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ryanbartongrimley
Reviews
The Wounds We Cannot See (2017)
THE WOUNDS WE CANNOT SEE is a very powerul and gripping documentary!
THE WOUNDS WE CANNOT SEE is a very powerul and gripping documentary! This film really moved me to my core. It was seriously powerful and so honest. This poor woman and her struggle is just brutal and the portrayal here is unappologetic. But I feel like it was all done to illuminate the issues here and not just entertain. Other reviewers mentioned PTSD and I totally get that. If you want to see something that really makes you think, you should see THE WOUNDS WE CANNOT SEE.
Confused by Love (2015)
CONFUSED BY LOVE is a heart-warming, really funny drama!
CONFUSED BY LOVE is a heart-warming, really funny drama! I loved how funny this film was. But I really loved how it still dealt with social issues. Also Crosby Tatum is a very talented guy surrounded by very good performers. Other reviewers mentioned the indie budget restraints but I actually thought it made it feel more authentic. If you're looking to be entertained and a bit of social relevance, this film is a must-see!
GoatSucker (2009)
GOATSUCKER is a really fun low-budget horror film!
GOATSUCKER is a really fun low-budget horror film! There are a ton of low-budget horror films that pretend to be cool and quirky and gory, but most of them feel really fake. This film however really delivers. There are great performances. It's funny, campy, scary and gory. And it's legitimately indie which I personally really love! This thing is seriously entertaining and I was literally howling with laughter. Bravo!
Altin in the city (2017)
ALTIN IN THE CITY is a really well made, beautiful film about dreamers!
ALTIN IN THE CITY is a really well made, beautiful film about dreamers! It centers on an Albanian immigrant and his story in modern day Italy, but it's a much bigger theme that really gets you. It's an age-old story of an immigrant, an artist, someone following their dreams. It's poetic, it's well-made and it felt very fresh to me. I love European films and this one really surpassed my expectations!
D'Inked: A Tattoo Removal Documentary (2017)
D'INKED is a great doc about what it's really like to get a tattoo!
D'INKED is a great doc about what it's really like to get a tattoo! It is excellently paced and it does not pull punches when it comes to the "body-related" stuff. I have tattoos I love and I have ones I hate and I've always thought about getting lasered, so this was totally riveting to me. It was very though provoking, well made and if you're into tattoo sub-culture, I think you'll love it!
Independent Dreams (2017)
If you love mockumentary and indie film, you will love this film!
INDEPENDENT DREAMS is a really fun documentary about chasing your dreams! If you're a fan of Christopher Guest, you'll love this film. As other reviewers have pointed out, it's kind of like a mix of Spinal Tap and American Movie, focusing on filmmakers following their dreams which is a subject very close to my heart. I loved the pacing, I loved how quirky it was and the music was great. At the end of the day, if you love mockumentary and indie film, you will love this film!
Spent (2017)
SPENT is a really well-made indie dark comedy!
SPENT is a really well-made indie dark comedy! Comedy is literally what I do for a living and this film was super fun! I loved how the script evolved, I loved the direction and the tone was spot-on. Comedy looks easy, but it's not. Dark comedy is almost impossible to nail and this production team really pulls it off!
Love a la Carte (2014)
If you're looking for a fun sexy comedic romp you should definitely see it!
LOVE A LA CARTE is a quirky, creative and a great indie sex comedy! I really loved how this film examined issues related to sex and relationships, monogomy vs. single life, etc... It was a lot of fun, but it also didn't shy away from sensitive stuff. It also took some creative risks, even gets a bit surreal in moments. Also, there's a ton of sex, so that's awesome too and very surprising in an indie! If you're looking for a fun sexy comedic romp you should definitely see it!
Einstein's God Model (2016)
EINSTEIN'S GOD MODEL exposes you to real scientific theories and isn't boring!
EINSTEIN'S GOD MODEL exposes you to real scientific theories and isn't boring! I love the script here and the writer is obviously passionate about the material. I also really liked the performances and the overall feel of the film. Sure, it's low-budget, but it's unique and different. I mean no studio would make a film that deals with these things, so that alone makes it worth it for me. Add some really entertaining smart dialogue and performances and I'm sold!
Two Fingers: The Windy City Wonder (2014)
Wrestling fan or not, if you love docs about unique subcultures, you should see TWO FINGERS: THE WINDY CITY WONDER.
