Ratings
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Reviews
The Yellow Wallpaper (2021)
Glad I Didn't Live In This Time
Not sure what I expected from a gothic feminist horror film. Is A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night or Suspiria (both versions) also feminist horror?
The Yellow Wallpaper intrigued me, and after I finished, I read the original text on which it's based. Both are great, but for different reasons. The film abides by the emotion and spirit of the novella but takes on modern interpretations. I can't say what because it might give parts away.
The foreboding house and creepiness of the situation got under my skin, and I couldn't help but watch the ending in horror. Or maybe it was the tense soundtrack. I wished some scenes were shorter, but I think that of every movie I've watched (including Dune) in the last year, chalking that up to Covid isolation. But, oh hell, I think I'll watch it again with my wife.
Astro Loco (2021)
Laughed Throughout
Astro Loco is a low-tech sci-fi, charming romp of an indie. It starts with the pacing of a TV show and then takes off into an offbeat adventure. The special effects or lack of were appropriate for the story. I laughed throughout the movie. Basically, if you like the trailer, you will like the movie.
Finding Ophelia (2021)
Dreamy, Hallucinatory Film
Dreamy, hallucinatory film perfect for the after 10 pm experience. I watched it on Tubi, but I would recommend finding a place to watch it without commercials so you can get into the mood.
Wade in the Water (2019)
The Lead is Great
Wade in the Water is unique for an indie movie because it's a bit of a character study. I've been binging on a ton of indies, and they have a hard time with this kind of movie or at least doing it this well. The crux of the story is that the protagonist finds purpose after accidentally finding a secret none of us ever want to ever see. Tom E. Nicholson, who plays the lead, is in every scene and is mesmerizing to watch. He's an angry character that starts to grow on you. You get and understand his daily frustration. There is a little of him (or a lot) in all of us. Excellent watch.
Pungo: A Witch's Tale (2020)
She's Got A Witch Problem
Astrophysicist and homeowner Grace has got a witch problem. Luckily she's hired an ex-Navy Seal and crazy paramedic on probation to fix her house. I found Pungo: A Witch's Tale silly, but in the best sense. If you chuckled during the trailer, yeah, that's what you are going to get here. It's a fun, escapist, fantasy-horror romp.
The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater (2020)
The Priest, The Dominatrix, and the Mob
Oh, the life of a dominatrix. Well, this movie answers the age-old question, what happens when an aspiring dominatrix meets a nice priest? Who saves who, you might ask? I'm not sure about the Russian or Ukraine accents, but what the hell. It's easy to buy into the movie right away, and I chuckled throughout.
It's nice to watch a solid indie film with an actual plot and story. Add in the mob, some debt, a bit of betrayal, and you got a movie.
Hoodman (2021)
A Late-Nighter With Drama and a Hoodman
Just what I needed last night: some creepy late-night horror-esk / mystery / drama with an all-around solid cast. A bit of a slow burner. Nicely shot. I kind of wished for more scenes with Hoodman, but I think the movie wanted to lean more on the drama side. I also dug the actor who played the detective.
Mandao Returns (2020)
Damn That Astral Projection
What the hell? I didn't even realize this was a sequel until I finished the movie. It didn't seem to matter. I'm not sure I would call this science fiction, maybe more within the fantasy genre. I laughed many times and fell quickly into the story. It has everything I love about indie movies: quirkiness, humor, strange originality.
Now I'm going back to watch the first one!
Party Hard (2020)
Captures The Spirit
Is this a nostalgic or anti-nostalgic look at those partying days? After going home for a "fresh start," we follow Chandler, who unites with his gang for a night of partying hard. For me, I enjoyed Party Hard for the vibe and tone over significant plot points. It rings of authenticity and captures the spirit of those kinds of nights. Ahh, the twenties. Bring it.
Greatland (2020)
Original and Strange
On the day of his birthday, Ulysses must endure the Dark Temple ceremony in a utopia of diversity, tolerance, and inclusiveness. Of course, not is all that it seems as a deadly virus infects the love of his childhood. What will he do? You will have to check out this original and strange movie to find out.
One of my favorite aspects of the film is the immersive world. It's a character on its own. The lead actors Arman Darbo and (I think) Camille Curtis is excellent. Well done.
Back to Berlin (2018)
Personal and Important
I like these kinds of documentaries that feel personal and important. In this movie, you get a look into the history of people's lives through the generations. Well done.
My Blood Is Red (2019)
Music and Narratives of Protest
My Blood Is Red follows the indigenous musician and hip-hop artist, Kunumi MC (Werá Jeguaka Mirim), and gives us a window into indigenous genocide and its connection to Brazil's land and human rights. The artist and his music are the story's anchors as we follow him on his identity, protest, and musical journey. But more than this, it's about filmmaking, story-making, and taking control of narratives. The subject matter is serious, and this is a must-see, especially if you have little idea of what is happening right now with the indigenous genocide in Brazil and the world.
