The Sound of Waves is a romance film with a unique concept, an actress and an actor confront their past while in character for their acting roles. I'm usually not a big fan of romance movies, but I have to say, this one really kept my interest the entire time and I found it very enjoyable. The pacing was really good, it didn't drag. And I thought the actors did a great job. The script is really well written and engaging. The director did a great job with all shot compositions. I also find it fascinating when the characters in a movie have to act as other characters, and this movie has plenty of that. Give this one a watch!
Reviews
93 Reviews
A Powerful, Heart Wrenching Drama
22 February 2024
Thorns & Thistles at the End of the World is a very powerful and heart wrenching drama. The story is set against an apocalyptic backdrop and we follow the story of a man's life as he has to deal with his estranged wife, and all of the unresolved issues he has from that relationship. The filming locations in this film are beautiful. And the camerawork and cinematography are excellent. The story is very engaging and it really builds throughout the film. I enjoyed the use of flashbacks to tell the story, as it really created tension and mystery. Director Aaron Kamp did a fantastic job with this film. And if you enjoy this, you should also watch another one of his films, Hidden Light!
Hemisphere
(2023)
Impressive Sci-Fi
30 January 2024
Hemisphere is an extremely impressive science fiction film. An investigator is sent to solve the very mysterious disappearance of a crew on a space station out near Mercury. I am always impressed when an indie science fiction film is made, as it's probably the most ambitious and difficult genre to work in with a low budget. The filmmakers really pulled this off well. The script is smart, and will keep you guessing. At times, it reminded me of Alien and 2001: A Space Odyssey. The production design was fantastic throughout. The lead actress did an excellent job as well, with a strong performance.
Demon Fighter
(2022)
Disturbing
25 January 2024
This film was pretty disturbing and powerful. A priest battles demons within a family. The cast was impressive. The actors really were very convincing and should be commended for their intense performances. The special effect make up department also deserves a shout out, as I thought the blood etc. Was expertly done and really added so much to the horror. The film was well directed and the cinematography was solid as well. It reminded me of the William Friedkin's The Exorcist from 1973. If you're looking for a disturbing and powerful film about a priest fighting demons, this is right up your alley.
Broken City
(2023)
An Intense Crime Drama
20 January 2024
Broken City is an intense and effective crime drama. A young woman and her boyfriend rob wealthy homeowners in an effort to save her own mother's home. But when they recruit a third person to go along with them, things take a significant turn. This movie had some interesting moral dilemmas also that some of the characters face. The acting was very effective from the entire cast. Also, this movie has a gritty and intense feel from the way it was filmed and directed. The music was very effective as well. If you're looking for a powerful crime drama, stop searching and go ahead and give this movie a look!
Insightful
19 November 2023
This documentary, American Anxiety: Inside the Hidden Epidemic of Anxiety and Depression, is an extremely fascinating look at the issues of depression and anxiety that are so prevalent in today's society. The movie is pretty simple, it's mostly based around the interviews of three different experts, and it's very informative and insightful. It is very well edited, and I thought the graphics were well done. If you're interested in the topic of anxiety/depression and want to learn more about it, then this film is an absolute must watch, you will learn so much. Two thumbs up for this amazing documentary.
Token Taverns
(2023)
Great Games
18 November 2023
Token Taverns is an absolutely fascinating documentary which centers on the world of arcade games and its resurgence. It also gives a look at the struggle that these arcade business owners faced during the Covid lockdowns. It is definitely a love letter to arcade games in general, as well as the community that comes together in their shared love for these timeless games. I thought the camera work was excellent throughout, it was very smooth and steady, even though I'm guessing much of it was handheld. The direction and the editing of this film really makes you become invested in the stories. If you love arcade games, this is a must watch.
Static Codes
(2023)
A Unique Sci-Fi Film
11 November 2023
Static Codes is an engaging and truly unique film in the Sci-Fi genre. After a man's wife is abducted by aliens, he becomes obsessed with finding her. I thought the special effects were fantastic in this movie, for example, having a face come out of a screen is very difficult to pull off, so hats off to the special effects team. I think the cinematography was outstanding, especially during the night scenes, and I was super impressed by the drone shots in particular, clearly the work of an excellent drone operator. I liked the soundtrack too. This movie is raw and doesn't shy away from human struggles.
Silent as the Grave
(2023)
A Complicated Mystery Film
19 October 2023
Silent as the Grave is a rich and complicated mystery/drama. It feels rare to find a modern day movie in the mystery genre that is so well plotted out and executed. A documentary filmmaker investigates his uncle's mysterious death, but falls into a world of danger, threats, uncertainty, and secrets. There isn't so much documentary filmmaking being done by the main character, rather the story focuses on his detective work in trying to solve the mystery. This movie will truly keep you on the edge of your seat and it will keep you guessing. The writing and direction were great, along with an interesting score.
