Far from Perfect, Far from Terrible

It's fun, it's light, [but] it has a hard time when its tries to get heavy.

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

Mike Mayhall presents us with a slightly elevated story that relies on a mature cast of "30-something plus" characters who really do give quality performances. The writing isn't the most developed material when it comes to actual dialog, but the overall story is a nice slice of heavy, dramatic, thrilling character study that mixes with a solid level of survival horror. I found "Jake's Road" to be very intense, and entertaining. A few moments in the film I jumped because of the intensity of the moment and the connection I had toward the characters. The special effects are pretty tight through most of the film. There is some CGI shots that kind of lessen the effect of the scenes but no more than what we have to deal with in some of the horror television series and most horror films with a decent budget. You just kind of have to take CGI with a grain of salt now days. The good thing is that Mayhall and his team did choose to stick with mostly practical effects and blood for the majority of the film. The only real downer during the horror scenes was the refusal to get visceral and gory when it could have really amp'd up "Jake's Road" so much more. But still the overall choices made in this department work well. Overall "Jake's Road" is a nice viewing experience with some really tense, thrilling moments that seem to start almost from the beginning. The film does have some very familiar themes and set-ups that aren't too original or creative, but the story and acting is good enough to really sell this nightmare situation to movie-goers. The energy does falter a bit at the big climax. Not because of the acting or anything, but the dialog seems to be a bit haphazard. Anyway the momentum slows down somewhat in the final scenes of the film, and once the truth of "who's behind the killings" is revealed, it does feel sort of cliché. Still "Jake's Road" is definitely worth checking out, and well over 90% of the movie is solid.

This was not only a thriller, but it was fun to watch, too! Wow!!! Understandably, it was fiction, but there was enough truth in the characters that the audience could well relate to them.. a definite sign of good writing. It's not common in today's Hollywood market to see that, with all the reboots, and unoriginal stories and plots that are being greenlit for production. The setting was gorgeous and reminded me home. The cinematography and effects were well done, which is difficult to do on a smaller budget. I'd love to see what this production company could do if they had a blank check! Jake's Road entertains and provides a great story at the same time. Thoroughly recommend!

Pretty cool storyline with enough real surprises to hold your interest in anticipation. The story is easy to follow. The acting is quite good by all of the actors, with Roberts having one of his better performances. Mayhall, the writer/director makes an appearance as does producer, Tim Bell. They both add to the film Garrett is quite talented as is Leticia Jimenez. Both are fun to watch. Miles Doleac deserves a special look. Really good acting. Patrick Flanagan served his role quite well. Filming is good quality with some really nice (and some eerie) shots in good settings. Gotta see it...don't miss the surprise!

I sat down to watch this movie and totally got sucked in! Yes, it is a thriller, but the characters are endearing and memorable with real personalities that are established before the scary stuff starts!Eric Roberts is at his predicable best, of course. Garrett Hines is soulfully attractive as his love interest Leticia Jimenez. Each character brings a different angle to the film, yet they are all intertwined through Mayhall's in your face directing.The locations make perfect settings for the 'crimes'. I found myself curling up on the couch waiting for the next surprise or twist. Well scripted. Well directed. Well acted. Believable relationships. Talented new faces. See it!