Willlam Atticus Parker's directorial debut 'Forty Winks' is one of the best debuts of last year. It follows Fabio Berker, a struggling hypnotist in New York City, who is blackmailed into being the world's first hypnotist hit man after a mysterious woman finds out his degree is fake. It's incredible that Parker wrote/directed this film when he was only 17 because this is such a matured and original film with incredible dialogue that is gripping and thought provoking. I'm so impressed by how skillfully balanced the comedic, crime and mystery tones. Parker keeps you on the edge of your seat as the film goes many unexpected different directions, and you'll also get some good laughs along the way. Many filmmakers use black and white simply because it's beautiful photography but doesn't serve a purpose or fit their film. In the case of 'Forty Winks', it enhances the film giving it an edge that fits the story perfectly.
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As a fan of 'Power Book 2:Ghost', I'm a bit familiar with Justin Marcel McManus, who gives an INCREDIBLE performance. He displays a plethora of emotions being charismatic, endearing and most of all distressing. Susan Sarandon has three scenes and steals every one of them. She plays the woman blackmailing Fabio, and while being understanding, she also shows she can be deadly and means business, so don't mess with her. John Turtorro is in this for a quick scene, and he gives exactly what you want from him, almost feeling like he walked out of a Coen set. I love The Dan Band, so it was great seeing Dan Finnerty in a film like this, and in his very brief appearance he had me in tears of laughter. Indie cinema truly has a great new voice in William Atticus Parker, and 2 films in, I can proudly say I'm a fan and will champion all his future projects. The film is currently streaming on Tubi and I would highly recommend it as it's a breezy 74 minutes that is jam packed with so much.
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As a fan of 'Power Book 2:Ghost', I'm a bit familiar with Justin Marcel McManus, who gives an INCREDIBLE performance. He displays a plethora of emotions being charismatic, endearing and most of all distressing. Susan Sarandon has three scenes and steals every one of them. She plays the woman blackmailing Fabio, and while being understanding, she also shows she can be deadly and means business, so don't mess with her. John Turtorro is in this for a quick scene, and he gives exactly what you want from him, almost feeling like he walked out of a Coen set. I love The Dan Band, so it was great seeing Dan Finnerty in a film like this, and in his very brief appearance he had me in tears of laughter. Indie cinema truly has a great new voice in William Atticus Parker, and 2 films in, I can proudly say I'm a fan and will champion all his future projects. The film is currently streaming on Tubi and I would highly recommend it as it's a breezy 74 minutes that is jam packed with so much.