TWO FINGERS: THE WINDY CITY WONDER is an awesome indie doc about local wrestling. I was a huge fan of WWF as a kid in the eighties, so this really hit me right in the heart! But this film is not just for wrestling fans. It is really well made and focuses on all the people behind the sport, gets into the motivation behind the sport, why people would fight so hard to do this kind of thing, etc... It's an age-old story when you get right down to it, but it's got so much heart, you just can't stop watching it. Wrestling fan or not, if you love docs about unique subcultures, that deal with real life issues in a heartfelt way, then you should see TWO FINGERS: THE WINDY CITY WONDER.
Disposable (2017)
If you're looking for a well-made thriller with a great twist and wonderful performances you should definitely see DISPOSABLE.
DISPOSABLE is a well-made indie thriller with a great twist! I really loved the script on this one. It doesn't pull any punches and far exceeds its indie roots. The lead performances are also very good and compelling. I love the feel of the whole thing. It reminded me of all the great DePalma thrillers we all know an love. If you're looking for a well-made thriller with a great twist and wonderful performances you should definitely see DISPOSABLE.
Jack's Apocalypse (2015)
If you're looking for a unique take on post-apocalyptic drama, then you should see JACK'S APOCALYPSE.
JACK'S APOCALYPSE is a well-made personal story with a great lead performance. If you're more into psychological horror and post-apocalyptic storylines that deal with the how the characters are feeling and dealing with their fate, kind of the The Walking Dead, then this film is for you. The themes and questions it deals with are similar, but they're dealt with deeply and considerately. Also Dave Maldonado is a really great actor that I hope to see more of. If you're looking for a unique take on post-apocalyptic drama, then you should see JACK'S APOCALYPSE.
Sisterhood of Death (2012)
SISTERHOOD OF DEATH is a super-fun old-school campy horror-comedy that was very entertaining.
SISTERHOOD OF DEATH is a super-fun old-school campy horror-comedy that was very entertaining. It totally reminded me of all the VHS eighties horror flicks I'd rent every summer and I was filled with nostalgia for those times watching it. Sure it's low-budget, but the filmmakers make the best of it and you get sucked right in. Heck there's even some nudity which every great campy horror-comedy has. The color and lighting, which another reviewer mentioned, is also really creative and well done. Plus there's witches, monsters, and gore! I mean what else do you need? If you're looking for a fun flick to watch on a Saturday night with fellow horror-comedy buffs, do yourself a favor and sit down with a beer and watch SISTERHOOD OF DEATH!
Everlasting (2016)
EVERLASTING is a beautifully shot, well-crafted psycho-sexual crime thriller.
EVERLASTING is a beautifully shot, well-crafted psycho-sexual crime thriller. The performances are good and compelling, the lead actress is especially great. The music was creepy, haunting and extremely effective at maintaining tension and suspense. And the story... It kept me going all the way to the end which is rare in an indie. If you're looking for a great indie-crime-thriller, EVERLASTING is for you.
TangerineLAnd (2015)
TangerineLAnd is a refreshing and touching indie romantic comedy!
TangerineLAnd is a refreshing and touching indie romantic comedy! I loved the performances of the lead actors. They were engaging and really served this charming story well. Speaking of the story, I'm a big fan of the stripped down and naturalistic storytelling here. I feel like it really helped me engage with the characters and get into their journey on a deeper level. I thought the photography really worked well too and the music was also really excellent! BRAVO!
Craig Quits His Day Job (2016)
CRAIG QUITS HIS DAY JOB is a quirky and unpredictable comedy gem!
CRAIG QUITS HIS DAY JOB is a quirky and unpredictable comedy gem! I'm a big old comedy nerd and my favorite kind is situational and natural, so this film really did it for me. The lead actor Garrett Titlebaum is totally relatable and very talented, the story is not new, but the take on it is fun and fresh, and I love how the plot got a bit crazy and unpredictable, no spoilers here :) Also, the director/writer does a great job balancing the comedy and the tone, the music keeps really it moving and quirky and I really enjoyed it. All in all, a really fun indie comedy! NICE WORK!
Roxie (2014)
ROXIE is a thought-provoking and relatable "coming of second-age" drama!
ROXIE is a thought-provoking and relatable "coming of second-age" drama! Like all great indie films, the lead characters in Roxie are seriously flawed which really makes you care about them and their journey. Yes, you may hate them a bit, but hopefully you'll feel bad for them. Either way, you will feel something because this film seriously goes there... It is very moving and insightful and the only other film I've seen do this is Alexander Payne's ABOUT SCHMIDT, so Roxie is in great company. To follow up, the acting is great, the production design is utilitarian but crisp and the photography is beautiful in a gritty and immediate way. Add to that a rich and unapologetic story and some nice twists and turns and... BRAVO you got a great movie!
