Dog Food (short 2014)
4 stars out of 5.
This short is smart and fun in an "oh no you didn't" kind of way. Another "easy in the effects" film this movie follows the main character and his dog and it is through dialogue we start to understand the relationship they have.
It doesn't feel like an 18 minute tale, but make sure you have the time for it so you don't get interrupted. I recommend taking the time to read the article by Ivan Kander after the flick.
Written and Directed by Brian Crano who has 10 director and 5 writer credits on IMDB.
The 3 actors in this short do a great job. Amanda Seyfried, with 43 actor credits, odds are you have seen her in something before, I know I sure have. Cory Michael Smith and David Joseph Craig, although perhaps not as well know or recognized in some circles, are no slouches when it come to acting, and they do not disappoint.
As is the case when time and effects are an issue it is up to the actors to create and deliver the believable scenario the writer has envisioned. Thankfully for this movie lover, this project had the right people doing the right things.
Here is a link to the flick, I hope you enjoy it.
https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2014/10/29/dog-food/
**Spoilers**
NO! No spoilers for you, I wouldn't want to ruin your appetite. lol!
Wednesday, 29 July 2015
Monday, 27 July 2015
Behold the Noose (short 2014)
Behold the Noose (short 2014)
3.5 out of 5 stars.
There is nothing wrong with this short. It could easily be the beginning, middle or end of any movie in the genre. Directed by Jamie Brooks who shares the writing credit with Sheldon Chick.
https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2014/10/28/behold-the-noose/
Jamie has 7 director credits and 6 writing credits, all seem to be shorts. Sheldon has 4 writing credits, also in the short genre. These two have "Bomb City" coming out in 2016, I do not know if I will watch it only because it is a crime flick.
The write up on Behold the Noose is done by Rob Munday, and the behind the scenes about this flick is why I gave it 3.5 stars. I suggest you watch the flick, read the write up and watch it again to appreciate the amount of work put into it. If you are a new director I suggest you watch this flick to see what can be done on a schedule.
I figure if Jamie and Sheldon can come up with this while over coming the challenges, then I look forward to what they can do with more time and money.
Until next time everybody, remember, Protect Your Privates!
3.5 out of 5 stars.
There is nothing wrong with this short. It could easily be the beginning, middle or end of any movie in the genre. Directed by Jamie Brooks who shares the writing credit with Sheldon Chick.
https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2014/10/28/behold-the-noose/
The write up on Behold the Noose is done by Rob Munday, and the behind the scenes about this flick is why I gave it 3.5 stars. I suggest you watch the flick, read the write up and watch it again to appreciate the amount of work put into it. If you are a new director I suggest you watch this flick to see what can be done on a schedule.
I figure if Jamie and Sheldon can come up with this while over coming the challenges, then I look forward to what they can do with more time and money.
Until next time everybody, remember, Protect Your Privates!
Thursday, 23 July 2015
Exit (short 2012)
Exit (short 2012)
4 out of 5 stars
This tense tale starts off quite well. Doesn't take long to establish how you feel about the few characters you are meeting. The acting is very well done and the set looks great. Keeping in mind I am not a historian and could not begin to tell you anything about what era this or that is from, I think got the feel for the era the director was going for.
Ivan Kander does the write up below the movie, and I have to agree with him that it has a twilight zone feel to it. Directed by Daniel Shea Zimbler (aka Daniel Zimbler), which he adapted from a short story of the same name by Harry Farjeon. Daniel has 5 writing credits, 4 Directing credits and a few other credits for editing, producing and acting on IMDB.
If you like watching a well acted flick that is creepy, intense and haunting; give this 12 minute short a viewing.
https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2014/10/30/exit/
Until next time everybody, remember, Protect Your Privates!
Spoilers**
*There is no blood or boobs.
*No penis or penis trauma.
