If I have to see one more burly, good-looking man battle some guy with a bad German accent I am going to barf. That's why I was pleasantly surprised to see Steve Patterson shatter Hollywood's paradigm with his thoughtful and sensitive movie "Drawing Down the Moon." Somehow he manages to use violence as a lesson in self-righteousness using the self-defense practice of Aikido to stress the importance of standing up for yourself and being strong on demand. I found myself cheering on the goodhearted witch (a- *gasp*- female lead), who so generously aided the homeless, but also sympathized with the antagonists. After all, Walter Koenig's character was working towards a common goal- in effect, his solution to the chaos theory would better humankind. If you're looking for a movie with a death count you can perform on one hand, and where a woman can change the world without "getting her guy", this one is for you!
20 Reviews
At Times Amateurish But Still Very Enjoyable
TrekPagan9 February 2003
If you want a movie that is entertaining and fun, and not your typical run-of-the-mill Hollywood fare, this movie is for you. Some of the performances are not all that great, but after reviewing the movie's web site I can understand how that happened. In general the movie is great - it's offbeat but not too far out there for the average person. When you consider the budget they had to make the movie I think it's remarkable. And if you compare it to the other "tiny budget" movies you can see (like "El Mariachi") I think this far surpasses anything else. I recommend "Drawing Down the Moon" heartily. And personally I'd like to see the lead actress, Karina Krepp, in a lot more movies. She's terrific. Of course I was happy to see Walter Koenig in another role, since I'm a big Trek fan, but I thought Ms. Krepp was the real star.
Difficult film to rate
dee-24-6660214 April 2016
Drawing Down the Moon is a difficult film to place a rating on, because it reaches people in very different spaces. For those who practice Wicca or any other form of Paganism, it will be seen as either a triumph, or an utter failure. It's one of the very few films that offers anything resembling an accurate portrayal of any Wiccan ritual. But the person performing these rituals is what many Pagans would call "fluffy".
Gwynyth, in this film, is something of a plastic character, seeming, at once, to display confidence and naivete. In the words of Dion Fortune, "Ignorance is, at times, an excellent substitute for courage".
I would have enjoyed this film much more if the situations were a bit closer to reality. Where the portrayals of Wiccan practice were at once partially accurate and partially cartoonish, so were the situations that Gwynyth found herself embroiled in.
Koenig, playing the part of Joe Merchant is an unrealistic character seeking an unrealistic goal - as is "The corporation" he is working for - as is the local police department. The characters and situations are lacking in depth.
Obviously, the film is something of a limited budget amateur attempt, and as such, as a first work, and as something targeted for a small community, it is remarkable - certainly in a league with "Spirit of Albion". But for a larger audience, it would not have popular appeal. It doesn't compete with films like "The Craft" - but then again, The Craft was much more about the special effects and satisfying a horror audience.
As a Pagan, I enjoyed this film - because there is very little material available that is produced for a Pagan audience. Hopefully this film, and "Spirit of Albion" will somehow push writers and producers to create more.
Gwynyth, in this film, is something of a plastic character, seeming, at once, to display confidence and naivete. In the words of Dion Fortune, "Ignorance is, at times, an excellent substitute for courage".
I would have enjoyed this film much more if the situations were a bit closer to reality. Where the portrayals of Wiccan practice were at once partially accurate and partially cartoonish, so were the situations that Gwynyth found herself embroiled in.
Koenig, playing the part of Joe Merchant is an unrealistic character seeking an unrealistic goal - as is "The corporation" he is working for - as is the local police department. The characters and situations are lacking in depth.
Obviously, the film is something of a limited budget amateur attempt, and as such, as a first work, and as something targeted for a small community, it is remarkable - certainly in a league with "Spirit of Albion". But for a larger audience, it would not have popular appeal. It doesn't compete with films like "The Craft" - but then again, The Craft was much more about the special effects and satisfying a horror audience.
As a Pagan, I enjoyed this film - because there is very little material available that is produced for a Pagan audience. Hopefully this film, and "Spirit of Albion" will somehow push writers and producers to create more.
