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Reviews
The Liberation Men (2024)
An ambitious war tale with heart!
First off, let me say that a few indie films are as ambitious as this one. You could tell that lot of thought went into creating the production details and I personally found them really cool. This film was a throwback to the war films that you would've seen in the 1950s, with an emphasis and character development and dialogue-driven narrative. The film's strength is in a few of ikey and very heartfelt scenes, when the main protagonist pleads for the lives of the civilians in town, and goes about doing everything he can, as a lower ranked enlisted member to change the course of history. As a veteran myself, it was interesting to see many of the details that went into this project, but I also noticed some obvious inconsistencies that kept me on my toes, actually! Overall, This is an excellent film, and the filmmakers did an incredible job creating a sense of place. Production values are likewise top notch. For those out there who enjoy throwback war films, you'll probably find this one to be a gratifying watch.
The Apocalypse Box (2024)
A Well-Made Indie Thriller.
Let me start this review by stating that I don't understand the low ratings for this film - clearly something/someone has a weird agenda. Anyway, this is a professionally made film that reminded me - in the very best ways - of "Tales from the Dark Side" or "Tales from the Crypt". Furthermore, it takes inspiration from some of the dysfunction we currently are experiencing in national politics, which seems to be poisoning peoples' minds across the globe. So those who like more prescience to their stories, that box gets checked off, then there are the horror/gore aspects of the story that are well handled and slick. And I was also thankful that the acting was solid and kept me engaged, which often isn't the case with many independent films. The direction and production values are likewise very well done. James Eaves has created a fun horror romp that my wife, Ms. Snarkypants herself actually enjoyed - and she doesn't do horror. THAT'S saying something. So give "The Apoclypse Box" a watch. I think there is more than enough recommend to fans of the genre, and for those who appreciate the talent you can discover in independent film.
The Cold Father (2024)
A Well-Done Whodunit
This film is an effective character study of a recently-sprung felon who when he gets out of prison, cannot locate her beloved daughter, and goes about the deep investigative work needed to find her. Luthuli Dlamini (Anthony) does a terrific job of portraying world-weariness in a man who has probably seen and done everything in the underbelly of urban South Africa. Still, he conveys a hint of decency (even while wielding a pistol) as Anthony peels back the layers of deceit and misdirection of everyone he interacts with. Utilizing interrogation techniques he learned in prison, he eventually discovers the hard truth of what really happened to his child. The story, while a familiar one, still has a lot going for it, with solid writing, snappy pacing, along with good directing, acting, and production value, all of which add the welcome cinematic element of noir to the tale. Writer/Director Henry Charly has created a fine showcase for his talents, and for those who appreciate caper/thrillers, this is an enjoyable way to spend an evening.
Feet of Death (2024)
A Well Done and Enjoyable Creature Feature
As a connoisseur of independent films, I have watched more than my fair share of Indy horror, films, and rarely do they come close to the overall quality of "Feet of Death". I'm not sure the title really jives with the actual subject matter, but that's just me being nitpicky. Overall, the acting and writing were good, and the two leads were excellent. Then there is the cinematography. It was verdant, lush, and lustrous, with certain shots reminding me of the forests filmed for one of my favorite films, "The Last of the Mohicans" ... the Pacific Northwest environment actually turned into one of the film's main characters, which as a viewer, I appreciated. The directing was also solid, which definitely benefits a story like this one. For anyone out there who likes a top-to-bottom well-madehorror film, "Feet of Death" is a great pick for movie night!
Maybe Forever (2024)
An Ode to Fresh Love, Indie-Style
Remember when YOU first fell in love after what seemed to be a kazillion false starts with other people? And how literally everything was the best ever, even the most banal and mundane? Well, this film takes on that journey, where every moment spent with your person can make your heart skip a beat. The plot of this film is deliberate, just spending like a languid day spent in the arms of "The One", which perfectly encapsulates what this movie is about. Directing/writing/producing team Ruby and George Capacete (who themselves are a recently married couple) have put together what seems to be (to me, anyway) a gentle day-in-the-life story that chronicles their own journey of finally finding what we all long for ... to love and be loved in return. O.
Ordinary Things (2024)
If you dig Hallmark movies.....