Ekaj (2015)
EKAJ is a hyper-realistic gritty and passionate drama!
EKAJ is a hyper-realistic, gritty and passionate drama! I love the film KIDS and this is like an update of that awesome film. It's dramatic, gritty, unapologetic and very rewarding to watch. The acting and writing in this film is shockingly good! Yes, at times I flinched watching it, but the ending is worth it. Plus I love that it focuses on some LGBT issues. The photography is beautiful and visceral, cast is universally great and the pacing is perfect. If you loved all those "no holds barred" indie dramas from the 90's, EKAJ is for you! NICE WORK!
This Is Happening (2015)
THIS IS HAPPENING is a well acted and charming little film with stellar performances!
THIS IS HAPPENING is a well acted and charming little film with stellar performances! Another reviewer mentioned Thelma and Louise and I agree with that reference, but I'd like to also add Grumpy Old Men into that mix! Seriously, Cloris Leachman is so great in this film.I mean she elevates everything she's in, but in this film, she is truly amazing! And this is not to say the other performances aren't great too, the rest of the cast does a fantastic job, the photography is also top-notch, production design is great, and there are some surprising unexpected twists that make this a great quirky film with some real heart which is rare! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
The Man in the Silo (2016)
THE MAN IN THE SILO is an intense indie drama that takes no prisoners!
THE MAN IN THE SILO is an intense indie drama that takes no prisoners! So one of my favorite actors growing up was Ernie Hudson. I just loved him in Ghostbusters and not much has changed. His performance in The Man In The Silo is really stellar, incredibly human and at time even a little crazy and disjointed which I really loved. Awesome! Additionally, the story is gritty and surprising, the photography is beautiful and the pacing it stellar. The Man In The Silo is the kind of indie drama I always look for, but never find... until now. BRAVO!
One Step Behind (2015)
ONE STEP BEHIND is a highly effective and deeply dark Western thriller!
ONE STEP BEHIND is a highly effective and deeply dark Western thriller! I loved the use of the desert as the backdrop as it's so iconic to westerns. I also thought the lead actor Thoms Fisco was dynamite and menacing on a degree you don't usually see in indie films. This dude can act! The camera work really added to the feel for me and I also loved the music. Classic guitar in westerns always gets me. Lastly, there's a great twist! One Step Behind is a bonafide indie western that fires on all cylinders! NICE WORK!
The Academy (2015)
THE ACADEMY is a great docu-drama with a genuine sense of realism!
THE ACADEMY is a great docu-drama with a genuine sense of realism! I thought this film was a really great find. The acting was really realistic and not pushed like most Hollywood film which really helped maintain the reality for me. Sometimes I had to remind myself it wasn't a documentary. It's really done that well. Regarding the social issues related to the police and the system that other reviewers mentioned, The Academy definitely goes there, but it's not heavy- handed or one-sided. The Academy is a must see! BRAVO!
It Lives in the Attic (2016)
IT LIVES IN THE ATTIC is really fun and quirky horror film with a great unique twist!
IT LIVES IN THE ATTIC is really fun and quirky horror film with a great unique twist! Listen, I'm a huge fan of this genre in general, but I specifically love a good old-fashioned mystery horror and you have to actually pay attention to how good this film is to totally get it. Spoiler... it's like a "puzzle." Sure, it's low-ish budget, but the folks who made this know how to deliver a scare, keep it creepy and tie it all up in a nice bow at the end with a refreshing twist. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and you will too... Also... IT LIVES IN THE ATTIC! Nice work!
Little Mermaid (2016)
LITTLE MERMAID is a great new adult take on a familiar fairy tale!
LITTLE MERMAID is a great new adult take on a familiar fairy tale! As another reviewer wrote, this is not pre-chewed Disney stuff for kids. This is gritty, real and dark, so it is definitely for adults. But I loved it. The story is creative in its re-telling, the cast is top-notch and I loved the look which kind of reminded me of Pusher or Bronson. If you're looking for the underbelly of the Disney story, this is it and it's really entertaining! BRAVO!
9 Full Moons (2013)
9 FULL MOONS is a really inventive film that is deeply personal and entertaining!
9 FULL MOONS is a really inventive film that is deeply personal and entertaining! As other reviewers mentioned, it focuses on a an unconventional portrayal of a female lead character's attempt to compensate for her loneliness by starting new relationships every new moon. I felt this really gave it a unique perspective that I had not seen before both in tone and story structure. It had a rawness that really stuck with me, making it me forget it was indie, or low-budget. It just didn't matter... 9 FULL MOONS is plain old good! NICE WORK!