American Sunset (2009) AKA The return of Cory Haim!!!

Whenever I hear the name Cory Haim mentioned the first thing I have is a blast from the past of memories filed with vampires, Werewolves, and dare I say it... Rollerboys!. sure I may not have been old enough to remember much of the 1980’s era (Except for Prayer of the Roller boys (1990)) but I certainly grow up indulging in a nice daily regiment of it’s era’s finest Cult classics. Most notable of the Cult Classics include film’s such as “Silver Bullet” and “The Lost Boys” and let’s not forget his long term partnership with buddy Cory Feldman whom have worked together in a slew of film dubbing them the title known by their loyal fans as “The Two Coreys.” over the years both Feldman and Haim have seen the unfortunate decline in their status among the Hollywood A-list community, but between the two Haim seems to have gotten the worst of it over the course of this new millennium both professionally and personally. However to show the way of success, fallen from grace actors like Mickey Rourke has exemplified themselves as living proof that you can’t keep a good man down, and sooner or later they will make a comeback!

That’s where the independent film American Sunset (2009) come into play. Cory Haim plays Tom Marlow, a man who gets a phone call from mysterious voice saying that his wife has been kidnapped and if he ever wants to see her again alive he must play a deadly game of cat and mouse while trying to race against time as he only has 24 hours before his wives is never heard from again.

While some may think that the outline of the plot has already been said and done time and time again, the film’s advertisement shows much promise and may still hold a few surprises for moviegoers. Cory Haim is said to have given it his all in his yet most current starring role in American Sunset. And the film could quite possibly be Haim’s long awaited comeback film. Only time will tell however. As of right now if you’re in California tonight (November 9th) be sure to drop by Laemmle theater, 2nd street, Santa Monica around 6:30 pm for the Red Carpet event premiere. Corey Haim will be there in person greeting fans, First 100 get in. Meet Corey and receive a ticket to the after party. More info on the film and it’s premier can be found on it’s official website americansunsetthemovie.com

Exclusive Interview with Director Ryan Andrew Balas

TCWreviews’s Administrator and Editor in chief Clifford Kiyabu sits down with Cater director Ryan Andrew Balas for an exclusive interview. Ryan Andrew Balas is a Director, a Writer, and an Actor. He did this interview with me recently to talk about his new film ‘CARTER’ which will make it’s début later this month, as well as a little about himself and what is the driving force behind his style of filmmaking. But what makes him such a worthy person to have a sit down with yours truly is the fact he is a person with a impressively strong will who will not stop until his daydreams become a reality for all to see. Such ideals are that of a genus in the making.

CK: First off let me thank you for making time to do this interview, you must be very busy with the premier of CARTER just around the corner.

RB: No problem at all, totally my pleasure. Thanks for taking the time to ask these questions, it's very appreciated. I'm busy promoting the screening for sure, and putting the final touches on my directors cut of the film. I also stay fairly preoccupied day dreaming about the other projects I’m working on. I'm a hyperactive guy.

CK: So before we get into talking about the film I think it would be great if my readers got to know a little bit about the man behind the camera first.

RB: The man behind the goofy glasses!

CK: So sell us a little about yourself

RB: I'm a Midwestern transplant. Born in Indiana and spent my teenage years in Michigan. I moved to NYC in 2004, to study acting, I did the first year with the Upper West side as my campus. In 2005, I hopped over to the west coast and completed my conservatory training in Los Angeles in 2006 and shortly thereafter, moved back to NYC. I've been happily living in Queens, with my girlfriend, two dwarf rabbits and two cats, ever since. I tend to get the most work done when I stay up all night, so I get very little sleep. I'm a huge day dreamer and try to go for a good brain storm walk, every day.

CK: So you’re a fellow nighthawk I take it? [Laughs]

RB: Yes. It's the best time to work! My poor girlfriend falls asleep to typing noises and a computer light, every night.

