Since the project has merit, let's double the opinions on 17 to Midnight and I will also venture to have my say after Lady of Sorrow's painstaking work.
This horror anthology was born in the wake of a star-studded trend, namely, building on the successes achieved by the Abc's of Death series. This alone might be enough to turn the nose up at given the average quality of the shorts featured in American films.
I was therefore hoping to see a pure horror choral film that would leave aside the underlying irony of the ABCs but this was unfortunately not the case. I had to change my mind already after a few shorts.
The workmanship here is amateurish although the project may seem more mature, and I find that some of the work has irreparably marred the goodness of the film.
What I do not understand, sincerely, is why some filmmakers try to force their capacitative limits (both artistic and technical and economic) by going so far beyond their potential. In some shorts this forcing is blatant as it punctually ends in ridicule. On the other hand, in the anthology we have excellent examples (see Tagliavini, Malkavian or Albanesi/Chiesa) of the circumvention of the stakes that such short durations impose.
In order not to bore I will leave only a few words for each short film, somewhat abruptly perhaps but necessary for reasons of space.
As a fan I can do nothing but thank Pesca and Associates for this film. Here's to more of them.
Equipping myself with a critical eye instead ...
Daniele Misischia - The Return of Elena
Valid opening for the film. Daniele Misischia is fortunate to have Rimi Beqiri, a capable actor whom I had already appreciated in Hobo, on his side. Undeniably, he does the heavy lifting. Shaky direction and unoriginal plot. The short, however, holds up and bodes well for the others. In retrospect, among the most serious.
Davide Pesca - Peep Show
The editor of the anthology offers a dirty, raw, sick work that works. Too bad we have already seen the same scenes in Life, Death and Sins. To see this short or the incriminated episode of the previous medium-length film is almost indifferent. Only the nuances change. However effective.
Edo Tagliavini - Addiction
Good effort by Tagliavini for a short film that becomes a nightmare. Simple but good. Classic example of what can be done without means, proving that no-budget is not synonymous with failure. Personal benchmark for evaluation of the whole.
Roberto Albanesi/Simone Chiesa - "Gentlemen, good night!"
Hats off to the Albanesi/Church duo. Their "Gentlemen, Goodnight!" is entertaining and seems shorter than it really is. The two directors did not want to dare beyond the possibilities given to them for this segment and developed a brilliant idea. A stroke of genius when compared to much of the other work. Horror is not at home here, however.
Alex Visani - Tunnel
Boring episode. The direction is not lacking and deserves more attention than is otherwise due. The minute-long episode, however, is not put to good use.
Davide Cancila - "Run, Bitch."
Obscene. In my opinion the worst of all. Unbelievable actors. Amateurish is putting it mildly.
Vincenzo Bellini - The Hand of God
Bellini has intriguing locations and engaging music on its side. And that's enough. It seems a step up from some of his other work, but the light is still far off.
Stefano Rossi - Till death do us part
Brilliant! The cinematography is master here and the story hits the mark! Good actress and the final twist entertains. Well above average in terms of overall level. The effects and makeup finally convince.
Andrea Malkavian - The Game
One of the best shorts, it ends the film on a high note so as not to leave a bitter taste in the mouth, but the intent is too noble. Simple but intelligent and engaging, credit also to the music. Perhaps my favorite
Federico Scargiali - Through Your Lips
In 17 at Midnight we also find a space for David Cronenberg. Original short, well directed and acted. It stands out for its use of lighting and for a story that, without frills, hits the bull's-eye--bad. Lorenzo Bianchini also appears!
Giacomo Gabrielli - The Flower
Unsettling segment that raises the average technical level of the anthology considerably. Short on time but everything runs without a wrinkle. Among the best.
Giorgio Credaro - West 'n' Zombies
Have mercy, this is not my kind of movie. The effects are puerile and the acting too.
Federico Tadolini - Video Nasty
Tadolini continues to prove himself a lover of the goriest splatter. Guts in plain sight and Brutal death obsessive in the eardrums. It does not go beyond the most amateurish.
Francesco Longo - Venia Mortis
Attempt with good intentions but is shoddy on paper. Perhaps it is supposed to be scary but fails to do so and instead offers shifting villains that seem borrowed from the worst Dimmu Borgir video clip.
Chiara Moser - Malalaradis
There could be no shortage of found footage. It does its job without adding anything new. It allows itself to be watched, and after other segments, it almost becomes pleasant viewing.
Davide Scovazzo - All the evil in the world
This short opens that is a delight. It almost feels like we are seeing something else. Good direction and good lead actress. Some scenes are good for the eyes in this context. Good point about the music. This is also of a different caliber.
Review by Cerberus