4 out of 5 stars
This tense tale starts off quite well. Doesn't take long to establish how you feel about the few characters you are meeting. The acting is very well done and the set looks great. Keeping in mind I am not a historian and could not begin to tell you anything about what era this or that is from, I think got the feel for the era the director was going for.
Ivan Kander does the write up below the movie, and I have to agree with him that it has a twilight zone feel to it. Directed by Daniel Shea Zimbler (aka Daniel Zimbler), which he adapted from a short story of the same name by Harry Farjeon. Daniel has 5 writing credits, 4 Directing credits and a few other credits for editing, producing and acting on IMDB.
If you like watching a well acted flick that is creepy, intense and haunting; give this 12 minute short a viewing.
https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2014/10/30/exit/
Until next time everybody, remember, Protect Your Privates!
Spoilers**
*There is no blood or boobs.
*No penis or penis trauma.
Monday, 20 July 2015
Panic Button (2011)
Panic Button (2011)
4 stars out of 5.
Adult Stuff-Cheesy One Liners, Bad Language, Booze, Drugs, Puss, Blood, Bondage, Guts, Gore, Hoochie Girls, Boobs, Sex, Vagina, Penis, Penis Trauma
After 10- I have seen these game show horror type shows before, and always enjoy the unique and creative craziness, but I don't know if I would get selected for it. Or if I would sign up for it. So far this one has me interested.
After 40- Oh my gawd! Who... what... how??? I can't wait to see what happens.
By The End- Holy SNAP! How is this only a 2 star on Netflix? What a great story idea, and the only way it could have been delivered so well was with actors that brought it home. I mean great! If you like thrillers that rope you in, tie you up, and keep you guessing till the end then sit down, get comfy and enjoy the ride.
After Checking IMDB- Oh wow!! Where to start! So much I wanna say! Chris Crow is the director who shares the writing credit with Frazer Lee, John Shackleton and David Shillitoe. This is Chris's 3rd completed project with number 4 in post-production. I want to track down his other 2 flicks and see how they are. This is the only non-short writing credit for Frazer. John only has 3 other writing credits. David also has co-producer credit on this film.
This team of writers delivered an intriguing story that caught my attention and kept it till the end. I started this movie thinking I knew what was going on,(1)* Part of what makes a good story better, is timing. A good story teller feeds you important info about the story so that you can keep up, or at least follow along. In this story I found I would be asking myself "Why did this happen?" Or "Why is this important?" And after a few moments, while the question is still in my mind and I am trying to piece it together, we get another piece that gives us clarity or understanding, With that clarity or understanding more of the story is revealed to us and we as viewers can progress along with the story. It is a great technique for involving the viewer; and it is done very well in this film. If you don't pay attention to the movie and dialogue, you could easily miss something important that might lessen your enjoyment of the film.
The 300,000 pound budget for this movie I feel was spent well. I think they told a great story for such a small budget, and I feel the only way they could have accomplished it was with the acting talents they found.
I do not want anyone to feel excluded, but I am giving my main shout outs to the 4 main characters on the plane.
Scarlett Alice Johnson 14 credits mostly TV
Jack Gordon 25 acting credits including Wrong Turn 3
Michael Jibson 31 acting credits, I knew I had seen him before. Some of these were other projects with Chris.
Elen Rhys has 20 acting credits, mostly TV and some other work with Chris also.
A small budget, psychological thriller like this needs to be delivered properly. Your talent has to be on point. Without the talent it would be easy for someone to get lost, distracted or lose interest in the story. For me these actors took a good story and delivered it well, which made it better.
Until next time everybody, remember, Protect Your Privates!
Spoilers**
**Think they would have mentioned that in the terms and conditions?
(1)* but after the first round I was a little suspicious of what was going on.* Looking back I should have clued in sooner.
4 stars out of 5.
Adult Stuff-
After 10- I have seen these game show horror type shows before, and always enjoy the unique and creative craziness, but I don't know if I would get selected for it. Or if I would sign up for it. So far this one has me interested.