CK: Care to give a shout out to your lady friend?

RB: Of course. I love Deirdre Herlihy. She's a talented, beautiful young lady from New Hampshire. We met in school in NYC, moved to LA together, and back to NYC together. I think she deserves a development and producer credit on everything I work on, because she has to constantly hear all the idea's through fruition. Needless to say, she's a great listener and I love her honest feedback. I don't think I trust anyone as much as I trust her.

CK: So is your girlfriend in acting or filmmaking too?

RB: Yes, She's an actress. We met working together in class. She's been very busy this year, working on multiple films by various directors, Brian Ackley and Richard Buonagurio, to name a few. She has a natural ability to be in the moment and act accordingly---I have a longer way to go. I think she's going to do great out there, because she has a kind heart and no ego---and that kind of personality goes a long way. To date, she's acted in all my films and I'm very lucky to have that. Eventually, I'd love to see her behind the camera on something; she has a really keen eye for photography. I'm not sure if that's something she will ever really want to go after but we shall see.

CK: What inspired you into wanting to become a filmmaker?

RB: Home movies. There is footage taken on an old VHS home movie camera, of my dad filming a family party and I’m just following him around asking to use it. For as long as I can remember, I've been in love with filming human interaction.

CK: So basically what you’re saying is that you were born with a strong will for filmmaking?

RB: Yes, I was born with the curse of neurosis and desire to be broke! [Laughs] There is something inherent to me about wanting to tell a story and movies feel most natural.

CK: This may sound a bit unorthodox to the interview, but when you talk about an old medium such as the “VHS” doesn’t that make you feel a bit old? [Laughs]

RB: VHS is making a comeback. Mark my words! It's a beautiful format, with subtle nostalgic elements associated with its picture and sound and despite how it might "age" me, I can't deny that feeling. [Laughs]

CK: Were there any particular films or T.V. Shows you watched growing up?

RB: I'm terrified of dark water---but JAWS is one of my favorite films and easily my earliest memory of a movie. I think the film that motivated me the most creatively was the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Such Humanity! ha. I spent hour’s day dreaming of being a crime fighting ninja---I’m actually very surprised that there isn't more TMNT influence in my work. My earliest home movies were ninja films. My brother's and I would dress up in my mom’s dark spandex and swing around from tree's. As for T.V., Zach Morris was (and continues to be) my hero...I love Saved by the Bell.

CK: Was getting into “the business” always in your cards or did it come along later on in life?

RB: Ya know, honestly, "the business" aspect of this whole thing is just a stone on the path. For me, making films is as equal and important to hunting, gathering and building a shelter. It's just what I do in this life; I really just don't see another way. The business part of it, is just as much about getting bread on the table as it is about enjoying the meal. Does that make any sense at all? Here I go again, creating strange new ways to phrase my feelings. ha.

CK: Actually that makes a lot of sense. As for creating new phrase to extend your personal feelings, I’ll let you in on a little secrete; I do it too! But shh! Don’t tell any of my readers okay? [Laughs]

RB: You have my word. Not a soul.

CK: So where do you see yourself in the future of filmmaking, do you plane on sticking to Indies or would you like to move up to a more mainstream level?

RB: I want to continue making personal films that say something about my experiences. However, there are many roads up the mountain, but I think ultimately we are all headed to the same place. Wow, there I go again. sorry folks.

CK: You’re both an aspiring actor and filmmaker, and I’m pretty sure over time you’ll make your mark in the industry. But if you had to choose between the two careers’ which of the two do you prefer most?

RB: Filmmaking. Hands down. Acting to me, is simply a part of that process.

CK: So as a filmmaker and an actor do you have any set boundaries genre wise or are you willing to explore all the film genres?

