Cast
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Lauren Holt
as Emma Manicotti (voice)
Dana Snyder
as Alfredo Manicotti (voice)
Lavell Crawford
as Chub (voice)
Jess Harnell
as Halfway / Lawyer / Newscaster 1 (voice)
William Sanderson
as Al Dente Bob (voice)
Dammon Earl Hughes
as MC Bernie (voice)
Jeff Campanella
as Well Dressed National (voice)
Regina Ting Chen
as Newscaster 2 (voice)
L. Warren Young
as Old Man (voice)
Candi VandiZandi
as Barista (voice)
Mary Spender
as Mary (voice)
Bonnie Wild
as Calming Voice (voice)
Teke Tabor
as Kent Trey (voice)
Crew
Director
- Jason Shwartz
Writer
- Matt Maiellaro
Producer
- Jason Stiff
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Animation/Comedy/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Pastacolypse presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Jason Shwartz 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 2023, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Pastacolypse took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 71 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 119 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1500 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 49 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2023, when this film is released:
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- 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 Pastacolypse shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike April, April!, which focuses more on action than character development, Pastacolypse offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Luca and Ciao Alberto explore similar territory, Pastacolypse stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 21, 2023
- Runtime: 1h 11m