After 40- Oh my gawd! Who... what... how??? I can't wait to see what happens.
By The End- Holy SNAP! How is this only a 2 star on Netflix? What a great story idea, and the only way it could have been delivered so well was with actors that brought it home. I mean great! If you like thrillers that rope you in, tie you up, and keep you guessing till the end then sit down, get comfy and enjoy the ride.
After Checking IMDB- Oh wow!! Where to start! So much I wanna say! Chris Crow is the director who shares the writing credit with Frazer Lee, John Shackleton and David Shillitoe. This is Chris's 3rd completed project with number 4 in post-production. I want to track down his other 2 flicks and see how they are. This is the only non-short writing credit for Frazer. John only has 3 other writing credits. David also has co-producer credit on this film.
This team of writers delivered an intriguing story that caught my attention and kept it till the end. I started this movie thinking I knew what was going on,(1)* Part of what makes a good story better, is timing. A good story teller feeds you important info about the story so that you can keep up, or at least follow along. In this story I found I would be asking myself "Why did this happen?" Or "Why is this important?" And after a few moments, while the question is still in my mind and I am trying to piece it together, we get another piece that gives us clarity or understanding, With that clarity or understanding more of the story is revealed to us and we as viewers can progress along with the story. It is a great technique for involving the viewer; and it is done very well in this film. If you don't pay attention to the movie and dialogue, you could easily miss something important that might lessen your enjoyment of the film.
The 300,000 pound budget for this movie I feel was spent well. I think they told a great story for such a small budget, and I feel the only way they could have accomplished it was with the acting talents they found.
I do not want anyone to feel excluded, but I am giving my main shout outs to the 4 main characters on the plane.
Scarlett Alice Johnson 14 credits mostly TV
Jack Gordon 25 acting credits including Wrong Turn 3
Michael Jibson 31 acting credits, I knew I had seen him before. Some of these were other projects with Chris.
Elen Rhys has 20 acting credits, mostly TV and some other work with Chris also.
A small budget, psychological thriller like this needs to be delivered properly. Your talent has to be on point. Without the talent it would be easy for someone to get lost, distracted or lose interest in the story. For me these actors took a good story and delivered it well, which made it better.
Until next time everybody, remember, Protect Your Privates!
Spoilers**
**Think they would have mentioned that in the terms and conditions?
(1)* but after the first round I was a little suspicious of what was going on.* Looking back I should have clued in sooner.
Friday, 17 July 2015
Zombie Resurrection (2014)
Zombie Resurrection (2014)
1.5 out of 5 stars. Made it through thanks to the fast forward button.
Adult Stuff- no clue, couldn't watch it.
After 10- Errrmagerd!!! This movie, after 10 minutes looks like it has all the pieces it needs to be a decent movie. It's got a prisoner, a couple military guys. a slut, a business man, & his daughter, then a religious zealot of some sort. Then some random guy, blah blah. It even has a neat cartoon style intro.
After 40- Looks like they are in a church or something.
By The End- I am soooooooo happy it's over.
After Checking IMDB- DANG! It sounds like an interesting movie idea, but the acting and dialogue drove me away so fast. Based on the £100,000 budget, it looked ok.
This flick looked like it had the components for a really interesting zombie film. I do not know what it was about it, but I could not make it through the flick. I want to know what happened, I know I missed important dialogue, but every time the actors opened their mouths I hit the fast forward button.
Written and Directed by Andy Phelps and Jake Hawkins who are both very new to IMDB. All of Andy's credits are related to this movie and Jake has a previous short in 2012 and currently filming another movie. Let me reiterate; this movie seemed to have the right parts, but the acting and dialogue stopped me from being able to get into the movie. In my opinion, for the budget they had these two did ok. I 'm sure some people loved the film, or at least enjoyed the low budget campy feel. I would not write off these two writer/directors yet; this was a good effort for an emerging artist and I would give the next piece from them at least a 10 minute test.
Until next time everybody, remember, Protect Your Privates!
