The Pocket Film Of Superstitions is, at present exclusively available from the Carnie Features website. I saw it mentioned on a forum that I visit and bought it out of curiosity, which paid off in a very entertaining way.
The film is an amusing look at superstitions throughout the centuries, their origins and in some cases, how to lift the bad luck that some people believe they will get if they do some of the mentioned acts. Walking under a ladder, spilling salt, and uttering the name of a certain Shakespeare play in a theatre are just a few of the more common ones mentioned, along with some that I ended up researching online, and to my surprise, discovered to be true. Dumb Cake and Nutting Day, in particular, are totally bizarre but fascinating.
Opening with a fake BBFC certificate, rated S for superstitions, sumptuous and silly, the whole film is presented in blue-tinted monochrome with an intended mild flicker, which suits the film perfectly.
There is minimal on-screen dialogue, but the deliberately droll narration by someone who calls himself The Shend is a terrific listen. Even when he is saying some completely ridiculous, it’s all performed deadpan, which makes the silliness even more amusing. It has a very Look Around You vibe to it, and the Python-esque animation is obviously daft, but quite a lovely touch, and fits the mood of the film perfectly.
The disc has an excellent array of special features. Two short films by director Tom Lee Rutter are included, along with an interview with him at the Festival Of Fantastic Films, and he also contributes to an anecdote crammed commentary track with score composer Craigus Barry. Also included is a panel from Horrhific 2024 featuring the pair, alongside cast members The Shend, Caroline Munroe and Pauline Peart., and a local radio report from BBC Hereford and Worcester at the film’s premiere.
Summing up, The Pocket Film Of Superstitions is very enjoyable to the right audience. If you like folk horror, have a general interest in ancient folklore, or a passion for surreal comedy, you are in for a treat. If it sounds like your cup of tea, grab a copy and support this independent release, and hopefully, we’ll get more.
FILM 9 – PICTURE (Deliberately De-aged) – 8 AUDIO – 8 EXTRAS – 10
BUY EXCLUSIVELY HERE….https://carniefeatures.bigcartel.com/
Review by Steve Wells