A sweet tale of romance between friends who have known one another since childhood. But a tragic situation changes the trajectory of their relationship, when Dannie's (Christine Duchesne-Rivera) mother, who is on her deathbed, wants nothing more than to see her daughter married before she sheds her mortal coil. So Dannie hatches a plan to give her mom her wish, leading to all sorts of complications that only compound things for the worse. And in Dannie's corner is her bestie from childhood, Tyler (Julian Simoes). So there is the set up - you'll need to watch to find out the rest of this romcom's story, but you'll find it to be a sweet-natured and calming watch, with good acting, well-delineated characters, solid cinematography, and competent direction - which as a connoisseur of indie films, I absolutely appreciated. So if you like the gentle approach and storylines of Hallmark movies, this one would be a great choice for date night!
This Is Your Song (2023)
Albee and Inge and Williams meet Gen X
The immediate vibe I got from watching this film was that the director truly appreciates melodramas from the 1950s and 60s. So if your taste runs toward liking things like Inge's "A Delicate Balance", Albee's "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf", or Tennessee Williams' "Glass Menagerie" or "Streetcar", you've definitely landed on the film you need. Overall, the cinematography and acting is pretty good - in fact, I think that since the script is so dialogue heavy and influenced by stage plays, it probably has experienced stage actors inhabiting the main roles. Which makes sense, since the beginning of the film shows a couple of actresses doing theater and some of the backstage drama and intrigue that happens while doing a play. Things bogged down a little bit with the pacing and editing, however. This viewer thought things could be tightened up considerably. But if you'd like hard and heavy melodrama, you'll definitely appreciate this film.
Joe Crist (2024)
Off the wall multi-genre hybrid western
You've never seen a western like "Joe Christ". Seriously. This film is NUTS. And ya really gotta hand it to the film makers for making a film that puts multiple genres in a blender and turning it into a film that entertains, has LOL moments of parody, and tries to reinvent old cliches. And it does it all in under an hour! And for lovers of bloody shoot-'em-ups, the body count is HIGH. Apparently Mr. Christ, as an agent of a higher power, possesses some super human traits that allow him to create miracles. Sprinkled throughout are Biblical references too. So here is the absolute bestestest summary I can offer: if you crave a film that is truly different, combining genres like westerns, horror flicks, action/gun play, faith-based films, fantasy, and parody, you've landed EXACTLY in the film you need!
Pulp Modern: Die Laughing (2024)
Fun Horror Anthology
I enjoyed watching Pulp Modern, and even more surprisingly - to me at least - so did my wife, who typically won't watch horror films. Five shorts, each very well done, each are probably the best ways to experience horror films these days. I enjoy a good scary movie, but sadly, they are few and far between. This one does have some laughs as advertised, but more importantly, uses character actors they are anything but typical. In fact, many are so perfectly cast, I wondered "where did they find these performers?" While horror anthologies like Tales from the Crypt come to mind, I think this one's vibe is actually closer to "Tales from the Dark Side". The pace is snappy, direction tight, writing good, and the production values exceed what many lower-budget films offer. And it has a malevolent cockatiel! Check this one out, you'll enjoy yourself!
The Luring (2019)
An Enjoyable Indie Thriller
First off, let me say that I don't understand the low ratings here...
"The Luring" is a pretty well-made suspense film - a rarity in the genre, and for that I was EXTREMELY grateful! They are rare enough from big studios and rarer still in the indie film world. The attention-grabbing opening scene immediately engaged me, making me want to find out the rest of the story of "the cabin in the woods" - which admittedly is a standard horror film trope, but it was done so well that ...trope/schmope. I'm IN. Production value is top notch, with simple, yet effective practical effects, and the acting of the entire cast is strong. The story flows well most of the time - but as is the case with many films like this, the viewer occasionally needs to work to suspend their disbelief. The child actor (Jake Katzman) in the opening scene was particularly good. Not easy to find effective child performers, and the other kid actors were good as well. Don't want to give too much away, but there were times while I was watching where I was literally screaming at the TV for Claire (Michaela Sprague) to ditch Garrett (Rick Irwin) because...DAMN - what a whacko that character is! Then there is another character who reminded me of The Tall Man in Phantasm, and he is appropriately creepy. Also very creepy was the ultra tall clown, and I wish there was more to that subplot. Overall, There is a lot to like with this indie thriller, and director Christopher Wells' work. Recommended.
