It’s weird to think about a movie like Push today — an under-appreciated, much-maligned sci-fi that I’d argue is a lot better than the legacy it’s been given. The X-Men and Spider-Man trilogies had completed by the time it was released and Iron Man just hit theaters the year before to usher in what would become the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And yet here was a smaller-scale, original piece centering upon a group of mutants that could exist outside the realm of built-in fandoms. Perhaps that which made it special at a moment in history on the cusp of becoming inundated with superhero sagas was its downfall. IP proved more important to studios and audiences alike than opening minds to something different. I hope Freaks doesn’t suffer the same fate.
Written and directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein (currently shooting the live-action Kim Possible reboot), Freaks...
Written and directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein (currently shooting the live-action Kim Possible reboot), Freaks...
- 9/9/2018
- by Jared Mobarak
- The Film Stage
Directed by first-time feature helmers Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein, “Freaks” is a film whose greatest virtues are inseparable from its limitations. Using a tiny handful of locations, a small cast (albeit one that includes Bruce Dern), and some judiciously applied digital effects, the two writer-directors manage to hit most of the marks of a big-budget sci-fi thriller with almost none of the usual resources, spinning a tight yarn whose structural cleverness makes it easy to ignore the deeply familiar story at its core. Bringing obliquely to mind the likes of “Monsters” and “Safety Not Guaranteed,” “Freaks” feels like a quintessential calling-card sort of low-budget indie, as though the filmmakers are angling for a shot at a studio project by showing how well they can tackle the form from outside in. Judging by their results here, they certainly deserve a look.
Although the narrative will eventually concern itself with government...
Although the narrative will eventually concern itself with government...
- 9/9/2018
- by Andrew Barker
- Variety Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.