STASIS stars Reshad Strik, Beau Bridges, Ernie Hudson, and Rachel Specter. This short film is very well done. The cinematography and lighting are great. You may watch it here: https://vimeo.com/14795455.
20 December 2010
01 December 2010
The Drummer
A friend told me about this short film: http://www.thedrummershort.com/ (click Watch THE DRUMMER). It is good, has beautiful music, and many artists may relate.
25 October 2010
Sacramento Horror Film Festival 2010
This weekend I attended the Sacramento Horror Film Festival. I mostly watched short films. The common theme amongst filmmakers in attendance was that they make a short film to attract financing for a feature film. I noticed some highlight technical talent and others are superb storytellers.
ALICE JACOBS IS DEAD stars Adrienne Barbeau as a woman with a horrific virus. Her husband is a scientist and desperately researches a cure. The acting is very good in this story. I just wish it were longer; however, it does have a beginning, middle, and an end. Some short films are so short, before I can get involved drastic things happen and the movie ends. This film is not like that. It is well-paced, and has all the ingredients for a feature. Here is the film's trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=101-gf2AJy8.
WICK is another short film that I think will make an excellent feature. In this movie a young woman has nightmarish visions that reveal her mysterious past. The story takes place in a mental hospital, and this film provides a way for viewers to develop an interest in finding out why the lady is a patient. Here is the film's official Web site: http://www.wickthemovie.com/.
ALICE JACOBS IS DEAD stars Adrienne Barbeau as a woman with a horrific virus. Her husband is a scientist and desperately researches a cure. The acting is very good in this story. I just wish it were longer; however, it does have a beginning, middle, and an end. Some short films are so short, before I can get involved drastic things happen and the movie ends. This film is not like that. It is well-paced, and has all the ingredients for a feature. Here is the film's trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=101-gf2AJy8.
WICK is another short film that I think will make an excellent feature. In this movie a young woman has nightmarish visions that reveal her mysterious past. The story takes place in a mental hospital, and this film provides a way for viewers to develop an interest in finding out why the lady is a patient. Here is the film's official Web site: http://www.wickthemovie.com/.
THE CURSE OF MICAH ROOD reveals an old legend from Norwich, Connecticut in a clever way. Ron Palillo plays Micah Rood, a man who cherishes his privacy and precious apple orchard. When a peddler stops by and asks to stay the night, Micah is not too kind, but complies, only to later accuse the peddler of stealing his apples. This leads to Micah committing a violent deed and taints the fruit of his orchard with the blood of guilt. THE CURSE OF MICAH ROOD is a period piece, and it is enjoyable watching Ron Palillo in the lead role. Here is the film's trailer:
LIMIKKIN RANCH is a great short (impressive student film). While watching this movie, just as it ends, most viewers want more. The setting is a mysterious ranch. A man is summoned to the ranch to hunt and kill a violent pack of marauding coyotes. He discovers the true threat is far more ancient and evil. You may watch the movie here: http://vimeo.com/8750304.
One feature that is unique and interestingly intriguing is THE MAN WHO COLLECTED FOOD. A loner chooses collecting food as his hobby. Most people collect stamps, baseball cards, or coins, but this guy collects food. Since he collects food, do you think he eats it? The answer is no. He resorts to the atrocious act of cannibalism. I know this seems nauseating, but the film will draw you in. Here is the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-HVKkm3EGQ.
04 October 2010
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
I like the plot of the film, WALL STREET: MONEY NEVER SLEEPS (good title). The story offers some unexpected turns, and that kept me intrigued. Once again Michael Douglas is a joy to watch as “Gordon Gekko;” viewers want to sympathize with his character.
Overall, this is an excellent film directed by Oliver Stone and the entire cast is wonderful. Josh Brolin is spectacular as always, Shia LaBeouf has a lot of talent, and Susan Sarandon is fantastic. In addition, Frank Langella’s performance is outstanding, and I like Carey Mulligan as “Winnie Gekko.”
Overall, this is an excellent film directed by Oliver Stone and the entire cast is wonderful. Josh Brolin is spectacular as always, Shia LaBeouf has a lot of talent, and Susan Sarandon is fantastic. In addition, Frank Langella’s performance is outstanding, and I like Carey Mulligan as “Winnie Gekko.”
