nerehij Reviews

The Love Hunt (2023 TV Movie)

Don't bother watching the film, you can thank the trailer for ruining it...

[1/10 · 1 October 2023]

I'm sure there were good intentions, but this is a prime example of how a clichéd family-friendly rom-com can go terribly wrong, thanks to a trailer that practically obliterates any incentive to watch the actual movie. As much as I wanted to give this film a chance, the three-minute trailer managed to encapsulate the entire 90-minute storyline, leaving me with a sense of profound disappointment.

The plot, based on what IMDb has written, revolves around a high-powered real estate executive returning home after her father's passing, with the inheritance of his estate hinging on her ability to locate the elusive treasure he once pursued. Not a very exciting plot, but some people might take a bite... but if they watch the trailer, they'll be sure to let go and look elsewhere.

One can't help but wonder if the creators of this film have ever heard of the concept of suspense or surprise. The trailer's decision to reveal all the major plot points, character arcs, and even the resolution of the film is not only baffling but a disservice to the audience. It's as if they wanted to make sure we knew everything about the movie before we even watching it. They've sacrificed the very essence of cinema - the thrill of discovery, the anticipation of what's to come, and the emotional journey of the characters - for a brief burst of excitement in the trailer.

I find it dissapointing that "The Love Hunt" chose to squander its potential with such a poorly conceived trailer. While I cannot speak to the quality of the entire film, I can confidently say that the marketing team behind it has done a grave disservice to both the filmmakers and the potential audience. If this is the future of movie promotion, it's a bleak one indeed. Save yourself the time and effort, and don't bother with "The Love Hunt" unless you have an insatiable appetite for disappointment.

49: A Tribute to Pulse Night Club (2017)

Short but powerful, an emotional rollercoaster in tribute to a tragic event.

[9/10 · 27 February 2023]

"49" is a powerful short film that tells the story of four strangers who come together to heal after a large scale attack. The film, which runs for ten minutes, is based on the true events of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida. Despite not being set at the club itself, the story captures the essence of the tragedy and its aftermath.

The film is set in the apartment down the street where the Pulse nightclub is located, where the viewers witness the main character named Julie, who suddenly lets in Christian, a gay man who got separated from his partner at the club, a drag queen who was performing at the club when the attacks happened, and a wounded jock who went to the club for the first time. The film showcases how these strangers come together to help one another heal through love, acceptance, and understanding.

The film's director and writer, Brock Yurich, used to work at the Pulse nightclub during his college years at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Following the tragic event at the nightclub, Yurich visited friends who had survived and grieved for those who did not. The experience overwhelmed him with a lot of anger and sadness, and was inspired to write the film as a way to honor the victims and survivors of the tragedy, and it's Yurich's personal connection to the story (as well as all of the cast members who had some connection to Pulse) that helps add an extra layer of authenticity and power to the film.

Yurich's directing skills clearly shows, as he makes the decision to focus on the characters' emotional reactions to the events, rather than the events themselves, and his approach to the way he portrays the violence and injury that occurred without it being too graphic or disrespectful is greatly appreciated, which shows how much he learned as a director (this is Yurich's second film as a director, his first being "T-County").

The performances of the actors are genuine and believable, making the emotional impact of the film all the more effective. While the dialogue is simple and straightforward and could benefit from a bit more depth and complexity, it effectively captures the emotions and experiences of the characters. However, the lack of character development could be seen as a minor flaw and could have been further explored. Nonetheless, the film's focus on the characters' emotional journeys, coupled with the excellent performances by the cast, more than makes up for this shortcoming.

Overall, "49" is a moving and impactful film that honors the lives lost and the community affected by the Pulse nightclub shooting. Brock Yurich's personal connection to the story makes the film all the more meaningful. The film is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy.