marceldorian Reviews

Token Taverns (2023)

A Heartfelt Ode to Arcade Culture Amidst Adversity

[9/10 · 30 April 2024]

This documentary takes viewers on a poignant journey through the highs and lows of arcade bar ownership amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Filmmaker Bob Rose's two-year project offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of three Florida-based bar arcade owners as they navigate the challenges of running specialty entertainment businesses in an ever-changing landscape.

While the film primarily focuses on the experiences of these Florida-based establishments, it also touches upon broader themes of community, nostalgia, and the enduring appeal of arcade culture. Viewers are treated to insightful reflections from arcade bar owners across the state, each sharing their personal journey and the profound impact of gaming on their lives.

As someone who fondly remembers the thrill of arcade gaming, the documentary strikes a personal chord, evoking memories of neon-lit arcades and exhilarating gameplay. Rose's ability to capture the essence of arcade culture with authenticity and warmth is truly commendable, leaving viewers with a renewed appreciation for the magic of shared gaming experiences.

In conclusion, "Token Taverns" is a heartfelt ode to arcade culture and the resilient spirit of its stewards. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or simply seeking a nostalgic trip down memory lane, this documentary offers a compelling reminder of the enduring power of human connection in the face of adversity. As arcade bars continue to thrive in communities across the country, "Token Taverns" serves as a poignant tribute to the timeless joy of gaming and the communities it fosters.

Hemisphere (2023)

Clever sci-fi

[8/10 · 16 February 2024]

Indie Sci-Fi's are hard to produce because special effects, CGI and sets cost a lot of money. So, when I come across one that works, it makes me happy. And the reason why this one works is because it's clever. It does borrow things from such classics like Aliens and Pandorum, but that's a good thing.

The narrative is simple and effective. Our protagonist, Sandra is sent to a space station to investigate the disappearance of the crew. She ends up finding a survivor, Phoebe. The later, tells her that hijackers killed the rest of the crew. The two of them, with the help of an A. I. must figure out how to get out of there. Once the bad guys return, they are forced to work together.

"Hey birdie, where are you?" The cat and mouse chase begins. Will the two survive? Give this gem a go and you'll find out.

The Eve (I) (2015)

When a holiday goes wrong

[9/10 · 2 February 2024]

I love movies where regular people are put in unusual, dangerous situations. It is in these times when their true, authentic selves are in full display. What happens to people when strange things start to happen, when phones don't work to call help, when cars don't work to run away, when all you can rely on is your friends. But what if you don't trust them?

All these themes and questions are raised in "the eve". Of course you will see some Hitchcook influences here, but that's a good thing. All in all The Eve is a solid fun psychological thriller with good performances and solid direction. Give it a go.

Charlie (I) (2022)

Proper character study

[6/10 · 17 October 2023]

This movie follows Charlie and her mother Rachael who's family dynamic is clearly off. Charlie lives in isolation and the filmmakers take their time to build the perception that there is something very much wrong with him. This non-linear story then jumps to Rachael who is being interviewed by a detective after Charlie disappears. The creation of this desolate world is accompanied by a rather dramatic score and both our leads bring these characters to life.

If you are looking for a fast paced thriller, look elsewhere, however if you are looking for a proper character study about PTSD and the devastating effects it has on a family, this gem will surely not disappoint you.

Remarkable Power (2008)

Funny and intricate indie

[9/10 · 19 September 2023]

This wild mash of a film follows several timelines (a revenge plot masterminded by a TV host, a cheating wife, a chance meeting between a pothead and a hustlering actor, some Russian mobsters looking for a stiff, a porn star and a private investigatior playedby the always intriguing Tom Arnold). If you find this puzzling, well it's because it is. These wild characters are all on a crash course and when the stories collide we are offered a hell of a climax.

This is dark comedy at it's best with solid acting, good pacing, great dialogue and an awesome soundtrack.

It's the perfect movie for a fun night in.

Summer with the Guys (2023)

This movie is fun!!!

[9/10 · 17 May 2023]

If you enjoy comedies such as the Hangover and American Pie combined with some G strings, you'll gonna love this. The plot is simple and entertaining. 4 college dudes loose their scholarships and end up working in a strip joint. As you can imagine, this situation brings out the inner Magic Mike in these guys and they get themselves in all kinds of trouble. What's cool about it is that all these guys have different personalities and are not just cardboard characters. They also have great chemistry between them and offer plenty of laugh out loud moments.

