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kellystacey1980
Reviews
The Crimson Mask (2009)
Well executed film, a joy to watch
I loved this film. I believe Plagianos's choices are intelligently made - it also doesn't hurt that the two leads, Burrow and the underused journeyman Clohessy, understand their roles and play them with the type of passion deserved. Watching Parker on his last legs of life still able to talk back to his employer—a great no nonsense turn of Brooklyn underbelly from Lee R. Sellars—with humor and wit, as well as have the ability to attempt to retrieve his pride when defeat by sword seems his only option, goes a long way in making the climatic scene resonate. It may be one more convenient connection at the hands of a higher power, using 'The Book' of Chapter Three's title to bond these two men together as slaves unwilling to back down and be pushed around like puppets, but beneath the contrivance is a measure of truth. If anything, the multitude of overlapping plot threads and crisscrossing of paths only adds to the illusory aspect of the film, making The Crimson Mask into the morality tale its creator set out to make. It's inspiring job of professionalism as a first-time feature with little in the way of monetary resource shows the promise this young man's future holds. I look forward to checking out his next projects!
The Golden Veil (2011)
A beautiful story that needs to be told!
This gorgeous film about the 1979 U.S. hostage crisis and the conspiracy that helped Ronald Reagan get elected, told from the perspective of a love story between an American and an Iranian is beautifully told and highly recommended. The Golden Veil delves into important topics like the clash of cultures we continue to experience, the important of friendships and greed and corruption. Executive Producer Bahman Nassiri should be congratulated for bringing this moving story to our screens - it is beautifully shot and left me thinking about many things days after I saw it. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Anima (2013)
Brilliant short worth getting your hands on!
This brilliant gem of a short film explores one man's journey as he tries to escape his addiction to technology and reconnect with humanity and the natural world.
It's a really interesting and important idea for the modern times we live in and anyone who has ever thought technology is taking over our lives will enjoy this film, as will those who like sci-fi.
I was lucky enough to view this short at a private industry screening and was struck by Scott Mannion's masterfull direction, interesting and motivated shot design and striking, visionary imagery.
Loved the performances of the cast which really helped bring across the meaning intended by the director.
To be honest I had never heard of Scott Mannion before Anima, but can't wait to see what he does next - a very Terrance Malick quality to him.
I also thought Mike Molloy did a wonderful job with the Cinematography and loved the special effects! A great film that shows just what Australian film is capable of when they get it right. Highly recommend, Kelly.
Freaky Deaky (2012)
Slick and Stylish! A real treat!
Slick, stylish and scatter shot, Charles Matthau's adaptation of Elmore Leonard's Freaky Deaky is enjoyable viewing. Though the book that the film was based on was resolutely set in the 1980s, Matthau's adaptation has been shifted into the 1970s, which offers up a whole lot more visual fun in terms of costumes, cars, locations and a nicely garish kitsch look. It features a very strong cast and the story essentially deals with three main sets of characters as they interact, all in the pursuit of easy money. They are cynical ex-bomb squad cop Chris Mankowski (Burke) and beautiful party girl Greta (Sabina Gadecki); super-eccentric long-haired millionaire Woody (Glover) and his loyal-sh driver/confidant Donelle (White), and finally ex-con/femme fatal Robin (Breanne Racano) and her bomb-making boyfriend Skip Gibbs (Slater). A suitably funky 1970s–style score and slices of smart dialog help push this film into the top echelon of its genre, and I highly recommend it!
Third Contact (2013)
A psychologically-driven masterpiece! MUST SEE!
Simon Horrocks' Third Contact is one such case. This psychologically-driven film follows David (Tim Scott-Walker), a psychotherapist who's seemingly feeling more like his patients lately with bouts of depression and a sense hopelessness. As David digs deeper into the apparent suicide of his patient, strange and mysterious things start to happen. Writer/director Simon Horrocks did a great job combining both the style and substance with this one. The look and pace of the film fit the source material, so much that I felt closer to the main character. While the film certainly is more psychologically-driven, and this one especially requires a lot of attention, it was EXTREMELY stimulating. A brilliant ending and a film that may leave you with more questions than answers, but that shouldn't be a bad thing especially in today's cinematic climate. A must see film!
Masterpiece (2012)
A beautiful, enchanting experience!
Robbie Emnz has created a gorgeous short film here. Visually this is top notch work, and a real soothing and opening up of the senses. I especially loved the way Emnz is able to seamlessly merge layer upon layer of visual detail with the gorgeous Radhaa Nilia so create images that are fresh and above all, thought provoking. It is an experimental form of shooting but one that I believe has a place in our society, and I hope that Emnz continues to receive the adoration and respect for bringing this style of film to our eyes. It is a spiritual experience and Emnz is able to beautifully convey emotions, thoughts and feelings from his audience without the use of dialog - something only very good directors can achieve.