RB: I only do Sci-Fi skin flicks!...ha. Just kidding. Sort of. My new movie is kind of sexy and kind of Sci-Fi. So maybe I’m headed in that direction. I don't really see my work as being "genre" based. I just want to make personal movies. Not necessarily films that are solely from my own experience but a personal view of someone else's experience as I encounter it. Sometimes those stories will fit into the context of "genre" and so I strive to serve the needs of that experience.

CK: So you’re willing to try anything at least once than genre-wise?

RB: I'm open to any form of storytelling that feels honest and that I can connect with on a personal level---if that's commercial comedy like my web series "The Really Cool Show" (www.thereallycoolshow.com) or a meditation art film like "Carter", then that's the path I will take.

CK: I understand that aside from directing and acting in the film CARTER, you also wrote it?

RB: To an extent, yes. I conceived the overall concept, and I wrote the one act stage play that the film is inspired by. But the film had no official script. We shot based on a minimal outline, breaking down possible thematic elements of scenes that would take place in specific locations. We shot one scene using the dialogue and scenario from the one act play---but it was the first thing to hit the cutting room floor.

CK: Interesting, so basically parts of the story were developed as filming was going on than?

RB: Absolutely. I always try to be open to that. I make very low budget films, independent of a structure that can provide little more than encouragement, man power and most importantly, creative collaboration. If my films are going to work, I have to give them the freedom to be "discovered". Many time's that will happen in the editing room. I see the position of "director" as being someone who knows to work with people smarter than himself and to have the ability to serve the best idea in the room, even if it's not his own. A filmmaker friend once told me "the audience doesn't know your intention, they only know what they see" and that's been huge advice, that I take to heart.

CK: So what inspired you to write CARTER?

RB: I was sitting in a car, with a good friend, and he made the same vow that Jebadiah Sminch makes in the film. Which is: If he isn't married by the time he turns 23, he will kill himself when he's 25. I really liked the idea of exploring the absurdity of that vow and how far someone might go to commit to a "joke".

CK: Did your friend ever follow through with the vow?

RB: He's not 25 yet. So we shall see.

CK: Correct me if I’m wrong, but I heard that some of your co-stars also had a part in co-writing the film as well?

RB: Oh Yes! The actors improvised all their dialogue, based on direction I would give them. Julia Howe who plays Carter, once joked that she was nervous because she felt like she needed to say something clever, but I'm really looking for the opposite of that.

CK: That’s very impressive of you to give the actors such a nice stretch of freedom to work with on the dialogue. Did they have time to practice with each other on the dialogue before filming started or was it all improved on the spot?

RB: Everyone discussed characters and the situation prior to shooting, but all of the dialogue was improvised as we were shooting. It's always about discovery! I love being surprised in a scene and finding new things to work towards. It keeps everyone on their feet. Some things, you just can't write. Even in my new film, which has a complete screenplay. we are using a lot more of the improvised moments, because they just feel more honest and personal.

CK: If so, can you explain what hand they had in co-writing it?

RB: The way I like to work is fairly loose, allowing the actors to personalize it and bring in their own experience or reactions to a given scenario. I start by shooting long take's allowing us to "find" the scene then dig in for the good stuff. I sometimes like to give each character a secret mission within the scene and I play with each character, adjusting those missions, until we have either complete chaos, or a precise interaction. We tend to find the story in editing.

CK: So tell us a little about the film.

RB: As a teenager, Jeb Sminch jokingly made a vow that if he wasn't married by the time he turned 23; he will kill himself when he turned 25. The story takes place, three days before Jeb's 25th birthday, he is unmarried but in a committed relationship with a beautiful young lady named Carter. He fully intends to commit to his vow despite as he fully acknowledges that he's never been happier. This film is an exploration of a character who wants to "get the last laugh" at the absurdity of life. I hope it feels more like a human experience than a plot driven narrative.

CK: How long did it take to film?

RB: Five days. Three of which, the majority was shot. The other two were pickups and additional scenes.

CK: Did you manage to get everything from your script film?

RB: The story wrote itself, and because we were open to that experience, I felt I said the things I needed to say. Yes.

