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Reviews
If Occurrence (2006)
Beautiful, short, and to the point
I had a chance to see If Occurrence at the 2006 Delaware Valley Film Festival. This is a moving piece of short film-making which is beautiful, short, and to the point. I found myself craving more once the credits began to roll. It's a story we can all relate to. If someone hurt you years ago, you hadn't spoken to him/her, then all of a sudden you run into him/her, how would you react? Can you be sincere and forgive the person who hurt you? Do you continue to hold a grudge? Director Mike Licisyn does not attempt to answer these questions, instead leaving it for the audience to decide, which was a very smart choice. Sometimes, the most thought-provoking questions are best left unanswered. And sometimes, the most appropriate words are best left unsaid. I look forward to seeing more from Mike Licisyn soon!
Tartarus (2005)
"What goes around comes around" (Dave Wascavage's best film)
Director Dave Wascavage gets serious with his latest film, Tartarus. Basically, it's a film that shows that what goes around comes around. You reap what you sow. There are quite a few Catholicism undertones in this film, as Tartarus can be compared to Purgatory. I really liked the performance of Juan Fernandez, which somehow allowed me to care for a guy who just might be the most reprehensible main character in cinematic history. The special effects by Wascavage are by far his best yet and the ending, while shocking, is appropriate. This is a film you do not want to miss. Especially considering the subtext of the film. One review said it best when it described Tartarus as a film unlike anything you've ever seen or will ever see again.
Broken (2005)
Visually, this film is amazing
Visually, this film is amazing. There isn't much of a plot to it (and what is there is confusing) but this looks more like a pre-credits sequence to a feature film rather than a short. The DVD has many exciting documentaries on the making of the film and they cover every single aspect. It's quite impressive. I think the director Mr. Ferrari has a great future ahead of him (looks like Broken the Movie is in the works) and I am very happy that I was able to buy the DVD and experience this film in the privacy of my own home. What I hope for is that the feature explains what the short didn't. Buy this film and support Mr. Ferrari. You won't regret it!
Maplewoods (2003)
Guilty pleasure (in a way)
I am not quite sure what the reason is for the public outcry involving Maplewoods. It's not the best zombie movie ever made, but I could certainly think of plenty of movies that are worse than this one. The plot is nonexistent, but there is plenty of gore and I think the acting for the most part is serviceable given the genre and budget. If they had had a bigger budget, the film might have turned out better. The zombies were certainly a lot better than some of those other low budget backyard zombie movies. It's a good way to kill 90 minutes, in my opinion. If you're looking for an entertaining movie that isn't rocket science.
Fungicide (2002)
I will never again eat mushrooms!
I will never again eat mushrooms after seeing this film! Another fun, entertaining, humorous horror film from Dave Wascavage tells the story of how a mad scientist (are there any other kind?) creates a concoction that turns ordinary mushrooms into intelligent killing machines at a bed and breakfast. A greedy real estate agent, professional wrestler, reality TV show star, and a hippie with a surprising alter ego all get in on the fun. There are also many in-jokes for filmmakers and film buffs alike. Again, another fun film from Dave Wascavage shows that you don't need a huge budget to create a film that is intriguing, fun, and entertaining.
Suburban Sasquatch (2004)
Fun, campy, entertaining horror film
Suburban Sasquatch was the first film I saw from writer/director/producer/editor/actor Dave Wascavage and I was immediately impressed with his passion and vision for creating films unlike any you have ever seen. He takes a mystical, supernatural approach to a popular urban legend and throws in some comedic dialogue, memorable characters, and some truly memorable moments. To take this film seriously is to completely miss the point. Wascavage's goal was to create a fun, campy, entertaining horror film and he succeeded. Everyone involved in this film seems to be having fun making it and the lead actress, an Indian warrior played by Sue Lynn Sanchez, delivers a very good performance. The director's mother, Loretta Wascavage, delivers the films very best line (after being attacked by a supernatural Bigfoot, mind you): "I've been through worse."