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Raven Cousens

Festival Coverage

Blood in the Snow 2017: ‘Art of Obsession’

By: Trevor Chartrand As a film that explores the creative process, Ryan M. Andrews’ Art of Obsession fails to bring much originality to the table.  This slow-paced, predictable little story takes itself too seriously, grasping aimlessly at faux-philosophical musings all along the way.  The film is an unfortunate mix of unconvincing plot, passionless performances, and a non-existent visual style.  It’s the kind of film I can still enjoy, however with a more ironic appreciation than…

Festival Coverage

Toronto After Dark 2017: ‘Defective’

Filmmaker Reese Eveneshen seems to be his own worst enemy with his latest project Defective.  On one hand, on a limited budget, he’s developed Toronto into a nameless city living in a convincing dystopia.  The visuals are on par with the works of Neill Blomkamp (District 9, Elysium).  However, Eveneshen’s overwritten screenplay becomes so convoluted, it reaches a point of no return.

Festival Coverage

Canadian Film Festival ’16: Dead Rush

The arrival of Dead Rush’s world premiere at this year’s Canadian Film Fest came at a coincidental time.  On April 8, Ilya Naishuller’s Hardcore Henry hits theatres.  Both films are very good genre flicks that position the viewer in the lead character’s perspective.  As far as which film has a cleaner landing though, Dead Rush has the edge.