WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Here’s a question asked many a time–if you could change the past to alter an outcome for the betterment of others, would you? There’s always been a dichotomy associated with this query, as some might believe without hesitation it is an action to take while others would argue disrupting already transpired events will cause more harm than good. Then again, if you’re a slacker still trying to find his identity and purpose, maybe it’s all irrelevant! This becomes the case in point for astral projectionist Jay Mandao (Scott Dunn), his sidekick/nephew-in-law Jackson (Sean McBride), their roommate Cousin Andy (Sean Liang), and gal pal Fer (Gina Gomez Dunn) as they come off the events of last Halloween and find themselves immersed in mayhem yet again, this time involving a B-List actress named Aura (Jenny Lorenzo), her sleazy manager Ted (Jim O’Doherty), and a Machiavellian cult.
Next, my Mind:
As almost always seems to be the situation in the wide, wondrous, and consistently fluctuating realm that is indie cinema, there’s never a lack of creativeness and “just go for it” bravado that beats at the heart of any given filmmaker’s project found within it. Now, whether said boldness echoes positively or negatively, that’s a whole other story and what we witness here in the new 70-minute indie horror/comedy from writer/director/actor Scott Dunn and producer/actress Gina Gomez Dunn (amongst a host of other co-producers too many to list here, but due credit, folks, due credit) is a slice of purely entertaining, tongue-in-cheek, cannot take it TOO seriously, just sit back and enjoy silliness that tempers said zaniness with touches of sci-fi and horror to make it diverse enough to stand out a bit while still being “familiar” enough to relate to, I believe, a wider overall audience.
It must also be mentioned that this IS a sequel to Dunn & Company’s 2018 indie “Mandao of the Dead” and appears to carry over several foundational characters and plot facets to this effort. Having not actually seen the first film, this critic felt a little on the outside looking in at first. But, even with this slight “deficiency” in any continuity involved from that freshman effort, this film, centered on astral projectionist Jay and his cohorts getting unintentionally yet purposefully embroiled in another “commune with the dead and prevent a murder” scheme while Christmas approaches still delivered plenty of self-contained goofiness for me to enjoy and not have to think too much about. The film’s length is very much an asset here, as to have attempted to stretch this into even a 90-minute or longer effort might have lost me. Instead, the often mild but still present and engaging laughs plus mixture of other genre elements as listed above are well-paced and keep you paying attention.
Another aspect of indie cinema that’s a must are the characters themselves and how we are able to both learn about and subsequently understand and become immersed in, and again despite not having viewed the first film, I still felt that sense of connection enough to maintain interest. It was also the same with the thematic cornerstone of the tale, which for me was Jay’s astral projecting and what he chooses to do with it while trying to ascertain his own identity and purpose in the world, and gleaning from that the lessons the film actually manages to bring across in the midst of its witty mayhem. There’s a very solid “live in the present and not the past” moral to this tale, and that can VERY much act as a beautiful reminder of this sentiment which is so many times needed in our lives, especially when trying TO move ahead, see our value/worth, and grasp onto what we’ve learned in order to do so. To find that contained inside of this style of film is what makes me so glad to have become a voice of support for the independent community.
Also the concept of living up (or initially down) to parental expectations and/or legacy is explored in a more roundabout way, but still viably emphasized enough to be noticed, as well as even an anti-drug plug. Visually the film presents itself quite well for a lower budget offering, and while certain special effects might seem a tad spartan, they fit the tone/mood and artistic gist the project is going for, in my opinion, and therefore suit the need with apropos impact as well as even adding a touch of humor in its simplicity. Basically, we’re just having good ole fashioned FUN! Dunn certainly takes on his (returning) role with plenty of enthusiasm in once more portraying Jay, whose powers of astral projection are still trying to find their way into his life to a more applicable level than just being utilized as an attempted party trick by Cousin Andy. Finding a new goal and intent with it thanks to a push to prevent bad circumstances from occurring (watch the film for details! No spoilers here!), Jay dives in to his fresh plans accordingly.
As he and his pals make their play, Jay tends to realize the genuine ability to help others he possesses thanks to his gift, and even though so much is still played for laughs, Dunn infuses the character with a grounded likability that draws you into his world with feasible sincerity and even charm while also being whimsical as well as serious. McBride shines as Jay’s doofus of a nephew-in-law Jackson, a totally lovable nitwit that actually ends up providing some inspiring moments in the group’s endeavors. Mostly, though, his good intentions are trying to surpass his ability to be, well, a doofus. It’s a total riot, a McBride nails the character so deftly and amusingly throughout. Liang is likewise a hoot as the loud and boisterous Cousin Andy (who’s not REALLY anyone’s cousin! LOL), whose plans to utilize Jay’s abilities as a parlor trick end up causing more trouble rather than cheaply gained laughs for himself at the expense of others.
His ever-changing, often self-serving motives do end up getting supplanted by a genuine willingness to help his comrades resolve the grander situation they’re caught in, and Liang just embodies this style of role wonderfully and with utter bombast and comical bluster that endears you to him. Gomez Dunn brings Fer to life with a pleasantly believable and innocently delightful demeanor that almost makes seem a tad out of place amidst the more blatantly wacky antics of the others. But, as the friend she is, she gets sucked into their plans and goes along accordingly, and Gomez Dunn gracefully brings Fer and her quirks to life with a graceful ease. Lorenzo chews scenery with her turn as Aura, a B-List actress who becomes the focal point of the group’s ultimate goals. Having her own issues that cause Jay to make a choice to use his powers to undo the results of Aura’s actions, she soon proves to be QUITE a handful and involved with other nefarious plans that lead to nothing good.
Lorenzo’s hilariously intense attitude and purposefully (when needed) exaggerated manner as portrayed through the character adds much mirth to the proceedings. O’Doherty exudes a totally fun and jocular level of Hollywood sleaze factor in his role as Ted, Aura’s manager who more than has his own problems that he has a resolution for that will cause a rather uneasy collision with his client, Aura. For the screen time he gets, O’Doherty seizes the moments to shine forth with waggish, entertaining vigor. The main supporting appearance here is made by Alexandre Chen as Jay’s father whom comes to his son’s aid in more ways than one by the time the film’s finale arrives. So, in total, “Mandao Returns” is marvelous, offbeat, wholly entertaining frolic through the realms of genre mash-ups and campy escapades that is a very diverting pleasure to take in and relax with, more adventures surely to arrive in the future I would say. And hey, enjoy a box of cereal while you’re at it!
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
