source: Mandao Returns

source: Mandao Returns

Confession: I did not go into "Mandao Returns", the spirited sequel to "Mandao of the Dead", having seen the original. But as the astral projection starts flying and Jay Mandao (or "Uncle Jay") and his partners in crime Cousin Andy (Sean Liang) and Jackson (Sean McBride) start zipping back and forth between the spirit world; I was instantly hooked. The comedic rhythms and speed to which jokes fly off the walls at you, reminded me of The Coen Brothers when they're working in their "Raising Arizona" register. Scott Dunn as Jay makes an excellent lead, and his double-triple-duty as writer, director, actor, editor, and I believe sound mixer as well, is equally impressive. The movie has an infectious energy, of what I would call sophisticated wackiness. As far out there as the plot goes (and it goes far) Dunn never loses control of the ship and all the performers are in top-form, with a winning performance by Gina Gomez-Dunn as Fer. The chemistry of these characters is all you will need heading into this astral plain, but there's a lot more surprises waiting for you too.

Really impressed with this! I haven't seen the original (will be watching soon) but this works as a stand alone film imo. Clearly it's an indie film but they've achieved so much with it. The whole cast were talented and could act which is rare for studio blockbusters let alone low budget films. It was really funny in places, great story and the astral projection was really cleverly done! With the amount of time travel and body swapping it could easily have got confusing but they've done a great job! Editing and sound fx were impressive too!

Mandao returns is a great follow up to Mandao of the Dead, it's a hilarious sci fi comedy involving time travel and astral projection full of branching timelines juxtaposed against unravelling a murder mystery. The film is sharp well written and very funny incorporating some of the best elements of films like Back To The Future and Butterfly Effect but with some great humour. The film hurtles along at an excellent pace and the plot is extremely captivating you don't need to see the first film to enjoy this one but they're both worth your time. If you're a time travel fan this film is definitely for you.

If you LOVE B movies like I do, strap in my friends. This is going to be a great ride! With everything from a charlatan spirit seeker, to an honest to goodness astral traveler, from a boy seeking to find his father, to a bloody cult seeking sacrifice, this movie has it all! I loves Mandao Returns and so will you! 9/10!

Really like micro budget indices like this. Fresh and different from the norm. Funny and nicely put together. An enjoyable popcorn flick with your best mates.

Such a fun experience, it's like Back to the Future meets Inception with a nice touch of sit-com on top. It works as a standalone movie even though it might be a more cohesive experience if one watches the prequel first. Nice to know that there is another one to watch. :)

First time I've seen the subject of astral projection done with a blend of comedy and horror. Usually it's straight up horror thriller. I really enjoyed this Independent film. Cool story, great acting all around. The transitions during the astral projections were done quite well. Worth the watch.

What the hell? I didn't even realize this was a sequel until I finished the movie. It didn't seem to matter. I'm not sure I would call this science fiction, maybe more within the fantasy genre. I laughed many times and fell quickly into the story. It has everything I love about indie movies: quirkiness, humor, strange originality. Now I'm going back to watch the first one!