Author: Ben Gummery

Gelateria is an esoteric piece of abstract cinema from writing/directing duo of Arthur Patching and Christian Serritiello and released under Tropical Grey Pictures.

“An artist is forced to journey into an unknown world far from home to retrieve her stolen work.”

This film features a series of intriguing vignettes which are often visually stunning and with some fun character roles along the way.

The film however, much like all great abstract European cinema refuses to stick to any kind of narrative thread or structure and you will be hard pushed to find anyway. It is at times gritty & real and at others totally bonkers (such as animated section half way through).

As a ride and cinematic & visual acid trip however it is compelling and has the quality of making you watch till the end whilst not really knowing what or why you are watching.

The talent of the film-makers is clear although any narrative structure is lacking – probably a deliberate choice. It is however more aimed at the hardcore cinephile rather than the casual viewer.

Gelateria gets 3/5

CREDITS: Written, directed, edited, photographed, and produced by Christian Serritiello and Arthur Patching.

Starring Carrie Getman (Eleanor), Tomas Spencer (PC George Hartree), Christian Serritiello (Zbigniew), Jade Willis (Tom Rigby), Simone Spinazze (Giovanni), Arthur Patching (Alfie Dunn), Daniel Brunet (Julius Row), Joulia Strauss (Joulia Strauss), Julie Trappett (Priscilla), and John Keogh (James Flannigan).

Chasing Leia is the short film debut from writer/director Henry Wentworth; who also appears in the film. The story follows Billie (Harry Wight); a recovering addict as he battles with his addiction and inner demons with the aid of his group of friends; who are all members of the local comic book/pop culture geek community.  

The film-makers make no pretence about their love for writer/director Kevin Smith; and in-fact the plot is largely inspired by real-life stories of actor Jason Mewes struggles with addiction (as told by Smith, and in a more biographical adaption in fan film Get Greedo).

There are also references littered through-out the film; most notably in the shape of the films own pseudo ‘Jay & Silent Bob’ aka Jo & Silent Ben (Annie Davis/Henry Wentworth). But beyond this the film is a treasure trove for pop culture fans and is littered with references to comic books & movies with particular allusions to Star Wars (as the title would suggest). 

Disguised as a film about fandom – on a deeper level the film deals with addiction and the power of friendship and a community of like-minded individuals to help each other. There is also some visually fun and interesting sequences including some quite graphic scenes of drug use and plenty of explicit language.

There is a very ‘London’ feel to the film and the film-makers have been able to make use of some great locations that really make it feel, look and and sound like London; it is bold and brash and doesn’t pull any punches.

As a debut this is fairly strong and well put together although the production and dialogue was a little rough around the edges in places – especially enjoyable for hard-core fans of Kevin Smith, Star Wars and comic book movies who will pick-up on all the references as well as the underlying story.

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You can watch the film now on YouTube.

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You can also follow the film-makers on Instagram.

Fans of Kevin Smith and pop culture may also interested in documentary project KevHeads.

Mandao of the Dead is a new comedy/horror/sci-fi from writer director Scott Dunn and stars Dunn, Marisa Hood, Sean McBride and Alexandre Chen.

“Jay Mandao (Dunn) and his adult nephew Jackson (McBride) astral projection to reverse a ghost’s death on Halloween“

This film combines astral projection and vampires in what could be considered an interesting premise however somewhat fails to deliver on this with the pacing and story – as a film it really failed to launch for me.

Sean McBride gives a believable performance as the man-child character of Jackson. Living with with his mother’s ex partners brother who he calls ‘uncle’. Dunn in the lead role of Jay Mandao should be driving the film forward; he gives a performance that swings for the fences and often misses and ends up rather one note. The supporting cast was also on the whole lack-lustre.

2.5/5 – As a film it offers some interesting ideas but fails to land.

From British production company Chocolate Bear Films comes another humorous Short from writers Dermot Daly, Ivan Mack & Kathryn Hanke; directed by Dermot Daly & Ivan Mack.

“Professor Vanessa (Kathryn Hanke is a scientist and a survivor. What she knows will change the world. And she intends to, one subscriber at a time. Madness or genius? Download the taster and you decide.”

This is a simple piece in it’s conceit; which is a quasi-spoof web series which while being based in comedy also highlights a lot of unpleasant truths about our modern culture and society.

Hanke pulls off a brilliantly comedic performance whilst still instilling her character with self-belief which makes the film compelling. Visually it is a simplistic setting but the film-makers manage to make the maximum use of what they have; while being mostly static one-camera there is occasional use of close-ups to great effect.