THE HOME INVADERS is a solid throwback to the film noir genre of the 40s and 50s. It's shot in black white, Academy Ratio, and is full of moody low-key lighting. Probably the most spot-on of all Fredianelli's period films, this movie is full of wonderful costumes, props, locations, and sets. Even more important, the casting is pitch-perfect and you've got actors that not only have the proper genre physicality, but also perform like real actors from the noir period. Jeremy Koerner (sporting a short back and sides haircut) gives a solid, nuanced performance as newly paroled safe-cracker Sid Avery. Ray Medved gives gravity to the role of bossman Frank Winters while the beautiful Maggie VandenBerghe shines as a classic femme fatale in the Veronica Lake tradition. Furthermore, Fredianelli himself shows up in a memorable supporting role sporting a Brooklyn accent as a hard-nosed henchman.
While it starts off slow, THE HOME INVADERS picks up steam and proves to be a highly suspenseful caper movie. Heist movie fans will recognize the rudiments of everything from RIFIFI to RESERVOIR DOGS in the movie's DNA and Fredianelli exploits these tropes to maximum effect. If there's a flaw to point out, it's that the first act isn't quite as immersive as the rest of the film. While there's some seamless blending of stock footage, a lack of extras (specifically absent from a courtroom location where we hear ambiance, but see no one save the leads) and look at the outside world detract from what otherwise seems like an indie with high production values. As the movie progresses however, things fire on all cylinders and we're treated to the tensest of heist sequences as well as a powerful shootout climax in a crowded night club. While the movie plays more like a film noir "greatest hits" album than something completely fresh, that's not necessarily a bad thing. THE HOME INVADERS delivers the goods and stands as one of Fredianelli's most polished efforts. A fine piece of independent filmmaking.
While it starts off slow, THE HOME INVADERS picks up steam and proves to be a highly suspenseful caper movie. Heist movie fans will recognize the rudiments of everything from RIFIFI to RESERVOIR DOGS in the movie's DNA and Fredianelli exploits these tropes to maximum effect. If there's a flaw to point out, it's that the first act isn't quite as immersive as the rest of the film. While there's some seamless blending of stock footage, a lack of extras (specifically absent from a courtroom location where we hear ambiance, but see no one save the leads) and look at the outside world detract from what otherwise seems like an indie with high production values. As the movie progresses however, things fire on all cylinders and we're treated to the tensest of heist sequences as well as a powerful shootout climax in a crowded night club. While the movie plays more like a film noir "greatest hits" album than something completely fresh, that's not necessarily a bad thing. THE HOME INVADERS delivers the goods and stands as one of Fredianelli's most polished efforts. A fine piece of independent filmmaking.