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Reviews
The Hunter's Anthology (2021)
If you like Twilight Zone and Stephen King, you will LOVE this!
I really enjoyed this series! It feels like a mash up of twilight zone and the old Hitchhiker series from the 90's. If you like stories in the style of Stephen King, then you're in for a treat. It's cool the way it's grounded in the subway car, so that you know there is some connection to all these stories and the passengers, but you're not sure what it is. Taylor August is perfect casting as the demon hunter. Also, the production quality is remarkably good for the budget. Look forward to more episodes!
Koko (2021)
A dog movie unlike any other.
Full disclosure, I am a dog owner myself. A remarkable take on the emotional connection between species and its legitimacy in today's society. While the concept of marrying your dog, on the surface may seem absurd (and to some people offensive), it serves as a platform for discussion on what it means to be sentient and this film does a great job of exploring this issue. The production value and performances are solid as well (especilly for an indie film). If you're a dog lover, you will love this film!
Greatland (2020)
See this film before it becomes reality!
Futurist films like "Greatland" are at their best when they help us understand our society by holding a mirror up to it. This film takes it a step further by asking you to look in the mirror through a kaleidoscope lit by a black light. It's visually wild and frighteningly thought provoking. Some themes addressed in the film already seem to be coming to pass in 2021. Also, I was delighted to see Eric Roberts make an appearance ... his performance was stellar as always.
Immi the Vegan (2021)
Charming and Hilarious!
Totally charming! I have vegan friends, and even they thought this was hilarious. Immi Paterson delivers a solid and hysterical performance as the "put upon" vegan, trying to navigate a carnivorous society. If you're looking for an indie date night movie, check it out.
The Midas Touch (2020)
Careful what you wish for!
Not a lot of contemporary British sex comedies in the indie film world lately, so I was delighted to discover this gem. Despite its indie budget, it delivers - I lost count of how many times I found myself laughing out loud. The "blessing is really a curse" theme has been done for sure, but the performances are solid and the premise is intriguing ... I'm sure a lot of people can identify with the fantasy of being irresistible. The arc on the Felix character is well-crafted.
*some light nudity, so not for the kiddies
The Berlin Bride (2019)
Spooky, unsettling, and thought provoking.
I love that this film doesn't spoon feed you the plot, and thereby draws you in. It's intriguing premise slowly unravels to reveal an artistic gem. From the 4:3 aspect ratio to the creepy "is it alive?" quality of the mannequin, this film breaks a lot of norms and keeps you transfixed. It is unpredictable and I like that.
Note: there is some tasteful nudity, so not for the kiddies. :-)
Sweet Sunshine (2020)
Uplifting ... inspiring ... songs you'll be humming after watching.
What a pleasant surprise to find this charming film (looks like the Prime suggestions know me well). The performances are all solid, with special recognition to Debra Ann Byrd as the Physician's Assistant - she's one to watch. The songs are all well-crafted and executed ... Savanah D. McMahon's voice is lovely.
The Stalker (2020)
Fun 80's slasher homage!
This film is a fun call back to the grindhouse horror movies of the 70's and 80's. If you're a Gen X'er or a fan of that genre, you'll love the ride. The John Carpenter'ish score really sells it as well. Matthew Ewald is a standout and delivers a very believable psycho loner vibe as the stalker. Be sure to watch to the end for the post-credits scene.
Broken Ceiling (2018)
GRIPPING
Kendrick's performance from ambitious professional to human time bomb is gripping. Film shines a light on a subject that, sadly, is all too common in today's society. Still, it's timely and makes a contribution to the growing empowerment of women. Well shot with strong performances!
Blood Demon Rising (2017)
Don't watch alone!
Delicious horror/occult gore! Loved this indie fright film. Harkens back to some of the 70's horror gems like "Rosemary's Baby", the "Exorcist", and "Hell House". Performances are solid and, I suspect, the cast and crew had a blast making this film. Don't watch alone!
Trolling (2017)
Very relevant to today's plugged in society.
Cool edgey tech noir. Not a lot of indie scifi out there and, especially, not a lot of indie scifi worth watching! This one will keep you guessing the whole way through. If you need a break from the glitzy studio scifi that lack any substantive story and edge, then check out the mind blowing gem. Very relevant to today's plugged in society.
Black Luck (2016)
Indie noir gem!
Dark and disturbing with believable performances. Tension and suspense were well maintained with clever use of shadows and subtle lighting in the cinematography. If you're a noir nerd like myself you'll love indie film!
Ice Breaker (2017)
Charming Austin indie gem!
