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A Grim Becoming (2014)
A Grim Becoming- 'Reaps' In the Benefits of Brilliance
Often I find that watching Independent Films is like Forrest Gump's proverbial box of chocolates, in that you never really know what you're going to get. I have been fortunate in finding some pleasant surprises, and when that occurs I praise them in reviews. I am inclined to publicly praise things I find remarkable, magical, wonderful
but fear that when something really, really super-duper good comes along, the praise may fall flat if praise is usually what I give, so here, today, the fear is realized. For here, today, I am writing about 'A Grim Becoming', the new, absolute gem of a Film from Deftone Pictures Studios; that demonstrates the pure capacity for genius from Director Adam Steigert; that shows the depth and range of acting talent from Stars Michael Sciabarrasi and Brandon T. Williams; that combines the home-grown talent of the Buffalo, NY community melding with Independent-Film greats of Los Angeles in seamless manner; that heralds the little guy
the underdog
the little engine that could; that celebrates the spirit of Halloween with such entertaining spirit it can be celebrated every year at that time but could be played on my DVD player over and over again regardless of what time of year it is. Though I could spend a thousand words in absolute praise of this Film, it can be perfectly summed up in three words: IT'S
THAT
GOOD.
The main plot follows Raphael (Brandon T. Williams), a star Architect who is upended from everyday life, first following the untimely passing of his nephew and then witnessing the work of a Grim Reaper at the scene of an accident. Not having the time to confront death head-on in figurative manner, he actually confronts 'Death', of the four-horseman variety. Brilliantly portrayed by Michael Sciabarrasi, this character of 'Death' is at-once terrifying and cartoonish, dressed in Victorian tux-and-top hat with cigar ever-present, and calls himself "Magoo". Raphael learns that because he has seen a Grim Reaper at work, he must himself become one
it's an unwritten rule that is, begrudgingly, his curse to bear or find a loophole around, and Magoo is there to make sure Raphael meets his new fate or face consequences even worse. Throughout Raphael's reluctant new assignment is a wonderful combination of laugh-out-loud zaniness, horrid deaths, creepy family members, asinine competitors, distractingly beautiful assistants, suicidal mourners, inept reapers, stoned archangels, fainting hotel clerks, horny seniors, enough blood to fill an ocean and a scene that will forever change your outlook on peanut butter. Add to that some visiting Stars of the Independent Horror-film genre that brilliantly play outside their comfort-zones, such as scream-queens Devanny Pinn and Jessica Cameron, legends Bill Oberst, Jr., Lynn Lowery and Melantha Blackthorne, and TV paranormalist Britt Griffith ('Ghost Hunters') to enhance the gifted local talent Deftone usually thrives in, and it all adds to what is truly a masterpiece. 'A Grim Becoming' also has the things an Adam R. Steigert Film is known for
he gets above-and-beyond level performances from his Talent, combines horror with heart, has eight things going on at the same time but never feels that way, and exceeds whatever level of expectations you had. Yet here going in, the level of expectation was supreme, with a blend of people and plot-lines ubiquitous and convoluted ...from all walks of life and level of mood going in countless directions, but it all comes together perfectly, with a feel both horrifying and hilarious, and can rival a film made on the A list. Of all the Independent Films I had the pleasure of seeing, and even the Hollywood Movies I have ever had the pleasure to watch
this here film, 'A Grim Becoming' moves to the very top of my list, and could indeed be my favorite film of all time. It gets 10 out of 10 from me.
Ombis: Alien Invasion (2013)
Destined for Cult Classic, already Classic-Campy, Intelligent, FUN
This Film is an absolute gem. There are some elements of the Movie, "Ombis:Alien Invasion" that we haven't seen done in films of this genre in quite a while, as I find many such films mean-spirited, unoriginal, dull and visceral. 'Ombis' brings back a feel-good element, gives its characters some old-fashioned chivalry and heart, or courtesy and grace, while smartly balancing laughs with shocks, and there wasn't a single second during our viewing where we caught ourselves drifting into daydreams
another thing I have not experienced in quite some time. 'Ombis' is at once campy and intelligent, scares are quickly replaced with laughs, in it there are ups and downs, silliness and sorrow, happiness and hardship, action and quiet, kindness and betrayal, goofiness and grace
often in the same scenes. The result is fun, delightful, and never dull, and a treasure to behold for those who see Movies for an escape, or to have a good time. This is indeed fun, and the whole family can enjoy 'Ombis: Alien Invasion", and, hopefully, embrace a premise where mutants, aliens, action heroes, government interventions and small-town charm all fit smartly into a delightful homage to the cult classic. This film is absolutely destined to be a cult classic, yet as it stands is already classic indeed.
