Right from the start it drew me in although the first thought I had was that the acting is so amateur. The story is intriguing enough nevertheless. Given the obvious low budget I don't think many could have pulled it off so well. However, I must confess I didn't understand the ending. Perhaps that was intentional and meant to make the audience think about possibilities.. who knows?
5 Reviews
great for a 1st time project
diannas3954 November 2005
Watched your movie and for your very fist one i think you did a great job as does everyone whom was here watching it.
Your on the right track with what your doing just a little more work on the scripting some of the lines seemed forced or didn't fit well.
Had us all guessing right till the end.
I recommend this to others to watch to show them how a 1st time project can turnout when you take your time.
Great effects and and camera work. Lighting was pretty well done too and it was nice that there wasn't that awful shadows were you can see were the cameraman is at.
Good sound quality as well.
It was especially nice that you took your time with some of the effects used to make them appear real and not fake.
Keep up the good work and we are looking forward to your next project and we all would like to wish you best of luck on all that you do.
Your on the right track with what your doing just a little more work on the scripting some of the lines seemed forced or didn't fit well.
Had us all guessing right till the end.
I recommend this to others to watch to show them how a 1st time project can turnout when you take your time.
Great effects and and camera work. Lighting was pretty well done too and it was nice that there wasn't that awful shadows were you can see were the cameraman is at.
Good sound quality as well.
It was especially nice that you took your time with some of the effects used to make them appear real and not fake.
Keep up the good work and we are looking forward to your next project and we all would like to wish you best of luck on all that you do.
The best REAL indie that I have seen yet...
MovieGrrrrl6 October 2002
Warning: Spoilers
I was invited to the Premiere of Dark Tomorrow in Royal Oak, Mi. To be quite honest, I was dreading it in a way because, god knows, when an independent movie is bad....it really, REALLY sucks to have to sit through it. That being said...I was actually floored by how good it was.
******Possible spoilers to follow, read at your own risk******
The movie starts off with a bang by throwing you directly into the middle of a raucous Michigan State Spartan bash. It is hosted by the lead character, John Wesley. The music is blaring, the drinks are flowing and fights are brewing underneath the surface. John's girlfriend, Debbie, begins to feel sick, and John escorts her to the bathroom. They talk for awhile about their soon to be (she hopes anyway) wedding, and both of them end up passing out.
This is where the movie really begins: John wakes up the next morning, and his house is deserted. As he stumbles through each room, observing the copious damage to his home and artwork, his confusion over last night's events begin to settle in. He then turns on the television and sees a special report that nearly robs him of his sanity. According to the local anchorwoman, one year ago today he stabbed his girlfriend Debbie to death. He was subsequently convicted of murder and thrown in jail. In the strangest twist of all, the anchorwoman claims he escaped from jail the night before and a search is on to find and arrest him. Finally, John realizes to his horror that a news team is broadcasting live from right outside his front door.
From this point forward the movie is a relentless thriller. Wesley has to confront: his confusion, lack of memory, love for Debbie, his former best friend, Debbie's parents and bizarre moments of Deja Vu that may mean nothing, or they could mean his chance to rewrite history. All of this while running from a city-wide man hunt that is determined to find, and even kill him if need be. Wesley is rarely allowed to come up for air, and the audience isn't allowed to either.
Unlike other substandard films, don't look for a neat little summary and happy/fake resolution here. These filmmakers aren't going to pander to you. The ending will make you think, discuss, drink a little, smoke a little and then come back for a second viewing. It is a heart pounding joyride to behold, and even now my friends and I still discuss, and argue about, what happened in John Wesley's world on that fateful night.
The acting in this film is beautifully subtle. Chris Moller brings a depth and range to John Wesley that is dearly needed. In less capable hands, Wesley would come across as a psychotic loser. The movie really benefits by his understated and accomplished performance. Mike Merna's portrayal of Wesley's former best friend Joe Freeman has a kinetic energy and intelligence that makes you easily forget he is a supporting character. The enigmatic qualities Shaun Buckley(Corey) brings to his character, along with expressive eyes filled with thoughts impossible to read, adds an interestingly mysterious quality to all of his scenes. The sheer rage and feeling of helplessness that Lizzy Russell(Carol) and Alex Safi(Steve) add as Debbie's parents mourning her loss keeps the movie grounded in pathos and hardcore reality. Jahi Zuri as the town's police Captain is in turn frightening and funny with his righteous anger over his bungling police force, and their inability to catch a lone man on the loose. Rounding out the main cast is Jennifer Lester(Debbie). Her subtle portrayal, seen mostly in flashback, is a lesson in what an actor can do with a small role. Within a few short scenes we understand what a great loss it will be in Wesley's life that he may have to learn to live without her.
