This very very low-budget horror film about brutal murders that seem connected with a strange composition book titled Book of Lore, is pretty good. When the murders start, this book is found under a missing guys bed, and it contains detailed drawings and stories that match the killing spree going on. Are the murders caused by some curse unleashed by the strange book, or is somebody just matching the actual murders to the depictions in the book. That's the plot, and even though this movie was made by some young filmmakers for around $8,000, they pretty much get the job done. Interesting movie with some good graphic gore, and the commentary is interesting but at times a little annoying.
4 Reviews
Engaging mystery-horror with some effective comedy elements.
IFeelCream2 June 2010
I heard nothing but great things about Book of Lore before I saw it (not that I always listen to reviews because I don't) and I could tell by the enthusiasm surrounding the movie that I was onto something special.
I would describe Book of Lore as a mystery-horror or even mystery-horror-thriller (!!) with some decent comedy courtesy of the 'best friend' character - a hybrid indie flick if you will! I really enjoyed a lot of this movie, AJ Hyde was perfect as the lead, he very believably conveys the plight of a teenager whose girlfriend is brutally murdered and who also lives in a town full of deep dark secrets. To say anymore would give away this movies main appeal which is unlocking the mysteries of the fictional town of 'Latonsville' as you go along - suffice to say the town was once plagued by a rash of child disappearances and now the many myths spelled out in the titular book is causing havoc among the residents. Hows do these events all tie together? You will just have to watch and find out! Book of Lore is smart, funny, creepy, engaging and very very well made for such a low budget feature - Chris LaMartina and Jimmy George clearly know their stuff and if the previews of their upcoming 'Presidents day' is anything to go by then things are just set to get even better.
My only gripe? A female is killed around half way in and I'm pretty sure the myth attached to her death isn't really made clear like it is with the others - would have been nice to know what the story was for that scene but its a REALLY minor gripe.
I would describe Book of Lore as a mystery-horror or even mystery-horror-thriller (!!) with some decent comedy courtesy of the 'best friend' character - a hybrid indie flick if you will! I really enjoyed a lot of this movie, AJ Hyde was perfect as the lead, he very believably conveys the plight of a teenager whose girlfriend is brutally murdered and who also lives in a town full of deep dark secrets. To say anymore would give away this movies main appeal which is unlocking the mysteries of the fictional town of 'Latonsville' as you go along - suffice to say the town was once plagued by a rash of child disappearances and now the many myths spelled out in the titular book is causing havoc among the residents. Hows do these events all tie together? You will just have to watch and find out! Book of Lore is smart, funny, creepy, engaging and very very well made for such a low budget feature - Chris LaMartina and Jimmy George clearly know their stuff and if the previews of their upcoming 'Presidents day' is anything to go by then things are just set to get even better.
My only gripe? A female is killed around half way in and I'm pretty sure the myth attached to her death isn't really made clear like it is with the others - would have been nice to know what the story was for that scene but its a REALLY minor gripe.
Book of Lore : stands far above!
Lee_Doll29 September 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Book of Lore stands far above most independent horror films. Why? The writing by Jimmy George and the direction of Chris LaMartina elevate this film beyond blood and shock 'em as usual.
Jimmy George has crafted a mystery movie with horror elements.There are plenty of dead bodies and mysterious killings to satisfy the blood thirsty patron. More important is the who-done-it aspect that keeps the viewer wondering until the last few minutes. Try and figure this one out!
Chris LaMartina's directing and editing are what makes Book of Lore excel.His use of camera angles, shadows, and quick cuts heighten the excitement while taking in the quirky characters that populate this film. Amazing direction makes the viewer forget that this is a low budget independent film. So called Hollywood directors should take note of LaMartina's methods and apply them to big budget projects.
The cast performs better than expected for mostly new comers. I predict a bright future for star AJ Hyde.The supporting actors provide the added color for this must see horror/mystery film. RECOMMEND ****
Jimmy George has crafted a mystery movie with horror elements.There are plenty of dead bodies and mysterious killings to satisfy the blood thirsty patron. More important is the who-done-it aspect that keeps the viewer wondering until the last few minutes. Try and figure this one out!
Chris LaMartina's directing and editing are what makes Book of Lore excel.His use of camera angles, shadows, and quick cuts heighten the excitement while taking in the quirky characters that populate this film. Amazing direction makes the viewer forget that this is a low budget independent film. So called Hollywood directors should take note of LaMartina's methods and apply them to big budget projects.
The cast performs better than expected for mostly new comers. I predict a bright future for star AJ Hyde.The supporting actors provide the added color for this must see horror/mystery film. RECOMMEND ****
A fine and gripping small town thriller
Woodyanders3 May 2012
Warning: Spoilers
After his girlfriend gets grotesquely murdered in the same manner as past local unsolved crimes, Rick Adams (an excellent and credible performance by A.J. Hyde) and his two best friends band together to figure out the mystery behind the killings. Director Chris LaMartina, who also co-wrote the absorbing script with Jimmy George, relates the compelling story at a steady pace, creates and sustains a genuinely tense and creepy atmosphere, delivers a vivid depiction of the sleepy small town setting, firmly grounds the plot and characters in a thoroughly plausible workaday reality, and offers a nicely believable take on the familiar premise of popular longstanding urban legends. Moreover, LaMartina sprinkles neat bits of grisly gore throughout and does a bang-up job of peeling away the deceptively bland and tranquil veneer of suburbia in order to expose all the dark and disturbing stuff going on just underneath the surface. The sturdy acting by the able cast constitutes as another major asset: Hyde makes for a strong and engaging lead, with sterling support from Dan Vidor as high-strung artist Jason, D. Patrick Bauer as flip smartaleck Evan, Sean Quinn as intimidating thug Grant, Derrick Lampkins as the sensible Sheriff Barlow, Mary Jane Oelke as overbearing crippled religious fanatic Mrs. Harris, and Mike Baldwin as mean bully Nolan. LaMartina's competent cinematography and Le'Rue Delashay's spare spooky score both further enhance the overall sound quality of this quietly unnerving sleeper.
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