Sand Castles (2014) User Reviews (19)

VIEWS ON FILM review of Sand Castles

[burlesonjesse5 · 7/10 · 26 December 2014]

Ah Goshen, Indiana. Home to the second largest county fair in the U.S., nicknamed "The Maple City," and having the distinction of being the birthplace of legendary film director Howard Hawks. It was also the main shooting location for the top featured selection in last year's River Bend Film Festival.

Sand Castles is said selection and it's every bit worth the hype. I mean, it's about as personal as a movie can get. After all, star, writer, and producer Jordon Hodges grew up in Goshen and believe me, he shows us the audience, that he never forgot where he came from. Now to be honest, this is a picture that starts out slow and really sneaks up on you. After a viewing, I declared it to be Prisoners meets Mystic River meets independent film making. That's another way of saying that it's part crime drama, part vigilante escapade, and part acting showcase. In terms of location, it is Northern Indiana personified. There's an earthy and grainy look coupled with low camera angles and dreary landscapes. Basically the town depicted, becomes one of the stars as well as its source of recognition. In fact, I haven't been reminded of a small Midwestern venue feeling a lot like the movie's primary voice since Three Oaks, Michigan took over the scenery for 1989's Prancer.

Set to be available for purchase on DVD in 2015 (as voiced by two of the film's producers) and showcasing flashback kidnapping scenes via my hometown of St. Joseph, Michigan (Silver Beach to be exact), Sand Castles tackles the terrifying aspect of child abduction. The film begins with a young Lauren Daly (played by Anne Winters). She is abducted and I guess, sexual assaulted by an unknown assailant. After years of her family searching for her, she manages to escape and eventually returns to them. Lauren is traumatized, doesn't speak, and is in a state of shock. Her alcoholic mother (Marie Daly played by Saxon Trainor), her older brother (Jordon Hodges as Noah Daly), and her uncle (the veritable Randy Spence as Tommy Daly) are happy that she has come back and is safe. However, they want to find out who committed this horrible act. Tommy Daly takes on the role of unannounced detective by interviewing a car mechanic (Clint Howard) and stealing the badge number of a police officer (to get information on area sex offenders). This series of events is what kicks Sand Castles into high gear. The proceedings become more involving, more absorbing, and to a fault, more catastrophic.

As for the performances, I had the pleasure of chatting with one of the stars of Sand Castles being the legendary Clint Howard. A self-proclaimed character actor, he told me about how neat it was to climb out of his Hollywood environment and fly down to the Hoosier state to make quote unquote, "a small independent film." His screen time is short lived but that's what he does (as does so well). He shows up in "Castles" for a couple of scenes, makes a swift impression, and is never heard from again. That's what you get from a Howard performance and that's okay with me. Then there's the star of Sand Castles being an up and comer named Jordon Hodges. As Noah Daly, he underplays his role a bit too much but relegates a strong amount of screen presence. He reminds me of a young Casey Affleck with the swagger of Aaron Paul. His screenplay is impressive and it gives "Castles" a lot of bite. The actors get a chance to spout off some unabashed, juicy free fall dialogue. And the top recipient for the strongest dose of this dialogue, is Randy Spence bringing to life the revenge minded Tommy Daly. He plays to perfection, a drug addicted, alcohol minded bad boy who takes the law into his own hands without any sense of just or justice. His rawness, confidence, and devil-may- care attitude only add to the spice of this powerful film.

Overall, Sand Castles with a small budget, a small town feel, and an anti-Hollywood approach, teeters on the edge of amateurism. Thankfully, director Clenet Verdi-Rose avoids this notion for almost 90% of the running time. He channels a little bit of Steven Soderbergh with his camera-work all the while building tension with every careful inch. The film currently doesn't have a MPAA rating but believe me, after seeing the finished product, I garner it a hard R saddled with adult themes, adult situations, rough language, and some violent images. And to truly decipher the film's heart wrenching conclusion, you have to stay through the closing credits.

To put it mildly, Sand Castles only falters when it goes off into tangents with certain scenes. When it's focused and heavy handed, watch out. You've got a fairly effective, hard boiled thriller on your hands. Thumbs up!

Good effort but...

