Saturday Matinee: 7 Boxes

“7 Boxes” (2012) is a Paraguayan thriller directed by Juan Carlos Maneglia and Tana Schémbori. It takes place in Asunción circa 2005, where a daydreaming 17-year-old pushcart porter named Victor (Celso Franco) is contracted to deliver seven boxes of valuable cargo in exchange for half of a torn $100 bill and the promise of the other half when the job is done. With a borrowed cell phone and the help of his friend Liz (Lali Gonzalez), Victor struggles to accomplish the mission which he hopes will put him on the path towards fame and fortune, though he quickly realizes the danger of his situation as he encounters thieves, gangsters and police along the way.

Watch the full film here.

Saturday Matinee: Military Intelligence and You!

“Military Intelligence and You!” (2006) is a satire poking fun at the military-industrial complex written and directed by Dale Kutzera. Using public domain archival WW2 propaganda films mixed with new footage, the film tells the story of military intelligence officer Major Nick Reed (Patrick Muldoon) whose job is to locate a secret enemy base housing the dreaded Ghost Squadron. Complicating his mission is the reappearance of his former love, Lt. Monica Tasty (Elizabeth Ann Bennett), now dating fellow Major Mitch Dunning (Mackenzie Astin). There’s also a notable appearance of a gung-ho fighter pilot played by a young Ronald Reagan.

Saturday Matinee: Threads

“Threads” (1984) is an apocalyptic cautionary tale written by Barry Hines, directed by Mick Jackson, and originally aired on BBC  2. It’s a docudrama depiction of nuclear war and its devastating effect on society and in particular two families in Sheffield England. Various news media reports describe the events leading up to the war (precipitated by aggressive US movements against Iran). With unflinching realism, the film depicts the sudden nuclear attack and devastating aftermath including medical, economic, social and environmental consequences. Should be required viewing for all chickenhawk neoliberals, though some may be too psychopathic to rethink their pro-war convictions.