Top Ten Tuesday: Most Anticipated Fantastic Fest Films

Poster created by Mike Saputo

The time is nearly upon us, the annual gathering of genre hounds, eager to experience the greatest, the most shocking and exhilarating collection of fascinating feature (and short) films of 2011 — Fantastic Fest, presented by Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Austin, Texas.

Look, the truth is, this is my first time. Yes, I am a Fantastic Fest virgin, but I am overwhelmingly excited to finally be experiencing this tradition that promises to be more than just a film festival. Having recently announced in three waves its lineup of feature films, as well as its short film lineup and even its special events, Fantastic Fest is now speeding towards us at full throttle, barreling into Austin with the force of a Texas-sized stampede of longhorn steers jacked full of Red Bull and Viagra.

With such a diverse and eclectic mix of films, and so many to choose from, here’s a sneak peak at the Top Ten films I am most looking forward to at this year’s edition of Fantastic Fest. Read it and weep, but only if you’re not going to be in Austin from September 22-29.

Honorable Mention:

AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON (1981)

You are absolutely correct. This is NOT a new film, nor is it one of those dreaded remakes we see so much of these days. No, this is the John Landis classic, considered by many to be one of the best werewolf flicks, and the crowning jewel of Rick Baker’s incredible special FX makeup career. The film will have a 30th anniversary screening at Fantastic Fest and special effects maestro Rick baker will be in attendance. I’m thrilled to be seeing this in the theater for the first time.

Read more about the film HERE.

* On a side note, I am equally excited about the opportunity to see Lucio Fulci’s HOUSE BY THE CEMETERY (1981) and ZOMBIE (1979) in a theater, both of which will also be playing as part of the Fantastic Fest lineup.

10. THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE 2 (Full Sequence)

This film brings up the rear (no pun intended, or is it?) of my list due to the simple fact that I’m not exactly excited to see this sequel from Tom Six. I mean, I am… I want to see what he has managed to do to top himself, but at the same time, I’m a tad apprehensive about the experience. HUMAN CENTIPEDE (First Sequence) really wasn’t as gory or extreme as some talk would have made it out to be. Part of the reason it was an uncomfortably interesting experience is that Tom Six delivers the goods without excessively exposing the goods, in other words… what makes us squirm is mostly implied, not revealed. Check out the teaser trailer for HUMAN CENTIPEDE 2 (Full Sequence) HERE.

Read more about the film HERE.

09. TAKE SHELTER

TAKE SHELTER is one of those films that sends chills down my spine, not so much because it looks scary, but because it looks so unbelievably good. Written and directed by Jeff Nichols, whose first film was SHOTGUN STORIES, the film stars the always fascinating Michael Shannon, most recently known for his gripping portrayal of Bible-nut and FBI Agent Nelson Van Alden in the HBO original series Boardwalk Empire. Jessica Chastain (THE TREE OF LIFE) stars opposite of Shannon as his concerned wife Samantha. Concerned because her husband Curtis (Shannon) is having dreams of massive storms, and worse, which begin to bleed into his real life as he becomes obsessed with renovating and preparing an old storm shelter. TAKE SHELTER looks to be more than just a powerful drama, but appears to be filled with intriguing special effects and an enigmatic story that will have me intensely glued to the screen.

Read more about the film HERE.

08. EXTRATERRESTRIAL

EXTRATERRESTRIAL is written and directed by Nacho Vigalondo, whose first caught my attention with his intriguing science-fiction thriller TIME CRIMES (2007). The story is one of an alien invasion, but the difference in this film is that the invasion has already occurred. Julio wakes up in a flat with Julia, the woman of his dreams… whom he met only last night. The invasion occurred in the time between while they slept, now leaving the city empty. What happens next?

Read more about the film HERE.

07. KNUCKLE

So, you enjoyed Guy Ritchie’s SNATCH, did ya? Well, that was an entertaining film, for sure, but you’ve not seen anything yet. KNUCKLE is the real deal! This documentary reveals an epic 12-year journey of filmmaker Ian Palmer, as he passionately captures the secretive and brutally dangerous world of Irish Traveller bare-knuckle fighting. There are no rounds. The fight does not end until one of the fighters gives up, or is knocked out. The film follows three rival clans, and all the drama that comes along with these true characters and their unique life experiences.

Read more about the film HERE.

