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Reviews
Malignant (2013)
And you thought Obamacare was going to be bad!
Brian Avenet-Bradley has yet another hit! As a fan of Dark Remains it comes as no surprise that Brian has done it again. First a story that breaks new ground that unfortunately science is close to breaching, the possibilities of life eventually imitating art are freakishly scary. Science is close to such break troughs as could lead to the possibilities of all sorts of nefarious possibilities. At present pacemakers can be tampered with and that is only the start, but I digress. The story is compelling and well crafted. The acting by both Gary Cairns and Nick Nicotera was superb. However, the villainous deranged man was portrayed ever so effortlessly by the incomparable Brad Douirf. Signing him to the film is as fantastic as the story is creative. With out a masterful and believable villain the film would become a comedy. I could watch Brad read the phone book and be scared if he did it in the guise of this character. Science blends with science fiction in the creepiest of ways in Malignant. Watch it before you sign up for the new insurance exchanges, equally scary!
Chimères (2013)
Delightfully Unique, A different Love Story
This was a pleasure to watch, beautifully shot, great scenery, and superlatively acted both Jasna and Yannick had breakthrough performances. Since neither the title nor the trailer gave the film away you could enjoy the evolution of the film from the typical young couple in love's holiday or vacation. To a horrible accident and then slow recovery or metamorphosis or does Alexandre just need to be locked away in an asylum? Regardless, Livia never abandons him but instead tries first to help him then joins him in his new life. Her fight scenes weren't done by stunt doubles it was really Jasna performing. Her beauty and even sex scene seemed real and organic with out being gratuitous. Oliver Beguin has arrived and I only hope he gives us many more treats like this in his career. His homage to angel heart isn't lost. No it was not a Blade or Carrie homage although that would have been fine too. It was Angel Heart that grabbed him as a youngster and now he pays tribute. What a fun film!
The Cellar Door (2007)
A new level in cat and mouse, not your typical captive female flick
This film has all the elements; a tightly written script, great directing and superb acting. James' character as he so aptly portrays him, is both creepy and childlike at the same time. You go from wanting to give him the muzzle of a shot gun to suck on to feeling you should give him a baby bottle instead. You can actually pity for him and realize he wants to be loved like all of us (albeit in an institution). That's tough to do! And Michelle!!!!! Wow! she takes her character's roller coaster ride from terror to fear to anger then to a broken and eventually submissive to seductive and manipulative back to broken and then to vengeful. You want to save her, protect her then you want to do her and finally run like hell from her. Increddible! She is beautiful anyway she could entrance you reciting the alphabet!
I saw the film at a festival thinking OK another terrorized damsel in chains flick, with hopefully some beautiful women to make up for the formulaic film. NOT!!!! I was unbelievably surprised. I was on the edge of my seat or dismayed and shocked that I could feel sympathy for the perp! The best Horror film I've seen all year and some of the best acting I've ever seen!!!