As an avid local indie film watcher, after seeing the trailer for "Deer Crossing", I knew I had to go see this film. I was pleasantly surprised at not only several performances, but equally pleased with the cinematography, special effects and the technical aspects overall.
To start off, the opening sequence set the tone for the rest of the film. It showed nothing of a low-budget indie film. As for the performances, Christopher Mann, as Det. Derrick Stanswood, gave nothing short of a convincing and commanding "leading man" performance. He seems to be not only comfortable in his skin, but also very natural in front of the camera. He made transitions through several different emotions effortlessly. Laura Lynn Cottrel, as Maggie Chancelor, truly embodied her character, from the opening sequence to the very challenging scenes that followed. She seemed to embrace her character and became her character very convincingly. K.J Linhein, as Lukas Walton, gave a convincing performance. He was perfectly casted for this role, from his look to his robust baritone voice. He was "Lukas Walton".
The supporting cast which included seasoned Hollywood veterans, Ernie Hudson and Doug Bradley, was just the right touch to bring Hollywood to this indie film without overshadowing the great performances already intact.
As with any film, the little criticism that I have falls with the casting of Olivia Brice played by Carmella Hayslett. Although she gave a good effort, her performance shows a lack of experience in the craft. Also actor Tom Detrik, who plays Randy/Dick gave a performance reminiscent of a villain from a bad comic book remake.
Overall, other than a few scenes that need to be tweaked, Christian Jude Grillo made a possible cult classic that could be a blockbuster hit.
To start off, the opening sequence set the tone for the rest of the film. It showed nothing of a low-budget indie film. As for the performances, Christopher Mann, as Det. Derrick Stanswood, gave nothing short of a convincing and commanding "leading man" performance. He seems to be not only comfortable in his skin, but also very natural in front of the camera. He made transitions through several different emotions effortlessly. Laura Lynn Cottrel, as Maggie Chancelor, truly embodied her character, from the opening sequence to the very challenging scenes that followed. She seemed to embrace her character and became her character very convincingly. K.J Linhein, as Lukas Walton, gave a convincing performance. He was perfectly casted for this role, from his look to his robust baritone voice. He was "Lukas Walton".
The supporting cast which included seasoned Hollywood veterans, Ernie Hudson and Doug Bradley, was just the right touch to bring Hollywood to this indie film without overshadowing the great performances already intact.
As with any film, the little criticism that I have falls with the casting of Olivia Brice played by Carmella Hayslett. Although she gave a good effort, her performance shows a lack of experience in the craft. Also actor Tom Detrik, who plays Randy/Dick gave a performance reminiscent of a villain from a bad comic book remake.
Overall, other than a few scenes that need to be tweaked, Christian Jude Grillo made a possible cult classic that could be a blockbuster hit.