Naive, hamfisted, and amateurish indie sci-fi… but as hilarious as the clumsy, clichéd execution is, it still isn’t even worth it for the laughs. I’m “biast” (pro): big sci-fi fan
I’m “biast” (con): nothing
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto)
This is one of the most ridiculous movies I’ve ever seen. Oh, the premise potentially has promise — two grad students invent a mind-reading, thought-transmitting device in their garage — but the execution is, well… One word for it is naive. Another word: hamfisted. One more word : amateurish.
First-time writer-director Khalil Sullins appears to have little understanding of how to construct a plausible story, and his problems have nothing to do with his sci-fi ideas — even as out-there as the ones here are — and everything to do with crafting likable characters and not requiring them to behave in idiotic ways in order...
I’m “biast” (con): nothing
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto)
This is one of the most ridiculous movies I’ve ever seen. Oh, the premise potentially has promise — two grad students invent a mind-reading, thought-transmitting device in their garage — but the execution is, well… One word for it is naive. Another word: hamfisted. One more word : amateurish.
First-time writer-director Khalil Sullins appears to have little understanding of how to construct a plausible story, and his problems have nothing to do with his sci-fi ideas — even as out-there as the ones here are — and everything to do with crafting likable characters and not requiring them to behave in idiotic ways in order...
- 9/15/2015
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
Do we really want to know what other people are thinking? Do we want anybody listening in on our thoughts? That possibility is explored in an incredible new, Independent thriller called Listening.
David (Thomas Stroppel) and Ryan (Artie Ahr) are graduate students at Cal Tech who are working on the very real possibility of translating human thoughts into computer language. Thus translated other people can “listen” in to our thoughts. They develop hardware and software with equipment borrowed from the University. Unknown to them a shadowy, secret Government agency (is there any other kind?) is working on the same idea.
David and Ryan are both desperately poor, they want their system to work in order to become tech millionaires, or least be able to pay their bills. David and his wife and daughter are due to be evicted, Ryan lives in an efficiency apartment with his Grandmother and has to...
David (Thomas Stroppel) and Ryan (Artie Ahr) are graduate students at Cal Tech who are working on the very real possibility of translating human thoughts into computer language. Thus translated other people can “listen” in to our thoughts. They develop hardware and software with equipment borrowed from the University. Unknown to them a shadowy, secret Government agency (is there any other kind?) is working on the same idea.
David and Ryan are both desperately poor, they want their system to work in order to become tech millionaires, or least be able to pay their bills. David and his wife and daughter are due to be evicted, Ryan lives in an efficiency apartment with his Grandmother and has to...
- 9/11/2015
- by Sam Moffitt
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Read More: Watch: Mind-Reading is Better (and More Dangerous) Than Sex in Exclusive 'Listening' Trailer Indiewire's Springboard column profiles up-and-comers in the film industry worthy of your attention. For his feature debut, filmmaker Khalil Sullins looked to the future -- but not too far. With his "Listening," Sullins imagines a world where technology has allowed people to communicate via telepathy, though the results are far from ideal. Although the idea behind "Listening" is pretty wild, it turns out that it's not that far removed from where existing technology is currently heading. The film stars Thomas Stroppel, Artie Ahr and Amber Marie Bollinger as penniless grad students who, quite surprisingly, invent an advanced technology that facilitates telepathy. What they don't know is that they're not the only people working on such advances, and when their discovery is taken by a shady government agency, they're forced to contend with their.
- 9/10/2015
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Read More: Prepare for a Technological Breakthrough in Exclusive 'Listening' Poster After debuting the striking poster art for "Listening" last week, Indiewire is excited to premiere the official trailer for the futuristic cerebral thriller. Marking the debut feature of Khalil Sullins, the film centers around a team of genius grad students who invent a mind-reading technology. Strapped for cash, they use their discovery to reap some serious financial benefits, thought it's not long before their decisions begin to destroy their lives and threaten the future of free will itself. Thomas Stroppel and Amber Marie Bollinger star. The trailer above foreshadows all of the technological breakthroughs and sleek cinematography the film has to offer. "Listening" hits theaters and On Demand on September 11. Read More: Attention, Filmmakers: Here's How to Talk Sound Design...
