Watch Mandao Of The Dead
- 2018
- 1 hr 14 min
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4.7 (148)
Mandao Of The Dead is a 2018 independent horror-comedy directed by Scott Dunn. The film follows Jay Mandao, a slacker who discovers that he has inherited the ability to time-travel from his dead uncle, who was a powerful magician. Along with his supportive cousin, an amateur medium, and a ghostly friend, Jay uses his newfound power to try and save his brother's soul from a vengeful ghost.
The movie begins with Jay struggling to make ends meet, living with his girlfriend and constantly bumming money off his successful cousin, Jackson. When Jay's uncle dies, he inherits his magical talisman, which allows him to time-travel. Confused and skeptical, Jay tests out his new abilities and realizes he can go back in time to fix small mistakes and improve his life.
But things quickly turn dark when Jay's brother, Bob, is killed by a ghost seeking revenge on the living. In an attempt to save Bob's soul, Jay and his group of misfit friends travel back in time to prevent the murder from ever happening. However, their plans are complicated by rival ghosts, a new love interest, and a group of mobsters who are after the same talisman that Jay possesses.
One of the strengths of Mandao Of The Dead is its mix of genres. The movie is both a comedy and a horror, with slapstick humor and ghostly jump scares. While the story is fantastical, the characters are grounded in reality. Jay is a relatable hero who struggles with self-doubt and financial worries. His cousin Jackson is a successful businessman who has never forgotten his roots. And even though the movie features ghosts and time-travel, the relationships between the characters are believable and touching.
Another highlight of the film is its use of music. The score, composed by Sean Luster, is a playful mix of retro synthesizers and creepy sound effects. The songs, which range from country ballads to electronic dance numbers, add to the film's quirky and off-beat tone.
Despite its low-budget origins, Mandao Of The Dead is a visually stunning movie. The camera work, courtesy of cinematographer Gavin Elwes, is creative and inventive. Shots are framed in unexpected ways, and the use of color and lighting is striking.
The acting in the film is another strong point. Alexandre Chen is charming as Jay, bringing humor and heart to the role. Scott Dunn is a standout as the wealthy and well-meaning Jackson, and David Gallegos is endearing as the hapless medium. The supporting cast, which includes Marisa Hood, Sean McBride, and Gina Gomez, all turn in solid performances.
Overall, Mandao Of The Dead is a delightfully oddball movie that defies easy categorization. It's a horror-comedy about time-traveling, ghost-fighting slackers that manages to be both funny and spooky. The film's mix of genres, inventive camera work, and catchy music make it a must-see for fans of independent cinema.
Mandao Of The Dead is a 2018 science fiction movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.7.