Autumn Road

One of the other reviews claims to "love low budget horror" and then gave this movie a 2. They obviously don't actually watch indie and low budget movies, because Autumn road is leagues above what I consider a 2.

Acting, sounds, camera, directing, all better than an average indie. The story has soul but i agree with others that it is slow and a bit incoherent at times. BUT it's a well written s tory with well written characters. Likely someone's passion project.

I would also point out that it is much more drama than horror.

This movie was trying so hard to be like the movie, The Watcher in the woods from 1980. Ya know that masterpiece with Bette Davis, about a missing girl that haunts everyone in the woods, until they find out what happened to her. Well this was definitely not that. The pacing was so slow, the acting so drab, the characters so lame. It really was a drudge-fest, There is a whole scene that lasts for around 10 minutes, of someone standing and walking around a room picking up junk, i mean commmee onnnnn. If you are expecting horror, well forget it, there is nothing here for you, not even one of those cop out deaths, where they throw ketchup at a wall. I was hoping either a masked killer, or a haunted cabin would miraculously appear, but nope, just a plain dull awful movie.

I'm a very big psychological thriller movie watcher. I see great potential from this new actor, writer, and director. This was Mr. Cusick's first feature film and I appreciated his ability to portray two very different psychologically damaged set of brothers. The story revolves around two brothers who share a dark secret that binds them together and the consequences of the past that will affect both brothers' futures. Mr. Cusick's direction with his actors and abilities to build up emotionally charged scenes impressed me, especially since most new directors are given a very low budget to be able to shoot scenes and make their movie quality scenes look crisp and clear. The only weak part of the movie, in my opinion, was the lead actress. Ms. Linklater's acting and facial expressions lacked on so many levels. I truly look forward to seeing Mr. Cusick's next film. The sky is the limit for this talented young actor, writer, and director.

And I'll keep saying it. When the director is also the writer and in the film, it usually ends up awful. And this was no exception. I'll give it to the guy playing his own twin. They didn't look a like at all in the movie, whether that was intentional or not. But everything else was awful. Volume, pacing, acting, dialogue, setting, etc etc. Truly was a waste of time even as background noise as I played my switch. Stick to your shorts as this was too long and filled with a lot of filler. Also, why this was categorized as horror/suspense I don't know. No horror. No suspense. The part I liked was when he tried to kill the one boy and ended up being at a surprise party.

I liked this movie it had a kind of haunting feel but then most movies about kids going missing usually do. The actors and actresses did a good job. The movie could have moved at a little bit quicker pace but it was a pretty good effort on everyone's part. I think with more of a budget the director Riley Cusick could make something even better I would definitely watch his next movie.