mentalrev Reviews

Rebirth (II) (2020)

Clever Indie Horror with a 70s style

[8/10 · 28 October 2021]

I really enjoyed this indie horror film, the acting is solid and the story is clever. I especially loved the period piece feel to it, playing off a 70's style but with a contemporary protagonist who is both the leading man and, at times, the damsel in distress. It's 100% unique and definitely worth checking out. The reveals are unexpected and payoff in unexpected ways.

Greatland (2020)

Wildly Imaginative and Vividly Colorful

[9/10 · 29 December 2020]

A vibrant and totally unique film that shows totalitarianism can come in a variety of flavors. I was really impressed with the creativity of the writing, the performances and the vibrant colorful cinematography and special effects. Reminiscent of a young adult dystopian novel GREATLAND delivers social commentary without preaching and makes the audience think about the limits of political correctness when manipulated to serve the interests of the ruling elite. I thought the production value was excellent and this is an intriguing indie film worth checking out.

Key Lime Voodoo (2020)

A mystery with a Florida vibe

[7/10 · 7 December 2020]

An ambitious indie mystery with a Florida vibe, bright colors and a twist of the occult. Key Lime Voodoo is a challenging film in that it is not easy to see where it is going in the first half, the journey is worth it however as this indie film delivers the drama and tension to make it well worth the watch.

The Berlin Bride (2019)

Delightfully Bizarre

[8/10 · 22 October 2020]

An avant garde film that feels like it was made in the 70's (in a good way). This film is totally unique and challenges notions of mainstream filmmaking, there isn't a word uttered until about 15 minutes in, and presents a unique and almost experimental narrative. It's refreshing to see something so wonderfully different. Highly recommend.

The Droving (2020)

Gripping Story Beautifully Portrayed

[8/10 · 30 April 2020]

Really a solid film set in a dramatic location which feeds the elements of suspense and mysticism. Star Daniel Oldroyd gives an excellent performance that develops all the way to the final scene. The writing was unique and original.

All elements of the production value are excellent. Beautiful cinematography, sound design, score, performances an all around solid indie film that rivals those with much larger budgets. Well Done!

Before the Dawn (2019)

Nuanced and Bold

[8/10 · 17 April 2020]

This is a film that operates firmly in the gray area between absolute right and wrong. It's real life, things are complicated and not always easy to distill. The story is bold but believable, I feel the writer and director did a good job of not over-sensationalizing some pretty heavy topics, but handled the subject matter honestly.

Production value, cinematography and music were all top notch. This is a really well made indie film that delivers a story that many larger productions may avoid, but does so in a way that is bold yet touching.

The Stand Up Doll (2019)

Poignant and Moving

[8/10 · 17 April 2020]

This is a very powerful documentary about an exceptional woman and the lessons she accumulated over 99 years of life. The filmmaker has created a moving portrait of life, death, hardships, dignity and the indomitable spirit of joy in the face of sorrow. While reminding the audience of the many ways we do not see the elderly in our society, let alone learn from them. This film also connects to the past and the scars of the holocaust today for those who survived and the children of the survivors, working through the trauma 60+ years later. I also appreciated the film was not shy about tackling subjects like sexuality and prejudice. Revealing the mistakes made over a long life as a means for growth even at an advanced age.

We could learn a lot from this film and from our elders. Well worth the watch.

Sweet Sunshine (2020)

Really Enjoyable and Great Music

[9/10 · 16 April 2020]

This was honestly just a really enjoyable film. It was well done and the music and sound design were excellent, which is kind of rare for indie films. I don't want to give away spoilers but there were moments in the film that have that "YES" factor to it. It delivers what it advertises a drama which leaves you feeling good, despite the hardships endured along the way.

Typically feel-good films are synonymous to me with bad films, but truly not the case here. It's really good.

Ximbi Xombix (2019)

Stylish and Totally Unique

[8/10 · 16 April 2020]

Not really sure how to describe this film, you just kinda need to watch it for yourself. It's like an acid trip with a groovy soundtrack, disjointed narrative and funky visuals. This is the kind of indie film I enjoy because it's totally its own, not a cheap knock off or a recycled story line.

What's also unique about the film is that after you watch it once it plays great as background while doing other things because of the music and the stylish nature. Check it out for yourself.

