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darsisylvester
Reviews
40 Nights (2016)
A Journey of Spirituality and Faith
There are several things I enjoy about this original Biblical drama movie. One is that no one has ever focused before on imagining the true test Jesus was put to in the desert for 40 days and nights tempted by Satan. An account of the search for the faith and strength that lies within him. In this movie, we see the human side of Christ and flashbacks of his past as he sets off on his journey of fasting to prepare his soul for sacrifice. I like that the movie's style of dialogue and visual style are consistent with each other. Biblical dramas in the 50s and 60s had more of the "European painting" and theatrical look to them, and dialogue that was theatrically stilted, because they were more like large-scale pageants. In this movie, the dialogue is not poetic or theatrical at all, but more realistic, in keeping with the gritty visual look. It was filmed in Yuma AZ desert and though it was impossible to show the largeness of Jerusalem, I didn't feel cheated out of anything worthwhile. The scenery and panoramic shots took my breath away. There also were many special affects that enhanced the realism and powers of Satan and the Angels. I like that the movie doesn't show anything except what Jesus Christ experiences. His interactions, memories and personal internal battles. Some people might call it a suspenseful mystery, but it seemed more to me like a character-focused drama where Jesus must make choices based on the knowledge given to him. A film that will inspire, whether a believer or not. It is thought provoking and challenging. DJ Perry is superb as Jesus. Perfect Lenten material as one reflects upon his or her relationship with Jesus. It's a pretty interesting movie. I loved it.
Wasteland: Tales from the Desert Part I (2015)
Trust no one.
"Wasteland: Tales from the Desert" is a very exciting western/ science fiction short film with realistic scenes and wardrobe. The background music is hardcore and intense which fits the setting of the movie perfectly. The scenery is beautiful and terrifying. A desolate wasteland as far as the eyes can see. Tension runs high from the very beginning of this film and continues to build until the end. I was captured by the dialogue and found myself trying to put together the pieces about the characters and their story. I wanted to figure out the good guy from bad guy, but I didn't find out until the end. It left me speechless. Other than that, this short film is a straight hard-nosed one which I found fascinating. The stand off between the actors was especially good and intense. They had me in total wonder on what their next move would be. Which was very unpredictable. The action flows in waves. The tension does not let up for a moment and it is well integrated into the plot of the story. I really liked it. I hope to see where the story goes and the new characters that will be introduced.
Bestseller (2015)
Sometimes the monster comes out of nowhere.
I saw BESTSELLER on opening night in Cheboygan, MI at the Opera House, starring Melissa Anschutz, DJ Perry, and Ralph Lister. Based on the novel BESTSELLER by Christopher Knight and was very pleased with the movie. It is a suspense thriller that keeps you on your toes from the start. A beautiful woman on vacation alone in a cabin, in the wild woods of Northern Michigan, being stalked by a madman. Perfectly terrifying! One of the best things about this movie is the way the plot twists. Just when you think you know what will happen next, it turns around in an instant without giving too much away. The characters are all very memorable and well portrayed. This movie will strike terror into you and make you afraid to walk in the woods alone. I loved it!