13 September 2010
Get Low
I have seen several excellent independent films this year (LA MISSION; BLACK, WHITE, AND BLUES), and GET LOW is one of them. This film is worthy of Academy Award recognition. The screenplay is very good and there is a stellar cast: Robert Duvall, Bill Murray, Sissy Spacek, Bill Cobbs, Lucas Black, and Gerald McRaney.
Duvall plays a hermit who wants to attend his own funeral. The local pastor (McRaney) balks at the idea of presiding over such an "event," but the funeral home director, played brilliantly by Murray, needs the business and is prepared to help. Beyond this, the story offers a major internal conflict for Duvall's character that a pastor friend (Cobbs) wants him to share so he can let go and move on and an external conflict involving Spacek's character. These conflicts provide more layers to the hermit concept.
For more information about GET LOW visit http://www.sonyclassics.com/getlow.
Duvall plays a hermit who wants to attend his own funeral. The local pastor (McRaney) balks at the idea of presiding over such an "event," but the funeral home director, played brilliantly by Murray, needs the business and is prepared to help. Beyond this, the story offers a major internal conflict for Duvall's character that a pastor friend (Cobbs) wants him to share so he can let go and move on and an external conflict involving Spacek's character. These conflicts provide more layers to the hermit concept.
For more information about GET LOW visit http://www.sonyclassics.com/getlow.
26 July 2010
Black, White, and Blues
Last night at the Sacramento Film & Music Festival I watched a special movie called BLACK, WHITE, AND BLUES starring Michael Clarke Duncan and Morgan Simpson (also a producer), with appearances by Tom Skerritt and Luke Perry, and a cameo by Melvin Van Peebles. Perry’s performance was fun to watch, as the character he plays in this film is different from any other I have seen him portray. Each of the actors gave great performances, which can be attributed to the movie’s director, Mario Van Peebles.
The unpredictable story with its surprising twists takes place in Texas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. (According to producers, the filming took place in Memphis.) The setting is significant to the story because the music is all blues and country. There is more blues because the main character, "Bailey" (Simpson), is a blues man. The music is superb throughout the film as the characters visit various blues bars (and a country one), and blues bands/singers have their talent showcased. I am hoping there is a soundtrack from this film that I can purchase. For more information about BLACK, WHITE, AND BLUES visit http://www.blackwhiteandblues.com/. (New title: REDEMPTION ROAD)
The unpredictable story with its surprising twists takes place in Texas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. (According to producers, the filming took place in Memphis.) The setting is significant to the story because the music is all blues and country. There is more blues because the main character, "Bailey" (Simpson), is a blues man. The music is superb throughout the film as the characters visit various blues bars (and a country one), and blues bands/singers have their talent showcased. I am hoping there is a soundtrack from this film that I can purchase. For more information about BLACK, WHITE, AND BLUES visit http://www.blackwhiteandblues.com/. (New title: REDEMPTION ROAD)
03 July 2010
Oscar Micheaux Commemorative Stamp
Now available at the post office:
The back of the stamp reads:
Pioneering filmmaker Oscar Micheaux (1884-1951) wrote, directed, produced, and distributed more than 40 movies during the first half of the 20th century, when African-American filmmakers were extremely rare and support for their work was scarce. His entrepreneurial spirit and independent vision continue to inspire new generations of filmmakers and artists.
Pioneering filmmaker Oscar Micheaux (1884-1951) wrote, directed, produced, and distributed more than 40 movies during the first half of the 20th century, when African-American filmmakers were extremely rare and support for their work was scarce. His entrepreneurial spirit and independent vision continue to inspire new generations of filmmakers and artists.
08 June 2010
24 April 2010
La Mission
Today I watched an awesome film called LA MISSION starring Benjamin Bratt and Erika Alexander in magnificent performances. I liked the multi-cultural cast, the music, and the setting of San Francisco. This was certainly one of the most unique movies I have seen in a long time.
The writing is superb. Characters talk the way people actually do. After the screening I told the director/writer/producer Peter Bratt and the film’s star Benjamin Bratt how I think it is great the dialog is so natural and Benjamin commented that some people have assumed everyone was improvising when in fact Peter’s screenplay is written with characters “being real.” No one puts on airs. These characters are real people and talk like real people who are in real situations that are relevant today.
LA MISSION is another fantastic independent film, and is now showing in select cities. Hopefully it is screening at a theatre near you. If not, contact your local theatre and request it. For more information about LA MISSION, visit the official Web site at http://www.lamissionthemovie.com/. You will see the trailer and hear some of the soulful music from the film.
