Fantasia 2022 has come to an end, and after thoroughly discussing what I was highly anticipating and what I ended up seeing, I have a few more thoughts about a few more films. Of course.

The Fight Machine

If you come to The Fight Machine for the fighting, you’ll get that and then some. Directed by Andrew Thomas Hunt and starring Greg Hovanessian, Dempsey Bryk, Greg Bryk, and Noah Dalton Danby, there is plenty of bloody, violent, bare-knuckles boxing to take in throughout this story that takes place in the underground boxing world.

The film follows the narratives of two primary characters. The first is Paul Harris (Hovanessian), who is dead-set on evolving himself into an unbeatable force, and is willing to take drastic measures to achieve that. And then there’s Rob Tully (Dempsey Bryk), who fights because it’s a long running family tradition to try to succeed as a boxer - something his father is overly committed to ensuring he does. Each of their stories progress independently until eventually a fateful event leads them to go toe-to-toe.

With Paul and Rob both heavily invested in their reasons for fighting, The Fight Machine is the quintessential story about what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable wall. Though the answer here may not be as satisfying as one might hope for, there’s enough to appreciate along the way in terms of action and character development. With impressive performances, especially from Hovanessian nearly transforming into a ravenous beast with a wildly unhealthy obsession for pain, The Fight Machine certainly knows how to pack a punch. 

Relax, I’m From The Future

I’m always elated to come across a fun and well thought out time-looping story. Last year’s Fantasia featured film Beyond The Infinite Two Minutes was a festival gem that gave a delightfully brain-teasing take to the time-looping concept and has had me on the lookout for another film like it. Though Relax, I’m From The Future isn’t quite as involved, it remains a delightful experience from start to finish.

When Casper (Rhys Darby) travels to the past to save the world from total destruction, he encounters Holly (Gabrielle Graham) and enlists her to help him carry out his plan. Her reluctance is understandable, but Casper’s knowledge of the future can prove lucrative for Holly, after all. But in the process, they encounter complications - Doris (Janine Theriault), destroyer of out-of-place time travelers, not being the least of these. Saving the planet will prove to be more difficult than anticipated, especially when the plan was messy to begin with and shenanigans ensue.

With a heavy dose of Back To The Future vibes thanks to a well executed Doc and Marty dynamic between Casper and Holly, Relax, I’m From The Future holds up as a comedy with consistency. There’s much to appreciate about the film and how the story unfolds, and ultimately, there’s a feelgood nature to this movie that makes it well worth the watch.

The Breach

Science fiction, mystery, body horror, and drama collide like particles in a particle collider in Rodrigo Gudino’s sophomore film, The Breach. In this horror excursion, small town Chief of Police John Hawkins (Allan Hawco) is called to investigate the circumstances around a mutilated body that washed up on shore before he leaves this department. Joined by local coroner Jacob Redgrave (Wesley French) and John’s ex, Meg Fullbright (Emily Alatalo), they trace the evidence back to an isolated house in the woods where they begin to realize the scope of what is occurring.

How the mystery unfolds throughout the film is enticing, but it’s the third act - with a climax that gets topsy turvy - where The Breach reaches a fun and thrilling all out horror experience. Rodrigo has been the publisher of the horror magazine and website Rue Morgue, for 25 years, and his expertise in horror storytelling are evident in this film.

In my interview with Rodrigo, I asked what he thinks is the perfect setting for viewing The Breach and his response was instant: in a theater with an audience. And it makes sense. The Breach features many moments of tension and anxiety that could fill a crowded theater like a pressure cooker. Which, ultimately, makes the climax of the film practically interactive as the terror rapidly escalates. Horror can be both thrilling and fun, and The Breach manages to successfully accomplish both.