CK: So I’ve heard that you and Director Princeton Holt and Brian Ackley aren’t just calques but also close friends?

RB: By close friends, you mean all night phone debates about whether or not Improvising a scene is "serving" the story or not, than yes! [Laughs]. We all worked together on each other's films in one way or another (no pun intended) and we certainly have sat down to have a beer from time to time. Everyone is so busy with new projects these days; it's hard to get anyone on the phone! It's starting to feel like a break up. [Laughs]. BRIAN and PRINCETON, if you are reading this, I never stopped loving you. AND I want my plaid tee shirt back! [Laughs harder]. I'm kidding, kind of.

CK: [Laughs]

CK: Care to elaborate more on how this three musketeers like friendship started?

RB: I met Brian and Princeton in a basement apartment somewhere deep in Brooklyn. I was looking for support for my new film "Life in Rewind"...which later became "Carter" and they were looking for support for Brian's debut film "Uptown". I hopped on board as second camera operator and eventually producer and they came over to help produce my film. In between shots at the apartment, and Brian shooting a scene, solo, on a bus, Princeton and I began a dialogue (that continues to this day) about Indie film distribution and the new role that filmmakers play in that. We all enjoy a good debate on the topic and our different approaches to the work, I think, is our greatest strength. Our different approaches? Well, that's a whole other conversation!

CK: This next question I’m about to ask you has become somewhat of a tradition for interviews here at TCWreviews.com, so don’t worry, you’re definitely not the first one I’ve asked this question to, and you won’t be the last. [Laughs]

RB: Uh Oh.

CK: As a filmmaker how far are you willing to go for the sake or art?

RB: I haven't crossed that line yet, and until I do, I'm not really sure. I know there is a certain liability to making very personal films and having the actors personalize their work but I think as long as it comes from an honest, safe place, we will be able to continue pushing forward. I'm excited to see where the work goes. In short, until I'm doing science fiction porno’s for late night cable programming, I'm not satisfied. I'm joking. Right?

CK: Same question as an actor?

RB: Well, I've played a bear getting a fake b*** *** by a man playing a prince. So I guess as long as the story is good (or funny) and the director wants to work from an honest place, I'm willing to explore a lot of places. I don't ever want to do something that risks the integrity of my personal character or that of my loved ones but I come from an extremely supportive family and that allows me to feel safe enough to go the places that best serve the story. Very little has stopped me so far, and I'm up for the challenge.

CK: Last question: what projects can we expect to see you next in and or working on?

RB: Well, my web show The Really Cool Show (dot com) just released a "best of" DVD. We are super excited about that, and are currently discussing a season four. I'm in post production on a new film called "Mother/Sister" about two sisters, one black, one white, who spend a week together at their famous father's summer home. We shot the film in mid September in Michigan. I'm really excited about the project---it was self produced on a budget raised through social networks and family and friends who wanted to support my work. It feature's wonderful performances by Jace Nicole (Cookies N Cream), Joe Swanberg (Nights and Weekends), Deirdre Herlihy (Carter) and myself in a leading role. Look for it hitting the festival circuit, hopefully spring 2010. Last, but not least, I produced, photographed and have a supporting role in a film by Richard Buonagurio called "Harry's Judy" that is just wrapping Post Production and will be coming out very soon. Like I said before, I'm super hyperactive and like to stay busy. I'm always looking forward to the new projects.

CK: Well it was a pleasure talking with you. I look forward doing this again someday. I’ll let you have the last word.

RB: Thanks for taking the time to talk with me. It's been really great and I look forward to a future conversation. If any of the readers are in the NYC area on November 24th, please come see the official directors cut of my film "Carter" screen at the Anthology Film Archives as part of the NewFilmmakers Fall Series. And if you are interested in seeing the naked series "festival" cut of the film, you can order a DVD at http://www.carterthemovie.com. And last but not least, if you are interested in any of my other work, you can find me at http://www.ryanbalas.com or on twitter @ryanbalas. Let’s be friends!