Early Viewing
GlenMarshall23 July 2005
A pre-release of this movie was test-marketed, with focus group following the screening, at the Free Spirit Gathering, an annual Pagan festival. As a regular attendee at the festival I saw and early version one year, with a different edit the next year.
It is an honest, if not a bit didactic, portrayal of the struggle between the harsh capitalist modern world and a more idealistic nature-based view.
In the Pagan community the Witch portrayal in this film would be called "fluffy bunny" -- not a polite term. Many Witches are more forceful in their approach to being screwed-over. I would have liked a more earthy portrayal, more gray shades in the characters, and less black & white.
It is an honest, if not a bit didactic, portrayal of the struggle between the harsh capitalist modern world and a more idealistic nature-based view.
In the Pagan community the Witch portrayal in this film would be called "fluffy bunny" -- not a polite term. Many Witches are more forceful in their approach to being screwed-over. I would have liked a more earthy portrayal, more gray shades in the characters, and less black & white.
Very good low budget movie.
bsnyder-310 January 2002
This movie was filmed in Sunbury, Pa. which is just a few miles from where I live. When it became available on video, it was listed in our local newspaper. I ordered it just prior to Christmas and was delighted when Steve Patterson, the director, called me at home and offered to deliver it. He did so that very afternoon. We had a nice chat and Steve bid me good day and hoped that I would enjoy the movie. Since then I have viewed it on several occasions. I enjoy it more each time that I watch it. It is very well done for a low budget flick. The acting is a little stiff at times, but the story comes across very well. It is an interesting story and does have a few unexpected twists. A few "locals" had bit parts. I highly recommend this film.
the epitome of bad films
grezymeel10 August 2000
Sitting down to watch this film, i knew it would be horrible. What I didn't know was that i could mention it everytime someone asked me what the worst movie ever made is. The only real reason I watched it was because it was filmed near my hometown(which, by the way they portray perfectly as nothing but drugdealers and scum of the earth). It deals with a witch starting a haven for the less fortunate people in the town and using them to clean it up. Anyway, I was being rather generous when I gave it 2 stars (out of 10). Bottom line: Don't waste your time.
Puerile
Pogen-230 August 2000
Drawing Down the Moon is the story of Gwynyth McBride (Karina Krepp), a young woman who is so perfectly Good and Noble and Wise and Brave that she is also perfectly Boring. At the beginning of the film, she is a stranger in a small town, where she decides to start a homeless shelter (with what funds, we are left to guess). Gwynyth happens to be a witch, so she finds some difficulty being accepted by the community.
As if that weren't enough, the location she chooses for the shelter is coveted by a big, evil corporation, referred to exclusively as "The Corporation" (which I suppose would make it "The Corporation, Incorporated").
Doing The Corporation's dirty work is Joe Merchant (Walter Koenig), a brilliant mathematician-cum-crime lord -- you read that correctly -- who is working on a new application for chaos theory. The Corporation (Inc.) is funding his mathematical research in exchange for his efforts to obtain the property. To this end, Merchant sends his drug dealer underlings to harass Gwynyth.
Why The Corporation (Inc.) would leave this kind of work to drug dealers instead of lawyers is beyond me. Why they pick on Gwynyth, who doesn't even own the property, is likewise unclear. Technically, since the shelter operates rent-free, she doesn't even have a binding lease -- a gift is not a contract. But such petty details are obviously beneath the concern of an auteur like producer/writer/director/editor Steven Patterson. He needed for the Good Witch to be harassed, so she was. Logic be damned.
This harassment gives her ample opportunity to show off her mastery of Aikido, a Japanese martial art chosen for its focus on suppressing an opponent without causing serious injury. It simply would not do to show a witch actually hurting someone in self defense; that would make her less Perfect. In fact, the one time that she does injure one of the drug dealers, she immediately takes him in to give him aid. The film is so full of this sort of callow morality that it reminded me of an after-school cartoon. I half expected to hear Gwynyth address the camera with a "Hey, kids" soliloquy on the evils of violence.