Camp Slaughter (2004)
A tense, scary film - loved it!
Camp Slaughter is a mix of all the old 80's camp flicks with an interesting twist. Camp Slaughter takes 4 students through the ride of their lives; if they live through it! The story starts back in 1981 and a killer is loose in Camp Hiawatha, after watching the kids get massacred we are fast forwarded into the present day with our 4 main characters. But they have no idea what is coming next as they are somehow thrust into a time warp where the kids of Camp Hiawatha have been reliving the same brutal night over and over since that summer in 1981. Now almost 25 years later the 4 main characters are part of the slaughter.
The clothes, the music, and the smell of the 80's in everywhere in this great film. Alex Pucci does a great job in reinventing a genre that has had a long string of bad clichéd movies. The camp killer has always been a big part of the horror genre, but Pucci puts the spin of a time paradox on the age old horror story.
It has all the right characters as you meet the kids from today and merge them with the kids of 1981. You have an annoying chick, a Jesus freak, a jock, and a person that is a little weapon happy in the crafts area of the camp. But that is just the kids for 1981, add in the quirky attitudes and terminology from 2005 and you have the makings of some of the best horror and comedy for a situation like this.
Christian Magdu's "Adrian" is perfect casting and a great piece of acting on his part - if you like Friday the 13th or any other camp killer movies this is a must see!
We Are with the Band (2010)
Best web series in a long time!!!
I discovered this web series online and fell in love with it instantly! The show features 2 hipsters from LA (Elle and Marci) who can't seem to grow up and be mature adults! I loved all the modern pop culture references and for an independent production, the quality was pretty darn good! I thought both Heleya de Barros and Vivian Kerr were excellent as the leads and had impeccable comedic timing! We Are with the Band certainly fits the criteria set forth by the show's creators and is a humorous portrayal of two young female hipsters exploring the underground band scene in Los Angeles. Elle and Marci may be living a life of misadventure, but with strong acting, memorable dialog and overall quality, the web series itself is an enjoyable—and yes, relatable—adventure for viewers everywhere.
Greencastle (2012)
A superb effort, a brilliant story, a moving experience!
Greencastle was an incredible experience for me! The story follows Poitier Dunning, a single father who works as an Assistant Manager at a small town pet shop, as he enters a "quarter-life crisis" impelled by a recent tragedy. Greencastle intertwines lives of loneliness and disconnection, fatefully leading Poitier toward an unexpected and sublime awakening. These are universal themes that we can all relate to and it was very easy to feel a connection to the characters in this story and not just Poitierw which I think it a sign of a great film. I loved Koran Dunbar in this film, he managed to humanize the different ethnicity's while Nikki Estridge and Aurelius also did fantastic jobs. I also thought Tanya Chattman stole her scene as Emma. A must see film!
Lymelife (2008)
A beautiful film, a lovely story, well told!
Scott is your average dork. He adores Star Wars. He also gets picked on a lot at school — something his older brother, Jimmy (played by Rory's real life older brother, Kieran) took care of before he went into the Army. His father, Mickey (Alec Baldwin, who co-produced), has big dreams of cashing in on the great American Suburbia boom — so much so, that he has all but alienated Scott's mother, Brenda (Jill Hennessey). This has taken Brenda's motherly paranoia up a notch, to the point where she seals Scott's pant legs and sleeves up with duct tape so he won't contract Lyme Disease. As if that wasn't bad enough, the Bragg's daughter, Adrianna (Emma Roberts), has found herself at that odd period in life where she is starting her transformation into womanhood — a transformation that has engulfed Scott's interest completely. Further complications arise as Charlie's illness worsens, and Mickey and Melissa's work relationship takes a downward spiral. Yes, it's a turbulent world — especially for poor Scott, who's having a hard enough time trying to find his place to begin with. In short, Lymelife delivers. The movie has a very honest and frank feel to it, taking you back to those awkward years of your own youth. The cast (even the younger ones) turn in some fine performances, and writer/director Martini assembles the whole piece magnificently.
13 Witches (2012)
13 Witches - making revenge sexy again!
13 Witches is a sexy, modern take on the theme of revenge! There are wonderful and equal measures of fantasy and horror in here as we follow Nemesis (played superbly by Sabine Mondestin who also wrote this clever series) who, having been the only sister of the 13 wrongly accused as witches and tortured centuries ago to escape, strikes a deal with the devil – the result is a reincarnation of all the sisters and their glorious quest to seek revenge on those who did them wrong! The story lines are water tight, the acting is terrific and the direction by Mondestin is sharp and snappy. I really enjoyed (and am a little guilty to admit!) watching the witches seek their revenge and can highly recommend this web series – I would check out the excellent you tube channel to find out more – hopefully this gets picked up and is pushed into the mainstream where it deserves to be! Check it out!