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davidjzellis
Reviews
The Stalker (2020)
Decent Slasher flick
Not to be confused with the Tarkovsky film with the similar name. This albeit at times predictable is an entertaining and atmospheric slasher, with decent pacing and a nice soundtrack that brings back that eighties slasher vibe.
Introspectum Motel (2021)
Gripping thriller with attractive cast
Introspectum Motel is a thriller that feels familiar and that is OK, the title coming from the characters having to look inside themselves to question the choices they have made.
Marcel Dorian plays Philippe a unfaithful husband who when going away for business gets more then he bargained for in terms if infidelity.
Well shot and acted this isn't just some kind of show skin thriller to titillate our audience their is interesting subtext going on here and although may be a bit of a bumpy start when it gets going it takes off.
Driveways (2019)
A Truly hidden gem that will be enjoyed by many
This is one of those rare films that feels and looks timeless every character feels real and relatable.
This very understated film has many emotional moments that don't make you feel manipulated and are very much earned, all the actors from the child actors to the walk on parts do not deliver any false notes.
Finally yes this was the last film of Brian Dennehey as I understand it and I think towards the latter part of his career he was very under utilized and this reminds us of what a true one of a kind talent he was.
The Kingdom of Var (2019)
Absoloute masterpiece
I don't know what I saw, but I enjoyed it! Oh I enjoyed it oh so much.
Stadium Anthems (2018)
Spinal Tap esque Music parody mockumentary
I am not really sure where to start with this, I know enjoyed it so I guess that's as good as place as any. The story revolves around a failing record company close to shutting its doors down, who has milked its fortunes from Rock star and creepy rich weirdo Warren Paradise played by Jude Moran and his band New Rock Gods. Having trouble keeping up with music trends - the internet - this record company goes in a new direction with different results. This is kind of the basis of the story but its presented as Mockumentary to take shots at the music industry in general and all its shortcomings from misogyny, selling out your vision to money, artists being constantly exploited amongst a number of other things. The cast is all top notch giving absolute relatability to their performances. Toddy Walters and Christopher Soren Kelly are particular standouts. In fact Toddy Walters is an accomplished musician and her contribution to the soundtracks performing and writing many of the songs is the films greatest asset. This film is a comedy and often uses sight gags that sometimes work and other times fall flat, however I did laugh on a number of occasions at these moments. This as a movie is a closer spiritual successor to Spinal Tap then a Zucker brothers film like Top Secret. So it is a bit weird ride but an enjoyable and fun one none the less.
8 Remains (2018)
Interesting Sci-Fi like take on a heavy subject.
I see a lot of comparisons of this movie to "I Spit on your grave" where that movie was a shocking product of its time that was there to elicit shock value. I think this handles the sensitive topic of you know what a lot more Gracefully. That being said I don't see the comparison and this a much different movie then "I Spit on your grave". First off let me say this film will probably not be for everybody but people who enjoy horror movies or thrillers will get something out of it. This is a incredibly well shot film and the visual effects although are sparse they are impressively done. It smartly keeps its story to a few locations but is economical with its storytelling, I wish that the actors would have spoken in their primary language though as I think it would have added something to it.
Shady White (2019)
Fun crime thriller with depth and charm
So First of all Clayton Miller who plays the titular Shady White looks a bit like a young Rob Lowe and touches of Matt Dillon which I found pretty interesting.
This is one of those films where the Director and his entire team has a good grasp on understanding of cinema as apparently this film did not have a huge budget but with that limited budget they sure squeezed out every penny as it has impressive production value to it.
It's got that southern crime feel of say the show "Justified" with storytelling elements of Sodebergh or Guy Ritchie's gangster films with quirky characters with depth.
Breathe Breana (2019)
Excellent Hero's Journey documentary
Breathe Breana is an excellent, compelling and at often times poignant documentary about Breana Schroeder a young girl dealing with CF (Cystic Fibrosis) but not letting that hurdle (and that is a huge hurdle for anyone to overcome let along a young brave girl with her entire life in front of her!) to stop her dream of becoming a champion of tandem surfing.
Interesting fact I had no idea what tandem surfing was before this documentary kind of like a mix of figure skating and syncrhonized swimming.
I am really glad I watched this documentary it tells me about a sport I didn't know about some of the surf footage is breathtaking and Breana the subject is such compelling and likeable person.
Perfect Feet (2019)
Fun documentary about unlikely subject
This documentary from Calvin Dwight Harris who is a very likeable presence on screen talks about Feet and that may seem odd, however this is a fun doc talking to people like ballerina's. manufacturers of socks and all things that affect our feet on a daily basis, it's a fun and well placed documentary all anchored by the filmmakers wonderful presence.
Loon Lake (2019)
Decent Gothic horror
This is a well executed and interesting Gothic type horror film set in the midwest with touches of films like "Children of the Corn", "The Wicker Man" the good one not the remake and "The Witch". Although it may cover some familiar territory it is well worth the watch if you enjoy Gothic horror it is worth giving a watch.
She Walks the Woods (2019)
Nice twist on the found footage genre
I have to admit I am not a huge fan of the Found Footage genre however when done right and cleverly it can be effective.
Without spoiling it She walks the woods utilizes a nice twist on a sometimes stale genre, keeps the mystery alive and enough tension and fear that makes you want to stay until the end credits.
Before the Dawn (2019)
Decent romantic drama
This competently shot and acted melodrama dealing with a forbidden high school love between student and teacher has the look and feel of something like "Friday Night Lights" that kind of close to neo realism feel.
