RSS
FANTASIA 2018: The Final Week's Recap!
In this final week of the Fantasia film festival, I only had one free day. This meant that I had to see as many films as possible. Even though the festival is wrapping up, I hope to catch some of the other Fantasia films when they are released in the months ahead!
Mandy
I was very lucky to catch a screening of this film on the day that I took off specifically for this screening. Mandy, from director Panos Cosmatos, is an action film that stars notable thespian actor Nicolas Cage, who attains a new level on the "rage Cage” meter. Red (Nicolas Cage) lives a quiet life in the isolated woods with his girlfriend Mandy (Andrea Riseborough). Mandy catches the eye of a cult, who kidnaps Mandy. Not to get much into spoilers, but the film then switches gears as a revenge story. Cage’s character, who starts out as subdued and quiet, reveals all the anger that comes with the stages of rage and revenge. He methodically goes through the stages of grief right to anger in an instant. Cage is truly a virtuoso method actor of this genre of movie. Cosmatos gives the film a great vision, with the graininess of the film, the red and dark blue hues, and trippy sequences. This is probably my favourite film of the festival.
People's Republic of Desire
This was the final film from the documentary section of the festival that I had the chance to watch. Director Hao Wu gives you unprecedented access to the world of live-streaming showrooms (YY) in China and the personalities behind the showrooms. Two individuals that are closely followed are Shen Man, an aspiring singer, and Big Li, a comedian with a big personality. We see the rise and fall of these two big personalities and how social media controls every minute of their lives, but it comes with a big payout if you are the number one personality. There are also the negative aspects that come in the form of the online trolls and when you base your career on YY—a career that can become short lived if you’re not the top personality. On the other side of the spectrum, we see the talent managers for the personalities, the big spenders, and the underclass who see the personalities as their role models. Hao Wu goes behind the camera and showcases the personalities as a cinéma vérité, but also it is a cautionary tale about the power of social media controlling lives of people minute to minute.
Chained For Life
This next film came from a strong recommendation from my At The Movies show co-host Danny Aubry. From the Camera Lucida section of the festival comes Chained For Life, directed by Aaron Schimberg. While filming a B-horror film, a beautiful Hollywood actress, Mabel (Jess Weixler), strikes up a relationship with a disabled actor with a facial deformity, Rosenthal (Adam Pearson). Mabel’s character in the horror film becomes blind, which some people are already calling bad taste. A group of disabled actors and actresses are brought in, and then there is the question of if the film is being exploitive or not. This is best seen at the end of the days of filming, as the disabled actors stay on set—an abandoned hospital—while the rest of the cast gets to stay at the hotel. Aaron Schimberg has some strong scenes that focus on the group of disabled actors on their downtime between filming, and shows that they live ordinary lives despite their disability.
Arizona
The final film that I got to see at the festival was Arizona, a dark comedy from Jonathan Watson. The film stars Danny McBride as Sonny, a recent divorcé living in Arizona. He’s a pretty cool guy, unless you meet his bad temperament, which results in people having “accidents.” Cassie (Rosemarie DeWitt), a real-estate agent, has had the misfortune of stumbling on Sonny’s “accidents” and is now in his crosshairs. Watson also takes the issue of the housing market collapse in this very dark comedy. McBride is a chameleon that switches from the cool guy charm to bad tempered on a dime with a great comedic. This is probably the film that got the most chuckles out of me this Fantasia.
With this year’s festival coming to a close, a big thank you to the team over at CJLO 1690AM and their magazine department for sending me to this year’s Fantasia Film Festival. Also, thank you to the great team behind the festival for delivering a stellar lineup of genre films, and I hope to catch up with the rest of the films in the months to come of their release! Tune in to At The Movies (With Iconic Sounds) on August 14th at 8AM to hear a recap of the festival experience.
CJLO is Going to Île Soniq! Are You Ready to Jump?