- 8/24/2015
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Read More: Exclusive 'I Believe in Unicorns' Poster Has Its Head in the Clouds Mindgames and breakthrough technology are the center of writer-director Khalil Sullins' debut feature, "Listening." Starring Thomas Stroppel and Amber Marie Bollinger, the film won the Best Director prize at the 2015 Phoenix Film Festival. The futuristic drama centers around a team of genius grad students who invent a mind-reading technology. Strapped for cash, they use their discovery to reap benefits, thought it's not long before their decisions begin to destroy their lives and threaten the future of free will itself. "Listening" hits theaters and On Demand on September 11. Check out the exclusive poster below. Read More: Attention, Filmmakers: Here's How to Talk Sound Design...
- 8/20/2015
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
With a machine that can transmit and read thoughts, it’ll be dangerous if it falls into the wrong hands.
“Listening” is currently playing in a few film festival circuits right now. This exciting sci-fi thriller is about a couple of young scientists who invented a break-through mind-reading technology that a mysterious government agency wants for their own usage.
It is the directorial debut for Khalil Sullins. It stars Thomas Stroppel, Artie Ahr, Amber Marie Bollinger and Steve Hanks.
Latino-Review had an exclusive phone interview with the entire cast of the film when it premiered last month during the Woodstock Film Festival. We discussed several things about the technology, research and the entire chemistry of the cast and crew during the production.
“Listening” is showing during the St. Louis International Film Festival this weekend. It will also be playing at the Anchorage International Film Festival next month.
Read the interview...
“Listening” is currently playing in a few film festival circuits right now. This exciting sci-fi thriller is about a couple of young scientists who invented a break-through mind-reading technology that a mysterious government agency wants for their own usage.
It is the directorial debut for Khalil Sullins. It stars Thomas Stroppel, Artie Ahr, Amber Marie Bollinger and Steve Hanks.
Latino-Review had an exclusive phone interview with the entire cast of the film when it premiered last month during the Woodstock Film Festival. We discussed several things about the technology, research and the entire chemistry of the cast and crew during the production.
“Listening” is showing during the St. Louis International Film Festival this weekend. It will also be playing at the Anchorage International Film Festival next month.
Read the interview...
- 11/22/2014
- by Gig Patta
- LRMonline.com
Listening screens at 9:35 on Friday, November 21st at the Tivoli Theater as part of the St. Louis International Film Festival. Ticket information can be found Here
In the new science fiction film Listening, graduate students David (Thomas Stroppel), Ryan (Artie Ahr), and Jordan (Amber Marie Bollinger) are trying to harness the power of the human mind. Broke and struggling to support their families, they spend all of their time in a garage lab full of stolen equipment, hoping to invent a means of human telepathy and thus solve their problems. But when the trio makes a breakthrough, the discovery proves anything but a boon. Instead, their cutting-edge technology quickly opens a Pandora’s box of new dangers. Secrets and betrayals boil to the surface as the technology falls into the wrong hands, and the team soon finds itself working for an underground government agency with treacherous plans. With no one left to trust,...
In the new science fiction film Listening, graduate students David (Thomas Stroppel), Ryan (Artie Ahr), and Jordan (Amber Marie Bollinger) are trying to harness the power of the human mind. Broke and struggling to support their families, they spend all of their time in a garage lab full of stolen equipment, hoping to invent a means of human telepathy and thus solve their problems. But when the trio makes a breakthrough, the discovery proves anything but a boon. Instead, their cutting-edge technology quickly opens a Pandora’s box of new dangers. Secrets and betrayals boil to the surface as the technology falls into the wrong hands, and the team soon finds itself working for an underground government agency with treacherous plans. With no one left to trust,...
- 11/18/2014
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
It’s an invention that will alter the neuroscience landscape to read our minds. And no doubt, the government wants it.
The indie film “Listening” is a great sci-fi thriller from the mind of director Khalil Sullins. It will have its world premiere at the Woodstock Film Festival on October 16 at 9:30 p.m. in the Hudson Valley region.
The cast includes Thomas Stroppel, Artie Ahr, Amber Marie Bollinger, Christine Haeberman, Steve Hanks and Arn Chorn-Pond.
Here’s the film synopsis:
David and Ryan are trying to harness the power of the human mind... and failing. They’re both broke and struggle to support their families, but spend all of their time in a garage-lab full of stolen equipment, hoping that inventing telepathy will solve all their problems. After they meet Jordan, a smart and seductive new classmate, they make a breakthrough that changes everything. But the bleeding-edge technology opens...
The indie film “Listening” is a great sci-fi thriller from the mind of director Khalil Sullins. It will have its world premiere at the Woodstock Film Festival on October 16 at 9:30 p.m. in the Hudson Valley region.
The cast includes Thomas Stroppel, Artie Ahr, Amber Marie Bollinger, Christine Haeberman, Steve Hanks and Arn Chorn-Pond.