Spoilers**
The actors, they spoiled the movie for me.
1.5 out of 5 stars. Made it through thanks to the fast forward button.
Adult Stuff- no clue, couldn't watch it.
After 10- Errrmagerd!!! This movie, after 10 minutes looks like it has all the pieces it needs to be a decent movie. It's got a prisoner, a couple military guys. a slut, a business man, & his daughter, then a religious zealot of some sort. Then some random guy, blah blah. It even has a neat cartoon style intro.
After 40- Looks like they are in a church or something.
By The End- I am soooooooo happy it's over.
After Checking IMDB- DANG! It sounds like an interesting movie idea, but the acting and dialogue drove me away so fast. Based on the £100,000 budget, it looked ok.
This flick looked like it had the components for a really interesting zombie film. I do not know what it was about it, but I could not make it through the flick. I want to know what happened, I know I missed important dialogue, but every time the actors opened their mouths I hit the fast forward button.
Written and Directed by Andy Phelps and Jake Hawkins who are both very new to IMDB. All of Andy's credits are related to this movie and Jake has a previous short in 2012 and currently filming another movie. Let me reiterate; this movie seemed to have the right parts, but the acting and dialogue stopped me from being able to get into the movie. In my opinion, for the budget they had these two did ok. I 'm sure some people loved the film, or at least enjoyed the low budget campy feel. I would not write off these two writer/directors yet; this was a good effort for an emerging artist and I would give the next piece from them at least a 10 minute test.
Until next time everybody, remember, Protect Your Privates!
Spoilers**
The actors, they spoiled the movie for me.
Tuesday, 14 July 2015
Unedited Footage of a Bear (2014 short)
Unedited Footage of a Bear (2014 short)
3.5 stars out of 5.
This 10 minute short is a unique idea, and this topic is a source of entertainment and amusement for my household.
If you got 10 minutes to kill and could use a laugh, you could try this one. I thought the use of imagery and music helped tell the story.
Here is the link for the short, and I encourage you to read the write up by Rob Munday, which further helps explain the origins of this piece.
https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2015/01/09/unedited-footage-of-a-bear/
Directed by Ben O'Brien and Alan Resnick, and produced by Adult Swim.
Ben O'Brien has a handful of credits as writer, director, producer, actor and editor.
Alan Resnick has 15 writing credits, most are tv or shorts, and a various number of other credits.
Until next time everybody, remember, Protect Your Privates!
3.5 stars out of 5.
This 10 minute short is a unique idea, and this topic is a source of entertainment and amusement for my household.
If you got 10 minutes to kill and could use a laugh, you could try this one. I thought the use of imagery and music helped tell the story.
Here is the link for the short, and I encourage you to read the write up by Rob Munday, which further helps explain the origins of this piece.
https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2015/01/09/unedited-footage-of-a-bear/
Ben O'Brien has a handful of credits as writer, director, producer, actor and editor.
Alan Resnick has 15 writing credits, most are tv or shorts, and a various number of other credits.
Until next time everybody, remember, Protect Your Privates!
Saturday, 11 July 2015
Poker Night (2014)
Poker Night (2014)
4.5 out of 5 stars.
Adult Stuff-Cheesy One Liners, Bad Language, Booze, Drugs, Puss, Blood, Bondage, Guts, Gore, Hoochie Girls, Boobs, Sex, Vagina, Penis, Penis Trauma
After 10- OK, neat stories, I am interested now.
After 40- Holy, how will it end?
By The End- Ahhhhhhh crap!! I should have seen that coming!!! Very Nice!
