It’s A Wonderful Slice (2024)

IT’S GONNA BE A KILLER CHRISTMAS

A BLOODY ASYLUM SPOILER-FREE REVIEW

SNEAK PEAK AT A NEW YULETIDE HORROR

The latest from Dondi Inferno Productions, Herman Productions, and Photomundo International Entertainment.

In common with many past Herman films, IT’S A WONDERFUL SLICE is an anthology, but this time out all are written and directed by Michael Mousatsos (RAVAGE, RAVAGE NATION, THE BUTCHER). As is always the case with anthologies it is very hit-and-miss.

Mousatsos told BLOODY FILICKS that he wanted to create something different in the stories with fresh ideas as he hates the same old tropes.

The first third is scattershot and random until it reaches the bookend that wraps around and connects the segments. Throughout the feeling is Mousatsos was being experimental with differing styles and techniques. Some of which are more effective than others. While this does not make for a flowing narrative and is jarring at times, it is admirable.

The limited budget is a drawback, as out of necessity most kills are just out of shot or at the edge of the frame. Whereas honestly far more blood, gore, and splatter effects were needed to make them more effective. Nonetheless, the utilisation of what there was to work with is commendable.

Although most of the segments take the form of a killer and their victims, the latter are the more engaging. Making the biggest impression was a demon possession story that takes an interesting approach. Preferring psychological horror, it would have been nice to see more segments in this vein. Hopefully, Mousatsos will venture down this route with future movies as those aspects were the strongest and more suited to the limited resources and budgets.

He also makes a brief appearance as a victim, but would have liked to have seen him in a more substantial role, as in one of his previous films THE BUTCHER he gave an effectively convincing performance as the lead, which would have elevated proceedings here.

For the most part, it did not outstay its welcome with most of the stories and is relativity entertaining.

The lo-fi DIY nature of IT’S A WONDERFUL SLICE may not be to all tastes, but horror hounds that like this type of production will find much to enjoy. 

Currently, a distributor is being sort after and a release is hoped for later in the year.

Original The Bloody Asylum Facebook post:

Original Bloody Flicks article:

Director talks Christmas horror anthology It’s A Wonderful Slice

MR-9: DO OR DIE (2023)

THE WORLD DIES TOMORROW

A SPOILER-FREE REVIEW OF A NEW RELEASE

BASED ON THE MASUD RANA NOVELS

Masud Rana is a legendary Secret Agent code-named MR-9 of the Bangladesh Counter Intelligence Agency, who for over 55 years has appeared in the widely popular novels written by Qazi Anwar Husain. With over 550 novels and counting published in the series to date by his publishing company Sheba Prokashoni, Masud Rana’s adventures have captivated audiences for more than five decades. This primarily English-language Bangladeshi movie is the first adaptation since MASUD RANA, released in 1974, and draws inspiration from the first novel MASUD RANA: DHONGHSHO PAHAR (DEMOLITION HILL).

An elite Bangladeshi spy teams up with a CIA operative to bring down an international criminal organization headed by a ruthless businessman.

MR-9: DO OR DIE is a reasonably fun movie despite drawbacks. Not taking itself too seriously in a similar vein to the Bond films. The initial inspiration for the source novels back in 1966. The filmmakers here aim to kick-start a similar franchise. And with the wealth of material, they have much to take from. Already, a sequel is in the works.

Producer, director, and co-writer Asif Akbar explains his desire to make this movie, “The character of Masud Rana is very iconic to the people of Bangladesh, even I have been familiar with the character since childhood. You can say, I grew up imagining this character. I’ve always wanted to present this character to the world.”

MR-9: DO OR DIE hits the road running from the very first with an homage to the Schwarzenegger classic COMMANDO. While it aims to emulate Hollywood action movies the production values point to the fact its budget was far less. Of bringing it to the screen Akbar says,

“MR-9: Do or Die has been the most challenging project in my entire career as a film director and yet it made me learn the most. I’ve experienced all the good and bad in this world through the journey of making this film that has taken me all over the globe as a very grateful young filmmaker.”

Starring Abm Sumon as the titular hero, who looks the part and acquits himself adequately, particularly in the action sequences. However, he needed to make the character larger-than-life like Bond but is a little bland to fully convince. 

There is good support in Hollywood marquee names Frank Grillo and Michael Jai White who both deliver the expected and invigorate proceedings when on screen. Culminating in the expected fight sequence that is over too quickly. Quite rightly so narratively Masud Rana (MR-9) has to finally despatch the villain of the piece.

While some action and dramatic set pieces are competently staged and shot, many are less so. Grillo and White are seasoned actors comfortable in the action genre whereas some of the less experienced cast come across as self-conscious, and this distracts in some sequences.

MR-9: DO OR DIE is primarily hindered by seemingly budgetary constraints. Most noticeably some of the digital effects work is lacking. The finished film was distinctly elevated in the editing room. Decent work was done at this stage to hone it but could have tightened it up a bit more. The visuals, including drone shots incorporated to add a sweeping feel, and attempt to give it a more dynamic edge. Nonetheless this is not particularly effective.

The original cut seems to have been 140 minutes, yet the now 104-minute runtime dragged in places. Trimming by another 10 or 15 minutes could have made for better pacing and a more engaging experience.

Now I am not going to sit here and say this is a film on par with similar Hollywood action fare, but it would have been unfair to sit down and watch expecting anything approaching that level. Nevertheless it could have been better, but also much worse.

It has to be stressed even though I am a fan of the Bond films, modern action films just are not my thing. So really am not the target audience for MR-9: DO OR DIE.

MR-9: DO OR DIE is a reasonably diverting movie, and may well appeal to those who will enjoy the type of action movie and of productions that make the most of the limitations.

Ultimately it somewhat delivers and entertains on its own terms, but is only a once watch for this reviewer.

With that I will leave the final words to director Asif Akbar, 

“I’m grateful and honored to have had a part in bringing this childhood hero of many, including myself to the big screen for the first time in 50 years of its decades-long existence from the creation of the legendary late novelist Qazi Anwar Hossain, sir. Thank you to all the supporters and fans out there, this film is for all of you and it is now a history in the making for a nation.”