Here’s the film synopsis:
David and Ryan are trying to harness the power of the human mind... and failing. They’re both broke and struggle to support their families, but spend all of their time in a garage-lab full of stolen equipment, hoping that inventing telepathy will solve all their problems. After they meet Jordan, a smart and seductive new classmate, they make a breakthrough that changes everything. But the bleeding-edge technology opens...
- 10/12/2014
- by Gig Patta
- LRMonline.com
Like many modern Christians, Huff (Charlie O'Connell) has developed his very own warped interpretation of The Bible. The misogynistic stories that Huff reads from his copy of "The Good Book" are purposefully designed to teach his three stepdaughters (Jenna Stone, Elly Stefanko, Amber Marie Bollinger) their proper place in the world, reducing their self-worth to mere sex objects to be traded and sold for the betterment of mankind. It is no surprise that Huff's wife, Lorelei (Elina Madison), is afraid to leave her idyllically attractive daughters alone with their violent and sex-crazed stepfather. Luckily, Huff spends a lot of time with his mistress, Laci (Natasha Alam), with whom he plans to escape to Mexico; but, in order to afford his early retirement, Huff invests in a drug deal that -- of course -- goes horribly wrong. Huff is then positioned to chase his three sexy stepdaughters (the proverbial pigs of this tale) around,...
- 3/4/2014
- by Don Simpson
- SmellsLikeScreenSpirit
Netflix has revolutionized the home movie experience for fans of film with its instant streaming technology. Netflix Nuggets is my way of spreading the word about independent, classic and foreign films being made available by Netflix for instant streaming. Important Note: There may be some films that do not become available on the specified dates. This is merely a report of the most accurate release dates I can find, but is not directly confirmed by Netflix themselves.
American: The Bill Hicks Story (2010)
Streaming Available: 06/29/2011
Synopsis: Since his tragic death from cancer at age 32, comedian Bill Hicks’s legend and stature have only grown, and this unique documentary tells his story, blending live footage, interviews and animation to fill in the details of a life cut short. A comic’s comic and unflagging critic of hypocrisy and cultural emptiness, Hicks was one of a kind, a Lenny Bruce for the late 20th century,...
American: The Bill Hicks Story (2010)
Streaming Available: 06/29/2011
Synopsis: Since his tragic death from cancer at age 32, comedian Bill Hicks’s legend and stature have only grown, and this unique documentary tells his story, blending live footage, interviews and animation to fill in the details of a life cut short. A comic’s comic and unflagging critic of hypocrisy and cultural emptiness, Hicks was one of a kind, a Lenny Bruce for the late 20th century,...
- 6/28/2011
- by Travis Keune
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
After a completely dry last week, we are treated to the release of "The Walking Dead" Season One Blu-ray/DVD set this week, and boy, does it kick a copious amount of ass. While it is no secret that we were ardent fans of the AMC series during its television run, having this epic Frank Darabont, Robert Kirkman classic at our fingertips whenever we want it excites us to no end.
Much credit for the success of "The Walking Dead" should also go to the cast members: Andrew Lincoln, Jon Bernthal, Sarah Wayne Callies, Laurie Holden, Jeffrey DeMunn, Steven Yeun, Chandler Riggs, Norman Reedus, Emma Bell, IronE Singleton, Michael Rooker, and Noah Emmerich.
There are a few other choice releases on March 8th also; check 'em all out below.
"The Walking Dead" Season One (Blu-ray Review)
Created by Frank Darabont
Starring Andrew Lincoln, Jon Bernthal, Sarah Wayne Callies, Laurie Holden,...
Much credit for the success of "The Walking Dead" should also go to the cast members: Andrew Lincoln, Jon Bernthal, Sarah Wayne Callies, Laurie Holden, Jeffrey DeMunn, Steven Yeun, Chandler Riggs, Norman Reedus, Emma Bell, IronE Singleton, Michael Rooker, and Noah Emmerich.
There are a few other choice releases on March 8th also; check 'em all out below.
"The Walking Dead" Season One (Blu-ray Review)
Created by Frank Darabont
Starring Andrew Lincoln, Jon Bernthal, Sarah Wayne Callies, Laurie Holden,...
- 3/8/2011
- by kwlow
- DreadCentral.com
2011 - 20 mins. - Not Rated
D: Sean LoGrasso
C: Morgan Roberts, Jacqui Holland, Ben Begley, Amber Bollinger
Group of friends having lunch with one another are holed up in their car after the staff and other patrons turn into flesh eating zombies.
