Better Watch Out -

The holidays, a time of year that brings joy and dread to millions.  If you are like me you enjoy this time more when it's a little darker, a little bloodier and a little more shocking.  Better Watch Out brings all of those elements and does exactly what it attempts to do- make a winter holiday horror movie that is actually quite great.

The film does not feature a well- known masked killer, it is not a sequel or prequel, and there is nothing lurking in the woods, however it does feature a new bad boy.  A very, very bad boy.    Starring Olivia DeJonge, Dacre Montgomery (co-stars in M. Night Shyamalan's The Visit) and Levi Miller (2015's Pan), the film quickly moves into the action.

Babysitter Ashley (DeJonge) is tasked with looking after 12-year-old Luke (Miller) while his parents (Virginia Madsen & Patrick Warburton) attend a holiday party.  Luke solidly declares he is too old for a sitter but reluctantly complies because he harbors a crush on Ashley.  With his troublemaker best friend Jeremy (Montgomery), Luke concocts a plan to tell Ashley how he feels.

Ashley and Luke's evening starts off normally but strange things begin to happen after a series of calls to the home.  Soon the night takes a drastic turn as Ashley is forced to defend the home and Luke against intruders.  You will see a semblance of 70's and 80's horror themes but that is where the familiarity stops. From this point on, the formulaic babysitter slasher movies goes out the window.  That is the beauty of Better Watch Out, everything goes-there is no formula being followed. Just when you think you have it figured out, I assure you, you do not.

Strong performances and smart dialogue make it feel fresh but abstract enough to where it sets itself apart from other films of this genre.  Director Chris Peckover (Undocumented) splendidly provides the viewer with an onslaught of great story, demented people and a particular kill that will leave you horrified.  

Out in theaters across the U.S. October 6th, this one is not to be missed.  You should enjoy this on the big screen with other a group of friends.

Better Watch Out - Trailer

Who's Watching Oliver Review

“Who’s Watching Oliver”

Written:  Russell Geoffrey Banks, Raimund Huber & Richie Moore

Directed:  Richie Moore

Starring:  Russell Geoffrey Banks, Sarah Malakul Lane & Margaret Roche

Who’s Watching Oliver finds the sweet spot of balancing terror and storytelling.  It tells the story of awkward, loner Oliver (Russell Geoffrey Banks) as he navigates his way around in a foreign land.  It’s apparent that he is extremely isolated in his interactions with others and you immediately feel sorry for him.  Those feelings of empathy quickly turn to disgust as the viewer realizes his nights are not as lonely as previously perceived.

Oliver has his domineering Mother to keep him company via video messaging.  From their first interactions, it’s realized this is no typical mother-son relationship.  Mama makes Norma Bates and Mrs. Lift (Throw Mama From the Train) seem like June Cleaver.  Mama is mean, foul- mouthed and irrationally controlling as she demands things no mother should ask for.  She controls Oliver’s every move, seemingly from around the world- and he obeys dutifully as he does dirty deeds in the cover of night.

Oliver’s life begins to change when he meets the beautiful and equally lonely Sophia (Sarah Malakul Lane).  In Sophia, he finds a kind word and eventually a friend.  As their chance meeting turns into daily dates at the park, Oliver begins to realize there is more to his life than doing his Mother’s sadistic bidding.  You feel a deep sadness and fear as Oliver struggles to break away from Mama and live his own life.  Who’s Watching Oliver is deeply dark, nihilistic and violent.  It casts an uncomfortable light on the mental and physical abuses that can come from the people who are supposed to love us most.  Wonderfully scripted and beautifully shot, this is a film that will stay in your mind long after it is over.  Russell Geoffrey Banks gives a moving and powerful performance that elicits both pity and fear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iea8wQXQDdI 

Uncanny Review

Uncanny:  2015

Writer:  Shahin Chandrasoma

Director:  Matthew Leutwyler

Starring:  Mark Webber, Lucy Griffiths, David Clayton Rogers

                                                                                                       David Clayton Rogers (Adam)

It was bound to happen that Uncanny would be compared to Ex Machina- even though Uncanny was completed in 2012.  The movies do share similar foundations.  Both center on paranoid, reclusive robotics engineers that are at the pinnacle of their field in artificial intelligence.  And each are to the point they desire to share their work with the world.

Uncanny stars Mark Webber (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Green Room) as scientist and robotics creator David Kressen.  Kressen is a MIT prodigy that graduated at the top of his class at 19. From there he embarked on a job that was so secretive he has not had contact with the outside world and has worked in a lab for the last nine years.  A lab with the sole purpose of creating the perfect artificial intelligence.  Finally ready to share his work and creation with the world, Kressen invites writer and former robotics protege Joy Andrews to come for a week long visit.  Cleverly played by Lucy Griffiths (Preacher, True Blood), Joy has entered into a situation she does fully comprehend.  Caught between skepticism and fascination Joy fully engages as she dances between reporter and robotics enthusiast. 

Impressed with her writing and robotics background, David invites her to be the ultimate critic her to his A.I. Adam (David Clayton Rogers).  Cleverly played by Lucy Griffiths (Preacher, True Blood), Joy has entered into a situation she does not fully comprehend.  Caught between skepticism and fascination she goes into

Impressed with her writing and robotics background, David invites her to be the ultimate skeptic and judge and introduces her to his A.I. Adam (David Clayton Rogers).  Cleverly played by Lucy Griffiths (Preacher, True Blood), Joy has entered into a situation she does not fully comprehend. Caught between skepticism and fascination she goes into investigation mode. Joy delicately engages Adam in conversation and interacts with him

David Clayton Rogers (Adam), Lucy Griffiths (Joy Andrews)

and quickly realizes this might be the real thing- the first A.I. that can actually pass all the tests and blend in as real.  

But everything is not as it seems as Adam begins to display emotion and actions seeming impossible, even from the best programmer in the field.  The interactions between scientist and creation often times appear tense and uncomfortable.  Kressen is cold and aloof toward Adam, displaying an almost has a disdain toward him.  Joy on the other hand is beyond fascinated. Adam is sincerely curious about Joy as he feebly attempts to engage her in conversation; seemingly relieved to have another person to interact with..  

Despite the intrigue, there is something clearly off about this duo, although it is difficult to gage what that is.  An awkward occurrence between Joy and Adam intensifies the already strained circumstances.

Mark Weber (David Kressen)

Skillful shooting and wonderfully subtle acting from Weber and Rodgers makes Uncanny worth the watch.  Most films have trouble succeeding without a larger cast or frequent locations changes, but that is one of the elements that makes Uncanny so rich.  The hint of claustrophobia adds to the tense feeling of isolation.  Be warned, this is not a high action film but a clinic in more is less, and when good direction trumps all.