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The Berlin Bride (2019)
Style style style
The first thing to say is that this film is the epitome of
Stylized. Right off the bat, the grainy, 8mm feel hits you in the face and it sucked me in. It reminded me of how I felt watching Christopher Nolan's The Following for the first time. It has that old school noir feel, and I thought the music and acting were superb. It gets dark, so expect dark humor. But the way it was shot, the way it was lit, the way the mannequin comes to life at times it very well done. The theme is pretty clear regarding sexuality and questioning what that means but frankly, it is the style and tone that did it for me. Well done, original film!
Toxic Impulses (2022)
Really Really Solid!
OK. You know when there is a James Bond Esq opening that you are in good hands! I have to say form the opening scene (I love a good punch in the face) through the awesome opening credits, the film does not let you down. There was a real "down to earth" feel about it. I thought the acting suited the story and I wont give anything away, but I really thought the plot worked. Also the shots, WOW. Some of the shots look beautiful and the aerial establishing are always a crowd pleaser. I was throughly impressed with the cinematography! If you are looking for a fun thriller for a weekend watch, check this out!
As the Village Sleeps (2021)
Solid!!!!!!
Well this is an indie film worth watching! As a filmmaker, really enjoyed the cinematography and the tone. It felt a little like stranger things meets teen wolf as far as tone/vibe. Really enjoyed that. I love watching these gems as an indie filmmaker myself. Acting was on point for the material, it never takes itself too seriously and I mean that in the best way. Shots and lighting were really well done. I wont give anything away but, it has its twists, but also knows when to hone it in and let the characters work. For what they sought out to do, I thought they did a great job! Check this out!
Solid Rock Trust (2022)
This is how you do a solo location film
This movie is suspense. This move is emotion. This movie is mystery. I am so blown away by this film from the music to the acting. It essentially takes place in one location with mainly 1 actor and they DELIVER. From the opening, you know you are in for a ride and to be honest it does not let up. It keeps the gas pedal pressed. I would HIGHLY recommend for anyone interested in a fun watch with twists, emotion, and originality. The way it feels like a straight hour and a half, one-take style WHILE keeping your interest is super impressive and the filmmakers to this indie should be extremely proud.
Greatland (2020)
Wow!
Well, that was a ride. I really just want to compliment the filmmaker. The choices here were BOLD. And if you make bold choices, both in cinematography and costumes, you have to go for it. This one really does. I thought the acting all worked within this world. It is definitely quirky, but in a good way. The originality of this film is really what gets me. You have Eric Roberts popping up in the film as well. Another aspect is young actors, I thought they did a really great job in this. And the use of backlights/neon colors throughout the film really makes this stand on its own. For the lack of originality we get in movies these days, this one certainly stands out and has a point of view. Would definitely recommend.
Ramsey: The Vandy Case (2021)
great thriller/mystery!
This film had it all. As far as feel and tone, I would put this on this side of Mare of Easttown. You really don't know who the killer is and I thought the lead of the film did a tremendous job carrying the film. There was a grizzly, weariness to him. For him to be an ex-cop, you would expect that. The rest of the cast really showed up as well and I really appreciate the music. I have to also point out the cinematography, the random loss of focus really added to the scenes. It makes you get that discombobulated feeling many of teh characters have as they realize things, or are in such dyer circumstance that we are as jostled as they. I also don't usually complement the opening of films, but this opening had me hooked! Well done!
The Hunter's Anthology (2021)
Super fun
I have to say right off the bat, this Is one of the better indie film anthologies that I have seen. The music was freaking awesome. No spoilers, but there is a post credits scene with an amazing score and I got chills! Rarely happens to me. I absolutely love how the anthology starts, then each episode takes us through the characters on the train. I found it very intriguing and kept my attention. I also think the cinematography did its job for this and painted a 'Constantine'-esq feel. The lead was believable and that is a tough thing to nail, the almost cowboy, smug character that also needs to be likable. Overall, had a great time with this and would recommend!
Fated Reunion (2022)
Love a good rom com
I enjoyed this indie rom com very much! There is something to be said for a film that you can turn on, not knowing what to expect, on a Saturday afternoon and just enjoy it. This was a really easy watch and I mean that in the best possible way. I am a sucker for a good rom com, and this did not disappoint. From the casting, to the camera work, to the story, it just felt very easy and fluid like a true rom com should, in my opinion. And that is an attributed to the cast and the filmmaker. Such a pleasant watch and I do recommend if you are looking for that type of film on that rainy Saturday. Bravo to all of those involved!
Char Man (2019)
Well that was fun!
I am not sure of why the low reviews here! Look, we all know found footage/ documentary style films have been done and well documented, but that doesn't mean all that come after Blair witch are bad. I thoroughly enjoyed this. The film did a great job making me care about the characters in the opening and the creepy factor begins to rise about 20 minutes in and stays put! I appreciated the heck out go this film and the filmmakers. The idea of investigating the Ojai California vampire and where this leads, I thought was original and captivating. And yes, it leaves you wanting to see more, which in the world of indie films, I think, is exactly what you want to do!
La Inevitable Muerte del Cangrejo (2022)
Very well done
You never know what to expect with Indie films. High toff the bat, this movie had me in its clutches. I loved the opening with the old school footage ad the way that they transition it form that footage into the modern time was pretty damn cool. I have to say I was hooked form that moment. I wont get into spoilers but I will compliment the direction. I fund myself laughing, scared, tense, annoyed (in a good way! Phone ringing!) and just about everything in between. I thought the acting was spot on as well and no actor took away from the story. The cinematography was also visceral and you felt the characters emotions through the shots. I loved this and highly recommend!
