Short and sweet, and this time, in 1st person.
I quite enjoyed this little flick. To say it's a great film is far from the truth; to say it's garbage is equally as incorrect. After reading the reviews, then watching the movie, it is evident that too many of the negative reviews a) judged this against other movies, b) had high and/or different expectations, or c) missed the point entirely. So, to address these points quickly:
Now, about the flick...
The allegorical content is really interesting, and takes a little while to catch on to Wildman's drift, but by the time the final scenes arrive, it should be pretty clear. I thought he did it very well, especially watching the characters prepare for their "family" time, then observing the roles they each play during these final scenes. It's even a bit of an "a-ha" moment, as Wildman capitulates what he's been driving toward since the beginning of the film.
Regarding the production:
The film is well shot, with pro equipment, sound, and editing. Definitely not your average indie film. There's not much, if anything, I would characterize as "cheesy B-flick," but rather independent horror. The lighting is a little dark at times, but this was likely intentional, as it didn't spoil any aspects of the film. One particularly good aspect was the foley. Too many independent films have poor to average foley sound, but not here. Not only was it well above average, but it was pretty darn good...and in sync! This is due, in large part, to the attention in the editing room, which was also good. Thankfully, having a good director makes all the difference, and Wildman did a good job capturing some difficult scenes, developing a script that provided for some decent character development (though it took a little while), and his placement of actors. The actors all did a good job; they each provided convincing performances of unique characters, each with a bit of quirk and zeal. A good job overall by the cast and crew.
My biggest complaints are in the special effects and editing around them. My beef is not with the fx themselves, as they were more than adequate, rather the quickness they came and went. More than anything, this was likely about budget than capabilities, especially since there was some pretty well done gore.
Regarding parental content:
Overall, I enjoyed the movie. Far better than a lot of indie horror films, especially since Wildman obviously took every aspect of this seriously. Just don't go in to it expecting a gorefest, tons of rampant nudity, or full on grindhouse. As I mentioned...if you read the synopsis and think it sounds appealing, then leave it at that and push play. It's worth the watch...once.
I quite enjoyed this little flick. To say it's a great film is far from the truth; to say it's garbage is equally as incorrect. After reading the reviews, then watching the movie, it is evident that too many of the negative reviews a) judged this against other movies, b) had high and/or different expectations, or c) missed the point entirely. So, to address these points quickly:
- a) Personally, unless there are content, character, or personnel connections between films it is not a good idea to use comparisons when subjectivey reviewing content. Sure...it's easy enough to find flaws here, but flaws can generally be found in any movie, especially when comparing it to one that is preferred or superior.
- b) I learned a long time ago not to carry expectations, of any kind, in to movies (when possible), especially independently produced films or B-flicks. Read the synopsis for this. If it sounds interesting then leave it at that. Know you're likely not going to get a masterpiece of horror, and hit play.
- c) Similar to expectations, though a bit more subjective, this movie was a bit more than just a horror flick, as it contains a bit of allegory and commentary on society and family. That said, the point was to illustrate a dichotomous "family" by displaying both the light and dark side, as well as the human desire for love and acceptance, but done under the guise of a dark, twisted little story. It may not have done it well, hence so many people missing the point, but it was there.
Now, about the flick...
The allegorical content is really interesting, and takes a little while to catch on to Wildman's drift, but by the time the final scenes arrive, it should be pretty clear. I thought he did it very well, especially watching the characters prepare for their "family" time, then observing the roles they each play during these final scenes. It's even a bit of an "a-ha" moment, as Wildman capitulates what he's been driving toward since the beginning of the film.
Regarding the production:
The film is well shot, with pro equipment, sound, and editing. Definitely not your average indie film. There's not much, if anything, I would characterize as "cheesy B-flick," but rather independent horror. The lighting is a little dark at times, but this was likely intentional, as it didn't spoil any aspects of the film. One particularly good aspect was the foley. Too many independent films have poor to average foley sound, but not here. Not only was it well above average, but it was pretty darn good...and in sync! This is due, in large part, to the attention in the editing room, which was also good. Thankfully, having a good director makes all the difference, and Wildman did a good job capturing some difficult scenes, developing a script that provided for some decent character development (though it took a little while), and his placement of actors. The actors all did a good job; they each provided convincing performances of unique characters, each with a bit of quirk and zeal. A good job overall by the cast and crew.
My biggest complaints are in the special effects and editing around them. My beef is not with the fx themselves, as they were more than adequate, rather the quickness they came and went. More than anything, this was likely about budget than capabilities, especially since there was some pretty well done gore.
Regarding parental content:
- This is a dark film. While there are some comical elements - actually, more irony then comedy - it is not a comedy or horror-comedy. If anything, it is more darkly dramatic horror, as there is ample gore, some of which is pretty hefty.
- I wouldn't call it a gore flick, nor is it so disgusting that it becomes exclusionary, but it is a fairly graphic horror flick, especially in the 2nd half of the movie. Personally, I always wish there was "more gore," but there is enough in the second half to make it a worthy viewing, it's just not packed. Naturally, with gore, there is blood. Neither is over the top, and I think Wildman missed some opportunities, but again...I'm not so sure that's what he was after. That, and more gore equals bigger production buck$.
- There is some brief nudity as well as a few sexual situations, but not as an overarching theme or index for exploitation. It moreless fits in to a storyline that allows for these brief situations to occur without them feeling useless, unneeded, or purely for exploitation purposes.
- A bit of profanity, but not incessant or overload.
- Definitley a few disturbing sequences, but I wouldn't call this film scary, and don't recall any jump scares. That's not what kind of horror Wildman intended for this.
Overall, I enjoyed the movie. Far better than a lot of indie horror films, especially since Wildman obviously took every aspect of this seriously. Just don't go in to it expecting a gorefest, tons of rampant nudity, or full on grindhouse. As I mentioned...if you read the synopsis and think it sounds appealing, then leave it at that and push play. It's worth the watch...once.