After Checking IMDB- Written and Directed by Greg Francis, everything else on this IMDB is TV work. I can not say enough. I have not seen any of his other work, but based on this movie alone I would be happy to see anything else by this man. Regarding the actors;
Ron Perlman is one of my favorite actors. He has been one of my favorites since before I even knew his name. He's been acting almost as long as I have been alive and he seems afraid of no role. Whether just his voice, or him in full make up to the point where you almost can not recognize him, to minimal make up roles where once you see him you become more invested in the flick. Ron Perlman is a breaktaking force in the entertainment world. I have only seen a handful of his interviews, but he seems like a real person who has been around long enough to know the truth, (almost jaded) about how the machine works. He seems to embrace his natural talent and I love IT!
Giancarlo Esposito is an actor whom I have enjoyed since Breaking Bad. Now this statement does nothing to show this man's extensive filmography. Acting since 1952 this man is a good actor, and when I see him I light up a little.
I feel the bad guy did a great job. I thought the way he moved and allowed his body language to say what his face could not because of the mask was a success for himself and the director.
This movie is an action crime thriller, and it had me hooked in the first 10 minutes. A story that brings you in, characters that get you interested, and a mystery that is screaming to be solved.
If you like thrillers, or a good mystery, this movie is an easy recommend.
Until next time everybody, remember, Protect Your Privates!
Spoilers**
4.5 out of 5 stars.
Adult Stuff-
After 10- OK, neat stories, I am interested now.
After 40- Holy, how will it end?
By The End- Ahhhhhhh crap!! I should have seen that coming!!! Very Nice!
After Checking IMDB- Written and Directed by Greg Francis, everything else on this IMDB is TV work. I can not say enough. I have not seen any of his other work, but based on this movie alone I would be happy to see anything else by this man. Regarding the actors;
Ron Perlman is one of my favorite actors. He has been one of my favorites since before I even knew his name. He's been acting almost as long as I have been alive and he seems afraid of no role. Whether just his voice, or him in full make up to the point where you almost can not recognize him, to minimal make up roles where once you see him you become more invested in the flick. Ron Perlman is a breaktaking force in the entertainment world. I have only seen a handful of his interviews, but he seems like a real person who has been around long enough to know the truth, (almost jaded) about how the machine works. He seems to embrace his natural talent and I love IT!
Giancarlo Esposito is an actor whom I have enjoyed since Breaking Bad. Now this statement does nothing to show this man's extensive filmography. Acting since 1952 this man is a good actor, and when I see him I light up a little.
I feel the bad guy did a great job. I thought the way he moved and allowed his body language to say what his face could not because of the mask was a success for himself and the director.
This movie is an action crime thriller, and it had me hooked in the first 10 minutes. A story that brings you in, characters that get you interested, and a mystery that is screaming to be solved.
If you like thrillers, or a good mystery, this movie is an easy recommend.
Until next time everybody, remember, Protect Your Privates!
Spoilers**
*NO! You don't get any!! Go watch the movie and let me know what you think.*
Monday, 6 July 2015
Breathe (short)
Breathe (short) 2013
4.5 stars out of 5.
It only takes 5 minutes, and you might want to watch it twice just to be sure you can take in everything.
Initial thoughts-
starts right off,
stuff? what?
WOW! Neat.
This 5 minute short wastes no time. It gets right into the setup and dialogue, both of which are well done. The score on this short is great at setting the tone subtly.
I could find nothing about this short on IMDB and had to go back to the site https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2015/02/09/breathe/ to find more details.
Director Toby Meakins, has 9 director credits and 4 writer credits on IMDB. I can not wait to track down some more of his work.
Simon Allen has 14 writing credits on IMDB, and it looks like some are shared with Toby Meakins, so again I look forward to viewing some of the other works from this duo.
The cast; Jack North, Josef Altin and Orion Ben, were all believable and made the story easy to watch.
This seems to be Jack's only credit at the time, and when searching IMDB for him it brought up "Breathe" right away.
Josef is no stranger to IMDB and I am sure we will continue to enjoy seeing his contributions to entertainment continue.
Orion has only 6 actress credits, starting in 2013. I think it is safe to say her career is just starting, and we can look forward to seeing more with her as well.
