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JDChurch-29873
Reviews
Waking Nightmare (2023)
An uncomfortable watch... Not that that is a bad thing!.
This film does a decent job of pulling together a cast of horror main stays and newcomers in an uncomfortably funny and at times, disturbing opus. This film stands on it's own because it is claustrophobic, stylistically unique with scenes punctuated with disorienting psychedelic imagery, an interesting plot, and stellar performances all around. Diane Franklin, Jamison Newlander, David Naughton are in fine form, along with Shelly Regner who gives a compelling and believable performance as the lead. The cast, it seems understood the assignment and ran with it. If I could equate my viewing experience to another film, I am reminded of seeing American Psycho for the first time where I wasn't quite sure if I should laugh out loud, or be completely disturbed. Is it perfect? Not by any means. The film could have had the benefit of having elements further fleshed out, and perhaps a slightly longer run time. Overall, an interesting and captivating watch.
Bent (2018)
Avoid at all costs!
I had com across this short film on Amazon Prime Video for free, and decided to give it a watch. By the end of it, I was hoping for the time I spent back. The script read like it was written by someone who watched one too many Law & Order episodes, and who really knows nothing about actual police or internal affairs procedures. On top of that, the film is miscast, badly acted, badly shot, and badly edited. There is some slight production value with locations, but that is where it ends. After looking up the writer/ director on here to see who the mastermind of this steaming turd was, I was not surprised to learn that he is just some nobody on the East Coast who thinks a little to highly of himself. 0 Stars. Avoid like the Plague.
Touch Gloves (2016)
Stylish, thought provoking, and a daring inside look in to the lives of young boxers.
I saw a screening of this film and was immediately taken by the cinematic approach to this documentary. It was a daring move, and one that pays off greatly. Visually interesting, gritty, and hard hitting, this is not a film for the weak at heart. A solid effort through and through showcasing the untold stories of a Northern MA boxing gym in a way that is insanely visually pleasing.
Blue Call (2021)
By no means a masterpiece, but sure as hell looks and sounds pretty!
After hearing about this film over the past few years through friends who worked on it, I was initially apprehensive about renting. In hindsight, I am very happy that I did. Citizen Kane this is not.... but there are some fascinating commentaries on the subjects of technology, grief, and assisted suicide. The film stars Katie Lecleric who is a paramedic suffering from PTSD and the traumas of her job. After a chance encounter with a patient, she acts as an angel of mercy to those who want nothing more that to die peacefully. Without providing too many spoilers, the film goes in to "Dexter" territory, and the ending is a bit rushed, but the film looks and sounds beautiful, and boasts a very impressive and experienced cast. It is to my understanding that this is an early effort of writer/director Brian Farmer, and it shows much potential. I will not go as far as to call it solid, but it is definitely not weak either. Was it worth the rental? I would have to say yes, especially because it is a decent intermediate effort. There is style, flair, and given the right script and budget, I think Mr. Farmer and his crew can eventually produce something truly noteworthy.