The writing is superb. Characters talk the way people actually do. After the screening I told the director/writer/producer Peter Bratt and the film’s star Benjamin Bratt how I think it is great the dialog is so natural and Benjamin commented that some people have assumed everyone was improvising when in fact Peter’s screenplay is written with characters “being real.” No one puts on airs. These characters are real people and talk like real people who are in real situations that are relevant today.
LA MISSION is another fantastic independent film, and is now showing in select cities. Hopefully it is screening at a theatre near you. If not, contact your local theatre and request it. For more information about LA MISSION, visit the official Web site at http://www.lamissionthemovie.com/. You will see the trailer and hear some of the soulful music from the film.
11 March 2010
That Evening Sun
Last night I saw the movie THAT EVENING SUN starring Hal Holbrook, and enjoyed it.
THAT EVENING SUN is excellent storytelling with an interesting, multi-dimensional character played by Hal Holbrook, who gives an exceptional performance. The entire cast is good, and it is always a pleasure watching Barry Corbin act. To learn more about the film, visit http://thateveningsun.com/.
THAT EVENING SUN is excellent storytelling with an interesting, multi-dimensional character played by Hal Holbrook, who gives an exceptional performance. The entire cast is good, and it is always a pleasure watching Barry Corbin act. To learn more about the film, visit http://thateveningsun.com/.
06 March 2010
Preston Castle
Today I visited Preston Castle (http://www.prestoncastle.com/) in Ione, California.
The Preston School of Industry is one of the oldest reform schools in the United States, as it opened in 1894 to house juvenile offenders, but was vacated in 1960. The castle is reputed to be haunted, especially since a female employee was murdered in the basement kitchen by one of the wards. Strange noises have been heard and individuals report seeing people who suddenly disappear. The above photograph is a room noted for having the most “activity,” and paranormal groups often gather there for investigations.
27 February 2010
Gotham
Gotham is a wonderful independent soap opera from executive producer Martha Byrne, and based on characters developed by Byrne and Alexandra Verner Roalsvig. The show is written by Martha Byrne and Lisa Brown. Additionally, Brown magnificently directs each episode.
Martha Byrne plays “Catherine Prescott.” After surviving a devastating divorce, “Catherine” lives as a single woman, raises her daughter “Ava,” played by Jessica Griffin, and becomes a successful sales executive for Nicole Miller. Everything changes for her when she takes a trip to the suburbs of New York: “Richard Manning” walks back into her life.
Michael Park plays “Richard Manning,” who was named Crown Prince of Wall Street by the Wall Street Journal. His divorce from “Veronica Manning,” played by Lisa Peluso, has graced the cover of The New York Post more than once during their year-long struggle to part ways. He always puts business first, and his personal life has been destroyed.
I really like Gotham. The series features fun, original music. And since “Catherine” works for Nicole Miller, the real-life designer’s fashions are elegantly adorned by the cast. Overall, this show is outstanding.
The series also stars Kin Shriner, Melanie Smith, Anna Stuart, Maeve Kinkead, Paolo Seganti, and so many more splendid actors viewers will recognize from television’s daytime dramas. You can watch Gotham at http://www.gothamtheseries.com/ and on the show’s YouTube Channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/GothamTheSeries) every other Monday at 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. You may also watch the show on iTunes (http://gothamtheseries.blip.tv/rss/itunes).
Martha Byrne plays “Catherine Prescott.” After surviving a devastating divorce, “Catherine” lives as a single woman, raises her daughter “Ava,” played by Jessica Griffin, and becomes a successful sales executive for Nicole Miller. Everything changes for her when she takes a trip to the suburbs of New York: “Richard Manning” walks back into her life.
Michael Park plays “Richard Manning,” who was named Crown Prince of Wall Street by the Wall Street Journal. His divorce from “Veronica Manning,” played by Lisa Peluso, has graced the cover of The New York Post more than once during their year-long struggle to part ways. He always puts business first, and his personal life has been destroyed.
I really like Gotham. The series features fun, original music. And since “Catherine” works for Nicole Miller, the real-life designer’s fashions are elegantly adorned by the cast. Overall, this show is outstanding.
The series also stars Kin Shriner, Melanie Smith, Anna Stuart, Maeve Kinkead, Paolo Seganti, and so many more splendid actors viewers will recognize from television’s daytime dramas. You can watch Gotham at http://www.gothamtheseries.com/ and on the show’s YouTube Channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/GothamTheSeries) every other Monday at 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. You may also watch the show on iTunes (http://gothamtheseries.blip.tv/rss/itunes).
