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Reviews
Craig Quits His Day Job (2016)
For quirky quitters
If you're into indie movies and quirk comedy, you'll appreciate this. Craig decides to quit his job and during the week that follows, he encounters a bizarre variety of crazy characters (most of them live in his building), among which a sweet love interest.
I enjoyed the comedy that seems natural, the acting (some great scenes), the writing/directing by Eric Paul Chapman and the music! The best thing is that you can really tell these people had fun making an indie movie that's never pretentious.
As a professional quitter, I could relate to the protagonist, but happy to report that I didn't quit watching :)
Under Spanish Skies (2022)
Lovely Indie Film
Great example of good story telling with limited budget. A group of characters are forced to confront their fears and each others. In the background, a beautiful Spanish villa. Writer/director Nathan Buck does a great job in writing complex characters and directing skilled actors.
It's a drama about life and death who takes you on a journey with the characters as they discover secrets and truths about themselves and their friends. Like in The Big Chill, there's an absent character whose presence though is very strong.
The plot is original and universal at the same time. Everyone could related to those fears and conflicts.
Strongly recommended.
Framed (2021)
Great indie movie!
Here's a great example of what a good script and a talented director can do with a low budget. The movie is beautifully shot, well acted, the script is solid and the story reminded me of Body Double and Rear Window. The soundtrack enhances everything. Really good indie, bravo!
Sunday Mornings (2021)
Fun watch!
It's a fun movie that leaves you with some deeper stuff to think about. I loved how the family really feels like family. Sometimes they're so over the top, it's fun to watch. The actors did a great job and the filmmakers were able to put together a really good movie with an indie budget.
Pungo: A Witch's Tale (2020)
Fun witch horror!
What a fun horror, well done for a low budget movie. Real witches stories are always a good premise. The movie is packed with special effects and stunning locations, action and spooky moments.
Vietnam: Fast Forward (2021)
Inspirational doc
What an inspirational doc. I want to go to Vietnam as soon as I can! The country is beautiful, nature is lush and generous, and people are so smart and grounded. Listening to their stories is humbling and left me with a sense of admiration and respect. Well done, highly recommended.
I'll Meet You There (2020)
Beautiful and important.
Iram Parveen Bilal tells an important and beautiful story. The film follows Majeed, a Muslim Chicago police officer, and his daughter Dua, an aspiring dancer who are well integrated in the American culture. Their world changes after the unexpected arrival of Majeed's more traditional father Baba and when Majeed is asked to go undercover at the mosque his father Baba is attending. There's so much in this indie movie: the Islamic culture, which has so many fascinating aspects, a universal story of how we all deal with family relationships and a touching parallel between dance and life. Rumi's quote melts your heart and makes you realize how, beyond our life experiences and backgrounds, we all are one.
Back to Berlin (2018)
So powerful!
Such a great reminder of an important part of history. I was incredibly moved. It's not just the story of these people who embark on a biking trip to remember their grandfathers or relatives, but it also reminds us of the danger of intolerance. Highly recommended.
Bigfoot: Path of the Beast (2020)
Good indie!
Kudos to Justin Snyder for wearing many hats in this low budget horror indie. I learned stuff about Bigfoot (which is cool). The premise is very interesting, well written and directed. A great example of how to make a movie with a low budget.
Threebound (2019)
Great indie!
Well written (not the usual cliche' rom-com), well acted, well directed and with high production value, this indie captures the lives of Sarah and Matt and their take on relationships, sex and rebounds.
I really enjoyed it!
Purdah (2018)
Inspiring and touching doc!
Sometimes we forget that other people (especially women) in the world have to fight for rights we take for granted. This documentary follows Kaikasha, a young Muslim girl, who juggles between religion, family beliefs and her dream to play professional cricket.
I really enjoyed following the journey of Kaikasha and her two sisters, their dreams, their joy for life and their determination, despite their destiny of being born in a society where women cannot do whatever they please and their fate of being stuck in that society. It definitely makes you appreciate your life more.
The Midas Touch (2020)
Fun movie!
Very fun watch. The script is hilarious and the acting brilliant. Well shot indie movie. Recommended.
32 Weeks (2020)
Solid indie!
Great indie movie... wait till the end! Beautifully shot, solid script, well directed and acted, impeccable photography and great editing. Definitely recommended!
Key Lime Voodoo (2020)
Great locations for voodoo!
Great premise for a horror film and beautiful locations that really make you feel the heat and sweat of Florida. This film is a good example of what you can do with a low budget (there are some sound issues here and there but nothing that takes you out of the story). Kudos to Joe Blanco for wearing many hats.
The Last Hot Lick (2017)
What a gem!
So many great things about this movie. Let's start with the extraordinary performance of Jamie Leopold and Jennifer Smieja, who never acted before and yet they're so truthful, raw, intense. The music is obviously a huge part of the movie, but it never overpowers the story. The pace is that of a great indie. And the writing and directing is fantastic: never a frame or a line too much, the director/writer holds back to make you feel the characters pain without having to explain it in the dialogue. Highly recommended!
Occurrence at Mills Creek (2020)
Not your usual horror!
With the budget of an indie film and the visual and pace of an artsy film, this drama/horror explores the darkness of a young woman who lost everyone in her family. The writer/director does a good job make you wondering what the hell is going on. If you like unpredictable and dark, this is a movie for you.
Greatland (2020)
A good trip!
Okay, I've never done acid, but it felt like I was in a super duper colorful trip. Kudos to the writer/director for creating such a wonderful world full of symbolism (reminded me of Jodorowsky). Good acting (also the supporting characters), great sound and charmingly weird story. A world where genders, roles, goals are questioned. If you like clever weird, this is the movie.
Closure (2018)
Fun Comedy!
Great premise: a woman comes to LA to look for her sister who disappeared and she finds herself involved in something bigger than she thought. The script is solid, there are plenty of funny moments (especially if you've ever been in Los Angeles) and some touching moments as well. Catia Ojeda is terrific as Nina. Yes to more female driven stories!
Myth (2020)
Interesting indie!
It's an odd interesting movie about a making a movie. You'd think it could turn into a thriller, then it seems like a comedy, then a drama. The thing is, it doesn't matter, it's captivating, well directed and the main actors are really good. That's all you need.
Carving a Life (2017)
Touching indie movie
A drama about a young couple dealing with the husband's alcoholism and all the terrible aftermaths in the relationship. There's no happy ending, just a truthful exploration of the damages of addiction. A subject many people can relate to. Well directed!
The Extraordinary Ordinary (2019)
Touching movie
This indie movie explores the struggles of three young adults, especially their mental health. The script is solid, the acting and directing good. The movie takes a deep look at trauma, depression, PTSD and shows how hard it is to move on and have a "normal" life after a trauma. It also shows that people are not alone, they can find help into other compassionate people who can relate to their traumas.
The Berlin Bride (2019)
What a wonderful surprise!
It's not easy to make artsy movies, but Michael Bartlett made an excellent weird and charming film full of symbolism and surrealism, as good as the best Lynch. The movie has almost no dialogue and yet, you don't miss it. Every little detail is perfect: the set design, the music, the acting. Being from Europe, I enjoyed the pace and the theatricality. Great work! Highly recommended to film lovers.
Turnover (2019)
Lovely movie!
Paul Guilfoyle lights up every scene, such a brilliant actor! Funny moments and emotional moments. A well directed and produced indie film. I enjoyed it!
When the Fever Breaks (2019)
when friends are worse than zombies
Zombies are not the only enemy in the movie, friends can also be dangerous. Good acting, especially the kid, good directing. An example of how to keep an indie low budget horror in one location without many special effects.