The eighth annual Mystic Film Festival opened Thursday, Oct. 2, at the Mystic Luxury Cinemas. The festival screened over 100 films, which were mostly short films but approximately 20 feature-length films were included.
The festival was founded by Shareen Anderson, who also serves as its executive and artistic director. Anderson’s career as a producer, director, and writer in film and television (documentaries, specifically) spans two decades. Her work has appeared on CNN, Netflix, the Food Network, and National Geographic.
While in Johannesburg, South Africa, Anderson founded the Jozi Film Festival in 2011.
Upon moving to Mystic in 2017, Anderson took note of the local tourist industry and established artistic community. She came to believe that Mystic was a perfect opportunity for a local film festival.
“People here like going to the movies,” she said. “I just decided to go for it… and here we are eight years later.”
The filmmakers participating in the festival this year are mostly from the northeast (New England and New York) while others come from California. Anderson is particularly proud to host international filmmakers this year.
She adds that student films are also submitted, and their quality can be indistinguishable from the rest of the submitted work.
Anderson continues to work in film and television while running the festival, which she refers to as her “passion project.” She boasts that everyone involved is a volunteer and that this is a true community effort, with meetings held either weekly or monthly year-round.
She has high hopes for the Mystic Film Festival’s future but notes that planning just a four-day event requires time and work. She emphasized that it ultimately comes down to bigger sponsors.
About the Author: Having lived in Old Lyme and Lyme since the age of three, Kevin Ganey has always had a passion for movies that is beyond simply watching, but understanding the craft of cinema and and experiencing films as if they were a musical album. Kevin also has his own website devoted to movie analysis, CityOfCinema.com, and also co-hosts a podcast, Moviehouse Mystics, with Koda Uhl (available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.)
Nobody 2 continues the action-packed thrills of the original Nobody. But, like most sequels, comes up just short its predecessor.
Imagine 10 years ago a fortune-teller saying that beloved comedian Bob Odenkirk would someday play a dangerous government assassin trying to pursue the straight and narrow path of life? And that his family of assassins included Christopher Lloyd as his father and WuTang Clan’s RZA as his brother?
And, above all, that the movie was actually pretty good? You’d probably think this was just another smooth-talking con artist.
Turns out this fortune-teller was the real deal.
The original Nobody is a rare movie with crossover appeal. It appeals to fans of all varieties of movies. Its runtime is just a lean 90 minutes, and its clear storytelling includes character depth and exhilarating action sequences. It unites fans of Michael Bay with subscribers to the Criterion Channel.
What is it about action movies that makes them so appealing? Why do we like watching people beat each other up? Why do we like watching explosions? What is this catharsis of destruction? Is it something that appeals to our anthropomorphic origins? Is it a vessel to channel our stress and imagine ourselves solving similar problems with our own fists? Is this why video games like Grand Theft Auto are so addictive?
It’s one thing to make a movie with great stunts and choreographed fights, but to include great writing and direction is a special treat.
There is also our appreciation for the acting range of comedians. We love people who can make us laugh hysterically, but when they can prove their acting range—like Robin Williams or John Candy—we admire them even more.
Bob Odenkirk isn’t giving an emotional performance that will win him an Oscar (yet). But his character, Hutch Mansell, is badass, mysterious, and relatable. Unlike the action gods of days past, Nobody’s fights are visceral and realistic. Hutch doesn’t just win the fight, we feel the injuries he endures.
Nobody 2 is intentionally similar to the first movie—familiar arcs and beats—but that’s part of the appeal. It excites the audience as we anticipate how this installment will be familiar, but will push our favorite characters forward.
It is a craft of storytelling that dates to the origin of movies. Think of the “Bond, James Bond” line or Star Wars’ iconic “I have a bad feeling about this”.
While not quite the knockout the original movie is, this sequel is a worthy follow-up (similar to Happy Gilmore 2 and Freakier Friday). Anybody can tell Nobody 3 is on the horizon and I can only hope pick up on this Nobody 2’s (minor) shortcomings.
One thing is for sure: I’ll be first in line once it’s released.
About the Author: Having lived in Old Lyme and Lyme since the age of three, Kevin Ganey has always had a passion for movies that is beyond simply watching, but understanding the craft of cinema and and experiencing films as if they were a musical album. Kevin also has his own website devoted to movie analysis, CityOfCinema.com, and also co-hosts a podcast, Moviehouse Mystics, with Koda Uhl (available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.)
Freakier Friday is a sequel worth the 22-year delay. Everyone is back and the comedy of errors is as unpredictable as the original.
I planned this review with low expectations. I’ve always said sequels are generally not well-received (especially when they’re released decades after the original). No mass marketing campaign can atone for the desperation to catch lightning in a bottle.
