mvanderwalz

"Inez & Doug & Kira" in some ways is a modern-day version of "Jules and Jim", except here it's two women and one man, with the difficult subjects of alcoholism and bipolar mental illness at the forefront. It's a story that stays with you, told via two timelines focusing on Doug and Inez, and Inez's sister, Kira. They both fall in love with Doug. Inez is an enigma and a mystery, a character we see via the others she comes into contact with (brilliantly portrayed by actress Tawny Cypress). The movie does not pull any punches and this is difficult subject matter, but it's presented in such an honest and intimate way that I found myself admiring its journey. Beautiful cinematography throughout, and a triumph for indie filmmaking.

"Cohabitation" is an indie psychological thriller in which the lead character (played by Tiffany Streng) battles her inner demons while unknowingly inviting a very dark external force into her world. That dark force takes the shape of 'perfect roommate' Sarah (played with great conviction by Stephanie Rose Quinnell). Turns out Sarah has a twisted agenda that Emily soon becomes a part of. The movie is suspenseful and there is plenty to like here. Solid production values and capable direction by writer/director Lauren Barker. The movie explores the dark side of a perfect stranger with sinister intentions. Be careful who you trust! Definitely worth watching.

"The Luring" is a disturbing, effective, and well-made horror/thriller movie. Plot involves a man who returns to a vacation home in Vermont and confronts the events of the past. Watching this movie, I couldn't help thinking of the work of early Brian DePalma or Roman Polansky. It's creepy and jarring throughout. Production values are solid, with cinematography by Amanda McGrady, a moody score by Al Creedon, and Sound Design by Sean Hamilton. Actress Michaela Sprague was excellent in the role of Claire. Shades of "Halloween" and Michael Meyers. Horror fans will not be disappointed - this is a must-see!

This is an anthology collection of stories, helmed by 5 talented indie directors that really captures the fun of the horror genre. I was reminded "Creepshow" as far as the tone there is even one story ("Rest Stop", I think) based on a short story by Stephen King. Directors Alex Montilla, Scotch Rutherford, Ryan Shoney, Cameron Schwartz, and Aaron McJames really pull out all of the stops, with the result that there is something here for everyone. Movie utilizes a radio station bookending device that works to seamlessly weave together the various stories. Definitely check this one out, you will not be disappointed!

Surreal fantasy/drama/horror movie about an unnamed tragedy which centers around a house, a classical music critic, and his mentally unstable wife who recently returns home after a hospital stay. But this is just the jumping-off point for a nightmarish, surreal experience. From the opening, we shift to a young millennial couple who are house-sitting at the house, encounter an 7-year old boy, and the woman's adult brother who now lives with them. A haunting tale of golf, violence, yellow balloons, and absolution on some level. Acting was strong throughout, with solid performances from Lindsey Haun, Blake Berris, and RJ Mitte. While not everyone's cup of tea, it's an intriguing take on the haunted house subgenre. How much of the chaos is due to the house, and how much the characters, is left to the audience to decide.

I like Adam Sandler in nearly everything he does. He brigns a lot to each character he plays. But the storyline of this movie was bizarre to the point of feeling like I was in an episode of "Alice in Wonderland." Or maybe Kafka, without the insightful social analysis. My main problem was the character that Sander's astronaut interacts with. Its personality has the depth of a Barney character. Add to that the slow-moving B-story with Carrie Mulligan back on Earth, intercutting her unfolding sexual identity drama, and it makes for a very mediocre movie. It's a wasted opportunity, mostly forgettable.

While the Director clearly has talent based on his previous entry ("Arctic"), this movie lacks a decent story and script. Way too much talk and not enough action. Characters telling us what they are thinking every second leaves nothing to the audience's imagination. Did not buy Anna Kendrick as a doctor for a second. Feels as though no one researched or bothered to explore the realities of people who actually go into space. Right now, other countries are out-shining the US in their creative storytelling, especially in the sci-fi genre. Stop treating your audience like they have sub-par intelligence and surprise us! Wanted to like this but apart from set design, it's a snooze.

I'm going to say this is one of the better recent movies to delve into this topic. The human characters stayed with me for awhile afterwards. You've got a shut-in Hacker, self-absorbed narcisist. That's our main character (flawed, which I like). He has two friends that he subcontracts to do his bidding. Then he loads and opens some trial software that brings a beautiful AI woman into his world (albeit she is only on his OLED display screen). Thus Aimee is born. Human lives become endangered as Aimee becomes more emotionally involved with the lead character. The acting, sets and premise are all good. Faith West is very good and should work more. I recommend this as something different than the Hollywood norm.

I have such mixed feelings about this movie. The premise is full of holes and seems like it was over-developed by the studio executives. A successful book author, his wife and two kids take a week long trip to the country to 'unwind." The house they rent is a $15 million home (only in Hollywood). Mahershala Ali is the best part of the movie; he's such a compassionate actor that I connect to his character. Strange unexplained events outside cause mayhem and madness, the disintegration of society. Inside the house, the humans suspect each other?? For some odd reason, they do not band together and fight whatever forces... or learn anything significant about themselves. Instead, it's soapbox lecturing about white privilege and race. Enough.

"Anarchy Radio" expertly plunges audiences into a dystopian realm of mind control and the rebellion of one man. Under the adept direction of Gilles Gambino, the film sustains an unyielding tension, gripping viewers from start to finish. Gambino's masterful directing enhances the story's impact, emphasizing the individual's struggle against oppression. Led by talented actors Drew Lopez and Leila Collins (portraying deejay Andy Winter and Ella), the cast delivers compelling performances, illuminating the power of communication and truth amidst the chaos of invading forces. "Anarchy Radio" offers an eye-opening glimpse into dark forces that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll.

"Fighting Olympus" takes us on a journey to the underworld of Hades, where gods and demons control the fate of humanity. This movie has a cool urban vibe to it, juxtaposing SWAT team culture with the dingy, dark underworld. A man is sent to find his brother and a pesky news reporter who have gone missing - presumed dead. As he descends, he finds Hades, Athena, Medusa, Persephone, Poseidon, Apollo - all your favorite Greek gods. Movie contains some decent fight scenes and choreography. Kudos to hair, makeup and the costume designer for creating a unique look and setting for the movie. Definitely worth watching.

I seek out movies like this - low-budget indie scifi flicks that don't cover the same boring territory that 99% of the Hollywood movies do. Set design is limited, but what I like here is two main characters who butt heads for most of the movie as they try to figure out WTF is happening out here near Mercury. There is also a third character I don't hear many people mentioning: AVERI, the AI computer that the crew trusts to look after their interests. Throw in a corrupt corporation back on Earth, and you've got subterfuge a-plenty! I dug the soundtrack and VFX work. Good movie to watch w/ friends on a Fri or Sat night. Play the audio LOUD, esp during Marc Laidlaw's song! Recommend.