"Ombis: Alien Invasion" takes place in the small, any-town USA of Metzburgh. The town is carefully and lovingly watched over by its Sheriff, delightfully portrayed by Richard Satterwhite. The peace of this community is quickly jeopardized when a meteor crashes in its midst, carrying a biological agent detrimental to humans, and its harmful effects begin quickly to spread, with potentially dreadful results. Into the fray walks unlikely hero Mark (Jason John Beebe), and this young Man soon finds himself smack-dab in the middle of all the chaos, while chivalrous and heroically engaging infected townsfolk, an alien other than the infectious agent mysteriously added to the mix, federal agents attempting to trump local law enforcement, town drunks, plumbers, inept deputies and his sweetheart. Many things are going on at the same time, both with hero Mark, and with the films emotional and action elements. Rather than ending up confusing us, it adds to the overall enjoyment of the film, and also gives the film ideal appeal for repeated viewing. Credit Director Adam R. Steigert for giving 'Ombis' such wonderful heart and great fun, and giving us a Movie that stands out for bringing classic elements of campy fun, moral character, unexpected thrills and multi-layered plot and emotion. I do believe Steigert is a Director to watch, as if this is an example of his ability, the future has to be as enticing and interesting as his tongue- in-cheek homage to science fiction/horror films that aren't in it for taking themselves seriously. It reminds me of the Bruce Campbell-laden 'Evil Dead' films, in the sense that those films wink at themselves while giving great entertainment value
though it's somewhat unfair to compare this film to anything. It stands as original on its own, and it's about time we see anything original lately.
It should be noted that this film is an example of a very dear thing, the community of the Deftone Pictures Studios. This film used talent local to Deftone, and honored everything in its regard. A community effort indeed. With that, there are the occasional novice performances, and you can see some of that if you look carefully, and because of that I have to abstain from giving 'Ombis' a perfect rating. It's ironic, though, as considering the level of performance Steigert gets out of his first-timers, as well as his weathered professionals, and the gallant character to take risks in honoring the use of local talent, rather than staying safe and using only professionals, makes this film more deserving of a perfect rating than most top-budget projects from big Hollywood that stand only to exemplify mediocrity. It has to be said how marvelous it is to see Deftone throw caution to the wind, to honor the heart of a community vital to their process, so I say it here. Deftone, and "Ombis: Alien Invasion" deserve major nods, for bringing us all something we should see much more often, but, at least see 'Ombis'. It's worth giving oneself a good time, if not a delightful one. 9 of 10 stars.
Please Talk with Me (2012)
The Finest Film About 'Haunting' Ever, Results In The New Direction of Filmmaking
Anyone who knows me will tell you I'm not at a loss for words much, but it's hard to appropriately express how good this film is, without sounding as though I was paid to do so. This Movie is THAT good, and I sincerely believe it should be used as an example of how Movies should be made, going forward. This film tells a story, a TRUE story, of a haunting that occurred to gifted Student Chris DeCesare at SUNY Geneseo in 1985. Back then, this young Man had no one to turn to without risk of ridicule. Fortunately, he had a friend in an intelligent, open-minded suite-mate, who not only listened, but kept a journal of the horrific, compounding experiences. As a result, we are given a gift of truthful storytelling and brilliant Directing unlike anything preceding it, with Actors ideal for their roles, making this Movie look like a meant-to-be event that pleases on every level. The film is not a scary horror-fest, not Documentary, not simple re-imagining. It's better than either could be, mixing low-tech with state-of-the-art, Actor portrayal with actual footage, at once uniquely artistic and plain-as-day, with portrayal of a tale simple, yet deep to the core. I've never experienced anything like it. Seriously. Credit Director Mara Katria, whose brilliant, superb choices paint a portrait with the strokes of a master painter, recreating the deepest pores of everyday life and coming-of-age moments with a story of a malevolent haunting, and the result feels like truth. For anyone interested in a good film about haunting, this is the only one I've ever seen that feels like real life, bringing surreal, horrid moments into our grasp without unrealistic stigmas or stereotypes, or over-the-top effects. Hollywood takes concepts like the paranormal, and makes them candy for the mind, for the emotional palette, more 'interesting than truth. Truth, most times, is somewhat dull, compared to a Hollywood version of truth, but in this film, Director Katria found a way to take truth, make it interesting, funny, sad, trying, horrific, frustrating, deep to one's core
but never dull. Sometimes the simple concepts, the one's right before our eyes are the ones that work, which bring 'aha' moments. This film is the new 'aha' moment. If you want to see what absolutely should be the new direction of film-making, see "Please,Talk With Me". Twice, at least. It is THAT good. 11 out of 10 for me, 10 out of 10 to be conventional.
The Black Dahlia Haunting (2012)
Definitely Worth Seeing, and Stays With You
I had the great pleasure of meeting some of the cast members before seeing the film's premiere a short while ago. While the temptation is there to say nice things because of that, I find there's no need, as I walked away with nice things to say anyway, and false compliments do no one any favors. What may draw many to the movie, is the acting debut of Britt Griffith. If you recognize that name, it's because he is a regular in the SyFy Networks television hit "Ghost Hunters". I'm proud to report he did an amazing job, not awkward or over-rehearsed or anything like that. He's a natural, and his Character really pulls you in. The Female Lead, Devanny Pinn, also stunning, goes through changes in the film that, while subtle, have actions that speak louder than words, and ultimately employs some empathy for her Character. It's hard to speak about the plot of the film without giving too much away, and the viewer should go see this film without expectation, for the ultimate experience. Either way, the viewer SHOULD go see the film. Best thing about this film is its Direction. Brandon Slagle gives us a brilliant re-imagining of occurrences regarding the infamous Elizabeth Short murder in 1940's Los Angeles, aka the Black Dahlia, and how consequences still permeate through current times. Some of the understated images, and Character interpretation speak loudly. This film is graceful, elegant, dark, and stays with you long after viewing. It is truly a diamond-in-the-rough, and sets what should be a new tone for Horror. Definitely worth seeing, but you might want to keep the kids away. A 9 of 10 from me.