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Electric Jesus (2020)
Solid Film with a Killer Soundtrack and Great Performances
Electric Jesus is a film about a Christian rock band in the 80's, but it is not a film just for Christians. I do believe that Christians can enjoy the film and find a lot to relate to, but really anyone can relate to the characters on some level. Anyone with a dream knows what it feels like to work hard toward something, even if the outcome isn't always what you want it to be.
The performances in Electric Jesus are fantastic, with a mostly unknown cast. My favorite performance was from Andrew Eakle, who plays the main character, Erik. I thought his performance was honest and I can really see his career taking off in the future.
There's so much to enjoy about this film, but the soundtrack may have been my favorite part. So much great music, you will definitely want to get your hands on the soundtrack after you finish the film.
Do yourself a favor and check out Electric Jesus whenever you can. You won't regret it.
No Return (2021)
A Throwback Horror Flick With Humor
'No Return' begins with a lighthearted tone, but quickly morphs into something much darker.
First time writer/director Carson Tyler did a fabulous job investing you in the two main characters, who work at a video store (Family Video, like the one Steve works at in Stranger Things). It's the end of the night and they are getting ready to close up shop, when an unexpected customer arrives.
I won't give anything else away, other than to say that I was impressed by the shift in tone, as well as the actors and the setting, which was set up to look like a still-in-business video store, even though it was not. I'm looking forward to seeing what this promising director has "in store" for us next.
Finding Grace (2019)
A Moving Story of Faith, Kindness, and Forgiveness
I bought 'Finding Grace' because I am a fan of films with a positive message. I went into the film knowing nothing about the story, but luckily, what I found was an extremely well-made, moving story of faith, kindness, and forgiveness.
The film revolves around a young woman, Alaska Rose (played to perfection by Paris Warner) who is struggling to stay out of trouble, mostly due to the pain she feels from something she experienced in the past. When she is reluctantly sentenced to community service at a retirement home, she forms a bond with an eldery woman, Mrs. Foster, who is dealing with pain of her own . Don't want to give too much away past that. Just watch.
As the film goes on, the audience is given more and more of the main character's backstory, which really takes the film to another level. There were a couple of powerful scenes that I didn't see coming, and I'll admit, brought some tears to my eyes. It's really a testament to the writing and performances, which felt authentic and never forced. The writing and direction of Warren Fast proves that he is someone to watch in the future.
Overall, it was worth the purchase, and I would particularly recommend it to young people who might be dealing with some of the same problems that Alaska deals with in the film.
Encounter (2018)
An Intelligent Low-Budget Sci-Fi Flick With Heart
The truth is, this is a lower-budget sci-fi film with a solid script, great directing/cinematography and some very talented actors.
I think I know why certain people have been so harsh on this film. We live in a day and age where people are programmed to expect every movie to be a Marvel movie with a 150+ million dollar budget, and top of the line CGI, explosions, mixed in with sitcom-like dialogue. This is none of that.
What this is film is, however, is creative, intimate, thought-provoking, and heart-warming.
Luke Hemsworth (brother of "Thor", Chris Hemsworth) does a great job as the film's main character. His character has lost the use of his legs, and when a strange alien entity shows up in this small town, he is given the chance to walk again. However, other strange things begin to happen, as we learn more and more about the past of these characters through the use of flashbacks.
The supporting cast are just as good as Hemsworth, each with a distinct personality and colorful dialogue that never feels stale.
The creature effects were practical, with minimal use of CGI as far as I can tell. If you aren't spoiled by CGI aliens in Marvel movies, who are just cannon fodder, you'll enjoy this new type of alien. It is a more realistic depiction of what intelligent life on other planets may look like. It doesn't have eyes or human characteristics. It is purely "alien", giving it a mysteriousness that keeps you guessing it's intentions.
Honestly, it may not be for everyone, but I found myself pleasantly surprised by this film. I can see a whole new mythology being created, with sequels that dive deeper into the universe that was created by this film. I would highly recommend it if you are looking for something new, something different, and are getting tired of watching the same old rehashed, mindless, big-budget garbage that Hollywood puts out on a weekly basis.
8/10