16 February 2010
Childhood Fears
In my September 28, 2009 post I shared information about the excellent films I watched at ShockerFest International Film Festival. One of the movies I really liked was a short film titled CHILDHOOD FEARS. Remember I told you the director, Cameron Roubique, promised a Web series? Well, I received a nice surprise this week, as Cameron sent me a message announcing the series will premiere Friday, March 19th!
CHILDHOOD FEARS is a horror anthology series. According to Dark Factory Films, it will showcase “any and every childhood fear . . . from the monster in the closet to clowns and anything in between.” Here is the Web site: http://www.childhoodfears13.com/.
CHILDHOOD FEARS is a horror anthology series. According to Dark Factory Films, it will showcase “any and every childhood fear . . . from the monster in the closet to clowns and anything in between.” Here is the Web site: http://www.childhoodfears13.com/.
22 December 2009
The Young Victoria
Last night I attended an advance screening of THE YOUNG VICTORIA (http://www.theyoungvictoriamovie.com/), and think it is an outstanding film (I did not want it to end).
THE YOUNG VICTORIA stars Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, and Miranda Richardson (the entire cast is superb). It opens in theatres on Christmas Day.
THE YOUNG VICTORIA stars Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, and Miranda Richardson (the entire cast is superb). It opens in theatres on Christmas Day.
24 November 2009
Joy in Serving
It is in loving, not in being loved, the heart
is blessed; It is in giving, not in seeking gifts,
we find our quest; Whatever be your longing
or your need, that give; So shall your soul
be fed, and you indeed shall live.
Being a Key Club Advisor is an honor for me. Key Club is an international community service organization for high school students, http://slp.kiwanis.org/KeyClub/home.aspx, sponsored by Kiwanis International. On a regular basis I see young people volunteering to help others. These students are future leaders, dedicated to service projects and fundraising.
Sometimes we love and are not loved back. Sometimes we give and receive nothing in return. We serve because it warms our hearts and we feel joy. Joy in knowing we helped someone who needed assistance. Joy in seeing how happy it made the person we helped. It sincerely does feed our souls and we are full.
is blessed; It is in giving, not in seeking gifts,
we find our quest; Whatever be your longing
or your need, that give; So shall your soul
be fed, and you indeed shall live.
Being a Key Club Advisor is an honor for me. Key Club is an international community service organization for high school students, http://slp.kiwanis.org/KeyClub/home.aspx, sponsored by Kiwanis International. On a regular basis I see young people volunteering to help others. These students are future leaders, dedicated to service projects and fundraising.
Sometimes we love and are not loved back. Sometimes we give and receive nothing in return. We serve because it warms our hearts and we feel joy. Joy in knowing we helped someone who needed assistance. Joy in seeing how happy it made the person we helped. It sincerely does feed our souls and we are full.
09 November 2009
Fringe
In April I started watching the science fiction drama series Fringe (on FOX Television Network). At first I was confused because the stories are “out there,” and I had to learn the characters. However, I kept watching, hoping to gain an understanding of the concepts. I love being challenged!
Now I look forward to watching episodes every Thursday night, and even have a favorite character. I like Agent Phillip Broyles, because I see him as the most intriguing and complex character on the show. Also, Lance Reddick who plays Agent Broyles is an outstanding actor.
Thanks to writers of the episode “Earthling,” which aired last week, series spectators are able to see a brilliant example of how multidimensional a character Broyles is. In this story I carefully observed his significance, as he takes a huge risk by defying a superior, and viewers learn about his personal life, which brings versatility and a level of mastery to this series that I think was missing. Obviously there are other aspects to this episode, but I hope Agent Broyles continues to be more dominant in stories.
Now I look forward to watching episodes every Thursday night, and even have a favorite character. I like Agent Phillip Broyles, because I see him as the most intriguing and complex character on the show. Also, Lance Reddick who plays Agent Broyles is an outstanding actor.
Thanks to writers of the episode “Earthling,” which aired last week, series spectators are able to see a brilliant example of how multidimensional a character Broyles is. In this story I carefully observed his significance, as he takes a huge risk by defying a superior, and viewers learn about his personal life, which brings versatility and a level of mastery to this series that I think was missing. Obviously there are other aspects to this episode, but I hope Agent Broyles continues to be more dominant in stories.