Eventually, the C.E.O. of The Corporation (Inc.) tires of Merchant's excuses, and decides to sic his M.B.A.s on Gwynyth. But these are no ordinary M.B.A.s -- these M.B.A.s come packing. Such a ludicrous development might have created an aura of farce or fantasy, but it is treated with such a wide-eyed naïveté that it appears that Patterson is simply ignorant of what M.B.A.s and corporations really do.
The film's simple-minded messages are treated earnestly, but with an awkwardness that makes for all sorts of unintended comic relief. For instance, one scene has Gwynyth respond to a police officer's taunts about her faith with a reminder that her religious freedom is guaranteed by the Constitution. For this, he backhands her!
There is an undercurrent of preachiness in the scenes that deal with Gwynyth's faith. There is more than a little bit of disingenuousness as well, which makes the film cross the line into propaganda. For instance, the "drugs are bad" message, which Patterson pounds into our skulls with his Gwynyth-mallet, is obviously intended to give the impression that a witch would never even think about using drugs. However, truth be told, most witches I know are recreational drug users. Some consider marijuana a sacrament. Some are even dealers.
This is far from the only instance of propaganda in the film. In fact, it is so pervasive that it is difficult to single out an instance for comment. Of course I cannot say that there are no witches like Gwynyth in the real world, but I can say with all confidence that such a person, regardless of faith, would be exceedingly hard to find.
As if that weren't enough, the location she chooses for the shelter is coveted by a big, evil corporation, referred to exclusively as "The Corporation" (which I suppose would make it "The Corporation, Incorporated").
Doing The Corporation's dirty work is Joe Merchant (Walter Koenig), a brilliant mathematician-cum-crime lord -- you read that correctly -- who is working on a new application for chaos theory. The Corporation (Inc.) is funding his mathematical research in exchange for his efforts to obtain the property. To this end, Merchant sends his drug dealer underlings to harass Gwynyth.
Why The Corporation (Inc.) would leave this kind of work to drug dealers instead of lawyers is beyond me. Why they pick on Gwynyth, who doesn't even own the property, is likewise unclear. Technically, since the shelter operates rent-free, she doesn't even have a binding lease -- a gift is not a contract. But such petty details are obviously beneath the concern of an auteur like producer/writer/director/editor Steven Patterson. He needed for the Good Witch to be harassed, so she was. Logic be damned.
This harassment gives her ample opportunity to show off her mastery of Aikido, a Japanese martial art chosen for its focus on suppressing an opponent without causing serious injury. It simply would not do to show a witch actually hurting someone in self defense; that would make her less Perfect. In fact, the one time that she does injure one of the drug dealers, she immediately takes him in to give him aid. The film is so full of this sort of callow morality that it reminded me of an after-school cartoon. I half expected to hear Gwynyth address the camera with a "Hey, kids" soliloquy on the evils of violence.
Eventually, the C.E.O. of The Corporation (Inc.) tires of Merchant's excuses, and decides to sic his M.B.A.s on Gwynyth. But these are no ordinary M.B.A.s -- these M.B.A.s come packing. Such a ludicrous development might have created an aura of farce or fantasy, but it is treated with such a wide-eyed naïveté that it appears that Patterson is simply ignorant of what M.B.A.s and corporations really do.
The film's simple-minded messages are treated earnestly, but with an awkwardness that makes for all sorts of unintended comic relief. For instance, one scene has Gwynyth respond to a police officer's taunts about her faith with a reminder that her religious freedom is guaranteed by the Constitution. For this, he backhands her!
There is an undercurrent of preachiness in the scenes that deal with Gwynyth's faith. There is more than a little bit of disingenuousness as well, which makes the film cross the line into propaganda. For instance, the "drugs are bad" message, which Patterson pounds into our skulls with his Gwynyth-mallet, is obviously intended to give the impression that a witch would never even think about using drugs. However, truth be told, most witches I know are recreational drug users. Some consider marijuana a sacrament. Some are even dealers.