And that concludes my interview with Actor/Director Ryan Andrew Balas. We continued conversing off the record for quite a bit after the interview was over. We talked about my personal thoughts about his film after I sat down to watch a privet screening of it. Which you’ll get to read later this month. We also talked about doing another interview together sometime in the near future, preferably sometime soon after my review hits the web so that we may have a deeper conversation going between us about the film. However way it may go I look forward to doing it, as do I look forward to his next project. If you’re in the New York area on or around November 24th you can check out his film CARTER at the Anthology Film Archives for the NewFilmmakers Fall Series. Which believe me is going to be the place to be for all the Indie lovers out there on the east coast. However if you’re unable to make out that way to see the film at the festival you can purchase the DVD which is available now on the Official website for only $20.

Review: Bucovina Card Game (2009) [Reviewed By Clifford Kiyabu]

Directed by: Zachary Ryan Block & Sean Trimpe
Written by: Zachary Ryan Block (written by) & Sean Trimpe (written by)
Genre: Short / Action
MPAA: Not Rated
Released: 2009
Starring: Zachary Ryan Block, Azmyth Kaminski, Devon Ogden, David Serpa, Sean Trimpe.

Plot: Four Guys, one sexy woman, one hug pot of cash and a poker game that goes a little too far, and only one is walking out the victor.

Review: 7/10

The Story is about: Four characters play a theatrical game of poker in a dingy back room. They are assisted by the beautiful Baroness who handles the money and other aspects of the game. Things turn deadly as the pot gets bigger and the players more out of control.

My Thoughts: So a Hood, a Pirate, a Pusher and an Italian sit down to play a game of poker, while a sexy Baroness oversees the game plays out! No, this isn’t one of those obscenely offensive jokes; this is a five minute short called Bucovina Card Game, a short film made by newcomer’s writer and director Zachary Ryan Block and Sean Trimpe.

Bucovina is not a film that made to be moving nor does it require any development, but rather an understanding of the message it leaves you at the end, made in the traditional theme of silent shorts (But in color [Laughs]). The film presents the characters in their most stereotypical form, with a descent background music setting with our characters in their respective positions. The stage is set, and only one will come out the victor in this little short. But one question still remains, who’ll be the winner of this tale and who’ll ultimately bite the dust in the end? It would just be too easy if I was to spill beans like that and give away the film’s punch line finally don’t you think. No instead I’ll leave you with this, though the film is short and runs by rather fast (try over in five minutes fast!) it’s because of this that the film serves more as an artsy symbolic message the filmmakers are trying to get across, while at the same time throwing in some nicely done humor I might add. Overall it does leave you with a very valuable lesson to be learned “Beware The Woman Who Keeps A Company Of Liars And Thieves”, and to understand what it truly means you must see the short firsthand! Look out for this little film as it may be arriving near you very soon.

As for the acting: Well there isn’t must to say about the acting, like I said it’s a silent film which means ZERO dialogue! Does this make the quality of the short diminish? No not by a long shot, in fact it helps it out a great deal because it gives the same stylish sense of the early 1900’s silent films with only music playing in the background and the story being told through the individual characters body language. So to that degree the actors all do fairly well even though this is the first time for some of the cast. Zachary Ryan Block, Azmyth Kaminski, Devon Ogden, David Serpa, and Sean Trimpe give adequate performances in this.

Final Say: Bucovina Card Game was a pretty decent short, and though I’m not usually a fan of shorts and would have liked to have seen something longer than five minutes I still enjoyed it quite a bit. It reminded me a lot of the movie shorts that Pixar puts out (but in live action of course) with their feature length films, short and sweet but with a kick of a punch-line I recommend checking out this little short some time!

