I do not write reviews or rate movies generally, but my family saw this at Texas Frightmare and the director said during the Q&A after the film to rate it here if we liked it, so, this is my first and here goes. I liked the movie overall. It was another slasher film like many before it. Nothing new, but it was entertaining. The kills were effective and I enjoyed most of the movie. The little girl actress Grace Powell did a really fine job. Without saying too much here, she really had a few people in tears. I didn't like that we were expecting to see Michael Biehn, James Hampton, and Parrish Randall more and they were not in the movie enough. We've been big fans of Michael Biehn for years. James Hampton we've loved since forever. He is a solid actor who is also a nice guy that we've met before at the convention. Parrish Randall is the guy to have in a Texas horror film and he is another really solid actor. This is my only issue with the movie. Maybe those actors could not do more time in the film. The scenes they had were really good and just made me wish there was more of those guys. Some of the other acting was kind of just okay and what you will see in this kind of film more times than not. I liked that there was not a lot of profanity and nudity in the film. My son is 12 and likes horror films but sometimes the language and sex in a film make it a tough call for parents, so it was good to see a horror film that he could watch without me or his mom having to have concerns there. The Jacob character was really a good one for this kind of horror movie though. He had that larger than life force and power that a killer in this type of movie should have and he was more than scary enough. Overall, yes it was another slasher film, could have been better, but it was still fun to see. I give Jacob a 5 for what it did bring though and I am glad they showed it at the convention.
27 Reviews
A little disappointed, not what I expected from the best in town
growler20220223 January 2012
I guess I'm not on the local bandwagon in Houston. The movie had its good moments and a lot of bad. First off, the writing for the film was shallow, filled with parts of never ending dialog which slowed the delivery. The elements of the real story never surfaced on screen & I was left to hope that the violence would pick things up, which it did. Some of the actors in the film made me think, 'why was that person even in the film?' Many of the actors brought to the film lacked any real acting talent to give substance to undeveloped characters. There were parts in the film where the lighting was just plane awful. Another thing was the sound, it was not there when it needed to be.
If the movie was presented as a rough cut, then why was it released? The heart of this film could make it a local masterpiece? Surely, there are other ways to fund and promote this film project. This film is far from perfect and perhaps far from the solid leadership required to present a completed film to it's local fan base. The producers in charge of marketing and presenting this film failed to bring a real winner to Houston after all of it's hype. I surely hope this film has mild success in it's distribution.
If the movie was presented as a rough cut, then why was it released? The heart of this film could make it a local masterpiece? Surely, there are other ways to fund and promote this film project. This film is far from perfect and perhaps far from the solid leadership required to present a completed film to it's local fan base. The producers in charge of marketing and presenting this film failed to bring a real winner to Houston after all of it's hype. I surely hope this film has mild success in it's distribution.
Just Plain Bad
tortihair27 June 2013
Warning: Spoilers
The concept of this movie wasn't bad. But the acting, I'm pretty sure basically everyone, was just horrible! Whenever Edith had to cry, wow, you could definitely tell she was struggling to get some tears out. Yet I don't remember seeing any. I think she was the worst!
Two things I didn't really understand. The first was, what happened with the father? He was hearing voices and seemed to have special powers prior to dying. Obviously Otis was hearing voices too but what was the connection? Number two, why at the end was Otis trying to get Sissy's body to the old house?
Thank you for you time.
Two things I didn't really understand. The first was, what happened with the father? He was hearing voices and seemed to have special powers prior to dying. Obviously Otis was hearing voices too but what was the connection? Number two, why at the end was Otis trying to get Sissy's body to the old house?
Thank you for you time.
An Accidental Comedy
NYAmicas8 July 2013
I saw this crud last night on Netflix last night and developed intense nausea for the next 12 hours. Seriously, what the heck were the director and editors thinking? The whole movie screamed KMart budget starring the people of Walmart Cast. The acting was downright insulting and often times hilarious with over-exaggerated facial expressions and deadpan deliveries. If that wasn't bad enough the voice overs were off as if the whole movie had been dubbed and dubbed horribly, it was very distracting and just echoed the lack of acting talent the cast possessed aside from Sissy and perhaps the Sheriff. I've seen better acting at 1st grade school plays, the acting was seriously that terrible along with the uninspired dialogue between the characters. Perhaps the budget went more toward the makeup and blood splatter which was a bit better than I was expecting considering how cheap and amateurish everything else was. The plot.........*sigh* Jacob gets mad, Jacob hurts people....something about demons thrown in (it wasn't explained well at all and made absolutely no sense), comedic violence ensues....FIN. Please save yourself the pain and agony this movie will cause, avoid it like the plague.
