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9/10
strong murder mystery with great character work
27 December 2022
The mystery that fuels "Ramsey" is gripping, but the characters and the themes that are explored are what make the film truly resonant and memorable. The script is extremely well-crafted, the actors are all totally capable and committed, the cinematography is fantastic, the music adds a nice texture to the film, and the direction and editing keep the film moving right along while allowing subtle character moments to breathe and keep us emotionally invested. If you're in the mood for a 70's-style indie thriller with some shades of noir and fully realized characters, you should definitely check out "Ramsey".
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8/10
inventive and surprising horror mystery
12 November 2022
NO SPOILERS. I really enjoyed this film, so I wanted to write a review. However, I don't want to give anything away, so I'll keep this fairly brief! "As The Village Sleeps" is an intriguing horror film with a fun concept (It's like a grounded and earthbound "Jumanji" with a horror twist.) and solid execution. The cast is game, the writing is clever, and the suspense builds steadily throughout. It's a well-directed indie with a plot that unfolds nicely and keeps you engaged. If you're in the mood for a surprising horror film that keeps you guessing, definitely check this one out! I'm looking forward to seeing what these filmmakers do next.
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Fated Reunion (2022)
9/10
fresh indie romance
22 October 2022
A friend of mine caught this romantic comedy/drama on Tubi and recommended it to me, and I'm glad she did! I love character-driven and honest and open films, and this movie was right up my alley. Engaging performances and a grounded script kept me invested in these characters, and the sure-footed direction calibrated the tone and energy throughout and kept the story flowing. The way that the characters face both their internal conflicts and the ones between is all very authentic and relatable, which, to me, is the key to a film like this. If you're in the mood for a charming indie romance, you should definitely check this one out.
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9/10
intriguing and ultimately chilling documentary
6 May 2022
This film lures you in with gorgeous cinematography, a beautiful score, and a steady and calming narrative voice, but the stories being told become more and more disturbing, as do the images that are interspersed with the scenic yet foreboding landscape. Expertly made and thoroughly engaging. If you're looking for a film that will scare you in a non-traditional way, you should definitely check this one out.
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8/10
Lots of fun!
27 January 2022
This over the top indie keeps you entertained throughout. It takes a true tragic story as a jumping off point for a pretty wild and bonkers genre-blending ride. The filmmakers take a lot of big and audacious swings here, and most of them land! If you're intrigued by the fun trailer, definitely give this one a chance.
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10/10
awesome concept and wonderful execution
16 January 2022
I don't want to give anything away, so I won't say too much here! What I WILL say is that the premise is brilliant and the execution makes the most of it. It's extremely well written, directed, and edited, and the performances are wonderful. If you're into dark comedies, thrillers, character-driven indies, and/or horror films (This movie excels in all of those arenas.), then check out "Killer Concept"!
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9/10
hilarious and extremely relevant
8 December 2021
I didn't know anything about this film, but the premise intrigued me. I'm so glad I gave it a chance, because it's exactly the kind of sweet and charming comedy that I was in the mood for. Whether or not you're a teen now or, well, quite a few years ago, you'll find something to relate to in this well-written and wonderfully acted film. "Modern Breakfast Club" is such a fitting and well-deserved description for this engaging indie. Check it out!
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7/10
Clever, off-kilter, and very entertaining
6 November 2021
I'd heard good things about this movie, so I gave it a shot without really knowing what to expect. At first, I thought it might be too raunchy for my taste. I quickly realized, though, that the filmmakers were subverting those expectations and doing something refreshing and different. Voice-over is extremely well utilized in this film, granting us clever and telling insights into the mind of our unique hero. The cast is excellent, especially the leads (Kudos to Lorrisa Julianus for not only playing the lead but also writing AND editing this film!), and the direction is often inspired. It's a funny, suspenseful, and surprisingly touching film that is definitely worth your time.
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The Stalker (III) (2020)
9/10
Suspenseful and engaging throughout
4 November 2021
This was a fast-paced and very fun ride. I don't want to say too much for fear of giving anything away, so I'll just say that it's a surprising story about consequences. The cast is great, and the performance by the actor who played the titular "Stalker" is incredible. The script is tight and clever, the direction is solid, and it's extremely well done on the technical side, too. Check it out!
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Driven (I) (2019)
10/10
This movie is a blast!
2 October 2021
I don't want to accidentally give anything away by saying too much, so I'll keep it brief! "Driven" is a fun ride from start to finish. Richard Speight, Jr. And Casey Dillard (who also wrote the very sharp and engaging script) are incredible together, and it is EXTREMELY well directed by Glenn Payne. The production quality is rock solid across the board. Check it out!
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Marlo Lasker (2020 TV Movie)
9/10
funny and surprisingly touching
20 April 2020
This great indie comedy made me laugh out loud quite a few times! With its sweet script and inspired direction (both by Rich Rotella, who's also excellent and fully committed in the lead role), MARLO LASKER is a fun underdog story that I highly recommend to anyone who's looking to unwind with a wonderfully silly feel-good film.
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False Colors (2020)
8/10
gripping and relevant
17 April 2020
William Norton has crafted an extremely timely political thriller that strikes a nerve while it gets your pulse racing. The cast is very strong, and Matthew Gilliam leads the charge with an impressively grounded and engaging performance. I highly recommend this tense and entertaining film.
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Hex (2017)
10/10
truly chilling
3 December 2019
George Popov and Jonathan Russell have delivered a truly unsettling historical thriller that reveals itself to be a great character study as it unfolds. The dynamic between these two soldiers on opposing sides is compellingly written by the directors and expertly played by Daniel Oldroyd and William Young. The foreboding score, top shelf sound design, and excellent cinematography plunge you into this well-told tale even more. I highly recommend this spooky and thoroughly engaging film.