This is far from the only instance of propaganda in the film. In fact, it is so pervasive that it is difficult to single out an instance for comment. Of course I cannot say that there are no witches like Gwynyth in the real world, but I can say with all confidence that such a person, regardless of faith, would be exceedingly hard to find.
Sadly.. I must say
kaijawitch15 December 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I understand that we, as a community, tend to wish for more realistic portrayals of Pagans and/or Wiccans.. and/or.. fill in the blank.. in movies.. Unfortunately, this is how they end up.. they worked really hard to keep the spell work, and Wicca subject matter right on.. while neglecting to make the rest of the plot believable.. While the Wiccan in this case is SO fluffy bunny and PC.. they did an admirable job on that part of it.. However, how many hard core drug dealers and gangs would run away after a few Aikido moves? (the martial art form that does not teach offensive techniques.. so essentially, you use the attackers momentum to throw them aside.. ) These are supposed to be hard core, gun touting, tough guys who are out to kill her..who's boss will most likely kill them if they fail.. yeah... right.
The best character in the WHOLE movie is a girl called Ripley, who is named after the character in Aliens.. and her take on what her name means for her life is rather interesting..
The best character in the WHOLE movie is a girl called Ripley, who is named after the character in Aliens.. and her take on what her name means for her life is rather interesting..
What a breath of fresh air
royberry6524 September 2000
I ordered a copy of "Drawing Down the Moon" from the movie's website, and what a treat! It's not your typical Hollywood movie (thank God), but it has something for everyone - action, comedy, suspense, it's through-provoking, and it's okay for kids to watch (I'd say for those 10 and above). Karina Krepp (she plays the witch in the movie) is going to be a HUGE star - mark my words.
It definitely has an "indie" feel to it - the camera work is a little shaky at times, but never to the point of being annoying (like in "Blair Witch"). And it *looks* great - by contrast dark and moody, then light and airy when appropriate.
I really think this is a winner. I've heard positive buzz growing about this movie on the Internet and I'm glad I ordered it. Here's hoping it gets the attention it deserves! And let's hope it gets into video stores around the country so people can see it!
It definitely has an "indie" feel to it - the camera work is a little shaky at times, but never to the point of being annoying (like in "Blair Witch"). And it *looks* great - by contrast dark and moody, then light and airy when appropriate.
I really think this is a winner. I've heard positive buzz growing about this movie on the Internet and I'm glad I ordered it. Here's hoping it gets the attention it deserves! And let's hope it gets into video stores around the country so people can see it!
We all live in one chaos or another
caroleheslop27 September 2000
DDTM is a movie created by a man with a dream. An independent filmmaker, Steve Patterson brings to life a story touching on paganism, human endurance and a quest by one man to reach the unreachable, the theory of chaos. With charm, witt, irony and inner strength of human perseverence, this is undoubtedly a movie well worth watching.
Funny, exciting, clever little movie
ByteWtch1 February 2003
I was so pleasantly surprised by this movie. I bought a copy from Amazon.com because I have enjoyed Walter Koenig's work since seeing him on "Babylon 5." I had not heard of this movie, but found it through a "Walter Koenig" search on Amazon. Wow - I'm glad I did the search. Why are more people not talking about this movie? It's funny and exciting. I have shown it to many of my friends who feel exactly the same way. Thank you, Mr. K
This movie ROCKS! I loved it.
fried5pam20 September 2000
This movie is a breath of fresh air. Well-paced and well-acted, it's totally believable AND consistently entertaining. An eight-year-old girl who is neither saccharine nor pedophile-bait, but a credible eight-year-old, stole the show for me; but the whole cast put their hearts & souls into this movie. The fights are realistic, the dialogue natural, the plot totally new, and the suspense convincing.
Of course, if you're a Trek or Bab5 fan, you have to see it for Walter Koenig's superb performance as an exasperated small-time crime boss. Props also to: Frankie, Angela, Eddie Lemon, the CEO, and the Chief of Police - I swear, I *know* these people. I don't even normally go for action-adventure flicks, but this one could have happened in my own back yard - definitely a keeper!
