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Eternal Code (2019)
Best Yet from Harley Wallen
Harley Wallen has been exporting titles at a frenetic pace, several projects a year. Using time as he does is tantamount to spreading peanut butter on hot toast. It could make a mess of things. But he lucks out with Eternal Code and the formula may be his turning point. Having boosted his skills as writer/director/actor through no- and low-budget yet promising quickies, Wallen should be ready to tackle a biggie. From a cadre of locally-based actors who are growing better with him, to strong and stronger names from Hollywood, Wallen has stone-stepped to where his competitors, or fellow filmmakers, stand in awe, seeking their own secrets to success. It is evident that Eternal Code is not in the same league as million dollar movies, but that's OK. What falls short does not detract from the drama, tempo, cinematics, or any other element of a thriller/crime story. With strong hints of sci-fi and futurism, Eternal Code keeps viewers riveted and surprised by sudden twists and character introductions. If it lacks, it's probably in the character development. With so many it's hard to relate to any one, and the person you choose to favor may not be the protagonist. Cast members from his previous films are present but their old characters are not. Thankfully, they've adapted well to their new personalities and each one performs well. The movie jumps from a limited theater engagement to widely available VOD and DVD. As word spreads, that will help Wallen leap-frog even further Who knows how far. That will be his challenge. Can't wait.
Bestseller (2015)
Bestseller is a best thriller
BESTSELLER is a Michigan-made movie worth seeing, if only to confirm that competent Wolverine film crews and casts can come together to create high-value, high-tension entertainment. Melissa Anschutz and DJ Perry team up once again under the skillful direction of Chrissy Rohn to deliver riveting performances even if some scenes are drawn out a bit too long. Good hand-held camera work brings the viewer into the chases and establishes a voyeuristic point of view during the shower and bedroom scenes that does not exceed standards of decency. Terror grows as horror is established more in the mind than on screen but the loud echoes of Hitchcock and Stephen King were a bit overpowering in my book diminishing what was starting to be a pure white knuckles experience. My criticism here is minor in the wake of what writers Travis Goddard and Chris Knight and director Rohn have brought to the screen, As the identify of the bad guy or guys comes to light, viewers will continue to be surprised by twists and turns and left to wonder if Bestseller II is in the offing. If or when Bestseller comes to your city, be sure to see it, if only to support home-grown talent. You won't be disappointed in any case.