Reviews

There's something so amazing about a film that can keep you on your toes with it's fast-paced action and consistently funny antics as "Stockholm" does. Despite being a known true story of the origin of Stockholm Syndrome, the film was able to make me excited to see what happened next as it captivated me through well-written dialogue and incredible characterization of the few main characters. After watching this film and mediating on it for a while, I was struck by the fact that director Robert Budreau was able to perfectly capture the essence of the syndrome, even making me root for the captor, Lars Nystrom (Ethan Hawke), as the film progressed. I found it so interesting that the Budreau was able to do this with every detail, right down to the music. The music was easy to listen to being upbeat and chill, completely counteractive to the action on the screen but perfectly fitting to the character of Nystrom. The cinematography used in the film also helped develop this reaction as each scene was filmed to masterfully capture the emotion meant to be felt using dark versus light lighting and muted versus bright colors as they developed throughout the film, paralleling the unfolding character of Nystrom. This film was interesting and all in all wonderful to watch; I highly suggest you take the time to see it.

If you are looking for a horror movie to watch this weekend with the perfect amount of gore, then I must suggest "Soul to Keep" which my friends and I just watched and were so impressed with. The film did not rely on blood and guts to deliver terror, but what was delivered was exciting! The movie did not need tons of gory moments to give us the thrill we wanted. The film presented a haunting story through an engaging plot that never stopped moving, and the gore that was present felt like a perfectly realistic addition to an already terrifying story. The special effects were interesting and drew me in rather than making me feel disgusted as I have in horror movies that overdo this in the past. I was also highly impressed that the film was able to easily go past the typical possession plot that is so popular and deliver a story that was as fresh as the energetic cast portraying each character. The film's co-directors, David Allensworth and Moniere, created characters that were worth watching and that I could sympathize with, even allowing them to take the time to mourn their friends while being terrorized by Beelzebub. I found myself easily rooting for them to overcome the demon and to continue fighting for those they love. The film is one of the most compelling films of the genre that I have seen in a while, and I must suggest you watch it!

How do I begin to describe how moved I was by this film? "Life and Nothing More" to the core is about how every decision made affects those you love the most, highlighting the importance of family and love in desperate times. The film follows a single mother as she navigates her life while striving to provide for her family and keep her teenage son out of prison. I truly loved the profound look into the life of poor families in southern America as they struggle against poverty and racism that's still deeply rooted in the culture to this day. Director Antonio Mendez Esparza dives into the issue as it is currently, giving the audience a genuine, no frills representation that could easily have been a true story. He uses a shaky camera as a major component of the authenticity that made me feel as if I was a part of the drama unfolding on the screen. Another thing I was impressed with was the acting, especially given that the actors were completely fresh, having never been in a film before. Regina Williams, who played the mother Regina, was even nominated for Best Female Lead at the Independent Spirit Awards. Each character was breathtaking and delivered performances that drew me in. I could not recommend this movie more!

I'm still trying to get over how moved I was by "Saint Judy!" The drama follows Judy Wood, an attorney played by Michelle Monaghan, who takes on the landmark case of Afghani immigrant Asefa (movingly played by Leem Lubany) as she fights to legally stay in the United States in asylum. The film follows how the strong-willed Judy Wood fights for what she believes in, fully inspiring me as I watched the events unfold on the screen. With so many big names in the movie, such as Michelle Monaghan, Alfre Woodard, and Alfred Molina, it's no wonder the performances were as powerful as they are; however, Leem Lubany's acting is what truly struck me. The actress's role in the movie required such a reserved, yet bold, representation and Lubany delivered, especially as she presented her story in the court room causing not even a breath to be heard in the room where I was watching the film. I highly recommend you allow this film to take you on an emotional roller coaster.

I am still trying to get over the chills this film gave me! "Darkness Visible" astonished me from beginning to end, keeping me on my toes throughout trying to figure out the murder mystery along with the characters. The film follows Ronnie (played by Jaz Deol, who I will be watching out for in the future) as he discovers a chain of ritualistic murders beginning with his own mother's and uncovers the evil that lies beneath the surface. What truly caught me off guard about this movie, beyond the obviously thrilling plot, was the decision to have the film based in India, a place that is foreign to me as well as to the protagonist, creating even more uncertainty and suspense. The film flows as a supernatural thriller would; however, being set in India, there are wonderful elements of superstition and cultural beliefs interwoven that the protagonist, and frankly I, had a hard time grasping, allowing for the mystery to take to the last minutes of the film to be solved. I also loved the use of color in the film that greatly differentiated it from the last few supernatural thrillers I've seen. Usually the films are in the stereotypical dark settings, which the film does have a significant share of, yet "Darkness Visible" has obvious Indian film influences with the use of color to further emphasize the story unfolding on the screen. I suggest you allow yourself to be taken away by this movie!

Something about suspense movies always catches my eye, and "Number 37" was nothing short of intense. South-African director Nosipho Dumisa knew how to really capture my attention in this fast-paced action thriller about a handicapped man, who, in trying to get money to pay off a debt to a loan shark, witnesses the murder of a cop and decides to blackmail the criminals. I won't give away too much, but the story moves quickly and keeps you hanging on the edge of your seat, even until the very last minute. One thing that truly stuck out to me was the phenomenal acting put forth by the two leading characters. Irshaad Ally, who plays the handicapped protagonist Randal, gives an emotional whirlwind of a performance that gives the audience full access to the mind of the character. Monique Rockman, who plays his girlfriend Pam, is able push past the stereotypical character of the loyal girlfriend of a criminal by presenting a strong and bold, yet loving presence on the screen. Each character works together to perfectly create a glimpse of humanity in this wild world of crime and pride. I highly suggest you check this one out!