The Extraordinary Ordinary (2019)
Relatable and Sympathetic Characters
The Extraordinary Ordinary is a solid indie drama. The relatable characters (and the acting) helped me connect to the story and experience the film's emotional core that deals with mental health issues. The direction and writing are authentic and makes this a near-perfect young adult-ish drama.
Older (2020)
Hangover, Pain, Reality
"Hangover, pain, reality." Oh, the realities of becoming an adult and getting older. After meeting Alex and his date's run-in with his parents, I was charmed and wanted to follow him on his journey. The story has an authentic feeling in the writing and acting. The director knows what he's doing and has crafted a sweet, romantic, and ultimately enjoyable watch.
The Berlin Bride (2019)
Bring on the Mannequin
The Berlin Bride is an ambitious, quirky, and comedically strange supernatural film, which is just the way I like it. I won't spoil the plot as you have to watch along. It's the kind of movie I want to watch late at night, thinking maybe I'm too tired for another movie - but hell, I do just one more. There is a voice here, and I'm not sure what it's trying to say just yet, but that's a good thing. Bring on the mannequin, bring on the bride!
The Stalker (2020)
Throwback Slasher Flick
The Stalker is a campy throwback of a ride from the plot to the music and soundtrack. It's a kind of slasher movie (older 80s-ish?) that is well-paced, fun, and strictly what the movie poster promises. Bring out the popcorn and get ready for some stalking action.
6 Weeks to Mother's Day (2017)
Ethnographic Experience of a Democratic Children's School in Thailand
Ah, I needed this - an exceptional film and documentary. The title says it all. Teachers at the Children's Village School (Moo Baan Dek) in Thailand are called Mom or Dad, but one in particular, Rajani Dhongchai, is referred to as "Mother Aew." She is the founder of their school, and her health is failing. We follow the orphanage that aims to celebrate her on Mother's Day in six weeks. The movie rewards us with learning about Thai culture, orphans, children's minds, and what a democratic school looks like with a Buddhist bent through the lead up to this event. I love these kinds of films that easily blend an ethnographic experience into their documentary lens. This school and community is a special place for children and teachers.
The Crumbs (2020)
Weird Indie Horror
Frickin weird, but in a good way. Reminds me of the days I would watch a stack of VHS movies looking for the one bizarre gem. Well, here it is - your weird indie horror. The characters definitely grew on me. And yeah, "the rub has a wonderful savory flavor." Just right in time for Halloween. Hells yeah!
Are You Glad I'm Here (2018)
Rich Storytelling
What a pleasure to find a movie like this with such a rich narrative and great performances! The film takes place in Beirut, Lebanon, when an American woman befriends her neighbor, and they develop a strong bond and friendship through the trials and tribulations of marriage, family, friendships, and new experiences. The mix of cultures, family, and the city works perfectly. Masterfully crafted, written, and directed, this movie is a real treasure.
Closure (2018)
Nice Little Film Here
Closure was a real gem to watch because of its humor and perspective. From the opening shots to the following scenes, I wanted to follow the main character and discover what she discovered. I enjoyed watching the LA "vibe" on screen. Is quirky the right word? I don't know, I just dug the acting and vibe.
Turnover (2019)
Rewarding and Emotional
Solid and heartwarming indie. I've been searching for these kinds of movies where I can get a positive emotional payoff. Yeah, the pandemic has been getting me down, and this movie is precisely what I need. I super dug the acting, especially Paul Guilfoyle. From the trailer and the beginning, I knew what I was getting into and that I was in good hands.
Making Time (2020)
Time Travel and Marriage
I found this to be a nice science fiction indie movie! I wonder if Shane Carruth's Primer inspired the movie production. Whereas Carruth did everything in one take, Grant Pichla did it in two days? Making Time is a PG affair, lighthearted in its tone and characters, but not necessarily its emotion. The pacing was great, and I always love movies with time travel.
Vampire Burt's Serenade (2020)
Hells Yeah
What the hell just happened? Ambitious, original, weird, and fun. Hells yeah. Every time there is music, it's entertaining. Kevin Scott Richardson did an excellent job playing the main vampire, Burt. The description of the movie is spot on. If that sounds interesting, check it out. And damn that Burt.
"Just because you are a vampire doesn't mean you can't be a colossal dope addict."
I Want to Believe (2020)
Ufologists and Nick Pope
This movie is one of my first forays into UFOs and such. The interviews came from highly credible sounding "Ufologists." I couldn't stop listening to one in particular. I believe his name is Nick Pope, who worked for twenty-one years in the British Government's Ministry of Defence (MoD) and was posted to the UFO Project by the government. The information he gave out (and challenged us to find through recently released declassified files) was compelling. I'm not sure "I want to believe," but after watching this, I'm keeping an open mind. After all, UFOs are only unidentified, not necessarily extraterrestrial.
Somebody's Mother (2016)
Touching and Moving
I felt especially attached to the story and the main two characters from the beginning. The acting and performances were honest and moving. It takes a kind of bravery to make a film that takes you on a journey through grief. The director's voice was confident, and her shots and shot choices forced me to go on an emotional ride I wasn't initially prepared for. This movie is definitely worth checking out.