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Meet the Author (2018)
The Humor of a Book Signing
Oh my goodness! This is a funny, heartfelt, and enjoyable short about a failing romance author who meets his biggest fan. The story is solid with some fun characters. Maty Smith cracked me up! LOL! Her confession had me in stiches when she shared her honest critique to Marvin's book! I loved how things got serious in the end. It showed that Jennifer really did have an understanding of his work. A really fun short to watch.
Pine Mountain Overnight (2020)
A Moving and Enlightening Fable
Caught this film by surprise while attending the 2021 CENFLO Film Festival.
PINE MOUNTAIN OVERNIGHT tells the story of Xo who travels to camp with her best friend Dani. During the trip, Xo realizes that she starts observing Dani way too much and soon realizes she's dealing with an attraction to her. During a bonfire, stress and peer pressure causes Xo to deal with the harsh truth of her identity. But along the way, she stumbles upon a visitor that reveals a strange bond between them, the feeling of being outsiders.
This movie stood out to me from the entire festival. The performances from each actor really stood out and the beautiful cinematography really pulled me into the story. I really enjoyed the different LGBTQ+ story and the parallel to Bigfoot (which I won't spoil for you). I loved many of the shots in this film. There were moments where the image was so vivid in my memory. The last scene stood out to me the most and it was done in the most graceful and yet full concluding way to the film. Take the opportunity to watch this short gem.
All the Young Dudes (2020)
A Delightful Coming of Age Fable.
I have been waiting to see this short for a while. I got to catch it at the 2021 CENFLO Film Festival and was impressed at how quick it established the characters. You watch the toxic environment of high school in 1973 where the out and proud rock-loving student, Billy, comes strolling down the halls being bullied by his peers. He protests with a "rocking" surprise in the locker room that catches the attention of Jacob, a quiet and timid boy. Jacob follows Billy after school and the two learn the importance of being themself even when the world around them disagrees.
The cinematography was great including the story. Even though it was short, it pulled you into these two characters and honestly left you wanting more on their journey. But my favorite part of the film is when Billy and Jacob have this moment where they realize the other's pain. But instead of consoling each other by a kiss (which many queer films always do to answer someone's frustration), Billy puts makeup on Jacob. It feels like a more intimate moment between the two characters rarely seen on film. You felt the sincerity of both boys trying to find meaning in their lives and in each other.
If you get a chance to see this, please do so if you enjoy fun fables with a moving message.
Among Them (2018)
An Unconventional Crime Psychological Thriller worth watching!
I was lucky to screen Kevin James Barry's film during the Flagler Film Festival several years ago. I was blown away! I enjoyed the fact that it wasn't just a crime fable but it merged with my favorite genres - Horror and Psychological Thriller!
Set in a motel, two bank robbers; Keith (played with a tough vulnerable demeanor by Jonathan Thomson) and Mick (a great unnerved performance by Dan Liebman), are waiting for their boss to show up after a bank heist. But things get interesting when they find Syd (played by the talented Evalena Marie) in the trunk of their getaway car. Little by little you don't know what is true as they start seeing strange things occur around them. Their reality reaches an uncanny, intense, and powerful conclusion.
All my expectations of how AMONG THEM would turn out was thrown out the window. The players are filled with mystery and depth that slowly show something new with each experience. If you enjoy films that make you think after the credits role, then give this a try. If you are expecting a hard-hitting action film with mundane story or depth, this is not it. It's much deeper than that. A story about your past haunting you no matter how much you try to escape it. I enjoyed the surprises and a powerful ending. Give this unconventional psychological thriller a go!
Blood and Water (2016)
Great Film Inspired by True Events
A great film inspired by true events. It's about facing your fears and taking that literal leap of faith. But in this case, it's an accident that causes the fear. Garrett plays a potential Olympic Swimmer who experiences a horrible accident during one of his dives. He is haunted by the event and has a hard time training for the Olympics. His mother who happens to be his trainer doesn't help him at all with her strict training and pushing Garrett to get to the finals. He learns to take matters into his own hands. Surprised at the great cinematography and powerful storytelling. Really enjoyed this story that is loosely based on the filmmaker's own experience. A great 20 minutes that doesn't waste time on unnecessary drama but goes straight to the point. The cast and crew were incredible. With the crowdfunding funds that they got, you can tell they put all that to good use. I was very impressed with the film and moved by the story. Watch it when you get a chance.
Kaidan (1964)
A Japanese Horror Classic!
FILM REVIEW - I am in LOVE with this film. Being an avid horror fan, I got to check on my classics too. Heard a lot of praises over this 1964 Japanese Horror Masterpiece from so many critics. Being selected as part of the Criterion Collection says a lot. KWAIDAN is a collection of ghost stories that is part allegory and folklore. Four tales are told that will make you see hair, snow, body art, and tea in a while other way. My favorite has to be THE WOMAN OF THE SNOW and HOICHI THE EARLESS. Although every story had some impressive cinematography, these two stand out with the snow storm scene and creepy stories. Fans of TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE, CREEPSHOW, HOUSE (1977), and Japanese classics will appreciate this jem. P.S.- If you have short attention spans, it will test your patience (it's 3 hours long).
The Conjuring (2013)
THE COUNJURING- True Story comes to the Screen
Finally a scary film worth watching...oh wait...there hasn't been a scary movie since "Mama" this year. I can hear Paula Cole singing "Where have all the scary movies gone?" Anyway if you wanna get yourself jumping from your seat, watch the fright-fest "The Conjuring".
Based on the True Files of Ben and Lorraine Warren who were the first Parapsychologists in the field. The film showcases the horrifying case of the Annabelle Doll incident to the disturbing events at the Perron Family's Farmhouse in Long Island. I did my homework on the history of the Warrens before watching the movie and I have to say that James Wan did a marvelous job capturing the point of view of the Perron Family and what they went through when they moved into their new house and then what Lorraine Warren saw while she and her husband investigated the chilling events.
Vera does it again! After playing the cray cray mother of Norman Bates in "Bates Motel", Verga Farmiga does a 180 and portrays a loving mother with a determination to help others in their crisis. She gets Lorraine down to the detail after seeing the real Lorraine in interviews. Pretty much anything Patrick Wilson is in is awesome! Lili Taylor and Rob Livingston were believable as the Perrons who portrayed the fear and courage to fight against the negative forces in the house. But the Perron Daughters really delivered the believable scares the girls really went through.
There are creepy moments in the movie that will linger in your mind after viewing. You won't see old dolls the same way again. Plus you won't want to go down in the basement by yourself...unless you live in Florida. Worse of all, if a kid hands you a toy box and says that once the music stops playing, you'll see a boy standing behind you, dang it don't even touch the thing!! Oh and don't play hide and seek with a blindfold on in a house you just moved into. Not only can you hurt yourself, but you may be playing with someone extra! Just saying. Like all scary movies, they use every trick in the book to scare you. But the atmosphere is new which makes it great all on it's own. The film brings back memories of the old school horror films of the late 70's. Plus knowing that it was based on a true story doesn't help but creep you out a bit.
But what I love about this movie is the power of family and relationships. The Perron family do all in their power to fight against the dark forces to keep their family safe. The Warrens make their efforts to not only save the Perrons from the evil in their home but also protect themselves. The movie could have been a straight 2- dimensional Horror Movie. But what made it more emotional and successful was the theme: the force more powerful than evil is the love of family.
Pay attention to the last thing the Warrens say before the credits roll, you'll enjoy learning about that case. I smell a sequel!!!
Movie Rating-9 out of 10