Île Soniq 2018 is the fifth edition of Montreal's biggest EDM festival, which seems to be gaining traction every year. Despite a few setbacks, the festival has adapted and overcome these challenges and presents an intense lineup for this year’s edition.
The festival is a mix of techno, house and dubstep, but also a lot of trap, as we can see as soon as we look at this year's lineup. Indeed, French Montana, Lil Yachty and Lil Xan are up there among the headliners, as is the controversial Bhad Bhabie (yes, that's the "Cash me outside" girl). Lil Xan and Lil Yachty are going to be pulling a whole different crowd to the festival: they represent a new generation and approach to music, the so-called "SoundCloud rappers". Trap fans represent a different demographic from EDM-heads, and that is a good strategy for Île Soniq to adopt in order to branch out and make this festival more diverse, musically speaking.
The lineup is still comprised mostly of EDM monsters such as the Chainsmokers, Steve Angelo (originally part of Swedish House Mafia), Diplo and Carnage. There are whispers that the two other members of Swedish House Mafia might pop up with Steve Angelo for a reunion, like they did at this year’s Ultra Music Festival.
Organized by evenko, and sponsored by big names such as RBC, Bacardi, Monster and Coca-Cola, Île Soniq is reaffirming its place as one of the most, if not the most important EDM festivals in Canada. We’ll see you there!
*CONTEST ALERT*
CJLO is giving away tickets to Kalmunitys “SPELLBOUND,” event featuring Kelissa & Shacia Payne. With a ladies only bill you won't want to miss this show on August 9 at Petit Campus.
Montreal’s own Kya Kindu, Sam-I-Am Montolla, Joyce N’sana, Chanda, Sugarface Nene, DJ Red Rose and DJ Bles-sed will be performing.
What’s that ? You want to see these amazing artists? Just tell us who you’re excited to see performing at the show and you can be a winner! There are three ways to enter!
1) Email promo@cjlo.com with the subject "SPELLBOUND"
2) Send a tweet to @CJLO1690AM
3) Post your answer on our Facebook wall
We'll select the winners via a draw. Remember, you must email, tweet or wall post the name of the performer you’re most excited to see.
CJLO @ 77 Festival 2018!
I have been waiting for the second edition of ’77 Montreal Festival ever since its successful debut last year, and it did not disappoint. This year, organizers wanted to step up their game with more bands and more stages. There was the Jardin stage, reserved for smaller acts, with very little separation between the fans and the performers, and there was the Ouest stage, which would attract larger crowds and would televise the acts and massive screens on either end. I wanted to see everything, so I found myself running across the festival grounds, often having to leave midway through one set to catch the end of another.
Due to a hold up in the media line, I unfortunately missed my friend’s performance in Les Fucking Raymonds, a Québecois tribute to the Ramones. But it’s no use holding a grudge against the festival staff, since they are constantly working to satisfy the thousands of attendants.
Parents were encouraged to bring their kids, since entrance was free for children under the age of 10. Thirty years ago, parents would have been scared senseless by the thought of their kids going to a punk rock concert, but the modern parent understands that the music is relatively harmless. I was inspired by the sight of small girls looking up at riot grrrl acts like Pussy Stench and L7. I’m hoping the next generation of the Montreal punk scene will have more female musicians.
‘77 Montreal is a celebration of long-lasting history of punk. Bands showed their appreciation for their predecessors in the form of covers; Anti-Flag covered “Should I Stay Or Should I Go” by The Clash, L7 covered Agent Orange’s “Bloodstains” and Montreal’s own The Planet Smashers did a speedy rendition of “Gangsters” by The Specials. Not to be outdone, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes did a whole set of punk versions of classic pop songs like “I Will Survive” and “I Believe I Can Fly.”
The most standout performances were when musicians got up close and personal. Near the end of their set, Pat Thetic and Chris #2 of Anti-Flag brought the drums into the crowd and played their last song surrounded by astonished fans. I was surprised to hear the drums in the pit just as clearly as when they were onstage. The wonders of wireless technology. Similarly, Jeff Rosenstock jumped down into the crowd to play the saxophone solo of his song “Nausea.”
