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Reviews
Last Call (2019)
Not Perfect But Not Bad
I gotta hand it to Gavin Michael Booth and his latest feature LAST CALL. Some of the most impressive moments in this film have to do with the character development. Booth allows us to delve into the world of these two characters and allow the audience to connect to them on a human level. It certain helps that the actors are capable. That said, the film seemed to lull--especially near the beginning--and it was distracting watching two handheld shots being split screened. These are technical points that could likely be remedied with a higher budget. Although I've definitely seen this story (or something similar) before, I did ultimately enjoy it!
White Lie (2019)
A Great Canadian Indie That Makes Me Proud!
There's so much out there masquerading as "film" or "TV" these days that it's refreshing to witness the great talent of Canadian filmmakers like Yonah Lewis and Calvin Thomas...even if it's on the small screen. They both have a keen knack for storytelling and their cinematic intuition right on the money. WHITE LIE does a great job of upping the ante every step of the way. The tension keeps building to a point where you're wondering what will finally happen to Katie? This is a simple but engaging story that really speaks to this generation's social turmoil. I really enjoyed this a lot. It's certainly worth watching, especially if you're a cinephile.
Psycho Goreman (2020)
Credit Where Credit Is Due...BUT.........
Okay: Aesthetically, this movie is amazing! The team behind the practical effects should be winning awards left right and centre...THAT SAID though...
This movie really had the potential to shine but I find time and time again, the producers never put enough importance on shining up that script. It had a charming premise and although--on average--I'd say the actors' abilities were somewhere in the "adequate" to "above adequate" range, the story really left much to be desired. A real shame because it did have potential. The writers and producers deserve a 2/10, the actors somewhere in the 6/10 range and the special effects team deserves a 9/10.
Scattered (2020)
A Short Film That's "OK"
I just happened to catch Mike Donis' "Scattered" this afternoon on Amazon Prime and it's...ok. Yep, just "ok". There is nothing spectacular about this film; the acting is "ok", the story is "alright" and the overall impression it left is: "meh". Nobody's making a lasting impression but maybe that's.......ok?
The Corner of Chaos and Serenity (2020)
Story, story, story...always! (And this has it.)
It's always a breath of fresh air when I notice a Canadian has written a good screenplay, (and by that I mean Canadians that haven't defected down south where there's lots of money to pay for talented screenwriters.) It's a challenge to find talented writers in this country, and ones that can successfully convey a compelling story by means of a short script is even more challenging. Budget limitations aside, I think THE CORNER OF CHAOS AND SERENITY was very well executed. Most of that is because the story is strong. Great little movie.
Lifechanger (2018)
Great Concept, Poor Script
I'm going to start with the positive: GREAT production values, WELL shot, WELL, lit, FANTASTIC special effect, acting performances were (meh...) hit and miss, but forgivable in most cases...
BUT THE SCRIPT -- Oh geez...not that great. As a matter of fact...kinda cringe-worthy. And the screenplay is the backbone of any film. If you don't have a solid script...DON'T MAKE THE MOVIE...(just yet, at least.)
The script felt uni-dimensional, not much substance other than the primary storyline following the shapeshifting body-jumper. Mostly dull during the entirety of Act 2. The movie would have been more interesting if there was a secondary plot line (maybe somebody following the shapeshifter who notices something strange going on?) This is what I get paid to do, so take it as free advice.
Even at the After Dark Film Festival premiere during the Q & A--I don't know if anybody else caught this--but the director ADMITS the screenplay was about a draft away from being perfect...like...HUH?! ARE YOU SERIOUS MAN?! Even if you think that (which I concur, you are correct...maybe even understating it a bit,) you DO NOT ever...under ANY circumstance ADMIT that to a sold-out theatre packed with people who paid to see your latest feature!
This is Canadian Film...unfortunately. Seems like so much potential is squandered because egos get in the way of good storytelling. (And that's not just an "opinion", that's empirical truth, otherwise there wouldn't be an acting/directing/producing talent brain drain heading to L.A. to make their dreams come true.) We cannot compete with Hollywood because it's like junior hockey competing with Pro NHLers. Story is everything. DO NOT compromise. Sorry Justin...I REALLY wanted to like your film but it sucks.