This is our third consecutive review of Alter Ego Cinema’s “Amateur Porn Star Killer,” and by now with our record number of reviews for one film, it’s obvious that we pretty much support this film and Alter Ego Cinema’s methods of filmmaking. No, they’re not paying us to shill for them. Long ago, “Amateur Porn Star Killer” arrived at my doorstep and I viewed the press materials, viewed the packaged films and pretty much procrastinated reviewing it, writing it off as a home video that was filled with gore in an attempt to shock indie audiences. Trust me, I’ve come across too many movies like that. But upon viewing this film finally, Shane Ryan just blew me away and he convinced me to never prejudge a film however unusual it may be.
What with all the documentaries about global warming, the Iraq War, the horrible medical system in the US, the environment, and protests, sometimes we want a documentary that’s compelling and fun at the same time. With documentaries there aren’t many out there that provide both for the American audience. “The King of Kong” is that documentary. It’s escapist without sacrificing brain cells. “The King of Kong” is that movie that places a great deal of importance around something that most of us would deem irrelevant and absurd.
Kate Mara is a surefire saving grace for “Bloody Mary” as she turns a potentially annoying and whiny heroine into a sympathetic and highly entertaining central character. She has an innocence and genuine charisma to her that makes this film rise above a typical horror sequel, and I cared about her journey. All the clues and hints to the potential unveiling of Mary’s next targets always worked for me, and Mara really had me right there with her, wondering what surprises were next.