With no immediate IMDB link for me to follow and find info on I scrolled down and read the article by Ivan Kander. His article is informative and honest and without being long winded. If you enjoy this movie please take a sec and read the article and maybe share it, perhaps we can get the bigger project up and running.
Until next time everybody, remember, Protect Your Privates!
4.5 stars out of 5.
It only takes 5 minutes, and you might want to watch it twice just to be sure you can take in everything.
Initial thoughts-
starts right off,
stuff? what?
WOW! Neat.
This 5 minute short wastes no time. It gets right into the setup and dialogue, both of which are well done. The score on this short is great at setting the tone subtly.
I could find nothing about this short on IMDB and had to go back to the site https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2015/02/09/breathe/ to find more details.
Director Toby Meakins, has 9 director credits and 4 writer credits on IMDB. I can not wait to track down some more of his work.
Simon Allen has 14 writing credits on IMDB, and it looks like some are shared with Toby Meakins, so again I look forward to viewing some of the other works from this duo.
The cast; Jack North, Josef Altin and Orion Ben, were all believable and made the story easy to watch.
This seems to be Jack's only credit at the time, and when searching IMDB for him it brought up "Breathe" right away.
Josef is no stranger to IMDB and I am sure we will continue to enjoy seeing his contributions to entertainment continue.
Orion has only 6 actress credits, starting in 2013. I think it is safe to say her career is just starting, and we can look forward to seeing more with her as well.
With no immediate IMDB link for me to follow and find info on I scrolled down and read the article by Ivan Kander. His article is informative and honest and without being long winded. If you enjoy this movie please take a sec and read the article and maybe share it, perhaps we can get the bigger project up and running.
Until next time everybody, remember, Protect Your Privates!
Thursday, 2 July 2015
Clown (2014)
Clown (2014)
4.5 out of 5 stars.
Adult Stuff-Cheesy One Liners, Bad Language, Booze, Drugs, Puss, Blood, Bondage, Guts, Gore, Hoochie Girls, Boobs, Sex, Vagina, Penis, Penis Trauma
After 10- Seems like a harmless idea. Kid wants a clown, be a good dad, be a clown. Looks good, good acting too.
After 40- WOW!! The story flows nicely and I am totally invested. Can't wait to see how it ends.
By The End- Wow! A well done story. Good acting and camera work. Don't want to spoil anything, but put aside your assumptions and enjoy the show.
After Checking IMDB- This flick is directed by Jon Watts, who shares the writing credit with Christopher D Ford. Let me just say great. Also, Eli Roth produced it. I am an Eli Roth fan, as readers of this blog know, and when I heard he had a hand in this flick I was on board. The special effects and the way the story makes you feel I thought was fantastic. I think if you have enjoyed anything from Eli Roth in the past you will enjoy this also.
Until next time everybody, remember, Protect Your Privates!
Spoilers**
*I do not want to spoil anything, pop some popcorn, assume nothing, and enjoy this movie.
*Who doesn't love Peter Stormare?
4.5 out of 5 stars.
Adult Stuff-
After 10- Seems like a harmless idea. Kid wants a clown, be a good dad, be a clown. Looks good, good acting too.
After 40- WOW!! The story flows nicely and I am totally invested. Can't wait to see how it ends.
By The End- Wow! A well done story. Good acting and camera work. Don't want to spoil anything, but put aside your assumptions and enjoy the show.
After Checking IMDB- This flick is directed by Jon Watts, who shares the writing credit with Christopher D Ford. Let me just say great. Also, Eli Roth produced it. I am an Eli Roth fan, as readers of this blog know, and when I heard he had a hand in this flick I was on board. The special effects and the way the story makes you feel I thought was fantastic. I think if you have enjoyed anything from Eli Roth in the past you will enjoy this also.
Until next time everybody, remember, Protect Your Privates!
Spoilers**
*I do not want to spoil anything, pop some popcorn, assume nothing, and enjoy this movie.
*Who doesn't love Peter Stormare?
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