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melindakbryce
Reviews
Byte (2024)
HIGHLY ENTERTAINING CREATURE FEATURE
I saw this both in the theatre and at home on Tubi, and I have to say that this indie film is a lot of fun! It kind of gave us Mystery Incorporated Scooby Doo vibes for a new generation. With a gang of young people trying to figure out who's behind the deadly animal attacks and the new app that has its users drinking a vial of blood, Byte incorporates the tropes and characters of an old school mystery creature thriller with modern technology, a twist of humor, and tons of blood spatter! The theatre audience was fully engaged and it was fun a second time at home too. While some of the acting was either over the top or deadpan, it lent to the genre well and there are lines that people came out of theatre repeating! Jett was really well ancted, you'd be shocked to know it was the a tor's first feature film! And April and Nora were believable heroes who really showed their acting chops (played by veteran actress Kayden Bryce and newcomer Carlie Allen) as they fought for... well, I won't spoil it for you!
A Holiday I Do (2023)
As the Screenwriter, I'm a Little Biased
As a screenwriter, I never know if the story I put on paper is going to come out in the finished product, but this team did not disappoint: it's exactly the light-hearted, somewhat formulaic, family-friendly Hallmark-style Christmas film the LGBTQ community has been waiting for! Sure, there are tropes and yes, there's Christmas magic in the Givens family. There's unlikely love and amazing community togetherness, a sleigh and a classic meet-cute. But it also digs into some interesting relationship dynamics when it comes to love after divorce, and a relationship when you are spending your time between work and your child. I hope you all watch and just enjoy it with a cup of cocoa (splash of Bailey's optional).
Chasing the Ghost (2022)
Great Urban Psychological Thriller!
What a great take on a psychological thriller - with a little paranormal thrown in. Loved the quirky head of Sunnydale, Angel -- and phenomenal performaces by all of the Michigan actors. This film really took a turn that I didn't expect at all, which was fantastic. Plus, it was great seeing some Detroit landmarks in there. I've never seen a film about addiction quite like this - it's inventive, dark, surprising, and it makes you think. Music and cinemotography were fantastic and the characters in Sunnydale provided some comic relief - especially Vondie! Of course, Hoopz and Lucci killed it! Excelelnt Detroit film - will rewatch!
If I Can't Have You... (2022)
AWESOME DARK COMEDY/THRILLER WITH CREEPY TWIST
I love how this film was incredibly self-aware. It was a spoof of the stalker thriller genre that loved stalker thrillers. It was funny, it was creepy, it was scary. I especially loved the relationship between sisters, and how Mandy Logston's character took it too far and almost became what she was vowed to protect her sister from. Mandy was also hilariously well-played!
I'd love to see a prequel, you know, to really dig into the characters more. Although, you really don't need to go deep to enjoy this movie for what it is-- a fantastic comedic thriller that's well written, well acted, and well done!
Just Another Dream (2021)
EXCELLENT FAMILY THRILLER WITH TONS OF HEART!
There aren't many films out that an entire family can sit down and watch together, and all be entertained. This one, however, hits the mark on all levels! One thing I've noticed about kids' entertainment over the years is that the parents and adults have been made to look like fools, or bumbling, or dumb, or irrelevant. But in Just Another Dream, the family is close and they truly care about one another. In fact, family is a huge message in this film, as well as friendship. Plus, it has awesome stunts, incredible SFX, and a twist to the story that will have you going, "No, WAY!" It's hard to believe this is an indy film. Excellent story, amazing actors, fantastic cinemetography... It has all the elements of Hollywood, and you're going to love it!
In Guns We Trust (2017)
HILARIOUS AND DARK - JUST HOW I LIKE IT
This was not your typical gangster film. It was darkly humorous with a clear and interesting plot. The acting was superb. The cinematography was excellent-- above and beyond your typical indie film. The sound track was perfect... I get one of the songs stuck in my head and I love it.
Is there blood? Yep. Is there violence? Yep. Is there sex? Yep. Is it too much? Maybe for some people, but I'm actually a middle aged mom and I loved it. Nothing is gratuitous-- if it's there, it drives the plot. It serves a purpose.
Fantastic film. A must see if you're a fan of dark comedy.
Ring of Silence (2019)
THE FILM EVERY PARENT SHOULD SEE
Ring of Silence is a film that every mother, every father, everyone who loves a child must see. I have two teenage girls and a teenage boy. The story told in this film makes my heart ache, but it also makes me fully aware that at any moment, in any city, suburb, or small town in this country, a teenager just like April could be manipulated into human sex trafficking.
When I left the theater, there was a small group of women walking out crying. I because the film felt so real to them.
It felt real to me, too. I wanted to know the characters, to understand more about them and their lives. Brian J. O'Donnell's performance was remarkable, switching back and forth between adorable and dark. Detroit actress/singer Daeisha Turnbull was also a powerful force in the film. Watch it for the message, and watch it again for the artistry and quality of this film.