Wicked Season

This movie tried to be hautning and clever but it simply wasn't. It was made with a modicum of professionalism, yes, but it wasn't anything impressive or original. Most of the acting performances were shaky, and the actors who were decent had to deliver lines that just didn't work. At first the movie seemed like it might be a right-wing Christian propaganda film, but having finished the film I actually don't think that's the case. It's just a movie that's trying to have heart but ultimately lacks it. I feel bad saying this, because it seems E. K. Spila really put his heart and soul into this movie -- he co-wrote the film and stars in it -- but I don't think his acting and his writing are quite ready for prime-time yet. I will credit the lighting and the cinematography, although there's an overuse of JJ Abrams-style lens flares that really is old hat. I also have to criticize the editing, which was poorly timed and led to confusion or laughter rather than jump-scares. The bottom line is that there are dozens of movies like this one that are much better.