The technical aspects of Dark Tomorrow are also incredible, especially given the very limited budget. The movie looks very crisp and clean, and the lighting choices are excellently tailored to John Wesley's given circumstances and moods. The special effects are very impressive for an indie as well, as is the fight choreography. The only technical problems that I saw were some of the choices regarding sound. At times the music would drown out the dialogue, and sometimes there was music in places that didn't really seem to need it. This is an easy fix, however, and it didn't end up really detracting from what was otherwise an excellent film.
Last, but never least, I have to comment on the script and the direction, which were done by the same man. John Goins' script is solid and incredibly inventive. The dialogue rings very true, and he does a great job of keeping the audience on our toes without ever losing us. His direction of this movie is also superb. As many twists and turns as this movie has, under less capable hands it would have been a confusing mess. It is clear from the beginning of the movie that he has a strong vision, and his vision carried me through to the climatic ending.
So, all in all, I can't recommend Dark Tomorrow enough. There are many "independent" films being pumped out every day. Many of them are straight out of Hollywood and their star power and cash flow call into question how they were ever called "independent". Most of the rest have horrible scripts, dreadful acting, god awful technical aspects and weak direction. This is one of the REAL independent films that truly has the best of everything.
******Possible spoilers to follow, read at your own risk******
The movie starts off with a bang by throwing you directly into the middle of a raucous Michigan State Spartan bash. It is hosted by the lead character, John Wesley. The music is blaring, the drinks are flowing and fights are brewing underneath the surface. John's girlfriend, Debbie, begins to feel sick, and John escorts her to the bathroom. They talk for awhile about their soon to be (she hopes anyway) wedding, and both of them end up passing out.
This is where the movie really begins: John wakes up the next morning, and his house is deserted. As he stumbles through each room, observing the copious damage to his home and artwork, his confusion over last night's events begin to settle in. He then turns on the television and sees a special report that nearly robs him of his sanity. According to the local anchorwoman, one year ago today he stabbed his girlfriend Debbie to death. He was subsequently convicted of murder and thrown in jail. In the strangest twist of all, the anchorwoman claims he escaped from jail the night before and a search is on to find and arrest him. Finally, John realizes to his horror that a news team is broadcasting live from right outside his front door.
From this point forward the movie is a relentless thriller. Wesley has to confront: his confusion, lack of memory, love for Debbie, his former best friend, Debbie's parents and bizarre moments of Deja Vu that may mean nothing, or they could mean his chance to rewrite history. All of this while running from a city-wide man hunt that is determined to find, and even kill him if need be. Wesley is rarely allowed to come up for air, and the audience isn't allowed to either.
Unlike other substandard films, don't look for a neat little summary and happy/fake resolution here. These filmmakers aren't going to pander to you. The ending will make you think, discuss, drink a little, smoke a little and then come back for a second viewing. It is a heart pounding joyride to behold, and even now my friends and I still discuss, and argue about, what happened in John Wesley's world on that fateful night.
The acting in this film is beautifully subtle. Chris Moller brings a depth and range to John Wesley that is dearly needed. In less capable hands, Wesley would come across as a psychotic loser. The movie really benefits by his understated and accomplished performance. Mike Merna's portrayal of Wesley's former best friend Joe Freeman has a kinetic energy and intelligence that makes you easily forget he is a supporting character. The enigmatic qualities Shaun Buckley(Corey) brings to his character, along with expressive eyes filled with thoughts impossible to read, adds an interestingly mysterious quality to all of his scenes. The sheer rage and feeling of helplessness that Lizzy Russell(Carol) and Alex Safi(Steve) add as Debbie's parents mourning her loss keeps the movie grounded in pathos and hardcore reality. Jahi Zuri as the town's police Captain is in turn frightening and funny with his righteous anger over his bungling police force, and their inability to catch a lone man on the loose. Rounding out the main cast is Jennifer Lester(Debbie). Her subtle portrayal, seen mostly in flashback, is a lesson in what an actor can do with a small role. Within a few short scenes we understand what a great loss it will be in Wesley's life that he may have to learn to live without her.