Running Through Darkness
(2018)
Dark and Intense
1 October 2023
Running Through Darkness is a dark and effective thriller with a story that will keep you guessing. A man tries to help a woman, who then makes him an ominous proposition. He gets sucked in to a world of threats, crime, and violence. The story goes to some really unexpected and dark places that I did not expect. It really will keep you on the edge of you seat as you try to guess the twists and turns. The writing was very effective in this way. The directing was very good also. The cinematography was fantastic, most especially during an epic foot chase sequence. If you're looking for a thrilling adventure, this film is your ticket.
Remarkable Power
(2008)
Impressive Dark Comedy
15 September 2023
Get Back Jack is a dark comedy on an epic scale. Set in Los Angeles, it makes use of many different locations and neighborhoods throughout the city. The story unfolds in a way you don't expect, centered on a late night talk show host (a great performance by Kevin Nealon), then expanding to many different characters in a complicated plot. I liked the structure of the chronology. And there were some very unique moments, such as the scene in the batting cage. Overall I thought the script and the editing were excellent. The directing was good and the acting was solid by the whole cast. If you're looking for an epic dark comedy, check this movie out!
Vendetta Road
(2023)
A Captivating Thriller
17 August 2023
Vendetta Road is a thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat from the beginning to the end. A campground manager gets entangled in a mafia hunt on the campgrounds. The story is well written, with a plot that has countless twists and turns. You will find yourself trying to guess what the characters will do and exactly where their loyalties lie. The director did a great job with the cinematic, stylistic shots, and the use of camera movement. I also loved the Kansas filming locations. This movie is well worth your time, so if you're looking for a great thriller to watch, check this one out!
The Stalker: Part II
(2023)
A Strong Sequel
16 August 2023
If you've seen The Stalker, then watching it's sequel, The Stalker: Part II is an absolute must watch. This movie lives up to the first movie an impressive manner. This one is still dark but it also has some comedic moments that really help to break up the tension and add some comic relief. There was one scene involving a cereal bowl that was especially funny. The cast is excellent again. The writing was also solid in creating another compelling and complete story. Solid directing and the cinematography was excellent, using lots of shadows and color schemes to their full effect. This is definitely worth watching!
Bang Bang Betty
(2023)
Epic Action, Drama
19 May 2023
Bang Bang Betty is an interesting action/suspense/drama with a very strong and fascinating female protagonist. Kiara, the main character, is a veteran and a lawyer, and an all around cool woman. Kakra Nunoo-Brown gives a fantastic performance as Kiara Sommers, and really makes the audience root for her in her quest. I thought the filming locations were excellent, very cinematic and interesting. The cinematography was also excellent, along with some pretty epic drone shots of the landscapes. The gun shootouts were really well done and I thought the special effects were solid, especially the blood.
Goodbye, Petrushka
(2022)
Heartfelt and Hilarious!
6 May 2023
Goodbye, Petrushka is an excellent drama that is heartfelt and fun...while at the same time, extremely funny! A young woman goes to Paris and spends time with a figure skater. He is intrigued by her and...the story unfolds. The story is very well written and, unpredictable. The production was top notch. Excellent direction, cinematography, acting etc. The animated sequences were well done also. I must say that the performance given by Casey Landman as Julia was phenomenal and she was absolutely hilarious! She really made me laugh, so much, in just about every scene she was in! Writer/Director Nicola Rose deserves recognition as this is an excellent movie. Give it a watch, you won't be disappointed!
Butterfly
(VI) (2022)
A powerful story with a lot of heart
29 April 2023
Butterfly is a powerful drama that will really stay with you after the credits roll. It follows the story of a young woman's struggle with poverty, homelessness, employment, and above all, her love for her young son and her never ending quest to legally regain custody of him. The movie has some really powerful and emotional scenes, and it is truly an epic journey. I really liked the soundtrack throughout, there are some really great pieces of music in here. The cinematography was strong as well. The locations in this film were really interesting and it really takes you on a journey all around the city. Well done all around.
Craving
(2023)
A Superb Horror Film
13 April 2023
Craving is a gripping and unrelenting horror film. As a group of addicts start to go into withdrawal...things are not as they appear on the surface. This is a film that will be sure to please fans of the horror genre as this movie does not hold back at all. It's full of suspense and scares. It reminds me of movies like The Thing and Aliens. I really liked the cinematography in this movie and the red lighting. The film is absolutely brilliantly written, with a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. I really liked the use of flashbacks in the storytelling. The direction is excellent. And a special shout out to the special effects department, superb work, every special effect was masterfully done. If you're a fan of the horror movie genre, do yourself a favor and watch Craving!
Fugued Up!
