TheSTORY-1
This is one of those that could have much better with a little more imagination. I like the idea of the freelance investigator being brought in for a quick job... only for that job to spiral out of control and endanger everybody she knows and loves. I would have thought that throughout his filmmaking and writing career he could have come up with something a little more intriguing. There are so many avenues in the story that he could have taken, which would have, not only made it more entertaining, but stronger.
One of the aspects in the story that required more depth was the romance between Sam (Daphne Zuniga) and detective Carlton (Adam Huss). Since there was no chemistry between the characters it was hard to believe the two would have hooked up. A few shared interests or friends wouldn't have gone amiss.
theDIRECTION-1
Average sums it up perfectly. There's nothing new or remotely interesting in the filming. Different camera angles and some interesting pans would help to keep the viewers viewing. Even a perspective shot looking through Sam's camera would have engaged the audience more.
theTEMPO-1
Again, average is the best word. Fred Olen Ray plods through this film at a steady walking pace... that doesn't work to the stories advantage. This film is lacking in atmosphere and character. Both pace and direction could have been utilised better to create these.
theACTING-1.25
This is both the best and the worst thing about the film. The best as both Daphne Zuniga and Gianna DiDonato are well above par as the mother and daughter, Sam and Laurie (respectively), leads. These two work so well together that both their characters and relationship are believable and relatable. The worst, Tim Abell as Detective Walker. He gives new meaning to laidback and wooden... that's not right, even a felled tree is interesting.
The rest, well it only leaves one in the main cast, Adam Huss as Detective Carlton. Even though his acting is okay it's his on-screen presence that brings the film and story down. The guy doesn't appear to bond with anyone, not his partner, Walker, and as I said before there's no chemistry between Carlton and Sam - and it's not all down to the writing.
Though the worst thing is the bad guy. Maybe Fred Olen Ray planned to have the killer so ordinary and nonchalant - anybody could be the man in the black hat if the circumstances allowed. However, in my eyes, the killer needed to be a little darker and a tad more assured.
theGRATIFICATION-1
All in all, this is a pretty average story turned into a pretty average film. It's not one that I would recommend. However, if you're off work ill and have exhausted all your viewing pleasures and this is on... well, you could give it a watch.
theSCORE-5.25
Feel free to pop on over and check out my The Game Is Afoot list-come-chart to see where I rank this film and to find more viewing possibilities.
This is one of those that could have much better with a little more imagination. I like the idea of the freelance investigator being brought in for a quick job... only for that job to spiral out of control and endanger everybody she knows and loves. I would have thought that throughout his filmmaking and writing career he could have come up with something a little more intriguing. There are so many avenues in the story that he could have taken, which would have, not only made it more entertaining, but stronger.
One of the aspects in the story that required more depth was the romance between Sam (Daphne Zuniga) and detective Carlton (Adam Huss). Since there was no chemistry between the characters it was hard to believe the two would have hooked up. A few shared interests or friends wouldn't have gone amiss.
theDIRECTION-1
Average sums it up perfectly. There's nothing new or remotely interesting in the filming. Different camera angles and some interesting pans would help to keep the viewers viewing. Even a perspective shot looking through Sam's camera would have engaged the audience more.
theTEMPO-1
Again, average is the best word. Fred Olen Ray plods through this film at a steady walking pace... that doesn't work to the stories advantage. This film is lacking in atmosphere and character. Both pace and direction could have been utilised better to create these.
theACTING-1.25
This is both the best and the worst thing about the film. The best as both Daphne Zuniga and Gianna DiDonato are well above par as the mother and daughter, Sam and Laurie (respectively), leads. These two work so well together that both their characters and relationship are believable and relatable. The worst, Tim Abell as Detective Walker. He gives new meaning to laidback and wooden... that's not right, even a felled tree is interesting.
The rest, well it only leaves one in the main cast, Adam Huss as Detective Carlton. Even though his acting is okay it's his on-screen presence that brings the film and story down. The guy doesn't appear to bond with anyone, not his partner, Walker, and as I said before there's no chemistry between Carlton and Sam - and it's not all down to the writing.
Though the worst thing is the bad guy. Maybe Fred Olen Ray planned to have the killer so ordinary and nonchalant - anybody could be the man in the black hat if the circumstances allowed. However, in my eyes, the killer needed to be a little darker and a tad more assured.
theGRATIFICATION-1
All in all, this is a pretty average story turned into a pretty average film. It's not one that I would recommend. However, if you're off work ill and have exhausted all your viewing pleasures and this is on... well, you could give it a watch.
theSCORE-5.25
Feel free to pop on over and check out my The Game Is Afoot list-come-chart to see where I rank this film and to find more viewing possibilities.