The technical aspects of Dark Tomorrow are also incredible, especially given the very limited budget. The movie looks very crisp and clean, and the lighting choices are excellently tailored to John Wesley's given circumstances and moods. The special effects are very impressive for an indie as well, as is the fight choreography. The only technical problems that I saw were some of the choices regarding sound. At times the music would drown out the dialogue, and sometimes there was music in places that didn't really seem to need it. This is an easy fix, however, and it didn't end up really detracting from what was otherwise an excellent film.
Last, but never least, I have to comment on the script and the direction, which were done by the same man. John Goins' script is solid and incredibly inventive. The dialogue rings very true, and he does a great job of keeping the audience on our toes without ever losing us. His direction of this movie is also superb. As many twists and turns as this movie has, under less capable hands it would have been a confusing mess. It is clear from the beginning of the movie that he has a strong vision, and his vision carried me through to the climatic ending.
So, all in all, I can't recommend Dark Tomorrow enough. There are many "independent" films being pumped out every day. Many of them are straight out of Hollywood and their star power and cash flow call into question how they were ever called "independent". Most of the rest have horrible scripts, dreadful acting, god awful technical aspects and weak direction. This is one of the REAL independent films that truly has the best of everything.
Needs Work
tapewench26 May 2003
Much like another commentor, I was invited to the Premiere by some Michigan friends who had heard good things about it. This was my first experience going to a movie premiere in the Detroit area, so my wife and I gladly burned three-and-a-half hours worth a gas to attend. Unfortunately, "Dark Tomorrow" was also my first experience in how uncomfortable it can be to sit through a bad film while surrounded by the people who made it.
The film tells the tale of John Wesley (Chris Moller) who wakes up after a night of boozing only to find that, not only has one year passed, but also he has killed his fiance' and escaped from prison, and he has no recollection of any of it. A news crew, shooting a story outside his house, gives chase, and John winds up running all over town for a good portion of the next fifteen to twenty minutes of the film. In one scene, he steals a car. Then it cuts to a different scene, then when it cuts back to John, he is magically running yet again. Where'd that car go? And what was the purpose of even having that scene in the film?
After a bit more running, John arrives at his friend Joe Freeman's (Mike Merna) house. Joe Freeman, in this past year, has written a book about John's bloody rampage, and after fighting with John and stabbing him in the leg, has no problem sitting down and telling him his recollections of the events of that fateful evening.
I don't want to give away more plot, because there really isn't much else until we get to the "twist" ending - an ending that is often used and rarely done correctly, and in "Dark Tomorrow," causes a state of confusion that borders on annoyance.
THE GOOD:
THE BAD:
THE UGLY:
-CONTINUITY - always a problem, it seems. Often, continuity issues can be forgiven as simple oversights. However, things like eyeline continuity (i.e. person1 and person2 are facing each other, talking. Cut to close-up of person1 talking facing the left - Cut to person2 talking to person1, but for some reason facing left as well) and the aforementioned plot hole with the car, are unforgivable sins, even for a first feature.
CONCLUSION:
As said, this was a first feature. John Goins deserves congratulations on creating a feature film. However, Mr. Goins, you're gonna need a bit more practice.
The film tells the tale of John Wesley (Chris Moller) who wakes up after a night of boozing only to find that, not only has one year passed, but also he has killed his fiance' and escaped from prison, and he has no recollection of any of it. A news crew, shooting a story outside his house, gives chase, and John winds up running all over town for a good portion of the next fifteen to twenty minutes of the film. In one scene, he steals a car. Then it cuts to a different scene, then when it cuts back to John, he is magically running yet again. Where'd that car go? And what was the purpose of even having that scene in the film?
After a bit more running, John arrives at his friend Joe Freeman's (Mike Merna) house. Joe Freeman, in this past year, has written a book about John's bloody rampage, and after fighting with John and stabbing him in the leg, has no problem sitting down and telling him his recollections of the events of that fateful evening.
I don't want to give away more plot, because there really isn't much else until we get to the "twist" ending - an ending that is often used and rarely done correctly, and in "Dark Tomorrow," causes a state of confusion that borders on annoyance.
THE GOOD:
- There were two shots in the film that I liked. One is an interesting low angle of Alex Safi after an argument with his wife, the other is another intresting low angle of Chris Moller with a lovely composite sky behind him.
THE BAD:
- The story is cliche' beyond comprehension, and filled with holes that can't be filled without a complete reshoot of the film.
- I often notice in Indie films that directors feel they need to fill every waking moment of their masterpiece with music. So, with every scene change in "Dark Tomorrow," we have a drastic change in musical accompaniment that jars you out of the context of the film.
