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Reviews
Horror Hotel: The Movie (2016)
A very fun ride! :D
I really dig this film. I set upon it without ever seeing a trailer, synopsis, or review - incredibly pleasantly surprised. I found the direction served the genre incredibly well, deft, crisp and consistent throughout.
A very campy, stylized Twilight Zone-ish feel. I found all the stories intriguing with interesting twists. I certainly had some favs over others, but overall very clever writing, well acted, and the production value was well calculated on a low budget scale.
I look forward to more from this team. They've created a piece that certainly has a stamp and voice and is not common or humdrum.
Rows (2015)
Imaginative Modern Fairy Tale
Rows is a most imaginative Indie film inspired by Grimm's Tales and the disappearance of two sets of girls years apart. The second set of girls apparently returned but remembered nothing of who they were or where they'd been, according to the makers of the film.
A dark, modern fairy tale of an enchantress casting a spell upon protagonist Rose and her friend, thereby leaving them lost seemingly forever in a cornfield, doomed to repeat horrific events until they can figure a way to escape by finding answers to these strange happenings and breaking the spell.
The cinematography is excellent and there are some unusual shots that add to the surreal atmosphere of the film. The music is outstanding and the sound effects create tension and a creepy, unsettling feeling. This film definitely succeeds in what it sets out to do as a fantasy thriller.
We Are Kings (2014)
Proof you don't need a great budget to make a great movie
We Are Kings is proof that budget is not what makes a great movie. This Indie film hits every note perfectly, from the uplifting story, interesting characters, heartbreak, humor, struggle, success, excellent acting, great music, beautiful cinematography -- to a funky old bus called the Blues Bucket.
This is a story for all generations and makes a great family film to be watched many times over.
The actors as musicians are the real deal -- multi-talented genuine musicians with heart and soul -- and you can tell!!! I'm not typically a fan of musicals but this film completely won me over, no small thing!!! Writer, Director Toby Hubner deserves high praise indeed, as does his cast and crew, for creating such a wonderful gift of a film. Kudos indeed!!!
Candlestick (2014)
A WhoDunnit with twists
Candlestick by it's name alone, instantly brings to mind the game of Clue along with an old-fashioned British murder mystery and the ultimate question of "whodunnit?" Although, in this film it's more about the unfolding twists and turns than a simple classic whodunnit.
No drafty old mansions for this movie, filmed on a one set location in the style that brings to mind some of Hitchcock's oldies but goodies -- this is a contemporary murder mystery beautifully filmed in a contemporary setting.
The cast is excellent, performing in the theatrical British style required -- while the film score is outstanding!!! Writer/ Director Christopher Presswell and Co- Writer Andres Forgacs have created an extremely impressive film on an Indie budget!!! Kudos indeed!!!
Miles to Go (2012)
Explicit sexual comments - avoid if that's not your cup of tea!
Miles To Go, is an intimate Indie film about a SoCal writer who desires a permanent relationship with his ex,, but continues to sabotage it with his deep -seeded belief that all his relationships are doomed to failure no matter how perfect they appear --- because of his sexual boredom issues. Frankly, he has an addictive personality and although he has worked on drinking and drugs, he refuses to work on his addiction to Massage Parlors. This is a story that many men will relate to, I believe, the fear of commitment versus fear of loneliness. There is also the issue of how much Mile's ex will put up with to retain a comfortable relationship with someone she loves and cares for. Once again we return to the loneliness theme.
The actors do an excellent job of conveying their points of view and although you may not agree with the character's points of view, you understand why they have them. There are some interesting choices made in the cinematography that add to the film's atmosphere. There is a very authentic feel to this film. I loved the dancing between the water and highway scene!
It's no easy task to both direct and act in a film, and to succeed as well as Quincy Rose has impresses me greatly. Kudos to Quincy!
The Aviation Cocktail (2012)
Impressive, Ambitious Indie Film
A totally impressive and suspenseful Drama /Thriller Indie film by writer, director Davis Higgins, whose work I'll be looking forward to seeing more of in the future! This period piece set in the Fifties does an excellent job of pulling you into the period with it's authentic vehicles, clothing, props etc. and yet the story is timeless.
Considering the low budget of an indie film, my hat is off to them for accomplishing so much with so little!!! I was very impressed by the most excellent cinematography as well. There were many beautiful moments of filming with specific shots that blew my mind with their thoughtfulness. The actors were all top notch and very believable. Even the child actors did a commendable job -- so kudos to all! While the story of love, envy, betrayal and hate is as old as the hills, in this case it is told so extremely well, and the characters so well drawn, that I was willingly pulled into their lives.
The film accurately depicts the complexities of small town life in a rural community, whatever time period. It also points out that people are not usually good nor bad -- but are way more gray in reality. You really get a handle on why the characters behave the way they do and why they are led to such actions. So once again -- kudos to the writer/director and actors!!! This film has several twists to keep you on your toes!!! So if you enjoy a well written, beautifully filmed period piece that builds in suspense and is peppered with surprise twists -- then this is the film for you!!!!
