Evan Morgan has made a masterpiece with his latest short–A Pretty Funny Story. I should tell you, it’s rather difficult to get me to genuinely laugh at something. Even if I truly recognize something as being hilarious, it is still hard for me to laugh out loud. This short, for some reason, made me do just that. It’s perfect in it’s little package as is.
The short relays the story of a man who witnesses his neighbour partaking in some embarrassing dance moves, and the events that follow suit. The pacing is excellent, the jokes are on point, and–because it’s a genre fest, people–the blood is perfectly timed. I just wish I could re-watch it over and over again. Evan Morgan, make more movies please.
Quentin Dupieux’s second feature length film, Wrong, enjoyed it’s Toronto premiere with A Pretty Funny Story this past Thursday. Much like it’s predecessor Rubber, Wrong has a very simple premise. Dolph Springer, played by Jack Plotnick, wakes up one morning to find his best pal and loyal canine companion is missing. His journey to get Paul back is what makes up the bulk of the film’s movie and it is enough to keep even the most distracted viewer invested.
Similarly to his previous work, Wrong is a theory-nerd’s dream. Steeped in philosophical ideology, he film can be enjoyed by both the passive viewer and intellectual alike. And it goes without saying that the music beautifully enhances the film and maintains a dreamy aura in which the viewer comfortably and willingly resides. Perhaps the most cinematic of all films that played at TAD this year, Wrong is not to be missed.
Ah, what would a genre film festival be without Simon Pegg? Good thing directors Crispian Mills and Chris Hopewell made A Fantastic Fear of Everything which delivers, well, Simon Pegg. Pegg carries the film all by his fabulous self as Jack–a children’s author turned crime novelist. The dude is constantly afraid of being brutally murdered and as such, carries a knife around with hilarious consequences. The world in which Jack resides is a fantasy one, and one that is beautifully depicted but totally unbelievable. The film almost feels like a fantasy, but it’s really more of a genre-bending comedy.
If you’re already a fan of Pegg, then there’s no better way to enjoy him than in this flick. Besides being his usual funny self, he sets up some tense moments, and even raps like a pro. I don’t think it’s necessary to rave about this one when it clearly sells itself. Enjoy.
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