Great potential with bad acting
keshnaitenrut12 July 2014
This film had great potential to remind viewers of some of the horror greats like Jason or Michael. Instead it fell flat with disappointing performances from all but Grace Powell and Dylan Horne. Terrible camera work, bad sound broke any immersion that might have been possible. But sadly the first thing I noticed was terrible make up. I have seen first year make up students apply better make up than this movie had.
The biggest problem was that nothing made sense. The violence was barely explained, though a back story is mildly flirted with. The only reason even mildly hinted at is a mental handicap. However, that feels like a cop out from a writer that lost the story.
All things said and done budget problems like shoddy camera work, terrible effects, and bad make up can be forgiven. If there is a well thought out and intriguing story to watch. Unfortunately this film fails in all categories.
The biggest problem was that nothing made sense. The violence was barely explained, though a back story is mildly flirted with. The only reason even mildly hinted at is a mental handicap. However, that feels like a cop out from a writer that lost the story.
All things said and done budget problems like shoddy camera work, terrible effects, and bad make up can be forgiven. If there is a well thought out and intriguing story to watch. Unfortunately this film fails in all categories.
This movie couldn't have been worse (Highlander fan?)
rkrainak29 June 2013
This movie was pathetic in every way, and everyone that wrote a good review, let alone a great review here should have their head examined.
The sound (all speaking parts) were re-done so amateurly in a studio (maybe) with the reverb set so it sounds like everyone is in a toilet talking.
The sepia-tone is just cheap camera work and the acting horrendous as well as the dialog.
Did I leave out the obvious fan-connection that the writer had to Highlander? The main character is Jacob Kell (see Highlander:Endgame) and his dad inherits the MCLEOD house?!!! Gee, how unoriginal! Who did Michael Biehn agitate enough to get a part in this wreck? Houston, you aren't a movie town if you think this is good.
The sound (all speaking parts) were re-done so amateurly in a studio (maybe) with the reverb set so it sounds like everyone is in a toilet talking.
The sepia-tone is just cheap camera work and the acting horrendous as well as the dialog.
Did I leave out the obvious fan-connection that the writer had to Highlander? The main character is Jacob Kell (see Highlander:Endgame) and his dad inherits the MCLEOD house?!!! Gee, how unoriginal! Who did Michael Biehn agitate enough to get a part in this wreck? Houston, you aren't a movie town if you think this is good.
Very well done!
michaelchandler4511 June 2013
This is my first review and no I am not part of the movie crew, just a horror buff. I just happened on this little jewel of a film last night and was so very surprised at how well it was done and how entertaining and heartfelt it was for an indie film. I saw the low score on IMDb and just could not let this go. I had to register and chime in. The build up and the time invested in getting to know the characters was perfect. The lower budget may have restrained some of the effects but they were actually done correctly, showing just enough and not over showing any bad effects like a sci fi production. Sure some of the acting and dialog was a little stiff but growing up in a small town most of it rang true, even the behavior. The little girl was excellent and you couldn't't help but sympathize with Jacob. I wont give anything away but this was an excellent horror movie. One of the better I have seen in years especially for a low budget film. I hope this director can give us more. I would rate it higher except for a couple of the over acting like the old woman. Great movie!!
Not good!!
Nicolevaughn7130 April 2013
Besides that the acting is horrible, the horror scenes just make me want to laugh. The only thing great about this movie was a couple of cars from the 70's that actually look in good condition... Do not rent or buy this movie unless your looking for a good laugh or nap time.: ( Oh, my gosh .... This website is making me write 5 more lines about how bad this movie is... Ya!!! Blood splatter horrible, the same stupid looks on the characters and the movie has lines from the 21st century but supposed to be in the 70's..gezzz.. Want more why I wasted a dollar on this movie at Red Box!!! Make up artist sucks also ! I have a migraine from this movie and the realistic people who created it..Please, please tell me it was college students trying for a low C+ .
