Cast
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Michael St. Michaels
as Mikey Smash
Bill Weeden
as William Mouth
A.J. Cutler
as A.J.
Mark Patton
as Mark Patton
Laurene Landon
as Laurene Landon
Melanie Kinnaman
as Melanie Kinnaman
Adam Marcus
as Adam Marcus
John Dugan
as John Dugan
Vincent Craig Dupree
as V.C. DuPree
Jennifer Rubin
as Jennifer Rubin
Todd Farmer
as Todd Farmer
Mark Torgl
as Mark Torgl
Helene Udy
as Hélène Udy
Marc Sheffler
as Marc Sheffler
Bill Johnson
as Bill Johnson
Crew
Director
- Michael J. Epstein
- Sophia Cacciola
Writer
- Michael J. Epstein
Producer
- Michael J. Epstein
- Sophia Cacciola
- Neal Jones
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Comedy/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Once and Future Smash presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Michael J. Epstein brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2022, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Once and Future Smash took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 109 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 483 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2022, when this film is released:
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Once and Future Smash shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Man Bites Dog, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Once and Future Smash subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Trailer Park Boys: The Movie and Reno 911!: Miami explore similar territory, The Once and Future Smash stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 4, 2022
- Runtime: 1h 27m
