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Reviews
Hideout (2021)
Home Invasion with a twist! Awesome movie!
Every once in awhile, a movie emerges from the hundreds of new release horror streams that restores
one's faith in the genre. Kris Roselli's "Hideout" is such a film. It works because of the strength of the story,
the outstanding acting chops of the cast, and the tight direction and pacing, that keeps the viewer riveted the
entire movie. This is a well thought out film, that could serve as a textbook example of how to make a great horror movie on a limited budget. The gore and special effects look really good too. It's hard to single out a particular performance that stood out because every actor in "Hideout" was so damn good. It's easy to recommended this movie because it was so well done. Be sure to check it out on your next movie night.
Sick Boy (2012)
There is a lot to like here for horror fans...
OK...I must admit that the movie's look and general feel are that of a 2nd year film school student's final exam project...Last time I saw camera work this shaky, it was Blair Witch, and they did it on purpose for effect...There was one scene where I literally felt like running to my medicine cabinet for some Dramamine...(Sea sickness was being induced.)
As far as the story goes, there is nothing really novel, but I thought the director built tension in a clever way, and the movie did hold my interest most of the time...Some of the interplay between the main character and her boyfriend did bog down with silly dialog, but not to the point of distraction. The family, (whose son she babysits) was appropriately creepy and cryptic, and making the mom a physician was a good plot device.
I think the big win here is the performance of Skye McCole Bartusiak as the flaky, but well-intentioned baby sitter. This was actually an excellent performance, and in a better-shot movie, I think she would be getting some well-deserved critical acclaim...She was passionate, believable, and struck the perfect balance between a slightly naive young woman finding her way through life, and a confident, kick-ass heroine. Suffice to say, I really thought she was terrific and would not hesitate to see her next project, based on her role in "Sick Boy."
I really liked the ending of this movie, unlike some folks who found it a weak spot.
A good DVD rental if the expectations are low, and the popcorn is hot!
The Selling (2011)
Seemed like such a good premise for a horror movie
After reading the plot synopsis on the back of the DVD box, I was primed for a funny horror movie, with a clever story.
While the movie did deliver some funny/ironic lines, and was sort of a novel twist on the tired "haunted house" genre, it failed to ever really engage me, and the characters rarely rose above silly stereotypes.
Aside from some decent paranormal special effects, the overall "look" of the movie was cheap and low budget, which isn't always necessarily a bad thing, but I think it did hinder my enjoyment of the film.
I was looking forward to Barry Bostwick's turn as the priest, but was half asleep by the time he made his appearance...
All in all, I would have to sadly not recommend this movie.