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FredThiel
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Dead Sea (2014)
Bikinis, Babes, And Monsters Oh My!
Although it wasn't what I expected, the film is very good! Devanny Pinn, Alexis Iacono, and Brandon Slagle are all scene stealers throughout the film, but truthfully, the entire cast is great in their roles. I feel that the film itself is more of an action/thriller than a horror film though. But, as a credit to Brandon, he does put the film's roots in the horror genre, and doesn't make a mockery of it like other water-monster films. Sharknado, I'm looking at you. He also respects the craft enough to give the monster enough credit to where it is a formidable foe, leaving mankind helpless in its wake. The score in the film is solid as well, assisting the mood of the scene like it's supposed to, rather than trying to make more money off of an album. Some of the set design is amazing, especially the beach of dead fish (you'll have to see it). There is also a ton of cameos in this film from the indie film scene, including Truth Or Dare's Ryan Kaiser, and indie icon James Duval, so what's not to like?
But, at the end of the day, although this is a monster flick, I felt the film itself is about family. It's about coping with the loss of loved ones, the reuniting of a father and daughter, and trying to escape the past and the places that you grew up. It's a very cool film with a lot of intensity! And if you have to chance to see it during its premier run around the US, I highly suggest checking it out! There's action, drama, monsters, and chicks in bikinis!
Truth or Dare (2013)
A Twisted Torture Flick You Need To See To Believe
Full Review is at http://blogandguts.blogspot.com/2014/03/truth-or-dare-review.html ...This movie has won numerous awards at every indie horror film festival it's been shown in. It's somewhere in the high teens, or low 20s right now for awards. And there's a reason why. Within the first 10 minutes, this film establishes the core of the film, and then doesn't let up until the end. But while most horror films stick to the, "more gore less story" ideals, Cameron and Higgins crafted a story that makes you want to care for every character, and stay focused on the torture they're all receiving at the hands of Derik. A big plus! Also, the actors that were assembled for this film is amazeballs. Each person behind the character loves this film, and you can tell in their portrayal. But, Kiser stands out as the breakout star of the film, taking psychotic to another level, and I think he's going to do great in his new film House of Manson, as the titular Charles Manson. I also dug the fact that even though they're all very close friends, they all have their own dark secrets they've hidden deep within from even each other, and Derik chips away at their friendship, as well as their psyche with each truth answered. But, while I was watching Truth Or Dare, another movie came to mind that shared a similar premise, and that was Among Friends. While Truth Or Dare shares some similarities to Danielle Harris's directorial debut, Truth Or Dare refuses to let the audience turn away, and cranks the brutality to 11, through the use of some amazing practical effects, and great make-up by Carrie Mercado. And even though there's a lot of blood, gore, and violence in the film, you can tell Jessica wanted to tell a good story as well, and there's a lot of character development, and well crafted dialog throughout the film, including a few parts where I laughed out loud in the theater. Another great thing about the film's cast is each character is an extension of a core trait, but they are rounded, and fully believable (A thing we touch on in the previous interviews). But what makes the film so twisted, beyond the gore and violence, is what I'm not including in this review. You'll have to see it for yourself...
But, at the end of the day, even though I liked it, would I recommend it to others? And that is a yes, and no. Yes, it is a very cool film, and has things that every horror fan would love, but no to anyone under 17. There's a lot of adult content that younger horror fans just wouldn't get, as this movie would/could get a hard R or NC-17 rating in the mainstream. But, that is also your call as a parent to decide what your children see, not mine.
Truth Or Dare is a phenomenal directorial debut for Jessica Cameron, and I'm excited to see her future works as well, both in front of the camera, as well as behind. TOD is a violent, gory, monolith of an indie film, but it's also very smart, respecting the fans of the genre. And if you get a chance to see it on the big screen, I highly suggest it!