meredithjillbrown

This movie is so compelling, gritty, raw and honest. American Trash practically tears out sections from the life of writer/director/actor Robert LaSardo and creates a current realism of despair and agony. Quite engaging, beautifully shot and yet so heartbreaking as a veteran struggling to find meaning through the soulless society he is forced into, Robert's character finds his salvation only to be struck with sudden devastation.

Robert LaSardo has already proven himself to be one incredibly talented actor. American Trash has propelled him into a bonafide triple threat. There is no denying the pain and solitude that exudes from each mastered scene...you will be emotionally drained by the end, but satisfied that you just watched something very personal, and profound.

If you haven't seen American Trash, you need to.

Looking for a different kind of horror flick? You MUST meet Oliver. Who's Watching Oliver is an entertaining case study of mother and son dynamics that meet depravity and nihilistic control. Oliver, portrayed by the immensely talented Russell Geoffrey Banks, is a grown man who is so awkward and clunky that you can easily spot his social inadequacy and borderline autism. But Oliver has a secret. A double life. And it looks like his night time activities are destroying what little social mentality he has left. Who's Watching Oliver is incredible. From the music, to the shocking dialogue...the blood soaked scenes and the disregard for a man child's feelings, Oliver had me both laughing and crying for him. Not only is the one of my favorite disturbing horror films...it's one of my favorite films. Period.

James Cullen Bressack is the prince of horror. Once again, he brings us a scary, frightening and haunting tale of family values.

After the passing of her mother, Claire and her husband Aaron (Estes and Ward) move into her childhood home where many evil memories reside.

From the moment Claire and Aaron begin their new lives in this house, creepy things start to happen…and all to Claire. Is this her imagination? Does anyone see what is physically and violently happening to her? From the chilling shower scene, to the threaded face (yes, THAT made me cringe!), it is clear that Claire is being haunted by someone in her past.

Flashbacks appear, as a young Claire recalls piano lessons to bouts of untidiness by her mother (a vicious Doherty who hasn't shown this level of cruelty since playing Brenda Walsh!), and the abuse endured continuously throughout her upbringing.

Zack Ward is the compassionate husband Aaron, trying to get a grip on his wife's sudden outbursts and resistance to having a child of their own. "Not in this house" she snaps. You see, Claire wasn't the only child growing up in this malicious home. Her best friend was imaginary. An imaginary little girl named Bethany.

So, what happened to Bethany? Is she haunting this young couple? Is she bitter about Claire's departure so many years earlier? Is she….real?

There are plenty of alarming moments that will jump-scare you out of your seat. Bressack has mastered the art of terrifying you as the plot unfolds into a spine-tingling family secret that will freak you out. It's simply grotesque…how far a self-absorbed mother will go to depict the ultimately perfect family.

And let's not forget the zany Tom Green! Who…well…is NOT very wacky at all. In fact, as the therapist for Claire and Aaron, he seems to be the only person with his head on straight. If you like The Grudge, you'll enjoy this. If you hated The Grudge….you'll still enjoy this. LOL!