If you feel like watching a good comedy with great music and oiled up bodies, give this bad boy a go.

Jovi & Lou (2023)

Wacky indie gem

[8/10 · 26 April 2023]

Just like in old Greek mythology, where the gods mess about with us mere mortals in this dark comedy it's God (Jovi) and Lucifer (Lu) who play us. The plot is simple yet emotionally complex. It asks: Could you kill 3 potentially evil strangers to save the one you love? So, morality, love and faith are all put to the test by these 2 eternal puppeteers.

Watching Jovi and Lou was a breath of fresh air because it's original, risky, funny and very well put together. I wish big studios would work on projects like this. Both the direction and the acting are solid and really sell this wacky premise.

If you feel like watching a brave and fun indie, give this a go.

Craving (2023)

Stylish indie gem

[9/10 · 14 April 2023]

This entertaining indie is about a group of misfits out for some fun at a rural bar. All good until another group shows up saying there is a monster hiding amongst them. I won't spoil it for you, but there will be a few surprises you might not see coming.

Also, the main characters all have a back story, they are not just carboard cut-out characters and they way they interact with each other is quite natural. The story has an organic flow, and the build up to the climax doesn't seem forced. And for the horror fans, the payoff will be worth it. Blood!!!

If you enjoy indie suspense movies, give this one a go and you will not be disappointed.

Terror Trips (2021)

Original indie thriller

[9/10 · 22 March 2023]

What I like about this movie is that it has an original premise. A few friends start a travel service that arranges tourist trips to horror movie shooting locations. So they go scouting but get more than they bargained for and let's just say that things get bloody. I won't say more as I don't want to spoil it for you. All I'll say is that there is enough blood to satisfy horror fans and enough twists to satisfy the thriller fans.

Keeping in mind that this little gem had a limited budget, the cinematography is really good and the direction is solid. If you are in the mood for something different, give this indie a go.

A Greenland Story (2022)

Amazing documentary about a magical place

[9/10 · 16 August 2022]

Greenland is such a mythical place. Once the edge of the world, a place where hunting and fishing were the main jobs is today a place of change. Through a series of interviews with the older generation and amazing drone footage we learn it's history. We also tip our toes into the concept of 24 hour daylight and what that means to the inhabitants.

If you are looking for an informative and visually stunning documentary, look no further.

American Mafia: The Rise and Fall of Organized Crime (2021)

Amazing insight into the world behind the glamour

[9/10 · 2 August 2022]

This gem of a documentary looks into the genesis of Las Vegas from desert land to a place of glamour where celebrities rubbed shoulders with mobsters. It follows events in a chronological order highlighting the 2 masterminds behind Sin City. The interviews and cool footage work a chronic of times when men not corporations ran the world of high stake gambling. If you are a fan of Vegas and Gangster stories this documentary will not disappoint.

Extramundane (2022)

Living in hell

[9/10 · 8 July 2022]

A new building manager discovers there is something weird going on in the building. One by one the tenants disappear but because of Covid, nobody notices. So, the building manager teams up with some of the tenants to get to the bottom of the mystery.

It's a slow burn thriller where the building acts as a creepy character. Considering the budget limitations, I think this little indie gem will surprise you. If you enjoy indie thrillers, give this one a go.

Cohabitation (2020)

Roommate from hell

[9/10 · 4 July 2022]

This little indie gem is a psychological thriller where our lead must battle not just her own demons but an external one in the shape of a roommate with a twisted agenda. The flashbacks help us understand just how scarred Emily is, but in the same time we understand that beneath the fragility lays a strong person. On the other hand, we have Sarah, the roommate who is quite a mystery. If you enjoyed films like Single White Female and The hand that rocks the cradle, you will love this one.

Booked (II) (2021)

Haunting short film

[9/10 · 4 July 2022]

Make no mistake, this short is a heavy watch. It shows sex trafficking through the eyes of a new victim, Portia, who must learn to survive in a dark world where you are only worth as much as someone is willing to pay for you. The helplessness of the situation really comes through hard as the white mask removes traces of humanity . Will Portia ever escape this ordeal?

