Categories
Cinema

Is it worth a trip to the Cryptozoo?

I got a screener link straight from 2021 Sundance Film Festival. A nice surprise these days during a never ending lockdown to know filmmakers are still working. For some reason I did not receive the press release for Cryptozoa. The short description read “cryptozookeppers struggle to capture a baku,,, or should mystical creatures be displayed at a zoo or hidden”. An unusual premise to take in on first reading. The animated feature by Dash Shaw also came with a not so familiar but intriguing looking poster of characters standing in front of an entrance gate. Initial research on IMD found the film garnered nice reviews at the Utah Fest. 

Creatures and more

Taking the plunge, I clicked the link for the 90 minute film. Certainly after the first few minutes, Pixar was out the window. Dash decided to set himself apart. The director’s world is filled with well known and not so well known mystical creatures. Lauren and Joan have charged themselves with the task of finding all the crypts for safe keeping in a Zoo type amusement park. Also on the trail is Nick with the duty of securing the beings for military use.

The premise has a core moral message inside a story that gets tangled up with so much happening at once. However, the constant bombardment at times feels as though Mr. Shaw decided on the heavy handed approach to compensate for some short comings in his story telling ability. There was a not a single laugh in the Dash’s second feature film. Why the heavy dose of cynicism?

Cryptozoo offers some stunning visual renderings for the viewer. Taking a chance to challenge viewers on the definition of animation still does not compensate for a script that needed a smoother impetus.

3 stars out of 5. 

Running Time of 90 minutes

Premiered at the Sundance Film Festival from The Match Factory

Categories
Fashion

Before Tacky on NYFW

NYFW

Taking on New York Fashion Week. Before Tacky commentators give their opinions on the Big Apple’s fashion scene this season. The likes and hates.

Categories
Fashion

Fashion Lowdown Preview

Today, I read Gucci’s sales fell 10%. Sales in China saved the copernicus luxury brand from collapse. Last week LVMH put the brakes on Superstar Rhianna’s fashion line after two years. These stores are not a surprise in the current environment where consumers are in a holding pattern. The Black and Paper Fashion Lowdown report has been in the planning stages for a few weeks. I got tied up with other features. Also, the daily news from the fashion and retail world floods my in box. Keeping up with the fashion industry headlines evolved int a full time job. I read the daily using press. One grim reminder after another on the new world we are navigating. Layoffs, bankruptcies, unsold merchandise, the end is not around the corner. 2020 was a great reveal. 2021 will be reality.

Shopping Mall mothballed since December.

After having conversations with fashion professionals from around the world, my conclusion is: Uncertainty. A reset will happen, a slimmer. more grounded business.

I promise to make the Fashion Lowdown podcast. 

Categories
Fashion

A Home Bike

Snow and ice on the sidewalk make a long run difficult. Gyms are closed. Ninety minutes of my day remain blank. Staying at home is now normal. For gym enthusiasts locked up with pent up energy, what to do? Digital at home fitness devices have become popular. Personally, I am in the market for one, but I live in a 70 square meter apartment. Adjustments would have to made to fit in workout space. However, if my gym stays closed this entire year. Out goes the washer machine and bathroom sink. My hygiene may suffer but I’ll be in shape. Back to the subject of exercise equipment, The Paleoton Bike went from zero to a $2,500 lockdown tech trendsetter in less than a year.  Having exercise equipment in the living is no longer juvenile.

I decided to look for alternatives. After all, success breeds competitors. Hammer produces a $950 option. The Inspire has over 150 speed bike programs with app and small screen for a hard home workout. I have not tried the bike. Nonetheless, the Hammer in door cycle looks on paper.

As I wrote, if the fitness studios are still closed in September, I will make a decision concerning a home equipment investment. 

Categories
chat cinema. entertainment entertainment news

Talks Revenge

I screened the short film The Women’s Revenge on the International Film Festival Rotterdam platform. The work packs a punch. Listen to the Chat Cinema conversation with Director Su Hui Yu explain his work and influences.

Click below:

Categories
Fashion

No Bad Hair Screen Wear

Still, in yet another lockdown since November the barbers and hair salons have been closed. Perhaps, getting a hair appointment, maybe possible on March 1st. Until then, with all my online conferences, interviews and meetings, I do not want to want to leave a lasting impression with a James Brown mugshot hairstyle. I adapted a lockdown style. It’s one thing to have a “Bad Hair day”. But, like everyone during these times, I am living “Bad Hair Months”. I may wear mismatched socks under the desk, but the thought of having unruly hair immortalized on social media is a no go zone, an epic nightmare.

Thankfully, luxury Italian hat brand Borsalino gave me some hats to use. Each style has been a lifesaver. I decide on a hat and shirt before the digital medium close up.

Thank you to the Borsalino Team for giving me the hats.

Categories
Fashion

Fendi Couture, Not for Me!

A lot of hoopla surrounded Kim Jones’s first couture collection for Fendi. Filling the shoes of Karl Lagerfeld is a big order to fill for even the most talented designer. After viewing the star studded runway show in the Covid era virtual platform, I saw a few glimmers of hope mixed with an overdose of gimmicks. 

Actress Demi Moore kicked off the catwalk, the preview image of an all star cast. Kate Moss and daughter, Christy Turlington, Hadid and Naomi Campbell all made appearances for the creative directors new designs. My cynical side sent off waring bells. Too much high wattage packaging could mean a cover up. Even having male models in a couture show walking on the runway wearing heavy lipstick had a scent of pleading for gender fashion relevance.

The fashion press coverage heaped much coverage on the celebrity walk. More journalist spoke about the models than the fashion pieces. Why? Perhaps the designs were average. No spectacular looks, richly crafted, but on the right side of dull, gloomy. Moss’ gray dress was “Operatically Grim.”

As the head of Dior menswear, Jones designed a dreamy aesthetic but also embraced streetwear looks into the French House. Yet for this couture season, Kim’s first collection felt uncentered.

I usually wait for a second collection by a new designer before passing judgement. I hope Kim Jones doesn’t disappoint me. 

Categories
Cinema podcast

Erotic Food Cinema

From International Film Festival Rotterdam, an interview with film director Yoshida Kota. His film Sexual Drive dives into 3 episodes of cuisine eroticism.

Click below to watch the latest Chat Cinema podcast.

Categories
Cinema podcast

REVENGE

A preview if the short film The Women’s Revenge. Stay tuned for the Chat Cinema podcast from the IFFR.

Categories
chat cinema. Cinema entertainment news

Chat Cinema on Sunsets

From the International Film Festival Rotterdam, Chat Cinema spoke to Director Basir Mohmood about his short film Sunsets, Everyday. The Tiger Award winning short examines domestic abuse during the pandemic.

Sorry for the sound problem but Basir is clear.