The idea of doing a Friends styled horror / comedy with some Gen X humor seems like a surefire, can't miss kind of idea. Unfortunately, Zombies and Assholes misses the mark. During the introductory scenes, Jacqui Holland turns in a scene stealing performance. However, the humor that follows afterwards, doesn't have enough edge or bite. What makes something funny, is when the unexpected happens. With that in mind, the various scenarios presented in Zombies and Assholes are all a bit too safe and expected. It's all a bit too predictable. As for the editing, it's sloppy, causing the film to feel disjointed in places throughout. Zombies and Assholes lacks...
D: Sean LoGrasso
C: Morgan Roberts, Jacqui Holland, Ben Begley, Amber Bollinger
Group of friends having lunch with one another are holed up in their car after the staff and other patrons turn into flesh eating zombies.
The idea of doing a Friends styled horror / comedy with some Gen X humor seems like a surefire, can't miss kind of idea. Unfortunately, Zombies and Assholes misses the mark. During the introductory scenes, Jacqui Holland turns in a scene stealing performance. However, the humor that follows afterwards, doesn't have enough edge or bite. What makes something funny, is when the unexpected happens. With that in mind, the various scenarios presented in Zombies and Assholes are all a bit too safe and expected. It's all a bit too predictable. As for the editing, it's sloppy, causing the film to feel disjointed in places throughout. Zombies and Assholes lacks...
- 2/10/2011
- by Big Daddy aka Brandon Sites
- Big Daddy Horror Reviews - Interviews
"It's only skin deep"
Justin Welborn (The Crazies), Amber Bollinger (Sutures) and Ryan Boone (Ghost Story) star in a horror film written and directed by Richard Swindell of:
Pelt
Pelt slashes its way onto DVD on March 8, 2011. In Pelt, sudden, gory death hides behind every bush. When beautiful Jennifer and her friends embark on a backpacking excursion deep into the woods, they come chest to chest with an evil as old as the trees. Listen... above the crackling of the campfire... is that the sound of a twig snapping or your best girlfriend’s neck? The interlopers discover that when the locals warn you not to trespass, it’s a warning you should heed.
Details are still unknown into the film's DVD specifications and special features at this time. The official trailer for Pelt can be viewed below. For more late, breaking horror news, stay tuned to Bdhr.
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Justin Welborn (The Crazies), Amber Bollinger (Sutures) and Ryan Boone (Ghost Story) star in a horror film written and directed by Richard Swindell of:
Pelt
Pelt slashes its way onto DVD on March 8, 2011. In Pelt, sudden, gory death hides behind every bush. When beautiful Jennifer and her friends embark on a backpacking excursion deep into the woods, they come chest to chest with an evil as old as the trees. Listen... above the crackling of the campfire... is that the sound of a twig snapping or your best girlfriend’s neck? The interlopers discover that when the locals warn you not to trespass, it’s a warning you should heed.
Details are still unknown into the film's DVD specifications and special features at this time. The official trailer for Pelt can be viewed below. For more late, breaking horror news, stay tuned to Bdhr.
Share Tweet...
- 2/5/2011
- by Big Daddy aka Brandon Sites
- Big Daddy Horror Reviews - Interviews
Amber Bollinger (Sutures) and Jacqui Holland (Gingerdead Man 3-D: Saturday Night Cleaver) star in a horror / comedy directed by Sean LoGrasso of: Zombies And Assholes. Zombies and Assholes is a short film set to premier on February 13, 2011 that combines elements of the hit sitcom Friends, with some Gen X slacker / loser mentality humor and throws in some gut munching, brain eating zombies to the mix.
A group of degenerates delight in the pleasures of annoying both the staff and patrons of the lavish Eden Restaurant. However, on this day, after a quick dine and dash, they are faced with a zombified staff who begin attacking customers. Stuck in a stalled car, determined to die with clear consciouses, they discuss there intertwined sexual indiscretions. Will they survive, and if so, who will win?
The official trailer for Zombies and Assholes can be viewed towards the bottom of this post. Enjoy!
Share...
A group of degenerates delight in the pleasures of annoying both the staff and patrons of the lavish Eden Restaurant. However, on this day, after a quick dine and dash, they are faced with a zombified staff who begin attacking customers. Stuck in a stalled car, determined to die with clear consciouses, they discuss there intertwined sexual indiscretions. Will they survive, and if so, who will win?
The official trailer for Zombies and Assholes can be viewed towards the bottom of this post. Enjoy!
Share...
- 2/4/2011
- by Big Daddy aka Brandon Sites
- Big Daddy Horror Reviews - Interviews
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