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Reviews
The Midas Touch (2020)
Delightful, clever, well done funny "wish fulfillment" indie movie.
Campy entertaining fun. Great cinematography, elaborate sets and beautiful settings. Well done indie movie with high production value. A twist on the classic wish fulfillment fantasy - the unappreciated underdog who always gets dumped on by slimy unsavories gets his "rags to riches" moment. Chock full of comedic sexual tropes and over the top scenarios, complete with a timeless life lesson.
Jack's Apocalypse (2015)
Enjoyable post-apocalyptic and tale of redemption merge, with an indie vibe.
Enjoyable post-apocalyptic and tale of redemption merge, with an indie vibe. It's really not a "horror" film, but definitely 2 dramas happening at the same time - an outer apocalypse and an inner apocalypse. Seemed to capture a realistic feel in the struggle with addiction and its destruction on one's life. More cerebral than action for an end of the world flick. Some clever plot devices were refreshing. An enjoyable amount of metaphysics without being preachy. Nice cinematography and some interesting setting with some strong performances, and an enjoyable somewhat open ending that allows the viewers to think for themselves.
God, Sex & Apple Pie (1998)
A kind of a "Big Chill" with an indie vibe.
A kind of a "Big Chill" with an indie vibe. Ok, not exactly Big Chill, but a similar slice of life story of friends coming of age (or aging), still figuring out their place in the world, as most people are still doing into adulthood. A mix of strong actors and some developing actors. Some very nice scenery and cinematography. The music was nicely done and quite fitting with the tone(s) - both the more serious dramatic moments and more comedic moments. I'm giving this an 8, as I see some overly negative reviews from those who clearly don't appreciate the charms of a low budget movie, but only compare to big budget Hollywood productions, which is really an inappropriate barometer. A reasonably sizable cast delivered a charming story with some laughs and heart tugs with a feel-good air.
North of the City (2016)
Slick indie conspiracy suspense thriller.
Slick indie conspiracy suspense thriller. Nice to see the ambition of an independent film pulling off a suspenseful crime drama. Starts off as the ordinary-person-minding-your-own-business-get-caught-up-in-someone-else's-crazy (I'm sure there's a better literary term for that technique). Great cinematography, especially all the driving action. Mix of strong actors and developing actors. Info is doled out as needed, or even later than needed, so wait for it. An enjoyable wild ride (sometimes literally) with a satisfying ending.
Unfallen (2017)
Nicely done indie war flick.
Nicely done indie war flick. I don't think I've ever seen an independent film take on a war setting. Interesting story. The acting varied from some strong performance and some still developing actors. Good job taking on the ambition of a war movie on an indie budget, depicting realistic feel of the struggles between warring factions riddled with strife.
Anonymous 616 (2018)
Thought provoking psychological thriller.
Thought provoking psychological thriller. The story starts off innocent then escalates in intensity, with blood, graphic violence, cursing, drugs and real nudity, until it's insane! Strong acting in some of the principal characters. Suspenseful story about the consequences of inviting strangers into your life keeps this film moving forward. The film raises several interesting questions about life, motivations and emotions, with some existential angst. I enjoyed the unexpected comeuppance at the end.
Carving a Life (2017)
Charming slice of life indie flick.
Charming slice of life indie flick. A bit of a romance drama coming of age story - young adults moving into maturity, struggling with true to life issues like alcoholism and starting a family. Very affable and relatable characters. Nice camera work and very good sound quality.
Vincent: A Life in Color (2008)
What a charming spotlight on an eccentric and endearing man.
What a charming spotlight on an eccentric and endearing man. I've been to Chicago many times and enjoyed seeing familiar scenery in the movie. Never heard of Vincent Falk before, but now I'll ask my Chicago friends. It looks like a lot of detective work went into learning about this marginalized man who appears to be a staple tourist attraction. Some interesting camera exposures. Heartwarming story about how an outsider carved a place of welcome for himself putting smiles on people's faces.
Let's Kill Grandpa (2017)
Delightful dark comedy thriller.
Delightful dark comedy thriller. Clever dialogue and some fun suspenseful surprises while conducting a little social commentary exploring moral boundaries. An enjoyable twist on the "get rich quick" scheme theme often portrayed in film and on TV, and which many fantasize about, with a bit of holiday cheer.
Horror Hotel: The Movie (2016)
Throwback to the anthology horror/farce film genre.
Throwback to the anthology horror/farce film genre. This reminded me of anthology and vignette films like "Tales from the Crypt." Nice that they had the consistency of the same hotel/motel setting. Definitely an indie budget, reusing the same hotel rooms vignette after vignette. A bit more humor and outlandish farce than horror with a distinct altered or alternate reality feel in every Segment. If you enjoy strange realities like the Twilight Zone, you will love this. I really enjoyed Segment 4, Brain Robbers in Love - the comeuppance that smug uptight lady got was satisfying and poetic.
The Misguided (2018)
Interesting, suspenseful thriller.
Interesting, suspenseful thriller. Definitely an indie vibe. Some really beautiful cinematography; a little dark in couple spots. Nice dash of comedy in an otherwise dark and gripping story. Some very strong and delightful performances. Overall very enjoyable.
Druid Peak (2014)
Gorgeous cinematography and wildlife settings in wholesome coming of age story.
Gorgeous cinematography and wildlife settings in wholesome coming of age story. Lovely settings and camera work. Seemingly balanced father figure showing patience in a casually paced setting and just delightful use of actual wildlife and maybe animal actors to help a troubled teen take a step toward maturing into a young man.
D'Inked: A Tattoo Removal Documentary (2017)
Informative on technology and insightful into tattoo culture.
Informative on technology and insightful into tattoo culture. Seems like a sincere portrayal of person's journey into and out of body art. Interesting subtle commentary on society's attitudes and interesting look at the business of body art and the counter business of body art removal.
The Islander Theory (2018)
Entertaining pursuit of romance comedy.
Entertaining pursuit of romance comedy. I'd say romantic comedy, but it's more like the humor in the pursuit of romance. Plays up on the classic "us versus them" in young mating rituals. Have a few laughs while you learn what is so alluring about "Islanders."
Craig Quits His Day Job (2016)
Delightful quirky comedy about work life, or non-work life.
Delightful quirky comedy about work life, or non-work life. A lighthearted fantasy about being unhappy in a job and how to deal with it in a funny, unorthodox way with an affable main character and very colorful supporting and ancillary characters.
Ice Breaker (2017)
Delightful romantic comedy.
Delightful romantic comedy. Personable and likable quirky characters with a fairly conventionally relatable story, good humor and indie vibe.
Dance Baby Dance (2018)
Charming movie about perseverance and support.
Charming movie about perseverance and support. A classic "follow your dreams" main character preparing for a stiff competition story with an indie vibe and many quite talented dancers with some delightful performances.
29 to Life (2018)
Fun story and relatable characters with an indie vibe.
Fun story and relatable characters with an indie vibe. Everyone can appreciate a little stumbling through life, especially when done with humor and heart.
All I Want (2017)
Wonderful movie about friendship and relationship choices.
Wonderful movie about friendship and relationship choices. Funny and poignant story that is thought provoking about choices we make in adulthood. There is someone here that everyone can relate to.