Probably the most memorable moment of the night was seeing Suicidal Tendencies. Before they came on stage, the audience repeatedly chanted “S! T! S! T!” Out of context, one would assume the crowd was simply cursing in French. When Mike Muir took to the stage, the crowd erupted in excitement. Muir might be the only original member, but he was joined by greats such as Dave Lombardo formerly of Slayer on drums and Ben Weinman of Dillinger Escape Plan on guitar. Suicidal played with as much energy and speed as they did in the glory days of hardcore punk.
There were so many amazing performances that I couldn’t possibly name them all. By the end of the night, my memory became a bit fuzzy as I graduated with my tenth beer of the day. I was also exhausted, I couldn’t imagine being able to return to Parc Jean Drapeau for two full days of Heavy Montreal. It would be interesting to see what’s in store for next year’s edition. Although this year had a wide variety, from ska to hardcore, I wonder if the festival would broaden its definition of punk to include more subversive acts like crust punk and goth. Oh, and more local bands would be much appreciated as well!
Find more pictures of the festival on Sewer Spewer's Facebook page!
FANTASIA 2018: The Second Week's Recap!
My days off this week have coincided with the rain and grey weather. This makes for a great excuse to hide indoors and catch a few films at the Fantasia festival. I have made my master list of the films that I want to see this week, with the fact that I only have two days free. Here is my marathon of film viewings from week two.
Unfriended 2: The Dark Web
Having missed the screening at Fantasia (and CJLO Metal Director Andrew talking my ear off about this gem in the roughs) I headed to the local multiplex to catch a screening. I was a fan of the first Unfriended, which added a new subgenre to horror films by adding the element of all the action taking place behind a computer screen. Director Stephen Susco decides to up the anti in this second installment, which focuses on the dark web, a part of the Internet that is on a private network and hosts some content that shouldn’t exist. All of the action happens during a friend session of game night over Skype. Other characters that are on the move have their action sequences play out over FaceTime, showing that technology has become mobile-based. One of the friends is using a stolen laptop that opens up the Pandora box to the dark web program, known only as The River. What follows next is the cataclysmic fate of every player playing or subverting the game that they have now become a part of. Let’s just say that Susco has nailed the aspect of being a fly on the wall as a theatre audience member, whether we like it or not.
The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion
It is one part Korean melodrama, another part supernatural, and closes with a John Woo à la Matrix in its final climax: this would be the description that I would give Park Hoonjung’s latest feature, The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion. A high school student, with temporary amnesia about her dark past, enters a talent contest with her best friend in order to save her family, hence the melodrama. Along the road, she meets a variety of dark, shady characters who just want to talk, but are very menacing. She then realizes that she might have special supernatural abilities that defy human strength. This is put to the test in the final epic showdown that I can describe as a John Woo meets the Matrix action sequence. Here’s hoping that Park Hoonjung comes back next year with an action-based sequel, given that the melodrama is out of the way. Or is it?
Blue My Mind
Blue My Mind from director Lisa Brühlmann is a coming-of-age story of teenage angst, set with a bit of fantasy. The film follows Mia who is transitioning to a new school, as adolescence is settling in and transforming her into an adult. Falling in with the wrong crowd at school while overcoming her body changes are some of the issues that Mia is dealing with. Mia in turn does not feel like herself, and exhibits strange characteristics that might be associated with a certain fantasy character from the sea. Brühlmann puts a nice fairytale twist to a coming-of-age film, proving that everyone deserves to have their happy ending.
