GB Hajim is man behind the 2D animated, sci-fi lesbian, musical Strange Frame (2013), which features an all-star cast from Claudia Black to Cree Summer, Tim Curry to George Takei, Academy Award winner Gary Rizzo for sound, and Roger Waters of Pink Floyd for music. It is among the top 250 sci-fi films ever made as ranked on IMDb.

His latest film tells the story of two women who find strength in each other despite their personal struggles, MERMAIDS’ LAMENT follows two women: Oee (Dayva Summer Escobar) a traumatized woman who has lost her voice and may or may not be a mermaid. Her therapist, Dr. Nell Jamison (Justina Mattos) battles with anxiety herself, attempts to help Oee overcome her delusions and connect with reality. As they bond over their experiences, they learn to be resilient like the ocean and embrace the power of imagination to navigate the chaos of the world.

Media Mikes had a chance to chat with GB about MERMAIDS’ LAMENT, which premieres at the Dances with Films festival at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood, CA on June 25th! You can buy tickets here and be sure to check out our review as well, here.

MERMAIDS’ LAMENT is the latest upcoming film from GB Hajim (Strange Frame), which premieres on June 25th at 9:30pm at the TCL Chinese Theater as part of Dances with Films festival. You can get tickets here. Check out our raving review here and the latest trailer below!

The story of two women who find strength in each other despite their personal struggles, MERMAIDS’ LAMENT follows two women: Oee (Dayva Summer Escobar) a traumatized woman who has lost her voice and may or may not be a mermaid. Her therapist, Dr. Nell Jamison (Justina Mattos) battles with anxiety herself, attempts to help Oee overcome her delusions and connect with reality. As they bond over their experiences, they learn to be resilient like the ocean and embrace the power of imagination to navigate the chaos of the world.

It’s not very often that I get really excited for a film these days. We are filled in a world of remakes and sequels, which are fine but I always look out for anything original coming out. Let’s travel back to 2012 for a minute, I got a screener for a then little known film “Strange Frame: Love & Sax”, which was written, produced, shot and directed by a guy named G.B. Hajim. So I watched this film and was literally blown away. It is like nothing I have ever seen before and it has stuck with me over the last 10+ years. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend doing so immediately, click here. So when I saw that G.B. had a new film on the horizon, I got excited right away. This guy has a vision and his films are extremely unique.

MERMAIDS’ LAMENT deals with some serious topics such as depression and anxiety. Tell me, who doesn’t deal with these issues in their own life. G.B. brings these into the light and shows us how everyone struggles daily with their own demons. The film also focuses on our oceans and the effects of pollution and waste. MERMAIDS’ LAMENT is beautifully shot with some amazing underwater sequences as well. You can tell that G.B. has an eye for beauty that is seen throughout this film.

Official Premise: The story of two women who find strength in each other despite their personal struggles, MERMAIDS’ LAMENT follows two women: Oee (Dayva Summer Escobar) a traumatized woman who has lost her voice and may or may not be a mermaid. Her therapist, Dr. Nell Jamison (Justina Mattos) battles with anxiety herself, attempts to help Oee overcome her delusions and connect with reality. As they bond over their experiences, they learn to be resilient like the ocean and embrace the power of imagination to navigate the chaos of the world.

Dayva Summer Escobar, who played the role of Oee really delivers an epic performance. Without speaking much, she takes us on a journey of the struggles of mental health and the beauty of the ocean. Justina Mattos, who played Dr. Nell Jamison also brings it home with a deep and caring performance. This is a film that I could watch over and over. It is a heartfelt and moving story that takes us through the power of imagination and the strength that comes from human connection.

If you are in the Hollywood, CA area, I would highly recommend checking out the MERMAIDS’ LAMENT as it will be screening on June 25th at 9:30pm at the TCL Chinese Theater as part of Dances with Films festival. You can get tickets here. This is a film that needs to be seen by everyone and experienced on the big screen. It is not a $100 million dollar blockbuster but you can tell that it was a real labour of love for everyone involved. I can’t wait to see what G.B. is going to do next but count me in for damn sure!

• THE FLASH
• Starring:  Ezra Miller, Sasha Calle and Michael Keaton
• Directed by:  Andy Muschietti
• Rated:  PG 13
• Running time:  2 hrs 24 mins
• Warner Bros.

Whoever said that breakfast was the most important meal of the day must have known Barry Allen.  Because of his quick metabolism, brought about due to the fact that he is the fastest person on Earth, Barry must constantly eat.  And when his usual sandwich maker takes a day off, things quickly go from bad to worse for the Scarlett Speedster.

I promised a SPOILER FREE review so here goes…

Action packed from beginning to end, “The Flash” is the DC movie fans have been waiting for.  We find Barry Allen (an excellent Miller) working at a crime lab while continuing to prove the innocence of his father (Ron Livingston), who is in prison after being found guilty of killing his wife.  Barry can’t help but think back to a better time when he was a young boy and Sundays were spent in the kitchen with his mother.  While zooming around Barry discovers that, if he can generate enough speed, he can go back in time.  Despite a warning from his friend Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck), Barry decides to turn back the clock, hoping to prevent his mother’s death.  But things are never as easy as they seem.