(2022)
Interesting Dark Comedy
12 April 2023
Fugued Up is a dark, quirky comedy that will take you on an unpredictable ride. A man wakes up from a long coma and cannot remember anything about himself, then learns he is a suspected killer. The movie is truly laugh out loud funny in certain places. Some of the minor characters in particular provide the most laughs. The dialogue is witty, fast, and fun. And the story unfolded in a way that I did not anticipate. There are many twists and turns and surprises. Credit goes to the writer of course, for all of this. The acting was strong also from the entire cast. The direction and cinematography were solid as well.
Women in the Front Seat
(2023)
A Must Watch for Motorcycle Enthusiasts
5 April 2023
This documentary, Women in the Front Seat is a fascinating look at the world of motorcycle riding and some of the women who are a part of it. At the start of the movie, the filmmaker herself sets out to ride across the United States on a motorcycle. Her journey is mixed with the stories of different female motorcyclists from all over. The amount of interesting stories and personalities captured in this film is amazing. The cinematography in this movie is excellent. I was particularly impressed by the amount of epic drone footage that was captured for this film, specifically. There is also an inspirational aspect to this movie also, as it will make you want to get out there and try things you've always wanted to do (even if motorcycle riding isn't one of them). Give the one one a watch, it is worth your time!
Natasha Hall
(2021)
Bold, Unpredictable...and Fun
1 April 2023
Natasha Hall is a film that is completely original. It is a mystery/thriller, while at the same time it is also a very involving and personal character study. A private investigator tries to avoid the mob after she gets some very incriminating evidence. This movie is set in the early 1990s, which is a really cool choice. It was fun to see the older cars, VHS tapes, corded telephones etc. The filmmakers took some bold chances here with many moments and filmmaking techniques I did not anticipate, including fantastic dream/fantasy sequences, slow motion, changing aspect ratios, split screens, and some really well executed 360 degree long takes. The direction and cinematography were excellent. But I think the thing that impressed me the most in this movie was the acting by the female lead, Cat Black. She gave a truly amazing performance as the title character. This movie is well worth your time. Check it out!
Exemplum
(2023)
A Powerful, Thought-Provoking Thriller
27 March 2023
Exemplum is an extremely impressive thriller that works not only as an entertaining story, but also as a movie that will be sure to leave you thinking about it long after you've finished watching it. A catholic priest becomes disillusioned and takes a long fall into a world of blackmail, and deception. The extensive use of cassette tapes was interesting since most of us don't really see them in our everyday lives anymore. I also liked the black and white cinematography. The thing that really stood out to me the most though, was the writing. This story really took me on a journey I did not expect. There are so many twists and turns, it is truly an unpredictable film. And beyond that, the filmmaker truly has something to say here. This film is worth your time. Check it out!
Terror Trips
(2021)
A Solid Trip
13 March 2023
Terror Trips is a suspense/horror film with a very unique premise. A group of friends decide to start a business whereby they give tours of the filming locations of famous horror movies. However this innocent idea gradually turns into a real life nightmare at one location. I was very impressed with this movie, the thrills and the special effects were top-notch. Also the cinematography was excellent. I thought the direction was really strong as well, and I really liked some of the shot compositions. The cast all did a solid job, and I especially thought Hannah Fierman's performance was excellent. If you're looking for a solid suspense/horror, watch this one.
Absolutely Terrifying
12 March 2023
Horror in the High Desert 2: Minerva is a solid sequel. The film is truly terrifying. It is kind of a "found footage" film, in the vein of The Blair Witch project, at at times it is just as scary as that movie...if not even scarier and more horrifying. The interviews mixed in with the found footage gave the film an authentic quality and really keeps the viewer glued to the screen. This film really gets under your skin. I thought the tone and mood of the movie was really excellent in that it was very consistent in giving you a feeling of dread, suspense, and also downright terror. Watch this movie.
Easter Replacements
(2022)
Great Writing and Acting in this Family Drama
11 March 2023
Easter Replacements is a fascinating family drama, with great acting, and exceptional writing. A married couple going through some strong disagreements, learns that the two couples that they thought were coming to their home, have cancelled and sent two other couple instead. I thought the social tension and the mood were very effective. The story unfolded in ways I didn't expect, and it was very intriguing. In addition to the married couple who is in strong disagreement, we see the relationship dynamics between the other couples play out in very surprising ways as well. This movie is worth your time, watch it!
Neon Cactus
(2023)
A Superb Crime Drama
6 March 2023
Neon Cactus is an excellent crime drama. Stanley and his wife Maureen both hire the same person to kill each other. It is a very intriguing premise, but the story unfolds from there in a way a definitely did not expect. This movie took a little while to get going, but once it did, I was on the edge of my seat for the entire rest of the runtime. The performances from the main characters were fantastic, and I was especially impressed with Manny Greenfield's performance as Johnny Rocket. Writer/Director Chris Zuhdi deserves recognition for this film. The use of intermittent time-lapse footage, a musical score that often sounded like it was coming through in reverse, and extended overlay effects were all very unique and added so much to the movie. This film deserves more attention, check it out!
Tell Your Friends