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Reviews
The Big Gift (2022)
A fun holiday film
The Big Gift is a fun action comedy film with incredible set pieces and a great storyline. The film follows a devoted father (Chris) as he fueds with a beefed up, cigar smoking Santa for credit on his sons gift. The film looked and sounded incredible. The cinematography, sets & locations were all MANY steps above your average indie film. Not many other local indie films achieve set design of this level. The Big Gift is a really ambitious film that (more than) pulls off what Director Jarrod Crooks was setting out to accomplish. The film had tremendous characters. Both humorous and likable. It's clear from the beginning that the parents (Chris and Jen) will go incredible lengths for their son Everett. This film will appeal to families (not only in the Midwest) but across the globe. 10/10.
Freedom and Isolation (2017)
The exciting short story between The Unearthing and Beguiled Company
Freedom and Isolation was a visually stunning experience that blends suspense with tragedy as we watch these broken individuals who have endured family trauma and abusive parents navigate through their relationship and uncertainty for their future. Each of TJs films are vastly different from each other which adds exciting unpredictability to viewing each of his films for the first time. Tristan's breathtaking cinematography was stunning as per usual. The Unearthing (2015) and Freedom & Isolation (2017) show Tristan's early storytelling abilities in action which are built up to his latest feature Beguiled Company (2021) where we see those abilities taken to new heights.
Highly recommend Freedom and Isolation!
The Unearthing (2015)
Highly recommend The Unearthing
The Unearthing was very enjoyable and the cinematography really stands out in particular.
(*spoilers)
My favorite scene in the film is when the protagonists make a horrific discovery in the dark caves. This film was an extremely impressive feature film debut for TJ considering he was only in high school at the time. Great ambiguous ending as well. Highly recommend The Unearthing.
Beguiled Company (2021)
Excellent genre bending adventure
Really enjoyed this film, it was very well made and I highly recommend! There was a perfect balance of humor and tension throughout blending elements of the crime thriller and comedy genres. There's lots of subtle humor but also lots of laugh out loud moments as well. The chilling 3rd act was especially interesting with its character development and suspense. The special effects were stellar especially the gore effects and visual effects when the characters are tripping on LSD. As a local it was very exciting to see some of the familiar locations. Overall the story and characters were highly interesting and made this film one hell of a ride!