Category: Indie

“Slanted”

7.4

Ok, stick with me here… this was far better than I expected. I expected a low brow attempt at social commentary that devolved into “laughing at this means I’m going to hell” comedy. What this actually evolved into was a surprisingly nuanced take on society, race, belonging, family, assimilation, and inner comfort with ourselves… with a few solid laughs sprinkled in for much needed levity. Really really well done!

“Dead Man’s Wire”

7.4

This one was a very pleasant surprise! The world building was really well done, and Bill Skarsgård’s signature menacing does this character justice, as he straddles the line between understandable grievance and “yeah man, you took this way too far.” The fact that this is based on a true story made it even more intriguing. A really solid historical drama!

“Midwinter Break”

6.4

“Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris” was far superior to “Mrs. Harris goes to Amsterdam as her marriage falls apart.” It took me far too long to put things together watching this one. It pulled a lot of punches throughout, which made it difficult to follow at times. It had a hard time nailing down a tone and picking a lane. Some almost sweet moments undercut by an ironic lack of commitment.

“Blue Moon”

8.7

One of those films that plays like… well, like a play. Seemingly a continuous shot, all contained within a single locale… relying on the sheer stage presence of those on screen. Engross yourself in this piece of art character study that hits you right in the feels from beginning to end as we all pull up a bar stool and get lost in the swirl of emotions. You’ll be humming along to the show tunes as you try to prevent yourself from getting too misty eyed at this one. Bravo and job well done to all involved here. Every frame of this was a work of cinematic art!

“Psycho Killer”

1.1

It’s lucky it got this score…

Andrew Kevin Walker is just trying to write another “Seven”… It’s getting worse than M. Night Shyamalan trying to recreate the magic of “The Sixth Sense” twist ending. The attempts just keep getting worse. Quit while you’re ahead. What could have been a solid grindhouse movie or killer thriller takes a left turn into half-cocked MK Ultra part anti-nuclear energy slop. Save yourself the hour and a half.