AKamp79 Reviews

Hemisphere (2023)

Impressive!

[8/10 · 17 March 2024]

When it comes to genre filmmaking - sci-fi is my favourite. And I'll watch anything, from mega-budget Hollywood films (like Dune, Interstellar etc) to lower budget indie's.

This film is the latter. But don't let the low-budget turn you off. You have to adjust your expectations on things like production design and visual effects when watching lower budget sci-fi. If you can do that, you will appreciate this wonderful addition to the sci-fi genre.

It's about a woman sent to investigate the disappearance of a space station crew near the planet Mercury. The script here is well written, keeping you guessing and eager to find out the truth. When a surviving crew member is found, the suspense goes up a notch and the film takes a few turns. Despite the low budget, the production values are decent. The acting is great, cinematography solid - and while the budget wasn't there for extravagant production design, the filmmakers have done more than enough to make it believable and keep the viewer engaged.

If you love sci-fi, this is definitely worth taking a look at.

The Stalker: Part II (2023)

A step up!

[7/10 · 12 March 2024]

Horror is certainly not my favourite genre of film, but every now and then I like to indulge! And The Stalker films are a couple that I have enjoyed. While the first was good, this second installment is great!

It has more than enough suspense, twists, turns and scares to keep you glued to the screen. The production values are very good (which is sadly not very common for low-budget films) and the acting is solid. I particularly enjoyed the cinematography which evokes a great mood and sense of dread in the film.

It's also not a long film, coming in at under an hour. So it's the perfect film to watch if you're not in the mood for a long drawn out story. It gets to the point and hits all the right notes - making it a fun, enjoyable, quick watch.

Definitely worth a watch!

How Deep Is the Ocean (2023)

A little Aussie gem!

[8/10 · 23 February 2024]

As an Aussie, I watch a heck of a lot of Australian Indie films - and I thoroughly enjoyed this one!

Writer/Director Andrew Walsh's debut film 'How Deep is the Ocean' is a character study of a young 20-something, Eleanor, who arrives in Melbourne, Australia, trying to make a new life for herself. Over the course of the next year, we see her drift from job to job and dealing with low-life Aussie men.

There's nothing huge or momentous that takes place - it's a simple film about life, love, and simply getting by in this world. Interesting to note is that the film didn't have a full screenplay. The storyline was set, but the actors had to improvise dialogue. This results in a film that feels genuine, even if a little awkward at times.

Worth a look!

Static Codes (2023)

Enjoyable Indie flick!

[7/10 · 23 February 2024]

I love a good alien abduction flick - and this is unlike any I've seen before, in a good way!

When Richard is left paralysed after a car accident, during which his wife was abducted by aliens, he becomes obsessed with finding her. It seems he's off down the conspiracy rabbit hole... until things start happening that make is believe that perhaps Richard isn't crazy and paranoid after all!

It's a fun film that I enjoyed a lot! The cinematography is great. In fact the production values across the board are really high for an indie action/sci-fi film. But the standout is our lead actor - Shane Woodson - who carries the film. Fantastic performance.

Well worth a look!

Toxic Impulses (2022)

Great little film!

[8/10 · 23 February 2024]

I watch a lot of indie films and this is right up there with the best of them.

The film follows an ex-cop who agrees to help a mysterious woman who knocks on his door one night, claiming that she is being blackmailed. Looking for something to do, he gets stuck in and begins investigating. We soon learn that this woman is also a bank robber and very quickly we descend into a dangerous criminal underworld.

Writer/Director Kyle Schadt does a great job of keeping the audience guessing with many twists and turns along the way. While it's not as polished as a Hollywood thriller, in terms of its production values, the story is key - and this is a good one!

This film is a step up from Schadt's previous film 'Silent Panic' and I'd love to see what he can do with a bigger budget. Definitely give this a look if you like a good crime thriller!

The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater (2020)

It's as fun as the title suggests!

[7/10 · 23 February 2024]

If you're looking for a fun film to fill your Friday evening, you could do worse than this indie flick!

What does an art historian do when she's caught up in a dangerous scheme involving political figures, underworld figures, massive loans and an episcopal priest? Well, you'll have to watch the film to find out, but it's an hilarious adventure well worth a look!

