The best movies you never saw: ‘Ghost Graduation’
Don’t worry if you are puzzled and scratching your head after reading the headline, most people in the general public outside of its native Spain have not heard of Ghost Graduation. This delightful comedy comes across as a blend of “Ghostbusters”, “ParaNorman” and “The Breakfast Club” and has charmed audiences worldwide. A hit at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival, the programmers of TIFF brought the film back this year as part of the TIFF Next Wave festival back in February as well. So what is it about this film that has people raving?
Ghost Graduation (Promoción Fantasma)
Starring: Raúl Arévalo, Alexandra Jiménez, Javier Bódalo, Anna Castillo, Andrea Duro, Alex Maruny, Jaime Olias, Carlos Areces, Aura Garrido and Silvia Abril
Written by Cristóbal Garrido and Adolfo Valor
Directed by Javier Ruiz Caldera
The introverted Modesto (Arévalo) is an unsuccessful high school teacher who from an early age has been able to see ghosts. But (more…)
TAD 2012: Game of Werewolves Review
Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2012
Starring Gorka Otxoa, Carlos Areces, Secun de la Rose and Luis Zahera
Written and Directed by Juan Martinez Moreno
The closing night film from this year’s Toronto After Dark Film Festival was the Spanish horror comedy ‘Lobos de Arga’. The translation literally meaning Wolves of Arga (pronounced r-e-ah) but retitled Game of Werewolves for the international market. Game is throwback film. Wearing its influences like a badge on its chest, Game is clearly inspired by the Universal Monster films of old and more modern masterpieces like An American Werewolf in London and The Howling. The only question remaining is does it belong in the company of these classic films? (more…)