Jacob was a well down movie that holds your attention throughout the entire film.
musicfreak121425 May 2012
Warning: Spoilers
The director, Larry Carrel, showed a rough version of the film to a group of students I was included in. I found the movie to be, yes another slasher, but also something different. He retained his originality throughout the entire process, kept a mystical curiosity endowed in his audience, and manages to incorporate relate-able characters that are not corny/cheesy. The story line is intriguing, and although some killing scenes are a bit questionable in the probability of it being physically possible... they are very realistic looking. The death scenes always made me jump. I was continuously surprised but not so much that i found it unbelievable. I love that he had a legend behind this that he developed on his own but am disappointed it wasn't as incorporated in the movie. Overall, i think Mr. Carrel and all the other actors did a very good job and i can not wait to purchase a copy to keep at home. P.S. I did think one killing scene seemed extremely similar to a Buffy scene in which the victim being killed is split in half.
Grace Powell star
jfgriffinjr27 May 2013
Is it sad of the youngest actors was the star of the show? Grace Powell stole the show by far. I gave the movie a five which I think is good for this type of movie. Worth a red box admission if you like this genre. I wouldn't mind seeing the movie adapted or with a larger budget. The storyline is good enough to warrant it. Keep Grace Powell and start over with the rear of cast. Maybe the old lady and guy from teen wolf. The Dialogue seemed forced at times. They could have showed more versus trying to explain what was about to happen. I consistently made fun of the show but again I think that is why this genre exist. It makes you think about the horror and makes you laugh.
Viewed at Splatterfest
danny-837-34906115 November 2011
When we were seated for the Movie the Producer/Writer got up, to introduce the movie and to let everyone know that it was still a work in progress. After viewing I was riveted, it was a hang on ride.. I was relived that a movie filmed completely in Texas, and with such a small budget had the effect and the drama, It represented what could truly be done here in Texas. If you have to see one movie and don't mind the gore then you need to experience this emotional thrill ride. I can't wait to see what Odessy has up their sleeves next... Congrats to Larry Carrell for a fabulously written and unique experience, that I will remember for a very long time to come.....
This movie sucked!!!
floridaoutlaw198411 October 2013
My girlfriend and I recently picked this movie up at the redbox and let me tell ya this movie was beyond bad...the acting is terrible and through out mostly all of the movie its filmed in a black and white flashback scene to let you know how Jacob became the way he is...Jacob wasn't even scary to me, he's just some fat slob that walks around with a stupid look on his face, the killing scenes were boring! Everyone in this low budget crappy film couldn't act, the only enjoyable actor was the little old tales from the crypt looking lady...this movie isn't worthy enough to even be at the redbox and I demand my 1.28 cents back now!!!
Wow....pretty awful
ttigger_me696 March 2015
Unfortunately, this is my first review I've written here on IMDb. The only thing that compelled me to write one is that this movie was BAD. The make-up was horrible, the acting was atrocious and the story was laughable. The only saving grace in the whole movie was Sissy....the little girl looked like she was the only one that didn't know she was in a bad movie. And how did they get Kyle Reese of 'Treminator" fame to be in this movie ?? Did he lose a bet ?? But really, plenty of other ways to wast 90 minutes of your day....re-arrange your sock drawer, wash your vehicles, clean the bathrooms or wash the dog....twice. I mean, it wasn't even 'horror-comedy', what was the point ???
Jacob, you were disappointing!
Stevieboy66622 December 2022
A hulking mentally challenged young man called Jacob goes on a killing rampage when his drunken and violent redneck stepfather murders his little sister. I bought this for three reasons - I love slasher movies, the DVD was reasonably cheap and I have a son called Jacob. For the purposes of writing a review for IMDb I have given it a second viewing, about 6 years after the first. I was disappointed the first time, sadly there was no improvement with a second viewing. Most of the plot takes place in the 1970's, yes we get some old vehicles but fashion wise there's not a pair of flared trousers, a kipper tie or any big collars in sight. In fact the actors look more 1990's/2000's. Many splatter fans will be disappointed, it takes about 50 minutes before Jacob becomes a horror movie proper, before that it is more of small town Texan drama centred around a trailer trash type dysfunctional family. When the killing starts it is quite funny, for example Jacob easily rips off a man's "rubber" arm, you can see the bump where the actor is hiding it underneath his top. There are a few gory moments but the effects aren't exactly special. As for the acting on the whole it is of an acceptable level for an obviously low budget movie, though none of the cast will be in the running for an Oscar! The picture looks as though a filter had been placed on the camera lens, it is very sepia, I didn't like it. A supernatural angle is thrown into the plot in the shape of an old book on black magic, very ineffective, the result is a weak slasher movie with a silly supernatural touch. There are a number of very generous reviews here, some of the reviewers have this as their single contribution on this site, take them with a very large grain of salt!