You can also see the trailer to Bucovina Card Game Here

Copyright 2009 TCWreviews.com
All Rights Reserved

Review: Diary of a Bad Lad (2009) [Reviewed By Clifford Kiyabu]

Directed by: Michael Booth
Written by: Jonathan Williams (screenplay)
Genre: Crime
MPAA: Not Rated
Released: 2009
Starring: Jonathan Williams, Joe O'Byrne, Paul Birtwistle, Donna Henry, Roxanne Gregory, Michael Booth, Tom Miller.

Plot: Frustrated filmmaker, Barry Lick, sets out to attempt to make a documentary about a local businessman who he believes is involved in property rackets, prostitution, pornography and the importation of large quantities of recreational drugs.

Review: 7/10

The Story is about: A film about frustrated filmmaker Barry Licks attempts to make a documentary about a businessman, who he believes is involved in property rackets, prostitution, pornography, and the importation of recreational drugs. For security reasons Barry never uses his real name, and calls him Ray Topham. Barry recruits a team of young wannabees. Their quest leads them to two of Ray’s associates; a local cocaine supplier and ex-S&M porn actress called Joanne Miller, and the charmingly psychopathic Tommy Morghen who acts as Ray’s personal security consultant. They soon realize that Barry is out of his depth, and so they exploit him for their own purposes with both hilarious and tragic results. Diary of a Bad Lad explores themes of sex, drugs, violence, exploitation, and the desperate limits that people will go to in order to make a film.

My Thoughts: Are some people born… bad? These are the type of things I think about when the night strays off into the early morning hours, when my mind often wonders into the unknown, and while I will normally come up with a simple answer (Or simply make one up, whichever I prefer better) for most of the crazy things running in my noggin, I’ve always wondered, are there people who are just simply bad? The best answer I could possible come up with is yes, and no, of course. While I may believe that some people are simply bad by default, some are good people, quite good in fact who, put into the right circumstances in the right moment in time, can be corrupted into doing just about anything, including bad things; does this make them a bad person? No… does it make them cynical and easily corruptible? You betcha!

As many already know, it’s no lie that I’m a hug supporter of the indie arts, aside from being a pretty big fan of international films of course (because mainstream doesn’t seem to cut it anymore in the originality department now days.) So when I received in the mail a screener of the indie film Diary of a Bad Lad, which was sent to me by the good boys at Pleased Sheep Films over in the United Kingdom, I was thrilled to hear I’d be reviewing a film that is categorized in two of my favorite genres, because most of the film that hit’s the states that is from Europe can hardly be categorized as “Indie”, when a low budget film here in the US is easily considered big budget in some countries, so when I heard that an actual low budget indie film was hitting my neck of the woods my first reaction was purely shock and joy because this was a rare case indeed. Well, after finally watching it what can I say, other than the fact it was an incredible film that proved to be very satisfactory: Well for starters the film was a real eye opener for me, because the film projects a surreal sense of the real world in the form of a mock-doc, which symbolizes the dark and gritty world that is all around us without us knowing half the time, things that are actually going on in the world this very minute. The dark and the gritty things people take for granted now days lurking all around us that is the criminal underworld, thinking to themselves that this type of stuff couldn’t possibly happen to me, I’m out of the clear because I live in a good neighborhood, but you’re wrong, you’re never really out of the clear. Because just as the film shows, corruption and greed is everywhere especially in the least place you’d ever expect it. With a face to the gutter sense of dark humor that can only be compared as wickedly sinister with a lovely dash of black comedy. What makes Diary of a Bad Lad such an interesting piece is the fact that this film was made with the idea of being as realistically as possible so that it would blur the lines between fiction and non-fiction. And to that extent, I found myself so deeply engaged into the film’s plot that I at more than one occasion completely forgot I was watching a movie that plays out as a documentary and not an actual documentary.

