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Reviews
Helter Skelter (2020)
What's New? Nothing!
Another Manson media venture which reinforces the same old Helter Skelter story which has been told and retold before with the same cast; e.g., Jeff Guinn, Dianne Lake, Stephen Kay, etc. Though Catherine 'Gypsy' Share and Stephanie Schram bring new voices to the cast, what would be refreshing would be an interview with Charles Tex Watson.
Expectations of a different angle to Charles Manson and the family story are initially suggestive with the alternative title of this Helter Skelter series, which bears 'American Myth' in its name. Some may hope that revelations may arise in this six-parter which may hint that the Helter Skelter plot in the Manson trial could be a myth ... alas no.
It's the same-ol'-same-ol' story.
Nevertheless, if a viewer wants an account of this 'myth' in a less one-sided manner, then Rob Zombie's "Charles Manson: The Final Words" is a much better, less time-consuming, more balanced view on Manson. One which we suggest you watch rather than this disappointment.
Harvest Lake (2016)
Surprisingly entertaining
Big budget movies often carry big expectations and can easily bring big disappointments, so seeking out something less commercial and financed at a lower budget was the order of the day with 'Harvest Lake'.
We had never heard of this previously and although low-budget movies are expected to have bikini-/scantily clad females as some enticement, the main draw was the mildly disturbing, yet enchanting atmospheric lake setting in the trailer.
Some reviews of 'Harvest Lake' have made comparisons to other movies and we agree that the surreal 'Under the Skin' is similar in atmosphere to 'Harvest Lake', although 'The Blood on Satan's Claw' is a completely different genre of film, so do not be mislead by such a mention of that early 70's classic.
There are some issues with 'Harvest Lake': camera angles and shots could have been improved, especially in the dialogues, along with the exchange between Ben and Cat which was rather contrived. The indoor lighting was another issue, but the lake scenes were perfect, as well as the settings and scene design.
If horror and fast thrills are desired, please stay clear of this film - 'Harvest Lake' attempts to create a somewhat supernatural experience and almost pulls off a success from a low-budget attempt.
Well done!