Our Guesses for What Might Play Fantastic Fest 2013

In 2011 & 2012, we made wild guesses on what might play Fantastic Fest those years. I would like to think that we did pretty good with our selections those years. It’s 2013 and we continue our tradition of making those wild guesses on what might play at Fantastic Fest 2013! We already know that Machete Kills is the opening night film but this is what I think will show. I’ve divided the guesses into screenings and the secret screenings. I have also included trailers with each selection. Obviously, I am missing independent films that might be accepted because they are truly independent. No word on when the first wave will be announced but typically, it is around the 2nd or 3rd week of July.

I have now updated the list and crossed out any films that have not been publicly announced. I have also also put my score below.

Selections

Big Bad Wolves

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From the filmmakers of a previous Fantastic Fest selection, Rabies, I hear great things about Big Bad Wolves. Mitch Davis of Fantasia Film Festival fame said it was “the masterpiece of 2013”. With praise like that, I’m sure the programmers will be wanting to book this ASAP.

CONFIRMED

Knights of Badassdom

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Third time has to be a charm right? Seriously, this has to happen! It has recently been relinquished from its purchaser and is looking for distribution. This selection is just for hope honestly, but you never know.

Nothing Bad Can Happen

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We couldn’t find a trailer on this one, but we did find a movie clip. This one is definitely playing. It was announced on Fantastic Fest’s Facebook page & it has been acquired for Drafthouse Films to distribute. Is this a cheat to this list?

CONFIRMED

A Thing That Can’t Be Forgiven (Unforgiven Remake)

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Warner Bros. Japan will be releasing this film on September 13th. Fantastic Fest sometimes gets to take advantage of foreign films being theatrically released by bringing them overseas. I really hope this makes the cut.

Open Windows

Vigalondo is the mascot of Fantastic Fest. Couple in the fact that Elijah Wood is in this and he loves Fantastic Fest, as long as this film is finished, it will be on the schedule.

However, Grand Piano which stars Elijah Wood and is directed by Eugino Mira will be there.

Cheap Thrills

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This one has played a couple of festivals including Austin’s own SXSW but that didn’t hold The Innkeepers or Enter the Void back. Add in the fact that Drafthouse Films picked this one up, this might be a nice opportunity to show this to the out of towners.

CONFIRMED

Shield of Straw

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A new film by Takashi Miike? The man’s filmography is essentially what Fantastic Fest is about. However, I haven’t heard great things about the film so it is possible that this one will get passed over.

Animals

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Donnie Darko meets Ted? I’m down. This looks very unique & tense and right up that Fantastic Fest alley.

Blue Ruin

Revenge thriller from the guys who made Murder Party. Oh yeah, this has to be selected.

CONFIRMED

The Complex

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Hideo Nakata is the director that brought us Ringu. Many say that Ringu essentially started the J-Horror craze and the popularization of importing to America.

After School Midnighters

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Oh yeah, if this film plays anywhere in the States, it has to play Fantastic Fest.

Willow Creek

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Goldthwait’s contributions to cinema are very under appreciated. The fact that he has now ventured into a genre I love makes me hope that this one is selected.

Clive Barker’s THE HISTORY OF THE DEVIL/Nightbreed: The Cabal Cut

I’m reaching on this one. The History of the Devil is a theatrical play by Clive Barker. He is performing it at Fantasia. Back in 2010, a similar thing happened with Jeffrey Combs and his Nevermore performance. If we got a repeat of this, that would be wonderful. Also, I think if Barker shows up, Nightbreed: The Cabal Cut will show as well.

CONFIRMED (Sort-Of)

Oldboy

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This could be either a secret screening or a closing night film in my opinion.

Secret Screenings

Gravity

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Still could be a Secret Screening

Films that I took out

Curse of Chucky

The Visitor

Antisocial

Bad Film

Raze

Plus One

Percentage of Being Correct:

38%

Yes, 38% is pretty pitiful. Maybe next year.