The Midas Touch (2020)
Wow! A great time!
I have to say that I really enjoyed this film. It doesn't take itself too seriously and I appreciate that. There are Some real gut punch laughter moments. And all in all the humor really landed And by far my favorite part was the acting and the cinematography! Some of the light setups and shots were gorgeous. Especially the scenes in the bars. For a film as fun as this one, the cinematography was incredible in my opinion. The actors all came to play and you can tell they really enjoyed being apart of and in this film. That shows clearly through their performances. V
Bravo to the cast and crew. If you are looking for a fun weekend watch, this is it!
American Mafia: The Rise and Fall of Organized Crime in Las Vegas (2021)
Excellent Documentary
I love Mafia anything. I am Sicilian so, it hits home! I thought this was really well done. Informative and had a point of view. I loved the original footage. There was WAY more than I thought there would be. The ones being interviewed were incredibly knowledgable and really sold the validity of the documentary. I thought the interview setups were also done well. One thing that can also be very troubling about documentaries are that they can sometimes have poor audio. While this one has a zoom caller (it looked like), the audio was still very well done in the interview sessions. If you love Vegas, History, Mafia or all of the above, I would highly recommend checking this one out!
Emerald Run (2020)
Really Enjoyed
It is alway a gamble when you rent a film in the indie world, but this one delivered! I enjoyed it! I thought it was well shot, I thought the acting worked for the premise. The lead actor was great and man it really gave some tough questions for us as an audience to answer. The harsh desert really worked for the film and I thought the cinematography captured that. From the opening and the dilemma present to the main character, it draws you right in and makes you question how you might handle the situation. You almost can't help it ! I would definitely recommend this movie if you are looking for a weekend watch!
Maysville (2021)
Wow! What a gem!
Wow! It is rare that you come across a period film, on the indie scale, that is SO well done. The acting was absolutely brilliant. I couldn't believe how great the young actors in particular were. But the story is so well done. The drama is there but there is also a great sense of tension throughout. The opening of the film really sets everything in motion nicely (while it is certainly disturbing!) and I thought the follow through was very well done. The cinematography was very well done. I felt the lighting fit the time period and felt very organic. I also thought the sound and music was well done also! Overall this is a very good experience and I would highly recommend. Bravo to the filmmakers!
Threebound (2019)
Fun film!
This is a really original premise. Two people fresh out of bad relationships, decide to date others before dedicating to dating one another. That is such a refreshing and interesting concept. I really enjoyed the film from the shot choices to the comedy. It was fun, emotional, and witty. It is very rare to get films with such heart that work. The acting worked very well for this film. Especially the lead actors. They felt very genuine and authentic which again, is difficult to pull off in indie rom-coms. This is all the things you look for in a weekend film like this! I would highly recommend if you are looking for a fun, lighthearted watch.
Goodbye, Petrushka (2022)
So Charming!
Loved this film. A great story about a girl going to Paris and finding a crush. I was also a huge fan of the color grading and the music. It really worked and was a pleasure to watch! Recommend!
Guilt (2022)
Love a good Exorcism Film
I appreciate Indie Horror. I know what goes into making any film, let alone an indie. This one was very well done and crafted. I loved the cool blue tone over the entire thing. Really adds the to the film. The music was enjoyable and the performances really worked! Overall, enjoyable experience for sure!
Sweet Sunshine (2020)
A Timeless Story
You are always weary when Music is in a film. You just never know what you're going to get. But I have to say, the songs in this film were beautiful. The story was great. There are a few twists that I wont spoil! All in all it is a really great time watching a film!
Love N Quarantine (2022)
Timely and Accurate!
This film has a lot we will all recognize from the 2020 lockdown. It really was the first test of being locked in with our loved ones and seeing how we would fare. Filled with anticipation, anxiety and great cinematography, this film did a nice job summing up a lot of what it was like in 2020!
Unconformity (2022)
Subtle and Beautiful!
I did not know what to expect here, but after watching I had two takeaways: 1) It is beaituflly shot. I love the wide landscape shots and the camera being locked off most, if not all of the film .It really lets everything play within the frame. 2) the acting was very subtle and powerful. Sometimes indie films can push too hard, this was very well done.
Really enjoyed the story. I don't know much about archeology, but that didn't hinder me from enjoying! Recommend!
Metamorphosis (2022)
Atmospheric as heck!
I truly enjoyed this film. A real dark look at relationships and how they can change us. In this instance, not in good way! The word I can use to describe this film is 'Atmospheric' and in the best of ways. It really reminded me of 'The Witch' or 'The Village'. So if you enjoy slow burns and really suffocating atmospheres, this is for you. I am really impressed with what they were able to accomplish in this film. Lastly, loved the moody lighting. It really sucks you into the screen.
Cohabitation (2020)
A look at Grief and Growth
I very much enjoyed this film! It really takes a look at someone grieving a loss and trying to get past it. Though, she just can't seem to make ends meet. I love the twist in the story of the main character looking for roommates to help her afford the rent and it leads her down a rabbit hole of dark events. Well done!
Introspectum Motel (2021)
Film Noir Style
This film very much reminded me in tone to the film 'unfaithful'. I have to say the character of Paul was quite good and had a lot of nuance to him. The lead and other support cast brought their strong acting game as well and it is a fun film to watch!
The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater (2020)
This is a good time
Such an original story and the lead in the film in quite good. The Voice Over mixed in makes you feel as if you are watching a novel come to life. This has a perfect balance of camp and heart. I really enjoyed and recommend!
AVA: A Twist in the Road (2021)
Heartfelt
A really good story about loss and moving on. While that material can sometime be bogged down or melodramatic, this film handled it nicely! I really enjoyed!