Love a la Carte (2014)
Humorous, entertaining, nice brisk paced comedy
I really enjoyed this film! As an Indie filmmaker fan, I was impressed by this by this Indie film's innovative story telling via camera work and editing. The creative cut-ins kept my attention, while providing a humorous way to move the story forward in both an entertaining way and at a nice brisk pace.
The locations are amazing and the cinematography excellent! The writing was witty and told the tale of middle age angst and the confused state of, "is this really all there is to supposed wedded bliss?", in a lighthearted manner (that I believe serves best to stretch people's perceptions of such a serious subject).
There's some great acting by the cast! The male leads were excellent and likable somehow even when being a jerk -- while all the women's performances were strong memorable and relate-able.
The best buddy mechanic offers sage advice to Phil, the philandering husband -- but also leads the viewer to ask themselves more questions as to how he really fits into the picture. What's the wife really up to? What kind of relationships do the married but unfaithful women really have to lead them to Phil? Is Phil going to grow in any way other than in his trousers? Watch the film and all these questions will be answered! A sex comedy that's just plain fun and certainly worth a watch!
The Cain Complex (2015)
An Excellent Action Thriller
Another very surprising Indie film! I'm a huge fan of martial arts/fight action! And these guys did a tremendous job shooting and executing tight, suspenseful action sequences inside of a solid film.
The story is well crafted, keeps you one the edge of your seat, and moves really quickly. The camera work is very well done. The performances are very good. The thriller/horror elements are very well integrated and the film is laced with lots of symbolism. The fight stunts are great.
A very ambitious film on an Indie scale, and the filmmakers excelled! Lots of twists and turns, a very fun ride! A really great Indie fight action/thriller!
How to Beat a Bully (2015)
Lots of Laughs - perfect for the whole family!
I have to say: this film really surprised me. Not sure why I even decided to watch it. And the FILM DELIVERS! I really love 'message' pictures that deliver without pounding the pulpit, and I love them even more when they get their message across with humor!
Cleverly written; the story moves along without a hitch; the basic plot line is incredibly funny; the casting was really perfect; the performances are well done; kids will 'get' the jokes; plenty of humor for adults too.
It's a pretty perfect little Indie flick. And if you're looking for family fair, this is an amazing candidate.
Earthrise (2014)
An Ambitious Low Budget Film - Hat Off
I really like this film! Incredibly ambitious and thoughtful. The film is a slow build, not told in chronological order, and has a decent twist at the end. If you're looking for the action packed, space ship battles, monsters, laser guns, etc, this film is not for you.
However, if you do like clever, innovative story telling with interesting characters and twists, this film is up your alley.
I think the film is a great mix of science fiction and film noir and character study.
Obviously, a low budget film, the production design and the ambition of the production itself was impressive.
My Life Over the Top (2015)
A Compelling Study in Kingpin Life
A very interesting dip into the world of a real life Kingpin. The history is amazing, the story demonstrates Virgil Fairley's determination to be one of the 'haves' in life, however misdirected. Obviously, Fairley had an amazing business sense and the guts to get to the top in the game of prostitution and drugs. The ups and downs are incredible. The story is very compelling. An interesting study of business success!
In terms of filmmaking - a low budget production. And a very decent use of production resources, a good thru line of story, a very good indie film. My only complaint: the sounds levels of the soundtrack buried, at times, the dialog. So I did struggle to literally hear some of the folks interviewed.
Overall, a very worthy watch.
Hillbilly Horror Show (2014)
A Total Horror Hoot!!!
I really enjoyed this film. I totally loved the shorts! I had lots of laughs with the hosts. A very cool throw back to the late night horror shows. I was very impressed with the quality of horror shorts presented. The hosts move it right along and are completely entertaining. I really admire these filmmakers. Not only did they create a very good standalone indie film, they also support horror films that might other wise not have wide circulation. Kudos - for finding a lovely way to pursue your film-making and pushing the work of others out into the world as well. I will certainly be tuning into Volumes 1 - 3!! Nothing like alcohol and horror!!!
Fight Like a Girl (2013)
Outstanding!!!!!
This is amazing storytelling! Fascinating people doing unique, challenging things; facing their own inner demons and outside prejudices. I got totally caught up in the worlds of these amazing women and, unlike most documentaries, was drawn into the stories of their lives. It is absolutely about boxing and how women are not immediately accepted or supported in the sport. But it is also about empowerment, about reaching into yourself and battling inner demons and doubts. Really remarkable that a documentary could be so incredibly compelling. And it has a beginning, middle and very satisfying ending! I felt I went with the amazing women on their journey and got off at the last complete stop! Rockin'!! Highly recommend watching this movie!!!!!