OTIS IS A BAD MAN
nogodnomasters10 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Otis (Larry Wade Carrell) is the town drunk. He is not the likeable Otis from Mayberry, but one that abuses his overly dependent punching bag girlfriend and waitress Edith (Krystn Caldwell). Edith has two children. Sissy (Grace Powell) is the wiser and younger of the two. Jacob (Dylan Horne) is the mentally challenged Tor Johnson looking guy. He is not a very nice person either and he has a wonderful head twitch.
This all sets up for a darling of a slasher film. However 30 minutes into the film, there is a scene that makes you go "huh?" It is an interesting scene, one that has the potential to change the direction of the film and make it something you didn't expect. Unfortunately this aspect was never developed to its potential, as it appears writer/director Larry Wade Carrell did not know what to do with this "twist" once he introduced it, which is sad.
The acting was not top notch, along with some of the dialogue, it was a shade campy. This made the film lighter and more palatable than a straight slasher. There was plenty of blood, but the gore special effects were minimized as much of the blood fest takes place just out of the camera's eye.
Parental Guide: F-bomb. No sex or nudity.
This all sets up for a darling of a slasher film. However 30 minutes into the film, there is a scene that makes you go "huh?" It is an interesting scene, one that has the potential to change the direction of the film and make it something you didn't expect. Unfortunately this aspect was never developed to its potential, as it appears writer/director Larry Wade Carrell did not know what to do with this "twist" once he introduced it, which is sad.
The acting was not top notch, along with some of the dialogue, it was a shade campy. This made the film lighter and more palatable than a straight slasher. There was plenty of blood, but the gore special effects were minimized as much of the blood fest takes place just out of the camera's eye.
Parental Guide: F-bomb. No sex or nudity.
So, this is how Houston quality is made?
wired_rogue15 June 2016
I witnessed this thing go from script to screen and I dreaded seeing it, only because half of the cast and all of the crew were from the local Houston film scene and a bunch of drama monkeys. But it took me several years to finally watch this 'bird that couldn't fly' and there was just so much 'junk' in the film that I was a little surprised I made it through to the end; it has it all, bad acting, bad lighting, bad sound, bad editing, bad this and that, and some terrible performances from actors that I know are far more talented than their performances in this awful, awful film. Somewhere it was boasted as almost being a "million dollar production" and I couldn't comprehend it then and certainly not now. I've had some slow Mondays and I am sure that I played it through several of them just to get through it. But if this is 'Houston's best', then Houston dashed it's dream on the wrong director/writer/editor...However, I will give kudos to the music, it was about the only thing that was original and paid for. There's no way they could have screwed that up.
Intensely original and entertaining horror tale.
Mulder-392 October 2011
I had the pleasure of seeing this film's screener at the 2011 Splatterfest in Houston. Before the film began, the director apologized for sound effects that hadn't yet been added. To be honest, it was hardly noticeable due to the story and the acting pulling me into the film.
The story begins as a classic ghost story- 3 young local boys are gathered for an afternoon of fun, and 2 of the boys dare their squeamish younger friend to join them at the ruins of an infamous local house. The antagonists are run off by Sheriff Billy (played by the film's director), and the timid youngster asks him if the stories about Jacob Kell are true. This leads into our tale.
Dylan Horne is creepily effective as Jacob Kell, a young man who reminds one of Steinbeck's Lenny, albeit that Lenny was 3 times larger, stronger, and mute. Grace Powell is his beloved baby sister Sissy. I see a big future in film for this little girl. While Sissy's age is never given in the film, we are led to believe that she is around 7. She is the only voice of reason in a household that finds her mother, Edith, being brutally beaten by her stepfather Otis (also played by the director.) The world-weariness that Powell gives off when witnessing the fighting and tending to her mother afterward, while still finding time for dolly tea parties with her brother, will seriously tug at your heart.
While I think that Carell did an amazing job as director, I also consider him an excellent actor. To play both honorable Billy and cretin Otis is an admirable feat, both in performance and the fact that both characters are so different.
