Change Your Image
bobheske
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
A Savannah Haunting (2021)
An original scary haunt based on true events
I struggle to find an under-the-radar horror film that dares to break the mold of many tired, cliche genre rentals.
Glad I found this gem!
Who needs jump scares and cheesy effects when you have a good script, great actors and a genuinely haunted location? The lead actress (Gena Shaw) was exceptional and the story unique enough to keep me engaged and guessing what's next. This is a quality indie horror film -- Liked it even better after the second watch.
Ignore the negative reviews. This film surprised me and I recommend it. (Also like the documentary-style interviews with the filmmaker's real family members sharing experiences in the opening and end credits.)
Disposable (2017)
Action-packed political thriller with punch.
DISPOSABLE is one of those rare indie gems with big ambition that pays off. Lead Tommy Beardmore delivers a strong performance in this mind- bending, political action thriller that keeps the audience guessing at every twist and turn. Most of the other cast are relative unknowns, but they deliver and maintain credibility in this fast-moving tale.
The real star is director/writer Daniel Cayarga who executes on a superb script with great direction, nuance and style. The production value - an Achilles heel with many low budget indies - is a strength in this film.
One word of caution: Put the cell phone down and pay attention because there is a lot going on here. But that's okay, the film merits your attention and, after the surprising opening, you will be sure to keep your eyes glued. I watched the film twice and liked it even better the 2nd time.
The Worst Year of My Life (2015)
"Worst Year" is a very good and quirky indie flick
I'm not a relationship-turned-sour movie kind of guy. But the "Worst Year of My Life" was a surprisingly good watch. It moves at a good clip, has clever moments, and solid cinematography and sound. It was evidently made on a shoestring budget, but the production quality is very good and it has a definite indie/art house vibe.
This is the type of film that fits a genre (i.e., "romantic comedy") but that is also completely out of the box.
The two lead actors (Trevor St. John David as "Kyle" and Amy Vorpahl as "Amber") are believably flawed and so not meant for each other. I didn't know which one to hate more -- but they both gave solid performances, and kept my attention. Well played!
"The Worst Year of My Life" is told through the voice and, in many cases, wild imagination of Kyle -- a sucker who gets snubbed by his dream girl after he empties his bank account and 401k savings to fund her dream (a bakery, which she quits after two months and then dumps him).
Ah young love - what idiots we are when passion masks common sense.
Usually I don't comment on direction, but I thought there were so many good creative decisions made in the film that I tip my cap to director Jonathan Smith. The use of the pretty shrink whom Kyle spills his guts to (and in the process shows us his own emotional warts) was well done. After his session ends, Kyle continues to rant to her in his mind (the shrink follows him around and acts as a subconscious Voice of Reason to help Kyle rant and keep his emotions in check).
There are also a few fantasy scenes involving a ripoff of The Dating Game and a Gun Duel -- it's madcap stuff, but effective nonetheless.
I won't get into the story and its gyrations, twist and turns. Just know that if you invest 80 minutes or so in "Worst Year of My Life" it could be one of the more entertaining micro-budget indie films you see this (great) year.
Dust Up (2012)
Giving this B movie an A grade for AWESOMENESS!
Dust Up! delivers raucous humor and balls-to-the-walls story-telling that studio films don't have the kahunas to try.
The story is relatively simple: A one-eyed former vigilante turned pacifist/desert handyman must summon his inner commando to rescue a young mother and her meth addict husband from a cannibalistic drug lord.
It's the execution and blend of story/character/music/violence/humor that makes this exploitation film so damn funny. Everything from the opening credit sequence to the exploding bar and the desert dance-off smacks of Tarantino on a tight budget.
This film takes characters you've seen before – the eye-patched warrior (a combination of Billy Jack and Kill Bill femme-assassin Elle Driver), the even-keeled, arrow slinging sidekick (Tonto of course, but played much more coolly by Devin Barry as "Mo"), and the out-of-control ultra-violent drug lord (name any memorable film where the bad guy was so awesome you loved to hate him, add some outrageous antics and you've got Jeremiah Birkett's "Buzz"). Toss in an attractive damsel in distress (Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Amber Benson) victimized by her husband's ineptitude and an adorable wide-eyed baby (Director Ward Roberts' daughter Bo)
and there's a lot to like and laugh about.
Even more impressive is that Writer/Director/Producer Ward Roberts pulled this all off on a micro-budget.
A great job all around, and a fun time to be had by all who dare to venture into the off-kilter mind of Mr. Roberts. Special kudos to Aaron Gaffney (who plays the protagonist one-eyed soldier Jack) and Jeremiah Birkett (the afore-mentioned despicable villain with a maniacal laugh).
Vessel (2013)
A well crafted micro-budget indie film
First-time filmmaker Adam Ciancio nails it with this psychological sci-fi indie film that borders between THE FOURTH KIND and JACOB'S LADDER.
Lead actor Mark Diaco skillfully walks a fine line between the worlds of reality and insanity, leaving the audience disoriented and intrigued.
As he meets more individuals, threading the clues toward his survival or extinction, it because increasingly blurred whether the aliens Ash (played by Diaco) sees are in his mind or really "out there".
But this was a fog that was meant to be - the movie leads you in a definite direction. But the final choice on what to believe is yours!
VESSEL was shot on the Red, but a camera in lesser directorial hands would have fallen flat. First-time director Adam Ciancio uses amazing locations (in his hometown of Melbourne, Austrailia) to provide a back world and landscape for the film that is sublime and visceral.
The dialog is sparse but sharp, the acting underplayed but appropriate (impressive for theater actors used to projecting emotions to their audience), and the cinematography and production value surprisingly top-notch for such a low budget film.
Films that leave you wondering at the end and that stay rooted in your mind are rare in the micro-budget film space. This is one of them! No spoilers ... just a recommendation to see it! A surprising little indie gem.