[jaimemc-52015 · 6/10 · 27 March 2020]

This could have been really good. The main actors were pretty decent, some of the others very wooden. The story would've been good if so many details didn't seem so improbable. First off I think it unlikely that there wouldn't have been a media storm if a girl missing for 10 years shows up alive. Then the way her introduction back into society was handled so wrong, even for a small town I find it hard to believe they'd have taken her again like that and put into foster care with no contact at all with her family. This is a girl with serious trauma, to take away all lifelines again completely including her brother who was not at fault seemed crazy and geared to mess her up even more. In a normal situation yes things like this happens, a girl who's been kidnapped and is in obvious mental distress? Doubt it. They'd be too concerned about bad press at the very least. Also the cops interrogation of her was downright ridiculous. That scene was where the movie lost me. What cop is going to lose it and yell at victim of long term and captivity like that? He'd have lost his job immediately. I'm aware there are flaws in many government agencies but all of these issues together just didn't make the story as a whole very believable. I think the movie showed a lot of promise and in better hands could've been a really good movie though.

Mixed feelings on this one, but well-acted.

[wildsparrow16 · 5/10 · 2 March 2016]

The actors in this movie shine, so I gave it a few stars. However, the child abduction premise has been done and this did not put a particularly new spin on it - other than the fact that she comes back (which happens in the first five minutes).

I did like the realistically portrayed family, however. It is refreshing to see a movie where people don't "move on" from a tragedy. The fact is, if what didn't kill us made us stronger, people wouldn't commit suicide or become addicts. Sometimes things can weaken us irreparably. Fortunately, for this family, that did not happen to Noah, who is stellar in his role as he holds the family together. I would like to see him in more movies.

Overall, this movie left me feeling sad, despite a glimpse of sunshine at the end. I do not like feeling this way after a movie. I kind of wish I could unwatch it. If you have an emotionally thick skin, you might like it more than I did.

Terrible Acting

[ceylanse · 17 September 2020]

First time after thousands of films, feeling the need to comment here. This film can simply be teaching material, how acting should not be like... Main character, Noah and especially his partner, Alison and then that detective... Hard to believe they're really casted by a professional, too bad!

Amazing movie awesome story

[ozeebaig · 7/10 · 15 February 2022]

Well it's very awesome story movie grip till end start of movie was not good impact but after 16 minutes movie run smooth climax is good but I think it will be more superb climax if show complet back ground of luren kidnapping Tomy role was so cool but drictor should be special attachment with luren and Tomy.

So bad....all you can do is laugh.

[brickwilliams · 2/10 · 5 December 2020]

I very rarely write reviews, but this was such a waste of time I'm hoping to spare others from wasting theirs. The acting was so bad that it was distracting. Terrible from all involved. Awful script, horrible camera work. Comes across as a really bad Lifetime type movie.

'Sand Castles' Is An Interesting, Emotional Roller Coaster

[hey-35869 · 8/10 · 19 February 2016]

Ten years ago, little Lauren Daly (Anne Winters; Wicked City) was abducted while on a family trip to the beach. Devastated, the remaining family members spend the next ten years battling against alcoholism, depression, and suicide. Sand Castles depicts a tragic story of a lost childhood and the lives affected by that loss.

Ten years on and Lauren's brother, Noah Daly (Jordon Hodges), is taking care of his now alcoholic mother with help from his uncle Tommy (Randy Spence). Quick flashbacks reveal why Noah's father is no longer in the picture; an event that also took its toll on their family. The household is squeaking out a type of existence although it is clear that Lauren's disappearance hit them hard. But then they get a visit from the detective who has been on the case since he was a rookie. He informs them that they have found Lauren alive and it throws their new world for a loop.

Now a teenager and unwilling and/or unable to speak, Lauren tries to reintegrate into her broken family with the detective and a case worker looking over their shoulders. The case worker does her best to help Lauren, including taking her to a play based on a worn out book she carries around. But the presence of alcohol does not help. Lauren's mysterious return also re-energizes the investigation into her disappearance. Clint Howard co-stars as an eye witness who believes he saw Lauren getting dropped off where she was found; an account that leads Tommy down a dark, potentially heart breaking path.

The use of flashbacks is nearly perfect in this film. They tended to be short little clips introducing characters or circumstances just when that information is most useful. For example, when the detective is introduced, they have a quick flashback to him as a rookie getting the call of a missing person (Lauren). It's not too drawn out, gets the exposition out of the way, and keeps the story flowing at a decent pace.

Overall, Sand Castles is an interesting, emotional roller coaster. The characters are (mostly) likable and the actors are very respectable in their parts. The plot is depressingly believable and shows that your world can change in an instant both for the worse and for the better. I would have preferred a bit more closure regarding Lauren's kidnapping, but stick around during the credits for a bonus scene that does wrap up a few last threads of that mystery.

