Director: Richard Greenwood Jr.

Writer: Richard Greenwood Jr.

Staring:Alexis Zibolis, Maria Shadchina, Todd Johnson, and Joel Zaldivar

Released: 2010

Studio: Indie

Website: www.facebook.com/pages/Hinnon-Valley/123790757669145

Hinnon Valley is a tale about a small town suffering the effects of a deadly viral outbreak. Allison Westlake (Alexis Zibolis) teams up with a young survivor, Erin (Maria Shadchina). Under constant attack by both the flesh eating undead and the military, Allison and Erin seek a way to end the horrid genocide that has befallen the once peaceful town. Hinnon Valley is a short film written and directed by newcomer Richard Greenwood Jr. It has been featured in and won many film festivals, rightly so in my humble opinion. This is a very strong “out of the gate” film for Richard.

The main thing that sets this film apart from the rest of the pack is its look. The cinematography here is crisp and it’s apparent that John Honoré knows where to point the camera. He gets the most out of the locations and the inventive shots tell a lot of the story. Use of elements like rack focus really bring a power to this short. Complimenting the cinematography is the wonderful use of light. It sets a very dark, moody atmosphere and the colors add to the eeriness. The film starts with a chase through a cemetery and there is a shot of the blood stained grass that grabbed my attention. That shot told me I was watching something made by people who understood visual artistry.

Zombies have been done to death (pun very much intended). We are over saturated with media revolving around the undead. That being said, anyone who goes for the zombie theme better have something that will lift them above the rest. Hinnon Valley‘s story takes the military bred virus angle. Now while this angle has been done Richard Greenwood takes it to some fresh soil. Adding the military to the enemies list and cutting them off from the rest of the world gives a wonderful isolated feel.

This film provides a great platform for the lead (Alexis Zibolis) to shine in an almost Sarah Conner (Terminator) way. Now without spoiling anything, I will just say the real originality comes in the form of the cure, self sacrifice, and the “next in line”. I truly feel that Richard’s story is one that, in its scope, needs a longer run time. At the end of the short I had questions that I would really like to see answered.

With such a two against the world style film you need very strong acting to carry such a weight. Alexis Zibolis takes the challenge along with her partner Maria Shadchina. Both did a great job of building believable characters that the audience can relate with. Again I would have liked to have seen more on the lead’s back story. However the quick glimpse we do get does provide her motivation. Maria, while a little green, was able to take me with her on her at first defiant, moving to trusting, then finally advancing to strong character progression. Impressive, especially since this is her first screen appearance. I look forward to more from her. As stated before, Alexis is strong and believable as Allison. Which is essential if the audience is going to take the journey with you. The rest of the cast work well to create the world of Hinnon Valley.

This film is not without its flaws. However, a bit of overacting and visible make-up appliance edges were not enough to break the fourth wall for long. My biggest complaint is the rushed pacing and unanswered questions. I suppose that in itself is a compliment for this film because it gave me an emotional response and want of more. I expect some big things from Richard Greenwood Jr. and I am very excited to see what comes next. Hinnon Valley is a short film that I would recommend to any horror fan (especially the zombie addicted). It’s got action, gore, strong characters, and an original flavor. With its artistic style and strong writing, it’s like a small glimpse into a mind of a larger world that lays inside the filmmaker’s head.

31/2-5

Director: Brain Feeney

Writer: Brain Feeney and John Ross

Staring: Alisha Seaton, Melissa Lee, Jeannie Bolet, Angela Landis, and Judy Clement

Released: 2009

Studio: Lead Balloon

Web Site: http://www.leadballoonpictures.com/projects/the-echo-game

The Echo Game is the feature length debut from writer/director Brian Feeney. It’s a paranormal thriller that revolves around ESP and a murderous plot to obtain these powers. Starring Alisha Seaton as April Reilly. A woman whose life is thrown into peril when she receives a letter from her former lover, Rachel, who supposed died 10 years earlier. April’s daughter Sarah, played by Melissa Lee, starts having psychic visions of the now truly deceased Rachel (Angela Landis). These visions and powers put Sarah on the radar of Rachel’s killers lead by Anne Cassavettes (Judy Clement). Anne wants Sarah’s powers and will stop at nothing to get them.