07 November 2009
Horror Webisodes
I enjoy watching programs on the Internet. Do you remember in an earlier post I mentioned watching the comedy series They Came From Outer Space on Hulu? Recently two horror shows have been brought to my attention: Fear Clinic (http://www.fearnet.com/shows/fear_clinic/index.html) and Roger Corman’s Splatter (http://splatter.netflix.com/).
Fear Clinic stars Robert Englund, Kane Hodder, Danielle Harris and Lisa Wilcox. People with phobias go to Dr. Andover (Englund) for help in curing the fears they have, but they end up getting more than they bargained for! It would be nice if this series could continue or be expanded into a feature film. I think it could work.
Splatter stars Tony Todd and Corey Feldman (sinister performance), and is directed by Joe Dante. Rock-and-roll star Jonny Splatter (Feldman) has fame and fortune. One day he decides to end it all, but his will has let him live on. Over the course of the night, the five people who come to his home to hear his last will and testament will be able to testify as to his cruelty. At the end of each show, viewers vote for who they think Jonny should torment (from beyond the grave) next.
These are fun webisodes. Keep in mind they are intended for mature audiences. If you know of other Web series’, not just horror, please let me know about them.
Fear Clinic stars Robert Englund, Kane Hodder, Danielle Harris and Lisa Wilcox. People with phobias go to Dr. Andover (Englund) for help in curing the fears they have, but they end up getting more than they bargained for! It would be nice if this series could continue or be expanded into a feature film. I think it could work.
Splatter stars Tony Todd and Corey Feldman (sinister performance), and is directed by Joe Dante. Rock-and-roll star Jonny Splatter (Feldman) has fame and fortune. One day he decides to end it all, but his will has let him live on. Over the course of the night, the five people who come to his home to hear his last will and testament will be able to testify as to his cruelty. At the end of each show, viewers vote for who they think Jonny should torment (from beyond the grave) next.
These are fun webisodes. Keep in mind they are intended for mature audiences. If you know of other Web series’, not just horror, please let me know about them.
30 October 2009
Celebrating Halloween
Halloween–October 31, eve of All Saints’ Day (Christian); there are also roots in the Celtic tradition–is a very interesting day. Some call it a tradition, and others call it a holiday. This may just be a play on words; either way, Halloween is acknowledged every year in a big way.
As a child, I used to enjoy picking out or putting together a costume to wear and go trick-or-treating with my sister and friends. Also, during the month of October there was usually a fair in town with a haunted house included. Even though sometimes I was scared, I still felt excitement from the experience. Then there was the pumpkin exercise. I liked carving the jack-o-lantern and baking the seeds.
Now as an adult, I appreciate candy being on sale in October and greet the trick-or-treaters who stop by my home. I think this is harmless fun, and notice most people seem to embrace this tradition. Happy Halloween on October 31st and have a joyful All Saints’ Day on November 1st!
As a child, I used to enjoy picking out or putting together a costume to wear and go trick-or-treating with my sister and friends. Also, during the month of October there was usually a fair in town with a haunted house included. Even though sometimes I was scared, I still felt excitement from the experience. Then there was the pumpkin exercise. I liked carving the jack-o-lantern and baking the seeds.
Now as an adult, I appreciate candy being on sale in October and greet the trick-or-treaters who stop by my home. I think this is harmless fun, and notice most people seem to embrace this tradition. Happy Halloween on October 31st and have a joyful All Saints’ Day on November 1st!
24 October 2009
The Note
The Note
There are some movies that one can watch several times and never grow tired of seeing. THE NOTE is one of those movies. The Hallmark Channel airs it often, and it is apparently the network’s highest rated movie to date. There is a very good reason for this.
THE NOTE stars Genie Francis (“Peyton Macgruder”) and Ted McGinley (“King”) as journalists, co-workers and friends. Viewers see they have romantic feelings for each other, but it takes them some time to admit it, as “Peyton” is a widow and “King” is a divorced man. Both have complex pasts that make it clear why caution is prevalent. Another distraction: “Peyton” discovers a note at the scene of a plane crash that provides a new direction for her column, which is needed because her editor is prepared to discontinue it.
“Peyton” believes the note was written by one of the plane’s passengers, so she seeks the intended receiver of the note. She uses her column to inform the public of this, receives responses, and follows up on them. Just when viewers of THE NOTE think “Peyton” will be able to bring light into someone’s life by giving him or her the note, details of her past are revealed, requiring her to face situations she has tried to forget.