• Bradley Smith, Red Carpet Crash

Simply horrible

[DantePeace · 1/10 · 19 February 2016]

I usually do not write a review for any movies I watch, which will be obvious from this one. I will not claim to be anything more than a movie buff looking out for fellow buffs who find their time precious. I read reviews hoping to weed out the stinkers, as I cherish my free time. No thanks to the reviews on this film, I watched in amazement possibly the worst film of my life. The acting was unbearable. The casting atrocious. The storyline, screenplay, lighting, furniture...you name it and it sucked!(the dog was stellar, however)I could spend 5 or 6 paragraphs explaining the movie, which the synopsis does and yet the clowns leaving the reviews before me waste more time by doing. I will instead give you the advice that I only wish was given to me...grab a chair, turn on your faucet, sit down and watch for an hour and a half. At least you will be able to erase that from memory.

Something Special...

[marleyrae-33950 · 8/10 · 20 February 2016]

I do not write reviews, but I signed up because there is something special about this film. It's got an indie grittiness that you love in movies like Winter's Bone, but with a light, love and beauty (cinematography is amazing) that you would see in a Terrence Malick film. The story is full of nuance and things you "get" without being told, almost philosophical at times. I read a reviewer called it "Hauntingly poetic", which is a perfect term for it. But like most good movies, you either really love it or you really don't. I loved it. The cast is subtle and raw, the music is captivating, the story is complex and subtle (pay attention to the details, some I only picked up on 2nd watch)... and the cinematography is beautiful. The film won a lot of awards on the film festival circuit and for good reason. Bottom line: The movie made me feel different than most.

P.S. There is an important scene in the middle of the end credits, so stick around!

'Neat Little Bow'... and not Crime/Thriller

[wildblueyonder · 4/10 · 4 May 2021]

Look hey is it the worst movie I've seen.. not by any stretch. There was some potential there but, to me, they wasted it.

The acting does in fact leave something to be desired and while I enjoy subtlety in a movie this one does not really give you quite enough to know what really is/did happen... Really some guesswork without any answers that actually make sense. Sure you want to do a piece about human unpredictability fine but to me this is the writers being unpredictable not the story.

In some ways I do get that people liked it and you may as well, but from my perspective it was quite drawn out and mostly focused on family dynamics and sort of tried, unsuccessfully, to tie it into a 'neat little bow'.. that's not so neat.

Broadway World Review: SAND CASTLES Casts Light on the Child Lost but Found and the Journey that Follows

[Frosty_Critic · 18 October 2015]

A child appears, mute and traumatized, rushing through the woods, a fugitive from ten years of captivity at the hands of a pedophile.

Flashbacks to a good family time at the beach, building a sand castle crowned by a chess queen.

A momentary glance away that will yield a decade's worth of pain.

The loss of the child (at whose despicable hands?) has wreaked its havoc on those left behind ~ the despondent alcoholic mother, Marie (Saxon Trainor); older brother Noah (Jordon Hodges), a lumber mill worker; Uncle Tommy (Randy Spence), seething with anger and an irresistible itch for revenge. Each bears their cross; all wrestle with their demons.

An excerpt from Proverbs 23:18 has affirmed that "Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off."

Sand Castles, written and produced by Mr. Hodges and directed by Clenét Verdi-Rose, gives promise to the proverb as it painstakingly and dramatically tracks the Daly Family's journey to hope and Lauren's to recovery.

There's a solemnity and tautness to the film's pacing, an air of danger that presides in the background music by Todd Maki and in the moods of its male characters, and a promise of possibility and justice (what you might think of as great expectations).

It is, however, the stunning performance of Anne Winters that makes this such a haunting and powerful film. Hers is a remarkably expressive countenance; her expressions, worth a thousand words; her eyes, a road-map to Lauren's fears and reflections. In a uniquely understated performance, Ms. Winters delivers a singularly powerful and heart-wrenching performance.

In the real world, the road to recovery is not a straight line. It is filled with pitfalls and detours. Sand Castles does not spare us reminders of this reality (for example, Lauren's removal by Children's Protective Services from the Daly home to foster care) and the falls from propriety of even the noblest characters (Lauren's social worker's ill-advised affair with Noah).

In the real world, as Noah notes, everyone has choices ~ some to be celebrated and some from which there is no return.

In the wake of headlines that have screamed the tragedies of lost children and their enslavement by madmen ~ the worst nightmare of any parent ~ Sand Castles is an especially relevant and timely contribution. At the center of this tale of tragedy and hope, of desperation and redemption, is a message about the mindfulness that is essential to the caring of our children, the patience that is required when we must relieve them of their pain, and the hollowness of revenge. At the end of this tale is an abiding sense of reverence.

