What the hell did I just watch??? I stumbled across this Director today and liked the first film I saw of his (The Gravedancers) so much I had to look up his other movies. This one caught my eye and I'm so glad it did. I'm still reeling from that insanity but loved every moment of it. I read that he made this flick with a budget of under $100,000 and that 9 minutes of his movie were hacked off despite his objections. Yet even with those obstacles to it's success this movie still has lashings of charm and is well worth seeing.
I read a lot of reviews suggesting Mendez is trying to be Tarantino or Lynch - I disagree. He is just being Mendez. I can see from the two movies I watched that he has his very own distinct style - an insane style - but quite definitely all his own. Why do people think anyone who is "different" is trying to be those two over-rated directors anyway? I love Tarantino's flicks and SOME of Lynch's work but they are not the be all and end all of interesting directing. There are other more talented and off-the-wall directors around and it's a little sad that they are less widely known (except among the die-hard horror/thriller fans!!). One thing's for sure, Mendez has a much wackier sense of humor than either of those two, from what I've seen so far, and doesn't take himself anywhere near as seriously (thank goodness).
In a world flooded with bland horror movies & uninspired copy-cat directors, it's always a thrill to discover one who does his own thing, even if his style may not suit everyone. We should be supporting efforts like this - keeping in mind this was a debut effort on a teeny tiny budget - regardless of it's flaws. Yes the lighting has problems, the acting was suss, the dialogue a little clunky etc etc But there is much to be admired in this movie and Mendez has won a new fan today.
SEE IT!!! And watch it with no expectations and an open-mind (and try not to read any spoilers!!). You will love it. I've given it an 8 taking into account the low low budget, the unfortunate hacking of his finished movie and his newness as a director. I hope he gets to work with a big budget and quality actors one day.
PS I loved BOB!!!!
I read a lot of reviews suggesting Mendez is trying to be Tarantino or Lynch - I disagree. He is just being Mendez. I can see from the two movies I watched that he has his very own distinct style - an insane style - but quite definitely all his own. Why do people think anyone who is "different" is trying to be those two over-rated directors anyway? I love Tarantino's flicks and SOME of Lynch's work but they are not the be all and end all of interesting directing. There are other more talented and off-the-wall directors around and it's a little sad that they are less widely known (except among the die-hard horror/thriller fans!!). One thing's for sure, Mendez has a much wackier sense of humor than either of those two, from what I've seen so far, and doesn't take himself anywhere near as seriously (thank goodness).
In a world flooded with bland horror movies & uninspired copy-cat directors, it's always a thrill to discover one who does his own thing, even if his style may not suit everyone. We should be supporting efforts like this - keeping in mind this was a debut effort on a teeny tiny budget - regardless of it's flaws. Yes the lighting has problems, the acting was suss, the dialogue a little clunky etc etc But there is much to be admired in this movie and Mendez has won a new fan today.
SEE IT!!! And watch it with no expectations and an open-mind (and try not to read any spoilers!!). You will love it. I've given it an 8 taking into account the low low budget, the unfortunate hacking of his finished movie and his newness as a director. I hope he gets to work with a big budget and quality actors one day.
PS I loved BOB!!!!