brian-farni Reviews

Wicked Little Things (2006)

Excellent

[10/10 · 19 November 2006]

I have heard many things about this film festival. Obviously a big production. I am not sure who stands behind this, but it's a company called After Dark that in its own history only produced one film prior to this 8 films to die for festival: An American Haunting. Probably one of the worst films ever created, especially since it has nothing to do with horror at all, but was marketed as if it were a major horror film. It's more like a really bad copy of Poltergeist mixed with Lolitta.

Anyway: Most of the films shown that I saw were great. This one stand out however. Really out! On of my favorites this week end and definitely one that will make waves in the future. Excellently written and performed. I couldn't sit still for the whole time, I was at unrest and unease and it entertained me like no indie has ever done before. A8.5 outta 10!

An American Haunting (2005)

Good scare

[7/10 · 5 May 2006]

Many people complain that this movie's too slow but those are the kind of people who like gore and slashing and dumbness all in all... This monster of a drama is both beautiful and bold. It has character and style. It has class and purpose. It takes the audience into the darkest recesses of humankind and human mind. Anyone who likes smart, clever, meaningful horror-drama should see this film at least twice. It is surprisingly touching and amazingly powerful.

Courtney Solomon is doing a beautiful job at bringing across the essence of the story, which is fascinating by itself and leaves you with a touch of sadness. A great job at directing and producing this pictures, I believe Solomon has returned with a powerful comeback! That said, the cast deserves a hand for their wonderful performances. Sissy Spacek perfectly conveys the tension of a mother of the cusp of tragedy; Donald Sutherland is hauntingly perfect as the story's ray of light (or not?); James D'Arcy embodies the sadness of a defeated man, and Rachel Hurd-Wood is far above average especially at her young age. 7/10