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Reviews
Hidden Light (2018)
Faith and Forgiveness
Moving, thought provoking, and sharply crafted. This looks as good as anything on TV today. Themes of guilt and (self) forgiveness carry us through to a redemptive ending. This is well cast, too!
Jack's Apocalypse (2015)
I am Jack's Approval
Very clever film here - misleading by the title (if you don't pause to think), but wholly, dynamically satisfying. The cinematography matches anything on TV today, and even reminds me of The Leftovers on HBO. This is a story of addiction and the devastating ripples it can create, but there IS redemption in this story I appreciate not getting punched in the gut with a downward spiral, designed just to show a character's self-destruction. Well done here. With a name actor, I think we'd be seeing this film in a wider release. Maybe the next one?
The Redeeming (2018)
Fascinating character study with a satisfying surprise ending.
This quiet, smart film is all atmosphere, mood and character study. The table quickly turns, as we wonder WHO is the "villain," and who is the protagonist. The ending of the film (no spoilers), revealed slowly through the peeling back of layers, is more complex than that, however. Fans of M. Night's earlier work will appreciate this creepy story with a warm heart.
Earthrise (2014)
A nightmare, 300 million miles from home!
Very well done low-budget indie film - traversing the popular "nightmare in space" genre. Nicely done VFX and set design, with references to Event Horizon, Moon, and even Alien!
Everlasting (2016)
Dark, But Lovely
Rock solid murder mystery / love story here, buoyed by a convincing and confident performance from Adam David. The cinematography is especially well done, with appropriate and effective treatments to separate past and present scenes. I was pleasantly surprised to see Michael Massee (who I remember from 24 and The Crow) in a bone-chilling role - on par with anything he's done previously. Also from The Crow (and LOST) is Bai Ling, who only looks better with age. A moody, dark score (including a track by Crystal Castles) also keeps the tone consistent and dark. Give this film a shot. It'll pull you in and keep you entertained and moved all the way to the shocking, gruesome end. Well done!
The Soul of Success: The Jack Canfield Story (2017)
Like a chiropractic adjustment for your soul.
What a refreshing story. I haven't read Jack's books, but now I can understand why this man has become so successful. Watching this film was like getting a chiropractic adjustment for my spirit! It reminds me of some of the docs I've watched about JK Rowling, whose Harry Potter manuscript was rejected by 12 publishers before the 13th picked it up. At that point, she was told to initial her first and middle name, so that readers wouldn't know she's a woman. Also, she was warned that she'll "never make money in children's books." She believed in the vision, though, and so did Jack with his Chicken Soup for the Soul! This is very encouraging. Nice work.
The Owner (2012)
Amazingly coherent, successful worldwide collaboration.
What a cool project! This film spans multiple countries, worldwide, giving audiences a richly cultured experience. The directors for this project were clearly carefully chosen, and the quality from segment to segment maintains it's strength from beginning to end. Kudos to the producers, and all who worked to make this collaboration a successful one.
Ekaj (2015)
An eye-opening, vulnerable look at NYC subcultures.
Gritty, realistic, harrowing. Without this film, I'm not sure I could ever experience the locations and characters that were depicted. At least some of the talent here must have been non-actors, yet the director found a way to make them comfortable and to deliver real, relatable emotions. What a stunning look at NYC subcultures here. Nicely done!
Will & Liz (2018)
Well rounded, highly relatable whirlwind romance story. 9/10
Classic whirlwind romance story, reminiscent of Before Sunset / Before Sunrise, and also Lost in Translation. Will & Liz accurately captures the way a city can come to life when you have a significant other to share it with. Will & Liz are awkward at first, but then grow on each other and on the audience as a sweet and often painful romance blossoms, falters, rebounds, etc. This is the timelessness of love, beautifully portrayed.
D'Inked: A Tattoo Removal Documentary (2017)
A very well crafted, very "fair" look at tattoos and their removal.
This colorful film makes a very good research study for those considering getting tattoos. A variety of view points is presented, making this a well-balanced presentation. It boasts broadcast TV caliber editing, sound design and music as well.
Laser tattoo removal is a bit scarier than I imagined.