The film is wonderfully shot with nice attention paid to color and mood. Feeney creates a great atmosphere here. The pacing keeps the viewer engaged, building nicely, flowing from intrigue into action. My only is gripe is that the end felt a bit rushed. I would have like to have seen more between Sarah and Anne. More psychic cat and mouse as it were. Very strong performances from Alisha Seaton, and Melissa Lee keep the believability intacted when a few of the other performances were a tad stilted. A strong script and well developed characters also builds the believability. These are characters you end up caring about and pulling for. The story of the “Echo” project is something I want to know more about. It would have been neat to see it in flashbacks. Or maybe a prequel? A creepy upstate boarding school for psychic kids, hmm…

This is not a slasher flick, however there are some very nice bloody FX. The two that really pop in my mind are the knife thru the hand and one thru the back of the head. Also in the gore department, this film has a well done baseball bat beating. Always good fun. I thought it was a fun and nice touch that April’s current girlfriend Casey, played skillfully by Jeannie Bolet, works at an FX company called “Gore Girls”. I was also very happy to see that most of the FX were done practically. Practicality always lends itself to a heightened since of believability, when done right, and this film dose it right. There is on scene in particular when Sarah is in the hospital and is talking with a spirit. It’s a tight shot on Sarah’s eye and you can see the reflection of the spirit inside. This is something many would just do in post, but not here. It’s done right then and it plays off very well.

Another aspect I must mention here is the music. The score of The Echo Game is one of it’s stars. It creates an atmosphere all on it’s own and strengthens Feeney’s great visual feel. Ranging from happy and comforting to eerie and tense. Composer Austin Wintory shows a great talent here. I look forward to hearing more from him.

The Echo Game is a fun ride with a strong story and a good core cast. Brian Feeney has shown that he can do a full length feature and do it well. He has a great eye for shot placement and color. He is also a very adept story teller. I hope to see more from him soon. Sarah says in the film “Don’t play the echo game.” I disagree I say do play The Echo Game.

3/5

Director: Bryan Bertino

Writer: Bryan Bertino

Staring: Gemma Ward, Liv Tyler, Scott Speedman

Released: 5/30/2008

Rating: R

Studio: Rogue Pictures

Web Site: www.thestrangers.net

The Strangers is a VERY frightening film. This is one of those movies that stays with you after you leave the theater. The plot is neither complex nor is it a new concept. This is a perfect example of how a film is executed (pun intended) is what’s important. It’s all in the timing and subtlety here. Strong acting and a great soundtrack also helps.

When we first meet the main characters they are in a very awkward and uncomfortable situation. She has just refused his marriage proposal and here they are alone together in a vacation home completely unsure of where they stand. This uncomfortable air sets the perfect tone and is only amplified when a strange girl knocks on the front door. The terror in this film comes from it’s atmosphere and uncertainty. Though people creeping around in masks doesn’t hurt either. The story keeps you at the edge of your seat and the tension starts small and builds to its disturbing climax.

Another aspect of this film that keeps you creeped out is that it feels very real. At no point does it become fantastical, this could very well have happened. Which is a point since the story is inspired by real events. This is much more psychological horror, my favorite, then it is boo, going to get you. Though there are a few nicely done jump scares that got me good.

If you want a film the gets under your skin, then this is the movie for you. It’s the kind that has you up checking your car or home to make sure no one’s there. It leaves you looking over your shoulder. The Strangers is a great ride that doesn’t disappoint.

5/5

Director: Peter Cornwell

Writer: Tim Metcalfe and Adam Simon

Staring: Kyle Gallner, Virginia Madsen, Elias Koteas, Tim Metcalfe, Martin Donovan

Released: 3/27/2009

Rating: PG-13

Studio: Gold Circle Films and Lions Gate

Website: www.hauntinginconnecticut.com

A good haunting movie doesn’t come around often. So many are killed by CGI, poor story, bad acting, and/or lame monsters. None of which affect this movie. This film is nice and creepy and done very effectively. One thing that surprised me was the whole possession angle. Now I am generally not a fan of possession stories but it is done in a way here that is very intriguing. No talking fingers, or funny voices. This film creates an eerie atmosphere from the start and it doesn’t let go until it’s dramatic end.

A Haunting in Connecticut follows one family’s real-life encounter with the dark forces of the supernatural. The Campbell family moves to upstate Connecticut, forced to relocate near a clinic where their teenage son was being treated for cancer. Kyle Gallner dose an amazing job as the cancer ridden son, Matt. His eyes have a way of showing his pain, and latter, his haunted changing behavior. His strength and personality make him an endearing character. The film moves at a good pace and it quickly becomes evident that their new home has a disturbing history. Yes, that’s right, it’s a transformed funeral parlor where strange events have occurred.

The ghosts in this film are the kind that hide in the shadows and make a few pop ups for some good jump moments. Matt’s “possession” is more the ability to see what a spirit wants him to see. So a lot of the story’s key points come in flash back form. That is until his sister, Wendy, takes an interest and dose some digging for the home’s history. I loved this scene because it reminded me of an 80′s training montage. However this did not ruin the great creepy atmosphere. Which by the way, was made even better by the movie’s eerie score by Robert J. Kral.