• Herbert Paine, BroadwayWorld.com

Terrible

[pbartlett-90706 · 1/10 · 2 July 2016]

This movie has no redeeming qualities. The premise and the plot were almost entirely predictable, and the few surprises were neither interesting nor clever. The acting was either overly wooden or over the top - there was no subtle, believable middle ground.

I can't recall anything worthwhile in the scenery, sets, props, makeup or wardrobe either.

Despite the film's first 20 minutes, which were ponderous, I hung in there with the hope that I'd see something worth the rating. And even as it became increasingly obvious that my hopes would be dashed, I persisted - right to the awful end.

I can't believe anyone else found this film interesting in any way.

(This is my first review on IMDb and I wrote it with the hope of saving others from wasting their time.)

The overall impression you're left with... is one of immense satisfaction. - Valley Screen and Stage Review

[RulesForAKnight · 8/10 · 9 March 2015]

Set in rural Indiana, Sand Castles tells of the impoverished Daly family continually haunted by a tragedy that occurred more than a decade ago. It's a nightmare that never ends. After a family trip to the beach, little Lauren Daly mysteriously disappeared, snatched by a stranger.

The devastation felt by the remaining family members understandably causes their lives to spiral down, out of control, resulting with dad taking his life while mom (an outstanding Saxon Trainor) drowns in a world of cigarettes and booze, leaving their son Noah (Jordon Hodges) to basically fend for himself.

Then, a decade later, the unimaginable occurs. "There's no easy way to say this," a cop tells the family. "We found Lauren."

Somehow, the little girl, now a teenager, has escaped from the confines of wherever she was held captive, but the trauma of the past ten years or so has resulted in a complete shutdown: she doesn't speak. The only potential clue to what might have happened to her is a well-worn copy of the Charles Dickens classic Great Expectations. The significance of the novel and why the young girl appears to read and re-read the book is later revealed, but to the frustration of the social worker assigned to the case, Alison Paige (Daniella Grace), Lauren refuses to allow anyone to touch her dog-eared copy. In an attempt to break through the young girl's silence and hopefully open up a channel of communication with her, Alison buys her own copy of the book and even takes both Lauren and Noah to a local community theatre production of the novel.

Sand Castles - a title referring not only to that fateful day at the beach but also the fragility of an existence that can be swept away by a single wave in one, brief, unexpected moment – is an impressive debut from Jordon Hodges, who here does triple duty as actor, writer and co-producer. There's little wonder as to why the film has already collected a number of festival awards; Sand Castles has its flaws, but the overall impression you're left with as you leave the theatre is one of immense satisfaction, the result of witnessing an ambitious story well told and the introduction to a new talent; Jordon Hodges.

As writer, Hodges uses only slight reveals to illustrate important key moments. It's up to us, the audience, to recognize the clues. Imagine trying to fit pieces of a jig-saw into place but without the aid of the picture on the box. Flashbacks occur, but they're brief; they flash on the screen in the same way a thought may suddenly spring to mind, lasting just a few seconds, often shorter. With an economy of dialog, feelings are often illustrated by the briefest of glances or an accusatory look. When ex-cop and close family member, Tommy Daly (Randy Spence) buys Lauren her own, small fridge - the kind a student may have for convenience in the dorm - the young girl unexpectedly runs forward and hugs her uncle, burying her head in his chest. It's a touching and genuinely heartfelt family moment made all the more effective due to the simple absence of dialog. But occasionally there are the odd missteps.

The scene where Tommy's ex-partner, now detective (Scott Jemison) angrily berates Lauren out of frustration for her continual silence develops into something unnecessarily overwrought and not particularly well-played, plus the sudden romance between Noah and the attractive social worker occurs completely out of nowhere. The moment when Alison suddenly kisses Noah is meant to surprise, which it certainly does, but up until that moment there has been no indication whatsoever of the social worker's attraction to Lauren's big brother. The romance needs to happen in order for later events to occur, but somehow that initial moment feels both wrong and unnatural. There's also the appearance of an important, extra scene that runs in the middle of the closing credits. It's not an add-on; it's an integral part of the mystery and needs to be seen earlier rather than at the conclusion of the cast list.

However, backed by an outstanding, atmospheric score from musician Todd Maki and solid performances from Hodges, Trainor and Spence, plus an effective appearance from Clint Howard whose somewhat creepy presence only adds to the overall mystery of Lauren's kidnapper, director Clenet Verdi-Rose has delivered a feature that needs to venture further than the confines of the festival circuit. More importantly, it introduces us to Jordon Hodges. Remember the name.

