House of Temptation

In House of Temptation, which was filmed in Bodega Bay in Northern California, Director Doc Zee uses the device of a teenager filming his family with his new video camera to bring the audience into the story and it the audience connected and engaged throughout.

The actors are given a wonderful vehicle in which to shine. Newcomer Julian Larach, who plays Johnnie, is a natural and the camera loves him. He is real find. Totally natural, totally relaxed, and totally believable.

Jena Hunt as the sexy lead is a gorgeous and talented actress. I look forward to seeing more of her work.

The suspense builds gradually and is sustained. One of the ghosts is a young boy who is clothed only in his underwear. It is odd, unseemly, and the result is that the audience starts to get very uncomfortable but doesn't really know why. And the action builds from there.

I like the way Director Dr. Zee found a way to make room for a more complex narrative. Where as many others supernatural thriller forgo character development, Director Zee used his actors to the fullest allowing room for a more complex tapestry to be woven.

Though the movie uses a contemporary device of cinema verite its also interestingly paced like a slow-burn thriller of yore, it keeps getting better.

The unique somewhat unexpected and surreal twists keep one wondering what will happen next; it was a refreshing addition to this genre. I wish Dr. Zee would make a follow up.

Lead actors Jenna Hunt's character Maya and Johnnie played by Julian Larach where complimented by a strong ensemble performance.

Hassan Zee has a new horror film called "House of Temptation". It's a film about one man's conflict of faith and the temptations of a house of horrors. My favorite characters were the main priest, Jeremiah and Maya. I liked Jeremiah and watching him deal with his inner conflict and Maya was a delightfully wicked character. Actress Jena Hunt was recently seen in Falling Uphill (another Bay Area feature film) and it was entertaining seeing her play a completely different character. Quite a range. Without revealing too much, the film has nice twists and I liked how the main family's story was left open-ended. I prefer it when the filmmakers leave it open to the audience to decide what happens next. Overall, a nice change of pace from the usual generic slashers and found footage that makes up much of horror cinema these days.

I am generally not a fan of supernatural-horror movies as there appears to be very little room for originality in them. However, the plot in House of Temptation, while derivative of a few films (Blair Witch Project, Paranormal Activity, Rosemary's Baby, many movies involving a haunted house) had enough in the way of new material to keep me interested.

The main problem with the movie, however, is the production. It feels quite cheap, like a home movie. This is mainly due to much being done on hand-held cameras. While the first person POV has worked on a few films (Blair Witch Project and Cloverfield being the best examples) it is not really necessary here. I can understand why the director used it: it's cheaper and easier and when you're a director/producer starting out, budget is a key factor. A few scenes with hand-held would have been fine, but it was overdone. This also seemed to get in the way of the plot, as the writer then had to write the script to incorporate the viewer.

The performances weren't that great, though none were atrocious (except maybe Michael Navarra...). Jena Hunt was the best of the lot: quite intense and convincing. Rest were a bit wooden at times, though seemed to get better as the movie progressed.

While not a great movie, a decent effort by producer-director Doc Zee, considering his obvious budgetary constraints.

I was very much impressed all throughout the film with the presence of Maya. Jena's finesse brings the film to life, enhances the performances of the other actors, and helps them find their roles. I really enjoy Michael's performance as well. His entrance to the production rings of charm. From start to finish, he carries a swagger about him that attracts the viewers attention and locks them in to the unfolding plot. In his role as Aug, he displays a handsome energy that is impetuously magnetic in nature. As the pastor, Chris shines as evil progresses and develops itself through the infection of his community. I admire the message that Jeremiah stands for among his colleagues. I had thoughts to myself upon my first viewing of the film that said, "I agree. Bravo. This is very much real."