Yesterday went with Yesterday (2019)

Reflective and Beautiful

[10/10 · 18 March 2020]

This movie is like a poem, it's moving, reflective and evocative, not heavy handed but makes a statement and is definitely worth your time. I loved the story, it's simple and understated, but what really spoke to me was the setting in a village in Lebanon. It was nice to see Lebanese culture through the eyes of the main character. Having spent time in the region it felt authentic and familiar, and most importantly not stereotypical, which can be hard to find unfortunately.

The writing was wonderful, cinematography was beautiful and overall the performances felt very authentic. I can't recommend this film highly enough.

Marlo Lasker (2020 TV Movie)

Hashtag Nerdlife

[8/10 · 10 March 2020]

Funny, irreverent and over the top, this comedy really delivers the laughs. Most indie comedies are lacking the main ingredient: laughs, but not Marlo Lasker. Rich Rotella brings to life a unique hysterical nerd who is on a quest to win the girl and defeat the jock, what's not to like about that storyline.

I thought the dialogue was really witty, the production value, editing, cinematography and performances were all super solid as well. I highly recommend this whimsical film.

Perfect Feet (2019)

Witty and Informative

[8/10 · 6 March 2020]

A charming but deep dive into everything feet, from health, to feats of strength, beauty and maintenance this documentary will entertain you as you learn all you've ever need to know about the awesome potential of your feet. A well made documentary, the director inserts himself into the narrative which makes the film more interesting and humorous. Solid production value, good editing, and original music as well.

Nineteen Summers (2019)

Caught in the Trap

[8/10 · 29 January 2020]

Nineteen Summers avoids easy answers as it lays bare the stories of the young men profiled in this film about loyalty and vengeance, while teasing at the potential for a better life away from the streets. I thought the writing was gritty and fantastic. It's a good thing to be frustrated sometimes, because that reflects the reality of so many people born into a life of poverty, police brutality and limited options, so resisting the urge to craft a feel-good story in this context helps illuminate the injustices, while at the same time providing a nuanced record of the ramifications of the choices people make. In short, it's complicated and that's what is so real about the film.

Cinematography and production value was fantastic, the performances were on-point and I think we'll be seeing more from this director.

Shady White (2019)

Solid Story and Execution

[8/10 · 13 January 2020]

Clayton Miller is great as the lead character Shady White, his performance is effortless and stands out in this ensemble cast. The story was original and the cast of characters made for an exciting romp in the world of organized, or unorganized depending on the character, crime.

The film kept my attention with solid production value, great camera work and music as well. I felt this was a surprisingly good indie crime thriller.

Bugs: A Trilogy (2018)

Creepy AF

[8/10 · 4 January 2020]

BUGS is a trilogy that will have you cleaning the apartment with a flamethrower when it's over, delightfully creepy and innovative this is definitely much better than most indie horror/thriller hybrid films. Well worth a watch.

Hesperia (2019)

Small Town Terror

[8/10 · 17 December 2019]

Incredible performances by the two youngest actors Candido Carter and Germain Arroyo, two actors I'd expect to see a lot more, headline this film which plays like a waking nightmare. The dark tones of the cinematography compliment the film well as does a solid edit and music score. The story is grim, but comes with a message on the pitfalls of the drug business.

Unlawful Justice (2018)

Gritty Real-Life Drama

[8/10 · 16 December 2019]

Unlawful Justice delivers a cinematic reflection of society for those dispossesed by the system. I think this film really bucks a lot of conventions in that even those who try to good in this environment are ultimately beaten down by it, illustrating the stacked nature of power imbalance in our society.

Cinematography and editing were also really solid as was the score, it's a solid indie film worth checking out.

Silent Panic (2018)

Riveting Suspense Drama

[8/10 · 9 December 2019]

Silent Panic has a simple premise that turns the lives of this ensemble cast upside down. The story is gripping and plays on the experience of not trusting law enforcement, something that is relatable to many communities, specifically what this means when confronted with a tricky situation like finding a dead body in your trunk. The acting was solid, dialogue was relatable and the actions fo the three main actors reveals their character's flaws and weaknesses which were otherwise hidden from those they are closest to.

I especially liked the tone of the film which was accentuated by a great score and solid cinematography.

Joyland (2019)

Truly Unique and Homegrown

[7/10 · 10 September 2019]

This movie has a really unique tone, it's not Boys in the Hood and it's not Friday either, but probably closer to the latter as it's funny and satirical while at the same time authentic to it's community, a hard feat for sure. The banter and dialogue was outstanding, I really enjoyed the supporting characters throughout and the performance by lead Jamikel Scott was terrific. Scott's delivery and comedic timing alone was worth tuning in for, I hope to see more of him in the future.