The character interactions give major drive to the story. While the viewer may wonder just why hapless Edith, Sissy's and Jacob's mother, stays with horrible Otis, we also gain insight from how her neighbors waffle in attention and affection for her. We learn that her first husband, Lawrence (played by the always-brilliant Michael Biehn) met a terrible end due to an unknown evil taking over him and leading him to commit multiple atrocities against the town. Her boss, Max (Joe Grisaffi) is a sympathetic character for whom I was certainly hoping would not get torn to shreds at the end of the film.
The bloodbath begins when Sissy is accidentally killed during one of Otis' alcoholic rages. While I do not want to give away details for one of the most original kills put to film, I am not joking in regard to my use of bloodbath. Emphasis on bath. The blood flies, and it flies for a long time.
When the town rallies together to stop Jacob, all bets are off. I have seen many gore-fests over the years, and the kills in this movie alone put 20 years of viewed kills to absolute shame.
The supernatural element to the story was an interesting angle as well. While motive is never fully given for the evil events that occur, it offers up a nice little twist at the end of the film.
While there is no shortage of somber moments in 'Jacob', there are also plenty of hilarious one-liners to liven the mood. Otis' party-buddy Earl (Jeremy James Douglas Norton) has, hands down, one of the best one-liners in the film that is sure to become popular once the film is released, while another particularly hilarious moment pops up during Jacob's reign of terror against his lynch mob.
Overall, I consider it a great privilege that I was able to see this film. It's a rare thing to find truly original films, and as Michael Biehn stated earlier in the evening "Big budget and big studio don't necessarily equal great movie." To me, this year's Splatterfest was a celebration of originality. Michael Biehn's "The Victim" certainly fit the bill, and the 'Evil Dead' series, which headlined the weekend, is a classic case of gory originality. "Jacob" is fiercely, intensely original and deserves to be recognized everywhere as a new horror classic.
The story begins as a classic ghost story- 3 young local boys are gathered for an afternoon of fun, and 2 of the boys dare their squeamish younger friend to join them at the ruins of an infamous local house. The antagonists are run off by Sheriff Billy (played by the film's director), and the timid youngster asks him if the stories about Jacob Kell are true. This leads into our tale.
Dylan Horne is creepily effective as Jacob Kell, a young man who reminds one of Steinbeck's Lenny, albeit that Lenny was 3 times larger, stronger, and mute. Grace Powell is his beloved baby sister Sissy. I see a big future in film for this little girl. While Sissy's age is never given in the film, we are led to believe that she is around 7. She is the only voice of reason in a household that finds her mother, Edith, being brutally beaten by her stepfather Otis (also played by the director.) The world-weariness that Powell gives off when witnessing the fighting and tending to her mother afterward, while still finding time for dolly tea parties with her brother, will seriously tug at your heart.
While I think that Carell did an amazing job as director, I also consider him an excellent actor. To play both honorable Billy and cretin Otis is an admirable feat, both in performance and the fact that both characters are so different.
The character interactions give major drive to the story. While the viewer may wonder just why hapless Edith, Sissy's and Jacob's mother, stays with horrible Otis, we also gain insight from how her neighbors waffle in attention and affection for her. We learn that her first husband, Lawrence (played by the always-brilliant Michael Biehn) met a terrible end due to an unknown evil taking over him and leading him to commit multiple atrocities against the town. Her boss, Max (Joe Grisaffi) is a sympathetic character for whom I was certainly hoping would not get torn to shreds at the end of the film.
The bloodbath begins when Sissy is accidentally killed during one of Otis' alcoholic rages. While I do not want to give away details for one of the most original kills put to film, I am not joking in regard to my use of bloodbath. Emphasis on bath. The blood flies, and it flies for a long time.
When the town rallies together to stop Jacob, all bets are off. I have seen many gore-fests over the years, and the kills in this movie alone put 20 years of viewed kills to absolute shame.
The supernatural element to the story was an interesting angle as well. While motive is never fully given for the evil events that occur, it offers up a nice little twist at the end of the film.
While there is no shortage of somber moments in 'Jacob', there are also plenty of hilarious one-liners to liven the mood. Otis' party-buddy Earl (Jeremy James Douglas Norton) has, hands down, one of the best one-liners in the film that is sure to become popular once the film is released, while another particularly hilarious moment pops up during Jacob's reign of terror against his lynch mob.