06. BEYOND THE BLACK RAINBOW

Holy crap! If you’ve watched the trailer for BEYOND THE BLACK RAINBOW, you are probably asking yourself “what the hell did I just watch?” Don’t feel bad, I did as well, but that’s what has me hooked. The only way I can even begin to describe what I’ve seen at this point is that it looks visually stunning, quite possibly similar to what may have been born if David Lynch had directed THX-1138. Written and directed by Panos Cosmatos, this looks to be one tripy, mind-bending movie… and its his first feature film outing, which is extraordinary on its own.

Read more about the film HERE.

05. A LONELY PLACE TO DIE

A LONELY PLACE TO DIE stars Melissa George, written and directed by Julian Gilbey, tells the story of five mountain climbers enjoying their time out in the Scottish wilderness… until they stumble upon a disturbing secret that will put all of their lives at risk. Aside from all the stunning beauty of the Scottish landscape, this film brings back the kind of thriller we’ve seen too few of recently. This is a tale of survival, plain and simple. The film appears to be bare bones, cut to the chase and down to basics… and that’s the biggest reason I am so excited to see A LONELY PLACE TO DIE.

Read more about the film HERE.

04. YAKUZA WEAPON

Co-directed by, and starring Tak Sakaguchi, YAKUZA WEAPON is going to be so… much… fun! Based upon the popular Japanese manga from Ken Ishikawa, the film is a visual assault on the senses, but its a good pain. The story is of a yakuza warrior who is murdered (to put it simply) and brought back as a shape-shifting bio-mechanical killing machine. Promising to contain all of what makes great midnight cinema so memorable, we can look forward to excess gore and violence, ridiculous jokes, insane acts of absurdity and an never-ending smorgasbord of the unbelievable and unexpected.

Read more about the film HERE.

03. YOU’RE NEXT

Unfortunately, there’s no trailer for YOU’RE NEXT, but what I can tell you is the film is Simon Barrett and directed by Adam Wingard, the same team that brought us A HORRIBLE WAY TO DIE, which was one of the most original and well made serial killers films of recent years. This promises to be as much fun as bloody violence and murder can get… but, here’s a synopsis from Chase Whale to tide you over:

Off to a secluded mansion in the middle of nowhere, Crispian (Bowen) brings new girlfriend Erin (Vinson) to meet his brothers and parents for a nice weekend getaway. What he doesn’t know is that there is a small group of animal-masked killers outside the mansion who want to take a stab at making sure none of the guests leave alive. One very crucial thing the killers didn’t have on their research checklist was Erin’s unnatural instinct for survival. Chaos ensues and body parts fly.

Read more about the film HERE.

02. THE INNKEEPERS

If you haven’t seen HOUSE WITH THE DEVIL and you say you’re a fan of modern horror, you’re not being honest with yourself. As outspoken about his craft as he is talented, director Ti West unveils his newest film THE INNKEEPERS to Fantastic Fest audiences… in person! This horror-comedy with have the filmmaker in attendance, which always makes the experience twice as memorable. For a glimpse into what this film is all about, here’s a synopsis from Brian Salisbury:

Luke and Claire are about to be freed of their crappy job, but not by any manner of their choosing. The Yankee Peddler Inn is closing its doors forever. In an effort to make their last night more bearable than the hundreds that preceded it, these two amateur ghost-hunters pound too many beers and strive to capture evidence of a real apparition. Against the warnings of a famous, recently arrived actress-turned-psychic, these two delve deeper and deeper into the unknown; something that could very well make this the last job they ever lose.

Read more about the film HERE.

01. MELANCHOLIA

If nothing else, no one can say director Lars von Trier is boring or formulaic. Often as controversial himself as are his films, von Trier is one of the most imaginative and philosophical filmmakers working today. MELANCHOLIA seemlessly blends the cosmic apocalyptic science-fiction genre with his more recognizable flair for human drama. The story follows the rocky relationship of two sisters during a global existential meltdown as a previously unknown planet has emerged from behind the sun and is on a crash course for planet Earth. MELANCHOLIA was nominated for the Palme d’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival and awarded Kirsten Dunst with Best Actress at Cannes, a massive and curious accomplishment for a star I’ve not previously been thrilled about, but now has me eager to see for myself.

Read more about the film HERE.

Check out the First Wave of Feature Films HERE!

Check out the Second Wave of Feature Films HERE!

Check out the Lineup of Short Films HERE!