Scooter LaForge: A Life of Art (2023)
A Truly Ejoyable Doc
I genuinely enjoyed this film. Ethan Minsker has created a documentary for the ages. Artist Scooter LaForge is the fascinating subject of the film, a man who essentially created an entirely new style of artistic expression. The documentary is populated with the esoteric, exotic, fiercely creative denizens of the modern New York City art scene, adding an air of inclusion to the narrative. Mr. Minsker wore every production hat in this film - writer, director, cinematographer, and most importantly, editor. Carefully selected special effects add to more to an already compelling narrative, and perfectly complement the visual feast that LaForge embodies in every facet of his life. Editing a film is tough, but Mr. Minsker's skill made the entire film move cleanly and organically. Most docs I see these days have to do with the true crime genre, but this one is a welcome change that I very much appreciated. There is so much to recommend about this film, and it's one of the better docs I've seen. Spend your evening with Ethan and Scooter. Totally worth your time!
Hemisphere (2023)
Ambitious indie SciFi
The first thing that I want to say about this film is that it's clear that Director Chris Maes has a genuine passion for special effects, and has a deep admiration of the genre. As I was watching, it was fun for me to discover some of the inspiration that came from Sci-Fi classics such as Ridley Scott's Alien, and even some more obscure titles like Outland, starring Sean Connery and directed by Peter Hyams. It's also genuinely entertaining to me as an afficionao of independent films to see what can be accomplished when a Director/Producer has to overcome budget limitations. That's when real creativity comes to the fore. With that in mind, an ambitious film like this certainly can't be judged in the same category as something that came out of a major Hollywood studio and must be evaluated as such. That said, there were some scenes that rang true for the genre, Some beautiful composition of scenes, and others that brought a chuckle, such as a ceramic pedestal sink on a space station hovering on the dark side of Mercury. My wife and I got a good laugh out of that one! The script itself is interesting, and makes a 180 near the end of the film, to find out what that is, I guess you'll just have to watch, but it certainly caught us off-guard! The one real criticism I have is with this film is that some of the acting and directing didn't convey the gravitas of the situation that the main characters faced. Missing crew, a dead body, adrift on the dark side of Mercury, with no rescue team imminent, and IT that might be a little shady MIGHT be a situation where those who are still alive MIGHT have a little more urgency.
The Edge of Her Mind Anthology (2022)
Poignant, Funny, Universal
Let start this review off right: I truly enjoyed this film. The vignettes of challenges and emotional trickbags often faced by women were spot-on, and filled my thoughts with the often vague intricacies of femininity, relationships, and what often goes on in the deeper recesses of a woman's mind. And the episodic approach works well, given the context of the film. It's rare to find an anthology that isn't related to horror/suspense, much less to find any independent film that is as enjoyable as "The Edge of Her Mind". Each snippet was well-done, and there is nothing to criticize about the technical aspects of the film - everything is just right. This is often not the case with independent movies. And it's not just the production quality that impressed me, but also the quality of the acting, writing and direction. All were to-notch, with too many great talents to mention individually. In the movie Titanic, Rose said "A woman's heart is a deep ocean of secrets", and that's a beautiful, heartfelt, funny, and terrifying thing for women to reconcile, but even more so for men. Having been married to my bestest best friend ever for nearly 20 years, I know this to be an absolute truth, and this film explores some of the deep wellspring found within the mind and soul of every woman. Watch this film with your significant other, and I guarantee there will be some truly insightful and enlightening conversations afterward. Highly recommended.
Good Guy with a Gun (2022)
Exceedingly Well Done & Completely Prescient
Rarely do you comes across a film, whether an indie or something from a major studio, that achieves the lofty standards set by "Good Guy with a Gun". As an aficionado of film, it's easy to see that in today's film world, quality and originality has taken a beating. The opposite is true here, however. This film combines a magnificent script, uniformly outstanding acting from its large cast, expert direction, and stellar production values. Special shout-out to John LaFlamboy. His performance easily outshines supporting roles that have previously won Oscars. He's just terrific in his role as a detective. Furthermore, the issues addressed in this film are smart, necessary, and decidedly un-P. C., which is a welcome relief from vanilla, cookie-cutter offerings that are typical in today's movie landscape. There are messages subtle and extreme, and the actors convey the script's nuances with genuine aplomb. Bravo/brava to them all. Writer/director/producer/actor John Mossman has ascended to auteur status with this film, and if there aren't multiple "Best-of" awards in GGWAG's future, something is terribly, awfully wrong. This film is THAT good, and deserving of every syllable of praise from audiences across the world.
