IndieFlix Blog

The Neptune was packed, and between the hardcore film-goers and anime otakus, there was a great deal to be excited about.  Satoshi Kon, the director of Paprika, had gained a following by his previous works including “Tokyo Godfathers” and “Perfect Blue,” and has a reputation for dazzling visuals and innovative plotlines – the first five minutes into the film, and we knew this would be no different.

“Paprika” explodes from the get-go, delving into a dream sequence lush with beauty, comedy, and ending with suspense.  From one scenario flowing into the next, none seemed connected, yet flowed together seamlessly, which was to be a precedent for the rest of the film.

The core of the story lies around a recent invention called a “DC Mini,” which allows dreams to be viewed and recorded onto computers.  Though the purpose of the DC Mini is for the purpose of deeper psychotherapy, when the samples are stolen and used to manipulate the subconscious reactions of others, this is where the plot thickens.  It is essential to keep this center in mind, however, as everything else spins out of control, leaving the audience disoriented as to what is reality or dreamscape, as the two begin to bleed together fairly quickly.

Overall, though it’s gorgeous in its execution and unique, quirky characters, either keep your thinking caps at full power or don’t bring it at all.  Enjoy it for the profound storyline weaving, or enjoy it for the beautiful acid trip it seems to be.

This film nails its tagline – “Finding love was never so…  Awkward.”

Both of the main characters – the sweet Lily and the arrogant Jarrod, seem almost too awkward on their own to function in society, but that’s their appeal in this “loser genre” film along the lines of “Napoleon Dynamite” and “Me, You, and Everyone We Know”.  The situations and conflicts are things that would normally not be seen as troublesome, but Lily and Jarrod react and speak in such a response to them that some of us were squirming uncomfortably in our seats as they struggled to communicate.

In their ability to remain deadpan throughout the entire film and emote a strong reaction (of various kinds) from the audience, Jemaine Clement (Jarrod) and Loren Horsley (Lily) were fantastic actors.  The story was filled with various curves and twists, some more predictable than others, that didn’t bore for a moment, and the clips of stop-animation were great supplements to the main storyline.

All said and done, the film is fantastic – for its target audience.  If you’re the type who has yet to find the humor in the “loser” genre, “Eagle vs. Shark” will not change your mind much.

There are some genres attached to movies that can be considered understatements.  Having “Never On A Sunday” labeled under Black Comedy is one such understatement.  Despite the dark, at times acidic humor, there were still laughs to be had – in surprise if nothing else.  The film tells the story of Carlos, who tries to get a proper burial for his dead uncle on a very unlucky Sunday, and ends up fighting against the black market of body traders in the process!

From the uncle’s slowly (and gruesomely) decaying body throughout the film to the love scene that takes place in a coffin, “Never On A Sunday” is a darkly quirky indie that will certainly entertain its niche.