I only saw the original Freaky Friday once when it was released in 2003. I knew if I wanted to give this a proper review, I should refresh my memory by watching it again.
To my surprise, I enjoyed it. This gave me hope because I watched it as an adult with critical thinking skills, not nostalgia goggles. I even read that Mary Rodgers, the author of the original 1972 novel, hailed it as the best adaptation because of its authenticity.
The storyline is not original, it’s a body-swap movie.
But this sequel turns it up a notch. Anna (Lindsay Lohan) prepares to marry Eric (Manny Jacinto), but her teenage daughter, Harper, and her soon-to-be worldly stepsister, Lily, struggle to accept each other. Not only has this tension caused Anna and Tess to experience a second body-swap, but it now includes Harper and Lily.
A double-body-swap with double the chaos. They’ll all find that just because it’s the second time around doesn’t mean it can be solved any easier.
It’s the 2003 movie on steroids.
Like any sequel (especially ones that are long delayed) there are Easter Eggs that not only pay tribute to the first movie but go beyond the original material. The wedding is scheduled for October 3rd (a nod to another Lohan movie, Mean Girls.)
And we can also appreciate all the generational jokes in between both movies.
Disney clearly meant business with Freakier Friday, bringing back most characters for the sequel. This includes those who seldom act nowadays, such as Ryan Malgarini (Anna’s little brother, Harry). There are Anna’s friends, Maddie and Peg from their band Pink Slip; and even Anna’s love interest, Jake (still rocking the same hair 20 years later).
My favorite reprisal was the spiteful Mr. Bates (played by legendary character actor Stephen Tobolowsky), still working since the school district’s retirement was sunk in crypto.
All the performances are superb. We loved Jamie Lee Curtis’ performance as a teenager back in 2003, but she takes it even further in her second round as a wannabe social media influencer.
I particularly loved Manny Jacinto’s performance as the thoughtful and well-spoken Eric, contrasting with his role as Jason, the idiotic Florida-Man on The Good Place.
But above all, I was happiest with Lindsay Lohan’s return as Anna. She stepped away from the spotlight for her well-being, and it appears to have worked. Watching this movie, you would think she never stopped acting. This was clearly made for her comeback. Disney knew that she still has a lot to offer. Why else would they go to great lengths to bring back almost every cast member of the original?
Maybe this is a new starting point for Lohan to get back to her craft without the scrutiny of the paparazzi? If the original Freaky Friday is a family classic, then Freakier Friday belongs there, too.
It continues the spirit of authenticity and lessons about family and love. With a theatrical-only release, it’s a perfect family outing that reminds us of one of the best ways to connect with youth is to share the stories that shaped us.
This warm, heartfelt, and funny sequel is worth checking out.
About the Author: Having lived in Old Lyme and Lyme since the age of three, Kevin Ganey has always had a passion for movies that is beyond simply watching, but understanding the craft of cinema and and experiencing films as if they were a musical album. Kevin also has his own website devoted to movie analysis, CityOfCinema.com, and also co-hosts a podcast, Moviehouse Mystics, with Koda Uhl (available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.)
Unless you are a devoted fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), The Fantastic Four: First Steps is not worth seeing.
Recruiting the latest phenomenon of actors (Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn) and maintaining their distinguished action-packed sequences will not make up for the empty writing. At multiple points during the screening, I felt like leaving.
While I managed to convince myself to stay for the sake of this review, I wasn’t interested in sticking around for the two signature credit scenes that preview the next installments in the Marvel movies.
Superhero movies always require a suspension of disbelief. The viewer knows anything in these movies is possible if there is room plausible deniability.
But even after years of watching Tony Stark and Peter Parker assemble new suits out of thin air, I had a hard time “believing” the scientific research of Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic.
While I am aware that the MCU has extensively developed their multiverse-setting, I went into this movie expecting a proper origin story for the Fantastic Four and the beginning of the MCU. It is totally reasonable when the costumes, set design, and titles are imitating the aesthetics of the 1960s. It turns out this is just another earth set in the future that appears to be our past.
Another disappointment came through the humor.
Marvel movies have made an impression on the world that wasn’t solely the result of top-notch special effects and marketing, but through relatable and likable characters. That is mostly the result of great chemistry between the performers and a sense of humor.
But I didn’t find myself laughing in this Marvel movie. In fact, the jokes were predictable and hackneyed. It’s more than the jokes; it’s the entire story. There also came a moment when Sue Storm/Invisible Woman attempted to rally and inspire everyone, and it made no sense. When it came to the consequential moment that resolved the conflict, I found it to be along the lines of a Deus ex machina.
But, since it’s a Marvel movie, it does deliver with action sequences that are captivating enough to believe that our heroes are exploiting the gravity of a neutron star to propel themselves back home. And the music certainly amplifies those entertaining sequences.