Loved this film! What a suprising indie gem. Had a charming Linklater vibe. Solid performances and witty dialog that didn't feel forced or like the screenwriter was trying to borrow from other studio films in this genre. Matt James has a future and look forward to seeing what else he has up his sleeve.
The Unwonted Sasquatch (2016)
Finally ... a serious examination of the bigfoot phenomena!
Surprisingly compelling. It was refreshing to have the material examined from a scientific perspective. Very academic, free of hyperbole. Especially enjoyed learning of the historical government documents detailing sightings of the creature. Validation? Makes you wonder. Also, enjoyed the paleogical theory on potential ancestors of the sasquatch. Fascinating!
Disposable (2017)
Great indie nail biter!
Very well shot with some creative camera moves and cinematography. The director sustains the suspense well, which is not an easy thing to do, especially on an indie production. Performances are decent - especially Tommy Beardmore. Eager to see what this director has in store for us next!
Very well done and highly recommend!
Dirty Beautiful (2015)
two actors to watch. very funny.
Great writing! Dialog felt very natural and real, which is refreshing because so many indie romantic comedies come across very self-conscious and contrived. Also, thank goodness the main actors were decent. This would have been a touch film to stick with if they performers weren't able to handle the wide rang of emotions and comedic timing dictated by the script. Solid directing. Minus one star for some rough lighting (but really, if that's a deal breaker for you, you're probably not an indie fan anyway).
Earthrise (2014)
Rises to the occasion (yeah ... I went there).
Decent VFX, especially for the budget. Also, the acting was much better than I expected. Great premise, in that earth has now become the alien planet after humanity has relocated to Mars. If you're looking for a classic narrative arch, you might be disappointed. Agree with others, that it's a bit too open ended ... on both ends. Still, an interesting film.
It Lives in the Attic (2016)
Best $1000 anyone ever spent
That's the budget on this film. Does it look like? Sure, and that's a good thing. Added to the disturbing ickiness of the mind that must have created it. Full disclosure, I'm a sucker for gratuitous horror - stabbing, cutting, slashing bloody mosaics are like a fine wine when I"m looking to escape. What exactly lives in the attic? You'll have to watch this bad boy to find out, but trust me, you won't be disappointed. Not for everyone, but if you're sick and twisted you'll love it! Yaaaaaay slasher movies!!
Confused by Love (2015)
perfect date night surprise
Full disclosure. My girlfriend chose this movie, so I went into it thinking I would politely be watching it to make her happy. Joke was on me. Loved it! Hilarouis character study. Solid performances - some better than others, but more than adequate for indie. Great writing and director Crosby Tatum keeps things moving and, thus, keeps you watching. We both literally never went more than 10 minutes without laughing out loud ... always a good sign.
This Is Happening (2015)
Guys guys! Cloris Leachman is amazing!
OMFG I love love love this film. What a hidden gem. I was so blown away by the performances. Cloris Leachman still has it and is still one of the funniest people on the planet! The supporting casts keeps up with her, which is no small feat. Hats off to the whole cast. The writing and directing are spot on with great comedic timing. Hope to see more from everyone involved with this charming and hilarious film.
Untouched (2017)
sucks you in
This film was much more unpredictable than I expected. I kept thinking I had it figured out, then ... nope. The premise is a very touchy (no pun intended) subject matter, but it was deftly handled by director Raphael Vieira. Performances are solid, especially Chip Lane. I was impressed by how much production value they achieved on such a limited budget. There's a lot more I want to say about the story, but even little hints could spoil the fun. Dive in!
A Place of Truth (2013)
understated and beautiful.
Charming with a capital C. The life of any street artist is always a David and Goliath struggle, but it seems even more so when that artist is a poet. Loved the warm lighting of the nights scenes (a nice departure from the usual cool tones filmmakers gravitate to for night shots). The lead actress' performance is lovely and endearing. While it's not what makes a movie work, even the trailer was refreshing in that it conveyed the story without one word of dialog.
The Boatman (2015)
Timely and believable
Compelling film that, at times, felt like a documentary. Very intense. Oscar Torre's performance is especially riveting. The Latin guitar music fit well for the score! Most of all this film brings to life the struggle facing many immigrants today. Ripped from today's headlines and I can't help but wonder if that will help this film find a wider audience.
Einstein's God Model (2016)
Thought provoking mind bender/Well shot for an indie low budget
Interesting mash up of current scientific research and theory with historical science and innovation. The film has a warm technicolor look that sets it apart from the deluge of DSLR indie films we see today. The visual effects are beautiful and compelling. The acting is a bit inconsistent, but not enough to detract from the story.