• Valley Screen and Stage: David Appleford's Film and Theatre Reviews

davidappleford.com

Absolute waste of time

[RanisBerserkk · 1/10 · 14 July 2016]

I am only writing this review to warn others not to waste their time watching this atrociously trash film.

Everything about this film was terrible from the costume to the casting to the story to the attempt at acting. It was absolutely awful. I am not the sort of person to write reviews but I watched this film because of the rating on here and am utterly disappointed. How this film managed to gain a whopping 7.1 is astounding. Easily the worst film I have ever watched. No redeeming qualities whatsoever.

Do not watch this film if you value your time.

To elaborate, the actors are made out of wood, the filming looked like something out of a gcse project and I have seen more believable acting in Hollyoaks. Overall, a terrible and gruelling 90 minutes of my life was wasted.

Best Movie Ever

[jdhjlh · 10/10 · 5 November 2021]

I am a movie lover. I watch movies every day and night. My husband and I should be movie critics I know everybody's taste is different but we know a good movie when we see one and especially if the film maker is good etc. We started making jokes saying well this is not a cheap made movie they can afford a helicopter and the trees look real. No lie. We are horror movie addicts but decided tonight we would watch something else.

Let me just add that when these people rank this movies any of them from horror to comedy in the best movies, top movies etc it is a joke so must of the time watch for yourself.

This movie was the best. Good storyline so many emotions. This is the first movie I have came on and actually sat down to write this much or give a movie so much good credit. From start to finish amazing. Now one well mainly is at the top of my list as best film ever made in a very long time. You get such a real look at life, what tragedy does, what good life is and a bittersweet end. This is a must watch movie and if you are a movie lover like we are you won't regret it. I give this movie 10 out of 10 starts. Definitely a must see.

Worth a Look

[ObscureFilmLover · 4/10 · 10 January 2017]

This film was not as good as some reviews and not as bad as others. However, in spite of some effort at good production values, I feel that more effort could have been made in the writing and casting of the film. Many of the actors just weren't believable in their roles. It had a community theater feel to it. And the writing was puzzling at times. There was a bonding scene in the film between the uncle and the nephew concerning a story about the nephew's father (who was deceased) taking him to school in an inappropriate vehicle. At the end of the story, the uncle delivers what is supposed to be a punchline by the father and the two characters laugh and laugh but I just sat their wondering how they found it humorous. It wasn't close to being humorous. All in all these folks made an earnest effort to make an interesting film and if you have a spare 90 minutes you might want to watch it.

Highest reviews given by people who didn't review anything else...

[jpeschka · 4/10 · 25 March 2020]

It always makes me question the quality of the movie when the highest review ratings are by people who have only reviewed this movie and no others. Are they attached to the movie somehow? I watched 20 minutes and could have gone longer but it seemed like a movie very a low budget - not that there is anything wrong by that, but I need to be in the right mood to see it through. The 20 minutes I watched wasn't bad, I just didn't want to spend the rest of an hour on it. If I go back to it, I'll update my review. Sorry guys.

Good storyline

[Wolfylildoggy · 9/10 · 28 December 2020]

In a sea of virtual oil spills for flicks, I have been watching a lot of foreign/indie films. Yes this is low budget, a bit old in movie world, but transcends its financial limitations through realistic ground in its telling. It's worth watching through to its bittersweet finale with more than one surprise revelation. I'm giving a high rating mainly because I don't believe this is a work of fiction, I believe it's someone's actual life story, and if it isn't, many elements of it ring with truth. If you need a blockbuster to be entertained Indie film viewing isn't for you.

I watched this on Prime

[juanmuscle · 10/10 · 6 February 2023]

For free with sub on the thing which is very nice! I watched this on 2023 a few years after it came out but that's no matter for art can live on forever! And that is what this thing is a well-thought nice canard that does its job and does it well! Very nice! I went through all the reviews on here and one in particular stands out because it brought up a scene which the viewer disliked. The one when the cop makes a house visit and breaks everyone something proper like. I was like this is my fav scene. They said it wasn't warranted and that there would be repurcussions. But I think it was warranted for it was explained very well and what reprucurssions if no one finds out. I thought it was warranted because the cop explained himself and we also understand his connection to the victims. But ultimately this thing worked and it worked well! I loved the writing best of all! I think the main actor did a heck of a job penning this thing he should be very proud of the breadth and trying to do something instead of just following some formula which this is most definitely not thank-god cause that's boring owing to that formula being so stale. But the best part was the ending and how he left the thing a beautiful silent mediation on the actions and what all it does. It was just a great great job all around! I've got another one of his flics on queue for free on youtube which is always very nice and I'm about ready to watch it, thanks for the effort and trying to do something with this medium, cool job!