Die'ced (2023)
For those who like gory slash-'em-ups, this one brings the goods
Let me start by saying that as I have gotten older, I am not nearly the aficionado of horror films that I once was. When I was a kid, I LOVED them, but these days it seems as if the genre has run out of steam. That said, there is plenty to like with "Die'ced". The film is well-shot and looks crisp and professional, which often eludes many indie film makers. In addition, the SFX are quite good for an indie film and far better than what I normally see in low-budget thrillers. The SFX team went to great lengths to create interesting scenarios, which I also appreciated. The run time of this film is VERY snappy, which is also a good choice, as the plot is mainly a vehicle to deliver all those creative and graphic kill scenes. And while a few of the performances from the actors were a tad wooden (why didn't they react/scream more given their dire circumstances?), overall, this one is well-made and directed. To summarize, this a solid indie effort, and I look forward to more from Director Jeremy Rudd.
A Dangerous Prey (2024)
Lots of plot points to consider in this one
This film hits on a lot of topics that most in the filmmakers wouldn't dare touch. So let's start with the good about this movie. First off, acting is quite good. Leads are both excellent. Tara Brittney's character had me yelling at the screen! Marlon Ladd, as Aiden was sympathetic in his role, despite his character's questionable actions. Not typical for most Indies that I have seen. It's a relief to see confident actors doing their roles well. When the film started using the N-word, stereotyping, and dropping F bombs all over the place, I knew that these filmmakers were looking to raise a few hackles with the story they were telling. P. C. This is not. There was a lot packed into the film, which is snappy in its runtime as well. The story itself went off into several different directions, and sometimes those directions didn't meet up, but there's enough.
Thorns & Thistles at the End of the World (2023)
A Well Done Indie
So. In end times, what happens to the humanity of ordinary people? Do people revert to the law of the jungle, or do they do their best to retain some semblance of decency and empathy in the face of impending doom? This film addresses these questions, as the main characters, Paul & Felicity try to come to terms with grief and mental illness even as the ultimate conclusion of mankind plays as a subplot. This film looks at the apocalypse on an indie level, with the human stories that continue to evolve despite what the universe has in mind for earth. It's a story that is earnest in its approach, as there is no humor to be found, given the heft of its subject. The opening scene sets the tone, as an acquaintance of main character Paul, deliberately ends his life, rather than face life on earth's ultimate conclusion. Ultimately though, it's the ability to find and embrace forgiveness that is one of the defining features of this film, just as forgiveness is a hallmark of an evolved human being. Its a smaller story of two people doing the best, regardless of the enormity of their larger reality. Overall, a well-made indie film with solid acting, directing and writing, plus a very polished look. It's a film that should inspire conversation, and for that alone, it's a recommended watch from me.
Talent Keyhole (2022)
Visually compelling
Talent Keyhole has some genuinely interesting visual compositions throughout the entire film, along with synthesizer music that harkens back to many of the thrillers that came out of the 70s and 80s. As I listened to the original compositions, my first impression was that multi-threat director and composer Michael Lauter took much of his inspiration from John Carpenter - who scored many of his own films, making him a great film auteur to emulate. I found the shot composition throughout to be very good, almost as if a set designer directed the film. Things bog down in the story telling, however. There are a lot of things going on, and sometimes the narrative isn't clear. The actors in the film are very good-looking too. Unfortunately, this is where the film loses some of its mojo. The lead actress's acting doesn't match their good looks and there are few particularly wooden sequences that may have been aided by tighter editing. Overall, it's obvious that writer/director Michael Lauter accomplished many of his creative visions for the look of the film, and it's clear he has a passion for visuals and shot composition.
ClearMind (2024)
Well Done Indie Thriller
As a connoisseur of indie films, I am often disappointed with the overall quality of many projects. However, this excellent film surprised me on multiple levels. The performances and direction are very good, the acting is professional, and the overall production clearly placed a premium on every technical aspect, with good sound and vivid imagery. The story itself is also compelling. Being able to cope with devastating loss through the use of virtual reality is an intriguing subject. "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind " investigated this concept on an entirely different level, as it was a film about romantic loss. This one is about loss, yes, but the loss of a child, and a hi-tech way of dealing with trauma. It would be difficult for any human to predetermine how they would behave in such a situation, and in this film, virtual reality is utilized to exact revenge on those perceived to have contributed to a child's death. While watching this film, it was often difficult to determine what was real real, and what wasn't, adding to the intrigue. I also enjoyed the twist at the end. Overall, a recommended watch from me!
Fated Reunion (2022)
If you like RomComs with a little more "adult"....
