Reviews
Attack of the Doc! (2023)
Fun to Watch and Left Me Smiling
I don't play video games and I never watched this show when it was on, so I was a little lost at the beginning because there isn't a lot of context for viewers in this particular instance. I came by this documentary because I'm a fan of Film Threat Magazine, which produced it. The story assumes you know what the show is and who the hosts are. This isn't a terrible sticking point because the titles tell you up front that this is, "for the fans and by the fans." So, I stuck with it, keeping that in mind. As the movie goes on you do learn all about both the show and the people involved, leaving you with a real sense of affection for them by the end. It's clear that the Attack of the Show was something special for the fans and the creators. You have fun watching highlights and being taken back to a time before the internet changed everything. It was also cool for me, as someone who had been going to Comic-Con since before it blew up to watch footage of a time and place I lived through. I remember that two-story G4 podium even though I wasn't really aware of what was going on there because I had different focuses at the time. Ultimately, it was an extremely entertaining documentary that will leave you feeling energized with a smile on your face. Whether you know the show or not, it's a recommend from me.
Holes in the Sky: The Sean Miller Story (2021)
Uses the strangness of UFO accounts to great effect.
They really did their homework with this one, taking the strange accounts and stories from around the world, regarding UFOs, and weaving them into a creepy narrative. It's a slow burn but stays interesting throughout. There are moments within the film that really dive into the truly unexplainable aspects of what may be beings from another dimension, space, or who knows where.
It's interesting to see the found footage/documentary style used to present a fictional story that the real life director are inserted into, making me question at first if this was indeed a real documentary or a work of fiction.
The Resonator: Miskatonic U (2021)
There's a good movie in this bad movie.
I'm fascinated with Full Moon Features from a low budget movie production standpoint but I'll admit that their production choices are about as antithetical to what I prefer, as they can get. Flatly lit, uninspired camera work, bad acting, and basic After Effects level VFX. When I turned on The Resonator I fully expected to turn it off after five minutes, like I do with pretty much every post 90s production from Full Moon but instead, I was hooked. If you can get past all of the above mentioned flaws (and believe me, I don't blame anyone for not wanting to) there's actually a good story here with a lot of heart. An unofficial (and I'm sure unauthorised but what ya gonna do? It's in the public domain.) sequel to From Beyond, the cast give it their all and the creature work is actually pretty on point, probably by newcomers who have a lot of passion and something to prove. Unfortunately, they don't stick the ending but the effort was enough to make me take note. Is it a recomend? Only for the most diehard cheesy horror movie fans or filmmakers looking for some low budget inspiration. Anyone else will probably throw tomatoes at the screen, as well as at me if I told them to go watch it.
Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
Endearing Characters and Story That Breaks The Norm
I won't say much other than it does something that a lot of films forget to focus on, which is being entertaining. The characters are extremely likable, their motivations and flaws compelling, and the effects work is groundbreaking. It also takes some chances with the story choices that are refreshing. I hope it gets the sequel that people are hoping for.
Dry Blood (2017)
A solid and disturbing horror film. (Don't listen to the jaded haters.)
This was a genuinely good indie film. Very dark, very disturbing, and will sometimes push it too far for more sensitive viewers, but extremely well crafted. The acting is a mixed bag but the lead and protagonist are solid, so it doesn't get in the way of the story. The effects are pretty seamless which is a big plus. There were moments that made me jump yet the story pulled me in and didn't let go. Shades of The Shining yet its own unique vision. Great sound mix and music, too.
I don't know what the one star reviews are about. Yes, it's a low budget movie with limitations but the production is anything but armature. People are just getting way to jaded and as a result they're smothering good content with preconceived notions of what's good.
Like most movies there's room for improvement but I'd say it's leaps and bound better than 95% of the indie horror films that are coming out these days. I look forward to seeing more from this team.
12 Kilometers (2016)
Great Concept With Room To Grow
I found this short film the be genuinely creepy with the kind of production quality that comes from talent rather than money but it does look like whatever money was in the budget was well spent. There's a strong old school Spielberg influence in the camera work, which I liked because it speaks of a visual storytelling that is often absent from even big budget Hollywood movies.
The ideas are solid enough but I think could use some consideration in how it might set itself apart from ideas put forth in movies like Phantoms or Prometheus. It differently has the feel of something from the imagination of H.P. Lovecraft in which an expedition of some kind medal in something that is beyond their understanding.
The ending hinted at an interesting idea, although the execution was a little indulgent in the house cliche department. Then again it did work for the scene.
I'd say this is about 98% better than most indie short films I've seen and I look forward to seeing it developed into a feature film. Yes, I'd go to the movies to see it fully realized and I recommend this short film.
Harbinger Down (2015)
Better Than People Want You To Think
This is actually a much better movie than I see a lot of people giving it credit for. This is a fun B-movie with really clever use of practical effects and miniatures (which most of the time will not be spotted, because they're integrated so well)combined with clever camera work and editing. The story is basic but fun, with some interesting if subtle character arches, such as that between Svet and Big G, that play out through the entirety of the film. They really did deliver more than most low budget horror features that get more praise than this movie is earning. Of course band-wagoners will always line up to heap hate on anyone who dares to do something more than just another slasher film or found footage rehash. I think once the hipster crowed is done being better than this film, retro punks and young horror fans alike will form fond memories of group movie nights over popcorn and Harbinger Down. I look forward to what studioADI comes up with next.