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Reviews
The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater (2020)
Clever, Witty, Fierce and Fun
I loved this movie for so many reasons. I had no idea what I was in for... it starts out so fun and playful, then through twists and reveals goes deep while still holding onto it's quirky tone. It seamlessly weaves between multiple genres, that few films can do so effortlessly, from comedy to crime, poignant drama to romance. The leads have great chemistry and I was in it with them right from the start. Kudos to the writer Lorrisa Julianus (who also nails it as the complicated lead character) for such a clever, witty and heartfelt script. Entertaining and surprising. Absolutely highly recommend.
Toxic Impulses (2022)
Driving, intense and clever thriller
I really enjoyed this gritty and clever indie thriller. Visually seductive with a pulsing heart thumping score, the story grabs you right from the start and doesn't let go. The film offers all the expected neo-noir components, but once set up, the twists and turns keep coming, keeping you guessing right to the end. The cinematography is beautiful, creating the perfect moody tone. Solid performances all around, especially from the Femme Fatale Olivia Buckle, who delivers a nuanced powerful performance, never letting on where her true alliances lie. It's a great intense ride! I highly recommend!
Easter Replacements (2022)
Unpredictable and heartwarming family drama
A comic drama that sets up a surprising dilemma when four strangers show up for an Easter dinner celebration with a couple who have differing ideas of how the day should play out. The story probes personal ethical questions for each of the characters. As the day progresses, tension builds to where each needs to make big decisions for themselves and towards each other. The film is cleverly written, with great performances by the ensemble cast.
It's an enjoyable ride with quirky characters, good acting, uplifting music, and an overall positive message that leaves you thinking about it. I would definitely recommend.
Bad Attitude: The Art of Spain Rodriguez (2021)
Compelling, fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable
I thoroughly enjoyed this deep dive into the underground cartoon and comic book world through the contributions of the film's focus Spain. The film chronicles the journey of the growth of underground movement in parallel with the what's happening in the socio-political scene of the time. It's compelling, fascinating and informing. Spain is a badass artist and the film doesn't shy away from offering a complicated and honest view of his story, work and ... attitude! Directed by his wife, it is a wonderfully crafted tribute to his life's work. With a fantastic sound track from beginning to end, I highly recommend checking this one out.
Neon Cactus (2023)
Fun visually captivating crime drama
I felt like I stepped right into the 70's with this stylish crime drama. I'm a big fan of storytelling with a clear strong vision, and this film really delivers. From the bold tone-setting camera angles and the striking vivid color palette, to the well placed use of speed ramping/slowing, the visual language of the film is evocative and perfectly serves the story. It's a steady slow build of intrigue as the 'chapters' unfold and the relationships are revealed, with nothing given away too early. Some great performances, especially by Adah Hagen, and the quirky understated lead Paul T. Taylor. Definitely recommend this fun Indie flick!
Terror Trips (2021)
Great premise, great story, great execution
This is a movie that can appeal to a broad audience. I watched this movie from a friends recommendation and as someone who isn't usually into horror movies, I really enjoyed this one! It's fun and clever, with layers of jokes about horror movies and reality, playing back and forth between those ideas. It taps into real world issues and possibilities, and that made it all the more compelling. And I really grew attached to the characters, completely invested in what was going to happen next. It has a wonderful ensemble of strong actors, and great camera work. Watch till after the credits... A fun ride.
Fighting Olympus (2023)
Entertaining and Thought Provoking
Interesting and entertaining exploration into the dark side of buying into the reality that surrounds you. What seems like a straight forward action drama turns a corner quickly into mystery and intrigue. At first I had no idea where it was going, or what was going on, but it kept me wanting to know more, and understand the crazy world we ended up in. Offering dynamic fight scenes, it is well acted by the entire cast and cleverly directed by Julian Hampton, with themes of power, loyalty and what one does for true friendship. I highly recommend this creative and original thought provoking film.
AVA: A Twist in the Road (2021)
Heartfelt and moving drama
This is a beauty of the indie film world, telling the story of an unlikely lead character who finds herself stuck in a bad situation after a tragedy. Grief is becoming a more talked about topic these days, and this film dives powerfully into that realm, with an effective nonlinear flow of the grief experience, and illustrating the importance of good friends. It offers both a cautionary tale of planning for your future, and an inspiring glimpse of meeting head on what life throws at you. With a dreamy interesting visual style and truthful acting, especially by the films' lead who is also the filmmaker, I enjoyed this unexpected indie gem.
The Stalker (2020)
A suspenseful film that delivers on all fronts
Right from the start the suspense starts building and it doesn't let up. This is a sinister and moody mystery thriller rooted in real life scenarios. With all the elements of a horror film, I also found this film to really hit on some serious truths about the fears and experiences of being stalked.. especially for women.. the mental games it plays, and how it pushes people to behave in unexpected ways. It has a great well timed score and sound design, and a rich look to the film which all add to the intensity of the story. And the players all deliver, the leads and the two kids, with honest and compelling performances. All around a great and disturbing ride. Definitely recommend for a night of provoking entertainment.
Solid Rock Trust (2022)
Great acting, great story
I was so impressed by this tense 'keep you on the edge of your seat' film. The movie never lets up on the tension, though mostly filmed in one location with one primary actor, it races forward with it's constantly shifting camera choices and well placed heightening music. I became so invested in the lead character Maddie, wanting her to succeed and survive. The actress Koko Marshall is incredibly talented, pulling off this complicated character with so much heart and immediacy, carrying us through second to second. Congrats to the director Rick Ives and the team who put this film together. It was a great ride.
Under Spanish Skies (2022)
Thoroughly enjoyed this mesmerizing film
This is a gorgeous, visually stunning film set in a beautiful location, with evocative moody music that works hand in hand to take the viewer on a hypnotic journey into love, loss and the secrets that transform us. There is a compelling style and tone to the film, which adds to the sense of mystery and intrigue, that kept me curious about every next moment. The characters were complex, honest and relatable. The cast is phenomenal offering beautiful nuanced performances, especially the vibrant and surprising Nahema Ricci. I thoroughly enjoyed this film and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys good cinema!
The Pine Barrens (2018)
Beautiful Film about a Beautiful Place
I didn't know anything about the New Jersey Pine Barrens before watching this fascinating documentary. But I immediately wanted to go there and spend time exploring this fascinating rich coastal area containing several state forests. The film is a visually poetic love letter to this area. Gorgeous cinematography, with a tranquil pace gave me a feeling of what it is like to be there. I enjoyed meeting the characters who love the region, and the various creatures that inhabit it, especially loved the short section about the Tree Frog, curious and entertaining. A great opportunity to spend time in nature from the comfort of your home.