I cannot begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this movie.  When I first heard the word “Multiverse” in previews I thought this would be a rip-off of “spider-man: No Way Home.”  I was wrong.  The script, by Christina Hobson and Joby Harold, is full of surprises, both good and bad.  New characters are introduced, most notably Kara Zor-El (Calle), cousin of a certain well-known Kryptonian.  We also see some familiar faces, including General Zod (the always solid Michael Shannon).  And, damn it, we get to reunite with the amazing Michael Keaton, returning as Batman.  He is older and wiser, certainly, but when he utters two words – “I’m Batman” – all is right with the world.  All of the performances are strong and I must give special kudos to Ezra Miller, who does double duty as both present day and past Barry.  To me, Miller’s dry-witted Flash was the highlight of the “Justice League” film.  In this film, two Millers are better than one!

Despite its length, the film moves quickly.  Director Muschietti, who helmed the two “IT” films, keeps a smooth pace, melding drama and action seamlessly.  The production design captures the various time periods well, and fans of 1989’s “Batman” will enjoy reuniting with some familiar modes of transportation!

Phew.  I did it.  NO SPOILERS!  No matter where you are in the multiverse, take a trip to the cinema and see “The Flash.”

“The Flash” earns five stars out of five.

“The Flash” opens on June 16, 2023.

• MAN & WITCH
• Starring:  Greg Steinbruner, Tami Stronach and Christopher Lloyd
• Directed by:  Michael Hines
• Rated:  PG
• Running time:  1 hr 39 mins
• Paper Canoe Studio

There is nothing like a good fairy tale.  From the beginning of time, these stories have entertained the world over.  A man yearning for love.  Talking animals.  A witch.  Sounds like this is going to be a good one.

While driving his cart home a Goatherd (Steinbruner, who also wrote the screenplay) spies a beautiful woman, clad in white and dancing to a tune only she can hear.  He is instantly smitten.  Nearby, a young child known as Love takes notice and notches an arrow onto his bow.  As he fires the cart hits a rock and the arrow misses its target.  All in all, it’s a typical day for the man who is convinced he will never find love.

Smartly written, with strong performances, “Man & Witch” could easily be described as “SHREK meets ‘The Princess Bride’” with a little bit of “The Wizard of Oz” tossed in for good measure.  The tale is narrated by Dog, voiced by Sean Astin.  He is a big sheepdog who spends his days with his fellow farm mates, including Goose (Jennifer Saunders), Donkey (Bill Bailey) and Sheep (Eddie Izzard), who has a habit of quoting movie lines when the situation warrants it.  Talking animals.  Ogres.  Royalty.  And what about the Witch?

There is a lot to like about this film.   The cast has fun with their roles, with special mention going to Miss Stronach, who gives the Witch a vulnerable side you don’t expect.  If her name seems familiar, it’s probably because she played the Childlike Empress in 1984’s “The NeverEnding Story.”  It’s always a treat to see Christopher Lloyd on the big screen.  His Alchemist is a nice companion character to both Doc Brown and “Taxi’s” Jim Ignatowsky.  The film was shot in Scotland and takes advantage of the beautiful countryside.

“Man and Witch” receives three and a half stars out of five. 

Christopher Griffiths and Gary Smart, directors of “Hollywood Dreams & Nightmares: The Robert Englund Story” talks about their new documentary. The guys have also worked together on the following documentaries ” Pennywise: The Story of It” and “You’re So Cool, Brewster! The Story of Fright Night”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with the guys about their love for Robert Englund and his amazing career.

A classically trained actor and director, Robert Englund has become one of the most revolutionary horror icons of our generation. Throughout his career, Englund starred in many well-known movies, but shot to super-stardom with his portrayal of supernatural serial killer Freddy Krueger in the NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET franchise. This unique and intimate portrait captures the man behind the glove and features interviews with Englund and his wife Nancy, Lin Shaye, Eli Roth, Tony Todd, Heather Langenkamp and more.

HOLLYWOOD DREAMS & NIGHTMARES: THE ROBERT ENGLUND STORY will be available on Screambox and Digital on June 6, 2023.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Director GB Hajim’s ode to Resilience through trauma and imagination, MERMAID’S LAMENT will screen at the Dances with Films film festival in Hollywood, California, June 25.

The story of two women who find strength in each other despite their personal struggles, MERMAID’S LAMENT follows two women: Oee (Dayva Summer Escobar) a traumatized woman who has lost her voice and may or may not be a mermaid. Her therapist, Dr. Nell Jamison (Justina Mattos) battles with anxiety herself, attempts to help Oee overcome her delusions and connect with reality. As they bond over their experiences, they learn to be resilient like the ocean and embrace the power of imagination to navigate the chaos of the world.

