It’s funny that in my own website, I’ve become truly feared by filmmakers. Even filmmakers who happen to be buddies of mine. Why is that? I’m not sure. But if you send me a film, expect an honest opinion. You have to either have to accept that, or don’t send anything at all. I’m glad director Jeremy Vaeni for “No One’s Watching” seems to know and appreciate that, as he sent his film to me with the letter stating that whether I love or hate it, he would love a review. I’m honest, and that’s just what’s what.
Tag Archives: Indie Film
Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006)
He’s a skilled serial killer, a slasher along the lines of Jason, and, oh yeah, he’s a self-promoting sensationalist who wants to become a famous slasher of all things teen. Leslie Vernon lives in a world filled with monsters. He lives in a world where Jason, Freddy, and even Michael Myers wreak havoc on innocent victims and young teenagers. And what does Leslie Vernon want? He wants to be like them. And he’ll go through any lengths to live up to their legacies. And wouldn’t you know it? Director Scott Glosserman is about eighty percent of the way there.
Altered (2006)
These days many people just do not enjoy “The Blair Witch,” and that’s a shame. I still love the movie, and I still think it’s a frightening simplistic horror film about curiosity killing the cat. But in a day and age where gore is on the menu, it’s not hard to fathom why it’d be disliked. “Altered” is an admirable if flawed follow-up from the “Blair Witch” boys that is much different in every sense. Gore and guts are present, as well as a fairly simplistic alien carnage story. Ah, the joys of being a horror fanatic. “Altered” is a good old fashioned horror film, and one that relies on the conventions of typical claustrophobic horror fare to get us through.
Who's Ma Ma! Joe Ma Ma! (2007)
Sean J.S. Jourdan seems to have a knack for perfectly pinning humanity in all its chinks and warts, and that’s a true talent. Not many directors can properly capture the human tragedy and when it comes along, it has to be appreciated. “Who’s Ma Ma!” is a short documentary about a simple family of men who have endured horrible tragedies in their lives and yet—they still stagger on.
Altered by Elvis (2006)
My common thought is that if you’re going to make a documentary, be sure to make it about something you’re passionate of. “Altered by Elvis” explores pure passion for the man known to many as “The King.” The title basically speaks for itself. Directors Jayce and Tiffany Bartok chronicle the lives of many Elvis fans, and not just fans, but hardcore diehard obsessed fanatics who possess an utter passion for the artist, and you can almost sense the love behind every minute of film. “Altered by Elvis” tackles the fan base with much grace and charm presenting likable and appealing fans of Elvis, while also never being afraid to show the frightening followers.
An Open Door (2006)
Yet again, I was sure I had this film pegged from the get go. It’s a wife struggling to hold on to her husband. Of course. It’s heartbreaking and tragic, but that’s life. And then director Jourdan completely and utterly sideswiped me, and I was breath taken. I admit that. What “An Open Door” is is an utterly gut wrenching display of a woman who simply can’t let some things go. It’s going to be very difficult to review this without giving some things away. The surprise plot twist is utterly fantastic and hard to sit through, but what “An Open Door” is is the portrait of the human psyche and its refusal to sometimes admit to certain things.
Prison-A-Go-Go! (2003)
I have no aversion to women in prison movies. No, sir, I do not. I happen to enjoy good schlock when it’s done well, and I happen to enjoy flicks like “Cellblock Sisters.” When I caught wind of “Prison A-Go-Go!”, I was utterly intrigued. It’s not often you get a movie that’s intended to be schlock these days. Some directors just make bad movies and pretend its schlock, and many attempt schlock but fail miserably. “Prison A-Go-Go!” gets it right most of the time. “