Now though the film’s style (filmed like an amateur documentary) has already been overly done in the wake of the post-Blear witch project, Diary of a Bad Lad still manages to take an idea that’s been passed around more times than a groupie at a Rolling Stones concert and made it feel fresh and new again. Now that doesn’t without saying the film is perfect and flawless, because the film does in fact have its fair share of problems that did knock it down a notch or two for me. One of the problems was that, the film fallows Barry Lick (Played by Jonathan Williams) and his team of amateur filmmakers on their journey to expose the truth behind a criminal master mind that they refuse to mention by his real name and only call by a nickname which is “Ray Topham” (Played by Tom Miller). The problem is in the film they mainly go through Ray’s personal security consultant Tommy Morghen (Played by Joe O'Byrne) and an ex-S&M porn star named Joanne Miller (Played by Donna Henry) for the material they need for their documentary, the problem I had was that my understanding while watching the film was that Tommy Morghen is the main focus of the plot since he seems to be the one with the most answers, and yet I felt there simply wasn’t enough time devoted to him and instead focused on other things that wasn’t all that necessary. One scene particular that did this was the scene where Joanne invites Barry and his team over for a brief interview over her place, there wasn’t anything wrong with showing the scene as it did help develop the characters into a more three dimensional stat, but I felt that the scene ran over stayed it’s welcome after awhile and felt like it should have been cut a bit shorter. The other problem was, well it’s certainly not a problem for me, but certainly a problem for those who aren’t educated in British “slang”. Like all countries, each nation and culture has its own set of slangs that many won’t have a clue the meaning is. for example: if you where to take offense because someone walked up to you and asked if you had a fag they could bum off you, than obviously you don’t know what the question they had ask you, which means you’re even more likely not to understand half of what’s said in this film.

As for the acting: the acting was very decent and very believable, aside from one cast member which didn’t bold well for me I found the acting in general to be the center piece of the film because it hold a very strong sense of realism that looks and feels authentic at times. Jonathan Williams did a fine job in his role, and narrating of “Barry Lick”. His portrayal of the character was humorous and yet entertainingly informative, one could easily argue that his portrayal was almost like watching a British version of Michael Moore but in an entertaining way and certainly not annoying. Joe O'Byrne and Tom Miller did fantastic jobs in the roles of “Tommy Morghen” and “Ray Topham”, they give the right amount of arrogance and “street-smart” attitude to the characters that it comes off feeling very authentic. Donna Henry and Roxanne Gregory were great as “Joanne Miller” and “Roxy”, Roxanne did a fine job in making her character come off looking and feeling young and innocently naïve, which works perfectly well for the film. Of all the actresses in this film, Donna Henry is the one that really stood out for me, because her performance was strong and demanded attention whenever shown on screen. The one performance I didn’t care for in this film was none other than Paul Birtwistle, who plays the part of “Birty”. I didn’t care for his acting and found him to be generally annoying. Nothing against the actor in particular because I’m pretty sure he’s nice down to earth fellow in real life, but onscreen I honestly did not care of his character in the slightest bit. Like I’ve said, the cast in general is fairly decent, and each and every person, no matter how small has something to contribute to the film.

Final Say: Diary of a Bad Lad was a very interesting film to watch, mainly because it’s dark and witty sense of humor grows on you with time, and though the film does have its problems, it doesn’t hurt the film significantly enough, but instead end up being a thought provoking film instead. Like a find wine, the film will begin to show its self worth with time, and though its bitter flavor is not for everyone, it’s an acquired taste that will gain a cult fallowing in no time. Over all the film is something to look into, if only the reason is to see what all the fuss is about.