Black Jade (2020)

What a noir!

[10/10 · 24 June 2022]

I am a big fan of the genre hence my enthusiasm. This indie gem is a superbly written, well acted and steadily directed neo-noir wet dream of a film. Also the framing and the score give it so much gravitas. There are clear Hitchcock and Kubrik influences, but I'm not complaining about that. It's a slow burn thriller where the concept of reality is challenged. If you enjoy this genre, you'll love this.

Metamorphosis (III) (2022)

Awesome slow burn horror

[9/10 · 30 May 2022]

There are fast paced, jump scare horrors and there are slow burn, character driven more adult ones. This one belongs to the second group. The movie places our protagonists, a married couple, in an isolated environment having to overcome some marital issues while trying to get closer to one another. However, the results are to opposite, as the husband descends deep into a trance like state while the wife is holding on to what's left of her life. As time passes and tension grows, something is bound to snap.

Six Years Gone (2022)

Powerful and hunting drama

[9/10 · 30 May 2022]

This intense drama follows Carrie who's daughter has been missing without a trace. She cannot come to terms with having no answers. To add to her drama, she also has to deal with her mother's erratic behaviour while trying to keep herself sane. As the police don't seem to be able to help her she is using whatever resources she has but at what cost?

It's a truly nerve wracking, gritty and suffocating indie gem that I highly recommend.

The Impact Factor (2022)

Lives collide in Philadelphia

[8/10 · 15 May 2022]

This is a powerful indie drama about a handful of Philadelphians who's lives and those of others are influenced by the decisions they make. The reality of big city politics and the struggles of the working class always make great dramas when well executed. If you enjoy dramas that present individual struggles in the context of social integration and politics, give this gem a go.

The Good Hearts Club (2021)

Awsome light indie comedy

[9/10 · 15 April 2022]

This gem is about a group of misfits lead by the awkward and quirky Matt who try their best to save their business, an escape room.

The result is pure comedy escapism for a rainy Sunday night. Give it a go.

Easter Replacements (2022)

To host or not to host

[9/10 · 4 April 2022]

What would you do if you had to host 2 couples of complete strangers while dealing with marital issues? This movie raises questions regarding family values in the backdrop of social expectations. If this sounds like something you are interested in, give this indie a go, it might surprise you.

Weekend Healer (2020)

natural yet uncomfortable thriller/drama

[9/10 · 4 April 2022]

The movie starts off as a relationship drama set in the woods where a couple retreats to work on themselves until a stranger appears and then it slowly moves into the thriller territory. The dialogue and the eerie atmosphere pull us into this the lives of our couple. If you enjoy psychological thrillers, give this one a go.

Sideworld: Haunted Forests of England (2022)

Creepy forests, creepier people

[8/10 · 3 April 2022]

For the fans of the horror and supernatural genre, this will be a gem. It reaches into the land of folklore and forest demons. The great visuals and the eerie score help create a dark and magical world. What lurks in the depths of these forests? Find out if you dare.

Say Goodbye to Hollywood (2022)

Dystopian indie

[9/10 · 28 March 2022]

This little gem plays out in a barren Los Angeles where our protagonist Sean needs to come to terms with the new reality, a new world. It's a mysterious and spiritual journey. If you enjoy movies like The Road and Leave no Trace, this indie is for you.

The Stalker (III) (2020)

Homage to 80's horror

[9/10 · 25 March 2022]

Horror fans will appreciate Stalker for what it is, a homage to slasher films from the 80's. The whole concept, style and weird synthesizer score screams indulgent horror. I especially liked the parts that show things from the stalker's perspective and man, is that dude creepy. What's also cool about this is that the movie doesn't take itself to seriously, it has both gore and humour which I always enjoyed. If you like this genre, give it a go.

Killer Concept (2021)

Don't tease the killer

[8/10 · 17 March 2022]

This little indie gem is more a twisted love story mixed with a psychological thriller than a horror. It's intimate, creepy and intriguing. It follows a killer who teams up with a producer and a writer to research his own crimes. As they keep talking about the nature of the crimes, the killer becomes more and more exposed. But what happens when a killer gets exposed? Watch it and find out.