Esqueletos en el closet

...Jonathan Jackson had it in him? I first saw a poster for this movie at the grocery store, and decided that I had to see it. I thought it was horror, but it was actually drama. Seth's dad suspects that his son may be a murderer, although he has trouble finding evidence to convince anyone else. Throughout the movie, we also become suspicious of him and the mysterious fire that killed Seth's mother. "Every family is a hierarchy ruled by its sickest member. The trick is figuring out who that is." The ending made me cry.

The film was better than I expected. I have to admit I was skeptical when my Brother's fiance brought this film home. But we were bored and she seemed enthusiastic to see it, since she evidently met the lead actor (Jackson) once.

Right off the bat I was taken aback by a visual display that was far from impressive. I had a problem watching the film because of the (in my opinion) unprofessional camera-work, which became so distracting in parts that I had problems relating with the characters in the film. Some of the interior scenes are shot from a different room than the one the actors are in (literally "peeking" around a corner), seeming to suggest a director of photography with a serious fear of intimacy.

All of my problems with the camera-work aside, I thought the acting in the film was impressive. I have seen several Treat Williams films, and I never thought much of him as a dramatic actor. This was his best performance to date, which isn't saying all that much, but he did a decent job. I am not familiar with whatever soap opera produced Jackson but this film proved all the potential he has. His acting range was impressive and his delivery is exceptional. The only negative thing I can say about the part of Seth, would be, did they have to use so much make-up? I don't think male characters really need to be wearing "fire-engine red" lip-stick.

After all was said and done, I wasn't upset that I watched this film, which means it exceeded my expectations. Plus, with the right crowd, it is a down-right blast to make fun off. But that is only if you are actively trying to antagonize your future sister-in-law.

Will Reed (Treat Williams) is a middle-age widow, living with his problematic son Seth (Jonathan Jackson) in a small American city. Will works in a factory, and has some affair with his colleague Tina Conway (Linda Hamilton). Seth blames Will for the loss of his mother when he was six years old. When Seth is eighteen years old, some crimes happens in the neighborhood. Will suspects that the crimes have been committed by Seth, and Seth accuses his father of being paranoiac. The end of the story reveals many secrets. This television movie has a reasonable screenplay, but it is very supported by the performance of the cast. The cynical character of Jonathan Jackson and the dramatic one of Treat Williams are indeed very well performed. The aged Linda Hamilton has a minor, but correct acting. The supporting cast is also very good. I do not know what type of film was used, but the image looks like a television show or news. Although not being outstanding, this dramatic and suspenseful movie entertains. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Lembranças Macabras" ("Macabres Remembrances")

There's a reason why you've never heard of this movie... it's not any good! However, I must admit that the movie does keep your attention; but that's only because you think the movie's going to be good or the climax will be spectacular. Not so. The film tries to be clever like every other Hollywood thriller by gradually giving pieces of the puzzle; and when the puzzle is finally solved you're not thinking, "Oooohhh, I get it now!," but rather, "Big deal, no surprises there." My overall thought: the film seems more like an episode of a TV thriller (such as Profiler) rather than a movie.

A handsome Jonathan Jackson plays Seth Reed, a troubled young adult trying to battle against Will(his father)'s accusations, whilst remaining mysterious.

Seth has a sad back-story, losing his mother at just 6 years old. He is a creepy character to watch, and there is clearly a lot of friction between father and son. He's unpredictable, and his actions make the viewers feel a little uneasy and unsure of what to expect.

the film is a little slow, not really giving it's audience enough credit, eg when Will is linking the necklace with an event, it takes him about 5 minutes to get it, where the audience get it straight away.