But I can’t praise it entirely, especially with the antagonist, the Silver Surfer. The effects aren’t bad, they’re good — they’re too good. But this isn’t something to praise, it felt like a trip into the Uncanny Valley (when fake human appearances end up more disturbing than endearing). Devoted MCU fans will find a way to see this.
But for the rest of us movie-goers? We’re not missing anything if we decide to do something else. I would not place The Fantastic Four high on a list of prioritized movies of 2025.
About the Author: Having lived in Old Lyme and Lyme since the age of three, Kevin Ganey has always had a passion for movies that is beyond simply watching, but understanding the craft of cinema and and experiencing films as if they were a musical album. Kevin also has his own website devoted to movie analysis, CityOfCinema.com, and also co-hosts a podcast, Moviehouse Mystics, with Koda Uhl (available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.)
With an alluring narrative, top-notch special effects, amicable characters, and thought-provoking themes, James Gunn’s adaptation of Superman is absolutely worth the occasion of going to the movies.
David Corenswet leads as Clark Kent (or Kal-El) and is perfect for the role. Besides his massive and well-built physique, he does justice to the superhero, who was raised in modesty (his parents, Jonathan and Martha, appear as if they were authentic elderly residents of Kansas, juxtaposed with his fast-paced city life). He curses only a few times, mostly resorting to wholesome words like “darn” or “heck”.
This is countered by Rachel Brosnahan’s performance of his cynical co-worker (and secret girlfriend) Lois Lane, always seeking the truth but giving a hint of envy for Clark’s unusually positive outlook on humanity.
Much can be said about Nicholas Hoult’s performance as archvillain Lex Luthor. Hoult perfectly personifies the man who does not possess superhuman powers, but brilliance, capital, and clout; all infused with coldhearted ambition, guided by cruelty. There is something all too familiar about the personality of this tech billionaire, who despises Superman and his kind because they remind humanity of their limitations.
He seems to be pursuing another kind of superman, the subject of the writings of Friedrich Nietzsche (the Übermensch), the next step in evolution. This superman must destroy all preconceived concepts of right and wrong, which will hinder humanity’s growth to dominate.
Gunn’s adaptation goes further than previous depictions of Superman. Despite being the starting point of a franchise that will (hopefully) be followed by many sequels, Superman’s origins are not depicted.
He is already an established superhero, beloved by the public, and working as a reporter for The Daily Planet (which also includes a steady relationship with Lois Lane that has yet to be disclosed to Human Resources.) And while the movie reminds the audience of Superman’s origins as an alien sent to earth after his home planet of Krypton was destroyed, a damning revelation is eventually made public which will break Superman’s understanding of his purpose.
This revelation also amplifies the themes interwoven throughout the movie’s runtime, particularly about morality and heroism. Superman is not the only superhero character (this also includes the Green Lantern, Mister Terrific, and Hawkgirl), but he appears to be one of the few characters, who authentically desires to do the right thing for the right reasons, while others appear to have corrupt motives.
In a bold move, this Superman acknowledges his imperfections and has come to terms with his limitations, understanding that true greatness comes from the choices we make, not the destinies that we create for ourselves.
But beyond the character development and themes, this is an overall enticing movie that entertains the viewer in every aspect. Despite being a DC superhero movie, which tend to have dark and gritty themes, there is an abundance of humor peppered throughout its runtime. I particularly loved Lois Lane’s “interview” with Superman which ultimately morphs into an argument about politics with her boyfriend.
Gunn also brings the nostalgic charm that made his Guardians of the Galaxy movies instant hits, with a soundtrack that consists of Dad Rock and title design similar to the 1978 movie with Christopher Reeve (there is also a wholesome Easter Egg in which Reeve’s son Will—a reporter for ABC News—makes a cameo appearance.)
In addition, the special effects were truly made for the movie theater, not the most expensive 4K (or even 8K) TV that can be grabbed from Best Buy or Amazon. One of the best ways to see it is in IMAX. For those in the greater Boston area (as I was this past weekend), I suggest catching a screening in one of the Jordan’s IMAX theaters that includes “butt-kickers” (speakers installed beneath the seats).
So what are you waiting for?
This is a summer blockbuster and a family-friendly movie (in fact, I saw a family in line in which mom, dad, and all the kids were wearing their own Superman t-shirts.)
Do you need any additional reasons to catch it? Well, you might even end up watching it multiple times … I know I am seriously considering another screening.
About the Author: Having lived in Old Lyme and Lyme since the age of three, Kevin Ganey has always had a passion for movies that is beyond simply watching, but understanding the craft of cinema and and experiencing films as if they were a musical album. Kevin also has his own website devoted to movie analysis, CityOfCinema.com, and also co-hosts a podcast, Moviehouse Mystics, with Koda Uhl (available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.)
