When you watch as many films as I do during festival season, you begin to crave a break from the live-action monotony. Thankfully, festivals like FilmQuest offer a wide variety of formats, including dedicated blocks for animation and music videos. I was particularly eager to explore the animation selections, which often feel like elusive gems during this busy season. Animation blocks are a rare treat, and I took the opportunity to dive into a mix of short and long films spanning various genres and styles. While I couldn’t view every piece, I’ve chosen a few standout selections to highlight. Enjoy these reviews, and look for more as we wind down our FilmQuest 2024 coverage!
Bubbleman Superstar Mission El Cobra (France)
Directors: Alban Gily & Thierry Bonneau
Rating: 5/5
My first animated short at FilmQuest, Bubbleman, did not disappoint. It’s a slick and edgy piece that would be right at home in an Adult Swim lineup. With a great visual style, compelling characters, and nods to Heavy Metal and Attack on Titan, Bubbleman Superstar begs for more episodes. Here’s hoping this one has a future on the small screen!
Illuminatus! (USA)
Director: Chris Kalis
Rating: 4/5
This shorter piece had the cleverness of a Sealab 2021 episode with sharper wit and humor. The sci-fi elements hint at potential for a larger series, and the underwater scenes were especially striking. I’d love to see more from Illuminatus! in the future.
Nemesis Battlefield Volume 16
Directors: Neeraj Bhattacharjee, David Cisneros, Ran Fang, Richard Musinguzi, Saurabh Vashistha
Rating: 4/5
A charming homage to fantasy novels, this film captures the struggle of an author reaching the end of a series. It’s relatable for anyone with a creative passion. The unicorn sword and music video-style art add a whimsical touch to remind viewers to keep pushing forward.
Rent-a-Hero (USA)
Directors: Carson Bender & Quinn Merrin
Rating: 3.5/5
Rent-a-Hero gives a humorous look at how a superhero might navigate apps and modern tech. The hierarchy and ranking of heroes adds another layer of humor, illustrating how small acts of heroism can build meaningful connections over time.
Backspace Trilogy (USA)
Directors: Nick + Lexie Trivundza
Rating: 3/5
Watching Backspace Trilogy felt like experiencing Halo with Attack of the Clones on in the background. Aimed at today’s gamers, it could only benefit from celebratory in-game dance moves. It’s a fun blend of sci-fi elements sure to appeal across generations.
The Brown Dog
Directors: Nadia Hallgren & Jamie-James Medina
Rating: 4.5/5
This noir-inspired piece tackles social commentary with a gritty, visually compelling style. A bit darker and edgier than the other selections, The Brown Dog stands out for its striking aesthetic and timely themes.
The Chase
Director: David Will No
Rating: 3.5/5
A “real-engine” action short, The Chase is tailored for video game fans, with a high-speed vibe that almost feels like a Mustang ad. The animation is occasionally choppy, but it delivers plenty of fast-paced fun in a short runtime.
Tinkerhell
Director: Noah Sterling
Rating: 4/5
With Tinkerbell’s copyright expiration, this reimagining transforms her into a bone-chilling killer. A horror fan’s delight, Tinkerhell showcases a twisted version of the classic character, terrorizing children who refuse to believe.
Stay tuned for more reviews as FilmQuest 2024 comes to a close!
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