GB Hajim has been supporting the Hawaiian Renaissance through his multimedia work for over 25 years. He has produced over 150 Hawaiian language dramas, animations, documentaries, podcasts, and educational programs.

MERMAID’S LAMENT is GB’s second feature film, following the self-produced 2D animated sci-fi lesbian musical, “Strange Frame” (2013), which featured an all-star cast including Claudia Black, Cree Summer, Tim Curry, George Takei, Academy Award winner Gary Rizzo for sound, and Roger Waters of Pink Floyd for music.

GB is excited to bring his passion for storytelling and his love for the ocean to MERMAID’S LAMENT. He splits his time between working with the Hawaiian community, writing screenplays, freediving, and farming.

See the heartfelt and moving story that explores the power of imagination and the strength that comes from human connection, MERMAID’S LAMENT – screening June 25th at 9:30pm at the TCL Chinese Theater as part of Dances with Films.

• OPERATION FORTUNE: RUSE DE GUERRE
• Starring: Jason Statham, Aubrey Plaza
• Directed by Guy Ritchie
• Rating: R
• Running time: 1 hr 54 mins
• Lionsgate

• JAZZ FEST:  A NEW ORLEANS STORY
• Starring:  Quint Davis, Jimmy Buffet, Verdine White
• Directed by:  Frank Marshall and Ryan Suffern
• Rated:  PG 13
• Running time:  1 hr 35 mins
• Sony Pictures Classic

• AMSTERDAM
• Starring:  Christian Bale, Margot Robbie and John David Washington
• Directed by:  David O. Russell
• Rated:  R
• Running time:  2 hrs 14 mins
• 20^th Century Studios

• CREED III
• Starring:  Michael B. Jordan, Jonathan Majors and Tessa Thompson
• Directed by:  Michael B. Jordan
• Rated:   PG 13
• Running time:  1 hr 56 mins
• MGM

Sadly, it’s usually the third installment of a film series that doesn’t fare well.  Think “Jaws 3-D,” “Halloween III,” “Superman III” among others that, while they try hard, they tend to disappoint.  Welcome to the group, “Creed III.”

Having achieved greatness both in and out of the boxing ring, Adonis Creed (Jordan) is ready to relax.  However, that time off is interrupted when a mysterious man from his past returns and demands a shot at the title he thinks is rightly his.  Cue the music.

“Creed III” borrows a lot of its story from “Rocky III.”  The champion looking to quit, only to be bullied into “one more fight” and the emotional and physical damage this fight takes on everyone involved. All that is missing is a cameo from Mr. T.  The main thing missing is Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky.  Rocky was the heart of the first two films, and his presence is sorely missed, both on the screen and to the audience.  Because of this, there is not one likable person in the cast to root for, which makes the big fight moot, because you really don’t have a rooting interest.  Adonis and his wife are constantly bickering, his old pal Damian (Majors) is a bully and unlikeable.  It’s sad when the only character you root for is Ivan Drago’s son.

On the positive side, Jordan’s direction is fluid, and he covers the boxing scenes with the eye of an old pro.  He obviously has the chops to be behind the camera.  Unfortunately he didn’t spend enough time on character development, and the audience is stuck with one-dimensional character that don’t have a redeeming bone in their bodies, which is a shame for a franchise that earned it’s love by opening its heart.

“Creed III” receives two and a half stars out of five.

• WEIRD: THE AL YANKOVIC STORY
• Starring:  Daniel Radcliffe and Lin-Manuel Miranda
• Directed by: Eric Appel
• Rated:  TV 14
• Running time:  1 hr 48 mins
• Roku

I often hear people talk about the music of their generation.  My dad grew up listening to Frank Sinatra.  My mom, Elvis.  I grew up in the time of the Beatles.  But there is another musician that influenced my life profoundly,  His name is Al Yankovic.

How do you make a film about a man whose stated life ambition is to write funny lyrics to existing songs?  It’s actually quite easy.  Picking various points of the accordion master’s life, it seems that

Al (a very good Daniel Radcliffe) has a talent that must be shared with the world.  Like my friends and I, Al was a fan of late-night radio host Dr. Demento (an unrecognizable Rainn Wilson) and sends him a tape of some of his songs.  Much to his surprise, the Doctor plays his stuff on the air, which leads to Al thinking this could really be the start of something big.

Of course, not everyone thinks Al is a musical genius.  Only after he is challenged by legendary DJ Wolfman Jack (Jack Black) to create, on the spot, a parody of Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” that he is able to quiet the naysayers.   Think Eminem at the end of “8 Mile” and you have a good idea of how things go.

The film plays fast and loose with facts, but fans of Al wouldn’t want it any other way.  If you’re a fan of “the Weird one,” then, by all means, give this one a look.

“WEIRD’ receives three and a half stars out of five.

• CHAMPIONS
• Starring: Woody Harrelson, Kaitlin Olson
• Directed by Bobby Farrelly
• Rating: PG-13
• Running time: 2 hrs 4 mins
• Focus Features