Anna and The Apocalypse
What is Anna And The Apocalypse? A zombie horror Christmas musical—that well deserves a subgenre category of its own. For me, it hits every subgenre category that I love. There has to be a brilliant point when the characters break into a delightfully cherry musical number, despite the zombie apocalypse happening all around them. Some of the musical numbers worked for me, but others might have fallen a bit flat, given that they were out of place, which is the point of this movie. The comedic aspect is one of the strong aspects of this film, directed by John McPhail. Maybe after the regular holiday viewings of It’s a Wonderful Life and Love Actually, I might revisit this Christmas zombie apocalypse to see if it holds up with the season. For now, it sits right as a great Christmas in July present from Fantasia.
Boiled Angels: The Trial of Mike Diana
This documentary is not for the faint of heart, with a strong graphic nature warning before the film starts. Boiled Angels: The Trail of Mike Diana from director Frank Henenlotter follows Mike Diana who created controversial and obscene zine comics titled Boiled Angels. It showcases both sides of the argument of the First amendment’s freedom of speech clause, or the obscenity charges that Mike Diana was being brought to court over. The verdict showcases a stifling of Diana’s work and who he was as a person. Even though Diana brought out the obscene in his zines, Henenlotter vindicates him by giving him a voice when his right of free speech was taken away.
Pledged
What goes on behind doors of a college fraternity? Director Daniel Robbins showcases in this horror thriller that fraternity parties are not what they are cranked out to be. We follow a group of close freshmen as they try to get status inside of a frat house, but their social skills keep them from getting in. Finally, there is one invitation for a great night at a straight elitist fraternity that goes very well. The next day, they are invited back in a 48-hour pledge session, where everyone is tested physically and mentally. The pledgers fight to survive—however, unbeknownst to them, another challenge is taking place. Robbins sets up the mood at the beginning of the film that masks the fraternity as a time-of-your-life party, only to have the mask slip off and show the dark side that is a problem that plagues most fraternities.
Searching
Searching is one of the three films that is showcased from the point of view of a computer. However, for director Aneesh Chaganty, this movie is a thriller more than horror as David Kim (John Cho) must use the computer to help solve the disappearance of his daughter. The film also showcases how computer technology has evolved over time, from the first Microsoft personal computer (PC), to the new MacBooks that are a staple of the genre. The film also displays how technology has become more mobile with the innovation of FaceTime, which allows David to communicate with the detective who volunteered for the case, Detective Rosemary Vick (Debra Messing). Interwoven into all of this is the cautionary tale that Chagnty unveils about the power of social media, which makes up for the somewhat quick wrap-up to this film. Searching arrives out in theatres this Friday and I definitely recommend it.
LORDS OF CHAOS, CANADIAN PREMIERE GIVEAWAY!
CJLO is giving away tickets to the @FantasiaFest Canadian premiere of LORDS OF CHAOS (based on the book about the 90s Norwegian black metal scene)! The screening is this Thursday at 9:45pm in the Hall Theatre on the downtown campus of Concordia University. For your chance to win, message us with your full name and email address or send an email with your name to promo@cjlo.com. Only winners will be contacted.
NEWS FOR MONDAY, JULY 30TH 2018
Hosted by Patricia Petit Liang
Stories by Patricia Petit Liang
Produced by Patricia Petit Liang
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LOCAL
By Patricia Petit Liang
An 8 year old girl passed away after falling into the Magog River on Sunday.
According to CBC News, the child was walking along the banks of the river when she slipped on a rock and fell in.
Police and firefighters brought her to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.
NATIONAL
By Patricia Petit Liang
The Kehewin Cree community in northern Alberta is mourning the loss of firefighter Jerry Gadwa, who died on Thursday while fighting the Ontario forest fires.
According to CBC News, crews are continuing to battle 39 forest fires across northeastern Ontario.
Evacuation orders for the Henvey Inlet First Nation will remain in place until next Friday.
INTERNATIONAL
By Patricia Petit Liang
An earthquake in Indonesia has killed more than 14 people and injured 160 others.
According to BBC News, the 6.4 magnitude quake was followed by 60 smaller earthquakes on Sunday.
Thousands of homes were damaged and officials are evacuating and rescuing citizens.