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9/10
Mulder and Scully would approve!
9 July 2019
This riveting documentary tells the story of intrepid reporter Jamie Maussan, a Mexican journalist who has covered various UFO sightings in his country. This honorable guy has been dedicated to the study of UFOs for decades now, and what he's dug up over the years is fascinating. This extremely well researched and crafted film definitely piques your interest and makes you curious about what's out there. I think it would be very entertaining for anyone who has even the slightest interest in UFOs, but even if you're a skeptic, this is pretty engaging stuff.
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9/10
consistently eerie and engaging
4 July 2019
Apparently based on true events, this haunting film is a wonderful piece of bold storytelling from Daniel Espinosa and Craig Ahrens. It's well-crafted from top to bottom and bolstered by solid performances, including a great turn from Mr. Ahrens himself. The movie is ominously photographed, its striking images nicely underscored by a compelling yet never overbearing score. In fact, the whole sound design (a crucial aspect of films that is far too often unsung) is certainly worth noting as well. The grounded nature of it all keeps the film more engaging and relatable than most movies in this genre. I definitely recommend it to anyone who's in the mood for a truly spooky tale!
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Love Is Not Enough (I) (2019)
9/10
a sharp romantic comedy with a lot of heart
22 June 2019
Director/Producer/Screenwriter Shawn Woodard and his entire cast and crew have delivered a funny and insightful film that will keep you engaged throughout. It tackles the modern challenges of connecting with someone romantically and truly nurturing a relationship while pursuing your career in a very honest and unique way. The story is told with great specificity, which is what makes it so universal and relatable. Authentic and charming performances help keep the film nicely grounded reality, which is a quality that makes its hopeful nature truly meaningful and poignant. Check it out!
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Cold Pressed (2018)
9/10
a fresh take on a time-honored genre
6 March 2019
This gritty drama has a great old school vibe and tackles greed and corruption in a way that makes the themes truly resonate. Guided along by a steady hand at the helm, this engaging character-driven thriller is buoyed by strong performances and sharp dialogue. It nicely ratchets up the tension and draws you in more and more as it progresses. The craftsmanship across the board is pretty first-rate, all resulting in some truly solid storytelling.
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9/10
thoroughly entertaining
1 March 2019
This bold and gritty thriller tosses out one well-timed curveball after another. Guided by a steady hand throughout, this sharply written indie is bolstered by authentic performances, stellar editing, awesome cinematography, and (never to be undervalued) wonderful audio. It's well-crafted across the board and definitely worth checking out.
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9/10
a very humane and clear-eyed film
18 February 2019
This true to life drama handles the subject of alcoholism bravely and with sensitivity. Bolstered by great cinematography and sharp editing, this extremely well written and expertly directed film makes the trajectory of these characters and their relationship believable throughout. The leads share a really nice chemistry with each other, and their genuine performances help make every moment resonate. Every facet of this production is handled with great skill. The whole team should be proud of the beautiful and authentic film that they created.
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Everlasting (2016)
10/10
authentic and engrossing
12 February 2019
This haunting drama is wonderfully crafted and bolstered by strong performances across the board. Writer/Director Anthony Stabley, who clearly told the story the way he felt it needed to be told, designed and executed this film beautifully. Raw and with a real sense of immediacy, it's dark without being sensationalistic, unique and intense, and it certainly keeps you enthralled throughout.
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8 Remains (2018)
9/10
ingeniously constructed
7 February 2019
This highly imaginative thriller is one of a kind. Expertly written and masterfully directed, this suspenseful and surprising film is elevated even more by awesome cinematography, strong performances, and great visual effects. It's unique, engrossing, and ultimately a true work of art.
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9/10
a wild and entertaining ride
5 February 2019
It takes a lot of confidence and clarity of vision to pull off a darkly comedic thriller, and Brian Gianci clearly has what it takes to get the job done. This bold and unique film balances the comedy and suspense beautifully, and it has such a great throwback feel to it. His rogue's gallery of entertainingly despicable characters is brought to life by a very game and solid cast. The whole thing has a really nice rhythm and flow to it, keeping you engaged and guessing throughout. If you're in the mood for a movie that's just the right amount of bonkers, check this one out!
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The Generator (2017)
10/10
a real sci-fi gem
5 February 2019
This extremely creative sci-fi trip fully succeeds in creating an immersive world all its own. While it's certainly a great mind-bending ride, it's nicely grounded by authentic and identifiable characters. Bolstered by awesome cinematography and graphics and crisp editing, every visual element is woven together seamlessly. The film is wonderfully stylistic, but, since there is clearly a true storyteller at the helm, the aesthetic far from outweighs the substance. Top to bottom, this bold and chilling indie is a stellar accomplishment.
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The Green Room (2016– )
10/10
hilarious and surprisingly sweet
5 February 2019
This timely and highly original comedy series is a blast from start to finish! Any great series really lives and dies by its characters, and this one has such a great eclectic mix that I could see it running wonderfully for many seasons to come. With solid writing and performances leading the charge, this endearing comedy is relatable for anyone on some level. I'm definitely hoping for a second season of this charming gem!
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The Redeeming (2018)
10/10
great character-driven thriller
1 February 2019
Grounded performances, a tight script, and assured direction keep this suspenseful story humming right along. The actors are fully committed and play off of each other beautifully, nicely complementing this nuanced and engaging dramatic thriller. The tension builds and builds throughout, and a compelling sense of dread permeates every moment. If you're in the mood for an eerie and engrossing film, I highly recommend THE REDEEMING.
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