Tag Archives: 80s

‘NEW JACK FURY’ (SXSW 2025) An over-the-top, laugh-out-loud funny ode to 80s made-for-TV movies.

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SXSW 2025_Website-SEO-3NEW JACK FURY

New Jack Fury posterONESHEET_SXSW_02_10_25_small

Multi-hyphenate filmmaker Lanfia Wal brings a hilarious visual feast in his SXSW 2025 Midnighter feature, NEW JACK FURY. Straightlaced cop Dylan Gamble wants to take down a crime organization called the Styles Syndicate but gets fired before he can do so. A year later, Dylan’s obsession remains. After the Syndicate kidnaps his new girlfriend, he must team up with a small-time crook named Hendrix Moon and Moon’s arch-rival, a mild-mannered moonwalker named Leslie Kindall. Shenanigans ensue, and the audience is all the cooler for it.

Stylistically, I immediately think of Vera Drew’s The People’s Joker, from the visual aesthetic to the laugh-out-loud, unfiltered, tongue-in-cheek dialogue. It is a vibe. Think Grindhouse VHS meets movie of the week, and it is perfection.

new jack furyEvery single cast member nails it. I do not know if any dialogue is improvised, but every beat feels like a Groundlings sketch. It is akin to watching living muppets. Slow clap for this fully committed, genuinely awe-inspiring ensemble cast.

The graphic novel-style opening credits are spectacular. Completely absurd built-in commercials are chef’s kiss. A Street Fighter-esque scene is magic. The single-camera-style shooting further supports the theatrical feeling. NEW JACK FURY is precisely what SXSW audiences come for. It has cult-classic written all over it.

Ps- stick around during the credits for some behind-the-scenes fun. It is impossible not to love this film.

NEW JACK FURY Trailer:

 

photo of Lanfia Wal

Lanfia Wal

Lanfia Wal is a director, writer, producer, and VFX artist. Lanfia’s writing credits include being the lead writer on the Showmax/Canal+ crime drama ‘Crime & Justice’. He has also directed social media campaigns and music videos for record labels such as Def Jam and Shady Records. He was also a finalist for the 2024 PAGE Screenwriting awards.

Credits:

Director:

Lanfia Wal

Executive Producer:

Chris R. Jones

Producer:

Van White, Mariah Morgenstern, Denaun Porter, Lanfia Wal, Akino Childrey

Screenwriter:

Lanfia Wal

Cinematographer:

Jonathan Rigattieri

Editor:

Lanfia Wal

Production Designer:

Lanfia Wal

Sound Designer:

Nate Attias

Music:

Mr. Porter, Bobby “White Gold” Yewah, Amar “Vettrax” Dean, Choice Noble

Principal Cast:

Andre Hall, Page Kennedy, Dean “Michael Trapson” Morrow, Paul Wheeler, Ally Renee, Shawn Nathan, Wrekless Watson, Ace Vane, James Markham Hall, Jr., Vincent M. Ward

sxsw2025_banner_860For all things SXSW, click here!

 

Review: ‘The Exchange’ is hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt.

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THE EXCHANGE

In THE EXCHANGE, a socially awkward but highly enterprising teenager decides to acquire a “mail order best friend”; a sophisticated exchange student from France. Instead, he ends up importing his personal nightmare, a cologne-soaked, chain-smoking, sex-obsessed youth who quickly becomes the hero of his new community.

A unique fish out of water story, The Exchange is much more than a face value, raunchy comedy. In reality, it’s a complex look at small-town small-mindedness. It just so happens to be hilarious. Being set in Canada in the 80s brings an added notch of funny and relevance, using era politics and humor. One big-hearted young man, with some serious panache, can affect everyone around him. But don’t get too conformable with the formula; this film will surprise you in the best way possible.

The entire cast induces belly laughs. But you’ll definitely hone in on a few specific players. Justin Hartley plays the epitome of a narcissistic misogynist. Gary is the gym teacher and part-time local law enforcement. He’s completely ridiculous and you’ll love him for it. Jayli Wolf plays Brenda. She’s spunky and downright lovable in her adoration for an oblivious Tim. Her biggest quirk is one I can relate to. She makes up songs about literally nothing and everything. It’s ceaselessly amusing. Ed Oxenbould as Tim is everything we need him to be. His outward detestation for his life is palpable. He’s a social outcast, loathed for his love of cinema and general lack of trying to fit in. Avan Jogia as Stephan is sheer perfection. He is so likable in his commitment to this over-the-top character. He oozes a genuine charm that makes you fall in love with him. He’s an absolute star.

The soundtrack is magic. The Cure, The Smiths, Run DMC, and Phil Collins, play around an upbeat synth score. The script, by the actual Tim Long, has honest John Hughes vibes. It’s immensely fun. The Exchange is universally entertaining in its messaging and its heart.

THE EXCHANGE releases In Theaters, On Digital, and On Demand July 30, 2021.

Written by Tim Long (“The Simpsons,” “Late Show with David Letterman”), the film was directed by Dan Mazer (Dirty Grandpa). THE EXCHANGE stars Ed Oxenbould (The Visit), Avan Jogia (Zombieland: Double Tap) and Justin Hartley (“This Is Us”).