- At one point, John (Moller) goes to a cemetary where he and his girlfriend used to have picnics (which I still don't understand), and discovers her grave. That grave is a piece of cardboard with hand-scrawled "Here Lies" lettering, and is a laughably bad prop. This, to me, indicated that the makers of this film just stopped caring about trying to create a reality, and shot things that no one in their right mind would do.
THE UGLY:
- The lighting is also fairly typical of indie films - flat, even, and spruced with sporadic colored gels for "symbolic mood." This is a film noir. This film should be high contrast and moody, not lit more flatly than a soap opera.
-CONTINUITY - always a problem, it seems. Often, continuity issues can be forgiven as simple oversights. However, things like eyeline continuity (i.e. person1 and person2 are facing each other, talking. Cut to close-up of person1 talking facing the left - Cut to person2 talking to person1, but for some reason facing left as well) and the aforementioned plot hole with the car, are unforgivable sins, even for a first feature.
CONCLUSION:
As said, this was a first feature. John Goins deserves congratulations on creating a feature film. However, Mr. Goins, you're gonna need a bit more practice.
Movie was still a Work Print
envsnentert30 July 2003
Warning: Spoilers
The film that these individuals are reviewing was a WORK PRINT! There has not been a PREMIERE open to the public yet! The screening in MICHIGAN was shown late November 2001 to friends, family, and investors to boost moral and to complete finishing funds. Yes, finishing funds because the movie was not finished it was a WORK PRINT!
At the time of the screening, an overpowering TEMP music track was needed to drown out bad audio tracks. The sound has been totally re-mastered, early 2003, and over half of the music re-equalized. As for certain scenes, yes, the lighting could have been better. DARK TOMORROW was completely made by first time filmmakers with no experience. A lot of light was used to make the 16mm print look crisp to avoid grain, but AGAIN these reviews are based on a ONE LIGHT TRANSFER projected on DIGI-BETA. All lighting errors have been corrected by color timing as it now has a much DARKER look and feel.
I don't quite understand why someone would write in now to bash an unfinished movie they saw almost two years ago? Yes, I could see why they would be in expert in finding problems with Continuity, especially remembering what the eye line was.
MINOR SPOILERS
As for the plot hole with the car, John Wesley steals the car to get to Debbie's house as fast as he can. THE CAR IS SEEN LEFT IN THE DRIVEWAY, after he has the fight with the mother. He leaves the house disoriented, walking down the street with the gun, LEAVING THE CAR BEHIND.
As for the headstone in the graveyard YES it is bad. It was the best the filmmakers could do for the budget and time allowed but with Color Correction, matched with the glories sunset in the background, combined with Chris Moller's performance, it is hardly noticeable.
Dark Tomorrow is currently being shopped Internationally with plans to be released at the beginning of 2004 to DVD. Don't comment on the Production Value of an UNFINISHED movie or Continuity Errors on a film you saw nearly two years ago. Save your review until you seen a FINISHED product.
At the time of the screening, an overpowering TEMP music track was needed to drown out bad audio tracks. The sound has been totally re-mastered, early 2003, and over half of the music re-equalized. As for certain scenes, yes, the lighting could have been better. DARK TOMORROW was completely made by first time filmmakers with no experience. A lot of light was used to make the 16mm print look crisp to avoid grain, but AGAIN these reviews are based on a ONE LIGHT TRANSFER projected on DIGI-BETA. All lighting errors have been corrected by color timing as it now has a much DARKER look and feel.
I don't quite understand why someone would write in now to bash an unfinished movie they saw almost two years ago? Yes, I could see why they would be in expert in finding problems with Continuity, especially remembering what the eye line was.
MINOR SPOILERS
As for the plot hole with the car, John Wesley steals the car to get to Debbie's house as fast as he can. THE CAR IS SEEN LEFT IN THE DRIVEWAY, after he has the fight with the mother. He leaves the house disoriented, walking down the street with the gun, LEAVING THE CAR BEHIND.
As for the headstone in the graveyard YES it is bad. It was the best the filmmakers could do for the budget and time allowed but with Color Correction, matched with the glories sunset in the background, combined with Chris Moller's performance, it is hardly noticeable.
Dark Tomorrow is currently being shopped Internationally with plans to be released at the beginning of 2004 to DVD. Don't comment on the Production Value of an UNFINISHED movie or Continuity Errors on a film you saw nearly two years ago. Save your review until you seen a FINISHED product.
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