I give this film a high rating because out of all the straight to video, shoe-string budget projects out there, this has to be rated as one of the best.
It's a murder mystery, and the cop on the case, a usually played out role, is one of the best I've seen anywhere. Arthur Nascarella has to be one of the most underutilized actors around. He pops up in major projects now and again and is featured on the Sopranos (2 other vets of that show appear here as well- Frank Vincent and Vincent Pastore) But this is the first time I've seen him carry the show- and carry it he does. He adds humor and/or depth to every scene he's in. He deserves more leads.
The greatest surprise has to be Ace Frehley. With no acting experience he is amazingly convincing in the three scenes he's in. I guess some guys are just naturals.
The 2 leads are also WAY above par for a low budget indie. Christian Maelen (Will) and Candice Coke (Michelle) work through the twists and turns of the mystery with charm and grace. And Maelen directed the project which along with playing the lead is no small feat. So many before have not been able to wear both hats and he definitely pulled it off.
Lastly, a lot of the writing was wildly funny! Sometimes perverse, sexual, or raging- often ranting- but it was on the money- uninhibited dialogue that rang true.
Overall- I rented it to see Ace Frehley and ended up getting a whole lot more than I bargained for.
It's a murder mystery, and the cop on the case, a usually played out role, is one of the best I've seen anywhere. Arthur Nascarella has to be one of the most underutilized actors around. He pops up in major projects now and again and is featured on the Sopranos (2 other vets of that show appear here as well- Frank Vincent and Vincent Pastore) But this is the first time I've seen him carry the show- and carry it he does. He adds humor and/or depth to every scene he's in. He deserves more leads.
The greatest surprise has to be Ace Frehley. With no acting experience he is amazingly convincing in the three scenes he's in. I guess some guys are just naturals.
The 2 leads are also WAY above par for a low budget indie. Christian Maelen (Will) and Candice Coke (Michelle) work through the twists and turns of the mystery with charm and grace. And Maelen directed the project which along with playing the lead is no small feat. So many before have not been able to wear both hats and he definitely pulled it off.
Lastly, a lot of the writing was wildly funny! Sometimes perverse, sexual, or raging- often ranting- but it was on the money- uninhibited dialogue that rang true.
Overall- I rented it to see Ace Frehley and ended up getting a whole lot more than I bargained for.