Soul Warriors Legends : Spiritual Showdown Teaser Review

Title: Soul Warriors Legends : Spiritual Showdown

Format: YouTube

Year: 2015

Label: Zion Studios

Written by Sean Badger & Dishaun Jones and Directed by Raul Urreola, could this short film add something new to the martial arts genre? Let's find out.

First of all, I must stress that this is a teaser trailer and as such cannot be analysed in the same was as a narrative film, but there is certainly enough contained in the 5 minutes to get a taste of the film to come.

This teaser film is essentially a fight scene. There are some guys in cars at the start, it's not entirely clear what their motives are, but soon enough, that is all forgotten as we are straight into some martial arts action. What feels strange to begin with is the elegant motion of the fighters - almost like performance art. 

The next thing that struck me was the lack of any impact hit sounds which are commonly found in action and martial arts films. That's when I realised that this was intentional and really added to the overall poetic and spiritual atmosphere.

The camera work is sympathetic to the momentum of the scene and the colour and lighting is excellent. The dramatic score really builds throughout and adds genuine anticipation.

As a teaser trailer I think this film delivers the goods. The stylistic shooting style and intriguing premise leaves the audience with unanswered questions as it should. I would have liked to have seen a little more character development, or just a taste, but as a short teaser it would have been a difficult task to squeeze in. 

I'm looking forward to seeing the full film as the unique atmosphere and shooting style really holds your attention and offers a new take on the martial arts genre.

 

UK Films Rating: 7/10
Release Rating: 7/10 - Good picture and audio.
Did James like it? Yes

Princess Movie Review

Title: Princess

Format: YouTube 4k

Year: 2015

Label: Witching Season

Here we have a horror short from Writer/Director James Morris and producer Michael Ballif. This particular film is episode two of 'The Witching Season' series. Each film is a self contained short story.

From the outset, this film ticks all the right boxes. The opening titles set the mood perfectly, creepy Halloween decorations hang in the wind of a lonely looking street. There is a real sense of atmosphere. The retro titles and subtle music score really build anticipation.

A mother and young daughter arrive at a new house and immediately we are presented with a shot that is reminiscent of The Amityville Horror. The feeling of unease grows as we are introduced to the interior as the plot is slowly revealed.

The acting is solid with a stand out performance by Emily Broschinsky who plays the daughter. As the story progresses and we delve into the basement and there are genuine spine tingling moments, shock and horror and the music score really gets the heart racing.

The direction is top notch, the camera movement is elegant and the audio superbly mixed. The subtle film grain and colour grade adds just the right amount nostalgia and best of all it is presented in 4k, which really does look excellent.

Although the concept isn't anything new, what we do have is a very well executed, thoroughly engrossing and genuinely creepy short which utilises the best elements of films like Amityville, Poltergeist, Childsplay and one of my favorite hidden gems - Fallen.

All in all this is an excellent film made by a group of passionate filmmakers and that passion shines through on the screen. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the series.

 

UK Films Rating: 8/10
Release Rating: 9/10 - Excellent picture and audio.
Did James like it? Yes