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House Hunting (Director: Eric Hurt; 2013)

spaceRecently disappointed by the low-budget offerings, I went into this movie with no real expectations, and boy was I surprised! Marc Singer gave a wonderful performance as Charlie, a father with hidden secrets. Hayley DuMond portrayed Charlie's wife, Susan, and slipped into her role as 'the other woman' very nicely, working hard to befriend and make nice to Charlie's daughter, Emmy, portrayed by Janey Gioiosa. Emmy was a fairly typical angst filled teen that hates her stepmom. The true acting gems in this movie, however, were Art LaFleur and Victoria Vance as husband and wife, Don and Leslie. Art gave an impeccable performance as a stoic tough guy that truly loves his family, while Victoria gave a believable performance of a long suffering housewife - and third grade teacher - that is feeling deep grief.
spaceTwo families go to view a home during an open house; a dream house, fairly secluded farmhouse on seventy acres and asking price was definitely affordable. Charlie almost hits a girl, Hannah, on their way to the house. Don and Leslie pull over to offer assistance; together, they all discover Hannah has no tongue. They try to take her to a hospital, but quickly discover all exits take them right back to the house. Time passes with Susan continually complaining about being stuck there in a passive-aggressive attack against Charlie and Emmy. Leslie slips deeper and deeper into depression and madness, seeing her deceased daughter Lizzy - portrayed by Emma Rayne Lyle to perfection - as she cooks and cleans the house and essentially 'mothers' everyone there.
spaceI won't spoil the ending, so no true spoilers here. There was a creepy factor surrounding the house - which was actually quite lovely when the creepiness was removed - and a definite spook factor in the filming. Lighting and sound was excellent with no scenes too dark to see what's about to happen and no scenes where sound blasts or quiets so much you strain to hear what is happening. Honestly, I expected the ending, but was not disappointed with the outcome because actor portrayal was spot on. Thumbs up on this flick! ** Originally posted on Amazon on May 16, 2016. **

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Bad Kids Go To Hell (Director: Matthew Spradlin; 2012)


spaceI really wanted to like this, I mean, c'mon, a horror version of the cult classic "The Breakfast Club"? And it even had Judd Nelson! But in reality it ended up like a bad orgy between "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", "The Breakfast Club", and "Scream" spawning a dumber, youthful version with similarities to them, but totally lacking in the charm and ingenuity they had. As it happens, I am a huge fan of the aforementioned movies so one might assume a marriage between them might give birth to a truly awesome flick. Not so. The final twist at the end tried for originality - but felt familiar in the viewing. Though I suppose some might be drawn to the prerequisite booby/soft porn shots. However, not watching this for the booby shots, I found not even Judd Nelson or Ben Browder could save this film (they weren't involved in the booby shots, by the way). While I didn't hate the film, I was greatly disappointed in it so cannot recommend it. ** Originally posted on Amazon on May 17, 2016. **

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Uwantme2killhim?, (Director: Andrew Douglas; 2015)


spaceTalk about a hidden diamond, this movie was spectacular! I began watching out of boredom, I must confess... watching a sixteen year old boy fall in love with an older girl, online, seemed a sad premise. Then enter her abusive boyfriend; the love struck boy is beside himself with worry... things take a very bad turn and the young boy is swept along on an emotional tide fueled by government intrigue. The MI5 agent was unbelievable, I doubted her - how could she goad this teenager on, recruit him to do her bidding to clean up a terrorist cell the girl he loves has some vague connection to. The ending gave a totally unexpected twist; I admit, I was completely surprised by the ending and that is a rarity for me.
spaceThe acting was very well done, the setting of the UK was beautiful and remote at the same time. Sound and lighting were spot on, scenes never too dark or bright, music and dialogue always at a proper level to hear every detail without being too loud. This movie had a touch of fantasy, mystery, romance, intrigue, and psychological thrills all wrapped up within a solid package of - wait for it... a movie based on true events. Unbelievable! Two thumbs up from me, and I'll even toss in my dogs sixteen (two dogs *grins*) pads. Truly a must see. ** Originally posted on Amazon on May 18, 2016. **

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