It is interesting that when we choose to face situations head on, we are better able to comprehend and eventually overcome them. Ignoring these “problems” just leaves space for the unwanted memories to pop up again. It is important to resolve issues and move forward. This is what “Peyton” does, and her life then takes a positive turn, as does her column. Furthermore, her relationship with “King” blossoms, and she is accepted by someone she thought would dislike her.
The Note II: Taking a Chance on Love
This sequel can be watched over again and again as well. The touching story of “Peyton Macgruder” continues as viewers see her and “King” are advancing in their relationship and dealing with new conflicts involving their adult children (his son and her daughter). At the same time, “Peyton” also deals with a negative letter from one of her readers, “Eve Miller,” played by an outstanding actress named Kate Trotter.
In this story “Peyton” is slow in responding to “King” after he proposes marriage, and “Eve” challenges her. “Eve” somewhat positions herself as an expert on love so “Peyton” takes an interest in her. Through their discussions and a journalist’s curiosity, “Peyton” discovers fascinating information about “Eve.”
Without giving away too many details of this beautiful story, “Peyton” learns from “Eve” what can happen if one is not completely honest with herself. It is better to take a chance than to realize many years of joy have been squandered because of stubbornness.
There are some movies that one can watch several times and never grow tired of seeing. THE NOTE is one of those movies. The Hallmark Channel airs it often, and it is apparently the network’s highest rated movie to date. There is a very good reason for this.
THE NOTE stars Genie Francis (“Peyton Macgruder”) and Ted McGinley (“King”) as journalists, co-workers and friends. Viewers see they have romantic feelings for each other, but it takes them some time to admit it, as “Peyton” is a widow and “King” is a divorced man. Both have complex pasts that make it clear why caution is prevalent. Another distraction: “Peyton” discovers a note at the scene of a plane crash that provides a new direction for her column, which is needed because her editor is prepared to discontinue it.
“Peyton” believes the note was written by one of the plane’s passengers, so she seeks the intended receiver of the note. She uses her column to inform the public of this, receives responses, and follows up on them. Just when viewers of THE NOTE think “Peyton” will be able to bring light into someone’s life by giving him or her the note, details of her past are revealed, requiring her to face situations she has tried to forget.
It is interesting that when we choose to face situations head on, we are better able to comprehend and eventually overcome them. Ignoring these “problems” just leaves space for the unwanted memories to pop up again. It is important to resolve issues and move forward. This is what “Peyton” does, and her life then takes a positive turn, as does her column. Furthermore, her relationship with “King” blossoms, and she is accepted by someone she thought would dislike her.
The Note II: Taking a Chance on Love
This sequel can be watched over again and again as well. The touching story of “Peyton Macgruder” continues as viewers see her and “King” are advancing in their relationship and dealing with new conflicts involving their adult children (his son and her daughter). At the same time, “Peyton” also deals with a negative letter from one of her readers, “Eve Miller,” played by an outstanding actress named Kate Trotter.
In this story “Peyton” is slow in responding to “King” after he proposes marriage, and “Eve” challenges her. “Eve” somewhat positions herself as an expert on love so “Peyton” takes an interest in her. Through their discussions and a journalist’s curiosity, “Peyton” discovers fascinating information about “Eve.”
Without giving away too many details of this beautiful story, “Peyton” learns from “Eve” what can happen if one is not completely honest with herself. It is better to take a chance than to realize many years of joy have been squandered because of stubbornness.
28 September 2009
ShockerFest International Film Festival 2009
This is a photo of me with ShockerFest International Film Festival founders/directors, Louise Baker and George Baker. This dynamic duo, along with their distinguished judges, has yet again selected a group of entertaining horror, science fiction, and animation films from skillful filmmakers. Perhaps it is because the Bakers are also filmmakers (GREELEY’S FIELD http://www.greeleysfield.com/).
This weekend I enjoyed several of the films, but the comedy-horror feature SCARE ZONE, HURT starring Jackson Rathbone, CHILDHOOD FEARS (short), MANEATER starring Dean Cain, DARK ROOM THEATRE, and FIREMOUNT (short) stand out in my mind. Not surprising, three of these movies won awards.
SCARE ZONE (http://www.scarezonemovie.com/) is a fun movie! It starts out kind of silly, as it is a comedy-horror film, but then the horror elements “kick in” when the haunted maze (a.k.a. haunted house) opens for business, and the movie actually ends with a message stemming from a storyline with its goth character, “Claire,” played by the talented Arian Ash.