This movie feels homemade, but in a good way. Too often the hood is portrayed through a lens of fear or mockery, but Joyland is different, it's a film that says we can make our own damn movies and don't need the permission of the gatekeepers, a commendable feat for sure.

I hope to see more movies with bigger budgets from this talented director.

The Edict (2017)

Demonic and Good

[7/10 · 3 September 2019]

Intriguing film about a demonic possession, I thought the script was excellent and well conveyed through strong performances and solid visuals. Freya Saxon stands out as the troubled Jessi Anderson and I also really enjoyed the performance by Dionysius Akeem as Jessi's husband Kevin. The couple go through hell after they discover an ancient and potentially possessed artifact, or is it just Jessi's PTSD and mental illness that is causing the friction? There's nothing dull about this film that keeps the audience engaged throughout.

There were some issues with the sound mix in that the music is jarring at times and the dialogue is a bit quiet, but perhaps that was an artistic choice to really punch the transitions and deliver some shock. If that's the case then mission accomplished, but it could have been handled a bit more deftly.

This is a film that will keep the audience in suspense until the end, never letting its foot off the gas and delivers a stunning climax and finale.

Cold Pressed (2018)

Cold Blooded

[7/10 · 2 September 2019]

Cold Pressed pulls back the shade on a crime syndicate that I knew nothing about and explores the limitations of greed and forgery. An ensemble cast delivers a gripping story that will keep you engaged until the very end. Characters who are all to willing to betray each other in the pursuit of profit and petty desires create several storylines that operate in parallel with each other.

Erasing Eden (2016)

Sometimes it's Complicated

[8/10 · 28 August 2019]

This is a tour-de-force performance by Breeda Wool as Eden, the runaway bride, in a movie unlike any I've ever seen before. This film offers a raw and honest look at the psychosis of self-sabotage, alcoholism and the imposter syndrome felt by many and especially acute on one's wedding day. It's not an easy film by any means, and the audience will probably yell at the screen more than once, but it's important and shows that real life is messy an doesn't fit neatly into a pre-designed box.

I really enjoyed the verite style cinematography and the gritty locations around Los Angeles, it's bold and shows that cinema can be made anywhere and great indies can really elevate their craft by embracing the less seen pathways traveled by poor and marginalized communities. The music and production value were also very solid.

Original and heartbreaking this is an indie film worth your time and will leave you thinking about it for days afterwards, the mark of a great film in my opinion.

Ring Ring (I) (2019)

Tense and Funny

[8/10 · 21 August 2019]

I really enjoyed this somewhat light hearted horror film, the tension is certainly there as the main characters find themselves trapped in a house with a potential lunatic, but it's not a film that keeps the audience in knots throughout. The characters are relatable and the production value is great, the halloween setting does more to infuse the comical aspects of the film, especially in one memorable scene that I don't want to spoil.

The film and the actors do a good job of humanizing each character, casting rivals as enemies because of circumstance rather than a simple this person is bad and this person is good premise. Overall it's a riveting horror film that'll keep you engaged until the surprise ending.

Better Than Love (2019)

Gripping and Real

[9/10 · 19 August 2019]

This is a non-glamourous look at the effects of drug addiction and the climate of danger created by the black market. Gripping and raw the story moves quickly from the point of view of Jon, a low-level dealer who gets caught up in the hustle when his mentor is arrested. Jon quickly goes from low-level hustler, to the big-man in the game, briefly, before crashing to the bottom after a violent incident leaves him hooked on opiates.

This film moves with a very deliberate pace that will keep the audience engaged, if you walk out of the room with the movie un-paused you will surely miss some key event. Jon's character arc is powerful as is the performance by lead Andrew Lawrence. The cinematography is a real star in this film as is the wonderful score and sound design. The story is solid and believable and the drama hits home.

A solid indie film definitely worth the watch!

Widow (2009)

Love a Twist Ending

[7/10 · 8 August 2019]

Widow is a mind-bending indie film that leaves the audience stunned by the finale. This is a low budget film and should be reviewed as such and judged on the merits of its creative script, plot twists, verite style cinematography and quality performances, especially by the lead Cindy Maples. Just when you think you know what's happening in the film, the rug is pulled out and the finale keeps the viewer on the edge of their seats. Worth watching til the end.