Methodic (2007)

User Rating:

5.1/10   

Director:

Chris R. Notarile

Writers:

Chris R. Notarile (screenplay)
Chris R. Notarile (story)

Genre:

Action | Drama | Horror | Thriller

Plot:

Methodic tells the story of a boy who becomes demonically possessed by an ominous presence known as "The Dollman"...

Plot Keywords:

Murder | Blood | Beautiful Woman | Coma | Lesbian Sex

Cast

Brandon Slagle	...	Colin McDermott
Niki Notarile	...	Lana Matthews
Rachael Robbins	...	Melissa Matthews
Tony Dadika	...	Dan Grant
Charles Cyphers	...	Chief Sperranza
Stephen Muzzonigro	...	Nicholas Matthews
Dan Werzinger	...	Dr. Pell
Christine Allanach	...	Dr. Meadows
Renee Schiefer	...	Jeanette
Jena Mroz	...	Stevie
Zoe Hunter	...	Nurse Zoe
Kasey Williams	...	Nurse Kasey Sellers
Britt Hodges	...	Dr. Britt Harmon
Thomas Daniel	...	Ben the Meterman
Tawnya Manion	...	Terra

Runtime:

USA:97 min

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Filming Locations:

Cranford, New Jersey, USA

Company:

Blinky Productions

Trivia:

Brandon Slagle would not sleep before certain shooting days in order to give his character a more weathered, down-beat look for particular scenes.

Movie Connections:

Features Ninja Bombs (2005)

I loved this movie.

Let me start by saying, this film is not what you think it is. Despite all of it's thematic references to John Carpenter's Halloween, Methodic is NOT a rip off in any way. Methodic writer and director, Chris R. Notarile takes all the wonderful elements and themes that we've grown to love from Halloween and all other late 70's - early 80's horror movies and has woven them into a brilliant tapestry of suspense, horror and drama.

Methodic starts slow. If you're looking for a popcorn body count movie with mindless wanton slaughter of moronic horny teenagers, this is not the movie for you. Methodic is instead incredibly story driven. So much so that there are actually moments in the film that if you don't pay attention to, it is very certain you will not understand something later on. I like this. I find it rare these days, especially in independent horror movies where people actually need to pay attention to a movie. Usually the story is simple, intoxicated coeds get taken out by a silent masked maniac.

Now granted, Methodic does sport the classic silent masked killer stereotype, but fortunately, with very good reason. The Dollman is instantly classic, from the look of his mask right down the (no pun intended) execution of his actions. I would also like to bring up the wonderful gimmick deployed with this film, and by that I am referring to the "basher" term used to distinguish the film. Believe it or not, Methodic actually is the first basher film and that's actually a pretty clever thing to do. In a world where everything is being remade, its always refreshing to see something new come along. I predict we will be seeing more "basher" movies as time goes on. Let's just hope they are on par with this film.

And now down to the technical "stuff". This is Mr. Notarile's directorial debut, sort of. Apparently he has a large number of short film credits to his name, but I believe Methodic is his first feature. Not a bad way to start a career if you ask me. For a first time feature director with what appeared to be a very large cast, I think things were handled more than admirably. I won't lie, some of the acting in the film was a little on the campy side, but I suspect that is usually the case with most low budget horror films. The shots were great. Most of the film really gave off a larger than life feeling and though it was limited, the action and the killing scenes in this film were very fun and intense.

As for performances, most of the cast and more importantly, those playing the main characters, were very convincing. I enjoyed the natural flow of the dialog as well as some of more candid moments between characters, specifically the stakeout scene with Dan and Colin and the "chick flick" scene with Lana, Melissa and her husband. Great stuff.

All in all, Methodic is a wonderful first film and great gateway piece into what looks to be a very promising career from Chris R. Notarile. I wish him well and cannot wait to see where he goes and what he does next.