Overall, I consider it a great privilege that I was able to see this film. It's a rare thing to find truly original films, and as Michael Biehn stated earlier in the evening "Big budget and big studio don't necessarily equal great movie." To me, this year's Splatterfest was a celebration of originality. Michael Biehn's "The Victim" certainly fit the bill, and the 'Evil Dead' series, which headlined the weekend, is a classic case of gory originality. "Jacob" is fiercely, intensely original and deserves to be recognized everywhere as a new horror classic.
slice of life with horror undertone
fabrizia-faustinella27 October 2012
Finally, I had the opportunity to watch JACOB and I truly liked the movie. The story line is very compelling and the characters well developed. Indeed, I would describe the movie as a slice of life with a horror undertone. Everything is quite well done , from the script to the cinematography, the editing, the music, you name it. I found the movie to be very entertaining; it even had some humor in it, which made us smile and laugh. The locations, small Texas towns, woods and an amazing old mansion on top of a hill, create a suggestive atmosphere, full of pathos and anticipation. The movie builds up slowly, allowing people to fully understand the events leading to Jacob's final act of rage and, when everything is over, we feel like we want to see more!
Deserves a much better rating
gsh9994 January 2014
I would actually rate Jacob at a "7" but I added an extra star because I feel the current rating below five is far too low. I just watched the movie on Netflix and, as it ended, I said, "Finally - a good movie!" I thought the acting was fine, especially the guy who plays the sheriff. Some of the other "redneck" characters pull it off very well, also. This is obviously a low-budget film, but I feel they did very well with what they had to work with. I do not like idiotic "slasher" movies like the Friday the 13th series, and I do not consider Jacob a slasher flick. The title character goes on a killing spree toward the end of the movie, and a flashback recalls his father's rampage in a local bar, but the violence and light gore is not the movie's main appeal. The mystery about a supernatural force can remain a mystery - not everything needs explained. The father obviously dabbled in the black arts and that's really all we need to know. Some supernatural force is apparently present in the old house and with Jacob and Sissy. The real story is the reason for Jacob's killing spree. I recommend this movie to horror fans, like me, who do not enjoy mindless slashers flicks.
Gets better every time you watch it
sober6159530 September 2013
I can't tell you how many times I've watched this movie.. what I can tell you is that it gets better EVERY time I watch it. I am consistently catching something I missed before. Larry Wade Carrell does an amazing job directing and acting in it. He is going to take Hollywood by storm... I've known men like Otis, he nails the personality, and Billy, You'll just want to take him home...Grace Powell is an up and comer not to be reckoned with & Dylan Horne scared the daylights out of me. Don't just watch this movie once! Trust me. it gets better each time! I love horror flicks, I'm a horror flick junkie.. and now I am a Jacob junkie!!
Quality Horror Movie With Superior Acting
mjlwriter-502-28012214 October 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I screened Jacob last night in the awesome Vineland-NJ, based Landis Theater. Jacob was shown, with its director present, as part of a 1-day Horror Movie screening-fest.
I was glad that I got to see one full-length movie among the shorts, most of which were not that great.
Jacob captured my interest from the first minute. The story takes place in a bleak southern town, likely somewhere in Texas. I'm wary of inadvertently providing "spoilers," so I won't provide plot points. Rather, I will talk about the quality of the film: Jacob provides a great story, great acting, great direction, and an outstanding mood is set.
There are a couple of known actors, but every single individual in this film makes a bright contribution with their acting. The film is the brain child of director and lead actor Larry Wade Carrell, who after the screening chatted with audience members. This guy is the real deal. Frankly, he strikes me as dead ringer for Billy Bob Thornton. He looks like him, acts like him, and writes like him. He is a skill movie-maker.
I thoroughly enjoyed Jacob. I'm not sure where this independent gem goes from here, but I think it would be successful on the big screen -- or, at a minimum, distributed in wide release on DVD/Blu Ray.
Thanks, Larry, for making the horror movie event worthwhile.
I was glad that I got to see one full-length movie among the shorts, most of which were not that great.
Jacob captured my interest from the first minute. The story takes place in a bleak southern town, likely somewhere in Texas. I'm wary of inadvertently providing "spoilers," so I won't provide plot points. Rather, I will talk about the quality of the film: Jacob provides a great story, great acting, great direction, and an outstanding mood is set.
There are a couple of known actors, but every single individual in this film makes a bright contribution with their acting. The film is the brain child of director and lead actor Larry Wade Carrell, who after the screening chatted with audience members. This guy is the real deal. Frankly, he strikes me as dead ringer for Billy Bob Thornton. He looks like him, acts like him, and writes like him. He is a skill movie-maker.
