In less than a week Cinepocalypse 2018 will begin. In anticipation of Cinepocalypse 2018, I’ve decided to do a very brief preview!
If you didn’t know, this is not only the sophomore year of Cinepocalypse, but also the second year it will call the Music Box Theater (Chicago) home. The festival runs from June 21st through June 28th and is the “Midwest’s largest gathering of genre films and fans.” It’ll feature a myriad of luminaries, such as director Scott Derrickson (Doctor Strange) and screenwriter C. Robert Cargill as “Co-Presidents of the 2018 Feature Film Jury.” Additionally, director Lana Wachowski will be screening her 1996 debut, Bound, culminating with director Ernest R. Dickerson (Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight) receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award.
A few films I’m looking forward to:
The Ranger. Coming in to the festival, The Ranger intrigued me the most. The film has a warm word of mouth since its SXSW premier. Featuring Jenn Wexler’s feature debut, The Ranger has my punk sensibilities riled up as it combines the music and the fashion with slasher-style filmmaking. Also, the cast is strong, from Chloe Levine (The Defenders and the OA) to Bubba Weiler (Puzzle). The Ranger is going to be one of those films that you’ll wish you’d seen in a theater. Playing: June 22nd (2:30pm) and June 26th (9:15pm).
Hover. If there’s one addiction I have, it’s post-apocalyptic and dystopian storytelling. Usually, these films only go so far as their concept will allow. Hover is no different in its fear of an environmental downfall, but it is singular in how it envisions technology playing a role. How can you resist a thriller with killer drones? Here, the film will be making its World Premiere and director Matt Osterman, and star Olivia Cleopatra, will be conducting a Q&A. Playing: June 22nd (7:00pm).
The Bill Murray Story: Life Lessons Learned From A Mythical Man. Few subjects are as interesting and unique as Bill Murray. A comedic legend, the documentary isn’t supposed to be a regurgitation of his career, but a scavenger hunt of the moments where Murray was Murray. And though we usually decry the myth making of Hollywood, here that myth making is applauded and analyzed. If you’re a massive Bill Murray fan like everyone else on the planet, then this will be hard to pass up. Also, director Tommy Avallone will be attendance for a Q&A. Playing: June 23rd (3:30pm).
The Captain. A German film set during WWII, The Captain is here for its Midwest premiere. The film brings together several interests, including WWII history buffs and Nazi historians. It’s a searing take on those final days of the Third Reich, and as someone who has binged watched every Third Reich and Holocaust documentary on Netflix, I’m hoping The Captain will examine and judge those who said, “they were just following orders,” while adding another psychological layer to their decisions.
Playing: June 25th (2:30pm).
Howard the Duck. Not gonna lie, I’ve never seen Howard the Duck and I’m super curious. It’s obviously one of those films where its, ahem….reputation precedes it. How many films could almost end several careers before they even started? In this case, Tim Robbins, Lea Thompson, and Jeffrey Jones. And not only is Music Box Theater screening it, they’re doing it in 70mm too! For me, it’s too much to pass up this slice of 80’s nostalgia. Playing: June 25th (7:00pm).
I believe there are still passes available for the festival. Per Music Box Theater’s website, they run for a $125 for a 4-day pass and $175 for the full festival, which for the amount of films isn’t a bad deal! In any case, you can also purchase separate tickets for any film you want to view. And as you can tell, there’s a lot to see. I know I’ll be shifting around my schedule to view as many of these as possible!
812filmReviews 