HURT (http://www.hurt-the-movie.com/) stars Jackson Rathbone as “Conrad.” “Conrad,” along with his mother and sister, must go to the desert to live with his uncle after his father dies. The family’s world becomes even more of a debacle when the mother decides to move a foster child into their home. I know this seems like ORPHAN, but I will admit I was on edge during some of the scenes, even though I saw where the story was going near the beginning of the film.
CHILDHOOD FEARS is a short film about something many of us may have feared growing up: “the closet monster.” The only difference here is this young man’s “monster” is an older cousin who terrorized him as a child. Director Cameron Roubique has promised a Web series based on childhood fears. Let me know if you find it.
MANEATER stars Dean Cain as a former FBI profiler who is now sheriff of a small town investigating inexplicable, gruesome murders that have been taking place. Also, he is raising his teenage daughter alone since his wife mysteriously disappeared, and that situation provides an intriguing storyline.
DARK ROOM THEATRE (http://www.darkroomtheater.com/) is a fun film. If you like The Twilight Zone television series, you will probably enjoy DARK ROOM THEATRE. The movie’s poster is accurate in stating, “2 tales of the macabre that will tickle your scary bone…” The acting is superb, especially in the first story, and the music is right on with the mood of the tales.
FIREMOUNT (http://www.firemountmovie.com/) is a short science fiction-fantasy film written and directed by Daniel Denegre, a film student who submitted this as his thesis. It is quite impressive, and many individuals at the ShockerFest International Film Festival seemed to agree that Denegre should make this a feature (I even told him to do it!). Fortunately, Denegre assures that is his intention, especially now that he won two awards at ShockerFest. FIREMOUNT is about a mysterious swordsman seeking a cure for a poison that is killing him. He discovers that the one with the answers is who he has been running from.
This weekend I enjoyed several of the films, but the comedy-horror feature SCARE ZONE, HURT starring Jackson Rathbone, CHILDHOOD FEARS (short), MANEATER starring Dean Cain, DARK ROOM THEATRE, and FIREMOUNT (short) stand out in my mind. Not surprising, three of these movies won awards.
SCARE ZONE (http://www.scarezonemovie.com/) is a fun movie! It starts out kind of silly, as it is a comedy-horror film, but then the horror elements “kick in” when the haunted maze (a.k.a. haunted house) opens for business, and the movie actually ends with a message stemming from a storyline with its goth character, “Claire,” played by the talented Arian Ash.
HURT (http://www.hurt-the-movie.com/) stars Jackson Rathbone as “Conrad.” “Conrad,” along with his mother and sister, must go to the desert to live with his uncle after his father dies. The family’s world becomes even more of a debacle when the mother decides to move a foster child into their home. I know this seems like ORPHAN, but I will admit I was on edge during some of the scenes, even though I saw where the story was going near the beginning of the film.
CHILDHOOD FEARS is a short film about something many of us may have feared growing up: “the closet monster.” The only difference here is this young man’s “monster” is an older cousin who terrorized him as a child. Director Cameron Roubique has promised a Web series based on childhood fears. Let me know if you find it.
MANEATER stars Dean Cain as a former FBI profiler who is now sheriff of a small town investigating inexplicable, gruesome murders that have been taking place. Also, he is raising his teenage daughter alone since his wife mysteriously disappeared, and that situation provides an intriguing storyline.
DARK ROOM THEATRE (http://www.darkroomtheater.com/) is a fun film. If you like The Twilight Zone television series, you will probably enjoy DARK ROOM THEATRE. The movie’s poster is accurate in stating, “2 tales of the macabre that will tickle your scary bone…” The acting is superb, especially in the first story, and the music is right on with the mood of the tales.
FIREMOUNT (http://www.firemountmovie.com/) is a short science fiction-fantasy film written and directed by Daniel Denegre, a film student who submitted this as his thesis. It is quite impressive, and many individuals at the ShockerFest International Film Festival seemed to agree that Denegre should make this a feature (I even told him to do it!). Fortunately, Denegre assures that is his intention, especially now that he won two awards at ShockerFest. FIREMOUNT is about a mysterious swordsman seeking a cure for a poison that is killing him. He discovers that the one with the answers is who he has been running from.
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This weekend I attended the Oak Park Black Film Festival in Sacramento, California. I watched several unique movies. Two that stood out to m... -
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