smoothrat Reviews

Conjurer (2008)

Lots of creeps and quite a few jumps!

[9/10 · 12 November 2007]

Just got back from the premiere screening, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised and very impressed with this film.

The story established a thoroughly creepy premise, built the tension, included more than a few jumps and jolts, and had me and my wife hugging each other tightly for fear of the next scare.

So, a great horror film experience.

The production values were very high. The production design and makeup are first rate, and the effects are used sparingly and to maximum result.

Hope this gets a theatrical release, because it deserves to be seen! Check it out when you get a chance...

Abuelitos (1999)

Pretty but empty

[5/10 · 12 December 2006]

The atmosphere created is dark and tense.

Many disturbing images, moody lighting, and questionable practices are in evidence.

We're set up with a strange scenario, ripe with potential for terrible things to happen.

Who is bad? Who is good? Who will suffer? Actually, will anyone not suffer? And why would anyone live in these conditions, let alone commit horrible acts to maintain this "living death" of an existence? The answer? Nope. Nothing ever happens that makes any sense out of any of the events. Just a series of unpleasant acts, building towards nothing.

So, it looked good. The acting was good. But to what point?

Song for Robbie Miller (2006)

Cute and sassy

[8/10 · 7 March 2006]

Like the teen-queen TV star who's just turned 18, "Song for Robbie Miller" is cute, sassy, and ready to bust out. The ridiculous lyrics alone are worth the price of admission, but the silly songs are also catchy and memorable.

The cast also puts together solid comic performances that bring this short comedy to life. Robbie (West Cummings) keeps the story moving with a tragicomic intensity. The idiot drummer (Justin Geer) conveys enough of a good heart that you understand why his friends keep him around in spite of his weirdness. Bev Glover is the grandma we wish we all had, and Helen Ingebritsen is the mom we're glad we never have to deal with. Icing on the cake is Christie Vozniak as Robbie's girlfriend Casey, who finally gives him the (nearly literal) kick in the pants that gets him to pick his life up and get going...somewhere. Plus, Casey is HAWT!