CJLO @ JFL: Judah Friedlander: America… Still Number One
Judah Friedlander is taking Just For Laughs by storm with America… Still Number One! Friedlander challenges American exceptionalism and US domestic foreign policy while commenting on racism, sexism, gun control, climate change and health care in his unique solo show. Friedlander’s show is almost entirely crowd work, leading to amusing and unexpected surprises throughout his entire performance.
Friedlander is incredibly clever, quick as well as passionate about empowering and helping others. He regularly confronts white, male supremacy and urges his peers to do the same. Friedlander is a true American patriot, defending the rights of immigrants, the homeless, children, women, the LGBTQ community and countless others with his powerful comedic stylings. Friedlander is never afraid to share his beliefs and speak directly to audience members about their prejudices. Friedlander’s comedy is selfless, moving and thoughtful. So much empathy and research goes into each of his jokes and it is so humbling to see him fight for the rights and freedoms of others.
Chloé Hillard opened for Friedlander with an outstanding set. She spoke about her experiences while travelling as well as as a Black woman living in America. It was an honor to have Hillard share her stories with us at Cafe Cleopatra! She is such a delightful, energetic and charismatic performer and set the perfect mood for Friedlander’s show!
Friedlander’s passion for justice and peace is deeply inspiring and exciting. I hope that other artists can learn to be as inclusive and supportive as him. Friedlander goes to great lengths to make his comedy accessible for everyone. He is so remarkable and deserving of praise!
If you see America… Still Number One! make sure to have plenty of questions to ask Friedlander. It is so much fun to be heard and indulged by him! Judah Friedlander truly is a man of the people!
This is all part of CJLO 1690AM's coverage of the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival. Founded in 1983, Just For Laughs is the largest international comedy festival in the world: showcasing the funniest comedians of all time! For more information and to buy tickets, check out www.hahaha.com before they're all sold out!
Fatal Attraction is bizarre, comedy talk show hosted by Patricia Petit Liang. Tune in every Monday from 11AM-12PM to hear Patricia play weird YouTube videos, give really bad advice and interview a variety of super cool guests!
CJLO @ JFL: Kill Tony Podcast: Kill or be Killed
For some reason, they say don’t meet your heroes. Last night, one of my comedic heroes was in Montreal and I wanted to meet him. Tony Hinchcliffe will be the first one to tell you he’s one of the top young rising comedians in the world, and we have to believe him. Being the go-to roast writer, this unapologetic comedian has written on six of the last Comedy Central Roasts as well as writing and performing on All Def Snoop Dogg Smoke Out (Snoop Dogg’s roast). His comedy is like rapid-fire. It’s quick and painful… If you’re on the receiving end of it that is. The concept of the podcast gives anybody in the room the opportunity to sign up and perform an uninterrupted 60 seconds of comedy in front of the live audience as well as Hinchcliffe and his guests. If he pulls your name out of the bucket, you’re up. If you do well, you’ll know it and if you don’t do well… you’ll definitely know it.
Last night, Tony Hinchcliffe and his crew brought the Kill Tony Podcast, the number one live weekly podcast in the world (with over a million downloads a month), to the Cinquième Salle of the Place-des-Arts. As he usually does, Tony invited some of the world’s top comics to sit by his side. Last night Montreal had the treat of hanging out with Jimmy Carr and Big Jay Oakerson. Tony also brought along his trusty sidekick, Jeremiah Watkins (JFL’s New Faces of Comedy nominee), to help him punch up the night (Watkins dresses up and commits to different characters throughout the show).
The Cinquième Salle was about half-full with approximately 150 audience members. Not many performers signed up, and I can attest to that, because I was one of the last to put my name in, thinking “oh boy, I’m going to get pulled”. Tony opened up the show by making light of the situation, surprised that the biggest comedy festival in the world only had 15 people sign up to perform on his popular podcast. It didn’t matter though, that was enough.
