It’s the year 1999. Best buddies Shawn and Vik are high schoolers with an obsession for Japanese culture. Upon watching a mysterious Japanese anime, two boys are transformed into superheroes. When ancient creatures rise to unleash the apocalypse on New Year’s Eve, it’s up to them, with the help of Japanese exchange student Miki, to save the world. A feature directorial debut by Eric McEver and co-written by Jeff Hammer, Iké Boys is a sincere homage to Japanese Kaiju films of the 80s. In fact, they may be the real life Shawn and Vik, judging by the references in the story, along with cinematography and production design that cleverly delivers their love for the genre, a true delight for its fans. (Jongsuk Thomas NAM)