The other major character is a Reverend, played well by Elias Koates, who also has cancer. He believes that being close to death makes one able to connect with the other side. He believes Matt’s tale completely and takes him under his wing. But when he comes to the house to help things go from bad to worse. The one person I didn’t like in this film was the dad. He just seemed out of place and awkward. Mainly because his screen time was maybe ten minutes. The mom (Virginia Madsen) did well as voice of reason and was of course the last to have any ghostly experiences. All the performances did a great job at driving the story and making you care what happens.

The Haunting in Connecticut is a simple ghost story done right. It takes inspiration from great films of the past, takes it bit father, and adds new elements to make the recipe perfect. This movie shows that you don’t need much to scare people you just need to do it right. Great story, great acting, great visuals, and bam you’ve got a great picture. I highly recommend this film to anybody who likes that edge of your seat creep. I know this will be a must watch every Halloween movie in my house.

4 1/2 /5

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Writer: Quentin Tarantino

Staring: Christoph Waltz, Brad Pitt, Melanie Laurent, Eli Roth, Diane Kruger, Daniel Bruhl

Released: 9/21/2009

Rating: R

Studio: Universal

Web Site: www.inglouriousbasterds-movie.com

Nazis, Brad Pitt, and Quentin Tarantino, what could go wrong? Not much really, just a few things. The first and biggest complaint is that The Basterds were not the central focus, as the trailer and the title suggest. They were all such interesting characters I wanted to know more about them and see more of their exploits. The film is instead divided between them and the tale of the Jewish lead, Shosanna. While it was an engaging story it did tend to drag, especially in Chapter 3. A faster pacing would have been welcome.

Now just because I started off with a negative dose not mean this film is bad. Quite the opposite is true. I loved this movie. I just wanted to get my biggest grip out of the way. Now let’s talk about what’s right. In the middle of a very strong cast was a performance that stole the show. Christoph Waltz plays Col. Hans Landa to perfection. He is vile, despicable, conniving, ruthless, and all around nasty. But by the same token he is charming, handsome, intelligent, and silver tongued. Truly a man you love to hate. Lt. Aldo Raine is portrayed terrifically and very funny by Brad Pitt. He might have even stole the spotlight from Waltz, had Pitt be in the film more. Shosanna (Melanie Laurent), a very strong female lead, reminded me a lot of Uma Thurman, and that’s not a bad thing. Then in walks Eli Roth as The Bear Jew. As with all The Basterds, he was quirky and bad ass. I was very impressed with Martin Wuttke’s portrayal of Hitler. Not to over the top but enough to laugh at. The addition of Mike Myers and Samuel L. Jackson was great fun and a nice surprise.

Now on to what you all want to read about, VIOLENCE! There really isn’t all that much, only 4 major scenes. However when it there it is wonderfully graphic. A little more action might have helped the pacing of the film, but I digress. The most brutal scene features Eli Roth beating the holy hell out of a Nazi solider with a baseball bat. The camera doesn’t cut away as we witness his head caving in. It’s up there with the “bottle scene” from Pan’s Labyrinth. The scalping and swastika carving scenes are well executed, pardon the pun. The end, which I will not spoil, is a plane and simple just desserts bloodbath. There is another bloody filled gun fight but it was quite a surprise to me when it happened so I will leave it as a surprise for you.

On to the director and writer, Quentin Tarantino. Think what you want of him, love him or hate him. I see his film making as art the same way a collage is art. He takes preexisting elements and uses them to form his own vision. And his dose is it well. However his true genius is his gift for dialogue. Tarantino is a master at the spoke word. Who of us can’t recite words from Pulp Fiction at any given time? In Inglorious Basterds the dialogue takes the center spotlight. In the opening Col. Landa (Christoph Waltz) delivers a speech comparing Jews to rats. It is highly disturbing in it’s logic. I am sure this movie will spawn many one-liners. As a period piece it creates a great and convincing atmosphere. There were a few sporadically placed “Grind House” style titles that I found distracting. Maybe if they were more consistent it would have worked better.

Tarantino is also known for his off beat music selection. Basterds is no different. It’s a wonderful soundtrack that emphasizes the emotions and adds depth to the picture. It has already found a home in my music library. Now normally I have a big pet peeve when it comes to contemporary music in a period film. Perfect example, the horrid Moulin Rouge or A Knight’s Tale, sorry Heath. Strangely however the use of David Bowie’s Cat People (Putting Out The Fire) works perfectly here, juxtaposed against images of the Third Riche. What that says about Bowie or Tarantino, I’m not sure.

To sum it all up: Inglourious Basterds is dramatic, intriguing, and most of all just plan fun. It’s a great alternate timeline adventure. Outstanding performances, terrific writing, and a great look and feel makes this a must see film. The day it hits DVD it will have a special place in my DVD collection. Let’s hope for a director’s cut with more of The Basterds.

4/5