Of course, if you're a Trek or Bab5 fan, you have to see it for Walter Koenig's superb performance as an exasperated small-time crime boss. Props also to: Frankie, Angela, Eddie Lemon, the CEO, and the Chief of Police - I swear, I *know* these people. I don't even normally go for action-adventure flicks, but this one could have happened in my own back yard - definitely a keeper!
Spiritual, Uplifting & Educational!
lavionne20 September 2000
FINALLY, a positive (and realistic) portrayal of Wiccan ritual!
It's refreshing to see a film that is based on actual knowledge instead of fear and ignorance.
Not only educational, but it's fun, too! It's always uplifting to see the good guys kick butt and "run the bad guys out of town."
This film is a MUST SEE, it's a positive message for the entire family!
It's refreshing to see a film that is based on actual knowledge instead of fear and ignorance.
Not only educational, but it's fun, too! It's always uplifting to see the good guys kick butt and "run the bad guys out of town."
This film is a MUST SEE, it's a positive message for the entire family!
Excellent Indie!
scarter0328701 February 2003
A fun, quirky little movie - thought provoking as well. A delightful surprise! It's obvious they didn't have a big budget like you'd find in the Hollywood movies, but that's part of its charm. I recommend this movie very, very highly.
I loved this movie!
danaz8319 September 2000
I love seeing fun independent films! And this entertaining indie (for a change) didn't have any nudity, profanity, or heavy agenda. It's just exciting and funny.
What's not to love? It's about a butt-kicking witch who saves a little town. No big-budget special effects, no hocus-pocus to save the day at the last minute. The witch in this movie is just plain resourceful (and can handle herself in a fight when she needs to).
Plus I can't remember seeing another film where a religion other than Christianity succeeds in turning the bad guy's life around. I've heard Wiccans (I think that's what you call them) and Pagans are really into this movie because of the message of religious tolerance, and that's cool.
I recommend this movie very highly to people who want to have an enjoyable evening in front of the tube.
What's not to love? It's about a butt-kicking witch who saves a little town. No big-budget special effects, no hocus-pocus to save the day at the last minute. The witch in this movie is just plain resourceful (and can handle herself in a fight when she needs to).
Plus I can't remember seeing another film where a religion other than Christianity succeeds in turning the bad guy's life around. I've heard Wiccans (I think that's what you call them) and Pagans are really into this movie because of the message of religious tolerance, and that's cool.
I recommend this movie very highly to people who want to have an enjoyable evening in front of the tube.
MY KIND OF MOVIE
gum_drop2320 September 2000
I had seen the early press release of this movie and was very anxious to see it. I was not disappointed. It is great. Karina Krepp did an excellent portrayal of an "angel of mercy." So what if she was a wiccan??? She came to this small town and immediately threw herself into the task of helping the needy. She had to fight the corporation and the drug dealers. She was not discouraged and she won. Walter Koenig, WOW. To see him in a "back seat" part on Star Trek for so many years and then to see him in this movie..it was great to see another side of his acting. Steve Patterson did a great job, his hometown was perfect for his low budget film. It could not have been better had it been filmed in Hollywood. I hope to see more from him....could there be a sequel up his sleeve???
Hard to find, but worth looking for
columbinephoenix20 September 2000
Lately, independent films have been falling largely into three categories: gratuitous bloodbath, meandering thinly-veiled autobiography, or extended metaphor for some obscure inside joke. That's all well and good if you're a film student. But Drawing Down the Moon is what the rest of us expect of a movie: entertainment.
This film has a coherent, but not predictable plot, innovative premises, and *superb* acting across the board. An idealistic young woman attempts to start her life over from scratch, establishing a homeless shelter on nothing but charisma, religious faith, and sheer insistence. Her run-ins with the local drug syndicate (headed up by familiar talent Walter Koenig) quickly dampen her ironclad certainty that if a thing is right, it can not fail - but by then she's in too deep to bow out without endangering the people who've stood by her.