The movie really benefits from a commanding performance by Alana de Freitas who is a triple threat as she also wrote and I believe produced it.
I am very interested to see what she does next.
Tag Team Truckers (2018)
Fun lighthearted Romp
This fun light hearted comedy film about two brothers works well primarily from the two actors playing the brothers. If you miss the comedy road movies that they don't seem to make as much anymore give this one a try it's a lot of fun and a lot of laughs.
Bugs: A Trilogy (2018)
Gory, gross fun
Creepy, gross, gory and a lot of fun with the theme being bugs tying everything together. I always love anthology horror films and think the short form works well in the horror genre. I personally found the first segment the most interesting and memorable.
Unlawful Justice (2018)
Exciting Gritty Crime Drama
Well lensed and well acted Crime drama in the Vein of "Training Day" and "Prince of the city, looking at all sides and never being judgemental in it's approach.
The Texture of Falling (2018)
Mind bending drama
So this has the feel of an actor piece say like a Mike Figgis or Henry Jaglom with the more modern sensibility of a modern blockbuster in a visual sense, in some ways reminded me limitless. It's a worthy watch right up until the end as I do not want to give away any spoilers.
A Slice of Life on Barcelona (2015)
Punk Rock Indie Gem
If you like your drama amped up to eleven then this Euro Punk Rock drama is the one for you feeling eerily similar to a more modern version of Penelope Spheeris "Suburbia" this is an exhilarating look at a generation and culture I am not really familiar with, the attractive cast gives it their all so what's not to love!
Chasing the Win (2016)
Exciting sports documentary
Much like a great sports movies this documentary has what you would want in any good story compelling characters brining all different angles to is essentially what is a winner takes all story. Because it is a documentary it gives you that sense of it being cinematic with also that down to earth feeling and relatable for anyone who has a competitive bone in their body.
Karate in Ontario: The Uphill Battle. The Cost of Raising a Champion (2016)
interesting doc about Karate in Ontario and involvement in Olympics
This is an interesting doc that explores some of the frustrations that Karate experts have in training their pupils in preparation for the olympics. I have always been a fan of combat sports am personally looking forward to watching Karate in the next Olympic games so I found this doc of great interest to watch.
Julia 17 - (2017)
Daring film worth the watch
Hats off to Andreaa Boyer who wrote directed and starred in this, what is a fairly ambitious film and story and pulls it off in an interesting and intriguing to watch manner. This movie may not be for everyone but for those who like daring and intriguing cinema this is worth the watch, as the film deals with some pretty taboo topics so for those who are sensitive you have been warned. Boyer stars as Julia a victim of abuse throughout her life and continues to spiral downwards at the film progresses.
Although a first time film it will be interesting see how Boyer's career progresses, this highly reminiscent of the films of Larry Clark such as "Kids" and "Ken Park" so if you enjoy that and can handle heavy topics this should be checked out.
Also a nice touch that Legendary Filmmaker Uli Lommel has a role in here as a film director.
Anonymous 616 (2018)
Awesome indie shocker
So what we have here on this Indie Shocker is a nice mix between Death Note and an episode of Black Mirror. When two couples become the target an anonymous internet troll. I really enjoyed this how they were able to tell the story while still keeping the mystery intact, some nice intense visceral scenes along the way which really help out the pacing and make this one worth checking out!
Let's Kill Grandpa (2017)
Fun dark comedy worth checking out
First off the guy who plays James Wirt eerily looks like Jason Lee. All that aside this is a fun creepy, dark, atmospheric and sometimes gross horror / comedy/ thriller. I enjoyed it quit a bit it plays out like a better episode of "Tales from the Crypt" mixed with "Black Christmas" and a perverse version of "Home Alone" for good measure. Let's Kill Grandpa is a fresh and original film overall, my props go to all the cast who put in great performances well never devolving into stereotypes of these characters. That being said if you are a fan of Dark Comedy mixed with a bit
Vincent: A Life in Color (2008)
Excellent documentary / character study
Although I have never been to Chicago and geographically not being that far away from it I have always wanted to travel there. This awe inspiring documentary about a unique individual who is lore with the locals and what people are capeable of is a fascinating look and character study of somebody that might be marginalized by society. Jennifer Burns uses a deft documentarian hand to craft this beautifully woven story about Vincent. Vincent is a must for anyone looking for an excellent documentary.
Lights Camera Blood! (2015)
Loving homage to the master
I recently picked up the DVD of lights Camera Blood I really enjoy seeking out obscure titles such as this. This is a very lo-fi loving homage to the godfather of gore Herschell Gordon Lewis while still maintaing its own original story and sense of style.
It boils to a down on his luck filmmaker trying to get more authentic death scenes and while I am sure you can fill in the blanks from what happens there. The cast really do suit the roles and give it there all, probably one of the strongest part of the movies. The gore really seemed like how HGL did it before a lot of modern make up techniques are now commonplace, improvise and I loved that aspect of the film for it.
I truly wish they had the budget to shoot this in 16mm to give it a bit more a authenticity and would be my one complaint about the film. Otherwise felt like it was straight out of the sixties and dare I say a downright kooky vibe!
Deadly Intent (2016)
Decent thriller worth a watch!
When her husband dies Bryony tries to rebuild her life with her young son James. The young actor who plays James provides a terrific performance. James in typical movie fashion starts acting weird and withdrawn.
Although parallels could be made to something like "Babadook" and even "Kill List" this UK chiller really does stand out on its own.Some really good performances help enhance the quality of the script. Although there are some jump scares here and there they do not overdo it.
Kudos to the crew as for a low budget independent film they do a very good job