Copyright 2009 TCWreviews.com
All Rights Reserved

Review: Clive Barker's Book of Blood (2009) [Reviewed By Kelsey Zukowski ]

Starring: Jonas Armstrong, Sophie Ward, Paul Blair
Directed By: John Harrison
Written By: John Harrison, Darin Silverman, Clive Barker (novel)
Grade: B+

Book of Blood is the latest Clive Barker adaptation, coming from the book compiled of short horror stories that he wrote of the same title. Specifically, the film focuses on two of the stories, “Book of Blood” and “On Jerusalem Street.” I haven’t read the Clive Barker short stories myself, but from my understanding the adaptation follows the original material very closely. Fans of the original Book of Blood should be very happy with what the film has to offer. Book of Blood also does a very good job of communicating the story to a fresh audience. It focuses on development, intriguing the viewer and increasing the suspense. By the time it’s over, we are escalated from the interesting and effective, but overall fairly typical ghost story, to something much more terrifying and brutal.

Mary Florescu (Ward) is a paranormal researcher and college professor. She is a famous published author, but fears that most of her fans are more fascinated from a fiction standpoint than truly believing in what they are reading. Mary has been studying and searching for proof that ghosts are indeed among the living. She hasn’t found anything solid in the past 10 years though, just circumstantial evidence based on a hunch. She experienced hauntings as a child, which made her so determined to make the best of this experience despite how it disturbed her. Eager to finally find something substancial, Mary gets to work with her friend, Reg Fuller (Blair), even though he is a bit of a skeptic.

In one of her classes, Mary spots Simon McNeal (Armstrong), who she immediately has a connection with. She knows that he’s the one that can help her. Simon is suffering from the traumatic experience of losing his brother. He thinks he can help Mary though since he used to have paranormal experiences as a kid. Once they enter the old gothic house and spend their time together investigating the spirits it might hold, Simon’s eye for the dead suddenly comes back. Mary is so thrilled with every horrific occurrence that happens that she puts these discoveries before her own life. In time, she does a bit more investigating that leads her to believe that some of the occurrences might have been falsified. This only puts the crew off their guard for when the dead come through the highway to the world of the living, demanding to be heard through a human “book of blood.”

I really enjoyed Jonas Armstrong as Simon. He brought forth an intelligent, sly, and intriguing man, but one that also was no stranger to darkness. He went through an incredible transition and becomes a very tragic and tormented individual. Sophie Ward also did pretty well as the author and professor, Mary Florescu. She goes from being a lost woman looking for hard proof and a profound spiritual experience to someone who gets that very thing, but might be changed for the worse because of it. The two had pretty good chemistry with one another both through their supernatural plight and their forbidden intimate bond.

The film really ends with a bang, completely turning the story and one very important character upside down. It’s twisted, sadistic, and cold. There’s an interesting point about how the dead need their stories to be told. This is a common theme in ghost stories; the ghost haunts the innocent because they had a tragic or unjust death and need someone to know what happened; to set things right to an extent. Usually they scare and threaten the person a bit, but here a much more brutal and literal method of forcing their stories on a human is taken. It’s physically vicious, taking a constant toll on the body; a form of everlasting torture. Even worse, they’re permanent mental scars; stories of death and destruction forever overpowering his mind.

I also really liked the theme of those haunted by ghost in a young age being the ones who chase this paranormal insight. They want firsthand encounters even though this is the very thing that once terrified them so. Simon states that he hasn’t had this feeling since he saw the ghost when he was 13 years old and now that he has it back again he refuses to let go of that. The absence of it made him crave it more than ever. Mary made this her entire career and life rather than moving on from the past. Perhaps this is their way of dealing, running right towards their past fears. They serve as two different possible outcomes; one receives all of the understanding and personal gain she could imagine and the other is victimized with eternal torment.

There isn’t a ton of blood, ironically enough since blood is right in the title. The most brutal moments are at the end when we witness the actual book of blood. The image is grotesque, but more than anything else it’s what our perceptions of the all around torture that really makes it seem like such a horrid fate. The scares are creepy enough and come suddenly, giving us clues as to the characters past as well as their near future. Most of them won’t faze majority of horror fans though. Book of Blood is really more about the building of suspense along with the sudden malicious ending we are left with. Book of Blood is one of the better recent ghost story films well worth checking out.