the audience applauded

Simply Perfect

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

Well-written low budget thriller with secrets, character development, and plot unraveling until the very end. The characters develop well as they head to a typical day at work. One of the greatest things about the film is that it keeps you guessing. In general, the plot is something that could happen in real life. The writer took time in developing the characters. The director made sure the pacing fared well as that can be hard to do with a story set in one location. Despite being unknown, the actors do a believable job of acting. This, in my opinion, is one of those rare gems that did not see enough of the light of day probably due to low marketing budgeting as movies with higher marketing budgets and recycled stories enter theaters. Go figure!

This film was recommended to me by a friend who knew I enjoyed well-acted, well-shot, and well-directed films. This, I'm pleased to say, fit the bill. Using a non-linear editing style, the story unfolds at a steady pace. The acting is superior (special kudos to Chris Bauer and Currie Graham), as is the cinematography and music score. I especially liked the fact that both characters in this movie had serious problems with their moral compasses. I kept waiting for one to be revealed as the absolute good guy and the other, therefore, deserving of his fate. But things are more complicated than that. I had feared a typical Hollywood ending, but was rewarded with a film that ends just the way it should; leaving the viewer to think it over as the credits roll. Very commendable.

This is an excellent movie for a low budget, two actor film. I am glad I found it in the bargain bin. It is quite a creepy movie, sorta has a Blair Witchish feel with the creepy shots of the tree and all. The end kinda leaves you hanging, but I didn't think it ruined the movie. Its too bad this didn't get the hype that a film like Blair Witch did, because its a better story, a better acted film, and a better shot film.The story all revolves around two guys who car pool to work. One morning, they decide to take a shortcut because of road work, and they end up in the forest with many dark secrets about the past being revealed. There are no flashbacks or special effects or anything. Just a well made film. I plan on seeking out more from this director/writer if there are any more!

I just got done watching a movie I've never heard of: Angels Crest. This is something I picked up at the local Hollywood Video store, just on a whim. It's not a horror movie, but a very satisfying psychological thriller. To tell you anything about it would be to ruin it for anyone who's going to see it. But I will say that it is an excellent example of what can be done on a small budget. The writing is excellent, the directing and photography are great, and the acting is first rate. Also, the film quality is very good, so it doesn't have the look of many low-budget movies. Oh, and the music is quite good, too. This was directed by J. Michael Couto, someone I'll be looking for in the future. ***1/2/****