I've lived 30 minutes away from Monroe, Michigan my whole life, and regardless of what you think of the movie, know that Dog Lady Island is a real place with an endless amount of stories. The buildings, sights, and street names in this film are all real.
I give Michael J Alexander mad props for writing, directing, and acting in this film, and I appreciate him bringing light to a local legend, but I would be lying if I said I thought his acting was good. I could ignore that the camera, editing and effects aren't up to Hollywood standards if the acting wasn't so underwhelming. I don't want to speak for all the actors/actresses, because some of them do well (I liked the 1920 scene a lot, and I thought Lilly and Detective Taylor were convincing as characters), but most of the acting in this film feels very insincere, stale, and like it's being read off the page for the first time.
I did think the actual story written was interesting, however there were scenes that seemed to have a lack of script, or repetition in the script that didn't make sense to me. In one scene, there's a point where Detective James says the same line four times in less than a five minute period.
Overall, I appreciate this film, and while I take into consideration that it's independently made, it was hard to look past the awkward acting by about half the cast. A few redeeming moments, but I can't say I see it becoming anything classic. Just my opinion of course.
I give Michael J Alexander mad props for writing, directing, and acting in this film, and I appreciate him bringing light to a local legend, but I would be lying if I said I thought his acting was good. I could ignore that the camera, editing and effects aren't up to Hollywood standards if the acting wasn't so underwhelming. I don't want to speak for all the actors/actresses, because some of them do well (I liked the 1920 scene a lot, and I thought Lilly and Detective Taylor were convincing as characters), but most of the acting in this film feels very insincere, stale, and like it's being read off the page for the first time.
I did think the actual story written was interesting, however there were scenes that seemed to have a lack of script, or repetition in the script that didn't make sense to me. In one scene, there's a point where Detective James says the same line four times in less than a five minute period.
Overall, I appreciate this film, and while I take into consideration that it's independently made, it was hard to look past the awkward acting by about half the cast. A few redeeming moments, but I can't say I see it becoming anything classic. Just my opinion of course.