I thoroughly enjoyed Jacob. I'm not sure where this independent gem goes from here, but I think it would be successful on the big screen -- or, at a minimum, distributed in wide release on DVD/Blu Ray.
Thanks, Larry, for making the horror movie event worthwhile.
Jacob: Horror film? Love story? Sweet film? It's all of them!
richard.george4 May 2013
I just viewed Jacob again tonight, and it's even better than when I saw it the last time.
As an aficionado of horror films, I absolutely love this film. You just can't help but loving it. But it's a lot more than just a horror film.
It's excellently photographed and directed, with a consistent mood, augmented by an effective score. You'll love the locations -- among them, the beautiful haunted house and the picturesque cemetery.
Grace Powell is especially memorable as Sissy. With such talent at such a young age, she's sure to progress into a very successful actress. Dylan Horne is both masterful and touching in his role as Jacob.
If you haven't yet seen this little gem of a film, do yourself a favor. Buy it or rent it, and enjoy something unique. Something fun. Something excellent.
As an aficionado of horror films, I absolutely love this film. You just can't help but loving it. But it's a lot more than just a horror film.
It's excellently photographed and directed, with a consistent mood, augmented by an effective score. You'll love the locations -- among them, the beautiful haunted house and the picturesque cemetery.
Grace Powell is especially memorable as Sissy. With such talent at such a young age, she's sure to progress into a very successful actress. Dylan Horne is both masterful and touching in his role as Jacob.
If you haven't yet seen this little gem of a film, do yourself a favor. Buy it or rent it, and enjoy something unique. Something fun. Something excellent.
WorldFest Houston Premiere April 2012
mike208221 April 2012
Just saw the completed edition of JACOB last night at WorldFest Houston last night and I can say that it's definitely worth seeing. The movie is great, the story-line gripping, and the score by Iain Kelso was simply magnificent. Independent horror makes the world stop and take a peek because it's not mainstream and it's work that has a lot of heart in it and that's what makes it worth the while. Dylan Horne did a fantastic job as Jacob and Grace Powell as Sissy. The two together were great together. Jacob for his simple brutal way of seeing things and Sissy for trying to keep him in check. Larry Carrell, Stacy Davidson, Cynthia Lauer, Nick Nicholson, and the rest of the cast and crew did an amazing job.
Seen at Comicpalooza
richardmikky27 May 2012
My wife and I are huge horror fans. And watch mostly rare and hard to find flicks. But time has made us almost immune to jumping with the 'sacry spots' but in a very poor venue, as they received at Comicpalooza, they managed to get us to jump, laugh and cry! For an independent film, they managed to exceed our expectations! Hoping the distribution comes quickly for these guys, they deserve it. The Cast and crew were great. Our children were just as impressed with the movie. Some have posted that they are unsure if this is right for children. To those I would have to say no film is right for every child. It is mostly how the child is raised and the individual child. Rich and Mikky.
Superior indie horror shocker
Woodyanders13 December 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Emotionally troubled hulking behemoth Jacob (an impressive and expressive mute portrayal by Dylan Horne) struggles to resist his more violent impulses. But after his despicable drunken stepfather Otis (well played to the hateful hilt by writer/director Larry Wade Carrell) beats up on his long suffering mother Edith (a solid and sympathetic performance by Krystn Caldwell) once too often, Jacob snaps and embarks on a murderous spree. Carrell offers a vivid and flavorsome evocation of the rural region, relates the riveting story at a brisk pace, does a bang-up job of crafting an intense brooding atmosphere of impending doom, delivers a handy helping of graphic gore, and maintains a grim dark tone throughout. The startling moments of ferocious violence pack a savage punch. Child actress Grace Powell excels as Jacob's sweet and protective little sister Sissy. Moreover, this movie further benefits from commendable work by Leo D. Wheeler as the hard-nosed Sheriff Andy, Parrish Randall as folksy bar owner Chuck, Michael Biehn as Jacob's deranged father Lawrence, Joe Grisaffi as concerned diner proprietor Max, and James Hampton as the feisty Old Man Jack. In addition, there's a tragic element to the plot which in turn gives this picture a substantial amount of poignancy and resonance. Stacy Davidson's sharp widescreen cinematography provides a striking autumnal look. Iain Kelso's moody score hits the harmonic spot. A real sleeper.
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