Framed in terms of esoteric mathematics (chaos theory) and magic (the title is a reference to the Wiccan religion), Drawing Down the Moon is as much a coming-of-age drama as it is an action-adventure thriller. It's certainly a violent film - there are numerous fights, and deaths - but the characters react appropriately to tragic events, and there's nary a pottymouth in the entire cast of characters. In a time when most filmmakers are banking on either huge budgets or moral shock value to sell their work, Drawing Down the Moon succeeds on story, suspense, and credibility. Definitely see this one if you can.
This film has a coherent, but not predictable plot, innovative premises, and *superb* acting across the board. An idealistic young woman attempts to start her life over from scratch, establishing a homeless shelter on nothing but charisma, religious faith, and sheer insistence. Her run-ins with the local drug syndicate (headed up by familiar talent Walter Koenig) quickly dampen her ironclad certainty that if a thing is right, it can not fail - but by then she's in too deep to bow out without endangering the people who've stood by her.
Framed in terms of esoteric mathematics (chaos theory) and magic (the title is a reference to the Wiccan religion), Drawing Down the Moon is as much a coming-of-age drama as it is an action-adventure thriller. It's certainly a violent film - there are numerous fights, and deaths - but the characters react appropriately to tragic events, and there's nary a pottymouth in the entire cast of characters. In a time when most filmmakers are banking on either huge budgets or moral shock value to sell their work, Drawing Down the Moon succeeds on story, suspense, and credibility. Definitely see this one if you can.
Quirky, fun, entertaining
bartcase16 September 2000
I really enjoyed this movie. I'd compare it to a film like "El Mariachi" -- made for little money, but it accomplishes a lot with its modest budget. I thought Walter Koenig was great and Karina Krepp has terrific potential to be a star.
I think people who criticize this film too harshly are missing its strengths -- it's not meant to be a big-budget Hollywood film. It's not meant to be realistic. It's kind of like a comic book -- it's fun, creative, funny, and if you don't have your nose stuck too high in the air it's quite thought provoking. I give it a 7.5 on a scale of 10.
I think people who criticize this film too harshly are missing its strengths -- it's not meant to be a big-budget Hollywood film. It's not meant to be realistic. It's kind of like a comic book -- it's fun, creative, funny, and if you don't have your nose stuck too high in the air it's quite thought provoking. I give it a 7.5 on a scale of 10.
My Home Town!
thunderchicken7720 September 2000
It could be, there are so many of them like the one in the film. I truly enjoyed this movie, it so real to life. The actors and actresses did an excellent portrayal in their roles. It is just sad that in real life there are not more people like Gwynth McBride to take an honest effort to help those who are less fortunate. Most people in today's society would frown upon the practice of Wiccan. I think we should all step aside and see the real picture of life..that there is good in everything as well as the bad. The fact that Steve Patterson was able to have Walter Koenig star in his very first film is quite an accomplishment. It is evident that Walter saw great potential in this film. I hope that Steve is working on his next film and I know that it will be just as good as this one. Remember..a low budget film can become just as big as that which costs millions. It is the story line and the people in it that makes the grade.**********
A good flick....not one to miss.
galwyn1320 September 2000
Recently I had the opportunity to view an independent film,"Drawing Down The Moon" by Steven Patterson. This movie was a refreshing departure from what I had expected.How can you possibly enjoy a film without nudity, profanity or mucho Hollywood special effects?? (get my point)? I watched it and I liked it! This film depicts the Wiccan religion in a very truthfull manner.Many people think of witches as practitioners of evil and bound to suffer the eternal flames, however this movie tells it like it is.The witches I know of are resourcefull and very community minded,as well as compassionate.If you liked "Billy Jack",then you will like this film! For a rating, I would give it an 8.
Walter Koenig was great in this , however I would prefer him as portraying the good guy.:) I would also enjoy seeing Karina Krepp again, as she has much potential.
Walter Koenig was great in this , however I would prefer him as portraying the good guy.:) I would also enjoy seeing Karina Krepp again, as she has much potential.
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