While it certainly doesn't have the budget of your average Hollywood film, the production values, acting and directing are better than your usual indie film - and the story line as fun and enjoyable as any film I've watched in recent memory.

Boston2Philly (2016)

Unexpectedly good!

[7/10 · 19 July 2022]

I thoroughly enjoyed this! Great story, well shot and directed. And for the most part, the acting was great. (There were a few moments that I didn't think were great, but overall, the cast does a solid job).

Was just the kind of coming of age film I needed to see!

Well done.

This Is Meg (2017)

Relevant comedy!

[8/10 · 28 October 2019]

It's fun to see a film by the guy who runs Indie Film Hustle! And he's made a great film! It's a comedy that reflects the changing nature of society, driven by social media and the number of 'likes' you get / number of 'followers' you have. In this case, it is Meg who must face this challenge as she struggles in this new world to 'make it'. Definitely worth checking out and supporting great Indie filmmakers like Alex!

8 Remains (2018)

Mind Bending Fantasy!

[8/10 · 1 October 2019]

Not only do I mean it's a fantastic film, it is also fantasy. The filmmakers use this fantasy, parallel world in order for our main character to realise her true self. I love films that use fantasy to deal with real world issues, and this is great example. The premise is intriguing enough to keep you glued to the screen. But the filmmakers deliver a solid all-round film with great cinematography, good acting, and a tight script to keep you entertained throughout. I watched it on Prime Australia, but I'm sure it's available in most countries - check it out!

Know Your Enemy (II) (2019)

Does a lot with a little!

[8/10 · 20 August 2019]

When a road rage incident turns into a home invasion, 2 cultures clash in a tense, psychological drama. I love films that do a lot with very little. And this film is a great example! With minimal cast & locations, the filmmakers manage to create an intelligent, suspenseful film that keeps you glued to the screen.

Bigger Than the Game (2018)

Great sports drama with a greater message!

[9/10 · 20 January 2019]

Just checked this out on Prime Video down here in Australia - WOW! I love sports films - and this is great one! I watch a lot of low-budget indie films from studios like Indie Rights, but this one plays like a much larger, Hollywood film. The production values are all great, but what impressed me most is the message contained in the film. It's got all of the genre specifics right - basketball team going for a championship, needing to overcome obstacles, coach trying to keep the team together etc. But it's the incorporation of faith elements that, for me, help this film rise above other sports dramas. Do yourself a favour & check it out!

The Trade (I) (2017)

Not just for wrestling fans!

[8/10 · 24 July 2018]

I've never been a big wrestling fan, but I enjoyed this! It really captured this weird, crazy, shocking world of death-match wrestling and why people step into the ring and do this. Even though I still can't understand why anyone would want to do this, I found it fascinating! But be warned - it is bloody and hard to watch at times.

Love a la Carte (2014)

Original & funny!

[8/10 · 15 July 2018]

I'm not usually a fan of 'sex comedies', but after being recommended to watch this, I'm glad I did. It took me a little bit to get into the film, as the style is so unlike anything else - but once I settled in, it was a fun, often hilarious ride into the world of marriage, lust, infidelity and love. And reflecting on the film now, I think the style the filmmakers chose is one of it's best assets - it certainly makes the film, which touches on a number of serious issues, very easy to digest and very memorable. Kudos must go to all the actors as well, who took on a lot for low-budget indie (sex scenes etc), and did a wonderful job

D'Inked: A Tattoo Removal Documentary (2017)

Fascinating doco about Tattoo culture & getting them removed!

[9/10 · 29 June 2018]

D'Inked is a fascinating documentary. I've seen plenty of Tattoo shows such as 'Tattoo Nightmares', 'Inkmaster', 'Bondi Ink', 'Tattoos After Dark' and so on. But none of them take a look into getting tattoo's removed. I knew getting them removed was much harder than getting them in the first place, but I didn't realise the ordeal it really is - particularly for large tattoos. This doco did a great job of showing this journey of tattoo removal, but also looked into how tattoo culture has grown over the years. It's by no means an 'anit-tattoo' film, but rather it celebrates the artform. What it does do though, is provide a warning to be careful about what ink you get done. After watching this, going through tattoo removal is not something anyone would want to do!! Definitely worth watching!