I stood there in the fifth row, nervously. I braced myself every time he pulled a name out of the bucket because I was afraid it was mine, yet, the thought of having the opportunity to perform in front of these legends would make this a story to tell my grandkids. Roughly seven names were pulled out of the bucket, performing 60 seconds of comedy and then getting roasted and/or interviewed by the gang. These wannabe “comics” were beginners to intermediate open-mic comics that didn’t really show any promise of being on a Gala next year. Although some showed a bit of potential, most of them forgot their jokes at home, which is when Tony and the boys showed up for work. The more the comics bombed, the more the pro’s made fun of them. One comic, who had a very muscular upper body and small Kermitt the frog legs (as Jimmy Carr stated), was wearing skinny jeans and squeaky-clean shoes that gave Big Jay Oakerson the perfect pitch to hit a home run with his observation: “You look like a genie with his feet still in the lamp”. These kinds of moments were not scarce throughout the show as the pros made the audience tear up with their improv and roast style of comedy.
The show lasted an hour and five minutes, which was shorter than expected. Being an avid listener of the podcast, they usually pull at least 10 names out of the bucket and go on for an hour and a half. Perhaps I was just disappointed that I didn’t have a chance to perform in front of these comedians that I strongly admire. But then again, maybe being spared was a sign; sometimes meeting your heroes really isn’t a good a thing.
Catch Devon, host of Hot Chaud!, every Sunday morning at 11:00am where he interviews some of the hottest acts in comedy and music. This show offers an entertaining hour of music, sports, comedy and local news avec une touche d’humour!
CJLO @ JFL: Matteo Lane presents: Streisand at the Bon Soir
Matteo Lane presents: Streisand at the Bon Soir is a comedy cabaret show you’ll never forget! Comedian and opera singer Matteo Lane and pianist Henry Koperski transformed Cafe Cleopatra into a swanky jazz club on July 23rd and 24th. Together, the two channeled their inner Barbra Streisand, playing some of her greatest hits as well as songs by other iconic women, like Liza Minnelli and Mariah Carey.
Lane and Koperski’s outstanding musical stylings captivated the entire audience. Lane’s background in classical opera allowed him to transform and elevate every song he sang, hitting each note effortlessly. Koperski played piano masterfully and sang beautiful back up vocals for Lane. Their music was so heartwarming and moving that the audience watched them in utter silence and reverence. You could have easily heard a pin drop a Cafe Cleopatra. Everyone was completely blown away and humbled by their phenomenal performances.
The two also made an excellent comedic duo and shared their hilarious perspectives on Cats: The Musical, Carly Rae Jepson, Celine Dion and homophobic gym teachers. Lane is an absolute star and brought immense energy to the stage. Koperski exchanged sweet jokes with him and was always there to support his dear friend. It was deeply touching to have such incredibly talented friends share some of their favorite songs with us.
My favorite part of the show was Lane and Koperski’s rendition of Mariah Carey’s "Always Be My Baby". The audience watched them perform it with complete joy and adoration. Koperski's back up singing was exceptional during this song and Lane hit all of Mariah's highest notes! Everyone was having the best time and it was the sweetest note to end the show on.
Lane and Koperski absolutely spoiled Cafe Cleopatra’s patrons with this amazing show! Don’t miss the opportunity to watch either of these artistic legends perform in the future. Their talent knows no bounds and I am so excited to see what the future has in store for both of them!
This is all part of CJLO 1690AM's coverage of the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival. Founded in 1983, Just For Laughs is the largest international comedy festival in the world: showcasing the funniest comedians of all time! For more information and to buy tickets, check out www.hahaha.com before they're all sold out!
Fatal Attraction is bizarre, comedy talk show hosted by Patricia Petit Liang. Tune in every Monday from 11AM-12PM to hear Patricia play weird YouTube videos, give really bad advice and interview a variety of super cool guests!
Pages
Staff Login | Advertise | Our Location | RSS | Contact Us
