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Reviews
Rebound (2014)
Solid Psychological Thriller
The premise behind Rebound is that a girl moving back home to Chicago after a breakup, only to find herself in danger. The writing is well thought out. The writer/director put a lot of work into creating an immersive experience for the audience.
And that's what makes Rebound so good: you feel like you're right there with the main character experiencing what she experiences. It can be difficult for filmmakers to build up that tension and create an image on screen that resonates with the audience, but the makers of Rebound succeeded.
Rebound delivers thrills from start to finish. I didn't leave my seat the entire time.
Love a la Carte (2014)
Great comedy that delivers more than just laughs
Great comedy that delivers more than just laughs. I was particularly impressed with the scenery. The lighting and choice of shooting locations really added to the overall effect of the film, making it beautiful and easy to watch. The characters were well-developed and relatable, which is key to making this kind of relationship comedy work. It also felt topical with the connections to the immigration debate, cyber dating, etc. The mark of a good movie is when you lose yourself in it and start imagining yourself in the situations the characters were in. Overall a great movie to watch on a date or alone on any given night. I hope to see more from these filmmakers, and I would definitely watch again.
The Aviation Cocktail (2012)
Dexter meets Band of Brothers
Every once in a while, an indie film really hits it out of the park. It's hard enough to do a period piece with a big budget, let alone an indie budget! Set against the backdrop of post-WWII Nebraska, three vets search out a serial killer. Such a good balancing act between the human interest in the characters, the intrigue and suspense. The filmmakers took some steps to add a feeling of darkness to the idyllic post-war days of America that really sets the mood. If you're a fan of period pieces or suspense, you won't want to miss this. And I think it's also a good bet for general audiences. I enjoyed this from start to finish, and highly recommend it.
Hanah's Gift (2008)
Technical artistry delivers suspense
Got a recommendation to watch this movie, and I'm glad I did. The movie follows the tried-and-true formula of a group of people getting killed one by one, but a couple of things make this one stand out. First, centering the film around an anger management group is a refreshing departure from the ordinary run-of-the-mill films I've seen in the genre. Secondly, the point of view and camera-work really add to the suspense. Tight shots and closeups make you feel like you're right in the middle of the action. This kind of movie doesn't work if the audience feels disconnected from what's going on with the characters, so the camera-work helps create that connection (and ultimately the overall atmosphere of suspense). Lastly, the score really is well done. That's the kind of thing you only notice when it's especially good or especially bad--in this case, it was definitely GOOD!
Halloween is coming up, and Hanah's gift is the perfect choice for a movie marathon.
Hillbilly Horror Show (2014)
Fun format, great short films
Comedy and horror...beer-drinking and blood-baths...what more could you ask for? This set of short films is punctuated by host segments featuring a couple of good old boys and their smoking hot assistant Lulu. The format reminds me of the old MonsterVision on TNT or Mystery Science Theater 3000 (except with better films!). If you enjoy flipping through the channels late at night to discover new film you've never seen before, you will enjoy this. We're coming up on Halloween, and this is a perfect fit for a laid-back evening of quality short films. Watched on Amazon, and it looks like part of a series, so if the filmmakers release any more of these, I will definitely continue watching.
Earthrise (2014)
Fantastic movie, would watch again.
Fantastic movie, would watch again. It reminds me of Neal Stephenson's Seveneves novel in that it's a well-thought out exploration of humanity in a hypothetical future in which the basic rules of life on earth as we know it have changed. Earthrise doesn't rely on special effects to carry the day, and that's a good thing. While this is a sci-fi film, underneath all that you'll find a compelling story about characters with real depth, all combining to create a though-provoking piece that's as entertaining as it is intellectually stimulating. The filmmakers did a terrific job of creating a living, breathing world and respecting the rules that they set up for the characters.
Targeting (2014)
Excellent Pacing Makes for Great Suspense
This film delivers suspense. You rarely notice the pacing in a movie unless it's either exceptionally bad or exceptionally good--Targeting does it exceptionally well. The premise of the film about a soldier returning home from Afghanistan only to be thrust back into harm's way is absolutely fascinating. It's also relevant to the seemingly daily reports of terrorism we see in the news every day.
Also fascinating was the lead role of the soldier going to a woman. It allowed the film makers to explore the issues surrounding troops returning from war in an entirely novel way, one that I hope other film makers will tackle. Kudos to this group for taking a chance and making a truly unique experience for fans of indie film!
How to Beat a Bully (2015)
Hilarious premise, non-stop laughs
I'll admit, this isn't the kind of movie I normally watch, but I ended up really enjoying it. It takes on the subject of bullying without being preachy. I feel like the film makers really added a fresh perspective, and the final product is top tier.
This really is one the whole family can enjoy. Kids will get the jokes, and there's enough humor in there with a wink and a nudge that the grown- ups will enjoy, too. The premise of the movie itself is hilarious, and the writing never fails to deliver the laughs. And smart casting choices meant that the actors can actually pull off the punch lines! Perfect for a rainy evening in with the whole family.
Death of a Saleswoman (2006)
Subtle humor, clever and enjoyable
Watching Death of a Saleswoman was like being with a group of friends who knows my sense of humor PERFECTLY. The comedy comes at you obliquely, but if you pay attention you can really appreciate the subtle touches. Clever use of black and white hearkens back to Film Noir classics and adds an extra dimension as well.
For an indie film with a small budget, these guys (girls!) really hit it out of the park. They took a chance and it really paid off. Trying to make a combination mystery/comedy is no easy task even for big-budget Hollywood studios, but they made it work.
Watch this one with a good Pinot Noir. That's my recommendation to you.
We Are Kings (2014)
Buy the DVD, you'll want to watch it again
This movie casts a spell and doesn't break it. The music and the settings are very well thought out and support the overall experience of the film. It's great to see an indie film that puts together such a beautifully crafted audience experience. Highly enjoyable. I would recommend this to just about everyone, but especially if you like the Blues. It's worth getting the DVD, you'll want to watch this one again.
The things that prevented me from giving all 10 stars were very minor, but I really have only given 10 stars to a total of 3 movies, ever. Keeping in mind the budget and other considerations you have to make for indie films, this one really is a home run.
The Eve (2015)
Well-crafted thriller delivers
"The Eve" is the perfect movie for a cold night in front of the fire. Excellent storytelling that pays homage to many of the familiar thriller elements (jump scene with the girl in the shower), without ever feeling tired and clichéd.
That good, solid storytelling is supported by meticulous attention to detail in the camera-work, scripting, lighting, continuity, and score. All these elements combine beautifully to give the unsettling sense that as the doomed foursome arrives in Martha's Vineyard for their New Year's Eve vacation, something is deeply wrong. Those deeper elements work their way out as the plot unfolds, and everything they set up early in the film ultimately pays off.
One movie critic described a good movie as one that "casts a spell and doesn't break it." The Eve does this very well, and it kept me in suspense all the way until the closing credits.
I recommend this movie for any fans of the genre. Although this was an independent film, I believe it has broad appeal for anyone looking for a date-night thriller. I'll be watching this one again!