Came across this one on Tubi last night, and I'm glad that I found it. I think I would call this one more of a dramedy, because of some of the more adult situations in story, with laughs gently sprinkled throughout. I also thought that it portrayed men in relationships in a different way than I often have seen in the past. Instead of making the male lead a buffoon, the story presented him as a responsible, sane, and successful black veterinarian. I appreciate stories that show decency in men, in spite of some of the roadblocks that are thrown their way. Female lead was a little bit more complex, as she was shown to be a jumble of conflicting emotions. In addition, there are a couple of interesting subplots that add welcome wrinkles to the story. There are a few unavoidable indie imperfections, but I overall enjoyed this movie and I think that fans of more serious RomComs will enjoy too.
Amy's F-It List (2023)
Ambitious Indie Comedy with a Definite Perspective
"Amy's 'Eff It List" is an ambitious comedy with lots to say, especially as it cruises along to it's interesting conclusion. Also, this film isn't easily classified, because the are so many concepts presented throughout. But it's mostly about the freedoms one may consider taboo when someone has all the time in the world, but are FAR from taboo when there are only a few days left on this earth. As I watched, I asked myself and my wife about the things we might do if we ever discovered we had an acutely terminal illness. It was with great interest that I discovered there is a HUGE difference in perspective between genders, and this film shows what a woman might consider. Some things were totally apropos, others...not so much. Some of the concepts stick, others are a little more obtuse or perhaps out of place, but this film definitely has its own viewpoint, and if there are any real gripes or misgivings about the broad range of the story, the performances more than make up for that. The film is shot and directed well, and there were good laughs to be had throughout...which to me, makes for a successful comedy. 3 1/2 stars.
Silent as the Grave (2023)
Well-done Indie Whodunit
When I watched this film last night, I knew almost from the beginning that I was watching a quality piece. Often, when it comes to low-budget features that isn't the case, and I am grateful for the look and feel of this film. Also, this is the story of a murder that happened long long ago, based on a true story. However, the story is not a well-known one. Often times movies that take on mysteries such as this are televised on shows like "Forensic Files" or are highly publicized crimes that are been dramatized for Hollywood. This one, however, is much smaller than that. It tells the story of young jealous love, and the the emotional aftermath that it can have on a family dynamic. Filmed on the south side of Chicago, the locations are appropriately gritty and working class. The acting and direction are solid, the script is detailed, and the narrative is never left me scratching my head. If true crime stories are your thing, there's a lot to like about this film.
Token Taverns (2023)
Fun doc that gamers will truly appreciate
I grew up in arcades. Lived for them, actually. I learned how to drive stick shift on a drag racing game, mastered the patterns of Space Invaders to become a local gaming legend (and I made quite a bit of $$ as a competitive player), and I remember going to Chicagofest, where there were literally acres of pinball machines to play between concerts. So yeah, I am thrilled that genuine arcades have made a big come-back. This doc highlights the folks who own arcade bars, and the people who love the games and the cool aura of these places. It's a niche that's growing like crazy and it's a social outlet that gets people together for fun and camaraderie. My wife Lorrisa is a principal motion capture actor in the Mortal Kombat video games, as well as DC's Injustice games. So I remain connected to the industry through passion and marriage. For those who enjoy this entertainment niche, Token Taverns is a must-see!
Bugs: A Trilogy (2018)
Well done, snappy horror film!
"Bugs: A Trilogy" is a fun, crisply made movie that goes deep into body horror, and has a unique female perspective with its subject matter. Each short segment picks specific little critters to move the story along, so if you dig the idea of watching creepy crawlies make characters squirm, this one is for you. Black widows, parasitic worms, and bedbugs are all utilized to maximum effect, and the actors all were properly mortified, given their very icky situations. The bedbug sequence was particularly gross to me, as I once stayed in a hotel that had a bad infestation, which at the time, literally gave me nightmares. This is a well-done indie body horrorfest..
Under Spanish Skies (2022)
If you like drama in film, this is DEFINITELY the one to watch!
Writer/director Nathan Buck has crafted a finely nuanced drama that makes anvils seem light in comparison. Under Spanish Skies spotlights panoramic vistas in its excellent cinematography, and has a polished look that far surpasses many of today's indie film releases. The film has a somber script that takes a sobering look at tough adult situations, such as long-strained relationships and abruptly discovered, deeply-held secrets. The film is brought to life with really good acting throughout. Each cast member created a character that seemed to embody an unspoken backstory, lending gravitas to their performances. To be sure, this is drama with a CAPITAL D, with nary a laugh to be found. But if movie dramas are your thing, this one has that in spades and you can be completely certain that you'll get your drama fix!