Deadfall Trail

Directed (and co-written) by Roze, Gas Mask Films. Starring Shane Dean, Cavin Gray Schneider, and Slade Hall.

Genre: Horror, Thriller.

Question: Do you ever go searching for your next movie on something like Netflix or ITunes and go by the recommendations on the site? I don't make a habit of it but will occasionally read a little further when I see a movie I never heard of receives high marks from the site. Deadfall Trail was one of them.

I had already returned 127 Hours to Netflix and didn't have another movie queued up or sitting in the little red sleeve but I wanted to watch a movie, of course. I perused the list of new movies that I could stream and saw Deadfall Trail with most of the starts filled in. I clicked on it to read a quick synopsis (three men go on a wilderness survival trip). None of the actors' names sounded familiar nor did the title. But I shrugged my shoulders and hit play.

It started off a little slow and many first clues of what the story was about or why the characters were doing what they were doing didn't seem to get answered -- unless you pay close attention to the answering machine message being played in the very beginning. The story didn't captivate me for about 35 minutes but there was something to it that kept me watching. Also, the music score had a way of keeping me engaged.

By the time the story really unfolded and the action got more intense, I came to see why it had received so many stars. The music got even more fervent and seductive, which fully enhanced the dilemma in the plot. In fact, the composer, Jason Camiolo, did such a fantastic job on the score that I think Hollywood needs to pay strong attention to him. Stunning!!

I recommend this movie even with its slow start. The acting wasn't superb but it was believable enough especially with the help of the cinematographer. Movies like this and reviewing them really make me realize the amount of work (and people) that help make a movie good: writers, directors, actors, music composers, cinematographers, etc...

My favorite thing: The music -- easily.

My least favorite thing: Another urine scene. I really have a weak stomach and must try to make sure my next movie doesn't have a scene involving that substance. (see my 127 Hours review)

Did the previews ruin it or show too much? I didn't watch any before seeing the film but you can see it here. However, I just watched it -- yeah, it kind of does show a bit too much and it is all from the last third of the movie.

Rating: NR
Length: 95 minutes

Review: 5 out of 10

One Week

Directed (written and produced) by Micheal McGowan, Mongrel Media, 2008. Starring Joshua Jackson, Liane Balaban and Campbell Scott.

Genre: Adventure, Drama.

Question: Have you ever come face to face with your own mortality? I have - it has quite a sobering effect. But the real question I should ask - what would you do if you knew you only had a small amount of time left on this earth?

Joshua Jackson, probably best known for Dawson's Creek and, now, Fringe, stars as the man answering that question. When we first meet him, we see he is a man stuck in his own life due to some early rejections. He never really accomplished anything, including getting his first novel published because of his fear of more rejection. However, after discovering his fate, he jumps out of his shell because he must.

I think Joshua Jackson did a fantastic job with a subject matter not many of us have ever had to deal with. His mannerisms and the emotions he shows with just his eyes - allow you to imagine what he is going through. But One Week doesn't always tell you what he is thinking. This is one reason why I love independent films. They let the audience interpret the story. The writer-director must also get a shout-out for creating such a thought-provoking film.

Death is not something many want to discuss let alone have a debate about, and this film doesn't patronize the audience with its moral standing. In fact, it simply chronicles this man's journey as he rediscovers his own country, Canada, while he tries to wrap his head around the fact that he will probably die. As I watched this movie I saw parts of Canada that were truly spectacular and made me want to book a ticket up there.

I stumbled upon this film on a Netflix instant viewing list and was pleasantly surprised at what a good film it was. Yes, I mentioned I was faced with my own mortality and that probably gave me a deeper appreciation for One Week. But I don't think anyone could watch this and not contemplate about what they would do if they were in this situation.

Just as prevalent as the Canadian backdrop was in this film, the soundtrack intertwines itself into this story with several Canadian musicians and bands. It's a pretty good soundtrack with some cameos by some of the artists themselves. There was also narration, by Campbell Scott, in One Week. I am usually not a fan of a lot narration but it worked well in this story.

This movie begs the question: where would you go if nothing held you back?

My favorite thing: Realizing Joshua Jackson is a pretty decent actor - long way since The Mighty Ducks.

My least favorite thing: Reminding me that my own book isn't published yet.

Random thought: Every time I see Joshua Jackson I think he is somehow related to George Clooney. It is uncanny how many of their mannerisms are alike - even those eyes. Spooky!

Rating: NR
Length: 94 minutes

Review: 7 out of 10

Color Me Kubrick, A Home at the End of the World, Legion.

Color Me Kubrick

Directed by Brian Cook, Color Me K Productions, 2005. Starring John Malkovich.

Genre: Comedy, Drama.

Well, this was an odd – albeit true - tale of someone pretending to be Stanley Kubrick, the famous movie director, in London during his shooting of Eyes Wide Shut. John Malkovich plays the impersonator – brilliantly – as usual. (Is there anything this man can’t do?) Anyway, I started off liking the film with its cinematographic and musical homage to A Clock Work Orange but soon after the story continued I lost interest.

Part of me did have this “chuckle inside mentality” like I knew what was going on and the rest of the world (characters) didn’t. I did finish the movie with a small grin but not sure if I really cared for the film in its entirety.

Review: 4 out of 10

Rating: NR

Length: 86 minutes.

A Home at the End of the World

Directed by Michael Mayer, Warner Independent Pictures, 2004. Starring Colin Farrell, Dallas Roberts, Robin Wright-Penn and Sissy Spacek.

Based on a Pulitzer Prize winning novel called “The Hours” by Michael Cunningham.

Genre: Drama, Romance

It was an odd little film about 2 men who befriend each other when they are young in the late 60’s. The story is about creating your own family no matter your upbringing and however it affected it you.

Colin Farrel plays the lead and his innocent yet beguiling personality was quaint to watch and quite a departure for his normally macho driven characters. I also liked Dallas Roberts portrayal of the other lead and was trying to figure out where I had seen the actor before but couldn’t quite place him which is not my norm.

Review: 5 out of 10

Rating: R

Length: 97 minutes

Legion

Directed (and written) by Scott Stewart, Bold Films, 2010. Starring Paul Bettany, Lucas Black, Tyrese Gibson and Dennis Quaid.

Genre: Action, Thriller, Fantasy

I saved the worst for last. I remember seeing the preview for Legion in the theatre not too long ago and thought it could be interesting since they didn’t show too much. Then it came and went and now I know why.

As I stated before I can’t just bash a film if I don’t like it so I must give at least one thing I liked about it: the cinematography was good.

Review: 1 out of 10

Rating: R

Length: 100 minutes