JessRhiannon

“Chief Zabu” is quite the adventure, following its sporadic twists and turns, its snappy, quick paced dialogue and its bold, charismatic charm is quite the challenge, but one that is incredibly rewarding. The story follows two sleazy businessmen, Ben Sydney and Sammy Brooks, who are trying to get their foot in the door with a big time businessman who’s planning an extremely lucrative deal with the leader of island paradise Tiburaku. In order for the deal to succeed, the two men must prod and pander the son of a wealthy entrepreneur who made his name building roads across the United States (Ed Lauter). Watching the two leads, Allen Garfied as Ben Sydney and Zack Norman as Sammy Brooks, get increasingly desperate and manic for success gives the film most of its charm and spirit. This brilliantly made social satire manages to maintain a sharp narrative coherence while indulging in wild eccentricities, and is a treat for audience. This critic is over the moon that “Chief Zabu,” was unearthed and distributed, as it is a joy and pleasure to watch, and an experience that no one should have to miss out on.

I was riveted by Urban Hymn, a taunt and tumultuous drama that falls into the coming of age genre. Director Michael Caton Jones has created a story of resilience, redemption and reflection. His film revolves around three characters, each played with actors that give uncompromising and powerful performances. Center stage is Jamie Harrison (Letitia Wright) a lean and sinewy teenager with a chip on her shoulder and a bone to pick. She is never without her best friend Leanne Dixon (Isabella Laughland), an equally dangerous figure whose only trusted companion is Jamie. Rounding out this trio is Kate Linton (Shirley Henderson) an equally complex and intricate character. Linton is a social worker trying to cope with the loss of her son by saving Jamie through her musical talent. This film finds a delicate balance and harmony between its vivid and distinctive characters, its subtle and delicate cinematography, and its uncompromising script. Easily one of the best films I have seen this year, and a film that is a must see for those you who appreciate this caliber of artistry and emotion in movies.

Directors David Salzberg and Christian Tureaud wade into the fray once more with their latest addition to their Heroes of Valor Collection - Danger Close. This documentary follows female freelance journalist Alex Quade, who undertakes a journey of courage and dedication. After learning about the death of Staff Sgt. Robert Pirelli, Quade dedicates herself to finding the Combat Outpost that Pirelli built, practically from scratch. The film handles this emotional content with deep seated respect and honor, balancing the tense, dark moments on the field with clips of Robert at home during Christmas, and stunning quiet moments of meditation and reflection with his family coping with their loss. Overall, this film is one of the most complex and interesting explorations into life overseas, and is a must see for anyone wishing to learn about and honor our soldier’s lives and experiences.